Endoscope reprocessor, endoscope reprocessor operation method, program for endoscope reprocessor, and storage medium

Abstract

This endoscope reprocessor reprocesses an endoscope. The endoscope is provided with a pipeline including a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a third pipeline. The endoscope reprocessor comprises: a first tube including a first connector to be connected to a first cap communicated with the first pipeline; a second tube including a second connector to be connected to a second cap communicated with the second pipeline, a fluid supply unit that supplies a fluid to the pipeline via the first tube and the second tube; and a processor that, when the first connector is not connected to the first cap, controls the fluid supply unit so as to supply the fluid to the first pipeline and the third pipeline via the second pipeline and the second tube in which the second connector is connected to the second cap.

Description

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

[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, a program for an endoscope reprocessor used for reprocessing an endoscope, and a storage medium.

[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 tube connectors to the suction nozzle and forceps nozzle of the endoscope, supplies fluid to each tube, and then discharges the fluid from the opening at the tip of the insertion section, thereby removing blood clots, mucus, and other contaminants that have adhered to the 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] International Publication No. WO2015-001843 International Publication No. WO2016-194456

[0008] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an endoscopic reprocessor that performs efficient reprocessing, a method for operating an endoscopic reprocessor to perform efficient reprocessing, a program for operating an endoscopic reprocessor to perform efficient reprocessing, and a storage medium.

[0009] An endoscope reprocessor according to one aspect of the present invention is an endoscope reprocessor for reprocessing an endoscope, wherein the endoscope is provided with a conduit having a first conduit, a second conduit, and a third conduit, the first conduit, the second conduit, and the third conduit each having an opening at one end and joining at a joining point at the other end, and including a first tube including a first connector connected to a first connector that is connected to a first connector that is connected to the first conduit of the endoscope, and a second connector that is connected to a second connector that is connected to the second connector of the endoscope. a second tube including the first connector, a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the conduits of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube, and a processor that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the processor controls the fluid supply unit to supply the fluid to the first conduit and the third conduit via the second tube, the second connector of which is connected to the second connector, and the second conduit when the first connector is not connected to the first connector.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for operating an endoscope reprocessor, comprising: a first tube including a first connector that is connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector that is connected to a second mouthpiece of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the endoscope's ducts via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the ducts include a first duct that communicates with the first mouthpiece, a second duct that communicates with the second mouthpiece, and a third duct where the first duct and the second duct join together, and the third duct has an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, wherein when the second connector is connected to the second mouthpiece and the first connector is not connected to the first mouthpiece, the fluid is supplied to the first duct and the third duct via the second tube and the second duct.

[0011] A program for an endoscope reprocessor according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first tube including a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope, a second tube including a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece of the endoscope, a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the endoscope's ducts via each of the first tube and the second tube, and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the ducts include a first duct communicating with the first mouthpiece, a second duct communicating with the second mouthpiece, and a third duct where the first duct and the second duct join together, and the third duct has an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope.The program causes a computer to execute control for an endoscope reprocessor to supply the fluid to the first duct and the third duct via the second tube, the second connector of which is connected to the second mouthpiece, and the second duct, when the first connector is not connected to the first mouthpiece.

[0012] A storage medium according to one aspect of the present invention is a non-transitory storage medium readable by a computer that stores a program for reprocessing an endoscope, the storage medium comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a conduit of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, the conduit communicating with the first mouthpiece. For an endoscope reprocessor including a first conduit connected to the first connector, a second conduit connected to the second connector, 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 program causes the computer to execute control to supply the fluid to the first conduit and the third conduit via the second tube, whose second connector is connected to the second connector, and the second conduit, when the first connector is not connected to the first connector.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope reprocessor that performs efficient reprocessing, an operating method for an endoscope reprocessor that performs efficient reprocessing, a program for efficient endoscope reprocessing, and a storage medium can be provided.

[0014] 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 an endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit junction of an endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of operating an endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit junction of an endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit junction of an endoscope reprocessor according to an embodiment.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 in an open state.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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. The water supply port 22 may have the function of the air supply port 23, or the air supply port 23 may have the function of the water supply port 22.

[0024] 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 for circulation. 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. The water level sensor 27 may be installed on the bottom surface 11.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The water supply hose connection port 7 is provided at the upper rear of the main body 2. A water supply hose connected to a water tap (not shown) is connected to the water supply hose connection port 7, and water is supplied to the reprocessor 1 via the water supply nozzle 26.

[0027] The top cover 3 is provided on the top of the main body 2 so as to be able to be opened and closed. By opening the top cover 3, the reprocessor 1 can place the endoscope 9 in the endoscope placement section 11 and connect the endoscope 9 to the reprocessor 1 via a first tube 31 and a second tube 32. After the endoscope 9 is set, the reprocessor 1 can be put into a state where it can perform reprocessing by closing the top cover 3.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The endoscope 9 has an insertion section 9A to be inserted into the body, an operation section 9B, a universal cord 9C, and an endoscope connector 9D. The endoscope 9 has an internal conduit 90. 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 nozzle, and the other end merges with the second conduit 92 at a junction (a junction point). One end of the second conduit 92 is provided with an air supply mouthpiece 92A, which serves as a second nozzle, and the other end merges 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.

[0030] The third conduit 93, where the first conduit 91 and the second conduit 92 join, passes through the insertion section 9A and has an opening O93 at its tip. 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 its 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 of the insertion section 9A. 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, water supply, or gas-liquid mixed water supply.

[0031] That is, the endoscope 9 includes an internal channel 90 having a first channel 91, a second channel 92, and a third channel 93. The first channel 91, the second channel 92, and the third channel 93 each open at one end and join at a joining point at the other end.

[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 first connector 31A is provided with a first sensor 81 that detects connection to the forceps mouthpiece 91A.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The reprocessor 1 has a liquid pump 51 , a gas pump 52 which is a compressor for supplying gas, a first solenoid valve 53 , a second solenoid valve 54 , and a controller 61 .

[0036] 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.

[0037] Liquid pump 51 is connected to first electromagnetic valve 53 via branch line 59. First electromagnetic valve 53 is connected to water supply port 22 via line 57. A check valve 51A is provided in the discharge line of liquid pump 51.

[0038] 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. A check valve 52A is provided in the discharge conduit of the gas pump 52. A pressure sensor 83 that detects the pressure of the fluid is provided in the branch conduit 59.

[0039] The treatment tank 5 is provided with a second sensor 82 that detects contamination of the stored liquid. The second sensor 82 is a turbidity sensor or the like that measures the turbidity of the liquid. The turbidity sensor detects contamination P of the liquid by measuring the light transmittance of the liquid. Because the stored liquid circulates through the conduit 90, removing contamination P from the conduit 90 also reduces contamination P in the stored liquid. In other words, the contamination P detected by the second sensor 82 can be considered to be contamination P in the conduit 90. The second sensor 82 is preferably disposed near the opening O93 of the endoscope 9 placed in the treatment tank 5.

[0040] The controller 61 is a processor having 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 may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 8 and transferred to the memory 63. The memory 63 may store data corresponding to the model of the endoscope 9, for example, obtained from an RFID tag provided on the endoscope 9.

[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 , the first sensor 81 , the second sensor 82 , 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 first sensor 81 is a contact sensor, an optical sensor, or the like that outputs a detection signal when the first connector 31A is connected to the forceps mouthpiece 91A.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] As will be described later, the controller 61 controls the timing at which the fluid supply unit 10 supplies fluid to the conduit 90. Specifically, when the first connector 31A is not connected to the forceps connector 91A, the controller 61 controls the fluid supply unit 10 so that the second connector 32A supplies fluid to the first conduit 91 and the third conduit 93 via the second tube 32 and the second conduit 92 connected to the air supply connector 92A.

[0059] The endoscope reprocessor includes a first tube including a first connector connected to a first connector of an endoscope, a second tube including a second connector connected to a second connector of the endoscope, a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to the endoscope's conduits via each of the first tube and the second tube, and a controller (processor) that controls the fluid supply unit. The conduits include a first conduit that communicates with the first connector, a second conduit that communicates with the second connector, and a third conduit where the first conduit and the second conduit join together. The third conduit has an opening at the distal end of the insertion section of the endoscope. During reprocessing of the endoscope, the controller controls the fluid supply unit to supply the fluid to the first conduit and the third conduit via the second tube and the second conduit, where the second connector is connected to the second connector, when the first connector is not connected to the first conduit.

[0060] By the above control of the controller 61, the dirt P on the forceps connector 91A and the first duct 91 is discharged together with the fluid from the forceps connector 91A. The endoscope reprocessor 1 can perform the reprocessing process efficiently because it does not require the user to clean the forceps connector 91A with a brush before the reprocessing process.

[0061] <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.

[0062] <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.

[0063] The user also connects the connector 31B of the first tube 31 to the water supply port 22. However, the first connector 31A of the first tube 31 is not connected to the forceps mouthpiece 91A. Note that the connection of the connector 31B of the first tube 31 to the water supply port 22 may be performed in a first tube connecting step (S50) described below.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] <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.

[0067] <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.

[0068] In step S10, the first connector 31A of the first tube 31 is not connected to the forceps mouthpiece 91A of the endoscope 9. When the controller 61 detects, based on the detection result of the first sensor 81, that the first connector 31A is not connected to the forceps mouthpiece 91A, the controller 61 proceeds to step S40.

[0069] The first sensor 81 is not a required component. For example, the controller 61 may request the user to confirm that the first connector 31A is not connected to the forceps mouthpiece 91A, and proceed to step S40 after the user responds.

[0070] <Step S40> First Pipeline Cleaning Step When the first tube 31 is not connected to the forceps mouthpiece 91A, which is the first mouthpiece, the controller 61 controls the fluid supply unit 20 to supply water to the second pipe 92 via the second tube 32. The water supplied to the second pipe 92 flows not only through the third pipe, but also through the junction of the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92, via the first pipe 91, and into the forceps mouthpiece 91A.

[0071] Specifically, the controller 61 controls the fluid supply unit 20 to open the second solenoid valve 54 and perform the first pipeline cleaning process, which supplies water to the second pipeline 92 via the second tube.

[0072] 6, in the first conduit cleaning step, when water flows into the third conduit 93, a portion of the water flows back from the confluence into the first conduit 91. Dirt P in the third conduit 93 is discharged together with the water from the opening O93 at the tip. Dirt P in the first conduit 91 and the forceps ferrule 91A is discharged together with the water from the forceps ferrule 91A.

[0073] When the turbidity of the water detected by the second sensor 82 falls below a predetermined value, the controller 61 determines that the dirt P in the conduits 90, including the first conduit 91, has been largely removed. The controller 61 then stops the first conduit cleaning step and generates an instruction signal to notify the user. The instruction signal is a signal instructing the user to connect the first connector 31A of the first tube 31 to the forceps mouthpiece 91A, which is the first mouthpiece. The instruction signal is, for example, at least one of a display on the operation panel 6 and a sound.

[0074] The second sensor 82 is an optical sensor that measures the turbidity of water that has passed through the pipeline 90. The controller 61 may use a pressure sensor 83 instead of the second sensor 82 to determine the timing to end the first pipeline cleaning step. That is, when the dirt P in the pipeline 90 is removed, the pressure loss in the pipeline 90 decreases, and the water supply pressure detected by the pressure sensor 83 decreases. The controller 61 may also determine the timing to end the first pipeline cleaning step based on the amount of water supply detected by a flow rate sensor (not shown). Water dirt may be detected by a conductivity measurement sensor. The controller 61 may also determine the timing to end the first pipeline cleaning step by comprehensively using the output results of multiple different types of sensors.

[0075] Furthermore, the controller 61 may automatically stop the first pipe cleaning step and generate an instruction signal when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first pipe cleaning step. That is, the controller 61 determines the end timing of the first pipe cleaning step based on the detection result of at least one of the sensors or time.

[0076] <Step S50> Connecting the First Tube After confirming the notification based on the instruction signal, the user opens the top cover 3 of the reprocessor 1 and connects the first connector 31A of the first tube 31 to the forceps mouthpiece 91A of the endoscope 9. Then, the user closes the top cover 3.

[0077] The connection of the first tube (connection of the first connector 31A to the forceps mouthpiece 91A) may be performed automatically. For example, a robot arm disposed in the reprocessor 1 or a robot disposed near the reprocessor 1 may connect the first tube 31 to the forceps mouthpiece 91A.

[0078] At the end of the first conduit cleaning step, the controller 61 may reduce the amount of water supplied to the second conduit 92, rather than stopping the supply of water to the second conduit 92. In other words, the first connector 31A may be connected to the forceps connector 91A in a state in which a small amount of water is flowing back from the first conduit 91 to the forceps connector 91A.

[0079] The controller 61 proceeds to step S60 when it detects that the first connector 31A is connected to the forceps mouthpiece 91A based on the detection result of the first sensor 81. The controller 61 may request the user to confirm that the first connector 31A is connected to the forceps mouthpiece 91A, and proceed to step S60 after the user responds.

[0080] <Step S60> Second Pipeline Cleaning Step The controller 61 also opens the first solenoid valve 53 to perform the second pipeline cleaning step of supplying water to the pipe 90 via the first tube 31 and the second tube 32. As shown in Fig. 7 , in the second pipeline cleaning step, water is supplied to the first pipe 91 and the second pipe 92, and the supplied water passes through the third pipe 93 and is released from the opening O93.

[0081] The water supplied from the first tube 31 flows out from the gap G1 in the connection area between the connector 31B and the forceps ferrule 91A, and cleans the outer circumferential surface of the forceps ferrule 91A.

[0082] The controller 61 terminates the second pipe cleaning step based on the output result of the second sensor 82, the elapse of time, or the like.

[0083] In the second pipeline cleaning step, there may be a period during which the second electromagnetic valve 54 is closed and the liquid supply to the second tube 32 is stopped. 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. There may be a period during which the second connector 32A is detached from the air supply nozzle 92A.

[0084] Furthermore, after step S60 (second conduit cleaning step), the first connector 31A may be detached from the forceps mouthpiece 91A, and the steps from step S40 (first conduit cleaning step) may be repeated again.

[0085] <Step S70> Flow Control Step The flow control step is a step of measuring the flow rate of the liquid and comparing it with the normal flow rate to check whether the tubes are connected correctly.

[0086] <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.

[0087] <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 is supplied again to the treatment tank 5 and the pipeline 90.

[0088] <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.

[0089] 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 (step S50) may be omitted.

[0090] As described above, the method of operating an endoscope reprocessor involves connecting the second connector to the second mouthpiece, supplying the fluid via the second conduit to the first conduit and the third conduit where the first connector is not connected to the first mouthpiece, and connecting the first connector to the first mouthpiece, and supplying the fluid to the third conduit via the first conduit and the second conduit.

[0091] According to the above-described method of operating the reprocessing process, there is no need to perform brush cleaning beforehand, but it is possible to prevent dirt P from getting caught between the nozzle of the endoscope 9 and the connector of the tube, so that the reprocessing process of the endoscope can be performed efficiently.

[0092] The operating program of the endoscope reprocessor causes the computer to execute control to supply fluid to the first pipeline 91 and the third pipeline 93 via the second tube 32 and the second pipeline 92 connected to the air supply nozzle 92A (second nozzle) by the second connector 32A when the first connector 31A is not connected to the forceps nozzle 91A (first nozzle).

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 1: Endoscope reprocessor 2: Main body 3: Top cover 5: Processing tank 6: Operation panel 7: Water supply hose connection port 8: Storage medium 9: Endoscope 9A: Insertion section 9B: Operation section 9C: Universal cord 9D: Endoscope connector 10: Fluid supply unit 11: Endoscope placement section 12: Bottom surface 13: Side surface 14: Outlet port 15: Mesh filter 16: Circulation port 21: Terrace 22: Water supply port 23: Air supply port 24: Cleaning liquid nozzle 25: Disinfectant nozzle 26: Water supply nozzle 27: Water level sensor 31: First tube 31A: First connector 31B: Connector 32: Second tube 32A: Second connector 32B: Connector 51: Liquid pump 51A: Check valve 52: Gas pump 52A: Check valve 53: First solenoid valve 54: Second solenoid valve 55-58: Pipes 59: Branch pipes 61: Controller (processor) 62: CPU 63: Memory 71: Connector body 72: Sphere 73: Connector cover 74: Peripheral side part 77: Body part 78: Outward flange 81: First sensor 82: Second sensor 83: Pressure sensor 90: Pipes 91: First pipe 91A: Forceps mouthpiece 92: Second pipe 92A: Air supply mouthpiece 93: Third pipe G1: Gap H75: Hole O93: Opening

Claims

1. An endoscope reprocessor for reprocessing an endoscope, comprising: an endoscope having a pipeline including a first pipeline, a second pipeline, and a third pipeline, each of which opens at one end and merges at a merging point at the other end; a first tube including a first connector connected to a first mouthpiece communicating with the first pipeline of the endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second mouthpiece communicating with the second pipeline of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit for supplying fluid to the pipeline of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a processor for controlling the fluid supply unit, The processor controls the fluid supply unit to supply the fluid to the first pipeline and the third pipeline via the second tube, in which the second connector is connected to the second connector, and the second pipeline, when the first connector is not connected to the first connector.

2. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 1, further comprising a first sensor that detects connection of the first connector to the first base, and the processor controls the fluid supply unit based on the detection result of the first sensor.

3. An endoscope reprocessor according to claim 2, wherein the first sensor is disposed in the first connector.

4. An endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 1, further comprising a second sensor for detecting dirt in the duct, and wherein the processor generates an instruction signal to connect the first connector to the first base when the dirt detected by the second sensor is less than a predetermined value.

5. An endoscope reprocessor according to claim 4, wherein the second sensor is an optical sensor that measures the turbidity of the fluid that has passed through the conduit.

6. An endoscope reprocessor according to claim 4, wherein the instruction signal is a display or sound for notifying a user.

7. An endoscope reprocessor according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connector has a hole through which the fluid leaks from the connection area with the first base to the outer circumferential surface of the first base.

8. An endoscope reprocessor according to claim 6, wherein the first connector is a forceps connector, and the second connector is an air supply connector.

9. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first connector of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second connector of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit which supplies fluid to the lines of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a processor which controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the lines include a first line communicating with the first connector, a second line communicating with the second connector, and a third line where the first line and the second line join together, the third line having an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, wherein the method for operating an endoscope reprocessor comprises: when the second connector is connected to the second connector and the first connector is not connected to the first connector, supplying the fluid to the first line and the third line via the second tube and the second line.

10. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 9, further comprising a first sensor for detecting connection of the first connector to the first base, and the processor controls the fluid supply unit based on the detection result of the first sensor.

11. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 10, characterized in that the first sensor is disposed in the first connector, and the processor controls the fluid supply unit based on the detection result of the first sensor.

12. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 9, further comprising a second sensor for detecting dirt in the duct, and wherein the processor generates an instruction signal for connecting the first connector to the first base when the dirt detected by the second sensor is less than a predetermined value.

13. A method for operating an endoscope reprocessor as described in claim 12, characterized in that the processor generates the instruction signal, which is a display or sound, to instruct a user to connect the first connector to the first base when the dirt detected by the second sensor is less than a predetermined value.

14. The method of operating an endoscope reprocessor according to claim 12, wherein the second sensor is an optical sensor that measures the turbidity of the fluid that has passed through the pipeline, and the processor generates the indication signal when the contamination detected by the second sensor is less than a predetermined value.

15. An endoscope reprocessor program comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first nozzle of an endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second nozzle of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a pipeline of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, wherein the pipelines include a first pipeline connected to the first nozzle, a second pipeline connected to the second nozzle, and a third pipeline where the first pipeline and the second pipeline join together, the third pipeline having an opening at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope, the program causing a computer to execute control to supply the fluid to the first pipeline and the third pipeline via the second tube, the second connector of which is connected to the second nozzle, and the second pipeline, when the first connector is not connected to the first nozzle.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having recorded thereon a program for reprocessing an endoscope, the non-transitory storage medium comprising: a first tube including a first connector connected to a first base of the endoscope; a second tube including a second connector connected to a second base of the endoscope; a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid to a conduit of the endoscope via each of the first tube and the second tube; and a controller that controls the fluid supply unit, the conduits including a first conduit communicating with the first base, a second conduit communicating with the second base, and a third conduit where the first conduit and the second conduit are joined, the third conduit having an opening at the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope. The program is stored in the computer for an endoscope reprocessor. A storage medium which executes control to supply the fluid to the first pipeline and the third pipeline via the second tube, in which the second connector is connected to the second nozzle, and the second pipeline, when the first connector is not connected to the first nozzle.

17. The storage medium according to claim 16, characterized in that the program causes the computer to control the fluid supply unit based on the detection result of a first sensor that detects the connection of the first connector to the first nozzle.

18. The storage medium described in claim 16, characterized in that the program causes the computer to generate an instruction signal to connect the first connector to the first base when the level of dirt detected by a second sensor that detects dirt in the pipeline is less than a predetermined value.

19. The storage medium according to claim 18, characterized in that the program causes the computer to generate the indication signal when the turbidity detected by the second sensor, which is an optical sensor that measures the turbidity of the fluid that has passed through the pipeline, is less than a predetermined value.

20. The storage medium described in claim 18, characterized in that the program causes the computer to generate an indication signal, such as a display or sound, to notify a user to connect the first connector to the first base when the level of dirt detected by the second sensor for detecting dirt in the pipeline is less than a predetermined value.

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