JP2015019747A - Leak test method and leak test device for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a leak test method and a leak test device for an endoscope capable of easily specifying a place where a perforation has occurred.SOLUTION: A leak test method for an endoscope having an internal space sealably covered by an airtight structure material, and a conduit line penetrating the internal space whose both ends are open to the atmosphere includes: Step I for blowing air into the internal space; Step II for measuring a change in an atmospheric pressure in the internal space and determining whether or not there is a perforation; Step III for blowing air into the conduit line; and Step IV for measuring a change in an atmospheric pressure in the internal space while Step III is performed, and determining that there is a perforation in the conduit line when an increase in an atmospheric pressure in the internal space is observed while air is blown into the conduit line.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope leak test method and a leak test apparatus for detecting whether or not a perforation has occurred in an endoscope.

  Endoscopes used in the medical field are subjected to processing such as cleaning, disinfection, and rinsing after use. These treatments are performed using a treatment fluid such as a chemical solution or tap water. For this reason, before carrying out these treatments, there must be no perforation in the airtight structural member such as the outer skin or the like that keeps the internal space of the endoscope airtight or in the pipe line disposed in the endoscope. A leak test is performed.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, before performing processing such as disinfection processing and rinsing processing on an endoscope, whether the air pressure in the internal space of the endoscope is increased in the test liquid and bubbles are generated in the test liquid. A leak test method is disclosed in which the presence or absence of perforations is determined by visually checking whether or not. Moreover, in the leak test method disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is determined from the location where bubbles are generated whether an airtight structure member or a pipeline is perforated.

  Further, for example, in Patent Document 2, when a change in atmospheric pressure after increasing the atmospheric pressure in the internal space of the endoscope is measured and a decrease in atmospheric pressure is observed, the endoscope is perforated. A leak test method for determining is disclosed.

JP 2009-72437 A JP 2007-125385 A

  Since the leak test method disclosed in Patent Document 1 is performed by visual observation in a state where the endoscope is submerged in the liquid, the determination takes time and effort. On the other hand, the leak test method disclosed in Patent Document 2 can be automated. However, whether the portion where the perforation is generated is an airtight structural member such as an outer skin or a pipe line disposed in the endoscope. I can't determine if it exists.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope leak test method and a leak test apparatus that can easily identify a portion where perforation has occurred.

  An endoscope leak test method according to an aspect of the present invention includes an internal space that is covered with an airtight structural member so as to be hermetically sealed, and a pipeline that penetrates the internal space and has both ends open to the atmosphere. A method for leak testing a mirror, comprising: step I for supplying air to the internal space; step II for measuring a change in atmospheric pressure in the internal space; determining whether there is a perforation; and step III for supplying air to the conduit And measuring the change in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space during the execution of the step III, and if an increase in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space is observed during the air supply to the pipeline, the pipeline has a perforation. And step IV.

  A leak test apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is an endoscope having an internal space that is hermetically covered by an airtight structural member, and a pipe that penetrates the internal space and has both ends open to the atmosphere. A leak test apparatus for performing a leak test, a pressure measuring unit capable of measuring the atmospheric pressure of the internal space, an internal air supply unit capable of supplying air into the internal space, and a tube capable of supplying air into the pipe line A path air supply unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit operates the internal air supply unit to supply air to the internal space, and a change in the atmospheric pressure of the internal space by the pressure measurement unit Step II for determining the presence or absence of perforation, step III for operating the pipeline air supply unit and supplying air to the pipeline, and the internal space during the execution of step III by the pressure measurement unit Measure the change in atmospheric pressure before and during the air supply to the pipeline If the rise in pressure of the internal space is observed, it executes the steps IV determining the perforations on the pipe there.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an endoscope leak test method and a leak test apparatus that can easily identify a portion where perforation has occurred.

It is a figure explaining the leak test method of an endoscope of a 1st embodiment, and the leak test device used for this. It is a figure explaining the pipe line and internal space of an endoscope. It is a flowchart of a leak test method. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the atmospheric | air pressure of the internal space of an endoscope in step S01 to step S04. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the atmospheric | air pressure of internal space when the piercing has arisen in the pipe line. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the atmospheric | air pressure of internal space when the perforation has arisen in the airtight structure member. It is a flowchart which shows the modification of a leak test method. It is a figure which shows the example of the change of the atmospheric | air pressure of internal space in case the perforation has arisen in the pipe line in the modification of a leak test method. It is a figure explaining the endoscope processing apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process process of an endoscope.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used for the following description, the scale of each component is made different in order to make each component recognizable on the drawing. It is not limited only to the quantity of the component described in (1), the shape of the component, the ratio of the size of the component, and the relative positional relationship of each component.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The leak test apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 1 tests whether or not the internal space of the endoscope 50 is in communication with the external space by causing perforations in the members constituting the endoscope 50. It is a device for doing.

  The state where the internal space of the endoscope 50 communicates with the external space is referred to as a leak state, a water leak state, a state where airtightness is not maintained, or the like. A test for determining whether or not the internal space of the endoscope 50 communicates with the external space is referred to as a leak test, a water leak test, an airtight test, or the like.

  First, a schematic configuration of the endoscope 50 will be described. Since the endoscope 50 is well known, the configuration is not particularly limited, and a detailed description of the configuration is omitted. As shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the endoscope 50 includes an insertion portion 51 introduced into a subject, an operation portion 52 provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 51, and a universal cord extending from the operation portion 52. 53 and the universal cord 53 are provided mainly with a connector portion 54. The universal cord 53 and the connector portion 54 are configured to connect the endoscope 50 to an external device such as a video processor or a suction device.

  The subject into which the insertion portion 51 of the endoscope 50 is introduced is not limited to a human body, and may be another living body or a structure such as a machine or a building. Further, the endoscope 50 may be in a form called a so-called flexible mirror in which the insertion part 51 is configured to be bendable, or in a form called a so-called rigid endoscope in which the insertion part 51 is not curved. There may be. Further, when the endoscope 50 has a form that can operate alone without requiring an electrical, optical, or mechanical connection to an external device, the universal cord 53 and the connector portion 54 are unnecessary.

  An internal space 55 is provided inside the endoscope 50. The internal space 55 is a space covered by the airtight structural member 56 so as to be hermetically sealed, and is configured to be airtight (watertight) with respect to the external space of the endoscope 50.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 50 is provided with a ventilation portion 57 that allows at least gas to pass between the internal space 55 and the external space of the endoscope 50. In the present embodiment, the ventilation portion 57 is an opening provided in the airtight structure member 56 so as to communicate the internal space 55 and the external space. As shown in FIG. 2, in the present embodiment, as an example, the ventilation portion 57 is provided in the connector portion 54.

  In FIG. 2, the airtight structural member 56 is shown integrally for the sake of explanation, but the airtight structural member 56 may be composed of a plurality of members made of a plurality of materials such as metal and synthetic resin. . Further, the airtight structure member 56 may have an opening different from the ventilation part 57. In this case, the opening is hermetically sealed by a member such as a lid or a stopper.

  One or a plurality of ducts are inserted into the internal space 55 of the endoscope 50. Both ends of the pipe pass through the internal space 55 and are open to the atmosphere. The pipe line is connected to an opening provided in the airtight structure member 56, and the space in the pipe line is open to the external space. The space in the pipe line is only open to the external space and does not communicate with the internal space 55. The pipe line may be in a form branched in the internal space 55. When the endoscope has a plurality of pipelines, the different pipelines may be joined together in the internal space 55. When the endoscope has a plurality of pipelines, a plurality of different pipelines may be connected to the same opening.

  The number and configuration of the pipes that are inserted into the internal space 55 of the endoscope 50 are not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment shown in FIG. The first pipe line 60, the second pipe line 70, and the third pipe line 80 are inserted. In FIG. 2, the wall surface of the pipe line is represented by a line in order to simplify the expression, but it goes without saying that the wall surface of the pipe line is actually composed of a member having a predetermined thickness.

  The first pipeline 60 is inserted through the insertion portion 51, the operation portion 52, the universal cord 53, and the connector portion 54. The first pipeline 60 is connected to openings 61, 62, 63 and 64 provided in the insertion part 51, the operation part 52 and the connector part 54.

  The first conduit 60 of the present embodiment is configured to be connectable to a suction device at an opening 64 provided in the connector portion 54. In addition, an instrument such as a biopsy needle or forceps inserted from the opening 62 provided in the operation unit 52 can project from the opening 61 of the insertion unit 51 through the first duct 60. A suction button (not shown) can be attached to the opening 63, and a suction operation from the opening 61 is performed by pressing the suction button.

  The second conduit 70 is inserted through the insertion portion 51, the operation portion 52, the universal cord 53, and the connector portion 54. The second conduit 70 is connected to openings 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75 provided in the insertion part 51, the operation part 52 and the connector part 54.

  The 2nd pipe line 70 of this embodiment is comprised so that it can connect to an air / water supply apparatus in the opening parts 73, 74, and 75 provided in the connector part 54. FIG. An air supply / water supply button (not shown) can be attached to the opening 72, and an air supply operation and a water supply operation from the opening 71 are performed according to the operation of the air supply / water supply button.

  The third pipe line 80 is inserted through the insertion part 51, the operation part 52, the universal cord 53 and the connector part 54. The third pipe line 80 is connected to openings 81 and 82 provided in the insertion part 51 and the connector part 54. The third pipe line 80 of the present embodiment is a pipe line for sending water fed from the opening 82 toward the front of the distal end of the insertion part 51 from the opening 81.

  In general, the first pipeline 60 is called, for example, a suction pipeline, the second pipeline 70 is called, for example, an air / water feeding pipeline, and the third pipeline 80 is, for example, a front water feeding pipeline 80. Called.

  The pipes provided in the endoscope 50 are not limited to the first pipe line 60, the second pipe line 70, and the third pipe line 80. For example, the endoscope 50 includes the distal end portion of the insertion portion 51. It may be a form further provided with a so-called balloon conduit or the like for delivering at least one of gas and liquid into a balloon attached to the.

  In the internal space 55 of the endoscope 50, for example, a member for optically observing the inside of the subject such as an imaging device or an illuminating device, a member for observing the inside of the subject with ultrasonic waves, and an insertion portion 51 are provided. Members for bending and deforming are arranged as necessary, but these are well-known techniques, and thus description thereof will be omitted.

  Next, the configuration of the leak test apparatus 1 used in the endoscope leak test method of the present embodiment will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the leak test apparatus 1 includes an internal air supply unit 10 configured to be connectable to an internal space 55 of an endoscope 50, and a pressure measurement unit configured to be able to measure the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55. 30, a pipeline air supply unit 20, a control unit 40, and a power supply unit 41 configured to be connectable to one or a plurality of pipelines of the endoscope 50.

  The internal air supply unit 10 is configured to increase the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 of the endoscope 50 to a predetermined value higher than the atmospheric pressure, and to close the internal space 55.

  The configuration of the internal air supply unit 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the internal air supply unit 10 may be configured to send gas into the internal space 55 until the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 reaches a predetermined pressure. Further, for example, the internal air supply unit 10 may be configured to send a gas of a predetermined pressure sent from a tank or an air compressor that stores compressed gas into the internal space 55. Moreover, the gas sent into the internal space 55 by the internal air supply unit 10 is not limited to air, and may be a gas having a component different from that of air such as nitrogen.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, the internal air supply unit 10 includes an air supply unit 11 that can pressurize and send air to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and an internal that connects the air supply unit 11 and the ventilation unit 57. A space connecting portion 12 and a valve 13 capable of opening and closing the internal space connecting portion 12 are provided.

  The air supply unit 11 includes an air compressor. The internal space connecting portion 12 includes a connector that can be attached to and detached from the ventilation portion 57 of the endoscope 50, and is configured to be able to introduce gas sent from the air supply portion 11 into the internal space 55.

  The valve 13 is provided in the internal space connection unit 12 and is configured to be able to open and close the internal space connection unit 12 in accordance with an electrical signal from the control unit 40.

  In the present embodiment, the pressure measurement unit 30 is provided in the internal space connection unit 12 as an example. The pressure measurement unit 30 is provided at a location closer to the connector connected to the ventilation unit 57 than the valve 13. Therefore, when the valve 13 is in the closed state, the pressure measurement unit 30 can measure the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 of the endoscope. A measurement result by the pressure measurement unit 30 is output to the control unit 40.

  The pipeline air supply unit 20 is configured to be able to send gas into one or a plurality of pipelines included in the endoscope 50.

  The configuration of the pipeline air supply unit 20 is not particularly limited. For example, when the endoscope 50 includes a plurality of pipelines, the pipeline air supply unit 20 may be configured to simultaneously feed gas into the plurality of pipelines, or may be selective to each of the plurality of pipelines. The structure which can send in gas into may be sufficient. The pipeline air supply unit 20 may include a pump and a blower, and may be configured to send gas into the pipeline, or may include a tank or an air compressor that stores compressed gas, and may be compressed into the pipeline. The structure which sends in gas which was made may be sufficient. Moreover, the gas which the pipe line air supply part 20 sends in in a pipe line is not restricted to air, The gas which has a component different from air, such as nitrogen, may be sufficient.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, the pipeline air supply unit 20 includes an air supply unit 21 that sends out air, and a pipeline connection unit 22 that connects the air supply unit 21 and all the pipelines of the endoscope 50. It is configured.

  The air supply unit 21 includes an air compressor, and is configured to be able to pressurize and send air to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The air supply unit 21 may also serve as the air supply unit 11 of the internal air supply unit 10. In this case, you may have the structure for switching between the case where the gas sent from the air supply part 21 is sent to the pipe line connection part 22, and the case where it sends to the internal space connection part 21. As such a structure, for example, a three-way valve disposed between the air supply unit 21 and the pipe line connection unit 22 and the internal space connection unit 21 or the air supply unit 21 and the pipe line connection unit 22 An openable / closable valve such as a solenoid valve (first valve 23a, second valve 23b, and third valve 23c in FIG. 1) disposed between the air supply unit 21 and the internal space connection unit 21. In addition, an openable / closable valve (valve 13 in FIG. 1) such as a solenoid valve is included.

  As described above, the endoscope 50 according to the present embodiment has the three pipelines of the first pipeline 60, the second pipeline 70, and the third pipeline 80. Therefore, the pipe connection part 22 of the present embodiment connects the first pipe 60, the second pipe 70, the third pipe 80, and the air supply part 21, and the gas sent from the air supply part 21. Can be introduced into the first pipeline 60, the second pipeline 70, and the third pipeline 80.

  More specifically, the pipe line connecting part 22 has a connector that can be connected to the openings 62 and 63 of the first pipe line 60 at the tip part, and a tubular part whose other end part is connected to the air supply part 21. It is a tubular member that has a first pipe connection part 22a that is a member and a connector that can be connected to the opening 72 of the second pipe line 70 at the tip, and the other end connected to the air supply part 21. A third pipe which is a tubular member having a second pipe connection part 22b and a connector which can be connected to the opening part 82 of the third pipe line 80 at the tip part and the other end part connected to the air supply part 21 A road connecting portion 22c.

  When the endoscope 50 has four or more pipelines, the pipeline connection unit 22 can be connected to the opening of each pipeline, and the gas delivered from the gas delivery unit 21 It becomes possible to introduce into each pipe line.

  Further, the pipeline air supply unit 20 of the present embodiment can select which pipeline the gas sent from the air supply unit 21 is sent to when there are a plurality of pipelines of the endoscope 50. The connection selection unit 23 is configured to be possible. In other words, the connection selection unit 23 can switch the presence / absence of connection between the individual pipelines included in the endoscope 50 and the air supply unit 21 via the pipeline connection unit 22. The connection selection unit 23 operates according to a signal from the control unit 40.

  The configuration of the connection selection unit 23 is not particularly limited. For example, the connection selection unit 23 can be configured by a plurality of electromagnetic valves that open and close the pipe connection unit 22. In the present embodiment, as an example, the connection selection unit 23 includes a first valve 23a that can open and close the first pipeline connection unit 22a and a second valve that can open and close the second pipeline connection unit 22b. 23b and a third valve 23c capable of opening and closing the third pipe connection portion 22c. When the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c are in the open state, the gas sent from the air supply unit 21 is supplied to the first pipe 60, the second pipe 70, and the third pipe, respectively. It is possible to feed into 80.

  In addition, when the pipe line connection part 22 can be connected to four or more pipe lines, the connection selection part 23 can switch the presence or absence of the connection with the air supply part 21 and each pipe line individually. It becomes possible.

  The control unit 40 includes an arithmetic device (CPU), a storage device (RAM), an auxiliary storage device, an input / output device, a power control device, and the like. It has the structure controlled based on this program.

  The control unit 40 includes a timer unit 41, a recognition unit 42, and an output unit 43. The timer unit 41 is configured to be able to measure the passage of time.

  The recognition unit 42 is configured to be able to recognize the number of pipelines connected to the pipeline air supply unit 20. The configuration for recognizing the number of pipelines connected to the pipeline air supply unit 20 of the recognition unit 42 is not particularly limited. For example, the recognition unit 42 includes an input device such as a dial switch or a push switch, and the numerical value input from the user via the input device is used as the number of pipes connected to the pipe air supply unit 20. You may have the structure to recognize.

  For example, the recognition unit 42 determines the type of the connected endoscope 50 by reading an RFID tag, a two-dimensional code, or the like attached to the endoscope 50, and automatically determines the number of conduits. You may have the structure which recognizes. For example, the recognition unit 42 includes a sensor capable of detecting whether or not the pipeline connection unit 22 is connected to the opening of the pipeline, and automatically recognizes the number of pipelines based on the detection result. You may have the structure to do.

  For example, when the number of pipelines connected to the pipeline air supply unit 20 is fixed to three, the recognition unit 42 stores in advance information that the number of pipelines is three. It may be a configuration.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, the recognition unit 42 includes an input unit 42a including an input device such as a dial switch or a push switch, and a numerical value input by a user is connected to the pipeline air supply unit 20. It is configured to recognize the number of roads.

  The output unit 43 is configured to be able to output a result of a leak test method, which will be described later, performed by the leak test apparatus 1. The form of output by the output unit 43 is not particularly limited, and may be a form in which the user perceives the result by outputting light or sound, or the leak test apparatus 1 by outputting a signal. The result may be transmitted to other electronic devices connected by a wired or wireless communication method.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, the output unit 43 includes a display board, a printer, a lamp, or a speaker. Characters are displayed on the display board, printed matter is output, light is emitted from the lamp, or sound is output from the speaker. The result can be output.

  The power supply unit 44 has a configuration for supplying power to each component included in the leak test apparatus 1. The power supply unit 44 may be configured to obtain power from a commercial power supply and supply power to each component, or may include a primary battery, a secondary battery, or a power generator, and supply power to each component. There may be.

  Next, the leak test method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In performing the leak test method, first, as shown in FIG. 1, the leak test apparatus 1 and the endoscope 50 are connected. Specifically, the internal space connection part 12 of the leak test apparatus 1 is connected to the ventilation part 57 of the endoscope 50, and the pipe line connection part 22 of the leak test apparatus 1 is an opening part of the pipe line of the endoscope 50. Are connected to the openings 62, 63, 72 and 82. The endoscope 50 is placed in the atmosphere.

  First, in step S01, the air supply unit 11 is operated with the valve 13 opened, and gas (air in the present embodiment) is sent into the internal space 55 of the endoscope 50, so that the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is predetermined. Raise until the value is within the range. At this time, the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c of the connection selector 23 are closed. Whether or not the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 has increased to a predetermined range is determined from the measurement result by the pressure measurement unit 30.

  FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a change in atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 when the leak test method is performed. In FIG. 4, the horizontal axis indicates the time from time T <b> 0 when the air supply from the air supply unit 11 is started, and the vertical axis indicates the change in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55.

  In step S01, at time T0 when air supply from the air supply unit 11 is started, the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure in the external space, in this embodiment, the atmospheric pressure Pa. Thereafter, the air supply from the air supply unit 11 is continued, so that the air pressure in the internal space 55 rises as time passes. In the present embodiment, as an example, after the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 reaches a predetermined atmospheric pressure P1, the process proceeds to step S02.

  In step S02, the valve 13 is closed and the internal space 55 is closed. In step S02, air supply by the air supply unit 11 is stopped. The time when the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 becomes the predetermined atmospheric pressure P1 and the internal space 55 is closed is referred to as time T1.

  Next, in step S03, a change in atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is measured during a predetermined length after the closure. Here, the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is measured by the pressure measuring unit 30, and the length of time is measured by the time measuring unit 41. In the present embodiment, the change in atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is measured during a period from time T1 to time T2 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  After the time T2, the internal space 55 is opened in step S04 with the valve 13 open. By performing this step S04, the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 becomes the atmospheric pressure Pa.

  In step S05, as a result of the measurement in step S03, it is determined whether or not the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 has decreased by a predetermined value Pc or more during a predetermined length. In the present embodiment, an atmospheric pressure that is lower than the atmospheric pressure P1 at the time of closing the internal space 55 by a predetermined value Pc is referred to as an atmospheric pressure P2. That is, in step S05, it is determined whether or not the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is equal to or lower than the atmospheric pressure P2 at the time T2. Note that step S04 and step S05 may be performed simultaneously, or step S05 may be performed prior to step S04.

  As a result of the measurement in step S03, when there is no change in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 (line A in FIG. 4), or when the decrease in atmospheric pressure is less than a predetermined value (line B in FIG. 4), The process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, it is determined that there is no perforation in the airtight structure member 56 or the conduit of the endoscope 50, and the internal space 55 is not in a state of communicating with the external space. That is, in step S11, it is determined that the airtightness of the internal space 55 of the endoscope 50 is maintained. Further, this determination result is notified to the user by operating the output unit 43. Then, the leak test is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S05, if the measurement in step S03 shows that the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 has dropped by a predetermined value Pc or more during the predetermined length (line C in FIG. 4), step S21 is performed. Migrate to In this case, the internal space 55 is in communication with the external space, and at least one of the airtight structural member 56 and the pipe line (60, 70, or 80) of the endoscope 50 is formed.

  In step S21, the number of pipes of the endoscope 50 connected to the pipe connection unit 22 is recognized. The number of pipelines connected to the pipeline connection unit 22 is N (N is a natural number of 1 or more). In the present embodiment, the endoscope 50 has three pipe lines, ie, a first pipe line 60, a second pipe line 70, and a third pipe line 80, and therefore N = 3. In step S22, the variable n stored by the control unit 40 is set to 1 which is an initial value. The variable n is a natural number of 1 or more.

  Next, in step S23, the valve 13 is closed. In step S24, by operating the pipeline air supply unit 20, gas is supplied into the nth pipeline among the pipelines of the endoscope 50 connected to the pipeline connection unit 22. To do. More specifically, by operating the connection selection unit 23, only the n-th pipe line is connected to the air supply unit 21, and gas is sent out from the air supply unit 21 during a predetermined period.

  Here, it is assumed that the time for starting the gas supply into the nth pipeline is T3n, and the time for starting is T4n. In step S24, measurement of the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 by the pressure measurement unit 30 is continued. In other words, the pressure measurement unit 30 is disposed on the side of the connection part with the endoscope with respect to the valve 13.

  Next, in step S25, it is determined whether or not the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 has increased by a predetermined value Pd or more during the gas delivery period (time T3n to T4n) in step S24. Specifically, between time T3n and T4n, the measurement result of the pressure measurement unit 30 determines whether or not the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 has risen to the atmospheric pressure P3 higher than the atmospheric pressure Pa by a predetermined value Pd. Judgment from.

  Here, if perforation has occurred in the n-th pipe line, the gas sent into the n-th pipe line flows into the internal space 55, so that the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 rises. On the contrary, if the nth pipe line is not perforated, the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 does not rise.

  If it is determined in step S25 that the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 has increased to a pressure P3 or higher that is higher than the atmospheric pressure Pa by a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S26, and the nth pipeline is perforated. And the process proceeds to step S27.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S25 that the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 has not risen to the atmospheric pressure P3 higher than the atmospheric pressure Pa by a predetermined value, the process skips step S26 and proceeds to step S27. Transition.

  In step S27, the valve 13 is opened to open the interior space 55. By performing this step S04, the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 becomes the atmospheric pressure Pa.

  Next, in step S28, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable n is the number N of pipelines connected to the pipeline connection unit 22. If it is determined in step S28 that the value of the variable n is smaller than the number N of pipelines, the process proceeds to step S29, the value of the variable n is increased by 1, and the process returns to step S23. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the value of the variable n is equal to the number N of pipelines, the process proceeds to step S30. That is, after performing the process of step S23 to step S27 with respect to all the pipe lines connected to the pipe line connection part 22, it transfers to step S30.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, air is sent into the first pipeline 60 during the period of time T31 to T41, air is fed into the second pipeline 70 during the period of time T32 to T42, and the period of time T33 to T43. Then, air is fed into the third pipe 80. Times T31 to T41, times T32 to T42, and times T33 to T43 do not overlap each other. And the change of the atmospheric | air pressure in the internal space 55 in the period which is supplying air in each pipe line is measured. Then, it is determined that there is a perforation for a pipeline in which an increase in atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is observed during the period during which air is supplied.

  For example, as shown by the line D in FIG. 5, when an increase in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is observed during the period during which air is fed into the second pipeline 70 (time T33 to T43), It is determined that the two pipes 70 are perforated. In this case, it is determined that the first pipe line 60 and the third pipe line 80 are not perforated.

  Then, the air is supplied to each of all the N pipe lines connected to the pipe line connecting portion 22, and after confirming whether or not the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 has increased, the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S30, it is determined whether or not at least one of the pipelines is determined to have perforation. For example, the process from step S23 to step S27 is performed on all the pipes connected to the pipe connection part 22, and the air is supplied to the second pipe 70 as shown in FIG. When it is determined that the air pressure in the space 55 has increased and the second pipe 70 is perforated, the process proceeds to step S31, and the output unit 43 is operated to indicate that the second pipe 70 has perforation. By informing the user, the user is notified. Then, the leak test method ends.

  On the other hand, the process from step S23 to step S27 is performed on all the pipes connected to the pipe connection part 22, and as shown in FIG. 6, for example, air is supplied to each pipe. If no increase in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is observed, the process proceeds to step S32, and the user is notified by operating the output unit 43 that the airtight structure member 56 is perforated. To do. Then, the leak test method ends.

  As described above, the endoscope leak test method performed by the leak test apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment supplies air to the internal space 55 of the endoscope 50 and causes the atmospheric pressure of the internal space 55 to exceed a predetermined value. Step I (Step S01 and Step S02) and Step II (Step S03) for determining whether or not perforation has occurred in at least one of the airtight structural member 56 and the conduit by measuring a change in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55. To Step S05), Step III (Step S24) for sending air to the pipe line, and if an increase in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is observed during air supply to the pipe line, the pipe line is perforated. Step IV (step S25 and step S26) for determining that there is.

  Such an endoscope leak test method of the present embodiment can be performed in the atmosphere, and in step IV, a pipe is perforated based on the numerical value of the atmospheric pressure measured by the pressure measurement unit 30. It is possible to clearly and quickly determine whether or not That is, in the endoscope leak test method of the present embodiment, there is no need to search for the occurrence of bubbles generated from the endoscope submerged in the liquid as in the prior art, and it is easy and quick. The presence or absence of perforation in the pipeline can be determined.

  Further, as described above as the operation of the leak test apparatus 1, the endoscope leak test method of the present embodiment can be automated. Therefore, the leak test apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can determine which of the airtight structure member 56 and the pipe line is perforated, which is impossible with the conventional leak test apparatus.

  In addition, the leak test method of the present embodiment can be performed on the endoscope 50 having a plurality of ducts, and as shown in the loop from step S23 to step S28, the step III and the step IV are It implements in a different period with respect to each of these pipe lines. Thus, in the leak test method of the present embodiment, in the endoscope 50 having a plurality of pipelines, it is possible to determine in which pipeline of the plurality of pipelines the perforation occurs. In this way, if it is possible to determine which of the plurality of conduits of the endoscope has perforations, it is possible to save the trouble of searching for the locations where perforations have occurred during subsequent repairs. It becomes.

  Moreover, since the leak test method of this embodiment can be implemented using the single pressure measurement part 30, it can simplify the structure of a required apparatus.

  In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S04, after the valve 13 is opened and the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 is set to the atmospheric pressure Pa, it is determined whether or not the pipeline is perforated from step S23 to step S28. Although the process is performed, step S04 may not be performed. 7 and 8 show a modification of the endoscope leak test method when step S04 is not performed.

  When step S04 is not performed, the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 of the endoscope 50 in which the perforation has occurred continues to gradually decrease from the atmospheric pressure P1 at time T1 to the atmospheric pressure Pa as time elapses. In the endoscope 50 in this state, when air is fed into a pipe line in which perforation occurs, the air pressure in the internal space 55 rises.

  For example, when the second pipe 70 is perforated, as shown in FIG. 8, during the period T32 to T42 during which air is fed into the second pipe 70, the line F or the line G As shown, the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 becomes higher than the expected descending line E.

  Specifically, the control unit 40 extrapolates the measurement result (line C) of the decrease in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 during the period T1 to T2, thereby calculating the expected decrease line E. Then, when the air pressure in the pipeline in step S24 is executed, if the atmospheric pressure in the internal space 55 rises by a predetermined value or more from the expected descending line E, the pipeline is perforated. Is determined. And in this modification, as shown to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the valve | bulb 13 is finally made into an open state (step S33).

  In this modified example, the step of opening the valve 13 and setting the internal space 55 to atmospheric pressure before the air supply into the pipe line in step S24 is not required, and therefore, in a shorter time. It is possible to complete the entire process. FIG. 7 shows an example in which step S27 of FIG. 3 is not performed, but the effect is the same as in the case where step S04 is not performed.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The leak test apparatus 1 of this embodiment constitutes a part of an endoscope processing apparatus 100 described below. The configuration of the leak test apparatus 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  The endoscope processing apparatus 100 uses at least one of a cleaning process, a disinfection process, a sterilization process, and a rinsing process for the endoscope 50 accommodated in the processing tank 101 using a processing fluid composed of at least one of a liquid and a gas. It is a device that performs one process.

  In addition, the form of the process which the endoscope processing apparatus 100 according to the present invention performs on the endoscope 50 and the number of processes to be performed are not particularly limited. For example, the endoscope processing apparatus 100 performs a rinsing process, a cleaning process, and a disinfecting process on the endoscope 50 using a liquid processing fluid such as water, a cleaning liquid, and a disinfecting liquid.

  Note that the endoscope processing apparatus 100 may be configured to perform only the cleaning process on the endoscope 50 or may be configured to perform only the disinfection process. The endoscope processing apparatus 100 may be configured to perform sterilization processing on the endoscope 50 using high-temperature and high-pressure steam as a processing fluid. The endoscope processing apparatus 100 may be configured to perform a cleaning process on the endoscope 50 using a gas-liquid two-phase fluid in which a gas and a liquid are mixed at a predetermined ratio as a processing fluid.

  Further, the supply form of the processing fluid to the endoscope processing apparatus 100 is appropriately determined according to the type and required amount of the processing fluid, and is not particularly limited. For example, the processing fluid may be supplied from a supply facility such as a water supply facility provided outside the endoscope processing apparatus 100, or from a storage tank fixed to the endoscope processing apparatus 100. It may be supplied or supplied from a container such as a bottle that can be attached to and detached from the endoscope processing apparatus 100.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, the endoscope processing apparatus 100 includes storage tanks 102 and 103 that store cleaning liquid and disinfecting liquid that are processing fluids therein, and a water supply connection unit 105 that is connected to a water supply facility 104. Have.

  Further, the endoscope processing apparatus 100 is configured to be able to introduce the liquid in the processing tank 101 into the first pipeline connection portion 22a, the second pipeline connection portion 22b, and the third pipeline connection portion 22c. The circulation pump 106 and the circulation line 107 are provided.

  The control unit 40 included in the leak test apparatus 1 can control the operation of the endoscope processing apparatus 100 so as to execute the endoscope processing method shown in the flowchart of FIG. Further, power necessary for the operation of the endoscope processing apparatus 100 is supplied from the power supply unit 44.

  Next, an endoscope processing method by the endoscope processing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In performing the following steps, first, as shown in FIG. 9, the leak test apparatus 1 and the endoscope 50 are connected. Specifically, the internal space connection part 12 of the leak test apparatus 1 is connected to the ventilation part 57 of the endoscope 50, and the pipe line connection part 22 of the leak test apparatus 1 is an opening part of the pipe line of the endoscope 50. Are connected to the openings 62, 63, 72 and 82. Note that no liquid is stored in the cleaning tank 101, and the cleaning tank 101 is open to the atmosphere.

  First, in step S101, the leak test of the endoscope 50 described in the first embodiment is performed. The operation of the leak test apparatus 1 in the leak test is as described in the first embodiment.

  If it is determined in step S102 that the endoscope 50 has no perforation as a result of the leak test in step S101, the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, the discharge flow rate of the circulation pump 106 used in the subsequent steps is set to a normal value. Here, the normal value of the discharge flow rate of the circulation pump 106 means that the cleaning process, the disinfection process, and the rinsing process described below are performed so that the endoscope 50 that is a processing target can be reused. Possible value.

  In the cleaning process of step S111, the tap water and the cleaning liquid stored in the storage tank 102 are introduced into the processing tank 101, and the circulation pump 106 is operated, so that the tap water and the cleaning liquid are removed from the endoscope 50. It will also be introduced in the pipeline. At this time, the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c of the connection selection unit 23 are all closed.

  Next, in the drainage / water removal step of step S112, the liquid in the processing tank 101 and the pipeline is drained and further fed from the pipeline air supply unit 20 into all the pipelines of the endoscope 50. Specifically, the air supply unit 21 is operated, and the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c of the connection selection unit 23 are all opened. The liquid in the pipe is removed by the air supply into the pipe. As described above, in the present embodiment, the air supply unit 20 included in the leak test apparatus 1 performs air supply for water removal in the pipe.

  Next, in the rinsing process of step S <b> 113, tap water is introduced into the treatment tank 101, and the circulation pump 106 is operated to introduce tap water into the pipe line of the endoscope 50. At this time, the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c of the connection selection unit 23 are all closed.

  Next, in the drainage / water removal process of step S114, the liquid in the processing tank 101 and the pipeline is drained, and is further fed from the pipeline air supply unit 20 into all the pipelines of the endoscope 50. Specifically, the air supply unit 21 is operated, and the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c of the connection selection unit 23 are all opened. Air in the pipeline removes the liquid in the pipeline.

  In addition, the process of step S111 to step S114 may be repeated several times as needed.

  Next, in the disinfection process of step S115, the disinfecting liquid stored in the storage tank 103 is introduced into the processing tank 101, and the circulation pump 106 is further operated so that the disinfecting liquid is connected to the conduit of the endoscope 50. Also introduced in. At this time, the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c of the connection selection unit 23 are all closed.

  Next, in the drainage / water removal process of step S116, the liquid in the processing tank 101 and the pipeline is drained, and further, air is fed from the pipeline air supply unit 20 into all the pipelines of the endoscope 50. Specifically, the air supply unit 21 is operated, and the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c of the connection selection unit 23 are all opened. The liquid in the pipe is removed by the air supply into the pipe.

  Next, in the rinsing process of step S117, tap water is introduced into the treatment tank 101, and the circulation pump 106 is operated to introduce tap water into the pipe line of the endoscope 50. At this time, the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c of the connection selection unit 23 are all closed.

  Next, in the drainage / water removal process of step S118, the liquid in the processing tank 101 and the pipeline is drained, and further, the gas is fed from the pipeline air supply unit 20 into all the pipelines of the endoscope 50. Specifically, the air supply unit 21 is operated, and the first valve 23a, the second valve 23b, and the third valve 23c of the connection selection unit 23 are all opened. Air in the pipeline removes the liquid in the pipeline.

  When the above steps S111 to S118 are performed in a state where the discharge flow rate of the circulation pump 106 is set to a normal value, the endoscope 50 is in a state in which processing for reuse is performed. Become.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the leak test in step S101 that there is a perforation, the process proceeds to step S104. In step S <b> 104, it is determined whether or not it is determined that there is a perforation in the airtight structural member 56 as a result of the leak test.

  In the leak test, if it is determined that the airtight structure member 56 has perforated, the process proceeds to step S106, the result output unit 43 outputs a warning notifying the user that the process is stopped, and the operation is stopped. To do.

  In the above-described steps S111 to S118, the endoscope 50 is submerged in the liquid in the cleaning tank 101. However, when the airtight structure member 56 is perforated, the liquid is removed from the perforation. It gets into the internal space 55. Therefore, as shown in step S106, in the present embodiment, the endoscope 50 is prevented from being damaged by stopping without performing processing on the endoscope.

  If it is determined in step S104 that the perforation exists in any of the pipelines as a result of the leak test, the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the discharge flow rate of the circulation pump 106 used in the subsequent steps is set to a value lower than the normal value or 0. And as already demonstrated, the process of step S111 to step S118 is implemented.

  That is, in the present embodiment, when it is determined as a result of the leak test that the perforation exists in any of the pipelines, the flow rate of the fluid introduced into the pipeline is set to be higher than usual in the processing process of the endoscope 50. Do not lower or introduce fluid into the pipeline.

  As described above, when the pipe is perforated, the liquid flow into the internal space 55 is reduced by lowering the flow rate of the fluid introduced into the pipe than usual or by not introducing the fluid into the pipe. Intrusion of the endoscope 50 is prevented, and the endoscope 50 is prevented from being damaged. In this case, since the outer skin of the endoscope 50 is cleaned and disinfected, the endoscope 50 can be in a preferable state when it is transported for repair.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist or concept of the invention that can be read from the claims and the entire specification. A mirror leak test method and an endoscope leak test apparatus are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for an endoscope leak test method and an endoscope leak test apparatus.

1 Leak test equipment,
10 Internal air supply part,
11 Air supply part,
12 Internal space connection,
13 valves,
20 pipeline air supply section,
21 Air supply part,
22 pipeline connection,
22a 1st pipe line connection part,
22b 2nd pipe connection part,
22c 3rd pipe line connection part,
23 connection selector,
23a first valve,
23b second valve,
23c third valve,
30 Pressure measurement unit,
40 control unit,
41 Timekeeping section,
42 recognition unit,
42a input section,
43 result output section,
44 power supply,
50 endoscope,
51 insertion part,
52 operation unit,
53 Universal code,
54 Connector part,
55 interior space,
56 airtight structural members,
57 Vent,
60 first pipeline,
61 opening,
62 opening,
63 opening,
64 openings,
70 second pipeline,
71 opening,
72 opening,
73 opening,
74 opening,
75 opening,
80 Third pipeline,
81 opening,
82 opening,
100 Endoscope processing device,
101 treatment tank,
102 storage tank,
103 storage tank,
104 water supply equipment,
105 Water connection,
106 circulation pump,
107 Circulation line.

Claims (5)

An endoscope leak test method comprising: an internal space that is hermetically covered by an airtight structural member; and a pipe line that penetrates the internal space and has both ends open to the atmosphere.
Step I for supplying air to the internal space,
Measuring the change in the internal space pressure and determining the presence or absence of perforations; and
Step III for supplying air to the pipeline;
A change in the atmospheric pressure of the internal space during the execution of the step III is measured, and when an increase in the atmospheric pressure of the internal space is observed during the air supply to the pipeline, it is determined that the pipeline has perforations. Step IV to
An endoscope leak test method comprising: When the endoscope has a plurality of the conduits,
2. The endoscope leak test method according to claim 1, wherein the step III and the step IV are performed for each of the plurality of pipe lines in different periods. The endoscope leak test method according to claim 1, wherein the same pressure measurement unit is used in the step II and the step IV. The endoscope leak test method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the step III and the step IV are performed only when it is determined that there is a perforation in the step II. . A leak test apparatus for performing a leak test of an endoscope having an internal space covered by an airtight structure member so as to be hermetically sealed, and a pipe line penetrating the internal space and having both ends open to the atmosphere,
A pressure measurement unit capable of measuring the atmospheric pressure of the internal space;
An internal air supply unit capable of supplying air into the internal space;
A pipeline air supply unit capable of supplying air into the pipeline;
A control unit,
The controller is
Step I for operating the internal air supply unit and supplying air to the internal space,
Step II to measure the change in the atmospheric pressure of the internal space by the pressure measurement unit, to determine the presence or absence of perforations,
Step III for operating the pipeline air supply unit and supplying air to the pipeline;
When the pressure measurement unit measures a change in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space during the execution of Step III, and when an increase in the atmospheric pressure in the internal space is observed during the air supply to the pipeline, Step IV, which determines that there are perforations,
A leak test apparatus characterized in that

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