JP4652844B2 - Endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus and endoscope cleaning and disinfecting method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus and an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting method for cleaning and disinfecting a used endoscope.

  In recent years, endoscopes are widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. Endoscopes used in the medical field include various types of treatment tools that are used to observe organs in a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, or inserted into an insertion channel of a treatment tool as necessary. Can be treated.

  In particular, endoscopes in the medical field are used by being inserted into body cavities for the purpose of examination and treatment, and thus it is necessary to wash and disinfect used endoscopes. When cleaning and disinfecting this used endoscope, an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus may be used. In this case, the endoscope is set in a cleaning tank of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus, and is cleaned, disinfected, rinsed, and drained. The endoscope has a plurality of internal conduits such as an air / water supply channel and a forceps channel. It is necessary that the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid are sufficiently passed through these internal pipe lines, and the internal pipe lines are also surely cleaned and disinfected.

In order to maintain the cleanliness and sterilization of the endoscope, a technique for confirming whether or not a fluid such as a cleaning liquid is supplied to the internal conduit at an appropriate flow rate in the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). Specifically, the flow rate of the fluid supplied into the pipeline is measured and compared with a predetermined reference value to determine whether or not the flow rate of the supplied fluid is within a predetermined set value range. Is done.
JP 2001-299697 A

However, in the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus according to the proposal described above, if the capacity of the pump for supplying fluid is lowered by deterioration over time, the flow rate to be measured is low, the abnormality of clogging of the conduit There was a possibility that it could not be determined accurately.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus that can detect deterioration of a pump over time and accurately determine an abnormality in an endoscope line. The purpose is to provide.

An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to the present invention is an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus that cleans and disinfects an internal pipe by supplying a fluid into the internal pipe of the endoscope. Connection means connected to the opening of the internal conduit, and fluid discharge means for driving the fluid to be discharged to the conduit connected to the connection means for supplying the fluid to the connection means; provided in the conduit, a fluid control means for controlling the stopping of the supply and supply to said connection means of said fluid from said fluid jetting means, in a state wherein the fluid discharge means is driven, and the fluid control means the supply of the fluid to said connection means in a state stopped, first detecting means for detecting the pressure of the fluid discharged from the fluid discharge means, in a state in which the fluid discharge means is driven by, and said fluid control means In the state that supplies the fluid to the connection means, second detecting means for detecting the pressure of said fluid supplied to said connecting means, the detection value of the second detection means, first and abnormality determination means when it becomes less than the threshold value or more or the less than the first threshold second threshold value, the first detection means according to the detection value detected, the first and the second And a threshold value changing means for changing the threshold value to a smaller value .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus that accurately determines an abnormality in an internal pipe line of an endoscope even if the pump is deteriorated over time.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, an inner view for explaining a state in which a top cover is opened and an endoscope can be stored in a cleaning / disinfecting tank. It is a perspective view of an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is an apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting a used endoscope 100, and an apparatus main body 2 and an upper part thereof are connected to, for example, a hinge (not shown). A main part is constituted by a top cover 3 that is a lid that is openably and closably connected.

  A cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 for storing the endoscope 100 is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2. The endoscope 100 is set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, and the top cover 3 is closed and a predetermined operation is performed, so that the endoscope 100 is automatically cleaned and disinfected using a liquid such as a cleaning liquid. To be done.

  In the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, a detergent nozzle 22 for supplying a detergent, a disinfecting nozzle 23 for supplying a disinfecting liquid, and a water supply circulation nozzle 24 for supplying a circulating liquid are provided for cleaning and disinfecting the outer surface of the endoscope 100. It has been. Further, in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, a circulation port 56 for collecting the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 in order to circulate the liquid and a drain port 55 for draining the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 are also provided. Yes.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2, for example, on the right side of the front side close to the operator, the cleaning and disinfection start switch of the apparatus main body 2 and the cleaning and disinfection mode selection switch are set. An operation panel 25 provided with switches is provided. A wireless ID transmission / reception unit 26 that receives an identification signal from an identification signal transmitter such as an ID tag provided in the endoscope 100 is built in a left side portion on the front surface side of the upper surface of the apparatus body 2. The identification signal is, for example, a code signal indicating the type of the endoscope 100.

  In addition, a water supply hose connection port to which a hose connected to a water tap for supplying tap water to the apparatus main body 2 is connected to the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 on the side opposite to the front surface close to the operator 31 is disposed. In addition, the water supply hose connection port 31 may be provided with a filter for filtering tap water.

  Furthermore, in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, in order to clean and disinfect each channel, which is an internal pipe line of the endoscope 100, the opening of each channel of the endoscope 100 is connected via a connection tube. A suction pipe port 32, an air / water supply pipe port 33, a forceps raising pipe port 34, and a water leakage detection port 35 are provided as connection means. Moreover, these ports 32, 33, and 34 have a mechanism that communicates when the connection tube is connected and is closed when the connection tube is not connected. Further, a water level sensor 36 for detecting the water level of the liquid in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 is provided in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4.

  In general, the endoscope 100 not only images the surface of the subject from the distal end of the insertion portion 101 but also supplies air and water to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 101 of the endoscope 100 depending on the type of the endoscope 100. It has a plurality of various channels which are internal conduits for performing, sucking, and inserting treatment tools such as forceps. In addition, the endoscope 100 may also have a channel or the like that is an internal conduit for raising the forceps in order to change the protruding direction at the distal end of the insertion portion 101.

  Therefore, when the endoscope 100 is set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4 in order to clean and disinfect each channel of the endoscope 100, one end of each connection tube is open to each channel of the endoscope 100. The other end is connected to connection means such as a suction conduit port 32, an air / water supply conduit port 33, and a forceps raising pipe port 34 in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. As a specific example, one end of one connection tube (suction channel connection tube) is connected to the forceps port 103 of the endoscope 100, and the other end of the connection tube is a suction tube in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. Connected to the road port 32. One end of the other connection tube (air supply / water supply channel connection tube) is connected to the air supply / water supply cylinders 102a and 102b (hereinafter, 102a and 102b are collectively referred to as 102) of the air supply / water supply channel of the endoscope 100, The other end of the connection tube is connected to an air / water supply pipe port 33 in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. One end of another connection tube (forceps raising channel connection tube) is connected to the forceps raising port 104 of the forceps raising channel of the endoscope 100, and the other end of the connection tube is in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. It is connected to the forceps raising pipe port 34. Furthermore, one end of another connection tube (connection tube for water leakage detection) is connected to a water leakage detection port (not shown) of the endoscope 100, and the other end of the connection tube is water leakage detection in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. Connected to the mouth port 35.

  In addition, in order to be able to wash and disinfect a plurality of endoscopes 100 with a single endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, a port such as a suction conduit port 32 connected to an internal channel. A plurality of each may be provided.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the endoscope cleaning apparatus 1 includes a central processing unit circuit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 91 that executes various processes. The CPU 91 includes an input / output interface circuit 92, a communication interface circuit 93, and a panel interface. The circuit 94, the ultrasonic vibration interface circuit 95, and the memory 96 are connected to each other via a bus or the like.

  The input / output interface circuit 92 is connected to a DC electromagnetic component 111 such as an electromagnetic valve driven by DC and an AC electromagnetic component 112 such as an AC driven pump via a drive circuit 113 including a DC drive circuit 113a and an AC drive circuit 113b. Connected.

  The input / output interface circuit 92 is further connected to various sensors via a sensor circuit 121. Examples of the various sensors include a water level sensor 36, a temperature sensor 124, and pressure sensors 204, 209, and 210. The water level sensor 36 is a means for detecting the water level in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, and the temperature sensor 124 is a means for detecting the temperature of the supplied liquid. As will be described later, the pressure sensor 204 is a pressure detecting means for detecting the internal pressure of each pipeline in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1.

  The communication interface circuit 93 is connected to the RS-232C 131, the local area network 132, the wireless ID transmission / reception unit 26, the water leakage detection unit 133, and the printer unit 134.

  In particular, when the endoscope 100 has a built-in identification device such as a so-called ID tag for identifying the type or the like, the wireless ID transmission / reception unit 26 is used to receive the identification signal. When the wireless ID transmission / reception unit 26 transmits a predetermined wireless signal, the ID tag of the endoscope 100 transmits a predetermined identification signal according to the wireless signal. Therefore, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 can perform processing according to the received identification signal.

  The panel interface circuit 94 is connected to an operation switch 25a, a display LED 25b, and the like of the operation panel 25 for an operator to instruct cleaning and disinfection processing.

  The ultrasonic vibration interface circuit 95 is connected to an ultrasonic control board 152 that controls the ultrasonic vibrator 151 provided on the bottom surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. The ultrasonic vibrator 151 is for applying ultrasonic vibration to the washing water, tap water, etc. stored in the washing / disinfecting tank 4 to ultrasonically wash the outer surface of the endoscope 100.

  The memory 96 stores a program for controlling the operation of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 as will be described later, a threshold value for determining endoscope abnormality, and the like.

  The CPU 91, the input / output interface circuit 92, the communication interface circuit 93, the panel interface circuit 94, the ultrasonic vibration interface circuit 95, the memory 96, the drive circuit 113, and the sensor circuit 121 are included in the control unit 1A of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. Configure. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is controlled by the CPU 91 executing a software program recorded in the memory 96 or a built-in ROM or the like (not shown). CPU91 performs processes, such as washing and rinsing, in a predetermined order, controlling a pump, a solenoid valve, etc. based on detection signals of various sensors.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing steps from cleaning of the endoscope 100 to air supply executed by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. When a predetermined switch of the operation panel 25 is turned on, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 executes a cleaning process, a cleaning liquid rinsing process, a disinfecting process, a plurality of disinfecting liquid rinsing processes, and an air feeding process. 3 is an example of a process that can be performed by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 1, and the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 1 can perform, for example, a cleaning process in accordance with the instruction content from the operation panel 25. In addition, it is also possible to execute processing steps such as executing only the sterilization step and the subsequent steps.

  Next, each process of FIG. 3 is demonstrated in order. As shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning process is performed first, and the cleaning process includes a water supply step S1, a cleaning step S2, and a drainage step S3 in this order. The rinsing process of the cleaning liquid after the rinsing process includes a water supply step S4, a rinsing step S5, a draining step S6, and an air feeding step S7 in this order.

  Subsequently, a disinfection process is performed, and the disinfection process includes a disinfection liquid injection step S8, a disinfection liquid heating step S9, a disinfection liquid immersion step S10, and a disinfection liquid recovery step S11 in this order. After the disinfection process, a disinfectant rinsing process is performed a plurality of times. Each sterilizing liquid rinsing process includes a water supply step S12, a rinsing step S13, and a drainage step S14 in this order. Here, the second and third rinsing steps of the disinfectant are subsequently performed, and include water supply steps S15 and S18, rinse steps S16 and S19, and drainage steps S17 and S20, respectively, in this order.

  When the final disinfecting liquid rinsing step is completed, an air feeding step, that is, a residual water removing step is executed. The air supply process includes an air supply step S21.

  In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, the endoscope 100 is set in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4, and the predetermined process described above is performed. However, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 includes a suction pipe port 32, Each channel communicating with a port such as an air / water supply pipe port 33 and a forceps raising pipe port 34, various pumps for feeding water or the like to each channel, and feeding of the liquid flowing through each channel Various solenoid valves and the like for stopping liquid and liquid feeding are provided.

  In the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, the CPU 91 controls various pumps and various valves while monitoring signals input via various interface circuits, thereby performing processing corresponding to the contents of each step in each process described above. Will continue.

  A predetermined amount of a liquid such as a disinfectant solution flows in each channel in the endoscope 100 to be cleaned and disinfected, thereby surely cleaning and disinfecting the pipe line. Therefore, if each pipe line in the endoscope 100 is clogged, the liquid does not flow by a predetermined amount. Therefore, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 determines the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the pipe line on the endoscope 100 side. The measurement is performed and it is determined that the endoscope 100 has a pipe line abnormality.

  However, if the pump of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is used for a long time, the performance may deteriorate with time due to wear of the pump head portion, and a predetermined flow rate may not be output. Therefore, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 determines that an abnormality occurs unless the flow rate of the liquid flowing into the pipe line of the endoscope 100 is within a predetermined range, but even in a state where the connecting tube is not detached, There is a possibility that it is determined that there is an abnormality due to a decrease in performance of the pump.

  Therefore, although the threshold value of the flow rate for determining that the connection tube is disconnected or the like may be set to a lower value, the threshold value is originally set in consideration of variations in various mechanical structures in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. Considering the performance degradation of the pump, it is not preferable to simply lower the threshold value.

  In the present embodiment, in view of such points, the pressure or flow rate in the pipe line in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is detected, and the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is based on the detected value. Thus, the threshold for determining abnormality of the channel of the endoscope 100 is changed.

  Before explaining the change of the threshold value, first, the mechanical structure inside the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 will be explained. Here, an explanation will be given using an example of a pipe line in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 that communicates with the suction pipe port 32, the air / water supply pipe port 33, and the forceps raising pipe port 34. To do.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a conduit system communicating with the suction conduit port 32, the air / water supply conduit port 33, and the forceps raising pipe port 34 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 has a suction conduit port 32, an air / water supply conduit port 33, and a forceps raising pipe port 34 in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 4. Via the connection tubes 232, 233, and 234, the suction port 102 of the suction channel that is the channel of the endoscope 100, the forceps port 103 of the air / water supply / forceps channel, and the forceps rise of the forceps raising channel Each is connected to the mouth 104.

  The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 includes a pump 201 for supplying a liquid such as a cleaning liquid to each of these ports. A pump 201 which is a fluid discharge means for discharging a liquid such as a cleaning liquid is connected to a first port of a channel block 202 having a branch in three directions. A pressure sensor 204 that detects the pressure in the pipeline 203 is connected to the pipeline 203 that connects the pump 201 and the channel block 202. A relief valve 205 is connected to the second port of the channel block 202. When the fluid pressure in the pipe line 203 becomes equal to or higher than a preset pressure, the liquid in the pipe line is allowed to escape and the set pressure is set. No pressure higher than the pressure is generated in the pipe. The relief valve 205 is a fluid release means having a mechanical structure that releases the fluid in the internal pipe line to the outside when the pressure in the pipe line 203 reaches a predetermined value or more.

  The third port of the channel block 202 is connected to a pipe line 206 that branches into two on the way, and one end of one pipe line 206a of the branched pipe line 206 passes through a channel valve 207 that is an electromagnetic valve. In addition, the liquid flowing in from the pipe line 206a is connected to a distribution pipe 208 that distributes the output to two. The channel valve 207 is a fluid control means for controlling the supply of liquid from the pump 201 to the suction pipe port 32 and the air / water supply pipe port 33, or stop of the supply. Two outputs of the distribution pipe 208 are connected to the suction line port 32 and the air / water supply line port 33, respectively. The distribution pipe 208 communicates, and the distribution pipe 208 is supplied with pressure in the distribution pipe 208, in other words, two channels (the suction channel and the air / water supply / forceps channel) of the endoscope 100. A pressure sensor 209 for detecting the pressure of the liquid is connected.

  One end of the other pipeline 206b of the branched pipeline 206 is connected to the forceps raising pipe port 34. Further, the pipeline 206b has a pressure in the pipeline 206b, in other words, the endoscope 100. A pressure sensor 210 for detecting the pressure of the liquid supplied to the forceps raising channel is connected.

  In each process described above, the various liquids to be supplied are supplied to each channel of the endoscope 100 by driving the pump 201 and the channel valve 207 in a predetermined drive sequence under the control of the CPU 91. The

Next, an abnormality determination process performed by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 in a cleaning process or the like will be described.
In each step described above, the CPU 91 determines that the detection value of the pressure sensor 209 when supplying liquid to the suction conduit port 32 and the air / water supply conduit port 33 in the endoscope 100 is a predetermined value. When it is not within the threshold range or when the detected value of the pressure sensor 210 when the liquid is supplied to the forceps raising pipe port 34 is not within the predetermined threshold range, it is determined that there is some abnormality.

For example, when the detected value of the pressure sensor 209 is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit threshold th1, the air supply / water supply connected to the suction channel connected to the suction conduit port 32 or the air / water supply conduit port 33 / The CPU 91 determines that the abnormality is that the forceps channel is clogged. Or it determines with it being abnormal that the required connection tube is not attached and the port is obstruct | occluded. On the other hand, when the detection value of the pressure sensor 209 is equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit threshold th2, there is a hole in the suction channel or the air / water supply / forceps channel, which is the internal conduit of the endoscope 100, or One end of the connection tube connected to the suction conduit port 32 or the air / water supply conduit port 33 is connected to the apparatus side ports 32 and 33, but the other end is the air / water supply cylinder of the endoscope 100. 102, the CPU 91 determines that the abnormality is that the terminal is not connected to the forceps port 103 and is open.

Similarly, for example, when the detected value of the pressure sensor 210 is equal to or greater than a predetermined upper limit threshold th3, it is an abnormality that the forceps raising channel connected to the forceps raising pipe port 34 is clogged. Alternatively, the CPU 91 determines that it is abnormal that the connection tube is not attached. Alternatively, when the detection value of the pressure sensor 210 is equal to or lower than a predetermined lower limit threshold th4, a hole is formed in the forceps raising channel that is an internal conduit of the endoscope 100, or the forceps raising pipe is used. The CPU 91 determines that it is abnormal that one end of the connection tube 234 connected to the port 34 is connected to the port 34 but the other end is not connected to the forceps lift port 104 of the endoscope 100.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the above-described endoscope channel abnormality determination process. The process of FIG. 5 is performed when the liquid is supplied from the pump in each step of each process. Here, only processing such as detecting whether or not the suction channel and the air / water supply / forceps channel of the endoscope 100 are clogged and determining that there is a clogging abnormality is a clogging abnormality only. explain. The abnormality determination of the forceps raising channel is also performed by the same process. However, the process for determining the clogging of the forceps raising channel is not different because the contents of the process do not change except for the threshold value. . The processing in FIG. 5 is also performed by the CPU 91 executing a predetermined software program.

  First, the CPU 91 reads the detection value of the pressure sensor 209 (step S101). The detected value of the pressure sensor 209 is that the pump 201 is driven to discharge the liquid, and the channel valve 207 is opened, and the liquid from the pump 201 is supplied to the suction line port 32 and the air / water supply line port 33. The pressure of the liquid supplied to the suction duct port 32 and the air / water feed duct port 33 in a state where it can be supplied is shown.

  It is determined whether or not the read detection value is within a predetermined threshold range (step S102). As the threshold value, an upper limit value th1 and a lower limit value th2 are set. If the detected value of the pressure sensor 209 is within the range of the upper and lower limit values, YES is determined in step S102, and the process is not performed as it is. That is, if the detected value of the pressure sensor 209 is the upper limit value th1 or more or the lower limit value th2 or less, NO is determined in step S102.

  If the read detection value is not within the predetermined threshold range, NO is determined in step S102, and it is determined whether the detection value is equal to or greater than the upper limit threshold th1 (step S103). If the detected value is greater than or equal to the upper limit threshold th1, YES is determined in step S103, and the CPU 91 determines that the suction channel of the endoscope 100 or the air / water supply / forceps channel is clogged (abnormal). Step S104).

  If the detected value is not greater than or equal to the upper limit threshold th1, the detected value is equal to or lower than the lower limit threshold th2. Therefore, NO is determined in step S103, and the CPU 91 has a hole in the suction channel or the like, or the suction conduit port 32 It is determined that there is an abnormality that the connection cable connected to the cable is disconnected (step S105).

Next, the change of the threshold value used for the endoscope channel abnormality determination process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of processing for correcting a threshold value used for determining an endoscope duct abnormality.
As described above, the discharge pressure of the pump 201 decreases due to aging. The degree of deterioration of the output of the pump 201 is detected, and the threshold used for the endoscope channel abnormality determination is changed according to the degree of deterioration, and the endoscope tube is based on the changed threshold. A road abnormality determination process is performed. Therefore, in the case of the operation of FIG. 3, if the change of the threshold value is a cleaning process, the processing of FIG. 6 is executed before the endoscope conduit abnormality determination processing of FIG. 5 is executed in the cleaning step S2. The Further, in the rinsing step of the cleaning liquid, in the rinsing step S5, in the sterilizing process, in the sterilizing liquid immersion step S10, in the rinsing step of the sterilizing liquid, in the rinsing steps S13, S16, and S19, the endoscope channel abnormality of FIG. Before the determination process is executed, the process of FIG. 6 is executed. As described below, the CPU 91 opens the channel valve 207 when the threshold value correction process of FIG. 6 is executed, and thereafter continues the process in each step.

  Note that, as described above, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 may execute only one or a plurality of specific processes depending on the designation of the user. In that case, the process shown in FIG. 6 may be executed before the endoscope channel abnormality determination process shown in FIG. 5 is executed in one or a plurality of designated steps.

  Furthermore, the threshold value changing process of FIG. 6 may be executed in the above-described steps of each process when there are a plurality of processes that are continuously executed, for example, as shown in FIG. You may make it perform only once by the above steps of a process.

  In FIG. 6, first, the CPU 91 closes the channel valve 207 (step S201), and then. The channel pump 201 is activated (step S202), and the detection value of the pressure sensor 204 when a predetermined time has elapsed is read (step S203).

  At this time, even if the pump 201 is started with the channel valve 207 closed, the liquid flows from the conduit 206b to the forceps raising pipe port 34, but the forceps raising channel is thin. The deadline pressure) can be detected.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the detection value of the pressure sensor 204 is within a predetermined threshold range (step S204). The predetermined thresholds are the upper limit threshold th11 and the lower limit threshold th12, and it is determined whether or not the detected value is within the range between the upper limit and the lower limit threshold.

  If the detected value is equal to or lower than the lower limit threshold th12, the pump 201 is deteriorated and the minimum discharge pressure cannot be maintained, and as a result, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is abnormal such that the endoscope 100 cannot be cleaned properly. . Alternatively, if the detected value is equal to or lower than the lower limit threshold th12, there may be an abnormality such as disconnection of the pipeline in the apparatus main body 2. If the detected value is equal to or greater than the upper threshold value th11, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus in which the pipe 203 in the apparatus main body 2 is clogged between the relief valve 205 and the pump 201. 1 is abnormal.

Therefore, if the detected value is not within the range between the upper and lower thresholds, NO is determined in step S204, and a display indicating abnormality of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 is performed on the display LED or the like of the operation panel 25. Then, an apparatus body abnormality notification process for notifying the operator of the abnormality is performed (step S205). When the apparatus main body abnormality notification process is executed, the process ends because there is no need to continue the washing process or the like.

When the detected value is within the range between the upper and lower thresholds, YES is set in step S204, and threshold correction processing for changing the threshold used for the endoscope channel abnormality determination processing is performed (step S206). Step S206 constitutes a threshold value changing unit.

In the threshold correction process, that is, the threshold change process, the upper and lower thresholds th1 and th2 are corrected and changed according to the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 204 . Here, a specific example of changing the threshold will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a graph showing changes in discharge pressure (deadline pressure) due to deterioration over time of the pump 201, detected values of the pressure sensor 209, and changes in thresholds th1 and th2 in the endoscope abnormality determination process. In FIG. 7, when the pump 201 deteriorates over time, the discharge pressure P1 of the pump 201 gradually decreases with the passage of time from the initial discharge pressure P10 in terms of the cutoff pressure. As shown in FIG. 7, as the discharge pressure P1 of the pump 201 decreases, the detection value P2 of the pressure sensor 209 in a normal state in which the suction channel or the air / water supply / forceps channel in the endoscope 100 is not clogged. Also, the pressure gradually decreases from the initial pressure P20.

  Therefore, according to the discharge pressure P1 (cutoff pressure) of the pump 201 detected by the pressure sensor 204 when the pump 201 is driven with the channel valve 207 closed and almost no liquid flows from the pump 201 through the pipe 203. Then, the upper limit threshold th1 and the lower limit threshold th2 used for the endoscope channel abnormality determination process are changed, that is, corrected so as to gradually decrease as indicated by the dotted line in FIG. In other words, the thresholds th1 and th2 are changed according to the discharge pressure P1 (cutoff pressure) of the pump 201 in a state where the channel valve 207 is closed and the supply of liquid to the channel of the endoscope 100 is stopped. In FIG. 4, the liquid can flow from the path 206 b to the forceps raising pipe port 34, but in this case, since it is a forceps raising channel, the diameter of the channel is extremely small and the liquid does not flow. Since the flowing amount is extremely small, the discharge pressure of the pump 201 detected by the pressure sensor 204 is substantially equal to the cutoff pressure.

  The change of the threshold value will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows changes in the discharge pressure (cutoff pressure) P1 due to deterioration of the pump over time, the detected value P2 of the pressure sensor 209 that detects the pressure of the liquid supplied to the port, and the threshold th1 in the endoscope abnormality determination processing , Th2 is a graph for specifically explaining the change of th2. In FIG. 8, when the channel valve 207 is closed and the supply of liquid to the channel of the endoscope 100 is stopped, the discharge pressure (cutoff pressure) P10 at the initial stage of the pump 201 is 0.2 MPa. The discharge pressure P1 (deadline pressure) gradually decreases with time from the initial discharge pressure of 0.2 MPa. As shown in FIG. 8, the pressure sensor 209 in a normal state in which the suction channel or the air / water supply / forceps channel in the endoscope 100 is not clogged with a decrease in the discharge pressure P <b> 1 (deadline pressure) of the pump 201. The detected value P2 (that is, the pressure of the liquid supplied to the suction conduit port 32 and the air / water supply conduit port 33) also gradually decreases from the initial pressure of 0.15 MPa.

  Assume that the upper limit threshold th1 is set to 0.16 MPa and the lower limit threshold th2 is set to 0.11 MPa as the thresholds for determining an endoscope duct abnormality at the initial stage. With this setting, for example, when the suction channel or the air / water supply / forceps channel is clogged, the detection value P2 of the pressure sensor 209 is about 0.18 MPa, so an abnormality due to clogging of the pipe line is detected. be able to. When the connection of the connection tube connected to the suction conduit port 32 and the air / water supply conduit port 33 is disconnected from the endoscope 100, the detection value P2 of the pressure sensor 209 becomes about 0.11 MPa. Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality due to the disconnection of the connection tube.

  However, as described above, since the discharge pressure decreases due to the deterioration of the pump 201 with time, the abnormality of the channel of the endoscope 100 can be accurately determined even using the thresholds th1 and th2 set at the initial stage. I can't.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the data of the upper and lower threshold values th1 and th2 corresponding to the detection value P2 of the pressure sensor 204 when the channel valve 207 of FIG. 4 is closed is stored in a memory 96 as table data. Store in advance. The values of the threshold table data are determined in advance according to the structure of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, the structure of the endoscope 100 that is the object of cleaning / disinfecting, and the like. FIG. 9 is table data that stores the detected value P1 of the pressure sensor 204, which is the cutoff pressure when the channel valve 207 of the pump 201 is closed, and the upper and lower thresholds th1 and th2 corresponding to the detected value P1. It is a figure which shows the example of.

  Therefore, even if the discharge pressure decreases due to deterioration with time of the pump 201, the upper and lower thresholds th1 and th2 are changed as the discharge pressure decreases by detecting the cutoff pressure of the pump 201. Even if there is no abnormality such as detachment of the tube, it is not erroneously determined to be abnormal.

  For example, a pump with an initial discharge rate of about 10 L / min may have a discharge rate that decreases to about 8 L / min after 1000 hours and about 7 L / min after 2000 hours. As described above, when the detected value (closing pressure) P1 of the pressure sensor 204 when the channel valve 207 is closed at the initial stage is 0.2 MPa, the upper and lower thresholds th1 and th2 are set to 0. 16 Mpa and 0.11 MPa.

  Due to the deterioration of the pump 201 over time, the discharge amount of the pump 201 becomes 8 L / min, and the detected value (closing pressure) P1 of the pressure sensor 204 when the channel valve 207 is closed at that time is 0.17 MPa ( PP1 in FIG. 8). In that case, when there is no abnormality such as clogging in the channel of the endoscope 100, the detection value P2 of the pressure sensor 209 is about 0.12 MPa (point PP2 in FIG. 8). At this time, when the channel of the endoscope 100 is clogged, the detected value of the pressure sensor 209 is 0.15 MPa (point PP3 in FIG. 8). The detected value (0.15 MPa) of the pressure sensor 209 is a pressure that is determined to be a normal pressure in the range between the upper limit and the lower limit threshold (0.16 MPa, 0.11 MPa) at the initial stage. Abnormalities such as clogging cannot be detected.

  On the other hand, as described above, the upper and lower thresholds th1 and th2 are changed according to the detection value (cutoff pressure) P1 of the pressure sensor 204 when the channel valve 207 is closed, and are shown in FIG. As described above, if the upper limit threshold th1 is set to 0.15, it can be determined that an abnormality occurs when the threshold th1 is exceeded.

  When the discharge amount of the pump 201 is 7 L / min, the detected value (cutoff pressure) P1 of the pressure sensor 204 when the channel valve 207 is closed is about 0.15 MPa (point PP4 in FIG. 8). In that case, when there is no abnormality such as clogging in the channel of the endoscope 100, the detection value P2 of the pressure sensor 209 is about 0.1 MPa (point PP5 in FIG. 8). Therefore, even if the detected value P2 of the pressure sensor 209 is normal, it is outside the range of the upper and lower thresholds (0.16 MPa, 0.11 MPa) at the initial time, and therefore, such as an abnormality such as disconnection of the connecting tube It will be judged.

  On the other hand, as described above, the upper and lower thresholds th1 and th2 are changed according to the detection value (cutoff pressure) of the pressure sensor 204 when the channel valve 207 is closed, as shown in FIG. If the lower limit threshold th1 is 0.08 (point PP6 in FIG. 8), it can be determined that there is an abnormality after the threshold becomes less than the threshold th1.

  Although the threshold value table data described above includes a threshold value corresponding to the detection value (deadline pressure) of the pressure sensor 204, a correction value for the initial value of the threshold value may be registered. Depending on the detection value (deadline pressure), the threshold value initially set by the correction value may be corrected.

  As described above, since the threshold value for determining the endoscope line abnormality is changed according to the deterioration of the pump, it is possible to accurately determine the abnormality.

  Instead of changing the threshold value using the threshold value table data as described above, a correction coefficient corresponding to the detected value (cutoff pressure) P1 of the pressure sensor 204 when the channel valve 207 is closed is stored. Alternatively, the threshold value may be changed by multiplying the correction coefficient according to the detected value P1 by the upper and lower threshold values set at the initial stage.

  Further, the difference between the detected value (closing pressure) P1 of the pressure sensor 204 when the channel valve 207 is closed and the detected value P2 of the pressure sensor 209 is calculated, and the difference value or a predetermined coefficient is added to the difference. May be added to the upper and lower thresholds th1 and th2, respectively, to change the upper and lower thresholds th1 and th2. For example, in the above-described example, the detected value (closing pressure) P1 of the pressure sensor 204 when the channel valve 207 at the initial time is closed is 0.2 MPa, and the upper and lower thresholds th1 and th2 are set to 0. It is assumed that when the pressure is set to 16 MPa and 0.11 MPa, the detection value (cutoff pressure) P1 of the pressure sensor 204 becomes 0.15 MPa due to deterioration with time of the pump 201. In this case, the difference value (−0.05 MPa) is added to each threshold value, and the upper threshold value th1 is changed to 0.11 MPa and the lower threshold value th2 is changed to 0.06 MPa.

  Furthermore, in the above-described example, the threshold values th1 and th2 of the endoscope 100, the correction coefficient, and the like are stored in the memory 96 in the endoscopic line disinfection device 1, and the threshold value is changed. There are various types of endoscopes 100. For example, since the channel diameter varies depending on the type of endoscope, threshold data, correction coefficients, and the like are changed according to the type of endoscope. You may do it. By doing so, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1 can accurately determine an abnormality in the endoscope channel according to the type of the endoscope.

  Therefore, when the endoscope 100 described above is provided with an ID tag such as an RFID chip for identifying the type of the endoscope, and the endoscope 100 is set in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, the apparatus body 2. Of the endoscope from an identification signal transmitter such as an ID tag provided on the endoscope 100 so that the endoscope 100 passes in the vicinity of the portion where the wireless ID transmitting / receiving unit 26 is built in The identification signal indicating the type is read. In the memory 96 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 1, table data of threshold values th1 and th2 according to the identification signal, correction coefficients, and the like are stored in advance, and the threshold value is set according to the read identification signal of the endoscope 100. The endoscope abnormality determination process may be used. In this case, in accordance with the identification signal of the endoscope 100, the table data of the threshold value and the data such as the correction coefficient are provided in advance, and the threshold value is changed, and the endoscope channel abnormality determination is performed. In this way, according to the type of the endoscope and even if the pump of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus is deteriorated, it is possible to accurately determine the abnormality of the conduit of the endoscope. .

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately detect abnormality such as clogging of the channel of the endoscope 100 even if the discharge amount decreases due to deterioration of the pump 201 with time.

  In the above-described example, the threshold value is changed based on the detection value of the pressure sensor. However, instead of the pressure sensor, the flow rate sensor is used and the threshold value is changed based on the detection value of the flow sensor. You may make it perform.

  As described above, according to the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately determine an abnormality in the internal conduit of the endoscope even if the pump is deteriorated over time.

1 is a perspective view of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus for explaining a state in which a top cover is opened and an endoscope can be stored in a cleaning / disinfecting tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block configuration diagram of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the process from the washing | cleaning of an endoscope to air supply which an endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus performs. It is a figure for demonstrating the conduit system connected to the port for suction ports, the port for air / water supply / forceps port, and the port for forceps riser port of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. is there. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of the above endoscope channel abnormality determination processes based on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the flow of a process which correct | amends the threshold value used for endoscope duct abnormality determination based on embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the change of the discharge pressure (deadline pressure) accompanying aged deterioration of a pump based on embodiment of this invention, the detected value of a pressure sensor, and the change of the threshold value in an endoscope abnormality determination process. In the embodiment of the present invention, in the discharge pressure (cutoff pressure) change due to aging of the pump, the detection value of the pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the liquid supplied to the port, and the endoscope abnormality determination process It is a graph for demonstrating specifically the change of a threshold value. It is a figure which shows the example of the table data which memorize | stored each detected value of the pressure sensor based on embodiment of this invention, and each threshold value of the upper limit and lower limit according to the detected value.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope cleaning disinfection apparatus, 2 ... Apparatus main body, 3 ... Top cover, 4 ... Cleaning disinfection tank, 22 ... Detergent nozzle, 23 ... Disinfection liquid nozzle, 24. ..Water supply circulation nozzle, 25 ... Operation panel, 26 ... Wireless ID transmission / reception unit, 31 ... Water supply hose connection port, 32 ... Suction port, 33 ... Air / water supply / forceps port Port for forceps riser port, 35 for water leak detection port, 36 for water level sensor, 55 for drain port, 56 for circulation port, 100 for inside Endoscope, 201 ... Pump, 204, 209, 210 ... Pressure sensor, 207 ... Channel valve, 232, 233, 234 ... Connection tube agent Patent attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (5)

An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus for cleaning and disinfecting the internal conduit by supplying fluid into the internal conduit of the endoscope,
Connection means connected to the opening of the internal conduit of the endoscope;
Fluid ejection means for driving the fluid to be ejected to a conduit connected to the connection means for supplying the fluid to the connection means;
Fluid control means for controlling supply and stop of supply of the fluid from the fluid discharge means to the connection means provided in the conduit;
A first pressure for detecting the pressure of the fluid discharged from the fluid discharge means in a state where the fluid discharge means is driven and supply of the fluid to the connection means is stopped by the fluid control means. Detection means;
Second detection means for detecting the pressure of the fluid supplied to the connection means in a state where the fluid discharge means is driven and the fluid is supplied to the connection means by the fluid control means. When,
A determination unit that determines an abnormality when a detection value of the second detection unit is equal to or greater than a first threshold value or equal to or less than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value;
Threshold change means for changing the first and second threshold values to smaller values in accordance with the detection value detected by the first detection means;
An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus characterized by comprising:   When the pressure of the fluid in the pipe line exceeds the predetermined value so that the pressure of the fluid supplied from the fluid discharge means to the connection means does not exceed the predetermined value, the fluid is discharged from the pipe line. 2. The endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid escape means for releasing the fluid.   The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fluid control means is provided between the connection means and a position of the conduit where the fluid escape means is connected. Furthermore, an identification signal receiving unit that receives an identification signal indicating the type of the endoscope to be cleaned and disinfected,
The said threshold value change means changes the said 1st or said 2nd threshold value based on the said identification signal received by the said identification signal receiving part, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Endoscope cleaning and disinfection device. An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting method for cleaning and disinfecting the internal conduit by supplying fluid into the internal conduit of the endoscope,
Connected to the connection means connected to the opening of the internal pipe line of the endoscope via the pipe line in a state where the fluid discharge means is driven, and the fluid discharge means from the fluid discharge means Detecting the pressure of the predetermined fluid supplied to the connection means in a state where the fluid is supplied by the fluid control means for controlling supply of fluid to the connection means and stop of supply;
According to the pressure of the fluid discharged from the fluid discharge means detected in a state where the fluid discharge means is driven and the supply of the fluid to the connection means is stopped by the fluid control means, Changing the first threshold and the second threshold smaller than the first threshold to a smaller value;
Determining that the pressure of the fluid supplied to the connection means is abnormal when the pressure is equal to or higher than the first threshold or equal to or lower than the second threshold;
An endoscope cleaning and disinfecting method comprising:

Images