JP6415887B2 - Endoscope leak tester and endoscope reprocessing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope leak tester and an endoscope reprocessing apparatus for detecting an endoscope leak that requires airtightness.

  For example, since an endoscope is a medical device to be reused, reprocessing such as cleaning and disinfection is indispensable. At this time, if the endoscope has a pinhole or loose connection, liquid such as water or disinfectant may enter the endoscope and adversely affect the electrical system such as optical fiber or CCD. . In order to prevent this from happening, the endoscope needs to perform a leak test before reprocessing. As a leak tester for performing a leak test of such an endoscope, for example, Patent Document 1 is cited.

JP 2001-245839 A

  By the way, when determining the leak of the waterproof structure part of the endoscope as described above based on the pressure change of the endoscope waterproof structure part, if there is a difference between the endoscope waterproof structure part and the ambient temperature, There is a risk that the inspection may not be performed because the pressure changes with or without leakage due to a change in temperature. For example, if a leak test is performed in a cold environment immediately after an endoscopy, the pressure drops rapidly due to the temperature drop of the endoscope, and the amount of leak to be detected is It may be larger than the leak amount, and there is a possibility that the inspection cannot be performed correctly. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the temperature of the endoscope and correct the temperature to eliminate the influence of temperature and perform a leak test with high accuracy. However, it is not possible to provide a temperature sensor in the endoscope. There is a problem that may lead to an increase in size and complexity of the endoscope.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to accurately perform a leak test of an existing endoscope without adding a temperature sensor to the endoscope and causing an increase in size and complexity of the endoscope. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope leak tester and an endoscope reprocessing apparatus that can perform the above-described operation.

An endoscope leak tester according to an aspect of the present invention is connected to an endoscope connecting portion that is connectable to an endoscope base that communicates with the inside of an endoscope, and the endoscope connecting portion. a gas suction portion for sucking the internal gas of the endoscope through the endoscope connecting portion, communicates with the endoscope connection portion, the temperature of the gas inside of the endoscope sucked by the gas suction unit A first temperature measuring unit for measuring the temperature, a second temperature measuring unit for detecting the outside air temperature, and the endoscope connecting unit, and the inside of the endoscope through the endoscope connecting unit. a gas introduction unit for introducing a gas, a pressure detecting portion for detecting a pressure change in the inside of the endoscope, wherein connected to the pressure detection unit, the detection result of the pressure change by the pressure sensing unit and a predetermined leakage and leakage determination unit for determining leakage of the endoscope a decision threshold based on the Temperature measuring unit 1, with respect to the second is connected to a temperature measuring unit and the leakage determination unit, the first outside air temperature detected by the second temperature measuring unit of the measuring temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit And a controller that changes the leak determination threshold according to the temperature deviation .

  An endoscope reprocessing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes the endoscope leak tester described above, a tank-type cleaning / disinfecting tank that stores the endoscope, and the cleaning / disinfecting tank that is stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank. A hygiene unit for sanitizing the endoscope, and a leak test using the endoscope leak tester can be performed on the endoscope housed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

  According to the endoscope leak tester and the endoscope reprocessing apparatus according to the present invention, a current sensor leaks without adding a temperature sensor to the endoscope and causing an increase in size and complexity of the endoscope. The test can be performed with high accuracy.

1 is an overall configuration explanatory diagram of an endoscope leak tester according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. It is a flowchart of the endoscope leak test whole by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the leak judgment process by the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a whole block explanatory drawing of the leak tester for endoscopes by the 2nd embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the endoscope leak test whole by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the leak judgment process by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a whole block explanatory view of the leak tester for endoscopes by a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the whole endoscope leak test by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the leak judgment process by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a whole block explanatory view of the leak tester for endoscopes by a 4th embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the whole endoscope leak test by the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing of the structure of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus by 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a leak tester. The leak tester 1 includes an air pump 11, a pipe 13 having one end connected to the air pump 11, and the other end connected to a connector 12 as an endoscope connecting portion that can be connected to the cap 2 a of the endoscope 2, and open / close The main conduit valve 14, the openable / closable exhaust conduit valve 15, the gauge pressure sensor 16, the conduit temperature sensor 17, the outside air temperature sensor 18, and the control unit 19 are mainly configured.

  The air pump 11 is composed of, for example, a known diaphragm pump, and is configured such that the suction port and the discharge port can be changed (the suction port and the discharge port can be reversed) by controlling a built-in control valve (not shown). . For this reason, the air pump 11 can freely suck the gas from the endoscope 2 connected to the connector 12 when sucking the gas from the pipe 13. Conversely, the air pump 11 is configured to be able to introduce and pressurize the gas into the endoscope 2 connected to the connector 12 when discharging the gas into the pipe 13. Thus, the air pump 11 is provided as a gas suction part and a gas introduction part.

  A pipe valve 14 is provided in the middle of the pipe 13. By controlling the opening and closing of the pipe valve 14, the pipe 13 has an upstream (air pump 11) side and a downstream (connector 12) side. The connection and disconnection control can be freely performed.

  The upstream side of the pipe line valve 14 of the pipe 13 is branched and an exhaust pipe line 20 for exhausting the pipe 13 is provided. The exhaust pipe line 15 is provided with an exhaust pipe valve 15. In addition, by controlling the opening and closing of the exhaust pipe valve 15, the exhaust and sealing of the pipe 13 can be controlled.

  The gauge pressure sensor 16 is provided on the downstream side of the pipe valve 14, and, as will be described later, when performing a leak test of the endoscope 2, the pipe pressure of the pipe 13 is closed after the pipe valve 14 is closed. It is provided as a pressure detector that measures the pressure in the downstream side of the valve 14 and detects this pressure change ΔP as a pressure change in the endoscope 2.

  The pipe temperature sensor 17 is provided on the downstream side of the pipe valve 14, and the temperature (pipe temperature) Tp of the gas from the endoscope 2 sucked to the downstream side of the pipe valve 14 by the air pump 11 is used for the endoscope 2. It is provided as a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of the internal gas.

  The atmospheric temperature sensor 18 is a temperature sensor that detects an external atmospheric temperature (outside air temperature) TA.

  In the configuration as described above, the control unit 19 opens the pipe valve 14, closes the exhaust pipe valve 15, and when the endoscope 2 is connected to the connector 12, the endoscope is operated by the air pump 11. Air is sucked from 2, the pipe temperature sensor 17 detects the pipe temperature Tp, and the atmospheric temperature sensor 18 detects the outside air temperature TA. Then, a temperature deviation ΔT of the pipe temperature Tp with respect to the outside air temperature TA is calculated, and when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value Tmax, the air pump 11 enters the endoscope 2. Air is repeatedly introduced and aspirated and waits until it becomes smaller than the threshold value Tmax. On the other hand, when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is smaller than a preset threshold value Tmax, a leak judgment threshold value Dp is set according to the temperature deviation ΔT, and the leak judgment threshold value Dp is used to leak. Run the test. Thus, the control unit 19 also has a function as a leak determination unit.

  The overall control of the endoscope leak test executed by the control unit 19 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 101, the control unit 19 opens the pipe valve 14 and closes the exhaust pipe valve 15.

  Next, the process proceeds to S <b> 102, and the operator connects the endoscope 2 to the connector 12 of the leak tester 1.

  Next, it progresses to S103 and the control part 19 operates the air pump 11, and attracts | sucks the internal air from the endoscope 2 for the preset time. Thereby, the air existing in the endoscope 2 is filled in the pipe 13.

  Next, the process proceeds to S <b> 104, and the control unit 19 detects the pipe temperature Tp with the pipe temperature sensor 17.

  Next, proceeding to S105, the control unit 19 detects the external ambient temperature (outside air temperature) TA with the atmospheric temperature sensor 18.

  Next, in S106, the control unit 19 calculates a temperature deviation ΔT with respect to the outside air temperature TA of the pipe line temperature Tp. That is, ΔT = Tp−TA.

  In step S107, the control unit 19 compares the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation with a threshold value Tmax set in advance by experiment, calculation, or the like, and the absolute value | ΔT | When it is smaller than Tmax (when | ΔT | <Tmax), the process proceeds to S108, and the control unit 19 sets the leak determination threshold value Dp according to the temperature deviation ΔT. The leak determination threshold value Dp is set, for example, by setting the leak determination threshold value Dp set in advance through experiments, calculations, etc., as the temperature deviation ΔT becomes larger within a range of values smaller than the threshold value Tmax. Correct to a larger value.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to S109, where the control unit 19 executes a leak test (leak determination process) described in the flowchart of FIG. 3 to be described later, proceeds to S110, and opens all the control valves 14, 15 of the leak tester 1. To complete the leak test.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 19 determines that the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or greater than the threshold Tmax (| ΔT | ≧ Tmax) in S107 described above, the process proceeds to S111, where the control unit 19 By alternately reversing the discharge and the suction, the introduction of air into the endoscope 2 and the suction of air from the endoscope 2 are alternately repeated a set number of times. By repeating this suction and introduction, the temperature in the endoscope 2 is brought close to the outside air temperature TA.

  After S111, the processing from S104 is repeated.

  Next, the leak determination process executed in S109 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in S201, the control unit 19 executes a pressurization / balance process. This pressurization / balance process is performed until the pressure in the endoscope 2 and the pipe 13 is pressurized to a preset pressure and the pressure distribution in the endoscope 2 and the pipe 13 becomes uniform. It is a process to earn time.

  Next, proceeding to S202, the control unit 19 determines whether or not the pressurization / balance process has been completed. If the pressurization / balance process has not been completed, the control unit 19 continues the pressurization / balance process. The process proceeds to S203.

  When the pressurization / balance process ends and the process proceeds to S203, the control unit 19 closes the pipe line valve 14.

  Next, in S204, the control unit 19 observes the pressure from the gauge pressure sensor 16 and detects the pressure change ΔP inside the endoscope 2.

  In step S205, the control unit 19 reads the leak determination threshold value Dp set in step S108.

  Next, in S206, the control unit 19 compares the pressure change ΔP with the leak determination threshold value Dp. For example, if the pressure change ΔP is within the leak determination threshold value Dp, the endoscope 2 has no leak. Judge (normal). Conversely, when the pressure change ΔP exceeds the leak determination threshold Dp, the endoscope 2 determines that there is a leak (abnormal).

  In step S207, the control unit 19 displays the leak determination result (no leak or leak) in step S206 on a display unit (not shown) and ends the leak determination process.

Thus, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 19 sucks air from the endoscope 2 with the air pump 11, detects the pipe temperature Tp with the pipe temperature sensor 17, and the atmospheric temperature The sensor 18 detects the outside air temperature TA. Then, a temperature deviation ΔT of the pipe temperature Tp with respect to the outside air temperature TA is calculated, and when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value Tmax, the air pump 11 enters the endoscope 2. Air is repeatedly introduced and aspirated and waits until it becomes smaller than the threshold value Tmax. On the other hand, when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is smaller than a preset threshold value Tmax, the pipe temperature Tp is set according to the temperature deviation ΔT, and a leak test is performed using the leak judgment threshold value Dp. Execute. That is, the temperature of the endoscope 2 is estimated based on the temperature of air in the endoscope 2 sucked by the air pump 11 (pipeline temperature Tp), and based on this temperature Tp, it is determined whether to perform a leak test or not. Alternatively, the leak test is executed with the leak determination threshold value Dp appropriately set. For this reason, it is possible to accurately perform a leak test of the current endoscope 2 without adding a temperature sensor to the endoscope 2 and causing an increase in size and complexity of the endoscope 2.
(Second embodiment)
Next, FIGS. 4 to 6 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In the second embodiment, the pipe valve 14 in the first embodiment is divided into two parts, and the pressure and temperature of the pipe line between these pipe valves can be measured. Unlike the embodiment, the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 4, reference numeral 30 denotes a leak tester according to the second embodiment. The leak tester 30 includes an air pump 11, a pipe 13 having one end connected to the air pump 11, and the other end connected to a connector 12 as an endoscope connecting portion that can be connected to the base 2 a of the endoscope 2, and an open / close A first pipe valve 31 that can be freely opened, a second pipe valve 32 that can be opened and closed, an exhaust pipe valve 15 that can be opened and closed, a gauge pressure sensor 16, a pipe temperature sensor 17, and an outside air temperature sensor 18. The controller 33 is mainly configured.

  In the middle of the pipe 13, a first pipe valve 31 is provided on the air pump 11 side, and a second pipe valve 32 is provided on the endoscope 2 side. Then, by controlling the opening and closing of the first pipe valve 31, communication between the pipe on the air pump 11 side of the first pipe valve 31 of the pipe 13 and the pipe on the second pipe valve side can be controlled. ing. In addition, by controlling the opening and closing of the second conduit valve 32, communication disconnection control between the conduit on the first conduit valve 31 side of the second conduit valve 32 of the pipe 13 and the conduit on the endoscope 2 side is performed. It is free.

  Further, the upstream side of the first pipe valve 31 of the pipe 13 is branched, and an exhaust pipe 20 for exhausting the pipe 13 is provided. The exhaust pipe 20 is provided with an exhaust pipe valve 15. The exhaust pipe valve 15 is controlled to open and close so that the exhaust and sealing of the pipe 13 can be controlled.

  The gauge pressure sensor 16 is provided between the first pipeline valve 31 and the second pipeline valve 32, and closes the first pipeline valve 31 when performing a leak test of the endoscope 2, as will be described later. After the valve state and the second pipeline valve 32 are opened, the pressure inside the first pipeline valve 31 is measured, and this pressure change ΔP is detected as a pressure change inside the endoscope 2.

  The pipe temperature sensor 17 is provided between the first pipe valve 31 and the second pipe valve 32, and is an endoscope that is sucked between the first pipe valve 31 and the second pipe valve 32 by the air pump 11. The gas temperature (pipe temperature) Tp from the mirror 2 is measured as the gas temperature inside the endoscope 2.

  In the configuration as described above, the control unit 33 opens the first pipe valve 31 and the second pipe valve 32, closes the exhaust pipe valve 15, and the endoscope 2 is connected to the connector 12. Then, the air pump 11 sucks / introduces air from the endoscope 2 a set number of times, closes the first conduit valve 31 and the second conduit valve 32, and closes the first conduit valve 31 and the second conduit. The temperature of the air between the valves 32 is stabilized. Thereafter, the pipe temperature sensor 17 detects the pipe temperature Tp, and the atmospheric temperature sensor 18 detects the outside air temperature TA. Then, a temperature deviation ΔT of the pipe temperature Tp with respect to the outside air temperature TA is calculated, and when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or larger than a preset threshold value Tmax, the first pipe valve 31 and the second pipe valve Tp. The pipeline valve 32 is opened, air is sucked and introduced from the endoscope 2 a set number of times by the air pump 11, and this is repeated and waits until it becomes smaller than the threshold value Tmax. On the other hand, when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is smaller than a preset threshold value Tmax, a leak judgment threshold value Dp is set according to the temperature deviation ΔT, and the leak judgment threshold value Dp is used to leak. Run the test.

  Hereinafter, control of the entire endoscope leak test executed by the control unit 33 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in S301, the control unit 33 opens the first pipeline valve 31 and the second pipeline valve 32, and closes the exhaust pipeline valve 15.

  Next, in S <b> 302, the operator connects the endoscope 2 to the connector 12 of the leak tester 30.

  Next, in S303, the control unit 33 operates the air pump 11, sucks air from the endoscope 2 for a preset time, and draws the air inside the endoscope 2 to the first pipe valve. Guided between 31 and the second pipe valve 32.

  Next, in S304, the control unit 33 closes the first pipeline valve 31 and the second pipeline valve 32.

  Next, the process proceeds to S <b> 305, and the control unit 33 detects the pipe temperature Tp with the pipe temperature sensor 17.

  Next, the process proceeds to S <b> 306, and the control unit 33 detects an external atmospheric temperature (outside air temperature) TA by the atmospheric temperature sensor 18.

  Next, in S307, the control unit 33 calculates a temperature deviation ΔT with respect to the outside air temperature TA of the pipe line temperature Tp. That is, ΔT = Tp−TA.

  In step S308, the control unit 33 compares the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation with a threshold value Tmax set in advance by experiment, calculation, or the like, and the absolute value | ΔT | When it is smaller than Tmax (when | ΔT | <Tmax), the process proceeds to S309, and the control unit 33 sets the leak determination threshold value Dp according to the temperature deviation ΔT. The leak determination threshold value Dp is set, for example, by setting the leak determination threshold value Dp set in advance through experiments, calculations, etc., as the temperature deviation ΔT becomes larger within a range of values smaller than the threshold value Tmax. Correct to a larger value.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to S310, and the control unit 33 executes a leak test (leak determination process) described in the flowchart of FIG. 6 to be described later, and proceeds to S311 to open all the control valves 15, 31, 32 of the leak tester 30. And end the leak test.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 33 determines that the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or greater than the threshold value Tmax (| ΔT | ≧ Tmax) in S308 described above, the process proceeds to S312 and the control unit 33 performs the first pipe operation. The road valve 31 and the second pipe valve 32 are opened.

  In step S313, the control unit 33 alternately reverses the discharge and suction of the air pump 11, and alternately introduces air into the endoscope 2 and sucks air from the endoscope 2. Repeat a set number of times. By repeating this suction and introduction, the temperature in the endoscope 2 is brought close to the outside air temperature TA.

  After S313, the processing from S304 is repeated.

  Next, the leak determination process executed in S310 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in S401, the control unit 33 opens the first pipeline valve 31 and the second pipeline valve 32.

  Next, in S402, the control unit 33 executes a pressurizing / balance process. This pressurization / balance process is performed until the pressure in the endoscope 2 and the pipe 13 is pressurized to a preset pressure and the pressure distribution in the endoscope 2 and the pipe 13 becomes uniform. It is a process to earn time.

  Next, proceeding to S403, the control unit 33 determines whether or not the pressurization / balance process has been completed. If the pressurization / balance process has not been completed, the control unit 33 continues the pressurization / balance process. The process proceeds to S404.

  When the pressurization / balance process ends and the process proceeds to S <b> 404, the control unit 33 closes the first pipeline valve 31.

  Next, in S405, the control unit 33 observes the pressure from the gauge pressure sensor 16 and detects the pressure change ΔP inside the endoscope 2.

  In step S406, the control unit 33 reads the leak determination threshold value Dp set in step S309.

  Next, the process proceeds to S407, and the control unit 33 compares the pressure change ΔP and the leak determination threshold value Dp. For example, if the pressure change ΔP is within the leak determination threshold value Dp, the endoscope 2 has no leak. Judge (normal). Conversely, when the pressure change ΔP exceeds the leak determination threshold Dp, the endoscope 2 determines that there is a leak (abnormal).

  In step S408, the control unit 33 displays the leak determination result (no leak or leak) in step S407 on a display unit (not shown) and ends the leak determination process.

As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, since the two conduit valves 31 and 32 are provided in the conduit 13 that sucks and introduces air from the endoscope 2, The air temperature can be detected stably. For this reason, since the temperature of the endoscope 2 is accurately and stably estimated, in addition to the effect described in the first embodiment, a leak test is further performed based on the temperature Tp detected stably with high accuracy. There is an effect that it is possible to execute execution and non-execution, or to execute a leak test with the leak determination threshold value Dp set appropriately and accurately.
(Third embodiment)
Next, FIGS. 7 to 9 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In this third embodiment, the pipe 13 communicating with the endoscope 2 is branched into two, an air introduction pump and an open / close valve for the endoscope 2 are provided in one pipe, and the other pipe Unlike the first embodiment, the other configuration is the same as the first embodiment in that a suction pump for the air from the endoscope 2 and an on-off valve are provided. The description is omitted.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 40 denotes a leak tester according to the third embodiment. The leak tester 40 has a pipe 13 connected at one end to a connector 12 as an endoscope connecting portion that can be connected to the cap 2a of the endoscope 2, a pipe valve 14 that can be opened and closed, and an exhaust pipe that can be opened and closed. It has a valve 15, a gauge pressure sensor 16, a pipe line temperature sensor 17, an outside air temperature sensor 18, and a control unit 47. The other end of the pipe 13 is branched into a pipe 41 and a pipe 42. The pipe 41 is provided with an introduction pump 45 and an introduction pump valve 43 that is controlled to open and close so that the connection of the pipe to the introduction pump 45 can be cut off. Further, a suction pump valve 44 is provided on the pipe 42 so as to be controlled to open and close so that the connection of the pipe to the suction pump 46 and the suction pump 46 can be cut off.

  The introduction pump 45 is constituted by, for example, a well-known diaphragm pump, and when the introduction pump 45 is operated, the introduction pump valve 43 is opened, and air is supplied from the end of the pipe 41 to the pipe 13. It is introduced into the endoscope 2 through the inside. When the introduction pump 45 is operated, the suction pump valve 44 is closed and the suction pump 46 is also controlled to be stopped. That is, the introduction pump 45 is provided as a gas introduction part.

  Further, the suction pump 46 is constituted by, for example, a well-known diaphragm pump. When the suction pump 46 is operated, the suction pump valve 44 is opened, and the air in the endoscope 2 is discharged. The air in the endoscope 2 sucked through the pipe 13 and sucked into the atmosphere from the end of the pipe 42 can be discharged. When the suction pump 46 is operated, the introduction pump valve 43 is closed and the introduction pump 45 is also controlled to be stopped. That is, the suction pump 46 is provided as a gas suction unit.

  The aforementioned openable / closable pipe valve 14, openable / closable exhaust pipe valve 15, gauge pressure sensor 16, and pipe temperature sensor 17 replace the air pump 11 of the first embodiment with branch pipes 41 and 42. , Provided in substantially the same part as the part described in the first embodiment.

  In the configuration as described above, the control unit 47 closes the suction pump valve 44, the introduction pump valve 43, and the exhaust pipe valve 15, opens the pipe valve 14, and the endoscope 2 is connected to the connector 12. Then, the suction pump valve 44 is opened and the suction pump 46 is operated to suck air from the endoscope 2 for a set time. Thereafter, the pipe temperature sensor 17 detects the pipe temperature Tp, the atmospheric temperature sensor 18 detects the outside air temperature TA, calculates the temperature deviation ΔT of the pipe temperature Tp with respect to the outside air temperature TA, and the absolute value of the temperature deviation. | ΔT | is compared with a preset threshold value Tmax. If the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or larger than a preset threshold value Tmax, the suction pump valve 44 is closed / the suction pump 44 is stopped / the introduction pump valve 43 is opened / the introduction pump 45 is activated and introduced. The pump valve 43 is closed / the introduction pump 45 is stopped / the suction pump valve 44 is opened / the suction pump 44 is operated alternately for a set number of times, and air is introduced into and sucked into the endoscope 2 by the air pump 11 from the threshold Tmax. Wait until it becomes smaller. On the other hand, when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is smaller than a preset threshold value Tmax, the suction pump 44 is stopped, the suction pump valve 44 is closed, and a leak judgment is made according to the temperature deviation ΔT. A threshold value Dp is set, and a leak test is executed using the leak judgment threshold value Dp.

  Hereinafter, the overall control of the endoscope leak test executed by the control unit 47 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in S501, the control unit 47 closes the suction pump valve 44, the introduction pump valve 43, and the exhaust pipe valve 15, and opens the pipe valve 14.

  Next, in S502, the operator connects the endoscope 2 to the connector 12 of the leak tester 40.

  Next, in S503, the control unit 47 opens the suction pump valve 44.

  Next, in S504, the controller 47 operates the suction pump 46 to suck air from the endoscope 2 for a set time.

  Next, the process proceeds to S <b> 505, and the control unit 47 detects the pipe temperature Tp with the pipe temperature sensor 17.

  In step S506, the control unit 47 detects the external atmospheric temperature (outside air temperature) TA using the atmospheric temperature sensor 18.

  Next, the processing proceeds to S507, where the control unit 47 calculates a temperature deviation ΔT with respect to the outside temperature TA of the pipe line temperature Tp. That is, ΔT = Tp−TA.

  In step S508, the control unit 47 compares the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation with a threshold value Tmax set in advance by experiment, calculation, or the like, and the absolute value | ΔT | When it is smaller than Tmax (when | ΔT | <Tmax), the process proceeds to S509.

  When proceeding to S509, the controller 47 stops the suction pump 46, and thereafter proceeds to S510 to close the suction pump valve 44.

  Next, the processing proceeds to S511, where the control unit 47 sets a leak determination threshold value Dp according to the temperature deviation ΔT. The leak determination threshold value Dp is set, for example, by setting the leak determination threshold value Dp set in advance through experiments, calculations, etc., as the temperature deviation ΔT becomes larger within a range of values smaller than the threshold value Tmax. Correct to a larger value.

  Next, the process proceeds to S512, where the control unit 47 executes a leak test (leak determination process) described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9 to be described later, and proceeds to S513, where all the control valves 14, 15, 43, 44 of the leak tester 40 are processed. To complete the leak test.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 47 determines in S508 that the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or greater than the threshold Tmax (| ΔT | ≧ Tmax), the process proceeds to S514, where the control unit 47 44 valve closing / suction pump 44 stop / introduction pump valve 43 open / introduction pump 45 operation and introduction pump valve 43 close valve / introduction pump 45 stop / suction pump valve 44 open / suction pump 44 operation alternately set times The air pump 11 repeatedly introduces and sucks air into the endoscope 2. By repeating this suction and introduction, the temperature in the endoscope 2 is brought close to the outside air temperature TA.

  After S514, the processing from S505 is repeated.

  Next, the leak determination process executed in S512 described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in S <b> 601, the control unit 47 opens the introduction pump valve 43.

  Next, in S602, the control unit 47 activates the introduction pump 45 in a predetermined manner and executes a pressurization / balance process. This pressurization / balance process is performed until the pressure in the endoscope 2 and the pipe 13 is pressurized to a preset pressure and the pressure distribution in the endoscope 2 and the pipe 13 becomes uniform. It is a process to earn time.

  Next, proceeding to S603, the control unit 47 determines whether or not the pressurization / balance process has been completed. If the pressurization / balance process has not been completed, the control unit 47 continues the pressurization / balance process. , The process proceeds to S604.

  When the pressurization / balance process ends and the process proceeds to S604, the control unit 47 closes the conduit valve 14.

  Next, in S605, the control unit 47 observes the pressure from the gauge pressure sensor 16 and detects the pressure change ΔP inside the endoscope 2.

  In step S606, the control unit 47 reads the leak determination threshold value Dp set in step S511.

  Next, in S607, the control unit 47 compares the pressure change ΔP and the leak determination threshold value Dp. For example, if the pressure change ΔP is within the leak determination threshold value Dp, the endoscope 2 has no leak. Judge (normal). Conversely, when the pressure change ΔP exceeds the leak determination threshold Dp, the endoscope 2 determines that there is a leak (abnormal).

  In step S608, the control unit 47 displays the leak determination result (no leak or leak) in step S607 on a display unit (not shown) and ends the leak determination process.

As described above, according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the pipe 13 connected to the endoscope 2 is branched into the pipe 41 and the pipe 42, and the pipe 41 is introduced into the endoscope 2. While the pump 45 and the introduction pump valve 43 are provided, the piping 42 is provided with the suction pump 46 and the suction pump valve 44 from the endoscope 2. For this reason, the end portion of the pipe 41 serving as the air suction port into the endoscope 2 and the end portion of the pipe 42 serving as the air discharge port from the endoscope 2 are disposed apart from each other. Can do. As a result, it becomes possible to quickly converge the temperature of the endoscope 2 to the temperature of the measurement temperature environment by introducing / suctioning air into the endoscope 2, and in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, more efficient. It is possible to perform a highly accurate leak test.
(Fourth embodiment)
Next, FIGS. 10 and 11 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, an endoscope information reading unit capable of reading the information of the connected endoscope is added to the leak tester of the first embodiment, so that the capacity of the connected endoscope and the leak determination threshold value are added. The configuration in which the leak test can be performed by reading is different from the first embodiment, and the other configurations are the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  That is, in FIG. 10, reference numeral 50 denotes a leak tester according to the fourth embodiment. The leak tester 50 includes an air pump 11, a pipe 13 having one end connected to the air pump 11, and the other end connected to a connector 12 as an endoscope connecting portion that can be connected to the cap 2 a of the endoscope 2, and an open / close A flexible pipe valve 14, an openable / closable exhaust pipe valve 15, a gauge pressure sensor 16, a pipe temperature sensor 17, an outside air temperature sensor 18, and a built-in (or externally attached) endoscope 2. The endoscope information reading unit 51 and the control unit 52, which can freely read information related to the endoscope 2 from an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag 2b or the like, are mainly configured.

  The endoscope information reading unit 51 reads, for example, the model name, serial number, capacity, leak determination threshold value Dp, and the like of the endoscope 2 connected to the connector 12 as endoscope information from the above-described RFID tag 2b. It consists of an RFID reader or the like.

  In the configuration as described above, the control unit 52 reads the endoscope information (capacity, leak determination threshold value Dp) by the endoscope information reading unit 51, and based on the read capacity of the endoscope 2, the air pump Optimum conditions (air suction time, air introduction time) for operating 11 are set in advance. Then, the controller 52 opens the conduit valve 14, closes the exhaust conduit valve 15, and sucks air from the endoscope 2 with the air pump 11 when the endoscope 2 is connected to the connector 12. Then, the pipe temperature sensor 17 detects the pipe temperature Tp, and the atmospheric temperature sensor 18 detects the outside air temperature TA. Then, a temperature deviation ΔT of the pipe temperature Tp with respect to the outside air temperature TA is calculated, and when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value Tmax, the air pump 11 enters the endoscope 2. Air is repeatedly introduced and aspirated based on the conditions set in accordance with the capacity of the endoscope 2, and waits until it becomes smaller than the threshold value Tmax. On the other hand, when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is smaller than the preset threshold value Tmax, the leak judgment threshold value Dp read by the RFID tag 2b is set according to the temperature deviation ΔT, and this leak judgment value is set. A leak test is executed using the threshold value Dp.

  The overall control of the endoscope leak test executed by the control unit 19 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 701, the control unit 52 reads the capacity of the endoscope 2 and the leak determination threshold value Dp as endoscope information by the endoscope information reading unit 51.

  Next, the process proceeds to S702, and the control unit 52 sets an optimal condition for operating the air pump 11 based on the volume information of the endoscope 2 read in S701.

  Next, in S703, the control unit 52 opens the pipe valve 14 and closes the exhaust pipe valve 15.

  Next, in S <b> 704, the operator connects the endoscope 2 to the connector 12 of the leak tester 50.

  Next, proceeding to S705, the control unit 52 operates the air pump 11 to suck the internal air from the endoscope 2 for a preset time. Thereby, the air existing in the endoscope 2 is filled in the pipe 13.

  Next, the process proceeds to S <b> 706, and the control unit 52 detects the pipe temperature Tp with the pipe temperature sensor 17.

  In step S707, the control unit 52 detects the external atmospheric temperature (outside air temperature) TA using the atmospheric temperature sensor 18.

  Next, in S708, the control unit 52 calculates a temperature deviation ΔT with respect to the outside air temperature TA of the pipe line temperature Tp. That is, ΔT = Tp−TA.

  In step S709, the control unit 52 compares the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation with a threshold value Tmax set in advance by experiment, calculation, or the like, and the absolute value | ΔT | When it is smaller than Tmax (when | ΔT | <Tmax), the process proceeds to S710, and the control unit 52 sets the leak determination threshold value Dp according to the temperature deviation ΔT. The leak determination threshold value Dp is set, for example, in the range of a value smaller than the threshold value Tmax, as the temperature deviation ΔT becomes a larger value, the leak determination value set in advance by experiment, calculation, etc. read in S701. The use threshold Dp is corrected to a large value.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to S711, where the control unit 52 executes the leak test (leak determination process) described in the flowchart of FIG. 3 described above, and proceeds to S712 to open all the control valves 14, 15 of the leak tester 50. To complete the leak test.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 52 determines in S709 that the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or greater than the threshold Tmax (| ΔT | ≧ Tmax), the process proceeds to S713. Then, the control unit 52 performs the reverse rotation of the discharge and suction of the air pump 11 based on the optimum conditions (air suction time, air introduction time) set in S702 to operate the air pump 11. The introduction of air into the endoscope 2 and the suction of air from the endoscope 2 are alternately repeated a set number of times. By repeating this suction and introduction, the temperature in the endoscope 2 is brought close to the outside air temperature TA.

  After S713, the processing from S706 is repeated.

Thus, according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when performing a leak test, the capacity of the endoscope 2 is read, an appropriate operating time of the air pump 11 is set, and suction / introduction is performed. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently operate the air pump 11 and execute the leak test. In addition, since the leak test threshold Dp of the endoscope 2 to be subjected to the leak test is read and the leak test is performed, it can be applied to an endoscope with a new specification, and is versatile. wide. In the fourth embodiment, the endoscope information reading unit 51 reads the capacity of the endoscope 2 and the leak determination threshold value Dp in advance to perform a leak test. Only the model name may be read, and the capacity corresponding to the model name and the leak determination threshold value Dp may be selected from previously stored data and used.
(Fifth embodiment)
Next, FIGS. 12 and 13 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus as an endoscope reprocessing apparatus is provided with a leak tester section having a configuration similar to that of the leak tester described in the first embodiment.

  In FIGS. 12 and 13, reference numeral 100 denotes an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus as an endoscope reprocessing apparatus. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 100 is openable and closable via a hinge 103 on the upper part of the apparatus main body 101. A cover 104 is provided and is mainly configured.

  An upper surface (hereinafter referred to as “main body upper surface”) 101a of the apparatus main body 101 is a tank-type cleaning / disinfecting tank (cleaning) that can be accommodated by placing the endoscope 2 on the bottom surface 105a for cleaning / disinfecting and leak testing. 105 (also referred to as a tank) is provided. The cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 is opened and closed by opening and closing the cover 104 described above.

  Then, when the endoscope 2 is housed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 of the apparatus main body 101 and the cover 104 is closed and the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 is substantially covered, the latch 107 is engaged with the handle 108 of the cover 104. Then, the cover 104 is closed. The latch 107 is connected to a lock mechanism 106, and by locking the latch 107 with the lock mechanism 106, the cover 104 that is in a closed state is prevented from opening beyond a predetermined width. .

  That is, when the latch 104 is not locked by the lock mechanism 106, the operator operates the handle 108 of the cover 104 or depresses the operation pedal 110 provided at the lower part of the apparatus main body 101. It is possible to open it.

In addition, a start signal for cleaning, disinfection, etc., a release signal for unlocking the latch 107 by the lock mechanism 106, a leak test execution signal by the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 100, and the like are input to the upper surface 101a from the outside. There is provided an operation panel 109 constituted by a touch panel with a display function for displaying an operation state of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 100, an error signal when an abnormality occurs, an execution result of the above-described leak test, and the like. The operation panel 109 may be provided on the side surface of the apparatus main body 101 or the cover 104. Further, the operation panel 109 is provided on the upper surface 101a of the main body by detecting information of the endoscope 2. For example, an RFID reader 203 is provided to detect that 2 is accommodated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105, and from an RFID tag (not shown) incorporated (or externally attached) in the connector portion of the endoscope 2 or the like. Information about the endoscope such as the model name and serial number of the endoscope 2 can be freely read. Note that the RFID reader 203 may be provided at a part other than the upper surface 101a of the main body, and this endoscope information reading system is another system based on barcode reading or input by an operator. This method can also be realized.

  Further, a side door 101b described later is disposed on an arbitrary side surface of the apparatus main body 101. Further, a drain hose 114 for discharging the cleaning liquid, the disinfecting liquid, and the like in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 is connected to the lower part of the apparatus main body 101. Further, the apparatus main body 101 is provided with a water supply connector 115 described later for supplying water into the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105.

  In the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105, a stepped portion 116 is formed so that the edge of the opening portion of the upper surface 101a of the main body extends substantially over the entire circumference. Further, the portion of the inner surface of the cover 104 facing the stepped portion 116 is sealed in a watertight manner along the shape of the stepped portion 116 when the cover 104 is closed. In addition, a packing member 117 is provided for maintaining cushioning when the cover 104 is closed. The cover 104 is formed of a transparent resin, glass material, or the like at the center so that the inside of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 can be seen when the cover 104 is closed.

  Further, at the portion of the main body upper surface 101a facing the lower surface 104a between the handle 108 of the cover 104 and the packing member 117, the contact with the lower surface 104a of the cover 104 is detected, so that the cover 104 is closed. An open / close detection unit 204 is provided for detecting the occurrence of the error.

  Further, a detergent nozzle 111, a disinfecting liquid nozzle 112, and a water supply / circulation nozzle 113, which will be described later, are disposed on the main body upper surface 101a. Each of these nozzles 111, 112, and 113 constitutes a cleaning / disinfecting unit 206 as a sanitary unit that performs sanitization such as rinsing, cleaning, and disinfecting processing of the endoscope 2 in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 100. Hereinafter, the cleaning / disinfecting unit 206 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the apparatus main body 101, a detergent tank 121 for storing a liquid detergent for storing cleaning water, a disinfecting liquid tank 122 for storing a disinfecting liquid diluted to a predetermined concentration, and an alcohol for storing alcohol. A tank 123, a water filter 124 for filtering tap water supplied from the tap, and an air filter 125 are provided. The disinfectant tank 122 is fixed in the apparatus main body 101. Reference numeral 122a denotes a disinfectant drain port, which is normally closed.

  Moreover, the detergent tank 121, the alcohol tank 123, the water filter 124, and the air filter 125 are mounted on the trays 121a and 123a to 125a, respectively. Each tray 121a, 123a to 125a is made to be able to be pulled out to the side by opening the side door 101b (see FIG. 12) of the apparatus main body 101, and replenishes liquids or removes parts. It can be exchanged freely.

  In the present embodiment, when the disinfecting liquid tank 122 is replenished with the disinfecting liquid, for example, the side door 101b of the apparatus main body 101 is opened, and the disinfecting liquid is applied to the bottle connector 126 fixed inside the apparatus. This is done by connecting the filled disinfectant bottle 127.

  At that time, the tap water filtered by the water filter 124 is supplied to the disinfectant tank 122 through the dilution valve 128. Accordingly, the disinfecting liquid tank 122 stores the disinfecting liquid diluted to a predetermined concentration. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the respective trays 121a and 123a to 125a are pulled out.

  As described above, the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 can accommodate the endoscope 2, and a drain port 130 is provided on the bottom surface 105 a. Further, a circulation port 131 is provided on one side surface of the outer peripheral wall surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105. Further, a detergent nozzle 111, a disinfectant liquid nozzle 112, and a water supply / circulation nozzle 113 are provided at corners of the main body upper surface 101a on the side where the water supply connector 115 is provided.

  The detergent nozzle 111 is communicated with the detergent tank 121 via the detergent pump 137, and the disinfecting liquid nozzle 112 is communicated with the disinfecting liquid tank 122 via the chemical liquid pump 138. The water supply / circulation nozzle 113 is selectively connectable to the water filter 124 and the fluid pump 140 via a three-way valve 139.

  In a state where the water supply / circulation nozzle 113 is connected to the water filter 124 side via the three-way valve 139, tap water filtered by the water filter 124 is discharged from the water supply / circulation nozzle 113 to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105.

  On the other hand, in a state where the water supply / circulation nozzle 113 is connected to the fluid pump 140 via the three-way valve 139, the cleaning water or the disinfecting liquid stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 taken from the circulation port 131 is Again, it is discharged into the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 and circulated.

  Although not shown, a high-pressure nozzle is connected between the water supply / circulation nozzle 113 and the three-way valve 139 via a high-pressure pump, and the same liquid (tap water, washing) as the water supply / circulation nozzle 113 is also connected from this high-pressure nozzle. Water) is jetted into the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 at high pressure.

  A water flow is generated in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 by the liquid discharged from the high-pressure nozzle and the water supply / circulation nozzle 113, and the outer surface of the endoscope 2 is cleaned in the cleaning process by the water flow. The washing solution or the disinfecting solution is washed away.

  On the other side surface of the outer peripheral wall surface of the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105, a connector receiving portion 141 that is connected to a base (not shown) provided in the endoscope 2 is provided. One cleaning / disinfecting tube 151a is branched and connected to the connector receiving portion 141, and this cleaning / disinfecting tube 151a communicates with the discharge port of the channel block 152 formed of a four-way valve.

  A circulation port 131, an alcohol tank 123, and a compressor 154 are communicated with each of the three branched inlets of the channel block 152. A channel pump 153 that sucks fluid (tap water, washing water, disinfectant) from the circulation port 131 is interposed between the circulation port 131 and the channel block 152.

  Further, an alcohol valve 155 that opens and closes the flow path and an alcohol pump 145 that sucks alcohol stored in the alcohol tank 123 are interposed between the alcohol tank 123 and the channel block 152. An air filter 125 is interposed between the compressor 154 and the channel block 152.

  By switching the channel block 152 to selectively communicate each inlet with the discharge port, the liquid stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 (tap water, cleaning water, disinfecting liquid) is stored in the endoscope 2. ), Or the alcohol stored in the alcohol tank 123 or the air from the compressor 154 is supplied.

  In addition, an ultrasonic vibrator 159, a suction pipe disinfection connector 160, a cleaning case 161, and the like are provided in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105, and a switching valve 162 is provided in the drain port 130. The ultrasonic vibrator 159 applies ultrasonic vibration to the cleaning water or tap water stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105 to ultrasonically clean or rinse the outer surface of the endoscope 2.

  The water absorption pipe disinfection connector 160 is connected to the disinfection liquid nozzle 112 via a hose or the like, supplies a disinfection liquid to the water supply pipe communicating with the water filter 124, and disinfects the water supply pipe. In addition, the cleaning case 161 accommodates detachable parts attached to the endoscope 2 such as buttons of each scope switch of the endoscope 2 to be cleaned and disinfected together with the endoscope 2. Is.

  Further, the switching valve 162 disposed at the drain port 130 switches the drain channel during drainage. When tap water or cleaning water is stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105, the drain port 130 is connected to the drain hose. The drainage pump 144 is driven to communicate with the side 114, and the water is forcibly drained.

  Further, when the disinfecting liquid is stored in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 105, the drain port 130 is connected to the disinfecting liquid tank 122 side, and the disinfected disinfecting liquid is collected in the disinfecting liquid tank 122. Therefore, the disinfectant is repeatedly used.

  The switching operation of the valves 139, 152, 155, 162 and the operations of the various pumps 137, 138, 140, 153, etc. are controlled by the control unit 163 built in the apparatus main body 101.

  Then, when the operator selects sanitization such as rinsing, cleaning, and disinfection processing of the endoscope 2 by using the operation panel 109, the control unit 163 causes the above-described valves 139, 152, and 155 of the cleaning and disinfection unit 206 to be performed. 162, various pumps 137, 138, 140, 153, etc. are driven in a predetermined manner to sanitize the endoscope 2.

  On the other hand, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 100 is provided with a leak tester unit 207 having a configuration substantially similar to that of the leak tester described in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the description of the leak tester unit 207, the same reference numerals are given to those having the same configuration and function as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The leak tester unit 207 includes an air pump 11, a pipe 13 having one end connected to the air pump 11 and the other end connected to a connector receiver 141 connected to a base (not shown) provided in the endoscope 2, and an openable / closable pipe It has a line valve 14, an openable / closable exhaust pipe valve 15, a gauge pressure sensor 16, a pipe line temperature sensor 17, and an outside air temperature sensor 18. The pipe valve 15, the gauge pressure sensor 16, the pipe temperature sensor 17, and the outside air temperature sensor 18 are mainly configured by being connected to the control circuit 163 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 100.

  When the operator selects the leak test of the endoscope 2 by using the operation panel 109, the control unit 163 operates the leak tester unit 207 as follows.

That is, the control unit 163 opens the pipe valve 14, closes the exhaust pipe valve 15, sucks air from the endoscope 2 with the air pump 11, and sets the pipe temperature Tp with the pipe temperature sensor 17. The ambient temperature TA is detected by the ambient temperature sensor 18. Then, a temperature deviation ΔT of the pipe temperature Tp with respect to the outside air temperature TA is calculated, and when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is equal to or greater than a preset threshold value Tmax, the air pump 11 enters the endoscope 2. Air is repeatedly introduced and aspirated and waits until it becomes smaller than the threshold value Tmax. On the other hand, when the absolute value | ΔT | of the temperature deviation is smaller than a preset threshold value Tmax, the leak determination threshold value Dp is set according to the temperature deviation ΔT. The leak test is executed using the leak judgment threshold Dp set in this way.
Specifically, the inside of the endoscope 2 and the pipe 13 is pressurized to a preset pressure, and the conduit valve 14 is closed. Then, the control unit 163 detects the pressure change ΔP inside the endoscope 2 by observing the pressure from the gauge pressure sensor 16 and compares the pressure change ΔP with the leak determination threshold value Dp, for example, the pressure When the change ΔP is within the leak determination threshold Dp, the endoscope 2 determines that there is no leak (normal). Conversely, when the pressure change ΔP exceeds the leak determination threshold Dp, the endoscope 2 determines that there is a leak (abnormal). Then, the control unit 163 displays the leak determination result (no leak or leak) on the operation panel 109 and ends the leak determination process.

  As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 100 includes the leak tester unit 207 having a configuration substantially similar to that of the leak tester described in the first embodiment. For this reason, when the endoscope 2 is reprocessed, the endoscope 2 can be accommodated in the same apparatus, so that a leak test of the endoscope 2 can be performed. Therefore, the endoscope 2 can be smoothly reprocessed and the reprocessing of the endoscope 2 can be performed efficiently. Further, it is not necessary to prepare a device for leak test and a device for reprocessing separately, and further, it is not necessary to prepare a place for each work. In the fifth embodiment, the endoscope leak tester having the configuration of the first embodiment has been described. However, the endoscope leak tester described in the second, third, and fourth embodiments may be used. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Leak tester 2 Endoscope 2a Base 11 Air pump (gas suction part, gas introduction part)
12 Connector (Endoscope connection)
13 Piping 14 Pipe valve 15 Exhaust pipe valve 16 Gauge pressure sensor (pressure detector)
17 Pipe temperature sensor (temperature measurement unit)
18 Outside temperature sensor 19 Control unit (leak judgment unit)
20 Exhaust pipe 51 Endoscope information reading unit 100 Endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device (Endoscope reprocessing device)
101 apparatus main body 104 cover 105 cleaning / disinfecting tank 206 cleaning / disinfecting section (hygiene section)
207 Leak Tester (Endoscope Leak Tester)
163 control unit

Claims (5)

An endoscope connection section that can be connected to an endoscope base that communicates with the interior of the endoscope;
It communicates with the endoscope connecting portion, and a gas suction portion for sucking the internal gas of the endoscope through the endoscope connection portion,
Communicates with the endoscope connecting portion, a first temperature measuring section for measuring the temperature of the gas inside of the endoscope sucked by the gas suction unit,
A second temperature measuring unit for detecting the outside air temperature;
A gas introduction part that communicates with the endoscope connection part and introduces gas into the endoscope through the endoscope connection part;
A pressure detecting portion for detecting a pressure change in the inside of the endoscope,
A leak determination unit that is connected to the pressure detection unit, and that determines a leak of the endoscope based on a detection result of a pressure change by the pressure detection unit and a predetermined threshold for leak determination;
Outside air detected by the second temperature measurement unit connected to the first temperature measurement unit , the second temperature measurement unit, and the leak determination unit and measured by the first temperature measurement unit. A control unit that changes the leak determination threshold according to a temperature deviation with respect to temperature ;
An endoscope leak tester comprising: The control unit is connected to the gas introduction unit ,
When the absolute value of the temperature deviation of the measured temperature of the first temperature measuring unit with respect to the outside air temperature detected by the second temperature measuring unit is smaller than a preset threshold value, the gas introducing unit is activated. The endoscope leak tester according to claim 1, wherein a pressure change is detected by the pressure detection unit and the leak determination of the endoscope is performed by the leak determination unit. The control unit is connected to the gas suction unit ,
Said while the absolute value of the temperature deviation is greater than or equal to the threshold value set in advance, it actuates the said gas suction part and the gas introduction portion alternately lowering the temperature of the gas inside of the endoscope The endoscope leak tester according to claim 2, An endoscope information reading unit that can freely read the information of the endoscope connected to the endoscope connecting unit;
The endoscope leak tester according to claim 1, wherein the operation of the gas suction unit and the gas introduction unit is executed according to endoscope information recognized by the endoscope information reading unit. The endoscope leak tester according to claim 1,
A tank-type cleaning / disinfecting tank containing the endoscope;
A hygiene unit that sanitizes the endoscope housed in the cleaning and disinfecting tank,
An endoscope reprocessing apparatus characterized in that a leak test by the endoscope leak tester can be performed on the endoscope housed in the cleaning / disinfecting tank.

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