Endoscope reprocessor and fault detection method

An endoscope reprocessor includes a fluid supply section configured to supply a fluid, a fluid supply conduit configured to communicate with the fluid supply section and include an opening open to the atmosphere, a first valve disposed in the fluid supply conduit, a second valve disposed closer to the opening side than the first valve of the fluid supply conduit, a processing tank in which an endoscope is disposed, a first connector and a second connector provided in the processing tank, a first conduit configured to connect a section between the first valve and the fluid supply section and the first connector, a second conduit configured to connect a section between the first valve and the second valve and the second connector, and a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of a section between the first valve and the fluid supply section in the fluid supply conduit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an endoscope reprocessor, a processing tank of which is provided with a plurality of connectors, and a fault detection method.

2. Description of the Related Art

Endoscopes used in a medical field are subjected to reprocessing using a fluid after use such as cleaning processing and disinfecting processing. Furthermore, endoscope reprocessors configured to automatically perform reprocessing on an endoscope are known. An endoscope reprocessor is provided with a processing tank in which an endoscope is disposed and a connector provided in the processing tank connected to an inside of a conduit of the endoscope or the like. The endoscope reprocessor sends a fluid which is a gas or liquid used for reprocessing into the endoscope via the connector.

For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5642907 discloses an endoscope reprocessor provided with a plurality of connectors. The endoscope reprocessor provided with the plurality of connectors includes a plurality of valves to control a fluid to be sent from the individual connectors to the endoscope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An endoscope reprocessor according to an aspect of the present invention includes a fluid supply section configured to supply a fluid, a fluid supply conduit configured to communicate with the fluid supply section and include an opening open to an atmosphere, a first valve disposed in the fluid supply conduit, a second valve disposed closer to the opening side than the first valve of the fluid supply conduit, a processing tank in which an endoscope is disposed, a first connector provided in the processing tank, a second connector provided in the processing tank, a first conduit connected between the first valve and the fluid supply section in the fluid supply conduit and connected to the first connector, a second conduit connected between the first valve and the second valve in the fluid supply conduit and connected to the second connector, and a pressure sensor disposed in the fluid supply section, between the first valve and the fluid supply section in the fluid supply conduit, or in the first conduit.

A fault detection method according to an aspect of the present invention is a valve fault detection method using the endoscope reprocessor, the method including supplying a fluid from the fluid supply section to the fluid supply conduit by outputting a control signal for opening the first valve and the second valve, measuring, using the pressure sensor, a pressure between the first valve and the fluid supply section in the fluid supply conduit or a pressure of the first conduit, comparing the measured pressure with a first reference value and determining a presence or absence of a fault in the first valve or the second valve from the comparison result.

A fault detection method according to an aspect of the present invention is a valve fault detection method using the endoscope reprocessor, the method including supplying a fluid from the fluid supply section to the fluid supply conduit by outputting a control signal for opening the first valve and the second valve and measuring, using the pressure sensor, a first pressure of a pressure between the first valve and the fluid supply section in the fluid supply conduit or a pressure of the first conduit, supplying a fluid from the fluid supply section to the fluid supply conduit by outputting a control signal for opening the first valve and closing the second valve and measuring, using the pressure sensor, a second pressure of a pressure between the first valve and the fluid supply section in the fluid supply conduit or a pressure of the first conduit, comparing a differential pressure between the pressure obtained through the measurement of the first pressure and the pressure obtained through the measurement of the second pressure with a second reference value, and determining a presence or absence of a fault in the first valve or the second valve from the comparison result.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Hereinafter, a preferable embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in the drawings used in the following description, scaling is made to differ from one component to another to illustrate the respective components in size recognizable on the drawings, and the present invention is not limited only to the quantity of the components, shapes of the components, size ratios among the components and relative positional relationships among the components described in the drawings.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. An endoscope reprocessor1shown inFIG. 1is an apparatus that applies reprocessing to an endoscope. The reprocessing referred to here is not particularly limited, but may be any one of rinsing with water, cleaning for removing dirt such as organic matter, disinfection for disabling predetermined microbes, sterilization for removing or annihilating all microbes or a combination among them.

Note that in the following description, “up” refers to a position farther from the ground with respect to a comparison target and “down” refers to a position nearer to the ground with respect to the comparison target. In the following description, “high” and “low” refer to a height relationship along the direction of gravity.

The endoscope reprocessor1is provided with a control section5, a power supply section6, a processing tank2, a fluid supply section31, a fluid supply conduit60, a first valve61, a second valve62, a first connector63, a second connector64and a pressure sensor67.

The control section5can be constructed of a computing apparatus (CPU), a storage apparatus (RAM), an auxiliary storage apparatus, an input/output apparatus, a power control apparatus or the like, and has a configuration in which operations of the respective components making up the endoscope reprocessor1are controlled based on a predetermined program. Operations of the respective components included in the endoscope reprocessor1in the following description are controlled by the control section5even when not particularly described.

The power supply section6supplies power to the respective components of the endoscope reprocessor1. The power supply section6distributes power obtained from outside such as a commercial power supply to the respective components. Note that the power supply section6may also be provided with a power generation apparatus or a battery.

Furthermore, the endoscope reprocessor1is provided with an operation section7and an output section8that constitute a user interface that exchanges information with a user. The operation section7and the output section8are electrically connected to the control section5.

The operation section7includes an operation member such as a push switch or a touch sensor. The output section8includes a display apparatus configured to display, for example, images or characters, a light emitting apparatus configured to emit light, a speaker configured to output sound or a combination among them. Note that the operation section7and the output section8may have a mode in which they are provided for an electronic device configured to wirelessly communicate with the control section5.

The processing tank2has a concave shape with an opening and can store a liquid inside. An endoscope which is not shown can be disposed in the processing tank2. A cover3configured to open/close the opening of the processing tank2is provided at a top of the processing tank2. When the endoscope is subjected to reprocessing in the processing tank2, the opening of the processing tank2is closed with the cover3.

A vent hole3ais provided in the cover3and the inside of the processing tank2is open to the atmospheric pressure even when the processing tank2is closed with the cover3. Note that the vent hole3amay be provided with a filter.

The processing tank2is provided with a disinfecting liquid nozzle12, a cleaning liquid nozzle15, a liquid discharge port11, a circulation port13, a circulation nozzle14, the first connector63and the second connector64.

The disinfecting liquid nozzle12is an opening communicating with a disinfecting liquid reservoir20via a disinfecting liquid conduit26. The disinfecting liquid reservoir20stores a disinfecting liquid. The disinfecting liquid conduit26is provided with a disinfecting liquid pump27. By operating the disinfecting liquid pump27, the disinfecting liquid in the disinfecting liquid reservoir20is transferred into the processing tank2via the disinfecting liquid conduit26and the disinfecting liquid nozzle12. Although the type of the disinfecting liquid stored in the disinfecting liquid reservoir20is not particularly limited, the disinfecting liquid is a peracetic acid as an example in the embodiment.

As an example in the present embodiment, the disinfecting liquid is obtained by diluting a stock liquid of the disinfecting liquid supplied from a bottle18with water at a predetermined ratio. The disinfecting liquid reservoir20of the present embodiment communicates with a bottle connection portion19configured to introduce the stock liquid of the disinfecting liquid supplied from the bottle18into the disinfecting liquid reservoir20and a dilution conduit48configured to introduce dilution water into the disinfecting liquid reservoir20. By connecting the bottle18to the bottle connection portion19, the stock liquid of the disinfecting liquid is introduced into the disinfecting liquid reservoir20. A configuration in which water is introduced from the dilution conduit48into the disinfecting liquid reservoir20will be described later.

Note that the endoscope reprocessor1need not have a configuration in which the disinfecting liquid is diluted with water or the like. When the disinfecting liquid is used by mixing a plurality of types of stock liquids, the bottle connection portion19can be connected to a plurality of bottles18.

As an example in the present embodiment, the disinfecting liquid is reusable when a concentration of the disinfecting liquid is within a predetermined range in which the disinfecting liquid shows medicinal effects. The disinfecting liquid reservoir20also serves as a disinfecting liquid recovery section configured to collect and re-store the disinfecting liquid transferred from the inside of the disinfecting liquid reservoir20to the inside of the processing tank2.

Furthermore, a liquid discharge section28is disposed in the disinfecting liquid reservoir20. The liquid discharge section28discharges a liquid such as the disinfecting liquid or water from the inside of the disinfecting liquid reservoir20. The liquid discharge section28may be configured to discharge the liquid from the inside of the disinfecting liquid reservoir20by gravity or may be also configured to forcibly discharge the liquid from the inside of the disinfecting liquid reservoir20using a pump.

As an example in the present embodiment, the liquid discharge section28includes a drain conduit28aconfigured to communicate with a liquid discharge port20aprovided on a bottom surface or near the bottom surface of the disinfecting liquid reservoir20and a drain valve28bconfigured to open/close the drain conduit28a. The drain valve28bmay be an electromagnetic on-off valve whose opening/closing is controlled by the control section5or a cock which is opened/closed through manual operation by the user.

Note that a route along which the liquid is discharged from the inside of the disinfecting liquid reservoir20is not limited to the drain conduit alone. For example, by starting operation of the disinfecting liquid pump27, the liquid can be discharged from the inside of the disinfecting liquid reservoir20into the processing tank2via the disinfecting liquid conduit26and the disinfecting liquid nozzle12. In this case, the endoscope reprocessor1may not include the liquid discharge section28shown inFIG. 1.

The cleaning liquid nozzle15is an opening configured to communicate with a cleaning liquid tank50configured to store the cleaning liquid via a cleaning liquid conduit51. The cleaning liquid is used for cleaning processing. The cleaning liquid conduit51is provided with a cleaning liquid pump52. By operating the cleaning liquid pump52, the cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid tank50is transferred into the processing tank2.

The liquid discharge port11is an opening provided at a lowest location in the processing tank2. The liquid discharge port11is connected to a discharge conduit21. The discharge conduit21communicates the liquid discharge port11with a switching valve22. A recovery conduit23and a waste conduit25are connected to the switching valve22. The switching valve22can switch among a state in which the discharge conduit21is closed, a state in which the discharge conduit21communicates with the recovery conduit23and a state in which the discharge conduit21communicates with the waste conduit25.

The recovery conduit23communicates the disinfecting liquid reservoir20with the switching valve22. The waste conduit25is provided with a discharge pump24. The waste conduit25is connected to liquid discharge equipment to receive a liquid discharged from the endoscope reprocessor1.

When the switching valve22is closed, the liquid can be stored in the processing tank2. While the disinfecting liquid is stored in the processing tank2, if the switching valve22is made to communicate the discharge conduit21with the recovery conduit23, the disinfecting liquid is transferred from the processing tank2to the disinfecting liquid reservoir20. Furthermore, when the switching valve22is made to communicate the discharge conduit21with the waste conduit25, if operation of the discharge pump24is started, the liquid in the processing tank2is sent to the liquid discharge equipment via the waste conduit25.

An opening60awhich is an opening of the fluid supply conduit60, which will be described later, is disposed at the liquid discharge port11.

The circulation port13is an opening provided near the bottom surface of the processing tank2. The circulation port13communicates with a circulation conduit13a. The circulation conduit13ais branched into two conduits: a processing tank circulation conduit40and an endoscope circulation conduit30of the fluid supply section31, which will be described later.

The processing tank circulation conduit40communicates the circulation conduit13awith the circulation nozzle14. The circulation nozzle14is an opening provided in the processing tank2. The processing tank circulation conduit40is provided with a liquid flow pump41.

A three-way valve42is provided between the liquid flow pump41of the processing tank circulation conduit40and the circulation nozzle14. A water supply conduit43is connected to the three-way valve42. The three-way valve42can select a state in which the circulation nozzle14communicates with the processing tank circulation conduit40or a state in which the circulation nozzle14communicates with the water supply conduit43.

The water supply conduit43communicates the three-way valve42with a water supply source connection portion46. The water supply conduit43is provided with a water introduction valve45configured to open/close the water supply conduit43and a water filter44configured to filter water. The water supply source connection portion46is connected to a water supply source49such as a water supply facility that sends water via, for example, a hose.

A dilution valve47is provided in a section of the water supply conduit43between the water filter44and the three-way valve42. The dilution conduit48configured to communicate the dilution valve47with the disinfecting liquid reservoir20is connected to the dilution valve47. The dilution valve47can select a state in which the water filter44communicates with the three-way valve42or a state in which the water filter44communicates with the dilution conduit48.

When a liquid is stored in the processing tank2, if the three-way valve42is caused to communicate the circulation nozzle14with the processing tank circulation conduit40, the dilution valve47is caused to communicate the water filter44with the three-way valve42, and operation of the liquid flow pump41is started, the liquid in the processing tank2is discharged from the circulation nozzle14via the circulation port13, the circulation conduit13aand the processing tank circulation conduit40.

If the three-way valve42is caused to communicate the circulation nozzle14with the water supply conduit43, the dilution valve47is caused to communicate the water filter44with the three-way valve42and the water introduction valve45is opened, water supplied from the water supply source49is discharged from the circulation nozzle14. The liquid discharged from the circulation nozzle14is introduced into the processing tank2.

On the other hand, if the dilution valve47is caused to communicate the water filter44with the dilution conduit48and the water introduction valve45is opened, water supplied from the water supply source49is introduced into the disinfecting liquid reservoir20.

The endoscope circulation conduit30is included in the fluid supply section31. The fluid supply section31communicates with the fluid supply conduit60, which will be described later, and supplies the fluid to the fluid supply conduit60. The fluid supply section31is electrically connected to the control section5and supplies the fluid to the fluid supply conduit60according to an instruction from the control section5.

The fluid sent from the fluid supply section31is not particularly limited, but may be a gas or a liquid. The fluid supply section31may also send a gas/liquid two-phase fluid which is a mixture of liquid and gas. As an example in the present embodiment, the fluid supply section31is provided with a pump33, an air pump35, an alcohol pump39and a channel block32.

The pump33is provided on the endoscope circulation conduit30. The endoscope circulation conduit30communicates the aforementioned circulation conduit13awith the channel block32. When operated, the pump33transfers the fluid in the endoscope circulation conduit30toward the channel block32. The pump33is electrically connected to the control section5and operation of the pump33is controlled by the control section5.

The air pump35is provided on an inspiration conduit34. One end of the inspiration conduit34is open to the atmosphere and the other end communicates with the channel block32. Although not shown, a filter configured to filter a passing gas is provided at one end of the inspiration conduit34. When operated, the air pump35transfers a fluid in the inspiration conduit34toward the channel block32. The air pump35is electrically connected to the control section5and operation of the air pump35is controlled by the control section5.

The alcohol pump39is provided on an alcohol conduit38. The alcohol conduit38communicates an alcohol tank37configured to store alcohol with the channel block32. An example of the alcohol stored in the alcohol tank37is ethanol. An alcohol concentration can be selected as appropriate. When operated, the alcohol pump39transfers the alcohol in the alcohol tank17toward the channel block32. The alcohol pump39is electrically connected to the control section5and operation of the alcohol pump39is controlled by the control section5.

In addition to the aforementioned endoscope circulation conduit30, inspiration conduit34and alcohol conduit38, the channel block32communicates with the fluid supply conduit60. The channel block32sends the fluid sent from the endoscope circulation conduit30, the inspiration conduit34and the alcohol conduit38to the fluid supply conduit60.

When the liquid is stored, for example, in the processing tank2, if operation of the pump33is started, the liquid in the processing tank2is sent to the fluid supply conduit60via the circulation port13, the circulation conduit13a, the endoscope circulation conduit30and the channel block32.

For example, when operation of the air pump35is started, air is sent to the fluid supply conduit60via the inspiration conduit34and the channel block32. When, for example, operation of the alcohol pump39is started, alcohol in the alcohol tank37is sent to the fluid supply conduit60via the alcohol conduit38and the channel block32.

Thus, the fluid supply section31is configured to communicate with the fluid supply conduit60and supply the fluid to the fluid supply conduit60.

The fluid supply conduit60includes the opening60awhich is open. As an example in the present embodiment, the opening60ais open in the liquid discharge port11of the processing tank2. When no liquid is stored in the processing tank2, the opening60ais open to the atmospheric pressure.

Note that the opening60amay be disposed in another place in the processing tank2. The place where the opening60ais disposed is not limited to the inside of the processing tank2, but the opening60amay also be disposed in a container configured to capture a fluid discharged from the opening60a.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating the configuration connected to the fluid supply conduit60, extracted from the endoscope reprocessor1.

The first valve61and the second valve62are arranged on the fluid supply conduit60. The first valve61and the second valve62are electrically connected to the control section5and configured to open/close the fluid supply conduit60according to an instruction from the control section5. The second valve62is disposed closer to the opening60aside than the position on the fluid supply conduit60at which the first valve61is disposed. In other words, the second valve62is disposed between the position on the fluid supply conduit60at which the first valve61is disposed and the opening60a.

A first conduit65and a second conduit66are connected to the fluid supply conduit60. The first conduit65is connected between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31on the fluid supply conduit60. Furthermore, the first conduit65is connected to the first connector63provided in the processing tank2. That is, the first conduit65communicates a section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31with the first connector63.

The second conduit66is connected between the first valve61and the second valve62on the fluid supply conduit60. The second conduit66is connected to the second connector64provided in the processing tank2. That is, the second conduit66communicates a section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the second valve62with the second connector64.

A pressure sensor67is disposed on the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31or on the first conduit65. The pressure sensor67measures a pressure of the section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31. The pressure sensor67is electrically connected to the control section5and a measurement result of the pressure sensor67is inputted to the control section5.

Note that the pressure sensor67may also be provided in the channel block32of the fluid supply section31. Even when the pressure sensor67is provided in the channel block32, the pressure sensor67can measure a pressure of the section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31.

The first connector63and the second connector64are connected to an interior of a conduit of the endoscope or the like disposed in the processing tank2via a connection tool which is not shown. When the connection tool is connected, the first connector63and the second connector64are in an open state and communicate the connection tool with the first conduit65and the second conduit66. When the connection tool is not connected, the first connector63and the second connector64are closed and close the first conduit65and the second conduit66respectively.

Furthermore, a relief valve68may be provided between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31on the fluid supply conduit60so as to prevent the pressure in the section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31from exceeding a predetermined pressure Pmax. Note that if the fluid supply section31is configured to prevent the pressure of a fluid to be supplied from exceeding a first pressure PA, the relief valve68is not necessary.

In the endoscope reprocessor1of the present embodiment configured as described above, when a connection tool is connected to the first connector63and the second connector64, and the first connector63and the second connector64are open, if the first valve61is closed, the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31to the fluid supply conduit60can be discharged from the first connector63.

When the first connector63and the second connector64are open, if the first valve61is opened and the second valve62is closed, the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31can be discharged from both the first connector63and the second connector64. When the first connector63and the second connector64are open, if both the first valve61and the second valve62are opened, the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31is discharged from the opening60ain addition to the first connector63and the second connector64, and it is thereby possible to lower the pressure of the fluid discharged from the first connector63and the second connector64.

As such, the endoscope reprocessor1of the present embodiment can change a discharge condition of the fluid from the first connector63and the second connector64provided in the processing tank2. Note that the fluid discharged from the first connector63or the second connector64is a fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31and is a liquid, air or alcohol stored in the processing tank2as described above in the present embodiment.

In the endoscope reprocessor1of the present embodiment, in any one of a case where both of the first valve61and the first connector63are closed, a case where all of the second valve62, the first connector63and the second connector64are closed and a case where all of the first valve61, the second valve62, the first connector63and the second connector64are closed as shown inFIG. 3, if the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply section31to the fluid supply conduit60, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor67becomes Pmax. That is, in a case where the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply section31but the fluid is not discharged from any one of the opening60a, the first connector63and the second connector64, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor67becomes Pmax.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 4, when the first connector63and the second connector64are open, if the first valve61and the second valve62are opened and the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply section31to the fluid supply conduit60, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor67becomes Pmin That is, when the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31is discharged from all of the opening60a, the first connector63and the second connector64, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor67becomes Pmin. The value of the pressure Pmin is lower than the pressure Pmax.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 5, when the first connector63and the second connector64are closed, if the first valve61and the second valve62are opened and the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply section31to the fluid supply conduit60, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor67becomes a predetermined first pressure PA. That is, if the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31is discharged from only the opening60a, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor67becomes the first pressure PA. The value of the first pressure PA is lower than the pressure Pmax and higher than the pressure Pmin. That is, Pmax>PA>Pmin.

Furthermore, as shown inFIG. 6, when the first connector63and the second connector64are open, if the first valve61is opened and the second valve62is closed to supply the fluid from the fluid supply section31to the fluid supply conduit60, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor67becomes a predetermined second pressure PB. That is, if the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31is discharged from the first connector63and the second connector64, the pressure measured by the pressure sensor67becomes the second pressure PB. The value of the second pressure PB is lower than the pressure Pmax and higher than the first pressure PA. That is, Pmax>PB>PA>Pmin.

Thus, in the endoscope reprocessor1of the present embodiment, when the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31is discharged from the first connector63and the second connector64, the second pressure PB measured by the pressure sensor67is higher than the first pressure PA measured by the pressure sensor67when the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31is discharged from only the opening60a.

That is, in a channel through which the fluid supplied from the fluid supply section31of the endoscope reprocessor1of the present embodiment passes, a pressure loss ΔP2 in a channel from the fluid supply section31to both the first connector63and the second connector64is greater than a pressure loss ΔP1 in a channel from the fluid supply section31to the opening60aof the fluid supply conduit60.

The value of the first pressure PA and the value of the second pressure PB are measured, for example, when the endoscope reprocessor1is assembled and stored in a non-volatile storage section of the control section5. Note that the value of the first pressure PA and the value of the second pressure PB may be fixed values defined by design.

Next, a fault detection operation of the first valve61and the second valve62in the endoscope reprocessor1will be described.FIG. 7is a flowchart of the fault detection operation. The fault detection operation is executed, for example, when power is supplied to the endoscope reprocessor1or when a reprocessing operation starts.

Hereinafter, in the first valve61and the second valve62, a state in which a fault has occurred whereby an open state continues regardless of a control signal outputted from the control section5is called an “open fixed state” and a state in which a fault has occurred whereby a closed state continues regardless of a control signal outputted from the control section5is called a “closed fixed state”. Furthermore, a state in which an open state or a closed state of the first valve61and the second valve62is switched according to a control signal outputted from the control section5is called a “normal state.” The first valve61and the second valve62are respectively set to any one of the normal state, the open fixed state and the closed fixed state.

The control section5outputs two control signals to the first valve61and the second valve62: an opening command for setting an open state and a closing command for setting a closed state. Note that the opening command and the closing command are named for description and their forms are not particularly limited. For example, in a form in which the first valve61and the second valve62are set in an open state when current is applied and set in a closed state when no current is applied, the opening command means that the control section5starts current application to the first valve61and the second valve62and the closing command means that the control section5stops current application to the first valve61and the second valve62.

In a table shown inFIG. 8, all of nine combinations of three states (normal state, open fixed state and closed fixed state) that can be taken by the first valve61and the second valve62are assigned numbers I to IX. In state I, for example, both the first valve61and the second valve62are in a normal state. In state II, for example, the first valve61is in a normal state and the second valve62is in an open fixed state.

Furthermore,FIG. 8shows types of control signals outputted from the control section5to the first valve61and the second valve62and a range of values of the pressure P expected to be measured by the pressure sensor67when the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply section31in a normal case where the first valve61and the second valve62operate in accordance with the control signal.

For example, when both the first valve61and the second valve62are open, if the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply section31, the pressure P measured by the pressure sensor67is expected to be equal to or below the first pressure PA as described above. Note that this is because this case where the measured pressure P becomes the first pressure PA or below instead of the first pressure PA includes a case where at least one of the first connector63and the second connector64is open by connecting a connection tool.

Furthermore, for example, when the first valve61is open and the second valve62is closed, if the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply section31, the pressure P measured by the pressure sensor67is expected to be the second pressure PB or above as described above. Note that this is because this case where the measured pressure P becomes the second pressure PB or above instead of the second pressure PB includes a case where at least one of the first connector63and the second connector64is closed without connecting any connection tool.

Furthermore, for example, when the first valve61is closed and the second valve62is open, if the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply section31, the pressure P measured by the pressure sensor67is expected to have a value exceeding the second pressure PB.

In states I to IX,FIG. 8shows combinations between values of the pressure P when the fluid is supplied from the fluid supply section31and switching between control signals outputted from the control section5.

As shown inFIG. 8, in state I in which the first valve61and the second valve62are in a normal state, the value of the pressure P falls within a range of values naturally expected during a normal state.

In state II in which the first valve61is in a normal state and the second valve62is in an open fixed state, if an opening command is outputted to both the first valve61and the second valve62, the first valve61and the second valve62are as per the control signal, and therefore the value of the measured pressure P becomes the first pressure PA or below, falling within a range of values expected to be during a normal state.

In state II, when an opening command is outputted to the first valve61and a closing command is outputted to the second valve62, the first valve61is as per the control signal, whereas the second valve62is open against the control signal. Therefore, in this case, the value of the measured pressure P falls to or below the first pressure PA, deviating from the range of values expected during a normal state. As in this case, if the measured value of the pressure P deviates from the range of values expected during a normal state, it is possible to determine any one of the first valve61and the second valve62is in a fault state.

In state II, if a closing command is outputted to the first valve61and an opening command is outputted to the second valve62, the first valve61and the second valve62are as per the control signal, and therefore the measured value of the pressure P exceeds the second pressure PA, falling within the range of values expected during a normal state.

As shown inFIG. 8, in all states from state II to state IX in which at least one of the first valve61and the second valve62is in a fault state, there are conditions for a combination of control signals under which the measured value of the pressure P deviates from the range of values expected during a normal state.

When schematically described, the fault detection operation by the endoscope reprocessor1of the present embodiment supplies the fluid from the fluid supply section31while switching between control signals outputted from the control section5to the first valve61and the second valve62and measures, using the pressure sensor67, the pressure P of the section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31. As shown inFIG. 8, when the value of the measured pressure P deviates from the range of values expected during a normal state, any one or both of the first valve61and the second valve62is/are determined to be in a fault state.

To be more specific, in the fault detection operation, the fluid supply section31starts to supply a fluid to the fluid supply conduit60as shown in step S110inFIG. 7first. Next, in step S120, a control signal of an opening command is outputted to both the first valve61and the second valve62.

Next, in step S130, the pressure sensor67measures the pressure P of the section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31. In step S140, it is determined whether or not the value of the pressure P is equal to or above the second pressure PB stored in advance.

As shown inFIG. 8, when an opening command is outputted to both the first valve61and the second valve62, if the value of the pressure P is equal to or above the second pressure PB, the first valve61and the second valve62are in any one of state III, states VI to IX.

Therefore, when it is determined in step S140that the measured value of the pressure P is equal to or above the second pressure PB, the flow moves to step S220and determines that at least one of the first valve61and the second valve62is in a fault state.

In step S140, when it is determined that the measured value of the pressure P is less than the second pressure PB, the flow moves to step S150.

In step S150, a control signal of an opening command is outputted to the first valve61and a control signal of a closing command is outputted to the second valve62. Next, in step S160, the pressure sensor67measures the pressure P of the section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31. In step S170, it is determined whether or not the value of the pressure P is equal to or below the first pressure PA stored in advance.

As shown inFIG. 8, when an opening command is outputted to the first valve61and a closing command is outputted to the second valve62, if the value of the pressure P is equal to or below the first pressure PA, the first valve61and the second valve62are in state II or state V.

Therefore, when it is determined in step S170that the measured value of the pressure P is equal to or below the first pressure PA, the flow moves to step S220and determines that at least one of the first valve61and the second valve62is in a fault state.

When it is determined in step S170that the measured value of the pressure P exceeds the first pressure PA, the flow moves to step S180.

In step S180, a control signal of a closing command is outputted to the first valve61and a control signal of an opening command is outputted to the second valve62. Next, in step S190, the pressure sensor67measures the pressure P of the section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31. It is determined in step S200whether or not the value of the pressure P is equal to or below the first pressure PA stored in advance.

As shown inFIG. 8, when a closing command is outputted to the first valve61and an opening command is outputted to the second valve62, if the value of the pressure P is equal to or below the first pressure PA, the first valve61and the second valve62are in state IV or state V.

Therefore, when it is determined in step S200that the measured value of the pressure P is equal to or below the first pressure PA, the flow moves to step S220and determines that at least one of the first valve61and the second valve62is in a fault state.

When it is determined in step S200that the measured value of the pressure P exceeds the first pressure PA, the flow moves to step S210and determines that the first valve61and the second valve62are in a normal state.

After step S210or step S220, the flow moves to step S230, stops the fluid supply to the fluid supply conduit60by the fluid supply section31and ends the fault detection operation.

As described above, the endoscope reprocessor1of the present embodiment can detect the presence or absence of a fault in the first valve61and the second valve62to control the discharge of the fluid from the first connector63and the second connector64provided in the processing tank2.

In the present embodiment, the value of the first pressure PA in a state in which the opening60aof the fluid supply conduit60is open in the processing tank2has a large difference from the value of the second pressure PB in a state in which the opening60ais closed. For this reason, in the present embodiment, even when the pressure sensor67has low measurement resolution, it is possible to accurately compare the measured value P with the first pressure PA and the second pressure PB.

Next, a modification of the fault detection operation of the first valve61and the second valve62by the endoscope reprocessor1will be described.FIG. 9is a flowchart of the fault detection operation according to the modification.

In the present modification, as shown in step S310inFIG. 9, a supply of fluid to the fluid supply conduit60by the fluid supply section31is started first. Next, in step S320, a control signal of an opening command is outputted to both the first valve61and the second valve62. In step S330, the pressure sensor67measures the pressure P of the section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31.

Next, in step S340, a control signal of an opening command is outputted to the first valve61and a control signal of a closing command is outputted to the second valve62. In step S350, the pressure sensor67measures a pressure of the section of the fluid supply conduit60between the first valve61and the fluid supply section31. To make a distinction from the pressure P measured in step S330, the pressure measured in step S350is assumed to be pressure P′.

In step S360, it is determined whether or not a difference between the pressure P and the pressure P′ is equal to or above a third pressure PC which is a reference value. When it is determined that the difference between the pressure P and the pressure P′ is equal to or above the third pressure PC, the flow moves to step S370and determines that the first valve61and the second valve62are in a normal state.

On the other hand, it is determined in step S360that the difference between the pressure P and the pressure P′ is less than the third pressure PC, the flow moves to step S380and determines that at least one of the first valve61and the second valve62is in a fault state.

After step S370or step S380, the flow moves to step S390, stops the supply of fluid to the fluid supply conduit60by the fluid supply section31and ends the fault detection operation.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiment, but can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit or thought of the present invention that can be read from the scope of claims and the whole specification, and the endoscope reprocessor accompanied by such modifications is also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope reprocessor and a fault detection method capable of detecting the presence or absence of a fault in a plurality of valves that control discharge of a fluid from a plurality of connectors.