Patent Publication Number: US-2009220377-A1

Title: Endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus and endoscope washing and disinfecting method

Description:
This application claims benefit of Japanese Application Nos. 2008-046645 filed in Japan on Feb. 27, 2008 and 2009-017356 filed in Japan on Jan. 28, 2009, the contents of which are incorporated by this reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus and an endoscope washing and disinfecting method for washing and disinfecting a plurality of channels provided in an endoscope. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In recent years, endoscopes have come to be widely used in the fields of medicine or the like. After being used for an endoscopic examination, an endoscope is subjected to processing for washing and disinfecting in an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus to get cleaned up so that it can be reused in a clean condition. 
     Some endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatuses have flow control function (or flow rate control function) for checking a flow rate in each channel of an endoscope and judging the ability to wash and disinfect. 
     For instance, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-299697 discloses an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus that measures flow rates in gas/water supply channels and suction channels of an endoscope during washing and disinfecting operations for the channels by means of a flow rate sensor serving as a flow rate meter, and determines whether a measured flow rate is within a range of a set value so as to control fluid in the channels of the endoscope. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: 
     a fluid supply unit that supplies fluid for washing and disinfecting; 
     a plurality of connecting channels which are connected to a plurality of channels of an endoscope; 
     an electromagnetic valve provided in each of the plurality of connecting channels; 
     a single flow rate meter, provided between the fluid supply unit and the electromagnetic valve; and 
     a flow rate limiting section for limiting flow rate to at least a channel in which the fluid flows at a flow rate exceeding a flow rate measurement range in which flow rate measurement by the flow rate meter is possible among the plurality of channels so that the flow rate falls within the flow rate measurement range; or a flow rate padding section for padding a flow rate measured by the flow rate meter with a flow rate that can be detected by the flow rate meter at least for a channel in which the fluid flows at a flow rate that does not reach a lower limit value of the flow rate measurement range among the plurality of channels; or a flow rate diverting section for diverting part of flow rate that flows to the flow rate meter through a bypass channel which is opened and closed in parallel with the flow rate meter at least for a channel in which the fluid flows at a flow rate exceeding the flow rate measurement range among the plurality of channels, so that flow rate falls within the flow rate measurement range of the flow rate meter. 
     An endoscope washing and disinfecting method according to an embodiment of the present invention for washing and disinfecting a plurality of channels of an endoscope with fluid supplied from a fluid supply unit includes: 
     a flow rate monitoring step of monitoring a flow rate in each of the plurality of channels by means of a single flow rate meter provided between the fluid supply unit and an electromagnetic valve provided in each of a plurality of connecting channels connected to each of the plurality of channels, wherein 
     the flow rate monitoring step employs: 
     a flow rate limiting step of limiting flow rate to at least a channel in which the fluid flows at a flow rate exceeding a flow rate measurement range in which flow rate measurement by the flow rate meter is possible among the plurality of channels so that the flow rate falls within the flow rate measurement range; or 
     a flow rate padding step of padding a flow rate measured by the flow rate meter with a flow rate that can be detected by the flow rate meter at least for a channel in which the fluid flows at a flow rate that does not reach a lower limit value of the flow rate measurement range among the plurality of channels; or 
     a flow rate diverting step of diverting part of flow rate that flows to the flow rate meter through a bypass channel which is opened and closed in parallel with the flow rate meter so that flow rate falls within the flow rate measurement range of the flow rate meter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an overall configuration of an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  schematically shows a configuration of channels of an endoscope; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing a configuration of a flow rate control section of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing a representative example of a processing procedure for a washing and disinfecting process in the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the flow rate control section in a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a timing chart for illustrating operations in the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the flow rate control section in a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates operations in the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the flow rate control section in a first variation of the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates operations in the first variation; 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the flow rate control section in a second variation of the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a block diagram showing a configuration of the flow rate control section in a third variation of the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  shows an overall configuration of the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  shows an overall configuration of the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating a portion of a processing procedure for a washing and disinfecting process in the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for measuring and storing a liquid supply rate of a pump in the fifth embodiment; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates operations in a washing process in the fifth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIGS. 1 to 4  relates to a first embodiment of the present invention:  FIG. 1  shows an overall configuration of an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  FIG. 2  shows a schematic configuration of channels of an endoscope;  FIG. 3  shows a configuration of a flow rate control section of  FIG. 1 ; and  FIG. 4  shows a representative example of a processing procedure for washing and disinfecting process in the first embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  of the first embodiment of the invention has a washing and disinfecting bath  3  in which an endoscope  2  which should be washed and disinfected (denoted as just “washed/disinfected”) is placed and washed/disinfected with fluid, and an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus main body (hereinafter referred to as just “main body”)  5  which is provided around the washing and disinfecting bath  3  and which includes a flow rate control section  4  for controlling flow rate during washing/disinfecting of the channels of the endoscope  2  and other components. 
     To a water supply  6  such as a faucet, a first liquid supply channel  7  is connected, and water supplied from the water supply  6  for use as washing water fluid goes through a feed valve  8  and a check valve  9  which are provided midway in the first liquid supply channel  7  and filtered through a water filter  10 , which is provided, for example, on a side surface of the main body  5  in a replaceable manner. 
     Water cleaned by this filtering is supplied as washing water via a three-way ball valve  11  to inside the washing and disinfecting bath  3  from a liquid supply port  12  which is provided, for example, on a side surface of the washing and disinfecting bath  3 . 
     To a first drain port  13  provided, for example on a bottom surface of the washing and disinfecting bath  3 , one end of a channel  14  is connected. Fluid such as washing water or disinfectant from the washing and disinfecting bath  3  that flows in the channel  14  is sent or supplied to a plurality of channels of the endoscope  2  via a pump  15  that forms a fluid supply unit. 
     Washing water and/or disinfectant from the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is supplied to the side of a flow rate sensor  17 , which serves as a flow rate meter for measuring flow rate, via a change-over valve  16  by the pump  15  which is provided midway in the channel  14 . The flow rate sensor  17  measures or detects the flow rate of fluid flowing in the channel  14 . The channel  14  in which the flow rate sensor  17  is provided midway is further connected to electromagnetic valves  18   a ,  18   b , and  18   c  via a plurality of branched channels  14   a ,  14   b , and  14   c.    
     Each channel  14   i  of the plurality of channels  14   a  to  14   c  to which electromagnetic valve  18   i  (i=a to c) is connected forms a connecting channel which is connected to one of channels of the endoscope  2  as discussed below. Then, via the channel  14   i  through electromagnetic valve  18   i  which is opened, washing water or disinfectant is supplied to a channel of the endoscope  2 . 
     The other ends of the channels  14   a  and  14   b , in which the electromagnetic valves  18   a  and  18   b  are inserted respectively, are further connected with a suction channel connecting mouthpiece  20   a  and an gas/water supply channel connecting mouthpiece  20   b , which are provided on a side surface of the washing and disinfecting bath  3 , via orifices (valves)  19   a  and  19   b  which are inserted midway and form flow rate limiting sections for limiting flow. 
     Also, the other end of the channel  14   c  in which the electromagnetic valve  18   c  is inserted is connected to a special channel connecting mouthpiece  20   c  provided on a side surface of the washing and disinfecting bath  3 . 
     A flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor  17  is inputted via a signal line to a control section  21  which has functions as means for controlling the flow rate control section  4  as well as functions as means for controlling the entire endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1 . 
     In  FIG. 1  and other figures, signal lines are denoted by dotted lines and channels and the like are denoted by solid lines. Also, as shown in  FIG. 3 , opening/closing of electromagnetic valve  18   i  or the like is controlled by the control section  21 . 
     The change-over valve  16  is also connected with a channel  23  into which air is supplied from a compressor  22 . When the change-over valve  16  is switched to a channel  23  on the side of the compressor  22  by the control section  21 , air as fluid supplied from the compressor  22  is filtered through an air filter  24  provided midway in the channel  23  to become clean air and then flows into the channel  14  which communicates with the channel  23  (and in which the flow rate sensor  17  is inserted). 
     The channel  14  connected to the first drain port  13  is also connected with a channel  25  which branches on the way to the pump  15 , and a pump  26  is inserted midway in the channel  25 . Liquid flowing in the channel  25  is drawn by the pump  26  and brought back to the washing and disinfecting bath  3  from the liquid supply port  12  via the three-way ball valve  11 . The pump  26  circulates washing/disinfecting fluid to enable continuous washing/disinfecting. 
     Also, to a second drain port  27  which is provided, for example on the bottom surface of the washing and disinfecting bath  3 , one end of a channel  28  is connected. Washing water or disinfectant from the washing and disinfecting bath  3  that flows in the channel  28  is coupled to a drain pump  30  via a change-over valve  29  provided on the way and also coupled to a disinfectant tank  32  via a branched channel  31 . 
     When washing water in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  has become unclean after a washing process and is to be drained, it is drained from a drain port via the drain pump  30 . 
     Also, disinfectant from the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is once stored in the disinfectant tank  32  via the change-over valve  29 , and drawn by a disinfectant pump  35  which is inserted midway in the channel  34  which is connected, for example, on the bottom of the disinfectant tank  32 , to be brought back into the washing and disinfecting bath  3  from a second liquid supply port  36 . 
     The suction channel connecting mouthpiece  20   a , gas/water supply channel connecting mouthpiece  20   b , and special channel connecting mouthpiece  20   c  are connected to connecting sections (e.g., cylinders) of a suction channel, a gas supply channel and a water supply channel (sometimes referred to as “gas/water supply channels” for short), and a special channel of the endoscope  2 , respectively, via connecting tubes  37   a ,  37   b , and  37   c . Connecting mouthpieces  38   a ,  38   b , and  38   c  at the ends of the connecting tubes  37   a ,  37   b  and  37   c  are connected to the connecting sections of the suction channel, gas/water supply channel, and special channel of the endoscope  2 , respectively. 
     The endoscope  2  has an insertion portion  41  which has an elongated shape, an operation portion  42  which is provided at a rear end of the insertion portion  41 , and a universal cable  43  which extends from a side surface of the operation portion  42 . A connector  44  at an end of the universal cable  43  is connected to a light source device not shown and a video processor serving as a signal processing device. 
     The insertion portion  41  has a distal end portion  45  provided at an end of the insertion portion  41 , a bending portion  46  which is bendable, and a flexible portion  47  which is elongated and has flexibility (see  FIG. 2  for reference numerals). A user, such as an operator, can bend the bending portion  46  in a desired direction by manipulating a bending knob  48  provided on operation portion  42 . 
     Near a front end of the operation portion  42 , a treatment instrument insertion port  49  (see  FIG. 2 ) for inserting a treatment instrument is provided. The treatment instrument insertion port  49  internally communicates with a treatment instrument channel  50  (see  FIG. 2 ) which is provided inside the insertion portion  41 . 
     The flow rate control section  4  has flash memory  63 , for example, that has stored therein control program information for a CPU constituting the control section  21  to perform control operations, for example, and/or information in channels of various endoscopes  2 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a general configuration of a channel system relating to washing/disinfecting in the endoscope  2 . 
     At a distal end portion  45  of the insertion portion  41 , an observation window is provided adjacent to an illumination window not shown, and an object lens  51  is attached on the observation window. At an image forming position of the object lens  51 , a charge coupled device (abbreviated as CCD)  52  is arranged. The CCD  52  is connected to a signal line, which signal line is connected to an electric contact not shown of a connector  44  via the insertion portion  41 , operation portion  42 , and universal cable  43 . 
     Inside the insertion portion  41 , a gas supply channel  53   a  and a water supply channel  54   a  are provided in a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion  41 , and the channels  53   a  and  54   a  join into one channel near the distal end portion and open at a distal-end nozzle  55  on a distal-end surface. The distal-end nozzle  55  is provided such that the nozzle  55  faces an outer surface of the object lens  51 . 
     The rear ends of the gas supply channel  53   a  and the water supply channel  54   a  open on a gas/water supply channel cylinder  56  of the operation portion  42 . 
     The gas supply channel  53   a  and the water supply channel  54   a  communicate, in the gas/water supply channel cylinder  56 , with a gas supply channel  53   b  and a water supply channel  54   b  which are inserted through the universal cable  43 . The gas supply channel  53   b  and water supply channel  54   b  which are inserted through the universal cable  43  open at a gas supply mouthpiece  53   c  and a water supply mouthpiece  54   c , respectively, of the connector  44 . 
     The channel of a treatment instrument channel  50  provided in the insertion portion  41  branches near the front end of the operation portion  42  to communicate with the treatment instrument insertion port  49  and further is extended into the rear side of the operation portion  42  to communicate with a suction channel  57   a.    
     The suction channel  57   a  opens on a suction channel cylinder  58  which is provided in the operation portion  42 . The suction channel  57   a  then communicates, in the suction channel cylinder  58 , with a suction channel  57   b  which is inserted through the universal cable  43 . 
     The suction channel  57   b  inserted through the universal cable  43  opens at a suction mouthpiece  57   c  on the connector  44 . 
     At an opening  45   a  provided at the distal end portion  45  of the insertion portion  41 , a treatment instrument raising stand not shown (hereinafter referred to as just a “raising stand”) is arranged. To the raising stand, a distal end of a raising operation wire  60  is coupled that is inserted through a raising wire insertion channel (hereinafter referred to just as a wire insertion channel)  59   a  which is provided inside the insertion portion  41 . 
     The rear end of the raising operation wire  60  inserted through the wire insertion channel  59   a  is coupled to a raising operation knob not shown on the operation portion  42 . Also, the wire insertion channel  59   a  opens in a wire insertion channel cylinder (or mouthpiece)  59   b  on the operation portion  42 . 
     The operator can protrude forward a distal end of a treatment instrument inserted from the treatment instrument insertion port  49  from the opening  45   a , which opens at a distal end, through the treatment instrument channel  50 . In this situation, when the operator manipulates the raising operation knob to pull the raising operation wire  60 , for example, the raising stand lifts up and the direction in which the distal end of the treatment instrument protrudes can be changed. 
     The wire insertion channel  59   a  through which the raising operation wire  60  is inserted is formed of a channel of a smaller inner diameter than that of the gas supply channel  53   a  or the water supply channel  54   a . In addition, because the raising operation wire  60  is inserted inside the wire insertion channel  59   a , the channel diameter of a substantial hollow portion in the wire insertion channel  59   a  is very small. 
     In general, the treatment instrument channel  50  is formed of a channel having a quite larger inner diameter than that of the gas supply channel  53   a  or the water supply channel  54   a.    
     Thus, the endoscope  2  includes multiple types of channels with varying inner diameters. 
     For example, as mentioned above, the connecting mouthpieces  38   a ,  38   b , and  38   c  of the connecting tubes  37   a ,  37   b  and  37   c  are connected to the suction channel cylinder  58 , gas/water supply channel cylinder  56 , and wire insertion channel cylinder  59   b , respectively. 
     The endoscope  2  also has, on the operation portion  42  or the like, an RFID tag  61  as identification information generation means in which identification information (abbreviated as ID) specific to the endoscope  2  is written. 
     An ID stored in memory inside the RFID tag  61  is read by an RFID reader  62 , which is provided inside the main body  5  and serves as identification information reading means, using a high-frequency signal (electromagnetic wave) in a non-contact manner. 
     An ID read by the RFID reader  62  is inputted to the control section  21 . The control section  21  performs flow (rate) control for controlling a process (or processing) of washing/disinfecting while monitoring whether washing and/or disinfecting is being conducted within an appropriate flow rate range and with no clogging in channels, with reference to the ID inputted from the RFID reader  62  and in accordance with channels of the endoscope  2  being washed and disinfected which is contained in the washing and disinfecting bath  3 . 
     The main body  5  is provided with a display section  64  for displaying information on control by the control section  21  or displaying an error. An error may also be indicated with a buzzer instead of being displayed. Alternatively, an error may also be indicated both through sound from a buzzer and display on the display section  64 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a configuration of the flow rate control section  4 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the control unit  21  controls ON/OFF operations of the pump  15  and the compressor  22 . The control section  21  also controls switching of the change-over valve  16 . Specifically, when washing water in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is supplied to a channel of the endoscope  2 , the control section  21  switches the change-over valve  16  so that the valve  16  communicates with the channel  14  on the pump  15  side. 
     On the other hand, when a channel should be rinsed when washing water being supplied into the channel is changed to disinfectant, washing water in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is discharged and thereafter the change-over valve  16  is switched so that the valve  16  communicates with the channel  23  on the compressor  22  side. 
     When washing/disinfecting of the channel has finished and the channel is to be drained or dried, the change-over valve  16  is also switched to communicate with the channel  23  on the compressor  22  side. 
     After switching by the change-over valve  16 , the flow rate of liquid or air is measured by the flow rate sensor  17  and a measured flow rate is inputted to the control section  21 . 
     The control section  21  also uses the ID of the endoscope  2  read by the RFID reader  62  to read information in channels used in the endoscope  2  having that ID, which is stored, for example, in the flash memory  63  which serves as channel information storing section. 
     In the flash memory  63 , channel information including the inner diameter of channels of the endoscope  2  is prestored being associated with, for example, the ID of the endoscope  2 . The control section  21  can read out corresponding channel information by specifying an ID, for example, as an address. The flash memory  63  may also be provided inside the control section  21 . Alternatively, channel information on the endoscope  2  may be prestored in memory in the RFID tag  61  of the endoscope  2 , and the control section  21  may read the channel information through the RFID reader  62 . 
     In accordance with channel information read out, the control section  21  performs determination of whether flow rate is appropriate for washing or disinfecting or whether any channel is clogged or not, and/or control for washing/disinfecting process, e.g., opening/closing of the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c . For example, for an endoscope that does not have the wire insertion channel  59   a , the control section  21  performs control so that a process of washing or disinfecting the wire insertion channel  59   a  is not performed (in such a case, the electromagnetic valve  18   c  is left closed). 
     Also, as to the flow rate sensor  17  used in the present embodiment, a range of measurement is limited with a single flow rate sensor. 
     For example, if a measurable range is set such that flow rate of the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b , which are large-flow channels, can be measured within an upper limit value of the flow rate, flow rate cannot be measured in the wire insertion channel  59 , which is a special channel of an extremely small inner diameter, with a required level of accuracy because flow in the channel  59   a  is too small. 
     On the other hand, if a measurable range is set such that flow rate in the wire insertion channel  59   a , which is a special channel of an extremely small inner diameter, can be measured, flow rate in gas/water supply channels, which are channels of a medium flow rate (more specifically, the gas supply channels  53   a ,  53   b , and water supply channels  54   a ,  54   b ), can be measured within the upper limit value of the measurable range, but flow rate in the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  which are large-flow channels cannot be measured within the upper limit value. 
     Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the present embodiment inserts an orifice  19   a  for limiting flow in the channel  14   a  in which the electromagnetic valve  18   a  is provided midway and which is connected to the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b , and inserts an orifice  19   b  in the channel  14   b  in which the electromagnetic valve  18   b  is inserted midway and which is connected to the gas supply channels  53   a ,  53   b  and the water supply channels  54   a ,  54   b.    
     Also, in this case, the orifice diameter of the orifice  19   a  is set to be smaller than that of the orifice  19   b.    
     As a specific example, the orifice diameter of the orifice  19   a  which is connected in series to the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b , which are large-flow channels, is set to 3 mm, for example, whereas the orifice diameter of the orifice  19   b  which is connected in series to the gas/water supply channels (the gas supply channels  53   a ,  53   b , and the water supply channels  54   a ,  54   b ), which are medium-flow channels, is set to 5 mm. 
     In the present embodiment, flow in the channel  14   a  which is connected in series to large-flow channels is limited more by the orifice  19   a  than the orifice  19   b  in the channel  14   b  which is connected in series to medium-flow channels. 
     Likewise, flow in the channel  14   b  which is connected in series to medium-flow channels is limited with the orifice  19   b  so that the flow rate sensor  17  capable of measuring the flow rate of an extremely narrow channel can measure flow rate in a channel of any size, thereby ensuring accuracy of flow rate measurement (i.e., enabling flow rate control that prevents degradation of flow rate measurement accuracy). 
     The present embodiment is described with a configuration in which washing water or the like is supplied simultaneously to the gas supply channels  53   a ,  53   b  and the water supply channels  54   a ,  64   b  among gas/water supply channels, for example. However, a channel similar to the channel  14   b  (as well as the electromagnetic valve  18   b  and orifice  19   b  and the like) may be further provided so that fluid or the like may be supplied to the gas supply channels  53   a ,  53   b  and to the water supply channels  54   a ,  54   b  with a time difference therebetween (see  FIG. 12  for an example of this configuration). 
     Also, while  FIG. 2  shows a case where washing water or the like is supplied to the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b , for example, in parallel for washing or disinfection, washing water or the like may be supplied from the suction mouthpiece  57   c  into the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  in a serial manner for washing/disinfecting the channels. Other gas supply channels  53   a ,  53   b , and water supply channels  54   a ,  54   b  may be washed and disinfected in a similar manner. 
     Thus, in the present embodiment, when washing water (or liquid) and/or disinfectant (also referred to as washing/disinfecting liquid) is supplied at least by the pump  15  into a plurality of channels of the endoscope  2  for washing and disinfecting thereof, the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c  are provided in the individual channels  14   a  to  14   c  serving as connecting channels connected to the plurality of channels of the endoscope. The present embodiment also provides the single flow rate sensor  17  between the pump  15  and the electromagnetic valves  18   a  and  18   c . A characteristic of the present embodiment is the provision of the orifice  19   a  as a flow rate limiting section for limiting flow into at least the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  that are of the largest inner diameter among the plurality of channels so that flow rate is brought into a range of flow rate measurement in which flow rate measurement by the flow rate sensor  17  is possible. 
     In other words, a characteristic of the present embodiment is provision of the orifice  19   a  as a flow rate limiting section for limiting flow into at least the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  which have the largest inner diameter in which fluid such as washing water flows at a flow rate exceeding (the upper limit of) the flow rate measurement range of the flow rate sensor  17  among the plurality of channels, so that flow rate comes within a range of flow rate measurement in which flow rate measurement by the flow rate sensor  17  is possible. 
     The present embodiment provides the orifice  19   b  serving as a flow rate limiting section also for flow supplied to gas/water supply channels in order to further improve accuracy of flow rate measurement. When fluid is supplied to the gas/water supply channels, the orifice  19   b  is not an essential component if the flow rate of the fluid is within the flow rate measurement range of the flow rate sensor  17 . 
     Next, a typical example of processing in a washing and disinfecting process by the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  of the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     The user places the endoscope  2  to be washed and disinfected in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  of the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  as shown in  FIG. 1 . When placing the endoscope  2 , the user connects the connecting sections of the channels of the endoscope  2  with the suction channel connecting mouthpiece  20   a , gas/water supply channel connecting mouthpiece  20   b , and special channel connecting mouthpiece  20   c  of the washing and disinfecting bath  3  via the connecting tubes  37   a ,  37   b , and  37   c , respectively. 
     The user then powers on the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  to start operations of washing and disinfecting process as shown at step S 1  of  FIG. 4 . 
     At the first step S 1 , the control section  21  in the main body  5  starts control operations in accordance with a control program written, for example, in the flash memory  63 , and performs processing for obtaining channel information of the endoscope. 
     Specifically, the control section  21  issues an instruction for reading ID information in the RFID tag  61  to the RFID reader  62 . Upon receiving the instruction, the RFID reader  62  sends a signal for reading an ID to the RFID tag  61  and has the tag  61  send ID information. 
     The RFID reader  62  sends the obtained ID information to the control section  21 . 
     The control section  21  uses the inputted ID to read channel information of the endoscope  2 , which is placed in the washing and disinfecting bath  3 , from the flash memory  63  to obtain channel information. 
     As shown at the following step S 2 , the control section  21  recognizes from the channel information that the endoscope  2  in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is an endoscope  2  that has the suction channel  57   a , gas supply channel  53   a  and water supply channel  54   a , and the wire insertion channel  59   a  as a special channel. The control section  21  also recognizes from the channel information an appropriate flow rate range for each channel in a case where liquid is supplied to the channel using the pump  15  of the present embodiment. 
     In the present embodiment, the control section  21  also recognizes an appropriate flow rate range in the suction channels  57   a ,  57   b  and the gas/water supply channels in a case where flow rate is limited using the orifices  19   a  and  19   b.    
     At the following step S 3 , the control section  21  controls various sections of the main body  5  to supply washing water into the suction channels  57   a ,  57   b , the gas/water supply channels (i.e., gas supply channels  53   a ,  53   b , and water supply channels  54   a ,  54   b ), and the wire insertion channel  59   a  in sequence to start a washing process. 
     In this case, the control section  21  periodically has the flow rate sensor  17  measure flow rate and obtains a measured flow rate as shown at step S 4 . 
     In this case, since the present embodiment limits flow in a channel of a large inner diameter (which results in a high flow rate), the single flow rate sensor  17  can measure the flow rate of respective channels with high accuracy even when the channels have varying inner diameters. 
     As shown at the following step S 5 , the control section  21  determines whether the flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor  17  is proper or not. If it determines that the detected flow rate is within a proper flow rate range, the control section  21  continues the washing process. 
     However, if it determines that the detected flow rate is not within a proper flow rate range, the control section  21  displays an error indicating that the detected flow rate is not within a proper flow rate range on, for example, the display section  64  as shown at step S 6 , and terminates the washing and disinfecting process of  FIG. 4 . 
     When the washing process has terminated with the flow rate determined to be proper, the control section  21  starts a rinsing process as shown at step S 7 . In this case, washing water in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is first drained. Thereafter, the control section  21  switches the change-over valve  16  so that the valve  16  communicates with the channel  23  on the side of the compressor  22 , and sequentially supplies air to channels of the endoscope  2  with the compressor  22 . 
     Also in this case, as shown at step S 8 , the control section  21  periodically has the flow rate sensor  17  measure a flow rate and obtains a measured flow rate. Then, as shown at step S 9 , the control section  21  determines whether the measured flow rate is proper or not. That is to say, the control section  21  has functions as a flow rate determining section for determining whether a measured flow rate is proper or not. 
     If it determines that the detected flow rate is within a proper flow rate range, the control section  21  continues the rinsing process. 
     On the other hand, if it determines that the detected flow rate is not within a proper flow rate range, the control section  21  displays an error indicating that the detected flow rate is not within a proper flow rate range on, for example, the display section  64  as shown at step S 6 , and terminates the washing and disinfecting process of  FIG. 4 . 
     When the rinsing process has terminated with the flow rate determined to be proper, the control section  21  starts a disinfection process as shown at step S 10 . 
     In this case, disinfectant in the disinfectant tank  32  is supplied into the washing and disinfecting bath  3 , and disinfectant supplied into the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is taken into the channel  14  and supplied to each channel of the endoscope  2  with the pump  15 . 
     Also in this process, flow rate is periodically measured according to step S 11 , and determination is made as to whether a measured flow rate is proper or not as shown at step S 12 , and an error is displayed or otherwise indicated at step S 6  if the flow rate is not within a proper range. On the other hand, if the measured flow rate is proper, the disinfection process is continued. 
     When the disinfection process finishes, the rinsing process at step S 13  is carried out. 
     In a first half of the rinsing process, disinfectant in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is collected into the disinfectant tank  32  and/or, if the disinfectant is unclean, the drain pump  30  is run to drain the disinfectant. 
     Thereafter, the compressor  22  is operated to supply air as in the rinsing process at step S 7 . In this process, flow rate is also periodically measured at step S 14 , and determination is made as to whether a measured flow rate is proper or not as shown at step S 15 , and an error is displayed or otherwise indicated at step S 6  if it is not within a proper flow rate range. Meanwhile, if the measured flow rate is a proper flow rate, the rinsing process is continued. When the rinsing process is complete, a draining process at step S 16  (or a draining and air supplying process) is performed. 
     In this case, after the rinsing process, air is further supplied into channels to dry the channels. In this case, the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c  may be sequentially opened and closed, or simultaneously opened and closed. 
     After sufficient drainage, the washing and disinfecting process finishes. The operation example shown in  FIG. 4  is merely an example and not restrictive. 
     As has been described, according to the present embodiment, even when the endoscope  2  having a plurality of channels of different inner diameters is washed and disinfected, flow rate control with accurate detection of flow rate in any of the channels is possible with a single flow rate sensor  17  because flow rate limiting means is provided that limits flow in a channel that is of a large inner diameter and thus has a high flow rate. 
     Therefore, by measuring flow rate, it is possible to accurately determine whether each process in the washing and disinfecting process is being performed with an appropriate flow rate. In addition, by performing washing and disinfecting with a proper flow rate, it is possible to ensure quality of processing for washing and disinfecting. 
     In addition, by enabling determination of whether flow rate is proper or not, washing and disinfecting can be efficiently performed through control for automatically continuing a washing and disinfecting process if such determination shows that the flow rate is proper. 
     Additionally, according to the present embodiment, since only one flow rate sensor  17  is required, it is possible to realize the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  that conducts washing and disinfecting efficiently and at a low cost. 
     Although the present embodiment is shown with a configuration in which flow is also limited when liquid is supplied into gas/water supply channels that are of smaller inner diameters in addition to when liquid is supplied to the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  of the largest inner diameter, flow may be limited only when liquid is supplied into a channel of the largest inner diameter, as a variation of this configuration. 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 5  shows a configuration of a flow rate control section  4 B according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the flow rate control section  4  is replaced with the flow rate control section  4 B shown in  FIG. 5  in the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The flow rate control section  4 B shown in  FIG. 5  provides a channel  14   d  as a bypass connecting channel (or a bypass channel) which is parallel with the electromagnetic valve  18   a  and the orifice  19   a , and also an electromagnetic valve  18   d  for opening and closing the channel  14   d  midway in the channel  14   d , to the flow rate control section  4  shown in  FIG. 3 . That is to say, the flow rate control section  4 B has the channel  14   d  which is parallel with the channel  14   a  in which the electromagnetic valve  18   a  and orifice  19   a  are provided. When the electromagnetic valve  18   d  inserted in the channel  14   d  is opened by the control section  21 , the channel  14   d  has functions as a bypass channel used as a bypass. 
     The flow rate control section  4 B similarly has a channel  14   e  as a bypass connecting channel (or a bypass channel) which is parallel with the electromagnetic valve  18   b  and orifice  19   b , and is provided with an electromagnetic valve  18   e  for opening and closing the channel  14   e  midway in the channel  14   e.    
     In the present embodiment, the channel  14   e  is provided in parallel with the channel  14   b  in which the electromagnetic valve  18   b  and orifice  19   b  are provided, and when the electromagnetic valve  18   e  inserted in the channel  14   e  is opened, the channel  14   e  has functions as a bypass channel. 
     The control section  21  controls opening and closing of the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c  as well as electromagnetic valves  18   d  and  18   e.    
     More specifically, when controlling opening/closing of the electromagnetic valves  18   d  and  18   e , the control section  21  basically opens or closes the valves  18   d  and  18   e  in conjunction with opening/closing of the electromagnetic valves  18   a  and  18   b  in the first embodiment. However, during a period in which flow rate is measured or detected by the flow rate sensor  17 , the electromagnetic valves  18   d  and  18   e  are closed to allow measurement of flow rate. The configuration is otherwise similar to that of the first embodiment. 
     In the first embodiment, flow is limited or reduced to bring down a high flow rate to a lower flow rate so as to enable measurement with the flow rate sensor  17 . However, the present embodiment reduces flow (in a channel in which flow rate measurement is impossible unless flow is reduced) only at the time of flow rate measurement and does not reduce flow in a period when flow rate measurement is not performed. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates operations according to the present embodiment.  FIG. 6  shows control by the control section  21  for opening/closing the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   e  during, for example, a washing process of a washing and disinfecting process in the present embodiment. 
     As described in the first embodiment, in a washing process, flow rate is periodically measured, for example. In the present embodiment as well, the control section  21  obtains a measured value of flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor  17  in time periods, tb-tc, td-te, tg-th, ti-tj, tl-tm, tn-to, and tp-tq, for example, during a washing process as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     Also, when a washing process starts, the electromagnetic valves  18   a  and  18   d  are switched from being close to open at time, ta, for example, as shown in  FIG. 6 . Then, a washing process for the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  starts. During time, ta-tf, in the washing process for the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b , the electromagnetic valve  18   d  is closed during times of flow rate measurement, tb-tc and td-te. 
     When the washing process for the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  performed in such a way finishes, the electromagnetic valves  18   a  and  18   d  are closed. 
     When the washing process for the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  finishes, the electromagnetic valves  18   b  and  18   e  are switched from close to open, and a washing process for gas/water supply channels (gas supply channels  53   a ,  53   b , and water supply channels  54   a ,  54   b ) starts. During time, tf-tk, in the washing process for the gas/water supply channels, the electromagnetic valve  18   e  is closed during times of flow rate measurement, tg-th and ti-tj. 
     Thus, when the washing process for the gas/water supply channels finishes, the electromagnetic valves  18   b  and  18   e  are closed. 
     After the washing process for the gas/water supply channels finished, the electromagnetic valve  18   c  is switched from close to open, and a washing process for the wire insertion channel  59   a  as a special channel starts. During the time of the washing process for the wire insertion channel  59   a , the electromagnetic valve  18   c  is left open all the time. 
     Then, when the washing process for the wire insertion channel  59   a  finishes, the electromagnetic valve  18   c  is closed. 
     Then, the following rinsing process is entered. In the rinsing process, the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   e  are also controlled in a similar manner. The electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   e  are similarly controlled in other processes after the rinsing process as well. 
     According to the present embodiment, washing/disinfecting is carried out with reduction of flow in a channel for which flow rate cannot be measured unless flow is reduced or limited only during a time (period) of flow rate measurement so as to enable flow rate measurement and without reducing flow during a period in which flow rate measurement is not performed. Therefore, the present embodiment can complete processing for the washing or disinfection process in a smaller amount of time than the first embodiment. The present embodiment otherwise has similar advantages as those of the first embodiment. 
     While this embodiment is shown as an application to the configuration of  FIG. 3 , it may also be applied to a configuration in which flow is limited only when liquid is supplied to the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b , which are of the largest inner diameter, as a variation of  FIG. 3 , for example. 
     In the first and second embodiments, when fluid is supplied into a plurality of channels of the endoscope  2  and the flow rate of the fluid is measured with the single flow rate sensor  17 , flow in a channel that exceeds the upper limit value of a flow rate measurement range is limited to be brought into the flow rate measurement range that can be measured by the flow rate sensor  17 . 
     Meanwhile, a third embodiment discussed below pads flow rate in a channel having a flow rate that does not reach a lower limit value of the flow rate measurement range of the flow rate sensor  17  so that it falls within the flow rate measurement range that can be measured by the flow rate sensor  17 . 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 7  shows a configuration of a flow rate control section  4 C according to a third embodiment of the invention. The endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the flow rate control section  4  of the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  of  FIG. 1  is replaced with the flow rate control section  4 C shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     The flow rate control section  4 C shown in  FIG. 7  has a configuration that does not include the orifices  19   a  and  19   b  of the flow rate control section  4  of  FIG. 3 . Also, the present embodiment adopts a flow rate sensor  17 C capable of measuring a high flow rate in place of the flow rate sensor  17  of the first embodiment. 
     Also, in the present embodiment, when measuring flow rate in a special channel with the electromagnetic valve  18   c  open, the control section  21  performs flow rate padding control by adding a flow rate that can be calculated within the measurement range of the flow rate sensor  17 C (to be specific, adding a flow rate in the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  with the electromagnetic valve  18   a  open in the channel  14   a , which is connected to the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b ). 
     More specifically, when liquid is supplied to a special channel of a small inner diameter, its flow rate is too small to be measured by the flow rate sensor  17 C with a required accuracy. Therefore, an offset value that can be calculated is added to bring the value into a flow measurement range in which measurement is possible so as to enable measurement with the flow rate sensor  17 C. Then, after obtaining a measured value with the offset value added, the control section  21  calculates a net flow rate in a case where liquid is supplied to the special channel, by performing an operation of subtracting the offset value. 
     The control section  21  therefore includes a control function  21   a  of a flow rate padding section for padding flow rate with an offset flow rate value so that the flow rate comes within a range that can be measured by the flow rate sensor  17 C, when flow rate is measured in a special channel in which flow rate is too small and fluid flows at a flow rate that falls short of the lower limit value of the flow measurement range. 
     For a flow rate used as the offset value, namely a flow rate that can be calculated, a flow rate in a suction channel or a flow rate in gas/water supply channels is adopted, for example. 
     Because the flow rate to be flown in the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  or the gas/water supply channels which is used as the offset value can be obtained through actual measurement by the flow rate sensor  17  when liquid is not supplied to the special channel, it is possible to easily perform processing for detecting a net flow rate in a case where liquid is supplied to the special channel. 
       FIG. 8  shows a diagram illustrating operations in the present embodiment. A diagram in a left portion of  FIG. 8  approximately shows a flow rate measurement range R that can be measured by the flow rate sensor  17 C, where flow rate, As, of the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  as well as the flow rate, Aaw, of the gas/water supply channels fall within the flow measurement range R. However, the flow rate, Ap, of a special channel having a very small effective inner diameter, such as the wire insertion channel  59   a , is too small and does not reach the flow measurement range R. 
     Accordingly, as shown at a right portion, when measuring the flow rate, Ap, of a special channel of the smallest inner diameter, such as the wire insertion channel  59   a , the control section  21  opens the electromagnetic valve  18   a , for example, to supply liquid also to the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b . The present embodiment thereby pads the flow rate, Ap, of a special channel, such as the wire insertion channel  59   a , which is to be measured by the flow rate sensor  17 C, to Ap+As. 
     Then, after obtaining the padded flow rate (from the flow rate sensor  17 C), the control section  21  subtracts the flow rate, As, of the suction channels  57   a  and  57   b  to calculate the flow rate, Ap, of the special channel. 
     The present embodiment has an advantage of measuring the flow rate, Ap, of a special channel having a too small flow rate with fewer components than the first or second embodiment. 
       FIG. 9  shows a configuration of a flow rate control section  4 D in a first variation of the present embodiment. The configuration of the flow rate control section  4 D adds a pressure sensor  71  for detecting pressure in the channel  14   c  which leads from the electromagnetic valve  18   c  to the special channel connecting mouthpiece  20   c , to the flow rate control section  4 C shown in  FIG. 7 . Note that the air filter  24  is omitted in  FIG. 9  (and  FIG. 11  discussed below) for the sake of simplicity. 
     In the present variation, flow rates in the suction channels  57   a ,  57   b , and the gas/water supply channels are measured with the flow rate sensor  17 C described above. For a special channel with a too small flow rate, the flow rate can be measured by padding it as described above or the measurement thereof may be omitted. As the control function  21   a  of the flow rate padding section in  FIG. 9  is shown by a dotted line because it may be either used or not. 
     And using the pressure sensor  71 , the degree of clogging in the special channel is detected with high accuracy from change in pressure of the special channel. 
     Specifically, when liquid or air has been supplied into the special channel with the electromagnetic valve  18   c  switched from close to open by the control section  21 , the electromagnetic valve  18   c  is closed. The degree of clogging of the special channel is detected based on temporal change in pressure as detected or measured by the pressure sensor  71  from the time at which the electromagnetic valve  18   c  is closed. Change in pressure in this case is illustrated in  FIG. 10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , when the special channel is not clogged and in a normal condition, detected pressure lowers with elapse of time, t, as shown by a solid line. 
     On the other hand, when the special channel is clogged, detected pressure does not lower or lowers less over time as shown by a dotted line. From the trend of pressure change, whether the special channel is clogged or not, and/or degree of clogging can be accurately detected. 
     According to the present variation, even for a channel with a too low flow rate to be measured with the flow rate sensor  17 C, by using the pressure sensor  71  as a pressure gauge, it is possible to detect whether the channel is clogged or not and/or degree of clogging with high accuracy. 
       FIG. 11  shows a configuration of a flow rate control section  4 E according to a second variation of the present embodiment. The flow rate control section  4 E has a configuration that adds an electromagnetic valve  72  in the channel  14  on an upstream (or input) side of the flow rate sensor  17 C, and a pressure sensor  71  for detecting pressure in the channel  14  on an output side of the flow rate sensor  17 C and before the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c , to the flow rate control section  4 C shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     In other words, the configuration positions the pressure sensor  71  between the electromagnetic valve  72  and the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c  which are in series with the electromagnetic valve  72 . 
     While the first variation is configured to detect degree of clogging in only a special channel based on change in pressure, the present variation enables measurement of degree of clogging from change in pressure for all of the suction channel, gas/water supply channels, and the special channel. 
     For example, to detect clogging of a special channel by measuring pressure, after switching the electromagnetic valves  72  and  18   c  from close to open, the electromagnetic valve  72  is closed and change in pressure is measured by the pressure sensor  71  as in the first variation. In this case, other electromagnetic valves,  18   a  and  18   b , are left closed. By modifying opening/closing control for the electromagnetic valve  18   c  in this case, existence/absence of clogging or the like of other channels can be measured in a similar way. 
     In the present variation, the control section  21  decides a combination of flow rate measurement and/or pressure measurement appropriate for a channel recognized from channel information of the endoscope  2 , as described in the first embodiment. 
     The present variation provides a wider choice of detection of an appropriate flow rate range or clogging based on flow rate measurement or detection of clogging based on pressure measurement than the first variation, enabling measurement of a channel flow rate and/or detection of clogging of a channel with higher accuracy even when the endoscope  2  has channels of different types. 
       FIG. 12  shows a configuration of a flow rate control section  4 F in a third variation of the present embodiment, for example. This third variation may be applied to the first or second embodiment. 
     This variation has a configuration in which a channel  14   f  as a fourth connecting channel that branches from the channel  14  is provided, and an electromagnetic valve  18   f  is provided in the channel  14   f  and an endoscope channel connecting mouthpiece  20   f  is provided at an end of the channel  14   f , in  FIG. 7 , for example. Opening/closing of the electromagnetic valve  18   f  is controlled by the control section  21 . 
     For an endoscope having a forward water supply channel in which supplies water forward, for example, the endoscope channel connecting mouthpiece  20   f  is connected with the forward water supply channel via a connecting tube not shown. 
     The present variation enables measurement of flow rate or the like also in the forward water supply channel at the time of washing and disinfecting. 
     The present variation is not limited to a forward water supply channel: for an endoscope having two treatment instrument channels, for instance, the suction channel connecting mouthpiece  20   a , for example, is used for a suction channel that communicates with one of the treatment instrument channels as in the above-described embodiment. 
     Meanwhile, for the second treatment instrument channel, the endoscope channel connecting mouthpiece  20   f  is connected to a treatment instrument insertion port of the channel via a connecting tube, and the treatment instrument channel can be washed and disinfected just like other channels and flow rate therein can be measured at the time. 
     In addition, while the above-mentioned embodiments and variations are described with examples where a gas supply channel and a water supply channel are concurrently washed or disinfected, for the endoscope  2  shown in  FIG. 2 , for example, the connecting mouthpiece  20   b  and the connecting mouthpiece  20   f  may be connected to the gas supply channels  53   a ,  53   b , and the water supply channels  54   a ,  54   b  of the endoscope  2  using separate connecting tubes. 
     According to the present variation, even an endoscope having more channels of different types can be appropriately handled at the time of washing and disinfecting. The present variation has otherwise similar advantages to those of the third embodiment. When applied to other embodiment or the like, the present variation also has similar advantages to that embodiment or the like. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
       FIG. 13  shows an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1 G according to a fourth embodiment. The endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1 G provides a branching block  81  between the flow rate sensor  17  and the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c  in, for example, the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  of  FIG. 1 , and connects a branched channel  82  that branches at the branching block  81  to, for example, the change-over valve  29  with a bypass valve  83  positioned in midway of the channel  82 . 
     The control section  21  constituting a flow rate control section  4 F in the present embodiment is allowed to make a first choice for detecting or measuring flow rate in the side of the channels of the endoscope  2  or a second choice for detecting flow rate on the side of the branched channel  82  with the flow rate sensor  17 , by switching the branching block  81 . 
     That is, when the first choice is made to switch the branching block  81  so that the flow rate sensor  17  communicates with the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c  side, the configuration and operations are similar to those of the first embodiment. 
     On the other hand, by making the second choice to switch the branching block  81  so that the flow rate sensor  17  communicates with the side of the branched channel  82  in which the bypass valve  83  is provided, the liquid supply rate of the pump  15  or air supplying rate from the compressor  22  can be measured. 
     By adding such a simple configuration, the ability of liquid sending or supply by the pump  15  and the ability of the compressor  22  to supply air can be checked under a certain condition near a released condition freed from channels of the endoscope  2  as a load side. 
     For example, to measure the liquid supplying ability of the pump  15 , washing water in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is supplied to the flow rate sensor  17  side through the channel  14  and guided to the change-over valve  29  via the branched channel  82  which is opened from the branching block  81 , and is drained with the change-over valve  29  switched to the drain pump  30  side. 
     To measure the air supplying ability of the compressor  22 , air supplied from the compressor  22  is supplied to the flow rate sensor  17  side and guided to the change-over valve  29  via the branched channel  82  which is opened from the branching block  81 , and discharged with the change-over valve  29  switched to the drain pump  30  side. While the above-described configuration connects an end of the branched channel  82  to the change-over valve  29 , the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, an end of the branched channel  82  may be positioned on the upper surface of the washing and disinfecting bath  3  so that supplied liquid is brought back into the washing and disinfecting bath  3 , or supplied air may be discharged to the outside. 
     According to the present embodiment, a flow rate measuring section is formed that is capable of measuring the ability of the pump  15  and compressor  22  in a certain condition or state with no load or near a released condition without being affected by load which is set to send liquid to each channel of the endoscope  2  during washing or disinfection of the endoscope  2 . 
     Therefore, by providing the branched channel  82  and measuring the flow rate of fluid flowing in the channel  82 , degradation or the like of pumps as fluid sources can be grasped with high accuracy. The present embodiment otherwise has similar advantages to those of the first embodiment. 
     For the compressor  22 , measurement of its pressure may be allowed so that temporal change in characteristics of the compressor  22  or the like can be detected from pressure. 
     Fifth Embodiment 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 14 , an endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1 H according to a fifth embodiment of the invention is described. The endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1 H has a configuration that does not include the two orifices  19   a  and  19   b  that form a flow rate limiting section in the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , for example, and adopts a flow rate control section  4 H of a configuration with two electromagnetic valves  91  and  92 . Opening/closing operation of the two electromagnetic valves  91  and  92  is controlled by the control section  21 . 
     One of the electromagnetic valves,  91 , is inserted in a bypass channel  14   h  which is parallel with the flow rate sensor  17  positioned between the change-over valve  16  and the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c . In other words, the electromagnetic valve  91  is positioned in the bypass channel  14   h  which communicates the input side of the flow rate sensor  17  with the output side thereof in the channel  14  in which the flow rate sensor  17  is inserted. While in  FIG. 14  one end of the bypass channel  14   h  is designed to branch midway of the channel  14  which leads from the change-over valve  16  to the flow rate sensor  17 , the end may branch directly from the change-over valve  16 . 
     And by opening and closing the electromagnetic valve  91 , flow rate to the flow rate sensor  17  can be changed or adjusted. 
     For example, when the electromagnetic valve  91  is closed, a flow rate equal to that in a case where the electromagnetic valve  91  is not provided flows through the flow rate sensor  17 . On the other hand, when the electromagnetic valve  91  is opened, a flow rate of flow from the side of the change-over valve  16  divides into a flow rate that flows to the flow rate sensor  17  and a flow rate that flows to the bypass channel  14   h . Therefore, the flow rate that flows to the flow rate sensor  17  is smaller than when the electromagnetic valve  91  is closed. 
     As the flow rate sensor  17 , the present embodiment employs a flow rate sensor capable of measuring a flow rate in an extremely narrow channel (specifically, a special channel such as a wire insertion channel) within its flow rate measurement range, as described in the first embodiment. 
     Also, the inner diameter or the like of the bypass channel  14   h  and electromagnetic valve  91  is appropriately configured so that the flow rate that flows to the flow rate sensor  17  side can be measured within the flow rate measurement range by opening the electromagnetic valve  91  for a large-flow channel (specifically, a suction channel). In addition, from the flow rate on the flow rate sensor  17  side, a flow rate that flows on the side of the bypass channel  14   h  of a certain inner diameter with the electromagnetic valve  91  open can be known. 
     Flow rate in a medium-flow channel (specifically, gas/water supply channels) can be measured by the flow rate sensor  17  with the electromagnetic valve  91  either open or closed. Example operations below will be described with an example where the electromagnetic valve  91  is open. 
     The other electromagnetic valve  92  is positioned midway in a channel  14   g  which communicates with a channel on the output side of the flow rate sensor  17  and leads to the change-over valve  29 . With the channel  14   g  provided with the electromagnetic valve  92  which is opened or closed through control, a liquid supply rate as the liquid supplying ability of the pump  15  itself (alone), which constitutes a fluid supply unit, can be measured. Hereinafter, the liquid supply rate of the pump  15  itself will be referred to as just a liquid supply rate of a pump or a liquid supply rate of the pump  15 . The control section  21  stores a measured liquid supply rate and uses the rate to determine whether flow rates in various channels in the endoscope  2  are proper or not with high accuracy. 
     Thus, for example, when the operator performs an instructive operation for measuring and storing the liquid supply rate of the pump  15  itself from the operation portion  93  provided on the main body  5 , which serves as instructive operation means, to the control section  21 , the control section  21  measures the liquid supply rate of the pump  15  and stores the rate in the flash memory  63  as described below. 
     The flash memory  63  has also prestored therein information for setting a flow rate threshold value used for determining that no channel of the endoscope  2  is clogged and flow rate is within a proper range or that any channel is clogged based on a measured value of liquid supply rate of the pump  15 . For example, the control section  21  calculates a threshold value for determining a proper flow rate range and a condition with clogging with a calculation formula, e.g., from information on diameter of various channels of the endoscope  2  and stores the threshold value in the flash memory  63 . 
     The control section  21  then compares a measured value of flow rate in a case where liquid is actually supplied to one of various channels with the threshold value to determine whether there is clogging in that channel or not. The threshold value used for determining whether there is clogging is not limited to a single value but a number of threshold values may be set depending on degree of clogging. In addition, instead of information on a threshold for determining occurrence of clogging, information on a proper flow rate range may be stored in the flash memory  63  in combination with threshold value information. 
     Thus, the present embodiment does not provide the orifices  19   a  and  19   b  that constitute flow rate limiting sections. And the present embodiment provides a flow rate diverting section  94  that enables the bypass channel  14   h  provided in parallel with the flow rate sensor  17  to be opened and closed through the electromagnetic valve  91  to limit the flow rate that flows into the flow rate sensor  17  to within the flow rate measurement range of the flow rate sensor  17 , and diverts a portion of flow that exceeds the flow rate measurement range through the bypass channel  14   h.    
     The configuration is otherwise similar to that of the first embodiment. Next, operations of the present embodiment having such a configuration will be described with reference to  FIG. 15 .  FIG. 15  shows a part of a process of washing/disinfecting the endoscope  2  performed by the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1 H of the present embodiment. Overall processing in this case is almost the same as what was described in  FIG. 4 . 
     A user places the endoscope  2  to be washed and disinfected in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  of the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1  as shown in  FIG. 14 . In this case, the user connects the connecting sections of channels of the endoscope  2  with the suction channel connecting mouthpiece  20   a , gas/water supply channel connecting mouthpiece  20   b , and special channel connecting mouthpiece  20   c  of the washing and disinfecting bath  3  via the connecting tubes  37   a ,  37   b  and  37   c , respectively. 
     The user then powers on the endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus  1 H and starts operations of the washing and disinfecting process as shown at step S 31  of  FIG. 15 . 
     At the first step S 31 , the control section  21  in the main body  5  starts control operations in accordance with a control program written, for example, in the flash memory  63 , and performs processing for obtaining channel information of the endoscope  2 . 
     Specifically, the control section  21  uses the RFID reader  62  to obtain ID information in the RFID tag  61  on the endoscope  2 . The control section  21  then uses the ID information to obtain channel information of the endoscope  2 , which is being contained in the washing and disinfecting bath  3 , from the flash memory  63 . 
     Then, as shown at step S 32 , the control section  21  recognizes from the channel information that the endoscope  2  in the washing and disinfecting bath  3  is an endoscope  2  that has the suction channel  57   a , gas supply channel  53   a  and water supply channel  54   a , and the wire insertion channel  59   a  as a special channel. In the present embodiment, in addition to the channel information, the control section  21  obtains information on the liquid supply rate of the pump  15  which is stored in the flash memory  63 , as shown at step S 33 . At the following step S 34 , the control section  21  determines whether information on the liquid supply rate of the pump has been retrieved from the flash memory  63 , in other words, whether information on the liquid supply rate is stored in the flash memory  63 . If it cannot obtain information on the liquid supply rate, the control section  21  returns to step S 33  after performing processing at step S 35 . If it was able to obtain liquid supply rate information, the control section  21  proceeds to step S 36 . 
     At step S 35 , the control section  21  performs operation control for processing for measuring the liquid supply rate of the pump  15  and storing the rate in the flash memory  63  as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
     As shown at step S 21  of  FIG. 16 , the control section  21  runs the pump  15  with the electromagnetic valve  92  open, and the electromagnetic valve  91  and the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c , which are connected to load, closed. That is to say, the pump  15  is run in a released condition (or a condition near a no load condition). In this case, the control section  21  further switches the change-over valve  29  so that the valve  29  communicates with the electromagnetic valve  92 , and discharges washing water that has flown through the change-over valve  29  to outside through liquid supplying operation of the pump  30 . Washing water may also be brought back into the washing and disinfecting bath  3  instead of being discharged to the outside. 
     At the following step S 22 , the flow rate sensor  17  measures a flow rate in a case where liquid is supplied by the pump  15  in a released condition. Then, at the following step S 23 , the control section  21  obtains a measured flow rate value from the flow rate sensor  17  and stores the value in the flash memory  63 . In this way, processing for measuring and storing the liquid supply rate of the pump  15  shown in  FIG. 16  is terminated. Then, the control section  21  returns to processing at step S 33  in  FIG. 15  and proceeds to processing at step S 36  from step S 34 . 
     At step S 36 , the control section  21  recognizes a proper flow rate range in a case where liquid is supplied to channels from information in channels of the endoscope  2  and information on the liquid supply rate of the pump  15 . In other words, the control section  21  sets a threshold value for determining whether there is clogging or not when liquid is supplied to each channel. 
     At the following step S 37 , the control section  21  controls various sections of the main body  5  to supply washing water into suction channels, gas/water supply channels, and a wire insertion channel in sequence to start a washing process. 
     In this case, as shown at step S 38 , the control section  21  periodically has the flow rate sensor  17  measure flow rate and obtains a measured flow rate. As processing after step S 38 , processing at step S 9  and subsequent steps of  FIG. 4  is performed. 
       FIG. 17  is a diagram that illustrates flow rate measuring operations in the washing process at steps S 37  and S 38 .  FIG. 17  shows opening/closing control of the electromagnetic valves  18   a  to  18   c  and  91  with the electromagnetic valves  18   d  and  18   e  eliminated from  FIG. 6  and the electromagnetic valve  91  added. As the electromagnetic valve  92  is closed all the time, it is not shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the electromagnetic valve  18   a  is opened during time of washing a suction channel, ta-tf, and the electromagnetic valve  91  is closed during this time, ta-tf. And the control section  21  performs washing while monitoring whether a flow rate in the suction channel is within a proper range based on the flow rate that flows to the side of the flow rate sensor  17 . 
     In this case, flow rate control with accurate flow rate determination is possible because the control section  21  determines whether the flow rate to the flow rate sensor  17  is within a proper range or not in the case of the suction channel from the value of the liquid supply rate of the pump  15 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 17 , during time of washing gas/water supply channels, tf-tk, the electromagnetic valve  18   b  is opened, and the electromagnetic valve  91  is opened during this time, tf-tk. Then, the control section  21  performs washing while monitoring whether a flow rate on the gas/water supply channels is within a proper range based on the flow rate that flows to the side of the flow rate sensor  17 . 
     In this case, flow rate control with accurate flow rate determination is possible because the control section  21  determines whether the flow rate to the flow rate sensor  17  is within a proper range or not in the case of the gas/water supply channels based on the value of the liquid supply rate of the pump  15 . 
     Meanwhile, as shown in  FIG. 17 , during time of washing a wire insertion channel, tk-tr, the electromagnetic valve  18   e  is opened, and the electromagnetic valve  91  is closed during this time, tk-tr. And the control section  21  performs washing while monitoring whether a flow rate to the flow rate sensor  17  side, that is, the flow rate that flows to the wire insertion channel, is within a proper range. 
     Since the control section  21  determines whether the flow rate is within a proper range or not in the case of the wire insertion channel based on the value of the liquid supply rate of the pump  15  also in this case, flow rate control with accurate flow rate determination is possible. While  FIG. 17  describes operations of the washing process, almost the same flow rate control is performed in other processes as well. 
     According to the present embodiment, by diverting part of flow to the flow rate sensor  17  through the bypass channel  14   h , it is possible to perform flow rate control with accurate detection of flow rate with only one flow rate sensor  17  without requiring the orifice  19   a  which constitutes a flow rate limiting section. Specifically, when the suction channel or the like of the endoscope  2  is washed or disinfected at a flow rate exceeding the flow rate measurement range of the flow rate sensor  17 , the electromagnetic valve  91  in the bypass channel  14   h  which is provided in parallel with the flow rate sensor  17  is opened to divert part of the flow. By diverting part of the flow, flow rate can be accurately measured within the measurement range of the flow rate sensor  17 . 
     In addition, since the present embodiment measures and stores the liquid supply rate of the pump  15 , which constitutes a fluid supply unit, and determines whether flow rate is proper or not by using the measured liquid supply rate, it can accurately detect flow rate and also accurately detect any condition with deviation from a proper flow rate. To be specific, it is possible to detect a condition in which a channel is completely clogged as well as a condition in which soil, for example, at the time of an internal examination adheres to an inner side of a channel to reduce flow rate in the channel. 
     Additionally, because the present embodiment adopts a configuration that does not require limitation on flow rate even in a channel of a large inner diameter, such as a suction channel (in this case, flow that flows to the flow rate sensor  17  portion is limited to within the measurement range), washing and/or disinfection can be performed with a flow rate appropriate for the inner diameter of a channel even when various types of channels are of different inner diameters. 
     Therefore, washing and/or disinfection can be completed in a smaller amount of time than when flow rate is limited. 
     As a variation of the present embodiment, a plurality of the bypass channels  14   h  and electromagnetic valves  91  which are arranged in parallel with the flow rate sensor  17  may be provided, so that flow rate or the like can be accurately detected even for channels of a wider variety of inner diameters by controlling opening/closing of two electromagnetic valves  91 . 
     Additionally, an embodiment or the like that is formed such as by combining part of the above-described embodiments or the like also belongs to the present invention. 
     For example, the present invention is not limited to a configuration that includes only one flow rate limiting section, one flow rate padding section, and one flow rate diverting section of the above-described embodiments but may be applied to a configuration that includes a plurality of such sections. In a configuration including a plurality of such sections, any section that can measure flow rate more accurately can be selected for use. 
     Having described the preferred embodiments of the invention referring to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to those precise embodiments and various changes and modifications thereof could be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.