JP2002085348A - Processor of electronic endoscope apparatus having sterilizing function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform sterilization by ultraviolet rays without lowering the efficiency of operation and obtain a stable sterilizing effect in a medical performance using an endoscope. SOLUTION: A fluid feed tube 210, a sterilizing device 230, a fluid feed tube 215 and a pump 250 are arranged in a processor 120. The fluid feed pipe 210, the sterilizing device 230, and the fluid feed tube 215 are made to communicate, and the fluid feed tube 210 is connected to an air supply and water supply mouth ring 119A disposed in a connector part 119 of an electronic scope 110. The pump 250 is operated to feed the air A to the sterilizing device 230, and the air A is sterilized by ultraviolet rays radiated from an ultraviolet lamp disposed in the sterilizing device 230. At this time, a power supply and control part 310 controls the output of the pump 250 (air supply quantity), and regulates the power of the pump 250 so that the flow of the air A becomes constant in order to keep constant the dose of ultraviolet rays.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus provided with a scope which is inserted into a body cavity and captures an image of an observation site.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an endoscope apparatus, for example, in the case of an electronic scope having an image sensor, the scope is connected to a processor that processes an image signal read from the image sensor. A light source unit is provided in the processor, and light emitted from the light source unit is transmitted to an observation site via a light guide in an electronic scope. On the other hand, in the case of a fiberscope that transmits the image of the observation site optically with an optical fiber,
The scope is connected to the light source device.

[0003] Further, an air supply / water supply channel through which water or air passes for cleaning the objective lens provided at the distal end of the scope is formed inside the scope, and water or air is supplied from the processor or the light source device. Sent to the scope. In addition, not only cleaning of the objective lens but also cleaning of the inside of the body cavity using the jetting water supply channel is possible.

[0004]

When air or water is supplied into a body cavity for cleaning or the like, it is necessary to sterilize bacteria contained in outside air or tap water. A separate sterilizer was used.

[0005] However, in the case of sterilization using a sterilizer, a sterilization process for air supply and water supply must be performed in advance, and operations other than an endoscope must be performed. Further, the sterilization process requires time, and the working efficiency using the endoscope is reduced.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an endoscope apparatus capable of performing a sterilization treatment by ultraviolet rays without deteriorating work efficiency and obtaining a stable sterilization effect in a medical practice using an endoscope. The purpose is to:

[0007]

According to the present invention, there is provided a processor for an electronic endoscope apparatus, wherein a scope provided with a transport pipe through which a fluid flows is detachably connected and a flow pipe which communicates with the transport pipe. A pump for sending a fluid to the transport conduit through the flow pipe, a sterilizing lamp that emits ultraviolet light to sterilize the fluid flowing through the flow pipe, and an amount of ultraviolet irradiation applied to the fluid is constant. And an irradiation amount control means for controlling at least one of the sterilizing lamp and the pump. According to such an apparatus, the fluid flowing through the flow tube by the operation of the pump is sterilized by the ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp, and the sterilized fluid is sent into the transport channel of the scope, that is, into the body cavity. Therefore, the bacteria contained in the fluid can be sterilized in the process of sending the fluid into the body cavity without separately performing a sterilization process in advance. Also, even if the flow rate of the fluid (the flow rate per unit time) fluctuates due to the operating characteristics of the pump, etc., a constant ultraviolet irradiation amount can be obtained by operating / lighting at least one of the sterilizing lamp and the pump according to the flow rate. Hit the fluid. Therefore, the fluid is reliably sterilized, and a stable sterilization process can be performed.

For example, the fluid is a gas containing air,
Preferably, the processor has a tank for storing the liquid to be sucked into the pump. In this case, the irradiation amount control unit may determine whether the gas flow rate matches the reference flow rate based on the pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the gas flowing through the flow pipe and the voltage value corresponding to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. It is desirable to have constant flow rate detecting means for judging whether or not, and pump control means for adjusting the air supply amount of the pump so that the ultraviolet irradiation amount is constant. By increasing or decreasing the power of the pump while measuring the flow rate by the pressure sensor, the flow rate of the gas becomes constant. Alternatively, it is preferable that the irradiation amount control unit has a lamp adjusting unit that adjusts the illuminance of ultraviolet rays emitted from the germicidal lamp so that the ultraviolet irradiation amount is constant, instead of the pump control unit. By increasing or decreasing the power of the lamp in accordance with the fluctuation of the flow rate, the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light becomes constant.

For example, the fluid is a liquid containing water. In this case, the irradiation amount control means includes: a setting switch for setting a flow rate of the fluid; and a water supply amount of the pump and a germicidal lamp such that the ultraviolet irradiation amount is constant according to the flow rate of the liquid set by the setting switch. Pump / lamp control means for adjusting the output of the pump, a flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow pipe, and constant flow rate detection means for determining whether or not the flow rate of the liquid matches the set flow rate. In addition, it is desirable that the pump / lamp control means adjusts the water supply amount of the pump and the illuminance of ultraviolet rays emitted from the sterilizing lamp so as to match the set flow rate. By providing the setting switch, the flow rate desired by the operator can be set. In addition, since the flow rate is measured by the flow rate sensor and the pump power is adjusted so as to reach the set flow rate, the liquid is sent to the transport pipeline while the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet rays is kept constant.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view schematically showing an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment. The endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment is an electronic endoscope apparatus including an electronic scope having an image sensor, and includes a processor that processes image signals, a monitor that displays an image together with the electronic scope. In particular,
In a first embodiment, a processor is configured to send air into a body cavity.

A cable 118, which is a part of the electronic scope 110, is connected to a processor 120 via a connector 119.
Of the electronic scope 110
An image pickup device 113 such as a CCD is provided at the front end of the camera. A monitor 130 on which an image of the observation region is displayed is connected to the processor 120, and an image signal corresponding to the image of the observation region read from the image sensor 113 is converted into a video signal such as an NTSC signal in the processor 120. It is sent to the monitor 130. Further, a keyboard 140 is connected to the processor 120, and image processing can be performed on an image displayed on the monitor 130 by operating the keyboard 140.

The electronic scope 110 includes a processor 1
A light guide fiber bundle 115 for guiding light emitted from a light source unit (not shown) provided in the light guide unit 20 to the distal end of the scope 110 is provided. 11
The light exits from the front end 117 of the zero. Thereby, the observation site is irradiated with light, and an observation site image is formed on the image sensor 113.

Further, in the electronic scope 110, conduits such as an air supply / water supply channel 116, a forceps channel 112, and an ejection flow tube 114 are formed, and these are used as necessary. Air supply / water supply channel 116
Are formed along the light guide fiber bundle 115, and are formed from the connector portion 119 to the distal end portion 117 of the electronic scope 110.

The air / water supply channel 116 is provided at the tip 1
This is a conduit for sending water or air for cleaning an objective lens (not shown) interposed between the camera 17 and the image sensor 113. The air supply switch 110A and the water supply switch 110B in the operation unit 110M of the electronic scope 110. By operating, water or air flows from the processor 120 toward the distal end 117 of the electronic scope 110. Air supply
At the tip 117 of the water supply channel 116, a nozzle extends toward the objective lens.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing components related to air supply in the processor 120. Here, components related to the sterilization process are mainly shown.

The processor 120 is provided with a flow pipe 210 for sending air to the air / water channel 116 and is connected to an air / water feed base 119A provided in the connector 119 of the electronic scope 110. . Light source unit 25
The light emitted from 5 is guided to the light guide fiber bundle 115 via the connector section 119.

In the processor 120, the flow pipe 21
0 is connected to a sterilizing device 230 provided with a flow pipe inside. In addition, the sterilizer 230 is connected via the flow pipe 215,
Pump 250 for supplying air A to the electronic scope 110 side
Connected to. That is, the pump 250 is
5. It communicates with the air supply / water supply channel 116 of the electronic scope 110 via the sterilizer 230 and the flow pipe 210. When the pump 250 operates, the sucked air A is supplied to the air supply / water supply of the electronic scope 110. Sent to channel 116. A pressure sensor 213 that measures the pressure of the air to be sent is attached to the sending pipe 210.

The pump 250 includes a dust removal filter 27.
0 is attached, and for suction of air A,
A vent hole 120 </ b> T is provided on a side surface of the processor 120. The air A sucked by the pump 250 is cleaned by the dust removal filter 270,
Sent to 0. Here, as the pump 250, a type of pump having a low possibility of contaminating a fluid, such as a diaphragm pump or a rotary pump, is applied.

In the present embodiment, the sterilizer 23 is provided so that maintenance and inspection can be performed integrally during maintenance.
0, the pump 250 and the dust removal filter 270 are integrated as a unit 300. Power supply / control unit 31
Numeral 0 is provided for supplying or controlling power to a circuit in the processor 120, and supplies power to the unit 300 and controls the light source unit 255 and the unit 300. The power supply / control cable 330 is connected to the power supply / control unit 31.
0 and the connector 275, and the unit 300
Then, a control signal and electric power are transmitted from the connector 275 to the sterilization device 230 and the pump 250. The control cable 258 is a line connecting the power supply / control unit 310 and the light source unit 255.

The power supply / control unit 310 includes the electronic scope 11
0 is electrically connected to the air supply switch 110A.
A signal generated by pressing (see FIG. 1) is sent from the electronic scope 110 to the power supply / control unit 310 via a cable (not shown). And the power / control unit 3
In 10, based on the signal sent, the unit 30
A control signal is output to 0 or the like.

The pressure sensor 213 is connected to the power supply / control unit 310 via a connection 355, and the air A flowing through the flow pipe 210 detected by the pressure sensor 213 is detected.
A voltage value corresponding to the pressure (dynamic pressure) is sent to the power supply / control section 310. The flow rate of the air A is obtained based on the voltage value.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the sterilizer 230.

The sterilizing device 230 is a miniaturized device that sterilizes a fluid by irradiating the air A with ultraviolet rays, and is covered by a light shielding casing 430. Sterilizer 23
The ultraviolet lamp (germicidal lamp) 400 arranged so as to be hung from the top of 0 is a lamp that emits ultraviolet light, and has a wavelength of 100 to 28 that has a germicidal action in the ultraviolet light.
It emits light at 0 nm (UV-C as a category). The outer tube 410 surrounding the ultraviolet lamp 400 is a transparent glass tube having a wavelength transmittance for ultraviolet rays. Pump 250
The gas A sent from the flow pipe (see FIG. 2) through the flow pipe 215 is connected to the flow pipe (irradiation flow pipe) provided in the sterilizer 230 via the connection connector 490 and the light blocking member 470.
It is led to 420. In order to sufficiently perform ultraviolet irradiation, the flow pipe 420 is helically piped around the outer pipe 410, and is formed so as to sufficiently transmit ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lamp 400 at least in the spiral part. The space between the outer tube 410 and the ultraviolet lamp 400 is set to a necessary minimum (about 1 mm). The spiral flow pipe 420 is held by a transparent net mat (not shown) suspended from the upper part 430U of the light shielding casing 430, and is in contact with the outer pipe 410.

Air supply switch 110 of electronic scope 110
When A is pressed, the ultraviolet lamp 400 is turned on, and the pump 250 operates. The gas A sent to the sterilizer 230 flows through the spiral flow pipe 420 toward the upper part 430U of the light shielding casing 430. Ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet lamp 400 irradiate the gas A while the air A passes through the spiral flow pipe 420. Thereby, the gas A is sterilized. The sterilized gas A passes through the light blocking member 460 and the connection connector 480 from the flow pipe 420, and passes through the flow pipe 210 outside the sterilization device 230.
Sent to

The light shielding casing 430 includes the ultraviolet lamp 4
In order to prevent the ultraviolet rays radiated from 00 from leaking out of the sterilization device 230, it is formed of a member that blocks the ultraviolet rays (for example, black colored metal or black silicon rubber). The ultraviolet lamp 400 includes a light shielding casing 43.
0 is connected to a power supply connector section 440 which is detachable with respect to the UV lamp 40.
0 can be removed from the sterilizer 230. A power cable 450 is connected to the power connector 440.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the light shielding member 460. The light shielding members 460 and 470 have the same configuration, and only the light shielding member 460 will be described here.

The light shielding member 460 is a light shielding casing 430.
500, 510 respectively attached to the inner and outer surfaces of
The covers 500 and 510 have through holes 52 for penetrating the flow pipe 420 at corresponding (opposing) positions.
0, 530 are respectively formed. In the light shielding casing 430, the through holes 52 and the through holes
A through hole 540 is provided at a position deviated from the position of 0, 530. As a result, the flow pipe 420 is
It curves between 20, 530.

A bolt 550 is inserted into the cover 510 from the outside, and the bolt 550 passes through the casing 530 and is screwed into the cover 500. Thus, the covers 500 and 510 are fixed to the light shielding casing 430.
In the connection connector 480 outside the light shielding member 460, the flow pipe 420 and the flow pipe 210 are detachably connected, and when the sterilizing device 230 is separated from other members, the flow pipe 420 is Removed from tube 210.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system in power supply / control section 310. A controller (CPU) 600 in the power supply / control unit 310 controls the entire processor 120, and a memory (not shown) in the power supply / control unit 310 stores a control program, data on the flow rate of air A, and the like. It is stored in advance.

The detection signal sent from the pressure sensor 213 is input to the controller 600,
00 controls the power (output) of the pump 250 so that the air supply amount in the pump 250 is kept constant. The air supply amount of the air A, that is, the flow rate of the air flowing through the flow pipes 210, 420, 215 and the air / water supply channel 116 per unit time varies depending on performance deterioration of the pump 250, power supply conditions, other accidents, and the like. I do. At this time,
The controller 600 controls the pump 2 so that the sterilizing effect of the ultraviolet lamp 400 of the sterilizing device 230 is kept constant.
Control 50 powers. That is, the pump 250 is controlled so that the amount of ultraviolet irradiation (sterilization dose, unit: mW · sec / cm ² ) that kills harmful bacteria in the air A is constant.
To maintain the flow rate of air A constant. Here, the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp 400 is determined so that the air A is irradiated with an ultraviolet irradiation amount for killing 99.9% of bacteria.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a control circuit of the controller 600 in controlling the pump 250 shown in FIG.

The control circuit has comparators 700 and 710 for comparing the first reference voltage VR1 and the second reference voltage VR2, and a non-inverting input side of the comparators 700 and 710 receives a voltage signal from the pressure sensor 213. VP is input. Voltage signal V
P is a voltage corresponding to the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor 213 and generated by the pressure-voltage converter 720.

The comparator 700 outputs a difference between the voltage signal VP and the reference voltage VR1 as a comparison signal COMP1, and the comparator 710 outputs a difference between the voltage signal VP and the reference voltage VR2 as a comparison signal COMP2. Comparison signal COMP1
Is input to the inverter INV1 and the inverted signal COMP
3 is generated, and the comparison signal COMP2 is output from the inverter INV.
2 to generate an inverted signal COMP4.

The control circuit comprises AND gates AND1, AN
D2, AND3, AND4, and an AND gate AND
1 receives comparison signals COMP3 and COMP4,
The comparison signals COMP2 and COMP are supplied to the ND gate AND2.
3 and the comparison signal CO is supplied to the AND gate AND3.
MP4 and COMP1 are input, and an AND gate AND4
Are supplied with comparison signals COMP1 and COMP2.

The reference voltage VR1 corresponds to the upper limit of the flow rate,
The reference voltage VR2 corresponds to the lower limit of the flow rate. When the AND gate AND1 is at a high level (represented by Low), it indicates that the flow rate of the air A is lower than the lower limit value, and when the AND gate AND2 is at a high level (represented by Mid), the flow rate is between the upper and lower limit values. And the AND gate AN
When D4 is at a high level (indicated by a Hi signal), it indicates that the flow rate has exceeded the upper limit. Also, an AND gate AND3
Is high (indicated as NOT), it indicates that some abnormality has occurred. Note that the upper and lower limits are based on the air A
Corresponds to an upper limit voltage value and a lower limit voltage value in a range that can be regarded as a preset flow rate (reference flow rate). The Low signal increases the output of the pump 250, the Hi signal decreases the output of the pump 250, and the Mid signal maintains the output as it is.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing characteristics of the control circuit shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a truth table in the control circuit.

As shown in FIG. 7, the relationship between the flow rate of the air A and the voltage signal VP has a linear relationship (shown by a straight line VT).
When the voltage signal VP is equal to or lower than the reference voltage VR2, the comparison signal C
Since both OMP1 and COMP2 are at a low level, that is, the flow rate of the air A is smaller than the reference flow rate, a Low signal is output. On the other hand, when the voltage signal VP is higher than the reference voltage VR1, the Hi signal is output because both of the comparison signals COMP1 and COMP2 are at a high level, that is, the flow rate of the air A is higher than the reference flow rate.

According to the truth table T1 of FIG.
When both COMP1 and COMP2 are at a low level, a Low signal is output, when COMP1 is at a low level, when COMP2 is at a high level, a Mid signal is output, and when COMP1 is at a high level,
When COMP2 is low, a NOT signal is output,
When both OMP1 and COMP2 are at a high level, a Hi signal is output.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow rate adjusting process of the control circuit of FIG. While the air supply switch 110A of the electronic scope 110 is operated, a flow adjustment process of the air A is executed. When the air supply switch 110A is operated, the pump 250 operates and the ultraviolet lamp 400 is turned on.

In step 1101, it is determined whether the control circuit has output a Hi signal. If it is determined that the Hi signal has been output, the process proceeds to step 1102, and the power of the pump 250 is reduced. This allows
The flow rate (air supply amount) of the air A decreases. On the other hand, if it is determined that the Hi signal has not been output, step 1103
Move on to

In step 1103, it is determined whether or not the Mid signal has been output. If it is determined that the Mid signal has been output, the process proceeds to step 1104, and the power of the pump 250 is maintained as it is. On the other hand, if it is determined that the Mid signal has not been output, the process proceeds to step 1105.

In step 1105, it is determined whether a Low signal has been output. If it is determined that the Low signal has been output, the process proceeds to step 1106, and the power of the pump 250 is increased. Thereby, the flow rate of the air A increases. On the other hand, if it is determined that the Low signal has not been output, the NOT signal has been output, so that in step 1107, a warning of an abnormality is issued and the apparatus is stopped. When the action for the abnormal state is executed, an infinite loop state occurs and the processor 120
Stops operating.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, by providing the sterilizer 230 having the ultraviolet lamp 400 in the processor 120, while the air A is sent to the air / water supply channel 116, the ultraviolet lamp 400 is turned on. Sterilized by ultraviolet rays emitted from the
Is supplied with sterilized air A. By providing the sterilization device 230 in the processor 120, a separate sterilization device is not required as in the related art, and the air A is sterilized in the air supply process, so that the sterilization process before the treatment is performed. Saves the trouble of doing the work.

The flow rate of the air A (flow rate per unit time) is measured by the pressure sensor 213, and the output power of the pump 250 is controlled by the controller 600 so that the flow rate becomes constant. Normally, when the air A is supplied, the flow rate may be unstable depending on the characteristics of the pump 250. However, the flow rate of the air A is controlled by controlling the pump 250. As a result, the amount of ultraviolet radiation received by the bacteria in the air A is kept constant, and the germicidal effect works reliably.

Next, an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp 400 is controlled in order to keep the amount of ultraviolet irradiation constant. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing a power supply according to the second embodiment.
It is a block diagram showing a control system in control part 310A.

The ultraviolet lamp 400 is a controller 600
The output of the ultraviolet lamp 400, that is, the illuminance of the ultraviolet light is adjusted based on the voltage value output from the pressure sensor 213.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the ultraviolet lamp processing of the control circuit according to the second embodiment.

Steps 1201, 1203, 1205,
The processing of 1027 is performed in steps 1101 and 110 in FIG.
3, 1105, and 1107. That is, it is determined which of the Hi, Mid, and Low signals has been detected. Then, in step 1202, since the flow rate of the air A has increased, the power of the ultraviolet lamp 400 is increased so that the ultraviolet irradiation amount is constant.
In step 1204, based on the Mid signal, the power of the ultraviolet lamp 400 is maintained as it is. In step 1206, the power of the ultraviolet lamp 400 is reduced because the flow rate of the air A has decreased.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, when the flow rate of the air A increases, the power of the ultraviolet lamp 400 increases, and when the flow rate of the air A decreases, the power of the ultraviolet lamp 400 increases. Is reduced. Thus, the illuminance of the ultraviolet lamp 400 changes according to the change in the flow rate of the air A, and as a result, the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light is kept constant.

Next, an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, unlike the first and second embodiments, a liquid such as water is supplied, and the ultraviolet lamp and the pump are controlled according to the flow rate of the liquid set by the operator. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing components related to water supply in the processor 120 according to the third embodiment.

The processor 120 includes a sterilizer 24
0, a pump 260 and a tank 280 are provided, and a sterilizer 240 is disposed between the feed pipes 225 and 235, and the pump 260 is provided between the tank 280 and the feed pipe 225.
Is arranged. The flow pipe 235 is connected to the air / water channel 116 of the electronic scope 110 as in the first embodiment (not shown here). The sterilizer 240 and the pump 260 are configured as a unit 320, and the power supply / control unit 310B supplies and controls power to the unit 320 via the cable 340 and the connector 360.

A flow setting switch 313 for setting the flow rate of the liquid is provided on a side surface of the processor 120. The flow setting switch 313 is connected to a cable 314.
Is connected to the power supply / control unit 310B via the. The configurations of the pump 260 and the sterilizer 240 are the same as those of the pump 250 and the sterilizer 230 in the first embodiment, respectively.
The configuration is the same as

The water W is stored in a tank 280,
When the pump 260 operates, the water W is sucked up. The sucked water W is conveyed to the sterilizer 240 via the flow pipe 225. Then, in the sterilizing device 240, the water W is sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation as in the first embodiment. The sterilized water W is supplied to the air supply / water supply channel 116 of the electronic scope 110 through the supply pipe 235.
Sent to

A flow sensor 325 for measuring the flow rate of the water W is attached to the flow pipe 235, and the flow sensor 325 is connected to the power / control unit 31 via a cable 319.
0B.

FIG. 13 shows a power supply according to the third embodiment.
It is a block diagram showing a control system of control part 310B.

The flow rate setting switch 31 is set by the operator.
When 3 is operated, a signal M3 corresponding to the set flow rate is sent to the controller 610. The controller 610 increases the power of the pump 260 so that the water W flows at the set flow rate based on the sent signal M3. At the same time, the power of the ultraviolet lamp 400 is increased so that the amount of ultraviolet irradiation becomes constant. A voltage signal corresponding to the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 325 is sent to the controller 610, and the control circuit equivalent to the first embodiment detects whether the flow rate matches the set flow rate. Then, the pump 260 and the ultraviolet lamp 400 are controlled based on the difference between the detected flow rate and the set flow rate.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow rate adjustment processing in the third embodiment. Electronic scope 1
While the ten water supply switches 110B are pressed, the flow rate adjustment processing is executed.

At step 1301, the set flow rate set by operating the flow rate setting switch 313 is read from the memory. In step 1302, the pump 260 operates according to the set flow rate, and the ultraviolet lamp 400 is turned on. In step 1303, the flow rate of the water W is measured as a voltage value by the flow rate sensor 325. Step 13
When step 03 is executed, the flow advances to step 1304.

The execution of steps 1304 to 1310 corresponds to the execution of steps 1101 to 1107 in FIG. That is, it is determined whether or not the flow rate measured by the flow rate sensor 325 substantially matches the set flow rate. If the detected flow rate is equal to or less than the set flow rate, the power of the pump 260 is increased, and The power of 400 is also increased so that the amount of irradiation of ultraviolet rays becomes constant (step 1309). On the other hand, when the detected flow rate is equal to or higher than the set flow rate, the power of the pump 260 is reduced,
At the same time, the power of the ultraviolet lamp 400 is also reduced so that the irradiation amount of the ultraviolet light becomes constant (step 130).
5). When the detected flow rate is equal to the set flow rate, the powers of the pump 260 and the ultraviolet lamp 400 are maintained.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the water W
The water W is sterilized while the water is sent from the tank 280 to the air / water channel 116 of the electronic scope 110, and the water W can be sterilized without lowering the working efficiency.
The flow rate of the water W is set by operating the flow rate setting switch 313, and the output power of the pump 260 is determined so that the water W is sent at the set flow rate. And
The power of the ultraviolet lamp 400 is adjusted so that the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is constant.

The tank 280 is provided with the processor 120
May be provided outside (side surface). In the processor 120 for sterilizing the air A according to the first embodiment, a switch for setting a flow rate by an operator is further provided,
Pump 250, ultraviolet lamp 4 according to the set flow rate
00 may be controlled.

In the first and second embodiments, the water W or the air A is sent to the distal end side of the electronic scope 110 via the air / water supply channel 116. However, the forceps channel 112 and the jet water supply channel 114 (FIG. The air A and the water W may be sent into the body cavity by using (1).
In this case, a tube is provided for connecting the forceps port 112N of the forceps channel 112 or the water supply port 114N of the jetting water supply channel 114 to the air supply or water supply pipe in the processor 120.

Also, instead of the processor of the electronic endoscope apparatus, a unit 300 including the sterilizer 230 shown in the first to third embodiments in a processor (light source apparatus) used when using a fiberscope. , Pump 2
50, or a unit 310 including a sterilizer 240;
A tank 280 and a pump 260 may be provided.

[0067]

As described above, according to the present invention, in a medical practice using an endoscope, sterilization treatment by ultraviolet rays can be performed without lowering work efficiency.
A stable bactericidal effect is obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic vertical sectional view of a processor.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sterilizer.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a light shielding member.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of the processor.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a control circuit of a controller in the control system of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a graph showing characteristics of the control circuit of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a truth table of the control circuit of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a flow rate adjustment process of the control circuit of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of a processor of the electronic endoscope device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a lamp power adjustment process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a processor of an electronic endoscope apparatus according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a control system of a processor according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a flow rate adjustment process according to the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 110 Electronic scope (scope) 116 Air supply / water supply channel (transportation pipeline) 120 Processor 210, 215 Transmission pipe 213 Pressure sensor 225, 235 Transmission pipe 250, 260 Pump 280 Tank 310 Power supply / control unit 310A, 310B Power supply / Control unit 313 Flow rate setting switch 325 Flow rate sensor 400 Ultraviolet lamp (germicidal lamp) 420 Flow pipe 600, 610 Controller

Claims (6)

[Claims] A scope provided with a transport pipe through which a fluid flows is detachably connected, a flow pipe communicating with the transport pipe, and the transport pipe via the flow pipe to the transport pipe. A pump that sends a fluid, a germicidal lamp that emits ultraviolet light to sterilize the fluid flowing through the flow pipe, and at least the pump and the germicidal lamp so that the amount of ultraviolet light applied to the fluid is constant. A processor for an electronic endoscope apparatus, comprising: an irradiation amount control unit for controlling any one of the two. 2. The processor according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is a gas containing air. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the irradiation amount control unit detects a pressure of the gas flowing through the flow pipe, and a flow rate of the gas based on a voltage value corresponding to the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. A constant flow rate detecting means for judging whether or not the flow rate is equal to a reference flow rate, and a pump control means for adjusting an air supply amount of the pump so that the ultraviolet irradiation amount is constant. 3. The processor of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to 2. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation amount control unit includes: a pressure sensor that measures a pressure of the gas flowing through the flow pipe; and a flow rate of the gas that matches a reference flow rate based on the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. A constant flow rate detecting means for judging whether or not the ultraviolet light is emitted, and a lamp adjusting means for adjusting the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the germicidal lamp so that the ultraviolet light irradiation amount is constant. 3. The processor of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to 2. 5. The processor according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is a liquid containing water, and further comprising a tank for storing the liquid sucked into the pump. 6. The irradiation amount control means includes: a setting switch for setting a flow rate of the fluid; and the ultraviolet irradiation amount is controlled to be constant according to a flow rate of the liquid set by the setting switch. Pump / lamp control means for adjusting a water supply amount of a pump and an output of the germicidal lamp; a flow sensor for measuring a flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow pipe; and whether or not the flow rate of the liquid matches a set flow rate And a pump / lamp control unit that adjusts the water supply amount of the pump and the illuminance of ultraviolet rays emitted from the germicidal lamp so as to match the set flow rate. The processor of the electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein