JP2016153763A - Volume measuring device, endoscope washing and disinfecting device having volume measuring device and volume measuring method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a volume measuring device capable of more accurately measuring the volume of an object to be measured, an endoscope washing and disinfecting device having the volume measuring device and a volume measuring method.SOLUTION: A volume measuring device 1 includes: a pressure pump 21a for pressurizing a container 3 capable of storing an object 5 to be measured and liquid 34; a pressure sensor 22a for measuring the internal pressure of the object 5 to be measured; a water gauge 32 for detecting the water level of the liquid 34 stored in the container 3; a liquid introduction part 4a; a liquid discharge part 4b; a pressure sensor 22b for measuring the internal pressure of the container 3; and a control part 27. The control part 27 adjusts liquid quantity 34 in the container 3 such that the internal pressure of the object 5 to be measured matches the internal pressure of the container 3 (S2 to S4), and calculates the volume of the object 5 to be measured from the information of the water level of the liquid 34 in the container 3 (S5 to S6).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a volume measuring device, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting device including the volume measuring device, and a volume measuring method.

  Conventionally, measuring the internal volume of an object to be measured having airtightness has been performed. For example, as one method for measuring the volume of an object to be measured, JP-A-8-159911 discloses that a leak tester reduces the volume of a closed system including the object to be measured by a certain amount by pressurization, thereby reducing the volume. It is shown that the volume of the object to be measured is obtained according to Boyle's law using the pressure change amount of the gas before and after the capacity reduction.

JP-A-8-159911

  However, in the method for measuring the volume of an object to be measured described in JP-A-8-159911, the temperature of the gas inside the object to be measured is not taken into consideration. Since the temperature of the gas is related to the volume and / or pressure of the gas, the method described in JP-A-8-159911 has a problem that the volume of the object to be measured cannot be measured accurately.

  The present invention is for solving the above-described problems, and is capable of measuring the volume of the object to be measured more accurately, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus including the volume measuring apparatus, and a volume measuring method. The purpose is to provide.

  A volume measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first pressurizing unit that pressurizes the inside of the measurement object by introducing gas into the measurement object in communication with the measurement object, A first pressure sensor for measuring an internal pressure; a container capable of storing a liquid; a water level meter for detecting a water level of the liquid stored in the container; a liquid introducing unit for introducing the liquid into the container; and the container A liquid discharger that discharges the liquid from the container, and a second controller that communicates with the container and pressurizes the interior of the container by introducing a gas of the same type and temperature as the gas introduced to the object to be measured. A pressure part, a second pressure sensor for measuring the internal pressure of the container, the first pressure sensor, and an internal pressure of the object to be measured based on information of each internal pressure acquired from the second pressure sensor; The liquid introduction part and the liquid so that the internal pressure of the container matches. A liquid adjustment unit that controls the discharge unit to adjust the amount of liquid inside the container; and the information on the water level of the liquid in the container in which the liquid amount is adjusted by the liquid adjustment unit. A volume calculation unit that calculates the volume.

  An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus provided with a volume measuring device according to an aspect of the present invention is configured to communicate with a measurement object and introduce a gas into the measurement object to pressurize the inside of the measurement object. A pressure part, a first pressure sensor for measuring the internal pressure of the object to be measured, a container capable of storing liquid, a water level meter for detecting the water level of the liquid stored in the container, and the liquid in the container Introducing a liquid of the same type and the same temperature as the gas introduced into the object to be measured, the liquid introducing part to be introduced, the liquid discharging part for discharging the liquid from the container, and the container. Based on the information of each internal pressure acquired from the 2nd pressurization part which pressurizes the inside of a container, the 2nd pressure sensor which measures the internal pressure of the container, the 1st pressure sensor, and the 2nd pressure sensor, The internal pressure of the object to be measured is matched with the internal pressure of the container A liquid adjusting unit that controls the liquid introducing unit and the liquid discharging unit to adjust the amount of liquid inside the container; and the water level of the liquid in the container in which the liquid amount is adjusted by the liquid adjusting unit A volume calculation unit that calculates the volume of the object to be measured from the information.

  In the volume measuring method of one embodiment of the present invention, the inside of the measurement object is pressurized by introducing gas into the measurement object through communication with the measurement object, and the liquid is stored in a container capable of storing the liquid. Then, the inside of the container is pressurized by introducing a gas of the same type and the same temperature as the gas introduced into the object to be measured, and the internal pressure of the pressurized object to be measured is reduced. Measure and measure the internal pressure of the pressurized container, and based on the information of the measured internal pressure of the measured object and the measured internal pressure of the container, the internal pressure of the measured object, The amount of liquid in the container is adjusted so that the internal pressure matches, and the volume of the object to be measured is calculated based on the information on the water level of the liquid in which the amount of liquid is adjusted.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus provided with the volume measuring apparatus and volume measuring apparatus which can measure the volume of a to-be-measured object more correctly can be provided.

It is a lineblock diagram of the volume measuring device concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a schematic diagram of the water level meter which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a lineblock diagram of the volume measuring device which has two pressurization pumps concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the volume measuring apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the to-be-measured object which concerns on embodiment of this invention, the gas inside a master container, and a pressure. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the to-be-measured object which concerns on embodiment of this invention, the gas inside a master container, and a pressure. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between the to-be-measured object which concerns on embodiment of this invention, the gas inside a master container, and a pressure. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus provided with a volume measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Constitution)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a volume measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a volume measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a volume measuring device main body 2 (hereinafter referred to as “device main body 2”) and a master capable of storing a liquid connected to the device main body 2. A container 3 and a water supply / drainage pump device 4 connected to the master container 3 are provided. A device under test 5 to be measured is further connected to the apparatus main body 2.

  The apparatus main body 2 includes a pressurizing pump 21a and a branch pipe as a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the inside of the measured object 5 by introducing a predetermined amount of gas into the measured object 5 in communication with the measured object 5. A cutoff valve 23a connected via the passage 25b is provided. Subsequently, the cutoff valve 23a is connected to the connection port 24a via the branch pipe 25c, and a pressure sensor 22a for measuring the internal pressure of the object to be measured is connected to the branch pipe 25c.

  In addition, as a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the inside of the master container 3 by introducing the same amount and the same amount of gas as the gas introduced into the measurement object 5 into the apparatus main body 2, a pressurizing pump 21 a And a cutoff valve 23b connected via the branch pipe 25b. Subsequently, the cutoff valve 23b is connected to the connection port 24b via the branch pipe 25d, and a pressure sensor 22b for measuring the internal pressure of the master container 3 is connected to the branch pipe 25d. However, the arrangement position of the pressure sensor is not limited to the branch pipeline 25d, and may be arranged in the master container 3, for example.

  One end of the pressurizing pump 21a is opened to the atmosphere via the pipe line 25a.

  With the above-described configuration, the pressurizing pump 21a can pressurize the inside of the measurement object 5 by introducing a predetermined amount of gas taken from the atmosphere into the measurement object 5, and the measurement object The inside of the master container 3 can be pressurized by introducing the same amount and the same amount of gas of the same type and temperature as that of the gas introduced into the vessel 5.

  The apparatus main body 2 is provided with an exhaust valve 26a, one end is connected to the branch pipe 25b, and the other end is opened to the atmosphere via the pipe 25e.

  In addition, the pressurization part which pressurizes the inside of the to-be-measured object 5 and the inside of the master container 3 should just be a structure containing a pressurization pump etc., and is not limited to the structure of this Embodiment.

  The apparatus main body 2 is provided with a control unit 27 including a central processing unit (CPU) 28 and a storage unit (ROM, RAM) (not shown). The control unit 27 includes a pressurizing pump 21a, two pressure sensors 22a and 22b, two shutoff valves 23a and 23b, an exhaust valve 26a, a water level gauge 32 (described later) of the master container 3, and a master container 3. It is electrically connected to the water supply / drainage pump device 4 having the connected liquid introduction part 4a and liquid discharge part 4b. The control unit 27 can control the operations of the pressurization pump 21a, the cutoff valves 23a and 23b, and the exhaust valve 26a by transmitting and receiving signals.

  The control unit 27 includes a liquid adjustment unit 27a and a volume calculation unit 27b. The control unit 27 can acquire information on the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 from the pressure sensor 22a as a measurement result by transmitting and receiving signals, and acquire information on the internal pressure of the master container 3 from the pressure sensor 22b as a measurement result. The water level information of the liquid 34 in the master container can be acquired from the water level meter 32. Information on the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and information on the internal pressure of the master container 3 are used in the liquid adjusting unit 27a, and information on the water level is used in the volume calculating unit 27b.

  The liquid adjusting unit 27 a is a processing unit that adjusts the amount of liquid 34 stored in the master container 3, and here is configured by the CPU 28 of the control unit 27 and the like. The liquid adjustment unit 27a transmits or drives a drive signal to the water supply / drainage pump device 4 to control the operation of the liquid introduction unit 4a and the liquid discharge unit 4b, thereby supplying or draining the liquid 34 in the master container 3 to obtain a master. The amount of the liquid 34 in the container 3 can be adjusted.

  The liquid adjusting unit 27a determines whether or not the two obtained internal pressure states are in a coincidence state or a disagreement state from information on the internal pressures measured by the pressure sensor 22a and the pressure sensor 22b.

  The volume calculation unit 27b is a processing unit that calculates the volume of the internal space of the object to be measured 5 (hereinafter referred to as the volume of the object to be measured), and is configured by the CPU 28 of the control unit 27 and the like here. The volume calculation unit 27 b calculates the volume of the internal space of the DUT 5 from the water level information of the master container 3 measured by the water level gauge 32.

  An operation unit 27c to which various instructions are given is connected to the control unit 27. The operation unit 27c is, for example, an operation panel.

  The control unit 27 is connected to a display unit 27d that displays various types of information. On the display unit 27d, the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 measured by the pressure sensor 22a, the internal pressure of the master container 3 measured by the pressure sensor 22b, and the coincidence state of the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 are displayed. Alternatively, the determination result of the inconsistency state, the calculation result of the volume of the object to be measured 5 and the like are displayed.

  The master container 3 includes a container main body 31 and a water level meter 32 that detects the water level of the liquid 34 stored in the master container 3.

  The container main body 31 is connected to the connection port 24b of the apparatus main body 2 via the external conduit 33a. Moreover, the container main body 31 is connected to the liquid introduction part 4a of the water supply / drainage pump device 4 via the water supply pipe 33b, and is connected to the liquid discharge part 4b of the water supply / drainage pump apparatus 4 via the drainage pipe 33c.

  The container body 31 is made of a material such as resin or metal, and is configured as an airtight container capable of storing a liquid 34 such as water. The shape of the container body 31 is, for example, a quadrangular cylinder or a cylinder.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a water level meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The water level gauge 32 includes, for example, a ring-shaped float 32a floating in the liquid 34, and a stem 32c inserted through a center hole 32b of the ring-shaped float 32a. The float 32a is provided with a switch switching unit 36 composed of a magnet or the like. In addition, a plurality of switches 37 constituted by reed switches or the like are arranged on the stem 32c along the vertical direction. Each switch 37 is switched to an on state or an off state in accordance with an electric field, a magnetic field, or an electromagnetic signal generated from the switch switching unit 36.

  In FIG. 2, the switch 37 is shown as seven switches 37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e, 37f, and 37g, but the number of switches is not limited to seven. Hereinafter, any one switch or seven switches will be referred to as a switch 37.

According to such a configuration, the switch switching unit 36 moves up and down along the stem 32c in accordance with the water level of the liquid 34 together with the float 32a. As a result of moving up and down, for example, in the case of FIG. 2, the switch switching unit 36 applies a magnetic field having a predetermined strength or more to the adjacent switch 37 b to turn on the switch 37 b. At this time, the switch switching unit 36 applies a magnetic field of less than a predetermined strength to the other separated switches 37a, 37c, 37d, 37e, 37f, and 37g, and therefore the other switches 37a and 37c. , 37d, 37e, 37f, and 37g are turned off. The water level gauge 32 supplies a signal including information on the switch 37 that is turned on to the control unit 27 through the connection port 24c as information on the water level. In FIG. 2, since the switch 37b is turned on, the water level gauge 32 supplies a signal including information on the switch 37b to the control unit 27 via the connection port 24c as information on the water level. .
However, the water level sensor applied to the present invention is not limited to the above-described float sensor. For example, a water level sensor may be a combination of a plurality of electrode type sensors having different detection water levels.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the water supply / drainage pump device 4 includes a liquid introduction part 4 a for introducing the liquid 34 into the master container 3 and a liquid discharge part 4 b for discharging the liquid from the master container 3. The liquid introduction part 4a of the water supply / drainage pump device 4 supplies the liquid collected from the liquid discharge part 4b and the liquid from a water supply port such as a water tap (not shown) to the container body 31 via the water supply pipe 33b. The liquid discharge part 4b of the water supply / drainage pump device 4 collects the liquid 34 in the container main body 31 through the drain pipe 33c and discharges it from a drain outlet (not shown). In addition, the water supply / drainage pump device 4 is electrically connected to the control unit 27 via the connection port 24c, and the water supply / drainage control is enabled by the liquid adjusting unit 27a included in the control unit 27, and the liquid 34 in the master container 3 is controlled. The storage volume can be adjusted.

  A base 51 is provided on the DUT 5. The DUT 5 is connected to the connection port 24 a of the apparatus main body 2 via the external pipe line 52 connected to the base 51.

  In the case of FIG. 1, the pressurizing unit that pressurizes the object to be measured 5 and the pressurizing unit that pressurizes the master container 3 have a single pressurizing pump 21 a in common. A pressurizing pump for pressurizing the object to be measured 5 from the branch line 25b through the shutoff valve 23a, and a pressurizing pump for pressurizing the inside of the container body 31 from the branch pipe 25b through the shutoff valve 23b May be separated.

  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a volume measuring device having two pressurizing pumps according to the embodiment of the present invention. A volume measuring device 1a shown in FIG. 3 has two pressurizing pumps 21b and 21c provided in a volume measuring device main body 2a (hereinafter, referred to as “device main body 2a”), and is measured by the pressurizing pump 21b. The inside of the object to be measured 5 can be pressurized by introducing a predetermined amount of gas taken from the atmosphere into the object 5, and the same type and the same temperature as the gas introduced into the object to be measured 5 by the pressurizing pump 21c. The inside of the master container 3 can be pressurized by introducing the same amount of gas taken in from the atmosphere. One end of each of the pressurizing pumps 21b and 21c is opened to the atmosphere via the conduit 25a.

  That is, the apparatus main body 2a includes a pressurizing pump 21b and a branch pipe as a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the device under test 5 by introducing a predetermined amount of gas into the device under test 5 in communication with the device under test 5. A cutoff valve 23a connected via the passage 25b is provided.

  A pressure pump 21c and a branch are provided in the apparatus main body 2a as a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the inside of the master container 3 by introducing the same amount and the same amount of gas as the gas introduced into the object 5 to be measured. A cutoff valve 23b connected via a pipe line 25f is provided.

  The apparatus main body 2a is provided with an exhaust valve 26b, one end is connected to the branch pipe 25b, and the other end is opened to the atmosphere via the pipe 25e. Further, the apparatus main body 2a is provided with an exhaust valve 26c, one end is connected to the branch pipe 25f, and the other end is opened to the atmosphere via the pipe 25e.

  The control unit 27 is electrically connected to the pressurizing pumps 21b and 21c and the exhaust valves 26b and 26c, and can control operations of the pressurizing pumps 21b and 21c and the exhaust valves 26b and 26c by transmitting and receiving signals. .

According to the configuration having two pressurizing pumps as shown in FIG. 3, the pressurizing pump 21b can communicate with the object to be measured 5, and the pressurizing pump 21c can communicate with the master container 3. Since the pressurizing pumps 21b and 21c can pressurize the object to be measured 5 and the master container 3 simultaneously with separate pressurization pumps, the measurement time of the volume of the object to be measured 5 can be shortened.
(Function)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process flow of the volume measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. The following description will be given with reference to the configuration of the volume measuring apparatus 1 in FIG.

  When a user of the volume measuring apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as “user”) inputs a measurement start instruction from the operation unit 27c, the CPU 28 of the control unit 27 stores a program recorded in advance in a storage unit such as a ROM (not shown). Is expanded in the RAM, and the execution of the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is started.

  The initial storage amount of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 and the predetermined amount of gas introduced into the object to be measured 5 at the start of volume measurement are set in advance in a memory such as a ROM. Also good. In addition, the liquid adjustment unit 27a is introduced into the device under test 5 and the initial storage amount of the liquid in the master container 3 based on the identification information of the device under test 5 input by operating the operation unit 27c by the user. A predetermined amount of gas to be performed may be determined.

  The control unit 27 opens the object to be measured 5 to the atmosphere, then places the object to be measured 5 in an airtight state, and introduces a predetermined amount of gas into the object to be measured 5 (step (hereinafter abbreviated as S)). 1).

  Specifically, the control unit 27 transmits a signal for opening the valve to the cutoff valve 23a and the exhaust valve 26a, and opens the cutoff valve 23a and the exhaust valve 26a. As a result, the inside of the device under test 5 connected to the apparatus main body 2 is opened to the atmosphere and becomes atmospheric pressure.

  Thereafter, the control unit 27 transmits a signal for closing the shutoff valve 23b and the exhaust valve 26a to the shutoff valve 23b and the exhaust valve 26a, and closes the shutoff valve 23b and the exhaust valve 26a. In the communication state, the object to be measured 5 is made airtight.

  The control unit 27 transmits a drive signal to the pressurizing pump 21 a, drives the pressurizing pump 21 a, and introduces a predetermined amount of gas (air here) to the object to be measured 5.

  The control unit 27 transmits a signal for closing the valve to the cutoff valve 23a, closes the cutoff valve 23a, and puts the pressurizing pump 21a and the DUT 5 into a non-communication state.

  Subsequently, the liquid adjusting unit 27a adjusts the amount of liquid in the master container 3 before the inside of the master container 3 is pressurized, and then the pressurizing pump 21a makes the inside of the master container 3 airtight, The same temperature, the same kind, and the same amount of gas as the gas introduced into the measurement object 5 described above are introduced into the master container 3 (S2). The amount of the liquid 34 to be stored is determined in advance, and is different here between the first time and the second time.

  Specifically, the control unit 27 transmits a signal for opening the valve to the cutoff valve 23b and the exhaust valve 26a, thereby opening the cutoff valve 23b and the exhaust valve 26a. As a result, the master container 3 connected to the apparatus main body 2 is opened to the atmosphere and becomes atmospheric pressure.

  About the first time, the liquid adjustment part 27a transmits a drive signal with respect to the water supply / drainage pump apparatus 4, drives the water supply / drainage pump apparatus 4, performs water supply or drainage, and the initial storage amount set to the master container 3 as an initial value The liquid 34 (water here) is stored.

  For the second and subsequent times, the liquid adjusting unit 27a determines the storage amount of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 according to the difference between the internal pressure of the measured object 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 determined in S3 described later. . For example, as a result of the comparison in S3, when the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 is higher than the internal pressure of the master container 3, the liquid adjustment unit 27a determines the next storage amount of the liquid 34 as the liquid in the current master container 3. The amount is determined to be larger than the amount 34 stored by a predetermined increase. On the contrary, when the internal pressure of the DUT 5 is lower than the internal pressure of the master container 3 as a result of the comparison in S3, the liquid adjusting unit 27a determines the next storage amount of the liquid 34 in the current master container 3. The amount is determined to be smaller than the storage amount of the liquid 34 by a predetermined reduction amount set in advance. Note that the increase or decrease may be changed by the user via the operation unit.

  Thereafter, the control unit 27 transmits a signal for closing the shutoff valve 23a and the exhaust valve 26a, closes the shutoff valve 23a and the exhaust valve 26a, and connects the pressurizing pump 21a and the master container 3 to each other. The master container 3 is airtight.

  The control unit 27 transmits a drive signal to the pressurizing pump 21a, drives the pressurizing pump 21a, and the same type (air), the same temperature and the same as the gas introduced into the object to be measured 5 in the master container 3. An amount of gas is introduced.

  Here, the “same temperature” of the gas introduced into the master container 3 is a temperature obtained from the temperature of the atmosphere taken into the pressurizing pump 21a, similarly to the gas introduced into the object 5 to be measured. . Specifically, the “same temperature” is a temperature in the range of about ± 1 ° C., preferably in the range of ± 0.5 ° C., with respect to the gas introduced into the DUT 5.

  The “same amount” of the gas introduced into the master container 3 means that the control unit 27 transmits a drive signal to the pressurizing pump 21a using a timer (not shown) included in the control unit 27 to drive the object 5 to be measured. This is an amount obtained by driving the pressure pump for the same drive time as the time.

  Thereafter, the control unit 27 transmits a signal for closing the valve to the cutoff valve 23b, closes the cutoff valve 23b, and brings the pressurizing pump 21a and the master container 3 into a non-communication state.

  After the inside of the master container 3 is pressurized, the liquid adjusting unit 27a maintains the liquid storage amount in the master container 3 while keeping the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 in agreement or inconsistency. A determination is made (S3).

  Specifically, the pressure sensor 22a measures the internal pressure of the object 5 to be measured, and transmits the measurement result to the control unit 27. The pressure sensor 22b measures the internal pressure of the master container 3, and the measurement result. Is transmitted to the control unit 27. The liquid adjustment unit 27a acquires information on the two internal pressures of the DUT 5 and the master container 3 from the control unit 27, and determines whether the two internal pressures are in a coincidence state or a disagreement state.

  When it is determined that the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 are in a mismatch state, the liquid adjustment unit 27a transmits a display signal to the display unit 27d to display that the two internal pressures are in a mismatch state. The next storage amount of the liquid is determined from the difference between the two internal pressures, and the process returns to S1 (pressurization process in the object to be measured 5). By starting the process from S1, the reintroduction of the gas in the object to be measured 5 and the reintroduction of the gas in the master container 3 are performed without taking any time. The gas having the same temperature as that of the measurement object 5 is reintroduced more reliably, and as a result, the measurement of the volume of the measurement object 5 can be made more accurate.

  In addition, when it determines with the internal pressure of the to-be-measured object 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 being in a disagreement state, as shown by the dashed-two dotted line T in FIG. 4, a process is S2 (pressurization process of a master container). You may make it return. By starting the process from S2, the time required for S1 (the pressurizing process in the object to be measured 5) is not required, and the time for a series of processes relating to the volume measuring process shown in FIG. 4 is shortened.

  In addition, the liquid adjusting unit 27a determines that the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 are in an inconsistent state after the inside of the master container 3 is pressurized (NO in S3), the process is S2 Instead of returning to the above, the water supply / drainage pump device 4 may be driven to adjust the storage amount of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 so that the internal pressures of the object 5 to be measured and the master container 3 coincide with each other.

  Specifically, when the measured object 5 has a higher internal pressure than the master container 3, the liquid adjusting unit 27a sends a water supply drive signal to the water supply / drainage pump device 4 until the internal pressures of the liquid adjustment unit 27a match each other. Is transmitted to the master container 3, while when the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 is lower than that of the master container 3, the water supply / drainage pump device 4 is drained until the internal pressures of the measured object 5 are equal to each other. A drive signal may be transmitted to drain water from the master container 3. By doing in this way, it does not take time for processing of S1 (pressurization process in the to-be-measured object 5) and S2 (pressurization process in the master container 3), and the time of a series of processes regarding a volume measurement process is Shortened.

  As described above, the processes of S2 to S3 are performed based on the internal pressure information acquired from the pressure sensors 22a and 22b, so that the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 matches the internal pressure of the master container 3. And a liquid discharger 4b to control the liquid amount of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 is configured.

  When it is determined by the liquid adjustment unit 27a that the internal pressure of the DUT 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 are in agreement, the process proceeds to S4.

  The liquid adjustment unit 27a determines whether the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 matches the internal pressure of the master container 3 or not based on whether the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 matches the internal pressure of the master container 3. Rather than being performed, it may be performed based on whether or not the difference between the two internal pressures is within a predetermined tolerance considering the measurement error or the like.

  The control unit 27 acquires information on the water level of the master container 3 (S4). As described above, the water level gauge 32 outputs information on the water level corresponding to the storage amount of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 to the control unit 27.

  The volume calculation unit 27b calculates the volume of the gas in the master container 3 based on the water level information of the master container 3, and calculates the volume of the measurement object 5 based on the volume of the gas in the master container 3 (S5).

  Here, the volume of the object to be measured 5 is equal to the volume of the gas in the object to be measured 5 because the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 are in agreement. Therefore, the volume of the DUT 5 can be obtained by calculating the volume of the gas in the master container 3.

  The volume of gas in the master container 3 (that is, the volume of the object 5 to be measured) V is multiplied by the area S of the horizontal section of the container body 31 and the height h of the container body 31 in which the gas is accommodated. It is obtained by doing. The height h is obtained by subtracting the water level h2 of the liquid 34 obtained by the water level gauge from the height h1 of the top surface of the container body 31 set in advance. The volume V of the gas in the master container 3 is expressed by the following formula.

V = S × (h1-h2)
Here, the volume of the pipeline (branch pipeline 25d, external pipeline 33a, water supply pipe 33b) connected to the master container 3 and the pipeline (branch pipeline 25c) connected to the DUT 5 are measured. And the volume of the external conduit 52), the volume of the stem 32c, and the volume of the portion that floats from the water surface of the float 32a are not included in the calculation, but in order to calculate the volume of the DUT 5 more accurately, The volume of the pipeline (branch pipeline 25d, external pipeline 33a and water supply pipe 33b) connected to the master vessel 3 is added to the volume V of the gas in the master vessel 3 and further connected to the object 5 to be measured. The volume of the pipelines (the branch pipeline 25c and the external pipeline 52), the volume of the stem 32c, and the volume of the portion that floats from the water surface of the float 32a may be subtracted.

  After the volume calculation unit 27b calculates the volume of the DUT 5, the control unit 27 displays the calculation result of the volume of the DUT 5 on the display unit 27d.

  As described above, the processing of S5 to S6 constitutes the volume calculation unit 27b that calculates the volume of the measurement object 5 from the information on the water level of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 whose storage amount is adjusted by the liquid adjustment unit 27a. .

  It should be noted that each step of each procedure in the present embodiment may be executed in a different order for each execution by changing the execution order and executing a plurality of steps at the same time, as long as it does not contradict its nature. Furthermore, all or a part of each step of each procedure in the present embodiment may be realized by hardware.

  FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a case where the volume m1 of the gas in the DUT 5 is the same as the volume n1 of the gas in the master container 3. In the case of FIG. 5A, when 10 L (liter) of gas is introduced into the object to be measured 5 and the master container 3, respectively, the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 coincide with each other at 100 Pa (Pascal). In addition, FIG. 5A represents that the volume m1 of the gas in the DUT 5 and the volume n1 of the gas in the master container 3 are the same volume for the sake of explanation, with the same area for the explanation by the drawing, Moreover, the volume of the pipe line etc. are abbreviate | omitted and the gas introduction amount (L) and the gas pressure (Pa) are each shown by the assumed number.

  As described above, according to the embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a volume measuring device capable of measuring the volume more accurately.

  In particular, according to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to provide a volume measuring device that can measure the volume more accurately with respect to an object to be measured such as an endoscope that requires accurate volume measurement. it can.

(Modification 1)
In the embodiment described above, the initial storage amount of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 at the start of volume measurement and the predetermined amount of gas introduced to the object to be measured are stored and set in advance in a memory such as a ROM. However, it may be set according to the type of the object 5 to be measured.

  According to the first modification, the control unit 27 includes identification information such as the model number or model of the object to be measured 5, and information on the initial storage amount of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 associated with the identification information. And a storage unit 27e (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) that holds a predetermined amount of gas to be introduced to the device under test, and each of the storage units 27e is optimal for each device under test. The information on the initial storage amount of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 and the predetermined amount of gas introduced into the object to be measured 5 are set in advance. When the user of the volume measuring device 1 inputs the identification information of the object to be measured 5 to the operation unit 27c, the liquid adjustment unit 27a acquires the identification information input by the user via the operation unit 27c, and Information on the initial storage amount and the gas introduction amount set in the storage unit 27e is read out, and the water supply / drainage pump device 4 is driven based on the information on the initial storage amount. The stored amount can be adjusted to the initial stored amount, and a predetermined amount of gas to be introduced to the object to be measured 5 is set.

(Modification 2)
Further, the apparatus main body 2 may be provided with a reading unit 27f (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) that can read the identification information of the object 5 to be measured.

  According to the second modification, the reading unit 27f can read identification information such as a model number or a model from an RFID tag or a two-dimensional code attached to the measurement object 5. The liquid adjusting unit 27a acquires the identification information of the object to be measured 5 read by the reading unit 27f, and determines the initial storage amount of the liquid 34 in the master container 3 before the inside of the master container 3 is pressurized. Is possible. According to this configuration, the user is not required to input identification information or the like of the object to be measured 5.

(Modification 3)
Furthermore, the master container 3 can be deformed on the top surface or a part of the side wall surface of the container body 31 of the master container 3 according to the increase or decrease of the internal pressure of the master container 3, and is made of a highly flexible resin or the like. A deforming portion 35 (indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) may be provided. The deforming portion 35 has, for example, a plate shape, and swells or dents as the internal pressure increases or decreases.

  According to the third modification, the material of the deforming portion 35 is preferably a material close to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the DUT 5. Moreover, it is preferable that the arrangement area of the deformation part 35 is close to the surface area of the flexible part of the DUT 5. According to this configuration, for example, when measuring the volume of the measurement object 5 having a highly flexible portion such as an insertion portion of an endoscope, a part of the measurement object 5 is deformed as the internal pressure increases. Even when the internal pressure is pushed down, a part of the container body 31 having low flexibility is constituted by the highly flexible deformation part 35, so that the deformation part 35 of the master container 3 is also deformed as the internal pressure increases. As a result, the internal pressure is pushed down, and as a result, it is possible to obtain a state in which both internal pressures coincide with each other. As a result, the volume of the object 5 to be measured can be calculated more accurately.

(Modification 4)
In the above-described embodiment, the volume of the object to be measured 5 is measured so that the volume of the gas in the object to be measured 5 and the volume of the gas in the master container 3 are the same. Even if the volume of the gas in 5 and the volume of the gas in the master container 3 are not the same, the volume of the object to be measured 5 can be measured. That is, even if the volume of the gas in the object to be measured 5 and the volume of the gas in the master container 3 do not become the same, the volume calculation unit 27b determines the volume of the gas introduced into the object to be measured 5 and the master container. The volume of the object to be measured 5 can be calculated by acquiring information on the ratio with the volume of the gas introduced into 3.

  5B and 5C are diagrams for explaining a case where the volume of the measurement object 5 is measured without making the volume of the gas in the measurement object 5 and the volume of the gas in the master container 3 the same. .

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the volume n2 of the gas in the master container 3 is half of the volume m2 of the gas in the object 5 to be measured, 10 L of gas is introduced into the object 5 to be measured. If 5 L of gas, which is a half, is introduced into the container 3, the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 coincide with each other at 100 Pa.

  As shown in FIG. 5B, when the volume n2 of the gas in the master container 3 is smaller than the volume m2 of the gas in the measurement object 5 by a predetermined ratio k, the volume of the gas introduced into the measurement object 5 is If the volume of the gas introduced into the master container 3 is small by a predetermined ratio k, the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 match.

  If the volume of the master container 3 as shown in FIG. 5B is smaller than the volume of the object 5 to be measured, the volume of the gas in the master container 3 is reduced, so that the size of the master container 3 can be reduced. It is.

  Conversely, for example, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the volume n3 of the gas in the master container 3 is twice the volume m3 of the gas in the object 5 to be measured, 10 L of gas is introduced into the object 5 to be measured. Then, 20 L of double gas is introduced into the master container 3, and the internal pressure of the object to be measured 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 coincide with each other at 100 Pa.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, when the volume n3 of the gas in the master container 3 is larger than the volume m3 of the gas in the measurement object 5 by a predetermined ratio k, the volume of the gas introduced into the measurement object 5 is When the volume of the gas introduced into the master container 3 is increased by a predetermined ratio k, the internal pressure of the measurement object 5 and the internal pressure of the master container 3 coincide.

  If the volume of the master container 3 as shown in FIG. 5C is larger than the volume of the object 5 to be measured, the volume of the gas in the master container 3 is increased, so that the accuracy of the measurement of the volume of the gas in the master container is increased. A finer measurement result of the volume of the object to be measured 5 can be acquired.

(Application example)
Next, an application example of the volume measuring apparatus according to the above-described embodiment and modification will be described. Here, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus will be described as an application example.

  FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 6 (hereinafter referred to as “cleaning apparatus”) including the volume measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The cleaning device 6 is an example in which the volume measuring device 1 is applied to the cleaning device 6, and the device main body 2, the master container 3, a water supply electromagnetic valve 61, a water supply switching valve 62, a drainage switching valve 63, and a drainage pump. 64 and a cleaning / disinfecting tank 65. The device under test 5 is an endoscope, and is connected to a connection port 66 of the cleaning device 6 via an external conduit 52 connected to a base 51 of the device under test 5. In FIG. 6, the illustration of the mechanisms other than the volume measuring mechanism provided in the cleaning device 6 is omitted.

  The cleaning device 6 is provided with a water supply electromagnetic valve 61, and the water supply electromagnetic valve 61 is connected to a water supply port such as a water supply (not shown) via a conduit 66a. The water supply electromagnetic valve 61 is connected to the water supply switching valve 62 through a pipeline 66b. The water supply switching valve 62 is connected to the water supply nozzle 67 via a pipe line 66c, and is connected to the container main body 31 via a pipe line 66d. In accordance with the operation of the water supply switching valve 62, the container body 31 or the water supply nozzle 67 selectively receives water from a water supply port such as a water supply.

  Further, the cleaning device 6 is provided with a drain pump 64, and the drain pump 64 is connected to a drain port (not shown) via a conduit 66e. The drainage pump 64 is connected to the drainage switching valve 63 via a pipeline 66f. The drainage switching valve 63 is connected to the cleaning / disinfecting tank drainage port 68 through the pipeline 66g, and is connected to the container body 31 through the pipeline 66h. Depending on the operation of the drainage switching valve 63, the container body 31 or the cleaning / disinfecting tank drainage port 68 is selectively connected to a drainage port (not shown).

  The control unit 27 is electrically connected to the water supply electromagnetic valve 61, the water supply switching valve 62, the drainage switching valve 63, and the drainage pump 64, and by transmission and reception of signals, the water supply electromagnetic valve 61, the water supply switching valve 62, the drainage The operation of the switching valve 63 and the drainage pump 64 is controlled.

  When supplying the liquid 34 to the container main body 31, the control unit 27 opens the signal for switching the state in which the container main body 31 and the water supply port such as water supply are connected to the water supply switching valve 62 and the water supply electromagnetic valve 61 for a predetermined time. By transmitting a signal to make a state, the water supply port such as water supply is communicated with the container main body 31, the water supply electromagnetic valve 61 is opened for a predetermined time, and a predetermined amount is supplied from the water supply port such as water supply to the container main body 31. The liquid 34 (water here) is supplied.

  Further, when the liquid 34 is drained from the container body 31, the control unit 27 outputs a signal for switching the container body 31 to the drain switching valve 63 and a drain port (not shown) and a drive signal to the drain pump 64. The container main body 31 and the drain outlet are communicated, and the container main body 31 is drained to the drain outlet.

  The cleaning device 6 switches the water supply switching valve 62 to connect a water supply port such as a water supply as an external water supply means and a water supply nozzle 67 to supply the liquid 34 to the cleaning / disinfecting tank 65 from the external water supply means. Is possible. In addition, the cleaning device 6 can switch the drain switching valve 63 to allow the cleaning / disinfecting tank drain 68 to communicate with the drain, and drain the liquid 34 in the cleaning / disinfecting tank 65 to the drain.

  According to the cleaning device 6 including the volume measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment, a more accurate volume of the measurement object 5 can be measured, and as a result, the measurement object 5 is one process in the cleaning device 6. In this leak test process, it is possible to more accurately detect the leak of the object to be measured 5 and measure the amount of leak.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Volume measuring apparatus 1a Volume measuring apparatus 2 Volume measuring apparatus main body 2a Volume measuring apparatus main body 3 Master container 4 Water supply / drainage pump apparatus 4a Liquid introducing | transducing part 4b Liquid discharge part 5 Measured object 6 Endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus 21a Pressurizing pump 21b Pressure pump 21c Pressure pump 22a Pressure sensor 22b Pressure sensor 23a Shutoff valve 23b Shutoff valve 24a Connection port 24b Connection port 24c Connection port 25a Pipe line 25b Branch pipe line 25c Branch pipe line 25d Branch pipe line 25e Pipe line 25f Branch pipe line 26a Exhaust valve 26b Exhaust valve 26c Exhaust valve 27 Control unit 27a Liquid adjustment unit 27b Volume calculation unit 27c Operation unit 27d Display unit 27e Storage unit 27f Reading unit 28 Central processing unit 31 Container body 32 Water level gauge 32a Float 32b Center hole 32c Stem 33a External Pipe line 33b Water supply pipe 33c Drain pipe 34 Liquid 3 5 Deformation part 36 Switch switching part 37 Switch 37a Switch 37b Switch 51 Base 52 External pipe 61 Water supply solenoid valve 62 Water supply switching valve 63 Drainage switching valve 64 Drainage pump 65 Cleaning disinfection tank 66 Connection port 66a Pipeline 66b Pipeline 66c Pipeline 66d Pipe line 66e Pipe line 66f Pipe line 66g Pipe line 66h Pipe line 67 Water supply nozzle 68 Cleaning disinfection tank drain

Claims (15)

A first pressurizing unit that pressurizes the interior of the measurement object by introducing gas into the measurement object in communication with the measurement object;
A first pressure sensor for measuring an internal pressure of the object to be measured;
A container capable of storing liquid;
A water level meter for detecting the water level of the liquid stored in the container;
A liquid introduction part for introducing the liquid into the container;
A liquid discharger for discharging the liquid from the container;
A second pressurizing unit communicating with the container and pressurizing the inside of the container by introducing a gas of the same type and the same temperature as the gas introduced to the object to be measured;
A second pressure sensor for measuring the internal pressure of the container;
Based on the internal pressure information acquired from the first pressure sensor and the internal pressure information acquired from the second pressure sensor, the internal pressure of the object to be measured and the internal pressure of the container match. A liquid adjusting unit that controls the liquid introducing unit and the liquid discharging unit to adjust the amount of liquid inside the container;
A volume calculation unit that calculates the volume of the object to be measured from information on the water level of the liquid in the container in which the liquid amount is adjusted by the liquid adjustment unit;
A volume measuring apparatus comprising:   The volume measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first pressurizing unit and the second pressurizing unit are configured to share one pressurizing pump.   The volume measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid adjusting unit adjusts the amount of the liquid inside the container before the inside of the container is pressurized.   The volume measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second pressurizing unit introduces the same amount of gas as the gas introduced into the object to be measured into the container.   The volume calculation unit calculates a volume of the gas inside the container based on information on a water level of the container, and calculates a volume of the object to be measured based on the volume of the gas inside the container. The volume measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.   The volume calculation unit calculates the volume of the object to be measured based on a ratio between the volume of the gas introduced into the object to be measured and the volume of the gas introduced into the container. The volume measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.   The volume measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the container has a deformable portion that can be deformed according to an increase or decrease of an internal pressure of the container on a part of a top surface or a side wall surface of the container. .   The volume measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid adjusting unit determines the amount of the liquid introduced into the container based on the input identification information of the object to be measured.   The volume measuring apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising an operation unit that enables input of the identification information of the object to be measured.   The volume measuring apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a reading unit that can read the identification information of the object to be measured.   The volume measuring apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a storage unit that stores information including an initial value of the liquid amount inside the container, which is associated with the identification information of the object to be measured.   After the inside of the container is pressurized, the liquid adjusting unit determines whether the measured object and the internal pressure of the container match or not while maintaining the amount of the liquid inside the container. The volume measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein   The liquid adjusting unit adjusts the liquid amount of the liquid inside the container after the inside of the container is pressurized, and makes the internal pressure of the object to be measured and the container coincide with each other. The volume measuring device according to claim 1 or 2.   An endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus including the volume measuring apparatus according to claim 1. Pressurizing the inside of the measurement object by introducing gas into the measurement object in communication with the measurement object;
Storing the liquid in a container capable of storing the liquid;
Communicating with the container, pressurizing the inside of the container by introducing a gas of the same type and the same temperature as the gas introduced into the object to be measured,
Measure the internal pressure of the pressurized object to be measured,
Measuring the internal pressure of the pressurized container,
Based on the information on the measured internal pressure of the object to be measured and the measured internal pressure of the container, the amount of liquid in the container is adjusted so that the internal pressure of the object to be measured and the internal pressure of the container match. Adjust
Calculate the volume of the object to be measured based on the water level information of the liquid whose liquid amount has been adjusted.
A volume measuring method characterized by the above.

Images