JP5214285B2 - Endoscope cooling system. - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an endoscope cooling apparatus mounted on an insertion portion of an endoscope apparatus for observing a subject.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion that can be inserted into a subject has been used so that a narrowed portion such as a duct that cannot be directly viewed by an observer can be observed. An observation member such as a fixed imaging device (CCD) is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion of such an endoscope apparatus, and a subject near the distal end of the insertion portion can be observed.

  Here, since the insertion part of the endoscope apparatus is provided with an observation member such as a solid-state imaging device (CCD) on the distal end side as described above, the maximum allowable allowable temperature is 80 from the relationship of the heat resistance temperature. It is limited to about ℃. Therefore, even when trying to observe the inside of an engine or the like having a complicated structure as an industrial endoscope, the temperature at the end of operation is at a high temperature of 200 ° C. or higher. It cannot be observed and the range of use becomes narrow. Therefore, an endoscope cooling apparatus and an endoscope apparatus that can perform observation under such a high-temperature environment have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

That is, the endoscope apparatus described in Patent Literature 1 includes a cooling fluid supply source, a tube that is externally mounted on the insertion portion, and a flow path through which the cooling fluid flows between the insertion portion and the insertion portion. A cooling fluid supply path connected to the supply source and the base end of the flow path. Then, by supplying the cooling fluid from the supply source to the proximal end of the flow passage through the supply path, the cooling fluid flows through the flow passage from the proximal end side to the distal end side, thereby cooling the insertion portion. It can be used in high temperature environments. Furthermore, a tube made of a porous material is also disclosed. By using the tube as a porous material, the cooling fluid can be circulated from the hole of the tube to the side surface, improving the cooling performance. It is said that it can be made.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-65234

  However, in the endoscope apparatus of Patent Document 1, when the tube is made of a porous material, the cooling fluid supplied on the base end side is mainly from the hole of the tube to the side surface side in the range of the base end side. Will be discharged. For this reason, in the flow passage, the pressure decreases as it goes to the front end side, so that a sufficient cooling fluid is not supplied to the front end side, and as a result, the required cooling effect cannot be obtained. there were.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides an endoscope cooling apparatus capable of effectively cooling an insertion portion over an entire range in which a cooling fluid is circulated. .

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
The present invention is a substantially tubular member in which at least a distal end side having an observation member for observing a subject is inserted in an insertion portion of an endoscope apparatus, and the distal end is closed, and a cooling fluid is disposed on an inner peripheral side. Forming a cooling chamber that can be filled, and a sheath having a number of minute communication holes that communicate the cooling chamber and the outside from the base end to the tip, and pressurizing and injecting the cooling fluid into the cooling chamber A fluid supply means capable of performing an operation, and being sheathed by the sheath so as to expose a distal end side of the sheath, and restricting the diameter expansion of the sheath within the sheathed range, and from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side. comprising a generally annular regulating tube having a large number of cooling fluid through holes capable of flowing, the said sheath, said contact is elastically deformed in accordance with the pressure of the cooling chamber according to prior Symbol fluid supply means Enlarging the hole diameter Possible is formed by an elastic material, the sheath itself is characterized by elastically expanded by pressurization of the cooling chamber by the fluid supply means.

According to the endoscope cooling apparatus of the present invention, in a state where the sheath is attached to the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope apparatus, the cooling fluid is pressurized and injected from the fluid supply means into the cooling chamber. Here, the sheath has only a closed end and a minute communication hole. For this reason, even if the cooling fluid is discharged from the communication hole, the amount of the cooling fluid is extremely limited, and the inside of the cooling chamber can be pressurized from the base end side to the front end side. Then, the pressure in the cooling chamber is increased by the pressurization by the fluid supply means, so that the sheath is elastically deformed and the diameter of the communication hole is enlarged, and thereby, a large number are formed from the proximal end side to the distal end side. From each of the communication holes, the cooling fluid can be discharged to the outside at a flow rate corresponding to the pressure. For this reason, it can cool effectively over the whole in the range which attached the sheath.
Further, the diameter of the communication hole can be expanded more effectively by the sheath itself elastically expanding in diameter by increasing the pressure in the cooling chamber. For this reason, according to the pressure of a cooling chamber, the fluid for cooling can be discharged | emitted more effectively from a communication hole to the exterior, and an insertion part can be cooled. In addition, when the subject is a tube or the like, the sheath is elastically expanded and brought into contact with the subject so that the insertion portion inserted therein is disposed at a substantially central position with respect to the subject. Thus, it becomes possible to perform observation more suitably.
In addition, the sheath attempts to expand its diameter by increasing the pressure of the cooling chamber by pressurization by the fluid supply means, but is restricted so that it does not exceed the inner diameter of the restriction tube in the range where the restriction tube is sheathed. Become. For this reason, in the range where the regulation pipe is installed, the cooling fluid can be discharged to the outside from the communication hole through the through hole of the regulation pipe, but the discharge amount of the cooling fluid is limited to a certain amount or less. It becomes. On the other hand, there is no restriction by the restriction tube in the range where the restriction tube is not sheathed and the sheath is exposed to the outside, so the sheath can be expanded in diameter according to the pressure in the cooling chamber, and the diameter of the communication hole can be increased is there. That is, it is possible to increase the discharge amount of the cooling fluid on the distal end side than the proximal end side by the restriction tube, thereby effectively cooling the whole, and in particular on the distal end side of the insertion portion provided with the observation member. It can be cooled effectively.

The present invention is a substantially tubular member in which at least a distal end side having an observation member for observing a subject is inserted in an insertion portion of an endoscope apparatus, and the distal end is closed, and a cooling fluid is disposed on an inner peripheral side. Forming a cooling chamber that can be filled, and a sheath having a number of minute communication holes that communicate the cooling chamber and the outside from the base end to the tip, and pressurizing and injecting the cooling fluid into the cooling chamber The cooling fluid that covers the sheath and can be retained between the fluid and the cooling fluid discharged from the cooling chamber through the communication hole can be retained between the sheath and the sheath. A sheath tube having a discharge portion that can open toward the outside in response to an increase in fluid pressure, and the sheath is elastically deformed in response to pressurization of the cooling chamber by the fluid supply means and communicates Increase the hole diameter It is characterized by being formed by preparative capable elastic material.

According to the endoscope cooling apparatus of the present invention, in a state where the sheath is attached to the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope apparatus, the cooling fluid is pressurized and injected from the fluid supply means into the cooling chamber. Here, the sheath has only a closed end and a minute communication hole. For this reason, even if the cooling fluid is discharged from the communication hole, the amount of the cooling fluid is extremely limited, and the inside of the cooling chamber can be pressurized from the base end side to the front end side. Then, the pressure in the cooling chamber is increased by the pressurization by the fluid supply means, so that the sheath is elastically deformed and the diameter of the communication hole is enlarged, and thereby, a large number are formed from the proximal end side to the distal end side. From each of the communication holes, the cooling fluid can be discharged to the outside at a flow rate corresponding to the pressure. For this reason, it can cool effectively over the whole in the range which attached the sheath.
Further, the pressure in the cooling chamber is increased by the pressurization by the fluid supply means, so that the cooling fluid is discharged from the communication hole. In the initial stage, the fluid stays between the sheath and the skin tube. Become. And since the pressure of the cooling fluid that has accumulated between the sheath and the outer skin tube increases, the discharge portion opens, and the cooling fluid is discharged to the outside. For this reason, the change of the discharge amount according to the change of the pressure of the cooling chamber can be made remarkable.

According to the endoscope cooling apparatus of the present invention, the insertion portion can be effectively cooled over the entire range in which the cooling fluid is circulated by including the sheath having many communication holes and the fluid supply means. .

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
The endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called direct-view type device, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a distal end portion 5 having an illumination portion 2 and an observation member 3 is provided at the distal end. The insertion portion 6 which is slender and flexible and can be bent at the distal end side, the operation portion 8 provided with a joystick 7 for bending the insertion portion 6, and a cooling fluid are circulated to cool the insertion portion 6. The endoscope cooling device 20 is provided. The observation member 3 includes an observation lens 3a exposed from the distal end portion 5 and a CCD (not shown) that is incorporated in the distal end portion 5 and captures an image enlarged by the observation lens 3a. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 11 provided with a display unit 10 for displaying an image of a subject imaged by the CCD, and is acquired by the observation member 3 thereby. The inside of the subject can be observed by the image. The illumination unit 2 is a light guide that is disposed inside the insertion unit 6 and has a distal end exposed at the distal end surface of the distal end portion 5 of the insertion unit 6. The apparatus main body 11 incorporates a light source 11a connected to the light guide of the illuminating unit 2 disposed inside the insertion unit 6, and thereby the front of the insertion unit 6 is illuminated by illumination light from the light source 11a. Can be illuminated. Although not shown, a temperature sensor is provided in the vicinity of the CCD of the observation member 3 inside the insertion portion 6. A detection result by the temperature sensor is transmitted to the apparatus main body 11 and displayed on the display unit 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the endoscope cooling device 20 is disposed between a substantially tubular sheath 21 inserted at least on the distal end side of the insertion portion 6 and between the sheath 21 and the insertion portion 6. And a fluid supply means 24 for pressurizing and injecting a cooling fluid into a cooling chamber 23 formed between the inner tube 22 on the inner peripheral side of the sheath 21 and the inner tube 22. The cooling fluid may be either liquid or gas, but in the present embodiment, water having higher cooling efficiency is used as the cooling liquid A as compared with air that is gas. The sheath 21 is formed with a minute communication hole 21a that communicates from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side from the proximal end to the distal end. As described later, the diameter of the communication hole 21a is almost discharged to the outer peripheral side through the communication hole 21a when the pressure of the coolant A pressurized and injected into the inner cooling chamber 23 is low. It is good also as a state which is set to the extent which is not carried out, or the inner peripheral surfaces contact and are blocked.

  The material forming the sheath 21 has heat resistance, and has flexibility that can be deformed according to the shape of the subject when inserted into the subject together with the insertion portion 6, and cooling. In the state where the pressure of the coolant injected under pressure into the chamber 23 is high, it is formed of an elastic material that is elastically deformed and expands the diameter of the communication hole 21a. In the present embodiment, the sheath 21 is a tube made of a fluororesin, more specifically, TOMBO (registered trademark) NO. 9096 (manufactured by Nichias Corporation), Teflon (registered trademark) filter tube (manufactured by Hagitech Co., Ltd., high durability pump tube (manufactured by Japan Gore-Tex Co., Ltd.), etc. are selected.

  On the other hand, the material forming the inner tube 22 is flexible so that it can be deformed according to the shape of the subject when inserted into the subject together with the insertion portion 6 and is injected into the cooling chamber 23 under pressure. Even when the pressure of the coolant is high, it is formed of a material whose diameter does not change remarkably. In this embodiment, it is formed of a fluororesin as with the sheath 21. In addition, although the hole like the communication hole 21a of the sheath 21 is not formed in the interior pipe 22 of this embodiment, the same connection hole may be formed in the interior pipe 22 as well.

  The distal end of the sheath 21 is connected to the distal outer cap 30. The distal end outer cap 30 has a substantially tubular shape, and includes a main body portion 30a and a connecting portion 30b in which the outer diameter is reduced from the main body portion 30a with a stepped portion, and the distal end of the sheath 21 is externally fitted. A female screw 30c is formed on the distal end side of the inner peripheral surface of the main body 30a. A fixing thread 31 is fastened to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end that is externally fitted to the connection portion 30b of the sheath 21, whereby the sheath 21 and the distal end outer cap 30 are in close contact with each other.

  Further, the distal end of the interior pipe 22 is connected to the distal end inner base 32. The distal end inner base 32 has a substantially tubular shape, and includes a main body portion 32a and a connection portion 32b whose outer diameter is reduced from the main body portion 32a by a stepped portion, and the distal end of the inner tube 22 is externally fitted. A male screw 32c that is screwed into the female screw 30c of the outer end cap 30 is formed on the distal end side of the outer peripheral surface of the main body 32a. Further, on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 32a, an annular groove 32d is formed on the base end side with respect to the male screw 32c, and an O-ring 32e is externally fitted. The outer diameter of the O-ring 32e is set to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the main body 30a of the distal end outer cap 30, so that the female screw 30c of the distal outer cap 30 and the male screw 32c of the distal inner cap 32 are connected. In the screwed state, the coolant A in the cooling chamber 23 on the proximal end side is closed so as not to be discharged to the distal end side. Further, a fixing thread 33 is fastened to the outer peripheral surface of the tip that is externally fitted to the connecting portion 32b of the tip inner base 32 of the inner tube 22, so that the inner tube 22 and the tip inner base 32 are in close contact with each other. It has become.

  The base end of the sheath 21 is externally fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the hard connecting tube 34 and is fixed in a state of being tightly tightened by a fixing thread 35. Further, the base end of the interior pipe 22 is also fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the hard connection pipe 36 and is fixedly bonded. And the sheath 21 and the interior pipe | tube 22 are being fixed to the base end cap 37 via the connection pipes 34 and 36, respectively at the base end side.

  The base end cap 37 is substantially tubular and has a main body portion 37a, a distal end connection portion 37b that protrudes from the main body portion 37a to the distal end side, and is connected to a connection pipe 34 to which the sheath 21 is fixed. And a proximal end connecting portion 37c to which a connecting pipe 36 to which the interior pipe 22 is fixed is connected. The main body portion 37a is provided with a supply port 37d to which a supply pipe 53 of a fluid supply means 24, which will be described later, is connected so that the coolant A can be injected therein.

  The distal end connecting portion 37b has an inner diameter that increases from the main body portion 37a to the stepped portion 37e, and a seal member 38 made of an elastic material such as a substantially annular rubber is fitted therein. The inner diameter of the seal member 38 is set to be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connection pipe 34 to which the sheath 21 is fixed. A female screw 37f is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip connection portion 37b on the tip side of the seal member 38. A substantially annular fixing member 39 is screwed into the female screw 37f of the tip connection portion 37b.

  The fixing member 39 is a substantially columnar member having a through hole 39a through which the connecting tube 34 to which the sheath 21 is fixed is inserted, and is screwed to the female screw 37f of the distal end connecting portion 37b at the proximal end base 37 on the outer peripheral surface. A connecting portion 39c in which a male screw 39b is formed, and a gripping portion 39d protruding like a flange on the outer peripheral surface side of the tip of the connecting portion 39c. A washer 40 is interposed between the fixing member 39 and the seal member 38. Then, by holding the holding portion 39 d of the fixing member 39 and tightening the fixing member 39 with respect to the distal end connection portion 37 b of the base end cap 37, the sealing member 38 and the stepped portion 37 e of the base end cap 37 and the washer 40. Are elastically deformed and bulge to the inner peripheral surface side, and are externally fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the connecting pipe 34. That is, the seal member 38 fixes the proximal end of the sheath 21 to the proximal end cap 37 via the connection pipe 34, and is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 34 so that the coolant A is discharged to the outside. It regulates it.

  Further, in the base end cap 37, an annular convex portion 37g protruding to the inner peripheral side is formed between the base end connecting portion 37c and the main body portion 37a. Similarly to the distal end connection portion 37b, a seal member 41 made of an elastic material is fitted inside the proximal end connection portion 37c, and a female screw 37h is formed on the proximal end side. A male screw 42c formed in a connection portion 42b of a substantially cylindrical fixing member 42 having a through hole 42a is screwed into the female screw 37h. A washer 43 is interposed between the fixing member 42 and the seal member 41. Then, by gripping and tightening the grip portion 42d of the fixing member 42, the seal member 41 is elastically deformed and bulges toward the inner peripheral surface side, and is externally fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 36 to which the interior pipe 22 is fixed. Will be. As a result, the seal member 41 fixes the proximal end of the interior pipe 22 to the proximal end cap 37 via the connection pipe 36 and is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the connection pipe 36 so that the coolant A is discharged to the outside. It is regulated that it is done.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the fluid supply means 24 for supplying the coolant A includes a tank 50 in which the coolant A is stored, and a pump for taking out the coolant A from the tank 50 via the delivery pipe 51 and feeding it. 52, a supply pipe 53 that is connected to the supply port 37 d of the base end cap 37 and supplies the coolant A pumped from the pump 52, and an operation unit 54 that adjusts the flow rate of the coolant A supplied from the pump 52, Have The operation unit 54 is provided with a dial 54a. The pump 52 controls the pressure and the pressurization cycle so as to obtain a flow rate corresponding to the dial 54a, and supplies the coolant A via the supply pipe to the base end port. It is possible to inject pressure into the gold 37.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 and the endoscope cooling apparatus 20 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, in the endoscope cooling device 20, when the operation unit 54 of the fluid supply unit 24 is operated to drive the pump 52, the coolant A is supplied from the pump 52 to the inside of the base end cap 37. The pressure is injected through the tube 53. As shown in FIG. 3, since the inside of the base end cap 37 is restricted from discharging the coolant A to the outside by the seal members 38 and 41 on the distal end side and the proximal end side, respectively, the communicating sheath The pressure is injected into the cooling chamber 23 between the inner pipe 21 and the interior pipe 22, and the pressure in the cooling chamber 23 increases.

  Here, the sheath 21 is closed at the tip by the tip outer cap 30 and the tip inner cap 32, and only has a small communication hole 21a. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 4 (a), at the stage where the pressure in the cooling chamber 23 is low, even if the coolant A is discharged from the communication hole 21a, the amount of the coolant A is limited to a slight extent. The inside of the chamber 23 can be in a state of being pressed almost uniformly from the proximal end side to the distal end side. Then, as the pressure of the cooling chamber 23 is increased by the pressurization by the fluid supply means 24, the sheath 21 is elastically deformed to expand the diameter of the communication hole 21a as shown in FIG. 4B. Thus, the coolant A can be discharged to the outside at a flow rate corresponding to the pressure from each of the communication holes 21a formed in large numbers from the base end side to the tip end side. At this time, the heat transmitted from the outside to the sheath 21, the inner tube 22 and the insertion portion 6 is released together with the coolant A, and the coolant A evaporates at a high temperature. As a result, the entire system can be effectively cooled. The operator detects the coolant supplied by the fluid supply means 24 when the temperature rises based on the detected temperature displayed on the display unit 10 and detected by the temperature sensor built in the insertion unit 6. By increasing the flow rate of A, the coolant A is pressurized and injected at a higher pressure, thereby increasing the cooling effect and lowering the temperature of the insertion portion 6. For this reason, in the endoscope apparatus 1, the insertion portion 6 can be effectively cooled over the entire portion to which the sheath 21 is attached, so that the subject can be preferably observed in a high temperature environment.

  In the above embodiment, the sheath 21 is made of a fluororesin, but is not limited to this. It may be formed of a material having a lower elastic modulus than the fluororesin, for example, silicon. 5 and 6 show a first modification of this embodiment. In the endoscope cooling device 60 of this modification, the sheath 61 is made of silicon, has a large number of communication holes 61a, and forms the cooling chamber 23 therein. Here, FIG. 5 shows a case where the insertion portion 6 is inserted into the tubular subject S in a state where the sheath 61 of the endoscope cooling device 60 is attached to the insertion portion 6. As shown in FIG. 5, when the pressure in the cooling chamber 23 is low due to the pressurized injection of the coolant A from the fluid supply means 24 in the state of being inserted into the subject S, the insertion portion 6 is only subject to the subject in accordance with gravity. It is in the state which contacted S. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the pressure in the cooling chamber 23 is increased by the pressure injection from the coolant A of the fluid supply unit 24, the sheath 61 is formed of silicon having a low elastic modulus. As the pressure of 23 increases, the sheath 61 expands the diameter of the communication hole 61a while expanding itself. That is, the change of the communication hole 21a according to the increase in the pressure of the cooling chamber 23 can be made remarkable, and thereby, the coolant A can be more effectively discharged from the communication hole 21a to the outside, and Cooling can be performed. In addition, the sheath 61 is elastically expanded and brought into contact with the subject S, whereby the insertion portion 6 inserted therein can be disposed at a substantially central position with respect to the subject S, and more preferably. The subject S can be observed.

  FIG. 7 shows a second modification of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the endoscope cooling device 65 of this modification, a plurality of substantially annular regulating rings 66 are externally fitted to the sheath 61 made of silicon. The restriction ring 66 is made of a hard material such as metal, and a plurality of the restriction rings 66 are provided with an interval in the axial direction. In the endoscope cooling device 65 of this modified example, when the coolant A is pressurized and injected by the fluid supply means 24, the sheath 61 itself attempts to expand its diameter elastically, but the regulating ring 66 is fitted outside. As for the location where it is, it will be controlled by the control ring 66 that diameter expansion is carried out. For this reason, when the pressure of the cooling chamber 23 is increased by the pressure injection of the coolant A of the fluid supply means 24, the tension is concentrated only on the space between the regulating rings 66 in the sheath 61, and thus the sheath is effectively effective. The diameter of 61 can be expanded to increase the diameter of the communication hole 61a. For this reason, the change of the discharge amount according to the change of the pressure of the cooling chamber is made more remarkable, and the insertion portion 6 can be cooled more suitably. Further, the sheath 61 does not adhere to the surface of the subject S even when the diameter of the sheath 61 is increased, and an appropriate gap is formed between the sheath 61 and the cooling liquid A using the gap. This is advantageous in that it can be suitably discharged.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. 8 and 9 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the endoscope cooling apparatus of this embodiment, the pump 71 of the fluid supply means 70 includes a pump drive unit 72 that drives the pump and a control unit that controls the pump drive unit. Since the basic configuration of the apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, it is omitted. The control unit 73 is connected to a temperature sensor 74 built in the vicinity of the CCD of the insertion unit 6 and determines whether the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 74 is equal to or higher than a preset threshold value θ. And the control part 73 changes the frequency of the pulse signal output to the pump drive part 72 based on the said determination result, and changes the flow volume of the cooling fluid A from the pump 71 by this. A specific example will be described below.

  First, the sheath of the endoscope cooling device is attached to the insertion portion and inserted into the subject. At this time, in the pump 71, the control unit 73 sets the frequency of the pulse signal to an initial value and outputs it, thereby driving the pump driving unit 72 to pressurize and inject the coolant A at a predetermined flow rate. As a result, the pressure rises inside the cooling chamber 23 to increase the diameter of the communication hole of the sheath, the coolant A having the above flow rate is discharged into the subject, and the coolant A evaporates and vaporizes due to high temperature. As a result, the insertion portion is cooled. Then, the control unit 73 monitors the detected temperature by the temperature sensor 74 while performing cooling by injecting the coolant A at the initial flow rate in this way. FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 74, that is, the temperature state on the distal end side of the insertion portion, and the state of control by the control portion 73. As shown in FIG. 9, the cooling liquid A is supplied to the cooling chamber 23 at an initial flow rate by the control unit 73, so that the cooling liquid in the cooling chamber 23 is heated by heat transferred from the subject in the initial stage indicated by the range A <b> 1. A and the temperature of the insertion portion gradually increase. Then, the heat transmitted from the subject and the cooling effect by the coolant A discharged and vaporized from the communication hole are balanced, and as shown in the range A2, the temperature is stabilized at a predetermined temperature. On the other hand, as shown in the range A3, when the temperature environment of the subject changes and the temperature rises, the temperature of the insertion portion rises again from a stable state. And the control part 73 makes the frequency of the pulse signal output to the pump drive part 72 high, when the detected temperature from the temperature sensor 74 incorporated in the insertion part 6 becomes more than threshold value (theta). As a result, the rotational speed of the pump drive unit 72 also increases, and the flow rate of the coolant A to be supplied also increases. For this reason, the temperature on the distal end side of the insertion portion, which is equal to or higher than the threshold value θ in the range A3, is cooled and becomes lower than the threshold value θ again as indicated by the range A4. For this reason, the control unit 73 sets the frequency of the pulse signal to a low value again based on the fact that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 74 is less than the threshold value θ.

  It should be noted that when the inside of the subject is in a relatively low temperature environment or the like, control may be performed so that the coolant A is supplied intermittently. FIG. 10 shows another example of control by the control unit 73 as a modification of this embodiment. In FIG. 10, as shown in a range A10, when inserted into the subject, the control unit 73 of the pump 71 first outputs the frequency of the pulse signal as an initial value and drives the pump driving unit 72 as described above. A predetermined amount of the coolant A is injected under pressure. And as shown in range A11, based on the temperature detected by temperature sensor 74, control unit 73 stops the output of the pulse signal when the temperature becomes substantially constant below threshold value θ. In the cooling chamber 23, the coolant A is gradually discharged through the communication hole, so that the internal pressure decreases. For this reason, the diameter of the communication hole is reduced with a decrease in pressure, and accordingly, the amount of the coolant A discharged is also reduced and the cooling effect is lowered. As shown in the range A12, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 74 becomes higher than the threshold value θ because the heating by the heat transmitted from the subject becomes larger than the cooling effect by the coolant A. And the control part 73 transmits a pulse signal again based on this detection result. At this time, the control unit 73 increases the flow rate of the coolant A supplied to the cooling chamber 23 by increasing the frequency of the pulse signal from the initial value. As a result, as shown in the range A13, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 74 again becomes lower than the threshold value θ, and the control unit 73 stops the output of the pulse signal again. And as shown to range A14, while the cooling chamber 23 becomes more than predetermined pressure and the cooling fluid A is discharged | emitted and vaporized from a communicating hole, it will show a substantially constant temperature state. Then, as shown in the range A15, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 74 becomes higher than the threshold value θ again, the control unit 73 sends a pulse signal again to supply the coolant A to the cooling chamber 23. Then, cooling is performed so that the temperature on the distal end side of the insertion portion is less than the threshold value θ.

  As described above, two examples of the control by the control unit 73 are illustrated, but these may be combined, the flow rate may be changed stepwise by providing a plurality of threshold values, or the temperature detected by the temperature sensor The flow rate of the coolant A supplied from the pump 71 may be changed continuously based on the change. In the above description, the control is performed based on the detection result by the temperature sensor built in the distal end side where the CCD of the insertion portion is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The temperature of the coolant A inside the cooling chamber may be detected, and the flow rate of the coolant A may be controlled based on the detected temperature. Furthermore, for example, a pressure sensor is provided inside the cooling chamber so that a predetermined amount of the cooling liquid A is discharged in advance so that the temperature is constant, regardless of the temperature sensor, and the pressure of the cooling liquid A inside the cooling chamber. It is good also as what controls the flow volume of the cooling fluid A so that may become substantially constant. Further, the control unit 73 may directly control the pressure of the coolant A that is pressurized and injected from the pump 71 to the cooling chamber 23.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the endoscope cooling device 80 of this embodiment, the gap between the distal end of the sheath 21 and the distal end of the inner tube 22 is closed by the opening / closing means 81, thereby forming the cooling chamber 23. ing. The opening / closing means 81 includes an expansion body 82 provided between the sheath 21 and the inner tube 22, a supply source (not shown) that is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 6 and supplies gas to the expansion body 82, and the sheath 21 and a gas supply pipe 83 that is disposed between the inner pipe 22 and connects a supply source (not shown) and the expansion body 82. The expansion body 82 has a substantially cylindrical shape that is externally attached to the distal end of the inner tube 22, and a film body 82 a formed of an elastic material such as rubber, and a distal end side and a proximal end side of the film body 82 a are arranged on the outer periphery of the inner tube 22. The fixing thread 82b is hermetically fixed to the surface, and a pressure chamber 82c is formed between the membrane body 82a and the inner tube 22. Further, the distal end of the gas supply pipe 83 is inserted into the pressurizing chamber 82c. By supplying gas from a supply source (not shown), the inside of the pressurizing chamber 82c is pressurized to expand the film body 82a. Thus, the space between the sheath 21 and the inner tube 22 can be closed.

  For this reason, when pressurized by a supply source (not shown) and the space between the sheath 21 and the inner tube 22 is closed, the coolant A is pressurized and injected into the cooling chamber 23 by the fluid supply means 24 as in the first embodiment. And the insertion part 6 can be cooled by discharging the coolant A from the communication hole 21a of the sheath 21. Further, by stopping the supply of gas from a supply source (not shown), the space between the sheath 21 and the inner tube 22 can be opened. Thus, the coolant A supplied by the fluid supply means 24 cools the insertion portion 6 while flowing through the cooling chamber 23 from the proximal end side to the distal end side, and is discharged from the distal end. Then, since the coolant A is discharged from the tip, for example, when there is a heat source in the front of the insertion portion 6 in the insertion direction, the tip of the cooling chamber 23 is opened by the opening / closing means 81, so It is possible to insert and observe while effectively cooling the heat source side. Since the pressure in the cooling chamber 23 is lower than that in the case where the tip is closed, the cooling liquid A in the cooling chamber 23 is discharged to the extent that it is slightly discharged from the communication hole 21a of the sheath 21 or is discharged. There is nothing to do.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. 12 to 15 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the endoscope cooling device 90 of this embodiment does not include the inner tube 22, and only the sheath 61 formed of silicon or the like is externally mounted on the insertion portion 6. A substantially C-shaped fixing ring 91 is fitted on the distal end of the sheath 61. An annular groove 92 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 5 of the insertion portion 6 at a position substantially coincident with the axial position where the fixing ring 91 is fitted. The inner diameter of the fixing ring 91 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the distal end portion 5 of the insertion portion 6, whereby the sheath 61 is tightened by the fixing ring 91, so that the fixing ring 91 and the insertion portion 6 The tip 5 is fixed in close contact with the tip 5. The coolant A can be pressurized and injected from the fluid supply means 24 as a cooling chamber 93 whose tip is closed between the sheath 21 and the insertion portion 6.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in the endoscope cooling device 90 of this embodiment, when the coolant A is pressurized and injected into the cooling chamber 93, the sheath 61 itself also elastically expands in diameter, and the pressure in the cooling chamber 93 is increased. The change of the communication hole 61a according to the rise of the temperature can be made remarkable, whereby the coolant A can be more effectively discharged from the communication hole 61a to the outside and the insertion portion 6 can be cooled. Further, in the endoscope cooling device 90, since the inner tube 22 is omitted, the space of the cooling chamber 93 can be secured while reducing the outer diameter of the sheath 61, and a small-diameter pipe line or the like can be obtained. It can be suitably inserted and observed in a subject.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in the endoscope cooling apparatus 100 of this embodiment, the insertion portion 6 is inserted, and a gap is formed between the sheath 101 in which the communication hole 101 a is formed from the proximal end side to the distal end side, and the sheath 101. And an exterior tube 102 which is externally provided and has an open end. The sheath 101 is formed of an elastic material such as fluororesin as in the above embodiment, and a tip cap 103 is connected to the tip. The distal end cap 103 is substantially tubular and includes a main body portion 103a and a connecting portion 103b that protrudes from the main body portion 103a to the proximal end side and is fitted and fixed to the distal end of the sheath 101. An annular groove 103c is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body 103a, and an O-ring 103d is fitted therein. The inner diameter of the O-ring 103 d is set to be slightly smaller than the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 5 of the insertion portion 6, whereby a cooling chamber 105 is formed between the sheath 101 and the insertion portion 6, and from the distal end of the cooling chamber 105. The coolant A is restricted from being discharged. The outer tube 102 is formed of a flexible material that can be bent together with the insertion portion 6 according to the subject when the insertion portion 6 is inserted into the subject, and is formed of, for example, a fluororesin. Yes.

  The proximal end of the sheath 101 is externally fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the hard connecting tube 106 and is fixed by adhesion. Further, the base end of the outer tube 102 is also fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the hard connecting tube 107 and is fixed by adhesion. The sheath 101 and the outer tube 102 are fixed to the base end cap 108 via connection pipes 106 and 107, respectively, on the base end side.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the proximal end cap 108 is substantially tubular and includes a main body portion 108a, a distal end connection portion 108b, and a proximal end connection portion 108c. A substantially cylindrical fixing member 109 having a through hole 109a is screwed with a female screw 108b to a female screw 108d formed on the inner peripheral surface of the tip connecting portion 108b. Further, the connecting pipe 107 to which the outer tube 102 is fixed is inserted into the through hole 109 a of the fixing member 109. Then, the seal member 111 sandwiched between the stepped portion 108e formed between the tip connecting portion 108b and the main body portion 108a and the fixing member 109 via the washer 110 elastically bulges toward the inner peripheral side. Thus, the seal member 111 fixes the connection pipe 107 to the base end cap 108 and restricts the supplied air from being discharged to the outside as described later.

  Further, a stepped portion 108f is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 108a, and the proximal end side is smaller in diameter than the distal end side. An annular groove 108g is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the tip side of the stepped portion 108f, and an O-ring 108h is fitted. The connecting pipe 106 to which the sheath 101 is fixed is inserted into the base end cap 108, the base end is abutted against the stepped portion 108f, and the O-ring 108h is externally fitted to the outer peripheral surface. The base end cap 108 is fixed. Further, the O-ring 108h restricts the flow of gas or liquid between the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side.

  Further, a stepped portion 108i is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base end connecting portion 108c to increase the diameter from the distal end side to the base end side, and a female screw 108j is formed on the inner peripheral surface on the base end side, and the through hole A male screw 112b of a substantially cylindrical fixing member 112 having 112a is screwed together. The insertion portion 6 inserted from the base end cap 108 to the sheath 101 is inserted into the through hole 112a of the fixing member 112, and the seal sandwiched between the step portion 108i and the fixing member 112 via the washer 113. The member 114 is elastically swelled to the inner peripheral side, so that it is fixed to the base end cap 108 and restricts the discharge of the supplied coolant A from the inside to the outside as will be described later. .

  The main body 108a is provided with a first supply port 108k and a second supply port 108l that allow the outer peripheral side and the inner peripheral side to communicate with each other on the proximal end side and the distal end side of the stepped portion 108i. The supply pipe 53 of the first fluid supply means 24 is connected to the first supply port 108k on the proximal end side, whereby the cooling between the sheath 101 and the insertion portion 6 is performed via the proximal end cap 108. The coolant A can be injected under pressure into the chamber 105. A second fluid supply means 115 is connected to the second supply port 108l. The second fluid supply means 115 is capable of supplying air B as a cooling fluid. The second fluid supply means 115 is connected to a compressor (not shown) capable of sending compressed air B and the second supply port 108l, and compressed from the compressor. And a supply pipe 115a for guiding the air B. As a result, the second fluid supply means 115 circulates the air B as the cooling fluid from the proximal end side to the distal end side through the gap between the sheath 101 and the outer tube 102 as the cooling fluid via the proximal end cap 108. It is possible to discharge from the opening of the distal end of the outer tube 102 to the outside.

  According to the endoscope cooling apparatus 100 of this embodiment, when inserting the insertion portion 6 into the subject, the first fluid supply means 24 injects the coolant A into the cooling chamber 105 under pressure, The air B is circulated through the flow passage 116 on the outer peripheral side of the cooling chamber 105 by the second fluid supply means 115. For this reason, the insertion portion 6 is cooled by the coolant A in the cooling chamber 105 being discharged from the communication hole 101a of the sheath 101 to the flow passage 116 on the outer peripheral side, and the air B flows through the flow passage 116. Therefore, the insertion portion can be cooled more effectively. At this time, the coolant A discharged from the communication hole 101a of the sheath 101 flows through the flow passage 116 together with the air B, and is discharged from the opening at the tip. The discharge of the coolant A is promoted by the air B, The cooling effect can be further increased.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. 17 to 19 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the endoscope cooling apparatus 120 of this embodiment includes an outer tube 121 that covers a sheath 61 formed of silicon. The outer tube 121 is made of a fluororesin or the like and includes a large number of cylindrical bodies 122 arranged in the axial direction. Each cylindrical body 122 is disposed such that the distal end 122a is bonded and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 61, and the proximal end 122b overlaps the distal outer peripheral surface of the other cylindrical body 122 on the proximal end side. . For this reason, the coolant A pressurized and injected into the cooling chamber 23 is discharged to the outer peripheral side from the communication hole 61 a of the sheath 61, and stays between each cylindrical body 122 of the outer skin tube 121 and the sheath 61. Become. And the pressure of the cooling chamber 23 becomes high and the pressure of the coolant A staying between the outer skin tube 121 and the sheath 61 increases accordingly. As shown in FIG. The base end side is opened, and the coolant A staying as the discharge part 123 can be discharged. For this reason, the change of the discharge amount according to the change of the pressure of the cooling chamber 23 can be made remarkable.

(Seventh embodiment)
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 20 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the endoscope cooling device 130 of this embodiment, the metal knitted tube 131 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the sheath 21 and the inner peripheral side of the metal knitted tube 131 are disposed. A spiral tube 132. The metal braided tube 131 is configured by braiding fine wires formed of metal into a mesh shape. The spiral tube 132 is a flat coil made of metal. The sheath 21 is fastened and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end cap 133 that closes the cooling chamber 23 by the O-ring 133a on the distal end side by a fixing thread 133b. Further, on the base end side, the base end 134 is externally fitted to a connection pipe 136 fixed by a seal member 135 and is similarly fastened and fixed by a fixing thread 137. The metal braided tube 131 and the spiral tube 132 are both fixed to the tip cap 133 and the connecting tube by welding.

  In such an endoscope cooling device 130, when the coolant A in the cooling chamber 23 is injected under pressure, the coolant A is discharged to the outside from the communication hole 61 a of the sheath 61 through the gaps between the spiral tube 132 and the metal braided tube 133. The insertion part 6 can be cooled. In addition, by providing the metal knitted tube 133, the torsional rigidity of the sheath 61 can be increased, and the subject can be preferably pushed and inserted even in a subject such as a complicatedly bent conduit. The metal knitted tube 133 has the same effect even if it is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the sheath 61. In addition, by providing the spiral tube 132 on the innermost peripheral side, the slipperiness with the insertion portion 6 can be improved. For this reason, when the insertion part 6 curves according to the shape of the subject, the friction between the insertion part 6 and the tube adjacent to the outer peripheral side can be reduced, and good flexibility can be imparted. Moreover, the workability | operativity at the time of inserting and assembling the insertion part 6 can be improved.

(Eighth embodiment)
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described. 21 and 22 show an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, the endoscope cooling device 140 of this embodiment has a distal end fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 5 by a fixing ring 91, and a cooling chamber 93 between the insertion portion 6. A sheath 61 to be formed and a regulating tube 141 that is sheathed with a gap in the sheath 61 are provided. Whereas the sheath 61 is made of silicon, the regulation tube 141 is made of a material having a higher elastic modulus than the material forming the sheath 61, such as a fluororesin. The restriction tube 141 includes a main body 142 in which a through-hole 142a communicating from the inside to the outside is formed from the base end side to the front end side, and a bellows portion that can extend and contract in the axial direction on the base end side of the main body portion 142. 143, and is connected to the fixing member 144 of the base end cap 37 at the base end of the bellows part 143. Further, the length dimension of the regulation tube 141 is set to be shorter than the length dimension of the sheath 61, and the sheath 61 is exposed from the covering portion 61 b covered with the regulation tube 141 and the tip of the regulation tube 141. Part 61c. The range of the exposed portion 61c of the sheath 61 can be changed by extending or contracting the bellows portion 143 of the restriction tube 141.

  In the endoscope cooling apparatus 140 of this embodiment, the sheath 61 attempts to expand the diameter by increasing the pressure of the cooling chamber 93 due to pressurization by the fluid supply means 24, but the covering portion 61 b has the restriction tube 141. It will be regulated so that it will not be more than the inner diameter. For this reason, in the covering portion 61b in which the regulation tube 140 is sheathed, the coolant A can be discharged to the outside from the communication hole 61a through the through hole 141a of the main body portion 142, but the discharge amount of the coolant A is a fixed amount. It will be limited to the following. On the other hand, in the exposed portion 61c where the regulation tube 141 is not sheathed and the sheath 61 is exposed to the outside, there is no regulation by the regulation tube 141. Therefore, the diameter of the sheath 61 is increased according to the pressure of the cooling chamber 93, and the communication hole 61a It is possible to increase the diameter. That is, the discharge amount of the coolant A can be increased on the distal end side than on the proximal end side by the restriction tube 141, thereby effectively cooling the whole, and in particular, the insertion portion 6 provided with the observation member 3. The tip side can be effectively cooled. Further, the range of the exposed portion 61c on the distal end side of the sheath 61 can be changed by expanding and contracting the bellows portion 143 of the restriction tube 141. Thereby, the range which enlarges a cooling effect corresponding to the exposed part 61c can be changed timely.

  23 and 24 show a modification of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 23, in the endoscope cooling apparatus 150 of this modification, the regulation tube 151 sheathed on the sheath 61 includes a flat coil 152 formed of a metal wire 152a having a substantially rectangular cross section, and a flat coil 152. A base 153 connected to the tip of the base. The flat coil 152 can be expanded and contracted as a whole by changing the gap between adjacent metal wires 152a. Further, the base 153 is formed with an annular recess 153a on the inner peripheral surface and fitted with an O-ring 153b. The inner diameter of the O-ring 153 b is set smaller than the outer diameter of the sheath 61 and is fitted on the sheath 61.

  For this reason, the flat coil 152 is disposed so as to maintain the current expansion / contraction state by friction generated between the O-ring 153b and the sheath 61, while holding the base 153 to advance and retract in the axial direction. Thus, the range of the exposed portion 61c on the distal end side of the sheath 61 can be changed in the same manner as described above by expanding and contracting. Further, when the coolant A is pressurized and injected into the cooling chamber 93 by the fluid supply means 24, the coolant A communicates with the sheath 61 in a state where the diameter of the sheath 61 itself is restricted by the restriction pipe 151 in the covering portion 61 b. From the hole 61a, the gap between the metal wires 152a of the flat coil 152 passes through as a through hole 152b and is discharged to the outside. Further, in the exposed portion 61c, as described above, the diameter of the sheath 61 is increased according to the pressure of the cooling chamber 93, the diameter of the communication hole 61a is also increased, and the coolant A is discharged to the outside.

(Ninth embodiment)
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described. 25 and 26 show a ninth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, the endoscope cooling apparatus 170 of this embodiment includes a rigid base end portion 161 and a flexible tube portion 162 having an elongated flexibility extending from the base end portion 161. This is a type that is used by being attached to an endoscope apparatus including an insertion portion 160 having a hard tip portion 163 having a diameter expanded from the flexible tube portion 162. In the insertion portion 160 of the endoscope apparatus, both the objective lens 3a and the CCD 3b constituting the observation member 3 are built in the distal end portion 162. Further, a locking convex portion 162 a that protrudes radially outward is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 162.

  In the endoscope cooling apparatus 170, the sheath 21 formed of fluororesin or the like into which the insertion portion 160 is inserted is fixed at the base end with the base end cap 37 similar to the above embodiment, and the coolant A is supplied by the fluid supply unit 24. Can be injected under pressure, and the tip is connected to the tip 171 and fixed to the tip 163 of the insertion portion 160 via the tip 171. The distal end cap 171 has a substantially tubular shape and includes a sheath connecting portion 172 to which the sheath 21 is connected and a fixing portion 173 that extends from the sheath connecting portion 172 to the distal end side and is fixed to the distal end portion 163d of the insertion portion 160. An annular convex portion 172 a that protrudes to the outer periphery is formed at the approximate center of the outer peripheral surface of the sheath connecting portion 172. The sheath 21 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end of the sheath connecting portion 172 with the distal end abutted against the annular convex portion 172a, and is fastened and fixed by a fixing thread 174. Further, in the sheath connection portion 172, a male screw 172b is formed on the outer peripheral surface on the tip side of the annular convex portion 172a. A female screw 173 a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base end of the fixing portion 173 and is screwed to the male screw 172 b of the sheath connecting portion 172. Further, an inner flange 173 b that protrudes radially inward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end of the fixing portion 173. Then, by tightening the fixing portion 173 with respect to the sheath connection portion 172, the locking convex portion 162 a of the distal end portion 162 of the insertion portion 160 is sandwiched between the inner flange 173 b of the fixing portion 173 and the distal end of the sheath connection portion 172. Accordingly, the distal end side of the sheath 21 can be fixed to the insertion portion 160 via the distal end cap 171 and the distal end can be closed. In the tip base 171, the axial dimension of the sheath connecting portion 172 is at least part of the range in which the CCD 3 b of the tip portion 163 is built in the state where the locking projection 162 a is sandwiched between the fixing portion 173. It is set so as to be exposed to the proximal end side of the sheath connecting portion 172.

  Also in the endoscope cooling device 170 of this embodiment, if the coolant A is pressurized and injected by the fluid supply means 24, the communication hole 21a of the sheath 21 expands as the pressure of the cooling chamber 23 increases. As a result, the coolant A can be discharged to cool the insertion portion 160. Here, as described above, at least a part of the range in which the CCD 3b of the distal end portion 163 is incorporated is exposed to the proximal end side of the sheath connecting portion 172 and faces the sheath 21, so that it is at a position facing the CCD 3b. Also, the coolant A can be discharged to the outside from the communication hole 21a of the sheath 21, and the CCD 3b can be reliably cooled.

  27 and 28 show a first modification of this embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, in the endoscope cooling apparatus 190 of this modification example, the sheath 21 is fixed to the distal end portion 181 of the insertion portion 180 by the distal end cap 191 and the rubber tube 192 at the distal end. Yes. Here, the front end portion 181 of this modification has a configuration in which no locking projection is formed. Further, the rubber tube 192 is externally fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 181 in an elastically expanded state, and is fixed by a frictional force generated between the rubber tube 192 and the distal end portion 181. The distal end cap 191 is a substantially tubular member. The sheath 21 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end, and is similarly fastened and fixed by a fixing thread 174. Further, an inner flange 191 a that protrudes radially inward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end base 191, and is in contact with the distal end surfaces of the rubber tube 192 and the distal end portion 181.

  In the endoscope cooling device 190 of such a modified example, after the rubber tube 192 is externally fitted to the distal end portion 181, the distal end portion 181 and the rubber tube 192 are attached to the distal end base 191, and the respective distal end surfaces are connected to the inner flange 191 a. By simply press-fitting until contact, the sheath 21 can be fixed to the insertion portion 180 and the distal end side can be closed, thereby improving the assemblability. Moreover, since it is not necessary to provide the latching convex part in the outer peripheral surface of the front-end | tip part 181 as the insertion part 180, versatility can be improved.

  The means for fixing the sheath 21 to the distal end portion 181 that is not provided with the locking projection on the outer peripheral surface is not limited to the above. FIG. 29 shows a second modification of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 29, in the tip cap 195 of this modification, an annular recess 195a is formed on the inner peripheral surface, and an O-ring 195b is fitted. And the O-ring 195b is externally fitted to the distal end portion 181 of the insertion portion 180 in a state where the diameter of the O-ring 195b is elastically expanded, and similarly, the distal end of the sheath 21 is fixed to the insertion portion 180, and the distal end side Can be occluded.

(Tenth embodiment)
Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described. 30 and 31 show a tenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the endoscope apparatus 200 of this embodiment has a substantially tubular sheath 202 that forms an outer shell, and cools the inside of the sheath 202 and an insertion portion 201 that is inserted into a subject. The chamber 203 includes a fluid supply means 204 that is a cooling fluid and can inject the coolant A under pressure. In addition, the endoscope apparatus 200 is further provided with an observation member 205 that is disposed on the distal end side inside the insertion unit 201 for observing a subject, an illumination unit 206 that illuminates an observation range of the observation member 205, and an insertion. An adapter 207 connected to the tip of the unit 201 and an apparatus main body (not shown) connected to the insertion unit 201 side via a connection cable 208 are provided. Details of each component are shown below. The fluid supply unit 204 is the same as the configuration of the fluid supply unit 24 of the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The insertion portion 201 has a substantially tubular and flexible sheath 202, a hard distal end portion 211 provided at the distal end of the sheath 202, and a proximal end base 212 to which the proximal end of the sheath 202 is connected. The sheath 202 is formed with a minute communication hole 202a that communicates from the inner periphery side to the outer periphery side from the base end to the tip end. The material of the sheath 202 is heat-resistant and elastic so that the diameter of the communication hole 202a is expanded by elastic deformation when the pressure of the coolant injected under pressure into the cooling chamber 203 is high. More specifically, it is made of a fluororesin or the like as in the sheath 21 of the first embodiment. Further, the base end of the sheath 202 is externally fitted to the connection pipe 213 and is fastened and fixed by a fixing thread 214.

  Moreover, the front-end | tip part 211 is a substantially tubular member by which the front-end | tip was obstruct | occluded and has the front end surface 211a, and the annular convex part 211b protrudes and is formed in the outer peripheral surface. The outer end surface of the distal end portion 211 is fitted on the proximal end side so that the distal end of the sheath 202 abuts against the annular convex portion 211b, and is fastened and fixed by a fixing thread 211f. Further, a male screw 211c is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip portion 211 on the tip side of the annular convex portion 211b, and the adapter 207 is screwed to the male screw 211c.

  Further, the base end cap 212 is a substantially tubular member, a main body portion 212b provided with a connection port 212a to which the supply pipe 204a of the fluid supply means 204 is connected, and a front end connection protruding from the main body portion 212b to the front end side. Part 212c and a base end connection part 212d protruding from the main body part 212b to the base end side. The connecting pipe 213 to which the sheath 202 is connected is fixed to the distal end connecting portion 212c by the fixing member 215, the washer 216, and the seal member 217, and the coolant A is discharged from the inside to the outside by the seal member 217. It is regulated. Further, a connection cable 208 connected to the apparatus main body (not shown) is fixed to the base end connection portion 212d by a fixing member 218, a washer 219, and a seal member 220, and the coolant A is discharged from the inside to the outside by the seal member 220. Is restricted. In addition, since these structures are the same as that of the base end nozzle | cap | die 37 of 1st Embodiment, it abbreviate | omits for details.

  The observation member 205 includes an observation lens 205a, a CCD 205b that captures an image magnified by the observation lens 205a, and a case 205c that houses the observation lens 205a and the CCD 205b. The case 205c is fixed to the distal end surface 211a of the distal end portion 211, and the observation lens 205a is exposed on the distal end side. Note that an O-ring 211d is fitted between the case 205c and the front end 211, and restricts the discharge of the coolant A from the internal cooling chamber 203 to the adapter 207 side. A signal line 205d is connected to the CCD 205b. The signal line 205d is disposed inside the insertion portion 201, and is connected to the apparatus main body (not shown) on the base end side through the base end cap 212 and the connection cable 208. Further, inside the insertion portion 201, a protective tube 205e is sheathed on the signal line 205d. In the protective tube 205e, the distal end portion connected to the case 205c and the proximal end portion connected to the connection cable 208 are waterproofed, whereby the signal line 205d is connected by the coolant A filled in the cooling chamber 203. Preventing electric leakage.

  In addition, the illumination unit 206 includes a light guide 206 a disposed inside the insertion unit 201. The light guide 206a is fixed to the distal end surface 211a of the distal end portion 211 so that the distal end is exposed to the distal end side by a fixing member 206b. The light guide 206a is connected to the light source unit built in the apparatus main body (not shown) via the base end cap 212 and the connection cable 208 on the base end side, thereby illuminating light emitted from the light source unit. Light can be guided to the tip side and illuminated. Further, an O-ring 211e is fitted between the fixing member 206c and the distal end portion 211, and restricts the discharge of the coolant A from the internal cooling chamber 203 to the adapter 207 side.

  The adapter 207 is a substantially cylindrical member, and a cylindrical connecting portion 207a protrudes from the proximal end side, and a female screw 207b formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 207a is screwed into a male screw 211c of the distal end portion 211. Thus, it is integrated with the tip portion 211. Further, the adapter 207 is provided with an objective lens 207d and an illumination lens 207e in a through-hole communicating from the base end surface to the front end surface, respectively. The observation lens 205a of the observation member 205 is connected to enable external observation, and the illumination lens 207d and the light guide 206a of the illumination unit 206 are connected to enable external illumination.

  According to such an endoscope apparatus 200, when the coolant A is pressurized and injected into the cooling chamber 203 by the fluid supply means 204, even if the coolant A is discharged from the communication hole 202a, the amount of the coolant A is very small. As a result, the inside of the cooling chamber 203 is pressurized from the proximal end side to the distal end side. Then, the pressure in the cooling chamber 203 is increased by the pressurization by the fluid supply means 204, so that the sheath 202 is elastically deformed to increase the diameter of the communication hole 202a. The coolant A can be discharged to the outside at a flow rate corresponding to the pressure from each of the communication holes 202a formed in large numbers. As described above, the insertion portion 201 can be effectively cooled over the entire portion, even if the insertion portion 201 itself is provided with a cooling device without being configured to mount the endoscope cooling device on the insertion portion. Even inside a high-temperature subject, the observation member 205 can favorably observe through the adapter 207.

  FIG. 32 shows a first modification of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 32, in the endoscope apparatus according to this modification, the distal end portion 230 to which the sheath 202 is connected is connected to the main body portion 231 constituting the distal end surface 231a and the proximal end side of the main body portion 231. A porous portion 232. The main body portion 231 has a female screw 231b formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and the adapter 207 is screwed thereon. The porous portion 232 is formed of a porous body in which minute holes are formed in porous ceramic or metal, and is bonded and fixed to the main body portion 231 on the distal end side and the sheath 202 on the proximal end side. Are externally fitted and fastened and fixed by a fixing thread 211f. In this modification, the cooling liquid A injected into the cooling chamber 203 under pressure is infiltrated into the porous portion 232 and discharged to the outside. For this reason, it can cool suitably to the inside of the front-end | tip part 230. FIG. Further, since the porous portion 232 of the distal end portion 230 is always immersed in the coolant A, it can be more reliably prevented from becoming a high temperature in the high temperature environment of the subject.

  FIG. 33 shows a second modification of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 33, in the endoscope apparatus 240 of this modified example, the insertion portion 241 includes a sheath 202, a metal knitted tube 242 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the sheath 202, and an inner portion of the metal knitted tube 242. And a helical tube 243 disposed on the circumferential side. The metal knitted tube 242 is configured by braiding fine wires formed of metal into a mesh shape. The spiral tube 243 is a flat coil made of metal. The metal braided tube 242 and the spiral tube 243 are both fixed by welding to the distal end portion 245 and the proximal end to the connecting tube 213, respectively. Moreover, the front-end | tip part 245 has the main-body part 245a formed with porous materials, such as a porous ceramic similar to a 1st modification, and the connection part 245b connected to the base end side of the main-body part 245a. The main body 245a is a substantially tubular member having a front end surface 245c. The observation member 205 is disposed inside the main body 245a, and the case 205c is fixed to the front end surface 245c. An objective lens 246 provided so as to be exposed at the distal end surface 245c is connected to the distal end side of the case 205c, thereby enabling the subject to be observed.

  Moreover, in this modification, the illumination part 247 has the LED board 247b provided with LED247a, and the power cable 247c connected to the LED board 247b. The LED substrate 247b is fitted and fixed in a recess formed in the front end surface 245c. The power cable 247c is connected to a device body (not shown) via the connection cable 208, and can supply power to the LED board 247b from the power source of the device body. Illumination light can be irradiated toward the specimen.

  Further, the main body portion 245a and the connecting portion 245b are bonded and fixed together. A metal braided tube 242 and a helical tube 243 are fixed by welding to the connecting portion 245b, and the sheath 202 is fastened and fixed by a fixing thread 211f. The sheath 202 is disposed from the position fixed by the fixing thread 211f to the distal end side, and is sheathed on the main body 245a.

  In the endoscope apparatus 240 of this modified example, the distal end portion 245 is formed of a porous material in the same manner as described above, so that the distal end portion 245 is also cooled by the coolant A as in the first modified example. . In particular, in this modification, by forming the main body portion 245a side having the front end surface 245c with a porous material, it is possible to effectively cool to the front end side, and the coolant A is also discharged from the front end surface 245c. Cooling can be performed effectively.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is a disassembled perspective view of the sheath part of the cooling device for endoscopes. In the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing which looked at the side of the sheath of the cooling device for endoscopes. When cooling the insertion part of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention with the cooling liquid, (a) an explanatory view showing the state of the sheath when the pressure in the cooling chamber is low, (b) the cooling chamber It is explanatory drawing which shows the state of a sheath in case a pressure is high. In the endoscope apparatus of the 1st modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the front-end | tip of the sheath of the cooling device for endoscopes was expanded. In the endoscope apparatus of the 1st modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing which shows the state of a sheath at the time of pressurizing and injecting a cooling fluid into a cooling chamber. In the endoscope apparatus of the 2nd modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the front-end | tip of the sheath of the cooling device for endoscopes was expanded. It is a block diagram which shows the outline | summary of the cooling device for endoscopes of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the detection temperature by a temperature sensor, and the drive control of the pump by a control part in the endoscope cooling device of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the detection temperature by a temperature sensor, and the drive control of the pump by a control part in the endoscope cooling device of the modification of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing to which the front-end | tip of the sheath was expanded in the cooling device for endoscopes of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which expanded the insertion part and the sheath in the endoscope apparatus of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the sheath were expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the front-end | tip of a sheath were expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of the 4th Embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the sheath at the time of pressurizing and injecting a cooling fluid to a cooling chamber. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the sheath were expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which expanded the front-end | tip of an insertion part and a sheath in the endoscope apparatus of the 6th Embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of the 6th Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the front-end | tip of a sheath were expanded. In the endoscope apparatus of the 6th Embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the sheath at the time of pressurizing and injecting a cooling fluid to a cooling chamber. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the sheath were expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view which expanded the insertion part and the sheath in the endoscope apparatus of the 8th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the sheath were expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 8th Embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of the modification of the 8th Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the sheath were expanded. In the endoscope apparatus of the 8th Embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing which shows the state of the sheath at the time of pressurizing and injecting a cooling fluid to a cooling chamber. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the sheath were expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the front-end | tip of a sheath were expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 9th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the sheath were expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 1st modification of the 9th Embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of the 1st modification of the 9th Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the front-end | tip of a sheath were expanded. In the endoscope apparatus of the 2nd modification of the 9th Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the insertion part and the front-end | tip of a sheath were expanded. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part was expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 10th Embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of a 10th embodiment of the present invention, it is an expanded sectional view of the tip of an insertion part. In the endoscope apparatus of the 1st modification of the 10th Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the front-end | tip of the insertion part was expanded. It is sectional drawing to which the insertion part was expanded in the endoscope apparatus of the 2nd modification of the 10th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 200, 240 Endoscope device 3, 205 Observation member 20, 60, 65, 80, 90, 100, 120, 130, 140, 150, 170, 190 Cooling device for endoscope 6, 160, 180, 201 , 241 Insertion part 21, 61, 101, 202 Sheath 21a, 61a, 101a, 202a Communication hole 23, 93, 105, 203 Cooling chamber 24, 70, 115, 204 Fluid supply means 66 Restriction ring 72 Pump drive part 73 Control part 81 Opening / closing means 102 Outer tube 116 Flow passage 121 Outer tube 123 Discharge portion 141, 151 Restriction tube A Cooling liquid (cooling fluid)
B Air (cooling fluid)

Claims (2)

Of the insertion portion of the endoscope apparatus, a substantially tubular member into which at least a distal end side having an observation member for observing a subject is inserted, the distal end is closed, and a cooling fluid is filled on the inner peripheral side. A sheath having a large number of minute communication holes that communicate between the cooling chamber and the outside from the proximal end to the distal end .
Fluid supply means capable of pressurizing and injecting the cooling fluid into the cooling chamber;
The sheath is sheathed so that the distal end side of the sheath is exposed, the diameter of the sheath is restricted within the sheathed range, and the cooling fluid can be circulated from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side. A substantially annular restriction tube having many through holes;
With
The sheath is formed by the front Symbol fluid supply means by said cooling chamber in response to pressure elastically deformed possible to expand the diameter of the contact hole elastic material, the cooling by the fluid supply means An endoscope cooling apparatus , wherein the sheath itself is elastically expanded in diameter by pressurizing the chamber . Of the insertion portion of the endoscope apparatus, a substantially tubular member into which at least a distal end side having an observation member for observing a subject is inserted, the distal end is closed, and a cooling fluid is filled on the inner peripheral side. A sheath having a large number of minute communication holes that communicate between the cooling chamber and the outside from the proximal end to the distal end.
Fluid supply means capable of pressurizing and injecting the cooling fluid into the cooling chamber;
Covering the sheath and allowing the cooling fluid discharged from the cooling chamber through the communication hole to be retained between the sheath and the outside according to an increase in the pressure of the retained cooling fluid An outer skin tube having a discharge portion that can be opened toward the head;
With
The sheath is formed of an elastic material that can be elastically deformed in response to pressurization of the cooling chamber by the fluid supply means to expand the diameter of the communication hole . endoscope cooling device that.

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