JPH07327913A - Cover type endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a cover type endoscope which does not contaminate a member on an operation part side even if a curving operation part of an attachment and detachment system is mounted at an operation part from outside. CONSTITUTION:The operation part 5 of the endoscope for cover is covered by an operation part cover part 9 of an endoscope cover. A shaft 16 from the operation part 5 projects from the aperture 12 of a ring member 13 attached to this operation part cover part 9. A sealing part 22 is formed at this ring member 13. The outer peripheral surface of an outside shaft 21 of the curving operation part 11 formed with curving knobs 17, 18, etc., fits to the sealing part 22 to provide liquidtight sealing when the curving operation part is mounted by fitting this outside shaft 21 to the shaft 16.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cover type endoscope including a cover endoscope and an endoscope cover for covering the cover endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a cover-type endoscope, in order to obtain good bending operability even when the cover is attached, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-19128, an operation part is opened from a cover opening covering the operation part. By bending the shaft for bending operation and protruding, and by making the separate bending operation part detachable,
There is a conventional example in which a bending operation can be performed outside the cover.

[0003]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

(Disadvantage of the prior art) However, with such a structure, when dirt enters between the cover covering the operation part and the bending operation part, the shaft of the operation part protruding through the cover may be contaminated. high.

Further, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-54734 discloses a cover for covering the operation unit together with the controller. However, in such a configuration, since buttons for fluid control for controlling air supply, water supply, suction, etc. are also inside the cover, it is difficult to perform delicate operations from outside the cover.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to contaminate a member on the operating portion side even when a detachable bending operating portion is attached to the operating portion from outside the cover. There is no provision of a covered endoscope.
Further, another object of the present invention is to cover the operation part with a cover,
An object of the present invention is to provide a cover-type endoscope that can obtain good operability of buttons for fluid control and the like.

[0006]

[Means and Actions for Solving the Problems] A part of a bending operation part that is detachable from the operation part and a part of a cover that covers the operation part are fitted together. By doing so, it is possible to prevent dirt from adhering to the member on the operation portion side from between the bending operation portion and the cover.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 shows an outline of the entire configuration of a cover type endoscope of the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 shows a vicinity of a connecting portion between an operating portion and a bending operating portion. Indicates. As shown in FIG. 1, a cover-type endoscope 1 includes a cover endoscope 2 and an endoscope cover 3 that covers the cover endoscope 2.
Composed of and.

The endoscope 2 for a cover has an elongated insertion portion 4 having flexibility, a wide operation portion 5 formed at the rear end of the insertion portion 4, and a universal portion extended from the operation portion 5. And a cable 6. A bending portion 7 for bending the distal end side in a desired direction is provided near the distal end of the insertion portion 4 so that the bending operation can be performed on the hand side.

On the other hand, the endoscope cover 3 has an insertion section cover section 8 for covering the insertion section 4 and an operation section cover section 9 for covering the operation section 5. Further, the insertion section cover section 8 and the operation section cover section 9
A mouth part 10 for fixing the endoscope cover 3 to the cover endoscope 2 is provided between and. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation portion cover portion 9 is provided with an opening portion 12 through which a bending operation shaft 16 protruding from the operation portion 5 is inserted. In addition, the bending operation section 11 for performing the bending operation is detachably connectable. That is, the operation section 5 is provided with the bending operation section 11 which is detachable from the operation section cover section 9 with respect to the operation section 5. FIG. 2 shows the vicinity of the connecting portion between the operating portion 5 and the bending operating portion 11, and the operating portion cover is inserted through the opening 12 of the operating portion cover portion 9 as shown by the two-dot chain line. The structure is such that it can be attached to the operation unit 5 covered with the unit 9.

In other words, the opening 12 is formed in the operation cover 9.
Is provided, and a ring member 13 is attached to the opening 12. The ring member 13 is a resin, and a rubber resin is particularly desirable. The concavo-convex portion 14 provided on the ring member 13 has a structure in which the concavo-convex portion can be detachably attached by fitting it into the convex-concave portion of the convex-concave portion 15 on the operation portion 5 side.

On the other hand, the bending operation section 11 is provided with a bending knob 1 having a rotatable structure for bending up and down and left and right.
7 and 18, and brake knobs 19 and 20 for increasing or decreasing the amount of their operating force are provided.

An outer shaft 21 is provided at the lower end of the bending operation portion 11.
Is provided so as to project, and the outer shaft 21 is provided with a hole that is detachable from the shaft 16 projecting from the opening 12. Therefore, for example, the bending operation portion 11 can be attached by attaching the outer shaft 21 to the shaft 16.

The bending operation section 11 includes bending knobs 17, 18,
The brake knobs 19 and 20 are integrated, but may be divided into a plurality. Even if the shaft 16 is divided into a plurality of parts, each part can be detachably attached to a part of the shaft 16. On the inner peripheral surface of the ring member 13 provided on the operation portion cover portion 9, for example, a seal portion 22 in which a convex portion protruding inward is formed in a ring shape is provided.

The inner diameter of the seal portion 22 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the outer shaft 21 (shown by the chain double-dashed line in FIG. 2). Therefore,
When the outer shaft portion of the bending operation portion 11 is attached so as to be fitted to the shaft 16, the outer peripheral surface of the outer shaft 21 is sealed by the seal portion 2.
A structure is formed which has a fitting portion in which the convex portion 2 of the bending operation portion 11 is fitted so as to be spread, that is, the outer shaft 21 of the bending operation portion 11 and the sealing portion 22 of the ring member 13 of the operation portion cover portion 9 are fitted. The outer shaft 21 and the seal portion 22.
Has a structure in which the opening 12 is tightly sealed over the entire circumference.

The bending operation section 11 may be a disposable (disposable) member or a reusable member. In the case of reuse, it may be configured to be heat sterilizable. Further, the color of the bending operation portion 11 is substantially black or white. The bending operation section 11 may have a liquid-tight seal structure that prevents dirt from entering the shaft 16 when attached to the operation section 5. Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Before the inspection, when the operation unit cover 9 is attached to the operation unit 5, the shaft 16 is allowed to come out of the opening 12. Then, the concave-convex portion 14 of the ring member 13 is fitted (attached) into the convex-concave portion of the operation portion 5. With the attachment means as described above, the ring member 13 (and the opening 12) can be positioned with respect to the shaft 16, and the outer shaft 21 is easily fitted into the ring member 13.

Next, the outer shaft 21 of the bending operation portion 11 is connected to the shaft 16.
Then, the bending operation section 11 is attached. Then, during the inspection, when the bending knobs 17 and 18 are rotated, a part of the shaft 16 is rotated in conjunction therewith, and the bending portion 8 of the insertion portion 4 can be bent.

When the outer shaft 21 of the bending operation portion 11 is connected to the shaft 16, the outer shaft 21 fits into the ring member 13 while slightly expanding the seal portion 22 of the ring member 13 at the time of connection. After the connection, the outer shaft 21 and the seal portion 22 are in close contact with each other to form a liquid-tight seal. In addition, the two-dot chain line in FIG.
Indicates that the diameter of the outer shaft 21 is slightly smaller than that of the outer shaft 21. When the outer shaft 21 of the bending operation portion 11 is connected to the shaft 16, the outer shaft 21 closely contacts the ring member 13 while slightly expanding the seal portion 22.
Will be fitted to. By using a structure that seals,
Even if dirt is present between the bending knob 17 and the operating section cover section 9, the operating section 5 and the shaft 16 will not come into contact with each other.

If the ring member 13 is made of rubber resin, it is easily elastically deformed, so that the outer shaft 21 can be easily fitted and a seal can be secured even with a small amount of force. Other resins may be used to reduce the cost. The ring member 13 is eliminated, and the outer shaft 2 is directly connected to the opening 12 of the operation unit cover 9.
If 1 is sealed, the cost can be further reduced.

After the inspection, the bending operation section 11 is removed from the operation section 5, and the ring member 13 and the operation section cover section 9 are removed.
And the endoscope cover 3 is removed from the cover endoscope 2. At the time of the next inspection, a new endoscope cover 3 that has been cleaned, disinfected, sterilized, and sterilized is attached to the cover endoscope 2.

With such a structure, the labor and time for cleaning and disinfecting the endoscope between examinations can be saved. If the bending operation section 11 is disposed here, the labor of cleaning and disinfection can be saved. In addition, if reuse is used, the cost can be further reduced for the user. Furthermore, if heat sterilization is possible, it can be sterilized in a short time.

Further, if the entire bending operation section 11 has an integral structure as shown in FIG. 2, it is easy to handle. On the other hand, if the structure is divided into a plurality of parts, the gap between the members (the knob 1
(Between 7 and knob 18, etc.) is easy to clean.

If the bending operation section 11 is substantially black, stains at the time of inspection need not be noticeable (good quality can be maintained). Also, if the surface is substantially white, stains on the surface are easy to see, so that when cleaning for reuse, it is easy to determine whether it is before cleaning or after cleaning, and there is no mistake.

According to this embodiment, since a part of the opening 12 of the operating portion cover 9 is fitted into the detachable bending operating portion 11 and sealed by the seal portion 22, the inside of the opening 12 is closed. This has the effect of not contaminating the operation unit side member (such as the shaft). That is, the bending operation section 11 and the operation section cover section 9 can isolate the endoscope operation section 5 from the outside world and prevent the operation section 5 from being contaminated at a high level.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 3
5 to FIG. 5 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 shows a structure in the vicinity of a bending operation portion mounted on an operation portion in the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 shows a horizontal section of the bending knob. FIG. 5 shows a part of the drawing, and FIG. 5 shows a modification of the engaging structure between the bending knob and the flange.

In the present embodiment, the cost of the detachable bending operation section is reduced, and the disposable operation does not impose a heavy financial burden on the user. The configuration of this embodiment will be described first.

The overall configurations of the cover endoscope 2 and the endoscope cover 3 are the same as those in FIG. In this embodiment, the operation unit 5
Brake knobs 19 and 20 are attached to the more protruding shaft unit 31.
Is provided. That is, the brake knobs 19 and 20 are members on the operation unit 5 side. The bending operation portion 32 that is detachable from the shaft unit 31 includes bending knobs 17 and 18 and a brake knob cover 33. The brake knob cover 33 is preferably made of rubber resin, but may be made of thin resin or any soft material such as paper or cloth.

A flange 34 is attached to the opening portion 12 of the operation portion cover portion 9. The flange 34 is provided with a claw 35 directed inward, and a claw 36 having an outer diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the claw 35 is provided on the bending knob 17, and these claws 35, 36 form a fitting portion to be fitted. It has a structure.

Similarly, the claw 3 is also provided above the bending knob 17.
7 is provided inward, and a claw 38 having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the claw 37 is provided on the bending knob 18, and these are also the same structure as the claws 35 and 36, and they can be fitted to and detached from each other. It has a simple structure. The bending knobs 17 and 18 are independently rotatable with respect to the flange 34, but the pawls 35 and 36 are rotatable.
By fitting the claws 37 and 38, the claws 37 and 38 are prevented from coming off.

The bending knobs 17 and 18 have a plurality of finger hooks 3
9 and 40. The insides of the bending knobs 17 and 18 can be non-rotatably connected to the knob shafts 41 and 42 of the shaft unit 31, respectively. A protrusion 43 is provided on the upper end of the knob shaft 42.
Is provided, and a convex portion 44 having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the protrusion 43 is provided at the lower portion of the brake knob cover 33 so that it can be fitted just below the protrusion 43. The brake knob cover 33 is provided integrally with the bending knob 18 so as not to come off.

FIG. 4 shows a part of a horizontal sectional view of the bending knob 17. An anti-slip concavo-convex portion 45 is provided on the outer end of the finger hook 39 to prevent slippage. Although the inside of the bending knob 17 is substantially circular, a small recess 46 is provided for making a non-rotating connection with the knob shaft 41.
Although not shown on the side, a convex portion that fits into the concave portion 46 is provided. The bending knob 18 has the same basic structure as this.

The bending operation portion 32 may be attached integrally with the operation portion cover portion 9, but the operation portion cover portion 9 (and the flange 34) is provided at the fitting portion of the claws 35 and 36.
It may be removable from. When it is possible to remove it from the operation section cover section 9 as described above, the flange 3
4 and the lower end of the bending knob 17 may have a structure having a fitting portion according to a modified example as shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5A, neither the flange 47 nor the lower end of the bending knob 17 has a claw, and the bending knob 17 is simply fitted inside the flange 47 with a small clearance.

In FIG. 5B, the lower end of the bending knob 17 is provided with an outwardly projecting portion 48, and the operating portion cover portion 9 is provided with a ring member 49, which is the innermost portion of the ring member 49. This is an example in which the one seal portion 50 is fitted and sealed on the upper portion of the convex portion 48 of the bending knob 17. The inner diameter of the seal portion 50 of the ring member 49 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the fitting portion on the bending knob 17 side. The ring member 49 is preferably made of a rubber-based resin that is easily elastically deformed.

In FIG. 5C, a hole 51 is formed in the operating section cover section 9.
The ring-shaped member is only opened, and other ring-shaped members are not attached. The inner diameter of the hole 51 is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the convex portion 48 at the lower end of the bending knob 17, and may fit in the upper portion of the convex portion 48 with a small clearance. It may be sealed while closely contacting with.

FIG. 5D shows the flange 34 and the bending knob 1.
The fitting position of 7 was reversed. The facing direction of the claws 35 and 36 is opposite to that in FIG. Of course nails 35, 36
A liquid-tight seal structure may be used between.

The claws 35 and 36, the claws 37 and 38, and the bending knob 18 and the brake knob cover 33 are liquid-tight, and the bending operation section 32 and the operation section cover section 9 are operated by the operation section. 5 may be isolated from the outside world to prevent pollution completely. The operation portion cover portion 9 is made of a soft material and is substantially transparent.

Next, the operation will be described. Since the operation portion cover portion 9 and the brake knob cover 33 are made of a soft material, the brake knobs 19 and 20 in the cover can be operated from outside the cover by partially deforming the cover.

The brake knob cover 33 includes the bending knob 18
Even if the brake knob 20 is rotated together, the brake knob 20 is prevented from coming into contact with the brake knob 20. Therefore, the brake knob 20 is not only easily deformed, but also can be easily returned to the shape as shown in FIG. 3 (shape with clearance between the brake knob 20). Rubber resin is desirable because it is important.

If the operating portion cover portion 9 is substantially transparent, the contents can be seen and the position of the brake knob 19 can be seen, so the operability is good. When the bending knobs 17 and 18 are non-rotatably connected to the knob shafts 41 and 42, respectively, and when the bending knobs 17 and 18 are rotationally operated, the knob shafts 41 and 42 are rotated in synchronization with the bending knobs 17 and 18.
The bending portion 7 of FIG. 1 can be oriented in a desired direction.

The bending operation section 32 is made up of three parts (the bending knobs 19 and 18) and the braking knob cover 33.
There is no 20), so it has a simple structure, so brake knob 1
There is no need to position and fix 9 and 20 to the cover, and the mounting work is easy. Further, even if it is integrally attached to the operation section cover section 9 and is disposed as a part of the endoscope cover 3 (and the operation section cover section 9), the economical burden on the user is small.

In this case, since the entire endoscope cover 3 is disposable, it does not take time and labor to clean and disinfect the endoscope and the cover between examinations. When the bending operation section 32 and the operation section cover section 9 are integrally attached, the parts are not separated, so that the cover can be easily handled and attached.

In order to further reduce the economical burden on the user, the bending operation portion 32 is made removable from the operation portion cover portion 9, and the bending operation portion 32 is washed, disinfected, sterilized or sterilized for reuse. You can Since the number of parts is small and the structure is simple, it is possible to reduce the possibility of failure even when reused.

In this case, if the bending operation section 32 can be heat-sterilized, it can be sterilized in a short time and the time loss between inspections can be reduced. As a method of attaching and detaching the bending operation portion 32 to and from the operation portion cover portion 9, when the configuration as shown in FIG. 3 is adopted, if the bending knob 17 is pushed and pulled in the axial direction with respect to the flange 34, the claws 35, 36 can be attached and detached while being slightly elastically deformed.

In the case of FIG. 5 (a), if the flange 47 and the bending knob 17 are aligned with each other, they can be slid to be fitted in the axial direction without applying force. Since the clearance between the flange 47 and the fitting portion of the bending knob 17 is small, filth hardly enters the operation portion 5 side. Further, even if the operation portion side is dirty, it does not come out of the fitting portion.

In the case of the structure shown in FIG. 5B, the operation of the seal portion 50 keeps the operation portion cover portion 9 and the bending knob 17 in a liquid-tight or near-sealed state, and does not allow the passage of dirt. It is possible to prevent it.

In the case of the structure shown in FIG. 5 (c), only the hole 51 is opened in the operation portion cover portion 9 and other members are not attached, so that the cost of the cover can be reduced. or,
Since the operation portion cover portion 9 is a soft material, if the hole 51 is made smaller than the outer diameter of the fitting portion of the bending knob 17, the hole 51 is slightly deformed, and a liquid-tight seal or a seal close thereto can be secured. Eliminate the passage of.

As shown in FIG. 5D, the flange 34 is fitted inside the bending knob 17 (the bending operation portion 32 is fitted outside the operation portion cover portion 9), so that the bending operation portion 32 is bent.
Even if is removed from the operation section cover section 9, it is possible to prevent dirt in the vicinity of the claws 35 and 36 (in the vicinity of the attachment section) from falling to the operation section 5 side. This also applies to the case of the first embodiment (FIG. 2).

According to this embodiment, as compared with the first embodiment,
Even if the bending operation section 32 is disposed of, the economical burden on the user can be reduced. In addition, even for reuse, the simple structure reduces the possibility of failure. Connection work to the operation unit 5 becomes easy. Further, the operation tool raising operation knob and the knobs for focusing and zooming are also on the operation portion side, and can be operated like the brake knob 19 from outside the operation portion cover portion 9 without positioning and fixing to the cover. May be.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows the operation section 5 and the operation section cover section 9 of the cover endoscope. A fluid conduit 52 for air supply, water supply, suction, etc. extending from an insertion section cover section (not shown) is provided in the operation section cover section 9 through a side portion of the operation section 5 to serve as a cover endoscope. It is connected to a separate fluid control device 53. The fluid control device 53 is provided with a pump and a solenoid valve (not shown), and supplies air, water, and so on the fluid passing through the fluid conduit 52.
Drive control such as suction is performed.

The number of the fluid conduits 52 is shown as one in FIG. 6 (a), but in actuality, there may be a plurality of fluid conduits, such as three for air supply, for water supply, and for suction. On the other hand, a part of the operation unit 5 is provided with the operation unit 5 from the outside of the operation unit cover unit 9.
A detachable operating device 54 is provided at a predetermined position. The operation unit 54 has an operation button 55 for controlling air supply, water supply, and suction. A cable 56 for transmitting the operation of the button 55 as an electric signal to the fluid control device 53 extends from the operation device 54 and is connected to the fluid control device 53. The cable 56 extends outside the operation portion cover portion 9).

FIGS. 6 (b) to 6 (d) show A- in FIG. 6 (a).
A structural example of the A ′ cross section is shown. FIG. 6B shows a concave portion 5 which is fitted on the operating device 54 side with respect to a convex portion 57 on the operating portion 5 side.
8 is provided, and the operation portion cover portion 9 is fitted between them. At least one of the convex portion 57 side and the concave portion 58 side has elasticity and is deformed when being attached or detached.

In FIG. 6C, the electrode pin 5 is fed from the operating unit 54.
9 projects downward and is fixed by being fitted in the electrode groove 60 on the operating portion 5 side. The electrode pin 59 penetrates the operation portion cover portion 9 and may be integral with or separate from the operation portion cover portion 9. When the electrode pin 59 is inserted and fixed in the electrode groove 60, the electrode 61 in the electrode groove 60 comes into contact with the electrode pin 59,
It is designed to be electrically connected. In this case, the cable 56 does not come out of the operating device 54. An electric wire (not shown) connected to the electrode 61 is connected to the fluid control device 53 from inside the operation portion 5 through the inside of the universal cord 6.

In FIG. 6D, the transmitter / receiver 6 is attached to the operating unit 54.
3, the operation unit 5 is also provided with the transmission / reception unit 64, and faces the operation unit cover unit 9. Further, the operating device 54 itself is fixed by being fitted in the concave portion of the operating portion 5. The transmitter / receivers 63, 64 use the radio wave, magnetic wave, light, sound wave, shock wave, heat, etc.
64 is capable of transmitting and receiving signals without contact.

There are a plurality of convex portions 57 and concave portions 58 shown in FIG. 6B and a plurality of electrode pins 59 and electrode grooves 60 shown in FIG. 6C. Also, it may be decided firmly. Note that FIG.
In, the bending operation portion (not shown) has the attaching / detaching structure of the first or second embodiment.

Next, the operation will be described. Even if the operation section 5 is covered with the operation section cover section 9, the operation device 54 and the button 55 are located outside the operation section cover section 9, so that the operation of air supply, water supply, and suction is performed by a coverless endoscope. You can also perform finely with the same delicate operations. Further, the operation device 54 is the operation unit 5
Since it can be attached to and detached from the predetermined position, the button operation feeling after attachment can always be operated at the same optimum position, and the operability can be kept good.

The mounting means of FIG. 6 (c) is as shown in FIG. 6 (b).
On the other hand, the cable 56 can be eliminated and it is not bothersome. The operation of the button 55 is converted into an electric signal in the operation device 54, and the operation portion 5 is converted by the electrode pin 59 and the electrode 61.
A signal can be sent to the fluid control device 53 from the inside.

In FIG. 6 (d), the cable 56 can be eliminated as compared with FIG. 6 (b), and the cumbersomeness of the cable 56 traveling outside the cover can be eliminated. Eliminates irregularities on both the operation unit 5 side and the operation unit 54 side,
Both can improve the cleaning property, and further, it is not necessary to perform a process such as making a hole in the operation portion cover portion 9 (the cost can be reduced).

When an optical means is used, the operation portion cover portion 9 is preferably substantially transparent so that light can easily pass therethrough. The operating device 54 itself is fitted into the recess of the operating portion 5 from the side (obliquely). By attaching the button 55 in a direction other than the pushing direction, the button 5 can be attached at the time of attachment.
You can also prevent erroneous operation when you install it without putting an unreasonable load on 5.

In FIGS. 6C and 6D, the operating device 5 is used.
An attachment / detachment detection means may be provided so that it can be confirmed whether or not 4 is properly attached to the operation unit 5 (whether or not a signal can be transmitted / received). Further, in particular, FIG. 6C shows the button 55 only when it is properly connected.
It is also possible to provide a safety mechanism for making the operation signal of “active” (active state) to ensure electrical safety.

6B, 6C, and 6D, the concave portion or the convex portion of the operating device 54 or the operating device 54 itself can be fitted into the convex portion or the concave portion of the operating portion 5 in one operation. ing.
By doing so, the attachment and detachment work is easy. Although not shown, the operation unit 54 may be attached to a predetermined position of the operation unit 5 by using the magnetic force of a magnet or an electromagnet.
It is not necessary to provide an uneven portion for attachment to the operation unit 5 or the operation unit 54, and the cleaning property can be improved.

By operating the button 55 of the operation device 54 of FIG. 6, the solenoid valve and pump of the fluid control device 53 are drive-controlled,
Operations such as air supply, water supply, and suction of the fluid are performed by the fluid conduit 52 extending to the tip of the insertion portion cover.

The operation device 54 may be made into a disposable device so as to eliminate the trouble and time for cleaning / disinfection, and may be reused to reduce the financial burden on the user. In the case of reuse, it may be heat sterilizable so that it can be sterilized in a short time. If the color is made substantially black, the stains will not be noticeable, so that the quality can be kept good, and if it is made substantially white, the stains can be easily recognized, so that it becomes easy to judge before and after the cleaning in the case of reuse.

If one operating device 54 is commonly attachable to and detachable from the operating portion 5 of the cover endoscopes of a plurality of types, the wrong operating device 54 will not be prepared depending on the type. Further, there may be a plurality of types of operating devices 54 having different sizes, positions, numbers, etc. of the buttons 55 for one common operating portion 5, and by doing so, the operating device 5 desired by the user can be obtained.
4 can be attached to and detached from the same operation unit 5, and operability for each user can be improved.

By setting the position of the button 55 after the operation device 54 is attached to substantially the same position as that of the endoscope without the cover, it is possible to make it easy for the user who is accustomed to operating the cover endoscope.

Further, there are a plurality of predetermined mounting positions,
The user may be allowed to select a desired position for mounting (the operability for individual users can be improved). According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first or second embodiment, even if the operating portion is covered with a cover, the button operation for fluid control and the like can be directly operated without using the cover, and a delicate operation can be performed. It has an effect that it can be performed and excellent operability can be achieved.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, an example in which the gripping property of the operating portion is further improved than in the third embodiment will be shown.

An operating device as described in the previous embodiment is integrally provided on a grip portion cover 66 that covers the grip portion 65 of the operation portion 5. The grip portion cover 66 is made of a material harder than that of the operation portion cover portion 9. If the grip cover 66 is made of resin or paper, the cost can be made lower and the weight can be made lighter than metal or the like. As shown in FIG. 7B, the grip portion cover 66 has a substantially C-shape or a U-shape with an opening, and is attachable / detachable from above on the operation portion cover portion 9.

The grip portion cover 66 has a tapered grip portion 6.
Since it has a taper shape corresponding to 5, the button 55 is attached to a predetermined position of the operation unit 5. Grip cover 6
6 may be a rubber-based resin, in which case the cost can be reduced if the grip cover 66 and the surface of the button 55 are integrally formed. Also in this embodiment, the bending operation portion 11 or 32 similar to that of the first or second embodiment is detachably attached to the operation portion 5 through the opening (not shown) of the operation portion cover portion 9.

Next, the operation will be described. After the operation unit cover unit 9 is attached to the operation unit 5, the grip unit cover 66 is attached to the grip unit 65 from above the operation unit cover unit 9. Then, the button 55 is also attached to the operation unit 5 at a predetermined position. If the grip cover 66 is made of a rubber-based resin, it can be easily elastically deformed with a small force, so that it can be easily mounted from the side.

Since the grip portion cover 66 is harder and easier to grip than the operation portion cover portion 9, the grip portion 65 of the operation portion 5 is flexible after the grip portion cover 66 is mounted. A good gripping feeling can be obtained without the operation portion cover portion 9 shifting or clinging to a finger.

In addition to the effects of the third embodiment, this embodiment has the effect of improving the grip of the operating portion after the cover is attached.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, an example in which the detachable operating device has not only fluid control but also other control functions is shown.

The grip portion cover 66 also serves as a detachable operation device for the operation portion 5, and in addition to the button 55 for fluid control, an image observed from the tip of the insertion portion is displayed on the monitor 6.
It can be displayed as a video or still image on 7, etc.
A button 68 for controlling the state of the image, a bending operation button 69 for performing an operation for controlling the bending state of the bending portion of the insertion portion in the up-down direction or the left-right direction, and the protrusion of the treatment tool on the insertion portion. When there is a treatment instrument guide device that changes the direction, a button 70 for performing an operation of controlling the projecting direction of the treatment instrument is provided.

Besides this, the zoom of the optical system at the tip of the insertion section,
There may be a button for driving and controlling the focus and iris mechanism, or any other button for electric control may be used.

The data of the observed image is connected to the image processing device 71 through the inside of the universal cord 6, and the signal when the button 68 is operated is also transmitted via the cable 56 to the image processing device 7.
Sent to 1. The image processing device 71 and the monitor 67 are electrically connected. A drive wire (not shown) for bending the bending portion of the insertion portion is mechanically connected to the driving device 72 having a motor through the operation portion and the universal cord from the insertion portion, and a signal when the button 69 is operated is also transmitted through the cable 56. Is sent to the driving device 72. Similarly, a drive wire (not shown) that drives the treatment instrument guide device is also connected to the drive device 72 through the operation unit 5 and the universal cord 6, and a signal when the button 70 is operated is transmitted through the cable 56 to the drive device 7.
Sent to 2.

Next, the operation will be described. Buttons 55, 68,
Since the operations such as 69 and 70 for performing electric control can be performed outside the cover, even slight operations can be performed satisfactorily as in the case of the endoscope without the cover.

These plural control buttons 55, 68, 6
By making 9 and 70 into one unit, it is easy to handle, and the attachment / detachment means for the operation section 5 can be one, so that the attachment / detachment work is easy.

Here, the grip portion cover 66 is also C-shaped or U-shaped as in the previous embodiment and can be attached from the side. According to this embodiment, in addition to the third and fourth embodiments,
There is an effect that the operability of the electric control buttons other than the fluid control is also good.

[Supplementary Note] (1) The cover type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation section and the endoscope cover separate the operation section from the outside. (2) The cover type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation portion is fitted to the outside of the endoscope cover. (3) The cover endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the fitting portion has a liquid-tight sealing mechanism. (4) The cover type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a ring member is provided on the side of the fitting portion of the endoscope cover. (5) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 4, wherein the ring member is a resin. (6) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 5, wherein the resin is a rubber-based resin. (7) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 6, wherein the ring member is detachably attached to a part of the operation portion. (8) The cover-type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation section is a disposable. (9) The cover-type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation section is reused. (10) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 9, wherein the bending operation section is divided into a plurality. (11) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 9, wherein the bending operation portion can be heat-sterilized.

(12) The bending operation section is substantially white.
The cover-type endoscope described. (13) The cover-type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation portion is substantially black. (14) The cover-type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation section is one unit having a plurality of operation knobs. (15) The cover endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation knob is provided in the bending operation section, and the other operation knobs are provided in the cover endoscope operation section. (16) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 15, wherein the other cover endoscopes near the operation knob are substantially transparent. (17) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 15, wherein a braking knob for braking the bending operation knob is provided in the operation portion, and a braking knob cover surrounding the braking knob is provided in the bending operation portion. (18) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 17, wherein the braking knob cover is made of a soft material. (19) The cover endoscope according to appendix 18, wherein the soft material is a rubber resin. (20) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 17, wherein the braking knob cover does not come into contact with the braking knob when the braking knob is not operated. (21) The cover-type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation section is integrally provided on the endoscope cover.

(22) The cover-type endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending operation portion is attachable to and detachable from the endoscope cover. (23) A cover endoscope including a cover endoscope having an insertion portion and an operation portion, and an endoscope cover covering at least the operation portion of the cover endoscope, wherein the cover endoscope Of the above or a cover-type endoscope having means for attaching an operating device for electrically controlling an observation image obtained by the cover endoscope from the outside of the endoscope cover to a predetermined position of the operating portion. mirror. Even if the operating portion is covered with the cover, the button operation for electric control performed in the operating portion can be favorably performed from the operating device with the same operability as that of the endoscope without the cover. (24) Attachment 2 in which the attaching means is performed in one operation
The cover-type endoscope described in 3. (25) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the attaching means is a concave portion provided on one side and a convex portion provided on the other side is fitted therein. (26) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, which has a plurality of mounting means. (27) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the attaching means has an elongated shape. (28) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, further comprising means for transmitting a signal generated by operating the operating device to a part of the operating portion. (29) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 28, wherein the transmitting means also serves as the attaching means. (30) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 28, wherein the means for transmitting is such that the operating device and the operating portion can be contactless. (31) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 30, wherein the endoscope cover near the non-contact transmission means is transparent. (32) Note 28 provided with means for detecting the mounting state
The cover-type endoscope described. (33) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 28, which is provided with a safety mechanism that makes a signal "live" only when properly attached. (34) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the attaching means is magnetic force. (35) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the operating device is a disposable device. (36) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the operating device is reused. (37) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 36, wherein the operating device can be heat-sterilized. (38) The cover-type endoscope described in appendix 36, in which the operating device is substantially white. (39) The cover type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the operating device is substantially black. (40) A cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, in which a common operating device is freely attached to the operating portion of a plurality of types of cover endoscopes. (41) The cover-type endoscope described in appendix 23, in which different operating devices can be attached to a common operating portion.

(42) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the position of the operation button of the operation device is substantially the same as the button position of the endoscope without a cover. (43) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the operating device is integrally provided with a grip portion cover surrounding the operation portion grip portion. (44) The cover endoscope according to appendix 43, wherein the grip cover is made of a material harder than the endoscope cover near the operation grip. (45) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 44, wherein the material is a rubber-based resin. (46) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 45, wherein the grip cover and the operation button surface are integrally molded. (47) The cover endoscope according to appendix 43, wherein a means for attaching the operating device to the operating portion is provided on the grip cover. (48) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein the operation device has a plurality of operation buttons for controlling a plurality of functions. (49) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, wherein a direction of operating an operation button provided on the operation device and a direction of attaching the operation device to the operation unit are deviated. (50) The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 23, which has a plurality of predetermined mounting positions and is selectable for mounting.

[0083]

As described above, according to the present invention, a cover endoscope having an insertion portion and an operating portion, an endoscope cover that covers at least the operating portion, and the outside of the endoscope cover from the outside. A cover-type endoscope that is detachably attached to an operation section and includes a bending operation section for bending a part of the insertion section, wherein the bending operation is performed when the bending operation section is attached to the operation section. Even if the detachable bending operation section is attached to the operation section from outside the cover, the operation section side has a fitting section in which a part of the section and a part of the endoscope cover fit together. No contamination of parts.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of a cover-type endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the vicinity of a connecting portion between an operating portion and a bending operating portion.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure in the vicinity of a bending operation section mounted on the operation section in the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a part of a bending knob in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a modified example of an engaging portion between a bending knob and a flange.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operating portion, an operating portion cover portion, and the like in a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an operation portion cover portion and the like in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram showing a main part in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Cover-type endoscope 2 ... Cover endoscope 3 ... Endoscope cover 4 ... Insertion part 5 ... Operation part 7 ... Bending part 8 ... Insertion part cover part 9 ... Operation part cover part 10 ... Mouth part 11 Curving operation portion 12 Opening 13 Ring member 14 Concavo-convex portion 15 Convex concave portion 16 Shaft 17, 18 Curvature knob 19, 20 Brake knob 21 Outer shaft 22 Seal portion

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 4, 1994

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 7

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 7]

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope for a cover having an insertion portion and an operation portion, an endoscope cover covering at least the operation portion, and the insertion / removal from the outside of the endoscope cover to the operation portion. In a cover-type endoscope including a bending operation section for performing a bending operation on a part of the bending section, when the bending operation section is attached to the operation section, a part of the bending operation section and the endoscope cover are provided. A cover-type endoscope having a fitting portion into which a part of the fitting is fitted.