DE102023122151A1 - ENDOSCOPE AND DISTAL END CAP - Google Patents

Abstract

An endoscope and a distal end cap capable of reducing an operator's burden without damaging an inner wall of a digestive tract during an operation to withdraw the endoscope are provided. An endoscope includes: a distal end portion body mounted on a distal End side of an endoscope insertion part is provided; a suction port provided in the distal end portion body; and a distal end cap attached to the distal end portion body to define a space portion at a position facing the suction port and having an opening portion allowing the space portion to be open to an outside, the distal end portion body having an observation window and an illumination window on an end surface facing a second direction perpendicular to a first direction which is a longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion part, the opening portion is an opening portion open in the second direction, the distal end cap is provided with a notch portion which releases a negative pressure of the space portion and which is in communication with the opening portion, and the notch portion has a groove width of less than 1 mm and an area of 2.0 mm2 or more or a groove width of 1 mm or more and an area of 3, 5 mm2 or more.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an endoscope and a distal end cap.

2. Description of the prior art

In an endoscope, various treatment tools are inserted through a treatment tool inlet port provided on an operating part, and the treatment tools are led out to an outside through a treatment tool outlet port open at a distal end part of an insertion part, and are used for treatment. For example, a duodenoscope uses a treatment tool such as a guide wire or contrast tube. Such a treatment tool must change a direction of execution at the distal end part in order to treat a desired position within a subject to be examined. Therefore, a distal end part body of the distal end part is provided with a lifter that changes the direction of execution of the treatment tool. In addition, in the endoscope, the treatment tool outlet port can also serve as a suction port, and by generating a negative pressure at the treatment tool outlet port, for example, a washing solution or a residue within the examinee to be examined is sucked out through the treatment tool outlet port.

Since the endoscope needs to be washed after treatment, a distal end cap is attachably and removably mounted on the distal end part body provided with the lifter, and the distal end cap is removed after treatment, thereby improving washability.

Reveal in relation to the distal end cap JP6368888B and JP6438177B a distal end cap of an endoscope. The distal end cap is mounted on a distal end member provided with a lifter of an insertion part in the endoscope, covers at least a part of the distal end member, includes an opening portion that allows a space in which the lifter is received to be exposed to the outside and includes a notch portion formed at a peripheral edge portion of the opening portion on a distal end side, and a thin wall portion connected to the notch portion and extending in a proximal end direction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Meanwhile, in a case where an operation for pulling out the endoscope is performed while the endoscope with the distal end cap mounted thereon is in a suction state, an inner wall of a digestive tract can be sucked into the opening portion, and a force causing scraping in one Shear direction caused can be exerted on the inner wall. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the inner wall from being damaged. As a countermeasure, it is conceivable, for example, in a case of performing an operation to pull out the endoscope, to alert an operator not to pull out the endoscope in the suction state. However, since the operator has to pay attention to multiple tasks, this may result in excessive burden on the operator and may not be sufficient as a countermeasure.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope and a distal end cap capable of reducing an operator's burden without causing an operation to pull out the endoscope Damaging the inner wall of a digestive tract.

According to a first aspect, there is provided an endoscope comprising: a distal end portion body provided on a distal end side of an endoscope insertion portion; a suction port provided in the distal end portion body; and a distal end cap attached to the distal end portion body to define a space portion at a position facing the suction port and having an opening portion allowing the space portion to be open to an outside, the distal end portion body having an observation window and an illumination window on an end surface facing a second direction perpendicular to a first direction which is a longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion part, the opening portion is an opening portion open in the second direction, the distal end cap is provided with a notch portion , which discharges a negative pressure of the space portion and which is in communication with the opening portion, and the notch portion has a groove width of less than 1 mm and an area of 2.0 mm ² or more or a groove width of 1 mm or more and an area of 3.5 mm ² or more.

In the endoscope of a second aspect, the notch portion is disposed on a distal end surface portion of the distal end cap, wherein the distal end surface portion is provided on the distal end side in the first direction.

In the endoscope of a third aspect, a groove portion communicating with the notch portion is formed on an outer surface of the distal end cap.

In the endoscope of a fourth aspect, the distal end cap is attachably and removably attached to the distal end portion body.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a distal end cap which is attached to a distal end portion body provided on a distal end side of an endoscope insertion part to define a space portion at a position facing a suction port provided in the distal end portion body, and which has an opening portion that allows the space portion to be open to an outside, the distal end cap comprising: a notch portion that releases a negative pressure of the space portion and that is in communication with the opening portion, the notch portion having a groove width of less than 1 mm and a Area of 2.0 mm ² or more or a groove width of 1 mm or more and an area of 3.5 mm ² or more.

With the endoscope and the distal end cap of the aspects of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator without damaging the inner wall of the digestive tract during an operation to pull out the endoscope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

• 1 is a configuration view of an endoscope system provided with an endoscope according to a first embodiment.
• 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a distal end portion containing the first embodiment of a distal end cap.
• 3 is a perspective view of assembly of the in 2 distal end part shown.
• 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the distal end cap taken along a plane extending along a longitudinal direction and passing through a through hole.
• 5 is a perspective view showing a modification example of the first embodiment of the distal end cap.
• 6 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the distal end cap.
• 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the distal end cap taken along a plane extending along the longitudinal direction and passing a notch portion.
• 8th is a perspective view showing a first modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap.
• 9 is a view of a distal end surface portion of the distal end cap of 8th when viewed from the longitudinal direction.
• 10 is a perspective view showing a second modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap.
• 11 is a perspective view showing a third modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap.
• 12 is a perspective view showing a fourth modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap.
• 13 is a perspective view showing a fifth modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap.
• 14A and 14B are perspective views of assembling an endoscope of a third embodiment.
• 15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a modification example of the endoscope of the third embodiment.
• 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of 15 .

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First embodiment

Overall configuration of endoscope and endoscope system

1 is a configuration view of an endoscope system 12 including an endoscope 10 of the embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope system 12 includes the endoscope 10, an endoscope processor device 14 and a display 18.

The endoscope 10 is a side view endoscope used as a duodenoscope, for example. The endoscope 10 includes an operating part 22 provided with a lifting operating lever 20 and an endoscope inserting part 24, which is connected to the actuating part 22 and which is introduced into a person to be examined.

The endoscope insertion part 24 is inserted into the examinee through an oral cavity and is further inserted from an esophagus through a stomach to a duodenum. As a result, a prescribed examination or treatment, such as medical treatment, is performed on the duodenum using a treatment tool (not shown) inserted into the endoscope insertion part 24. Examples of the treatment tool include a biopsy forceps whose distal end portion contains a cup capable of collecting a biological tissue, an endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) knife, or a contrast tube.

The endoscope insertion part 24 extends along a longitudinal direction Ax from a proximal end side to a distal end side thereof, and includes a soft part 26, a bending part 28 and a distal end part 30 in this order from the proximal end side to the distal end side. A detailed configuration of the distal end portion 30 will be described below, and first, an outline configuration of the distal end portion 30 will be described.

2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the distal end portion 30. Here is the endoscope 10 (see 1 ) of the embodiment, a side view endoscope used as a duodenoscope, for example, and the distal end part 30 of 2 has a configuration of the side view endoscope.

Further is 3 a perspective view of assembly showing a configuration of the in 2 shown distal end part 30 shows. As in 3 As shown, the distal end portion 30 includes a distal end portion body 32 and a distal end cap 34 and is formed by mounting the distal end cap 34 onto the distal end portion body 32. The distal end part body 32 is on the distal end side of the endoscope insertion part 24 (see 1 ) is provided, and the distal end portion body 32 is provided with a lifter 36 including a treatment tool guide surface described below. 2 and 3 show a state in which the jack 36 is positioned at a reclined position.

Furthermore show 2 and 3 various contents that are contained within the endoscope insertion part 24 of the endoscope 10 (see 1 ) are arranged. Specifically, there are a treatment tool channel 38 for guiding the distal end part of the treatment tool (not shown) to the distal end part body 32, an operating wire 40 for performing an operation for changing a direction of execution of the distal end part of the treatment tool to be led out of the distal end part body 32, and an air and water supply -Tube 42 provided. Although not in 2 and 3 shown, there are also an angle wire for performing an operation to change a bending direction of the bending part 28 (see 1 ), a signal cable for transmitting an image signal and a component such as a light guide for transmitting illuminating light.

In the present description, descriptions are made using a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system, that is, three axis directions (an X-axis direction, a Y-axis direction, and a Z-axis direction). For example in 1 to 3 , a Z (+) direction indicates an upward direction, and a Z (-) direction indicates a downward direction. Furthermore, an X (+) direction indicates a right direction, and an X (-) direction indicates a left direction. Further, a Y (+) direction indicates a direction of the distal end side of the distal end part 30, and a Y (-) direction indicates a direction of the proximal end side of the distal end part 30. The Y-axis direction including the Y (+) direction and the Y (-) direction is parallel to the longitudinal direction Ax of the endoscope insertion part 24 and means a first direction. Further, the Z-axis direction including the Z (+) direction and the Z (-) direction means a second direction, and the X-axis direction including the X (+) direction and the X (-) direction means a third direction .

Referring again to 1 the operating part 22 is formed as a whole in a substantially cylindrical shape. The operation part 22 includes an operation part body 46 on which the lifting operation lever 20 is rotatably provided, and a handle portion 48 linked to the operation part body 46, and a proximal end part of the endoscope insertion part 24 is via a bending prevention tube 50 on a distal end side of the handle portion 48 provided. The handle portion 48 is a portion that is gripped by an operator while operating the endoscope 10.

A proximal end part of a universal cable 52 is connected to the operating part body 46. A connector device 54 is provided at a distal end part of the universal cable 52. The connector device 54 is connected to the endoscope processor device 14.

The endoscope processor device 14 includes a light source device 15 and an image processing device 16. The light source device 15 includes a processor-side connector 15A to which the connector device 54 is connected. Furthermore, the display 18, which displays an image subjected to image processing by the image processing device 16, is connected to the image processing device 16.

Between the endoscope 10 and the endoscope processor device 14, the connector device 54 and the processor-side connector 15A transmit illumination light, transmit power, image signals and the like in a contactless manner (wired transmission is also possible). As a result, illumination light from the light source device 15 is emitted from an illumination window 74 (see Fig 2 ), which is provided on the distal end part body 32, is emitted through the light guide (an optical fiber cable, not shown). Further, an image signal of an image captured by an imaging unit (not shown) in an observation window 76 is subjected to image processing by the image processing device 16 and then displayed as an image on the display 18.

The operating part body 46 is provided with an air and water supply button 57, a suction button 59, a pair of angle buttons 62 and the lifting operation lever 20.

The air and water supply button 57 is a button that can be pressed and is connected to the air and water supply pipe 42 and an air and water supply source (not shown). By operating the air and water supply button 57, air from the air and water supply source is ejected from an air and water supply nozzle 58 through the air and water supply pipe 42. Furthermore, by pressing the air and water supply button 57, water from the air and water supply source is ejected from the air and water supply nozzle 58 through the air and water supply pipe 42.

The suction button 59 is connected between the treatment tool channel 38 and a vacuum source (not shown). In a case where the suction button 59 is pressed, air is sucked from the suction port, which also serves as a treatment tool outlet port 60, through the treatment tool passage 38 by the negative pressure source. As a result, body fluids, such as blood, may be aspirated from the treatment tool outlet port 60 through the treatment tool channel 38. The suction port may be provided separately from the treatment tool outlet port 60.

The pair of angle knobs 62 are coaxially provided in the operating member body 46 so as to be rotatably movable. A proximal end portion of each angle wire (not shown) opposite a distal end portion connected to the bending portion 28 is connected to the pair of angle knobs 62. By rotating each of the pair of angle knobs 62, each angle wire is pushed and pulled so that the bending part 28 is bent up, down, left and right.

The lifting operation lever 20 is provided on the operation member body 46 coaxially with the pair of angle knobs 62 so as to be rotatably movable, and is rotatably moved by one hand of the operator gripping the handle portion 48. A proximal end portion of the operating wire 40, which faces a distal end portion integrally formed with the lifter 36, is connected to the lifting operating lever 20 via a connecting mechanism (not shown). As a result, by rotating the lifting operation lever 20, the operation wire 40 is pushed and pulled so that an orientation of the lifter 36 is changed between the reclined position and a raised position.

Next, a structure of the in 2 and 3 shown distal end part 30 described in detail.

As described above, the distal end portion 30 includes the distal end portion body 32 and the distal end cap 34 attachably and removably mounted to the distal end portion body 32. The distal end cap 34 is attached to the distal end portion body 32 as described below to define a space portion 66 at a position facing the treatment tool outlet port 60 functioning as the suction port.

Distal terminal body

The distal end body 32 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal material. As in 3 As shown, the distal end portion body 32 includes a pair of partitions 68 and 70 projecting toward a Y (+) side. The partition walls 68 and 70 are arranged to face each other in the X-axis direction. The partition 68 is arranged on an X (-) side, and the partition 70 is arranged on an X (+) side when viewed from the Z (+) direction.

The illumination window 74 and the observation window 76 are on a Z (+) side the partition wall 68, that is, on an end surface 68A facing the second direction. The illumination window 74 and the observation window 76 are adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction, and the illumination window 74 is arranged on the distal end side, and the observation window 76 is arranged on the proximal end side.

An emission end of the light guide (not shown) is arranged on an inside of the illumination window 74. The illumination window 74 can illuminate a Z (+) direction side (second direction).

The imaging unit (not shown) is provided on an inside of the observation window 76. The imaging unit images an object present on the Z (+) direction side (second direction) through the observation window 76. The imaging unit includes, for example, imaging optics (not shown) and an imaging element (not shown) of the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) type or the charge coupled device (CCD) type. An image signal of the object output from the imaging element is input to the image processing device 16 through the signal cable (not shown), the connector device 54 and the processor-side connector 15A. As a result, the image of the object is displayed on the display 18.

The air and water supply nozzle 58 is provided on the proximal end side with respect to the observation window 76 and at a position on the Z (+) direction side of the partition wall 68 of the distal end portion body 32. The air and water supply nozzle 58 and the air and water supply pipe 42 are connected to each other, and the air and water supply nozzle 58 expels air and water supplied from the air and water supply pipe 42 Observation window 76 out.

The treatment tool outlet port 60 is provided on the proximal end side of the distal end part body 32. The treatment tool outlet port 60 is connected to the treatment tool channel 38, and the treatment tool outlet port 60 and the treatment tool channel 38 enable extraction of the treatment tool and suction of body fluids, such as blood.

The lifter 36 is arranged between the partition wall 68 and the partition wall 70 and in front of (on the distal end side of) the treatment tool outlet port 60. The lifter 36 is rotatably supported parallel to the X-axis direction (third direction) by a rotating shaft (not shown). The actuation wire 40 is inserted into a wire channel 41 and connected to the lifter 36. By operating the operating wire 40, the lifter 36 is rotatably moved about the rotary shaft between the raised position and the reclined position. The lifter 36 changes the direction of the treatment tool led out of the treatment tool outlet port 60. The actuation wire 40 is arranged, for example, on the partition 70 and connected to the lifter 36 via the lifting actuation lever (not shown).

Distal end cap

Next, a first embodiment of the distal end cap 34 will be described. The distal end cap 34 has a substantially bottomed tubular shape in which the distal end side is closed and the proximal end side is open, and an interior space is formed. The distal end cap 34 is attachably and removably attached to the distal end portion body 32. In a case where the distal end cap 34 is attached to the distal end part body 32, the space portion 66 is defined at a position facing the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port). In the space section 66, the lifter 36 is arranged between the pair of partition walls 68 and 70.

The distal end cap 34 includes a sleeve portion 80, an opening portion 81 formed in the sleeve portion 80, a distal end surface portion 82, and a through hole 83 provided in the distal end surface portion 82. The distal end cap 34 is made of an elastic material, for example, a rubber material, such as Fluororubber or silicone rubber, or a resin material such as polysulfone or polycarbonate.

The sleeve portion 80 has a substantially tubular shape and surrounds the treatment tool outlet port 60 and the partition walls 68 and 70. An opening of the sleeve portion 80 on the proximal end side is provided with a projection-like engaging portion (not shown) which is groove-shaped engaged portion (not shown) formed on the distal end portion body 32, and the engaging portion engages the engaged portion, thereby attachably and removably mounting the distal end cap 34 to the distal end portion body 32 .

The opening portion 81 is an opening formed in a part of the sleeve portion 80 is, and allows the space portion 66 to be open to the outside. The opening portion 81 is open in the Z (+) direction (second direction) in a case where the distal end part 30 is viewed from a position on the Z (+) direction side, and exposes the space portion 66 and the end surface 68A the partition 68 is free. This makes it possible to move the treatment tool out of the space section 66 to the Z (+) direction side and to illuminate and image the object.

The sleeve portion 80 is open through the opening portion 81, and the sleeve portion 80 does not need to be closed over an entire periphery. Meanwhile, it is preferable that a portion engaged with the distal end portion body 32 has a closed annular shape.

The distal end surface portion 82 is connected to the sleeve portion 80 and is provided on the distal end side of the distal end cap 34 in the Y (+) direction (first direction). The distal end surface portion 82 covers a distal end surface of the distal end part body 32 on the Y (+) direction side. The distal end cap 34 is formed by the distal end surface portion 82 and the sleeve portion 80 as a whole in a substantially bottomed tubular shape.

The through hole 83 is provided in the distal end surface portion 82 of the distal end cap 34, which is a position different from the opening portion 81. The through hole 83 allows the space portion 66 to communicate with the outside, and functions as a negative pressure release portion that releases the negative pressure of the space portion 66 as described below. The through hole 83 may be provided in the sleeve portion 80 as long as it is at a position different from the opening portion 81. In a case where the through hole 83 is provided in the sleeve portion 80, it is preferable that the through hole 83 is provided at a position not facing the partition walls 68 and 70 accommodated in the space portion 66.

Vacuum release section

4 is a view illustrating a function of the through hole as the negative pressure release portion that releases the negative pressure of the space portion. Shown is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion 30 along a plane extending along the longitudinal direction Ax and passing through the through hole.

As in 4 As shown, the distal end cap 34 is attached to a position facing the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) to define the space portion 66. The lifter 36 is disposed in the space portion 66 and rotates about a rotary shaft 39 between the raised position and the reclined position. In 4 the lifter 36 is in the reclined position.

The opening portion 81 of the distal end cap 34 allows the space portion 66 to be open to the outside toward an inner wall 91 of a digestive tract 90. In a case where the suction button 59 is pressed, air A of the space portion 66 is sucked out of the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) by the negative pressure source. The negative pressure of the space section 66 of the distal end cap 34 increases.

For example, in a case where the distal end part 30 of the endoscope 10 is located in a narrowed portion of the digestive tract 90, the opening portion 81 and the inner wall 91 are close to each other, and there is a risk that the inner wall 91 accidentally falls into the space portion 66 the distal end cap 34 can be sucked in, as indicated by an alternating long dashed and twice short dashed line. In a case where the sucked inner wall 91 blocks the opening portion 81 of the distal end cap 34, the negative pressure of the space portion 66 becomes higher, making it difficult for the inner wall 91 to move away from the opening portion 81.

When the distal end portion 30 is moved while the inner wall 91 is sucked, a force causing scratching in a shearing direction may be applied to the inner wall 91. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the inner wall 91 from being damaged.

In addition, the distal end cap 34 is often formed from molded products using multiple molds. Therefore, a parting line may be formed in any portion of the distal end cap 34 (the parting line is a line-like protruding portion created in a mold mating surface). In order to prevent the parting line from coming into contact with the inner wall 91, the parting line is mainly formed not on an outer peripheral surface of the sleeve portion 80 but on an edge of the opening portion 81 indicated by a circle. The operator must exercise caution not to pull out the endoscope 10 while using the suction function in a condition where the separation joint is in contact with the inner wall 91, which was sucked into the space section 66.

In this regard, in the first embodiment of the distal end cap 34, the through hole 83 is formed in the distal end surface portion 82, so that an increase in negative pressure of the space portion 66 is suppressed and the inner wall 91 is prevented from being sucked into the opening portion 81. The through hole 83 allows the space portion 66 and the outside of the distal end cap 34 to communicate with each other. Therefore, for example, even in a case where the air A of the space portion 66 is sucked out of the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port), air B is sucked into the space portion 66 from an inside of the digestive tract 90 through the through hole 83. Since the negative pressure of the space portion 66 is released through the through hole 83, it is possible to suppress an increase in the negative pressure of the space portion 66, and the through hole 83 functions as the negative pressure release portion.

In the first embodiment of the distal end cap 34, even if the endoscope 10 is pulled out during suction, the negative pressure discharge portion suppresses the inner wall 91 from being sucked into the space portion 66 and the force with respect to the inner wall 91 scraping in the shearing direction is also suppressed, so that it is possible to reduce the load on the operator during the operation to pull out the endoscope 10 regardless of the presence or absence of the parting line.

It is preferable that the through hole 83, which is the negative pressure release portion, is provided in the distal end surface portion 82. It is possible to prevent the inner wall 91 from blocking the through hole 83, thereby allowing the through hole 83 to reliably function as the negative pressure release portion. It is preferable to provide a check valve in the through hole 83 which is the negative pressure relief portion. By limiting a direction of the air B to be sucked through the through hole 83, it is possible to reliably discharge the negative pressure in the space portion 66.

Next, a modification example of the first embodiment of the distal end cap 34 will be described with reference to 5 described. In 5 the distal end part body 32 is omitted.

As in 5 As shown, in a distal end cap 100 of the modification example of the first embodiment, a groove portion 84 communicating with the through hole 83 is formed on an outer surface of the distal end cap 100. The groove portion 84 does not penetrate the distal end cap 100 and is open to the outside of the distal end cap 100. The groove section 84 consists of a first groove section 84A, a second groove section 84B and a third groove section 84C.

The first groove portion 84A is formed on the distal end surface portion 82 and extends in the Z (-) direction with the through hole 83 as a starting point. The second groove portion 84B is formed on the distal end surface portion 82 and on the sleeve portion 80. The second groove portion 84B extends in the distal end surface portion 82 and formed on the sleeve portion 80. The third groove portion 84C extends in the X (+) direction with the through hole 83 as a starting point on the distal end surface portion 82 and further extends in the Y (-) direction on the sleeve portion 80.

Since the distal end cap 100 includes the groove portion 84, even in a case where the distal end side of the through hole 83 is blocked, the space portion 66 can communicate with the outside through the through hole 83 and the groove portion 84. The groove portion 84 can suppress a decrease in the function of the through hole 83 as the vacuum release portion. A case in which the groove portion 84 is composed of the first groove portion 84A, the second groove portion 84B, and the third groove portion 84C has been described as an example, but at least only one of the first groove portion 84A, the second groove portion 84B, and the third groove portion 84C must be provided. However, it is easier to release the negative pressure in a case where the groove portion 84 is composed of a plurality of groove portions.

Second embodiment

Next, an endoscope of a second embodiment will be described. The same configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The endoscope of the second embodiment differs from the endoscope of the first embodiment in the shape of the distal end cap. The second embodiment of the distal End cap is referred to 6 to 13 described.

Distal end cap

6 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the distal end cap. In 6 the distal end part body 32 is omitted.

A distal end cap 102, similar to the distal end cap 34 of the first embodiment, includes the sleeve portion 80, the opening portion 81 formed in the sleeve portion 80, and the distal end surface portion 82. The opening portion 81 is in the Z (+) direction (second direction ) open and allows the space section 66 to be open to the outside.

Further, in the distal end cap 102, a notch portion 85 extended from a peripheral edge portion of the opening portion 81 is provided at a position different from the opening portion 81. The notch portion 85 is provided in the distal end surface portion 82 and extends in the Z (-) direction with the peripheral edge portion of the opening portion 81 as a starting point. The notch portion 85 allows the space portion 66 and the outside to communicate with each other.

The distal end cap 102 further includes an easily breakable portion 86. The easily breakable portion 86 is a groove portion formed on the distal end surface portion 82 and on the sleeve portion 80, and is open to a side of the space portion 66. Therefore, the easily breakable portion 86 is a thin wall portion at the distal end cap 102. The easily breakable portion 86 extends in the Z (-) direction with the notch portion 85 as a starting point on the distal end surface portion 82 and further extends in the Y ( -) direction on the sleeve section 80.

In a case where a force is applied in directions (in the X (+) direction and in the X (-) direction) in which a width of the notch portion 85 is widened, the distal end cap 102 breaks along the easily breakable section 86 and separates in the X (+) direction and in the X (-) direction. As a result, the distal end cap 102 can be easily removed from the distal end portion body 32 (not shown). Since the distal end cap 102 is broken along the easily breakable portion 86, the distal end cap 102 is discarded without being reused.

Vacuum release section

A function of the notch portion as the vacuum relief portion will be described with reference to 7 described. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion 30 along a plane extending along the longitudinal direction Ax and passing the notch portion.

As in 7 As shown, the distal end cap 34 is attached to a position facing the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) to define the space portion 66. In 7 the lifter 36 is in the reclined position.

In a case where the suction button 59 is pressed, the air A of the space portion 66 is sucked out of the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) by the negative pressure source, and the negative pressure of the space portion 66 increases.

In the second embodiment, the notch portion 85 is formed in the distal end surface portion 82 of the distal end cap 34, so that an increase in negative pressure of the space portion 66 is suppressed and the inner wall 91 is prevented from being sucked into the opening portion 81. The notch portion 85 allows the space portion 66 and the outside of the distal end cap 34 to communicate with each other. Therefore, for example, even in a case where the air A of the space portion 66 is sucked out of the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port), the air B from the inside of the digestive tract 90 (not shown) is sucked into the space portion 66 through the notch portion 85 . Since the negative pressure of the space portion 66 is released through the notch portion 85, it is possible to suppress an increase in the negative pressure of the space portion 66, and the notch portion 85 functions as the negative pressure release portion. The notch portion 85 may be formed in the sleeve portion 80 of the distal end cap 102.

It is preferable that a position of a deepest part of the notch portion 85 in the Z-axis direction is at a position lower than a distal end part 36A (a position farthest from the rotating shaft 39) of the lifter 36 located at the reclined position. It is possible to prevent the notch portion 85 from being blocked by the inner wall 91 (not shown), and it is possible to maintain the function of the notch portion 85 as the negative pressure relief portion. Here a height is determined by a size of a distance of one of the public Voltage section 81 opposite position determined, which serves as a reference.

Next, a first modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap 102 will be described with reference to 8th described.

As in 8th As shown, a distal end cap 104, which is the first modification example, includes a linear notch portion 85A parallel to the Z-axis direction, similar to the distal end cap 102 of the second embodiment. However, the notch portion 85A extends longer in the Z (-) direction than the notch portion 85. The notch portion 85A functions as the negative pressure release portion that releases the negative pressure of the space portion 66. By making the notch portion 85A longer, it is possible to ensure reliable function as the vacuum release portion.

9 is a view of the distal end surface portion 82 of the distal end cap 104 of 8th when viewed from the longitudinal direction Ax (Y (+) direction). The notch portion 85A has an elongated shape extending in the Z-axis direction with a constant groove width W and with a groove length L extending from a groove width start position to substantially a center of the distal end surface portion 82. The groove length L is larger than the groove width W. The groove width W is sufficiently smaller than the treatment tool outlet port 60, and the notch portion 85A is formed so that the treatment tool cannot pass. That is, the notch portion 85A is formed in a shape having a narrow groove width W and a long groove length L so that the inner wall 91 does not reach the notch portion 85A.

Next, preferred conditions of the notch portion 85A will be described using the groove width W, the groove length L, and an area S of the notch portion 85A.

As a first condition of the notch portion 85A, in a case where the groove width W is less than 1 mm, the area S calculated from the groove width W and the groove length L is preferably 2.0 mm ² or more. That is, in a case where the groove width W is less than 1 mm, it is preferable that the groove length L is such that the area S of the notch portion 85A is 2.0 mm ² or more. For example, in a case where the groove width W is 0.8 mm, the groove length L only needs to be 2.5 mm or more.

Furthermore, as a second condition of the notch portion 85A, in a case where the groove width W is 1 mm or more, the area S calculated from the groove width W and the groove length L is preferably 3.5 mm ² or more. That is, in a case where the groove width W is less than 1 mm or more, it is preferable that the groove length L is such that the area S of the notch portion 85A is 3.5 mm ² or more. For example, in a case where the groove width W is 1.4 mm, the groove length L only needs to be 2.5 mm or more.

In a case where the groove width W is 1 mm or more, it is preferable to ensure a larger area S because the negative pressure of the space portion 66 makes it easier for the inner wall 91 to enter the opening portion 81.

The longer the groove length L, the easier it is to release the negative pressure in the case of the notch portion 85A. However, there may be cases where rigidity of the distal end cap 104 decreases. For example, in a case where the distal end cap 104 is made of a polyethylene resin with a wall thickness of 1 mm, the shape of the distal end cap 104 can be maintained more reliably by ensuring that the groove length L is 4 mm or less.

Next, a second modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap 102 will be described with reference to 10 described. As in 10 As shown, a distal end cap 106, which is the second modification example, includes a notch portion 85B, similar to the distal end cap 104 of the first modification example.

The notch portion 85B of the second modification example has a shape different from the shape of the linear notch portion 85A of the first modification example. The notch portion 85B has a constant groove width W and is composed of a first rectilinear portion 85B1 having a groove length L1 extending from a groove width start position in the Z (-) direction and a second rectilinear portion 85B2 having a groove length L2 , which extends from one end of the first rectilinear portion 85B1 in the X (+) direction. The first rectilinear portion 85B1 and the second rectilinear portion 85B2 are perpendicular to each other.

Next, the preferred conditions of the notch portion 85B will be described using the groove width of the notch portion 85B as W, the groove length of the first rectilinear portion 85B1 as L1, the groove length of the second rectilinear portion 85B2 as L2, and an area as S.

As a first condition of the notch portion 85B, in a case where the groove width W is less than 1 mm, the area S calculated from the groove width W, the groove length L1 and the groove length L2 is preferably 2.0 mm ² or more.

Furthermore, as a second condition of the notch portion 85B, in a case where the groove width W is 1 mm or more, the area S calculated from the groove width W, the groove length L1, and the groove length L2 is preferably 3.5 mm ² or more.

The shape of the notch portion 85B is not limited as long as the first condition and the second condition are satisfied. For example, although a case where the first rectilinear portion 85B1 and the second rectilinear portion 85B2 are perpendicular to each other has been described as an example, an angle formed by the first rectilinear portion 85B1 and the second rectilinear portion 85B2 may be acute be an angle or an obtuse angle. Alternatively, a case where the first rectilinear portion 85B1 and the second rectilinear portion 85B2 intersect may be used.

Next, a third modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap 102 will be described with reference to 11 described. As in 11 As shown, a distal end cap 108, which is the third modification example, includes a notch portion 85C similar to the distal end cap 104 of the first modification example.

The notch portion 85C of the third modification example has a shape different from the shape of the linear notch portion 85A of the first modification example. The notch portion 85C has a substantially triangular shape with a starting position at an apex.

Next, preferred conditions of the notch portion 85C will be described using a groove width of the notch portion 85C as W, a length from the start position to a base as L3, a length of the base as L4, and an area as S. The groove width W in the shape of the notch portion 85C means a width of the notch portion 85C at the start position.

As a first condition of the notch portion 85C, in a case where the groove width W is less than 1 mm, the area S calculated from the groove width W, the length L3 and the length L4 is preferably 2.0 mm ² or more.

Furthermore, as a second condition of the notch portion 85C, in a case where the groove width W is 1 mm or more, the area S calculated from the length L3 and the length L4 is preferably 3.5 mm ² or more.

In the first modification example, the second modification example and the third modification example, in a case where the distal end surface portion 82 is viewed from the longitudinal direction Ax, the surfaces S of the notch portions 85A, 85B and 85C may be respectively defined as surfaces occupied on the distal end surface portion 82 Notch sections 85A, 85B and 85C can be determined.

Next, a fourth modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap 102 will be described with reference to 12 described. As in 12 As shown, a distal end cap 110 of the fourth modification example includes the notch portion 85A, similar to the distal end cap 104 of the first modification example. Furthermore, in the distal end cap 110 of the fourth modification example, the groove portion 84 communicating with the notch portion 85A is formed on an outer surface of the distal end cap 110. The groove portion 84 does not penetrate the distal end cap 110 and is open to the outside of the distal end cap 110. Similar to the distal end cap 100 of the first embodiment, the groove portion 84 is composed of the first groove portion 84A, the second groove portion 84B, and the third groove portion 84C.

The first groove portion 84A is formed on the distal end surface portion 82 and extends in the Z (-) direction with one end of the notch portion 85A as a starting point. The second groove portion 84B is formed on the distal end surface portion 82 and on the sleeve portion 80. The second groove portion 84B extends in the the X (+) direction with the notch portion 85A as a starting point on the distal end surface portion 82 and further extends in the Y (-) direction on the sleeve portion 80.

Since the distal end cap 110 includes the groove portion 84, even in a case where the distal end side of the notch portion 85A is blocked, the space portion 66 can communicate with the outside through the notch portion 85A and the groove portion 84. The groove portion 84 can suppress a decrease in the function of the notch portion 85A as the vacuum release portion. A Case in which the groove portion 84 is composed of the first groove portion 84A, the second groove portion 84B, and the third groove portion 84C has been described as an example, but at least only one of the first groove portion 84A, the second groove portion 84B, and the third groove portion 84C must be be provided. However, it is easier to release the negative pressure in a case where the groove portion 84 is composed of a plurality of groove portions.

Next, a fifth modification example of the second embodiment of the distal end cap 102 will be described with reference to 13 described.

As in 13 shown, in contrast to the second embodiment of the distal end cap 102, a distal end cap 112 is provided with a plurality of through holes 83 in addition to the notch portion 85. For example, the through holes 83 may be arranged side by side along the Z-axis direction on a virtual straight line connecting the notch portion 85 and the easily breakable portion 86. In the distal end cap 112, the notch portion 85 and the plurality of through holes 83 function as the negative pressure release portion that releases the negative pressure of the space portion 66.

By providing a plurality of vacuum relief portions having different shapes, it is possible to ensure reliable function as the vacuum relief portion. Furthermore, it is possible to design the distal end cap 112 taking into account a balance between functions required for the distal end cap 112, such as rigidity, fragility, and vacuum release.

Third embodiment

Next, an endoscope of a third embodiment will be described. The same configurations as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof may be omitted.

The endoscope of the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment and the second embodiment in the shape of the distal end part body. The distal end part body of the third embodiment will be described with reference to 14A and 14B described.

14A and 14B are perspective views of assembly of the distal end portion, wherein 14A is a perspective view of the distal end body and 14B is a perspective view of the distal end portion after the distal end cap has been attached to the distal end portion body.

Distal terminal body

As in 14A As shown, a distal end portion body 33 includes the pair of partitions 68 and 70 projecting toward the Y (+) side, and the illumination window 74 and the observation window 76 formed on the end face 68A of the partition 68 in the Z (+) side. direction are provided. The treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) is provided on the proximal end side of the distal end part body 33. The lifter 36 is disposed between the pair of partition walls 68 and 70 and on the distal end side of the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port).

The distal end portion body 33 is provided with a groove portion 79 in the Z (+) direction of the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) and is provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion body 33. The groove portion 79 is open in the Z (+) direction.

Distal end cap

As in 14B shown, a distal end cap 114 is attached to the distal end body 33. Similar to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the distal end cap 114 includes the sleeve portion 80, the opening portion 81 formed in the sleeve portion 80, and the distal end surface portion 82. The distal end cap 114 does not include the through hole 83 and the notch portions 85, 85A, 85B and 85C, which functions as the negative pressure relief section.

By attaching the distal end cap 114 to the distal end part body 33, the space portion 66 is defined at a position facing the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port).

Vacuum release section

As in 14B As shown, the groove portion 79 formed on the distal end part body 33 is exposed without being blocked by the distal end cap 114, and serves as a communication portion that allows the space portion 66 and the outside to communicate with each other.

In a case where the suction button 59 is pressed, the air A of the space portion 66 is sucked out of the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) by the negative pressure source, and the negative pressure of the space portion 66 increases. At the third Embodiment, the groove portion 79 communicating with the space portion 66 and the outside is formed on the distal end part body 33 to suppress an increase in the negative pressure of the space portion 66. Therefore, for example, even in a case where the air A of the space portion 66 is sucked from the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port), the air B is discharged from the inside of the digestive tract 90 (not shown) through the groove portion 79, which is the communication portion , sucked into the space section 66. Since the negative pressure of the space portion 66 is released through the groove portion 79, which is the communication portion, it is possible to suppress an increase in the negative pressure of the space portion 66. The groove portion 79, which is the communication portion, functions as the vacuum release portion.

Next, a modification example of the endoscope of the third embodiment will be described with reference to 15 to 16 described. The same configurations as those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof may be omitted.

15 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the modification example of the third embodiment, and 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 of 15 . As in 15 shown, a distal end cap 116 is attached to the distal end body 33. The configuration of the negative pressure release portion differs between the third embodiment and the modification example. In the modification example, unlike the third embodiment, the groove portion 79 formed on the distal end part body 33 is not provided.

In the modification example, a gap 93 is formed between the distal end part body 33 and the distal end cap 116. As in 16 As shown, the gap 93 extends in a width direction (the X-axis direction) of the distal end part body 33. The gap 93 serves as the communication portion that allows the space portion 66 and the outside to communicate with each other.

In a case where the suction button 59 is pressed, the air A of the space portion 66 is sucked out of the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) by the negative pressure source, and the negative pressure of the space portion 66 increases. In the modification example, the gap 93 formed by the distal end part body 33 and the distal end cap 116 allows the space portion 66 to communicate with the outside to suppress an increase in the negative pressure of the space portion 66. Therefore, for example, even in a case where the air A of the space portion 66 is sucked from the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port), the air B is discharged from the inside of the digestive tract 90 (not shown) through the gap 93, which is the communication portion , sucked into the space section 66. Since the negative pressure of the space portion 66 is released through the gap 93 which is the communication portion, it is possible to suppress an increase in the negative pressure of the space portion 66. The gap 93, which is the communication portion, functions as the negative pressure relief portion.

An example has been described in which the groove portion 79 and the gap 93, which are the communication portions, function as the negative pressure relief portion, but the communication portion is not limited to the groove portion 79 and the gap 93. For example, a through hole formed in the distal end part body 33 may be used as the communication portion to function as the negative pressure release portion.

Other configurations

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, a case in which the negative pressure release portion is formed in the distal end cap has been described, and in the third embodiment, a case in which the negative pressure release portion is formed in the distal end part body has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and the negative pressure release portion may be formed on the distal end cap and the distal end portion body, respectively.

The present invention has been described above, but it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the above examples and that various improvements or modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof.

Reference symbol list

10

endoscope

12

Endoscope system

14

Endoscope processor device

15

Light source device

15A

processor-side connector

16

Image processing device

18

Advertisement

20

Lift control lever

22

Actuating part

24

Endoscope insertion part

26

soft part

28

bending part

30

distal end part

32

distal end part body

33

distal end part body

34

distal end cap

36

Heber

36A

distal end part

38

Treatment tool channel

39

rotating shaft

40

Actuation wire

41

Wire channel

42

Air and water supply pipe

46

Actuating part body

48

Handle section

50

Bend prevention tube

52

Universal cable

54

Connector device

57

Air and water supply button

58

Air and water supply nozzle

59

Suction button

60

Treatment tool outlet port

62

angle knob

66

section of space

68

partition wall

68A

end surface

70

partition wall

74

lighting window

76

observation window

79

groove section

80

sleeve section

81

opening section

82

distal end surface section

83

through hole

84

groove section

84A

first groove section

84B

second groove section

84C

third groove section

85, 85A, 85B, 85C

notch section

86

easily breakable section

90

digestive tract

91

Interior wall

93

gap

100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116

distal end cap

Ax

Longitudinal direction

AWAY

Air

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 6368888 B [0004]
• JP 6438177 B [0004]

Claims (5)

An endoscope comprising: a distal end part body provided on a distal end side of an endoscope insertion part; a suction port provided in the distal end portion body; and a distal end cap attached to the distal end portion body to define a space portion at a position facing the suction port and having an opening portion allowing the space portion to be open to an outside, the distal end portion body having an observation window and an illumination window on an end surface facing a second direction perpendicular to a first direction which is a longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion part, the opening portion is an opening portion open in the second direction, the distal end cap is provided with a notch portion , which discharges a negative pressure of the space portion and which is in communication with the opening portion, and the notch portion has a groove width of less than 1 mm and an area of 2.0 mm ² or more or a groove width of 1 mm or more and an area of 3.5 mm ² or more. endoscope Claim 1 , wherein the notch portion is disposed on a distal end surface portion of the distal end cap, the distal end surface portion being provided on the distal end side in the first direction. endoscope Claim 2 , wherein a groove portion communicating with the notch portion is formed on an outer surface of the distal end cap. Endoscope according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , wherein the distal end cap is attachable and removably attached to the distal end body. A distal end cap attached to a distal end portion body provided on a distal end side of an endoscope insertion portion to define a space portion at a position facing a suction port provided in the distal end portion body, and having an opening portion that allows the space portion to close an outside, the distal end cap comprising: a notch portion that releases a negative pressure of the space portion and that is in communication with the opening portion, the notch portion having a groove width of less than 1 mm and an area of 2.0 mm ² or more or has a groove width of 1 mm or more and an area of 3.5 mm ² or more.

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