JP2002330921A - Endoscopic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscopic apparatus with which the autoclave sterilization of the endoscope can be smoothly carried out. SOLUTION: A connector section 10 of the endoscope 2 with which the autoclave sterilization is possible is provided with an electric connector section 11 to which a signal cable 4 connected to a video processor 5 is connected. In carrying out the autoclave sterilization, a waterproof cap 33 is connected to the electric connector section 11. A plate 40 connected by a chain 41 to the waterproof cap 33 is provided with a display section 42 displaying the set state necessary when carrying out the autoclave sterilization and guide information 43a to 43c for smoothly carrying out the autoclave sterilization, and the contents of the display section 42 are referenced, by which the autoclave sterilization can be smoothly carried out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus which can be sterilized in an autoclave and has an endoscope used for an endoscopy.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical and industrial fields. This endoscope is subjected to sterilization with a disinfecting solution or sterilization with high-temperature and high-pressure steam, that is, autoclave sterilization or the like, every time an endoscope is inspected. In this case, the need for performing autoclave sterilization tends to increase recently in consideration of the influence on the environment.

As a prior art of an apparatus for performing autoclave sterilization, there is, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-285103. This prior art shows an example in which an endoscope is put into an autoclave device and sterilized.

[0004]

However, when an endoscope is actually put into an autoclave device, it is necessary to set the endoscope in a predetermined state corresponding to the quality and durability and then put the endoscope into the autoclave device. It is believed that there is.

[0005] However, unlike other materials to be sterilized,
The endoscope-specific setting state is difficult for the user to remember, and it is necessary to fully understand the work procedure in order to perform smoothly, and for a general user, it is necessary to refer to a manual and the like. There is a disadvantage that it takes time to complete the autoclave sterilization.

(Object of the Invention) The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and has as its object to provide an endoscope apparatus capable of smoothly performing autoclave sterilization of an endoscope.

[0007]

An endoscope apparatus having an endoscope capable of autoclave sterilization and a combination member essential for autoclaving the endoscope,
By providing the endoscope with display means for indicating setting information required during autoclave sterilization, by referring to the setting information displayed on the display means, the endoscope is set to a setting state required during autoclave sterilization. This makes it easy to complete autoclave sterilization smoothly.

[0008]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows an entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows a specific example of guide information described on the display unit of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 includes an endoscope 2 provided with an image pickup means and an illumination light which is detachably connected to the endoscope 2 and provided on a light guide provided on the endoscope 2. A video processor 5 connected to the endoscope 2 via the signal cable 4 for controlling the imaging means of the endoscope 2 and processing a signal obtained from the imaging means; And a monitor 6 that displays an image corresponding to the subject output from the computer. After the endoscope 2 is used for observation and treatment, it is cleaned and then sterilized with high-temperature, high-pressure steam, that is, has a structure capable of autoclaving.

The endoscope 2 includes an elongated insertion section 7 having flexibility (softness), an operation section 8 connected to a base end of the insertion section 7,
A flexible connecting cord 9 extending from the side of the operating section 8, and the light source device 3 provided at an end of the connecting cord 9;
A connector section 10 detachably connected to the connector section 10; and an electrical connector section 11 provided on a side of the connector section 10 and detachably connectable to a connector at an end of the signal cable 4 connected to the video processor 5. have. The electric connector section 11 is provided with a ventilation section (not shown) for communicating the inside of the endoscope 2 with the outside.

At the base end of the insertion section 7, there is provided an insertion section side buckling member 12 formed of an elastic member for preventing a sharp bending of a connection section connected to the operation section 8. A similar operation-portion-side fold-preventing member 13 is provided at a connection portion between the operation portion 8 and the connection cord 9.
A similar connector part folding member 14 is also provided at the connection portion with the connector.

The insertion portion 7 is provided with a flexible tube portion 15 having flexibility, a bending portion 16 provided on the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 15 and capable of being bent by a remote operation of the operation portion 8, It comprises a distal end portion 17 provided at the distal end side of the portion 16 and having an observation optical system, an illumination optical system, and the like (not shown).

An air supply / water supply nozzle for ejecting a cleaning liquid or gas toward an optical member on the surface of an observation optical system (not shown) by an air supply operation and a water supply operation at the distal end portion 17 and an insertion portion 7 are provided. A suction port, which is an opening on the distal end side of the treatment instrument insertion channel for inserting the inserted treatment instrument or absorbing the liquid in the body cavity, is provided. In addition, a liquid supply port for ejecting the liquid opened toward the observation target is provided.

The connector section 10 has a gas supply base 21 detachably connected to a gas supply source (not shown) built in the light source device 3 and a water supply tank detachably connected to a water supply tank 22 as a liquid supply source. A pressure base 23 and a liquid supply base 24 are provided.

The connector section 10 is provided with a suction base 25 connected to a suction source (not shown) for performing suction from the suction port. Further, an inlet 2 connected to a water supply means (not shown) for supplying water from the liquid supply port.
6 are provided.

The connector section 10 is provided with a ground terminal base 27 for returning the leakage current to the high-frequency treatment device when a high-frequency leakage current is generated in the endoscope when performing a high-frequency treatment or the like. I have.

The operation section 8 includes an air supply / water supply operation button 28 for operating an air supply operation and a water supply operation, a suction operation button 29 for operating a suction operation, and a bending operation knob 30 for performing a bending operation of the bending section 16. And a plurality of remote switches 31 for remotely controlling the video processor 5 and a treatment tool insertion port 32 which is an opening communicating with the treatment tool channel.

A waterproof cap 33 with a pressure adjusting valve can be detachably connected to the electric connector section 11 of the endoscope 2. The waterproof cap 33 is provided with a pressure adjusting valve (not shown). When the endoscope 2 is subjected to high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization (autoclave sterilization), a storage case 34 for storing the endoscope 2 is used.

The storage case 34 includes a tray 35 having an upper opening, and a lid member 36 for covering the opening of the tray 35.
It is composed of The tray 35 and the lid member 36 are provided with a plurality of ventilation holes (not shown). When high-pressure steam sterilization is performed by a high-pressure steam sterilizer (autoclave device), high-temperature and high-pressure steam can be transmitted through the holes. It has become.

The tray 35 has a storage section (not shown) corresponding to the shape of the endoscope 2. This storage section is the endoscope 2
Are formed so as to fit in predetermined positions. For example, the storage portion is provided with an insertion portion concave portion and the like in which the flexible elongated insertion portion 7 is stored.

Typical conditions for high-pressure steam sterilization include the approval of the American National Standards Institute and the American standard ANS issued by the Medical Device Development Association.
According to I / AAMI ST37-1992, the pre-vacuum type has a sterilization step of 132 ° C. for 4 minutes, and the gravity type has a sterilization step of 132 ° C. for 10 minutes. The temperature conditions during the sterilization process of the high-pressure steam sterilization vary depending on the type of the high-pressure steam sterilizer and the time of the sterilization process.
The temperature is set in a range from about 15 ° C. to about 138 ° C. Some sterilizers can be set to about 142 ° C.

The time condition varies depending on the temperature condition in the sterilization step, but is generally set to about 3 to 60 minutes. Some types of sterilizers can be set to about 100 minutes. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally set at about +0.2 MPa with respect to the atmospheric pressure.

In a general pre-vacuum type high-pressure steam sterilization process, a pre-vacuum process is performed in which a sterilization chamber accommodating a device to be sterilized is sterilized before the sterilization process, and thereafter, high-pressure steam is sent into the sterilization chamber to perform sterilization. A sterilization step is performed. The pre-vacuum step is a step for allowing steam to penetrate into the details of the equipment to be sterilized during the subsequent sterilization step. By reducing the pressure in the sterilization chamber, high-pressure high-temperature steam is distributed throughout the equipment to be sterilized. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in the pre-vacuum process is generally set to about -0.07 MPa to -0.09 MPa with respect to the atmospheric pressure.

Some methods include a drying step for re-pressurizing the sterilization chamber after the sterilization step in order to dry the equipment to be sterilized after the sterilization. In this step, the inside of the sterilization chamber is decompressed to remove steam from the sterilization chamber, thereby promoting the drying of the equipment to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally -0.07 MPa to -0.0 with respect to the atmospheric pressure.
It is set to about 9 MPa.

When the endoscope 2 is subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization, the waterproof cap 33 with a pressure regulating valve is attached to the electric connector section 11. In this state, the waterproof cap 33
(Not shown) is closed, the vent is closed with a waterproof cap 33, and the inside of the endoscope 2 is hermetically sealed from the outside.

In the case of a sterilization method having a pre-vacuum step, when the pressure in the sterilization chamber decreases in the pre-vacuum step and a pressure difference is generated such that the pressure outside the endoscope 2 becomes lower than that inside the endoscope 2, The pressure control valve is opened, and the inside of the endoscope 2 is communicated with the outside through the vent, so that the endoscope 2
Prevents a large pressure difference between the inside of the chamber and the pressure in the sterilization chamber. As a result, the endoscope 2 is not damaged by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside.

In the sterilization step, when a pressure difference is generated in the sterilization chamber such that the pressure inside the endoscope 2 becomes higher than that inside the endoscope 2, the pressure regulating valve closes. As a result, the high-pressure and high-temperature steam does not actively enter the inside of the endoscope 2 through the waterproof cap 33 and the vent. However, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam is supplied from an O-ring made of fluorine rubber, silicon rubber, or the like, which is a sealing means provided at the outer skin of the flexible tube made of a polymer material or at a connection portion of the outer body of the endoscope 2. It gradually penetrates into the inside from the like.

It is to be noted that a pressure is generated from the outside to the inside in which the pressure reduced in the pre-vacuum step of the exterior body of the endoscope 2 and the pressurized pressure in the sterilization step are added.

In the case of the method including the decompression step after the sterilization step, the pressure in the sterilization chamber is reduced in the decompression step, and a pressure difference is generated such that the pressure outside the endoscope 2 is lower than that inside the endoscope 2. Almost at the same time, the pressure control valve is opened, and the inside of the endoscope 2 communicates with the outside through the vent to prevent a large pressure difference between the inside of the endoscope 2 and the pressure in the sterilization chamber.
This prevents the endoscope 2 from being damaged due to a pressure difference between the inside and the outside.

When the pressure reduction step is completed and the inside of the sterilization chamber is pressurized and a pressure difference is generated such that the pressure becomes higher outside the endoscope 2 than inside the endoscope 2, the pressure regulating valve is closed. When all the steps of the high-pressure steam sterilization are completed, the outer body of the endoscope 2 is in a state where the pressure from the outside toward the inside is generated by the reduced pressure in the pressure reducing step. When the waterproof cap 33 is removed from the insertion-section-side fold-preventing member 12, the inside of the endoscope 2 communicates with the outside through the vent, and the inside of the endoscope 2 is at atmospheric pressure.
The load caused by the pressure generated on the exterior body of the endoscope 2 is eliminated.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a plate 40 is attached to a waterproof cap 33 by a chain 41, and a display portion 42 is provided on the plate 40.
The display section 42 has guide information 43a such as setting information for setting conditions that require setting the endoscope 2 when performing autoclave sterilization, and information for smoothly performing each step of autoclave sterilization. To 43c are described and displayed, and the user can check the contents of the guide information 43a to 43c displayed on the display unit 42 to smoothly perform the autoclave sterilization operation. Has become.

The guide information 43a to 43c displayed on the display section 42 has, for example, the contents shown in FIG. That is, the guide information 43a: When autoclaving the endoscope 2 (or the model name), be sure to attach the waterproof cap 33 first. Guide information 43b: Next, correctly store the endoscope 2 in the storage case 34. At that time, the air / water operation button 2
8. Remove the attachments such as the suction operation button 29 (excluding the waterproof cap 33). Guide information 43c: The autoclave condition is 135 ° C or less, and be sure to apply a vacuum drying process.

Although these words can be considered in a wide variety of other ways, in any case, the setting conditions (installation conditions) that are essential when the endoscope 2 is inserted into the autoclave device and sterilized by autoclave are the guide information 43a to 43d. The feature is that it is indicated to the user at 43c.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The display on the display unit 42 allows the user to check the setting state that is essential when the endoscope 2 is inserted into the autoclave device, prevent setting errors, and smoothly complete autoclave sterilization.

Further, since information on the conditions for autoclave sterilization is also displayed, mistakes can be prevented when setting the autoclave sterilization process by the autoclave device, and autoclave sterilization can be performed smoothly.

Therefore, the present embodiment has the following effects. A user's setting mistake can be prevented, and the endoscope 2 can be autoclaved smoothly. In addition, it is possible to prevent a decrease in durability due to a setting error.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 3 shows tray 3
5 shows a state in which the endoscope 2 is stored. In the first embodiment, the plate 40 provided with the display unit 42 is attached to the waterproof cap 33. In the present embodiment, a tray used when sterilizing the endoscope 2 with an autoclave device. A plate 40 provided with a display unit 42 is accommodated in 35.

When the endoscope 2 is stored in the tray 35, the tray 35 is formed with a storage portion 51 provided with a storage recess in accordance with the shape of the endoscope 2. Is set in a predetermined storage recess in the storage section 51.

For example, the insertion section 7 is housed in the recess 51a for the insertion section, the operation section 8 is housed in the recess 51b for the operation section, the connecting cord 9 is housed in the recess 51c for the connecting cord, and the connector section 10 is used for the connector section. It is stored in the recess 51d. Further, a plate 40 provided with a display unit 42 is stored near the center of the tray 35, for example.

The contents of the display section 42 in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. As for the guide information 43b of the display unit 42, a display for further detailed instructions such as "Please store the endoscope 2 in the tray 35 in a predetermined shape. Then, close the lid member 36 firmly" is performed. You may do it.

Reference numeral 54 denotes a base provided on the waterproof cap 33 for detecting water leakage. In this case (in the case of the endoscope 2 that can be sterilized by autoclave), the base 54 projects as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, a waterproof cap without a check valve (for an endoscope which cannot be sterilized in an autoclave) is also provided with a base for detecting water leakage (referred to as 54 'for convenience). When the user attaches the endoscope 2 to the endoscope 2 and tries to store it in the tray 35 in this state, the base 54 ′ is connected to the bottom surface of the connector recess 51 d of the tray 35 or the lid member 36.
The base 54 ′ is provided at a position corresponding to the above, so that erroneous mounting can be easily recognized.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. At the time of autoclave sterilization, if the flexible tube portion 15 is unnecessarily rounded and put into an autoclave device, a bending habit may be formed and insertability may be reduced. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the tray 35, the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 15 that greatly affects the insertability is stored while being kept substantially straight, and the recessed portion for the insertion portion is stored by bending the hand side more than that. 51a are formed. Since it is important to store in a shape suitable for autoclave sterilization as described above, it is more preferable that the instruction is included in the display unit 42 as described above.

By providing the display section 42 on the tray 35,
A large display space can be secured, the user can easily recognize, and more information can be transmitted to the user.

This embodiment has the following effects. First
In addition to the effects of the first embodiment,
Further, the user can easily recognize the guide information.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the plate 40 provided with the display unit 42 is provided on the connector unit 10 of the endoscope 2. Guide information 43a on display unit 42
The contents of .about.43c are the same as in the previous embodiments.

Since the display unit 42 is provided on the endoscope 2, even before the endoscope 2 is combined with the waterproof cap 33 and the tray 35, the waterproof cap 33 and the tray 35 can be used.
Can be recognized by the user (they are not forgotten).

Further, since the display section 42 is provided near the connector section 10 to which the waterproof cap 33 is attached, the waterproof cap 33 is necessary not only for sterilization but also for the previous cleaning. In addition, an operator who performs a sterilization operation can easily pay attention to the connector section 10. Therefore, it becomes easy to recognize the presence of the correct waterproof cap 33 for autoclave sterilization.

This embodiment has the following effects. In contrast to the first or second embodiment, the worker
Even before the combination of the waterproof cap 33 and the tray 35, the presence thereof can be easily recognized. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (A) and 5 (B). FIG. 5A is a plan view of the periphery of the connector portion of the endoscope housed in the tray with the lid member removed, as viewed from above, and FIG. FIG. 5 (A) shows a view from below.

In the present embodiment, when the connector section 10 is stored in the tray 35, the waterproof cap 33 provided with the base 54 for detecting water leakage can be attached to the connector section 10 from the outside of the tray 35. That is, the mounting portion of the connector portion 10 to the waterproof cap 33 is exposed toward the outside of the tray 35. The vicinity of the exposed portion is sealed by a packing 56.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display section 42 is provided on a part of the outer surface of the storage case 34 and can be visually recognized in a state where the endoscope 2 is completely stored in the storage case 34.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. Under autoclave conditions with a vacuuming step, when the storage case 34 (and the endoscope 2) is removed from the autoclave device after sterilization, the inside of the endoscope 2 is in a negative pressure state due to the action of the projection 54.

When the waterproof cap 33 is attached to the endoscope 2 as it is, a negative pressure state in the endoscope 2 is maintained for a long time, and pressure is applied to each member of the endoscope 2.
There is a possibility that the durability is reduced.

However, when the lid member 36 is opened and the waterproof cap 33 is to be removed, it is good to use the endoscope 2 immediately for inspection, but otherwise, the sterilization state of the endoscope 2 is released there. Will be done.

In the present embodiment, since the waterproof cap 33 can be attached and detached in a state where the endoscope 2 is completely housed in the housing case 34, the lid member 36 is not opened with respect to the tray 35. The negative pressure state in the endoscope 2 can be released by removing the waterproof cap 33. The packing 56
Prevents the bacteria in the atmosphere from entering the storage case 34.

In an endoscope in which the projection 54 is provided directly on a part of the endoscope 2, the operation of the means (such as a release cap) for releasing the check valve 54 is performed by the storage case 3.
It is only necessary to be able to do from the outside of 4.

Since the display unit 42 is located outside the storage case 34, the user can recognize the necessary autoclave setting state both when the endoscope 2 is stored in the storage case 34 and after the storage. it can.

This embodiment has the following effects. The operation of switching the ventilation state inside the endoscope 2 can be performed while the sterilization state of the endoscope 2 is maintained. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the tray 35 containing the endoscope 2 is placed in the peel pack 61.
(A pack that allows gas such as steam to pass, but not liquids or bacteria.)

At the peripheral portion of the peel pack 61, the upper surface and the lower surface of the peel pack 61 are attached with a seal by means of a heat sealing portion 62 or an adhesive. The attachment strength is a level at which the tray 35 accommodating the endoscope 2 does not come off even if gravity is applied. In the present embodiment, the display unit 4
2 (or a display member provided with the display unit 42) is provided integrally with a part of the peel pack 61. Display section 42
The periphery of the portion where is provided is transparent.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The display section 42 has a very large space and guide information 43a to 4
3c can be displayed, the user can easily recognize the display contents, and the peel pack 61 around the display unit 42 is transparent, so that the user reads the display unit 42 and reads the contents (the tray 35).
And the state of the endoscope 2 housed therein.

This embodiment has the following effects. It is easy for the user to recognize a more appropriate autoclave input state. The other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Supplementary Notes] In an endoscope apparatus having an endoscope capable of autoclaving sterilization and a combination member essential for autoclaving the endoscope, a display means for indicating an installation state (setting information) of the endoscope during autoclave sterilization. An endoscope apparatus comprising: 2. In Appendix 1, the combination member is a storage case,
The display means was provided in the storage case.

3. In Appendix 1, the combination means is a waterproof cap with a check valve, and the display means is provided on the waterproof cap. 4. In Appendix 1, the combination means is a waterproof cap with a check valve, and the display means is provided on the endoscope side near a portion where the waterproof cap is combined. 5. An endoscope capable of autoclave sterilization, wherein an endoscope provided with display means for indicating setting conditions required for autoclave sterilization and guide information for enabling autoclave sterilization to be performed smoothly.

6. An autoclavable endoscope, and an endoscope apparatus having an endoscope storage case and a ventilation switching means for switching a ventilation state between the inside and the outside of the endoscope, which are combined when autoclaving the endoscope, An endoscope apparatus wherein at least a part of the ventilation switching means combined with the endoscope is exposed to the outside of the storage case when the endoscope is stored in the endoscope case.

(Background of Appendix 6) As a prior art,
-285103. The prior art discloses an example in which the endoscope internal pressure is adjusted with respect to the evacuation process of the autoclave device. However, an autoclave device that can perform such an operation is complicated and expensive. Therefore, it is conceivable to provide a check valve in the endoscope to prevent the pressure inside the endoscope from increasing due to evacuation of the autoclave device.

However, when an endoscope is placed in a container or the like for sterilization, if the container is not opened and the check valve is not opened after sterilization, the internal pressure of the endoscope remains reduced and the endoscope is stored during storage. Pressure is applied to each member of the mirror, which may reduce durability. Opening the container and working may contaminate the sterilized endoscope before the examination. (Supplementary Note 6) An endoscope apparatus capable of returning the internal pressure of the endoscope, which has become negative pressure by autoclave sterilization, to an atmospheric pressure equivalent without contaminating the endoscope. Was configured.

(Function of Appendix 6) After autoclaving,
The endoscope can be switched between the inside and outside of the endoscope while the endoscope is kept in the storage case. (Effect of Supplementary Note 6) The endoscope after sterilization can be returned to the atmospheric pressure equivalent to the atmospheric pressure without negatively contaminating the endoscope after sterilization.

[0070]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an endoscope apparatus having an autoclave-sterilizable endoscope and a combination member essential for autoclave-sterilizing the endoscope. By providing a display means for setting information required for autoclave sterilization on the mirror, it is possible to set the setting state required for autoclave sterilization by referring to the setting information displayed on this display means. Autoclave sterilization can be completed easily and smoothly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing guide information described on a display unit of a plate.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which an endoscope is housed in a tray on which a plate displaying guide information is arranged as an endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a connector unit to which a plate displaying guide information is attached according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a peripheral portion of a connector unit housed in a tray according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a peel pack that wraps a tray containing an endoscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 2 ... Endoscope 3 ... Light source device 5 ... Video processor 6 ... Monitor 7 ... Insertion part 8 ... Operation part 9 ... Connection cord 10 ... Connector part 11 ... Electric connector part 17 ... Tip part 33 ... Waterproof Cap 34 ... Storage case 35 ... Tray 36 ... Lid member 40 ... Plate 41 ... Chain 42 ... Display unit 43a-43c ... Guide information

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope apparatus having an autoclave-sterilizable endoscope and a combination member essential for autoclave-sterilizing the endoscope, wherein settings necessary for the endoscope during autoclave sterilization are provided. An endoscope apparatus provided with display means for displaying information.