JP2003260019A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope in which inner parts of the endoscope by moisture can be prevented from being deteriorated even if high pressure steam sterilization is conducted. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope device 1 is provided with a communicating port 37 communicating the inside and outside of the endoscope 2, a non-return valve body 70 of a pressure adjusting portion 79 which opens only when the pressure of the inside of the endoscope 2 is higher by a given magnitude or more than that of the outside by communicating with this communicating port 37, an on-off valve body 61 which is formed integrally with the pressure adjusting portion 79 and can be selectively opened and shut, and a waterproof cap 33 which is closed up tight detachably to the communicating port 37. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus having a soft exterior member and subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, there has been provided an endoscope capable of observing a deep part in a body cavity by inserting the insertion part into the body cavity or the like and performing a medical treatment or the like by using a treatment tool if necessary. It has become widely used in the medical field. In the case of a medical endoscope, it is essential to surely disinfect and sterilize the used endoscope in order to prevent infections and the like.

Conventional disinfection and sterilization treatments have relied on a gas such as ethylene oxide or a disinfectant, but complicated work is required. Further, since it takes time to aerate to remove the gas adhering to the device after sterilization, there is a disadvantage that it cannot be used immediately after sterilization. Further, there is a problem that running cost is high.

Therefore, recently, without complicated work,
Autoclave sterilization (high pressure steam sterilization), which can be used immediately after sterilization and has a low running cost, is becoming mainstream in medical equipment.

Typical conditions for this autoclave sterilization include the American standard ANSI / AAMI ST37-1992 approved by the American National Standards Institute and issued by the Medical Devices Development Association. These conditions are prevacuum type sterilization process at 132 ° C., 4 ° C. Minute and gravity type sterilization process 13
It is 2 ° C and 10 minutes. In general, the temperature for autoclave sterilization is often set between 115 ° C and 140 ° C.

[0006] A general prevacuum type autoclave sterilization process includes a prevacuum process of depressurizing (negative pressure) the sterilization chamber containing a medical device to be sterilized before sterilization, and then high pressure high temperature steam in the sterilization chamber. And a sterilization step of carrying out sterilization treatment and a drying step of decompressing the sterilization chamber again to dry the endoscope after the sterilization treatment.

The prevacuum process is a process for permeating steam into the details of the medical device in the subsequent sterilization process, and by depressurizing the sterilization chamber, the entire medical device accommodated under high pressure and high temperature steam. Will be spread. The prevacuum process is also used in gas sterilization using ethylene oxide gas.

The pressure in the sterilization chamber in the prevacuum process and the drying process is about -0.07 MPa with respect to the atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, the pressure during the sterilization process is often set to about +0.2 MPa with respect to the atmospheric pressure.

Generally, in the case of an endoscope having a flexible insertion portion or a curved endoscope having a bending portion, a flexible high material such as rubber or elastomer is used as an exterior member for the flexible insertion portion or bending portion. An outer tube made of a molecular material is used. In addition, the endoscope has a structure in which the entire body can be sealed in a watertight manner so that the liquid medicine can be immersed.

Therefore, when the endoscope is sterilized by autoclave while keeping the watertight state, the most flexible outer tube in the exterior of the endoscope during the depressurizing step such as the prevacuum step. May easily bulge out and the durability may be impaired. Similarly, the relatively weak portion of the joint between the components of the endoscope is affected by the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the endoscope, and the durability is reduced.

In response to this, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-70
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 226 describes a technique of attaching a check valve cap to a camera connector 7 which is a connecting portion of an endoscope with peripheral devices before autoclave sterilization. In the case of this conventional technique, when the internal pressure of the endoscope is relatively increased in the depressurization step before autoclave sterilization, the check valve provided in the check valve cap is opened to prevent the relative increase of the internal pressure.
Also, since autoclave sterilization is performed under a pressure higher than the internal pressure of the endoscope, the check valve is closed, and positive intrusion of high-pressure high-temperature steam is prevented.

[0012]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
In the endoscope described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 001-70226, the pressure due to the reduced pressure in the prevacuum process before autoclaving and the pressure due to the depressurization in the drying process after the autoclave process are almost the same, so that the autoclave is autoclaved. As for the pressure inside the endoscope after that, the pressure reduced in the prevacuum process will be maintained, and there will be almost no pressure difference between the inside and outside of the endoscope during the pressure reduction in the drying process. Check whether the check valve provided on the endoscope opens.
The inside of the endoscope could not be dried because it was a moment when opened. For this reason, in the high-pressure steam sterilization step, moisture that has permeated from the outer resin of the insertion portion, the O-ring, and the like is accumulated, and the internal parts of the endoscope are deteriorated.

For example, if there is water near the electrical connection with an external device such as an image processing device, the contact part is short-circuited by the water when the device is connected to these devices, and the endoscope and the external device are There was a fear of electrical destruction.

In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope apparatus capable of preventing deterioration of internal parts of the endoscope due to moisture even when high-pressure steam sterilization is performed.

If the conventional pressure adjusting means having a check valve is detached from the endoscope and detachable, there is a risk that the endoscope will be damaged when it is forgotten to be attached during high-pressure steam sterilization.

On the other hand, in the conventional one in which the pressure adjusting means having a check valve is integrated with the endoscope, the inside of the endoscope is kept in a depressurized state after high-pressure steam sterilization, so that the exterior of the endoscope is covered. The load continued to be applied, and the durability of the endoscope was poor. Further, in the case where the decompression releasing mechanism is provided, the operation of the mechanism may be forgotten.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention does not forget to attach a pressure adjusting means during high-pressure steam sterilization, does not forget to attach a closing member that closes a communication port during high-pressure steam sterilization, and does not forget the interior of an endoscope after high-pressure steam sterilization. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscopic device with good workability that can release the reduced pressure state.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an endoscope apparatus with good workability that can reliably release the depressurized state inside the endoscope after high-pressure steam sterilization.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an endoscope apparatus which is easy to close the communication port during high-pressure steam sterilization, cleaning and leak inspection and has good workability.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus having good compatibility.

[0021]

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is provided with a communication port that communicates the inside and the outside of the endoscope, and the communication port that communicates with the communication port. A pressure adjusting means having a check valve that opens only when the internal pressure of the endoscope becomes higher than the external pressure by a certain amount or more; and an on-off valve that is formed integrally with the pressure adjusting means and that can be selectively opened and closed,
A closing member that is detachably attached to the communication port and seals the communication port,
Is provided.

An endoscope apparatus according to a fourth aspect is an endoscope capable of high-pressure steam sterilization, and has an air supply port that communicates the inside and the outside of the endoscope, and an exhaust port, and at least A ventilating means for forcibly ventilating the inside of the endoscope is detachably provided in either one of them.

An endoscope apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is an endoscope apparatus capable of high-pressure steam sterilization, which has a communication mouthpiece that communicates the inside and the outside of the endoscope, and the communication mouthpiece is suctioned. It is characterized in that the ventilating means having a means and an outside air introducing means for introducing outside air into the endoscope after the suction of the fluid inside the endoscope by the suction means is detachably formed.

An endoscope apparatus according to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is an endoscope apparatus comprising an endoscope and an external device having a connected portion that can be attached to and detached from an electric connection portion provided in the endoscope. , A humidity information detection sensor for detecting humidity information in the connection portion when the electrical connection portion is attached to the connection portion, and to the connection portion based on the output of the humidity information detection sensor provided in the external device And an energization control unit having a control unit for controlling energization.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a pressure adjustment of the endoscope. 3 is a sectional view of an electric connector portion of an endoscope, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a high-pressure steam sterilizer for high-pressure steam sterilization of an endoscope, and FIG. 5 is a high-pressure steam sterilizer. 6 is an explanatory view showing a pressure control method in the high-pressure steam sterilization step, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing the operation of the pressure adjusting portion, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing pressurization to the pressure adjusting portion by the pressurizing mouthpiece.

(Structure) FIG. 1 shows the entire structure of the endoscope apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope device 1 includes an endoscope 2 and
It is composed of a light source device 3, a video processor 5, and a monitor 6.

The endoscope 2 has an image pickup means. The light source device 3 is detachably connected to the endoscope 2 and supplies illumination light to a light guide provided in the endoscope 2. The video processor 5 is connected to the endoscope 2 via the signal cable 4 to control the image pickup means of the endoscope 2 and process the signal obtained from the image pickup means. The monitor 6 displays an image corresponding to the subject image output from the video processor 5.

The endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion 7, an operation portion 8, a connecting cord 9, a connector portion 10, and an electric connector portion 11.
And have.

The insertion portion 7 has flexibility and is elongated. The operation portion 8 is connected to the base end side of the insertion portion 7. The connection cord 9 has flexibility and extends from the side portion of the operation unit 8. The connector portion 10 is provided at the end of the connecting cord 9 and is detachably connected to the light source device 3. The electric connector portion 11 is provided on a side portion of the connector portion 10, and the signal cable 4 connected to the video processor 5 can be detachably connected.

The electric connector portion 11 is provided with a ventilation portion, which will be described later in FIG. 3, for communicating the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2.

At the connecting portion between the inserting portion 7 and the operating portion 8, there is provided an inserting portion side fold prevention member 12 having an elastic member for preventing abrupt bending of the connecting portion. A connecting portion between the operating portion 8 and the connecting cord 9 is also provided with an operating portion side anti-folding member 13 similar to the insertion portion side anti-folding member 12. Further, a connector portion side fold prevention member 14 similar to the insertion portion side fold prevention member 12 is also provided at the connecting portion between the connecting cord 9 and the connector portion 10.

The insertion portion 7 is arranged in order from the base end side to the flexible tube portion 1.
5, the bending portion 16 and the tip portion 17 are connected to each other.

The flexible tube portion 15 has flexibility and is formed softly. The bending portion 16 is provided on the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 15 and can be bent by operating the operation portion 8.

The tip portion 17 is provided with an air / water feed nozzle which is an air / water feed port, a suction port, a liquid feed port, an observation optical system, and an illumination optical system.

The air / water supply nozzle ejects the cleaning liquid or gas toward the optical member on the outer surface of the observation optical system. The suction port is an opening portion on the distal end side of the treatment instrument channel for inserting the treatment instrument arranged in the insertion section 7 and sucking the liquid in the body cavity. The liquid supply port is opened toward the observation target and serves as an opening for ejecting the liquid toward the observation target.

The connector portion 10 has a gas supply cap 21
A water supply tank pressurizing cap 23, a liquid supply cap 24,
Suction cap 25, injection cap 26, ground terminal cap 27
And are provided.

The gas supply base 21 is detachably connected to a gas supply source (not shown) built in the light source device 3. The water supply tank pressurizing mouthpiece 23 and the liquid supply mouthpiece 24 are detachably connected to the water supply tank 22 which is a liquid supply source. The suction cap 25 has a tip 1
A suction source (not shown) for suctioning from the suction port formed in 7 is connected. The inlet metal 26 is connected to a water supply means (not shown) for supplying water from the liquid supply port formed in the tip portion 17. The ground terminal cap 27 is used for the endoscope 2 by performing high-frequency treatment or the like.
When a high frequency leak current occurs in the high frequency leak current, the leak current is returned to the high frequency treatment device.

The operation section 8 has an air / water supply operation button 28.
A suction operation button 29, a bending operation knob 30, a plurality of remote switches 31, and a treatment instrument insertion opening 32 are provided.

The air supply / water supply operation button 28 is an operation part for performing an air supply operation or a water supply operation, and when pressed by the operator, air supply or water supply is performed from the air supply / water supply nozzle formed in the distal end portion 17. It can be done. The suction operation button 29 is an operation section for performing a suction operation, and when pressed by the operator, suction can be performed by the suction port formed in the distal end portion 17.

The bending operation knob 30 is an operation portion for performing a bending operation of the bending portion 16. The plurality of remote switches 31 serve as an operation unit for remotely operating the video processor 5. The treatment instrument insertion port 32 is an opening on the proximal end side that communicates with the treatment instrument channel.

A waterproof cap 33 can be detachably connected to the electric connector portion 11 of the endoscope 2.

The connector section 10 is provided with a pressure adjusting section 79. In high-pressure steam sterilization, a sterilization storage case 34 for storing the endoscope 2 is used.

The storage case 34 comprises a tray 35 and a lid member 36. The tray 35 and the lid member 36 are provided with a plurality of vent holes (not shown), through which water vapor can permeate.

As a typical condition of high-pressure steam sterilization, American standard ANS approved by American National Standards Association and issued by Medical Device Development Association
According to I / AAMI ST37-1992, the prevacuum type sterilization process is performed at 132 ° C. for 4 minutes, and the gravity type sterilization process is performed at 132 ° C. for 10 minutes.

Next, the structure of the pressure adjusting portion 79 provided in the connector portion 10 of the endoscope 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure adjusting portion 79 is a pressure adjusting means for adjusting the pressure inside the endoscope 2. The pressure adjusting portion 79 is fixed to the connector portion 10 by screwing the screw portion 92 of the base body 60 into the screw hole 91 formed in the connector portion 10 of the endoscope 2.

In the pressure adjusting portion 79, the opening / closing valve body 61 is movably fitted inside the mouthpiece main body 60, and the spring 62 serves as the opening / closing valve body 6.
1 is urged upward in the figure.

The spring 62 is prevented from coming off by a spring receiving member 63. A through hole 64 is formed in the spring receiving member 63.

The on-off valve body 61 includes a sealing surface 65 and a ventilation groove 6.
6 and a ventilation groove 78.

A contact surface 67 that contacts the seal surface 65 is formed on the base body 60. An O-ring groove 68 is provided on the contact surface 67. An O-ring 69 is arranged in the O-ring groove 68. The O-ring 69 seals the sealing surface 65 in a watertight manner.

A check valve body 70 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the opening / closing valve body 61.
Is movably fitted inside, and a spring 71 urges the check valve body 70 downward in the drawing. A spring receiving member 72 prevents the spring 71 from coming off. The on-off valve body 61 has a sealing surface 73.

The check valve body 70 is formed with an abutment surface 74 that abuts the seal surface 73. O on the contact surface 74
A ring groove 75 is provided. O in the O-ring groove 75
A ring 76 is provided.

The check valve body 70 is provided with a ventilation groove 77. The O-ring 76 seals the sealing surface 73 in a watertight manner.

With this structure, the through hole 64 serves as a communication port that connects the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2. The check valve body 70 is a check valve that opens only when the internal pressure of the endoscope 2 communicating with the communication port becomes higher than the external pressure by a certain amount or more.

Next, the electrical connector portion 11 of the endoscope 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the electrical connector portion 11 includes an electrical connection portion that is connected to the endoscope 2 of FIG. 1 at the time of inspection. That is, the electrical connector portion 11 is provided with the communication member 37, which is a through hole that connects the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 to the insulating member 39 that supports the electric contact 38.

The electric connector base 40 of the electric connector portion 11 is detachably connectable with the waterproof cap 33 shown in FIG. 1 that watertightly closes the communication port 37.

Next, the structure of the high-pressure steam sterilizer 41 for high-pressure steam sterilization of the endoscope 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, a high-pressure steam sterilizer 41
Is a chamber 42, a steam supply device 43, and a vacuum pump 44.
And a control unit 45.

The chamber 42 houses the endoscope 2. The steam supply device 43 supplies steam to the chamber 42. The vacuum pump 44 is for reducing the pressure inside the chamber 42. The control unit 45 includes a steam supply device 43 and a vacuum pump 44.
To control.

The high pressure steam sterilizer 41 includes a step of depressurizing the chamber 42 of the high pressure steam sterilizer 41.
The depressurizing step, the high-pressure steam sterilization step for pressurizing the inside of the chamber 42, and the second depressurizing step including the step of depressurizing the inside of the chamber 42 subsequent thereto.

Next, referring to FIG. 5, a high-pressure steam sterilizer 41 is used.
The pressure control method in the high-pressure steam sterilization process of is shown.

The control unit 45 of FIG. 5 is configured to perform the following control. As shown in FIG. 5, first, the high-pressure steam sterilizer 41 performs a first depressurization step generally called a prevacuum step.

In the first depressurizing step, the inside of the chamber 42 is depressurized by the vacuum pump 44, and the pressure inside the chamber 42 is generally -0.07 MPa to -0.0 relative to atmospheric pressure.
It is set to about 9 MPa. In this example, -0.07 MPa
Is set to.

In this step, depressurization and pressurization to atmospheric pressure are repeated three times, and a total of three -0.07 MPa depressurization steps are carried out. This step is a step for permeating steam into the details of the sterilization target device in the subsequent sterilization process, and by depressurizing the inside of the chamber 42, the high-pressure high-temperature steam is spread all over the sterilization target device.

Next, the high-pressure steam sterilizer 41 performs a high-pressure steam sterilization process. In the high-pressure steam sterilization process, the steam supply device 43
As a result, high-temperature and high-pressure steam is supplied into the chamber 42, and the pressure in the sterilization chamber is generally + 0.2MP with respect to the atmospheric pressure.
It is set to about a.

The temperature condition during the sterilization step varies depending on the type of high-pressure steam sterilizer and the time of the sterilization step, but is generally set in the range of 115 ° C to 138 ° C. Some sterilizers can be set at about 142 ° C.

The time condition varies depending on the temperature condition of the sterilization process, but is generally set to about 3 to 60 minutes.

Depending on the type of sterilizer, the sterilization process time can be set to about 100 minutes.

Next, in order to dry the equipment to be sterilized after sterilization, a second depressurizing step called a drying step is performed in which the chamber 42 is depressurized again after the sterilizing step. This second
The depressurization step of is called a drying step.

In this step, the inside of the chamber 42 is decompressed by the vacuum pump 44 again to remove steam from the sterilization chamber and accelerate the drying of the sterilization target equipment in the sterilization chamber. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is set to −0.07 MPa or less in the first depressurization step.

In the present embodiment, the pressure reducing step and the pressure raising to the atmospheric pressure are repeated three times to perform the pressure reducing step a total of three times.

The first depressurizing step is -0.08 MPa, 2
The third pressure reduction step is set to -0.085 MPa, and the third pressure reduction step is set to -0.09 MPa. These pressures are lower than the minimum pressure in the first depressurization step, and
The pressure is set to be lower than the pressure at the previous depressurizing step in the depressurizing step.

First, the operation and effect of the main part of this embodiment will be described below.

(Operation) When the endoscope 2 is subjected to high-pressure steam sterilization, the waterproof cap 33 is attached to the electric connector portion 11, the communication port 37 is closed, and the inside of the endoscope 2 is watertight to the outside. Is blocked by.

In the first depressurizing step (prevacuum step), the inside of the chamber 42 is depressurized by the control of the controller 45.

At this time, as shown in FIG.
The force from the inside to the outside of the endoscope 2 acts on the check valve body 70 of the pressure adjusting portion 79 provided at 0, and the check valve body 70 resists the biasing force of the spring 71 and moves upward in the drawing. Further, the O-ring 76 moves away from the sealing surface 73 until it comes into contact with the base body 60, and the inside and outside of the endoscope 2 communicate with each other via the ventilation grooves 77 and 78. This prevents a large pressure difference between the inside of the endoscope 2 and the chamber 42.

As a result, the outer covering member such as the soft thin covering member for covering the bending portion 16 of the endoscope 2 is not damaged by the pressure difference between the inside and the outside.

When the pressures inside and outside the endoscope 2 become substantially equal, the check valve body 70 moves due to the urging force of the spring 71, and the O-ring 76 causes a gap between the inside and outside of the seal surface 73. Is blocked. At this time, the inside of the endoscope 2 is kept substantially the same as the decompression force of −0.07 MPa in the first decompression step. However, there is a difference in the biasing force of the spring 71 between the pressure inside the endoscope 2 and the pressure reducing force in the first pressure reducing step. Next, a high-pressure steam sterilization process is performed.

High-temperature and high-pressure steam is supplied into the chamber 42 by the steam supply device 43, and the atmospheric pressure is +0.2 MPa.
Pressurized to the extent.

At this time, in FIG. 2, the check valve body 70 is urged downward in the figure, the on-off valve body 61 is urged upward in the figure by the urging force of the spring 62, and the O-ring 76 and the O-ring 69 are used. The inside of the endoscope 2 is watertightly sealed. The inside of the endoscope 2 is kept at -0.07 MPa by the first depressurizing step.

Next, a second pressure reducing step (drying step) is performed. In the first depressurizing step, the inside of the chamber 42 is depressurized to −0.08 MPa by the control of the control unit 45.

This pressure is the internal pressure of the endoscope 2--
Since the pressure is lower than 0.07 Pa, the check valve body 70 is opened and the gas inside the endoscope 2 is discharged to the outside of the endoscope 2 by the same action as in the first depressurizing step described above. Then, the check valve body 70 closes when the pressure inside and outside the endoscope 2 becomes substantially equal. At this time, the inside of the endoscope 2 is maintained at about 0.08 MPa. Next, the chamber 42 is pressurized to atmospheric pressure.

In the second depressurizing step, the inside of the chamber 42 is depressurized to -0.085 MPa under the control of the control unit 45.

In the same manner as above, the check valve body 70 is opened and discharged to the outside of the endoscope 2. Then, the check valve body 70 closes when the pressure inside and outside the endoscope 2 becomes substantially equal. At this time, the inside of the endoscope 2 is kept substantially the same as −0.085 MPa. Next, the chamber 42 is pressurized to atmospheric pressure.

In the third depressurizing step, the inside of the chamber 42 is depressurized to -0.09 MPa under the control of the controller 45.

In the same manner as above, the check valve body 70 is opened and discharged to the outside of the endoscope 2. Then, the check valve body 70 closes when the pressure inside and outside the endoscope 2 becomes substantially equal. At this time, the inside of the endoscope 2 is kept substantially the same as −0.09 MPa.

The high pressure steam sterilization is completed as described above.

Moisture that has entered the inside of the endoscope 2 in the high-pressure steam sterilization step is released to the outside of the endoscope 2 by opening the check valve body 70 in the drying step, and the inside of the endoscope 2 is then opened. Is dried.

In the drying step, the check valve body 70 is repeatedly opened, so that the moisture inside the endoscope 2 is discharged and the inside is dried repeatedly.

(Effects) According to the first embodiment as described above, the pressure in at least one depressurization step included in the second depressurization step after the autoclave sterilization step is set to the pressure before the autoclave sterilization step. Since the pressure is lower than the minimum pressure in the first depressurizing step, the pressure inside the endoscope 2 is higher than the external pressure by a certain amount or more in at least one depressurizing step included in the second depressurizing step. Therefore, the check valve body 70 can be surely opened, and the inside of the endoscope 2 is dried through the check valve body 70. It is possible to prevent deterioration of internal parts of the mirror 2. As a result, a high-pressure steam sterilization method, a high-pressure steam sterilizer, and an endoscope device are provided, in which moisture is not accumulated inside the endoscope 2 even if repeated high-pressure steam sterilization is performed, and internal components are not deteriorated by the humidity. it can. This allows
The reliability of the endoscope can be improved and the life of the endoscope can be extended.

The depressurizing step in the second depressurizing step may be performed only once. Further, not only the endoscope but also the medical device having a flexible exterior member may be applied if the pressure adjusting portion 79 is provided.

Next, the remaining actions and effects of the first embodiment will be described below. (Operation) In the first embodiment, the waterproof cap 33 is removed from the electric connector 11 before using the endoscope 2 for inspection.

As a result, the inside and outside of the endoscope 2 communicate with each other through the communication port 37, the depressurized state inside the endoscope 2 is released, and the load applied to the exterior body of the endoscope 2 is eliminated. This prevents the exterior body of the endoscope 2 from being continuously loaded for a long period of time.

In the first embodiment, the signal cable 4, which is an external device that is always connected to the endoscope 2 at the time of inspection,
An electrical connector section 1 which is a connection section with the video processor 5
Since the communication port 37 is provided in the first waterproof cap 3
Do not forget to remove 3 and ensure that the endoscope 2
The depressurized state inside is released. This prevents the exterior body from being damaged.

That is, during the examination, the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 are in communication with each other so that the inside of the endoscope 2 can be surely dried. Further, since the soft curved covering rubber provided in the bending portion 16 is not loaded, it does not affect the bending operation.

Further, in the first embodiment, since the pressure adjusting portion 79 is formed integrally with the endoscope 2, there is no forgetting to attach the pressure adjusting portion 79 during high pressure steam sterilization.
It is possible to reliably prevent damage to the endoscope 2 due to the depressurization process.

Further, in the first embodiment, a leak test is carried out for checking whether the endoscope 2 is damaged before the endoscope 2 is washed after the inspection is completed.

At this time, the waterproof cap 33 is attached to the electric connector portion 11 to close the communication port 37. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, a pressure base 47 connected to a pressure source (not shown).
Is connected to the pressure adjusting unit 79.

When the pressurizing mouthpiece 47 is connected to the pressure adjusting portion 79, the pressing member 48 pushes the check valve body 70 and the on-off valve body 61 downward in the figure against the biasing force of the spring 62. As a result, the sealing surface 65 separates from the O-ring 69 and the ventilation groove 7
7, the inside of the endoscope 2 and the press fitting 47 through the ventilation groove 66
And communicate with each other to pressurize the endoscope 2. The worker submerges the endoscope 2 thus pressurized to perform a leak inspection.

As described above, the connector portion 10 of the endoscope 2 has an opening / closing valve (opening / closing valve body 61) for pressurizing the inside of the endoscope 2 at the time of leak inspection, and the inside of the endoscope 2 at the time of high-pressure steam sterilization. By integrally providing the pressure control valve (check valve body 70) that opens when the external pressure is lower, there is no need for a special configuration or operation that prevents the check valve body 70 from opening during leak inspection. Become.

If the waterproof cap 33 is forgotten to be attached during the leak inspection, the gas under pressure leaks from the communication port 37 and the user forgets to attach the waterproof cap 33. As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent damage to the endoscope 2 due to steam entering the inside of the endoscope 2 without forgetting to attach a member for closing the communication port 37 before high-pressure steam sterilization. .

Further, in the first embodiment, the communication port 37 is connected to the electric connector portion 11 having the electric contact 38 which needs to be waterproofed during leak inspection, cleaning and high-pressure steam sterilization.
By providing the above, it is possible to serve both as a member for closing the communication port 37 and a member for closing the electric connector portion 11 in these cases.

Further, the endoscope 2 can share the same waterproof cap 33 as an endoscope which is not compatible with high-pressure steam sterilization and which is connected to a similar external device.

(Effect) According to the first embodiment, there is no forgetting to attach the pressure adjusting unit 79 during high pressure steam sterilization.
In order not to forget to attach the waterproof cap 33 that closes the communication port 37 during high-pressure steam sterilization, to remove the waterproof cap 33 after high-pressure steam sterilization, and to close the pressure adjusting unit 79 during a leak test. Operation is unnecessary,
During high-pressure steam sterilization, cleaning, and leak inspection, the electric connector 11 and the communication port 37 can be closed at the same time. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, an endoscope with good workability can be provided.

Further, according to the first embodiment, an endoscope having good compatibility can be provided by sharing the same waterproof cap 33 with an endoscope which is not compatible with high-pressure steam sterilization and which is connected to a similar external device. Can be provided.

The communication port 37 can be attached with a closing member such as a waterproof cap 33 for closing the communication port 37 provided in the vicinity of a connection portion of the endoscope 2 with the light source device 3 or in the operation section 8. You can Even when it is provided in the vicinity of the connection portion with the light source device 3, the closing member is surely removed to connect the light source device 3 and the endoscope 2 at the time of inspection. Moreover, since the operator grips the operation portion 8 to perform the operation, the closing member is reliably removed, so that the depressurized state inside the endoscope 2 is reliably released.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a ventilation means for forcibly ventilating the inside of the endoscope shown in FIGS.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 8, the ventilation means 50 can be detachably connected to the pressure adjusting portion 79 of the endoscope 2.

The ventilation means 50 is composed of a connection mouthpiece 51, a tube 52, a three-way stopcock 53, and a syringe 54.

The opening 55 at one end of the three-way stopcock 53 is open to the atmosphere. The connection mouthpiece 51 has the same structure as the pressurization mouthpiece 47, is attachable to and detachable from the pressure adjusting portion 79, and communicates with the inside of the endoscope 2 when connected to the pressure adjusting portion 79.

(Function) When the inside of the endoscope 2 is forcedly ventilated, the waterproof cap 33 is attached to the electric connector portion 11 of the endoscope 2 to close the communication port 37.

Next, the connection mouthpiece 51 is connected to the pressure adjusting portion 79 so as to communicate with the inside of the endoscope 2.

Next, the connection mouthpiece 51 and the syringe 54 are connected by the three-way stopcock 53.

Next, the three-way stopcock 53 is switched to the arrow A, and the gas in the endoscope 2 is sucked by the syringe 54.

Next, the three-way stopcock 53 is switched to the arrow B to connect the connection mouthpiece 51 and the opening 55. As a result, the atmosphere flows into the depressurized endoscope 2 through the opening 55 and the inside of the endoscope 2 is ventilated.

This operation is repeated to ventilate the inside of the endoscope 2. (Effect) According to the ventilation means 50, the inside of the endoscope 2 can be easily ventilated, and the moisture accumulated inside the endoscope 2 after high-pressure steam sterilization can be removed.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a first modification of the ventilation means 50 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the ventilating means 50b is connected to the opening 55 with a pressure source such as the air-sending pump 49 used for the above-described leak inspection.

In the case of this construction, after the gas in the endoscope 2 is sucked by the syringe 54, the three-way stopcock 53 is moved to the arrow B direction.
Then, the air supply pump 49 forces the outside air into the endoscope 2 to ventilate the inside of the endoscope 2.

According to such a ventilation means 50b, as shown in FIG.
In addition to the same effect as the ventilation means 50 shown in FIG. 5 is obtained, the air supply pump 49 forces the outside air to flow into the endoscope 2, so that the ventilation efficiency inside the endoscope 2 is further improved.

FIG. 10 shows a second part of the ventilation means 50 shown in FIG.
It is explanatory drawing which shows the modification. As shown in FIG. 10, the ventilation unit 50c is connected to the tube 52a with a roller pump 49b capable of switching between pressure feeding and suction of gas.

In the case of this construction, the roller pump 49
The inside of the endoscope 2 is ventilated by repeating the suction of the gas in the endoscope 2 and the pressure feeding of the outside air into the endoscope 2 by b.

According to such a ventilation means 50b, as shown in FIG.
The same effect as the ventilation means 50a shown in FIG.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 11 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention and a ventilation means for forcibly ventilating the inside of the endoscope. In the description of FIG. 11, the same components as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 11, the pressure adjusting unit 79 in the first embodiment is provided in the operation unit 108 of the endoscope 102. In the second embodiment, the pressure adjusting section 79 is not provided on the connector section 110.

A ventilation tube 56 is inserted inside the insertion portion 107 of the endoscope 102. The base end side of the ventilation tube 56 is connected to the pressure adjusting portion 79.

The ventilation tube 56 has an opening 56a at the tip of the insertion portion 107. (Operation) When the inside of the endoscope 102 is forcibly ventilated, the waterproof cap 33 is removed from the electric connector portion 11 of the endoscope 102 so that the communication port 37 is opened.

Next, the pressure adjuster 79 is connected to the pressure base 47 connected to the pressure source.

Next, gas is pressure-fed into the endoscope 102 by the pressure source.

The pressure-fed gas is sent to the distal end portion of the insertion portion 107 via the pressure adjusting portion 79 and the ventilation tube 56, and then passes through the insertion portion 107, the operating portion 8, the connecting cord 9, and the connector portion 110. , Communication port 3 of the electrical connector section 11
7 is emitted to the outside of the endoscope 102.

Thus, the inside of the endoscope 102 is ventilated. (Effect) According to the second embodiment as described above, since the opening 56a and the communication port 37 are separately provided at one end and the other end of the endoscope 102, respectively, the endoscope can be easily viewed. The entire inside of the mirror 102 can be surely and quickly ventilated, the moisture accumulated inside the endoscope 102 after high-pressure steam sterilization can be removed, and the durability of the endoscope 102 is improved.

A suction pump is provided in the pressure adjusting unit 79 instead of the pressurizing source, and the outside air is introduced from the communication port 37 while sucking the gas inside the endoscope 102, and the inside of the endoscope 102. It may be configured to ventilate.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an endoscope according to the embodiment of the present invention and a ventilation means for forcibly ventilating the inside of the endoscope. In the description of FIG. 12, the same components as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 12, the suction pump 57 is provided with a connection mouth ring 58 which is similar in structure to the waterproof cap 33 and is detachably connectable to the electric connector section 11.

(Operation) In order to forcibly ventilate the inside of the endoscope 102, the connection mouthpiece 58 is connected to the electric connector section 11.

Thereafter, the suction pump 57 is used to connect the communication port 37.
The gas inside the endoscope 102 is sucked from the inside of the endoscope 102, and the outside air is pumped into the endoscope 102 from the pressure source.
Ventilate the inside of the.

(Effect) According to such a modified example, by using the suction pump 57, the endoscope 102 can be more easily used.
The interior of the endoscope can be ventilated, and moisture accumulated inside the endoscope 102 after high-pressure steam sterilization can be removed, and the durability of the endoscope 102 is improved.

The endoscope 102 is provided with a plurality of exhaust ports,
An air supply port may be provided at an intermediate portion of these positions, and an air supply source or a suction source may be connected to the air supply port to perform air supply or suction, and exhaust gas or gas may be introduced from the exhaust port. In this case, ventilation time is shortened.

[0138] The high-pressure steam sterilizer is equipped with an air supply pump or a suction pump, which is the ventilation means of the first to third embodiments, and a means for connecting these to the endoscope, and is installed in the apparatus. It is also possible to automatically control the operation of forcibly ventilating the inside of the endoscope after high-pressure steam sterilization.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIGS. 13 to 16 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing the entire structure of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 14 is an electric connector section. Of FIG. 15, FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the electric connector portion, and FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing control of the humidity control portion. In the description of FIGS. 13 to 16, the first shown in FIGS.
The same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

(Structure) Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the video processor 205 to the endoscope 202 when the electrical connector portion 211 of the endoscope 202 is not dried.
The structure which prevents energization to is shown.

As shown in FIG. 13, the signal cable 204
The connecting portion 204a with the electric connector portion 211 of the electric connector portion 2
A humidity sensor 59 projecting inside 11 is provided.

The video processor 205 is a humidity sensor 59.
The humidity controller 20 is connected to the.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the electric connector portion 211 is provided with a recess 86 vertically below the electric connector portion 211 and the signal cable 204 in a connected state. The humidity sensor 59 is arranged in this recess 86.

Humidity controller 20 of video processor 205
The control will be described below with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, the humidity controller 20
At the time of inspection, the electrical connector unit 211 and the signal cable 204 are connected, and in step S1, the video processor 2
When the power supply of 05 is turned on, in step S2, the humidity sensor 59 detects the humidity inside the electric connector portion 211, and the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the humidity controller 20
If the humidity sensor 59 detects that the detected value is equal to or less than a certain value, and it is in a dry state in which energization is possible, the step S4
At, the endoscope 202 is energized. As a result, the endoscope 202 is in a state where a normal examination can be performed.

In step S3, the humidity controller 20
If the detection value of the humidity sensor 59 exceeds a certain value and it is determined that the inside of the electrical connector portion 211 is wet or the humidity is extremely high, step S
5, the warning is displayed on the monitor 6 and the endoscope 202 is not energized.

(Operation) In the fourth embodiment, the electric power is not supplied to the endoscope 202 when the inside of the electric connector portion 211 is wet or when the humidity is extremely high. The electrical contacts 38 inside the 211 are not short-circuited, and the imaging circuit and the remote control circuit of the endoscope 202 are not damaged.

When the inside of the electrical connector section 211 is wet or when the humidity is extremely high,
This can be recognized by the user by the warning display on the monitor 6.

(Effect) According to the fourth embodiment, there is provided an endoscope apparatus which does not damage the endoscope 202 even when the electric connector portion 211 is wet due to cleaning or high-pressure steam sterilization. it can.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIGS. 17 and 18 relate to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing the overall configuration of the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 18 is a humidity control unit. 3 is a flowchart showing the control of FIG. In the description of FIGS. 17 and 18, the same components as those of the fourth embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

(Structure) As shown in FIG. 17, a humidity sensor 59 is provided at the connection portion 304a of the signal cable 304. The humidity sensor 59 is a video processor 305.
Is connected to the humidity controller 320.

The video processor 305 includes a humidity controller 3
An air supply pump 80 connected to 20 is provided.

The signal cable 304 is provided with an air supply tube 82 connected to the air supply pump 80 and an exhaust tube 83. One ends of the air supply tube 82 and the exhaust tube 83 are open to a connection portion 304a with which the electric connector portion 211 is connected. The other end of the exhaust tube 83 is open to the atmosphere.

Humidity controller 32 of video processor 305
The control of 0 will be described below with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 18, the control of steps S11 to S15 of the humidity controller 320 is similar to the control of steps S1 to S5 of the humidity controller 220 shown in FIG.

The fifth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the warning is displayed on the monitor 6 in step S15, and the endoscope 202 is not energized, and then the humidity controller 320 sends the warning in step S16. That is, the air pump 80 is caused to supply air and the process returns to step S12.

By the processing of the humidity control section 320, the humidity sensor 59 detects the humidity at regular intervals, for example, every 30 seconds, and the air is fed by the air pump 80 until the humidity becomes a predetermined value or less. When it becomes a certain value or less, the air supply pump 80 stops the air supply, and the video processor 305 causes the endoscope 302 to stop.
Is turned on, and the warning display on the monitor 6 is turned off.

(Operation) In the fifth embodiment, the gas pressure-fed by the air feed pump 80 is introduced into the electric connector portion 211 via the air feed tube 82 and is opened to the atmosphere through the exhaust tube 83. As a result, the moisture inside the electrical connector portion 211 is dried.

(Effect) According to the fifth embodiment, the fourth
In addition to the effects of the above embodiment, the electrical connector portion 211 can be automatically dried.

The humidity sensor 59 is the signal cable 304.
Instead, it is provided in the electric connector section 211 of the endoscope 202, and when the electric connector section 211 and the signal cable 304 are connected, the endoscope 202 and the humidity control section 20 of the video processor 305 are circuit-connected. It may be configured.

If there is an electrical connection between the endoscope 202 and the light source device 3, it may be provided in the light source device 3. or,
When the light source device 3 and the video processor 305 are integrated, they may be provided in this device.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 19 is a sectional view of an essential part of an endoscope according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the endoscope apparatus other than the portion shown in FIG. 19 is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

In the endoscope 402 of the sixth embodiment, the connector portion 410 has an opening / closing valve 85 for pressurizing the inside of the endoscope 302 at the time of leak inspection, and an outside of the endoscope 302 at the time of high pressure steam sterilization. Is separately provided when the pressure is low.

The pressure adjusting section 84 is composed of a base body 60a, a check valve body 70a, a spring 71a, a spring receiving member 72a, an O ring groove 75a and an O ring 76a.

The check valve body 70a is movably fitted in the base body 60a, and the spring 71a urges the check valve body 70a downward in the drawing. The spring 71a is prevented from coming off by a spring receiving member 72a. The base body 60a has a sealing surface 73a.

The check valve body 70a has a seal surface 73a.
The contact surface 74a which contacts with is formed. Abutment surface 74
An O-ring groove 75a is provided in a. An O-ring 76a is arranged in the O-ring groove 75a.

Here, the opening pressure of the check valve body 70a is set to P,
When the pressure at the time of pressurization at the time of leak inspection is P1 and the pressure applied from the outside to the inside of the endoscope 302 in the depressurization step in high-pressure steam sterilization is P2, the spring 71a has a force setting of P1 <P. <P2 is set.

In the present embodiment, P1 = 0.05M
Pa, P2 = 0.07MPa, but P = 0.06MP
It is set to a.

(Operation) In the sixth embodiment, the leak check can be performed because the check valve body 70a does not open even when pressure is applied from the open / close valve 85 by the press fitting 47 during the leak check.

In the sixth embodiment, when the pressure is reduced to -0.07 MPa during high-pressure steam sterilization or the pressure reducing step,
Since the check valve body 70a opens, it is possible to prevent a large pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the endoscope 302, and to prevent damage to the exterior body of the endoscope 302.

(Effect) According to the sixth embodiment, since no special structure or work for closing the check valve body 70a is required at the time of leak inspection, the workability is good and the structure is simple. An endoscope apparatus can be provided.

[Additional Notes] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention as described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(Additional Item 1) Open only when the internal pressure of the medical device communicating with the inside and the outside of the medical device and the internal pressure of the medical device communicating with the communication port becomes higher than the external pressure by a certain amount or more. A high-pressure steam sterilizer for sterilizing the medical device provided with a pressure adjusting means having a check valve, the first depressurizing step including a step of depressurizing a chamber of the high-pressure steam sterilizer. A high-pressure steam sterilization apparatus including a high-pressure steam sterilization step of pressurizing the inside of the chamber and a second depressurization step including a step of depressurizing the interior of the chamber subsequent to the high-pressure steam sterilization step. The high-pressure steam sterilizer for medical equipment, wherein the pressure in at least one depressurizing step is lower than the minimum pressure in the first depressurizing step.

(Additional Item 2) The first depressurizing step including the step of depressurizing the chamber of the high-pressure steam sterilizer, the high-pressure steam sterilizing step of subsequently pressurizing the chamber, and the subsequent step of the chamber. In a high-pressure steam sterilization method for a medical device, which includes a second depressurization process including a depressurization process, a communication port for communicating the inside and the outside of the medical device
A pressure adjusting means having a check valve that opens only when the internal pressure of the medical device communicating with the communication port becomes higher than the external pressure by a certain level or more is provided in the medical device, and the high-pressure steam sterilizer is provided. The high-pressure steam sterilization method for a medical device, wherein the pressure in at least one decompression step included in the second decompression step is set to be lower than the minimum pressure in the first decompression step.

(Additional Item 3) The second depressurizing step includes a plurality of depressurizing and pressurizing steps, and the pressure of at least one of the depressurizing steps is the same as that in other depressurizing step performed before this depressurizing step. The high-pressure steam sterilization method for a medical device according to appendix 2, wherein the pressure is lower than the pressure.

(Additional Item 4) The method for high-pressure steam sterilization of a medical device according to Additional Item 2, wherein the communication port of the medical device is formed so as to be communicable.

(Additional Item 5) The method for high-pressure steam sterilization of a medical device according to Additional Item 2, wherein the medical device includes a soft exterior member that separates the inside and the outside of the medical device.

(Additional Item 6) The medical device is an endoscope having a bendable bending portion provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion and a soft bending portion covering member for covering the bending portion. The method for high-pressure steam sterilization of a medical device according to item 5, which is characterized.

(Supplementary Note 7) Only when a communication port that communicates the inside and the outside of the endoscope and a pressure inside the endoscope that communicates with the communication port is higher than a predetermined pressure by an outside pressure. A pressure adjusting means having a check valve that opens to the inside, an on-off valve that is integrally formed with the pressure adjusting means and that can be selectively opened and closed, and a closing member that is detachably attached to the communication opening and seals the communication opening. An endoscopic device characterized in that

(Additional Item 8) The endoscope device according to Additional Item 7, wherein the closing member is detachably formed at a connection portion with the external device to which the endoscope is connected at the time of inspection. .

(Additional Item 9) The additional item characterized in that the closing member is formed integrally with a waterproof lid member for watertightly covering the electrical contact provided on the connecting portion of the endoscope. The endoscopic device according to item 8.

(Additional Item 10) An endoscope capable of high-pressure steam sterilization, comprising an air supply port for communicating the inside and outside of the endoscope, and an exhaust port, and at least one of the endoscopes. An endoscopic device characterized in that a ventilation means for forcibly ventilating the inside is detachably provided.

(Additional Item 11) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 10, wherein the openings of the air supply port and the exhaust port inside the endoscope are separated from each other.

(Additional Item 12) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 11, wherein openings of the air supply port and the exhaust port inside the endoscope are provided at substantially end portions of the endoscope, respectively. .

(Additional Item 13) Having a plurality of the exhaust ports,
13. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 12, wherein the air supply port is provided at a position sandwiched by a plurality of exhaust ports.

(Additional Item 14) A high-pressure steam sterilizer for high-pressure steam sterilization of the endoscope according to any one of Additional Items 10 to 13, wherein the ventilation means is provided. Steam sterilizer.

(Additional Item 15) In the endoscope apparatus capable of high-pressure steam sterilization, there is a communication mouthpiece for communicating the inside and the outside of the endoscope, and the communication mouthpiece has a suction means and the suction means by the suction means. An endoscope apparatus comprising: a ventilating unit detachably formed of an outside air introducing unit for introducing outside air into the endoscope after suctioning a fluid inside the endoscope.

(Additional Item 16) The ventilating means is provided with a mouthpiece part which can be attached to and detached from the communication mouthpiece, and a first mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece part.
Flow path, a branch portion that branches the first flow path into a second flow path and a third flow path, and a suction source connected to the second flow path. Item 16. The endoscope device according to item 15.

(Appendix 17) The ventilation means is the third
17. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 16, further comprising an air supply source connected to the flow path.

(Additional Item 18) The ventilating means is capable of attaching and detaching the mouthpiece portion to and from the communication mouthpiece, a flow passage connected to the mouthpiece portion, and suction and pressure feeding of the fluid connected to the flow passage. 16. The endoscope apparatus according to item 15, further comprising a fluid moving means.

(Additional Item 19) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 18, wherein the fluid moving means is a roller pump.

(Additional Item 20) A high-pressure steam sterilizer for high-pressure steam sterilization of the endoscope according to any one of Additional Items 15 to 19, characterized in that the ventilation means is provided. Steam sterilizer.

(Additional Item 21) In an endoscope apparatus including an endoscope and an external device having an electrically connecting portion provided on the endoscope and a detachable connected portion, the electrical connecting portion is provided as described above. Humidity information detection sensor for detecting humidity information in the connection part when mounted on the connection part, and control for controlling energization to the connection part based on the output of the humidity information detection sensor provided in the external device And an energization control unit including a unit.

(Additional Item 22) The endoscope device according to Additional Item 21, wherein the humidity information detection sensor and the control unit are provided in the external device.

(Additional Item 23) The endoscope device according to Additional Item 21, wherein the humidity information detection sensor is provided in the endoscope and the control unit is provided in the external device.

(Additional Item 24) The endoscope device according to Additional Item 22 or 23, wherein the external device is an image processing device or a light source device.

(Additional Item 25) An additional item 21 is characterized in that a warning is given according to the output of the humidity information detection sensor.
The endoscopic device according to 1.

(Additional Item 26) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 21, wherein the endoscope is provided with a humidity detecting portion formed of a concave portion.

(Additional Item 27) The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 21, wherein a drying means for drying the connection portion based on the output of the humidity information detection sensor is provided.

(Additional Item 28) The second depressurizing step includes a plurality of depressurizing and pressurizing steps, and the pressure of at least one of the depressurizing steps is the pressure in another depressurizing step performed before this depressurizing step. The high-pressure steam sterilizer for medical equipment as set forth in appendix 1, wherein the pressure is lower than the above pressure.

(Additional Item 29) Additional Item 1 for sterilizing a medical device in which the communication opening is forcibly communicable.
A high-pressure steam sterilizer for medical equipment as described in 1.

(Additional Item 30) The high-pressure steam sterilizer for a medical device according to Additional Item 1 for sterilizing the medical device, which is equipped with a soft exterior member that separates the inside and the outside of the medical device.

(Additional Item 31) The additional item 1 for sterilizing an endoscope having a bendable bending portion provided on the distal end side of an insertion portion and a soft bending portion covering member for covering the bending portion. High-pressure steam sterilizer for medical equipment.

[0205]

As described above, according to the present invention, even if high-pressure steam sterilization is performed, there is an effect that deterioration of internal parts of the endoscope due to moisture can be prevented.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a pressure adjusting portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an electric connector portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a high-pressure steam sterilizer for high-pressure steam sterilization of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a pressure control method in a high-pressure steam sterilization process of the high-pressure steam sterilizer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of the pressure adjusting unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing pressurization of the pressure adjusting unit by the pressure die according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a ventilation means for ventilating the inside of the endoscope shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

9 is an explanatory view showing a first modified example of the ventilation means shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing a second modification of the ventilation means shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing an endoscope and ventilation means according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an endoscope and ventilation means according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an endoscope device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of an electrical connector section according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an electric connector portion according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the control of the humidity controller according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an endoscope device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing control of the humidity controller according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of an endoscope according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Endoscopic device 2 ... Endoscope 3 ... Light source device 4 ... Signal cable 5… Video processor 6 ... Monitor 7 ... Insert 8 ... Operation part 9… Connection code 10… Connector part 11 ... Electrical connector 15 ... Flexible tube 16 ... Curved part 17 ... Tip 33 ... Waterproof cap 34 ... Storage case for sterilization 35 ... tray 36 ... Lid member 41 ... High-pressure steam sterilizer 42 ... Chamber 43 ... Steaming device 44 ... Vacuum pump 45 ... Control unit 60 ... Base body 61 ... Open / close valve body 64 ... Through hole 70 ... Check valve body 71 ... Spring 72 ... Spring receiving member 73 ... Seal surface 76 ... O-ring 79 ... Pressure adjusting unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) A61L 2/06 A61L 2/06 B G02B 23/24 G02B 23/24 A

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A communication port for communicating the inside and the outside of an endoscope, and a reverse opening that communicates with this communication port and opens only when the pressure inside the endoscope becomes higher than a predetermined pressure above the outside pressure. A pressure regulating means having a stop valve; an on-off valve which is integrally formed with the pressure regulating means and which can be selectively opened and closed; and a closing member which is detachable from the communication port and seals the communication port. Endoscope device. 2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the closing member is detachably formed at a connecting portion with an external device to which the endoscope is connected at the time of inspection. 3. The closure member is integrally formed with a waterproof lid member for watertightly covering an electrical contact provided on the connection portion of the endoscope. Endoscopic device. 4. An endoscope capable of high-pressure steam sterilization, comprising an air supply port communicating the inside and outside of the endoscope and an exhaust port, and forcing the inside of the endoscope to at least one of them. An endoscopic device characterized in that a ventilation means for mechanically ventilating is provided detachably. 5. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 4, wherein openings of the air supply port and the exhaust port inside the endoscope are provided apart from each other. 6. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein openings of the air supply port and the exhaust port inside the endoscope are provided at substantially end portions of the endoscope. 7. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the exhaust ports are provided, and the air supply port is provided at a position sandwiched by the plurality of exhaust ports. 8. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the ventilation means is provided in a high-pressure steam sterilizer that sterilizes the endoscope under high pressure. 9. An endoscope apparatus capable of high-pressure steam sterilization, comprising: a communication mouthpiece for communicating the inside and the outside of the endoscope, wherein the communication mouthpiece includes suction means and the endoscope by the suction means. An endoscope apparatus comprising: a ventilating unit detachably formed with an outside air introducing unit for introducing outside air into the endoscope after suctioning a fluid inside the mirror. 10. The ventilating means comprises a mouthpiece part that is attachable to and detachable from the communication mouthpiece, a first flow path connected to the mouthpiece part, and the first flow path and the third flow path. 10. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising: a branching portion that branches into the flow path, and a suction source that is connected to the second flow path. 11. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the ventilation unit includes an air supply source connected to the third flow path. 12. The ventilating means includes a mouthpiece part that is attachable to and detachable from the communication mouthpiece, a flow path connected to the mouthpiece part, and a fluid moving means capable of sucking and pumping a fluid connected to the flow path. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the endoscope apparatus is configured to include: 13. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the fluid moving means is a roller pump. 14. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the ventilation means is provided in a high-pressure steam sterilizer that sterilizes the endoscope under high-pressure steam. 15. An endoscope apparatus comprising an endoscope and an external device having a connected portion that is attachable to and detachable from an electrical connecting portion provided in the endoscope, wherein the electrical connecting portion is the connected portion. A humidity information detection sensor that detects humidity information in the connection portion when attached to the device, and a control unit that is provided in the external device and that controls energization to the connection target portion based on the output of the humidity information detection sensor. An endoscopic device comprising: an energization control unit. 16. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the humidity information detection sensor and the control unit are provided in the external device. 17. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the humidity information detection sensor is provided in the endoscope and the control unit is provided in the external device. 18. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the external device is an image processing device or a light source device. 19. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a warning is given according to the output of the humidity information detection sensor. 20. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the endoscope is provided with a humidity detecting portion formed of a concave portion. 21. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising drying means for drying the connection portion based on an output of the humidity information detection sensor.