JP2003284675A - Cover type endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To accomplish operations for inserting therapy accessory or supplying fluids into a lumen at separate parts from an endoscope by separating a path formation member, provided on an endoscope cover into which is inserted the insertion tube of the endoscope, from the body operation part of the endoscope. <P>SOLUTION: A flexible tube 28 connected to the tip body 21 of the endoscope cover 20 is arranged so as to have the other end thereof to which is connected with a therapy accessory guiding member 29 detachably mounted on a holder 38 provided at a lock part 23 and a suction valve 39 detachably fixed on the body operation part 2 of the endoscope 1 is connected to a suction tube 35 connected to the therapy accessory guiding member 29 with a sucker 46. Furthermore, the second suction tube 45 is connected to the suction tube 35 from the suction valve 39 and the other end of the second suction tube 45 is connected to a connection pipe 48 detachably fixed on a mounting part 9 provided on a side part of the body operation part 2 of the endoscope 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cover-type endoscope which is detachably attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and is inserted into a body cavity or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Since an endoscope is inserted into a body cavity such as a human body, it is necessary to clean and disinfect each time it is used.
Moreover, it must be able to be completely sterilized. Since this cleaning and disinfection requires a lot of time and labor,
2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope, in particular, a so-called cover-type endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity or the like in a state in which the insertion portion is covered with a cover has been developed. The cover-type endoscope has a great advantage in that the endoscope can be reused without cleaning and disinfecting by replacing the cover.

[0003] Since an endoscope basically inspects the inside of a body cavity, as a minimum endoscope observation mechanism, an illuminating section for illuminating the inside of the body cavity and an illumination from this illuminating section are used. An observation section for observing the inside of the body cavity is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion section. Further, as a result of observing the inside of the body cavity, appropriate treatment may be performed as necessary. For this reason, the endoscope is generally provided with a treatment instrument insertion channel through which a treatment instrument such as forceps is inserted. Further, there is also a suction passage provided to suck and remove dirt, body fluid, and the like in the body cavity.
In many cases, the treatment instrument insertion channel also serves as the suction passage, that is, the suction tube is connected to the proximal end portion of the treatment instrument insertion channel. further,
When the inner wall of the body cavity is dirty, it is necessary to supply physiological saline or the like for perfusion. further,
When the observing section is contaminated with body fluid or the like, it is necessary to wash away the contaminants adhering to the observing section, and a cleaning fluid supply path is provided for this purpose.

As described above, the endoscope is provided with one or a plurality of passages. However, since the passages are also polluted at the time of endoscopic examination, when the endoscope is constructed as a cover-type endoscope, The respective passages are provided on the cover side, not on the endoscope side. As described above, the cover-type endoscope having the cover in which one to a plurality of passages are formed is, for example, an actual flat opening 6-6.
It is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6608 and the like. The cover of the known cover-type endoscope is configured by inserting an insertion portion cover having an endoscope insertion channel and a multi-lumen tube having a plurality of channels into the inside of a cover outer skin. The passage provided in the tube is used as a forceps channel, an air supply path, and a water supply path.

[0005]

By the way, these passages are fixedly provided in the cover regardless of whether the forceps channel is provided as the passage forming member, or whether the air supply path or the water supply path is provided. In the case of forceps channels,
Since a treatment tool such as forceps is inserted, and in the case of an air supply path or a water supply path, the cleaning fluid for the observation part is supplied. When inserting the treatment tool, it is desirable that the operator or the like fix the endoscope or allow another operator to hold the endoscope so that the operator can concentrate on the operation of the treatment tool. is there. Further, when supplying a fluid for cleaning or the like, it may be desirable to obtain the cooperation of a caregiver. However, if the passage is fixed to the cover,
Since this cover is substantially integrated with the endoscope, it is impossible to take the measures as described above.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a treatment instrument by making it possible to separate the proximal end portion of the passage forming member from the endoscope. The purpose is to allow operations such as inserting the needle and supplying fluid into the body cavity to be performed at a site different from the endoscope.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an endoscope in which a main body operation portion is connected to a base end portion of an insertion portion having a distal end hard portion provided with an illumination portion and an observation portion. And a cover-type endoscope that is detachably inserted into the insertion portion of the endoscope, wherein the endoscope cover is a distal end body in which a transparent window is attached to a hard cylindrical body. And a cover main body including a flexible sleeve that is connected to the distal end main body and covers the insertion portion, and a fastening portion formed of an elastic member connected to the proximal end of the flexible sleeve. A passage forming member having flexibility, the passage forming member is connected to the tip body and extends in the direction of the fastening portion together with the flexible sleeve, and the passage forming member is at least the flexible member. From the middle position of the flexible sleeve to the base end, the flexible sleeve Is separated from, and the base end portion of the passage forming member is a casing connected,
This casing is characterized in that it is detachably attached to a holder provided in the fastening portion.

Here, as a typical passage forming member provided on the endoscope cover, there is a treatment instrument insertion passage for inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps. When configured as the treatment instrument insertion passage, it is configured by a flexible tube independent of the flexible sleeve, and the casing connected to the proximal end of the flexible tube serves as the treatment instrument introduction portion. A suction tube may be further connected to the treatment instrument introducing section, and a suction valve may be connected to the other end of the suction tube. As another configuration example of the passage forming member,
There is a passage for supplying a cleaning fluid to the observation part and supplying a perfusate into the body. In this case, a flexible tube similar to the treatment instrument insertion passage described above may be used, but an outer sleeve provided so as to surround the flexible sleeve may be used. The fluid supply passage is formed inside the outer sleeve or in a gap between the outer sleeve and the flexible sleeve. Then, a supply tube is connected to the fluid supply passage at the base end portion of the outer sleeve, and a liquid injection member forming a casing is connected to the other end of the supply tube.

[0009]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 1 (A) shows the entire configuration of an endoscope that constitutes a cover-type endoscope of the present invention, and FIG. 1 (B) shows the overall configuration of an endoscope cover that is a basic form, and FIG. The tip part of the insertion part of an endoscope is shown.

As is apparent from these figures, the endoscope 1
The main body operating section 2 is provided with an insertion section 3 for inserting into the body cavity, and a universal cord 4 is pulled out from the main body operating section 2. The insertion portion 3 is composed of a distal end hard portion 3a, an angle portion 3b, and a flexible portion 3c in order from the distal end side. And left and right 4 directions).

The endoscope 1 has a distal end hard portion 3 of an insertion portion 3 thereof.
A pair of the illumination unit 6 and the observation unit 7 are provided on the tip surface of a. The exit end of the light guide faces the illumination unit 6, the objective lens is attached to the observation unit 7, and the solid-state image sensor (or image guide) is provided at the image forming position of the objective lens. . The endoscope observation mechanism is constituted by these, and the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 has a small diameter in which only this endoscope observation mechanism is mounted. Since the internal structure itself of the endoscope observation mechanism and the entire insertion portion is well known, its illustration and detailed description are omitted.

The insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 has a circular cross section, and the distal end hard portion 3a provided with an endoscope observation mechanism can be oriented in a desired direction by an angle operation. Therefore, by itself, it is possible to perform an inspection by inserting it into a body cavity. However, the insertion part 3
Since the surface of the insert will be soiled if it is directly inserted into the body, the insert 3 is covered with the endoscope cover so that the insert 3 is not soiled in the body cavity.

As an endoscope cover, the endoscope cover 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5 is a basic form, and the endoscope cover 10 is not provided with a passage forming member. . First, the basic form of the endoscope cover 10 will be described. As will be described later, two types of endoscope covers equipped with a passage forming member will be exemplified. Each of these endoscope covers has all the configurations of the endoscope cover 10 which is the basic form.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope cover 10 is composed of the tip body 11, the flexible sleeve 12, and the fastening portion 13, and as shown in FIG. Endoscope 1
It is adapted to be attached to the insertion part 3 of the. Tip body 1
As is clear from FIG. 4, 1 includes a hard cylindrical body 14 and a cover glass 15 as a transparent window mounted on the hard cylindrical body 14 so as to have an airtight structure. The hard tubular body 14 may be made of metal or the like, but is preferably made of a plastic material from the viewpoint of low cost of material, electrical insulation, and the like.

The flexible sleeve 12 is made of a resin material such as urethane resin or a rubber material which is excellent in flexibility in the bending direction and has some elasticity over the whole. However, the elasticity need not necessarily affect the entire length of the flexible sleeve 12, and at least the base end side portion may be formed of an elastic member. Further, since it is for covering the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1, the flexible sleeve 12 can also be configured as a relatively thin film-shaped or sheet-shaped one. Further, the inner diameter of the flexible sleeve 12 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 3, and thus the insertion portion 3
Is adapted to be easily inserted into the flexible sleeve 12.

The fastening portion 13 provided at the base end portion of the flexible sleeve 12 is for fixing to the connecting portion between the main body operating portion 2 and the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1, and therefore this fastening portion. The attachment portion 13 is formed of a member having a sufficiently large thickness as compared with the flexible sleeve 12. The fastening portion 13 is the endoscope 1
It is fixed to the connecting portion between the main body operating portion 2 and the insertion portion 3, and for this reason, in this connecting portion, the main body operating portion 2
Side or the insertion portion 3 side, preferably, a cover locking portion 8 formed of a hard ring is attached so as to abut on a tip end portion of a cover rubber 3d that covers a connecting portion of the flexible portion 3c to the main body operating portion 2. .

Regarding the locking structure between the fastening portion 13 and the cover locking portion 8, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a circle formed on the outer surface of the cover locking portion 8 provided on the endoscope 1 side. It is composed of an annular locking projection 8a and a locking groove 13a provided in the fastening portion 13, and the locking groove 13a is detachably connected to the locking projection 8a by a snap action action. There is. Therefore, the fastening portion 13 is formed of an elastic member such as plastic or rubber. In addition to this, various structures such as a bayonet system and a lure lock system can be adopted as the structure of the locking mechanism of the fastening portion 13 to the endoscope 1. The point is that the fastening portion 13 may be detachably connected to the connecting portion between the main body operating portion 2 and the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 or the vicinity thereof, and may be fixedly held in the connected state.

Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the length from the distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 3a in the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 to the locking projection 8a of the cover locking portion 8 is L1, When the total length of the endoscope cover 10, that is, the length from the inner surface of the cover glass 15 to the locking groove 13a in the fastening portion 13 is L2, L1 is longer than L2. However, this dimensional difference is about several percent.

As a result, when the endoscope cover 10 is attached to the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1, the flexible sleeve 12 of the endoscope cover 10 is pulled and the cover glass 15 thereof is pulled. It is pressed against the tip end surface of the tip end hard portion 3a of the insertion portion 3 so that no air gap is generated therebetween.
As a result, the illumination light from the illumination unit 6 does not reflect on the inner surface of the cover glass 15 and enter the observation unit 7 as harmful light. Moreover, since the above-mentioned dimensional difference is about several percent,
The flexible sleeve 12 is applied with the minimum tension necessary for bringing the hard tip portion 3a and the cover glass 15 into close contact with each other, but the flexibility in the bending direction of the insertion portion 3 is not significantly reduced, and In particular, when the bending operation of the angle portion 3b is performed, no particular trouble occurs.

Fastening portion 1 constituting the endoscope cover 10
Reference numeral 3 is to be locked by the cover locking portion 8, and the outer diameter of the cover locking portion 8 is larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 3. Further, the inner diameter of the flexible sleeve 12 and the tip body 11 connected to the tip thereof is made slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 3. Therefore, the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the endoscope cover 10 from the fastening portion 13 side, and the tip end surface of the tip hard portion 3 a of the insertion portion 3 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the cover glass 15. be able to. In this state, the flexible sleeve 12
So that it can be pulled toward the fastening portion 13 side.
The tip end of the above is passed over the locking projection 8a of the cover locking portion 8. Here, since the fastening portion 13 is formed of an elastic member, if the fastening portion 13 is forcibly expanded, it will get over the locking projection 8a. Then, the locking groove 13a formed on the inner surface of the fastening portion 13 is fitted to the locking projection 8a. As a result, the endoscope cover 10 can be easily and quickly incorporated into the endoscope 1.

In this state, the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the body cavity. The insertion portion 3 is completely covered with the endoscope cover 10, and the endoscope cover 10 is airtight. Because of the structure, the insertion part 3 is not likely to be contaminated by body fluid or the like. Further, an air layer is interposed between the insertion portion 3 and the flexible sleeve 12, but the difference in diameter between them is necessary for the insertion portion 3 to be smoothly inserted into the flexible sleeve 12. Since it can be suppressed to the minimum, and when the fastening portion 13 is locked to the cover locking portion 8, tension is applied to the flexible sleeve 12, so that the air layer therebetween is extremely small. Therefore, the insertion operability of the insertion portion 3 is not hindered. Further, although tension is applied to the flexible sleeve 12, since this tension is relatively weak, the flexibility of the flexible portion 3c and the bendability of the angle portion 3b in the insertion portion 3 are substantially impaired. There is no fear.

The hard tip portion 3a of the insertion portion 3 is joined to the cover glass 15. Since the outer diameter of the hard tip portion 3a is smaller than the inner diameter of the hard tubular body 14, the hard tubular body 14 is
The tip hard portion 3a may move inside. However, due to the action of the tension of the flexible sleeve 12, the distal end hard portion 3a
Since the cover glass 15 and the cover glass 15 are brought into close contact with each other, the distal end hard portion 3a does not move indiscriminately within the rigid cylindrical body 14. In particular, if a liquid film of water or the like is formed between the hard tip portion 3a and the cover glass 15, this liquid film will exhibit a substantial adhesive function, and as a result, the fixability of the hard tip portion 3a will be improved. Is further improved.

When the examination of the inside of the body cavity by the endoscope 1 is completed with the endoscope cover 10 attached, the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 is taken out of the body cavity, but of course the endoscope cover 1
It is taken out of the body while being covered with 0. After that, the fastening portion 13 of the endoscope cover 10 is detached from the cover locking portion 8 and the endoscope cover 10 is pulled out, so that the endoscope cover 10 that has been used and has been contaminated with body fluid or the like. Is separated from the insertion portion 3, but the endoscope 1 is not soiled. Therefore, after using the endoscope 1,
It can be reused without disinfection.

In the endoscope cover 10 which is the basic form described above, in the present invention, the passage forming member is incorporated in the endoscope cover. Here, as a typical passage required according to the type and mode of endoscopy, a treatment instrument insertion passage for inserting a treatment instrument, a suction passage, and a fluid supply such as a cleaning liquid or a chemical liquid are provided. Is the passage. In a general endoscope, the treatment instrument insertion passage and the suction passage are shared.
Therefore, a configuration of the endoscope cover 20 provided with a passage for inserting the treatment tool and suctioning body fluid and the like will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12.

The endoscope cover 20 with the treatment instrument insertion channel uses the endoscope cover 10 as a basic structure as a cover body into which the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 is inserted. That is, the endoscope cover 20 includes the distal end body 21, the flexible sleeve 22 and the fastening portion 23, and the cover body portion is constituted by these. And, the tip body 21 is the rigid cylinder 2
4 and the cover glass 25, a locking groove 23a is formed in the fastening portion 23. Further, the length from the inner surface of the cover glass 25 to the locking groove 23a of the fastening portion 23 is the same dimension as the endoscope cover 10 which is the basic form, that is, L2.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the hard cylindrical body 24 of the tip body 21 of the endoscope cover 20 is composed of a cover glass fixing portion 24a and a passage supporting portion 24b. The passage support portion 24b is provided with a through hole 26 that functions as an opening for leading out a treatment instrument, and a tube fitting tubular portion 27 extends toward the base end side. The tip end of a flexible tube 28 forming a passage is fitted and fixed to the tube fitting tubular portion 27. A passage forming body is formed by these, and since the flexible tube 26 is a treatment tool insertion passage such as forceps, it is a tube that is flexible in the bending direction, has excellent crush resistance, and has a smooth inner surface. Composed of wood. The flexible tube 26 extends toward the base end side along the flexible sleeve 22, and a treatment tool introducing member 29 is connected to the base end thereof. The treatment instrument introducing member 29 is configured, for example, as shown in FIG.

That is, the treatment instrument introducing member 29 has a main body casing 30, a tube connecting portion 31 is provided at the tip of the main body casing 30, and the flexible sleeve 22 is provided.
The base end portion of is fitted and fixed to the tube connecting portion 31. A tip portion of the main body casing 30 is open, and a treatment instrument guide tube 32 made of an elastic member such as rubber is attached to the tip portion. A check valve 33 is provided in the middle of the treatment instrument guide cylinder 32 to prevent backflow of body fluid or the like from the body when the treatment instrument is inserted.

Main body casing 30 of treatment instrument introducing member 29
A connecting pipe 34 is connected to the connecting pipe 34, and a suction tube 35 is connected to the connecting pipe 34. Therefore,
The flexible tube 28 and the treatment instrument introducing member 29 function as a suction passage in addition to the insertion passage of the treatment instrument.
Then, when functioning as a suction passage, it is necessary to close the tip of the treatment instrument guide tube 32. For this,
A stopper member 37 is connected to the distal end of a connecting band 36 provided integrally with the treatment instrument guide tube 32. Therefore, the inside of the treatment instrument introducing member 29 is sealed by fitting the plug member 37 to the tip of the treatment instrument guide cylinder 32.

The treatment instrument introducing member 29 is detachably held by the fastening portion 23. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, a holder 38 is integrally provided on the fastening portion 23. The fastening portion 23 is an elastic member, and therefore the holder 38 also has elasticity. The holder 38 has a substantially C-shape, and is fixedly held by elastically holding the treatment instrument introducing member 29. The holder 38 has a C-shape, and the slit portion thereof is oriented in the lateral direction. When the treatment instrument introducing member 29 is attached to the holder 38, the suction tube 35 fitted to the connecting pipe 34 has a slit portion. Is located in. Therefore, the gap between the slits is at least wider than the outer diameter of the suction tube 35 and larger than the outer diameter of the flexible tube 28.

The other end of the suction tube 35 connected to the treatment instrument introducing member 29 is connected to a suction valve 39. As is clear from FIG. 9, the suction valve 39 is provided with a valve seat portion 41 in the valve casing 40, and the inside of the valve casing 40 is provided with two upper and lower chambers 40a, 4a by the valve seat portion 41.
It is partitioned into 0b. Further, the valve seat portion 41 is provided with one or a plurality of communication holes 42 penetrating vertically, and these communication holes 42 are normally closed by the valve member 43 located in the lower chamber 40b. . An operation rod 44 is connected to the valve member 43, and the operation rod 44 penetrates through the valve seat portion 41 and extends upward. The suction tube 35 is connected to the lower chamber 40b of the valve casing 40, and the second suction tube 45 is connected to the upper chamber 40a. A suction cup 46 is fixedly provided on the lower end portion of the valve casing 40, and thereby the lower end portion of the lower chamber 40b of the valve casing 40 is closed. A valve operating portion 47 made of an elastic material such as rubber is provided at the upper end of the valve casing 40, and the upper end of the operating rod 44 is attached to the valve operating portion 47.

The second suction tube 45 connected to the chamber 40a is connected to a suction device, as will be described later. The valve operating portion 47 is bent so that its side portion has a tubular shape, and is normally held in the illustrated state. In this state, the communication hole 42 is closed by the valve member 43. Therefore, the communication between the suction tube 35 and the second suction tube 45 is blocked. At this time, in order to operate the suction machine in a no-load state, the valve operating portion 47 has an atmosphere opening port 47a. Then, when the valve operating portion 47 is pressed with a finger or the like, the valve member 43 is separated from the valve seat portion 41 and displaced downward, so that the suction tube 35 communicates with the second suction tube 45 via the communication hole 42. As a result, a negative pressure suction force is applied to the inside of the flexible tube 28 via the suction tube 35, and suction can be performed from the inside of the body. In addition,
The valve operating portion 47 is provided with an atmosphere opening port 47a. By operating the valve operating portion 47 so as to push the valve operating portion 47 to a position where it abuts on the upper end portion of the valve casing 40,
The atmosphere opening port 47a is closed.

Further, the other end of the second suction tube 45 is connected to the connection pipe 48. The connection pipe 48 is detachably connected to a pipe from a suction machine including a suction pump, a suction tank, and the like (not shown).
Here, since there are various diameters of the pipe from the suction device, the pipe connecting portion 48a of the connecting pipe 48 has a bamboo shoot shape, and the connecting depth of the connecting pipe 48 should be changed according to the inner diameter of the pipe. Enables reliable connection to various sizes of pipes.

Of the treatment instrument introducing member 29, the suction valve 39 and the connecting pipe 48 described above, the treatment instrument introducing member 29.
As described above, the fastening portion 2 of the endoscope cover 20 is
3, the suction valve 39 and the connection pipe 48 are fixed to the holder 38 provided in the endoscope 1 as shown in FIG.
It is fixedly held by the main body operation unit 2. Suction valve 39
A suction cup 46 is provided at the bottom of the suction cup 46, and the suction cup 46 can be adsorbed at any position on the outer surface of the main body operation unit 2. Further, the connecting rod 48 has a connecting rod 49.
Extends in a direction orthogonal to the axis thereof, an annular groove 49a is formed in the connecting rod 49, and a C ring 50 is mounted in the groove 49a. On the other hand, a mounting portion 9 is provided on the side surface portion of the main body operating portion 2 of the endoscope 1, and the mounting portion 9 is formed with a fitting portion 9a.
Therefore, the connecting rod 49 of the connecting pipe 48 is fitted into the fitting portion 9a, and the connecting pipe 48 is held by the main body operating portion 2 by the action of the frictional force of the C ring 50.

Here, the suction valve 39 can be fixed at an arbitrary position in the main body operating section 2. Since the operator operates the suction valve 39 by hand, the operator can fix the suction valve 39 at a desired position. On the other hand, the treatment instrument introducing member 29 is fixed at a predetermined position. Further, the mounting position of the connection pipe 48 cannot be changed. Therefore, when the suction valve 39 is attached at an arbitrary position, the suction valve 39 and the treatment instrument introducing member 29 are attached.
And the position of the connecting pipe 48 changes. Therefore, the suction tube 35 that connects the treatment instrument introducing member 29 and the suction valve 39 and the second suction tube 45 that connects the suction valve 39 and the connection pipe 48 need to be adjustable in length. . For this purpose, these suction tubes 35
As the (and also the second suction tube 45), for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a curl structure or the like is used so that it has a predetermined extra length and is expandable.

Here, a flexible tube 28 functioning as a treatment instrument insertion passage is attached to the endoscope cover 20, and the treatment instrument is led out in the endoscope observation mechanism, particularly the observation section 7. It has a close relationship. Therefore, it is necessary to align the endoscope cover 20 and the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 in the rotational direction. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, for example, in the distal end main body 21 of the endoscope cover 20, the rigid cylindrical body 2
In the inner surface of the cover glass fixing portion 24a in FIG. 4, concave portions 51 are formed in two places on the left and right, and a positioning convex portion 52 made of an elastic member is formed on the outer surface of the distal end hard portion 3a of the insertion portion 3.
Are fixedly provided, and after the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 is mounted on the second endoscope cover 20, the positioning convex portion 52 is engaged with the concave portion 51.

The endoscope cover 20 is configured as described above, and the operation of connecting the endoscope cover 20 to the endoscope 1 is performed by the endoscope cover 10 described as the basic mode.
Is substantially the same as the case. However, the distal end and the proximal end of the flexible tube 28 are supported by the endoscope 1, but the middle part is in a free state. Therefore, if the intermediate portion is not regulated, the insert operability may deteriorate. Therefore, it is desirable that the intermediate portion is connected to the flexible sleeve 22 surrounding the insertion portion 3 by winding the adhesive tape 53 over a plurality of places. here,
At the connection position of the flexible tube 28 to the flexible sleeve 22, the adhesive tape 53 is not provided at least at a portion not inserted into the body cavity. The flexible sleeve 22 is the cover glass 2
Since the flexible tube 28 functions as a treatment instrument insertion passage, tension is applied to press the tip of the insertion portion 3 and the tip of the insertion portion 3 into pressure contact with each other.
It is necessary to make the rigidity higher, and if the gap is fixed over the entire length, the above-described action of tension may not be surely performed. In this sense, the flexible tube 28
The number of connecting points to the flexible sleeve 22 is minimized within a range that does not hinder the insertion operability.

The treatment instrument introducing member 29 connected to the proximal end portion of the flexible tube 28 is fixed to a holder 38 provided on the fastening portion 23. Further, the connecting pipe 48 has its connecting rod 49.
By being fitted to the mounting portion 9 of the main body operating portion 2, it is stably held. Here, since the connecting rod 49 is rotatable with respect to the mounting portion 9, the connecting portion of the pipe from the suction device extends in a direction that does not interfere with the hand holding the main body operating portion 2. Can be connected to. On the other hand, the suction valve 39 is fixed to the main body operation unit 2 by a suction cup 46.
Therefore, by sucking the suction cup 46 to a relatively flat portion in the main body operation unit 2, the suction valve 39
Can be fixed in a desired position. Generally, since the suction valve 39 is operated by the finger of the hand holding the main body operation unit 2, it can be fixed at any position according to the operator's individuality and the like, which improves the operability.

In the endoscope 1 with the endoscope cover 20 attached, the insertion portion 3 is inserted into the body cavity, and as a result of the inspection by the endoscopic inspection mechanism, the affected area or the like is found. By using the forceps or other treatment tool, treatment can be performed and cells can be collected. In the insertion operation of the treatment tool, the plug member 37 mounted on the treatment tool guide tube 32 of the treatment tool introducing member 29 is removed, and the treatment tool is introduced into the treatment tool introducing member 29. A check valve 33 is provided on the treatment instrument guide cylinder 32, and the check valve 33 is inserted so that the check valve 33 is pushed open by the tip of the treatment instrument and guided into the flexible tube 28. Then, the tip of the treatment tool is attached to the tip body 2
When the treatment tool is used, an appropriate treatment can be performed by pulling it out from the through hole 26 formed in 1.

Further, if dirt is accumulated in the body, it is not possible to secure a visual field with respect to the inner wall of the body cavity unless it is removed by suction. To perform this suction, the suction valve 39 fixed to the main body operation unit 2 is operated with the distal end of the treatment instrument guide tube 32 closed by the plug member 37. That is, when the valve operating portion 47 of the suction valve 39 is pushed in with a finger, the pushing force is transmitted to the valve member 43 via the operating rod 44.
The valve member 43 separates from the valve seat portion 42 and is finally displaced below the connection position of the suction tube 35 in the valve casing 40. As a result, the suction tube 35
Will communicate with the second suction tube 45 through the communication hole 42 of the valve seat portion 41. This second suction tube 4
Since 5 is connected to the pipe from the suction machine via the connection pipe 48, the suction tube 35 to the flexible tube 2 is connected.
Negative pressure suction force acts inside 8. As a result, dirt such as body fluid is removed by being sucked into the suction device via the flexible tube 28, the suction tube 35, and the second suction tube 45. Thereby, the visual field in the body cavity can be improved.

By the way, in inserting a treatment tool such as forceps into the body cavity and performing an appropriate treatment, the operator is very nervous, and the operator must concentrate his or her attention on the operation of the treatment tool. I won't. Further, although the treatment tool is usually one that can be operated with one hand, it may be desirable to operate the treatment tool with both hands in consideration of the accuracy of the treatment and the like. Therefore, when a treatment is performed using the treatment tool, the endoscope 1 can be released from the operator's hand so that the treatment can be focused on and fine operation of the treatment tool can be performed.

In such a case, first, the treatment instrument introducing member 29 is separated from the holder 38. In this operation, the treatment instrument introducing member 29 is pulled out from the holder 38, and then the holder 38 is laterally displaced in the slit portion direction. As a result, the flexible tube 28 is separated from the holder 38, and the predetermined length on the proximal end side of the flexible tube 28 and the treatment instrument introducing member 29 can be separated from the endoscope 1. Further, the suction valve 39 and the connection pipe 48, which are connected to the tip, can also be separated from the main body operation unit 2 of the endoscope 1. Therefore, the treatment instrument introducing member 29 is fixed in a state where the endoscope 1 is fixed to the support member or is held by another operator.
An appropriate treatment can be performed by inserting a necessary treatment tool into the body and guiding it into the body cavity. Here, when the endoscope 1 is configured as an electronic endoscope, the image inside the body cavity is displayed on the monitor, and so long as it is not necessary to move the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1, another If the operator appropriately moves the insertion portion 3 in a desired direction, the operator operating the treatment instrument can perform a fine operation by performing the operation with both hands, and can concentrate the nerve on this operation. .

Next, the suction operation may be performed by simply pushing the valve operating portion 47 so that the negative pressure suction force is applied to the flexible tube 28, and the caregiver may also perform the suction operation. It can be done enough. Therefore, by separating the suction valve 39 and the connection pipe 48 from the main body operation unit 2 of the endoscope 1, a suction operation can be performed by a person other than the operator who holds the main body operation unit 2 and operates the endoscope 1. It can be carried out. And since the suction tube 35 has a curl structure,
It is not always necessary to separate the treatment instrument introducing member 29 from the holder 38, but it is desirable to separate the treatment instrument introducing member 29 from the holder 38 from the viewpoint of ease of suction operation and endoscope operation. When the suction valve 39 is operated by the finger of the hand that holds the main body operation unit 2 of the endoscope 1, it is operated by adhering the suction cup 46 to an appropriate position of the main body operation unit 2. Can be placed in an easy position.

When the inspection by the endoscope is completed and the insertion portion 3 together with the endoscope cover 20 is taken out from the body cavity, the endoscope cover 20 is separated and a new endoscope cover 20 is obtained.
By mounting, the endoscope 1 can be reused immediately, that is, without cleaning or disinfecting the endoscope 1.

13 to 17, an endoscope cover 60 having a passage for supplying a fluid in addition to the endoscope 10 having the basic structure will be described. This endoscope cover 60
Is the tip body 61 as in the endoscope cover 10 of the basic structure.
And a flexible sleeve 62 and a fastening portion 63,
These form the cover body. The tip body 61 in the cover body portion has a hard cylinder 64 and a cover glass 65.
And have. The flexible sleeve 62 is attached to the insertion portion 3 with tension, and the fastening portion 63 has a locking groove 63a that is locked by the locking projection 8a that constitutes the cover locking portion 8. It is provided. Further, the length from the inner surface of the cover glass 65 to the locking groove 63a has a length L2 as in the endoscope cover 10.

Here, the endoscope cover 60 has a function of supplying a liquid in addition to a function of covering the insertion portion 3 so as not to be contaminated. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the tip body 61 is
A cover glass 65 is attached to the hard cylindrical portion 64. The mounting portion of the cover glass 65 is in an eccentric position. Therefore, the upper side of the hard tubular portion 64 is thick, and the arc-shaped outflow opening 6 is formed in this thick portion.
6 are formed at two places. Both of these outflow openings 66 are formed on the left and right sides slightly apart from this position with a predetermined angle, with the thickest part as a boundary.

The rigid cylindrical portion 64 has a sleeve fixing portion 64a.
Is provided so as to project toward the base end side by a predetermined length, and the tip end portion of the flexible sleeve 62 is fixed to the sleeve fixing portion 64a. The flexible sleeve 62 is covered with an exterior sleeve 67. The outer sleeve 67 is made of a tubular member having two layers inside and outside,
The inner sleeve 67a is made of a thin film, and the outer sleeve 67b is made of a member having a larger wall thickness than the inner sleeve 67a and the flexible sleeve 62, and has the highest rigidity. The tip of the outer sleeve 67b of the outer sleeve 67 that constitutes the outer sleeve 67 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the hard tubular portion 64. The inner sleeve 67a is fixed to the sleeve fixing portion 64a together with the flexible sleeve 62. Therefore, the portion of the outer sleeve 67 that faces the outflow opening 66 is the inner sleeve 67a.
There is a gap between the outer sleeve 67b and the outer sleeve 67b, and this gap constitutes a fluid supply passage 68.

As shown in FIG. 16, the exterior sleeve 67.
An end closing portion 69 is provided at the base end of the so as to bulge outward. Here, the end closing portion 69 is arranged at the front position from the proximal end side of the flexible sleeve 62, and that position is a portion that is not normally inserted into the body cavity. A supply tube 70 communicating with the supply passage 68 is connected to the end closing portion 69. Further, a liquid injection member 71 is connected to the base end of the supply tube 70.

The liquid injection member 71 is formed of a cylindrical member, and a liquid pressure feeding means such as a syringe is attached to the opening at the tip thereof. The liquid injection member 71 is detachably fixed to a holder 72 that is provided in series with the fastening portion 63 of the endoscope cover 60. The holder 72 has a substantially C shape, and the liquid injection member 71 is sandwiched by the holder 72. Further, the liquid injection member 71 is prevented from rotating with respect to the holder 72. Therefore, a chamfered portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the liquid injection member 71, and a flat portion 72a corresponding to the chamfered portion is formed on the holder 72, as shown in FIG. Therefore, when the liquid injection member 71 is attached to the holder 72, the chamfered portion 71a is fitted into the flat portion 72a so as to be aligned with each other, so that a syringe or the like is attached to the liquid injection member 71 to pump the liquid. At this time, even if a force in the rotational direction acts, the liquid injection member 71 is not likely to be displaced. The treatment instrument introducing member 29 described above can also have a similar detent mechanism. The slit-shaped gap of the C-shaped holder 72 is larger than the outer diameter of the supply tube 70.

The endoscope cover 60 constructed as described above
The insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the flexible sleeve 62 that constitutes the cover main body, and the mounting method is the same as that described for the endoscope cover 10. A supply tube 70 extends to the proximal end side of the endoscope cover 60, and a liquid injection member 71 is connected to the supply tube 70. The liquid injection member 71 can be fixed to a holder 72 provided on the fastening portion 63.

Since the tip hard portion 3a of the insertion portion 3 is covered with the cover glass 65, when it is inserted into the body cavity,
Although the contaminants do not adhere to the insertion portion 3 itself, the endoscope cover 60 is contaminated. Of course, since the cover glass 65 is exposed, its outer surface is also soiled. as a result,
A sufficient observation field of view inside the body cavity cannot be obtained through the observation section 7. Therefore, it is necessary to supply the cleaning liquid to the surface of the cover glass 65 to clean it. Further, in order to accurately observe the inner wall of the body cavity, it is necessary to supply the perfusate to the observation target portion.

As described above, when supplying the fluid,
By connecting a liquid pressure feeding means such as a syringe to the liquid injection member 71,
A required fluid is pressure-fed from the supply tube 70 into the exterior sleeve 67. This fluid can be made to flow into the body cavity through the outflow opening 66 provided in the rigid tubular portion 64. In the case of washing away the contaminants adhering to the cover glass 65, a low-pressure cleaning liquid is supplied so that the cleaning liquid flowing out from the outflow opening 66 flows along the surface of the cover glass 65. The cleaning of the cover glass 65 has a wide area unlike the observation section 7, but the outflow opening 66 to which the cleaning liquid is supplied covers approximately 180 °, so that the entire surface can be cleaned smoothly and reliably. . Further, when the perfusate is supplied, the supply pressure is increased to eject the perfusate from the outflow opening 66 toward the target.
As a result, the body cavity is perfused, and the inner wall of the body cavity can be precisely observed by the endoscope observation mechanism. Here, the perfusion liquid is supplied in a larger amount than the cleaning liquid and the supply pressure is often high.

Here, it is not always necessary for the operator who operates the endoscope 1 to perform this, whether it is a washing solution or a perfusion solution. A helper such as a nurse may perform the liquid injection operation according to the operator's request. Therefore, when the operation of injecting the liquid from the liquid injecting member 71 is performed not by the operator of the endoscope 1 but by the assistant thereof, the operation is not connected to the holder 72 or after being inserted into the body cavity, The liquid injection member 71 is removed from the holder 72. by this,
The liquid injection member 71 can be completely separated from the main body operation unit 2 of the endoscope 1, the supply tube 70 has flexibility in the bending direction, and the portion outside the body is completely separated from the endoscope 1. Therefore, the caregiver does not disturb the operator when he or she operates the liquid pressure feeding means such as the syringe for the liquid injection member 71.

[0053]

As described above, according to the present invention, the passage forming member provided in the endoscope cover into which the insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted can be separated from the main body operation portion of the endoscope. Further, there is an effect that the operation of inserting the treatment tool or supplying the fluid into the body cavity can be performed at a site different from the endoscope.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view showing an endoscope and an endoscope cover as a basic structure.

FIG. 2 is an external view of a distal end surface of a hard distal end portion in the insertion portion of the endoscope.

FIG. 3 is an external view showing a state in which an endoscope cover is incorporated in the endoscope.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tip portion of FIG.

5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a proximal end portion of the endoscope cover shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a structural explanatory view showing a state in which the endoscope cover showing the first embodiment of the present invention is incorporated in an endoscope.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a front end portion of an endoscope cover incorporated in an endoscope.

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a treatment instrument introduction member, a suction valve, and a connection pipe connected to the endoscope cover.

FIG. 10 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of a fastening portion of the endoscope.

FIG. 11 is a structural explanatory view showing a state where the suction valve and the connection pipe are attached to the main body operation portion of the endoscope.

FIG. 12 is an external view of a suction tube.

FIG. 13 is a structural explanatory view showing a state in which the endoscope cover showing the second embodiment of the present invention is incorporated in an endoscope.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the endoscope cover incorporated in the endoscope.

15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY of FIG.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the base end portion of the outer tube of the endoscope cover.

FIG. 17 is a vertical sectional view of a fastening portion of the endoscope.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Endoscope 2 Main body operation part 3 Insertion part 3a Tip hard part 6 Illumination section 7 Observation section 8 Cover locking part 9 Mounting part 10, 20, 60 Endoscope cover 11,21,61 Tip body 12,22,62 Flexible sleeve 13,23,63 Fastening part 14, 24, 64 rigid cylinder 15,25,65 Cover glass 28 Flexible tube 35 suction tube 38, 72 holder 39 Suction valve 45 Second suction tube 48 Connection pipe 49 Connection rod 66 Outflow opening 67 Exterior sleeve 68 supply passage 70 supply tube 71 Liquid inflow part

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope in which a main body operation section is connected to a proximal end portion of an insertion section having a distal end hard section provided with an illumination section and an observation section, and detachably attachable to the insertion section of the endoscope. In a cover-type endoscope including an inserted endoscope cover, the endoscope cover is connected to the distal end main body in which a transparent window is attached to a hard cylindrical body, and is capable of covering the insertion portion. A flexible sleeve, a cover main body having a fastening portion made of an elastic member connected to the base end of the flexible sleeve, and a flexible passage forming member, A forming member is connected to the distal end body and extends in the direction of the fastening portion together with the flexible sleeve, and the passage forming member is flexible at least from a middle position of the flexible sleeve to a base end portion. Of the passage forming member, A casing is connected to the base end portion, and the casing is configured to be detachably attached to a holder provided in the fastening portion, the cover-type endoscope. 2. The passage forming member is composed of a flexible tube independent of the flexible sleeve, and a casing connected to a proximal end portion of the flexible tube is a treatment instrument introducing portion. The cover-type endoscope according to claim 1. 3. The cover-type endoscope according to claim 2, wherein a suction tube is further connected to the treatment instrument introducing portion, and a suction valve is connected to the other end portion of the suction tube. mirror. 4. The passage forming member comprises an exterior sleeve provided so as to surround the flexible sleeve, and a fluid supply formed inside the exterior sleeve or in a gap between the exterior sleeve and the flexible sleeve. It is a passage, and a supply tube is connected to the fluid supply passage at the base end portion of the exterior sleeve, and a liquid injection member as the casing is connected to the other end of the supply tube. The cover type endoscope according to item 1.