JP2004081874A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus which is inexpensive, good in operability, and capable of preventing the failure to attach its pressure adjustment member at the time of sterilization with high-temperature and high-pressure steam. <P>SOLUTION: This endoscope apparatus is provided with an endoscope capable of performing at least one of such treatments as of washing, disinfection, and sterilization; a waterproof cap 33 (with a pressure regulating valve) which can be detachably connected to this endoscope directly or indirectly and works as the pressure control member having either one of a pressure adjustment means for switching the connecting conditions between the inside and outside of the endoscope depending on the external pressure of the endoscope, or a control means for controlling this pressure adjustment means; a storage case (for sterilization) 34 used as a combination member to be combined with the endoscope at the time of performing at least one of washing, disinfection, and sterilization treatments; and a connection member 65 for connecting the storage case (for sterilization) 34 with the waterproof cap (with the pressure regulating valve) 33. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

(4) The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus including a slender insertion portion and an operation portion connected to a proximal end of the insertion portion, and capable of performing at least one of washing, disinfection, and sterilization at a high temperature.

In the medical field today, an endoscopic patient can observe a deep part in a body cavity by inserting a long and thin insertion portion into the body cavity or the like, and can perform a medical treatment or the like by using a treatment tool as needed. Mirrors have become widely used. In these medical endoscopes, it is essential to surely sterilize and sterilize the used endoscope.

Recently, autoclave sterilization (high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization), which can be used immediately after sterilization without complicated work and has low running costs, is becoming the mainstream for sterilization of medical devices.
Representative conditions for autoclave sterilization include the approval of the American National Standards Institute and the American standard ANSI AAMI ST37-1992 issued by the Medical Device Development Association. The prevacuum type has a sterilization step of 132 ° C. for 4 minutes, and the gravity type has The temperature is 132 ° C for 10 minutes in the sterilization process.

The environmental conditions of such autoclave sterilization are extremely severe for endoscopes, and in order to realize an endoscope capable of autoclave sterilization that is resistant to such conditions, it is necessary to use only other disinfection and sterilization means. Various countermeasures such as high pressure countermeasures, high temperature countermeasures, and steam countermeasures must be taken compared to usable endoscopes. In particular, the endoscope insertion part is a part to be inserted into the patient's body, so various fine characteristics such as flexibility and elasticity are required, but the endoscope insertion part is more resistant to high pressure, high temperature, and steam than the rigid part at the tip. It tends to be weak (the characteristics are easily degraded), and more advanced measures are required.

Incidentally, since the check valve adapter shown in the internal pressure adjusting device of the endoscope disclosed in JP-A-5-253168 is detachable, the endoscope may be damaged due to forgetting to attach it during the sterilization process. there were. For this reason, there is a demand for an endoscope apparatus that prevents damage to the endoscope by preventing forgetting to attach the pressure adjusting member during sterilization. In addition, when there are a plurality of check valve adapters, there is a possibility that a specific check valve adapter may be used repeatedly in a biased manner, thereby shortening the service life. On the other hand, when the check valve adapter is integrally provided in a container or the like that stores the endoscope during the sterilization process, the detachability of the check valve adapter is deteriorated, and the structure becomes complicated and expensive, If either the container or the check valve adapter fails, the repair cost will be higher than the separate one.

Therefore, it has been desired to provide an inexpensive endoscope apparatus which can prevent forgetting to attach a pressure adjusting member during high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, has good workability, and is inexpensive.
JP-A-5-253168

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope apparatus which can prevent forgetting to attach a pressure adjusting member during high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, has good workability, and is inexpensive. .

A first endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an endoscope main body capable of performing at least one of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, and a detachable direct or indirect attachment to the endoscope main body. At least one of a pressure adjusting means that is connectable and switches a communication state between the inside of the endoscope main body and the outside of the endoscope main body in accordance with a pressure outside the endoscope main body, or a control means that controls the pressure adjusting means. A pressure control member having: a combination member used in combination with the endoscope main body when performing at least one of the washing, disinfection, and sterilization processes; and connecting the combination member to the pressure control member. And a connecting member.
Further, in the second endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, in the first endoscope apparatus, the pressure control member is detachably connected to a vent of the endoscope main body, and the endoscope main body is When the external pressure is lower than the pressure inside the endoscope main body, the inside and the outside communicate with each other, and when the pressure outside the endoscope main body is higher than the pressure inside the endoscope main body, the inside and the outside are connected. It has a check valve for shutting off.
A third endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the second endoscope apparatus, the pressure control member has control means for controlling an operation of the check valve.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent forgetting to attach the pressure adjusting member at the time of high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, and it is possible to provide an inexpensive endoscope apparatus with good workability.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIGS. 1 to 4 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the overall configuration of an endoscope apparatus provided with an imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the insertion section distal end side of the endoscope, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the insertion section proximal end side and the operation section of the endoscope of FIG. 1, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which formed the notch part in the holding | maintenance part casing.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an endoscope 2 having an image pickup means (not shown) and an endoscope 2 which is detachably connected to the endoscope 2 and has A light source device 3 that supplies illumination light to a light guide provided in the endoscope 2; and a light source device 3 that is connected to the endoscope 2 via a signal cable 4 to control the imaging unit of the endoscope 2. It comprises a video processor 5 for processing a signal obtained from the imaging means and outputting a standard video signal, and a monitor 6 for inputting the video signal from the video processor 5 and displaying an endoscopic image. . After the endoscope 2 is used for observation and treatment, it is configured so that it can be sterilized by high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization (hereinafter, autoclave sterilization) after washing.

The endoscope 2 has an elongated insertion portion 7 having flexibility, an operation portion 8 provided on a base end side of the insertion portion 7, and flexibility extending from a side portion of the operation portion 8. A universal cord 9, a connector 10 provided at an end of the universal cord 9 and detachably connectable to the light source device 3, and extending to a side of the connector 10 and connectable to the video processor 5. And the electrical connector section 11 to which the signal cable 4 can be detachably connected.

A connecting portion between the insertion portion 7 and the operation portion 8 is provided with an insertion portion side buckling prevention member 12 having an elastic member for preventing a sharp bend of the connection portion. An operation-portion-side buckling prevention member 13 is provided at a connection portion with the universal cord 9, and a connector-portion-side buckling prevention member 14 is provided at a connection portion between the universal cord 9 and the connector portion 10.

The insertion portion 7 has a flexible tube portion 15 having flexibility, a bending portion 16 that can be bent by operating the operation portion 8 provided on the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 15, and a bending portion 16 provided at the distal end. And an end portion 17 provided with an observation optical system, an illumination optical system, and the like (not shown).

The operation unit 8 includes an air supply / water supply operation button 21 for operating an air supply operation and a water supply operation, a suction operation button 22 for operating a suction operation, and a bending operation knob for performing a bending operation of the bending unit 16. 23, a plurality of remote switches 24 for remotely controlling the video processor 5, and a treatment tool insertion port 25 which is an opening communicating with the treatment tool channel.

The distal end portion 17 includes a liquid supply port and a gas supply / water supply nozzle (not shown) for ejecting a cleaning liquid or gas toward an observation window of an observation optical system (not shown) by a gas supply operation and a water supply operation, and the insertion portion 7. A suction port (not shown), which is an opening on the distal end side of a treatment tool channel (not shown), through which the disposed treatment tool is inserted or a liquid in the body cavity is suctioned, is provided.

The connector section 10 has a gas supply base 26 detachably connected to a gas supply source (not shown) built in the light source device 3 and a water supply tank detachably connected to a water supply tank 27 serving as a liquid supply source. Water is supplied from the pressure base 28 and the liquid supply base 29, a suction base 30 connected to a suction source (not shown) for performing suction from the suction port of the distal end portion 17, and the liquid supply port of the distal end portion 17. And an inlet 31 connected to a water supply means (not shown). In addition, the connector section 10 is provided with a ground terminal base 32 for returning the leakage current to the high-frequency processing device when a high-frequency leakage current occurs in the endoscope when performing high-frequency processing or the like.

(4) The electric connector section 11 is provided with a vent hole 66 (not shown) for communicating the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 with each other. Further, a waterproof cap 33 with a pressure adjusting valve can be detachably connected to the electric connector section 11, and the waterproof cap 33 is provided with a pressure adjusting valve (not shown).

At the time of autoclave sterilization, a sterilization storage case (hereinafter, storage case) 34 for storing the endoscope 2 is used.
The storage case 34 includes a tray 35 for storing the endoscope 2 and a lid member 36 of the tray 35. The tray 35 and the lid member 36 are provided with a plurality of vents (not shown) so that steam can pass through the holes during autoclave sterilization.

(4) The tray 35 is provided with a not-shown restricting portion corresponding to the endoscope main body 2, and the restricting portion is such that each part of the endoscope main body 2 fits in a predetermined position. The restricting portion has an inserting portion restricting portion (not shown) in which the inserting portion 7 having a flexible tube property is stored.

As described above, typical conditions for high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization include approval by the American National Standards Institute and the US Standard ANSI / AAMI @ ST37-1992 issued by the Medical Device Development Association. The sterilization process is performed at 132 ° C. for 10 minutes.

The temperature conditions in the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization during the sterilization step vary depending on the type of the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer and the time of the sterilization step, but are generally set in a range of about 115 ° C. to 138 ° C. Some sterilizers can be set to 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. Some types of sterilizers can be set for about 100 minutes.
The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally set to about +0.2 MPa with respect to the atmospheric pressure.

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

が あ る Some methods include a drying step to re-pressurize the sterilization chamber after the sterilization step in order to dry the equipment to be sterilized after sterilization. In this step, the inside of the sterilization chamber is decompressed to remove steam from the sterilization chamber to promote drying of the equipment to be sterilized in the sterilization chamber. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally set at about -0.07 to -0.09 MPa with respect to the atmospheric pressure.

オ ー ト When the endoscope 2 is sterilized in an autoclave, the waterproof cap 33 with the pressure regulating valve is attached to the electric connector portion 11. In this state, the pressure adjusting valve (not shown) of the waterproof cap 33 is closed, the vent hole is closed by the waterproof cap 33, and the inside of the endoscope 2 is hermetically sealed from the outside.

In the case of a sterilization method having a pre-vacuum step, when the pressure in the sterilization chamber decreases in the pre-vacuum step and a pressure difference occurs such that the pressure outside the endoscope 2 is lower than that inside the endoscope 2, the pressure adjustment valve is used. Is opened, and the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 communicate with each other through the ventilation hole to prevent a large pressure difference between the inside of the endoscope 2 and the pressure in the sterilization chamber. Thus, the endoscope 2 is not damaged by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside.

In the sterilization step, when a pressure difference is generated in the sterilization chamber such that the pressure inside the endoscope 2 becomes higher than that inside the endoscope 2, the pressure regulating valve closes. As a result, high-pressure and high-temperature steam does not actively enter the endoscope 2 through the waterproof cap 33 and the ventilation hole.
However, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam is an O-ring made of fluorine rubber, silicon rubber, or the like, which is a sealing means provided at the outer skin of the flexible tube made of a polymer material or at a connection portion of the outer body of the endoscope 2. Infiltrate the inside gradually from the like. The external body of the endoscope 2 is in a state in which a pressure from the outside to the inside is generated by adding the pressure reduced in the pre-vacuum process and the pressurized pressure in the sterilization process.

In the case of the method including the decompression step after the sterilization step, the pressure in the sterilization chamber is reduced in the decompression step, so that a pressure difference such that the pressure outside the endoscope 2 is lower than that inside the endoscope 2 occurs almost simultaneously. The pressure control valve is opened, and the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 communicate with each other through the ventilation hole, thereby preventing a large pressure difference between the inside of the endoscope 2 and the pressure in the sterilization chamber. Thus, the endoscope 2 is not damaged by a pressure difference between the inside and the outside.
Next, when the internal and external pressures become equal, the pressure regulating valve closes. When the decompression step is completed, the inside of the sterilization chamber becomes atmospheric pressure.

(4) As described above, when all the steps of the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization are completed, the outer body of the endoscope 2 is in a state where the pressure from the outside to the inside is generated by the reduced pressure in the decompression step.

When the waterproof cap 33 is removed from the electrical connector section 11, the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 communicate with each other through the vent, and the inside of the endoscope 2 is at atmospheric pressure. This eliminates the load caused by the pressure that caused the pressure.
After the autoclave sterilization, the endoscope 2 is cooled in a predetermined temperature range and returned to a normal temperature as described above, and can be used for an endoscope inspection.

In the present embodiment, the amount of temperature decrease of at least a part of the outer surface of the insertion portion 7 when cooled in a predetermined temperature region is substantially equal to the amount of temperature decrease of at least a part of the outer surface other than the insertion portion 7. The configuration is the same or larger.

As shown in FIG. 2, the proximal end side of the curved portion 16 is connected and fixed to a distal end base 37 of the flexible tube portion 15 made of stainless steel, aluminum, or the like with screws or the like.
The flexible tube portion 15 includes a spiral tube 38 formed by spirally winding a metal strip, and a mesh tube 39 braided in a net shape with a metal such as a stainless steel wire that tightly covers the outer periphery of the spiral tube 38. And a resin outer cover 39 that closely covers the outside of the mesh tube 38. The outer layer 40 is formed of an amide-based elastomer, a styrene-based resin, a fluorine rubber, a silicon-based rubber, or the like.

The bending portion 16 is rotatably connected by a rivet 42 or the like, and is braided with a joint member 43 formed of a plurality of short cylindrical metal members such as stainless steel and a thin metal wire covering the outer periphery of the joint member 43. And a flexible outer tube 45 made of a resin such as fluoro rubber covering the outer periphery of the reticulated tube 44.

The joint member 43a, which is the base end side of the joint member 43, is fitted into the distal end base 37 of the flexible tube portion 15, and is connected and fixed by screws or the like. On the other hand, a joint member 43b on the distal end side of the joint member 43 is fixedly connected to a distal end body 46 made of metal such as stainless steel and the like which internally holds an objective optical system and the like (not shown) with screws or the like.

A resin having good chemical resistance such as polyphenylsulfone, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, and polyetheretherketone on the outside of the tip main body 46, and having high temperature heat resistance higher than the temperature of the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization step. The insulating cover member 47 formed by is provided by fitting.

An illumination lens unit 46a is disposed on the distal end body 46, and illuminates a subject with illumination light from the light source device 3 guided by a light guide 46b. A channel pipe 47b made of metal is inserted through a channel pipe hole 47a formed in the distal end body 46 and the insulating cover member 47, and a pipe is provided on the outer peripheral side of the base end portion of the channel pipe 47b. The distal end of the road tube 47c is engaged.

(4) The distal end of the outer tube 45 covers the proximal end of the distal end body 46, and the end is substantially in contact with the insulating cover member 47. On the other hand, the proximal end of the outer tube 45 covers the distal end of the flexible tube portion 15, and the end is substantially in contact with the outer layer 40. Further, both end portions of the outer tube 45 are fixed on the outer peripheral surface thereof by a fixing thread 49 and pressed against the inner distal end portion body 46 and the distal end side base 37, respectively.

An adhesive 48 made of an epoxy resin or the like is applied to the outer surface side of the fixing thread 49 over the outer tube 45, the fixing thread 49, and the insulating cover member 47. A boundary portion between the insulating cover member 47 and the outer tube 45 is sealed in a watertight manner.

Next, the proximal end side of the insertion section 7 (flexible tube section 15) and the operation section 8 will be described with reference to FIG.
At the base end side of the insertion portion 7 (flexible tube portion 15), there is provided a connection mouthpiece 41 formed of a metal member such as stainless steel in which the spiral tube 38 and the mesh tube 39 are fitted. The outside of the mesh tube 39 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the connection base 41, and the spiral tube 38 and the end of the mesh tube 39 are in contact with and in close contact with the connection base 41.

The operation section 8 is provided with a chassis section 50 made of a metal member having good heat conductivity such as aluminum and provided with a bending operation mechanism (not shown) for performing the bending operation of the bending section 16. . The chassis section 50 may be a single member formed of a metal member, or may be configured by connecting a plurality of metal members.

The distal end side of the chassis portion 50 is fitted and connected to the connection base 41 provided on the base end side of the flexible tube portion 15. On the other hand, the base end side of the chassis portion 50 is connected to a connection base (not shown) formed of a metal member such as stainless steel or aluminum of the universal cord 9. The universal cord 9 has the same structure as the flexible tube 15.

操作 An operation section casing 52 is provided outside the chassis section 50 to cover the chassis section 50 and a bending mechanism (not shown) in a watertight manner.

The operation unit casing 52 is formed of a plurality of members, and has a grip unit casing 54 that is gripped by an operator during operation. The gripper casing 54 is formed of a resin that is resistant to high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, such as polyphenylsulfone, polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetheretherketone, polyphenylenesulfide, polyetherimide, and a liquid crystal polymer.

The holding portion casing 54 is configured so as not to make contact with the chassis portion 50 and a bending mechanism (not shown) as much as possible, and a space is provided between them.
In addition, a portion in contact with a member adjacent to the grip portion casing 54 is formed of a resin having a lower thermal conductivity than that of the material of the grip portion casing 54, an elastomer, a foaming resin having fine air bubbles, or the like. The member 53 is interposed.

Selection of the material of each member constituting the bending portion 16 and the operation portion 8, connection method of the components and setting of the contact area, the chassis portion 50 connected to the flexible tube portion 15 and the grip portion casing The configuration is as follows depending on the combination of the setting of the area of contact with the insulating member 54, the number of the heat insulating members 53 interposed between the gripping casing 54 and the chassis portion 50, and the like.

In a predetermined temperature range, for example, in a temperature environment of about 36 ° C. to 140 ° C., the temperature of the above-mentioned component is substantially the same, and the amount of temperature decrease in a certain time when cooled from a predetermined state is determined by the insertion portion 7. Is set so that the temperature drop of the outer surfaces of the insulating cover member 47, the skin tube 45, the skin layer 40, and the adhesive 48 is larger than the temperature drop of the outer surface of the grip portion casing 54. ing.

140 ° C. in the above temperature range is the maximum temperature when the endoscope 2 is heated in the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization step, and 36 ° C. is when the insertion section 7 of the endoscope 2 is inserted into a body cavity. The temperature is substantially the same as the body temperature at which the subject does not complain of thermal discomfort.

In the present embodiment, the following configuration is used to achieve this.
The material of the gripping portion casing 54 is selected from materials having lower thermal conductivity than the resin material constituting each of the insulating cover member 47, the outer tube 45, the outer layer 40, and the adhesive 48. For example, when the insulating cover member 47 is made of polyethersulfone, the outer tube 45 is made of fluorine rubber, the outer layer 40 is made of an amide-based elastomer, and the adhesive 48 is made of epoxy resin, the grip portion casing 54 has a higher thermal conductivity than these. Use low resin. Note that the thermal conductivity of the resin base itself does not have to be the lowest, and the material of the gripper casing 54 may be set so as to have the lowest thermal conductivity by blending with a glass filler or another resin.

Further, as described above, the above-described metal member having a thermal conductivity much higher than that of the above-mentioned resin is brought into contact with the insulating cover member 47, the outer tube 45, and the inner surface of the outer layer 40 on the outer surface of the insertion portion 7. These are connected to each other, and further connected to and contacted with the chassis section 50 formed of a metal member. On the other hand, the grip portion casing 54 is provided as insulated as possible with respect to the chassis portion 50 made of a metal member.

After performing an endoscopic examination using the endoscope 2 configured as described above, the endoscope 2 is put into a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer (not shown) (hereinafter, an autoclave sterilizer) to perform autoclave sterilization.
The endoscope 2 is heated to a maximum of about 140 ° C. in a sterilization process of high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, and the temperature when it is taken out of the sterilizer is generally about 80 ° C. to 130 ° C. When used for endoscopy, it is used after being left naturally or cooled by forced cooling with cold water or cold air.

When the endoscope 2 is removed from the sterilization apparatus, the metal members having good thermal conductivity in contact with the insulating cover member 47, the outer tube 45, and the outer layer 40 on the outer surface of the insertion section 7, and the chassis 50 are cooled. Then, the heat of the insulating cover member 47, the outer tube 45, and the outer layer 40, which are lower in thermal conductivity than the above, is conducted to the metal members in contact with each other to promote cooling.

On the other hand, the gripping casing 54 is not in contact with a metal member having good heat conductivity, and is insulated by the heat insulating member 53 and the air around the gripping casing 54, so that it is difficult to be cooled. Further, since the material itself of the gripping casing 54 has a lower thermal conductivity than the material of the insulating cover member 47, the outer tube 45, and the outer layer 40, the gripping casing 54 is more difficult to be cooled more reliably than these.

In addition, the amount of temperature decrease of the gripping portion casing 54 after a predetermined time is determined by the one having the smallest amount of temperature decrease among the insulating cover member 47, the outer tube 45, the outer layer 40, and the adhesive 48 (= the one that is hardly cooled). You may form so that it may become substantially the same.

As shown in FIG. 4, instead of the heat insulating member 53, a plurality of notches 55 are formed in the grip portion casing 54 to reduce the contact area with the other operation portion casing 52, and to insulate the air with an air layer. Is also good.

As described above, after a certain period of time from the start of cooling, the temperature of the grip portion casing 54 becomes higher than the temperature of any part of the outer surface of the insertion portion 7.
As a result, if the temperature is confirmed by gripping the grip portion casing 54 and the temperature is recognized to be high for use in the inspection, the endoscope 2 is not used, and this temperature can be used for the inspection. If the temperature is low, the temperature of the insertion portion 7 is certainly lower than that of the grip portion casing 54, so that it can be recognized that the insertion portion 7 can be used.
As a result, it is possible to reliably and easily know whether or not the temperature of the insertion section 7 can be used for inspection without touching the insertion section 7.

Usually, at the start of the examination, the insertion section 7 is grasped by hand and inserted into the body cavity. At this time, the flexible tube section 15 is often grasped, and the bending section 16 and the distal end section 17 are never once grasped. It is often inserted without touching it.
Therefore, the temperature may be checked when the flexible tube 15 is gripped at the start of the test, so that it is possible to easily know whether or not the insertion portion 7 has a temperature usable for the test. .

The insulating cover member 47 and the outer tube 45 of the distal end portion 17 and the outer layer 40 of the flexible tube portion 15 are placed in a predetermined temperature range, for example, in a temperature environment of about 36 ° C. to 140 ° C. The amount of temperature decrease during a certain period of time when the constituent members are cooled from substantially the same temperature is determined by determining whether the outer surfaces of the insulating cover member 47 and the outer tube 45 and the outer surface of the outer layer 40 are the same or not. 40 is configured to be larger.

In this case, the material forming the insulating cover member 47 and the outer tube 45 may be made of a material having better heat conductivity as compared with the outer layer 40, or the insulating cover member 47 and the outer tube 45 may be combined with these materials. The contact area between the distal end body 46, the mesh tube 44, and the joint member 43 of the contacting metal member is increased to facilitate transfer of heat to the metal member having good heat conductivity, while the metal contacting the outer skin layer 40 is provided. A heat insulating layer may be provided between the helical tube 38 and the mesh tube 39, which are members, to make it difficult to conduct heat, or the like, and may be adjusted appropriately. As the heat insulating layer, an adhesive having low thermal conductivity may be used, or a fine air layer may be formed in the adhesive layer. Further, the mesh tube 39 may not be formed only of metal, but may be formed by knitting Kevlar or the like having low conductivity to reduce the metal area of the connection surface.

After the endoscope 2 thus configured is autoclave-sterilized by an autoclave sterilizer (not shown) and cooled in a predetermined temperature environment, the outer surface of the curved portion 16 and the distal end portion 17 of the insertion portion 7 of the endoscope 2, that is, an insulating cover. The member 47 and the outer tube 45 are cooled more easily than the outer surface of the flexible tube portion 15, that is, the outer layer 40, and have a temperature equal to or lower than that of the outer layer 40 after a certain period of time from the start of cooling.

When the flexible tube 15 is gripped at the start of the endoscope inspection, the temperature of the flexible tube 15 is checked, and if this temperature is high for use in the inspection, the endoscope 2 is used. However, if this temperature is a temperature that can be used for inspection, the temperature of the outer surfaces of the curved portion 16 and the tip portion 17 is surely the same as or lower than the outer surface of the flexible tube portion 15, so the insertion portion 7 can be used. It can be recognized that it is temperature.
As a result, it is possible to reliably and easily know whether or not the insertion portion 7 has a temperature usable for inspection without touching the bending portion 16 and the distal end portion 17.

In the present invention, the setting of the thermal conductivity of the material and the presence or absence of the heat insulating member need not be the same as in the above-described embodiment. What is necessary is just to comprise so that quantity may have a desired relationship.
Further, the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Incidentally, since the check valve adapter shown in the internal pressure adjusting device of the endoscope disclosed in JP-A-5-253168 is detachable, the endoscope may be damaged due to forgetting to attach it during the sterilization process. was there. For this reason, there is a demand for an endoscope apparatus that prevents damage to the endoscope by preventing forgetting to attach the pressure adjusting member during sterilization. In addition, when there are a plurality of check valve adapters, there is a possibility that a specific check valve adapter may be used repeatedly in a biased manner, thereby shortening the service life. On the other hand, when the check valve adapter is integrally provided in a container or the like that stores the endoscope during the sterilization process, the detachability of the check valve adapter is deteriorated, and the structure becomes complicated and expensive, If either the container or the check valve adapter fails, the repair cost will be higher than the separate one.

Therefore, it has been desired to provide an inexpensive endoscope apparatus which can prevent forgetting to attach a pressure adjusting member during high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, does not damage the endoscope, has good workability, and is inexpensive.
A configuration example of the check valve adapter will be described with reference to FIGS.

5 to 9 relate to a configuration example of a check valve adapter, FIG. 5 is an external perspective view illustrating the configuration of a waterproof cap and a storage case, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the waterproof cap of FIG. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view illustrating the configuration of a ventilation adapter with a pressure adjustment valve and a storage case, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the ventilation adapter with a pressure adjustment valve of FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view illustrating a waterproof cap to which an on-off valve opening adapter can be attached.

As shown in FIG. 5, the waterproof cap (waterproof cap with a pressure regulating valve) 33 and the storage case (sterilization storage case) 34 are connected by a metal-made chain-shaped connection member 65.
The connection member 65 has a length of, for example, about 100 mm to 300 mm in consideration of workability in attaching and detaching the waterproof cap 33 to and from the electric connector section 11 of the endoscope 2.

As shown in FIG. 6, a vent 66 is formed in the electric connector section 11 of the endoscope 2.
The waterproof cap 33 allows the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 to communicate with each other when the external pressure of the endoscope 2 becomes lower than the internal pressure. A pressure adjusting valve, which is not shown and is a so-called check valve, that blocks communication between the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 is provided.

Accordingly, when the waterproof cap 33 is connected to the electrical connector section 11, the waterproof cap 33 covers the electrical connector section 11 in a water-tight manner to protect the internal electrical contacts, and closes the ventilation holes 66 to allow the endoscope to be viewed. The inside and outside of the mirror 2 are shut off.

Accordingly, when the endoscope 2 is put into an autoclave sterilizer (not shown) and autoclave sterilization is performed, the waterproof cap 33 is connected to the storage case 34 that stores the endoscope 2 and is therefore a pressure control member. Remember to attach the waterproof cap 33. In addition, when there are a plurality of waterproof caps 33 and storage cases 34, a specific one of the waterproof caps 33 that can be easily handled alone is not repeatedly used for sterilization. Furthermore, since the waterproof cap 33 and the storage case 34 are not formed integrally, the workability of attaching to and detaching from the endoscope 2 is good, and if one of them is damaged, it can be easily replaced. In addition, since the waterproof cap 33 is not used for cleaning or disinfecting the endoscope, the pressure adjusting valve of the waterproof cap 33 does not have a fixing or chemical attack by the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid.

As a result, the endoscope 2 is not damaged by the pressure and moisture during autoclave sterilization. Further, the service life of the waterproof cap 33 can be extended. Further, the waterproof cap 33 and the storage case 34 have good repairability when broken, and good workability before and after high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization. Further, there is no damage due to washing and disinfection of the pressure regulating valve of the waterproof cap 33.

Next, as a modified example, a configuration in which the waterproof cap and the pressure regulating valve are separated from each other will be described.
As shown in FIG. 7, a ventilation adapter 68 with a pressure adjusting valve (hereinafter, ventilation adapter) 68 is connected to the storage case 34 by a connection member 65.

通 気 As shown in FIG. 8, the endoscope 2a is provided with a vent hole 67 instead of the vent hole 66 of the electric connector section 11. The ventilation adapter 68 can be detachably attached to the ventilation cap 67 of the endoscope 2a.

The vent cap 67 is normally closed to seal the endoscope 2 to the outside in a watertight manner. When the vent adapter 68 is attached to the vent cap 67, the vent cap 67 is opened to open the endoscope 2 and the vent adapter. An on-off valve (not shown) communicating with the valve 68 is provided.

The ventilation adapter 68 communicates with the inside of the endoscope 2 when connected to the ventilation cap 67, and is a pressure regulating valve including a check valve (not shown) having the same configuration and operation as the waterproof cap 33. have. Note that the waterproof cap 33a has a configuration in which the pressure adjustment valve is removed from the waterproof cap 33. If the waterproof cap 33a is forgotten to be attached during high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, the electrical contacts provided on the electrical connector section 11 can be used for inspection if sufficiently dried.

This ensures that the ventilation adapter 68, which is a pressure control member, is attached during high-temperature, high-pressure steam sterilization. Further, the waterproof cap 33a can be used for both washing and disinfection and high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, so that the cost is reduced.

Next, another modified example will be described. In this example, as shown in FIG. 9, the waterproof cap 33b has an opening / closing valve (not shown) for sealing the pressure adjusting valve (not shown) in a watertight manner. The on-off valve is normally closed, and is opened when an on-off valve opening adapter (hereinafter, opening adapter) 69 is attached to the waterproof cap 33b to communicate the pressure regulating valve with the outside.

An opening adapter 69 is connected to the waterproof cap 33b by a connection member 65. The waterproof cap 33b is connected to the endoscope 2b by a connecting member 70. At the time of washing and disinfection, the waterproof cap 33b is attached to the electric connector section 11 of the endoscope 2b. In that case, the opening adapter 69 is not attached to the waterproof cap 33b.
At the time of high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, the opening adapter 69 is attached to the waterproof cap 33b. At this time, the on-off valve opens, and the pressure regulating valve performs the same operation as the waterproof cap 33 described in FIG.

(4) With this, the pressure adjusting valve of the waterproof cap 33b is a seal by the on-off valve, and there is no sticking or chemical attack by the washing liquid or the disinfecting liquid. Also, since the connection is made by the connection member 65, it is necessary to attach the opening adapter 69 to the waterproof cap 33b during high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization. Further, since the endoscope 2b and the waterproof cap 33b are connected by the connecting member 70, the washing cap, the disinfecting, and the sterilization of high temperature and high pressure steam do not forget to attach the waterproof cap 33b and the endoscope 2b.

As a result, there is no breakage of the endoscope 2b due to forgetting to attach the open adapter 69, which is a pressure control member during high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization. Also, there is no damage to the endoscope 2b due to forgetting to attach the waterproof cap 33b at the time of cleaning, disinfection, or high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization. There is no damage due to washing and disinfection of the pressure regulating valve of the waterproof cap 33b. Further, the waterproof cap 33b can be used for both washing and disinfection and high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, so that the cost is reduced. As a modified example, in the case where the pressure adjusting valve of the waterproof cap 33b is provided not in the waterproof cap but in the endoscope main body, the opening adapter 69 may be connected to the waterproof cap 33b by a connecting member. 7, it may be connected to the storage case 34 and provided. The present invention is not limited to high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, but may be applied to EOG sterilization, and may be applied to any of washing, disinfection, and sterilization including a step in which external pressure fluctuates.

By the way, conventionally, in the endoscope apparatus, it has been demanded that the information regarding sterilization, cleaning, and disinfection be quickly and easily determined from outside. In response to such a request, for example, an endoscope apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-286218 discloses that an endoscope transmits sterilization state information indicating at least one of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization information to an endoscope. There has been proposed an apparatus that makes a determination by detachably attaching the indicated index.

However, in the endoscope apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-286218, there is a possibility that the endoscope may be forgotten to attach an index indicating sterilization state information. In addition, the exchange of the index is complicated, and the index is costly, which is expensive. Therefore, it has been desired to provide an inexpensive endoscope apparatus in which the sterilization state of the endoscope can be reliably and easily identified.

A configuration example of the endoscope device will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
10 and 11 relate to an example of the configuration of the endoscope apparatus, FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram showing the entire configuration of the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the endoscope apparatus of FIG. .

As shown in FIG. 10, an endoscope apparatus 1A of this configuration example includes an endoscope 2A in which a sensor unit described later is provided in a connector portion 10a at an end of a universal cord 9a, a light source device 3 and a monitor described in FIG. 6 and a video processor 5a detachably connected to the connector section 10a of the endoscope 2A via the signal cable 4. After the endoscope 2A has been used for observation and treatment, it is configured so that it can be sterilized by autoclave sterilization after washing.

The connector section 10a of the endoscope 2A is provided with an electrical contact connector 11a to which one end of the signal cable 4 is detachably connected, and the other end of the signal cable 4 is provided in the video processor 5a. It is designed to be connected to the electrical contact connector 11b.

セ ン サ A sensor unit 80 is provided inside the connector section 10 of the endoscope 2A. The sensor unit 80 includes a temperature sensor 81 and a humidity sensor 82, and a data storage unit 83 including a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM or a flash ROM that stores data detected by the sensors 81 and 82 in a time-series manner. And a small battery 84 for driving the sensors 81 and 82 and the data storage unit 83. The sensor unit 80 is connected to the electric connector 11a by a signal line 85 and a power supply line 86.

The video processor 5a has a control unit 91 for controlling the sensor unit 80 and a charging mechanism unit 92 for charging the battery 84 of the sensor unit 80. The control section 91 and the charging mechanism section 92 are connected to the electrical connector section 11b by a signal line 93 and a power supply line 94, respectively.

By connecting one end of the signal cable 4 to the electrical connector 11a of the endoscope 2A and the other end to the electrical connector 11b of the video processor 5a, the sensor unit 80 and the video processor 5a are electrically connected. Connected. The control unit 91 of the video processor 5a controls the sensor unit 80 and can exchange information from the sensor unit 80 via the signal lines 85 and 93. In this connection, the charging mechanism 92 of the video processor 5a charges the battery 84 via the power supply lines 86 and 94.

After performing an endoscope inspection using the endoscope apparatus 1A configured as described above, the endoscope 2A is put into an autoclave sterilizer (not shown) to perform autoclave sterilization.
While the endoscope 2A is being loaded into the autoclave sterilizer, the temperature sensor 81 and the humidity sensor 82 continuously detect the temperature and humidity in the endoscope 2A, and store this data in the data storage unit 83. .
When the endoscope 2A is connected to the video processor 5a via the signal cable 4 when the endoscope inspection is performed after the autoclave sterilization process is completed, the sensor unit 80 and the control unit 91 are connected.

Then, as shown in the follow chart in FIG. 11, when the power of the video processor 5a is turned on, the temperature and humidity data stored in the data storage unit 83 in step S0 are transmitted to the control unit 91 via the signal lines 85 and 93. After the control is performed, the control unit 91 of the video processor 5a performs the following control.

In step S1, the control unit 91 compares the temperature data with a preset condition value of the temperature, for example (continuous state at a temperature of 132 ° C. or more for 10 minutes or more). If data satisfying this condition is included, the process proceeds to step S2. The process proceeds to step S3 when the temperature is low or the continuous time is short.

In step S2, the humidity data is compared with a preset condition value of humidity, for example (continuous state of 80% or more for 10 minutes or more). If data satisfying this condition is included, the process proceeds to step S4, and If it is low or the continuous time is short, the process proceeds to step S3. The temperature condition value and the humidity condition value are set to the temperature and humidity inside the endoscope 2A when the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization is normally performed.

In step S3, a warning message or a symbol indicating that the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization was not properly performed is displayed on the monitor 6, and a warning sound is generated from a warning sound generator (not shown). Next, after displaying a graph and data indicating the relationship between temperature and humidity and time in step S5, the process proceeds to step S6. In step S4, a message or a symbol indicating that the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization has been properly performed is displayed on the monitor 6. Next, in step S6, the data in the data storage unit 83 of the sensor unit 80 is reset to the initial state.

Thereby, before performing the endoscopy using the endoscope 2A, whether or not the endoscope 2A has been autoclaved or whether the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization step has been correctly performed and whether or not the sterilization has been reliably performed. Can be reliably and easily identified. Further, when the autoclave sterilizer is abnormal, the abnormal state of temperature and humidity can be recognized.
In addition, since a plurality of sensors of different data types are provided and it is determined whether or not the sterilization is reliably performed based on these data, the determination accuracy is high. Further, since the control section 91 is built in the video processor 5a, the endoscope 2A is inexpensive.

The control unit 91 may be built in the endoscope 2A together with the sensor unit 80, and only display and warning may be performed by the video processor 5a and the monitor 6. Further, the control section 91 may be provided in both the endoscope 2A and the video processor 5a to share the processing. Further, the configuration may be such that only the temperature sensor 81 is provided without providing the humidity sensor 82, or vice versa.

Alternatively, a second temperature sensor 81 may be provided instead of the humidity sensor 82 to perform the same control as described above. In this case, it is assumed that data is determined to be OK when the temperature data is compared with a predetermined condition value, even though the temperature during the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization is abnormal due to the failure of any of the sensors. In addition, since NG can be determined based on the data of the other sensor, there is no mistake in determining whether or not high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization has been performed in the single failure state of the sensor. Further, the sensor may be one that senses an external state instead of the internal state of the endoscope, and the sensor provided together with the temperature sensor may be a pressure sensor.

Also, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 18, a configuration example of a storage case (sterile storage case) capable of storing the endoscope 2 described in FIG. 1 and the endoscope 2A described in FIG. 10 will be described.
12 to 18 relate to a configuration example of a storage case (storage case for sterilization). FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a storage case and a part of a chamber of an autoclave sterilizer into which the storage case is placed. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the identification display section of the storage case shown in FIG. 12 before the autoclave sterilization, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the storage case showing the state after the autoclave sterilization from the state of FIG. Is an external perspective view showing a storage case provided with two identification display portions, FIG. 16 is an external perspective view showing a storage case having a restricting portion for restricting the arrangement of the connector portion of the endoscope, and FIG. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the restricting portion of the storage case, and FIG. 18 is an external perspective view when the connector portion of the endoscope is arranged in the restricting portion of the storage case of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 13, a storage case (sterile storage case) 110 is inserted and arranged in the chamber 100a of the autoclave sterilization apparatus 100.
The storage case 110 is provided with an identification display section 111 for displaying a state before and after the autoclave sterilization. The identification display section 111 is provided with a receiving section 112.

In the chamber 100a of the autoclave sterilization apparatus 100, a regulating portion 101 for positioning the storage case 110 at a predetermined position in the chamber 100a and a receiving portion 112 of the storage case 110 when the storage case 110 is installed. A switching portion 102 having a projection shape is provided at a position where the switching portion 102 moves.

As shown in FIG. 13, the identification display portion 111 of the storage case 110 has a red first display portion 111a indicating that it is before high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization and a blue second display portion showing that it is after high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization. It has a display unit 111b, is inserted into a slide unit 113 provided in the storage case 110, and is slidably arranged in the space of the slide unit 113. The slide part 113 is provided with a window part 114.

し た ら After the endoscope inspection is completed, the endoscope is washed, and then stored in the storage case 110. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, when the identification display unit 111 is slid by gripping the receiving unit 112 with a finger and the red first display unit 111 a is positioned in the window unit 114, the first display unit 111 a Becomes visible. Therefore, the operator can identify from the display color of the window 114 that the storage case 110 has not been subjected to the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization.

Then, when the storage case 110 in which the washed endoscope is stored can be stored in the autoclave sterilization apparatus 100, the storage case 110 is put into the autoclave sterilization apparatus 100.

When the storage case 110 is installed at a predetermined position in the chamber 100a of the autoclave sterilizer 100, the switching unit 102 in the chamber 100a abuts and presses the receiving portion 112 of the storage case 110 as shown in FIG. Slides, and the blue display portion 111b is positioned in the window portion 114, so that the display portion 111b can be visually recognized.

When the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization is completed and the storage case 110 is removed, the operator recognizes from the display color of the window 114 that the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization has been completed.
Thereby, even if the storage cases 110 before and after the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization are mixed, they can be reliably identified. In addition, workability is good because a plate or index for identification display is not attached to or detached from the endoscope or the storage case 110 each time. In addition, the durability is good and the cost is low as compared with an index for identifying before and after high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization based on a change in color due to temperature.

In the case of an autoclave sterilizer that does not require the storage case 110, the identification display unit 111 provided on the storage case 110 is provided in a part of the endoscope, and the position of the endoscope is regulated in the autoclave sterilization device. May be provided by providing a restricting unit and a switching unit 102. The switching unit 102 may not always be provided at a position where the identification display unit 111 is pressed, and may be moved to a position where the identification display unit 111 is pressed after each of the washing, disinfection, and sterilization processes. In this case, when the storage case 110 is taken out in the middle of the processing due to a failure of the apparatus or the like, the display indicates that the processing has not been performed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the storage case 110a may be provided with an identification display section 115 for displaying the state before and after the cleaning, in addition to the identification display section 111 for displaying the state before and after the autoclave sterilization.
In the vicinity of the window 114 of the identification display unit 111 and the vicinity of the window 116 of the identification display unit 115, characters and graphic symbols indicating “sterilization / disinfection state” and “washing state” are displayed, respectively.

When the endoscope inspection is completed, the endoscope is stored in the storage case 110a. At this time, the display of the identification display unit 111 and the identification display unit 115 is switched to red as in the case of the storage case 110 described above. When the storage case 110a is installed in a cleaning device (not shown), the display of the identification display unit 111a is changed to blue in the same manner as described above.
When the storage case 110a is put into the autoclave sterilizer 100 after the completion of the washing, the display of the identification display unit 111 is changed to red in the same manner as described above.

Thus, even if the storage cases 110a in the three states before cleaning, after cleaning, and after high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization are mixed, they can be identified. In addition, if the endoscope is stored in the storage case 110a after the endoscope inspection, the endoscope can be handled while being stored in the storage case 110a until sterilization is completed, so that the workability is good.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the storage case 110c may be provided with a restricting portion 120 for restricting the arrangement of the connector portion 10 of the endoscope.
The storage case 110c is provided with a slide portion 122 at which one end of the identification display portion 121 can protrude toward the regulation portion 120.
The identification display section 121 has a first display section 121a in red on the regulation section 120 side and a second display section 121b in blue on a side remote from the regulation section 120.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the connector section 10 of the endoscope is arranged on the regulating section 120, the identification display section 111 is set to have such a size as to be pressed by the connector section 10.
When the connector section 10 is passed through the restricting section 120 when the endoscope is stored in the storage case 110c, the connector section 10 is identified when one end of the identification display section 121 projects toward the restricting section 120. When the display unit 121 is pressed, the identification display unit 121 slides and the red first display unit 121a is positioned in the window 114, and the red first display unit 121a is visible as shown in FIG. Become. The rest is the same as the storage case 110 described above.

As a result, the operation of storing the endoscope in the storage case 110c switches the identification display section 121 to the red first display section 121a, so that the operator does not need to switch the identification display section 121, and the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization becomes unnecessary. The red first display portion 121a indicating the front can be reliably displayed and can be recognized.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be applied to any device that performs washing, disinfection, and sterilization as long as the process is performed by storing an endoscope in a storage container.

[Appendix]
(Additional Item 1) An endoscope including an elongated insertion portion and an operation portion connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion and capable of performing at least one of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization at a high temperature.
After performing at least one of the washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing processes at a high temperature, the amount of temperature decrease of at least a part of the outer surface of the insertion portion when cooled in a predetermined temperature region is reduced by at least the other outer surface. An endoscope characterized in that it is substantially equal to or larger than a part of temperature drop.

(Additional Item 2) An endoscope including an elongated insertion portion and an operation portion connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion and capable of performing at least one of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization at a high temperature.
After performing at least one of the washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing processes at a high temperature, the amount of temperature decrease of at least a portion of the outer surface of the insertion portion when cooled in a predetermined temperature range is reduced by an amount other than the insertion portion. An endoscope characterized in that at least a part of the surface has a temperature drop that is substantially the same as or larger than the temperature drop.

(Supplementary note 3) At least a portion of the outer surface of the insertion portion is at least a portion of the outer surface of a flexible tube having a soft outer skin of the insertion portion. Endoscope.

(Additional Item 4) At least a part of the outer surface of the insertion portion is at least a part of the outer surface on the distal end side than the curved portion provided in the insertion portion, wherein the additional surface is at least partly provided. Endoscope.

(Additional Item 5) The member forming at least a part of the outer surface of the insertion portion is formed of a material having lower thermal conductivity than the member forming at least a part of the other outer surface. 3. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

(Additional Item 6) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1 or 2, wherein the endoscope body is formed so as to be capable of sterilizing at high temperature and high pressure steam, and the predetermined temperature range is approximately in a range of 36 ° C to 140 ° C. mirror.

(Supplementary note 7) {The temperature reduction of at least a part of the outer surface on the distal end side of the curved portion of the insertion portion is reduced by the temperature of at least a part of the outer surface of the flexible tube portion provided on the proximal end side of the curved portion. 5. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the amount of decrease is substantially equal to or greater than the amount of decrease.

(Additional item 8) Additional item 1 characterized in that at least a part of the temperature decrease of the outer surface of the insertion portion is substantially equal to or larger than at least a part of the temperature decrease of the outer surface of the operation portion. An endoscope according to any one of Items 1 to 4.

(Appendix 9) The endoscope according to appendix 1 or 5, wherein the member forming at least a part of the other outer surface is provided insulated from other members adjacent to the member. mirror.

{Additional Item 10} The endoscope according to Additional Item 8, wherein at least a part of an outer surface of the operation unit is at least a part of an outer surface of a grip portion of the operation unit.

(Additional Item 11) An endoscope main body capable of performing at least one of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization processes,
Pressure adjusting means which can be detachably connected directly or indirectly to the endoscope main body, and switches a communication state between the inside of the endoscope main body and the outside of the endoscope main body according to the pressure outside the endoscope main body. Or a pressure control member having at least one of control means for controlling the pressure adjusting means,
When performing at least one of the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization, a combination member used in combination with the endoscope body,
A connection member for connecting the combination member to the pressure control member,
An endoscope apparatus comprising:

{Additional Item 12} The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 11, wherein the combination member is a waterproof cap member that watertightly shields the endoscope body.

{Additional Item 13} The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 11, wherein the combination member is a container that stores the endoscope main body.

(Additional Item 14) The pressure control member is detachably connected to the vent of the endoscope main body, and when the pressure outside the endoscope main body is lower than the pressure inside the endoscope main body, the inside and outside of the endoscope are controlled. And a check valve for shutting off the inside and the outside when the pressure outside the endoscope main body is higher than the pressure inside the endoscope main body. Endoscope device.

{Additional Item 15} The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 12, wherein the pressure control member is connected to the waterproof cap member and indirectly connected to the endoscope main body.

{Additional Item 16} The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 14, wherein the pressure control member has a control unit that controls an operation of the check valve.

(Additional item 17) An endoscope having sensor means for detecting a surrounding environmental state and storage means for storing information detected by the sensor means;
Information detected by the sensor means of the endoscope, or notification means for notifying a determination result of determining whether or not the endoscope has been placed in a predetermined environment based on this information,
An endoscope apparatus comprising:

(Supplementary Item 18) A determination unit that determines whether or not the endoscope is placed in a predetermined environment based on information detected by the sensor means of the endoscope includes the endoscope or the endoscope and the endoscope. 18. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the endoscope apparatus is provided in at least one of the external devices having information transfer means.

(Additional Item 19) The endoscope apparatus according to additional item 17, wherein the notification means is provided in at least one of the endoscope or an external device having the endoscope and the information transmitting / receiving means.

{(Additional Item 20)} The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 17, wherein the predetermined environment is an environment during high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization.

{Additional Item 21} The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 17, wherein the information detected by the sensor means includes at least temperature information.

{Additional Item 22} The endoscope apparatus according to Additional Item 18, wherein the determination unit determines whether the endoscope has been placed in a predetermined environment based on at least two pieces of information.

(Additional item 23) The determination unit determines whether the endoscope is placed in a predetermined environment based on at least two pieces of information from a plurality of sensor units that detect the same information. 19. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 18, wherein

(Additional Item 24) An endoscope system provided with an apparatus for performing at least one of washing, disinfection, and sterilization by installing an endoscope directly or in a state of being stored in a storage container,
Identification display means for displaying that at least one of the washing, disinfection, and sterilization has been performed on one of the endoscope and the storage container;
Switching means for switching the identification display identified and displayed by the identification display means;
An endoscope system comprising:

(Supplementary Item 25) A first identification display means and a second identification display means are provided, a first switching means for switching the first identification display means is provided in the cleaning device, and the second identification display means is provided. The endoscope system according to claim 24, wherein the second switching means for switching is provided in one of the disinfection device and the sterilization device.

{Additional Item 26} The endoscope system according to Additional Item 24, wherein the identification display means performs the identification by a plurality of identification displays having different colors.

(Additional Item 27) The additional item 24, wherein the switching means switches the identification display by the identification display means in connection with any operation of storing or removing the endoscope in the storage container. Endoscope system.

{(Additional Item 28)} The endoscope system according to Additional Item 24 or 25, wherein the device is a high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an entire configuration of an endoscope apparatus including an imaging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a distal end side of an insertion section of the endoscope in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a base end side of an insertion unit and an operation unit of the endoscope in FIG. 1. It is sectional drawing which formed the notch part in the holding | maintenance part casing instead of the heat insulation member. 5 to 9 relate to a configuration example of the check valve adapter, and FIG. 5 is an external perspective view illustrating the configuration of the waterproof cap and the storage case. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram when the waterproof cap of FIG. 5 is attached to an electric connector of an endoscope. It is an external appearance perspective view explaining the structure of the ventilation adapter with a pressure adjustment valve, and a storage case. FIG. 8 is an explanatory view when the ventilation adapter with a pressure adjusting valve in FIG. 7 is attached to a ventilation mouthpiece of an endoscope. It is explanatory drawing explaining the waterproof cap which can attach an on-off valve opening adapter. 10 and 11 relate to a configuration example of the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram showing an overall configuration of the endoscope apparatus. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the endoscope apparatus of FIG. 12 to 18 relate to a configuration example of a storage case (storage case for sterilization), and FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a storage case and a part of a chamber of an autoclave sterilizer into which the storage case is inserted and arranged. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of an identification display portion of the storage case of FIG. 12 before autoclave sterilization. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the identification display portion of the storage case showing the state after the autoclave sterilization from the state of FIG. 13. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the storage case provided with two identification display parts. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the storage case which has the regulation part which regulates arrangement | positioning of the connector part of an endoscope. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vicinity of a regulating portion of the storage case of FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is an external perspective view illustrating a case where a connector section of the endoscope is arranged in a regulation section of the storage case of FIG. 16.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope apparatus 2 Endoscope 7 Insertion part 8 Operation part 15 Flexible tube part 16 Bending part 17 Tip part 38 Spiral tube 39 Mesh tube 40 Outer skin 45 Outer skin tube 46 Tip part main body 47 Insulating cover member 48 Adhesive 50 Chassis Part 52 operating part casing 53 heat insulating member 54 gripping part casing agent patent attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (3)

An endoscope body capable of performing at least one of cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization;
Pressure adjusting means which is detachably connectable directly or indirectly to the endoscope main body and switches a communication state between the inside of the endoscope main body and the outside of the endoscope main body in accordance with a pressure outside the endoscope main body. Or a pressure control member having at least one of control means for controlling the pressure adjusting means,
When performing at least one of the washing, disinfection, and sterilization, a combination member used in combination with the endoscope body,
A connection member for connecting the combination member to the pressure control member,
An endoscope apparatus comprising: The pressure control member is detachably connected to a vent of the endoscope main body, and communicates between the inside and the outside when a pressure outside the endoscope main body is lower than a pressure inside the endoscope main body, The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a check valve that shuts off the inside and the outside when the pressure outside the endoscope main body is higher than the pressure inside the endoscope main body. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pressure control member includes a control unit that controls an operation of the check valve.

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