JP2005177349A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope apparatus for more rapidly sterilizing the inside of channels incorporated in an endoscope compared with a conventional manner by providing another steam entering hole which communicates with the inside of the endoscope in addition to a communication hole for a leak test. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscope apparatus 1 includes: the channels 39-44 where one end is opened to the distal end part of an insertion part and the other end is opened to a part close to a proximal end part rather than the distal end part of the insertion part, and which are put through the inside of the endoscope; a ventilation hole 11a for the leak test which allows the outside of the endoscope to selectively communicate, by a waterproof cap 33 for the leak test, with the space 45 of an area being closed by watertight between the outer surfaces of the channels 39-44 and the jacket of the endoscope; and the steam entering hole 38 which allows the outside of the endoscope to selectively communicate, by a waterproof cap 47 for the steam entering hole, with the space 45 of the area being closed by watertight between the outer surfaces of the channels 39-44 and the jacket of the endoscope. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that sterilizes an endoscope with high-temperature and high-pressure steam.

Endoscopes are widely used in the medical field because they can be inserted into a body cavity or the like to observe a deep portion in the body cavity or perform a therapeutic treatment by using a treatment tool as necessary. Yes.
In the case of a medical endoscope, it is indispensable to surely disinfect and sterilize the used endoscope in order to prevent infections and the like.

Recently, when disinfecting and sterilizing, autoclave sterilization (high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization), which does not involve complicated work, can be used immediately after sterilization, and is advantageous in terms of running cost, is the mainstream sterilization method for endoscope equipment. It is becoming.
For example, in the conventional example of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-51323, a sterilization method for preventing damage to the outer skin of the endoscope due to a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the endoscope is disclosed when the endoscope is sterilized at high temperature and high pressure steam. Has been.
JP 2000-51323 A

However, in the conventional example of the aforementioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-51323, there is a particular description regarding quick sterilization in an elongated duct that is built in an endoscope and has an end portion open to the outside of the endoscope. Not.
Moreover, in the said prior art example, the intermediate part of the said pipe line of an endoscope will take time for autoclave sterilization. Therefore, it is conceivable that steam is penetrated into the endoscope during autoclave sterilization from the vent hole for water leakage test (leak test) that has been conventionally provided in the endoscope. Since the vent hole for use in the endoscope has a small diameter and is provided at the end of the endoscope, it takes time to sufficiently infiltrate the entire interior of the endoscope, and the inside of the duct built in the endoscope There is a concern that it may not be possible to sterilize quickly.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in addition to a leak test communication hole, another endoscope is provided with another vapor entry hole communicating with the inside of the endoscope. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope apparatus capable of performing sterilization in a pipeline that has been performed more quickly than before.

  In order to achieve the above object, the endoscope apparatus according to the first aspect has one end opened at the distal end of the insertion portion and the other end has an opening closer to the proximal end than the distal end of the insertion portion. And a leak that selectively communicates the conduit inserted through the endoscope, the watertightly closed region between the outer surface of the conduit and the outer skin of the endoscope, and the exterior of the endoscope. A ventilation hole for testing, provided at a position different from the ventilation hole, and a water-tightly closed area between the outer surface of the conduit and the outer skin of the endoscope and the exterior of the endoscope are selected. And a steam entrance hole that communicates with each other.

  An endoscope apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the endoscope apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the vapor entry hole is watertight during the cleaning process of the endoscope and a leak test. In addition, a waterproof cap for a steam entry hole is provided so as to be detachable.

  An endoscope apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the endoscope apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the steam entry hole is provided in an operation portion of the endoscope. It is.

  An endoscope apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the endoscope apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein a filter having a characteristic of transmitting vapor is provided in a part of the vapor entry hole. It is a feature.

  The endoscope apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the endoscope apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein the vent hole for the leak test is water-tightly sealed and the leak test is performed. A leak test waterproof cap having a leak test cap is detachably provided, and the leak test waterproof cap and the vapor entry hole waterproof cap are configured to be distinguishable from each other. It is.

  The endoscope apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration in which, in addition to the leak test communication hole, another vapor entry hole that communicates with the interior of the endoscope is provided, There is an advantage that sterilization can be performed more quickly than before.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 3 show a first embodiment of an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of the entire endoscope system using the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of two waterproof caps used in the endoscope system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 (A) is a leak diagram. A leak test waterproof cap having a test cap is shown, and FIG. 3 (B) shows a steam entrance waterproof cap having a clogging detection check valve that can be attached to the steam entrance hole.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 that performs an endoscopic examination is provided in an endoscope 2 that is detachably connected to an endoscope 2 that includes an imaging unit, and the endoscope 2. A light source device 3 that supplies illumination light to the light guide, and a video processor that is connected to the endoscope 2 via the signal cable 4 to control the imaging means of the endoscope 2 and process signals obtained from the imaging means 5 and a monitor 6 that displays an image corresponding to the subject image output from the processor 5.

  The endoscope 2 has resistance to high-temperature and high-pressure steam so that it can be sterilized with high-temperature and high-pressure steam after being used for endoscopy such as observation and treatment after being cleaned. It is comprised by the member. Further, the endoscope 2 is also positively applied to a space portion 45 (see FIG. 2) which is a region inside an exterior member (outer skin portion) such as the insertion portion 7 and the operation portion 8 of the endoscope 2 as described later. Since the sterilization process is performed by inflow of high-temperature and high-pressure steam intentionally (forcedly), the internal signal lines and the like are also composed of members having resistance to high-temperature and high-pressure steam.

  The endoscope 2 has an elongated insertion portion 7 having flexibility, an operation portion 8 connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 7, and flexibility extended from a side portion of the operation portion 8. A connecting cord (universal cord) 9, a connector portion 10 provided at an end portion of the connecting cord 9 and detachably connected to the light source device 3, and provided on a side portion of the connector portion 10. The connector 4a provided in the edge part of the signal cable 4 connected so that attachment or detachment is possible has the electrical connector part 11 which can connect detachably.

  The connecting portion between the insertion portion 7 and the operation portion 8 is provided with an insertion portion-side bending preventing member 12 having an elastic member that prevents a sudden bending of the connection portion, and the operation portion 8 and the connecting cord 9 are connected. A similar operation part side folding member 13 is provided at the connection part, and a similar connector part side folding member 14 is provided at the connection part between the connecting cord 9 and the connector part 10.

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

The distal end portion 17 includes an air / water supply nozzle 18 for ejecting cleaning liquid and gas toward an optical member on the outer surface of the observation optical system (not shown) by an air supply operation and a water supply operation, and an insertion portion 7. A suction port which is an opening on the distal end side of a treatment tool channel (not shown) for inserting the treatment tool provided and sucking the liquid in the body cavity is provided.
Further, the tip end portion 17 is provided with a liquid feeding port for ejecting a liquid opened toward the observation object.

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

  The connector unit 10 includes a gas supply base 21 that is detachably connected to a gas supply source (not shown) built in the light source device 3, and a water supply tank that is detachably connected to a water supply tank 22 that is a liquid supply source. A pressure cap 23 and a liquid supply cap 24 are provided. Further, a suction base 25 connected to a suction source (not shown) for performing suction from the suction port is provided on the back side of the water supply tank pressurization base 23 and the liquid supply base 24. Further, in the vicinity of the suction cap 25, there is provided an injection cap 26 connected to a water supply means (not shown) for supplying water from the liquid supply port. Further, the side surface of the connector portion 10 is provided with a ground terminal cap 27 for returning the leakage current to the high frequency treatment device when a high frequency leakage current is generated in the endoscope when the high frequency treatment is performed. Yes.

In the present embodiment, the connector portion 10 is provided with a ventilation portion 37. This ventilation part 37 is a space part 45 (FIG. 2) in a watertightly closed region between the outer surface of the duct inserted through the endoscope 2 and the exterior member (outer skin part) of the endoscope 2. Reference) and the outside of the endoscope.
Further, similarly to the ventilation portion 37, the electrical connector portion 11 has a ventilation portion 11a (see FIG. 2) that communicates the space portion 45 (see FIG. 2) of the endoscope 2 with the outside of the endoscope. Is provided.
In addition, although the present Example demonstrated the structure which provided two ventilation parts which connect the said space part 45 of the endoscope 2, and the exterior of an endoscope in the said connector part 10, the structure of only any one But it ’s okay. One of the two ventilation portions 11a and 37 is used as a communication hole for a leak test.

  A leak test waterproof cap 33 can be detachably connected to the electrical connector portion 11. As will be described later, the waterproof cap 33 is provided with a leak test cap 33B and a pressure adjusting valve (not shown). When two vents are provided, the leak test waterproof cap 46 having substantially the same configuration as the leak test waterproof cap 33 is also provided in the vent 37 of the connector 10 (see FIG. 2). Removable connection is possible. When this leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) is connected to the electrical connector section 11 (or the ventilation section 37 of the connector section 10), the electrical connector section 11 (or the ventilation section 37 of the connector section 10) is watertight. It has the characteristic to hold in.

  In the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment, a steam entry hole 38 is provided at a substantially central portion of the operation unit 8. This steam entry hole 38 is a space portion 45 (see FIG. 4) in a watertightly closed region between the outer surface of the pipe line inserted into the endoscope 2 and the exterior member (outer skin portion) of the endoscope 2. 2) and a communication hole communicating with the outside of the endoscope.

As will be described later, a waterproof cap 47 for the steam entry hole can be detachably connected to the steam entry hole 38 of the operation portion 8.
The configurations of the leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) and the steam entrance waterproof cap 47 will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 2 uses a sterilization storage case 34 in the case of high-pressure steam sterilization.
The storage case 34 has a tray 35 as an endoscope tray for storing the endoscope 2 to be sterilized, and a lid member 36 that covers the upper side of the tray 35.
The tray 35 and the lid member 36 are provided with a plurality of air holes (not shown) through which water vapor can pass.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing various conduits built in the endoscope 2.
As shown in FIG. 2, the connector portion 10 of the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment has a hole as a leak test hole for communicating the inside and the outside of the endoscope 2 as described above, or ventilation as an opening. A portion 11a (37) is provided. The ventilation portion 11 a (37) communicates the outside of the endoscope 2 with the internal space portion 45 sealed by the outer skin portion of the endoscope 2. Although not shown, a filter may be provided in which a small number of small holes through which steam passes but does not allow an object larger than the steam to pass are partially provided in the ventilation portion 11a (37).

  Further, the connector portion 10 includes a common water supply tank pressurizing base 23, a gas supply base 24, a suction base 25, and a hole or opening communicating with various pipes built in the endoscope 2. An inlet gold 26 is provided. Through these openings, various conduits in the endoscope 2 communicate with the outside of the endoscope 2.

Further, in the present embodiment, a steam entrance hole 38 as a hole or opening for communicating the inside and outside of the endoscope 2 is provided in the vicinity of the approximate center of the operation portion of the endoscope 2 as described above. Yes. The vapor entrance hole 38 allows the outside of the endoscope 2 to communicate with the internal space 45 sealed by the outer skin of the endoscope 2.
Further, in this embodiment, a filter provided with a large number of small holes through which a portion of the vapor entrance hole 38 allows vapor to pass but does not allow passage of an object larger than the vapor, such as dust or a lubricant inside the endoscope. 48 is provided. The filter 48 is detachably attached to the steam entry hole 38 and can be replaced. The filter 48 is a filter such as a paper filter used in a sterilization pack (not shown) for performing a sterilization process or the like while covering the storage case 34 in which the endoscope 2 is stored. The filter 48 is not limited to a paper filter of a sterilization pack (not shown), and other filters may be used. Further, a chemical indicator or a biological indicator for confirming the sterilization effect may be attached to the filter 48 so as to confirm the sterilization effect when the sterilization process is performed.

  In this embodiment, when sterilizing with high-temperature and high-pressure steam, high-temperature and high-pressure steam is introduced into the space 45 through the vent 11a (37) and the steam entry hole 38, and the air and water are communicated with the space 45. The outside of the pipeline such as a pipeline can be heated with high-temperature and high-pressure steam in a short time. That is, the sterilization effect in the pipe line is promoted by warming the outside of the pipe line. Further, high-temperature and high-pressure steam is caused to flow into the pipes in the endoscope 2 from the openings of the water supply tank pressurizing base 23, the gas supply base 24, the suction base 25, and the injection base 26, and communicated with these openings. The inside of each pipe line can be heated with high-temperature and high-pressure steam in a short time. Thus, by heating from inside and outside the pipe, the inside of the pipe built in the endoscope can be quickly sterilized.

The pipes are arranged as shown in FIG.
The pipe 39 is mainly in the insertion portion 7, the pipe tip 39 a is open to the outside at the tip 17, and the pipe rear end 39 b is open to the outside at the operation part 8. Yes. The conduit 39 is, for example, a treatment instrument insertion or suction conduit.

  The conduit 41 is mainly in the connection cord 9, and the conduit rear end 41 a is opened to the outside in the connector portion 10 by the suction cap 25. The conduit 41 is, for example, a suction conduit. The pipe 40 is mainly in the operation unit 8, the pipe tip is common with the pipe tip 39 a, opens to the outside at the tip 17, and the pipe rear end is the pipe rear end 41 a. In common, the connector part 10 is opened to the outside by the suction cap 25.

  Then, when a pipe line from a suction device (not shown) is connected to the pipe rear end 41a (suction cap 25) and the suction operation is performed with the suction device and the pipe rear end 39b is closed, the pipe line 41 and the pipe line 40 are connected. The suction can be performed from the pipe tip 39a through the path 39.

  The pipe 42 is mainly in the insertion portion 7, the pipe tip 42 a is open to the outside at the tip 17, and the pipe rear end 43 a is common with the pipe 43 and is a water supply tank pressure cap. 23, the connector portion 10 is open to the outside by the gas supply cap 24. The pipe 42 is an air / water supply pipe that supplies air or water by cleaning the lens surface of the distal end portion 17, for example.

  The pipe 43 is mainly in the connecting cord 9, the pipe tip 43 a is common with the pipe tip 42 a, opens to the outside at the tip 17, and the pipe rear end 43 a is a water tank pressurization. The connector 23 is opened to the outside by the base 23 and the gas supply base 24. When air or water is supplied from the pipe rear end 43a (water supply tank pressurizing base 23, gas supply base 24), air or water can be supplied from the pipe front end 42a.

  The conduit 44 is mainly in the insertion portion 7, the operation portion 8, and the connecting cord 9, the conduit distal end 44 a is open to the outside at the distal end portion 17, and the conduit rear end 44 b is the injection base 26. Thus, the connector portion 10 is open to the outside. The pipe 44 is, for example, a forward water feed pipe that feeds liquid to the observation object.

  As described above, various pipes that allow fluid and the like to be inserted inside are incorporated in the endoscope 2. Moreover, both the insertion portion 7 and the connecting cord 9 are formed of flexible members and are not solid but hollow. In addition, most of the pipes in the insertion portion 7 and the connecting cord 9 are arranged in a non-fixed state in the hollow part so as to be able to cope with flexible movement, and there are other built-in parts around the pipes, Almost space.

  The outer side of the pipe (inside the outer skin of the endoscope 2) in the intermediate part other than the ends of these pipes communicates with the surrounding space 45, and this space 45 is formed by the ventilation portion 11a (37) and the vapor ingress. The hole 38 communicates with the outside. That is, the outside of the pipe line is in a state of communicating with the outside through the ventilation portion 11 a (37) communicating with the space portion 45 and the steam entry hole 38. And the communication state by this ventilation part 11a (37) can be selected by the mounting / non-mounting (removal) of the waterproof cap 33 for leak test. The communication state by the steam entry hole 38 can be selected depending on whether the waterproof cap 47 for steam entry hole is attached / not attached (removed).

  In the present embodiment, for example, the space portion is not filled around the middle portion of the path connecting the opening portion of the duct with the filler or solid matter inside the outer skin of the endoscope 2. A space in which 45 is formed is secured. Further, various built-in objects and components exist in the middle of the path between the space portion 45 and the ventilation portion 11a (37), but they are arranged so as not to block the passage of steam. Therefore, the vapor can pass through this route without being obstructed.

  In the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment, when the sterilization process is performed by providing the ventilation portion 11a (37) and the steam entry hole 38, the surroundings of each pipe line provided inside the endoscope 2 are provided. The space 45 can communicate with the space 45, and the space 45 can also be set to a pre-vacuum state during pre-vacuum. In addition, when sterilization is performed by providing conduit openings such as the water supply tank pressurizing base 23, the gas supply base 24, the suction base 25 and the injection base 26, each pipe provided in the endoscope 2 is provided. It is possible to communicate with the road, and it is possible to set the pre-vacuum state in each pipeline during pre-vacuum. Further, when a leak test (leakage test) before sterilization is performed, a leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) is provided in the ventilation portion 11a (37), and a steam entrance hole waterproof cap is provided in the steam entrance hole 38. By mounting 47, the ventilation portion 11a (37) and the steam entry hole 38 can be kept watertight when performing a leak test or a cleaning process.

  Therefore, in the subsequent high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization process, the endoscope 2 quickly supplies high-temperature high-pressure steam not only to the inside of the pipe line but also to the space portion 45 outside the pipe line so as to be filled with high temperature. The high-pressure steam sterilization process can be completed in a short time.

  Next, the construction of the leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) and the steam entrance hole waterproof cap 47 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) is conventionally used, and the waterproof cap main body 33A (46A) holds the ventilation portion 11a (37) in a watertight manner. And a leak test base 33b (46B) which is provided on a side surface of the waterproof cap body 33A (46A) and is connected to a tube from a pressure pump (not shown) at the time of a leak test. The leak test cap 33b (46B) has an opening 33a (46a). The opening 33a (46a) is provided in a pressure regulating valve (not shown) provided inside the waterproof cap main body 33A (46A). It communicates with the ventilation part 11a (37) via.

  The leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) connects a tube from a pressurization pump (not shown) to the leak test base 33B during the leak test of the endoscope 2, and supplies air from the pressurization pump. Air is fed into the endoscope 2 through the leak test cap 33B and the waterproof cap body 33A.

  The leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) is provided with identification means 33C (46C) for enabling an operator to distinguish from the water vapor entrance hole waterproof cap 47. The identification means 33c (46C) is formed by applying the whole or part of the outer periphery of the waterproof cap body 33A (46A) with a color member such as green.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3 (B), the newly provided waterproof cap 47 for the steam entry hole is provided with a waterproof cap body 47A that holds the steam entry hole 38 in a watertight manner, and a side surface of the waterproof cap body 47A. And a clogging detection check valve 47B for determining whether or not the filter 48 (see FIG. 2) is clogged during a leak test.

  The clogging detection check valve 47B has an opening 47a. The opening 47a is connected to the steam inlet hole 38 through a pressure adjusting valve (not shown) provided therein and the waterproof cap body 47A. Communicate.

Further, the steam entrance hole waterproof cap 47 is provided with identification means 47C for enabling an operator to distinguish from the leak test waterproof cap 33 (46). The identification means 47C is formed by applying the whole or part of the outer periphery of the waterproof cap body 47A with a color member such as red.
Therefore, the operator can recognize the leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) and the steam entrance waterproof cap 47 at a glance by the identification means 33C (46C) and 47C.

In the present embodiment, the identification means is not limited to color members such as green and red. For example, any method may be used as long as the operator can identify the type at a glance. .
Further, the check valve 47B for detecting clogging of the waterproof cap 47 for steam entry hole may be provided on the upper surface of the waterproof cap body 47A as shown in FIG. In this case, a clogging detection check valve 47b is provided on the upper surface of the waterproof cap main body 47A, and the clogging detection check valve 47B communicates with the steam inlet hole 38 for detecting clogging of the filter. It may be configured as a pressurizing base.

  Next, the operation of the endoscope system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

Now, it is assumed that cleaning is performed after the inspection of the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment.
In this case, the waterproof cap 33 (46) for leak test is attached to the ventilation portion 11a (37), and at the same time, the waterproof cap 47 for steam entrance hole is attached to the steam entrance hole 38. The tube of the pressure pump is connected to the leak test base 33B (46B), and the endoscope 2 after the inspection is accommodated in the cleaning device.

  In this embodiment, since the leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) and the steam entry hole waterproof cap 47 are mounted, the cleaning liquid or the like during cleaning does not enter the endoscope. Further, since the waterproof cap 47 for the steam entrance hole is provided with the identifying means 47C formed of a color member such as red which is very conspicuous, it is possible to prevent the worker from forgetting this mounting work.

  Then, the worker performs a leak test of the endoscope 2 in that state. In this case, the operator can perform the leak test in the same procedure as before, so that the leak test can be performed without a sense of incongruity.

  In this embodiment, the pressure required for the leak test is P1, the maximum set pressure of the leak test device (not shown) is P2, and the opening pressure of the clogging detection check valve 47B is P3. Then, in the endoscope system of the present embodiment, the various parts are set so as to satisfy the relationship of P1 <P3 <P2.

Therefore, the operator first performs a set pressure of a leak test apparatus (not shown) at the pressure P1 and, after confirming that there is no water leak, changes the set pressure to the pressure P3 or more as it is. In this case, if the filter 48 is not clogged, the clogging detection check valve 47B is opened at this time, so that air comes out from the opening 47a of the clogging check valve 47B.
On the other hand, if the filter 48 is clogged, sufficient air cannot be sent to the waterproof cap 47 for the steam entry hole, so that the check valve 47B for clogging detection does not open and air is not sent out.
As described above, the leak test and the clogging of the filter 48 can be confirmed for the worker by substantially the same work as the conventional work.

  After the leak test, the operator cleans the endoscope 2 with a cleaning device while the leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) and the steam entry hole waterproof cap 47 are attached to the endoscope 2. In this case, since the worker performs the same as the conventional cleaning process, the cleaning process can be performed without a sense of incongruity.

  After the cleaning process, the operator removes the steam inlet hole waterproof cap 47 from the steam inlet hole 38 and then puts it into the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilizer. In this case, the waterproof cap 33 (46) for the leak test may be removed or removed as long as it is resistant to high temperature and high pressure steam sterilization. In addition, since many conventional waterproof caps for leak tests are not resistant to high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, it is desirable to remove them and perform high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization. Further, in this embodiment, the leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) and the steam entrance waterproof cap 47 can be identified by, for example, an identification means 33C (46C), which can be easily identified by an operator. Since 47C is provided, the positions of the waterproof caps are also different, so that the operator can be prevented from mistaken the waterproof cap.

  During the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization process, the endoscope 2 allows the steam to enter the steam entrance hole 38 (or from the ventilation part 11a (37) when the leak test waterproof cap 33 (46) is removed). It penetrates into the endoscope (air separation part 47). For this reason, since it becomes possible to warm up the outer surface etc. of the various pipe lines 39-44 penetrated inside this endoscope 2, the sterilization process in each pipe line can also be performed more quickly than before. . Since the steam entrance hole 38 is provided in the vicinity of the center of the operation portion 8, it is easy for the steam to penetrate into the endoscope (the space portion 45). Since the outer surface of the middle part of the route connecting the two is heated quickly, the sterilization process can be quickly performed also on the central part of the pipe line, which conventionally required time.

  Further, in this embodiment, since the filter 48 is provided in a part of the steam entrance hole 38, the lubricant or the like does not flow out from the endoscope during the high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization process. Dust and the like do not enter from the outside of the endoscope.

  In the present embodiment, the vent portion 11a, which is the leak test hole, is a leak test hole that has been used in the past, so its diameter is very small, for example, Φ1 mm. Since it is provided separately from the ventilation part 11a, it may be designed to have a size enough for vapor to enter, for example, a diameter of 9 mm.

  In the present embodiment, when the ventilation portion 11a is provided as a leak test hole, the ventilation portion 37 may be used as a steam entry hole instead of a leak test hole. Further, the steam entry hole 38 is not limited to the operation unit 8 and may be provided in a plurality of other positions as necessary.

  Further, since the periphery of the electrical connector portion 11 having the ventilation portion 11a as the leak test hole is substantially the same as the conventional configuration, a system connected to the electrical connector portion 11, for example, a leak test waterproof cap 33 Since these are compatible with conventional ones, it is not necessary to provide a new member, which can contribute to cost reduction.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the leak test communication hole, another vapor entry hole communicating with the inside of the endoscope is provided, so that the inside of the duct built in the endoscope Sterilization can be performed more quickly than before.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Appendix]
(1) One end has an opening at the distal end of the insertion portion, the other end has an opening on the proximal end side with respect to the distal end of the insertion portion, and a conduit that is inserted into the endoscope;
A leak test vent that selectively communicates a watertightly closed region between the outer surface of the duct and the outer skin of the endoscope and the exterior of the endoscope;
A steam entry hole that is provided at a position different from the vent hole and selectively communicates a watertightly closed region between the outer surface of the duct and the outer skin of the endoscope and the outside of the endoscope When,
An endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising:

  (2) The steam entrance hole is detachably provided with a waterproof cap for a steam entrance hole for watertightly sealing the steam entrance hole during the cleaning process of the endoscope and a leak test. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix (1), which is characterized.

  (3) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix (1), wherein the steam entry hole is provided in an operation unit of the endoscope.

  (4) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix (1), wherein a filter having a characteristic of transmitting vapor is provided in a part of the vapor entrance hole.

  (5) A leak test waterproof cap having a leak test cap for the leak test is provided in the leak test vent so as to be watertightly sealed and detachable. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix (2), wherein the waterproof cap and the waterproof cap for the steam entry hole are configured to be distinguishable from each other.

  (6) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix (2), wherein the waterproof cap for the steam entry hole has a clogging detection unit that prevents clogging of the filter during a leak test.

  (7) The clogging detection means is a clogging detection check valve that allows the inside and outside of the endoscope to communicate with each other when the pressure from the inside of the endoscope applied to the waterproof cap for the steam entry hole exceeds a predetermined pressure. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix (6), characterized in that:

  (8) The predetermined pressure of the clogged check valve is a pressure not less than a pressure required for a leak test and not more than a maximum set pressure of a leak test apparatus used in the leak test. The endoscope apparatus according to (7).

  (9) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix (5), wherein the leak test waterproof cap and the vapor entry hole waterproof cap are configured to be identifiable by color members, respectively.

  (10) The leak test waterproof cap is made of a green color member, and the water vapor entrance hole waterproof cap is made of a red color member different from the green color. ) Endoscope apparatus.

  The endoscope apparatus according to the present invention has a configuration in which, in addition to the leak test communication hole, another vapor entry hole that communicates with the interior of the endoscope is provided, Since sterilization can be performed more quickly than in the past, multiple endoscopic examinations using the endoscope are performed, and when the endoscope used in the first examination is reprocessed and used repeatedly on the same day It is particularly effective.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The block diagram which shows 1st Example of the endoscope apparatus of this invention, and shows the structure of the whole endoscope system using an endoscope apparatus. The figure which showed typically the conduit system of the endoscope shown in FIG. The perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the two waterproof caps used for the endoscope apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Endoscopic device,
2. Endoscope,
3 ... light source device,
4 ... Signal cable,
5 ... Processor,
6 ... Monitor,
7 ... Insertion part,
8 ... operation part,
9: Connection code,
10 ... Connector part,
11 ... Electric connector part,
11a ... Ventilation part (hole for leak test)
17 ... the tip,
21 ... Gas supply cap,
23 ... Water tank pressurizing cap,
24 ... Liquid supply cap,
25 ... Suction cap,
26 ... filler,
32 ... treatment instrument insertion port,
33 ... Waterproof cap for leak test,
33B ... Base for leak test,
34 ... Storage case for sterilization 35 ... Tray,
37 ... Ventilation part,
38 ... Steam entrance hole,
45 ... space part,
39-44 ... Pipe line 46 ... Leak test waterproof cap,
46B ... Base for leak test,
47 ... Waterproof cap for steam entrance hole,
47B ... Check valve for detecting clogging,
48. Filter.
Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (5)

One end has an opening at the distal end of the insertion portion, the other end has an opening on the proximal end side with respect to the distal end of the insertion portion, and a conduit that is inserted into the endoscope,
A leak test vent that selectively communicates a watertightly closed region between the outer surface of the duct and the outer skin of the endoscope and the exterior of the endoscope;
A steam entry hole that is provided at a position different from the vent hole and selectively communicates a watertightly closed region between the outer surface of the duct and the outer skin of the endoscope and the outside of the endoscope When,
An endoscope apparatus characterized by comprising: The steam entry hole is detachably provided with a waterproof cap for a steam entry hole for watertightly sealing the steam entry hole during a cleaning process of the endoscope and a leak test. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the steam entry hole is provided in an operation unit of the endoscope. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a filter having a characteristic of transmitting steam is provided in a part of the steam entrance hole. A leak test waterproof cap having a leak test cap for the leak test is detachably provided in the leak test vent and the leak test waterproof cap is provided. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein each of the waterproof caps for the steam entry holes is configured to be identifiable.

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