JP2008262089A - Endoscopic device and method of observing inspection object in viscous substance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscopic device capable of observing an inspection object, while inserting the device into a desired position, irrespective of the presence of viscous substances in the internal part, and to provide a method of observing the inspection object inside the viscous substance. <P>SOLUTION: The endoscopic device 1 includes a thin insertion body 10, having an insertion hole 10c continuous from the base end part 10a to the tip part 10b; an observation means disposed at the tip of the insertion body 10; fluid guiding tubes 20 and 21 that are inserted to the insertion hole 10c of the insertion body 10 so as to make the fluid flow from the base end to the tip and discharge the fluid toward the tip part 10b; a supply means 23, provided on the side of the base ends of the fluid guiding tubes 20 and 21 for supplying the fluid; an operating member 22 that is inserted to the insertion hole 10c of the insertion body 10, can be moved backward and forward, in a state where the tip thereof projects outside the tip part 10b of the insertion body 10 by operating the base end; and a cap body 28, provided at the tip of the operating member 22, for covering the observation means and the tips of the fluid guide tubes 20 and 21 by making the operating member 22 move backward. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that is inserted into a subject and observes the inside thereof, and a specimen observation method in a viscous substance that observes the inside of the specimen in which the viscous substance exists.

  Conventionally, in order to be able to observe a predetermined observation object inside a subject that cannot be directly viewed by an observer, such as the inside of a subject in the medical field and the inside of a test object in the industrial field, 2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope apparatus that includes an insert that can be inserted therein and observation means disposed at a distal end portion of the insert is used. Here, there are various types of fluids in the subject depending on the type of the subject, and when observing the observation target existing inside the subject in a part of the subject The fluid is pushed by the insert and inserted to the target position, and a predetermined observation object is observed by the observation means. However, when the insert is inserted, the fluid adheres to the observation means and becomes dirty, so that there is a case where the observation target of the subject cannot be observed. For this reason, various endoscope apparatuses have been proposed to enable observation of a target observation target even when a fluid is present inside the subject.

  That is, as such an endoscope apparatus, while holding a cylindrical sheath, an insertion portion having an observation means at the distal end portion and detachable from the sheath, and an insertion portion inserted into the sheath, Proposed is provided with an endoscope holding section that can be switched between an observation position where the observation object can be observed by the observation means while holding the insertion section, and a retreat position where the observation means is sealed in a watertight state. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). According to this endoscope apparatus, the sheath is inserted into the subject to the target position with the insertion portion inserted into the sheath and held by the endoscope holding portion. Next, in a state where the observation means is retracted to the retracted position, the cleaning liquid is discharged and cleaned on the observation target of the subject exposed at the distal end of the sheath, and then the cleaning liquid is sucked and removed. And it is supposed that the observation object exposed to the front-end | tip can be observed inside a sheath by making an observation means into an observation position after removing a washing | cleaning liquid.

  As another endoscope apparatus, a tubular member mounted on the insertion portion, a dome member provided at the distal end portion of the tubular member and disposed in front of the distal end surface of the insertion portion, and disposed so as to cross the dome member There has been proposed one having a strip-like blade portion having possible elasticity and a wiping unit for wiping the outer surface of the dome member (see, for example, Patent Document 2). According to this endoscope apparatus, the observation means provided in the insertion portion is covered with the dome member and is not contaminated by the fluid inside the subject. The fluid attached to the outer surface of the dome member can be wiped off by the blade portion of the wiping unit, and the observation means can observe the observation object through the dome member.

Furthermore, as another endoscope apparatus, a catheter that is inserted into a channel of the insertion portion to guide the fluid, and a direction of the fluid emitted from the end portion of the catheter is regulated and set to the direction of the observation means of the insertion portion. An apparatus including a catheter cap to be cleaned has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 3). In this endoscope apparatus, even if a fluid adheres to the observation means of the insertion portion, the observation means of the insertion portion can be washed by the fluid guided to the catheter and regulated by the catheter cap. It is said that the observation object can be observed.
JP-A-2005-192707 Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-40184 JP-A-5-146396

  However, in the endoscope apparatuses of Patent Documents 1 to 3, although the fluid is a viscous substance and the insertion body can be inserted, the shape can be maintained for a certain time by its own viscosity. When it has a certain property, there is a problem that it becomes difficult to observe the object to be observed by the observation means. That is, in the endoscope apparatus of Patent Document 1, since the sheath tip is opened, a viscous substance enters from the sheath tip when the sheath is inserted. The viscous material that has entered the sheath is cleaned with the cleaning liquid and removed by suction with the cleaning liquid. All of these operations are performed with the observation means in the retracted position. It cannot be confirmed whether it has been removed. Although a means for making the endoscope holding part transparent so that the outside can be confirmed even at the retracted position is disclosed, it is difficult to completely remove the viscous substance attached so as to cover the endoscope holding part. It is difficult to determine whether the substance remains around or only attached to the endoscope holding part. For this reason, there is a case where the observation means is set to the observation position in a state where the viscous substance is not sufficiently removed, and the observation means is adhered and becomes dirty. In addition, even if viscous material does not adhere to the observation means, in order to be able to observe the tip of the sheath, it is necessary to repeat the operations of washing and suction and confirmation of the sheath tip by the observation means. Was desired.

  Moreover, in the endoscope apparatus of patent document 2, since the observation means of an insertion part is covered with the dome member, it can prevent that a viscous substance adheres to an observation means, but the outer dome It will adhere to the outer surface of the member. Viscous substances adhering to the outer surface of the dome member will be wiped off by the blade part of the wiping unit, but cannot be completely removed due to the viscosity, and the viscosity outside the blade part Nor can the material be removed. For this reason, after all, the observation means observes the observation target of the subject through the dome member and the viscous material covering the outside of the dome member, which makes observation difficult in the viscous material.

  Furthermore, in the endoscope apparatus of Patent Document 3, the observation means can be washed directly by the fluid emitted from the catheter cap. However, when the insertion portion is inserted, the observation cap is attached together with the periphery of the observation means. The surrounding area is covered with viscous material. For this reason, the field of view by the observation means cannot be secured, and even if the fluid is ejected from the catheter cap, it is washed with a cleaning liquid containing a viscous substance, and the observation means cannot be washed effectively. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and is an endoscope apparatus that can be inserted and observed up to a desired position even when a viscous substance is present therein, and the inside of the viscous substance. The object observation method is provided.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an elongated insertion body having an insertion hole communicating from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion, observation means disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion body, and fluid from the proximal end side to the distal end portion. A fluid guide tube that can be circulated to the distal end side of the insert, a supply means that is provided on the proximal end side of the fluid guide tube, and supplies the fluid to the fluid guide tube, An operating member that is inserted through the insertion hole of the insert and can be advanced and retracted by operating the base end so that the tip protrudes from the tip of the insert, and is provided at the tip of the operation member And a lid that can cover the distal end of the observation means and the fluid guide tube by retracting the operation member.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the distal end of the observation means and the fluid guide tube disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion body is covered with the lid body by retracting the operation member. Then, by inserting the insert into the subject in this state, even if a viscous substance is present inside the subject, the viscous substance inside the subject adheres to the tip of the observation means and the fluid guide tube. The insertion body can be inserted to the target position of the subject without doing so. When the insertion member is inserted to a predetermined position, the insertion member is moved relative to the lid body in the insertion direction rearward and one direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, that is, obliquely rearward, in a state where the operation member can be advanced and retracted. Here, since the viscous material covering the insert and the lid has a certain viscosity, a gap is formed in the range in which the insert has moved, and the lid is covered with a viscous substance in the gap. Can be controlled. For this reason, the visual field of the observation means can be ensured according to the range in which the insertion body is moved without the viscous substance adhering to the tips of the observation means and the fluid guide tube. In this state, if the fluid is supplied by the supply means and the fluid is discharged from the tip of the fluid guide tube, the viscous material in the discharged range can be removed while confirming by the observation means. Then, after removing the viscous substance, the subject can be suitably observed by the observation means.

  In the endoscope apparatus described above, it is more preferable that the observation means is provided at a distal end portion and that an elongated endoscope insertion portion is inserted through the insertion hole of the insert.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the outside of the endoscope insertion portion can be protected by the insert and can be suitably inserted into the subject while being guided. Moreover, when observing with the observation means of an endoscope insertion part, position adjustment can be performed by moving the observation means relative to the insert relative to the insertion body, which is preferable.

  In the endoscope apparatus described above, the insert may be an elongated endoscope insertion portion having the insertion hole and having the observation means provided at a distal end portion.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the overall diameter can be reduced by using the endoscope insertion portion itself as an insert.

  In the endoscope apparatus described above, it is more preferable that the lid is made of a transparent material.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the distal end side of the lid body can be observed to some extent by the observation means even when the observation means is covered with the lid body. The position can be easily reached.

  In the endoscope apparatus described above, it is more preferable that the lid body can be covered with a gap between the observation unit and the distal end of the fluid guide tube.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, is the gap formed with the observation unit in the state covered with the lid, so that the visual field of the observation unit is ensured while being covered with the lid? I can confirm.

  Furthermore, in the endoscope apparatus described above, it is more preferable that the lid body has a concave end surface that faces the distal ends of the observation means and the fluid guide tube.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, since the base end surface of the lid is concave, a gap between the lid, the observation means, and the fluid guide tube can be formed on the lid side. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a viscous substance or dust from staying on the observation means side.

  In the endoscope apparatus, a first fluid guide tube capable of discharging the fluid in an observation direction by the observation unit, and a second fluid guide tube capable of discharging the fluid toward the observation unit. It is more preferable to provide a plurality of the fluid guide tubes.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, when the vicinity of the observation position of the subject to be observed by the observation unit is washed, the fluid is discharged from the first fluid guide tube, and the observation unit itself is washed. In doing so, by discharging the fluid from the second fluid guide tube, cleaning can be performed more effectively according to the purpose.

  Furthermore, in the above endoscope apparatus, it is more preferable that the supply unit includes a discharge destination switching unit that selects at least one of the plurality of fluid guide tubes and supplies the fluid.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, since the supply destination of the fluid from the supply means can be selected by the discharge destination switching unit, the fluid can be freely discharged from a plurality of fluid guide tubes by one supply means. Can be made.

  Further, in the above endoscope apparatus, the operation member is substantially tubular, the supply means is connected to a proximal end side, and the fluid supplied from the supply means is circulated from the proximal end side to the distal end, thereby It is more preferable that the operation tube be capable of being discharged outward from the front end side of the lid.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, the lid can be advanced and retracted with respect to the insertion body by the operation tube, and the fluid supplied from the supply means can be discharged outward from the distal end side of the lid. it can. For this reason, if the fluid is discharged from the tip of the operation tube when the insert is inserted, the fluid can be inserted while removing the viscous material at the tip of the lid by the fluid, thereby reducing the insertion resistance. be able to.

  Furthermore, in the above endoscope apparatus, it is more preferable to have a discharge destination switching unit that selects at least one of the fluid guide tube or the operation tube and supplies the fluid.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, since the discharge destination of the fluid from the supply unit can be selected by the discharge destination switching unit, the fluid can be freely discharged from the fluid guide tube and the operation tube with one supply unit. Can be discharged.

  In the endoscope apparatus described above, it is more preferable that the supply unit includes a first supply unit capable of supplying a gas as the fluid and a second supply unit capable of supplying a liquid as the fluid. It is said that.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, each of the gas and the liquid can be discharged according to the purpose by the first supply unit and the second supply unit.

  Furthermore, in the above endoscope apparatus, the supply unit may include a supply source switching unit that selects at least one of the first supply unit and the second supply unit and supplies the fluid. More preferred.

  According to the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, since the supply source of the fluid in the supply means can be selected by the supply source switching unit, by the plurality of supply sources of the first supply unit and the second supply unit, Different types of fluids, such as gas and liquid, can be supplied to one discharge destination.

  In addition, the present invention provides a test object in a viscous substance in which an elongated insertion body having an observation means disposed at the tip is inserted into a test substance in which a viscous substance exists, and the inside of the test object is observed. An object observation method comprising: disposing a discharge nozzle at a distal end portion of the insert so that fluid can be discharged toward the distal end portion; and covering the discharge nozzle and the observation means with a lid. An insertion step of inserting a body into the test object; and the lid is moved relative to the lid body in the insertion direction rearward and in one direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, In a range in which the viscous substance is removed by the observing means, a detaching step for removing the body from the insertion body, a removing step for discharging the fluid from the discharge nozzle to remove the viscous substance around the discharge nozzle, and An observation step of observing the inside of the test object. It is characterized in.

  According to the method for observing an object in a viscous substance according to the present invention, when the insert is inserted into the object as an insertion step, the observation means and the discharge nozzle disposed at the tip of the insert Is a state covered with a lid. For this reason, it is possible to insert the insert to a desired position while preventing the viscous material from adhering to the observation means and the discharge nozzle. Next, as an detachment process, the insertion body is moved relative to the lid body in the insertion direction rearward and in one direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, that is, obliquely rearward. Here, since the viscous material covering the insert and the lid has a certain viscosity, a void is formed in the range in which the insert has moved, and the viscous material is formed in the void by the lid. Intrusion will be restricted. For this reason, the visual field of the observation means can be ensured according to the range in which the insertion body has moved without the viscous substance adhering to the observation means and the discharge nozzle. Next, if the fluid is discharged from the discharge nozzle as the removing step, the viscous material in the discharged range can be removed while confirming by the observing means, and the subject is preferably observed by the observing means as the observing step. be able to.

  In the above-described method for observing an object in a viscous substance, it is more preferable that the insertion step discharges the fluid from the discharge nozzle at the same time as inserting the insert.

  According to the method for observing an object in a viscous material according to the present invention, in the insertion step, the fluid is ejected from the ejection nozzle so that the viscous material enters between the lid and the insertion body and the observation means and the ejection It can prevent adhering to the nozzle.

  In the above-described method for observing an object in a viscous substance, it is more preferable that in the detachment step, the fluid is discharged from the discharge nozzle at the same time as the insertion body is moved.

  According to the test object observation method in the viscous material according to the present invention, the pressure inside the gap formed by the movement of the insert is increased by discharging the fluid from the discharge nozzle in the separation step, and the gap is formed in the gap. Intrusion of viscous substances can be prevented.

  In the method for observing an object in the viscous substance, it is more preferable that the fluid discharged from the discharge nozzle along with the movement of the insert is a gas.

  According to the method for observing an object in a viscous substance according to the present invention, when inserting the insert in the insertion step or moving the insert in the detachment step, the fluid discharged from the discharge nozzle is a gas. Thus, the pressure inside the voids can be increased to more reliably prevent the intrusion of the viscous material.

  In the above-described method for observing an object in a viscous substance, it is more preferable that the fluid discharged from the discharge nozzle in the removing step is a liquid.

  According to the test object observation method in the viscous material according to the present invention, the fluid discharged from the discharge nozzle when removing the viscous material in the removing step is a liquid, thereby removing the viscous material with the discharge pressure, A viscous substance can be discharged and removed together with the discharged liquid, which is preferable.

  Further, in the above-described method for observing an object in a viscous substance, in the insertion step, a lid end nozzle is disposed on the distal end side of the lid, and at the same time as the insert is inserted, the lid tip It is more preferable to discharge the fluid from the nozzle to the outside of the front end side of the lid.

  According to the test object observation method in the viscous substance according to the present invention, when inserting the insert in the insertion step, the fluid is discharged from the lid tip nozzle so that the viscosity of the lid tip side by the fluid is discharged. Insertion can be performed while removing the substance, and insertion resistance can be reduced.

According to the endoscope apparatus of the present invention, by providing the supply means, the fluid guide tube, and the lid, even if a viscous substance exists inside, the observation means makes it difficult to observe the viscous substance. Therefore, the subject can be suitably observed by being inserted to a desired position.
In addition, according to the method for observing an object in a viscous substance of the present invention, the insertion process, the detachment process, and the removal process result in adhesion of the viscous substance to the observation means, making observation difficult. Without being inserted, the test object can be suitably observed by inserting it to a desired position.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an endoscope 3 having an endoscope insertion portion 2, and an outline that is externally mounted on the distal end side of the endoscope insertion portion 2 as an insert. A tubular guide tube 10 is provided, and the endoscope insertion portion 2 and the guide tube 10 are inserted into the subject for observation. Here, the inside of the subject means the inside of the subject in the medical field, the inside of the animal as the subject, and the inside of the machine or the tube as the subject in the industrial field. It means the inside of the road.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the guide tube 10 includes a guide tube insertion portion 11 to be inserted into a subject and a guide tube operation portion 12 provided on the proximal end side of the guide tube insertion portion 11. The guide tube insertion portion 11 and the guide tube operation portion 12 are formed with an insertion hole 10c communicating from the proximal end portion 10a to the distal end portion 10b. The guide tube insertion portion 11 includes a hard distal end hard portion 13, a bending portion 14 that can be bent by operation of the guide tube operation portion 12, and a flexible flexible tube portion 15 in order from the distal end side. In the guide tube insertion portion 11, the distal end hard portion 13 is formed with a plurality of openings 13b that open to the distal end surface 13a as insertion holes 10c. A round corner 13c is formed on the outer periphery of the distal end surface 13a of the distal end hard portion 13.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of substantially annular bending pieces 16 are arranged in the axial direction inside the bending portion 14 in the guide tube insertion portion 11. Adjacent bending pieces 16 are connected to each other by a hinge 16a, so that each bending piece 16 can rotate with respect to the other adjacent bending pieces 16 in substantially the same plane. A pair of bending operation wires 16b are inserted in the connected bending pieces 16 in the axial direction. The pair of bending operation wires 16b are disposed at positions on the rotation inner peripheral side and the rotation outer peripheral side when each bending piece 16 is rotated by the hinge 16a. Each of the pair of bending operation wires 16b is fixed to the bending piece 16A located on the most distal end side, and is guided by the other bending pieces 16 so as to advance and retreat in the axial direction. Further, the proximal ends of the pair of bending operation wires 16b are connected to a bending knob 12a provided in the guide tube operation unit 12 shown in FIG. Then, by rotating the bending knob 12a in one direction, one of the pair of bending operation wires 16b is pulled to the proximal end side and the other is in a relaxed state, whereby the entire bending portion 14 of the guide tube insertion portion 11 is placed. Can be bent toward one side of the pulled bending operation wire 16b. In the present embodiment, the bending operation wires 16b can be bent in only two directions, but the bending pieces 16 are alternately connected so as to be rotatable in a substantially orthogonal plane, and the pair of bending operation wires are connected. It is also possible to curve in four directions by arranging two sets of 16b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 3 includes the endoscope insertion portion 2, an endoscope operation portion 4 provided on the proximal end side of the endoscope insertion portion 2, and an endoscope main body. Part 5. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the endoscope insertion portion 2 includes a hard distal end hard portion 2 a in order from the distal end, a bending portion 2 b that can be bent by operation of the endoscope operation portion 4, and flexibility. And a flexible tube portion 2c, which is inserted into the insertion hole 10c of the guide tube 10 from the proximal end side to the distal end side to expose the distal end surface 2d of the distal end hard portion 2a from one of the openings 13b. . As shown in FIG. 1, the bending knob 4 a is provided in the endoscope operation section 4, and the bending section of the endoscope insertion section 2 having the same mechanism as the bending section 14 of the guide tube insertion section 11. It is possible to curve 2b in a predetermined direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the distal end hard portion 2a of the endoscope insertion portion 2 is provided with an observation means 6 for observing the distal end side and an illumination means 7 for illuminating the distal end side. Yes. The observation means 6 includes an objective lens 6a that is exposed on the distal end surface 2d of the distal end hard portion 2a of the endoscope insertion portion 2, and a CCD camera (not shown) that is provided inside the distal end hard portion 2a and images the distal end side through the objective lens 6a. With. As shown in FIG. 1, an image picked up by the CCD camera of the observation means 6 is displayed on a monitor 5 a provided in the endoscope main body 5 via a signal line (not shown) inserted through the endoscope insertion portion 2. Displayed, and thereby the tip side can be observed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the illumination means 7 has LED7a exposed to the front end surface 2d of the front-end | tip hard part 2a of the endoscope insertion part 2. As shown in FIG. The LED 7a is connected to a power source (not shown) built in the endoscope main body 5 by an electric wire (not shown) inserted through the endoscope insertion portion 2, and thereby the LED 7a emits light to illuminate the distal end side. it can. The endoscope insertion portion 2 and the endoscope operation portion 4 are formed with a plurality of channels 2e that communicate from the proximal end side to the distal end surface 2d.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the endoscope apparatus 1 further includes two fluid guide tubes, a substantially fluid first fluid guide tube 20 and a second fluid guide tube 21, and a cap as an operation member. And an operation wire 22. The first fluid guide tube 20, the second fluid guide tube 21, and the cap operation wire 22 are all flexible, and advance and retract from the proximal end side to the distal end side in the insertion hole 10 a of the guide tube 10. It is inserted as possible. At the distal end of the first fluid guide tube 20, the fluid flowing through the first fluid guide tube 20 from the proximal end side toward the distal end is observed by the observation means 6 of the endoscope insertion portion 2, that is, the guide tube 10. A first discharge nozzle 20a that is linearly formed so as to discharge in the axial direction is attached, and is exposed from one of the openings 13b to the tip side. Further, the fluid flowing through the second fluid guide tube 21 from the proximal end side toward the distal end is directed to the objective lens 6 a of the observation means 6 of the endoscope insertion portion 2 at the distal end of the second fluid guide tube 21. The second protruding nozzle 21a formed to be bent so as to be discharged is attached, and is in a state protruding from one of the openings 13d to the tip side. The base end of the first fluid guide tube 20 and the base end of the second fluid guide tube 21 protrude from the insertion hole 10c of the guide tube 10 toward the base end portion 10a, and supply means 23 for supplying fluid. Connected with.

  The supply means 23 includes a first supply unit 24 that can supply a gas as a fluid, a second supply unit 25 that can supply a liquid as a fluid, a first supply unit 24, and a second supply unit 25, respectively. The supply source switching unit 26 connected by the relay pipes 24a and 25a, the supply source switching unit 26 connected by the relay pipe 26a, the proximal end of the first fluid guide tube 20 and the second fluid guide tube 21 And a discharge destination switching unit 27 to which base ends are respectively connected. More specifically, the first supply unit 24 includes a cylinder 24b that can send out air A as a gas, and an air supply button 24c that sends out the air A to the relay pipe 24a. More specifically, the second supply unit 25 includes a tank 25b filled with kerosene L as a liquid, and a liquid feed button 25c for sending the kerosene L to the relay pipe 25a. More specifically, the supply source switching unit 26 is a switching valve, and selects either the air A supplied from the first supply unit 24 or the kerosene L supplied from the second supply unit 25, and the relay pipe 26a. Can be sent out. The discharge destination switching unit 27 is also a switching valve, and selects either the first fluid guide tube 20 or the second fluid guide tube 21 for the air A or kerosene L sent to the relay pipe 26a. Can be sent out.

  Further, the cap operation wire 22 has a base end 22 b protruding from the insertion hole 10 c of the guide tube 10 to the base end portion 10 a side. Similarly, the distal end 22a of the cap operation wire 22 protrudes from one of the openings 13b of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11 toward the distal end portion 10b. A cap 28, which is a lid made of a transparent material, is fixed to the tip 22 a of the cap operation wire 22. The cap 28 is a dome-shaped member in which the base end surface 28a to which the cap operation wire 22 is connected is formed in a concave shape, and the opposite end surface 28b is formed in a convex shape. The cap 28 is set to have an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11, and the edge 28 c corresponds to the corner portion 13 c of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11. It is formed in a concave shape. For this reason, the base end 22b of the cap operating wire 22 is pulled and retracted to the base end side so that the edge end 28c of the cap 28 is fitted to the corner portion 13c of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11. Become. Thus, the first discharge nozzle 20a of the first fluid guide tube 20, the second discharge nozzle 21a of the second fluid guide tube 21, the objective lens 6a of the observation means 6, and the LED 7a of the illumination means 7 are exposed. The distal end surface 2d of the distal end hard portion 2a of the endoscope insertion portion 2 that has been formed can be in a state covered with the cap 28 with a gap 28d formed by the proximal end surface 28a.

  Next, an operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment and an observation method using the endoscope apparatus 1 will be described. More specifically, the guide tube insertion portion 11 and the endoscope insertion portion 2 are inserted into the specimen S (subject) in a state where the internal substance S1 is filled with the viscous substance S2, and the specimen S in the internal S1 is inserted. A case of observing a part of the observation target S4 (see FIG. 8) will be described. Here, the viscous substance S2 has a property as a fluid, and although the guide tube insertion portion 11 can be inserted while being pushed apart, the shape can be maintained for a certain time by its own viscosity. It is a thing. As an example of the test object S in which the viscous substance S2 is filled in the inside S1, the bearing or gear box filled with grease as the viscous substance, or ketchup or mayonnaise as the viscous substance circulates in the pipe line. Food processing equipment. In this embodiment, a case where the surface of the rolling element (observation object S4) is observed in the interior S1 of the bearing (test object S1) filled with grease (viscous substance S2) will be described as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 4, first, as an insertion process, the guide tube insertion portion 11 of the guide tube 10 is inserted into the inside S <b> 1 of the test object S from the insertion port S <b> 3 of the test object S. At this time, the endoscope insertion portion 2, the first fluid guide tube 20, the second fluid guide tube 21, and the cap operation wire 22 are inserted into the insertion hole 10 c of the guide tube 10. Further, the cap operation wire 22 is pulled and retracted to the proximal end side, and the cap 28 is fitted to the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11 so as to cover the distal end surface 13a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, in the supply means 23, the discharge destination switching unit 27 is set to the second fluid guide tube 21, and the supply source switching unit 26 is set to the first supply unit 24. Air A is discharged from the second discharge nozzle 21 a of the fluid guide tube 21. If the guide tube insertion portion 11 is inserted in this state, the viscous substance S2 is inserted while being pushed apart by the distal end surface 28a of the cap 28, and the endoscope insertion portion 2 is protected by the guide tube insertion portion 11. In addition, it is inserted into the inside S2 of the test object S while being guided.

  Here, since the front end surface 28a of the cap 28 is formed in a convex shape, the insertion resistance can be reduced. Further, since the distal end surface 13a of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11 is covered with the cap 28, the objective lens 6a of the observation means 6 in which the viscous substance S2 is exposed from the opening 13b, the first fluid. It does not adhere to the first discharge nozzle 20a of the guide tube 20 and the second discharge nozzle 21a of the second fluid guide tube 21. The air A discharged from the second discharge nozzle 21 a of the second fluid guide tube 21 is filled in the gap 28 d formed by the cap 28 to increase the air pressure in the gap 28 d and the edge 28 c of the cap 28. And the corner portion 13c of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11 leaks to the outside. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the viscous material S2 from entering the gap 28d from between the edge 28c of the cap 28 and the chamfered portion 13c of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11, and the viscous material S2 Adhering to the objective lens 6 a of the observation means 6, the first discharge nozzle 20 a of the first fluid guide tube 20, and the second discharge nozzle 21 a of the second fluid guide tube 21 can be more reliably prevented. be able to. Further, the air A exposed to the outside is discharged to the proximal end side along the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube insertion portion 11, and a gap is formed between the viscous material S <b> 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube insertion portion 11. Will be formed. For this reason, the insertion resistance of the guide tube insertion part 11 can be reduced more. Even if the viscous substance S2 splashes on the objective lens 6 of the observation means 6 of the endoscope insertion portion 2 or other dust adheres for some reason, the gap 28d is formed, so that the cap It is possible to confirm whether or not the viscous substance S2 or the like has adhered to the objective lens 6a while being covered with the lens 28 and whether or not the visual field of the observation means 6 is secured.

  In the above, the air A is discharged from the second discharge nozzle 21a of the second fluid guide tube 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the air A is protruded from the first fluid guide tube 21. Can expect the same effect. Moreover, although air A which is gas is selected as the fluid to be discharged, kerosene L which is liquid may be selected. However, by selecting gas as the fluid, the field of view of the objective lens 6a of the observation means 6 can be kept in a better state.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the guide tube insertion portion 11 is inserted up to the observation object S4 in the interior S1 of the subject S, the process proceeds to the next step. Here, since the cap 28 is formed of a transparent material, the distal end side can be roughly observed through the cap 28 by the observation means 6 of the endoscope insertion portion 2. For this reason, although the viscous substance S2 exists and cannot be confirmed in detail, it can be easily inserted while confirming the external state to some extent, and it is more sure whether or not the observation object S4 has been reached. Can be confirmed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the guide tube insertion portion 11 of the guide tube 10 is retracted with respect to the cap 28 as a separation step. That is, first, the state in which the cap operation wire 22 is pulled toward the proximal end is released, and the cap 28 and the cap operation wire 22 and the guide tube insertion portion 11 of the guide tube 10 are movable independently. . Further, air A is discharged from the second discharge nozzle 21 a of the second fluid guide tube 21. In this state, the guide tube insertion portion 11 is moved backward in the insertion direction and in one direction orthogonal to the insertion direction, that is, obliquely rearward. Here, the cap 28 is in a state where the periphery is covered with the viscous material S2, and the cap operation wire 22 is flexible and can be advanced and retracted independently of the guide tube insertion portion 11. For this reason, only the guide tube insertion portion 11 moves while the cap 28 is stationary at the original position. Since the viscous material S2 has a certain viscosity and tries to maintain its shape by its own viscosity, a gap S5 is formed in the range in which the guide tube insertion portion 11 has moved.

  Here, since the cap 28 is in a stationary state, the cap 28 can act as a weir to restrict the viscous material S2 from entering the gap S5. Furthermore, by discharging the air A from the second discharge nozzle 21a, the air pressure in the gap S5 can be increased, and the viscous material S2 can be more reliably restricted from entering the gap S5. Then, by forming the gap S5, the objective lens 6a of the observation means 6 exposed to the distal end surface 13a of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11 and the first discharge nozzle 20a of the first fluid guide tube 20 are formed. In addition, the viscous material S2 is prevented from adhering to the second discharge nozzle 21a of the second fluid guide tube 21, and the field of view by the observation means 6 is secured according to the range in which the guide tube insertion portion 11 has moved. can do. In the above description, the air A is discharged from the second discharge nozzle 21a of the second fluid guide tube 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first discharge of the first fluid guide tube 20 is performed. The same effect can be expected when the nozzle 20a is discharged.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7, as a removing step, the viscous substance S2 around the observation target S4 is removed. First, in the supply means 23, the discharge destination switching unit 27 is switched so that it can be delivered to the first fluid guide tube 20. Further, the supply source switching unit 26 is switched so that kerosene L can be supplied from the second supply unit 25. And if kerosene L is discharged from the 1st discharge nozzle 20a of the 1st fluid guide tube 20, the kerosene L will be sprayed on the axial direction front end side used as the observation direction by the observation means 6, and the viscous substance of the front end side S2 is removed by the discharge pressure of kerosene L. Furthermore, the viscous substance S2 is gradually dissolved by the discharged kerosene L and flows out together with the kerosene L. Kerosene L flowing out passes between the guide tube insertion portion 11 and the viscous material S2 and is discharged to the proximal end side. At this time, since the visual field of the observation unit 6 is secured as described above, the viscous substance S2 can be more reliably removed while confirming with the observation unit 6. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 8, the observation object S4 can be suitably observed by the observation means 6 at the end as an observation step. Here, since the endoscope insertion portion 2 is inserted through the guide tube 10 and the specimen S is observed by the observation means 6 of the endoscope insertion portion 2, the guide tube 10 remains stationary. The endoscope insertion section 2 can be advanced and retracted in the axial direction so that the objective lens 6a of the observation means 6 can be adjusted and observed so as to be in a suitable position with respect to the observation position S4. In the removal process and the observation process, even if the viscous material S2 splashes and adheres to the objective lens 6a of the observation means 6, the air A or the air A or the air is discharged from the second discharge nozzle 21a of the second fluid guide tube 21. It can be removed by discharging kerosene L.

  As described above, in the endoscope apparatus 1, even if the viscous substance S2 exists in the inside S1 of the test object S, a series of steps of the insertion process, the detachment process, the removal process, and the observation process is performed. Thus, the specimen S can be suitably observed by inserting it up to the observation position S4 without the viscous substance S2 adhering to the observation means 6 and making observation difficult.

  In the present embodiment, the first discharge nozzle 20a of the first fluid guide tube 20 or the second fluid guide tube 21 of the first fluid guide tube 20 is used in each of the insertion process, the detachment process, the removal process, and the observation process. The gaseous air A or the liquid kerosene L is discharged from either of the two discharge nozzles 21a, but is not limited to the above selection. For example, in selecting the discharge destination, only the first fluid guide tube 20 or the second fluid guide tube 21 may be used, or another fluid guide tube may be provided and selected. However, it is configured by two fluid guide tubes of the first fluid guide tube 20 and the second fluid guide tube 21 and can be switched by the discharge destination switching unit 27, so that the fluid is discharged in each step. It is possible to minimize the number of fluid guide tubes while selecting the optimum direction. The discharge destination switching unit 27 of the supply unit 23 may be connected in two directions at the same time, and fluid may be discharged simultaneously from the first discharge nozzle 20a and the second discharge nozzle 21a.

  Further, in the selection of the supply source, either gas or liquid may be used, and further, different types of fluids may be supplied by gas or liquid. However, by allowing two types of gas and liquid to be supplied and switching by the supply source switching unit 26, it is possible to select a suitable fluid for each process as described above, while minimizing the type of fluid. Can be. Note that the supply source switching unit 26 of the supply unit 23 can be supplied simultaneously from the first supply unit 26 and the second supply unit 27 and the mixed liquid of gaseous air A and liquid kerosene L is discharged. Also good. Further, the gas is not limited to the air A. Similarly, the liquid is not limited to the kerosene L. For example, water may be used as the liquid. When the viscous substance S2 is an oily material such as grease, the use of kerosene L is suitable for removing the viscous substance S2 because it dissolves the viscous substance S2. For example, the endoscope insertion portion 2 The removed viscous substance S2 may be suctioned and removed by using the channel 2e or by separately providing a suction tube in the guide tube insertion portion 11.

  In the endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the first fluid guide tube 20 and the second fluid guide tube 21 are inserted through the insertion hole 10c of the guide tube 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It is good also as what is arrange | positioned outside the guide tube 10 outside. It suffices that at least the fluid can be discharged to the distal end portion 10b side of the guide tube 10 by the first discharge nozzle 20a and the second discharge nozzle 21a provided at the distal ends, and the cap 28 can cover the fluid.

  In the endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, both the guide tube insertion portion 11 and the endoscope insertion portion 2 can be bent. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is formed of a rigid tubular member. Also good. Further, the first fluid guide tube 20, the second fluid guide tube 21, and the cap operation wire 22 may be formed of a hard member. In this case, the cap operation wire may be pushed into the distal end side with the insertion body stationary, and the cap may be moved toward the distal end side with respect to the insertion body. Here, even if the cap operation wire 22 is formed of a hard member, the guide tube insertion portion 11 is inserted in the insertion direction with respect to the cap 28 by play between the cap operation wire 22 and the insertion hole 10c in the detachment process. It is only necessary that the cap 28 does not interfere with the observation by the observation means 6 by relative movement in a direction orthogonal to the observation means 6. In the above description, the cap 28 can be advanced and retracted in the axial direction only by the cap operation wire 22, but is not limited thereto. The cap 28 may be attached to the corner portion 13c of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11 so as to rotate and open and close, and the cap operation wire 22 is opened and closed.

  Moreover, although the cap 28 shall cover the whole front end surface 13a of the front-end | tip hard part 13 of the guide tube insertion part 11, it is not restricted to this. Cover at least the objective lens 6a of the observation means 6 exposed on the distal end surface 13a, the first discharge nozzle 20a of the first fluid guide tube 20, and the second discharge nozzle 21a of the second fluid guide tube 21. I hope you can. Further, the cap 28 has a concave base end surface 28a, and the gap 28d is formed between the distal end surface 13a of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11, but this is not restrictive. . FIG. 9 shows a modification of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, in the guide tube 30 of this modification, in the guide tube insertion portion 31, the cylindrical portion 32 protrudes from the distal end of the distal end hard portion 13, and a recess 33 is formed on the distal end side of the distal end surface 13a. ing. Further, the cap 34 fixed to the distal end 22a of the cap operation wire 22 is a substantially disk-like member, and a substantially cylindrical fitting portion 34a that can be fitted onto the cylindrical portion 32 protrudes on the proximal end side. In this modification, the cap 34 closes the distal end side of the cylindrical portion 32 by pulling and retracting the cap operation wire 22, thereby forming a gap 33 a between the distal end surface 13 a and the cap 34. Thus, it is good also as what provides the clearance gap 33a in the guide tube insertion part 31 side. In addition, by providing the gap 28d on the cap 28 side as described above, even if the viscous material S2 or dust enters between the cap and the guide tube insertion portion, the viscosity is applied to the guide tube side having the observation means 6. It is preferable that the substance S2 and dust can be prevented from staying. Moreover, in the said embodiment and its modification, although the caps 28 and 34 which are lids shall have the shape which can be fitted in the guide tube insertion part 31 side, it is not restricted to this. For example, it is good also as what comprises a flat member. Even in this case, the objective lens 6 a of the observation means 6, the first discharge nozzle 20 a of the first fluid guide tube 20, and the second fluid guide tube 21 are pulled by the operation member, for example. The second discharge nozzle 21a can be kept covered.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. 10 and 11 show a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the endoscope apparatus 40 of this embodiment, a substantially tubular flexible operation tube 41 is inserted into the insertion hole 10c of the guide tube 10 as an operation member so as to be able to advance and retract. A cap tip nozzle (lid tip nozzle) 41a is attached to the tip of the operation tube 41 so that fluid can be discharged to the tip side, and a cap 28 is fixed to the base end side of the cap tip nozzle 41a. The proximal end of the operation tube 41 is connected to the discharge destination switching unit 42 of the supply unit 23. The discharge pipe switching unit 42 is connected to the relay pipe 26a, and is also connected to the first fluid guide tube 20 and the second fluid guide tube 21, and the fluid flowing through the relay pipe 26a is supplied to the operation tube. 41. Either the first fluid guide tube 20 or the second fluid guide tube 21 can be selected and delivered.

  In the endoscope apparatus 40 according to this embodiment, the distal end surface 13a of the distal end hard portion 13 of the guide tube insertion portion 11 is covered with the cap 28 by pulling and retracting the operation tube 41 in the insertion step. Can do. Then, by selecting the operation tube 41 as a discharge destination by the discharge destination switching unit 42, the fluid can be discharged to the distal end side of the cap 28 while the guide tube insertion unit 11 is inserted into the inside S1 of the test object S. it can. For this reason, it can insert, removing the viscous substance S2 of the front end side of the cap 28 with a fluid, and insertion resistance can be reduced. As the fluid used in this case, it is more preferable to use kerosene L as the liquid because the viscous substance S2 can be dissolved and removed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. 12 to 14 show a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, members that are the same as those used in the above-described embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the endoscope apparatus 50 of this embodiment includes an elongated endoscope insertion portion 51 that is an insertion body, and an endoscope operation provided on the proximal end side of the endoscope insertion portion 51. Unit 52 and endoscope main body 53. The endoscope insertion part 51 has a hard distal end hard part 54 in order from the distal end, a bending part 55 that can be bent by the operation of the endoscope operation part 52, and a flexible tube part 56 having flexibility. ing. As shown in FIG. 13, a substantially annular bending piece 57 is connected to the inside of the bending portion 55 by a hinge 57a so as to be rotatable in substantially the same plane. A pair of bending operation wires 57b are disposed in the bending piece 57 in the axial direction, and the bending operation wires 57b are fixed to the bending piece 57A located on the most distal end side. Further, the proximal ends of the pair of bending operation wires 57b are connected to a bending knob 52a provided in the endoscope operation unit 52 shown in FIG. 12, and one of the bending operation wires 57b is rotated by rotating the bending knob 52a. It is possible to bend the other and to bend the other to bend the whole bending part 57.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the distal end hard portion 54 of the endoscope insertion portion 51 has an observation means 58 for observing the distal end side and an illumination means 59 for illuminating the distal end side. Is provided. The observation means 58 includes an objective lens 58a that is exposed on the distal end surface 54a of the distal end hard portion 54 of the endoscope insertion portion 51, and a CCD camera 58b that is provided inside the distal end hard portion 54 and images the distal end side through the objective lens 58a. have. An image picked up by the CCD camera 58b of the observation means 58 is displayed on a monitor 53a provided in the endoscope main body 53 shown in FIG. 12 via a signal line 58c inserted through the endoscope insertion portion 51. Thus, the tip side can be observed. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the illumination unit 59 includes an LED 59 a that is exposed on the distal end surface 54 a of the distal end hard portion 54 of the endoscope insertion portion 51. The LED 59a is connected to a power source (not shown) built in the endoscope main body 53 by an electric wire 59b inserted through the endoscope insertion portion 51, whereby the LED 59a can emit light to illuminate the distal end side. . The endoscope insertion portion 51 and the endoscope operation portion 52 are formed with a plurality of channels 51a that communicate from the proximal end side to the distal end surface 54a as insertion holes. The plurality of channels 51 a are formed as one insertion hole inside the bending portion 55 and the flexible tube portion 56 of the endoscope insertion portion 51.

  The two fluid guide tubes, the first fluid guide tube 20 and the second fluid guide tube 21, and the cap operation wire 22 having the cap 60 fixed to the distal end 22a are inserted into each channel 51a so as to be able to advance and retract. Has been. The cap 60 is a dome-shaped member having a base end surface 60a formed in a concave shape and a distal end surface 60b formed in a convex shape. Then, by pulling and retracting the cap operation wire 22 to the proximal end side, the cap 60 is fitted to the distal end hard portion 54 and between the distal end surface 54 a of the distal end hard portion 54 of the endoscope insertion portion 51. It is possible to cover with a gap 60c.

  Even when the endoscope insertion portion 51 itself is used as an insert, like the endoscope apparatus 50 of the present embodiment, the inside of the subject in which a viscous substance is present is preferably inserted and observed by the above method. Can do. Further, the overall diameter can be reduced by using the endoscope insertion portion 51 itself as an insert.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is the perspective view which expanded the front end side of the guide tube insertion part in the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the front end side of the guide tube insertion part was expanded. It is explanatory drawing which shows an insertion process in the case of observing using the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an insertion process in the case of observing using the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a detachment | leave process in the case of observing using the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows a removal process in the case of observing using the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an observation process in the case of observing using the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of the modification of the 1st Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the front end side of the guide tube insertion part was expanded. It is a whole block diagram which shows the endoscope apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the front end side of the guide tube insertion part was expanded. It is a whole block diagram which shows the endoscope apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. In the endoscope apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention, it is sectional drawing to which the front end side of the guide tube insertion part was expanded. It is the perspective view which expanded the front end side of the guide tube insertion part in the endoscope apparatus of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,40,50 Endoscope apparatus 2 Endoscope insertion part 6 Observation means 10,30 Guide tube (insert)
10a tip portion 10b base end portion 10c insertion hole 20 first fluid guide tube (fluid guide tube)
20a First discharge nozzle (discharge nozzle)
21 Second fluid guide tube (fluid guide tube)
21a Second discharge nozzle (discharge nozzle)
22 Cap operation wire (operation member)
22a tip 23 supply means 24 first supply unit 25 second supply unit 26 supply source switching unit 27, 42 discharge destination switching unit 28, 34, 60 cap (lid)
28a, 60a Base end face 28d, 33a, 60c Gap 41 Operation tube (operation member)
41a Cap tip nozzle (lid tip nozzle)
51 Endoscope insertion part (insert)
51a channel (insertion hole)
A Air (fluid)
L Kerosene (fluid)

Claims (18)

An elongated insert having an insertion hole communicating from the proximal end to the distal end;
An observation means disposed at the tip of the insert;
A fluid guide tube capable of flowing fluid from the proximal end side to the distal end and discharging the fluid to the distal end side of the insert;
A supply means provided on the base end side of the fluid guide tube, for supplying the fluid to the fluid guide tube;
An operating member that is inserted through the insertion hole of the insert and is capable of moving forward and backward in a state where the distal end protrudes from the distal end of the insert by operating the proximal end;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: a lid provided at a distal end of the operation member and capable of covering the distal end of the observation unit and the fluid guide tube by retracting the operation member. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
An endoscope apparatus comprising: an elongated endoscope insertion portion provided with the observation means at a distal end portion and inserted through the insertion hole of the insert. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the insertion body is an elongated endoscope insertion portion having the insertion hole and having the observation means provided at a distal end portion. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An endoscope apparatus, wherein the lid is made of a transparent material. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The endoscope apparatus characterized in that the lid body can be covered with a gap between the observation means and the tip of the fluid guide tube. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
An endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid has a concave end surface that faces the distal end of the observation means and the fluid guide tube. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A plurality of fluid guide tubes, a first fluid guide tube capable of discharging the fluid in an observation direction by the observation means, a second fluid guide tube capable of discharging the fluid toward the observation means, and the like. Endoscopic device characterized. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 7,
The endoscope apparatus, wherein the supply unit includes a discharge destination switching unit that selects at least one of the plurality of fluid guide tubes and supplies the fluid. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The operation member is substantially tubular, and the supply means is connected to the proximal end side, and the fluid supplied from the supply means can be circulated from the proximal end side to the distal end to be discharged outward from the distal end side of the lid body. Endoscope apparatus characterized by being an operation tube. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
The endoscope apparatus, wherein the supply unit includes a discharge destination switching unit that selects at least one of the fluid guide tube or the operation tube and supplies the fluid. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit includes a first supply unit capable of supplying a gas as the fluid and a second supply unit capable of supplying a liquid as the fluid. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply unit includes a supply source switching unit that selects at least one of the first supply unit and the second supply unit to supply the fluid. A method for observing an object in a viscous material, in which an elongated insertion body having an observation means disposed at the tip is inserted into the object having a viscous material inside to observe the inside of the object. ,
A discharge nozzle is disposed at the distal end portion of the insert so that fluid can be discharged to the distal end side, and the insert is attached to the test object in a state where the discharge nozzle and the observation means are covered with a lid. Insertion process to insert inside,
A detaching step of moving the insert relative to the lid relative to the rear in the insertion direction and in one direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and detaching the lid from the insert;
A removing step of discharging fluid from the discharge nozzle to remove the viscous substance around the discharge nozzle;
An observation step of observing the inside of the test object in a range in which the viscous substance is removed by the observation means. The test object observation method in the viscous material according to claim 13,
In the inserting step, the fluid is ejected from the ejection nozzle at the same time as the insertion body is inserted. The method for observing an object in a viscous substance according to claim 13 or 14,
The method for observing an object in a viscous material is characterized in that, in the detaching step, the fluid is discharged from the discharge nozzle simultaneously with the movement of the insert. In the test object observation method in the viscous substance according to claim 14 or claim 15,
The method for observing an object in a viscous substance, wherein the fluid discharged from the discharge nozzle along with the movement of the insert is a gas. The test object observation method in a viscous substance according to any one of claims 13 to 16,
The method for observing an object in a viscous substance, wherein the fluid discharged from the discharge nozzle in the removing step is a liquid. In the test object observation method in the viscous substance according to any one of claims 13 to 17,
In the inserting step, a lid body tip nozzle is disposed on the distal end side of the lid body, and at the same time as inserting the insert body, fluid is discharged from the lid body tip nozzle to the distal end side outward of the lid body. A method of observing an object characterized by the above.

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