JP2008279202A - Endoscope cleaning sheath - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cleaning sheath using a simple wiper drive mechanism which usually positions the wiper out of the view of an observation window but wipes the observation window with the wiper only when the observation window has become dirty without disturbing a surgery under the endoscope. <P>SOLUTION: A sheath 3 for an endoscope has a sheath body 21 having a cavity 21a inserting an insertion part 4 of the endoscope 2, a wiper 31 for wiping an observation window 7 mounted at the tip surface 4a of the endoscope insertion part 4 which is mounted at the tip surface 21e of the sheath body 21 and inserted into the cavity 21a, and an ejection groove 22c guiding a mixture of cleaning water and air ejected to the tip surface 4a of the endoscope insertion part 4. The wiper 31 usually waits outside the view of the observation window 7 with a biasing strength of a tension spring 40, and the mixture is applied to the wiper 31 via the ejection groove 22c to move the wiper with the balance of the tension spring 40 and the ejection pressure of the mixture and wipe the observation window 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning sheath that is attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and removes dirt from the distal end portion of the endoscope.

  As is well known, when performing an operation while observing the surgical field in the body cavity using an endoscope, substances in the body cavity such as blood adhere to the observation window on the distal end surface of the insertion portion of the endoscope, The viewing field of the endoscope is obstructed. In order to prevent this, various techniques have been proposed in which, when an observation window becomes dirty during surgery under an endoscope, this dirt can be immediately removed.

For example, in FIG. 8 of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-33460), a wiper that is rotatable along the outer surface is provided on the outer surface of the observation window, and the wiper is rotated to rotate the observation window. A technique for removing dirt is disclosed. That is, in the technique disclosed in this document, the cleaning liquid sprayed from the cleaning nozzle is sprayed on the wiper, and the wiper is rotated by the pressure at that time, thereby wiping off the body cavity substance and the like attached to the observation window. .
JP 10-33460 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in the above-described document, since the wiper is always installed on the outer surface of the observation window, the wiper is always projected in the observation field of view, which hinders the operation under the endoscope. There is a problem.

  In order to cope with this, it is also considered that the wiper is usually retracted outside the field of view of the observation window, and the wiper is moved to the outer surface of the observation window and wiped only when the observation window becomes dirty. It is done. However, there is a problem that a driving mechanism for moving the wiper in and out is required, which not only complicates the structure of the cleaning sheath but also increases the outer diameter of the tip.

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention normally retracts the wiper outside the field of view of the observation window, and wipes off the dirt by requesting the wiper on the outer surface of the observation window only when the observation window is dirty. Offers an endoscope cleaning sheath that not only does not interfere with endoscopic surgery, but also allows the wiper to be driven with a simple mechanism and minimizes the enlargement of the tip. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope cleaning sheath according to the present invention includes a sheath body having a cavity portion through which an endoscope insertion portion is inserted, and a distal end surface of the sheath body and is inserted into the cavity portion. An endoscope comprising: a wiper that wipes at least an observation window provided on a distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion, and an emission guide portion that guides a fluid emitted to the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion In the cleaning sheath, the wiper is movable outside the field of view of the observation window, and a retreating part for retracting the wiper is provided at a movement position outside the field of view of the observation window. It moves by the emission pressure of the fluid radiate | emitted from a part, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  According to the present invention, the wiper is normally retracted outside the field of view of the observation window, and only when the observation window is dirty, the wiper is desired to be wiped off on the outer surface of the observation window. However, it does not interfere with endoscopic surgery and is easy to use. Further, since the wiper is moved by the fluid output pressure, the wiper drive mechanism is simplified, and the enlargement of the tip can be minimized.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a state where a rigid endoscope is attached to the cleaning sheath, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the state where the rigid endoscope is attached to the cleaning sheath.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a rigid endoscope 2 that is an example of an endoscope, and an endoscope cleaning sheath 3. The rigid endoscope 2 includes an elongated and rigid insertion portion 4 having an observation optical system 9 and an illumination optical system 10 at the distal end portion, and an operation portion 5 held by an operator is provided on the proximal side of the insertion portion 4. Is provided. Further, a flexible universal cord 6 with a built-in light guide and signal line is extended from the rear end of the operation unit 5, and a light source device and a video processor (both not shown) are connected to the universal cord 6. ) Is connected. Illumination light supplied from the light source device is guided to the distal end of the insertion portion 4 through the universal cord 6 and a light guide built in the insertion portion 4.

  An observation window 7 is provided substantially at the center of the distal end surface 4a of the insertion portion 4, and a pair of illumination windows 8 is provided on the outer periphery thereof. An observation optical system 9 is disposed in the observation window 7, and an illumination optical system 10 is disposed in each illumination window 8. The exit end face of the light guide is provided behind the illumination optical system 10. In addition, the imaging surface of the imaging device 11 is disposed at the imaging position behind the observation optical system 9.

  The illumination light supplied from the light source device is guided to the distal end side of the insertion portion 4 through the universal cord 6 and the light guide disposed in the insertion portion 4, and disposed in the illumination window 8 formed on the distal end surface 4a. The light is emitted from the illumination optical system 10 and irradiated onto the subject. The reflected light of the illumination light applied to the subject is imaged on the imaging surface of the image sensor 11 through the observation optical system 9 provided in the observation window 7 to capture the subject image. The subject image captured by the image sensor 11 is photoelectrically converted and input to the video processor via a signal line. The video processor processes the electrical signal of the subject image output from the image sensor 11 and displays an endoscopic image on the monitor.

  On the other hand, the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 has an elongated sheath body 21 made of a soft multi-lumen tube, and a cleaning cap 22 is attached to the distal end of the sheath body 21. Further, a connecting pipe portion 23 is provided at the proximal end portion of the sheath body 21. The sheath body 21 is formed with a hollow portion 21a through which the insertion portion 4 of the rigid endoscope 2 is inserted. The hollow portion 21a has an inner diameter that allows the insertion portion 4 to be inserted when the insertion portion 4 of the rigid endoscope 2 is inserted into the hollow portion 21a and that the outer periphery of the insertion portion 4 is in sliding contact. That is, it is formed in a size that can be slidably fitted to the insertion portion 4.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (a), the sheath body 21 is formed in a circular cross section, and the central axis O2 of the cavity 21a having the same circular cross section is one side (in the figure, relative to the central axis O1). The thick portion A is formed on the other side of the sheath body 21 (in the drawing, on the line connecting the central axes O1 and O2 and at the top of the paper surface). A wire guide passage 21b is formed along the hollow portion 21a in the thickest portion of the thick portion A (on the line connecting the central axes O1 and O2 in the drawing). Further, an air supply passage 21c and a water supply passage 21d are formed along the wire guide passage 21b at target positions on both sides of the thick portion A across the wire guide passage 21b.

  The passages 21b, 21c, and 21d are opened on the distal end surface 21e of the sheath body 21, and the proximal end side extends to the connecting pipe portion 23 side. In the following, for convenience, the side of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 on which the wire guide passage 21b is formed is referred to as an upper portion, and the opposite side of the sheath body 21 from the wire guide passage 21b is referred to as a lower portion. I will explain.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the proximal ends of the air supply passage 21 c and the water supply passage 21 d are opened on the outer periphery of the connecting pipe portion 23. As shown in FIG. 3, the proximal end of the wire guide passage 21 b communicates with a spring chamber 23 a formed in the connection pipe portion 23.

  Also, one end of a downstream air supply tube 24a and a downstream water supply tube 25a is connected to a connection portion (not shown) between the air supply passage 21c and the water supply passage 21d exposed on the outer periphery of the connection pipe portion 23. The other ends of the tubes 24a and 25a are connected to discharge ports formed in the cleaning operation switch 26, respectively. Further, one end of an upstream air supply tube 24 b and an upstream water supply tube 25 b is connected to the inflow port of the cleaning operation switch 26. The other end of the upstream side air supply tube 24 b is connected to the air supply pump 27. Further, the other end of the upstream water supply tube 25 b is connected to the pressurizing pump 28, and the middle is branched and connected to the water supply tank 29 in an airtight state. The water supply tank 29 stores cleaning water represented by pure water.

  The cleaning operation switch 26 is provided with an automatic return type two-stage push button 26a, and when the operator presses the push button 26a one step, the upstream side air supply tube 24b and the downstream side air supply tube 24a communicate with each other. When the two-stage pressing is performed, in addition to the communication between the upstream side air supply tube 24b and the downstream side air supply tube 24a, the upstream side water supply tube 25b and the downstream side water supply tube 25a are connected. Further, when the surgeon releases the pressing force on the push button 26a, the push button 26a is automatically returned, and the air supply tubes 24a and 24b and the water supply tubes 25a and 25b are blocked.

  When the push button 26a is pressed down one step so that the upstream side air supply tube 24b and the downstream side air supply tube 24a communicate with each other, the air supplied from the air supply pump 27 passes through the air supply passage 21c from the tip of the sheath body 21. Discharged. Further, when the push button 26a is pressed down two steps to make the upstream side air supply tube 24b and the downstream side air supply tube 24a communicate with each other, and the upstream side water supply tube 25b and the downstream side water supply tube 25a are made to communicate with each other, Air is discharged from the distal end surface 21e of the pressure 21 and the washing water stored in the water supply tank 29 is pressed by the pressurizing action of the pressure pump 28, and this washing water passes through the water supply passage 21d and the sheath body 21. It is discharged from the tip.

  FIG. 5A shows a state in which the cleaning cap 22 is removed from the distal end of the sheath body 21, and FIG. 5B shows a state in which the cleaning cap 22 is attached. A flange 22 a that contacts the distal end surface 21 e of the sheath body 21 is formed on the periphery of the cleaning cap 22, and the inner surface of the flange 22 a is in close contact with the distal end surface 21 e of the sheath body 21. The flange 22a is formed in a shape that exposes the observation window 7 and the pair of illumination windows 8 that are opened in the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2 that is inserted into the hollow portion 21a, and is thin in the sheath body 21. The side (lower part of FIG. 5 (a)) is notched. As shown in FIG. 4, when the insertion portion 4 of the rigid endoscope 2 is inserted into the cavity portion 21 a of the sheath body 21, the distal end surface 4 a comes into contact with the inner surface of the flange 22 a of the cleaning cap 22 and the insertion direction is changed. Positioned.

  A guide groove 22b is formed on the inner surface of the cleaning cap 22 on the opposite surface between the air supply passage 21c and the water supply passage 21d exposed to the distal end surface 21e of the sheath body 21. The guide groove 22b guides the air discharged from both the passages 21c and 21d and the cleaning water to the central side between the both passages 21c and 21d. As shown in FIG. Is formed in an arc shape along the outer peripheral edge of the thick portion A of the tip surface 21e. Further, an emission groove 22c serving as an emission guide portion that opens toward the observation window 7 is communicated with a central portion of the guide groove 22b, that is, a portion where the wire guide passage 21b is opened.

  The grooves 22b and 22c are closed by the thick portion A of the distal end surface 21e of the sheath body 21. As shown in FIG. 7, the air supply passage 21c opened in the distal end surface 21e of the sheath body 21 and the air and cleaning water discharged from the water supply passage 21d are guided to the central portion along the guide groove 22b, From the exit groove 22c formed in the central portion, the liquid is discharged toward the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2. At that time, air and washing water are mixed and emitted near the center of the guide groove 22b. Note that when the push button 26a of the above-described cleaning operation switch 26 is pressed down one step, only air is discharged from the air supply passage 21c, and therefore only air is emitted from the emission groove 22c.

  A flexible thin wire 30 is inserted into the wire guide passage 21 b formed in the sheath body 21. The proximal end of the small-diameter wire 30 is desired for the spring chamber 23a communicating with the proximal end side of the wire guide passage 21b, and is connected to a tension spring 40 as an urging means disposed in the spring chamber 23a. Yes. Further, the distal end of the small-diameter wire 30 protrudes from the wire guide passage 21b opened in the distal end surface 21e of the sheath body 21, and is bent along the opposing guide groove 22b and the emission groove 22c, so that the cavity portion 21a is formed. Is extended in the direction of the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2 inserted through the.

  The center of the wiper 31 is connected to the tip of the thin wire 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the wiper 31 is formed of an elastic member such as urethane or rubber having a square cross section, and is set to be substantially linear in a free state. In order to maintain this linear shape, a core material having a certain degree of flexibility may be embedded in the wiper 31.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 (b), and 6, a step 22 d that houses the upper edge of the wiper 31 is provided along the outer periphery of the observation window 7 at the inner peripheral edge of the flange 22 a of the cleaning cap 22. It is formed in an arc shape. The wiper 31 is always biased upward (wire guide passage 21b) by receiving the biasing force of the tension spring 40 provided continuously through the thin wire 30. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the wiper 31 is biased upward by the tension spring 40, the upper edge of the wiper 31 is formed on the inner periphery of the flange 22a of the cleaning cap 22. The wiper 31 is bent along the shape of the stepped portion 22d while being housed in 22d. When the wiper 31 is curved along the shape of the step portion 22 d, the lower end surface of the wiper 31 is outside the field of view of the observation window 7 formed in the rigid endoscope 2. Further, in this state, the discharge port of the exit groove 22 c is closed by the wiper 31. This position is the standby position of the wiper 31, and the wiper 31 is normally standby at this position.

  Further, the spring pressure of the tension spring 40 that biases the wiper 31 is set to be weaker than the pressure of the mixed water of air and washing water or the pressure of only air discharged from the emission groove 22c. Accordingly, when mixed water or air, which is a representative fluid, is emitted from the emission groove 22c, the wiper 31 resists the urging force of the tension spring 40 along the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2. Move down.

  Next, an aspect in which the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2 is cleaned using the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 having such a configuration will be described.

  First, the insertion portion 4 of the rigid endoscope 2 is inserted into the cavity portion 21a opened in the sheath body 21 of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 in a state in which the rotation direction is aligned. Then, after the distal end surface 4 a of the insertion portion 4 is brought into contact with the inner surface of the cleaning cap 22 attached to the distal end of the sheath body 21, the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is inserted into the insertion portion 4 of the rigid endoscope 2. To fix.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the distal end surface 4 a of the insertion portion 4 and the distal end surface 21 e of the sheath body 21 are flush with each other, and the step portion 22 d formed on the inner periphery of the flange 22 a of the cleaning cap 22 Between the distal end surface 4a of the endoscope 2, the upper edge of the wiper 31 is accommodated and positioned.

  Since the wiper 31 is set so as to maintain a substantially straight shape in a free state, in the state where the central portion of the wiper 31 is pulled upward by the tension spring 40 via the thin wire 30, FIG. As shown, the wiper 31 is curved along the step portion 22d. As a result, the normal wiper 31 is retracted from the outer periphery of the observation window 7 of the rigid endoscope 2, that is, out of the visual field of the observation window 7, and therefore the wiper 31 may enter the operative field (observation visual field). There is no obstacle to endoscopic surgery.

  Subsequently, the insertion portion 4 of the rigid endoscope 2 with the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 attached and fixed is inserted into the body cavity to perform endoscopic observation. During endoscopic observation, on the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 provided in the observation window 7 formed on the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2, in-vivo substances such as mucus, blood, fat, etc. in the living body When the observation field of view is obstructed, the push button 26a of the cleaning operation switch 26 is pressed down two steps. Then, the upstream side air supply tube 24b and the downstream side air supply tube 24a communicate with each other, and the upstream side water supply tube 25b and the downstream side water supply tube 25a communicate with each other. When the push button 26a is pressed down one step, the upstream side air supply tube 24b and the downstream side air supply tube 24a communicate with each other, but the upstream side water supply tube 25b and the downstream side water supply tube 25a are disconnected. Maintained.

  As a result, the air pressure-fed by the air supply pump 27 passes through the air supply tubes 24b and 24a, passes through the air supply passage 21c formed in the sheath main body 21 of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3, and this sheath main body. 21 is discharged from the tip surface 21e. The air and cleaning water discharged from the passages 21b and 21c that open to the front end surface 21e are centered along the guide groove 22b formed on the inner surface of the flange 22a of the cleaning cap 22, as indicated by arrows in FIG. Guided in the direction of the part. In the vicinity of the central portion, air and cleaning water are mixed, and this mixed water is emitted from the emission groove 22 c toward the observation window 7 formed in the rigid endoscope 2.

  Then, this emission pressure is applied to the wiper 31 that closes the emission port of the emission groove 22c, and the wiper 31 moves while being pushed down against the urging force of the tension spring 40 as shown in FIG. As described above, since the wiper 31 is substantially linear in the free state, the wiper 31 tries to return to the linear state as the wiper 31 moves away from the exit groove 22c, and the both ends of the wiper 31 are flanged by the restoring force. It is moved while being always supported by the step 22d formed on the inner peripheral edge of 22a. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the wiper 31 is reversed by the emission pressure during the movement and further moves. FIG. 10 shows the lower end of the wiper 31, and this lower end is determined by the balance between the outgoing pressure received by the wiper 31 and the biasing force of the tension spring 40. Further, mixed water is applied to the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 provided in the observation window 7 and the outer surface of the illumination optical system 10 provided in the illumination window 8.

  Thereafter, when the surgeon releases the pressing force on the push button 26a, the cleaning operation switch 26 shuts off the air supply tubes 24a and 24b and the water supply tubes 25a and 25b, and the supply of air and cleaning water stops. . Then, the wiper 31 is raised by the urging force of the tension spring 40, and when the wiper 31 reaches the rising end, its upper edge is curved and stored along the step 22d formed on the inner peripheral edge of the flange 22a. It is retracted out of the field of view of the observation window 7 (see FIG. 5B).

  When the wiper 31 reciprocates up and down in a balance between the tension spring 40 and the emission pressure of the mixed water, the surface of the wiper 31 that is in contact with the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2 slides on the distal end surface 4a. It moves and wipes the substance in the body cavity adhering to the tip surface 4a together with the mixed water. As a result, the dirt of the illumination optical system 10 and the observation optical system 9 that are desired on the same surface as the tip surface 4a is removed. In addition, if the contamination adhering to the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 provided in the observation window 7 is not sufficiently removed by one emission of the mixed water, the push button 26a of the cleaning operation switch 26 is pressed twice again. Press to eject mixed water and wipe away.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the observation optical system 9 provided in the observation window 7 becomes dirty due to adhesion of substances in the body cavity and the observation visual field is obstructed, the operator presses the cleaning operation switch 26 in two steps. Since the mixed water of air and washing water is supplied to the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2, and the wiper 31 is moved by the emission pressure of the mixed water, the operation of the wiper 31 Thus, the substance in the body cavity attached to the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 can be efficiently wiped off with the mixed water to remove the dirt.

  Further, the wiper 31 is normally retracted outside the observation field of view, and the wiping operation is performed only when the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 is dirty. It does not hinder endoscopic surgery and is easy to use.

  Furthermore, since the wiper 31 is driven by the balance between the emission pressure of the mixed water and the tension spring 40, the configuration can be simplified and the enlargement of the tip can be minimized.

[Second Embodiment]
11 to 15 show a second embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a front view of the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the XII portion of FIG. In addition, about the same component as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the first embodiment described above, the wiper 31 is moved up and down by the balance between the outgoing pressure of the mixed water and the tension spring 40. However, the wiper 51 according to this embodiment is used as the outgoing pressure of the mixed water and the biasing means. The distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2 is wiped off by swinging in balance with the torsion spring 52.

  That is, the air / water supply passage 21f is formed in the thickest portion of the sheath body 21, that is, the portion where the wire guide passage 21b of the first embodiment is formed, and this air / water supply passage 21f. The downstream side air supply tube 24a and the downstream side water supply tube 25a are respectively connected to the base end of this. As a result, when the push button 26a of the cleaning operation switch 26 is pressed twice, the air and the cleaning water flowing into the air / water supply passage 21f from the tubes 24a and 25b are mixed when passing through the air / water supply passage 21f. The Accordingly, the sheath body 21 according to the present embodiment is not formed with the wire guide passage 21b, the air supply passage 21c, and the water supply passage 21d as in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the proximal end of the hollow shaft 53 communicating with the air / water supply passage 21 f is fitted into the distal end surface 21 e of the sheath body 21, and one end of the wiper 51 is inserted into the distal end of the hollow shaft 53. Is rotatably supported, and is prevented from coming off via a stop member 54 such as a snap ring or a C ring. As shown in FIG. 11, the periphery of the projecting portion of the hollow shaft 53 of the flange 22a attached to the distal end surface 21e of the sheath body 21 is notched and the movement range of the wiper 51 is increased. It is secured.

  The wiper 51 has a hard inner member 51a made of a square pipe with both ends closed, and the outer periphery of the hard inner member 51a is covered with an elastic member 51b such as urethane or rubber. Although not shown, a compression spring that presses the wiper 51 against the distal end surface 4 a of the rigid endoscope 2 is interposed between the elastic member 51 b and the stopper member 54.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, an opening 53a is formed at a desired portion of the hollow shaft 53 in the hard inner member 51a. The mixed water supplied through the air / water supply passage 21 f passes through the hollow shaft 53 and is emitted from the opening 53 a into the hard inner member 51 a of the wiper 51.

  As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the wiper 51 emits light to one ridge portion of the surface that is in sliding contact with the distal end surface 4 a of the rigid endoscope 2 (the ridge portion on the left side in FIG. 14 in this embodiment). A plurality of emission ports 51c as guide portions are formed at set intervals along the ridge portion. When the mixed water supplied into the hard inner member 51a of the wiper 31 is emitted from the emission port 51c, the wiper 51 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 11 around the hollow shaft 53 by the reaction force at that time. Move.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the torsion spring 52 is mounted on the hollow shaft 53, one end of the torsion spring 52 is hooked on the upper part of the wiper 51, and the other end is hooked on the distal end surface 21 e of the sheath body 21. Thus, the wiper 51 is constantly urged clockwise. Stopper surfaces 51d and 51e that restrict the movement range of the wiper 51 are formed on the flange 22a. The wiper 51 is normally on standby in a state where it is in contact with the stopper surface 51d by the urging force of the torsion spring 52. In the state where the wiper 51 is in contact with the stopper surface 51 d, the wiper 51 is retracted out of the field of view of the observation window 7.

  In such a configuration, the push button 26a of the cleaning operation switch 26 is pressed down two steps to supply air and cleaning water to the air / water supply passage 21f. Then, the air and the cleaning water are mixed when flowing in the air / water supply passage 21 f, and the mixed water flows into the hard inner member 51 a of the wiper 51 through the opening 53 a opened in the hollow shaft 53. The

  The mixed water that has flowed into the hard inner member 51a is emitted from an emission port 51c formed in one ridge portion of the surface that is in sliding contact with the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2. Then, the wiper 51 swings against the urging force of the torsion spring 52 in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 11 by the reaction force of the mixed water emitted from the emission port 51c. Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the swinging stops by coming into contact with the stopper surface 51 e formed on the flange 22 a in the counterclockwise direction.

  Thereafter, when the surgeon releases the pressing force on the push button 26a of the cleaning operation switch 26, the upstream of both the tubes 24a and 25a is shut off, and the supply of mixed water to the wiper 51 is stopped. Then, the wiper 51 swings in the clockwise direction by the urging force of the torsion spring 52, and during that time, the distal end surface 4 a of the rigid endoscope 2 wetted by the mixed water is wiped off, and thus disposed in the observation window 7. Dirt adhered to the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 is removed.

  The wiper 51 is hooked on a stopper surface 51d formed on the flange 22a and returned to the initial position shown in FIG.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the wiper 51 is swung by the balance between the emission pressure of the mixed water emitted from the wiper 51 and the spring pressure of the torsion spring 52, the wiper drive mechanism is simplified and the tip The enlargement of the part can be minimized. Further, since the torsion spring 52 is disposed on the distal end surface 21e of the sheath main body 21, there is no need to form the wire guide passage 21b in the sheath main body 21 as in the first embodiment, and the sheath main body 21 is relatively formed. The wall thickness can be reduced.

[Third Embodiment]
16 to 18 show a third embodiment of the present invention. 16 is a front view of the endoscope apparatus, FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along the line XVII-XVII in FIG. 16, and FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion XVIII in FIG. In addition, about the same component as 2nd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. This embodiment is a modification of the above-described second embodiment.

  The wiper 61 according to the present embodiment has a hard cylindrical member 62 as a cylindrical member closed at both ends, and a plurality of rotating wipers 63 are rotatably disposed on the outer periphery of the hard cylindrical member 62 at predetermined intervals. Has been. As shown in FIG. 17, the rotary wiper 63 includes an inner roller 63a, a rotary blade 63b concentrically arranged on the outer periphery of the inner roller 63a, and a circumference between the inner roller 63a and the rotary blade 63b. And a plurality of water receiving plates 63c as fluid receiving portions that are arranged at regular intervals. The rotating blade 63b has a double structure in which an outer periphery of a hard inner member (not shown) is covered with an elastic member such as urethane or rubber, and the outer periphery of the rotating blade 63b is in sliding contact with the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2. Has been.

  Further, an emission port 62a is opened on the outer periphery of the hard cylindrical member 62, and the mixed water passing through the inside of the hard cylindrical member 62 is emitted to the emission port 62a in the direction of the water receiving plate 63c. A nozzle 62b is provided. The nozzle 62b may be formed by cutting and raising the hard cylindrical member 62. The water receiving plate 63c is disposed in a posture inclined with respect to the axial direction of the hard cylindrical member 62. By applying the mixed water emitted from the nozzle 62b to the water receiving plate 63c, the rotating wiper 63 is moved. Rotate.

  In such a configuration, the operator presses the push button 26a of the cleaning operation switch 26 in two stages to supply air and cleaning water to the air / water supply passage 21f. Then, the air and the cleaning water are mixed when flowing in the air / water supply passage 21f, and the mixed water is mixed with the rigid cylindrical member of the wiper 61 from the opening 53a (see FIG. 13) opened in the hollow shaft 53. 62 is flowed into.

  The mixed water that has flowed into the hard cylindrical member 62 passes through a plurality of outlets 62a opened in the hard cylindrical member 62 and is emitted from the nozzle 62b. Then, the mixed water emitted from the nozzle 62b is applied to the water receiving plate 63c of the rotary wiper 63, and the rotary wiper 63 is rotated by the emission pressure. Since the rotating blade 63 b provided on the outer periphery of the rotating wiper 63 is in sliding contact with the distal end surface 4 a of the rigid endoscope 2, the entire wiper 61 resists the biasing force of the torsion spring 52 by the rotation of the rotating wiper 63. 16 is swung in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 16, and dirt on the tip surface 4 a is removed by the slip of the rotary wiper 63. Then, as indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 16, the swinging stops upon contact with the stopper surface 51e formed on the flange 22a in the counterclockwise direction.

  Thereafter, when the surgeon releases the pressing force on the push button 26a of the cleaning operation switch 26, the upstream of both the tubes 24a and 25a is shut off, and the supply of mixed water to the wiper 61 is stopped. Then, the wiper 61 swings in the clockwise direction by the urging force of the torsion spring 52, and during that time, the distal end surface 4 a of the rigid endoscope 2 wetted by the mixed water is wiped off, and is therefore disposed in the observation window 7. The dirt on the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 is removed.

  Then, the wiper 61 is hooked on the stopper surface 51d formed on the flange 22a and returned to the initial position shown in practice in FIG. The rotating blades 63b are close to each other due to deformation of an elastic member formed outside the rotating blade 63b, so that no large amount of wiping occurs.

  Thus, in this embodiment, each rotary wiper 63 is rotated by the mixed water emission pressure emitted from the wiper 61, and the frictional force between the rotary wiper 63 and the tip surface 4 a at this time and the torsion spring 52 Since the entire wiper 61 is swung by balance with the spring pressure, the wiper drive mechanism is simplified and the enlargement of the tip portion can be minimized.

  Furthermore, since the dirt adhering to the tip surface 4a is removed by the slip of the rotating blade 63b, the dirt adhering relatively firmly can be easily removed.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 19 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 17 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The rotary wiper 63 ′ according to this embodiment is applied instead of the rotary wiper 63 of the third embodiment.

  In the rotary wiper 63 according to the third embodiment described above, dirt attached to the outer surface and the like of the observation optical system 9 is removed by slipping the rotary blade 63b, but the rotary wiper 63 ′ according to this embodiment is removed. Has a hard outer member 63d disposed on the outer periphery of the water receiving plate 63c, and a plurality of strip-like blades 63e made of an elastic member such as urethane or rubber are implanted on the outer periphery of the hard outer member 63d at predetermined intervals. It is.

  In this embodiment, the washing water emitted from the nozzle 62b is applied to the water receiving plate 63c provided on the plurality of rotating blades 63b rotatably supported by the hard cylindrical member 62, and the emission is performed. When the rotary wiper 63 is rotated by pressure, the strip-shaped blade 63e planted on the outer periphery of the hard outer member 63d is expanded by centrifugal force.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the expanded blade 63e slides on the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2, and the entire wiper 61 is attached with a torsion spring 52 (see FIG. 16) by the frictional force at that time. Swings against the forces. When the blade 63e slides on the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2, dirt attached to the distal end surface 4a is removed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the strip-shaped blade 63e is expanded by centrifugal force to slide on the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2, and the wiper 61 (FIG. 16) Since the whole is swung, it is possible to remove the dirt attached to the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 provided on the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2.

[Fifth Embodiment]
20 and 21 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is a modification of the above-described second embodiment. In the second embodiment described above, the wiper 51 is swung by the balance between the emission pressure of the washing water emitted from the wiper 51 and the torsion spring 52, but in this embodiment, the wiper 81 is washed from the outside. Water is applied and the wiper 81 is swung by the output pressure at that time.

  That is, with respect to the support shaft 53 ′ (provided at the same position as the hollow shaft 53 in FIG. 15) protruding from the distal end surface 21 e of the sheath body 21 provided in the endoscope cleaning sheath 3, the wiper 81. One end of the is rotatably supported. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, the wiper 81 is formed by covering an outer periphery of a hard inner member made of a square pipe with an elastic member such as urethane or rubber. Note that the wiper 81 according to the present embodiment is not provided with the exit 51c as shown in FIG.

  The upper end of the wiper 81 is supported by the support shaft 53 ′ and swings similarly to the wiper 51 shown in FIG. 15, and the wiper 81 is retracted out of the field of view of the observation window 7 at the maximum swing position. Magnetic plates 82a and 82b are fixed on both side surfaces of the lower portion of the wiper 81 in the swing direction, and are formed on the flange 22a of the cleaning cap 22 with which the magnetic plates 82a and 82b come into contact with the swing of the wiper 81. Magnets 83a and 83b for attracting the magnetic plates 82a and 82b are fixed to the stopper surfaces 51d and 51e.

  Discharge of each of the first air supply passage 21c and the first water supply passage 21d, and the second air supply passage 75a and the second water supply passage 75b at target positions on both sides of the support shaft 53 ′ of the distal end surface 21e of the sheath body 21. Each end is open. Further, on the inner surface of the flange 22a of the cleaning cap 22, a first guide groove 76a for guiding the air discharged from the first air supply passage 21c and the first water supply passage 21d and the cleaning water, and a second air supply passage 75a. And a second guide groove 76a for guiding the air discharged from the second water supply passage 75b and the cleaning water. Further, a first exit groove 77a and a second exit groove 77b as exit guide portions that open toward the observation window 7 are communicated with the central portions of the guide grooves 76a and 76b.

  As shown in FIG. 20, the first air supply tube 72a, the first water supply tube 72b, the second air supply passage 75a, the second air supply passage 21c, and the first water supply tube 72b that communicate with the base ends of the first air supply passage 21d. A second air supply tube 73 a and a second water supply tube 73 b communicating with each base end of the water supply passage 75 b are connected to the discharge port of the flow path switching valve 71. In addition, a downstream air supply tube 24 a and a downstream water supply tube 25 a are connected to the inflow port of the flow path switching valve 71. The flow path switching valve 71 switches and supplies the air and the cleaning water supplied from the downstream side air supply tube 24a and the downstream side water supply tube 25a, and when the push button 71a is at the initial position, the downstream side The side air supply tube 24a communicates with the first air supply tube 72a, and the downstream water supply tube 25a communicates with the first water supply tube 72b. When the push button 71a is pressed, the downstream air supply tube 24a communicates with the second air supply tube 73a, and the downstream water supply tube 25a communicates with the second water supply tube 73b. The push button 71a is a push-push type. When the push button 71a is pressed from the initial position, the pressed state is maintained, and when the push button 71a is pressed again, the push button 71a returns to the initial position.

  In such a configuration, for example, when the push button 71a of the flow path switching valve 71 is set to the initial position, the downstream side air supply tube 24a and the first air supply tube 72a communicate with each other and the downstream side water supply The tube 25a and the 1st water supply tube 72b are connected.

  In this state, when the surgeon cleans the distal end surface 4a of the rigid endoscope 2 and wants to remove the adhered dirt, first, the push button 26a of the cleaning operation switch 26 is pressed down two steps. Then, the air and the cleaning water are supplied to the first air supply tube 72a and the first water supply tube 72b via the downstream air supply tube 24a and the downstream water supply tube 25a.

  The air and wash water supplied to the tubes 72a and 72b pass through the first air supply passage 21c and the first water supply passage 21d formed in the sheath body 21, and are discharged from the distal end surface 21e. As shown by the arrows in FIG. 21, the air discharged from the front end surface 21e and the cleaning water are directed toward the center between the two discharge ports along the guide groove 76a formed on the inner surface of the flange 22a of the cleaning cap 22. Led to. In the vicinity of the central portion, air and cleaning water are mixed, and this mixed water is emitted from the exit groove 77 a and applied to the side surface of the wiper 81, and the mixed water is applied to the distal end surface 4 a of the rigid endoscope 2. Is applied.

  In the wiper 81, a magnetic plate 82a fixed to one side thereof is attracted to a magnet 83a fixed to the flange 22a. When mixed water is emitted from the emission groove 77a to the wiper 81 in the standby position, the magnetic plate 82a is separated from the magnet 83a by the emission pressure, and the wiper 81 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. It swings around the support shaft 53 ′. When the wiper 81 swings, dirt attached to the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 provided in the observation window 7 is removed.

  When the wiper 81 contacts the stopper surface 51e formed on the opposite flange 22a, the magnetic plate 82b fixed to the other side surface of the wiper 81 is fixed to the stopper surface 51e. The state of being attracted by the magnet 83b and retracted out of the observation visual field is maintained as indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG.

  Thereafter, when the operator depresses the push button 71a of the flow path switching valve 71, the flow path switching valve 71 communicates the downstream air supply tube 24a with the second air supply tube 73a and the downstream water supply tube 25a. And the 2nd water supply tube 73b are connected. Then, air and washing water are supplied to the second air supply tube 73a and the second water supply tube 73b via the downstream air supply tube 24a and the downstream water supply tube 25a. The air and wash water supplied to the tubes 73a and 73b are discharged from the distal end surface 21e through the second air supply passage 75a and the second water supply passage 75b formed in the sheath body 21.

  The air and cleaning water discharged from the front end surface 21e are guided toward the center between the two discharge ports along the guide groove 76b formed on the inner surface of the flange 22a of the cleaning cap 22. In the vicinity of the central portion, air and washing water are mixed, and this mixed water is emitted from the exit groove 77 b and applied to the side surface of the wiper 81, and the mixed water is applied to the distal end surface 4 a of the rigid endoscope 2. Is applied.

  The wiper 81 receives the output pressure, the magnetic plate 82b is separated from the magnet 83b, swings in the clockwise direction of FIG. 21, and is returned to the initial position indicated by the solid line in FIG. At that time, dirt attached to the outer surface of the observation optical system 9 provided in the observation window 7 is removed.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the wiper is swung only by the outgoing pressure of the mixed water, the torsion spring 52 as shown in the second embodiment is not necessary, and the mixed water is further contained in the wiper 81. There is no need to form a passage for guiding the As a result, not only the structure of the wiper 81 is simplified, but the enlargement of the tip portion can be further suppressed.

Sectional side view of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment Same part perspective view of the endoscope apparatus Same as above, cross-sectional side view of FIG. Same as above, enlarged view of the tip of FIG. (A) is a front view of the endoscope apparatus with the cleaning cap removed, and (b) is a front view of the endoscope apparatus. The VI-VI sectional view of Fig. 5 (b) VII-VII sectional view of FIG. FIG. 7 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7 with the wiper pushed down. FIG. 7 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7 with the wiper further pushed down. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 7 with the wiper reaching the descending end. Front view of an endoscope apparatus according to a second embodiment XII-XII sectional view of FIG. XIII-XIII sectional view of FIG. XIV-XIV sectional view of Fig. 11 Same as above, a front view of the endoscope apparatus in a state where the wiper swings Front view of an endoscope apparatus according to a third embodiment XVII-XVII sectional view of FIG. Same as above, XVIII part enlarged view of FIG. Sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 17 by 4th Embodiment Cross-sectional side view of an endoscope apparatus according to a fifth embodiment Same as above, front view of endoscope device

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Endoscopic device,
2 ... Rigid endoscope,
3 ... Endoscopy cleaning sheath,
4 ... insertion part,
4a ... tip surface,
7 ... Observation window
9: Observation optical system,
21 ... sheath body,
21a ... hollow part,
21c ... Air supply passage,
21d: water passage,
21e ... tip surface,
21f ... Air / water passage,
22: Cleaning cap,
22c: exit groove,
31, 51, 61, 81 ... wiper,
51a ... hard inner member,
51b ... an elastic member,
53. Hollow shaft,
53 '... support shaft,
62 ... Rigid cylindrical member,
62b ... Nozzle,
63 ... Rotating wiper,
63a ... Innerola,
63b ... rotating blade,
63c ... water receiving plate,
63d: Hard outer member,
63e ... blade,
77a, 77b... Exit groove,
82a, 82b ... magnetic plates,
83a, 83b ... Magnet

Claims (8)

A sheath body having a cavity portion through which the endoscope insertion portion is inserted, and at least an observation provided on the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion that is disposed on the distal end surface of the sheath body and is inserted into the cavity portion In an endoscope cleaning sheath comprising a wiper for wiping a window, and an emission guide part for guiding fluid emitted to the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion part,
The wiper is movable outside the field of view of the observation window, and is provided with a retracting part for retracting the wiper at a movement position outside the field of view of the observation window.
An endoscope cleaning sheath, wherein the wiper moves with an exit pressure of fluid exiting from the exit guide. The wiper is retracted to the retracting portion by the biasing force of the biasing means;
2. The endoscope cleaning sheath according to claim 1, wherein the wiper moves in a balance between an emission pressure of the fluid emitted from the emission guide portion and an urging force of the urging means. One end of the wiper is rotatably supported by the distal end surface of the sheath body and is retracted to the retracting portion by the biasing force of the biasing means,
The emission guide portion is opened in the urging direction of the urging means of the wiper,
3. The endoscope cleaning sheath according to claim 2, wherein the wiper swings in a balance between an emission pressure of the fluid emitted from the emission guide portion and an urging force of the urging means. The wiper has a cylindrical member and a rotating wiper rotatably disposed on an outer periphery of the cylindrical member;
One end of the cylindrical member is rotatably supported on the distal end surface of the sheath body,
The rotary wiper is provided with a fluid receiving portion that receives the fluid emitted from the emission guide portion,
The endoscope is an endoscope insertion portion in which the rotating wiper and the rotating wiper are in sliding contact when the rotating wiper is rotated by applying an exit pressure of the fluid exiting from the exit guide portion to the fluid receiving portion. The endoscope cleaning sheath according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning sheath is swung by a frictional force between the distal end surface of the endoscope and the distal end surface of the endoscope. The cylindrical member is retracted to the retracting portion by the biasing force of the biasing means;
The endoscope is an endoscope insertion portion in which the rotating wiper and the rotating wiper are in sliding contact when the rotating wiper is rotated by applying an exit pressure of the fluid exiting from the exit guide portion to the fluid receiving portion. The endoscope cleaning sheath according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning sheath swings according to a balance between a frictional force between the distal end surface and the biasing force of the biasing means. The endoscope cleaning sheath according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a plurality of flexible blades are implanted on an outer periphery of the rotary wiper. One end of the wiper is rotatably supported on the distal end surface of the sheath body,
An exit guide portion is provided at a position facing the swinging direction of the wiper,
2. The endoscope cleaning sheath according to claim 1, wherein the wiper is swung by an output pressure of a fluid output from each of the output guide portions. 8. The endoscope cleaning sheath according to claim 7, wherein the wiper is maintained in a state of being retracted to the retracting portion by an attractive force of a magnet.

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