JP2013066666A - Fluid pipe line changeover device and endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid pipe line changeover device used for an endoscope, and preventing packings from being damaged by preventing the packings from coming into contact with connection holes formed in a cylinder when mounting/dismounting a piston.SOLUTION: The fluid pipe line changeover device includes: a button 68 having the piston 76, and a plurality of seal members 82; the cylinder 72 whose diameter is stepwise reduced to the insertion direction of the piston and which is formed with the connection holes connected with fluid pipe lines in the side face thereof; and a stopper for prescribing the lower end position of the piston. The plurality of seal members stepwise become thin toward the tip side, and separate the inside of the cylinder in the axial direction. The diameter of each seal member is smaller than the inside diameter of a stage above a stage which the seal member slidingly contacts, of the piston. Each position of the connection hole for connecting each fluid pipe line and the cylinder is positioned on the tip side as compared with the lower end position of the seal member slidingly contacting the corresponding stage.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid conduit switching device used for an air / water feed button of an endoscope, and an endoscope using the fluid conduit switching device.

As is well known, an endoscope is inserted into a living body such as a human body and used for diagnosis and examination of organs.
Endoscopes are basically connected to the insertion part to be inserted into the human body, the operation part to operate the endoscope such as operation of the insertion part and air / water supply, air supply means, water absorption means, suction pump, etc. Connector (LG (Light Guide) connector), and a universal cord (LG flexible portion) that connects the connector to the operation portion and the insertion portion.
The insertion portion is an endoscope provided between a distal end portion incorporating an imaging unit having a CCD sensor, an illumination lens, and the like, a long flexible portion on the proximal end side, and the distal end portion and the flexible portion. And an angle portion that is bent in accordance with an operation at the operation portion.

As described above, at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, an imaging unit having a CCD sensor, the distal end portion of a light guide (optical fiber), and an illumination lens (observation window) for irradiating the examination site with light propagated by the light guide ) Etc. are incorporated.
Furthermore, at the distal end of the insertion portion, a forceps hole (forceps channel) for inserting a treatment tool such as a biopsy forceps into the treatment portion, cleaning of the illumination lens and the treatment portion, and inflating the body cavity provide an observation field of view. An air supply / water supply nozzle (air supply channel) is also provided for air supply for spreading.

In an endoscope having an air supply / water supply function using an air supply / water supply nozzle, generally, a flexible tube is provided from a connector to a distal end portion through a universal cord, an operation portion, and an insertion portion. It is inserted. Through this tube, air or water supplied from an air supply source or a water absorption source connected to the connector is supplied to the distal end portion of the insertion portion and injected.
The operation unit is provided with a (fluid) pipe switching device communicating with the tube. By operating the pipe switching device, air supply and water supply can be turned on / off. Yes.

  As an example, as shown in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, the pipe switching device is configured to be freely movable in the axial direction of a cylinder connected to a tube inserted from the connector to the tip portion. It is comprised from the button for a doctor to operate, including the piston inserted.

In these pipe line switching devices, the pipe line switching apparatus is constructed by inserting the piston of the button into the cylinder and fixing the button receiver at a predetermined position of the endoscope operation section, and is attached to the endoscope. It is done.
In the endoscope channel switching device, the air supply is controlled by operating the button using the button head, such as pressing (pressing) or releasing the button, closing or opening the air discharge hole formed in the button and the button head. On / off, on / off of water supply, switching between air supply and water supply, and the like can be performed.

A substantially cylindrical packing (seal member) that separates the space between the cylinder and the piston in the axial direction is attached to the outer periphery of the piston.
In the pipe switching device, the packing separates the water and air flow paths formed in the space between the cylinder and the piston, and the pipe for the tube connected to the cylinder according to the operation of the button. The flow path is switched in the switching device.

JP-A-9-294714 JP 2005-006822 A

  In the pipe switching device as described above, when the piston moves by the operation of the button, if the packing comes into contact with the connection hole (hole to which the fluid pipe is connected) formed in the cylinder, the packing is damaged. End up. Therefore, as in Patent Document 2, a connection hole is formed at a position different from a region where the packing moves by operating a button so that the packing does not contact the connection hole.

By the way, in an endoscope apparatus, it is necessary to wash | clean an endoscope whenever it test | inspects with an endoscope. When cleaning the endoscope, the piston (button) is removed from the cylinder for cleaning, and after cleaning, the piston (button) is assembled to the cylinder again.
In the endoscope apparatus, since the frequency of attaching and detaching the piston is high, when the packing is brought into contact with the connection hole formed in the inner diameter of the cylinder when the piston is attached and detached to clean the endoscope, After all, the packing is damaged, the sealing performance is deteriorated, or the packing is cut, and there is a possibility that proper switching of the pipe line cannot be performed.
However, it has not been considered that the packing contacts the connection hole formed in the cylinder when the piston is attached or detached.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and is a fluid line switching device used for an air / water feed button of an endoscope. Piston packing is prevented from coming into contact with the connection hole formed in the cylinder, the packing is damaged, sealing performance is deteriorated and packing is not cut, and the pipe is switched appropriately. It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid conduit switching device for an endoscope that can perform the above.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a fluid conduit switching device that is connected to a fluid conduit of an endoscope and switches a communication state of a plurality of fluid conduits, and is attached to a piston and the piston. A button having a plurality of seal members, a cylinder in which the piston is inserted, the diameter of the piston is reduced stepwise in the insertion direction of the piston, and a connection hole is formed on each side surface to connect the plurality of fluid conduits; A stopper for defining a lower end position when the piston is pushed into the cylinder, and the plurality of seal members are gradually reduced toward a distal end side in the piston insertion direction. The inside of the cylinder is separated in an axial direction between an inner surface and a piston outer surface, and the diameter of the seal member is above the step of the piston on which the seal member slides. And the position of the connection hole for connecting each fluid conduit to the cylinder is on the tip side with respect to the lower end position of the seal member that is in sliding contact with the corresponding step. A fluid conduit switching device is provided.

In the present invention as described above, the piston is arranged so as to be spaced apart in the axial direction of the piston, and has four seal members that become smaller as the piston is arranged on the tip side. The four seal members are in sliding contact with each other, the first region on the tip side, adjacent to the first region, the second region having a larger diameter than the first region, and adjacent to the second region. It is preferable to have a third region having a larger diameter than the second region, and a fourth region having a larger diameter than the third region adjacent to the third region.
The plurality of fluid conduits are preferably four fluid conduits connected to the bottom, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region, respectively.
Moreover, it is preferable that the piston has a bottom portion on the tip side, and a region between the first region and the bottom portion is formed to have a larger diameter than the first region.
The stopper abuts against a step serving as a boundary between the second region and the third region to define the lower end position of the piston, and at the lower end position, It is preferable that the sealing member is in contact with a step which is a boundary between the second region and the third region, and hermetically separates the second region and the third region.
Further, it is preferable that the piston has a slider that always contacts the inner surface of the cylinder and guides the piston so as to move only in the axial direction of the cylinder.

  The present invention also provides an insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity, a plurality of conduits for ejecting fluid from the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and a fluid conduit for changing the fluid ejected from the distal end portion An endoscope having a switching device and observing an observed portion by inserting the insertion portion into a body cavity, wherein the fluid conduit switching device includes a piston and a plurality of seal members attached to the piston A button, a cylinder in which the piston is inserted, the diameter of the piston is reduced stepwise in the insertion direction of the piston, and a connection hole is formed on the side surface to connect the plurality of fluid conduits, and the piston is A stopper for defining a lower end position when the cylinder is pushed into the cylinder, and the plurality of seal members are gradually tapered toward the tip end side in the piston insertion direction, and The inside of the cylinder is separated axially from the outer surface of the ton, and the diameter of the seal member is smaller than the inner diameter of the piston above the step where the seal member is in sliding contact, and The endoscope is characterized in that the position of the connection hole for connecting each fluid conduit and the cylinder is located on the distal end side with respect to the lower end position of the seal member that is in sliding contact with the corresponding step. To do.

In the endoscope of the present invention as described above, the four seal members are arranged such that the piston of the fluid conduit switching device is spaced apart in the axial direction of the piston and becomes smaller as it is disposed on the distal end side. And the cylinder is in sliding contact with the four seal members of the piston, the first region on the tip side, the second region adjacent to the first region and having a larger diameter than the first region. A third region adjacent to the second region and larger in diameter than the second region, and a fourth region adjacent to the third region and larger in diameter than the third region. It is preferable to have.
Further, it is preferable that the plurality of fluid conduits are four fluid conduits connected to the bottom portion, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region, respectively.
Moreover, it is preferable that the piston has a bottom portion on the tip side, and a region between the first region and the bottom portion is formed to have a larger diameter than the first region.
The stopper abuts against a step serving as a boundary between the second region and the third region to define the lower end position of the piston, and at the lower end position, It is preferable that the sealing member is in contact with a step which is a boundary between the second region and the third region, and hermetically separates the second region and the third region.
Further, it is preferable that the piston has a slider that always contacts the inner surface of the cylinder and guides the piston so as to move only in the axial direction of the cylinder.

As described above, the fluid conduit switching device of the present invention is used for an air / water feed button of an endoscope, and is movable in the axial direction with a cylinder to which a plurality of fluid conduits are connected. It is composed of a piston (button) inserted into the cylinder in a state of being clean.
The present invention provides a fluid conduit switching device for an endoscope as described above, wherein a piston, a button having a plurality of seal members, a diameter is reduced stepwise in an insertion direction of the piston, and a fluid conduit is connected to a side surface. A cylinder in which a connection hole is formed and a stopper for defining the lower end position of the piston, and a plurality of seal members become gradually narrower toward the tip side, and the inside of the cylinder is separated in the axial direction And the diameter of the sealing member is smaller than the inner diameter of the piston above the step where the sealing member is in sliding contact, and the position of the connection hole for connecting each fluid conduit to the cylinder Are configured to be on the tip side of the lower end position of the seal member that is in sliding contact with the corresponding step.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the packing of the piston from coming into contact with the connection hole formed in the cylinder when the piston is attached or detached. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the packing from being damaged, the sealing performance from being lowered, and the packing from being cut off, and the pipe line can be switched appropriately. Further, since the packing can be prevented from being damaged, the life of the packing can be extended.

It is a figure which shows notionally an example of the endoscope of this invention using the fluid pipe line switching apparatus of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram of the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of the endoscope shown in FIG. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the fluid pipe line in an endoscope. (A) is a figure which shows notionally the cross section of the button of the air / water supply button used for the endoscope shown in FIG. 1, and a button receptacle, (B) is notional about the cross section of this air / water supply button. FIG. (A) And (B) is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the effect | action of the air / water supply button used for the endoscope shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, a fluid line switching device and an endoscope according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 conceptually shows an example of the endoscope of the present invention using the fluid conduit switching device of the present invention.
The endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into a treatment section for performing treatment or examination of a body cavity (gastrointestinal tract, ear nose throat, etc.), etc. This is a treatment.

The endoscope 10 is a so-called electronic scope type endoscope that images (photographs) an examination site using a CCD sensor and observes the examination site and takes a moving image or a still image. The endoscope 10 is configured to include an insertion portion 12, an operation portion 14, a universal cord 16, an LG connector 18, and a video connector 20 as in a normal endoscope.
The insertion part 12 is a long part to be inserted into an examination part such as a body cavity, and the tip part (tip on the insertion side = reverse end to the operation part 14) is the same as a known endoscope. 24, an angle portion 26, and a flexible portion 28.

The operation unit 14 is a part that operates the endoscope 10.
As with a normal endoscope, the operation unit 14 includes a forceps port 32, a suction button 34 for performing suction from the distal end portion 24, and an air / water feeding button for performing air supply and water supply from the distal end portion 24. 36 etc. are arranged.
This air / water supply button is the fluid conduit switching device for an endoscope of the present invention. The endoscope 10 is basically a known endoscope except that the air / water supply button 36 provided in the operation unit 14 uses the fluid conduit switching device of the present invention.

The operation unit 14 includes an LR knob 38 that bends the angle part 26 in the left-right direction, a UD knob 40 that bends in the same vertical direction (a direction perpendicular to the left and right), and an LR brake for holding the angle part 26 in a curved state. 42 and UD brake 46 are also provided.
Further, in addition to these operation means, the endoscope 10 that is an electronic scope uses an imaging unit (CCD sensor) such as a zoom switch, a still image shooting switch, a moving image shooting switch, and a freeze switch. Various switches that an endoscope for observation / photographing has are provided.

The LG (Light Guide) connector 18 is a part for connecting the endoscope 10 to a suction source, a water supply source, an air supply source, and the like in a facility that uses the endoscope. Therefore, the LG connector 18 includes a suction connector 48 for connecting the endoscope 10 and the suction source (suction means), a water supply connector 50 for connecting to the same water supply source (water supply source = water absorption means), An air supply connector 52 and the like for connecting to an air source (air supply means) are provided.
The LG connector 18 is provided with an LG bar 54 for connecting an illumination light source, an S terminal for connecting an S cord when using an electronic knife, and the like.

  Since the endoscope 10 is an electronic scope as described above, the video connector 20 for connecting the processor device and the endoscope 10 is connected to the LG connector 18. Images (image data) captured by the CCD sensor 52 and various instructions in the operation unit 14 are output from the video connector 20 to the processor device or the like via the LG connector 18 by the data cable 78 described above.

The universal cord (LG soft part) 16 is a part for connecting the LG connector 18 and the operation part 14.
The universal cord 16 accommodates / inserts a water supply channel 50L connected to the water supply connector 50, an air supply channel 52L connected to the air supply connector 52, a suction channel 48L connected to the suction connector 48, a light guide, a data cable, and the like. The

As described above, the insertion portion 12 of the endoscope 10 includes the distal end portion 24, the angle portion 26, and the flexible portion 28.
The angle portion (curved portion) 26 is bent vertically and horizontally (four directions orthogonal) by the operation of the LR knob 38 or the like in the operation portion 14 in order to insert the distal end portion 24 into the target position or to be positioned at the target position. It is an area.
The flexible portion 26 is a portion that connects the distal end portion 24 and the angle portion 26 and the operation portion 14, and is a long portion that has sufficient flexibility for insertion into the examination portion.

FIG. 2 conceptually shows the front surface of the distal end portion 24 (the distal end surface of the insertion portion 12).
In the endoscope 10 of the illustrated example, a photographing lens 58 and an illumination lens 60 included in the imaging unit are incorporated in the distal end portion 24.
It is a unit that incorporates elements, optical components, and the like necessary for photographing such as a CCD sensor and a photographing lens 58. A signal line for sending an image taken by the imaging unit is inserted to the video connector 20 via the insertion portion 12 (angle portion 26 and flexible portion 28), the operation portion 14, the universal cord 16, and the LG connector 18.
The illumination lens 60 is a lens for irradiating the part to be inspected with light propagated by a light guide (for example, a bundle of thin optical fibers). The light guide is inserted through the insertion portion 12 (same as above), the operation portion 14, and the universal cord 16 to the LG rod 54 of the LG connector 18.

  Further, a forceps hole 72 and an air / water supply nozzle 64 for supplying air and water are formed at the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 12.

FIG. 3 conceptually shows a fluid conduit in the endoscope 10.
The aforementioned forceps port 32 communicates with the forceps hole 72 through a forceps channel 32L.
The suction connector 48 of the LG connector 18 is connected to the suction channel 48L. The suction channel 48 </ b> L is inserted from the LG connector 18 through the universal cord 16 to the operation unit 14, and is connected to the suction button 34 in the operation unit 14. Further, the suction channel 48L is connected from the suction button 34 to the forceps channel 32L.

Further, the water supply connector 50 of the LG connector 18 is connected to the water supply channel 50L. The water supply channel 50 </ b> L is inserted from the LG connector 18 through the universal cord 16 to the operation unit 14, and is connected to the air / water supply button 36 in the operation unit 14. Further, the water supply channel 50L is connected from the air / water supply button 36 to the air / water supply channel 64L.
On the other hand, the air supply connector 52 of the LG connector 18 is connected to the air supply channel 52L. The air supply channel 52L also passes through the universal cord 16 to reach the operation unit 14, and is connected to the air / water supply button 36 in the operation unit 14. Further, the air supply channel 52L is also connected from the air / water supply button 36 to the air / water supply channel 64L.
The air / water supply channel 64L to which the water supply channel 50L and the air supply channel 52L are connected is inserted through the insertion portion 12 (the flexible portion 28 and the angle portion 24), and the air / water supply at the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 12. Connected to the nozzle 64.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the air / water supply button 36.
The air / water supply button 36 basically includes a button 68, a button receiver 70, and a cylinder 72. 4, (A) shows the button 68 and the button receiver 70, and (B) includes the cylinder 72, and the air / water supply button 36 is incorporated in the operation unit 14 of the endoscope 10. Indicates the state.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the cylinder 72 has a substantially cylindrical shape made of metal with a lower surface closed. In the present invention, “lower” refers to the inner side of the endoscope 10 (operation unit 14) (that is, the pressing direction of the button 68), and “upper” refers to the outer side of the endoscope 10 ( That is, the release direction from the same pressing).
In the endoscope 10, a circular through hole is formed at a predetermined position of the operation unit 14, and a cylindrical wall portion 14a is erected around the through hole. A thread is formed on the inner surface of the wall portion 14a. On the other hand, a thread is also formed on the outer surface of the upper end of the cylinder 72. In the endoscope 10, the cylinder 72 is fixed to the operation unit 14 by screwing the outer surface of the upper end portion of the cylinder 72 to the inner surface of the wall portion 14 a.

The cylinder 72 has a bottom portion, and the inside thereof is gradually decreased in diameter in four steps toward the lower side in the axial direction (a large diameter region 72a, a medium diameter region 72b, a small diameter region 72c, and a minimum diameter region). 72d), the diameter is larger at the lowermost end (water introduction part 72e).
Note that the cylinder 72 and the axial direction (center line direction) of the piston 76 of the button 68 to be described later coincide with each other. Therefore, in the following description, this direction is also simply referred to as “axial direction”.

In the cylinder 72, a water inlet 50i is formed in the water introduction part 72e at the lowermost end, and the inlet side of the water supply channel 50L is connected to this. A water outlet 50j is formed at the lower end of the small-diameter region 72c, and the outlet side of the water supply channel 50L is connected here.
Further, in the cylinder 72, an air inflow port 52i is formed at the lower end of the medium diameter region 72b, and the inlet side of the air supply channel 52L is connected here. The large-diameter region 72a is formed with an air outlet 52j, to which the outlet side of the air supply channel 52L is connected.

The button 68 includes a piston 76 and a button head 78.
The piston 76 is a substantially cylindrical column made of metal and has a small diameter portion 76a in the vicinity of the lower end portion. The piston 76 is accommodated in the cylinder 72 so as to be movable in the axial direction except for a part of the upper end.
Further, an elongated hole 76b is formed (perforated) at the center of the piston 76 so as to extend in the axial direction. The long hole 76b is formed so that the lower end is positioned in the vicinity of the lower end portion of the medium diameter region 72b of the cylinder 72 when the button 68 is not pressed as shown in FIG.
Further, the lower end of the long hole 76b is formed so as to be positioned in the small diameter region 72c of the cylinder 72 when the button 68 is pressed to the lowest position (see FIG. 5B).

  In the following description, for convenience, the state in which the button 68 is not pressed is also referred to as “steady position”, and the state in which the button 86 is pressed down to the lowest is also referred to as “pressed position (lower end position)”.

The piston 76 is formed with two through holes 76c and 76d that are spaced apart in the axial direction so as to penetrate to the long hole 76b.
The upper through-hole 76c is formed so as to be positioned in the large-diameter portion 72a of the cylinder 72 in the steady position and to be positioned in the medium-diameter region 72b of the cylinder 72 in the pressing position.
The lower through hole 76d is formed at the lower end of the long hole 76b. As described above, in the steady state, the lower end portion of the long hole 76b is located at the lower end portion of the medium diameter region 72b. Therefore, the lower through-hole 76d is located in the small diameter region 72c of the cylinder 72 at the pressing position.

  Two ribs 80a are formed on the entire circumference of the lower end of the piston 76, spaced apart in the axial direction. A cylindrical packing (seal member) 82a having a convex portion on the outer periphery is fitted / held between the ribs 80a.

The packing 82a is formed of rubber or elastic resin. The packing 82a abuts on the entire inner surface of the cylinder 72, thereby separating the space between the inner surface of the cylinder 72 and the outer surface of the piston 76 in a liquid-tight and air-tight manner in the axial direction.
Moreover, the packing 82a should just be formed so that the contact part with a cylinder inner surface may be located in the predetermined position shown below in a regular position and a pressing position.
In this regard, the same applies to the other packings (seal members) 82b to 82d.

The ribs 80a and the packing 82a are formed so that the packing 82a is positioned in the minimum diameter region 72d of the cylinder 72 in the steady position and the packing 82a is positioned in the water introduction portion 72e in the pressing position.
Further, the outer diameter (maximum diameter) of the packing 82a is larger than the inner diameter of the minimum diameter region 72d and smaller than the inner diameter of the water introduction portion 72e. That is, the packing 82a separates the space between the inner surface of the cylinder 72 and the outer surface of the piston 76 from the minimum diameter region 72d in a liquid-tight and air-tight manner in the axial direction.

  In the following description, for the sake of convenience, the space between the inner surface of the cylinder 72 and the outer surface of the piston 76 is defined as “inside the cylinder 72”, and the liquid-tight and airtight separation in the axial direction within the cylinder 72 by packing is referred to as “axis line”. Also known as “separate in direction”.

Immediately above the small diameter portion 76a of the piston 76, a recess 80b is formed on the entire circumference. A cylindrical packing 82b having a convex portion on the outer periphery is fitted / held in the concave portion 80b.
The recess 82b and the packing 82b are formed so that the packing 82b is always located in the small diameter region 72c of the cylinder 72 (both in the steady position and the pressed position). Further, the outer diameter of the packing 82b is larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter region 72c. That is, the packing 82b separates the small diameter region 72c in the cylinder 72 in the axial direction.

A concave portion 80c is formed on the entire circumference of the concave portion 80b of the piston 76 and between the through holes 76c and 76d. A cylindrical packing 82c having a convex portion on the outer periphery is fitted / held in the concave portion 80c.
The recess 80c and the packing 82c are formed so that the packing 82c is always located in the medium diameter region 72b. The outer diameter of the packing 82c is larger than the inner diameter of the medium diameter region 72b. That is, the packing 82c separates the medium diameter region 72b in the cylinder 72 in the axial direction.
Further, the concave portion 80c and the packing 82c are such that, at the pressed position, the lower end portion of the packing 82c abuts on a step that becomes the boundary between the medium-diameter region 72b and the small-diameter region 72c of the cylinder 72. It is formed so as to be separated in the axial direction.
That is, the packing 82c also has a role of a stopper for defining the pressing position (lower end position) of the button 86 (piston 76).

A flange portion 80d having ribs at the upper and lower ends is formed on the concave portion 80c of the piston 76 and the upper through hole 76c. Between the ribs of the flange portion 80d, a cylindrical packing 82d having a convex portion on the outer periphery is fitted / held.
The flange portion 80 and the packing 82 d are formed so that the packing 82 d is always located in the large diameter region 72 a of the cylinder 72. The outer diameter of the packing 82d is larger than the inner diameter of the large diameter region 72a. That is, the packing 82d separates the large diameter region 72a in the cylinder 72 in the axial direction.

As described above, the inside of the cylinder 72 is gradually reduced in diameter from the top to the large diameter region 72a, the medium diameter region 72b, the small diameter region 72c, and the minimum diameter region 72d.
Further, as described above, in the packing attached to the piston 76, the uppermost packing 82d has the large diameter region 72a, the lower packing 82c has the medium diameter region 72b, and the lower packing 82b has the small diameter region 72c. The lower packing 82a separates the minimum diameter region 72d in the axial direction.

  That is, in the illustrated example, the inside of the cylinder 72 is gradually reduced in diameter toward the lower side, and the packing attached to the piston 76 also has an outer diameter that decreases toward the lower side accordingly.

As described above, in an endoscope apparatus, it is necessary to clean the endoscope every time an inspection with an endoscope is performed. When cleaning the endoscope, the piston (button) is removed from the cylinder for cleaning, and after cleaning, the piston (button) is assembled to the cylinder again.
As described above, in the endoscope apparatus, since the piston is frequently attached and detached, when the piston is attached and detached for cleaning the endoscope, the packing is formed in the connection hole formed in the inner diameter of the cylinder. If contact is made, the packing may be damaged, sealing performance may be deteriorated, or the packing may be cut, and there is a possibility that appropriate switching of the pipe line cannot be performed.

On the other hand, in the present invention, the inside of the cylinder 72 is gradually reduced in diameter toward the lower side, and the packing attached to the piston 76 has a shape in which the outer diameter is reduced toward the lower side accordingly. Further, the button 68 (piston 76) is connected to the cylinder 72 by adopting a configuration in which the connection position of the fluid pipe line is located below (the front end side) than the pressing position (lower end position) of the packing slidably contacting the corresponding step. When assembled, the packing can be prevented from slidingly contacting the corners of the inlets 50i and 52i, the outlet 50j, and the outlet 52j (that is, the connection hole) formed on the inner surface of the cylinder 72.
That is, according to this configuration, when the button 68 is removed for cleaning the endoscope 10 and the button 68 is attached again after the cleaning is finished, the connection hole (the corner portion of the hole) in the cylinder 72 is attached. Etc.) to prevent the packing from being damaged, to prevent the sealing performance from being lowered and the packing from being cut, and to appropriately switch the pipeline. Further, since the packing can be prevented from being damaged, the life of the packing can be extended.

A recess 84 is formed on the entire circumference of the piston 76 between the recess 80b (packing 80b) and the lower portion of the elongated hole 76b. A substantially cylindrical slider 86 is fitted / held in the recess 84.
The slider 86 is a hard resin member. The recess 84 and the slider 86 are formed so that the slider 86 is always located in the small diameter region 72 c of the cylinder 72.

Here, the slider 86 can be inserted into the small-diameter region 72c of the cylinder 76, and has an outer diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the small-diameter region 72c. Therefore, when the button 86 is pressed / released, the slider 86 abuts on the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter region 72c of the cylinder 72 and moves while sliding in the axial direction.
That is, the slider 86 is a guide member that guides the movement of the button 86 (piston 76), and guides the button 86 so that the button 86 moves only in the axial direction.

Further, a recess 90 is formed on the recess 80 c (packing 82 c) of the piston 76. A flap 92 is fitted / held in the recess 90.
The flap 92 is a substantially cylindrical rubber member having a thick bottom end and a gradually reducing diameter near the top end. The flap 92 is held by the piston 76 by fitting the thick portion at the lower end into the recess 90. Further, the recess 90 and the flap 92 are formed so that the flap 92 covers the through hole 76c on the upper side of the piston 76, and the upper end of the flap 92 abuts on the entire outer periphery of the piston on the through hole 76c. Is done.

The flap 92 has an action similar to that of a rubber bug used for a so-called bicycle tire.
That is, the upper end of the flap 92 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the piston 76 to cover the through hole 76c in an airtight manner, but the upper end is a free end. Therefore, when air is discharged from the through hole 76c, the upper end of the flap 92 is expanded by the pressure from the inside, and the air is discharged to the outside of the flap 92. On the other hand, when pressure is applied to the flap 92 from the outside, the flap 92 is kept covered and acts as a check valve.

In the illustrated example, the flap 92 and the packing 82c under the flap 92 are separate bodies, but the present invention is not limited to this.
That is, depending on the shape and configuration of the cylinder 72 and the piston 76, the flap 92 and the packing 82c below the flap 92 may be integrally formed.

A button head 78 is attached to the upper end portion of the button 68 so as to cover the upper end portion of the piston 76. The button head 78 (the upper surface thereof) is a part where a doctor directly contacts and operates the air / water supply button 36 in diagnosis using the endoscope 10 or the like.
In the illustrated example, the button head 78 has a substantially cylindrical shape having a through-hole at the center where the outer diameter gradually decreases in two steps downward. For example, the upper end of the piston 76 is screwed. It is attached to. The button head 78 is usually formed of resin or the like.

As an example, the through hole of the button head 78 has a small diameter portion 78 a in the upper portion and a large diameter portion 78 b in the lower portion, and the lower large diameter portion 78 b is screwed into the upper end portion of the piston 76.
On the other hand, the small-diameter portion 78 a above the through hole of the button head 78 matches (communicates with) the long hole 76 b formed in the piston 76 when the button head 78 is attached to the piston 76.

The button receiver 70 is a thing for attaching the button 68 to the operation part 14 (wall part 14a) of the endoscope 10 while holding the button 68 so that a movement to an axial direction is possible.
In the illustrated example, the button receiver 70 includes a button receiver main body 98 through which the button 68 is inserted, and a mounting cover 100 on which the button receiver main body 98 is fitted.

The button receiver main body 98 (hereinafter also referred to as the main body 98) is a metal member and has a double tube shape in which the vicinity of the lower end portion is closed (an annular shape having a substantially U-shaped cross section). That is, the main body 98 has a circular through hole 98a at the center.
The button 68 is inserted into the through hole 98a and held by the button receiver 70 so as to be movable in the axial direction.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer diameter of the second stage (the lower stage in the axial direction) of the button head 78 is larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 98 a of the main body 98. Further, the outer diameter of the flange 80 d to which the uppermost packing 82 d of the piston 76 is attached is also larger than the inner diameter of the through hole 98 a of the main body 98.
Therefore, the button 68 does not come out of the main body 98 (button receiver 70) unnecessarily.

A spring 102 is disposed between the closed surface near the lower end of the main body 98 and the lower surface of the maximum diameter portion of the button head 78.
The spring 102 biases the button head 78 upward. The button 68 is urged upward by the spring 102, stops at a position where the flange 80d is in contact with the lower surface of the main body 98 (the lower end of the cylinder forming the through hole 98a), and is held at a steady position.

The attachment cover 100 is a substantially cylindrical member made of rubber.
The mounting cover 100 accommodates / fits the double-tube-shaped button receiving body 98 above the cylinder, and holds the button receiving body 98 with its own elasticity.
Further, the inner diameter of the mounting cover 100 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the cylindrical wall portion 14a formed in the operation portion 14 described above. further. A convex attachment portion 100a is formed on the inner lower end portion of the attachment cover 100 over the entire circumference.

As described above, the mounting cover 100 is cylindrical and accommodates the double-pipe main body 98 therein. Therefore, by fitting the wall portion 14a with the attachment cover 100, the through hole 98a of the main body 98 and the inside of the cylinder 72 attached to the wall portion 14a communicate with each other.
The air / water supply button 36 in the illustrated example inserts the piston 76 of the button 68 into the cylinder 72 and fits the outside of the wall portion 14a formed in the operation portion 14, The wall portion 14a is engaged.
In the air / water supply button 36, the button 68 and the button receiver 70 are detachably attached to the operation unit 14 of the endoscope 10 to constitute the air / water supply button 36.

In the illustrated example, the button receiver 70 is formed of a metal main body 98 and a mounting cover 100 on which the main body 90 is fitted, but the present invention is not limited to this.
That is, in the present invention, the button receiver through which the button 68 is inserted may be integrally formed by, for example, molding using a resin. At this time, the button holder can be detachably attached to the endoscope by a method using elasticity similar to that of the button receiver 70, fitting using screwing or unevenness, and mounting using a fixing member. According to the method.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the air / water supply button 36 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 to describe the liquid conduit switching device of the present invention in more detail.

  As shown in FIG. 5A (FIG. 4B), in a steady state, the button 68 is moved upward by the action of the spring 102.

In the steady state, the water supplied from the water supply channel 50L is supplied from the inlet 50i to the water introduction part 72e of the cylinder 76.
In the steady state, the packing 82a disposed at the lower end portion of the piston 76 is located in the minimum diameter region 72d above the water introduction portion 42e. As described above, the packing 82a separates the inside of the cylinder 72 in the axial direction at a predetermined position in the minimum diameter region 72d.
Accordingly, in a steady state, the water sent to the water introduction part 72e is stopped by the water introduction part 72e and is not sent to other places.

On the other hand, the air supplied from the air supply channel 52L is supplied into the cylinder 72 from the introduction port 50i.
In the steady state, the position where the introduction port 50i is formed is below the introduction port 50i, the packing 82b located in the small diameter region 72c, and above the introduction port 50i, the packing 82c located in the medium diameter region 72b, Each of the cylinders 72 is separated in the axial direction.
Therefore, the air sent into the cylinder 72 from the introduction port 50i is sent to the long hole 76b of the piston 76 from the through hole 76d located at the lower end portion of the medium diameter region 72b, and the long hole 76b and the button head 78 The air is discharged to the outside of the air / water supply button 36 (button 68) through the through hole 78a.

Here, in this steady state, a doctor who operates the endoscope 10 closes the through hole 78a of the button head 78 with a finger.
As a result, the air sent to the long hole 76b of the piston 76 loses its place, pushes and spreads the flap 92 from the through hole 76c on the upper side of the piston 76, and is supplied into the cylinder 72 to be formed in the cylinder 72. Air is supplied from the outlet 52j to the outlet air supply channel 52L.
The air supplied to the air supply channel 52L is then supplied to the air supply / water supply channel 64L and ejected from the air supply / water supply nozzle 64.

Further, when the doctor presses the button head 78, the pressing state shown in FIG.
In this state, the packing 82a that has separated the inside of the cylinder 72 in the axial direction in the minimum diameter region 72d moves to the water introduction portion 42e below the packing 82a. As described above, the diameter of the packing 82a is smaller than the inner diameter of the water introduction part 42e. Therefore, the water sent to the water introduction part 42e is sent to the area separated by the packing 82b of the minimum diameter area 72d and the small diameter area 72c.
Here, an outlet 50j is formed at the lower end of the small diameter region 72c of the cylinder 72, and the outlet side of the water supply channel 50L is connected to the outlet 50j. Therefore, the water sent to the small diameter region 72c is sent to the water supply channel 50L.
The water supplied to the water supply channel 50L is then supplied to the air / water supply channel 64L and ejected from the air / water supply nozzle 64.

Here, as described above, in the pressing position, the lower end portion of the packing 82c is in contact with a step which is a boundary between the medium diameter region 72b and the small diameter region 72c of the cylinder 72, and the cylinder 82c is in this position. 72 is separated in the axial direction.
In the pressed state, the lower through hole 76d is located in the small diameter region 72c. In addition, the water is stopped by a packing 82b located below the through hole 76c.
Accordingly, in the pressed state, the air supplied from the inlet 52i connected to the air supply channel 52L is not supplied from the through hole 76c to the long hole 76b in the piston 76. That is, according to the air / water supply button 36, in the pressed state, the air supply can be shielded and only water can be appropriately supplied.

  Further, when the doctor releases the pressing of the button head 78, the button 68 moves upward by the action of the spring 102, and the steady state is obtained.

Next, the attachment / detachment of the piston 76 (button 68) will be described in more detail.
As shown in FIG. 4B, the minimum diameter region 72d with which the packing 82a on the front end side is in sliding contact is not formed with a connection hole connected to the fluid conduit, and is higher than the minimum diameter region 72d. The inner diameter of the cylinder 72 in this area is larger than the packing 82a. Therefore, when attaching and detaching the piston 76, the packing 82a does not come into contact with the connection hole (such as the outlet 50j).
Next, a discharge port 50j to which the water supply channel 50L is connected is formed in the small diameter region 72c in which the second packing 82b from the front end side is in sliding contact. As shown in FIG. 5B, the discharge port 50j is formed on the lower side (front end side) than the position of the packing 82b when the piston 76 is in the pressing position. Accordingly, no connection hole connected to the fluid conduit is formed above the packing 82b in the small diameter region 72c, and the inner diameter of the cylinder 72 in the region above the small diameter region 72c is larger than that of the packing 82b. large. Therefore, when attaching and detaching the piston 76, the packing 82b does not come into contact with the connection hole (inflow port 52i or the like).

Similarly, an inflow port 52i to which the air supply channel 52L is connected is formed in the middle diameter region 72b in which the third packing 82c from the front end side is in sliding contact. As shown in FIG. 5B, the inflow port 52i is formed on the lower side (tip side) than the position of the packing 82c when the piston 76 is in the pressing position. Accordingly, no connection hole connected to the fluid conduit is formed above the packing 82c in the medium diameter region 72b, and the inner diameter of the cylinder 72 in the region above the medium diameter region 72b is the packing 82c. Bigger than. Therefore, when attaching and detaching the piston 76, the packing 82c does not come into contact with the connection hole (such as the discharge port 52j).
In addition, a discharge port 52j to which the air supply channel 52L is connected is formed in the large-diameter region 72a in which the fourth (top) packing 82d from the front end side is slidably contacted. As shown in FIG. 5B, the discharge port 52j is formed on the lower side (tip side) than the position of the packing 82d when the piston 76 is in the pressing position. Therefore, no connection hole connected to the fluid conduit is formed above the packing 82d in the large diameter region 72a. Therefore, when attaching and detaching the piston 76, the packing 82d does not come into contact with the connection hole (such as the discharge port 52j).

  Thus, according to the configuration of the present invention, when the button 68 is removed for cleaning the endoscope 10 and the button 68 is attached again after the cleaning is completed, the connection hole in the cylinder 72 is removed. Since it is possible to prevent the packing from being damaged at the corners, etc., it is possible to prevent the packing from being damaged when attaching and detaching the piston in an endoscope apparatus that needs to be cleaned each time an inspection is performed. Can be prevented, and the packing can be appropriately switched. Further, since the packing can be prevented from being damaged, the life of the packing can be extended.

  As described above, the liquid channel switching device and the endoscope for endoscope according to the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various types can be used without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course, changes and improvements may be made.

  It can be suitably used for endoscopes used in various medical treatments and examinations.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope 12 Insertion part 14 Operation part 14a Wall part 16 Universal cord 18 LG connector 20 Video connector 24 Tip part 26 Angle part 28 Soft part 32 Forceps port 34 Suction button 36 Air supply / water supply button 38 LR knob 40 UD knob 42 LR brake 46 UD brake 48 Suction connector 48L Suction channel 50 Water supply connector 50i, 52i Inlet 50j Outlet 50L Water supply channel 52 Air supply connector 52j Outlet 52L Air supply channel 54 LG rod 60 Illumination lens 62 Forceps hole 62L Forceps channel 64 64 Air / water supply nozzle 64L Air supply / water supply channel 68 Button 70 Button receiver 72 Cylinder 72a Large diameter area 72b Medium diameter area 72c Small diameter area 72d Minimum diameter area 72e Water introduction part 76 Piston 76a Small diameter portion 76b Long hole 76c, 76d, 78a, 98a Through hole 78 Button head 80a Rib 80b, 80c, 84, 90 Recessed portion 80d Flange 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d Packing 86 Slider 92 Flap 98 (Button holder) Main body 100 Mounting cover

Claims (12)

A fluid conduit switching device that is connected to a fluid conduit of an endoscope and switches a communication state of a plurality of fluid conduits,
A piston and a button having a plurality of seal members attached to the piston;
A cylinder in which the piston is inserted, the diameter of the piston is reduced stepwise in the insertion direction of the piston, and a connection hole is formed on each side surface to connect the plurality of fluid conduits;
A stopper for defining a lower end position when the piston is pushed into the cylinder;
The plurality of seal members are tapered stepwise toward the distal end side in the piston insertion direction, and the inside of the cylinder is axially separated between the cylinder inner surface and the piston outer surface, and The diameter of the seal member is smaller than the inner diameter of the step of the piston above the step where the seal member is in sliding contact,
And the position of the said connection hole for connecting each fluid pipe line and the said cylinder is respectively in the front end side rather than the lower end position of the said seal member which slidably contacts to a corresponding step, The fluid pipe line switching characterized by the above-mentioned apparatus. The piston has four seal members which are arranged apart from each other in the axial direction of the piston and become smaller toward the tip side,
The cylinder is in sliding contact with the four seal members of the piston, the first region on the tip side, the second region adjacent to the first region and having a larger diameter than the first region, A third region adjacent to the second region and larger in diameter than the second region, and a fourth region adjacent to the third region and larger in diameter than the third region. 2. The fluid line switching device according to 1.   3. The fluid according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of fluid conduits are four fluid conduits, which are connected to the bottom portion, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region, respectively. Pipe switching device.   The said piston has a bottom part in the said front end side, The area | region between the said 1st area | region and the said bottom part is formed larger diameter than the said 1st area | region. Fluid line switching device.   The stopper is in contact with a step which is a boundary between the second region and the third region, and defines the lower end position of the piston, and at the lower end position, 5. The seal member that abuts on a step that is a boundary between a region and the third region and hermetically separates the second region and the third region. The fluid conduit switching device described.   The fluid line switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the piston has a slider that always contacts the inner surface of the cylinder and guides the piston so as to move only in the axial direction of the cylinder. An insertion portion to be inserted into the body cavity, a plurality of conduits for ejecting fluid from the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and a fluid conduit switching device for changing the fluid ejected from the distal end portion, An endoscope for observing a portion to be observed by inserting the insertion portion into a body cavity,
The fluid pipe switching device includes a piston, a button having a plurality of seal members attached to the piston, the piston is inserted, and the diameter of the fluid is gradually reduced in the insertion direction of the piston. A cylinder formed with a connection hole to which each pipe line is connected, and a stopper for defining a lower end position when the piston is pushed into the cylinder,
The plurality of seal members are tapered stepwise toward the distal end side in the piston insertion direction, and the inside of the cylinder is axially separated between the cylinder inner surface and the piston outer surface, and The diameter of the seal member is smaller than the inner diameter of the step above the step of the piston on which the seal member slides, and the position of the connection hole for connecting each fluid conduit to the cylinder is respectively An endoscope characterized in that the endoscope is located on a distal end side with respect to a lower end position of the seal member that is in sliding contact with a corresponding step. The piston of the fluid line switching device is arranged so as to be spaced apart in the axial direction of the piston, and has four seal members that become smaller as the piston is arranged on the tip side,
The cylinder is in sliding contact with the four seal members of the piston, the first region on the tip side, the second region adjacent to the first region and having a larger diameter than the first region, A third region adjacent to the second region and larger in diameter than the second region, and a fourth region adjacent to the third region and larger in diameter than the third region. The endoscope according to 7.   9. The inner portion according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of fluid conduits are four fluid conduits connected to the bottom portion, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region, respectively. Endoscope.   The said piston has a bottom part in the said front end side, The area | region between the said 1st area | region and the said bottom part is formed larger diameter than the said 1st area | region. Endoscope.   The stopper is in contact with a step which is a boundary between the second region and the third region, and defines the lower end position of the piston, and at the lower end position, The seal member according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the seal member is in contact with a step serving as a boundary between a region and the third region and hermetically separates the second region and the third region. The endoscope described.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the piston has a slider that always contacts the inner surface of the cylinder and guides the piston so as to move only in the axial direction of the cylinder.

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