JP2013070702A - Fluid conduit switching device and endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid conduit switching device for an endoscope to be used for a gas/water feed button, etc., of an endoscope, capable of reducing the number of components, permitting appropriate pressing of a button, and capable of reducing loads applied to a cylinder, etc., and an endoscope using the switching device.SOLUTION: The fluid conduit switching device includes: a cylinder to which a conduit of the endoscope is connected; a button including a piston to be housed in the cylinder movably in the axial direction, a button head attached to the upper end of the piston, and a plurality of packing materials to air-tightly divide inside of the cylinder in the axial direction; and a button socket having a through-hole for the piston to penetrate and attached to an operating part of the endoscope with the through-hole communicating with inside of the cylinder. The lower end of the button head is always inserted into the through-hole of the button socket, and the lower end of the button head functions as a guide member to move the button only in the axial direction of the cylinder.

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid conduit switching device used for an air supply / water supply button of an endoscope, and more specifically, an endoscope in which the number of parts is reduced and the burden on parts due to operation of the endoscope is reduced. The present invention relates to a fluid conduit switching device 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) or the like for performing air supply for spreading is also provided.

In an endoscope having an air supply / water supply function using an air supply / water supply nozzle, a flexible tube is inserted from the connector to the distal end portion through the universal cord, the operation portion, and the insertion portion. 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, the pipe switching device includes a cylinder connected to a tube inserted from the connector to the tip, and a piston inserted in the cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction. And an (operating) button having a button head (finger holding member) for operation by a doctor attached to the upper end of the piston, and a substantially cylindrical button receiver (piston stopper and enclosing member).
The button is inserted and held in the button receiver. Further, the button and the button receptacle are configured so that the button is not unnecessarily removed from the button receptacle. Further, the button is urged upward by a spring (the pushing direction of the button = the direction opposite to the endoscope side).

In this pipeline switching device, the cylinder is fixed at a predetermined position of the endoscope operation section, and the pipeline switching device is configured by inserting the button piston into the cylinder and mounting the button receiver at the predetermined position. And attached to the endoscope.
In the endoscope channel switching device, the water supply is turned on 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. / Off, on / off of air 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.

Japanese Patent No. 3651982

By the way, in the pipeline switching device, it is necessary to stably and appropriately perform an air / water supply operation without imposing a burden on the cylinder and the packing. For this purpose, it is preferable that the piston can be moved (pushed / returned) straight with respect to the axial direction of the cylinder when the button head is pressed / released.
Therefore, as shown in Patent Document 1, in such a pipe switching device including a cylinder and a button, the piston in the cylinder is used as a guide member for enabling proper button pressing / release. Two sliders are attached.

The slider is a substantially cylindrical member made of resin, and is attached to the piston by inserting the piston through the through hole. The outer peripheral surface of the slider has substantially the same diameter as the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder, and the piston is slidably contacted with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder and is movable in the axial direction.
Therefore, in this pipeline switching device, the button can be appropriately moved in the axial direction of the cylinder by operating the button head using the slider as a guide member.

On the other hand, the pipe switching device requires a slider for guiding such a button, which increases the number of parts.
Further, as described above, packing or the like is attached to the piston in addition to the slider. Moreover, as is well known, the pipe switching device for an endoscope is very small. For this reason, it is often the case that the two-point slider attached to the piston in the cylinder is sufficiently stable and cannot properly guide the button. In addition, since the slider itself slides and moves inside the piston, a burden is imposed on the piston even when the slider slides. As a result, an unnecessary burden is applied to the cylinder and the packing, and the life of the member is shortened.

  An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, and is a fluid line switching device used for an air / water feed button of an endoscope, which can reduce the number of parts. Moreover, a fluid tube for an endoscope that allows the button to be moved properly in the axial direction of the cylinder by pressing / releasing the button head and also reduces the burden on the cylinder and packing. The object is to provide a path switching device.

  In order to achieve the above object, a fluid conduit switching device according to the present invention includes a cylinder to which a plurality of conduits provided in an endoscope are connected, and at least a part on the lower end side that is movable in the axial direction. A piston housed in a cylinder, a button head attached to the upper end of the piston, and an axial separation between the cylinder inner surface and the piston outer surface. A button having a plurality of packings to be attached; a button receiver having a through-hole through which the button is inserted; and a button receiver attached to the operation portion of the endoscope through the through-hole in the cylinder; The lower end of the button head is always inserted into the through hole of the button receiver, and the lower end of the button head is a guide that moves the button only in the axial direction of the cylinder. Providing a fluid conduit switching apparatus characterized by acting as a member.

In such a fluid conduit switching device of the present invention, it is preferable that the lower end portion of the button head and the through hole of the button receiver are both cylindrical.
The piston preferably has a slider that always contacts the inner surface of the cylinder and guides the button so as to move only in the axial direction of the cylinder. Further, it is preferable to have only one slider.
The button head is preferably made of resin.
Moreover, it is preferable that the inside of the said cylinder and the said piston become thin in steps toward the downward direction.
In addition, it is preferable that the button receiver includes a metal member having the through hole and a rubber member that accommodates the metal member and is attached to the endoscope. Further, it is preferable that the button receiver is integrally formed.

  In addition, the endoscope of the present invention changes an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, a plurality of conduits for ejecting fluid from the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and a 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, wherein the fluid conduit switching device is a cylinder to which the conduit is connected. A piston in which at least a part on the lower end side is accommodated in the cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction, a button head attached to the upper end portion of the piston, and the inside of the cylinder between the cylinder inner surface and the piston outer surface A button having a plurality of packings attached to the piston according to the pipe line, and a through-hole through which the button is inserted, the through-hole communicating with the inside of the cylinder A button receiver attached to the operation portion of the endoscope, and a lower end portion of the button head is always inserted into a through-hole of the button receiver, and the lower end portion of the button head attaches the button to the cylinder. An endoscope is provided that acts as a guide member that moves only in the axial direction.

In such an endoscope of the present invention, it is preferable that the lower end portion of the button head of the button and the through hole of the button receiver are both cylindrical.
Preferably, the button piston has a slider that always contacts the inner surface of the cylinder and guides the piston so that the piston moves only in the axial direction of the cylinder. Further, it is preferable to have only one slider.
In the button, it is preferable that a contact portion of the button head with the button receiver is made of resin.
Moreover, it is preferable that the inside of the cylinder and the piston of the button become thinner stepwise toward the lower side.
In addition, it is preferable that the button receiver includes a metal member having the through hole and a rubber member that accommodates the metal member and is attached to the endoscope. Further, it is preferable that the button receiver is integrally formed.

As described above, the fluid line switching device of the present invention is used for an air / water feed button of an endoscope, and a cylinder and a piston that is inserted into the cylinder while being movable in the axial direction. And a button having a button head, and a substantially cylindrical button receiver that is inserted and held through the button and attached to the endoscope operation section.
According to the present invention, in such a fluid conduit switching device for an endoscope, the lower end portion of the button head (the end portion on the inner side of the endoscope = the end portion in the pressing direction of the button) is connected to the endoscope operation portion. The lower end of the button head acts as a guide for moving the button only in the axial direction of the cylinder.
That is, as shown in Patent Document 1, a button head (which is always provided as a member for a doctor to perform an operation instead of a slider fixed to a piston in a cylinder in order to guide the piston) The same action as the slider is given to the lower end.

Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the number of parts of the fluid conduit switching device used as an air / water feed button of an endoscope, thereby simplifying the configuration and reducing the cost.
Further, in this fluid line switching device, a doctor who operates an endoscope operates a button head directly operated as a guide member. This makes it possible to more accurately guide the button (piston) in the axial direction, prevent unnecessary force from being applied to the cylinder and packing, and reduce the burden on these parts. Long life can be achieved.
Furthermore, since the number of members that are in sliding contact with the inner surface of the cylinder can be reduced inside the cylinder, the load on the cylinder can be reduced and the life of the cylinder 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 24 at the distal end (insertion-side distal end = opposite end to the operation part 14) is similar to a known endoscope. And 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 is connected to the suction connector 48 (see FIG. 3) for connecting the endoscope 10 and the suction source (suction means), and to the same water supply source (water supply source = water absorption means). A water supply connector 50, an air supply connector 52 for connecting to the same air supply source (air supply means), and the like are provided.
The LG connector 18 is provided with an LG bar 54 for connecting to 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. An image (image data) or the like captured by the CCD sensor is output from the video connector 20 to the processor device or the like via the LG connector 18 by the above-described data cable.

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. (See FIG. 3).

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.
The imaging unit 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, the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 12 is formed with a forceps hole 72 for feeding forceps to the treatment portion, and an air / water feed nozzle 64 for feeding air and water.

FIG. 3 conceptually shows a fluid conduit in the endoscope 10.
The aforementioned forceps port 32 communicates with the forceps hole 62 through a forceps channel 62L.
The suction connector 48 of the LG connector 18 is connected to the suction channel 48L. The suction channel 48 </ b> L passes through the universal cord 16 from the connector 18 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 to the forceps channel 62L from the suction button 34.

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).
The operation portion 14 of the endoscope 10 has a circular through hole at a predetermined position, and a substantially 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 inside of the cylinder 72 gradually decreases in diameter in four stages toward the lower side in the axial direction (large diameter region 72a, medium diameter region 72b, small diameter region 72c and minimum diameter region 72d), and the lowermost end portion. Thus, the diameter is increased (water introduction part 72e).
In addition, since the axial direction (center line direction) of the cylinder 72 and the piston 76 of the button 68, which will be described in detail later, coincides, this direction is also simply referred to as “axial direction” in the following description.

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. Further, an outlet of water (a side beyond the piston 76) is formed at the lower end portion of the small diameter region 72c, and an outlet side of the water supply channel 50L is connected here.
Further, in the cylinder 72, an air introduction port 52i is formed at the lower end portion 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 discharge port (the other side of the piston 76), 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”.

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 76d is formed so as to be positioned in the large-diameter region 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 76c 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. Accordingly, the lower through-hole 76c is located in the medium diameter region 72b of the cylinder 72 at the steady position and in the same small diameter region 72c at the pressed position.

  Two ribs 80a are formed on the entire periphery of the lower end portion of the small diameter portion 76a of the piston 76 so as to be spaced apart in the axial direction. In addition, a cylindrical packing 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.
The packing 82a may be formed so that at least the contact portion with the inner surface of the cylinder is located at a predetermined position shown below in the steady position and the pressed position.
With respect to the above points, the other packings 82b to 82d are the same.

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 in 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 recess 80c and the packing 82c are such that, in the pressed position, the lower end 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.

Above the concave portion 80c of the piston 76 and the upper through hole 76d, a flange portion 80d having ribs at the upper and lower ends is formed. 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 toward 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.
With such a configuration, when the button 68 is assembled into the cylinder 72, the packing can be prevented from slidingly contacting a corner portion (for example, the insertion port 52i) 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 packing is damaged at the corners in the cylinder 72 or the like. It is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience, and to prevent the inconvenience due to the long life of the packing and the damage of the packing when assembled.

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.

In the present invention, a plurality of sliders 86 may be provided.
However, in the present invention, a lower end portion (lower end region 94) of a button head 78, which will be described later, functions as a guide member for the button 86 in the same manner as the slider. Therefore, if the guide is performed at one place in the cylinder, it is possible to stably press / release the button 68 stably.
Therefore, in consideration of a reduction in the number of parts and a burden on the cylinder, it is preferable that the number of sliders 86 serving as guide members disposed in the cylinder is one.

Further, a recess 90 is formed on the entire circumference on the recess 80c (packing 82c) 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 76d on the upper side of the piston 76, and the upper end of the flap 92 contacts the entire outer periphery of the piston on the through hole 76d. Is done.

The flap 92 has an action similar to that of a rubber bug used for a so-called bicycle tire.
In other words, the upper end of the flap 92 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the piston 76 so as to airtightly cover the through hole 76d, but the upper end is a free end. Therefore, when the air is discharged from the through hole 76d, 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 (particularly, 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 three stages downward. The button head 78 is usually formed of resin or the like.
The button head 78 is attached to the upper end portion of the piston 76 by, for example, screwing.

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.

  As described above, in the illustrated example, the outer diameter of the button head 78 has a three-stage diameter that gradually decreases downward. Here, the upper two tiers are not cylindrical in shape, and have an inclined portion and a curved portion. In contrast, the lowermost lower end region 94 has a normal cylindrical shape on the outer surface.

In the button head 78, at least the lower end portion of the lower end region 94 is always inserted into a through hole 98a of a button receiver 70 (button receiver main body 98) to be described later (that is, both in a steady position and a pressed position). .
The lower end region 94 is inserted into the through hole 98a so as to be movable in the axial direction, and the outer diameter of the lower end region 94 and the inner diameter of the through hole 98a are substantially the same. Preferably, the lower end region 94 is inserted into the through hole 98a so as to be movable in the axial direction in a state where at least a part of the lower end region 94 is in sliding contact with the through hole 98a. More preferably, the lower end region 94 is movable in the axial direction while being in sliding contact with the through hole 98a in the entire region in the axial direction (the entire region of the button pressing stroke) and / or in the entire circumferential direction. Into the through hole 98a.
That is, in the present invention, the button head 78 (the lower end region 94) functions as a guide member for moving the button 68 only in the axial direction, similar to the slider 86 attached to the piston 76 described above.
In the present invention, by having such a configuration, operational effects such as a reduction in the number of parts and a reduction in the burden on the cylinder 72 and packing are realized. This will be described in detail later.

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 middle 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.

As described above, the button 68 is inserted through the through hole 98 a of the main body 98.
Further, as described above, in the air / water supply button 36, the button head 78 attached to the upper end portion of the button 68 functions as a guide member for moving the button 68 only in the axial direction. That is, the lower end region 94 of the button head 78 attached to the upper end portion of the button 68 is always inserted into the through hole 98a while being movable in the axial direction, and the outer diameter of the lower end region 94 and the through hole 98a. The inner diameters of these are substantially the same.
This will be described in detail later.

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 substantially 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 has a cylindrical shape and accommodates the double-pipe main body 98 in the upper part. 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.
Even in this steady state, at least the lower end portion of the lower end region 94 of the button head 78 is inserted into the through hole 98a of the main body 98 of the button receiver 70 having substantially the same diameter.

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 that the packing 82b located in the small diameter region 72c is in the lower side, and the packing 82c located in the medium diameter region 72b is in the axial direction in the upper side. It is separated.
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 76c located at the lower end of the medium diameter region 72b, and the long hole 76b and the button head 78 The gas is discharged out of the air / water feed button 36 (button 68) through the through hole (small diameter portion 78a).

Here, in the steady state, when air is supplied from the air / water supply nozzle 64, a doctor operating 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 76d 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 an outlet (not shown) to the air supply channel 52L on the outlet side.
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 / water supply nozzle 64 at the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 12.

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, a discharge port (not shown) 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 here. 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 supply / water supply channel 64L and ejected from the air supply / water supply nozzle 64 at the distal end portion 24 of the insertion portion 12.

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 76c 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.

Here, as described above, the lower end region 94 of the button head 78 can be inserted into the through hole 98a of the button receiver 70 ((button receiver) main body 98), and the outer diameter of the lower end region 94 and the through hole 98a. It is almost the same as the inner diameter. Further, the lower end region 94 of the button head 78 has at least the lower end portion inserted into the through hole 98a in both the steady position and the pressed position.
That is, in the air / water supply button 36, the button head 78 that is always provided as an operation part by the doctor is used as a guide member for moving the button 68 (piston 76) only in the axial direction by using the button receiver 70. I am letting.
Therefore, even if there is only one slider 86, which is a guide member for moving the button 68 only in the axial direction, the doctor properly pushes the button 68 only in the axial direction when pressing / releasing the button 68. Can move.

Therefore, the air / water supply button 36 (fluid pipe switching device of the present invention) reduces the number of parts, simplifies and reduces the configuration compared to the conventional air / water supply button disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like. Cost can be reduced.
Further, in the air / water supply button 36, the doctor operating the endoscope operates the button head 78 directly operated as a guide member. Therefore, it is possible to guide the button 68 more accurately in the axial direction, prevent unnecessary force from being applied to the cylinder and packing, reduce the burden on these parts, and increase the service life of the parts. Can be achieved.
Furthermore, since the number of sliders that are in sliding contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 72 can be reduced, the load on the cylinder 72 can be reduced and the life of the cylinder 72 can be extended.

Further, as described above, the air / water supply button 36 in the illustrated example has a cylinder 72 whose diameter is gradually reduced in the downward direction, and the packing attached to the piston 76 is also in accordance with this. The outer diameter decreases downward.
Such a configuration can extend the life of the packing as described above, but on the other hand, if the moving direction of the button 68 becomes oblique, the pressing force by the piston 76 becomes strong at the lower end side, The burden on the cylinder 72 is increased.
On the other hand, according to the present invention, as described above, since the button 68 can be stably pressed properly in the axial direction, the diameter of the cylinder 72 and the piston 76 is gradually reduced downward. However, it is possible to prevent the cylinder 72 from being heavily loaded.

When the button head 78 (the lower end region 94) acts as a guide member, the guide property is better when the button head 78 is in contact with the surface than with the point. Accordingly, both the through hole 98a of the button receiver 70 and the lower end region 94 inserted into the through hole 98a are preferably cylindrical having a certain length (height), particularly cylindrical. In particular, both the through hole 98 a and the lower end region 94 are preferably cylindrical having a length equal to or longer than the pressing stroke of the button 68.
Further, in the present invention, the amount of insertion of the lower end region 94 of the button head 78 into the through hole 98a of the button receiver 70 in the steady state is not particularly limited. It is preferable to make the length as long as possible.

Further, in the illustrated example, the lower end region 94 of the button head 78 and the through hole of the button receiver 70 (button receiver main body 98) are formed in substantially the same cylindrical shape, so that the button head 78 is similar to the slider 86. Although the button 68 is operated as a guide member for moving only in the axial direction, the present invention is not limited to this.
That is, in the present invention, the button head can be made to act as a guide member for moving the button 68 only in the axial direction by inserting the lower end portion of the button head into the through hole of the button receiver through which the button is inserted. If possible, various shapes and structures can be used. In other words, in the present invention, if the button head acts as a guide member that moves the button only in the axial direction, various shapes and configurations for guiding the linear rod-shaped object in the axial direction can be used. .

  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 50L Water supply channel 52 Air supply connector 52L Air supply channel 54 LG rod 60 Illumination lens 62 Forceps hole 62L Forceps channel 64 Air supply / 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 part 76b Long hole 76c, 76d, 78a, 98 Through holes 78 the top button 80a rib 80b, 80c, 84, 90 recesses 80d flanges 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d packing 86 slider 92 flaps 94 bottom region 98 (receiving button) body 100 mounting cover

Claims (16)

A cylinder to which a plurality of pipes provided in the endoscope are connected;
A piston in which at least a part of the lower end side is accommodated in the cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction, a button head attached to the upper end of the piston, and an axis in the cylinder between the cylinder inner surface and the piston outer surface A button having a plurality of packings attached to the piston according to the pipeline, which is separated in a direction;
Having a through-hole through which the button is inserted, and having a button receiver that is connected to the operation portion of the endoscope through the through-hole in the cylinder;
Furthermore, the lower end portion of the button head is always inserted into the through hole of the button receiver, and the lower end portion of the button head acts as a guide member that moves the button only in the axial direction of the cylinder. A fluid line switching device.   The fluid line switching device according to claim 1, wherein both the lower end of the button head and the through hole of the button receiver are cylindrical.   3. The fluid line switching device according to claim 1, wherein the piston has a slider that always contacts the inner surface of the cylinder and guides the button so as to move only in the axial direction of the cylinder.   The fluid conduit switching device according to claim 3, wherein only one slider is provided.   The fluid line switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the button head is made of resin.   The fluid line switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inside of the cylinder and the piston become gradually narrower downward.   The fluid according to claim 1, wherein the button receiver includes a metal member having the through hole and a rubber member that accommodates the metal member and is attached to the endoscope. Pipe switching device.   The fluid line switching device according to claim 1, wherein the button receiver is integrally formed. 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 cylinder to which the pipe is connected, a piston in which at least a part on the lower end side is accommodated in the cylinder so as to be movable in the axial direction, and a button head attached to the upper end of the piston. A button having a plurality of packings attached to the piston according to the pipe line, and a through-hole through which the button is inserted, the inner surface of the cylinder being axially separated between the cylinder inner surface and the piston outer surface. A button receiver that communicates with the cylinder and is attached to the operation section of the endoscope, and the lower end of the button head is always inserted into the through hole of the button receiver. The lower end of the button head acts as a guide member for moving the button only in the axial direction of the cylinder.   The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein a lower end portion of a button head of the button and a through hole of the button receiver are both cylindrical.   The endoscope according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a slider for guiding the piston so that the piston of the button always contacts the inner surface of the cylinder and moves the piston only in the axial direction of the cylinder.   The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein the endoscope has only one slider.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein in the button, a contact portion of the button head with the button receiver is made of resin.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein an inside of the cylinder and a piston of the button are gradually tapered downward.   The internal structure according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the button receiver includes a metal member having the through hole and a rubber member that accommodates the metal member and is attached to the endoscope. Endoscope.   The endoscope according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the button receiver is integrally formed.

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