JP2014092564A - Cooling device for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cooling device for an endoscope that facilitates observation by securing sufficient visibility through an observation window in a high-temperature environment and can thereby prevent the efficiency of examination from deteriorating.SOLUTION: There is provided the cooling device for an endoscope that cools a distal end part of an insertion part 2 of an endoscope 1, where an observation system is disposed, by causing cooling fluid to flow. The cooling device includes: a compressor 12 for supplying the cooling fluid; a heat-resistant sheath 11 that forms a cooling flow passage where the cooling fluid supplied from the compressor 12 flows by being fitted to the outer circumferential side of the insertion part 2; a transparent observation window 11a which is disposed at the distal end part of the heat-resistant sheath 11 so as to prevent the cooling liquid from leaking out of the heat-resistant sheath 11 and to make the object of observation observable from the observation system; and a nozzle 25c which is arranged near the observation window 11a and jets fluid for jetting toward the observation window 11a.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope cooling apparatus that circulates a cooling fluid and cools a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope provided with an observation system.

  An observation system such as an image sensor is disposed at the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and there is a limit to the heat resistant temperature. However, on the other hand, there is a desire to observe a high-temperature environment having a temperature higher than the heat-resistant temperature. In order to meet such demand, a heat-resistant sheath is provided outside the endoscope, and a cooling fluid (a cooling air as a specific example) is circulated in the heat-resistant sheath so that the endoscope is heat-resistant. An endoscope cooling apparatus has been proposed in which the temperature is kept below the temperature.

  For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-281613, a cooling flow path that is attached to the distal end side having the observation member of the insertion portion and through which the cooling fluid flows is formed between the outer peripheral surface and the distal end surface of the insertion portion. An endoscope cooling apparatus is described that includes a sheath and a fluid circulation portion that causes a cooling fluid to flow through the cooling flow path.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-66118 discloses a cooling channel in which a cooling fluid flows between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion and a sheath that is attached to the distal end side of the insertion portion, and is connected to the sheath. A fluid supply section that communicates with the cooling flow path and supplies a cooling fluid; a fluid discharge section that is connected to the sheath and communicates with the cooling flow path to discharge the cooling fluid; and an interior of the sheath; Alternatively, an endoscope cooling apparatus including at least one temperature sensor that detects a temperature state near the outer surface and a control unit that determines whether or not a temperature detected by the temperature sensor exceeds a preset threshold value is described. ing.

  Furthermore, JP 2009-98575 A describes an endoscope cooling apparatus in which a porous ceramic is disposed between an insertion portion of an endoscope and a heat-resistant sheath provided on the outer periphery on the distal end side. Yes. Here, the ceramic is a porous capillary tube provided inside, which moves the cooling water by capillary action and holds it inside. The publication also describes that an opening for discharging steam vaporized by the cooling water in the porous ceramic is provided in a region overlapping the CCD of the heat-resistant sheath.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-216991 discloses a sheath in which a distal end side having an observation member of an insertion portion of an endoscope apparatus is inserted at least and a cooling chamber capable of filling a cooling fluid on the inner peripheral side is formed, An endoscope cooling apparatus is described that includes fluid supply means capable of pressurizing and injecting a cooling fluid into a chamber. Here, the sheath has a large number of minute communication holes that communicate between the cooling chamber and the outside, and is formed of an elastic material that can be elastically deformed in response to pressurization of the cooling chamber to expand the diameter of the communication hole. ing.

JP 2008-281613 A JP 2009-66118 A JP 2009-98575 A JP 2009-216991 A

  The above-described conventional technique is a structure in which a cooling fluid is circulated between the endoscope and the heat-resistant sheath. In such a configuration, a high-temperature environment outside the heat-resistant sheath, a portion to be cooled inside the heat-resistant sheath, and This will cause a temperature difference. As a result, the transparent observation window provided in the heat resistant sheath is condensed, making observation difficult, and inspection efficiency may be reduced. Note that dew condensation generally occurs on the high temperature side of the observation window. Therefore, dew condensation becomes more noticeable when the humidity on the high temperature side is high. In addition, depending on the observation target, dust or soot may be generated inside the endoscope, and the observation may be hindered by adhering to a transparent observation window.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides an endoscope cooling apparatus that can ensure observation from an observation window in a high-temperature environment, facilitate observation, and prevent a reduction in inspection efficiency. It is intended to provide.

  In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope cooling apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is provided with an observation system for observing an observation target in an insertion portion of an endoscope by circulating a cooling fluid. An endoscope cooling apparatus that cools a provided distal end portion, the cooling fluid source supplying the cooling fluid, and the cooling fluid source mounted on the outer peripheral side of the insertion portion. A heat-resistant sheath that forms a cooling flow path through which the supplied cooling fluid flows, and the observation target can be observed from the observation system so that the cooling fluid does not leak outside the heat-resistant sheath A transparent observation window provided at the distal end portion of the heat-resistant sheath, and a fluid ejection unit that is disposed in the vicinity of the observation window and that ejects an ejection fluid to the observation window; It has.

  According to the endoscope cooling apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to ensure visibility from an observation window in a high-temperature environment, facilitate observation, and prevent a reduction in inspection efficiency.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes with which the endoscope was mounted | worn in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes with which the endoscope was mounted | worn in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 3 of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 4 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the jacket in Embodiment 5 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the jacket in Embodiment 6 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 7 of this invention. In the said Embodiment 7, sectional drawing which shows the structure of the injection supply line provided in the jacket, and the injection suction line. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat-resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 8 of this invention. In the said Embodiment 8, sectional drawing which shows the mode of the injection supply pipe line and injection jet pipe line which are comprised between a jacket and a heat-resistant sheath. The perspective view which shows the structure of the jacket in which the heat-resistant sheath in Embodiment 9 of this invention is inserted. In the said Embodiment 9, sectional drawing perpendicular | vertical to the insertion axis of a jacket and a heat-resistant sheath. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 10 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the jacket in Embodiment 11 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the outer cylinder of the jacket main body or heat resistant sheath in Embodiment 12 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the jacket main body in Embodiment 13 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the jacket in which the heat-resistant sheath in Embodiment 14 of this invention is inserted. The perspective view which shows the structure of the sealing member in the said Embodiment 14. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes with which the endoscope was mounted | worn in the said Embodiment 14. FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 15 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 16 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 17 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes provided with the heat resistant sheath and jacket in Embodiment 18 of this invention. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes with which the endoscope was mounted | worn in Embodiment 19 of this invention.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]

  1 and 2 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling device attached to the endoscope 1, and FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the cooling device for endoscopes with which it was mounted | worn.

  The endoscope 1 includes an elongated insertion portion 2 that is inserted into an observation target. An objective optical system for forming an optical image to be observed at the distal end of the insertion unit 2, an image sensor that photoelectrically converts the optical image formed by the objective optical system, and outputs an imaging signal, etc. An observation system 3 for observing an observation object is disposed. Here, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment is configured as, for example, a side-view type endoscope (however, it may be a direct-view type endoscope or the like), and the observation system 3 includes the insertion unit 2. The side viewing direction intersecting with the insertion direction is made observable.

  Although not shown, an operation unit is provided at the proximal end of the insertion unit 2, and a display device is connected to the operation unit via a camera control unit so that an observation target can be observed. Yes.

  The endoscope cooling apparatus includes a heat-resistant sheath 11, a compressor 12, a solenoid valve 13, and a controller 14.

  The heat-resistant sheath 11 is attached to at least the outer peripheral side of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1, and forms a cooling flow path through which the cooling fluid supplied from the compressor 12 flows, with the insertion portion 2, This is for protecting the endoscope 1 from a high temperature environment by circulating a cooling fluid through the cooling flow path and cooling the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2. The heat-resistant sheath 11 includes a transparent observation window 11a and a transparent illumination window 11b at the distal end. Here, the observation window 11 a allows the observation target to be observed from the observation system 3 and prevents the cooling fluid from leaking outside the heat-resistant sheath 11. Further, an inflow joint 31 and an outflow joint 32 for circulation cooling are provided on the proximal end side of the heat resistant sheath 11.

  The compressor 12 is connected to the inflow joint 31 of the heat-resistant sheath 11, and in the space inside the heat-resistant sheath 11, cooling fluid, in this embodiment, cooling air (however, the cooling fluid is not limited to air. A cooling fluid source for supplying The cooling air supplied from the inflow joint 31 circulates (circulates) in the heat-resistant sheath 11 and then is discharged to the outside from the outflow joint 32 of the heat-resistant sheath 11 (accordingly, fluid circulation type (in this embodiment, In particular, it is a heat-resistant sheath 11 of air circulation type). As a result, the endoscope 1 (the tip portion including at least the observation system 3) is cooled. Air is also supplied from the compressor 12 to the electromagnetic valve 13. Note that the ratio of the supply amount of air supplied from the compressor 12 to the inflow joint 31 and the supply amount of air supplied to the solenoid valve 13 is what the endoscope 1, the heat-resistant sheath 11, or the observation object is, or The ratio is adjusted to an appropriate ratio according to the environmental temperature in the observation target.

  The electromagnetic valve 13 is connected to an injection joint 33 provided on the heat resistant sheath 11. This injection joint 33 is connected to the compressor 12 via the electromagnetic valve 13 and is an injection fluid provided in the heat-resistant sheath 11 (this injection fluid is not limited to air, but in the following, it is mainly air. A nozzle 25c which is a fluid ejecting portion disposed in the vicinity of the observation window 11a through the ejection conduit 25b (which will be described assuming that there is a case) (therefore, the nozzle 25c is the ejection conduit 25b). The air as the fluid for injection is supplied to the heat-resistant sheath 11 so as to communicate with the air. Thereby, air is jetted from the nozzle 25c to the observation window 11a, and water droplets and dust adhering to the observation window 11a are wiped away and removed. Accordingly, the compressor 12 is not only a cooling fluid source for supplying a cooling fluid, but also serves as an ejection fluid source for supplying an ejection fluid (that is, the same fluid source). The cooling fluid and the jetting fluid are both air, that is, the same type of fluid in this embodiment.

  Here, for example, the nozzle 25c is configured to inject air in a direction parallel to a glass surface (a surface of a second outer cylinder 27 described later) in the observation window 11a, and water droplets from the entire outer surface of the observation window 11a. And garbage can be removed efficiently. In the structure of this embodiment in which a part of the cooling air is used as the jetting air, the cooling fluid and the jetting fluid are fluids having substantially the same temperature (basically the same temperature). Therefore, since the temperature inside the glass surface in the observation window 11a is the same as the temperature of the jetting air sprayed on the outer surface of the glass surface, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the glass surface can be reduced, and dew condensation is caused. It can be removed efficiently.

  The controller 14 is a control unit that controls the compressor 12 to supply cooling air into the heat-resistant sheath 11 and controls the electromagnetic valve 13 to wipe off water droplets or the like in the observation window 11a.

  Here, the controller 14 always circulates the cooling air when the endoscope 1 is in a high temperature environment. In this control, the temperature of the distal end portion of the endoscope 1 or the temperature inside the heat-resistant sheath 11 is detected by a temperature sensor or the like, and the flow rate or flow velocity of the cooling air is controlled according to the detected temperature. .

  On the other hand, the wiping of the observation window 11a by controlling the electromagnetic valve 13 is performed manually or at regular time intervals (intermittently) when, for example, the visibility of the observation object through the observation window 11a is reduced. It may be performed automatically), or alternatively, by appropriately combining these manual control and automatic control.

  For example, when air is supplied to the nozzle 25c at regular intervals by automatic control, the time interval may be changed according to the temperature and humidity of the environment in the observation target or the density of dust or the like. Specifically, the time interval of the air supply to the nozzle 25c is shortened as the environmental temperature is increased, shortened as the environmental humidity is increased, shortened as the density of dust in the environment is increased, or these are arbitrarily set. Combine, etc. In order to automatically (adaptively) set the time interval at this time according to the environment in the observation target, a temperature sensor / humidity sensor for detecting temperature / humidity / dust near the outer surface of the heat-resistant sheath 11 / At least one dust sensor may be provided, and the controller 14 may perform control according to the detection result of any one of the sensors.

  In addition, since the fluid ejected toward the observation window 11a is preferably a fluid that does not significantly change the internal state of the observation target, air is used in this embodiment (however, it is limited to air). Instead, other fluids may be used as long as the influence on the internal state of the observation target is small). And since the fluid injected to the observation window 11a also serves as the cooling fluid supplied from the compressor 12 in this embodiment, air is also used for cooling in the heat resistant sheath 11. However, the supply source of the ejection fluid and the supply source of the cooling fluid may be provided independently. Since the cooling fluid does not leak into the object to be observed, in this case, a liquid such as another gas or water may be used as the cooling fluid. In the case where the injection and cooling fluid supply sources are provided independently, it is possible to perform injection at a desired timing without affecting the cooling fluid at all.

  Furthermore, it is conceivable that the cooling fluid is heated up to near the upper limit of the use environment temperature of the endoscope, so that the internal state of the observation target is not changed so much. For example, when a heater is provided in the conduit of the compression vessel or the temperature in the sheath is monitored, the fluid is adjusted to an appropriate value by the controller 14 and the temperature in the sheath is set to the upper limit of the operating temperature of the endoscope. You may do it.

  The configuration of the heat resistant sheath 11 will be further described with reference to FIG.

  The heat-resistant sheath 11 includes a cylindrical inner cylinder 21, a cylindrical outer cylinder 25 whose front end is closed, and an insertion portion fixing base 29. Inside, the above-described transparent illumination is provided. A light guide 6 is provided for irradiating the observation target with illumination light from the window 11b. Here, the light guide 6 is configured, for example, as a fiber bundle in which optical fibers are bundled.

  The inner cylinder 21 includes a first inner cylinder 22 and a second inner cylinder 23 disposed on the inner peripheral side of the first inner cylinder 22, and these first inner cylinder 22 and second inner cylinder. 23 is formed of a material such as metal.

  The proximal end portion 21a of the inner cylinder 21 that is the proximal end side of the first inner cylinder 22 has a larger diameter than the distal end side of the heat-resistant sheath 11, the above-described inflow joint 31 is provided, and the light guide 6 is further disposed. A light guide cable 6a is inserted through the sheath side joint 6c. A light guide connector 6b is provided on the proximal end side of the light guide cable 6a as shown in FIG. 1, and is connected to a light source device (not shown) so that illumination light is supplied. A sealing material 6d such as an O-ring made of an elastic material is disposed inside the sheath side joint 6c, and the space between the heat resistant sheath 11 and the light guide cable 6a is kept airtight. doing.

  The second inner cylinder 23 is inserted into the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 and has an inner diameter somewhat larger than the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2. A fluid opening 23d is formed on the proximal end side of the second inner cylinder 23, and a hole 31a in the inflow joint 31 communicates with the fluid opening 23d.

  In addition, observation openings 22 a and 23 a are provided at positions corresponding to the observation system 3 at the distal ends of the first and second inner cylinders 22 and 23, and light guide insertion openings 22 b and 22 b are disposed at positions corresponding to the distal ends of the light guide 6. 23b is respectively drilled. Further, the light guide cable 6 a is inserted into the outer cylinder 25 from the light guide cable 6 a and the light guide 6 further inserted between the first inner cylinder 22 and the second inner cylinder 23 is passed through the distal end side of the second inner cylinder 23. For this purpose, a hole 23c is formed. And the light guide 6 which passed the hole 23c is penetrated by light guide penetration opening 22b, 23b at the front-end | tip.

  Next, the outer cylinder 25 includes a base end portion 25a, a first outer cylinder 26 which is disposed on the distal end side of the base end portion 25a and is formed of a material such as metal, and the first outer cylinder 26. And a second outer cylinder 27 that is disposed on the inner peripheral side and is formed of a transparent material such as glass. Here, the proximal end portion 25 a of the outer cylinder 25 has a larger diameter than the distal end side of the heat resistant sheath 11, similarly to the proximal end portion 21 a of the inner cylinder 21. The base end portion 25a, the first outer cylinder 26, and the second outer cylinder 27 are hermetically sealed through a washer 25d, a sealing material 25e such as an O-ring formed of an elastic material, and a ring member 25f. It is connected to the.

  The above-described outflow joint 32 and the above-described injection joint 33 are disposed at the base end portion 25 a of the outer cylinder 25.

  On the distal end side of the first outer cylinder 26, an observation opening 26 a is formed at a position corresponding to the observation system 3, and a light guide insertion opening 26 b is formed at a position corresponding to the distal end of the light guide 6.

  Thus, the observation window 11a is configured by the observation openings 22a and 23a sandwiching the transparent second outer cylinder 27 and the observation opening 26a. Similarly, the light guide insertion openings 22b sandwiching the transparent second outer cylinder 27 are provided. An illumination window 11b is configured by 23b and the light guide insertion opening 26b. Accordingly, the observation system 3 observes the observation object through the observation window 11a, and the light guide 6 irradiates the observation object with illumination light through the illumination window 11b.

  The inner cylinder 21 and the outer cylinder 25 described above are connected so as to be airtight via a washer 21b and a sealing material 21c such as an O-ring formed of an elastic material.

  Furthermore, the insertion portion fixing base 29 holds the space between the endoscope 1 and the heat-resistant sheath 11 in an airtight manner via a washer 29a and a sealing material 29b such as an O-ring formed of an elastic material. It has become. That is, the insertion portion fixing base 29 is configured to be able to change the axial position by being screwed to the base end portion 21a of the inner cylinder 21 with, for example, a screw. Then, when the insertion portion fixing base 29 is screwed and moved to the distal end side in the axial direction, the sealing material 29b is compressed and deformed via the washer 29a, and is pressed against the outer periphery of the endoscope 1 to be airtight. To keep.

  In the configuration as described above, the cooling air introduced from the inflow joint 31 passes to the space between the endoscope 1 functioning as a cooling flow path and the second inner cylinder 23 via the fluid opening 23d. Further, it is supplied to the space between the first inner cylinder 22 and the second outer cylinder 27 via the observation openings 22a, 23a and the inner cylinder 21 and the inner surface of the outer cylinder 25. Thereafter, the fluid is discharged to the outside through a hole 32a in the outflow joint 32. With such a fluid flow, the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 can be cooled.

  Then, the air for injection introduced from the injection joint 33 when the electromagnetic valve 13 is opened passes through the injection pipe line 25b provided between the second outer cylinder 27 and the first outer cylinder 26, Water droplets and dust that are sprayed from the nozzle 25c facing the observation window 11a and adhere to the observation window 11a are removed. Here, the injection conduit 25b may be configured such that a dedicated conduit is embedded between the second outer cylinder 27 and the first outer cylinder 26, or the second outer cylinder 27 and the first outer cylinder 26 The groove portion may be formed in at least one of these and used as the injection conduit 25b.

  According to the first embodiment, since the fluid is ejected to the observation window 11a, it is possible to remove water droplets, dust, and the like attached to the observation window 11a, and to prevent a decrease in inspection efficiency.

  And since the injection of the fluid to the observation window 11a is performed when the visibility of the observation object through the observation window 11a is lowered or intermittently at regular time intervals, the fluid to the observation window 11a is As compared with the case where the injection is always performed, the influence on the internal environment of the observation target can be reduced. In particular, if the fluid ejection to the observation window 11a is performed only when the visibility of the observation target is lowered, the influence on the internal environment of the observation target can be suppressed as much as possible. In addition, when the fixed time interval for injecting the fluid to the observation window 11a is changed according to the environmental temperature, the environmental humidity, the density of dust, etc., it is effective while reducing the influence on the internal environment of the observation target. Injection becomes possible.

  Furthermore, since the jetting air having the same temperature as the cooling air circulating inside the observation window 11a is used, the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the observation window 11a can be reduced, and condensation can be effectively suppressed.

  In addition, since the nozzle 25c is configured to inject air in a direction parallel to the glass surface of the observation window 11a, the injected air does not concentrate on a specific location and hits the glass surface without hitting water droplets or dust. It can be efficiently removed from the glass surface.

In this way, it is possible to solve the problems such as the occurrence of condensation when the inspection is performed while cooling the endoscope using the fluid circulation type heat-resistant sheath, and it is possible to perform a more efficient inspection.
[Embodiment 2]

  FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling apparatus including a heat-resistant sheath 11A and a jacket 41. As shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  First, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment is substantially the same as the above-described first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a jacket 41 is mounted on the outer peripheral side of the heat-resistant sheath 11A, and the jacket 41 has a function of jetting air to the observation window 11a (configured as an air jet jacket). It has become. Accordingly, the heat-resistant sheath 11A of the present embodiment is not provided with the injection joint 33, the injection pipe 25b, and the nozzle 25c.

  The heat-resistant sheath 11A has a diameter larger than that of the distal end side of the heat-resistant sheath 11 only in the proximal end portion 25a of the outer cylinder 25, and the inner cylinder 21 is located inside the outer cylinder 25 up to the proximal end side. It becomes the structure arranged. The inflow joint 31, the outflow joint 32, and the sheath side joint 6c of the light guide 6 are provided at the base end portion 25a.

  On the other hand, the jacket 41 includes a cylindrical jacket main body 42 and a heat-resistant sheath fixing ring 43.

  The jacket main body 42 has a window opening 42a formed on the distal end side, and the heat-resistant sheath 11 is attached to the window opening 42a so as to correspond to the observation window 11a, whereby the jacket main body 42 passes through the window opening 42a and the observation window 11a. Observation by the observation system 3 of the endoscope 1 is possible.

  On the distal end side of the jacket main body 42, an opening 42d for projecting the distal end portion of the heat resistant sheath 11 (specifically, the distal end portion including the illumination window 11b) is formed.

  An attachment base 42e for attaching the jacket 41 to the observation target is provided on the base end side of the jacket main body 42. For example, a screw 42f formed on the attachment base 42e is screwed to the observation target. Thus, the jacket 41 is attached to the observation target.

  In the present embodiment, the injection joint 33 is disposed on the attachment base 42e. As in the first embodiment described above, the injection joint 33 is connected to the compressor 12 via the electromagnetic valve 13 or an injection fluid source provided independently of the cooling fluid source. Further, the injection joint 33 has an injection pipe line 42b provided in the jacket body 42 (the injection pipe line 42b circulates the injection fluid supplied from the injection fluid source). The jetting pipe line 42b is a nozzle 42c that is a fluid jetting part in the window opening 42a. Similar to the nozzle 25c of the first embodiment described above, the nozzle 42c is for ejecting air to the observation window 11a to remove water droplets and dust adhering to the observation window 11a.

  The heat-resistant sheath fixing ring 43 has the same structure as the insertion portion fixing base 29 in the heat-resistant sheath 11A, and the heat-resistant sheath 11A is hermetically sealed using a sealing material or a washer (see the sealing material 59b and the washer 59a shown in FIG. 20). It is to be fixed to. Then, the heat-resistant sheath 11A is inserted into the jacket 41, the observation window 11a is located at a position corresponding to the window opening 42a, and the illumination window 11b is projected to the front end side from the opening 42d to be a position where the observation object can be illuminated. By the way, the heat resistant sheath fixing ring 43 is rotated to fix the heat resistant sheath 11A in an airtight manner.

According to the second embodiment as well, substantially the same effect as the first embodiment described above can be obtained. Further, when air is being ejected from the nozzle 42c, it plays a role like an air curtain with respect to the observation window 11a, and it is possible to prevent condensation.
[Embodiment 3]

  FIG. 4 shows Embodiment 3 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling apparatus including a heat-resistant sheath 11A and a jacket 41A.

  In the third embodiment, the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The endoscope 1 and the heat resistant sheath 11A of the present embodiment are substantially the same as those of the second embodiment described above.

  Next, the jacket 41A of the present embodiment has a slightly shorter axial length than the jacket 41 of the second embodiment, and the observation window 11a protrudes from the opening 42d at the distal end to the distal end side. Therefore, the window opening 42a is not provided in the jacket 41A of the present embodiment.

  A heater 44 for heating the jetting fluid is provided on the jetting pipe line between the inner peripheral surface of the jacket main body 42 and the heat-resistant sheath 11A. The heater 44 is supplied with electric power from the power supply 16. Further, a fluid (specifically, air or the like) is supplied to the injection joint 33 from the compressor 15 as an injection fluid source.

  The air supplied from the injection joint 33 passes through the portion where the heater 44 is disposed and reaches the observation window 11a.

  Therefore, when electric power is supplied from the power supply 16 to the heater 44 while driving the compressor 15 to supply air to the injection joint 33, the temperature of the air that has passed through the heater 44 rises. In general, as the temperature rises, the saturated vapor pressure rises rapidly, so that the humidity of the warmed air drops rapidly as the temperature rises. Thus, dry hot air is sent into the observation window 11a.

  The compressor 15 and the power source 16 are controlled by the controller 14 shown in FIG. 1 together with the compressor 12 (see FIG. 1 and the like) for supplying a cooling fluid to the inflow joint 31. Therefore, the present embodiment has a configuration in which the cooling fluid source and the ejection fluid source are provided independently.

  According to the third embodiment, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments described above by applying a dry hot air to the observation window 11a. That is, since the air is hot air, evaporation energy can be given to the water droplets condensed on the observation window 11a, and since the hot air is dry, the evaporated water can be held and transported in the air. it can. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently remove water droplets.

  Further, since the heater 44 is provided in the vicinity of the observation window 11a, it is possible to reduce or prevent condensation on the observation window 11a.

And since hot air is sent with respect to the high temperature environment in an observation object, the influence of the temperature given with respect to the environment in an observation object can be reduced.
[Embodiment 4]

  FIG. 5 shows Embodiment 4 of the present invention and is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling apparatus including a heat-resistant sheath 11A and a jacket 41B.

  In the fourth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the third embodiment described above is slightly different.

  That is, the jacket 41B of the present embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the jacket 41A of the third embodiment described above, but the jacket main body 42B does not have the opening 42d at the tip and is closed at the tip. Therefore, it is made of a transparent material such as glass so as not to hinder the observation through the observation window 11a.

  With such a configuration, the dry hot air supplied from the injection joint 33 and warmed by the heater 44 reaches the observation window 11a without diffusing, and can remove water droplets and the like more efficiently. ing.

  Further, because of such a sealed structure, the dried hot air circulates between the jacket main body 42B and the heat-resistant sheath 11A, and then is discharged to the inside or outside of the observation object (not shown) or compressor 15 is configured to circulate and circulate.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the same effect as that of the third embodiment described above can be obtained, and the jacket main body 42B is hermetically sealed, so that the dry hot air can be supplied to the observation window 11a more efficiently. It can be carried out.

Since the inside of the jacket main body 42B is at a high temperature like the outside of the jacket main body 42B (that is, the inside of the observation target), the temperature difference is reduced, and condensation on the jacket main body 42B itself can be prevented. Further, the outside of the observation window 11a is hotter than the inside of the observation window 11a, but is dry, so that it is difficult for condensation to occur.
[Embodiment 5]

  FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view showing a configuration of a jacket 41C.

  In the fifth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  Since the endoscope 1 and the heat-resistant sheath 11A of the present embodiment are the same as those of Embodiments 2 to 4 described above, only the jacket 41C is illustrated and described in FIG.

  The jacket 41C basically has the same configuration as the jacket 41 shown in FIG. 3, but the opening 42d at the tip is not provided, and the window opening 42a is not only the observation window 11a, It is provided in a large size so as to correspond to the illumination window 11b. The jacket 41C is provided with a shutter glass 45 that is movable in the insertion axis direction.

  That is, for example, one or more, for example, three (preferably about 3 to 6) hollow rods 45b extend from the stepped surface between the screw 42f of the attachment base 42e and the peripheral surface of the jacket body 42. A transparent shutter glass 45 having a cylindrical shape is attached to the tip of the hollow rod 45b via a connecting portion 45a.

  The hollow rod 45b has an internal cavity connected to the injection joint 33, and guides the fluid supplied from the injection joint 33 to the distal end side.

  A shutter operation ring 45c is provided on the base end side of the attachment base 42e. A proximal end side of the hollow rod 45b is connected to the shutter operation ring 45c. When the shutter operation ring 45c is operated in the axial direction, the hollow rod 45b moves in the axial direction, and as a result, the shutter glass 45 attached to the tip of the hollow rod 45b via the connecting portion 45a slides in the axial direction. The shielding position covering the observation window 11a and the retreat position retracted from the observation window 11a are moved.

  Further, the movement of the shutter glass 45 in the front end direction is regulated by a flange-shaped stopper 42g provided on the outer periphery on the front end side of the jacket main body 42.

  Then, when the shutter operation ring 45c is operated to the tip end side in the axial direction and moved to a position where the shutter glass 45 abuts against the stopper 42g, the shutter glass 45 becomes a shielding position covering the window opening 42a.

  When the injection air is supplied from the injection joint 33 in this state, the air is injected toward the space between the shutter glass 45 and the jacket main body 42 from the tip opening of the hollow rod 45b inserted through the connecting portion 45a. . Thereby, injection to the opening 42a for windows and by extension, the observation window 11a (and illumination window 11b) is performed. At this time, since the shutter glass 45 is provided, the jetted air easily flows parallel to the observation window 11a (and the illumination window 11b), and water droplets can be easily removed.

  Further, when the shutter operation ring 45c is operated to the proximal end side in the axial direction contrary to the above, the shutter glass 45 is moved to the retracted position.

  According to such Embodiment 5, while having the effect substantially the same as Embodiment 1-4 mentioned above, air is injected to the observation window 11a by injecting air in the state which moved the shutter glass 45 to the shielding position. It becomes easy to flow in parallel, and the performance of removing water droplets and dust can be improved.

  Moreover, since the water droplet adhering to the illumination window 11b can also be removed, the fall of illumination performance can also be suppressed.

  Furthermore, since the shutter glass 45 is transparent, normal observation can be performed as it is with the shutter glass 45 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the observation window 11a. When such an operation is performed, an air layer is formed between the observation window 11a and the shutter glass 45, and therefore, it is possible to make the condensation more difficult.

Thus, the inspection efficiency can be further improved.
[Embodiment 6]

  FIG. 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view showing a configuration of a jacket 41D.

  In the sixth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  Since the endoscope 1 and the heat-resistant sheath 11A of the present embodiment are the same as those of the second to fourth embodiments described above, only the jacket 41D is illustrated and described in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, the fifth embodiment is slightly different from the fifth embodiment, in which the shutter glass 45 is moved by the bellows 45d instead of the structure in which the shutter glass 45 is moved by the hollow rod 45b and the shutter operation ring 45c. is there.

  That is, the bellows 45d is connected to the screw 42f of the attachment base 42e in the jacket 41D, and the shutter glass 45 is attached to the tip of the bellows 45d. The bellows 45d is normally configured to be shortened by an elastic force. On the other hand, the bellows 45d is configured to have such a length that, when extended, the shutter glass 45 at the front end is positioned corresponding to the window opening 42a.

  Further, the jet air supplied from the jet joint 33 is supplied to the inner peripheral side of the bellows 45d.

  On the inner peripheral surface of the shutter glass 45, a C-ring 45e in which a portion corresponding to the window opening 42a (and thus the observation window 11a) is cut out is provided, and the inner peripheral surface of the C-ring 45e is the jacket main body 42. It slides on the outer peripheral surface of.

  In such a configuration, since the bellows 45d is normally shortened, the shutter glass 45 is in the retracted position retracted from the window opening 42a.

  On the other hand, when the injection air is supplied from the injection joint 33 toward the C ring 45e, the air is filled in the bellows 45d and abuts against the C ring 45e. The C ring 45e is pressed toward the distal end by the air injection force, and the bellows 45d is extended against the elastic force. When the bellows 45d is extended to the maximum, the shutter glass 45 becomes a shielding position that covers the outer peripheral side of the window opening 42a. At this time, the air supplied from the injection joint 33 passes through the cutout portion cut out along the insertion axis direction of the C ring 45e and is discharged into the observation target. As a result, the jetting air passes through the window opening 42a and thus the observation window 11a in a concentrated manner, so that water droplets and dust can be removed more powerfully.

  After that, when the supply of air from the injection joint 33 is stopped, the bellows 45d is returned to the normal shortened state by the elastic force, and the shutter glass 45 is in the retracted position.

According to the sixth embodiment as described above, the effects similar to those of the fifth embodiment described above can be achieved, and the bellows 45d can be expanded and contracted by the pressure of the jetting air to move the shutter glass 45. There is an advantage that the operation in the axial direction of the shutter operation ring 45c as in the fifth aspect is not required, and the operation is simple. In addition, since the air passage portion is regulated using the C ring 45e, the flow rate of the jet air can be increased to improve the ability to remove water droplets and dust.
[Embodiment 7]

  FIGS. 8 and 9 show Embodiment 7 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an endoscope cooling device including a heat-resistant sheath 11A and a jacket 41E. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a jet supply pipe 46 and a jet suction pipe 47 provided.

  In the seventh embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, not only the fluid is ejected toward the observation window 11a, but also the ejected fluid is sucked and collected as much as possible.

  First, the endoscope 1 and the heat resistant sheath 11A of the present embodiment are the same as those of the above-described Embodiments 2 to 4.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the jacket 41 </ b> E is provided with an injection supply line 46 and an injection suction line 47 as injection lines on the outer peripheral side of the jacket body 42. Here, the jet suction pipe 47 is for sucking the jet fluid jetted from the jet nozzle 46a which is a fluid jet section described later to the observation window 11a. The jacket main body 42 of the present embodiment is formed slightly longer than the jacket main body 42 of the second embodiment described above, and an illumination opening 42h is provided further on the distal end side of the window opening 42a.

  The injection supply pipe 46 and the injection suction pipe 47 are extended from the front end surface of the screw 42f of the attachment base 42e to the front end side, for example.

  An injection nozzle 46a is provided at the tip of the injection supply pipe 46. As shown in FIG. 9, the injection nozzle 46a is directed toward the axis center of the jacket 41E (inner center direction) with respect to the insertion axis. Are inclined at an angle θ. Thereby, the nozzle opening 46b of the injection nozzle 46a opens toward the direction of the observation window 11a located on the inner peripheral side of the window opening 42a.

  Further, a suction nozzle 47a connected to the jet suction pipe 47 is provided on the outer peripheral side between the window opening 42a and the illumination opening 42h, and sandwiches the window opening 42a (and thus the observation window 11a). A nozzle opening 47b is provided so as to face the nozzle opening 46b of the injection nozzle 46a. The suction nozzle 47a is provided so as to perform suction in a direction parallel to the insertion axis, and is located slightly outside the injection nozzle 46a.

  The injection supply pipe 46 extends from the base end side of the attachment base 42e, and is connected to the compressor 15 via an injection joint 46c.

  The injection suction pipe 47 extends from the base end side of the attachment base 42e, and is connected to the suction pump 17 constituted by a vacuum pump or the like via a suction joint 47c. The suction pump 17 is also controlled by the controller 14 shown in FIG.

  In such a configuration, when operating the compressor 15, the controller 14 controls the suction pump 17 to operate simultaneously.

  Thus, when air is ejected from the ejection nozzle 46a, water droplets adhering to the observation window 11a are blown off, and the ejected air and the blown water droplets are sucked from the suction nozzle 47a almost without any leakage.

  According to the seventh embodiment, the effects similar to those of the first to sixth embodiments described above can be obtained, and the jetted air and the blown water droplets are collected. The impact can be reduced as much as possible.

Furthermore, since the spray nozzle 46a is disposed so as to face the direction of the observation window 11a, water droplets attached to the observation window 11a can be blown off more efficiently.
[Eighth embodiment]

  10 and 11 show Embodiment 8 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an endoscope cooling apparatus including a heat-resistant sheath 11A and a jacket 41F. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the mode of the injection supply pipeline 46F comprised between 11 A of heat resistant sheaths, and the injection suction pipeline 47F.

  In the eighth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the fluid is ejected toward the observation window 11a and the ejected fluid is recovered in the same manner as in the seventh embodiment described above, but the ejection supply / suction conduit is provided in the jacket 41F in advance. Instead, when the heat-resistant sheath 11A is inserted into the jacket 41F, the injection supply line 46F and the injection suction line 47F as the injection lines are configured.

  That is, the jacket 41F is provided with two seal members 48 that protrude in a rail shape toward the inner periphery on the inner peripheral surface side. These two seal members 48 are provided parallel to the insertion axis direction so as to sandwich the opening on the inner peripheral side of the injection joint 46c and the window opening 42a. The suction joint 47c is disposed so that the opening on the inner peripheral side is located on a side different from the injection joint 46c with the seal member 48 interposed therebetween. Further, the two seal members 48 are configured to have a length in the insertion axis direction such that the distal end side reaches, for example, the distal end side of the window opening 42a.

  Then, when the heat-resistant sheath 11A is inserted into the jacket 41F, the observation window 11a is arranged so as to correspond to the window opening 42a. Note that the height of the two seal members 48 toward the center of the insertion axis is configured such that the outer peripheral surface of the heat-resistant sheath 11A inserted into the jacket 41F comes into airtight contact with the seal member 48.

  As a result, the heat-resistant sheath 11A is inserted into the jacket 41F, thereby forming the injection supply line 46F and the injection suction line 47F as shown in FIG. In addition, it is preferable to provide a spacer (not shown) composed of a protrusion or the like in the jacket 41F so that the heat-resistant sheath 11A is inserted coaxially with the jacket 41F (see FIG. 11).

  In such a configuration, when the controller 14 operates the compressor 15 and the suction pump 17, air is injected into the observation window 11a through the injection supply pipe 46F, and is further sucked through the injection suction pipe 47F. The collection is substantially the same as in the above-described seventh embodiment.

According to the eighth embodiment, the injection supply pipe 46F and the injection suction pipe 47F are configured when the heat-resistant sheath 11A is combined with the jacket 41F. Similar effects can be achieved.
[Embodiment 9]

  12 and 13 show Embodiment 9 of the present invention, and are perspective views showing the configuration of a jacket 41G into which the heat-resistant sheath 11A is inserted, and FIG. 13 is perpendicular to the insertion axis of the jacket 41G and the heat-resistant sheath 11A. FIG.

  In the ninth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to eighth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the jacket 41G has a double cylinder structure, and the heated air is circulated.

  First, the jacket main body 42 of the jacket 41G has a double cylinder structure including a jacket outer cylinder 42G1 on the outer peripheral side and a jacket inner cylinder 42G2 on the inner peripheral side. The jacket outer cylinder 42G1 and the jacket inner cylinder 42G2 are each provided with an opening constituting the window opening 42a.

  An injection joint 46c is provided on the attachment base 42e on the base end side of the jacket outer cylinder 42G1, and a suction joint 47c is provided on the large-diameter portion 42i on the base end side of the jacket inner cylinder 42G2.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the jacket outer cylinder 42G1 and the jacket inner cylinder 42G2 constitute an injection supply pipe 46G as an injection pipe, and the jacket inner cylinder 42G2 and the heat resistant sheath 11A are jetted. A jet suction pipe 47G as a working pipe is configured.

  The injection joint 46c is connected to the supply line of the supply / suction compressor 15A, and the suction joint 47c is connected to the suction line of the compressor 15A. Further, the compressor 15 </ b> A is provided with a tank 51 for storing fluid and a heater 52 for heating the fluid supplied from the tank 51.

  In such a configuration, the fluid stored in the tank 51 is heated by the heater 52, and then supplied from the compressor 15A to the injection supply line 46G via the injection joint 46c, thereby opening the window opening 42a and eventually. After being injected into the observation window 11a, it is collected through the injection suction pipe 47G and returned to the tank 51 from the compressor 15A through the suction joint 47c.

  According to the ninth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to eighth embodiments described above can be obtained, and the jacket 41G is heated to reduce the temperature difference from the high-temperature environment in the observation target. In addition, it is possible to make it difficult to condense on the observation window 11a.

Furthermore, since the fluid is jetted between the jacket 41G and the heat resistant sheath 11A, water droplets can be efficiently removed when condensation occurs on the observation window 11a.
[Embodiment 10]

  FIG. 14 shows a tenth embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling apparatus including a heat-resistant sheath 11A and a jacket 41H.

  In the tenth embodiment, portions similar to those in the first to ninth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The heat-resistant sheath 11A of the present embodiment is configured to blow air inside the observation target to the observation window 11a instead of supplying air from the outside.

  A motor 53 that is a drive source and a fan 54 that is rotated around the insertion axis by the motor 53 are provided on the outer peripheral side of the distal end portion of the heat-resistant sheath 11A.

  The motor 53 is a general motor including a permanent magnet and an electromagnet, for example. The fan 54 has, for example, an annular shape, and a plurality of fins are arranged on the peripheral surface.

  The drive signal line 53a extending from the motor 53 to the base end side is extended to the outside through, for example, the base end side of the attachment base 42e, and is connected to the motor drive control unit 18. The motor drive control unit 18 is controlled by the controller 14 shown in FIG.

  In such a configuration, by rotating the fan 54 by the motor 53, the air inside the observation target is supplied to the observation window 11a, and water droplets and dust attached to the observation window 11a can be removed.

According to the tenth embodiment, the effects similar to those of the first to ninth embodiments described above are obtained, and the fluid is not sent from the outside to the inside of the observation target. Therefore, the environment inside the observation target is hardly changed. There are advantages not to give. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a compressor or an injection pipe for supplying air from the outside, the structure becomes relatively simple.
[Embodiment 11]

  FIG. 15 shows an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a configuration of a jacket 41I.

  In the eleventh embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to tenth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The jacket 41I of the present embodiment has a configuration similar to the jacket 41 of the second embodiment described above, but has a configuration in which the front end side is closed, and an illumination opening 42h at a position corresponding to the illumination window 11b. Is formed.

  A packing 42a1 is formed on the inner peripheral side edge of the window opening 42a, and a packing 42h1 is formed on the inner peripheral side edge of the illumination opening 42h.

  Further, the nozzle 42c of the present embodiment is opened at the corner of the rectangular window opening 42a so as to face the corner on the diagonal side, and the injection joint 33 via the injection pipe 42b. It is connected to the.

  When the heat-resistant sheath 11A is inserted into the jacket 41I having such a configuration, the packing 42a1 and the packing 42h1 come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 25 of the heat-resistant sheath 11A, and the jacket 41I around the observation window 11a and the illumination window 11b and the heat-resistant sheath A gap with the sheath 11A is sealed. The packing 42a1 and the packing 42h1 may be configured as separate members, or may be configured as a single member.

  In this state, by ejecting the fluid from the nozzle 42c, the fluid moves on the surface of the observation window 11a toward the corner of the window opening 42a facing the nozzle 42c. Since the packing 42a1 is provided, a part of the fluid reaching the periphery of the observation window 11a flows out to the outside, and the other part is reflected again to the surface side of the observation window 11a. Accordingly, the amount of fluid flowing on the surface of the observation window 11a increases.

  According to the eleventh embodiment, the effects similar to those of the first to tenth embodiments described above can be obtained, and the amount of fluid flowing on the surface of the observation window 11a can be increased by providing the packing 42a1. Water droplets and dust can be removed efficiently.

Furthermore, when the nozzle 42c is provided, for example, at the center of one side of the rectangular window opening 42a, the fluid ejection angle range needs to be increased to 180 ° as much as possible. Therefore, even if the flow rate per unit time is the same, the flow velocity can be further increased, and the ability to remove water droplets and dust is improved.
[Embodiment 12]

  FIG. 16 shows a twelfth embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the jacket body 42 or the outer tube 25 of the heat-resistant sheath.

  In the twelfth embodiment, portions similar to those in the first to eleventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  When the transparent window is provided in the window opening 42a of the jacket main body 42, the jacket main body 42 is configured as shown in FIG. 16, and when the window opening 42a has no transparent window, the heat resistant sheath is configured. ing.

  That is, in the window opening 42a (or the observation window 11a), for example, a rod-shaped wiper 56 is rotatably provided via the hinge 56a. The wiper 56 is formed of heat-resistant rubber on the side in contact with the window opening 42a (or the observation window 11a). Further, the wiper 56 is normally urged by a spring 56b to the base side edge of the window opening 42a (a position where the opening of the nozzle 42c or the nozzle 25c is closed).

  When fluid is ejected from the nozzle 42c via the ejection conduit 42b (or from the nozzle 25c via the ejection conduit 25b), the wiper 56 is attached to the spring 56b by the ejection force (fluid pressure) of the ejection fluid. It rotates against the power. Therefore, the wiper 56 performs a wiping operation of wiping the transparent window (or the observation window 11a) in the window opening 42a by alternately repeating injection and injection stop.

  In the above description, the wiper 56 is moved by rotation. However, this is only an example, and a wiper of a type that performs parallel movement or the like may be used.

  According to the twelfth embodiment, water droplets and dust can be removed also by moving the wiper 56, and substantially the same effects as those of the first to eleventh embodiments described above can be achieved.

  Further, since the wiper 56 is moved by the pressure at which the fluid is ejected, there is an advantage that a separate drive source is not required.

Since the wiper 56 has a rod shape, the entire observation window 11a is not covered with the wiper 56 even during the wiping operation, and the effects on the observation by the observation system 3 are compared. Can be suppressed to a small size.
[Embodiment 13]

  FIG. 17 shows a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a configuration of a tip portion of the jacket main body 42.

  In the thirteenth embodiment, the same portions as those in the first to twelfth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  A storage space 42k is provided on the base end side of the window opening 42a, and a transparent glass plate 57 is stored in the storage space 42k. The glass plate 57 has a curved shape along the peripheral surface of the jacket body 42 and is formed in a shape that can cover the window opening 42a.

  A tension spring 57a is attached to the base end side of the glass plate 57 so as to pull the glass plate 57 to the base end side.

  On the other hand, a nozzle 42c connected to the injection conduit 42b is opened on the base end side of the storage space 42k.

  In such a configuration, when a fluid is ejected from the nozzle 42c through the ejection conduit 42b, the glass plate 57 moves to the tip side against the urging force of the tension spring 57a due to the fluid pressure, and the window opening 42a. Proceed inside. Therefore, the glass plate 57 performs the wiping operation of the observation window 11a by alternately repeating injection and injection stop.

  Further, when the ejection of the fluid from the nozzle 42c is stopped, the glass plate 57 is retracted again into the storage space 42k by the urging force of the tension spring 57a.

  According to the thirteenth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first to twelfth embodiments described above are obtained, and also by the wiping operation for reciprocating the glass plate 57, substantially the same as the first to twelfth embodiments. Drops of water and dust can be removed.

  Further, since the movement of the glass plate 57 is performed by the pressure at which the fluid is ejected, there is an advantage that a separate drive source is not necessary.

Since the glass plate 57 is transparent, even during the wiping operation, the observation by the observation system 3 is hardly affected and the observation can be continued.
[Embodiment 14]

  18 to 20 show a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the jacket 41L into which the heat-resistant sheath 11B is inserted, and FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the seal member 58. 20 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the endoscope cooling device attached to the endoscope 1. FIG.

  In the fourteenth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to thirteenth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The heat-resistant sheath 11B of the present embodiment is configured by removing the injection joint 33, the injection conduit 25b, and the nozzle 25c from the heat-resistant sheath 11 shown in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, the jacket 41L is formed in such a length that the distal end side of the jacket body 42 is adjacent to the proximal end side of the observation window 11a. A C-ring-shaped seal member 58 as shown in FIG. 19 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the jacket main body 42. The seal member 58 includes a cutout 58a cut out along the insertion axis direction. The length of the cutout 58a along the circumferential direction is substantially the same as the length along the circumferential direction of the observation window 11a. It is formed to become. As shown in FIG. 20, the notch 58 a communicates with the injection joint 33 provided on the attachment base 42 e of the jacket body 42.

  As described above, the heat resistant sheath fixing ring 43 is for fixing the heat resistant sheath 11B in an airtight manner. That is, the heat-resistant sheath 11B is inserted into the jacket 41 so that the observation window 11a protrudes from the jacket body 42 toward the distal end side, and the heat-resistant sheath fixing ring 43 is rotated when the observation window 11a is positioned corresponding to the notch 58a. As a result, the sealing material 59b is pressed through the washer 59a, and the heat-resistant sheath 11B is airtightly fixed.

  In this state, that is, in a state where the heat-resistant sheath 11B is inserted on the inner peripheral side of the jacket 41, the injection conduit is constituted by the notch 58a of the C-ring-shaped seal member 58 between the jacket main body 42 and the heat-resistant sheath 11B. Is done.

  Thereafter, when the fluid is supplied from the ejection joint 33, the fluid is ejected to the observation window 11a through the notch 58a functioning as the ejection conduit, and water droplets and dust adhering to the observation window 11a are removed.

According to the fourteenth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first to thirteenth embodiments described above can be obtained by using the notch 58a of the C-ring-shaped seal member 58 as an injection conduit.
[Embodiment 15]

  FIG. 21 shows a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling apparatus including a heat resistant sheath 11B and a jacket 41M.

  In the fifteenth embodiment, parts similar to those in the first to fourteenth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate, and only differences will be mainly described.

  The jacket 41M of the present embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the jacket 41L of the above-described fourteenth embodiment, but the seal member 61 provided on the inner peripheral side of the jacket body 42 is not a C ring shape but an O ring shape. It has become. Accordingly, when the heat-resistant sheath 11B is inserted into the jacket 41M, the O-ring seals the space between the jacket 41M and the heat-resistant sheath 11B (except for the observation window 11a described below) in an airtight manner.

  Further, the observation window 11a of the heat-resistant sheath 11B is configured to be longer in the insertion axis direction than in the embodiment described above. Specifically, the observation opening 26a of the first outer cylinder 26 disposed on the outer periphery of the second outer cylinder 27 formed of a transparent material is a long opening in the insertion axis direction, and the observation system 3 When the heat-resistant sheath 11B and the endoscope 1 are inserted into the jacket 41M up to a position at which observation is possible, the proximal end side of the observation opening 26a is communicated with the fluid conduit from the ejection joint 33. It is configured.

  In such a configuration, when a fluid is supplied via the ejection joint 33, the fluid is ejected along the observation opening 26 a between the seal member 61 and the second outer cylinder 27 and corresponds to the observation system 3. Water droplets and dust adhering to the observation window 11a are removed (in this case, water droplets and dust are also removed from the observation window 11a at a position not corresponding to the observation system 3).

According to such a fifteenth embodiment, even if the observation window 11a is formed long in the insertion axis direction so as to communicate with the fluid pipe line from the jet joint 33, it functions as the jet pipe. The effect similar to 1-14 can be show | played. Since the observation window 11a itself is used as a jet pipe, fluid can be reliably jetted to the observation window 11a.
[Embodiment 16]

  FIG. 22 shows Embodiment 16 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling apparatus including a heat-resistant sheath 11C and a jacket 41L.

  In the sixteenth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to fifteenth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  First, the heat-resistant sheath 11C in the present embodiment is configured in substantially the same manner as the heat-resistant sheath 11B in the fourteenth embodiment described above, but further has a large-diameter portion 62 formed on the distal end side of the observation window 11a. Yes. Therefore, the large-diameter portion 62 is disposed at a position facing the notch 58a that functions as an injection conduit of the seal member 58 having a C-ring shape with the observation window 11a interposed therebetween.

  The large-diameter portion 62 is provided so as to protrude from the side on the distal end side of the observation window 11a having a rectangular shape to the outer peripheral side, and in the example shown in FIG. 22, the opening corresponding to the illumination window 11b is provided. , Provided around the insertion axis so as to surround the illumination window 11b. However, the configuration is not limited to such a configuration, and a configuration in which a wall is provided between the observation window 11a and the illumination window 11b may be used. It does not matter as long as it covers the tip side.

  When the fluid is supplied from the ejection joint 33, the fluid is ejected to the observation window 11a through the notch 58a, and water droplets and dust adhering to the observation window 11a are blown off by the fluid. The flow of the fluid changes, and water droplets and dust are flowed along with the fluid in a direction perpendicular to the observation window 11a (outer diameter direction).

According to such a sixteenth embodiment, it is removed because it has substantially the same effect as the first to fifteenth embodiments described above, and water droplets and dust can be blown away in a direction perpendicular to the observation window 11a. It is possible to more reliably prevent water droplets and dust from reattaching to the observation window 11a.
[Embodiment 17]

  FIG. 23 shows Embodiment 17 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling apparatus including a heat-resistant sheath 11B and a jacket 41L.

  In the seventeenth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to sixteenth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The jacket 41L of the present embodiment is the same as the jacket 41L of the fourteenth embodiment described above.

  Further, the heat-resistant sheath 11B of the present embodiment is further provided at eight positions of four corners and four sides of the observation window 11a having a rectangular shape from the center of the observation window 11a to the circumferential surface with respect to the heat-resistant sheath 11B of the fourteenth embodiment. A slit 63 directed outward along the line is formed.

According to the sixteenth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to seventeenth embodiments described above can be obtained, and when the observation window 11a has a rectangular shape when water droplets or dust is blown away by the fluid, it accumulates in the four corners. Although it tends to be easy, in the present embodiment, since slits are provided at the four corners, it is possible to blow off water droplets and dust at the four corners. In addition, since slits are also provided on the four sides of the observation window 11a, water droplets and dust that may accumulate in the steps on the four sides of the observation window 11a formed by the thickness of the first outer cylinder 26 should be well blown off. Can do.
[Embodiment 18]

  FIG. 24 shows an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling apparatus including a heat-resistant sheath 11B and a jacket 41N.

  In the eighteenth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to seventeenth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the jacket 41N ejects fluid through the porous ceramic.

  That is, a porous ceramic cylinder 64 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the jacket main body 42. The porous ceramic cylinder 64 has a window opening 64a at a portion corresponding to the observation window 11a and the window opening 42a, and an illumination window. Illumination openings 64b are formed in portions corresponding to 11b and the illumination opening 42h, respectively.

  The fluid pipe line from the injection joint 33 is connected to the porous ceramic cylinder 64, and the fluid is guided to a plurality of holes provided in the porous ceramic cylinder 64. Therefore, the hole provided in the porous ceramic cylinder 64 functions as an injection conduit.

  When the fluid is supplied from the ejection joint 33, the fluid is ejected to the observation window 11a through the hole of the porous ceramic cylinder 64, and water droplets and dust adhering to the observation window 11a are blown off by the fluid. Further, in the configuration of the present embodiment, since the fluid is also ejected to the illumination window 11b through the hole of the illumination opening 64b, water droplets and dust attached to the illumination window 11b can be blown away by the fluid.

  In addition, if the pipe line formed by the holes of the injection joint 33 and the porous ceramic cylinder 64 is used as a suction pipe, it is possible to suck water droplets attached to the observation window 11a (and the illumination window 11b).

  According to the eighteenth embodiment, since the substantially same effects as those of the first to seventeenth embodiments described above are obtained and the hole of the porous ceramic cylinder 64 is used as an injection conduit, the fluid to the observation window 11a can be obtained. Can be easily performed evenly from the entire periphery of the observation window 11a, and water droplets and dust can be efficiently removed.

Further, if necessary, by sucking water droplets or the like attached to the observation window 11a or the like, it is possible to efficiently remove water droplets or the like attached to the edge of the observation window 11a.
[Embodiment 19]

  FIG. 25 shows Embodiment 19 of the present invention and is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscope cooling device attached to the endoscope 1.

  In the nineteenth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to eighteenth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, the insertion conduit of the light guide 6 inserted into the heat-resistant sheath 11D is also used as an injection conduit for circulating an injection fluid.

  First, the inner cylinder 21 of the present embodiment is different from the configuration shown in FIG. 2 and the like (the configuration of a double cylinder configured by the first inner cylinder 22 and the second inner cylinder 23) as a single cylindrical member. It is configured. The inner cylinder 21 is provided with an observation opening 21e at a portion corresponding to the observation window 11a.

  A body base 66 is provided on the proximal end side of the heat-resistant sheath 11D, and the inner cylinder 21 is attached from the distal end side, and the insertion portion fixing base 29 is attached from the proximal end side via the sealing material 29b and the washer 29a. It has been. An inflow joint 31 and an outflow joint 32 are attached to the main body base 66.

  Further, the outer cylinder 25 has a double cylinder structure of the first outer cylinder 26 and the second outer cylinder 27, as described above. However, an insertion conduit 65 along the insertion axis direction is provided in a part of the circumferential direction between the first outer cylinder 26 and the second outer cylinder 27. The insertion duct 65 is for accommodating the light guide 6 for irradiating the observation target with illumination light so as to pass through the inside of the heat-resistant sheath 11D and reach the vicinity of the observation window 11a. That is, the observation opening 26a formed in the first outer cylinder 26 is not only opened for the observation window 11a but also serves as the opening of the illumination window 11b. And the front-end | tip of the light guide 6 is exposed outside from the opening 26a for observation, and irradiates illumination light. Here, the distal end direction of the light guide 6 is configured to face the direction of the observation target of the observation system 3 (that is, slightly inclined toward the proximal end side from the outer diameter direction perpendicular to the insertion axis).

  The second outer cylinder 27 includes a flange portion 27 a that protrudes in the outer diameter direction at the base end, and a sealing material 25 e such as an O-ring is provided between the flange portion 27 a and the base end surface of the first outer cylinder 26. After mounting, the outer cylinder 25 and the main body base 66 are hermetically fixed by screwing the outer cylinder fixing base 67 into the main body base 66.

  On the other hand, the light guide 6 extends from the side of the first outer cylinder 26 to the outside via the light guide cable 6a. An external fluid injection joint 68 is attached in the middle of the light guide cable 6a, and communicates with the space in the light guide cable 6a. The external fluid injection joint 68 is connected to a compressor 15 (see FIG. 4 and the like) as an injection fluid source.

  In such a configuration, the cooling air introduced from the inflow joint 31 is supplied to the space between the endoscope 1 functioning as a cooling flow path and the inner cylinder 21, and further via the observation opening 21e. Then, it is supplied to the space between the inner cylinder 21 and the second outer cylinder 27 and then discharged to the outside via the outflow joint 32.

  Further, the ejection fluid supplied from the external fluid ejection joint 68 flows using the insertion conduit of the light guide 6 as the ejection conduit, and is ejected from the observation opening 26a. By the ejection of the fluid, water droplets and dust attached to the observation window 11a (the surface of the second outer cylinder 27) exposed to the observation opening 26a are blown off.

  According to the nineteenth embodiment, the same effects as those of the first to eighteenth embodiments described above can be obtained by using the pipe line through which the light guide 6 is inserted as the injection pipe line. Further, the configuration in which the tip of the light guide 6 is slightly inclined toward the observation window 11a not only allows the illumination light to reach the center of the observation field, but also ejects the fluid toward the observation window 11a with higher efficiency. Is also possible.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. In addition, various aspects of the invention can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components from all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Thus, it goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 3 ... Observation system 6 ... Light guide 6a ... Light guide cable 6b ... Light guide connector 6c ... Sheath side joint 6d ... Sealing material 11, 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D ... Heat-resistant sheath 11a ... Observation window 11b ... Illumination window 12 ... Compressor 13 ... Solenoid valve 14 ... Controller 15, 15A ... Compressor 16 ... Power supply 17 ... Suction pump 18 ... Motor drive control part 21 ... Inner cylinder 21a ... Base end part 21b ... Washer 21c ... Sealing Stopping material 21e ... Observation opening 22 ... First inner cylinder 22a, 23a ... Observation opening 22b, 23b ... Light guide insertion opening 23 ... Second inner cylinder 23c ... Hole 23d ... Fluid opening 25 ... Outer cylinder 25a ... Base end Portion 25b ... Injection pipe 25c ... Nozzle 25d ... Washer 25e ... Sealing material 25f ... Ring member 26 ... First outer cylinder 26a ... Observation opening 26b ... Light guide insertion opening 27 ... Second outer cylinder 27a ... Flange portion 29 ... Insertion portion fixing base 29a ... Washer 29b ... Sealing material 31 ... Inflow joint 31a ... Hole 32 ... Outflow joint 32a ... Hole 33 ... Injection Joint 41, 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D, 41E, 41F, 41G, 41H, 41I, 41L, 41M, 41N ... Jacket 42, 42B ... Jacket body 42G1 ... Jacket outer cylinder 42G2 ... Jacket inner cylinder 42a ... Window opening 42a1 ... packing 42b ... injection pipe line 42c ... nozzle 42d ... opening 42e ... mounting cap 42g ... stopper 42h ... lighting opening 42h1 ... packing 42i ... large diameter portion 42k ... storage space 43 ... heat resistant sheath fixing ring 44 ... heater 45 ... Shutter glass 45a ... connecting portion 45b ... hollow rod 4 c ... Shutter operation ring 45d ... Bellows 45e ... Ring 46, 46F, 46G ... Injection supply pipe 46a ... Injection nozzle 46b ... Nozzle opening 46c ... Joint for injection 47, 47F, 47G ... Injection suction pipe 47a ... Suction nozzle 47b ... Nozzle opening 47c ... Suction joint 48 ... Seal member 51 ... Tank 52 ... Heater 53 ... Motor 53a ... Drive signal line 54 ... Fan 56 ... Wiper 56a ... Hinge 56b ... Spring 57 ... Glass plate 57a ... Tension spring 58 ... Seal member 58a ... Notch 59a ... Washer 59b ... Sealing material 61 ... Sealing member 62 ... Large diameter part 63 ... Slit 64 ... Porous ceramic cylinder 64a ... Window opening 64b ... Lighting opening 65 ... Insertion pipe path 66 ... Body cap 67 ... Outer cylinder Fixed cap 68 ... External fluid injection joint

Claims (16)

An endoscope cooling apparatus that circulates a cooling fluid and cools a distal end portion in which an observation system for observing an observation target is disposed in an insertion portion of the endoscope,
A cooling fluid source for supplying the cooling fluid;
A heat-resistant sheath that forms a cooling flow path through which the cooling fluid supplied from the cooling fluid source flows by being attached to the outer peripheral side of the insertion portion;
A transparent observation window provided at the tip of the heat-resistant sheath so that the cooling fluid does not leak outside the heat-resistant sheath and the observation target can be observed from the observation system; ,
A fluid ejecting portion that is disposed in the vicinity of the observation window and that ejects a fluid for ejection to the observation window;
An endoscope cooling apparatus comprising:   The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ejection fluid source that supplies the ejection fluid.   The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cooling fluid and the jetting fluid are fluids having the same temperature.   4. The cooling fluid source and the ejection fluid source are configured as the same fluid source, and the cooling fluid and the ejection fluid are the same type of fluid. Endoscope cooling system.   The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the same kind of fluid is air. At least one of a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the environment in the observation target, a humidity sensor for detecting humidity, and a dust sensor for detecting dust;
6. The ejection of the ejection fluid by the fluid ejection unit is controlled based on a detection result of at least one of the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor, and the dust sensor. 6. The endoscope cooling apparatus according to 1. The heat-resistant sheath further includes an ejection conduit for circulating the ejection fluid supplied from the ejection fluid source,
The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fluid ejecting unit is provided in the heat-resistant sheath so as to communicate with the ejection conduit. Further comprising a jacket disposed on the outer peripheral side of the heat-resistant sheath and attachable to an observation target;
The jacket includes an ejection conduit for circulating the ejection fluid supplied from the ejection fluid source,
The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the fluid ejecting unit is provided in the jacket so as to communicate with the ejection conduit.   The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a heater provided on the ejection conduit and configured to heat the ejection fluid.   The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an ejection suction pipe for sucking an ejection fluid ejected from the fluid ejection section toward the observation window.   The apparatus further comprises a shutter that is movable to a shielding position that covers the observation window and a retreat position that is retracted from the observation window by the ejection force of the ejection fluid supplied toward the fluid ejection section. The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 1.   The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a wiper that is moved by an ejection force of the ejection fluid from the fluid ejection section and wipes the observation window. The jacket comprises a cylindrical jacket body,
The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the injection conduit is configured between the jacket body and the heat-resistant sheath by inserting the heat-resistant sheath on the inner peripheral side of the jacket. Cooling device. A C-ring-shaped seal member that is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the jacket body and has a cutout in which the position corresponding to the observation window is cut out along the insertion axis direction;
The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the cutout functions as the ejection conduit by inserting the heat-resistant sheath into an inner peripheral side of the jacket. . Further comprising a porous ceramic tube disposed on the inner peripheral side of the jacket body,
The porous ceramic cylinder has a window opening at least at a position corresponding to the observation window, and a hole provided in the porous ceramic cylinder is configured to function as the injection conduit. The endoscope cooling device according to claim 13. A light guide for illuminating the observation object with illumination light;
An insertion pipe for accommodating the light guide so as to pass through the inside of the heat-resistant sheath and reach the vicinity of the observation window;
Further comprising
The endoscope cooling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the insertion pipe line is also used as the injection pipe line.

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