JP2017189294A - Leak tester for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a leak tester for an endoscope suitable for detecting a fine hole.SOLUTION: A leak tester for an endoscope equipped with a flexible insertion tube is composed of a hollow member having a first opening and second opening through which the insertion tube is inserted, a first closing mechanism and a second closing mechanism for making the inside of the hollow member airtight by closing the first opening and the second opening, first pressurizing means for pressurizing the inside of the hollow member which is made airtight, and a pressure detection part for detecting the pressure of the inside of the pressurized hollow member. In this configuration, the volume of the airtight space inside the hollow member when the first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism are closing the first opening and the second opening respectively is smaller than the volume of the inside of the insertion pipe in a state that the insertion pipe is inserted into the first opening and the second opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope leak tester.

  The insertion tube inserted into the human body or the like of the endoscope is configured to be watertight so that it can be cleaned by being immersed in a cleaning solution after use. Moreover, the insertion tube is covered with a soft material such as a resin tube in order to provide flexibility. Therefore, when the tube comes into contact with an external hard member while the endoscope is being cleaned or transported, there is a possibility that a hole may be formed in the tube due to a pinhole or breakage. If the endoscope is cleaned with a hole in the tube, cleaning liquid or water may enter the insertion tube, causing rust or failure.

  Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope leak tester that detects holes such as pinholes in an insertion tube. The endoscope leak tester disclosed in Patent Document 1 pressurizes the inside of the insertion tube through a base provided in the endoscope, and detects the pressure in the insertion tube. When the insertion tube has a hole, the pressurized gas leaks to the outside through the hole, so that the pressure in the insertion tube decreases. By detecting this drop in pressure, it is possible to detect whether or not the insertion tube has a hole.

JP 2011-5090 A

  However, in the endoscope leak tester of Patent Document 1, when the hole vacated in the insertion tube is so small that it cannot be visually confirmed, and when the amount of gas leaking outside through the hole is small, the pressure drop may not be detected. there were.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope leak tester suitable for detecting minute holes.

  An endoscope leak tester according to an embodiment of the present invention is an endoscope leak tester including an insertion tube having flexibility, and includes a first opening and a second opening through which the insertion tube is inserted. And a first closure that seals the inside of the hollow member by closing the first opening and the second opening, respectively, in a state where the insertion tube is inserted through the first opening and the second opening. A mechanism and a second closing mechanism, a first pressurizing unit that pressurizes the inside of the airtight hollow member, and a pressure detector that detects the pressure inside the pressurized hollow member. In this configuration, when the insertion tube is inserted through the first opening and the second opening, the first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism close the first opening and the second opening, respectively. The volume of the airtight space inside the hollow member is smaller than the volume inside the insertion tube.

  According to such a configuration, an airtight space with a small volume is created on the outer periphery of the insertion tube. By pressurizing this space and detecting the pressure, it is possible to determine whether or not the insertion tube has a hole and the pressurized air is leaking into the hole.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, each of the first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism has an insertion hole through which the insertion tube is inserted, and includes a closing member having a hollow space therein, and a closing member Second pressurizing means for pressurizing the hollow space. In this case, the closing member expands when the hollow space is pressurized, and closes the first opening and the second opening by closely contacting the insertion tube inserted through the insertion hole.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the closing member of the first closing mechanism closes the insertion hole by expanding, for example, when the hollow space is pressurized in a state where the insertion tube is not inserted through the insertion hole. To do.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the hollow member in the axial direction of the insertion tube is shorter than the length of the insertion tube, for example.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the hollow member has, for example, a flexible cylindrical shape, the insertion tube is inserted through the first opening and the second opening, and the first closing mechanism and The second closing mechanism can be bent together with the insertion tube with the first opening and the second opening being closed.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope leak tester further includes, for example, a bending mechanism for bending the hollow member.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, the hollow member can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction of the insertion tube, and the insertion tube has the first opening and the second opening, respectively. The first opening and the second opening are closed while being inserted into the insertion tube, thereby fixing the first opening and the second opening to the insertion tube, and the endoscope leak tester moves the hollow member in the axial direction. An expansion / contraction mechanism is further provided. In this case, the hollow member is individually fixed and released from the insertion tube by the first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism, and the hollow member is expanded and contracted by the expansion and contraction mechanism. It is movable in the axial direction of the insertion tube.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope leak tester suitable for detecting a minute hole is provided.

1 is an external view of an endoscope and a leak tester for an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the main-body part of the leak tester for endoscopes which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the test | inspection part of the leak tester for endoscopes which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the test | inspection part of the leak tester for endoscopes which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement flow of the leak test which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an external view of the test | inspection part of the leak tester for endoscopes which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the cylindrical member of the test | inspection part which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the movement of the test | inspection part by the actuator which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of an endoscope leak tester according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of an endoscope 1 and an endoscope leak tester 2.

  The endoscope 1 includes a connection portion 11 connected to an external processor (not shown) and an insertion tube 12 inserted into a human body or the like. The processor includes a light source unit that emits illumination light for illuminating the subject, and various electronic circuits that process captured image signals of the subject imaged by the endoscope 1. The connection unit 11 includes a plurality of connectors 11a and 11b for transmitting and receiving illumination light and captured image signals to and from the processor. The insertion tube 12 has a long tube shape having flexibility. One end of the insertion tube 12 is connected to the connection portion 11. The other end (tip portion 12a) of the insertion tube 12 is provided with an image sensor for imaging a subject and a light distribution window for emitting illumination light incident from the processor. The inside of the insertion tube 12 is formed hollow, and a light guide fiber and a signal line for guiding illumination light are passed therethrough.

  The insertion tube 12 of the endoscope 1 is configured to be watertight so that the liquid does not enter the interior when it is washed with a washing liquid or water. Further, the hollow region in the insertion tube 12 communicates with the inside of the connection portion 11. The connection portion 11 is provided with a base 13 that enables communication between the inside and the outside of the connection portion 11. The base 13 has a valve, and can switch between a state in which the inside and the outside of the connecting portion 11 communicate with each other and a state in which the inside does not communicate as necessary. When the inside of the connecting portion communicates with the outside through the base 13, the inside of the insertion tube 12 communicates with the outside via the connecting portion 11.

  The endoscope leak tester 2 includes a main body 100 and an inspection unit 200. Two cables 110 a and 110 b are attached to the main body 100. The cable 110a is detachably connected to the base 13 of the endoscope 1. The cable 110b is connected to the inspection unit 200. A pressure tube, which will be described later, is disposed inside the cables 110a and 110b. The main body 100 is used to individually change the internal pressure of the pressurizing tubes in the cables 110a and 110b and to detect the internal pressure of the pressurizing tubes.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the main body 100. The main body 100 includes a first pump 131, a second pump 132, pressure sensors 141 to 144, pressure control circuits 151 to 154, an interface circuit 160, an operation panel 161, a display control circuit 162, a display panel 163, and a memory 164. Yes. A pressure tube 111 is disposed in the cable 110a. Pressurized tubes 112 to 114 are disposed in the cable 110b.

  The first pump 131 is connected to the pressurizing tube 111 and is controlled by the pressure control circuit 151. Further, the internal pressure of the pressurizing tube 111 is detected by the pressure sensor 141. By controlling the operation of the first pump 131 based on the output from the pressure sensor 141, the internal pressure of the pressurizing tube 111 can be set to a predetermined pressure.

  The second pump 132 is connected to the pressurizing tubes 112 to 114 and is controlled by the pressure control circuits 152 to 154. Further, the internal pressures of the pressurizing tubes 112 to 114 are detected by the pressure sensors 142 to 144, respectively. By controlling the operation of the second pump 132 based on the outputs from the pressure sensors 142 to 144, the internal pressures of the pressurizing tubes 112 to 114 can be individually set.

  The operation panel 161 is connected to the pressure control circuits 151 to 154 via the interface circuit 160. The operation panel 161 is used by an operator to control the operation of the main body 100. The operation panel 161 is used, for example, for ON / OFF control of operations of the first pump 131 and the second pump 132 and for setting internal pressures of the pressurizing tubes 111 to 114.

  The display panel 163 is connected to the pressure control circuits 151 to 154 via the display control circuit 162 and the interface circuit 160. The display panel 163 is used for displaying the state of the main body 100. On the display panel 163, for example, the operation status of the first pump 131 and the second pump 132, the internal pressure of each of the pressurizing tubes 111 to 114, a test result of a leak test described later, and the like are displayed.

  The memory 164 stores a pressure value used for a leak test, which will be described later, and various programs for controlling the pressure control circuits 151 to 154.

  3 and 4 show an external view and a cross-sectional view of the inspection unit 200, respectively. The inspection unit 200 includes a hollow cylindrical member 210, a first closing member 211, a second closing member 212, and a pressure connector 213. A cable 110b (pressure tubes 112 to 114) is connected to the pressure connector 213.

  The cylindrical member 210 is formed to be bendable with respect to the cylindrical axis, and an inner diameter D2 thereof is set to be larger than an outer diameter D1 of the insertion tube 12 of the endoscope. Further, the length L of the inspection unit 200 in the cylindrical axial direction (that is, the axial direction of the insertion tube 12) is set to be smaller than the entire length of the insertion tube 12. In addition, at both ends of the cylindrical shaft of the cylindrical member 210, openings through which the insertion tube 12 of the endoscope 1 can be inserted are provided. A first closing member 211 and a second closing member 212 are attached to each opening of the cylindrical member 210. The inside 240 of the cylindrical member 210 is connected to the pressure tube 114 via the pressure connector 213.

  Each of the first closing member 211 and the second closing member 212 has an annular shape (torus shape) having insertion holes 231 and 232 through which the insertion tube 12 can be inserted near the center. The first closing member 211 and the second closing member 212 respectively have hollow spaces in the interiors 241 and 242, and these spaces are connected to the pressure tubes 112 and 113 via the pressure connectors 213, respectively. The first closing member 211 and the second closing member 212 have elasticity so as to expand or contract according to the internal pressure of the interiors 241 and 242, respectively.

  When the internal pressure of the first and second closing members 211 and 212 is increased in a state where the insertion tube 12 is inserted into the insertion holes 231 and 232 of the first closing member 211 and the second closing member 212, the first and second The blocking members 211 and 212 expand, and the inner wall 231 a of the insertion hole 231 and the inner wall 232 a of the insertion hole 232 are in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 12. Thereby, the inside 240 of the cylindrical member 210 is hermetically sealed. At this time, the volume of the airtight space in the interior 240 of the cylindrical member 210, that is, the volume obtained by subtracting the volume of the insertion tube 12 in the cylindrical member 210 from the volume of the interior 240 is the hollow inside the entire insertion tube 12. It is smaller than the volume of the area.

  Further, in a state where the insertion tube 12 is inserted through only one of the two insertion holes 231 and 232, or a state where the insertion tube 12 is not inserted through any of the insertion holes 231 and 232, Even when the internal pressures of the first and second closing members 211 and 212 are increased, the interior 240 of the cylindrical member 210 is hermetically sealed.

  Next, an endoscope leak test using the endoscope leak tester 2 will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the leak test. FIG. 5A shows a flowchart of the entire leak test, and FIG. 5B shows a flowchart of the leak test using the inspection unit in the leak test.

[Processing Step S101 in FIG. 5A (Leak Test for Entire Endoscope)]
In this processing step S101, a leak test of the entire endoscope 1 is executed. This process S101 is started in response to an instruction to execute a leak test being input to the operation panel 161 in a state where the pressurizing tube 111 is connected to the base 13 of the connection unit 11. When the process is started, first, the internal pressure of the pressurizing tube 111 is raised to a predetermined pressure larger than the external (atmosphere) pressure by the first pump 131. Specifically, the air compressed by the first pump 131 is sent into the pressurizing tube 111. Whether or not the inside of the pressurizing tube 111 has reached a predetermined pressure is detected by the pressure sensor 141. Thereby, the internal pressure of the insertion tube 12 is set to a predetermined pressure via the pressurizing tube 111 and the base 13. When the internal pressure of the insertion tube 12 reaches a predetermined pressure, pressurization by the first pump 131 is stopped. When a hole such as a pinhole is not formed in the exterior of the insertion tube 12, the internal pressure of the insertion tube 12 is maintained at a predetermined pressure. On the other hand, when a hole is formed in the exterior of the insertion tube 12, the internal compressed air leaks from the hole with the passage of time, so the internal pressure of the insertion tube 12 gradually decreases.

  Information indicating that there is no leakage of the endoscope 1 (for example, “PASS”) when the internal pressure of the insertion tube 12 does not change during a predetermined inspection time after the pressurization by the first pump 131 is stopped. Is displayed on the display panel 163. On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the insertion tube 12 decreases by a predetermined value or more during a predetermined examination time, information indicating that the endoscope 1 has a leak (for example, “FAIL”) is displayed on the display panel 163. Is done.

  When the predetermined inspection time has elapsed and the inspection result is displayed on the display panel 163, the pressurized tube 111 is changed to a state that allows insertion into the outside. Thereby, the internal pressure of the insertion tube 12 becomes the same as the external pressure.

[Processing Step S102 in FIG. 5A (Leak Test Using Inspection Unit)]
In this processing step S102, a leak test using the inspection unit 200 is performed. A flowchart of a leak test using the inspection unit 200 is shown in FIG.

[Processing Step S201 in FIG. 5B (Installation of Inspection Unit)]
In this processing step S201, the inspection unit 200 is attached to the insertion tube 12 by the user. Specifically, the insertion tube 12 is inserted into the insertion holes 231 and 232 of the first and second closing members 211 and 212, and the inspection unit 200 is disposed at a desired inspection position of the insertion tube 12. At this time, the pressurizing tubes 112 and 113 are not pressurized by the second pump 132 and communicate with the outside (atmosphere). Therefore, the shape of the first and second closing members 211 and 212 can be changed by an external force, and the insertion tube 12 is easily inserted into the insertion holes 231 and 232 of the first and second closing members 211 and 212. be able to. Further, the internal pressure of the pressurizing tubes 112 and 113 may be reduced by the second pump 132. Thereby, the 1st and 2nd obstruction | occlusion members 211 and 212 contract, and each insertion hole 231 and 232 expand. Thereby, it becomes easier to pass the insertion tube 12 through the insertion holes 231 and 232.

[Processing Step S202 in FIG. 5B (Inspection Unit Fixing Instruction)]
In this processing step S202, the operation panel 161 is operated by the user, and an instruction to fix the inspection unit 200 to the insertion tube 12 is input.

[Processing Step S203 of FIG. 5B (Inspection Unit Fixing)]
In this processing step S203, the inspection unit 200 is fixed to the insertion tube 12. Specifically, the pressurizing tubes 112 and 113 are pressurized to a predetermined pressure by the second pump 132. As a result, the first and second blocking members 211 and 212 are expanded, and the inner walls 231a and 232a of the insertion holes 231 and 232 are in close contact with the insertion tube 12. Accordingly, the inspection unit 200 is fixed to the insertion tube 12 by friction between the inner walls 231a and 232a and the insertion tube 12. In addition, the gap 240 between the inner walls 231a and 232a of the insertion holes 231 and 232 and the insertion tube 12 is closed, so that the interior 240 of the cylindrical member 210 is hermetically sealed.

[Processing Step S204 in FIG. 5B (Test Start Instruction)]
In this processing step S204, the operation panel 161 is operated by the user, and an instruction to start a leak test is input.

[Processing Step S205 in FIG. 5B (Inspection Unit Pressurization)]
In this processing step S205, the inspection unit 200 is pressurized. Specifically, the pressurizing tube 114 is pressurized to a predetermined inspection pressure by the second pump 132. Thereby, the pressure of the space between the inner wall of the cylindrical member 210 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 12 in the interior 240 of the cylindrical member 210 is increased to a predetermined inspection pressure.

[Processing Step S206 in FIG. 5B (Inspection Unit Pressure Determination Processing)]
In this process step S206, it is determined using the pressure sensor 144 whether the pressure of the inspection unit 200 has reached the inspection pressure. When it is determined that the pressure of the inspection unit 200 has reached the inspection pressure, pressurization by the second pump 132 is stopped, and the process proceeds to processing step S207 in a state where the pressure of the inspection unit 200 is maintained at the inspection pressure. On the other hand, when it determines with the pressure of the test | inspection part 200 not having reached the test pressure, it progresses to process step S211.

  When the inside 240 of the inspection unit 200 is in an airtight state and there is no hole in the exterior of the insertion tube 12, the pressure of the inspection unit 200 reaches the inspection pressure. When the insertion tube 12 has a hole, the compressed air supplied to the inspection unit 200 leaks into the insertion tube 12 through the hole, and is discharged to the outside through the base 13. However, when the hole formed in the insertion tube 12 is a small hole such as a pinhole, the compressed air is discharged to the outside little by little. Therefore, the amount of the compressed air discharged to the outside is the amount supplied by the second pump 132. Smaller than. Therefore, also in this case, the pressure of the inspection unit 200 reaches the inspection pressure.

  Further, as a case where the pressure of the inspection unit 200 does not reach the inspection pressure, for example, when the inner wall 231a or the inner wall 232a is not in close contact with the insertion tube 12 and the interior 240 is not airtight, a large hole is formed in the insertion tube 12. There is a case where the compressed air supplied to the inspection unit 200 through the pressurizing tube 114 leaks to the outside through the hole of the insertion tube 12 or the second pump 132 is malfunctioning. Conceivable.

[Processing Step S207 in FIG. 5B (Inspection Pressure Reaching Display)]
In this processing step S207, the pressurization of the inspection unit 200 by the second pump 132 is stopped, and information indicating that the pressure of the inspection unit 200 has reached the inspection pressure on the display panel 163 (for example, characters “PASS”) .) Is displayed. At this time, the connection between the pressurizing tube 114 and the second pump 132 is shielded so that the compressed air in the inspection unit 200 is not discharged through the pressurizing tube 114 and the second pump 132. In this processing step S207, the counting of the inspection time is started. The inspection time is set, for example, from several seconds to several minutes. The count of the inspection time is displayed on the display panel 163 by counting up, counting down, or a gauge indicating elapsed time.

[Processing Step S208 in FIG. 5B (Bending of Insertion Tube)]
In this processing step S208, the portion of the insertion tube 12 where the inspection unit 200 is mounted is curved by the user during the inspection time. The cylindrical member 210 of the inspection unit 200 has flexibility. Therefore, the cylindrical member 210 can be bent together with the insertion tube 12 while the inside 240 of the inspection unit 200 is maintained in an airtight state. For example, when the insertion tube 12 has a small hole such as a pinhole, the amount of compressed air discharged to the outside through the hole may vary depending on the bending direction of the insertion tube 12. Therefore, by bending the insertion tube 12 in various directions during the inspection time, it is possible to improve the detection accuracy of whether or not the insertion tube 12 has a hole.

[Processing Step S209 in FIG. 5B (Determination of Pressure Threshold of Inspection Unit)]
In this processing step S209, when the inspection time ends, the pressure sensor 144 is used to perform pressure threshold determination processing of the inspection unit 200. When the pressure of the inspection unit 200 maintains a predetermined threshold or more, it is determined that no hole is formed in the insertion tube 12 where the inspection unit 200 is mounted. On the other hand, when the pressure of the inspection unit 200 is below the threshold value, it is determined that a hole is formed in the insertion tube 12 where the inspection unit 200 is mounted. When it is determined that the pressure of the inspection unit 200 is equal to or higher than the threshold, the process proceeds to processing step S210, and when it is determined that the pressure of the inspection unit 200 is lower than the threshold, the process proceeds to processing step S211.

[Processing step S210 (pass indication) in FIG. 5B]
In this processing step S210, information (for example, “PASS”) indicating that the pressure of the inspection unit 200 is maintained at a threshold value or higher (that is, the inspection has passed) is displayed on the display panel 163. . The user can confirm that it is determined that there is no hole in the portion of the insertion tube 12 where the inspection unit 200 is mounted by viewing this display. Information indicating that the test has passed is stored in the memory 164 of the main body 100. Thereby, after the leak test is completed, the inspection result can be confirmed by reading the information from the memory 164.

[Processing step S211 in FIG. 5B (failure display)]
In this processing step S210, when it is determined in processing step S206 that the pressure of the inspection unit 200 has not reached the inspection pressure, or in processing step S209, it is determined that the pressure of the inspection unit 200 has fallen below the threshold value. If executed. In this process, information (for example, the letter “FAIL”) indicating that the pressure of the inspection unit 200 has not reached the inspection pressure (that is, the inspection has failed) is displayed on the display panel 163. Information indicating that the inspection has failed is stored in the memory 164 of the main body 100.

[Processing Step S212 in FIG. 5B (Test End Instruction)]
In this process step S212, the operation panel 161 is operated by the user, and an instruction to end the leak test at the position where the inspection unit 200 of the insertion tube 12 is attached is input.

[Processing step S213 in FIG. 5B (exhaust inspection section)]
In this processing step S213, the inside 240 of the inspection unit 200 is communicated with the outside via the pressurizing tube 114, and the compressed air supplied to the inspection unit 200 is exhausted.

[Processing Step S214 in FIG. 5B (Inspection Unit Unlocking Instruction)]
In this processing step S212, the operation panel 161 is operated by the user, and an instruction to release the fixation of the inspection unit 200 to the insertion tube 12 is input.

[Processing Step S215 in FIG. 5B (Unlock Inspection Unit)]
In this processing step S215, the fixing of the inspection unit 200 to the insertion tube 12 is released. Specifically, the second pump 132 causes the insides 241 and 242 of the first and second closing members 211 and 212 to communicate with the outside via the pressurizing tubes 112 and 113, respectively, and the first and second closing members 211, The compressed air supplied to 212 is exhausted. Thereby, the adhesion between the inner walls 231a and 232a of the insertion holes 231 and 232 of the first and second closing members 211 and 212 and the insertion tube 12 is released, and the fixation of the inspection unit 200 to the insertion tube 12 is released.

  After the process step S215 is executed, when the leak test of the other part of the insertion tube 12 is continuously performed, the process returns to the process step S201. When the leak test is not performed on other portions of the insertion tube 12, the leak test using the inspection unit 200 ends.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, two leak tests, that is, the leak test S101 for the entire endoscope 1 and the leak test S102 using the inspection unit 200 are performed. In the leak test of the endoscope 1 as a whole, it is possible to detect whether or not there is a hole in any part of the insertion tube 12. For example, in the leak test S101 for the entire endoscope 1, after the insertion tube 12 is pressurized, if the internal pressure greatly decreases with time, it can be determined that the insertion tube 12 has a large hole. it can.

  However, when the hole vacated in the insertion tube 12 is a small hole such as a pinhole, the degree of decrease in the internal pressure of the insertion tube 12 is small. Therefore, in the leak test S101 of the entire endoscope 1, the insertion tube 12 has a hole. It may not be possible to determine whether or not Specifically, when the volume of compressed air leaking from the hole is very small compared to the volume of the hollow portion inside the insertion tube 12, a decrease in the pressure of the insertion tube 12 due to the leakage of the compressed air may not be detected. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the accuracy of detecting the hole of the insertion tube 12 is improved by performing the leak test S102 using the inspection unit 200.

  When the insertion tube 12 is inserted into the insertion holes 231 and 232 of the first and second closing members 211 and 212 and the interior 240 of the inspection unit 200 is airtight, the inspection unit 200 The volume of the hollow region, that is, the region sandwiched between the inner wall of the cylindrical member 210 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube 12 is set to be smaller than the volume of the hollow region in the entire insertion tube 12. Therefore, the hole of the insertion tube 12 can be detected with higher accuracy than the leak test S101 for the entire endoscope 1.

  Further, the axial length L of the cylindrical member 210 of the inspection unit 200 is set to be shorter than the axial length of the insertion tube 12. Therefore, the insertion tube 12 can be divided into a plurality of regions along the longitudinal direction, and a leak test can be performed on each region individually. Thereby, when it is detected that the insertion tube 12 has a hole, it is possible to grasp the approximate position of the hole.

  In the present embodiment, compressed air is used instead of liquid for the leak test. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of rust and failure due to liquid (for example, water) entering the insertion tube 12.

  The cylindrical member 210 of the inspection unit 200 is flexible so that it can be bent together with the insertion tube 12. Therefore, a small hole that opens only when the insertion tube 12 is bent can be detected.

  The first and second blocking members 211 and 212 can block the insertion holes 231 and 232 even when the insertion tube 12 is not inserted through the insertion holes 231 and 232. Therefore, for example, the insertion tube 12 is inserted into the inspection portion 200 from the second closing member 212 side and is not inserted into the insertion hole 231 of the first closing member 211, that is, the distal end portion 12a of the insertion tube 12 is a cylindrical member. The leak test can be performed in a state of being arranged in 210.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the endoscope leak tester of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of explanation, the same reference numerals are used for components equivalent to those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is an external view of the inspection unit 200 according to the second embodiment. Moreover, FIG. 7 shows sectional drawing of the cylindrical member 210 of 2nd Embodiment. The inspection unit 200 includes a hollow cylindrical member 210, a first closing member 211, a second closing member 212, and a pressure connector 213. Pressurizing tubes 112 to 114 are connected to the pressure connector 213. The cylindrical member 210 is formed to be bendable with respect to the cylindrical axis. Further, the cylindrical member 210 is formed to be extendable and contractable with respect to the cylindrical axis direction. 6 and 7, the direction parallel to the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical member 210 is defined as the Z axis, and the X axis and the Y axis are defined in two directions perpendicular to the Z axis and perpendicular to each other.

  In addition, the inspection unit 200 includes a plurality of actuators 250. Each actuator 250 is used for bending or expanding / contracting the cylindrical member 210. Each actuator 250 has a wire 251 and a wire winding portion 252. Four wires 251 and wire winding portions 252 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 210 at equal intervals (that is, at intervals of 90 degrees around the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical member 210). Each wire 251 is arranged inside the cylindrical member 210 along the cylindrical axis. One end of each wire 251 is fixed to the first closing member 211. Moreover, each wire winding-up part 252 is arrange | positioned at the 2nd closure member 212, and can wind up from the other end side of the corresponding wire 251. FIG. Wiring (not shown) for driving each actuator 250 is arranged in the cable 110 b and connected to the main body 100.

  For example, when the four wires 251 are pulled out from the winding portion 252 by the same length, the cylindrical member 210 is not curved as shown in FIG. From this state, when one of the wire 251X1 and the wire 251X2 shown in FIG. 7 is wound up and the other is pulled out from the winding portion 252, the cylindrical member 210 is bent in the X direction. Similarly, when one of the wire 251Y1 and the wire 251Y2 is wound up and the other is pulled out, the cylindrical member 210 is bent in the Y direction. The cylindrical member 210 can be curved in an arbitrary direction by switching the wire 251 that is wound up or pulled out of the four wires 251.

  Further, when all the wires 251 are wound up or all the wires 251 are pulled out, the cylindrical member 210 can be expanded and contracted in the Z-axis direction.

  In this manner, by bending and expanding / contracting the cylindrical member 210 using the actuator 250, the bending process S208 of the insertion tube 12 and the insertion tube 12 of the inspection unit 200, which were manually performed by the user in the first embodiment, are performed. The inspection unit 200 can be automatically moved after the fixation release S215.

  In the processing step S208 of the first embodiment, the user manually curves the insertion tube 12 during the inspection time. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, it is possible to reduce the trouble of the leak test by the user by automatically bending the insertion tube 12 using the actuator 250 during the inspection time. In addition, since the degree of bending can be set in advance, it is possible to prevent the insertion tube 12 from being bent excessively.

  Moreover, in 1st Embodiment, the movement of the test | inspection part 200 after fixation cancellation | release S215 to the insertion tube 12 of the test | inspection part 200 is performed manually by the user. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the inspection unit 200 can be automatically moved by expanding and contracting the cylindrical member 210 using the actuator 250.

  Below, the example which moves the test | inspection part 200 from the front-end | tip part 12a side of the insertion tube 12 to the connection part 11 side using the actuator 250 is demonstrated. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the inspection unit 200 by the actuator 250. In FIG. 8, the illustration of the pressure connector 213 and the actuator 250 is omitted to simplify the drawing.

  In the second embodiment, when the leak test at the predetermined position of the insertion tube 12 using the inspection unit 200 is completed (the processing step S210 or S211 in FIG. 5 is completed), the first and second blocking members 211 and 212 are respectively With the insertion holes 231 and 232 closed, the exhaust process of the inspection unit 200 is automatically performed (FIG. 8A). Thereafter, of the first and second closing members 211 and 212 of the inspection unit 200, only the closing member (first closing member 211) on the distal end portion 12a side of the insertion tube 12 is exhausted and inserted into the first closing member 211. The fixation with the tube 12 is released (FIG. 8B). Next, in the four actuators 250, when the wire 251 is wound up, the cylindrical member 210 contracts (FIG. 8C). At this time, since the second closing member 212 is fixed to the insertion tube 12, the cylindrical member 210 contracts so as to be displaced toward the connecting portion 11 side (the negative direction of the Z axis). When the contraction of the cylindrical member 210 is completed, the first closing member 211 is pressurized and fixed to the insertion tube 12 (FIG. 8D). At this time, the second closing member 212 is exhausted, and the fixation between the second closing member 212 and the insertion tube 12 is released. In the four actuators 250, the wire 251 is pulled out, whereby the cylindrical member 210 is extended (FIG. 8E). At this time, since the first closing member 211 is fixed to the insertion tube 12, the cylindrical member 210 is extended so as to be displaced toward the connecting portion 11 side. When the cylindrical member 210 is extended, the second closing member 212 is pressurized and fixed to the insertion tube 12.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the inspection unit 200 is automatically moved while the cylindrical member 210 is expanded and contracted. Each time the inspection unit 200 moves, a leak test using the inspection unit 200 (processing steps S203 to S213 in FIG. 5B) is automatically executed, and the inspection results at each position are stored in the memory 164.

  In the second embodiment, the movement of the inspection unit 200 due to the contraction of the cylindrical member 210 may be set in advance according to the length of the insertion tube 12 to be inspected. Further, when the moving distance of the inspection unit 200 is not set in advance, it is provided in the middle of the movement of the inspection unit 200 or between the connection unit 11 of the endoscope 1 or between the connection unit 11 and the insertion tube 12. The operated surgeon may come into contact with an operation unit for operating the endoscope 1. Therefore, the inspection unit 200 may be provided with a contact sensor that detects contact with the connection unit 11 or the operation unit, and the movement of the inspection unit 200 may be terminated when the contact sensor detects contact.

  The above is the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. For example, the embodiment of the present invention also includes contents appropriately combined with embodiments or the like clearly shown in the specification or obvious embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope 11 Connection part 11a, 11b Connector 12 Insertion pipe 12a Tip part 13 Base 2 Leak tester 100 Main part 110a, 110b Cable 111-114 Pressure tube 131 1st pump 132 2nd pump 141-144 Pressure sensor 151-154 Pressure control circuit 160 Interface circuit 161 Operation panel 162 Display control circuit 163 Display panel 164 Memory 200 Inspection unit 210 Cylindrical member 211 First closing member 212 Second closing member 213 Pressure connector 231, 232 Insertion hole 231a, 232a Inner wall of communication hole 241 Inside of first closing member 242 Inside of second closing member 240 Inside of inspection part (cylindrical member) 250 Actuator 251 Wire 252 Wire winding part

Claims (7)

A leak tester for an endoscope including a flexible insertion tube,
A hollow member having a first opening and a second opening through which the insertion tube is inserted;
A first closure that seals the inside of the hollow member by closing the first opening and the second opening, respectively, in a state where the insertion tube is inserted through the first opening and the second opening. A mechanism and a second closure mechanism;
First pressurizing means for pressurizing the inside of the airtight hollow member;
A pressure detector for detecting the pressure inside the pressurized hollow member;
With
With the insertion tube inserted through the first opening and the second opening, the first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism close the first opening and the second opening, respectively. The volume of the airtight space inside the hollow member is smaller than the volume inside the insertion tube,
Endoscope leak tester. The first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism are respectively
A closing member having an insertion hole through which the insertion tube is inserted, and having a hollow space inside,
A second pressurizing means for pressurizing the hollow space of the closing member;
Have
The closing member expands when the hollow space is pressurized, and closes the first opening and the second opening by closely contacting the insertion tube inserted through the insertion hole.
The endoscope leak tester according to claim 1. The closing member of the first closing mechanism closes the insertion hole by expanding when the hollow space is pressurized in a state where the insertion tube is not inserted through the insertion hole.
The leak tester for endoscopes according to claim 2. The length of the hollow member in the axial direction of the insertion tube is shorter than the length of the insertion tube,
The endoscope leak tester according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The hollow member is
Having a flexible cylindrical shape,
The insertion tube is inserted through the first opening and the second opening, and the first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism close the first opening and the second opening, respectively. Bendable with the insertion tube in a state,
The endoscope leak tester according to any one of claims 1 to 4. A bending mechanism for bending the hollow member;
The endoscope leak tester according to claim 5. The hollow member is extendable in the axial direction of the insertion tube,
The first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism respectively close the first opening and the second opening in a state where the insertion tube is inserted through the first opening and the second opening. By fixing the first opening and the second opening to the insertion tube,
An expansion / contraction mechanism for expanding / contracting the hollow member in the axial direction;
The hollow member individually fixes and unfixes the first opening and the second opening to the insertion tube by the first closing mechanism and the second closing mechanism, and the hollow member is fixed by the telescopic mechanism. It is movable in the axial direction of the insertion tube by expanding and contracting.
The leak tester for endoscopes according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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