JP2530090Y2 - Endoscope fluid ejection nozzle - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field] In the invention, when an observation window provided at the distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope is contaminated, a cleaning fluid is supplied to the observation window. The present invention relates to a fluid ejection nozzle of an endoscope for performing the operation.

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an endoscope is provided at an end portion of an insertion portion inserted into a body cavity or the like of a human body, at an end face portion of a direct-view type, or at a side-view type. Then, the side surface is flattened, and the illumination window and the observation window are formed in this flat portion. Then, in a state where illumination light is emitted from the illumination window toward a site to be observed, the observation can be performed through the observation window.

Here, when observing through this observation window,
In order to ensure a good viewing field, the viewing window must always be kept clean. However, since the endoscope is inserted into a body cavity or the like, bodily fluids and other contaminants may adhere to the observation window. For this reason, the endoscope is provided with a mechanism for supplying a cleaning fluid to the observation window. I have. This cleaning fluid usually consists of cleaning water and pressurized air. First, a cleaning liquid is jetted toward the observation window to remove dirt and the like, and then pressurized air is supplied to the observation window. Purge attached water drops.

Thus, as a supply mechanism for the cleaning fluid, a fluid supply path is provided in the insertion portion, and this fluid supply path is branched into a water supply path and an air supply path on the way and guided to the main body operation section. It is connected to a valve provided in the main body operation section, and a water supply source and an air supply source are connected to this valve. Therefore, by manually operating the valve, the cleaning water or the pressurized air can be selectively supplied as appropriate.

However, since the above-described fluid supply path is open at the distal end of the insertion portion in the same direction as the observation window, it is necessary to direct the cleaning fluid coming out of the fluid supply path toward the observation window. For this purpose, a fluid ejection nozzle is provided at the tip of the insertion section. This fluid ejection nozzle usually has a tunnel-shaped nozzle body with only one side opened, and the nozzle body covers the opening of the fluid supply path,
The fluid ejection opening is mounted so as to face the observation window. In general, the nozzle body is attached to the insertion portion by directly fixing it to the distal end portion of the insertion portion by using a screw, an adhesive, or the like.

Here, while using the endoscope for a long time,
Foreign matter in the body enters the fluid supply path and clogs,
Because the flow of cleaning water and pressurized air may be worse,
This fluid supply passage must be cleaned and clogged as appropriate. However, the opening of the fluid supply path is covered with the fluid ejection nozzle, and since the diameter of the opening is extremely small, a jig such as a brush for cleaning cannot be inserted in the state as it is. . Therefore, it is necessary to attach and detach the fluid ejection nozzle from the insertion portion to perform cleaning.
The removal and reattachment of the nozzle is extremely difficult and troublesome, and requires a great deal of time for disassembly and reassembly. Further, when reattaching, the nozzle must be set so that the cleaning fluid is correctly directed to the observation window. Therefore, it is an operation that requires extremely skill.

In view of the above, in order to easily clear the clogging of the fluid supply path without requiring disassembly of the nozzle, a through hole for inserting a jig such as a brush into the fluid ejection nozzle is provided. None, and those that can be closed by always covering this through hole, for example,
Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-17444 proposes a structure in which a through hole is provided for the same purpose and is always closed with a rubber stopper for the same purpose.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, each time the endoscope is used, the inside of the fluid supply path is cleaned, and the fluid supply path is always supplied with fluid toward the fluid ejection nozzle. Therefore, foreign substances in the body are not directly sucked into the inside. Therefore, the fluid supply path is kept almost clean, and there is almost no possibility of clogging. However, since the nozzle is open when the insertion portion is inserted into the body, the nozzle may be used for an extremely long period of time, or may be clogged when it is extremely poorly maintained. However, due to its nature, clogging is not very frequent.

As described above, although the fluid supply path cannot be denied clogging, its frequency is extremely low.
It is not always advantageous to previously form a through-hole into which a cleaning jig is inserted.

That is, if a through hole is provided in the nozzle, the nozzle becomes weaker by that amount, and may easily deform when colliding with another object. Even if the through-hole is closed, leakage may occur, which may make it impossible to efficiently supply a cleaning fluid such as cleaning water or pressurized air. Furthermore, regardless of whether or not the through-hole is covered, or whether a rubber stopper or the like is attached to the through-hole, a boundary is always formed, and it is extremely difficult to remove bodily contaminants when entering the boundary. It will be. In short, it is not reasonable to form a through-hole for inserting a cleaning jig for clearing the internal clogging before the clogging of the fluid supply path occurs. However, when the fluid supply path is clogged, it is necessary to ensure a proper jig insertion path.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the purpose thereof is that before clogging occurs in the fluid supply path, the nozzle body is not provided with a through hole or the like, and when clogging actually occurs. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid ejection nozzle for an endoscope which can reliably provide a path for inserting a cleaning jig for releasing the clogging.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a cap fitted to the end of an insertion portion of an endoscope, and the cap is provided with a flow path from a fluid supply channel. A nozzle body for connecting the nozzle body to the direction of the observation window, and a perforation at a position on an upper wall of the nozzle body on an extension of the fluid supply path so that a cleaning jig can be inserted into the fluid supply path. The present invention is characterized in that a perforated display unit for performing the above is provided.

[Function] The fluid ejection nozzle ejects a fluid such as cleaning water or pressurized air, and is not suctioned from the outside. Therefore, if the cleaning is performed thoroughly, the fluid ejection nozzle will be used for an extremely long time. Except for the above, clogging of the fluid supply path does not occur. Therefore, it is not necessary to pierce the nozzle body for a considerably long time after starting to use the endoscope. However, since the fluid ejection nozzle is open at the tip of the insertion portion, foreign matter or the like may enter into the fluid supply path, so that the fluid supply path may be clogged. When clogging actually occurs, the nozzle body is pierced to insert a cleaning jig such as a brush for releasing clogging. However, the insertion portion of the endoscope has a small diameter, the nozzle body is extremely small, and the fluid supply path is extremely small. Regardless of drilling the nozzle body,
Unless the holes are drilled at the correct positions, the cleaning jig cannot be inserted. In addition, if a through hole larger than necessary is provided, it becomes difficult to close the perforated portion after cleaning.

In view of the above, the pierceable display portion for providing the pierceable portion is provided at an appropriate position, that is, a position on the upper wall of the nozzle body on the extension of the fluid supply path. Thus, when the fluid supply path is clogged, use a drilling tool such as a drill,
By piercing the pierceable indicator, a piercing portion of an appropriate size can be provided at a position most suitable for inserting a cleaning jig. Here, when piercing, the pressing force acts on the nozzle body, but the pressing force at the time of piercing is not received by the nozzle body alone, but by the cap connected to the nozzle body. Inconvenience such as deformation of the nozzle body does not occur. This allows the fluid supply path to be cleaned and clogged without removing the fluid ejection nozzle,
This cleaning can be performed very easily and quickly. Since the diameter of the perforated portion can be reduced, the perforated portion can be easily and completely closed when cleaning is completed.

Here, the perforated portion display portion can be made weaker than other portions, and thereby, more easily,
Moreover, it can be accurately drilled. In addition, as the closing member for the perforated portion, a padding such as rubber can be used, but since the perforated portion is extremely small as described above,
For example, it can be closed by filling with an adhesive. Then, when closing the perforated portion with the closing member, the protection plate can be inserted into the nozzle body to prevent damage to the lens and the like of the observation window provided at the distal end of the insertion portion.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, FIG. 4 shows the entire configuration of the endoscope. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an insertion portion, and 2 denotes a main body operation portion. The insertion portion 1 is mostly a flexible portion 1a from a side connected to the main body operation portion 2, and a distal end of the soft portion 1a An angle 1b and a hard tip portion 1c are sequentially provided.

As shown in FIG. 1, the distal end hard portion 1c is provided with illumination windows 10, 10 for irradiating illumination light toward the observation target portion, and an observation window 11 is formed. Further, a treatment tool lead-out port 12 for leading out forceps and other treatment tools for removing the affected part or the like is also provided.

When the observation window 11 is contaminated with body fluids, the observation window 11
A fluid ejection nozzle 13 for ejecting a cleaning fluid toward the observation window 11 is mounted in order to wash the fluid. As is apparent from FIG. 2, the fluid ejection nozzle 13 includes a nozzle body 14 formed in a tunnel shape having an ejection port 14a having an open end only at one end side. A cap body 15 fitted to the distal end portion is provided continuously, and the nozzle body 14 is fixed to the distal end hard portion 1c by the cap body 15. Here, an illumination window 10, an observation window 11, and the like are provided at the distal end portion of the distal end hard portion 1c to which the cap body 15 is attached, and since the cap body 15 can be attached based on these, the cap body 15 is attached Then, the ejection port 14a of the nozzle body 14 is correctly directed to the observation window 11.

The nozzle body 14 is provided with a fluid supply passage 16 provided in the distal end hard portion 1c.
, Whereby the observation window is formed in the distal end hard portion 1c.
The cleaning fluid flowing out of the fluid outlet 16a opening in the same direction as 11 is turned 90 °, and
Can be ejected toward the observation window 11. The extension line X of the fluid supply passage 16 in the nozzle body 14
An upper outer surface portion is formed with a display portion 18 that indicates the perforable portion 17 by a dish fir or the like.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 20 denotes a protection plate for protecting the lens and other members attached to the observation window 11 from damage when closing the hole formed in the perforated portion 17. The protection plate is formed of a slippery member such as a fluororesin.

This embodiment is configured as described above, and the insertion unit 1 is inserted into a patient's body or the like, and illumination light is emitted from the illumination window 10 into the body cavity through the observation window 11. Observe. When the observation window 11 is contaminated with body fluid or the like, the user operates the valve 3 provided on the main body operation unit 2 with his / her finger.
The observation window 11 from the fluid supply path 16 through the fluid ejection nozzle 13
The cleaning is performed by squirting the cleaning water toward.

Here, while using the endoscope for an extremely long time,
The fluid supply path 16 is clogged by foreign matter or the like, and the flow of the fluid is deteriorated. When the fluid supply passage 16 is clogged in this way,
With the display unit 18 suspended, a perforated portion 17 provided at a position on the extension line X of the fluid supply path 16 is perforated at an appropriate position in an appropriate size. During this drilling, a pressing force acts on the nozzle body 14, but the nozzle body 14
Since 14 is provided integrally with the cap body 15, this pressing force is not received by the nozzle body 14 alone, but also by the cap body 15 which is larger in size and shape than the nozzle body 14. Therefore, there is no fear that the nozzle body 14 is deformed at the time of drilling. By inserting a cleaning jig such as a brush through the perforated portion formed in this way, the fluid supply path 15 can be cleaned and its clogging can be released. In this manner, by piercing at an appropriate position, the minimum hole diameter at which a cleaning jig such as a brush can be inserted, that is, a hole diameter substantially equal to or smaller than the fluid supply path 16 can be obtained. it can.

Next, after the cleaning is completed and the cleaning jig is detached and attached, the protection plate 20 is inserted into the nozzle body 14 and the perforated portion of the perforated portion 17 is closed by the closing member 19. The closing member 19 closes the hole by filling the perforated portion with a filler such as rubber and fixing it with an adhesive or the like, or filling the perforated portion with an adhesive, a sealant or the like. At this time, since the protection plate 20 is attached to the nozzle body 14, the lens or the like of the observation window 11 is protected when the perforated portion is closed by the closing member 19, and an adhesive or a seal is used. When the agent or the like is filled, the filling member can be prevented from entering the fluid supply path 16. Moreover, since the protective plate 20 is formed of a member having good slippage such as a fluororesin, there is no danger of damaging the lens when the protective plate 20 is inserted into and removed from the nozzle body 14, and the adhesive Is attached to the protection plate 20, the protection plate
Inconvenience that the 20 is fixed to the nozzle body 14 can also be prevented. Here, since the hole diameter is the minimum necessary, it can be easily closed.

In this manner, by piercing the pierceable portion 17 and enabling the cleaning jig to be inserted into the fluid supply passage 16, the clogging of the fluid supply passage 16 can be performed without disassembling the fluid ejection nozzle 13. The release can be carried out very easily and quickly and without special skill. Therefore, the fluid supply path 16 can be quickly cleaned at the use site of the endoscope. Further, the hole formed in the perforated portion 17 is closed by the closing member 19 after cleaning, but since this hole can have a minimum necessary hole diameter, the work of closing the perforated portion is extremely difficult. It can be done easily.

Moreover, before the clogging of the fluid supply path 16 occurs, the nozzle body 14 retains the perfect shape, so that the cleaning fluid can be ejected toward the observation window 11 without leakage and very efficiently. As a result, the cleaning efficiency of the observation window 11 is kept good, and the strength of the nozzle body 14 is also kept good. Of course, since the nozzle body 14 has no boundary with other members, the washing and disinfection performed each time the endoscope is used can be completely performed, which is preferable from the viewpoint of hygiene.

In the embodiment described above, initially,
Although a configuration in which the nozzle body 14 is provided with a display portion 18 such as a countersunk fir indicating the position of the pierceable portion 17 is shown, the portion of the pierceable portion 17 is made more fragile than other portions, or Perforations may be made in advance, and the padding 19 may be attached to the perforated portions. Then, in this case, the perforable section 17 itself becomes the display section 18.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, in the present invention, the nozzle body is provided integrally with the cap fitted to the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and is provided at a position on the upper wall of the nozzle body on the extension of the fluid supply path. Since the piercable display portion for performing piercing for inserting the cleaning jig is provided, initially, in a state where the fluid supply path is not clogged, there is no through hole or the like in the nozzle body. Cleaning and disinfection performed after use of the endoscope because the shape is maintained, its strength is maintained, there is no leakage of the cleaning fluid, and there is no boundary between the nozzle body and other members. When the fluid supply passage is clogged, the pressing force acting on the nozzle body when piercing the pierceable indicator is not received by the nozzle body alone, but is connected to it. Pressure is received even with a cap Therefore, it is possible to easily perform the minimum drilling required for inserting the cleaning jig at the most accurate position without deforming the nozzle main body, and the upper part of the fluid supply path is formed by the nozzle main body. In this state, the fluid supply path can be cleaned very easily and quickly, and the perforated portion can be easily closed after the cleaning.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an external view showing a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope equipped with a fluid ejection nozzle, and FIG. 2 is II in FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory view, and FIG. 4 is an external view showing the entire configuration of the endoscope. 1: Insertion part, 1c: Hard tip part, 2: Body operation part, 10: Lighting window,
11: observation window, 13: fluid ejection nozzle, 14: nozzle body, 14a:
Spout, 15: cap body, 16: fluid supply path, 16a: fluid outlet, 17: pierceable part, 18: display part, 19: closing member, 20: protective plate.

Claims (1)

(57) [Scope of request for utility model registration] An apparatus for ejecting a cleaning fluid from a fluid supply passage incorporated in an insertion portion of an endoscope to an observation window provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, wherein a cap is fitted to a distal end of the insertion portion. A nozzle body for connecting the flow path from the fluid supply path to the observation window toward the observation window, and a position on an upper wall of the nozzle body on an extension of the fluid supply path. A fluid ejection nozzle for an endoscope, wherein a pierceable indicator is provided for piercing the fluid supply path so that a cleaning jig can be inserted.