JP4145579B2

JP4145579B2 - Endoscopic air feeding / suction operation mechanism

Info

Publication number: JP4145579B2
Application number: JP2002185608A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 浩佐野
Original assignee: Hoya Corp
Current assignee: Hoya Corp
Priority date: 2002-06-26
Filing date: 2002-06-26
Publication date: 2008-09-03
Anticipated expiration: 2022-06-26
Also published as: JP2004024561A

Description

【０００１】
【技術分野】
本発明は、内視鏡の送気及び吸引用の操作機構に関する。
【０００２】
【従来技術及びその問題点】
医療用内視鏡において、対象臓器を適当な大きさに膨らませて処置や観察を行いやすくするなどの目的のため、挿入部先端に送気する送気機構を備えたものがある。送気機構では、把持操作用の操作部（グリップ部）と挿入部との間の連結部に設けた送気用チャンネルの入口部に対して、送気源から延出された送気チューブを接続し、この送気チューブに設けた三方活栓などの操作部材を操作して送気状態を切り換えるタイプが知られている。ところが、内視鏡の使用時には一般に、片手で操作部を把持し、他方の手は挿入部に添えられているため、上記構造の送気装置では、送気状態を切り換えるためには挿入部から手を離す必要がある。挿入部から手を離すと観察及び処置対象に対する挿入部先端の位置がずれてしまい、再度、挿入部を位置決めする手間がかかって煩雑である。
【０００３】
また、送気とは逆に、体液や汚物などを吸引する吸引機構を備えた内視鏡も周知であるが、特に挿入部先端にフードを有する場合、このフード内に生体粘膜を吸引してしまうと観察不能なってしまうおそれがある。
【０００４】
【発明の目的】
本発明は、挿入部から手を離さずに送気や吸引コントロールが可能で動作の安定性及び操作性に優れる内視鏡の送気吸引操作機構を提供することを目的とする。本発明はまた、吸引時に観察対象を引き込んで観察不能となるおそれが少なく、動作の安定性及び操作性に優れる内視鏡の送気吸引操作機構を提供することを目的とする。
【０００５】
【発明の概要】
本発明は、観察対象内に挿入される先端部に吸引用開口と送気用開口を有する挿入部と、把持操作用のグリップ部に設けられ、外部の吸引源と吸引用開口の間の連通と遮断の切り換えと、外部の送気源と送気用開口の間の連通と遮断の切り換えの両方を行う送気吸引両用操作部材とを備えた内視鏡の送気吸引操作機構において、送気吸引両用操作部材が、グリップ部に支持したガイドシリンダと、該ガイドシリンダに挿入された押圧可能なピストン；ガイドシリンダ内に形成した、送気機構を構成する送気源と送気用開口とにそれぞれ連通する送気源連通空間と送気用開口連通空間、及び吸引機構を構成する吸引源と吸引用開口とにそれぞれ連通する吸引源連通空間と吸引用開口連通空間；ピストン内に形成した、該ピストンの押圧、非押圧状態に関わらず、ピストンの外面（押圧面）に形成した送気リーク開口を通して送気源連通空間を外気と連通させる送気リーク用連通路；この送気リーク用連通路と送気用開口連通空間に連通させてピストン内に形成された径方向通気孔；この径方向通気孔内にガイドシリンダの内周面と非接触の状態で設けられ、送気リーク開口の開放状態では送気リーク用連通路に対して送気用開口連通空間を閉じ、送気リーク開口の閉鎖状態では、送気源から送出される空気によって送気リーク用連通路に対して送気用開口連通空間を開く弁部材；ピストンの非押圧状態でシリンダの内周面に密着して吸引源連通空間と吸引用開口連通空間を遮断し、ピストンの押圧によってシリンダの内周面から離れて吸引源連通空間と吸引用開口連通空間を連通させる、該ピストンの外周に設けた環状の移動シール部材；及び、ピストンの非押圧状態で吸引源連通空間を外気と連通させる外気吸入用連通路；を備えていることを特徴としている。
【０００７】
以上の構成を備えた本発明の送気吸引両用操作部材によれば、ピストンの送気リーク開口を塞ぐことにより送気用開口からの送気を行い、ピストンを押圧することにより吸引用開口からの吸引を行うことができる。また、ピストンの送気リーク開口を塞ぎながらピストンを押圧することにより、送気用開口からの送気と吸引用開口からの吸引を同時に行わせることができる。
【０００８】
ピストンは、中央部が高い円形ドーム状の押圧面を有し、この押圧面の中央に送気リーク開口が形成されていると、吸引用のピストン押圧操作時に自然に送気リーク開口を塞いで送気を行いやすい。また、ピストンをガイドシリンダからの突出方向に付勢する付勢手段を備えることが好ましい。
【０００９】
本発明の送気吸引操作機構は、特に挿入部の先端に吸引用開口と送気用開口を囲むフードを備えているタイプの内視鏡に好適である。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１は、本発明を適用した内視鏡の外観を示している。内視鏡１０は、柔軟な挿入部１１とその基部に接続された操作部（グリップ部）１２を有しており、挿入部１１の先端付近は、操作部１２に設けた湾曲操作レバー１９の回動操作に応じて湾曲状態を変化させることが可能な湾曲部１１ａとなっている。操作部１２からは先端にコネクタ部１４を有するユニバーサルチューブ１３が延出され、該コネクタ部１４は、図示しない外部プロセッサに着脱可能となっている。
【００１１】
図２に示すように、挿入部１１の先端部端面には、対物窓１５、２つの照明窓１６、鉗子チャンネル出口部（吸引用開口）１７、及び送気チャンネル出口部（送気用開口）１８が配置されている。対物窓１５を含む対物光学系よる観察対象の像は、挿入部先端内に設けた撮像素子（ＣＣＤ）によって画像信号に変換され、挿入部１１からユニバーサルチューブ１３のコネクタ部１４まで配設された画像信号伝送ケーブルによってプロセッサに送られる。プロセッサでは、電子画像をモニタに表示したり、光磁気ディスク等の記録媒体に記録することができる。プロセッサはさらに光源を有しており、コネクタ部１４から挿入部１１まで配設されたライトガイドファイババンドルを介して、照明窓１６へ照明光が送られる。
【００１２】
図３に示すように、挿入部１１の先端には、筒状のフード２０が設けられている。フード２０は、観察対象と対物窓１５の適正距離を確保するためのものであり、鉗子チャンネル出口部１７や送気チャンネル出口部１８が形成された先端部硬性部材２１に対して螺着されている。
【００１３】
図４は、内視鏡１０における吸引機構及び送気機構の概略を示している。まず、吸引機構を説明する。挿入部１１と操作部１２を接続する連結部２９には、鉗子チャンネル２３を介して前述の鉗子チャンネル出口部１７に通じる鉗子チャンネル入口部２２が設けられている。図３に示すように、鉗子チャンネル２３の先端部は、先端部硬性部材２１と結合して鉗子チャンネル出口部１７に連通している。鉗子チャンネル２３の途中には、吸引チャンネル２４の一端部が接続し、この吸引チャンネル２４の他端部は、操作部１２から突出する管状の吸引チューブ接続部２５に通じている。吸引チューブ接続部２５には、吸引源Ｖから延出された吸引チューブ２６Ｖが接続する。吸引チャンネル２４の途中には送気吸引ボタン（送気吸引両用操作部材）３０のガイドシリンダ３１が設けられており、吸引チャンネル２４は、このガイドシリンダ３１を挟んで、鉗子チャンネル２３側の第１吸引チャンネル部２４ａと、吸引チューブ接続部２５側の第２吸引チャンネル部２４ｂとに分けられる。よって、吸引チャンネル２４（第１と第２の吸引チャンネル部２４ａ、２４ｂと、その間のガイドシリンダ３１）と、鉗子チャンネル２３とを通じて、鉗子チャンネル出口部１７に吸引源Ｖの吸引力を作用させることができる。鉗子チャンネル２３には鉗子チャンネル入口部２２から鉗子などの各種処置具を挿入可能であり、鉗子チャンネル２３は、吸引用と処置具挿入用の管路として併用される。
【００１４】
一方、送気機構では、操作部１２の末端部に送気源Ｐから延出された送気チューブ２６Ｐが接続する送気チャンネル入口部２７が設けられており、この送気チャンネル入口部２７と前述の送気チャンネル出口部１８とが、送気チャンネル２８によって接続されている。図３に示すように、送気チャンネル２８の一端部は、先端部硬性部材２１に結合して送気チャンネル出口部１８と連通している。吸引チャンネル２４と同様に、送気チャンネル２８は、送気吸引ボタン３０のガイドシリンダ３１を挟んで、送気チャンネル出口部１８側の第１送気チャンネル部２８ａと、送気チャンネル入口部２７側の第２送気チャンネル部２８ｂとに分けられる。
【００１５】
図５は、送気吸引ボタン３０の構造を示している。操作部１２の外観を構成する合成樹脂製のハウジング３２には貫通穴３３が形成されている。貫通穴３３のうち操作部１２の内部側には、外部側よりも開口径を小さくした挿入規制リブ３４が形成されている。貫通穴３３にはガイドシリンダ３１を着脱可能である。ガイドシリンダ３１は操作部１２の内側から貫通穴３３に挿入され、外周面に形成した段部３１ａが挿入規制リブ３４に係合することによって挿入が規制される。この挿入規制状態においてガイドシリンダ３１の先端部外周面に形成したねじ部３５に抜止環３６を螺合させると、該抜止環３６と段部３１ａとが挿入規制リブ３４を挟持して、ハウジング３２に対してガイドシリンダ３１が固定される。ねじ部３５にはさらに、ハウジング３２の外面側に支持されるピストン支持リング３７が螺着され、該ピストン支持リング３７の内径開口部３７ａにはピストン３８が軸線方向に進退可能に支持されている。ピストン３８は、ピストン支持リング３７からの突出部外周面にねじ部３９を有し、このねじ部３９にボタンヘッド４０が螺着されている。ピストン３８とボタンヘッド４０の結合体は、ボタンヘッド４０とピストン支持リング３７との間に設けたピストン付勢ばね４１により、ピストン支持リング３７から外方へ突出する方向へ向けて付勢されている。ハウジング３２（挿入規制リブ３４）とガイドシリンダ３１の間、及び抜止環３６とピストン支持リング３７の間はそれぞれＯリング４２、４３によって液密に塞がれている。
【００１６】
前述の通り、筒状をなすガイドシリンダ３１には、吸引チャンネル２４を構成する第１吸引チャンネル部２４ａ及び第２吸引チャンネル部２４ｂと、送気チャンネル２８を構成する第１送気チャンネル部２８ａ及び第２送気チャンネル部２８ｂとの計４本の管路が接続しており、ガイドシリンダ３１には、各管路とガイドシリンダ３１の内部空間を連通させる４つの連通路が形成されている。４つの連通路はガイドシリンダ３１の軸線方向にそれぞれ位置を異ならせて配置されており、ガイドシリンダ３１に対しては、ハウジング３２に近い（内視鏡外面に近い）側から、第２吸引チャンネル部２４ｂ、第１吸引チャンネル部２４ａ、第１送気チャンネル部２８ａ、第２送気チャンネル部２８ｂの順で接続している。
【００１７】
図５の左半分はピストン３８を押圧しない状態、右半分はピストン付勢ばね４１に対してピストン３８を押圧した状態を示している。ガイドシリンダ３１の最も下方には、ピストン３８の押圧状態と非押圧状態のいずれでも確保される送気源連通空間Ｓ１があり、この送気源連通空間Ｓ１は、第２送気チャンネル部２８ｂと送気チューブ２６Ｐを介して送気源Ｐと連通している。また、送気源連通空間Ｓ１の若干上方には、ガイドシリンダ３１の内周面とピストン３８の外周面の間に環状の送気用開口連通空間Ｓ２が形成されており、第１送気チャンネル部２８ａは、ピストン３８の押圧状態と非押圧状態のいずれにおいても、この送気用開口連通空間Ｓ２と連通している。すなわち、送気用開口連通空間Ｓ２は、第１送気チャンネル部２８ａを介して送気チャンネル出口部１８と連通している。ピストン３８には、送気源連通空間Ｓ１からボタンヘッド４０の外面まで、その軸線方向全体を貫通する軸方向通気孔（送気リーク用連通路）５０と、該通気孔５０と送気用開口連通空間Ｓ２を連通させる径方向通気孔５１が形成され、該径方向通気孔５１内に、ガイドシリンダ３１の内周面に対して接触しない状態で、通気制御弁（弁部材）５２が設けられている。通気制御弁５２は、通常は径方向通気孔５１を閉じており、所定の空気圧が作用すると開いて、軸方向通気孔５０から第１送気チャンネル部２８ａへの送気を可能とさせる。
【００１８】
ガイドシリンダ３１内において、送気用開口連通空間Ｓ２のさらに上方には吸引用開口連通空間Ｓ３と吸引源連通空間Ｓ４が形成されており、吸引用開口連通空間Ｓ３に対して第１吸引チャンネル部２４ａ、吸引源連通空間Ｓ４に対して第２吸引チャンネル部２４ｂがそれぞれ連通している。すなわち、吸引用開口連通空間Ｓ３は、第１吸引チャンネル部２４ａと鉗子チャンネル２３を介して鉗子チャンネル出口部１７と連通しており、吸引源連通空間Ｓ４は、第２吸引チャンネル部２４ｂと吸引チューブ２６Ｖを介して吸引源Ｖと連通している。吸引用開口連通空間Ｓ３と吸引源連通空間Ｓ４は、ピストン３８の非押圧時（図５の左半分）には、該ピストン３８の外周面に支持されたＯリング（移動シール部材）５３がガイドシリンダ３１の内周面に密着することで相互に流体流通しないように隔てられているが、ピストン３８を押圧すると、ガイドシリンダ３１の内周面からＯリング５３が離れて、吸引用開口連通空間Ｓ３と吸引源連通空間Ｓ４が一続きの空間となる。
【００１９】
送気源連通空間Ｓ１と送気用開口連通空間Ｓ２の間、送気用開口連通空間Ｓ２と吸引用開口連通空間Ｓ３の間はそれぞれ、ピストン３８の押圧状態と非押圧状態とに関わらず、Ｏリング５４、５５によって、相互に流体流通しないように隔てられている。また、ピストン３８が押圧されていない状態では、該ピストン３８に形成した吸気孔（外気吸入用連通路）３８ａを介して、吸引源連通空間Ｓ４と外気とが連通している。この吸気孔３８ａの上方のピストン３８の外周面には、Ｏリング４４が嵌められている。
【００２０】
以上の構造の送気吸引ボタン３０は、ピストン３８を押し込んでいない図５の左半分の状態では、吸引源Ｖを作動させて第２吸引チャンネル部２４ｂ側から陰圧をかけても、吸引用開口連通空間Ｓ３と吸引源連通空間Ｓ４との間がＯリング５３で遮断されているため、第１吸引チャンネル部２４ａには陰圧が作用せず、吸引は行われない。吸引源連通空間Ｓ４は吸気孔３８ａを通して外気と通じており、第２吸引チャンネル部２４ｂには外気が流入する。
【００２１】
一方、送気源連通空間Ｓ１と第２送気チャンネル部２８ｂは常時連通しているため、送気源Ｐを作動させた状態では、該送気源Ｐからの送気は軸方向通気孔５０内に送られる。ここで、ボタンヘッド４０側に形成された軸方向通気孔５０のリーク開口５０ａが塞がれていなければ、送気は該リーク開口５０ａを通して外方に噴出され、通気制御弁５２は開かれないので、第１送気チャンネル部２８ａ側へは送気されない。そして、指などでリーク開口５０ａを塞ぐと、送気される空気圧によって通気制御弁５２が開き、送気用開口連通空間Ｓ２を通して第１送気チャンネル部２８ａに空気が流入する。つまり、送気チャンネル出口部１８から送気が行われる。
【００２２】
ボタンヘッド４０とピストン３８の結合体を図５の右半分のように押し込むと、Ｏリング５３によって遮断されていた吸引用開口連通空間Ｓ３と吸引源連通空間Ｓ４、すなわち第１吸引チャンネル部２４ａと第２吸引チャンネル部２４ｂが連通する。さらに、ピストン３８が下方に移動したことにより、Ｏリング４４がピストン支持リング３７の内径開口部３７ａに密着し、該Ｏリング４４の下方にある吸気孔３８ａが外気に対して遮断される。これにより、吸引源Ｖからの陰圧が鉗子チャンネル２３側へ作用するようになり、鉗子チャンネル出口部１７から吸引を行うことが可能となる。
【００２３】
また、この吸引操作時には、指で軸方向通気孔５０のリーク開口５０ａを塞ぎながらボタンヘッド４０を押圧するので、ピストン３８を押圧せずにリーク開口５０ａを塞ぐ場合と同様に、送気源Ｐからの送気圧の作用によって通気制御弁５２が開かれ、第１送気チャンネル部２８ａに空気が供給される。つまり、挿入部１１の先端において、吸引を行いながら同時に送気も行われる。なお、通気制御弁５２は、ガイドシリンダ３１の内周面には接触しないように径方向通気孔５１内に配置されているため、ピストン３８が移動してもガイドシリンダ３１との間に抵抗を与えず、良好な操作性が得られる。また、ピストン３８が移動の移動に伴って通気制御弁５２自体に不要な変形が生じるおそれもない。
【００２４】
以上のように、本実施形態の吸引及び送気操作機構では、送気吸引ボタン３０の押圧、非押圧の如何を問わず、ボタンヘッド４０のリーク開口５０ａを塞ぐことによって送気が実行される。そして、同じ送気吸引ボタン３０を押圧することで吸引操作となる。送気吸引ボタン３０は、操作部１２に設けられているため、挿入部に添えた手を離すことなく送気と吸引をコントロールすることができ、操作性が良い。
【００２５】
また、吸引時操作としてボタンヘッド４０を押圧すると、通常の使用態様であれば指でリーク開口５０ａを塞ぐことになるため、吸引と同時に送気が行われる。吸引と同時に送気を行うことで、過度な吸引力によってフード２０内に生体粘膜を引き込んでしまうおそれが軽減される。なお、リーク開口５０ａを塞がないように意図してボタンヘッド４０を押圧すれば、送気は行わずに吸引のみを実行することも可能である。
【００２６】
但し、本発明は図示実施形態に限定されるものではない、例えば、実施形態の構造に加えてさらに送気チャンネル２８の第１送気チャンネル部２８ａの途中に送水用の口金を設けて、送水機能を持たせることも可能である。この場合、送水口金に栓あるいは弁機構を設けることにより、送水口金から送気が漏れることを防止することができる。
【００２７】
【発明の効果】
以上から明らかなように、本発明によれば、挿入部から手を離さずに送気と吸引をコントロールでき、さらに吸引用の操作に伴って送気も同時に行わせるとことが可能で、動作の安定性及び操作性に優れる内視鏡の送気吸引操作機構を得ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明を適用した内視鏡の外観図である。
【図２】図１の矢印II方向から見た、内視鏡の挿入部先端の正面図である。
【図３】図１の内視鏡の挿入部先端の断面図である。
【図４】図１の内視鏡における吸引及び送気用の管路構造を示す図である。
【図５】送気吸引ボタンの非押圧状態を左半部、押圧状態を右半分に示した断面図である。
【符号の説明】
１０内視鏡
１１挿入部
１２操作部（グリップ部）
１７鉗子チャンネル出口部（吸引用開口）
１８送気チャンネル出口部（送気用開口）
２０フード
２１先端部硬性部材
２２鉗子チャンネル入口部
２３鉗子チャンネル
２４吸引チャンネル
２４ａ第１吸引チャンネル部
２４ｂ第２吸引チャンネル部
２５吸引チューブ接続部
２６Ｖ吸引チューブ
２６Ｐ送気チューブ
２７送気チャンネル入口部
２８送気チャンネル
２８ａ第１送気チャンネル部
２８ｂ第２送気チャンネル部
３０送気吸引ボタン（送気吸引両用操作部材）
３１ガイドシリンダ
３２ハウジング
３３貫通穴
３４挿入規制リブ
３５ねじ部
３６抜止環
３７ピストン支持リング
３８ピストン
３８ａ吸気孔（外気吸入用連通路）
３９ねじ部
４０ボタンヘッド
４１ピストン付勢ばね
４２４３Ｏリング
４４Ｏリング
５０軸方向通気孔（送気リーク用連通路）
５０ａリーク開口
５１径方向通気孔
５２通気制御弁（弁部材）
５３Ｏリング（移動シール部材）
５４５５Ｏリング
Ｓ１送気源連通空間
Ｓ２送気用開口連通空間
Ｓ３吸引用開口連通空間
Ｓ４吸引源連通空間
Ｖ吸引源
Ｐ送気源[0001]
【Technical field】
The present invention relates to an operation mechanism for air supply and suction of an endoscope.
[0002]
[Prior art and its problems]
Some medical endoscopes are equipped with an air supply mechanism for supplying air to the distal end of the insertion portion for the purpose of facilitating treatment and observation by expanding the target organ to an appropriate size. In the air supply mechanism, the air supply tube extended from the air supply source is connected to the inlet portion of the air supply channel provided at the connection portion between the operation portion (grip portion) for gripping operation and the insertion portion. There is known a type in which an air supply state is switched by operating an operation member such as a three-way cock connected to the air supply tube. However, when the endoscope is used, the operation unit is generally grasped with one hand and the other hand is attached to the insertion unit. Therefore, in the air supply device having the above structure, the insertion unit is used to switch the air supply state. I need to release my hand. When the hand is released from the insertion part, the position of the distal end of the insertion part with respect to the object to be observed and treated is displaced, and it is troublesome to position the insertion part again.
[0003]
In contrast to air supply, endoscopes equipped with a suction mechanism for sucking body fluids and filth are well known, but particularly when a hood is provided at the distal end of the insertion section, the biological mucous membrane is sucked into the hood. Otherwise, observation may become impossible.
[0004]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention aims at providing a air suction operation mechanism of the endoscope excellent stability and operability of the operation can be air or suction control without removing the hand from the insertion portion. Another object of the present invention is to provide an insufflation / suction operation mechanism for an endoscope that is less likely to become unobservable due to drawing of an observation object during suction , and has excellent operational stability and operability .
[0005]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes an insertion portion having an air supply opening and the suction opening at the distal end which is inserted into the observation target, provided on the grip portion of the gripping operation, communication between the suction opening and an external suction source and the switching of the shut-off, in an external air source and the air suction operation mechanism of the endoscope and a air suction dual operating member for both communication and cutoff of the switching between the air supply opening, feed An air suction operating member having a guide cylinder supported by the grip portion, a pushable piston inserted into the guide cylinder; an air supply source and an air supply opening which are formed in the guide cylinder and constitute an air supply mechanism; An air supply source communication space and an air supply opening communication space that communicate with each other, and a suction source communication space and a suction opening communication space that communicate with the suction source and the suction opening, respectively, constituting the suction mechanism; , Pressing and non-pressing of the piston Regardless of the state, the air supply leak communication passage that communicates the air supply source communication space with the outside air through the air supply leak opening formed on the outer surface (pressing surface) of the piston; this air supply leak communication passage and the air supply opening communication A radial vent hole formed in the piston in communication with the space; provided in the radial vent hole in a non-contact state with the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder, and for an air leak when the air leak opening is open A valve that closes the air supply opening communication space with respect to the communication passage and opens the air supply opening communication space with respect to the air supply leak communication passage by the air sent from the air supply source when the air supply leak opening is closed. Member: Close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder in the non-pressed state of the piston, shuts off the suction source communication space and the suction opening communication space, and moves away from the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder by pressing the piston, and the suction source communication space and suction Communicating the open communication space , Moving the sealing member annular provided on the outer periphery of the piston; and, a suction source communicating space in the non-pressed state of the piston the outside air intake communication passage which communicates the outside air communication; is characterized in that it comprises a.
[0007]
According to the air feeding / suction operation member of the present invention having the above configuration, air is supplied from the air feeding opening by closing the air feeding leak opening of the piston, and the piston is pressed from the suction opening. it can be carried out of the suction. Further, by pressing the piston while closing the air supply leak opening of the piston, it is possible to simultaneously perform air supply from the air supply opening and suction from the suction opening .
[0008]
The piston has a circular dome-shaped pressing surface with a high central part, and if an air supply leak opening is formed at the center of this pressing surface, the air supply leak opening is naturally blocked during the suction piston pressing operation. Easy to air. Moreover, it is preferable to provide an urging means for urging the piston in the protruding direction from the guide cylinder.
[0009]
The air supply / suction operation mechanism of the present invention is particularly suitable for an endoscope of the type provided with a suction opening and a hood surrounding the air supply opening at the distal end of the insertion portion.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows the appearance of an endoscope to which the present invention is applied. The endoscope 10 has a flexible insertion portion 11 and an operation portion (grip portion) 12 connected to the base portion thereof, and a distal end of the insertion portion 11 is provided with a bending operation lever 19 provided on the operation portion 12. The bending portion 11a is capable of changing the bending state according to the turning operation. A universal tube 13 having a connector part 14 at its distal end extends from the operation part 12, and the connector part 14 can be attached to and detached from an external processor (not shown).
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 2, an objective window 15, two illumination windows 16, a forceps channel outlet (suction opening) 17, and an air supply channel outlet (air supply opening) are provided on the end face of the insertion portion 11. 18 is arranged. An image to be observed by the objective optical system including the objective window 15 is converted into an image signal by an imaging device (CCD) provided in the distal end of the insertion portion, and is arranged from the insertion portion 11 to the connector portion 14 of the universal tube 13. It is sent to the processor by an image signal transmission cable. The processor can display an electronic image on a monitor or record it on a recording medium such as a magneto-optical disk. The processor further includes a light source, and the illumination light is sent to the illumination window 16 through a light guide fiber bundle disposed from the connector unit 14 to the insertion unit 11.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 3, a cylindrical hood 20 is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion 11. The hood 20 is for securing an appropriate distance between the observation target and the objective window 15 and is screwed to the distal end rigid member 21 in which the forceps channel outlet portion 17 and the air supply channel outlet portion 18 are formed. Yes.
[0013]
FIG. 4 schematically shows a suction mechanism and an air supply mechanism in the endoscope 10. First, the suction mechanism will be described. The connecting portion 29 that connects the insertion portion 11 and the operation portion 12 is provided with a forceps channel inlet portion 22 that communicates with the forceps channel outlet portion 17 via the forceps channel 23. As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end portion of the forceps channel 23 is connected to the distal end rigid member 21 and communicates with the forceps channel outlet portion 17. In the middle of the forceps channel 23, one end of the suction channel 24 is connected, and the other end of the suction channel 24 communicates with a tubular suction tube connection portion 25 protruding from the operation unit 12. A suction tube 26 </ b> V extended from the suction source V is connected to the suction tube connection portion 25. A guide cylinder 31 of an air supply / suction button (air supply / suction operation member) 30 is provided in the middle of the suction channel 24, and the suction channel 24 sandwiches the guide cylinder 31, and the first side of the forceps channel 23 side. It is divided into a suction channel portion 24a and a second suction channel portion 24b on the suction tube connection portion 25 side. Therefore, the suction force of the suction source V is applied to the forceps channel outlet portion 17 through the suction channel 24 (the first and second suction channel portions 24a and 24b and the guide cylinder 31 therebetween) and the forceps channel 23. Can do. Various treatment tools such as forceps can be inserted into the forceps channel 23 from the forceps channel inlet 22, and the forceps channel 23 is used in combination as a conduit for suction and treatment tool insertion.
[0014]
On the other hand, in the air supply mechanism, an air supply channel inlet portion 27 to which an air supply tube 26P extended from the air supply source P is connected to the end portion of the operation portion 12 is provided. The air supply channel outlet 18 is connected by an air supply channel 28. As shown in FIG. 3, one end of the air supply channel 28 is coupled to the distal end rigid member 21 and communicates with the air supply channel outlet 18. Similar to the suction channel 24, the air supply channel 28 sandwiches the guide cylinder 31 of the air supply / suction button 30, and the first air supply channel portion 28a on the air supply channel outlet portion 18 side and the air supply channel inlet portion 27 side. And the second air supply channel section 28b.
[0015]
FIG. 5 shows the structure of the air supply / suction button 30. A through hole 33 is formed in a housing 32 made of synthetic resin that constitutes the appearance of the operation unit 12. An insertion restriction rib 34 having an opening diameter smaller than that of the outer side is formed on the inner side of the operation portion 12 in the through hole 33. The guide cylinder 31 can be attached to and detached from the through hole 33. The guide cylinder 31 is inserted into the through hole 33 from the inside of the operation portion 12, and the insertion is restricted when the step portion 31 a formed on the outer peripheral surface engages with the insertion restriction rib 34. When the retaining ring 36 is screwed into the threaded portion 35 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the guide cylinder 31 in this insertion restricted state, the retaining ring 36 and the stepped portion 31 a sandwich the insertion restricting rib 34, and the housing 32. In contrast, the guide cylinder 31 is fixed. Further, a piston support ring 37 supported on the outer surface side of the housing 32 is screwed to the screw portion 35, and a piston 38 is supported in an inner diameter opening 37 a of the piston support ring 37 so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction. . The piston 38 has a screw portion 39 on the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion from the piston support ring 37, and the button head 40 is screwed to the screw portion 39. The combined body of the piston 38 and the button head 40 is urged in a direction protruding outward from the piston support ring 37 by a piston urging spring 41 provided between the button head 40 and the piston support ring 37. Yes. Between the housing 32 (insertion restriction rib 34) and the guide cylinder 31, and between the retaining ring 36 and the piston support ring 37 are liquid-tightly closed by O-rings 42 and 43, respectively.
[0016]
As described above, the cylindrical guide cylinder 31 includes the first suction channel portion 24a and the second suction channel portion 24b that constitute the suction channel 24, the first air supply channel portion 28a that constitutes the air supply channel 28, and A total of four pipe lines connected to the second air supply channel portion 28 b are connected, and the guide cylinder 31 is formed with four communication paths that allow the pipe lines to communicate with the internal space of the guide cylinder 31. The four communication passages are arranged at different positions in the axial direction of the guide cylinder 31, and the second suction channel is provided to the guide cylinder 31 from the side close to the housing 32 (close to the outer surface of the endoscope). The part 24b, the first suction channel part 24a, the first air supply channel part 28a, and the second air supply channel part 28b are connected in this order.
[0017]
The left half of FIG. 5 shows a state where the piston 38 is not pressed, and the right half shows a state where the piston 38 is pressed against the piston biasing spring 41. At the lowermost part of the guide cylinder 31, there is an air supply source communication space S1 that is secured in both the pressed state and the non-pressed state of the piston 38. It communicates with the air supply source P through the air supply tube 26P. Further, an annular air supply opening communication space S2 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the piston 38 slightly above the air supply source communication space S1, and the first air supply channel. The portion 28a communicates with the air supply opening communication space S2 regardless of whether the piston 38 is pressed or not. That is, the air supply opening communication space S2 communicates with the air supply channel outlet portion 18 via the first air supply channel portion 28a. The piston 38 includes an axial ventilation hole (air supply leak communication passage) 50 that penetrates the entire axial direction from the air supply source communication space S1 to the outer surface of the button head 40, and the ventilation hole 50 and the air supply opening. A radial vent hole 51 for communicating the communication space S <b> 2 is formed , and a vent control valve (valve member) 52 is provided in the radial vent hole 51 without being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder 31. ing. The ventilation control valve 52 normally closes the radial ventilation hole 51 and opens when a predetermined air pressure is applied, and allows air supply from the axial ventilation hole 50 to the first air supply channel portion 28a.
[0018]
In the guide cylinder 31, a suction opening communication space S3 and a suction source communication space S4 are formed further above the air supply opening communication space S2, and a first suction channel portion is formed with respect to the suction opening communication space S3. The second suction channel portion 24b communicates with the suction source communication space S4. That is, the suction opening communication space S3 communicates with the forceps channel outlet portion 17 via the first suction channel portion 24a and the forceps channel 23, and the suction source communication space S4 includes the second suction channel portion 24b and the suction tube. It communicates with the suction source V via 26V. The suction opening communication space S3 and the suction source communication space S4 are guided by an O-ring (moving seal member) 53 supported on the outer peripheral surface of the piston 38 when the piston 38 is not pressed (the left half in FIG. 5). Although they are separated from each other so as not to circulate fluid by being in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 31, when the piston 38 is pressed, the O-ring 53 is separated from the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder 31, and the suction opening communication space S3 and suction source communication space S4 form a continuous space.
[0019]
Regardless of whether the piston 38 is pressed or not pressed between the air supply source communication space S1 and the air supply opening communication space S2, and between the air supply opening communication space S2 and the suction opening communication space S3, respectively. O-rings 54 and 55 are separated from each other so that fluid does not flow. Further, when the piston 38 is not pressed, the suction source communication space S4 and the outside air communicate with each other through an intake hole (outside air intake communication passage) 38a formed in the piston 38. An O-ring 44 is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the piston 38 above the intake hole 38a.
[0020]
In the state of the left half of FIG. 5 in which the piston 38 is not pushed in, the air supply / suction button 30 having the above-described structure can be used for suction even when the suction source V is operated and negative pressure is applied from the second suction channel portion 24b side. Since the opening communication space S3 and the suction source communication space S4 are blocked by the O-ring 53, negative pressure does not act on the first suction channel portion 24a, and suction is not performed. The suction source communication space S4 communicates with the outside air through the intake hole 38a, and the outside air flows into the second suction channel portion 24b.
[0021]
On the other hand, since the air supply source communication space S1 and the second air supply channel portion 28b are always in communication, the air supply from the air supply source P is in the axial direction vent 50 when the air supply source P is operated. Sent in. Here, if the leak opening 50a of the axial direction vent hole 50 formed on the button head 40 side is not blocked, the air supply is ejected outward through the leak opening 50a, and the vent control valve 52 is not opened. Therefore, air is not supplied to the first air supply channel section 28a side. When the leak opening 50a is closed with a finger or the like, the ventilation control valve 52 is opened by the supplied air pressure, and air flows into the first air supply channel portion 28a through the air supply opening communication space S2. That is, air is supplied from the air supply channel outlet 18.
[0022]
When the combined body of the button head 40 and the piston 38 is pushed in as shown in the right half of FIG. 5, the suction opening communication space S3 and the suction source communication space S4 blocked by the O-ring 53, that is, the first suction channel portion 24a The second suction channel portion 24b communicates. Further, when the piston 38 moves downward, the O-ring 44 comes into close contact with the inner diameter opening 37a of the piston support ring 37, and the intake hole 38a below the O-ring 44 is blocked from outside air. As a result, the negative pressure from the suction source V acts on the forceps channel 23 side, and suction can be performed from the forceps channel outlet portion 17.
[0023]
Further, at the time of this suction operation, the button head 40 is pressed while closing the leak opening 50a of the axial vent 50 with a finger, so that the air supply source P is closed as in the case of closing the leak opening 50a without pressing the piston 38. The ventilation control valve 52 is opened by the action of the air supply pressure from the air supply, and air is supplied to the first air supply channel portion 28a. That is, at the distal end of the insertion portion 11, air is supplied simultaneously with suction. Since the ventilation control valve 52 is disposed in the radial ventilation hole 51 so as not to contact the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder 31, resistance is provided between the ventilation control valve 52 and the guide cylinder 31 even if the piston 38 moves. Good operability can be obtained. Further, there is no possibility that unnecessary deformation occurs in the ventilation control valve 52 itself as the piston 38 moves.
[0024]
As described above, in the suction and air supply operation mechanism of the present embodiment, air supply is executed by closing the leak opening 50a of the button head 40 regardless of whether the air supply / suction button 30 is pressed or not. . And it becomes suction operation by pressing the same air supply suction button 30. Since the air supply / suction button 30 is provided in the operation unit 12, it is possible to control the air supply and suction without releasing the hand attached to the insertion unit, and the operability is good.
[0025]
Further, when the button head 40 is pressed as an operation at the time of suction, the leak opening 50a is closed with a finger in a normal use mode, and therefore air is supplied simultaneously with suction. By performing the air supply simultaneously with the suction, the risk of drawing the biological mucous membrane into the hood 20 due to an excessive suction force is reduced. In addition, if the button head 40 is pressed so as not to block the leak opening 50a, it is possible to perform only suction without air supply.
[0026]
However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, in addition to the structure of the embodiment, a water supply base is provided in the middle of the first air supply channel portion 28a of the air supply channel 28 to supply water. It is also possible to have a function. In this case, it is possible to prevent air supply from leaking from the water supply base by providing a stopper or a valve mechanism in the water supply base.
[0027]
【The invention's effect】
As is clear from the above, according to the present invention, it is possible to control air supply and suction without removing the hand from the insertion portion, and it is possible to perform air supply simultaneously with the operation for suction. air suction operation mechanism of the endoscope having excellent stability and operability Ru can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of an endoscope to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope as seen from the direction of arrow II in FIG.
3 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a view showing a conduit structure for suction and air supply in the endoscope of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a non-pressed state of the air / suction button in the left half and a pressed state in the right half.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Endoscope 11 Insertion part 12 Operation part (grip part)
17 Forceps channel outlet (suction opening)
18 Air supply channel outlet (air supply opening)
20 Hood 21 Tip rigid member 22 Forceps channel inlet 23 Forceps channel 24 Suction channel 24a First suction channel 24b Second suction channel 25 Suction tube connection 26V Suction tube 26P Air supply tube 27 Air supply channel inlet 28 Air channel 28a First air supply channel portion 28b Second air supply channel portion 30 Air supply suction button (air supply / suction operation member)
31 Guide cylinder 32 Housing 33 Through hole 34 Insertion restriction rib 35 Screw part 36 Stop ring 37 Piston support ring 38 Piston 38a Intake hole (external air intake communication passage)
39 Threaded portion 40 Button head 41 Piston biasing spring 42 43 O-ring 44 O-ring 50 Axial vent (communication passage for air supply leak)
50a Leak opening 51 Radial air vent 52 Ventilation control valve (valve member)
53 O-ring (moving seal member)
54 55 O-ring S1 Air supply source communication space S2 Air supply opening communication space S3 Suction opening communication space S4 Suction source communication space V Suction source P Air supply source

Claims

Inserted into the observation target is a suction opening in the tip and the insertion portion having an air supply opening, provided in the grip portion for gripping operation, switching and blocking communication between the external suction source and the suction opening When, in the air suction operation mechanism of the endoscope and a air suction dual operating member for both switching and blocking communication between an external air source and the air supply opening,
The air supply / suction operation member is:
A guide cylinder supported by the grip portion, and a pushable piston inserted into the guide cylinder;
An air supply source communication space and an air supply opening communication space that are formed in the guide cylinder and communicate with the air supply source and the air supply opening, respectively, and a suction source communication that communicates with the suction source and the suction opening, respectively. Space and suction opening communication space;
An air supply leak communication passage formed in the piston for communicating the air supply source communication space with the outside air through an air supply leak opening formed on the outer surface of the piston regardless of whether the piston is pressed or not pressed;
A radial ventilation hole formed in the piston in communication with the air supply leak communication passage and the air supply opening communication space;
This radial vent hole is provided in a non-contact state with the inner peripheral surface of the guide cylinder. When the air supply leak opening is open, the air supply opening communication space is closed with respect to the air supply leak communication path, A valve member that opens the air supply opening communication space with respect to the air supply leak communication passage by the air sent from the air supply source in the closed state of the air leak opening;
Closes the suction source communication space and the suction opening communication space by tightly contacting the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder when the piston is not pressed, and moves away from the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder and presses the suction source communication space and the suction opening communication. An annular moving seal member provided on the outer periphery of the piston for communicating the space; and
A communication path for intake of outside air that allows the suction source communication space to communicate with outside air when the piston is not pressed;
The endoscope air suction operating mechanism, characterized in that it comprises a.

2. The air feeding / suction operation mechanism of the endoscope according to claim 1, wherein air is supplied from the air feeding opening by closing the air feeding leak opening of the piston, and the suction opening is pressed by pressing the piston. By feeding the air through the air supply leak opening of the piston and pressing the piston while closing the air supply leak opening of the piston. Air suction operation mechanism.

3. The endoscope air feeding / suction operation mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the piston has a circular dome-shaped pressing surface having a high central portion, and the air feeding leak opening is formed at the center of the pressing surface. Endoscopic air supply and suction operation mechanism.

The endoscope air supply / suction operation mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an urging means for urging the piston in a protruding direction from the guide cylinder.

The endoscope air-sending operation mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the endoscope is provided with a suction opening and a hood surrounding the air-feeding opening at a distal end of the insertion portion. Air suction operation mechanism.