JP5479809B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus including an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion, and a heat-resistant sheath that is inserted into the subject together with the insertion portion inserted through the endoscope. About.

  As is well known, the endoscope apparatus is widely used in the medical field and the industrial field. Endoscopic devices used in the medical field are used to observe organs in a body part of a subject by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the body cavity of the subject, the subject. Accordingly, treatment, treatment, and the like can be performed on a region to be examined in a body cavity using a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool insertion conduit of an endoscope.

  In addition, an endoscope apparatus used in the industrial field is configured to insert a long and thin insertion portion of an endoscope into a subject such as a jet engine or a pipe of a factory so that a wound on a subject in the subject is damaged. In addition, observation of corrosion and various treatments can be performed.

  By the way, in an endoscope used in the industrial field, when an insertion portion is inserted in a high-temperature environment, for example, a subject having an ambient temperature of 200 ° C. to 300 ° C., the operation of the endoscope is normally guaranteed. Since the range is about 100 ° C., if the insertion portion is inserted into the subject as it is, the endoscope will break down. Specifically, the imaging device provided in the insertion portion will break down. There is a problem such as. Therefore, usually, a technique is employed in which endoscopic observation can be performed even in a high temperature environment by inserting a sheath having heat resistance into a subject and inserting the insertion portion into the sheath. In the following description, an endoscope apparatus including an endoscope and a sheath through which the insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted is referred to as an endoscope apparatus.

  Further, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose that an endoscope can be observed while the insertion portion is cooled in a high temperature environment by supplying a cooling fluid to the gap between the insertion portion inserted into the sheath and the sheath. A configuration of the endoscope apparatus is disclosed.

JP 2000-46482 A JP 2007-296047 A

  By the way, when the sheath into which the insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted is advanced to the subject, for example, inside the device having a complicated configuration, the operator must set the base of the grasped sheath. It is necessary to perform a push-pull operation or a twist operation on the end side.

  However, in the configurations disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, since the insertion portion is not fixed to the sheath, the push-pull operation and the twisting operation applied to the sheath are not easily transmitted to the insertion portion, and the insertion portion is There was a problem that it was difficult to insert the test site together with the sheath.

  In view of such a problem, a configuration in which the insertion portion is fixed to the sheath inside the sheath is also conceivable. However, in this case, there is a problem that the structure inside the sheath becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has a simple structure that allows the sheath through which the insertion portion is inserted to be easily advanced together with the insertion portion to the test site in the subject. It aims at providing the endoscope apparatus which has this.

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is provided with an elongated insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, and is covered so as to be movable in the insertion direction with respect to the insertion portion. A heat-resistant sheath formed of a tubular member having elasticity and constituting a fluid passage portion that passes the fluid, and the fluid introduced to the fluid passage portion arranged on the proximal end side in the insertion direction of the heat-resistant sheath And a crushing portion that is provided on an outer periphery of at least a proximal end portion in the insertion direction of the heat-resistant sheath, and that a portion that is opposed by an external force is crushed in the radial direction and a portion that is orthogonal is expanded in the outer radial direction And the crushing portion is crushed and a part of the heat-resistant sheath is brought into contact with the insertion portion, so that the insertion portion and the heat-resistant sheath can be integrally operated, and One of the crushed parts There By expanding, characterized in that to secure the fluid passage portion between said heat resistant sheath with the insertion portion.

  According to the present invention, there is provided an endoscope apparatus having a configuration in which a sheath through which an insertion portion is inserted can be easily advanced to a test site in a subject together with the insertion portion with a simple structure. It is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus having a configuration capable of achieving the above.

The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus of 1st Embodiment. Partial sectional view showing a modification in which a thin portion is formed on the proximal end side of the guide tube of FIG. The partial perspective view which shows the modification which formed the notch part in the base end side of the guide tube of Fig.1 (a), and provided the crushing part in the notch part. Partial perspective view showing a modification in which sponge rubber is provided on the proximal end side of the guide tube in FIG. 1A and a crushed portion is provided on the sponge rubber. Vertical sectional view of FIG. 1 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing the vicinity of a crushed portion in FIG. Sectional view of the crushed portion along the line II-II in FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which expands and shows the structure of the modification of the crushing part of FIG. The figure which shows the cross section in alignment with the VV line in FIG. 4 with the state before squashing and the state after squashing The fragmentary perspective view which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the modification which provided the uneven | corrugated | grooved part in the inner peripheral surface of the sheath of FIG. The partial perspective view which shows the structure of the modification which coat | covered only the outer periphery of the site | part between the front end side site | part of a tubular member, and the base end side site | part of the net-like tube of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the modification which braided the net tube of FIG. 6 in the tubular member The figure which compares and shows after the shrinkage | contraction of the net tube of FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. The fragmentary sectional view which expands and shows the state which crushed the crushing part of FIG. 11 with the operator's finger | toe The perspective view which shows the modification which provided the gas inlet nozzle ahead of the crushing part of a guide tube Sectional view along line XIV-XIV in FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus of 4th Embodiment. The fragmentary sectional view which expands and shows the state which crushed the crushing part of FIG. 15 with the operator's finger | toe The fragmentary sectional view which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus of 5th Embodiment. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus with which a crushing member can be freely fitted with respect to a crushing part.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. ◎
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1A is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a thin-walled portion formed on the proximal end side of the guide tube in FIG. FIG. 4C is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modification in which a crushing portion is provided, FIG. 1C is a modification in which a notch portion is formed on the proximal end side of the guide tube in FIG. (D) is a partial perspective view showing a modification in which a sponge rubber is provided on the proximal end side of the guide tube in FIG. 1 (a) and a crushed portion is provided on the sponge rubber. 1 (d) is a longitudinal sectional view, FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial sectional view showing the vicinity of the crushed portion in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the crushed portion along the line II-II in FIG. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (a), an endoscope apparatus 1 includes an endoscope 100 having an elongated insertion portion 10 to be inserted into a subject, an insertion portion 10 inserted therein, and an insertion. The main portion is configured to include a heat-resistant sheath (hereinafter simply referred to as a sheath) 5 inserted into the subject together with the inserted portion 10.

  The sheath 50 is made of a tubular member having elasticity, for example, fluorine rubber, and is covered with the insertion portion 10 so as to be movable back and forth in the insertion direction S.

  The outer periphery of the proximal end side in the insertion direction S of the sheath 50 (hereinafter simply referred to as the proximal end side) is covered with the fixed base 6 and the inner periphery of the proximal end end of the sheath 50 is covered. Is inserted into the distal end side of the pipe 7 in the insertion direction S (hereinafter simply referred to as the distal end side). In other words, the proximal end of the sheath 50 is fixed by being pinched and crushed between the fixed base 6 and the pipe 7.

The tube member of the sheath 50 is slightly thicker than the size of the gap between the fixed base 6 and the pipe 7. As a result, the sheath 50 is securely fixed when sandwiched between them, and there is no leakage when a cooling fluid such as gas is flowed. Furthermore, the sheath 50 can be removed by removing the fixed base 6. Further, since the sheath 50 is made of fluorine rubber, it is relatively resistant to heat, but deteriorates when exposed to a high temperature environment. Therefore, since replacement is required according to deterioration, it is preferable to be detachable.

  Further, a gas introduction base 20 which is a fluid introduction base is provided on the outer periphery of the proximal end side of the pipe 7 so as to be detachable. Specifically, the gas introduction cap 20 is provided so as to cover the outer periphery of the insertion portion 10, and includes a body portion 21, O-rings 22 and 26, washers 23 and 27, fixing rings 24 and 28, The main part is comprised including the joint 25.

  An inward flange 21t that protrudes in the inner diameter direction is formed at the approximate center of the insertion direction S of the body portion 21, and the rear end is an inward flange on the inner peripheral surface of the front end side of the inward flange 21t of the body portion 21. An O-ring 22 is fitted so as to be in contact with the distal end surface of 21t, and the inner peripheral surface of the O-ring 22 is in contact with the outer periphery on the proximal end side of the pipe 7.

  Further, a washer 23 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 21 on the tip side of the O-ring 22 so as to contact the O-ring 22, and further, on the tip side of the washer 23, the body portion 21 is provided. A fixing ring 24 that can be screwed onto a screw portion 21m1 formed on the inner peripheral surface is provided.

  Therefore, when the fixing ring 24 is rotated so as to move to the proximal end side, the O-ring 22 that is crushed against the inward flange 21 t via the washer 23 expands in the inner diameter direction of the insertion portion 10. As a result, the gas introduction cap 20 is fixed to the outer periphery on the proximal end side of the pipe 7.

  After fixing, if the fixing ring 24 is rotated so as to move to the distal end side, the expansion of the O-ring 22 in the inner diameter direction is released, so that the fixing of the gas introduction base 20 to the pipe 7 is released. That is, the gas introduction base 20 has a configuration that is detachable from the pipe 7.

  Further, an O-ring 26 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 21 on the proximal end side with respect to the inward flange 21t so that the distal end abuts on the proximal end surface of the inward flange 21t. Is in contact with the outer periphery of the insertion portion 10. The opening diameter of the O-ring 26 is smaller than the opening diameter of the O-ring 22.

  A washer 27 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the body portion 21 on the proximal side of the O-ring 26 so as to contact the O-ring 26, and further on the proximal side of the washer 27, A fixing ring 28 that can be screwed onto a screw portion 21m2 formed on the inner peripheral surface is provided.

  Therefore, when the fixing ring 28 is rotated so as to move to the distal end side, the O-ring 26 that is crushed against the inward flange 21 t via the washer 27 expands in the inner diameter direction of the insertion portion 10. As a result, the gas inlet base 20 is fixed to the outer periphery of the insertion portion 10.

  After fixing, if the fixing ring 28 is rotated so as to move to the proximal end side, the expansion of the O-ring 26 in the inner diameter direction is released, so that the fixing of the gas introduction base 20 to the insertion portion 10 is released. . That is, the gas introduction base 20 has a configuration that is detachable from the insertion portion 10.

  In the body portion 21, a through hole 21r communicating with the space inside the body portion 21 is formed along the radial direction R1 of the insertion portion 10 at a position where the inward flange 21t is formed. A joint 25 is provided in the opening on the outer peripheral surface of the body portion 21 of 21r. An air tube 29 is inserted through the joint 25, and the tip of the air tube 29 communicates with the space inside the body portion 21 through the through hole 21r.

  The air tube 29 introduces a gas A sent from a gas supply device, which is a fluid supply device (not shown) connected to the base end of the air tube 29, into the space inside the body portion 21. 21 has a function of supplying the gas A, which is a fluid, to a gas passage 2 which is a fluid passage, which will be described later, communicating with the space. The fluid is not limited to gas. For example, liquid nitrogen or water may be used.

  A gas passage portion 2 through which the gas A passes is formed in the gap between the sheath 50 and the insertion portion 10. The gas passage portion 2 communicates with the space inside the body portion 21 and the space inside the pipe 7 that communicates with the space. Therefore, the space inside the body portion 21 and the space inside the pipe 7 also constitute the gas passage portion 2.

  The gas passage portion 2 is a flow path through which the gas A introduced from the gas supply device via the air tube 29 passes, and the gas A after passage is discharged from the opening on the distal end side of the sheath 50. As a result, the insertion part 10 is cooled when the gas A passes through the gas passage part 2. Examples of the gas A that passes through the gas passage 2 include air, nitrogen, and argon.

  Further, the outer periphery of the base end side portion 50k of the sheath 50 is covered with a handle 3 made of an elastic member that can be deformed by an external force such as rubber or urethane. The distal end side of the fixed base 6 is fitted to the inner peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the handle 3.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the handle 3 has a portion of the portion of the sheath 50 that is opposed in the radial direction R <b> 1 being crushed by the operator's finger F, so that When the crushed portion of the proximal end portion 50k of the sheath 50 abuts with friction, a crushed portion T is configured in which the insertion portion 10 and the sheath 50 can be integrally operated by an operator. Therefore, the proximal end side portion 50 k of the sheath 50 also constitutes a crushed portion T together with the handle 3.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the proximal end portion 50k and the handle 3 of the sheath 50 have a radial direction substantially orthogonal to the radial direction R1 when a part of the portion facing in the radial direction R1 is crushed in the radial direction R1. R2 expands in the outer diameter direction.

  At this time, since the gap between the sheath 50 expanded in the outer diameter direction and the outer periphery of the insertion portion 10 constitutes the gas passage portion 2 described above, a part of the proximal side portion 50k of the sheath 50 is crushed. Even if it does, the passage of the gas A is not hindered. That is, the gas passage part 2 in the crushing part T can be ensured.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the sheath 50 is made of a tubular member having elasticity, for example, a fluorine-based rubber, so that the proximal end portion 50k is crushed together with the handle 3. Even so, the proximal end portion 50k is not broken.

  Further, since the fluorine-based rubber is a material having a friction coefficient larger than that of Teflon (registered trademark), the sheath 50 is sufficient with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 10 when the proximal end portion 50k is crushed. Since the contact is made with frictional force, there is an advantage that the operability of the insertion portion 10 is improved.

  Further, conventionally, if a sheath made of Teflon (registered trademark) having rigidity is covered with the bending portion 10w of the insertion portion 10, the bending of the bending portion 10w is hindered. Only in the part which coat | covers, the sheath comprised from the material which has a foam structure was connected with the sheath comprised from Teflon (trademark), and the sheath was formed. However, in this configuration, since the sheath 50 is composed of a single piece of fluorine-based rubber, there is an advantage that the replacement work of the sheath 50 becomes easy. Conventionally, the entire sheath is not made of a material having a flexible foam structure because a gas leak occurs in a sheath made of a material having a foam structure.

  Returning to FIG. 1A, on the outer periphery of the sheath 50, for example, a guide tube 5 having a curved shape, which guides the sheath 50 and the insertion portion 10 to the test site in the subject, is inserted in the insertion direction S. It is covered so that it can move back and forth.

  The guide tube 5 also has a function of preventing the sheath 50 from expanding in the radial direction when the gas A passes through the gas passage portion 2. Further, the expansion of the sheath 50 due to the passage of the gas A becomes difficult because the pressure decreases toward the distal end side. In other words, the proximal end side of the sheath 50 tends to expand.

  When the insertion portion 10 is inserted into the sheath 50, the guide tube 5 is located behind the bending portion 10 w of the insertion portion 10 in the insertion direction S and is provided in the proximal end side portion 50 k of the sheath 50. It is formed to have a length that covers the portion 50v of the sheath 50 positioned in front of T.

  Only the base end side portion 5j of the guide tube 5 may be made of a material that is more flexible than the other portions. Therefore, by moving the guide tube 5 to a position where the proximal end portion 5j of the guide tube 5 overlaps with the proximal end portion 50k of the sheath 50, the proximal end portion 50k is not only the handle 3 but also the guide tube. Together with the base end side portion 5j of 5, the operator's finger F can be crushed. In this case, the proximal end side portion 5j constitutes a crushed portion T. Accordingly, when the crushed portion T is crushed and the insertion portion 10 is rotated, for example, not only the sheath 50 but also the guide tube 5 can be rotated.

  Therefore, when the operator rotates only the sheath 50, the handle 3 and the proximal end portion 50k may be crushed. When the operator wants to rotate the guide tube 5, not only the handle 3 and the proximal end portion 50k. The proximal end portion 5j may be crushed together.

  Thus, in this Embodiment, it showed that the sheath 50 was comprised from the tubular member which has elastic force, for example, a fluorine-type rubber | gum.

  The outer periphery of the proximal end portion 50k of the sheath 50 is covered with a handle 3 made of an elastic member, and the crushing portion T of the handle 3 and the proximal end portion 50k is crushed by the operator's finger F. As a result, one portion facing the base end side portion 50k in the radial direction R1 is brought into contact with the outer periphery of the insertion portion 10 with a frictional force, and the insertion portion 10 and the sheath 50 can be integrally operated. . Furthermore, it was shown that the proximal end side part 5j of the guide tube 5 also constitutes the crushing part T.

  According to this, the operator can operate the insertion portion 10 integrally with the sheath 50 or the sheath 50 and the guide tube 5 only by gripping the crushing portion T with the finger F. Therefore, it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus 1 having a configuration in which the sheath 50 through which the insertion portion 10 is inserted can be easily advanced to the test site in the subject together with the insertion portion 10 with a simple structure. it can.

  Moreover, about the base end side site | part 5j of the guide tube 5, as shown in FIG.1 (b), you may make the base end side site | part 5j easy to crush by comprising the thin part 201 in the base end side site | part 5j.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1C, by providing a notch 202 in the base end side portion 5j, the hardness of the material of the base end side portion 5j is reduced and the base end side portion 5j is easily deformed. Thus, the sheath 50 is pressed with the finger F through the deformed proximal end portion 5j, or the sheath 50 is pressed directly with the finger F through the gap of the notch 202. Can be twisted together with the guide tube 5. Note that a flexible rubber-like member separate from the base end side portion 5j may be attached and fixed on the base end side portion 5j where the notch 202 is formed. In this case, by screwing the finger F into the gap between the notches 202 via the rubber-like member, the sheath 50 can be more reliably pressed by the friction between the rubber-like member and the proximal end side portion 5j. It becomes.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E, a removable sponge rubber 200 may be provided on the proximal end portion 5j of the guide tube 5.

  The inner peripheral surface on the distal end side of the sponge rubber 200 is detachably fixed to the outer peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the fixed base 221, and a screw 221 m formed on the inner peripheral surface on the distal end side of the fixed base 221 includes The fixing ring 224 is screwed through the O-ring 222. The O-ring 222 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube 5. Therefore, when the operator rotates the fixing ring 224 so that the fixing ring 224 moves backward, the O-ring 222 is crushed and expands in the radial direction, so that the fixing base 221 is fixed to the guide tube 5. Is done. The sponge 200 can be replaced by being removed from the fixed base 221.

  Further, the inner peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the sponge rubber 200 is detachably fixed to the outer peripheral surface on the distal end side of the fixed base 229, and a screw 229m formed on the inner peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the fixed base 229. The fixing ring 228 is screwed with the O-ring 226. The O-ring 226 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 50. Therefore, when the operator rotates the fixing ring 228 so that the fixing ring 228 moves forward, the O-ring 226 is crushed and expanded in the radial direction, so that the fixing base 229 is fixed to the sheath 50. The The sponge 200 can be replaced by being removed from the fixed base 229.

  According to such a configuration, the operator squeezes the sponge rubber 200 constituting the crushed portion T with the finger F, and brings the sponge rubber 200 into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 50, whereby the sheath 50 is guided to the guide tube. 5 can be twisted together.

  A modification will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an enlarged configuration of a modified example of the crushing part in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 shows a cross-section along the VV line in FIG. 4 in a state before crushing and a state after crushing. FIG.

  In this Embodiment mentioned above, it showed that the handle 3 which comprises the crushing part T was coat | covered on the outer periphery of the base end side site | part 50k of the sheath 50. As shown in FIG.

  Not limited to this, instead of the handle 3, as shown in FIG. 4, the outer periphery of the proximal end portion 50 k of the sheath 50 is covered with a thin tube 31, which is an elastic member that is deformed by an external force, for example. The outer periphery of the tube 31 is covered with a protective member 32 made of a metal mesh tube or an elastic pipe that protects the thin tube 31, and the thin tube 31 and the protective member 32 together with the proximal end portion 50k You may comprise.

  According to this, as shown in FIG. 5, when the crushed portion T is crushed in the radial direction R1, the proximal side portion 50k, the thin-walled tube 31, and the protective member 32 are more protected than the embodiment described above. Since it becomes easy to spread in radial direction R2 by member 32, the channel diameter of gas passage part 2 in crushing part T can be secured larger than the embodiment mentioned above.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment. ◎
The configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment is such that the sheath includes a tubular member and the tube as compared with the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. The point which is comprised from the expansion | swelling control member coat | covered with the cylindrical member differs from the point which the site | part of the base end side of the tubular member with which the expansion | swelling control member was covered comprises the crushing part. Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the sheath 50 includes a member having elasticity, for example, a tubular member 50 c made of fluorine-based rubber, and an outer periphery of the tubular member 50 c in the insertion direction S. The main part is composed of a net tube 50a which is an expansion regulating member which is covered so as to be movable back and forth.

  The mesh tube 50a has a configuration in which the covering position with respect to the tubular member 50c can be varied by being movable back and forth in the insertion direction S. This makes it easy to replace the tubular member 50c simply by removing the mesh tube 50a from the tubular member 50c.

  Further, when the insertion portion 10 is inserted into the tube-shaped member 50c, the mesh tube 50a is disposed at a position rearward in the insertion direction S with respect to the bending portion 10w provided in the insertion portion 10, usually by friction. It is fixed to 50c. This is to prevent the bending of the bending portion 10w from being hindered by the covering of the mesh tube 50a.

  The net tube 50 a has a function of restricting the tubular member 50 c from expanding in the radial direction by the gas A passing through the gas passage portion 2.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the base end side site | part 50k of the sheath 50 comprised from the tubular member 50c and the net pipe 50a comprises the crushing part T crushed by the operator's finger F. FIG.

  The crushing part T is crushed by the operator's finger, and a part of the part facing the radial direction R1 of the tubular member 50c is crushed, whereby the part where the tubular member 50c is crushed with respect to the outer periphery of the insertion part 10 Contact with friction. As a result, the insertion portion 10 and the sheath 50 can be integrally operated.

  Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment described above. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, a modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view showing a modification in which an uneven portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the sheath of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of concavo-convex portions 50 d that partially contact the outer periphery of the insertion portion 10 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface 50 n of the tubular member 50 c in the sheath 50. According to this, when the crushing portion T is crushed and the insertion portion 10 is rotated together with the sheath 50, the insertion portion 10 is caused to protrude in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 10 with respect to the inner peripheral surface 50 n of the sheath 50 by the uneven portion 50 d. Therefore, it is possible to operate the sheath 50 integrally with the insertion portion 10 more reliably.

  Note that the uneven portion 50d may also be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the sheath 50 in the first embodiment described above.

  Hereinafter, another modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view showing a configuration of a modification in which the mesh tube of FIG. 6 is covered on the outer periphery of only the portion between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the tubular member.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the insertion portion 10 is inserted through the tubular member 50c, the mesh tube 50a is behind the distal direction portion 50s of the sheath 50 that covers the bending portion 10w of the insertion portion 10 in the insertion direction S. In this case, only the outer periphery of the portion 50v of the tubular member 50c located in front of the insertion direction S with respect to the proximal portion 50k of the sheath 50 may be covered.

  At this time, the region Z including the proximal end portion 50k is harder or the same hardness than the region X including the distal end portion 50s of the sheath 50, and the region Y including the portion 50v rather than the region Z. Is hardened (X ≦ Z <Y).

  The tubular member 50c may be entirely made of fluororubber as described above, and only the tubular member 50c in the Y region is Teflon (registered trademark) so that the sheath in the Y region becomes harder. The tubular member 50c in the X region may have a foam structure so that the sheath in the X region is softer than the sheath in the Z region.

  In this configuration, the tubular member 50c in the Z region constitutes a crushing portion T that is crushed by the operator's finger F. Other configurations are the same as those of the present embodiment. Even with such a configuration, the same effect as in the present embodiment can be obtained.

  Furthermore, another modification will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view showing a modified example in which the mesh tube of FIG. 6 is knitted into a tubular member, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a comparison before and after the mesh tube of FIG. 9 contracts.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the mesh tube 50a may be knitted and formed at the position shown in FIG. 6 of the tubular member 50c. Specifically, fibrous polyethylene, Kevlar, or the like is knitted at an angle θ with respect to the tubular member 50c to form a tubular shape, and the mesh tube 50a may be formed. Further, when the mesh tube 50a is disposed outside the tubular member 50c, the mesh tube 50a may be adhered and adhered. The braided net tube is shown below with reference numeral 50a '. The knitted net tube 50a 'has a distal end and a base end fixed to the tubular member 50c by thread-binding adhesive portions 41 and 42, respectively.

  In addition, when the gas A is supplied to the gas passage portion 2, the mesh tube 50a ′ is expanded in the radial direction when the pressure inside the tubular member 50c is increased, and at the rear of the insertion direction S as shown in FIG. Are knitted into the tubular member 50c so as to shrink by m and expand in the radial direction R1 (P2> P1). Other configurations are the same as those of the present embodiment.

  According to such a structure, when the gas A is supplied to the gas passage portion 2 because the mesh tube 50a ′ is knitted into the tubular member 50c, the tubular member 50c is positively contracted backward in the insertion direction S. And since the sheath 50 expand | swells to radial direction, the flow path diameter of the gas passage part 2 can be ensured larger than this Embodiment. In addition, by providing the network tube 50a ', the expansion in the radial direction is restricted to some extent, and thus it is also protected. Other effects are the same as those of the present embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the crushed portion of FIG. 11 is crushed by the operator's finger.

The configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the third embodiment is similar to the above-described endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 in the gap between the guide tube and the sheath. The difference is that a gas passage is formed. Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the present embodiment, a guide tube base 68 is fixed to the outer periphery of the proximal end portion of the sheath 50, and the gas A is introduced into the gas passage portion 2 into the guide tube base 68. A base 69 is provided. Specifically, a tapered portion 68k is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube base 68, and the guide tube base 68 is fixed by fitting the distal end side of the fixed base 6 into the tapered portion 68k.

  Further, similarly to the first embodiment, a gas introduction base 20 (not shown) is provided on the proximal end side of the pipe 7. In this embodiment, the gas A is introduced into the guide tube base 68. Since the base 69 is provided, the gas introduction base 20 is not provided with the joint 25.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the guide tube 60 covers the outer periphery of the sheath 50 behind the curved portion 10w when the insertion portion 10 is inserted into the sheath 50, and the rear end of the guide tube 60 Is fixed to the guide tube base 68 via a connecting member 67. The gap between the guide tube 60 and the sheath 50 constitutes a gas passage portion 63 that is a fluid passage portion through which the gas A passes.

  Further, in the guide tube 60, a portion 60b covering the proximal end member of the sheath 50 is made of a material having flexibility and elasticity, and the other portion 60a is made of a material harder than the portion 60b. And the portion 60 b are connected in the insertion direction S via a connecting member 66. Also in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, as in the first embodiment, the portion 60b constitutes a crushed portion T that is crushed by the operator's finger F together with the proximal end portion 50k of the sheath 50. ing.

  The distal end of the guide tube 60 is fixed to a fixing member 64 that is in contact with an outer peripheral surface behind the curved portion 10 w of the sheath 50 via an O-ring 65.

  Further, an introduction hole 50h is formed in a portion of the sheath 50 that faces the distal end side of the guide tube 60.

  Therefore, the gas A introduced into the gas passage portion 63 via the base 69 passes through the gas passage portion 63 and is discharged from the leading end of the sheath 50 via the gas passage portion 2 from the introduction hole 50h. At this time, in the gas passage portion 2, the gas A introduced into the gas passage portion 2 from the introduction hole 50h flows backward in the insertion direction S, but as described above, on the proximal end side of the sheath 50, Since the gas introduction base 20 is provided and the gas passage portion 2 is sealed by the O-ring 26 (see FIG. 1A), the gas A is surely contained in the sheath even if a reverse flow occurs. 50 is discharged from the tip.

  According to such a configuration, the guide tube 60 that is closest to the insertion portion 10, the sheath 50, and the guide tube 60 with the heat in the subject can be cooled by the gas A that passes through the gas passage portion 63. The insertion part 10 can be cooled more effectively than in the first embodiment.

  As in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the gas A may be introduced into the gas passage portion 2 in addition to the gas passage portion 63 via the base 69. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

  A modification will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a modification in which a gas introduction cap is provided in front of the crushing portion of the guide tube, and FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG.

  In the present embodiment described above, the gas introduction base 20 is provided on the proximal end side of the sheath 50, specifically, on the proximal end side of the pipe 7, and as a result, the proximal end side of the crushed portion T. It was shown that it was provided.

  Not limited to this, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the gas introduction cap 20 ′ in this configuration may be provided in the insertion direction S in front of the portion 60 b that constitutes the crushed portion T in the guide tube 60. I do not care.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, a through hole 60 h that penetrates in the radial direction R <b> 1 is formed in the proximal end portion of the portion 60 a of the guide tube 60, and the body portion 21 is formed in the through hole 60 h. The gas introduction cap 20 ′ is fixed to the outer periphery of the portion 60a by expansion of the O-rings 22 ′ and 26 ′ by pressing the fixing rings 24 and 28 so that the through holes 21r face each other.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the sheath 50 includes a portion 50q facing the portion 60b made of a softer member than the other portions 50p, and the portions 50p and 50q are in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the portion 60a. You may fix with the connection member 75 which comprises the ring 76. FIG. At this time, the portion 60b and the portion 50q constitute a crushed portion T.

  According to such a configuration, the gas introduction base 20 ′ is provided in front of the crushing part T in the insertion direction S, and the gas is introduced into the gas passage part 63 from the gas introduction base 20 ′. Therefore, even if the crushing portion T composed of the portions 60b and 50q is crushed, the gas passage portion 63 is not blocked, so that the amount of gas passage is increased as compared with the present embodiment. Can do.

  The above configuration can also be applied to the above-described first and second embodiments.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, and FIG. 16 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view showing a state in which the crushing part of FIG. 15 is crushed by the operator's finger.

  The configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the fourth embodiment covers the outer periphery of the proximal end portion of the sheath as compared with the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. The difference is that the elastic member is made of a slider member that is movable in the insertion direction S instead of the handle.

  Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the base end portion of the sheath 50 is fixed to the pipe member 92, and the outer periphery of the base end portion is formed by connecting the sheath 50 to the inclined portion 91 a of the fixed base 91 and the inclined portion 92 a of the pipe member 92. It is sandwiched between and fixed by screwing.

  Further, the outer periphery of the base end side portion 50k of the sheath 50 is covered with a slider member 90 that is movable back and forth in the insertion direction S, and the base end portion of the slider member 90 is fixed to a fixed base 91. The distal end side is fitted into the gap between the sheath 50 and the guide tube 5 on the inner peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the guide tube 5. Therefore, the slider member 90 is movable back and forth with respect to the insertion direction S with respect to the guide tube 5 together with the sheath 50 via the fixed base 91 and the pipe member 92.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the slider member 90 constitutes a crushed portion T together with the base end side portion 50k.

  According to such a configuration, when the gas is introduced into the gas passage portion 2, the sheath 50 is configured such that the tip of the slider member 90 slides into the inner peripheral surface of the guide tube 5. In addition, since the front portion expands in the radial direction, the operator can grip the slider member 90 in which the sheath 50 is not expanded, so that the crushed portion T is easily crushed. Further, since the fixing base 91 is fixed to the pipe member 92 with the screw 92n, the sheath 50 can be reliably fixed and can be easily removed.

  Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment. ◎
The configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the fifth embodiment is different from the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. The difference is that it is made of a material having a foam structure.

  Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 17, in the present embodiment, the sheath 50 is configured such that a portion 50q ′ corresponding to the base end portion 50k is made of an elastic member, for example, fluorine-based rubber, The part 50p ′ is made of a material having a foam structure, and the part 50p ′ and the part 50q ′ are formed by a connecting member 75 including an O-ring 76 that comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the guide tube 5. Are connected in the insertion direction S.

  Further, when the insertion portion 10 is inserted into the sheath 50, the guide tube 5 is covered on the outer periphery of the portion 50p 'located behind the bending portion 10w.

  Note that the material having a foam structure that forms the portion 50p ′ leaks the gas A when the gas A is supplied to the gas passage portion 2, but in this configuration, the guide tube 5 and the O that cover the portion 50p ′ are used. The ring 76 prevents gas from leaking to the outside. Further, the portion 50q 'forms a crushed portion T in the present embodiment.

  According to such a configuration, since the material having the foam structure that forms the portion 50p ′ is softer than the fluorine-based rubber, it is more reliably prevented than the first embodiment from preventing the bending of the bending portion 10w. can do. Further, since the portion 50q ′ is made of fluorine-based rubber, it can be reliably crushed without being bent as in the first embodiment, so that the insertion portion 10 and the sheath 50 can be operated integrally. it can. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a modification will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view illustrating a configuration of an endoscope apparatus in which a crushing member can be fitted to a crushing portion.

  In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the crushing portion T located on the proximal end side of the sheath 50 is shown to be crushed by the operator.

Not limited to this, as shown in FIG. 18, a through-hole 82 that can be fitted to the outer periphery of the sheath 50 or the guide tubes 5 and 60 (in FIG. 18, can be fitted to the outer periphery of the sheath 50) is provided. In addition, two extending portions 88 extending oppositely from the through hole to the rear in the insertion direction S, and the protrusions provided to face each other on the inner surface of each extending portion 88 in the radial direction R1 The crushing member 80 having the portion 81 may be fitted to the outer periphery of the sheath 50 or the guide tubes 5, 60, and the crushing portion T may be crushed by each convex portion 81.

  According to such a configuration, since the operator can crush the crushing portion T without crushing with the finger F, workability is further improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 2 ... Gas passage part (fluid passage part)
3 ... handle (elastic member) (crushed part)
5 ... Guide tube 5j ... Guide tube base end (crushed part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Insertion part 10w ... Bending part 20 ... Gas introduction base (fluid introduction base)
31 ... Thin tube (elastic member) (crushed part)
32 ... Protective member (crushed part)
50 ... sheath 50a ... mesh tube (expansion regulating member)
50c: Tubular member 50d: Uneven portion 50k: Base end side portion (crushed portion) of sheath
50n ... Inner peripheral surface 50q ... Sheath part (crushed part)
50q '... Sheath part (crushed part)
50s: distal end side portion 50v: portion between the distal end side portion and the proximal end side portion 60 ... guide tube 60b ... guide tube proximal end portion (crushed portion)
63 ... Gas passage part (fluid passage part)
80: crushing member 90 ... slide member (crushing part)
100 ... Endoscope A ... Gas (fluid)
R1 ... radial direction S ... insertion direction T ... crushing part

Claims (12)

An elongated insertion section to be inserted into the subject;
A heat-resistant sheath formed of a tubular member having elastic force, which is covered with the insertion portion so as to be movable in the insertion direction and constitutes a fluid passage portion that allows fluid to pass through the gap with the insertion portion;
A fluid introduction base that is arranged on the proximal end side in the insertion direction of the heat-resistant sheath and introduces the fluid into the fluid passage portion ;
A crushing portion of the heat-resistant sheath, which is provided on the outer periphery of at least the proximal end portion in the insertion direction, and a portion opposed by an external force is crushed in the radial direction and an orthogonal portion is expanded in the outer radial direction ;
Comprising
When the crushing portion is crushed and a part of the heat-resistant sheath is brought into contact with the insertion portion, the insertion portion and the heat-resistant sheath can be integrally operated, and a part of the crushing portion is An endoscope apparatus characterized by securing the fluid passage part between the heat-resistant sheath and the insertion part by expanding . The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crushing portion covers an outer periphery of the heat-resistant sheath with a tube made of an elastic member that is deformed by an external force . The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crushing portion covers a net tube on an outer periphery of the heat resistant sheath . The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crushing portion includes a pair of extending portions that are provided so as to be freely fitted on an outer periphery of the heat-resistant sheath and extend to face the insertion direction. . The heat-resistant sheath is obtained by covering the outer periphery of the tubular member positioned behind the curved portion provided on the distal end side in the insertion direction of the insertion portion with an expansion regulating member that regulates expansion in the radial direction. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope apparatus is characterized. The said expansion | extension control member is formed more rigidly than the said front end side part by coat | covering the site | part located between the front end side site | part of the said tubular member, and a base end side site | part. The endoscope apparatus described . The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heat-resistant sheath has an uneven portion that is partially in contact with an outer periphery of the insertion portion on an inner peripheral surface . The outer periphery of the heat-resistant sheath is covered with a guide tube that guides the insertion portion to a test site in the subject, and the base end side site of the guide tube has a flexible structure that is easily crushed by an external force. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1 . The outer periphery of the heat-resistant sheath is covered with a guide tube that guides the insertion portion to a test site in the subject, and a second fluid passage that passes the fluid through a gap between the guide tube and the heat-resistant sheath. The guide tube is fixed to the outer periphery of the heat-resistant sheath by a guide tube base, and a second fluid introduction base for introducing the fluid into the second fluid passage part is provided in the guide tube base. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope apparatus is provided. The outer periphery of the heat-resistant sheath is covered with a guide tube that guides the insertion portion to a test site in the subject, and a second fluid passage portion that passes a fluid through a gap between the guide tube and the heat-resistant sheath The base end side portion of the heat-resistant sheath is made of fluorine-based rubber, and the portion excluding the base end side end portion is made of a foam structure material. Endoscopic device. The tip of the guide tube is sealed with an O-ring with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the heat resistant sheath, and the fluid flowing through the second fluid passage portion is allowed to flow between the insertion portion and the heat resistant sheath. An introduction hole leading to a passage portion is formed in a portion of the heat-resistant sheath facing the distal end side of the guide tube, and the fluid introduced into both fluid passage portions is discharged from the distal end of the heat-resistant sheath. Item 15. The endoscope apparatus according to Item 9 or 10 . The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the crushing portion is provided behind the fluid introduction cap in the insertion direction .

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