JPH02159244A - Endoscopic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To secure safety by preventing a remaining high pressure fluid from flowing in an air pump by incorporating a means for opening a leak passage discharging the fluid in an air feed pipeline to the open air through a connecting pipeline change-over valve when a supply tube is separated and subsequently closing the leak passage. CONSTITUTION:When a mount ring 43 is detached from a cap member 31 in detaching the connector 21 of a gas feed tube 22 from the gas feed cap 17 of an endoscope 1, a connection pipe 41 is retracted and a piston 33 is retracted in the same way by the elastic energizing force of a compression spring 38. A seal member 34 is separated from a valve seat 35 but not opened at this initial stage and the seal member 48 of the connection pipe 41 is separated from an abuttment member 39 to form a passage (s) therebetween. A fluid passes through said passage (s) from the vent hole 33a and lateral hole 33b of the piston 33 in a pipeline change-over valve 20 to be discharged to the outside from a leak hole 47 or a leaking notch part supply passage 40. When the connector 21 is further detached, the side end surface of the abuttment projection 34a of the seal member 34 strikes against the flange 37 of the gas feed cap member 31 and the gas feed cap 17 is automatically closed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus capable of selectively performing air supply and gas supply.

[Conventional technology] When using an endoscope to treat areas inside the intestines with electric scalpels, lasers, etc., if flammable gas is generated in the intestines, this gas may ignite and explode. There is a risk of causing

Therefore, measures are being taken to prevent an explosion by injecting nonflammable gas such as carbon dioxide into the intestine before treatment to replace the flammable gas.

Such measures are extremely effective, and for this reason, conventional endoscopes have a conduit means for feeding nonflammable gas into the endoscope body (Utility Model Application No. 62-1).
25501). In other words, in this conventional endoscope, the air supply pipe and the gas supply pipe are used as a common pipe, and the air supply or It is possible to change the gas supply switching state. In this way, the valve body for air and water supply and the valve body for gas and water supply are replaced depending on the purpose of use. Since there is no need to newly install a gas system, there is an advantage that the endoscope can be made compact and good operability of the endoscope can be maintained.

In addition, to connect the air pump and gas cylinder to the common pipe line, connect to one of them using the gas feeding switching valve installed in the connector at the end of the universal cord of the endoscope. ing. That is, when the gas tube on the gas cylinder side is connected, the switching valve is switched and the gas tube is communicated with the common pipe line. Further, when the gas tube is removed, the connection port side is closed, and the air supply pipe line is communicated with the connection port side pipe line to which the air supply tube is connected. In other words, this switching valve for gas supply controls the closing and communication of the gas supply side pipe line by attaching and detaching the connector of the gas tube.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In this conventional method, after the gas supply tube on the gas cylinder side is connected to the air supply line of the endoscope and the gas supply tube is When the connector is removed, the gas supply switching valve shuts off the gas tube side. At the same time, the air supply cap side is opened, and the air supply pipe line of the endoscope is communicated with the air supply pump side.

By the way, the pressure of the gas supply source (gas cylinder) is higher than the pressure of a general air supply source (air pump), so after performing gas supply, the common air supply pipe of the endoscope will be under high pressure. maintained in condition. Therefore, when the common pipe line of the endoscope is connected to the air pump by removing the connector of the gas supply tube, the high-pressure gas flows into the air pump.

Therefore, there was a risk that the air pump would be damaged by the high pressure.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to connect an air supply source and a high-pressure fluid source to the same pipe line and selectively switch between the air supply and the gas supply. An object of the present invention is to ensure safety by preventing high-pressure fluid remaining in a common pipe line from flowing into an air pump in an endoscopy device.

[Means and effects for solving the problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an air supply pipe line arranged in an endoscope,
an air supply source connected to the air supply line; a high-pressure fluid source that supplies fluid at a pressure higher than the pressure of the air supply line to the air supply line of the endoscope; A removable supply tube that connects the tracheal line, and a connection that blocks the passage on the air source side when this supply tube is connected, and connects the air source to the air line when the supply tube is removed. In an endoscope apparatus provided with a pipe switching valve, when the supply tube is removed, the connection pipe switching valve connects the air supply pipe with the air supply source before the air supply pipe is opened. This device incorporates a leak means that opens a leak path for releasing fluid into the atmosphere and then blocks the leak path.

Therefore, when the supply tube is removed, the fluid in the air supply line can be released into the atmosphere, so the safety is ensured by preventing the high pressure fluid remaining in the air line from flowing into the air supply pump, etc. can be secured.

[Embodiment] FIGS. 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 schematically shows the configuration of the entire endoscope device. 1 in FIG. 3 is an endoscope m<fiberscope), and this endoscope 1 includes an operating section 2, an insertion section 3 connected to the front side of the operating section 2, and an insertion section 3 connected to the side of the operating section 2. The universal cord 4 constitutes the main body side of the endoscope 1.

An image guide fiber 5 is inserted into the insertion section 3 and the operation section 2. The tip of the image guide fiber 5 is connected to an observation objective lens system 7 provided at the tip of the insertion section 3.
The rear end is optically connected to an eyepiece section 8 provided at the proximal end of the operating section 2. The forward visual field visible from the objective lens system 7 can be observed through the eyepiece 8.

Furthermore, various piping as described below are arranged within the insertion section 3, operation section 2, and universal cord 4 of the endoscope 1. These pipes include a suction pipe 9, an air supply pipe 10. There is a water pipeline 11.

Further, the distal ends of the air supply pipe 10 and the water supply pipe 11 merge near the distal end of the insertion section 3, and are connected to one jet nozzle 12 provided at the distal end of the insertion section 3. Also,
The rear ends of the air supply pipe line 10 and the water supply pipe line 11, together with the rear end part of the suction pipe line 9, are provided in correspondence with the connectors 13 attached to the extending ends of the universal cords 4, as described later. It is designed to be connected to the base. That is, the connector 13 includes a thin tube-shaped air supply mouthpiece 15 to which an air supply tube 14 connected to an air supply pump P1 incorporated in the light source device (not shown) is connected, and a capillary air supply mouthpiece 15 that protrudes from the side surface of the connector 13 and is connected to the water supply tank T. a water supply cap 16 , and a gas supply cap 171 protruding from the side surface of the connector 13 in line with the water supply cap 16 . A suction mouthpiece 19 is provided that protrudes from the side surface of the connector 13 on the opposite side thereof and is connected to the suction tube 18 of the suction pump P2.

The structure of the water supply mouthpiece 16 is, for example, a double pipe structure in which a first lumen is formed in the center portion thereof through which the cleaning water W flows, and a second lumen through which gas flows around the first lumen. It is composed of The rear end of the water supply pipe 11 is connected to the first lumen part at the center of the water supply mouthpiece 16, and the rear end of the air supply pipe 10 is connected to the second lumen part on the outer circumferential side of the water supply mouthpiece 16. It's communicating.

Further, the rear end side of the air supply pipe line 10 is selectively connected to an air supply pipe line 15 and a gas supply mouthpiece 17 via a pipe line switching valve 20, which will be described later, provided in the connector 13. Further, a connecting tool 21, which will be described later, is removably attached to this gas supply mouthpiece 17, and a gas supply tube 22 as a supply tube is connected thereto. An on-off valve 23 and a pressure gauge 24 are interposed in the middle of the gas supply line consisting of the gas supply tube 22, and furthermore, a regulator 25 is inserted in the vicinity of the discharge port of the gas cylinder B.

On the other hand, the operating section 2 is provided with an air/water supply switching valve 26 inserted midway between the air supply pipe 10 and the water supply pipe 11, and a suction switching valve 27 inserted midway through the suction pipe 9. Note that the distal end portion of the suction conduit 9 is formed to also serve as a treatment instrument insertion channel 28 disposed within the insertion section 3. and,
The opening at the tip of the treatment instrument insertion channel 28 is used to perform suction into the body cavity. However, the proximal end of the treatment instrument insertion channel 28 is connected to the operating section 2.
An insertion port 2 that opens to the outside and is formed by the opening.
9 is removably loaded with a forceps plug 30.

Here, to explain the water supply tank T, this is a closed container 50 whose interior is filled with cleaning water W and an air supply tube 51. In addition to connecting the water supply tube 52, each tube 5
1.52 is connected to a connector 53 having a double cylindrical structure (with a lumen through which cleaning water flows in the center and gas flows around the outside) which can be freely connected to the water supply mouthpiece 16. The rear end of the air supply tube 51 opens into the air layer above the liquid layer, and the rear end of the water supply tube 52 opens into the liquid.

The connector 53 is connected to the water supply mouthpiece 16 for use.

On the other hand, the air/water supply switching valve 26 has a structure in which, by replacing the valve body, it is possible to perform a switching operation of gas/water supply in addition to a switching operation of air/water supply.

Specifically, the first valve body 5 for switching air and water supply is replaceable.
6 and a second valve body 57 for switching gas and water supply, and when performing air and water supply, the first valve body 56 is connected to the valve seat body 58 of the air and water supply switching valve 26. At the same time, an air pump P1 incorporated in a light source device or the like is connected to the air supply base 15. At this time, nothing is connected to the gas supply cap 17. In addition, when performing gas and water supply, a second valve body 57 is installed in place of the first valve body 56, and a connecting fitting 2 of the gas tube 22 is attached to the gas supply mouthpiece 17.
Connect 1. In any case, the water supply tank T is connected to the water supply cap 16.

FIG. 4 shows the assembled configuration of the air/water supply switching valve 26 when performing a switching operation between air and water supply.

Further, FIGS. 5 and 6 show the assembly configuration of the air/water supply switching valve 26 when performing a switching operation between gas and water supply.

The valve seat body 58 to which either the first valve body 56 or the second valve body 57 is mounted is constructed as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. That is, the valve seat body 58 is formed into a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape, with the opening side portion serving as a large diameter cylindrical portion 58a, and the bottom side portion serving as a small diameter cylindrical portion 58b. The structure of installing the valve seat body 58 is such that its bottom side portion is disposed inside the operating portion 2, and its open end portion is protruded to the outside of the operating portion 2, and the open end portion is attached to the outer wall 2a. The mounting ring 63 is screwed and fixed.

The air supply pipe 1 is provided in the upper part of the peripheral wall of the valve seat body 58.
Similarly, the upstream pipe line 10 of the air supply pipe line 10 is connected to the middle part of the peripheral wall of the valve seat body 58.
Similarly, the upstream pipe line 11a of the water supply pipe line 11 is connected to the lower portion of the peripheral wall of the valve seat body 58. Further, on the peripheral wall of the valve seat body 58, a downstream pipe line 11b of the water supply pipe line 11 is connected between the upstream pipe line 11a and the upstream pipe line 10a. The diameter of the cap portion 63a of the mounting ring 63 is set to be slightly larger than that of the conventional one, and a structure is used in which a mounting flange 63b is formed on the upper portion of the cap portion 63a.

On the other hand, the first valve body 56 for switching air and water supply is
It is configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the large diameter cylindrical portion 58
It has a piston 65 consisting of a shaft portion 65a1 corresponding to a and a shaft portion 65b corresponding to a small diameter cylinder portion 58b,
An operation button 66 is connected to this shaft portion 65a side via a connecting tube 67. Further, an abutting flange portion 68 is formed on the outer periphery of the shaft portion 65a, and a mounting seat 69 that can be freely fitted onto the mounting flange 63b is provided between the abutting flange portion 68 and the operation button 66. There is. A compression spring 70 is interposed between the mounting seat 69 and the operation button 66, and the mounting seat 69 is fitted into the mounting flange 63b while the piston 65 is inserted into the valve seat body 58 as shown in FIG. By attaching the first valve body 56 to the valve seat body 58, the first valve body 56 can be detachably attached to the valve seat body 58.

A sealing ring 71 having a substantially U-shaped cross section is fitted onto the first valve body 56, and is located on the outer periphery of the tip end on the insertion side of the shaft portion 65b. Furthermore, a check valve 72 is provided on the outer periphery of the intermediate portion of the first valve body 56 in correspondence with the tapered portion of the boundary between the large diameter cylindrical portion 58a and the small diameter cylindrical portion 58b of the valve seat body 58.

Note that a sealing ring 73 is also provided on the outer periphery of the tip of the shaft portion 65a. When these sealing rings 71, 73 and check valve 72 are in the standby state A shown on the left side of FIG. The arrangement is such that leakage occurs to the outside through an opening 74 provided on the outer periphery, a leak hole 75 similarly provided on the axis, and further a leak hole 76 provided on the operation button 66.

In addition, if the leak hole 76 is closed with a finger in this state, the gas flowing in from the upstream pipe line 10a is passed through the check valve 72 and the space between the check valve 72 and the sealing ring 73 to the downstream pipe line 10a.
It is set to lead to 0b.

Further, the first valve body 56 is brought into the state shown by B on the right side of FIG. 4 by pushing the operation button 66 against the elastic force of the compression spring 70 while blocking the leak hole 76 with a finger. That is, while communicating the upstream pipe line 11a and the downstream pipe line 11b through the space of the sealing ring 71,
The arrangement is such that the inflow from the upstream pipe line 10a is blocked by the check valve 72 and the sealing action of the sealing ring 71, so that air and water can be supplied by attaching the first valve body 56. A possible structure. Note that in the standby state, the sealing ring 71 blocks the upstream pipe line 11a and the downstream pipe line 11b.

On the other hand, the second valve body 57 for switching gas and water supply has a structure as described below. That is,
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a piston 80 for water supply switching has an outer shape that follows the inner diameter shape of the valve seat body 58.
The piston 80 has a built-in piston 81 for switching gas supply. The piston 80 has a sealing ring 82 at its tip that has a U-shaped cross section similar to the first valve body 56.
In addition, it is connected to a first piston part 80a having a valve chamber 83 from the center to the rear end, and a cylindrical second piston part 80c having a valve seat 80b formed at the tip. ing. Further, a connecting tube portion 80d is connected to the rear end of the piston @80c, and a hollow operation button 84 is connected to this connecting tube portion 80d. And the connecting pipe part 8
A mounting dust 86 having the same shape as the previous mounting dust 69 is provided between the abutting step part 85 formed at the boundary between 0d and the piston part 80c and the operation button 84. A compression spring 87 is interposed between 86 and the operation button 84. By fitting this mounting dust 86 into the mounting flange 63b, the entire second valve body 57 can be mounted on the valve seat body 58 in the same manner as the first valve body 56. There is. The mounting dust 86 pushed down by the compression spring 87 has a stepped portion that abuts against the abutting stepped portion 85, thereby restricting the movement.

In addition, in such a configuration, since the diameter of the mouthpiece portion 63a is different from that of the conventional one, no valve bodies other than the first valve body 56 and the second valve body 57 are attached.

Therefore, it will not be used incorrectly with conventional air and water supply.

Further, the gas supply switching piston 81 has a valve portion 88 (corresponding to a normally closed on-off valve) on the outer periphery of the insertion side tip. The shaft portion of the piston 81 is inserted into the second piston portion 80c through the operation button 84 so as to be freely advanced and retracted, so that the valve portion 88 is housed in the valve chamber 83. Further, a hollow valve portion 89 is connected to the upper end portion of the piston 81 . Further, a compression spring 90 for lifting the piston 81 is wound between the lower end of the operating button 89 and a spring seat formed in the connecting pipe portion directly below the lower end. By lifting this piston 81, the valve portion 88 is brought into contact with the valve seat 80b, so that the boat of the valve seat 80b is always closed. Further, by pushing the valve portion 89, the boat of the valve seat 88 can be opened.

Note that a stopper 91a is provided between the piston 80 and the piston 81 to prevent the valve portion 88 from collapsing more than necessary when high-pressure gas is fed.

91b is provided.

Furthermore, the following switching structure is used for the second valve body 57. That is, on the circumferential wall of the first piston portion 80a, a first hole 92 that communicates between the inside and outside of the valve chamber 83 is provided at a portion corresponding to the lowest stage of the valve chamber 83, and a second
A second hole 93 communicating with the inner cavity of the second piston portion 80c is provided on the peripheral wall of the piston portion 80c, and the first and second piston portions 8 are connected to each other through the port of the valve seat 80b.
0 a r 80 communicate between inside and outside of c.

and first and second piston parts 80a.

On 80c, sealing rings 94°95 are provided directly above the first hole 1s92 and directly above the second hole 93, and a tapered portion at the boundary between the large diameter cylindrical portion 58a and the small diameter cylindrical portion 58b. A sealing ring 96 is provided at the corresponding position, so that gas supply and water supply can be switched.

Next, speaking of this, the sealing ring 82°95.
96 is in the standby state of C shown on the left side of FIG.
(state in which the pistons 80 and 81 are pushed up until they are regulated by 5), both are in close contact with the inner surface of the valve seat body 58,
A valve chamber 97 is provided between the valve seat body 58 and the piston 80, respectively.
It forms a 98°99 (gas and water flow path). Using this arrangement, the sealing ring 82 is
The seal between the seal ring 96 and the valve part 88 closes off the upstream pipe line 10a and the downstream pipe line 10b, and at the same time, the seal between the seal ring 82 and the upstream pipe line 11a closes off the upstream pipe line 10a and the downstream pipe line 10b. He is trying to cut off the connection with the upstream pipe line 11a. In addition, when the valve part 89 is pushed in from this state as shown on the right side of FIG. 5 (state D), the port of the valve seat 80b is opened and the upstream side is He is trying to communicate between the side pipe 10a and the downstream pipe 10b. Furthermore, when the operation button 84 is subsequently pushed in as shown in FIG. At the same time, the seal ring 94 is inscribed to prevent inflow from the upstream pipe line 10a.
And the sealing ring 96 seals to shut off, thereby making it possible to switch between gas and water supply.

Such a second valve body 57 is provided with a leak path. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, this leak path extends inside the piston 81 from just above the valve portion 88 to the hole in the valve portion 89 along the axial direction.
It forms. A structure is used in which a hole 101 is provided on the peripheral wall of the bottom side of the leak hole 100 to communicate the leak hole 100 with the space between the two pistons 80 and 81. This constitutes a structure in which the downstream portion of the valve portion 88 and the downstream portion of the sealing ring 96 that secures a flow path for the gas to be communicated with the atmosphere. In other words, the valve portion 88. The structure is such that gas leaking beyond the sealing ring 96 can be released to the outside. However, the opening of the leak hole 100 is to be closed with a finger during gas supply.

In addition, in FIGS. 5 and 6, 102 indicates the hole 10.
1 is a sealing ring for sealing the upper sliding surface portion of the endoscope 1, and in FIG.
This is a light guide fiber that is inserted into the interior of the operating unit 2 and the universal cord 4.

Next, the gas supply cap 17 and the gas cylinder connector 21 connected thereto will be described. First, the gas supply cap 17
The connector 13 is provided with a cylindrical cap member 31 that protrudes and retracts from the outer wall 13a, and a cylinder 32 is connected to the inner end of the cap member 31. And this cylinder 3
A mouth portion 10c communicating with the upstream side of the air supply pipe line 10, that is, the side of the air supply cap 15 is provided at the center of the inner bottom of the air supply pipe 2.

Further, an opening 15a communicating with the downstream side of the air supply pipe line 10 is provided on the inner bottom side slope portion of the cylinder 32.

In other words, the air supply line 10 and the air supply cap 15 are connected to the cylinder 3.
It communicates through 2. This communication state is interrupted or communicated by a piston 33 provided within the cylinder 32 so as to be movable in the axial direction thereof.

That is, a rubber sealing member 34 is attached to the inner end of the piston 33, and this sealing member 34 is disposed opposite to a valve seat 35 formed on the inner surface of the cylinder 32, and the piston 33 is pushed in. At times, they collide with each other and cut off communication.

Also, around the outer end of the piston 33, a spring bearing is provided with a ring 36.
A flange 37 is integrally formed on the inner surface of the base member 31, facing the spring receiver ring 36. Further, the seal member 34 is connected to the base member 31.
It faces the inner end surface of the flange 37, and an abutting protrusion 34a is provided protruding from this opposing surface. The spring holder has a compression coil spring 38 between the ring 36 and the flange 37.
is interposed. As a result, the piston 33 is biased by the compression coil spring 38, and therefore, the sealing member 34 normally retreats from the valve seat 35 and waits in the valve chamber as shown in state A shown on the right side of FIG. By opening 32a, the mouth portion 10c and the mouth portion 15a are communicated with each other. In other words, the air supply pipe line 10 and the air supply cap 15 are in communication. At this time, the sealing member 34 has its abutment protrusion 34
a is brought into contact with the inner surface of the flange 37 to airtightly block the space between them.

Further, a cylindrical abutting member 39 is provided on the inner surface of the cap member 31.
is screwed in and secured. A ventilation hole 33a is coaxially formed in the piston 33, and this ventilation hole 3
A pair of lateral holes 33b and 33c communicating with lateral holes 3a are provided with the flange 37 in between and are offset in the axial direction. The ventilation hole 33a and one side hole 33c form a gas supply passage 40 that communicates with a gas supply system consisting of the gas supply tube 22. In this manner, the cylinder 32 includes a pipe line switching valve 20 that selectively connects the air supply pipe 10 to the air supply mouthpiece 15 or the gas supply mouthpiece 17 .

In addition, the spring bearing of the piston 33 is provided with a leak hole 36a formed by partially cutting out the ring 36.

On the other hand, the connector 2 of the gas supply tube 22 is connected to the gas supply mouthpiece 17 which incorporates this pipe line switching valve 20.
1 is configured as follows.

That is, the connector 21 is connected to the abutment member 3 of the gas supply cap 17.
9 has a connecting tube 41 inserted into the connecting tube 41.
is airtightly connected to the distal end of the gas supply tube 22 via a connecting pipe 42. Further, a mounting ring 43 is fitted and mounted on the outer periphery of the connecting pipe 41. A male threaded portion 45 is formed on the outer periphery of the distal end of the mounting ring 43 and is screwed into a female threaded portion 44 formed on the inner surface of the outer end of the base member 31 . Further, the mounting ring 43 is rotatably attached to the outer peripheral edge of the mounting ring 43 by being engaged between flanges 41a and 42a formed on both the connecting pipe 41 and the connecting pipe 42. Note that a leak notch 46 is formed on the outer edge of the mounting ring 43, and a leak hole 47 is formed in the intermediate portion of the mounting ring 43. Furthermore, a rubber seal member 48 is provided on the outer periphery of the middle part of the connecting pipe 41.
is installed. Further, an abutting protrusion 48a is provided protruding from the end surface of the sealing member 48 on the distal end side.

Then, when the connector 21 is attached to the gas supply cap 17,
The end surface of the sealing member 48 on the abutting protrusion 48a side is brought into airtight contact with the distal end surface of the abutting member 39.

Note that 32a is a sealing adhesive.

On the other hand, a female thread 51 for attachment is formed on the inner surface of the distal end of the mounting ring 43 so as to be compatible with a different type of gas supply cap 17a as shown in FIG. The outer periphery is formed into a tapered surface 52 of the standard used in syringes and the like.

By the way, the gas feeding cap 17a of the type shown in FIG. 8 is used exclusively for gas feeding used in conventional endoscopes, and the inner surface of its connecting tube 111 is formed as a tapered surface 112 that conforms to the tapered surface 52. has been done. Furthermore, a protrusion 113 is formed on the outer periphery of the tip end of the connecting tube 55. Therefore,
Using the protrusion 113, it can be screwed into a female locking screw 51 on the inner surface of the mounting ring 43 to lock it. In other words, the connecting tool 21 of the gas feeding tube 22 can be used by directly connecting to a gas feeding device used in conventional endoscopes.

In comparison with the one shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 7 shows a configuration in which the gas supply mouthpiece 17 having the above structure and a connector 21 connected thereto are connected.

Next, the operation when using the endoscope apparatus having the above configuration will be explained. First, when performing normal use for supplying air and water, the first valve body 56 is attached to the valve seat body 58 of the air and water supply switching valve 26, as shown in FIG. This mounting is performed by inserting the piston 65 into the valve seat body 58 and fitting the mounting seat 69 onto the mounting flange 63b. In addition, a connector 62 is inserted into the water supply mouthpiece 16 of the family gift #i11 to connect the water tank T to the water supply pipe line 11, and the air supply tube 14 of the air pump P1 is inserted into the air supply mouthpiece 15 of the family gift #i11. Connect. On the other hand, the connector 21 of the gas cylinder B is not connected to the gas supply cap 17. As a result, the pipe switching valve 2 at the gas supply mouthpiece 17
0 shuts off the gas supply mouthpiece 17 side and communicates the air supply mouthpiece 15 side with the air supply pipe line 10. Therefore, the air discharged from the air supply pump P1 is transferred from the air supply mouthpiece 15 to the pipe switching valve 20.
It enters the upstream pipe line 10a of the air supply pipe line 10 of the endoscope 1 through the air pipe. The upstream pipe line 10a communicates with the downstream pipe line 10b through a check valve 72 in the air/water switching valve 26, and also communicates with the outside through a leak hole 75. Therefore, due to the difference in the resistance of the two pipes, air leaks to the outside through the upstream pipe 10a and the leak hole 75 in the air/water supply switching valve 26 in the standby state A shown on the left side in FIG. Therefore, air is not supplied to the distal end side.

If the opening of the leak hole 76 of the operation button 66 is closed with a finger from this standby state, the leak hole 76 is closed, the leak is blocked, and normal air supply is performed.

In addition, if the operation button 66 is pushed in as shown in state B on the right side of FIG. 4 while blocking the leak hole 76 with a finger, the opening of the upstream pipe 10a is sealed by the sealing ring 71 and the check valve 72. At the same time, the upstream pipe line 11a and the downstream pipe line 11b communicate with each other through the sealing ring 71, and normal water supply is performed. That is, the pressurized air from the air supply pump P1 pressurizes the cleaning liquid W in the water supply tank T through the air supply mouthpiece 15, the pipe line switching valve 20, the air supply line 10, and the air supply tube 51, and the cleaning water W is sent to the water supply pipe line 11 of the endoscope 1 through the water supply tube 52.

On the other hand, when performing gas and water supply instead of such air supply and water supply, gas and water supply is performed to the valve seat body 58 instead of the first valve body 56 in the air and water supply switching valve 26. Attach the second valve body 57 in the same manner as when the first valve body 56 was attached first. Next, the gas cylinder connector 21 is inserted into the gas supply cap 17 to connect the gas cylinder T to the gas supply pipe line 10 of the endoscope 1 .

Note that when the connector 21 is not attached to the gas supply cap 17, the pipe line switching valve 20 opens its valve chamber 32a as shown in the right part A of FIG. The air supply line 10 is opened as described above.

Further, the sealing member 34 contacts the flange 37, interrupting the gap therebetween and closing the gas supply mouthpiece 17 side.

From this state, the gas cylinder connector 21 is attached to the gas supply cap 17 in the following procedure.

That is, by inserting the mounting ring 43 of the connector 21 into the cap member 31 of the gas supply cap 17, the female thread 4 is inserted.
4 and the male screw 45 are screwed together. When the mounting ring 43 is screwed in in this manner, the connecting pipe 41 moves forward as shown in state B in the left half of FIG. Push against the force. Then, the seal member 34 attached to the piston 33 is pressed onto the valve seat 35 to block the gap therebetween. Accordingly, as shown in state B on the left side of FIG. 1, the pipe switching valve 20 blocks the passage between the opening portion 10c and the opening portion 15a, which were communicating through the valve chamber 32a. Furthermore, in this state B, the sealing member 34 separates from the flange 37 of the mouthpiece member 31, opening the gas supply path 40. For this reason, the gas supply tube 22 is connected to its gas supply path 4.
It communicates with the air supply line 10 through 0.

Thus, by opening the on-off valve 23, nonflammable gas such as carbon dioxide gas can be supplied from the gas cylinder B to the air supply pipe line 10 side.

Therefore, by operating the air and water supply switching valve 26 in the same manner as described above, the gas supply and water supply operations can be selected. That is,
When the air/water supply switching valve 26 is in a standby state as in state C shown in the left half of FIG. Because it is shut off, carbon dioxide (nonflammable gas) does not escape.

Furthermore, since the upstream pipe line 11a and the downstream pipe line 11b of the water supply pipe line 11 are also blocked by the sealing ring 82, cleaning water does not leak out.

Therefore, if the lead part 89 is pushed in while blocking the leak hole 100 with a finger from this standby state, the piston 81 will descend as shown in the right half of FIG. 1, opening the boat of the valve seat 80b. Valve chamber 10 directly above valve chamber 83 and valve seat 80b
4 is connected. Thus, carbon dioxide gas flows from the upstream pipe line 10a of the air supply pipe line 10 to the first hole 92, the valve chamber 83, and the valve seat 80b.

The gas is sent through the valve chamber 104 and the second hole 93 to the downstream pipe line 10b of the air supply pipe line 10, thereby performing gas supply. At this time, since the opening of the leak hole 100 is covered by the operating finger, carbon dioxide gas does not leak out to the atmosphere (outside) through the second valve element 57.

On the other hand, if the operation button 84 is pushed while blocking the opening of the leak hole 100 with a finger, the opening at the tip of the upstream pipe line 10a of the air supply pipe line 10 is closed to the sealing ring 94, as shown in FIG.
．． At the same time, the sealing ring 82 is released from the inscribed sealing ring 82, and the upstream pipe line 11a and the downstream pipe line 11b of the water supply pipe line 11 are communicated with each other. As a result, the wash water W in the water tank 14 is pressurized in the same manner as described in the previous air and water feed operation, and this pressurized wash water W is transferred to the water pipe 1.
The water is supplied to the jet nozzle 12 at the tip through the water pipe 1, and water is supplied to the jet nozzle 12 at the tip.

Note that during the standby state C shown in the left half of FIG.
If the gas pressure exceeds the shutoff ability of the sealing ring 96, if the sealing ring 96 and the valve part 88 are deteriorated or damaged, or if the valve part 88 does not return completely for some reason, the drift may occur. However, according to the above configuration, even if such a trouble occurs, the valve part 88 and the seal 9
Since a leak path is formed on the downstream side of valve chamber 9,
The gas that has flowed into the valve chamber 104 and the valve chamber 104 does not flow into the patient side (downstream pipe line 10b) but instead flows into the leak hole 100.
It will leak from the atmosphere (outside). Of course, this is also due to the fact that the pipe resistance of the downstream pipe line 10b is much greater than the resistance of the leak path. Therefore,
Treatment can always be carried out safely.

Further, since the connection between the connecting fitting 21 and the gas supply mouthpiece 17 automatically switches between air supply and gas supply, handling is easy.

Furthermore, when removing the connector 21 of the gas supply tube 22 from the gas supply mouthpiece 17 of the endoscope 1, the inside of the gas supply pipe line 10 is once opened to the atmosphere (outside) as described below.
It acts to reduce the pressure within the air supply line 10. Therefore, high-pressure gas remains in the air supply pipe line 10, and this is prevented from flowing into the air supply pump P1 connected to the air supply cap 15 and damaging the air supply pump P1. There is.

That is, when disconnecting the connecting fitting 21 of the gas feeding tube 22 from the gas feeding mouthpiece 17 of the endoscope 1, when the mounting ring 43 is removed from the fitting member 31, the connecting tube 4 of the connecting fitting 21 is removed.
1 retreats accordingly, as shown in FIG. The piston 33 that abuts the tip of the connecting tube 41 is also moved backward by the elastic biasing force of the compression coil spring 38. Therefore, the sealing member 34 mounted on the piston 33 separates from the valve seat 35, but does not open at this initial stage as shown in FIG. At this initial stage, the sealing member 48 on the connecting pipe 41 of the connector 21 separates from the abutting member 39 with which it had been abutting until then, forming a passage S therebetween.

Therefore, the leak hole 47 of the mounting ring 43 or the leak notch supply path 4 is passed from the vent hole 33a and the horizontal hole 33b of the piston 33 in the pipe line switching valve 20 to the passage S thereof.
Release from 0 to the outside.

Therefore, the inside of the air supply pipe 10 of the endoscope 1 is the atmosphere (external).
The pressure inside the air supply line 10 drops instantly. That is, high-pressure gas does not remain in the air supply pipe line 10 and the air supply tube 14 communicating with the air supply mouthpiece 15.

When the connector 21 of the gas supply tube 22 is further removed after the initial stage in which such a leakage action occurs, as the piston 33 is retracted, the abutment circumferential protrusion 34a of the seal member 34 on the piston 33 is removed. The side end surface is
It abuts against the flange 37 of the gas supply mouthpiece 31 and abuts against it by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 38, thereby airtightly blocking the space between them. In other words, the state fiA shown in the right half of FIG. 1 is achieved, and the gas supply mouthpiece 17 is automatically closed.

In this way, switching of the pipe line switching valve 20 is automatically performed depending on whether or not the connector 21 of the gas supply tube 22 is attached to the gas supply mouthpiece 17.

Therefore, the operator does not need to perform any special work. When removing the connector 21, first remove the air supply pipe 1.
0 is opened to the atmosphere (outside), and the air supply pipe 10 is opened to the atmosphere (outside).
The high pressure gas reduces the pressure inside the air supply pipe 10.
It is possible to prevent this from remaining in the air supply tube 14 and flowing into the air supply pump P1 connected to the air supply mouthpiece 15 and damaging the air supply pump P1.

Moreover, even if the gas tube 22 is removed from the gas supply mouthpiece 17 and the air supply pump P1 is stopped, a situation in which water is supplied can be prevented.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, means for leaking the gas inside the air supply line 1o of the endoscope 1 into the atmosphere is incorporated into the light source device 120 for an endoscope. Endoscope light source device 120
A main body 121 is provided with a mounting port 122 for detachably mounting the connector 21 of the gas tube 22.
2 has a conduit section 12 that communicates with a gas tube 22 to be attached.
3, and this conduit section 123 connects to the air supply mouthpiece 15 of the endoscope 1.
It communicates with the midway part of the light source device side air supply pipe 124 that is connected to the light source device side. Further, valves 12 are installed in the middle of this pipe section 123 and in the pipe section of the light source device side air supply pipe line 124 between the part where this pipe line section 123 connects and the air supply pump P1.
5a.

125b is provided. Further, the mounting opening 122 is provided with a sensor 126 that detects the mounting state of the connecting tool 21 mounted thereon. And this sensor 126
Each of the valves 125a is controlled by a control circuit 127 that receives the mounting signal detected by the control circuit 127.

The opening/closing operation of 125b is controlled as described below. Note that the valve 125a is configured so that the position where it is opened to the atmosphere can be selected.

In addition, in the endoscope 1 in this embodiment, separate valves 128a and 128b are interposed at intermediate portions of the air supply pipe 10 and the water supply pipe 11, respectively, and each valve 128a
, 128b are controlled by a control circuit 129 provided in the main body 121 of the endoscope light source device 120, as will be described later. In addition, this control circuit 12
Reference numeral 9 receives an operation command from a switching operation button 130 provided on the operation section 2 of the endoscope 1.

The switching operation button 130 is a two-stage push-in type switch, with the first stage commanding air supply or gas supply, and the second stage commanding water supply.

Note that the other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment.

In this endoscope apparatus, when the gas supply operation is performed, when the connector 21 of the gas tube 22 is attached to the installation port 122, this is detected by the sensor 126, and upon receiving this detection signal, Control circuit 127 opens valve 125a and closes valve 125b. Therefore, the gas from the gas cylinder B is sent from the light source device side air supply line 124 to the endoscope side air line 10 that communicates therewith. It is also supplied into the water tank T, and pressurizes the cleaning water W therein.

Therefore, the switching operation button 130 on the operation section 2 of the endoscope 1
When the valve 128a is operated to supply gas, only the valve 128a on the side of the air supply pipe 10 opens, and gas can be supplied through the air supply pipe 10.

Further, when the switching operation button 130 is operated to supply water, only the valve 128b on the water supply pipe 11 side is opened, and the wash water W in the pressurized water supply tank T is transferred to the air supply pipe 11.
Water can be sent through.

On the other hand, in this endoscope apparatus, when performing water and air supply operations, the connector 21 of the gas tube 22 is removed from the mounting opening 122. This state is detected by the sensor 126, and in response to this detection signal, the control circuit 127
closes valve 125a and opens valve 125b. Therefore, the supply of gas from the gas cylinder B is cut off, and the air from the air pump P1 can be sent from the air supply line 124 on the light source device side to the air line 10 on the endoscope side leading thereto. It becomes like this.

Further, this pressurized air is also supplied into the water supply tank T, and pressurizes the cleaning water W therein.

Therefore, the switching operation button 130 on the operation section 2 of the endoscope 1
When the valve 128a is operated to supply air, only the valve 128a on the side of the air supply conduit 10 opens, and air can be supplied through the air supply conduit 10. Also, when the switching operation button 130 is operated to supply water, the valve 12 on the water supply pipe 11 side
Only 8b is opened, and the pressurized wash water W from the water supply tank T can be supplied through the air supply pipe line 11.

By the way, the connector 21 of the gas tube 22 is connected to the light source device 1.
When the valve 125a is removed from the mounting opening 122 on the 20 side, the sensor 126 detects the initial operation, and in response to this detection signal, the control circuit 127 opens the valve 125a for a short period of time, for example, 1 second, and releases the valve 125a to the atmosphere. Therefore, the high-pressure gas remaining in the light source device side air supply line 124 and the endoscope side air line 10 that communicates therewith is released into the atmosphere. After this, valve 125a is closed and valve 125b is opened. This leakage operation is automatically performed when the connector 21 is removed.

In addition, in this second embodiment, since the pipe switching valve 20 is provided on the light source device side, the connector 13 is smaller and lighter than when it is provided in the connector 13 of the endoscope 1, making it easier to handle. .

FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment has the same basic configuration as the second embodiment, but in particular, a valve 128b for opening and closing the water tank T and the air supply pipe line 10 is connected to the main body 12 of the endoscope light source device 120.
It is incorporated into 1. Furthermore, the air supply pump P1
is connected to the water tank T. Therefore, air supply,
Regardless of the gas feeding switching operation, the water feeding action is performed by the air feeding pressure of the air feeding pump P1. Other operations are similar to those of the second embodiment.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention provides a gas supply tube for an endoscope apparatus that performs air supply and gas supply by an air supply source and a high-pressure fluid source using the same pipe line of an endoscope. When disconnecting, the connecting pipe switching valve leaks the high-pressure fluid remaining in the common pipe before connecting the air supply pipe and the air supply source, and prevents it from flowing into the air supply source. , damage to the air supply pump, etc. of the air supply source can be prevented.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 8 show a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 1 and 2 are cross-sectional views showing the configuration of a pipe line switching valve and a gas tube connector in the gas supply mouthpiece, respectively. , 3rd
The figure is an explanatory diagram showing the general configuration of the entire endoscope device.
The figure is a sectional view of the operation switching valve when air and water are supplied to the endoscope. Figures 5 and 6 are sectional views of the operation switching valve when the endoscope is supplying gas and water. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the part where the connector is connected to the gas nozzle for gas supply, and FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention. An explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the device,
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Endoscope, 10... Air supply pipe line, 11... Water supply pipe line, 15... Air supply cap, 17... Gas cap, 20
...Pipe switching valve, B...Gas cylinder, Pl...Air supply pump, T...Water supply tank. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Atsushi Tsuboi Figure 5

Claims (1)

[Claims] An air supply line arranged in the endoscope, an air supply source connected to this air supply line, and a fluid having a pressure higher than the supply pressure of this air supply source to the air supply line of the endoscope. a removable supply tube that connects the high-pressure fluid source and the air supply line; when the supply tube is connected, the passage on the air supply source side is blocked; and when the supply tube is removed, the air supply line is closed. In an endoscope apparatus that is provided with a connecting line switching valve that communicates an air supply source with the tracheal passage, when the supply tube is removed, the connecting line switching valve connects the air supply line with the air supply tube. 1. An endoscope apparatus comprising a leak means for opening a leak path for discharging fluid in an air supply pipe into the atmosphere before communicating with a source, and then blocking the leak path.