JPH08243071A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To improve the cleanability and to prevent miss-assembling of a tip cover on to the insert part tip by detachably attaching the tip cover to the tip part of an inserting part. CONSTITUTION: The tip part main body 3 constituting a part of the tip part of an inserting part of this endoscope 1 is formed so that a tip cover 4 is to be detachably attached. The tip cover 4 is formed in a cap-like shape to cover the tip part main body 3, an opening part is equipped responding to a treating tool standing bed 9, and an air and water path communicating to an air and water supply nozzle 20 is equipped. Onto an inserting pipe 25 of an inserting part 2, an identification symbol 28 to express the product number of the tip cover 4 is printed or adhered to identify the mutual combination of the endoscope main body and the tip part cover.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope having a distal end cover provided at the distal end of an insertion section.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an endoscope in which a slender insertion portion is inserted into a body cavity or the like to observe a portion that cannot be directly viewed is widely used in the medical field and the like.

Such an endoscope is generally provided with a fluid conduit in the insertion portion so that air and water can be fed from a fluid ejection nozzle at the tip of the insertion portion toward an observation window or the like. For example, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-317235, a removable tip cover is provided at the tip of the insertion portion, and a fluid ejection nozzle is formed in this tip cover so that the inside of a fluid conduit for air and water supply can be brushed. What has been done is disclosed. According to this structure, by removing the tip cover, the fluid ejection nozzle can be easily and surely cleaned, the cleaning brush can be easily inserted into the fluid conduit, and the interior of the conduit can be reliably cleaned by brushing. Therefore, it is possible to improve the cleanability of the fluid ejection nozzle and the fluid conduit.

[0004]

In the endoscope, the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the insertion portion, the arrangement of the objective lens, the illumination lens, the fluid conduit opening portion, the treatment instrument channel opening portion, and the like are different for each product. . In the above-described configuration in which the tip cover that is attachable to and detachable from the tip of the insertion section is provided, the structure of the tip cover naturally varies depending on the product depending on the structure of the tip of the insertion section. If the tip cover of another product is mistakenly attached to the tip of the insertion section, the tip cover may fall off if the tip cover is larger than the official cover, or if the tip cover is smaller than the official cover. There is a risk of causing troubles due to incorrect assembly, such as damage to the tip of the insertion section.

The present invention has been made in view of these circumstances. The tip cover is attachable to and detachable from the tip of the insertion portion to improve the cleaning performance, and the tip cover is erroneously assembled to the tip of the insertion portion. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope capable of preventing the above.

[0006]

The endoscope of the present invention is an endoscope having a detachable distal end cover at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, wherein the endoscope main body and the distal end cover are mutually An identification symbol for identifying a combination is provided on at least one of the endoscope body and the tip cover, and the identification symbol allows confirmation of a proper combination of the endoscope body and the tip cover when the tip cover is attached. It will be possible.

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and FIG. 2 is the overall configuration of the endoscope and when it is stored. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of the structure of an engaging portion for fixing the tip cover to the tip body, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing an engaging portion for fixing the tip cover to the tip body. Sectional drawing which shows the 2nd example of a structure, FIG. 5 is a structure explanatory drawing which shows the state which raised the treatment tool penetrated in the insertion part, and FIG. 6 shows the state which made the treatment tool inserted in the insertion part fall. 7A and 7B are configuration explanatory views showing another configuration example of the arrangement of the identification symbols.

The endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to have an elongated insertion portion 2, and a distal end cover 4 is attached to a distal end portion main body 3 which constitutes a part of the distal end side of the insertion portion 2. It is designed to be detachably attached. FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 and shows a state in which the distal end cover 4 is removed from the distal end portion main body 3.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tip end body 3 is provided with an objective lens 5 and an illumination lens 6 in a lateral direction.
To the tip end side of these insertion parts, for supplying cleaning water for cleaning the objective lens 5 and for supplying water for removing water droplets adhering to the objective lens 5 or supplying air into the body cavity, An air / water feeding conduit opening 7 communicating with the air / water feeding conduit provided inside the insertion portion 2 is provided so as to open toward the distal end side. Also, on the side of the air / water supply pipeline opening 7,
A treatment instrument channel opening 8 communicating with the treatment instrument channel provided in the insertion portion 2 is provided, and a treatment instrument raising base 9 is provided on the distal end side of the treatment instrument channel opening 8 with respect to the distal end body 3. It is movably installed. On the treatment instrument raising base 9,
The tip of the raising wire 10 inserted through the insertion portion is connected.

The endoscope 1 has an insertion portion 2 as shown in FIG.
A taper-shaped break-preventing portion 11 is provided at the base end portion of and the operation portion 12 is continuously provided at the base-end side of the bend-preventing portion 11. The operation unit 12 is provided with a bending operation knob 14, a treatment instrument raising lever 15, an air / water supply button 16, a suction button 17, and an operation switch 18 on the proximal end side of the grip unit main body 13 to be gripped by the user. .

The raising wire 10 is inserted through the insertion portion and the operation portion, and the proximal end side is connected to the treatment instrument raising lever 15. Further, the proximal end side of the treatment instrument channel provided in the insertion portion communicates with the channel insertion port 19.

On the other hand, the tip cover 4 is formed in a cap shape by an elastic member such as rubber so as to cover the tip end body 3 made of plastic such as polysulfone having an insulating property, and the objective lens 5 and the illumination lens. 6, and a side portion corresponding to the treatment instrument raising base 9 is formed in an open shape. The tip cover 4 communicates with the air / water feeding conduit opening 7 of the tip main body 3 in a state where the cover is attached to the tip main body 3, and the opening of the air / water feeding conduit is directed toward the objective lens 5. A pneumatic water supply nozzle 20 is provided.

A locking projection 21 for fixing the tip cover is provided on the side of the tip body 3 so as to engage with a locking hole 22 provided on the side of the tip cover 4. It has become. When the tip cover 4 is attached, the tip projection 4 of the tip body 4 is overcome by the deformation of the tip cover 4 made of an elastic member, and the engagement hole 22 is engaged with the engagement projection 21 for positioning and fixing. . At this time, since the outer diameter of the locking protrusion 21 is formed to be the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the locking hole 22, the tip cover 4 is firmly fixed to the tip body 3 without rattling. To be done.

Here, FIG. 3 shows a first example of the structure of the engaging portion for fixing the tip cover 4. In this first example, the locking protrusion 21a is formed in a wedge shape whose side peripheral portion protrudes in a mountain shape, and the locking hole 22a is a triangle cut laterally corresponding to the shape of the locking protrusion 21a. It is formed in a groove shape. By thus fitting the locking projection 21a and the locking hole 22a with the wedge-shaped engaging portion, it is possible to prevent the locking protrusion 21a from coming off in the direction of the arrow in FIG. The locking protrusion 21a has substantially the same shape as the locking hole 22a and is formed to have the same size or a slightly larger size.

A second example of the structure of the engaging portion for fixing the tip cover 4 is shown in FIG. In this second example, the tip cover 4 is made of, for example, a polysulfone thermoplastic material, the tip body 3 is also made of a polysulfone insulating material, and a fitting hole 23 is provided in the tip body 3 to insert the fitting. The hole 23 has a structure in which a locking projection 21b formed of a high-elasticity polymer material such as an elastomer is fitted and fixed by adhesion or the like. With this configuration, when the distal end cover 4 is mounted on the distal end portion main body 3, the locking projection 21b made of a high elastic polymer material is deformed, so that the distal end cover 4 can be easily inserted. If the tip cover 4 comes into contact with the tissue in the body cavity during the inspection and external force is applied to the tip cover 4 so that the tip cover 4 is likely to come off the tip body 3, the locking projection 21b is deformed and the tip cover 4 and Since the locking projections 21b move and remain engaged with the locking holes 22 of the tip cover 4, the locking projections 21b hold the tip cover 4 flexibly and reliably and prevent the cover from falling off.

At this time, a locking projection made of a high-elasticity polymer material may be provided on the tip cover 4 side, and a locking hole may be provided on the tip end body 3 side, or the tip cover 4 as a whole may be made to have a high elasticity. It is also possible to use a structure formed by molding a molecular material and hardening the parts other than the locking projections by dipping.

The insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is provided with a distal end portion covered with a distal end cover 4 from the distal end side, a bending portion to which a plurality of bending pieces are connected, and a flexible portion including a flexible tube. , Operation unit 1
It is connected to 2. Then, on the base end side of the distal end portion main body 3, a bending rubber 24 made of fluororubber or the like for covering and protecting the bending piece of the bending portion, and an insertion tube 25 forming a flexible portion.
Are sequentially connected, and both ends of the curved rubber 24 are fixed by the thread winding fixing portion 26.

On the outer surface of the insertion tube 25, an index 27 composed of a line and a numerical value for indicating the insertion length of the insertion portion 2, and an identification symbol 28 representing the product symbol, product name, serial number, etc. of the tip cover 4. Is printed or affixed. A coating is applied on the printed or affixed index 27 and the identification symbol 28 to prevent the characters from coming off. Further, the tip cover 4 and the curved rubber 24 made of rubber such as silicon are made to contain polytetrafluoroethylene powder in order to improve the insertability, thereby improving the slipperiness.

In the endoscope of this embodiment, air supply / water supply and suction are performed by operating the air supply / water supply button 16 and the suction button 17 provided on the operation portion 12, respectively. When the air / water supply button 16 is operated, air or cleaning water is sent to the tip portion via the air / water supply conduit, and these fluids pass through the air / water conduit opening 7 and are supplied from the air / water nozzle 20 to the objective lens. Eject toward 5. When the suction button 17 is operated, suction is performed from the treatment instrument channel opening 8 via the treatment instrument channel.

In this configuration, since the air / water feeding nozzle 20 is provided on the tip cover 4 which is detachable from the endoscope body, when the air / water feeding nozzle 20 is clogged with filth or the like, the distal end is covered. Since it is possible to replace the cover 4 or remove only the tip cover 4 and ultrasonically clean it to remove dirt, it is possible to provide a hygienic endoscope having good cleaning properties.

The treatment instrument raising base 9 is raised and inverted by rotating the treatment instrument raising lever 15 of the operating portion 12. When the treatment instrument raising lever 15 is operated, the raising wire 1
0 is pushed and pulled to move back and forth, and the treatment instrument raising base 9 is driven to rise and fall. Further, by rotating the bending operation knob 14, a bending wire (not shown) in the insertion portion advances and retreats, and the bending portion on the distal end side of the insertion portion is driven to bend.

Here, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show a state in which the treatment instrument raising base 9 at the distal end portion is raised and inverted. The treatment instrument raising base 9 is rotatably supported by the distal end portion main body 3 by a fixed shaft 29. As shown in FIG. 5, when the treatment instrument raising base 9 is raised around the fixed shaft 29, the treatment instrument 30 inserted through the treatment instrument channel may come into contact with the receiving surface 31 of the distal end cover 4. At this time, the tip cover 4
Is formed by a mold structure in which a parting line does not appear at the time of molding, the receiving surface 31 has no protrusion, and is formed into a smooth surface so as not to be caught when the treatment instrument 30 moves back and forth. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the treatment instrument raising base 9
When the instrument is inverted, the front surface 32 of the distal end cover 4 is pushed and deformed by the treatment instrument 30 so that the treatment instrument 30 inserted through the treatment instrument channel faces forward along the axial direction of the insertion portion. . When collecting a foreign matter such as a stone using the treatment tool 30, if the foreign matter is too large, it cannot pass through the treatment tool channel. Therefore, the treatment tool 30 is pulled out from the body cavity together with the insertion portion 2 in a state of protruding from the distal end cover 4. It may be necessary to do this, but in this case, if the treatment tool 30 is pulled out while protruding, the inside of the body cavity may be damaged. In the present embodiment, the distal end cover 4 is made of an elastic member and the front surface portion 32 is deformable, and the treatment instrument 30 protruding when the treatment instrument raising base 9 is inverted is inserted together with the insertion section 2 into the body cavity organ. It is possible to prevent damage to the inside of the body cavity and to perform safe treatment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the identification symbol 28 may be stamped, printed or affixed to the portion of the tip body 3 covered by the tip cover 4. in this case,
Since the unevenness of the identification mark 28 does not appear on the outer surface of the insertion portion 2 after the cover is attached, the slippage of the insertion portion 2 is good and the identification mark 28
It is possible to secure insertability equivalent to that of a general endoscope without a.
Further, if the tip cover 4 is made of a transparent material, the identification mark 28 can be confirmed even after the cover is attached, so there is no risk of accidentally attaching another type of tip cover to the tip body 3.

In the thus constructed endoscope of the present embodiment, when the tip cover 4 is attached to the tip body 3 before use, the tip attached to the bag in which the tip cover 4 is packed. The label of the product symbol on the cover 4 is collated with the identification symbol 28 printed or affixed to the insertion portion 2, and after confirming that the identification symbol 28 matches the product symbol on the tip cover 4, the cover is attached. To do. In this way, since the types of the endoscope and the tip cover can be confirmed immediately before the cover is attached, there is no risk that another type of tip cover will be erroneously assembled.

After the inspection, the tip cover 4 can be removed from the tip end body 3, so that a cleaning brush or the like can be easily applied around the air / water supply conduit opening 7 and the treatment instrument raising base 9 which are difficult to clean. It can be easily and surely cleaned and the cleaning performance is improved. For the purpose of improving the cleanability around the treatment instrument raising table 9, only the treatment instrument raising table 9 side is detached so that the cleaning brush can be easily applied to the treatment instrument raising table 9 so that the treatment instrument raising table 9 can be easily applied. You may use the front-end cover of which the side part is detachable.

FIG. 2 shows a state where the endoscope 1 is stored after being washed and disinfected. At the time of storage, the endoscope 1 is configured such that the grip portion main body 13 of the operation portion 12 is locked and fixed to the holding portion 37 fixed to the column 36 of the endoscope hanger 35, and the insertion portion 2 is suspended. I have to. At this time, since various germs floating in the air during storage may fall and adhere to the insertion part 2, the insertion part 2 is protected by a cylindrical shape made of polyethylene or the like until just before use. The cover 38 is used. An annular fixing portion 39 made of rubber such as silicon is provided at one end of the protective cover 38, and the fixing portion 39 is annularly fixed to a cylindrical portion 40 provided below the operation portion 12 for insertion. By covering the portion 2, the adherence of falling bacteria during storage is prevented.

Here, the inner diameter of the fixed portion 39 is equal to that of the cylindrical portion 40.
It is formed to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the protective cover 38 and is fixed to the endoscope 1 by tightening the cylindrical portion 40 with the fixing portion 39 when the protective cover 38 is attached to the endoscope 1. Further, since the gap between the insertion portion 2 and the protective cover 38 is set to be quite wide, the structure has good ventilation and is easy to dry. Further, since the inner diameter of the fixed portion 39 is larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2, the fixed portion 39 does not touch the insertion portion 2 when the protective cover 38 is removed, which is hygienic.

As described above, in the present embodiment, by providing the removable distal end cover on the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, the treatment tool raising base and the air / water supply conduit opening portion which are difficult to clean are exposed. , The cleaning brush is easily applied, and the cleaning property is improved. By providing an identification symbol indicating the combination of the tip cover and the endoscope at the tip of the insertion section, when the tip cover is reattached to the tip body, a tip different from the tip cover to be attached to the tip is provided. The cover is designed to prevent accidental assembly. This prevents the tip cover from falling off if the tip cover that was accidentally attached is larger than the regular tip cover, or damages the tip cover or the tip of the insertion section if the tip cover is smaller than the regular tip cover. You can prevent problems.

Although the present embodiment describes a configuration example of the side-view endoscope in which the insertion direction of the insertion portion and the observation direction are orthogonal to each other, it is limited to the side-view endoscope. Instead, the same can be applied to a direct-view endoscope in which the insertion direction and the observation direction are the same.

Further, the tip cover may be a so-called tip hood which is detachable and which is formed in a ring shape and protrudes forward of the tip of the insertion portion.

The tip cover may be made of a polymer material such as polysulfone, and may be detachably attached to the tip end main body by utilizing the elasticity of the tip cover.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a view of the distal end main body of the insertion portion viewed from the side opposite to the surface on which the objective lens and the illumination lens are arranged, and shows the side surface from the bottom surface side of the treatment instrument raising base. The present embodiment is an example in which an identification mark is provided on the tip cover, and the configuration of the other parts is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the description thereof is omitted.

The tip cover 40, which is detachable from the tip body 3, has an identification symbol 41 representing the product symbol, product name, manufacturing number, etc. of the endoscope to be mounted on the side face printed or attached. There is. The identification symbol 41 is designed so that what is printed or attached before the tip cover 40 is deteriorated by a chemical solution such as an antiseptic solution is peeled off by the erosion of the chemical solution. Therefore, if the identification symbol 41 disappears, it serves as a guide for discarding the tip cover 40, and the expiration date of the tip cover 40 can be confirmed at a glance.

At this time, the identification code 41 is added to the tip cover 40.
If the tip cover 40 is formed in a concave shape inside and the tip cover 40 is formed of a transparent member so that the identification symbol 41 can be recognized from the outside, the outer surface of the tip cover does not have unevenness, and therefore the identification symbol 41 is not provided. The insertability equivalent to that of a general endoscope can be secured. Further, if the identification symbol 41 is provided in a concave shape with respect to the tip cover 40, the identification symbol 41 can be displayed without increasing the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2. Further, if a plurality of identification symbols 41 are provided on the tip cover 40, the identification symbols 41 can be easily confirmed from any position.

In the endoscope of this embodiment, since the user knows the product code of the endoscope in advance when the tip cover is attached, the product code of the endoscope and the identification symbol displayed on the tip cover 40. 41 and the identification code 41
Can be confirmed to match the product code of the endoscope, and there is no risk that the tip cover for another product will be installed incorrectly. After the inspection, the tip cover 40 can be removed from the tip body 3, so that a cleaning brush or the like can be easily applied around the treatment tool raising base 9 that is difficult to clean, and the cleaning property is also improved.

The identification code 41 printed or attached to the tip cover 40 is not the product code of the endoscope,
The product code of the tip cover 40 itself may be used. Further, in checking whether or not the tip cover 40 is suitable for the endoscope to be attached, for example, the kind of the tip cover, the product symbol, etc., which conform to the instruction manual of the endoscope are specified, and the instruction manual is given. You should check it in a written form.

Thus, in this embodiment, by providing the identification mark on the tip cover, it is possible to prevent the tip cover from being erroneously assembled to the tip of the insertion portion, as in the first embodiment.

9 to 13 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and FIG. 10 shows the distal end portion of the insertion portion on the treatment instrument raising base side. 11 is a side view as seen from FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is a radial cross-sectional view showing the engagement state between the tip cover and the tip portion main body, FIG. 12 is an end view of the tip cover before mounting seen from the rear end side, and FIG. It is a configuration explanatory view showing another configuration example of the arrangement of. FIG. 9 shows the insertion portion 51 of the endoscope.
3 is an enlarged view of the tip end portion of FIG. 1 and shows a state in which the tip end cover 52 is removed from the tip end portion main body 53.

The distal end cover 52, which is detachable from the distal end body 53, is formed of an elastic plastic member such as polysulfone, and connects the distal end of the distal end body 53 and the side portion on the side of the treatment instrument raising base 9 side. A part of the tip cover 4 of the first embodiment is cut out so as to cover it.
A C-shaped locking ring 54 is provided at the proximal end of the tip cover 52, and the locking ring 54 is fitted into the locking groove 55 of the tip body 53 to move the tip cover 52 to the tip. The structure is fixed to the main body 53.

An air / water feeding nozzle 56 is projectingly provided at an opening of an air / water feeding conduit extending in the insertion portion of the tip end main body 53, and air / water feeding can be performed toward the objective lens 5. It is like this.

FIG. 10 shows the tip cover 52 and the tip body 5.
It is the figure which looked at 3 from the treatment tool raising stand 9 side. The insertion tube 25 of the endoscope insertion portion 51 has a product symbol, a product name of the endoscope,
An identification symbol A57 indicating a manufacturing number and the like is provided by printing or the like, while an identification symbol B58, which is a product symbol of the endoscope to which the distal end cover 52 is to be attached, is convex on the side portion of the distal end cover 52. It is formed integrally with the tip cover 52. Here, the protruding height of the character of the identification symbol B58 is 1 mm or less so that it does not hinder the insertion.

In FIG. 11, the tip cover 52 has a tip body 53.
The engagement state of the engagement ring 54 and the engagement groove portion 55 when fixed to FIG. Stop ring 54 of the tip cover 52
Is engaged with the locking groove 55 in a range larger than the half circumference of the tip end main body 53 by the C-shaped portion. This locking structure prevents the tip cover 52 from coming off in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 12, the tip end cover 52 is provided with attachment / detachment jigs 59 for expanding the engaging ring 54 at both ends of the engaging ring 54 when taken out from the packaged bag before mounting. Is formed integrally with. This attachment / detachment jig 5
9 has a wide grip portion 60 and a narrow constricted portion 61 that connects the locking ring 54 and the grip portion 60, and grips the grip portion 60 when the tip cover is attached to lock the locking ring 54. The tip cover 52 can be easily attached by unfolding. After attaching the tip cover 52 to the tip body 53,
The constriction 61 at the base of the grip 60 is twisted off to remove the grip 60.

As shown in FIG. 12, the grip 60 may be provided with an identification code B58 for displaying a product code. Even if the attachment / detachment jig is not integrated with the tip cover, if the attachment / detachment jig has a structure in which it can be attached to only one kind of the tip cover, the attachment / detachment jig has an identification code B5
8 may be provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the identification symbol B5
8 may be provided inside the tip cover 52.
In this case, when the distal end cover 52 is attached to the distal end portion main body 53, the convex portion of the identification symbol B58 is not exposed on the outer surface of the insertion portion, so that insertability equivalent to that of a general endoscope without the identification symbol B58 is secured. it can. Further, if the protrusion height of the character of the identification symbol B58 provided inside the distal end cover 52 is set to 1 mm or less, when the distal end cover 52 is mounted on the distal end portion main body 53 or when the treatment instrument distal end is projected from the distal end cover. It is possible to prevent the convex portion of the identification symbol B58 from getting in the way.

Further, the identification code A57 and the identification code B58.
If both are formed in a concave shape, and the concave portion is subjected to inking, the outer surface has no irregularities and the insertability is good, and
Cleaning is easy because there is no possibility that dirt or the like will accumulate in the concave portion.

In the endoscope of this embodiment, when the distal end cover is attached, the identification symbol A57, which is the product symbol displayed on the endoscope insertion portion 51, and the compatible product symbol, which is displayed on the distal end cover 52, are identified. By checking with the symbol B58, it is possible to confirm that the tip cover 52 to be mounted is suitable for the endoscope, and there is no risk that the tip cover for another product will be erroneously assembled. After the inspection, the distal end cover 52 can be removed from the distal end portion main body 53, so that a cleaning brush or the like can be easily applied around the treatment instrument raising base 9 which is difficult to clean, and the cleaning property is also improved.

As described above, in this embodiment, the identification mark is provided on both the distal end cover and the endoscope insertion portion, so that erroneous assembly of the distal end cover to the distal end portion of the insertion portion is prevented as in the first embodiment. be able to.

14 to 16 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, and FIG. 15 is the distal end cover with the distal end cover attached. FIG. 16 is a side view showing the tip body and FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of identification symbols when the tip cover is adaptable to a plurality of types of endoscopes. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 71 of the endoscope, showing a state in which the distal end cover 72 is removed from the distal end portion main body 73.

The tip cover 72, which is detachable from the tip body 73, is made of a plastic member made of polyphenylene oxide or the like and has a shape similar to that of the first embodiment. An air / water feeding nozzle 20 is provided corresponding to the air / water feeding conduit opening 7.

The tip portion main body 73 has a threaded portion 74 on the tip side.
Is provided so as to project, and a fixing hole 75 is provided in the tip cover 72 corresponding to the screw portion 74.
The tip cover 72 can be fixed by screwing a fixing screw 76 from the tip side. At this time, the screw portion 74 is engaged with the rear end side of the fixing hole 75, the fixing screw 76 is engaged with the front end side of the fixing hole 75, and the screw portion 74 is screwed to the screw portion 74 using a mounting tool (not shown). The tip cover 72 is fixed by sandwiching the tip cover 72 between the fixing screw 76 and the tip portion main body 73.

The vicinity of the joining surface 77a that abuts the tip cover 72 on the tip body 73 side and the vicinity of the joining surface 77b that abuts the tip body 73 on the tip cover 72 side show correct mounting states. The same identification symbols A78 and B79, which are diamond-shaped, are provided. The identification code B79 is provided integrally with the outer peripheral surface of the tip cover 72 in a concave shape.
78 is integrally formed in a convex shape on the outer peripheral portion of the tip end portion main body 73 at a height of about 0.2 mm.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the tip cover 7
2 and the tip portion main body 73 are respectively provided with alignment indexes 80 printed or affixed thereto.
It is possible to align the position of the distal end cover 72 in the circumferential direction by preventing the alignment index 80 from being displaced on the joining surface 77 when the is attached to the distal end portion main body 73. From this alignment index 80, it can be confirmed that the tip cover 72 is not circumferentially displaced and fixed with respect to the tip body 73.

Further, for example, when observing the vicinity of the duodenum, when the insertion portion 71 crosses the duodenal bulb and enters the descending leg, the treatment instrument raising base 9 side of the distal end portion main body 73 contacts the tissue in the body cavity. In the present embodiment, the protruding identification symbol A78 is arranged on the side opposite to the treatment instrument raising base 9 (side surface portion corresponding to the left direction in the bending direction of the insertion portion), so there is no risk of scratching the inside of the body cavity, and safety is ensured. Various inspections can be performed.

Further, the color of the tip cover 72 itself and the tip portion main body 73 of the portion exposed on the outer surface when the tip cover 72 is attached are set to, for example, black so that the tip cover 72 is covered when the tip cover 72 is attached. By making the exposed portion and the covered portion of the cover body different in color, for example, by making the color of the tip end main body 73 of the covered portion that does not appear on the surface different,
It can be confirmed that the tip cover 72 is properly attached to the tip body 73. In this configuration, if the white color is visible with the tip cover 72 attached, it can be determined at a glance that the attachment is incomplete.

The tip cover 72 of this embodiment can be adapted to a plurality of types of endoscopes. In the case of such a structure, as shown in FIG. 16, the applicable endoscopes A, B,
C tip body 73a, 73b, 73c and tip cover 7
An identification symbol A78 and an identification symbol B79, which are common to 2 and 5, are provided respectively. Therefore, even in the tip covers 72 applicable to a plurality of types of endoscopes, by providing a common identification symbol indicating a compatible type to a plurality of types of compatible endoscopes and tip covers 72, the identification symbols are collated. It is possible to confirm whether the endoscope is fitted properly to each of the more compatible endoscopes.

In the endoscope of the present embodiment, it is confirmed that the identification symbol A78 provided on the distal end body 73 and the identification symbol B79 provided on the distal end cover 72 are the same, and the distal end cover 72 is confirmed. By installing, there is no possibility that an inappropriate tip cover is mistakenly assembled. Also, the identification symbol A
Since 78 and the identification symbol B79 are simple symbols, there is no need to occupy any space. Furthermore, since the identification symbol A78 and the identification symbol B79 are arranged in the vicinity of the joint surface 77 of the tip cover 72 and the tip end body 73, the collation of the symbols can be easily performed. After the inspection, the distal end cover 72 can be removed from the distal end body 73, so that a cleaning brush or the like can be easily applied around the treatment instrument raising base 9 that is difficult to clean, and the identification symbols A78 and B79 have complicated shapes. Since it is a simple symbol rather than one, it is easy to clean.

As described above, in this embodiment, by providing the identification mark having a simple shape on both the distal end cover and the endoscope insertion portion, the wrong assembly of the distal end cover to the distal end portion of the insertion portion is performed as in the first embodiment. It is possible to prevent sticking.

FIG. 17 is a side view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 91 of the endoscope, showing a side appearance of the distal end cover 92 mounted on the distal end portion main body 93.

An identification symbol A94 and an identification symbol B95 are provided on the tip body 93 and the tip cover 92 which is removable from the tip body 93, respectively. These identification symbols A94 and B95 are arranged so that when the tip cover 92 is attached to the tip end main body 93, the two are combined to form a single character and can be recognized.

In the endoscope of this embodiment, the identification symbol A94 and the identification symbol B95 can be recognized as one character when the tip cover 92 is attached to the proper endoscope, so that the identification can be performed at the same time when the cover is attached. By checking this symbol, it is possible to prevent the tip cover of another product from being mistakenly assembled. After the inspection, the distal end cover 92 can be removed from the distal end portion main body 93, so that a cleaning brush or the like can be easily applied around the treatment instrument raising base 9 that is difficult to clean, and the cleaning performance is also improved.

In this way, in this embodiment, by providing an identification symbol that is one identification symbol for both the distal end cover and the endoscope insertion portion, the insertion portion distal end portion is provided as in the first embodiment. It is possible to prevent the tip cover from being erroneously assembled. Further, by matching the identification symbols of the both, the circumferential position of the tip cover can be aligned with the tip body.

[Supplementary Note] (1) The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the identification mark is provided at least on the distal end cover.

(2) The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the identification symbol is provided on both the endoscope body and the tip cover.

In the structure of appendix 2, in addition to claim 1, since the identification symbols are provided on both the endoscope body and the tip cover, it is easy to see both the identification symbols immediately before and at the time of attachment. Can be collated.

(3) The endoscope according to appendix 2, wherein the identification mark is provided in the vicinity of the contact portion between the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the distal end cover.

In the structure of Supplementary Note 3, in addition to claim 1, since the identification mark is provided in the vicinity of the contact portion between the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the distal end cover, it is possible to compare the identification symbols immediately before mounting and at the time of mounting. It is easy and it is easy to check the identification symbol.

(4) The identification code represents a product code of an endoscope or a tip cover.
The endoscope according to any one of 1 to 3.

(5) The endoscope according to appendix 2 or 3, wherein the identification symbol is one symbol or character.

In the configuration of Supplementary Note 5, in addition to Supplementary Note 2, since the identification symbol is a simple symbol, collation is easy, and the arrangement of the identification symbol does not take place.

(6) The endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the identification symbol is arranged so as to relate to both the tip cover and the tip of the insertion portion.

In the structure of Supplementary Note 6, in addition to Supplementary Note 3, when the distal end cover is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion, both identification symbols can be combined and recognized as one symbol, so that the collation can be performed at a glance at the time of attachment. . Further, the position of the tip cover in the circumferential direction can be aligned with the tip of the insertion portion.

(7) The endoscope according to appendix 3, wherein the identification symbols are arranged on the same line in the axial direction of the insertion section at the distal end cover and the distal end section of the insertion section.

In the structure of Supplementary Note 7, in addition to Supplementary Note 3, since the identification symbols of the tip cover and the insertion portion are on the same straight line, collation is easy.

(8) The endoscope according to appendix 2 or 3, wherein the same identification symbol is provided on the tip cover and the endoscope body.

(9) The identification mark is provided on a distal end cover covering portion of the distal end portion of the insertion portion.
Alternatively, the endoscope according to Appendix 2.

(10) An endoscope having a removable tip cover at the tip of the insertion section, wherein at least one of the endoscope body and the tip cover is provided with a convex or concave notation character or symbol. The height of the convex part or the depth of the concave part of the above-mentioned characters or symbols is 1
An endoscope characterized by being set to mm or less.

In the structure of Supplementary Note 10, since the height of the convex portion is reduced in the convex notation character or symbol, there is no fear of impeding the insertability of the insertion portion. Since the depth is shallow, filth and the like do not collect and the washability is good.

(11) The endoscope according to appendix 10, wherein the convex or concave notation characters or symbols are provided on a side surface portion corresponding to the left side in the bending direction of the insertion portion.

In the structure of Appendix 11, in addition to Appendix 10,
There is no risk of the insertion part being caught when the insertion part crosses the duodenal bulb and enters the descending limb, impeding insertability.

(12) An endoscope having a removable tip cover at the tip of the insertion part, wherein the tip cover is provided with convex or concave notation characters or symbols, wherein the notation characters or symbols are Is provided inside the tip cover.

(13) Note 12 wherein the height of the convex portion or the depth of the concave portion of the above-mentioned characters or symbols is 1 mm or less.
The endoscope described in.

(14) An endoscope having a removable tip cover at the tip of the insertion part, wherein the insertion part is provided with a notation character or symbol, wherein the notation character or symbol is provided in the insertion part. An endoscope characterized by being arranged in a tip cover covering portion.

In the structure of appendix 14, since the notation characters or symbols are provided in the portion covered with the tip cover, there is no fear of impeding the insertability of the insertion portion.

(15) The endoscope according to appendix 14, wherein at least a portion of the distal end cover corresponding to the written characters or symbols is transparent.

In the structure of Appendix 15, in addition to Appendix 14,
Notation characters or symbols can be confirmed even after attaching the tip cover.

(16) In an endoscope having a detachable tip cover at the tip of the insertion section, an endoscope having an engaging section composed of a convex section and a concave section for fixing the tip cover to the tip section of the insertion section is provided. An endoscope characterized in that the convex portion is made of a high elastic polymer material.

(17) The endoscope according to appendix 16, wherein the convex portion of the engaging portion is provided on the distal end cover.

(18) The endoscope according to appendix 16, wherein the convex portion of the engaging portion is provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion.

In the structures of appendices 16 to 18, since the convex portion made of the high-elasticity polymer material is deformed and engages with the concave portion when the tip cover is attached, the tip cover can be easily attached and detached, and the external force can be applied even after the attachment. On the other hand, it is possible to configure the tip cover that does not easily come off due to the deformation of the convex portion.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention, the tip cover can be attached to and detached from the tip of the insertion section to improve the cleaning performance and prevent the tip cover from being erroneously assembled to the tip of the insertion section. There is an effect that can be done.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a structural explanatory view showing the entire structure of an endoscope and a state when the endoscope is stored.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a first example of the structure of an engaging portion that fixes the tip cover to the tip body.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a second example of the structure of an engaging portion that fixes the tip cover to the tip body.

FIG. 5 is a structural explanatory view showing a state in which a treatment tool inserted in an insertion portion is raised.

FIG. 6 is a structural explanatory view showing a state in which a treatment tool inserted in an insertion portion is inverted.

FIG. 7 is a structural explanatory view showing another structural example of the arrangement of the identification symbols in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion in the third embodiment as seen from the treatment instrument raising base side.

FIG. 11 is a radial cross-sectional view showing the engagement state between the tip cover and the tip body in the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the front end cover as seen from the rear end side before mounting in the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a structural explanatory view showing another structural example of the arrangement of the identification symbols in the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view showing the tip cover and the tip body in a state where the tip cover is mounted in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing the arrangement of identification symbols when the tip cover is adaptable to a plurality of types of endoscopes in the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a side view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insertion part 3 ... Tip part main body 4 ... Tip cover 9 ... Treatment tool raising base 20 ... Air / water nozzle 21 ... Locking projection 22 ... Locking hole 25 ... Insertion tube 28 ... Identification symbol

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Hideo Ito 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Haruhiko Kaiya 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Jun Hiroya 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Masaaki Nakazawa 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hisao Yabe 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having a removable tip cover at a tip portion of an insertion portion, wherein an identification symbol for identifying a mutual combination of the endoscope body and the tip cover is provided on the endoscope body or the endoscope body. An endoscope provided on at least one of the tip covers.