JPH1147080A - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope system capable of executing observation in an excellent state without causing clouding in a lens cover at all times while preventing the occurrence of clouding in the lens cover. SOLUTION: A first space part 11 and the second space part 12 communicate with external space with nozzles 14a and 14b which are opened toward a scope tip surface 2c at a tip side and communicate with external space with ports 13a and 13b which are provided in a sheath mainbody 3b at a base end side. A scope 2 with the exterior sheath 3 is provided with a first port 13a at an outer peripheral side, the first space part 11, a first flow path 21 constituted of the first nozzle 14a, the second port 13b, the second space part 12 and the second flow path 22 constituted of the second nozzle 14b. The water supply tube 15 of a liquid supply means and the sucking tube 17 of a sucking device 7 are connected to the first port 13a and the air supply tube 16 of an air supply device 6 is connected to the second port 13b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus capable of constantly observing a lens cover surface in a good condition without fogging when observing with an endoscope inserted into a body cavity.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, various and various endoscopes are used in various fields such as medical treatment. Since the insertion portion of such an endoscope is easily contaminated with blood, bodily fluid, or dirt, it is necessary to always keep the visual field of the observation portion provided at the tip of the insertion portion of the endoscope good.

For this reason, in a conventional endoscope for observing and treating organs and tissues in a body cavity, generally, water or the like is applied to the lens cover to remove dirt and fogging of the lens cover at the end of the endoscope insertion portion. A water supply channel for spraying water, an air supply channel for blowing compressed air to remove water droplets and the like on the lens cover, and a suction channel for sucking body fluids and water. .

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-189893 discloses an endoscope capable of completely removing a cleaning liquid at the end of an endoscope insertion portion and securing a good observation field of view.
Cleaning means connected to the water supply conduit for cleaning the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion from the nozzle via the water supply channel, a sheath for inserting the endoscope insertion portion, and suction connected to a suction conduit formed in the sheath; A gap between the inner surface of the edge formed inside the distal end of the sheath and the distal end surface of the endoscope insertion portion, the inner surface of the sheath, and the endoscope insertion portion. There is disclosed an endoscope apparatus in which an insertion portion gap portion communicating with the distal end gap portion and communicating with the suction conduit is formed between the end portion and an outer surface.

[0005]

However, in the endoscope apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-189893, a cleaning liquid such as cold water is sprayed from a nozzle onto a lens cover of a scope, so that the lens cover is cooled. However, there is a problem that a good endoscope image cannot be obtained due to cooling and fogging.

In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to provide a heating device in the water tank storing the water jetted from the nozzle and preheat the stored water. Since the water supply tube connecting the and the scope was exposed to room temperature, the heated water was cooled in the water supply tube and was not a complete solution.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and prevents the occurrence of fogging on a lens cover provided at the distal end of a scope, so that the lens cover is always kept in a good condition without fogging. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope device capable of performing observation.

[0008]

An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention comprises:
An endoscope apparatus comprising a scope having an insertion portion and a main body, and a sheath which is provided so as to cover the scope, wherein the scope is independent from the distal end of the scope to the proximal end of the scope. A first space portion and a second space portion extending to extend, and a liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid to a distal end surface of a scope insertion portion or a gas supply means or a body cavity for supplying gas to a distal end surface of the scope at a base end of the space portion. An endoscope apparatus, wherein the endoscope apparatus is connected by combining suction means for sucking a liquid inside the endoscope.

According to this configuration, the two covers provided on the outer periphery of the scope insertion portion are used to appropriately supply, supply, and suction the liquid, thereby preventing the lens cover provided at the distal end of the scope from fogging. Is done.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment comprises a scope 2 having a scope insertion section 2a and a scope main body 2b, and a distal end portion of the scope insertion section 2a and the main body 2b. A sheath 3 to be covered so as to cover;
A water supply tank 5 which is a liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid such as water for washing off dirt attached to the surface of the lens cover 4a provided on the distal end surface 2c of the scope 2 and a distal end surface 2c of the scope 2 Blows off water drops on the surface of the lens cover 4a, for example, C
An air supply device 6 equipped with a medical gas cylinder 6a as an air supply means for supplying a gas having no problem to the human body such as O2 gas.
And a suction device 7 provided with a pump serving as a suction means for sucking a body fluid, a washing liquid, or the like in the body cavity.

The sheath 3 is connected to the scope body 2b.
Body 3b detachably provided on the distal end portion of the body and elongated insertion portion sheath 3 provided on scope insertion portion 2a
a seal portion 3c for ensuring watertightness and airtightness between the sheath body 3b and the scope body portion 2b is provided on the inner peripheral surface on the proximal end side of the sheath body 3b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion section sheath 3a has a circular cross-sectional shape, and the inner circumference of the insertion section sheath 3a is brought into close contact with the outer circumference of the scope insertion section 2a to thereby form the insertion section. Sheath 3a and the scope insertion part 2
A convex partitioning portion 3d, which is a space separating means, which divides a gap formed between the partitioning portion a and the space into two spaces over the entire length, is provided to face each other. The inner peripheral surface of the sheath main body 3b is also in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the scope main body 2b, so that a gap between the sheath main body 3b and the scope main body 2b is formed into two spaces over the entire length. A partition (not shown) for dividing is provided.

That is, by covering the sheath 3 with the scope 2, the two partitions 3 d come into close contact with the outer peripheral surfaces of the scope insertion section 2 a and the scope main body 2 b over the entire length, and the gap between the scope 2 and the sheath 3 is formed. A first space portion 11 and a second space portion 12 which become a first flow path 21 and a second flow path 22, which will be described later, are provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the scope.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG.
b is a first space that communicates the first space portion 11 with the external space.
Port 13a and a second port 13b for communicating the second space portion 12 with the external space are provided to protrude from the outer peripheral surface. The distal end of the insertion portion sheath 3a is bent so as to cover the outer peripheral side of the distal end surface 2c of the scope 2, and the first nozzle 14 whose distal end opening faces the distal end surface 2c.
a, formed as a second nozzle 14b.

The first space 11 and the second space 12
Communicates with the external space via the nozzles 14a and 14b opened toward the scope distal end surface 2c on the distal end side,
Ports 13a, 13b provided on sheath body 3b on the proximal end side
Through the outside space. That is, the scope 2 on which the sheath 3 is externally mounted
Port 13a, first space portion 11, first nozzle 14a
A first flow path 21 composed of: a second port 13b,
The second space portion 12 and the second nozzle 14b
Channel 22.

The first port 13a is connected to a water supply tube 15 connected to the water supply tank 5 via a water supply valve 5a by a three-way cock (not shown) and to the suction device 7 via a suction valve 7a. A suction tube 17 is connected, and an air supply tube 16 connected to the air supply device 6 via an air supply valve 6b is connected to the second port 13b.

The distal end surface 2c of the scope 2 has a lens cover 4a of an observation optical system 4 for capturing an image of an operation field and an end surface 1 of a fiber bundle 18 for irradiating illumination light onto the operation field.
The illumination light transmitted through the fiber bundle 18 and emitted from the end face 18a is emitted toward the operation field through an opening 3e formed at the distal end of the insertion portion sheath 3a. .

The operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. When the water supply valve 5a of the endoscope apparatus 1 is opened, the cleaning liquid stored in the water supply tank 5 passes through the water supply tube 15 and the first flow path 21 as a liquid supply flow path, and the first cleaning liquid flows through the first flow path 21. First nozzle 14a constituting flow path 21
And is ejected toward the front end face 2c.

By closing the water supply valve 5a and opening the suction valve 7a, the suction device 7 opens the first opening 2a toward the distal end surface 2c of the scope 2.
From the nozzle 14a to the first flow path 21 and the suction tube 17
Then, dirt, water droplets, and the like adhering to the lens cover 4a are removed by suction.

When the gas supply valve 6b of the endoscope apparatus 1 is opened, the medical gas in the gas cylinder 6a of the gas supply device 6 is supplied to the gas supply tube 16 and the second gas flow path for gas supply. The air is blown from the second nozzle 14b constituting the second flow path 22 toward the distal end face 2c via the path 22.
In addition, instead of connecting the water supply tube 15 and the suction tube 17 to the first port 13a via a three-way cock, only the water supply tube 15 may be directly connected to the first port 13a.

As described above, the convex partition portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the sheath, and the gap formed between the sheath and the scope is divided into two spaces over the entire length by the partition portion. By providing a flow path for liquid supply and a flow path for air supply on the outer peripheral surface side, the cleaning liquid was jetted to the front end surface through the flow path for liquid supply, and dirt attached to the lens cover was washed away. Then, the medical gas is blown out to the tip end surface through the air supply channel to blow off water droplets and the like adhering to the surface of the lens cover and the end surface of the fiber bundle, and to dry the lens surface to remove the fogging. And a good observation state can be obtained.

Further, by constantly opening the air supply valve during the observation and ejecting the medical gas toward the distal end surface through the air supply flow path, the inside of the body cavity attracted to the surface of the lens cover is opened. By blowing off the warm and moist gas, fogging of the lens cover during observation can be prevented.

Further, by providing a flow path for liquid supply and a flow path for air supply on the outer peripheral surface side of the scope, the air supply valve is always opened during observation, and the air supply flow path is opened. In a state where the medical gas is blown toward the front end face through the lens to prevent fogging of the lens cover, the cleaning liquid is blown out to the front end face through the liquid supply flow path, and the surface of the lens cover is cleaned. Washing can be performed. With these, the endoscope observation can always be performed in a good state.

3 and 4 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the distal end portion of the inner sheath. It is.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the endoscope device 30 of the present embodiment, the scope 2
1 and an outer sheath 32 as a second sheath, and a first space 11 and a second space 1 are provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the scope 2.
2 is provided.

The inner sheath 31 is detachably mounted so as to cover the scope insertion portion 2a of the scope 2 and the distal end portion of the scope main body 2b. The inner sheath 31 is mounted on the insertion portion 2a. Inserted part side sheath 3
3 and a main body sheath 34 which is provided on the distal end portion of the main body 2b. A first space formed between the inner sheath 31 and the scope 2 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body sheath 34. Seal part 34a for ensuring watertightness and airtightness of 11
Is provided, and an inner sheath port 34b is provided on the outer peripheral surface side for communicating the first space portion 11 with the external space.

The insertion portion side sheath 33 of the inner sheath 31 is formed in a circular tubular shape, and the distal end portion of the insertion portion side sheath 33 is bent so as to cover the distal end surface 2ca of the scope 2, and the first space portion is formed. It is formed as an inner nozzle 35 that communicates with 11.

The inner sheath 31 is provided with an outer sheath 32 which is detachably mounted so as to cover the insertion portion side sheath 33 of the inner sheath 31 and the distal end side of the main body side sheath 34. The outer sheath 32 is connected to the insertion section side sheath 3.
3 and an outer sheath 36 which is an outermost layer portion, and a main outer sheath 37 which is external to the main sheath 34. The outer sheath 32 and the inner sheath are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main outer sheath 37. 31 and the second space 1 formed between
2, a seal portion 37a for ensuring watertightness and airtightness is provided, and an outer sheath port 37b for providing communication between the second space portion 12 and the external space is provided on the outer peripheral surface side.

The outer sheath 36 of the outer sheath 32 is formed in a circular tubular shape, and the distal end of the outer sheath 36 is bent so as to cover the distal end surface 2c of the scope 2 and communicates with the second space 12. It is formed as an outer nozzle 38.

That is, in the present embodiment, the inner sheath port 34 b and the first space 1
1, a first flow path 21 composed of an inner nozzle 35, and a second flow path 22 composed of an outer sheath port 37b, a second space 12, and an outer nozzle 38.

The end surface 2c of the scope 2 has a lens cover 4a of an observation optical system 4 for capturing an image of an operation field, and an end surface 18a of a fiber bundle 18 for irradiating illumination light onto the operation field.
The illumination light transmitted through the fiber bundle 18 and emitted from the end face 18a is formed at the opening 33a formed at the distal end of the insertion portion side sheath 33 and at the distal end of the outer sheath 36. The light is emitted toward the operation field through the opening 36a.

Further, the water supply tank 5 of the present embodiment is provided with a heating device 5b, which raises the temperature of the cleaning liquid stored in the tank to a temperature of about 37 ° which does not affect the human body. I have.

Further, an air supply / suction tube 39 is attached to the outer sheath port 37b, and this air supply / suction tube 39 is connected to a pump 8a in the air supply / suction device 8 via a valve 6c capable of adjusting the flow rate. Have been. The water supply tube 15 and the suction tube 17 may be connected to the inner sheath port 34b via a three-way cock or the like, and the suction tube 17 may be connected to the pump 8a via the valve 7a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first space portion 1 shown in FIG.
A plurality of communication holes 33b serving as third space portions that communicate the first and second space portions 12 are provided. The sum of the cross-sectional areas of these communication holes 33b is provided so as to be larger than the maximum cross-sectional area of the first space 11 and smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the second space 12.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. In the present embodiment, the inner sheath 31 is covered with the outer sheath 32 to form the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 to secure the two flow paths 21 and 22. As in the embodiment, the inner sheath 31 and the outer sheath 32 are provided with a partition 3d which is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the scope from the proximal end to the proximal end on the inner periphery of the insertion portion sheath 3a to secure watertightness and airtightness, The first space 11 and the second space 12 may be further divided into a plurality of spaces.

The operation of the endoscope device 30 configured as described above will be described. When the water supply valve 5a of the endoscope device 30 is opened, the cleaning liquid heated to an appropriate temperature by the heating device 5b from the water supply tank 5 passes through the water supply tube 15, the first flow path 21, and near the distal end of the insertion portion side sheath 33. It is sent to. At this time, when the flow control valve 6c of the air supply / suction tube 39 is in a closed state, the gas is ejected from the inner nozzle 35 forming the first flow path 21 toward the distal end surface 2c and adheres to the distal end surface. Wash away blood and dirt.

However, when the flow control valve 6c of the air supply / suction tube 39 is, for example, substantially fully opened, the first
The plurality of communication holes 33b and the second
Since the cross-sectional area including the space portion 12 is large, the cleaning liquid sent to the first space portion 11 flows into the second space portion 12 through the communication hole 33b, and flows into the air supply suction tube 39.
And is collected in the tank 8b in the air supply / suction device 8.

Next, the open state of the valve 6c is appropriately operated. Then, in response to the open state of the valve 6c, a part of the cleaning liquid sent to the first space 11 is jetted from the inner nozzle 35, and the remaining cleaning liquid is collected in the tank 8b. That is, by appropriately adjusting the open state of the flow control valve 6c, the amount of water jetted from the inner nozzle 35 and the amount of water collected from the first space 11 into the tank 8b through the communication hole 33b and the second space 12 are collected. Adjustment of the ratio to the amount of recovery.

When the suction tube 17 is connected to the inner sheath port 34b, the water supply tube 1
5, the valve 5a of the suction tube 17 is closed.
By opening, the dirt and residual water adhering to the lens cover 4a via the inner nozzle 35 and the first space portion 11 can be suctioned and removed.

As described above, when the flow control valve is substantially fully opened, the cleaning liquid sent into the first space can be entirely recovered through the communication hole and the second space.
By appropriately adjusting the open state of the flow control valve,
The amount of the cleaning liquid ejected from the inner nozzle toward the tip surface can be adjusted. By this, when the cleaning liquid warmed by the heating device of the water supply tank is cooled in the water supply tube and is not at an appropriate temperature, all the cleaning liquid sent into the first space is recovered, and the cleaning liquid at the appropriate temperature is supplied into the first space. Since the cleaning liquid can be spouted from the nozzle by adjusting the flow control valve at the stage of being fed, the cleaning liquid is selectively spouted out onto the lens cover to prevent the lens cover from fogging with the cooled cleaning liquid. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of the tip of the inner cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5B, in this embodiment, the scope 2 constituting the endoscope apparatus is provided with an inner sheath 31, and an outer sheath 32 is further provided so as to further cover the inner sheath 31. The first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 are provided on the outer peripheral surface side of the scope 2.
Is provided. A water supply tube connected to a water supply tank via a flow control valve is connected to a base end (not shown) of the first space portion 11. A suction tube is connected to the proximal end of the second space 12.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the inner sheath 31 has an inner bent portion 41 formed by bending it into a flange shape so as to cover the distal end surface 2c. An opening 42 for exposing the portion is provided.

Also, as shown in FIG.
An outer bent portion 43 formed by bending the distal end of the inner sheath 31 into a flange shape so as to cover the distal end side of the inner sheath 31.
And an opening 36a for exposing a part of the distal end surface 2c.

The bent portion 41 of the inner sheath 31 has a nozzle 4 formed between the bent portion 41 and the distal end surface 2c.
One or a plurality of notches 45 for notching 4 are provided.

In the present embodiment, the maximum sectional area of the first space 11 is formed larger than the maximum sectional area of the second space 12. For this reason, when the flow control valve is set to, for example, a half-open state, all of the cleaning liquid flows from the first space 11 through the notch 45 to the second space 1.
It flows to 2 and is collected. On the other hand, when the flow control valve is fully opened, a part of the cleaning liquid flows from the first space 11 to the second space 12, while the remaining cleaning liquid is ejected from the nozzle 44. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of the tip of the inner cover according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the first space 11 and the second space 12 are communicated with the peripheral portion near the distal end side of the inner sheath 31 provided outside the scope insertion portion 2a as shown in FIG. One or a plurality of side holes 51 serving as third spaces are formed, and the side holes 51 are provided with a check valve 52 formed of an elastic member that is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the inner sheath 31. ing. The proximal end of the first space 11 communicates with a water supply tank (not shown) via a flow control valve (not shown), and the proximal end of the second space 12 communicates with a suction device (not shown). I have.
The maximum cross-sectional area of the first space 11 is set larger than the maximum cross-sectional area of the second space 12, the maximum cross-sectional area of the side hole 51 is smaller than the maximum cross-sectional area of the first space 11, and It is set larger than the maximum sectional area of the space portion 12. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the side hole 51 and the check valve 52 provided to communicate the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12 are provided.
The operation of will be described. By providing the check valve 52 in the side hole 51 communicating the first space portion 11 and the second space portion 12,
When the flow control valve connected to the first space 11 is fully opened, a part of the cleaning liquid sent into the first flow path 21 pushes the check valve 52 as shown in FIG. It is opened and flows into the second space portion 12 to be collected by the suction device, while the remaining cleaning liquid is ejected from the inner nozzle 35 to the distal end surface 2 c of the scope 2. When the flow control valve is half-opened, all of the cleaning liquid sent to the first flow path 21 opens the check valve 52, flows into the second space 12, and is collected by the suction device. Scope tip 2c
In this state, the ejection of the cleaning liquid to the nozzle is stopped.

As described above, since the cold cleaning liquid flowing into the first space through the check valve is recovered to the suction device through the second space, the cold cleaning liquid is jetted from the inner nozzle to the distal end surface of the scope. This can prevent fogging that occurs.

FIG. 7 is a view showing another configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the endoscope device 60 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first space portion and the second flow path forming the first flow path 21 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the scope 2. 22 is provided, and a first port 61 (3
4b), a first valve 65 connected to a water supply source 64 via a three-way cock 63 and a suction source 66 are connected. On the other hand, a second valve 67 connected to the suction source 66 is connected to the second port 62 (37b).

In this embodiment, the valve 6 is disposed between the first valve 65 and the second valve 67.
There is provided an adjusting device 68 provided with a balance adjusting circuit for adjusting the opening amount of each of the 5, 67 and the balance between the water supply amount and the suction amount arbitrarily. Although not shown, a side hole communicating the first space and the second space is provided near the distal end of the scope 2. The maximum cross-sectional area of the first space, the second space, and the side hole is set to be substantially the same. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the endoscope device 60 configured as described above will be described. First, the case where the opening amount of the first valve 65 is made smaller than the opening amount of the second valve 67 by operating the adjusting device 68 will be described. At this time, the cleaning liquid that has flowed into the first port 61 does not reach the nozzle located at the tip of the first flow path 21, flows through the side hole into the second flow path 22, and flows through the second port 62. It is discharged through.

Next, a case where the opening of the first valve 65 is made larger than the opening of the second valve 67 by operating the adjusting device 68 will be described. At this time, a part of the cleaning liquid that has flowed into the first port 61 flows into the second flow path 22 through the side hole and is discharged through the second port 62, but the remaining cleaning liquid reaches the nozzle and reaches the nozzle. Squirted into the tip of

As described above, by adjusting the opening amounts of the first valve and the second valve to a desired state by using the adjusting device and arbitrarily setting the balance between the water supply amount and the suction amount,
When it is desired to wash the scope lens cover, an appropriate amount of water is supplied and suction is performed, so that unnecessary water supply and unnecessary suction can be eliminated. As a result, it is possible to prevent unnecessary cleaning liquid from being supplied into the body cavity of the patient when cleaning the lens cover, and to prevent unnecessary gas from being sucked from the body cavity. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.

FIGS. 8 to 11 illustrate the structure of the transparent hood securely attached to the distal end of the sheath.
8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transparent hood, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a mounting structure of the transparent hood, FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a transparent hood mounted on a perspective scope, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows a structural example.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sheath 72 provided outside the scope insertion portion 71 has a bent portion 73 formed by being bent inward in the vicinity of the distal end, and this bent portion 73 and the scope distal end surface 71a are provided. Nozzle 74 composed of
Communicates with a space 75 formed between the outer peripheral surface of the scope insertion portion 71 and the inner peripheral surface of the sheath 72. In addition, a water supply tube connected to a water supply tank (not shown) is connected to the base end side of the space 75.

At the distal end of the sheath 72, for example, a transparent hood 76 made of transparent resin having a substantially pipe shape is provided. As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of slits 77 are provided at the base end of the transparent hood 76 for adjusting the expanded state in the radial direction, and a plurality of engaging members are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the base end. An incoming projection 78 is provided. A plurality of engagement holes 72a into which the engagement protrusions 78 are fitted are provided near the distal end of the sheath 72.

That is, as shown in FIG. 9, when the transparent hood 76 is attached to the sheath 72, the transparent hood 76 is pushed into the sheath 72. Then, the base end of the hood 76 in which the slit 77 is provided expands, and the engagement protrusion 7
8 engages with the engaging hole 72 a of the sheath 72. At this time,
The rear end of the hood 76 is closed in its original state, and the inner peripheral surface of the hood 76 and the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 72 are in close contact. Then, the engaging projection 78 is engaged with the engaging hole 72a, and the adhesive is poured in such a state that the inner peripheral surface of the hood 76 and the outer peripheral surface of the sheath 72 are in close contact with each other. It is adhesively fixed around the sheath 72.

As described above, when the hood and the sheath are bonded and fixed with an adhesive, the hood is fixedly bonded with the engagement projections engaged with the engagement holes of the sheath. The hood can be securely fixed.

When the scope is a perspective scope 81 as shown in FIG. 10, the transparent hood 83 attached to the distal end of the perspective sheath 82 provided outside the scope 81 has an opening 83a at the distal end of the hood. Are formed larger than the visual field range indicated by the solid line. Therefore, when the operative field is observed with the scope 81, the hood tip 83b does not enter the visual field range and does not adversely affect the observation. The outer periphery 83c of the hood 83 has a smooth outer peripheral surface in order to prevent unintended scratches or the like when the hood 83 comes into contact with tissue. Other configurations, operations and effects are the same as those of the transparent hood 76 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11A, by covering the outer periphery on the base end side of the transparent hood 76 (83) with the ring member 85, the adhesive flowing into the slit 77 and the like is exposed to the outside. This prevents the adhesive from peeling off.

Further, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), an opaque adhesive 86 is filled between the transparent hood 76 (83) and the sheath 72 (82) and fixed by adhesion, thereby forming a transparent hood. The adhesive state can be confirmed through 76.

Further, as shown in FIG.
2, a bulged portion 72b having substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the hood 76;
And a tapered portion 72c whose diameter gradually decreases from the enlarged diameter portion 72b toward the base end side, and a transparent hood 76 is disposed at the distal end side of the enlarged diameter portion 72b. Thus, after the sheath 72 covered with the hood 76 is inserted into the trocar (not shown), when the sheath 72 is removed, the rear end of the transparent hood 76 can be smoothly removed without being caught in the trocar. And food 7
6 can be prevented from falling off.

By the way, in order to prevent fogging of the lens cover provided on the scope, a scope having a means for heating the lens cover and the observation optical system has been proposed.
81702 and JP-A-57-192530,
This is disclosed in JP-A-6-277173.

In the scope disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 56-81702, a terminal for connecting a cord such as an electric wire for supplying energy such as electricity to a heater provided on the outer periphery of an observation optical system inside the scope is connected to the scope. It was provided exposed from the outer surface. However, when the terminals are worn or rusted and connection failure occurs, there is a problem that energy such as electricity leaks.

In the scope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-192530, in order to heat a heat pipe which is a heat conductor provided inside the scope, a heating member and a heating member are attached to a light guide cable detachable from the scope. The electric wire which supplies the energy which makes a body generate heat from a light source device was provided. However, as the light guide cable becomes thicker and heavier, the connection part becomes larger and heavier,
There was a problem that the handling of the scope and the operability were deteriorated.

Further, in the scope disclosed in JP-A-6-277173, it is necessary to provide a recess for incorporating a lens barrel serving as a heating element on the distal end surface of the fiber bundle for illumination incorporated in the scope. However, in general, the tip surface of the fiber bundle must be polished uniformly and smoothly in order not to reduce unevenness and brightness of illumination, so that uniform and smooth polishing cannot be performed by providing a recess in the tip surface of the fiber bundle. There was a problem that the lighting condition deteriorated. Furthermore, a complicated fixing structure must be provided at the distal end of the scope to prevent the lens barrel fixed at the distal end of the fiber bundle from easily coming off the distal end of the scope and falling into the patient's body. There were also assembly problems.

For this reason, in order to prevent fogging of the lens cover, in a scope having means for heating the lens cover and the observation optical system, the connecting portion between the scope and the light guide was simplified and repeatedly attached / detached or repeatedly sterilized. There has been a demand for an improved scope that does not deteriorate the durability of the connection part and the lighting function.

An example of a configuration of the scope will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1A, an observation optical system 101 and an illumination optical system 102 are provided inside a scope 100 according to the present embodiment.
And are provided in parallel.

The observation optical system 101 includes an objective optical system 104 disposed on the distal end face 103 of the scope, an eyepiece optical system 105 disposed on the base end side, and the eyepiece optical system 1.
05 and an image transmission optical system 106 which communicates with the objective optical system 104. On the other hand, the illumination optical system 10
Reference numeral 2 denotes a fiber bundle 107. The front end of the fiber bundle 107 is located at the distal end surface of the scope, and the rear end portion is disposed in the LG connecting portion 108 projecting from the side peripheral surface of the base end of the scope.

A light guide cable 109 extending from a light source device (not shown) and transmitting illumination light via a fiber bundle 107 is detachably connected to the LG connection section 108.

Note that the LG connection section 108 of the present embodiment is
A heating element 110 for converting the light energy of the illumination light transmitted through the fiber bundle 107 into heat is opposed to the fiber bundle 107 in the light guide cable 109 as shown in FIG. Is provided.

The frame 111 covering the outer periphery of the objective optical system 104 is formed of a member having good thermal conductivity.
This frame 111 is in close contact with the objective optical system 104.
Further, between the heating element 110 and the frame 111, there is provided a thermally efficient heat conducting member 112, such as a heat pipe or a copper alloy, for efficiently transmitting the heat generated by the heating element 110 to the frame 111. ing. This heat conduction member 1
Reference numeral 12 is provided so as to cover the image transmission optical system 106.

The operation of the endoscope 100 configured as described above will be described. Light guide cable 109 from light source device
Illumination light guided by the fiber bundle 107 inside the scope 100 is connected to the scope 100
The fiber bundle 107 passes through the inside of the fiber bundle 107 and is transmitted through the fiber bundle 107 to illuminate the surgical field from the distal end face 103 of the scope.
By hitting the 10 end faces. The heating element 110 generates heat.

The heat generated by the heating element 110 is guided to the frame 111 provided on the outer periphery of the objective optical system 104 via the heat conducting member 112 and is conducted to the objective optical system 104.

That is, since the heating element and the heat conducting member are arranged in the scope in the same structure without providing a new structure of the light cable and the light guide connection portion, the scope, the light guide cable, and the LG connection are provided. The structure of the unit is not increased in size and weight compared to the conventional case. In addition, since the terminal for supplying power to the scope is not exposed, the connection portion does not deteriorate due to repeated attachment and detachment of the light guide cable and repeated sterilization of the scope. Further, since the structure at the distal end of the scope is the same as the conventional structure, no parts are dropped off during use and the illumination light is not reduced.

As described above, the heating element that generates heat by the illuminating light is provided at the LG connection portion, and the heat generated by this heating element is provided on the outer periphery of the objective optical system via the heat conducting member that covers the image transmission optical system. By transmitting the heat to the body, it is possible to prevent heat from being supplied from the frame to the objective optical system, thereby preventing fogging.

Referring to FIG. 13, another configuration example of the scope will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the base end of the fiber bundle 107 for illumination is provided at the LG connection portion 108 of the scope 120, and the optical energy of the illumination light is converted to electric energy. An electric conversion element 123 for converting the electric power to the electric power is provided.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7A, a heating element 124 for converting electricity into heat is provided near the objective optical system 104 at the distal end of the scope. This heating element 124
Is provided so as to cover the outer periphery of the objective optical system 104, and the heating element 124 and the electric conversion element 123 are connected by an electric wire 125.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the LG connecting section 108
When the light guide cable 109 is connected to the light guide cable 109, the illumination light transmitted through the fiber bundle 107 passing through the light guide cable 109 strikes both the fiber bundle 107 passing through the scope and the electric conversion element 123. Has become. Other configurations are shown in FIG.
Is the same as that of the scope 100, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Scope 1 configured as described above
20 will be described. The illumination light guided from the light source device by the fiber bundle 107 in the light guide cable 109 illuminates the end face of the fiber bundle 107 of the scope and the end face of the electric conversion element 123. The electric conversion element 123 irradiated with the illumination light converts light energy into electricity, and supplies the electricity to the heating element 124 provided at the distal end of the scope via the electric wire 125. When the electricity from the electric conversion element 123 is supplied to the heating element 124, the heating element 124 generates heat. The heat generated by the heating element 124 is transmitted to the objective optical system 104, and the objective optical system 104 is heated, thereby preventing the occurrence of fogging. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the above embodiment.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Appendix] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) In an endoscope apparatus including a scope having an insertion portion and a main body, and a sheath which is provided so as to cover the scope, an outer peripheral surface side of the scope is provided with a scope base end from a scope distal end side. A first space portion and a second space portion extending independently to the sides, and a liquid supply means for supplying a cleaning liquid to a distal end surface of a scope insertion portion at a base end of the space portion or a gas supply for supplying gas to a distal end surface of the scope. An endoscope apparatus comprising a combination of air means or suction means for sucking a liquid in a body cavity.

(2) A space separating means is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the sheath, and a gap extending from the distal end to the proximal end formed by the scope and the sheath provided on the scope is formed.
2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope device is separated into an independent first space portion and a second space portion, and a liquid supply unit and an air supply unit are connected to a base end of the space unit.

(3) The endoscope device according to appendix 2, wherein a water supply tank constituting water supply means and a suction device constituting suction means are connected to a base end side of the first space portion via a switching valve.

(4) An inner sheath for covering the scope is provided on the scope having the insertion portion and the main body,
The inner sheath is provided with an outer sheath, and a first space formed by a scope and an inner sheath and a second space formed by an inner sheath and an outer sheath are provided. 2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid feeding unit provided with a temperature device and a suction unit.

(5) A third space which connects the first space and the second space is provided near the distal end of the sheath, and the flow rate is adjusted in one of the first space and the second space. A liquid supply means, or a scope, which is connected to a valve for enabling the liquid supply and which is provided at a base end of the first space portion or the second space portion with a heating device for heating a liquid for supplying a cleaning liquid to a distal end surface of the scope insertion portion. Air supply means for supplying gas to the distal end surface or suction means for aspirating liquid from the distal end of the scope.
The maximum cross-sectional area of the two spaces, the space connected to the valve,
3. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third space portion and the space portion to which the valve is not connected are set to be smaller in this order.

(6) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1 or appendix 4, wherein a nozzle that opens to the distal end surface of the scope is provided at one or both of the first space portion and the second space portion.

(7) A check valve for preventing a fluid from flowing from one space portion to the other space portion is provided in a third space portion communicating the first space portion and the second space portion. 6. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 5.

(8) The water supply means is provided with a first flow control valve, and the suction means is provided with a second flow control valve, so that the first flow control valve and the second flow control valve are connected to each other. 5. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the opening / closing operation can be introduced by providing a synchronization means.

(9) An observation optical system extending from the distal end to the proximal end, an illumination optical system for transmitting illumination light to an operation field, and a connection portion to which illumination means for supplying illumination light to the illumination optical system are connected. An endoscope provided with a heating means for converting light into heat in the vicinity of the illumination optical system in the connection portion, and the heat generated by the heating means being disposed at the distal end of the observation optical system. An endoscope that supplies the lens system.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the fogging of the lens cover provided at the distal end of the scope and to always observe the lens cover in a good condition without fogging. Can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration of the endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a distal end portion of an inner sheath.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of the tip of the inner cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of a tip portion of an inner cover according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

8 to 11 illustrate the configuration of a transparent hood securely attached to the distal end of a sheath.
Figure showing a transparent hood configuration example

FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a mounting structure of a transparent hood.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a transparent hood attached to a perspective type scope.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of the transparent hood.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a scope.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another configuration example of a scope.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 2 ... Scope 3 ... Sheath 11 ... 1st space part 12 ... 2nd space part 21 ... 1st flow path 22 ... 2nd flow path

Claims (1)

[Claims] A scope having an insertion portion and a main body;
An endoscope apparatus comprising a sheath which is provided so as to cover the scope, wherein a first space portion and a second space portion independently extending from a distal end side of the scope to a proximal end side of the scope are provided on an outer peripheral surface side of the scope. A liquid feeding means for supplying a cleaning liquid to the distal end face of the scope insertion portion, an air feeding means for supplying gas to the distal end face of the scope, or a suction means for aspirating the liquid in the body cavity is connected to the proximal end of the space. An endoscope apparatus characterized in that: