JPS6122561Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improvement in an endoscope piston fixing device for fixing a piston of a switching valve in an operating section of an endoscope when cleaning the endoscope.

In general, an endoscope is provided with a plurality of channels A, B, and C for water supply, air supply, and suction in addition to the forceps channel. Figure 1 shows the connection state, and shows the above water supply channel A.
The air supply channel B and the air supply channel B are configured to be switched by an air/water supply switching operation valve 2 provided in the operation section 1 of the endoscope. Further, the suction channel C is configured to be switched by another switching valve 3 similarly provided in the operating section 1 of the endoscope. That is, the switching operation valves 2 and 3
is inserted in the middle of each channel A, B, and C near the operating section 1. Each of the switching valves 2 and 3 is composed of a cylinder 4 and a piston 5, and each piston 5 is provided with a vent hole 6 that penetrates to the outside. The above-mentioned water supply channel A and air supply channel B have the cylinder 4 of the switching operation valve 2 interposed between them, and are integrated at their tip sides, forming a single air and water supply channel D.
It is becoming. Piston 5 of the switching operation valve 2
normally protrudes, and in this state, the water supply channel A is blocked by the piston 5, and the air supply channel B is in a communicating state. Further, a hole 8 is formed on the outer periphery of the piston 5 of the switching operation valve 2, and when the piston 5 is pushed in, the hole 8 is positioned in the middle of the water supply channel A to establish communication. . Therefore, in order to clean the water supply channel A and the air and water supply channel D, it is necessary to push the piston 5 in advance. Note that normally the air supply channel B does not need to be cleaned.

On the other hand, the suction channel C is connected to the switching operation valve 3.
Normally, the piston 5 protrudes and is blocked, but when the piston 5 is pushed in, the hole 9 provided in the piston 5 connects to the suction channel C.
It is designed to be located in the middle of the road so that it can be communicated with. In order to clean this suction channel C, it is necessary to push in the piston 5 of the switching valve 3.

However, when cleaning such an endoscope, the channels A, C, and D are cleaned at the same time, but in order to do so, each piston 5 of each switching operation valve 2, 3 must be moved as described above. , must be pushed in while blocking the ventilation hole 6.

However, since the water supply channel A and the air supply channel B are combined into a single air and water supply channel D at the tip of the insertion section of the endoscope, when a cleaning liquid is supplied to the water supply channel A to clean the water supply channel A and the air and water supply channel D, the liquid should flow out of the tip only through the water supply channel A and the air and water supply channel D. However, since the water supply channel A is connected to the air supply channel B, a backflow phenomenon occurs in which some of the liquid also flows into the air supply channel B. If the endoscope is used in this state, the cleaning water or medicinal liquid may flow into the body during air supply, which may cause bacterial infection or problems due to the medicinal liquid. In addition, the backflowing liquid may dry and solidify in the air supply channel B, blocking the air supply channel B.

The present invention was developed in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to securely hold the operating section of the endoscope and prevent fluid from flowing back into the air supply channel side of the endoscope. An object of the present invention is to provide a piston fixing device for an endoscope that can eliminate this problem.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in Figs. 2 to 12.
This will be explained based on the diagram. Reference numeral 11 in FIG. 2 is a pace of the main body 10 of the apparatus, and this pace 11 is provided with rising walls 12 and 13 at opposite ends, respectively, and an endoscope is operated on the upper surface between the rising walls 12 and 13. 14 can be installed.
An eyepiece section 15 is provided on the proximal end surface of the operating section 14, and an insertion section 1 is provided at the distal end of the operating section 14.
6 are connected. Further, a light guide cable 17 is connected to one end of the operating section 14, and switching valves 18 and 19 are provided at the other end. Note that the light guide cable 17 and the switching operation valves 18 and 19 are connected to the eyepiece section 15.
The operating portion 14 on the distal end side is sandwiched at the left and right ends by a holding mechanism 20, which will be described later, so that it can be securely held on the base 11.

Furthermore, a plurality of elastic receivers 21 are protruded from the inner wall surface of the right rising wall 13, and are adapted to receive the right end surface of the operating section 14 of the endoscope and position the operating section 14. There is. Further, a rising plate 22 is provided on the base 11 corresponding to the position of each switching operation valve 18, 19, and this rising plate 22 has both switching operation valves 18, 19.
A positioning notch 25 into which the main bodies 23 and 24 of No. 9 are fitted is provided. In other words, the main bodies 23 and 24 of the switching valves 18 and 19 have their cutout portions 2
5 and is positioned. This positions the operating section 14 in the front-rear direction. Further, positioning in the left and right direction is performed by the elastic receivers 21. However, base 1
The positioning of the operating portion 14 on the device 1 is determined by the elastic receivers 21 and the cutout portions 25.

On the other hand, the holding mechanism 20 has elastic receivers 21...
A rod-shaped presser body 26 that elastically projects is provided on the right rising wall 12 facing the presser body 2.
6 is inserted into a cylindrical bearing 27 which will be described later. A coil spring 28 is built in the bearing 27, and the coil spring 28 causes the presser body 26 to protrude elastically. Also, inside the bearing 27 is a coil spring 28.
A screw 29 passing through is provided, and the presser body 26 is connected to the bearing 27 by this screw 29. In other words, the screw 29 has its tip threaded portion 3.
0 is screwed onto the presser body 26, and the rear end side is passed through the rear end wall 31 of the bearing 27, so that it can freely move forward and backward. When the presser body 26 is projected by the coil spring 28, the head 33 of the screw 29 comes into contact with the rear surface of the rear end wall 31 of the bearing 27, thereby regulating the amount of projection. Note that an elastic body 34 is attached and fixed to the tip of the presser body 26, and the elastic body 34 is attached and fixed to the tip of the presser body 26, and is
They come into contact via the elastic body 34.

Further, a guide pin 35 is provided on the outer periphery of the front end side of the bearing 27, as shown in FIG. The guide pin 35 is adapted to guide and move along a long notched groove 36 provided in the protruding portion 12a of the rising wall 12. That is, the sixth
As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 7, when the guide pin 35 is inserted to the innermost end within the long notched groove 36, the presser body 26 can be moved back. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the guide pin 35 is made to protrude beyond the notched long groove 36, the presser body 26 protrudes. At this time, if the operating section 14 of the endoscope is present as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
hits the side wall of the operating portion 14 and cannot fully protrude.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 2, the actuator is moved back by its original length, and the restoring force of the coil spring 28 acts by that length, pushing the operating part 14 toward the elastic receiver 21. . Thus, the operating section 14 of the endoscope can be held on the base 11.

Further, the bearing 27 has an operating rod 37 attached to its rearward projecting end, so that the bearing 27 can be rotated. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of protrusions 38 and 39 are provided on the outer surface of the rising wall 12 to restrict the rotation range of the operating rod 37. When the guide pin 35 hits the protrusion 38 of the guide pin 35, the guide pin 35 faces the long notched groove 36. That is, it can enter into the long notched groove 36. Also, the other protrusion 39 rotates counterclockwise.
When it hits, it comes off from the notched long groove 36 and can be locked to the wall surface of the rising wall 12 (in this embodiment, especially the tip end surface of the protruding portion 12a). At this time, if the presser body 26 is in contact with the operating section 14 of the endoscope, its bearing 27 will also be pushed backward by the coil spring 28, but it can be locked in that state.

On the other hand, piston pressers 42 and 43 are provided at the front end of the rising wall 12 to face pistons 40 and 41 of the switching valves 18 and 19, respectively.

The piston holder 42 is constructed as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. That is, the piston holder 42 is supported so as to be able to move forward within the case 44, and an elastic body 46 is attached to the side tip of the piston 40 via a holder 45. Further, a collar 47 is formed at the opposite outer end. Further, a nut 48 is screwed into the front end of the case 44, and a nut 48 is screwed into the front end of the case 44.
passes through the nut 48. Also, case 44
A non-return mechanism 49 is constructed inside, which normally allows the piston holder 42 to move only forward and not to move backward.

That is, a tapered ring 50 is provided inside the case 44.
is attached and fixed, and the inner edge of the tip portion is configured as a tapered surface 51. A plurality of check balls 52 are interposed between the tapered surface 51 and the piston holder 42. Further, the check ball 52 is pushed in by a coil spring 54 via an annular washer 53. That is, the coil spring 54 is connected to the nut 48.
and washer 53, and urges check ball 52 to be pushed into tapered surface 51 via washer 53. Therefore, the piston holder 42 is movable in the direction of the arrow in FIG. to prevent movement in that direction. In other words, the check effect is activated.

Furthermore, a release ring 56 of a release operation mechanism 55 is movably fitted onto the outer peripheral surface of the piston holder 42. That is, when the release ring 56 is moved toward the non-return ball 52, the distal end of the release ring 56 pushes out the non-return ball 52, and the engagement between the tapered surface 51 and the piston retainer 42 can be released. Furthermore, the rear end of the release ring 56 projects outward and is connected to the tip of a release lever 57. The release lever 57 has its lower end pivotally connected to the device main body 10, and its upper end protrudes upward, thereby forming an operating section 58 at the upper end. Therefore, this release lever 57 is
By pushing in the direction of the arrow in the figure, the check mechanism 4
9 can be released. In addition, 59 in Figure 4
is a guide rod that guides the release lever 57.

Furthermore, the release lever 57 is also configured to be released by an automatic release mechanism 60 that is linked to the operation of the washing device. That is, the automatic release mechanism 60 is configured such that the upper end of a lever 62 rotatably pivoted in the middle of the rising wall 12 via a pivot pin 61 is opposed to the back surface of the operating portion 58 of the release lever 57. Further, the lower end of the lever 62 is opposed to the circumferential surface of an eccentric cam 63, and the eccentric cam 63 is rotationally driven by a rotary solenoid 64 and rotated by a certain amount, so that the lever 62 and pushes the release lever 57 to operate the release operation mechanism 55. In addition, 65 in FIG. 4 is a cam stopper.

Further, the rotary solenoid 64 is automatically driven at the final stage of a series of cleaning operations of the cleaning device.

On the other hand, the piston presser 43 is constructed as shown in FIG. That is, the piston presser 43 is provided on the rising wall 12 via a cylindrical bearing 66 so as to be able to move forward and backward. An elastic body 68 is attached to the tip of the piston 41 via a presser 67, and a collar 69 is attached to the opposite side. Furthermore, the piston presser 4
3 is a compression coil spring 7 wound around the outer periphery of the bearing 66
0 so as to protrude toward the piston 41 side. Further, a locking lever 71 is provided on the back side of the rising wall 12 so as to be able to move up and down. That is, this locking lever 71 is provided with a plurality of elongated holes 72 along the vertical direction, and guide pins 73 are inserted into each of the elongated holes 72, thereby guiding the locking lever in the vertical direction. It is becoming more and more common.
Further, the locking lever 71 is formed with a locking hole 74 that passes through the piston presser 43, and this locking hole 74 locks into a small diameter engagement portion 75 provided in the middle of the piston presser 43. I'm starting to do that. That is, normally, by raising the locking lever 71 and locking the small diameter portion 75 for engagement in the locking hole 74, the piston presser 43 is retracted as shown in FIG. 76 to push down the locking lever 71, the engagement hole 7
4 is removed from the small diameter engaging portion 75, and the piston presser 43 is moved forward by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 70.

The locking lever 71 is biased upward by a coil spring 77 attached to the rising wall 12, as shown in FIG.

A push pin 78 is protruded from the lower end of the locking lever 71, and when the locking lever 71 is pushed down, the push pin 78 pushes the operator 80 of the micro switch 79. I'm starting to do that. The cleaning device is configured to start its cleaning operation when this microswitch 79 is operated.

The device main body 10 is designed to be detachably attached to a washing device (not shown). 81 in the figure is a set screw for this purpose.

Further, FIG. 12 shows the configuration of the cleaning device, and also shows the connection state of the channels of the endoscope described in FIG. 1. That is, this cleaning device is provided with a cleaning tank 82, and inside this cleaning tank 82, a cleaning water spray nozzle 83 and a chemical solution spray nozzle 84 are installed.
It is designed to clean the endoscope installed inside the chamber. A cleaning water supply pipe 85 is connected to the cleaning water injection nozzle 83, and a water supply tank 86 and a detergent liquid tank 87 are connected in parallel to the cleaning water supply pipe 85. Washing water is created by receiving water from the water and detergent from the detergent liquid tank 87, and is supplied to the washing water supply pipe 85 by the washing water supply pump 88.
The washing water is supplied to the washing water injection nozzle 83 through the washing water injection nozzle 83. Note that an electromagnetic valve 89 is provided on the outflow side of the detergent liquid tank 87. Further, a water supply port 91 such as a water pipe is connected to the water tank 86 via an electromagnetic valve 90 .

On the other hand, the chemical liquid injection nozzle 84 has a chemical liquid supply pipe 9
A chemical liquid tank 93 is connected through the chemical liquid supply pipe 92, and a chemical liquid supply pump 94 is connected to the chemical liquid supply pipe 92.
is inserted, and the chemical liquid in the chemical liquid tank 93 is supplied to the chemical liquid injection nozzle 84 through the chemical liquid supply pipe 92.

Further, a drain port 95 is provided at the bottom of the washing tank 82 , and the drain port 95 is connected to the drain tank 9 through a solenoid valve 96 .
7 is connected. Further, a drain pipe 98 is connected to the drain tank 97, and a drain pump 89 is inserted in the middle of the drain pipe 98. In addition, another chemical liquid reflux pipe 100 is connected to the liquid drain port 95.
It is connected to the chemical solution tank 93 via. Note that an electromagnetic valve 101 is inserted in the middle of the chemical liquid reflux pipe 100, which is opened when the chemical liquid is refluxed.

Accordingly, the electromagnetic valves 89, 90, 96, 101 and the pumps 88, 94, 99 are operated as appropriate in response to commands from a control section (not shown) to spray cleaning water from the cleaning water injection nozzle 83 and the chemical liquid injection nozzle 8.
A chemical solution is selectively sprayed from 4 to perform cleaning.

On the other hand, the cleaning water supply pipe 85 and the chemical liquid supply pipe 92 are connected to a liquid distributor 104 via a cleaning liquid pipe 102 and a chemical liquid supply pipe 103, respectively, and the liquid distributor 104 also supplies the cleaning liquid and the chemical liquid. We are now able to supply it. Further, an air supply pump 106 is connected to the liquid distributor 104 via an air pipe 105. Note that a check valve 1 is installed in the middle of this air pipe 105.
07 is inserted.

Furthermore, the liquid distributor 104 is provided with a plurality of supply pipes 108 that connect to the water supply channel A and the suction channel C on the endoscope side, and are connected to the washing water supply pipe 85 and the chemical solution supply pipe 92. The received washing water and chemical solution are distributed to each supply pipe 108.

In addition to the liquid distributor 104, the air supply pump 106 is provided with an air pipe 109, which is connected to the air supply channel B on the endoscope side. In addition, in the middle of this air pipe 109,
A solenoid valve 110 is inserted.

Next, how to use the piston fixing device will be explained.

First, an endoscope cleaning device is attached and fixed to the device main body 10. Then, the presser body 26 of the holding mechanism 20
is retracted to the state shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
Further, the check mechanism 49 of the piston holders 42, 43 is released, and the piston holders 42, 43 are sufficiently retreated. As described above, from above the base 11 of the device main body 10, the presser body 26 and the piston presser 4 are
2 and 43, the operating section 14 of the endoscope is installed as shown by the dotted line in FIG. That is, the main bodies 2 of the switching valves 18 and 19
3 and 24 into the notches of the rising plate 22,
In addition to positioning in the front and back direction, the operation unit 1
The other side wall surface of 4 is placed against the elastic receiver 21 for positioning. Note that the eyepiece portion 15 and the cable 17 are in a state of protruding from their respective open portions.

Then, holding the operating rod 37 of the holding mechanism 20, push the bearing 27 until it is in the state shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Then, the operating rod 37 is rotated counterclockwise to disengage the guide pin 35 from the long notched groove 36 and to engage it with the inner wall surface of the rising wall 12. Thus, the bearing 27 is held in a protruding state. Furthermore, at this time, the tip of the presser body 26 hits the side wall of the operating portion 14, and cannot fully protrude, compressing the coil spring 28 and elastically retreating. That is, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, the presser body 26, which originally protrudes, moves back by a length, and elastically presses the operating portion 14 toward the elastic receivers 21 by that length. This allows the operating section 14 of the endoscope to be held on the base 11.

As described above, the operating section 14 of the endoscope is reliably held in a positioned state by the holding mechanism 20.

On the other hand, after holding the operating section 14 of the endoscope in this manner, the flanges 47, 6 of each piston holder 42, 43 located opposite each switching operation valve 18, 19
At this time, the piston presser 43 cannot be pushed in unless the locking lever 71 is pushed down, so the locking lever 71 must be pushed down in advance. When the piston holders 42 and 43 are pushed forward in this manner, the elastic bodies 46 and 68 press against the protruding end surfaces of the pistons 40 and 41, respectively, and are pushed in as they are. Then, when the piston holders 42 and 43 are completely advanced, each piston 40 and 41 is completely pushed in and closes its vent hole.
Furthermore, since a check mechanism 49 acts on the piston presser 42, the piston presser 42
remains in the state blocking the vent without returning.

Further, the other piston holder 43 is automatically protruded by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 70 to push the piston 41 and at the same time close the air hole.

Note that since the tips of each of the elastic bodies 46 and 48 are formed in a spherical shape, they fit into the ventilation hole and can be reliably closed.

On the other hand, especially the switching operation valve 19 on the side of the suction channel C, if the locking lever 71 is not pushed down,
The above operation is not performed. When the locking lever 71 is pushed down, the push pin 78 pushes the operator 80 of the micro switch 79, closing the micro switch 79. This puts the washing device in a state where it can start the washing operation. becomes.
That is, the cleaning operation will not start unless the piston 41 of the switching valve 19 on the side of the suction channel C is pressed down and the ventilation hole thereof is closed.

In addition, the water supply channel A and the suction channel C of the internal view are connected to the supply pipes 108 of the liquid distributor 104, and the air supply channel B is connected to the air pipe 109. When the cleaning device is operated, cleaning water and chemical solution are also supplied to the liquid distributor 104 side in conjunction with the cleaning operation.
Thus, the water supply channel A and the suction channel C are sequentially supplied with cleaning water, detergent, cleaning water, chemical solution, cleaning water (rinsing), and air. by the way,
As shown in FIG. 1, the water supply channel A communicates with the air supply channel B at the distal end of the endoscope, and forms one air and water supply channel D. Moreover, in the above-mentioned washing operation, the washing water etc. sent into the water supply channel A is expected to flow only into the above-mentioned air and water supply channel 10 without flowing into the air supply channel B side. . However, in reality, the air also flows slightly backward into the air supply channel B side.

However, in the present invention, at the final step of the washing operation, that is, at the step of supplying air to the water supply channel A and the suction channel C,
Rotary solenoid 6 is linked to the cleaning operation.
4 operates to rotate the eccentric cam 63. Then, the eccentric cam 63 rotates the lever 62 and pushes down the release lever 57 of the release operation mechanism 55.
The release ring 56 of the check mechanism 49 is advanced to release its engagement, and the piston presser 42 is returned to its original position. On the other hand, at least immediately before this operation, the solenoid valve 109 is open. As the air supply channel B is brought into communication while the piston 40 of the switching operation valve 18 is returning, air is supplied to the air supply channel B, and a backflow flows into the air supply channel B. You can drain the washing liquid etc. Note that the air supply pump 106 may be operated only when necessary.

Further, when removing the operating section 14 of the endoscope after cleaning, pull the piston holder 43 on the remaining switching operation valve 19 side to release the piston 41. Furthermore, the holding mechanism 20 is released.

That is, the operating rod 37 is rotated clockwise to position the guide pin 35 corresponding to the notched long groove 36. As a result, the guide pin 35 is disengaged, and
It can enter into the notch long groove 36. Therefore,
By pulling the operating rod 67 toward you, the guide pin 35 is inserted into the notch long groove 36 and the bearing 27 is inserted.
to retreat. Accordingly, the presser body 26 also moves back and is separated from the operating section 14. Thus, the operating section 14 of the endoscope can be removed from the base 11 of the device main body 10.

As explained above, according to the present invention, the operating section of the endoscope can be reliably positioned and fixed on the base of the apparatus main body by the holding mechanism.

Furthermore, at the end of the cleaning operation of the water channel of the endoscope, the engagement state of the check mechanism of the piston holder is released, the piston holder is returned, and air is supplied to the air channel. It is possible to discharge liquid, etc. that was flowing back into the air channel during cleaning. Therefore, since no liquid or the like remains in the air supply channel, it is possible to prevent bacterial infection or damage caused by chemical solutions, thereby improving safety. In addition, there is no possibility that liquid or the like remains in the air supply channel and dries and solidifies, thereby blocking the air supply channel.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection state of channels of an endoscope, Fig. 2 is a partially cutaway plan view showing an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a front view thereof, and Fig. 4
The figure is a cross-sectional view taken along line - in Figure 2, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line - in Figure 2, and Figures 6 to 1 are cross-sectional views taken along line - in Figure 2.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the holding mechanism in the same embodiment, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the cleaning device. 10...Device main body, 11...Base, 14...
Operation unit, 18, 19...Switching operation valve, 20...
Holding mechanism, 21... Elastic receiver, 26... Presser body, 40, 41... Piston, 42, 23... Piston presser, 49... Non-return mechanism, 55... Release operation mechanism, 60... Automatic release mechanism.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] a device main body in which the operating section of the endoscope is installed on a base; a holding mechanism provided on the device main body for fixing the operating section on the base; A piston holder that is supported so as to be able to advance toward the piston in opposition to the piston of the switching operation valve for air and water supply, a check mechanism that allows the piston holder only to move forward and does not allow it to move backward, and this check mechanism. a release operation mechanism that releases the engagement state of the check mechanism; and a release operation mechanism that is linked to the operation of the cleaning device and automatically operates the release operation mechanism at the end of the water channel cleaning operation to release the engagement state of the check mechanism. A piston fixing device for an endoscope, comprising an automatic release mechanism that releases the piston of the switching valve for air and water supply to supply air to the air channel.