JPWO2006123396A1 - connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid supply device capable of supplying a fluid, and an endoscope insertion portion (2) side provided with an image sensor (22), which is connected to the fluid supply device and used, are electrically and An electrical connection portion (36) having a fluid contact, an electrical contact (36a) for at least electrical connection related to transmission of a drive signal to the image sensor (22); An air / water supply connection part (34) provided with a distal end side opening part (34a) serving as a fluid flow opening from the supply device to the endoscope insertion part (2) side, and from the endoscope insertion part (2) side The suction connection part (35) provided with the front end side opening part (35a) used as the fluid distribution opening to the fluid supply apparatus, the electrical connection part (36), the air / water supply connection part (34), and the suction connection part (35 And a base (32) on which electrical contacts (36a) are provided. Base (32) and the distance from the surface, the tip side opening (34a, 35a) base (32) and the distance from the surface, the different causes connector (31, 41).

Description

  The present invention relates to a connector capable of detachably connecting an endoscope insertion portion side and a fluid supply device.

  Endoscopes are widely used in various fields such as medical and industrial fields to observe sites that cannot be directly observed, such as in the lumen, and are generally used for insertion into a subject. It is configured with an elongated insertion portion. An illuminating unit for illuminating the test site and an objective optical system for forming an image of the test site illuminated by the illuminating unit are provided at the distal end of the insertion unit. Then, at the imaging position of the objective optical system, the tip surface of the image guide is arranged in the case of an optical endoscope, and the image pickup element such as a CCD is arranged in the case of an electronic endoscope.

  Of the various fields as described above, endoscopes for medical use in particular are used by being inserted into body cavities, and body fluids may adhere to the objective optical system. Air supply / water supply pipelines are provided for cleaning by supplying air and water. Furthermore, some medical endoscopes are provided with a treatment instrument channel through which various treatment instruments can be inserted as necessary. The treatment instrument channel is excised using the treatment instrument. Sometimes used as an aspiration channel for aspirating tissue pieces and the like.

  As described above, in the endoscope, the signal line for illumination, the signal line of the imaging device, the air / water supply conduit, the suction conduit, and the like are arranged in the insertion portion.

  By the way, in recent years, an endoscope has been proposed in which the insertion portion side is made detachable to the operation portion side, for example, the insertion portion side is disposable, so that the trouble of washing after use is saved and the safety is further improved. Yes. There are various types of such endoscopes. For example, in an endoscope that is designed to be inserted into the large intestine by the transanus, on the outer peripheral side of the insertion portion, a spiral-shaped portion is provided. A rotating cylinder body provided around the axis is provided, and by rotating the rotating cylinder body, the insertion into the body cavity can be performed automatically, and the insertion portion side is made disposable. There is a rotating self-propelled endoscope.

  The insertion part of such a rotary self-propelled endoscope is connected to a rotating cylinder on the outer peripheral side to a motor box or the like equipped with a rotation driving unit, and a pipe or signal line on the inner peripheral side is separately provided with an operation unit. It is necessary to connect to the provided fluid supply device side.

  At this time, if a plurality of connection parts are dispersed in a distant place, the connection work becomes complicated. Therefore, the signal line connection part and the air / water supply pipe or suction pipe are arranged close to each other. It is conceivable to install. However, if no measures are taken at this time, there is a possibility that liquid leaking from the air / water supply conduit or the suction conduit may wet the signal line connection. It was.

  This invention is made in view of the said situation, and it aims at providing the connector which can reduce possibility that the fluid from a fluid-system connection part will affect the electrical contact of an electrical connection part. .

  In order to achieve the above object, a connector according to a first aspect of the present invention is a fluid supply device capable of supplying a fluid, and is used in connection with the fluid supply device, and includes an imaging device. An electrical connection portion for electrically and fluidly connecting to the endoscope insertion portion side, and having an electrical contact for at least electrical connection related to transmission of a drive signal to the image sensor A fluid system connection portion including a distal end side opening portion serving as a fluid flow opening from one of the fluid supply device and the endoscope insertion portion side to the other, the electrical connection portion, and the fluid system connection portion And the distance between the electrical contact from the surface of the base and the distance from the surface of the base of the opening on the front end side are different from each other.

  A connector according to a second aspect of the invention is the connector according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the connector is disposed in the fluid supply device.

  Furthermore, the connector according to a third aspect of the invention is the connector according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the distance from the base surface of the tip side opening is longer than the distance from the base surface of the electrical contact. .

  A connector according to a fourth invention is the connector according to the second invention, wherein a distance of the electrical contact from the base surface is longer than a distance of the tip side opening from the base surface.

  The connector according to a fifth aspect of the invention is the connector according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the base is configured such that the normal line standing on the surface thereof is directed horizontally or downward with respect to the direction of gravity. It is.

  The connector according to a sixth aspect of the invention is the connector according to the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the base is configured such that the normal line standing on the surface thereof is directed horizontally or upward with respect to the direction of gravity. It is.

  The connector according to a seventh aspect is the connector according to the third aspect, wherein the electrical connection portion has a base end in the same position in the gravity direction as the base end of the fluid system connection portion or a base of the fluid system connection portion. It is arranged on the base so as to be in an upper position in the gravitational direction from the end.

  The connector according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the connector according to the fourth aspect, wherein the electrical connection portion has a base end in the same position in the direction of gravity as the base end of the fluid system connection portion or the base of the fluid system connection portion. It is arranged on the base so as to be in an upper position in the gravitational direction from the end.

  A connector according to a ninth invention is the connector according to the third invention, wherein the fluid system connection part is an air / water supply connection part for supplying fluid from the fluid supply device to the endoscope insertion part side. .

  A connector according to a tenth aspect of the invention is the connector according to the seventh aspect of the invention, wherein the fluid system connection part is a suction connection part for sucking fluid on the endoscope insertion part side from the fluid supply device.

  A connector according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is the connector according to the eighth aspect of the invention, wherein the fluid connection portion is a suction connection portion for sucking fluid from the endoscope insertion portion side to the fluid supply device.

  A connector according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention electrically connects a fluid supply device capable of supplying a fluid, and an endoscope insertion portion side provided with an image pickup device and connected to the fluid supply device. A connector for electrical and fluid connection, comprising: electrical connection means comprising at least electrical contacts for electrical connection related to transmission of drive signals to the image sensor; the fluid supply device; Fluid system connection means provided with a distal end side opening serving as a fluid flow opening from one side to the other with respect to the endoscope insertion section side; base means on which the electrical connection means and the fluid system connection means are disposed; , And the distance from the surface of the base means of the electrical contact and the distance from the surface of the base means of the opening on the front end side are different from each other.

The figure which shows the structure of the rotation self-propelled endoscope apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention. In the said Embodiment 1, sectional drawing along the insertion-axis direction which shows the structure of a front-end | tip part and an insertion part front end side. The front view which shows the structure of the connector for fluid supply apparatuses in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing a configuration of a fluid supply device connector according to the first embodiment. The front view which shows the structure of the connector for insertion parts in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. The sectional side view which shows the structure of the connector for insertion part sides in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. In the said Embodiment 1, the sectional side view which shows the state connected combining the connector for fluid supply apparatuses, and the connector for insertion parts side. In the said Embodiment 1, the sectional side view which shows the state in the middle of removing the connector for fluid supply apparatuses and the connector for insertion parts side. In the said Embodiment 1, the table | surface figure which shows the 1st aspect group of an electrical-connection part and a fluid system connection part. In the said Embodiment 1, the table | surface figure which shows the 2nd aspect group of an electrical-connection part and a fluid system connection part. In the said Embodiment 1, the table | surface figure which shows the 3rd aspect group of an electrical-connection part and a fluid system connection part. In the said Embodiment 1, the table | surface figure which shows the 4th aspect group of an electrical-connection part and a fluid system connection part. In the said Embodiment 1, the table | surface figure which shows the 5th aspect group of an electrical-connection part and a fluid system connection part. In the said Embodiment 1, the table | surface figure which shows the 6th aspect group of an electrical-connection part and a fluid system connection part.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 1 to 14 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rotary self-propelled endoscope device, and FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a distal end portion and an insertion portion distal end side. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the fluid supply device connector, FIG. 4 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the fluid supply device connector, and FIG. 5 is the configuration of the insertion portion side connector. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the insertion portion side connector, FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing a state where the fluid supply device connector and the insertion portion side connector are connected in combination, and FIG. FIG. 9 is a side sectional view showing a state in the middle of removing the fluid supply device connector and the insertion portion side connector, FIG. 9 is a table showing a first mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a table showing the second mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a table showing a fourth mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion, and FIG. 13 is a table showing the fourth mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion. FIG. 14 is a table showing a sixth mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion.

  This rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as “endoscope apparatus” as appropriate) 1 is provided on an elongated insertion section 2 to be inserted into a body cavity and a proximal end side of the insertion section 2. The rotation drive unit 3 and the operation unit 4, the universal cord 5 extending from the operation unit 4, the universal connector 6 provided on the distal end side of the universal cord 5, and the control extended from the universal connector 6 For example, a control device 8 to which the control cable 7 is detachably connected and a foot switch 9 to be detachably connected to the control device 8 are provided.

  The insertion portion 2 includes a distal end portion 11, a rotating cylindrical body 12 provided continuously to the proximal end side of the distal end portion 11, and a connecting portion 13 provided on the proximal end side of the rotating cylindrical body 12. Yes.

  The configuration of the insertion portion 2 including the distal end portion 11 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the distal end portion 11 and the distal end side of the insertion portion 2.

  An objective optical system 21 is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11, and an imaging element 22 composed of, for example, a CCD or a CMOS is disposed on the imaging surface of the objective optical system 21. Furthermore, an LED 23 serving as an illumination light source for illuminating a subject to be imaged by the objective optical system 21 and the image sensor 22 is provided on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11. The signal line 22a, which is a signal transmission means extending from the image pickup element 22, and the signal line 23a, which is a power line and a signal transmission means, which is extended from the LED 23, are gathered together in the middle to be a signal cable 26 on the proximal side. Has been extended to

  Further, an air / water supply nozzle for supplying water for cleaning the objective optical system 21 and supplying air for wiping off water droplets and the like attached to the objective optical system 21 on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11. 24a is disposed. The air / water supply nozzle 24a is connected to an air / water supply tube 24 which is a fluid line and is a fluid distribution means, and the air / water supply tube 24 is extended to the base end side.

  Further, an opening 25a of a channel 25 which is a fluid system conduit used for suction or the like and is a fluid distribution means is exposed on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11, and this channel 25 is extended to the proximal end side. Yes.

  In addition, an abutting portion 11 a for abutting the distal end side of the rotating cylinder 12 is provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 11.

  The rotating cylinder 12 is a member in which a spiral convex portion (or a spiral concave portion, or a convex portion protruding so as to be continuously provided along the spiral, etc.) is formed on the outer peripheral surface. It is configured to be rotatable around an axis in the insertion direction. When the rotating cylinder 12 rotates, the spiral convex portion on the outer peripheral surface comes into contact with the inner wall of the body cavity of the subject to generate thrust, and the rotating cylinder 12 itself tends to advance in the insertion direction. At this time, the distal end surface of the rotating cylinder 12 abuts against the abutting portion 11 a to press the distal end portion 11, and the insertion portion 2 including the distal end portion 11 is inserted.

  A tube 27 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the rotating cylinder 12. In this tube 27, the air / water supply tube 24, the channel 25, and the signal cable 26 as described above are inserted, and have a function of protecting them, and a rotating cylinder on the outer peripheral surface side thereof. It is comprised so that rotation of 12 may not be prevented.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1 again, the connecting portion 13 is connected to the rotating cylinder connecting portion 14 provided in the rotation driving portion 3, and is provided in the rotation driving portion 3 by this connection. The driving force of a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the rotating cylinder 12 so that the rotating cylinder 12 is rotated. In addition, a plurality of legs 15 as installation direction defining means and installation means used when placing the rotation drive unit 3 are provided on the lower surface of the rotation drive unit 3. The lower surface on which the leg portion 15 is provided is placed with the lower side in the direction of gravity. Accordingly, the leg portion 15 also functions as an index indicating the lower side in the gravity direction.

  Furthermore, the air / water supply tube 24, the channel 25, and the signal cable 26 inserted into the insertion unit 2 are inserted again into the tube 28 after being inserted through the rotation drive unit 3, and then again. The rotation drive unit 3 extends outside. Here, the tube 28 is integrally connected to the above-described tube 27, for example, and protects the built-in air / water supply tube 24, channel 25, and signal cable 26, and is slightly flexible so that it can be easily routed. It has been formed.

  At the end of the tube 28 is connector means for integrally connecting the conduit of the air / water feed tube 24, the conduit of the channel 25, and the electrical contact of the signal cable 26 to the operation portion 4 side. An insertion portion side connector 41 is provided.

  On the other hand, a fluid supply device connector 31 as a connector means for connecting the insertion portion side connector 41 is provided on the side surface of the operation portion 4. The configurations of the fluid supply device connector 31 and the insertion portion side connector 41 will be described in detail later.

  The operation unit 4 is provided with a grip portion 4a for gripping by hand, and further, an air / water supply button 4b for operating air / water supply via the air / water supply tube 24, and a channel 25. Various operation buttons such as a suction button 4c for operating the suction through the terminal are provided.

  In the universal cable 5 extended from the operation unit 4, a fluid system conduit connected to the air / water supply tube 24 and serving as a fluid distribution means, and a fluid system conduit connected to the channel 25. In addition, a suction conduit as a fluid distribution means, a signal line as a signal transmission means connected to the signal cable 26, and the like are disposed.

  The universal connector 6 provided on the distal end side of the universal cable 5 is used to process an image signal from the connection part to the air supply device, the connection part to the water supply tank, the connection part to the suction pump, and the image sensor 22. It has a connection to a video processor.

  In the control cable 7 extending from the universal connector 6, a signal line to the rotation driving unit 3 and a signal line to the LED 23 arranged in the tip end part 11 are arranged.

  The control device 8 to which the control cable 7 is connected is for controlling a motor disposed in the rotation drive unit 3 or for controlling the light emission state of the LED 23. The volume dial is provided.

  The foot switch 9 is for controlling the motor of the rotation drive unit 3. However, the foot switch 9 may be used to control the light emission state of the LED 23.

  In the configuration as described above, portions other than the insertion portion 2, that is, the rotation drive portion 3, the operation portion 4, the universal cable 5, the universal connector 6, the control cable 7, the control device 8, and the foot switch 9 are: It constitutes a fluid supply device. Furthermore, the fluid supply device may include an air supply device, a water supply tank, a suction pump, and the like, or may additionally include a video processor. Therefore, the endoscope apparatus 1 includes at least a part of the fluid supply apparatus and the insertion portion 2. In addition, the endoscope system includes an endoscope apparatus 1, an air supply device, a water supply tank, and a suction pump.

  Next, the configuration of the fluid supply device connector 31 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The connector 31 for the fluid supply device has an air supply / water supply connection 34 as a fluid connection and a fluid connection on a base 32 as a base, and a suction connection as a fluid connection and a fluid connection. 35 and an electrical connection portion 36 as an electrical connection means having a plurality of electrical contacts 36a.

  Here, the base 32 is, for example, a substantially short columnar pedestal, and a cylindrical wall portion 32a is formed on the periphery thereof. Further, a partition 33 which is a protruding portion (protruding means) is formed between the electrical connecting portion 36, the air / water supplying connecting portion 34 and the suction connecting portion 35 on the surface of the base 32. This partition 33 is a convex part provided as a width | variety so that both ends may be fitted with the internal peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall part 42a mentioned later of the connector 41 for insertion part side.

  The air / water supply connection portion 34 is provided with a front end side opening portion 34a serving as a flow opening when supplying fluid from the fluid supply device to the insertion portion 2 side, and the suction connection portion 35 is provided with the insertion portion from the fluid supply device. A front end side opening 35a is provided as a flow opening for sucking the fluid on the second side.

  The electrical connection portion 36 is disposed on one side of the surface of the base 32 substantially surrounded by the partition 33 and the cylindrical wall portion 32a, and the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 are separated from each other. It is arrange | positioned at the other side of the surface of the base 32 substantially enclosed by 33 and the cylindrical wall part 32a. Each connection portion, that is, the air / water supply connection portion 34, the suction connection portion 35, and the electrical connection portion 36 is formed so as to protrude from the surface of the base 32. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the electrical connection portion 36 is on the upper side in the direction of gravity and the protruding length is short, and the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 are more gravity than the electrical connection portion 36. An example in which the protruding length is long on the lower side in the direction is shown. However, the fluid supply device connector 31 has various modes depending on the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36 and the fluid system connection portion from the base 32, the arrangement in the direction of gravity, or the orientation of the base 32. Yes, the suitability of each aspect differs depending on whether the fluid is dropped or ejected from the fluid system connection portion, and this will be described later.

  The insertion portion side connector 41 is provided on a base 42 as a base means, an air supply / water supply connection portion 44 as a fluid system connection portion and fluid system connection means, and a suction connection portion as a fluid system connection portion and fluid system connection means. 45 and an electrical connection portion 46 as an electrical connection means having a plurality of electrical contacts 46a.

  Here, the base 42 is, for example, a substantially short cylindrical base, similar to the base 32 described above, but its diameter is slightly smaller than that of the base 32. A cylindrical wall 42 a is also formed on the periphery of the base 42. The outer diameter of the cylindrical wall portion 42a is substantially the same as the inner peripheral diameter of the cylindrical wall portion 32a described above, that is, the outer peripheral side is fitted to the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall portion 32a. It is like that. Further, a partition 43 that is a protruding portion (protruding means) is formed between the electrical connection portion 46, the air / water supply connection portion 44, and the suction connection portion 45 on the surface of the base 42. The partition 43 is a convex portion provided so as to have a full width extending from one end to the other end of the surface of the circular base 42, and is formed integrally with the cylindrical wall portion 42a. Furthermore, the upper surface of the partition 43 in FIG. 5 is fitted to the lower surface of the partition 33 in FIG.

  The air / water supply connection portion 44 is provided with a front end side opening portion 44a serving as a flow opening when supplying fluid from the fluid supply device to the insertion portion 2 side, and the suction connection portion 45 is provided with the insertion portion from the fluid supply device. A front end side opening 45a serving as a flow opening for suctioning the fluid on the second side is provided.

  The electrical connection portion 46 is disposed on one side of the surface of the base 42 surrounded by the partition 43 and the cylindrical wall portion 42 a, and the air / water supply connection portion 44 and the suction connection portion 45 are provided in the partition 43. Are disposed on the other side of the surface of the base 42 surrounded by the cylindrical wall portion 42a. Each connection portion, that is, the air / water supply connection portion 44, the suction connection portion 45, and the electrical connection portion 46 is formed so as to protrude from the surface of the base 42. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the electrical connection portion 46 is on the upper side in the direction of gravity and the protruding length is long, and the air / water supply connection portion 44 and the suction connection portion 45 are more gravity than the electrical connection portion 46. An example in which the protrusion length is short on the lower side in the direction is shown. However, the protrusion length of the electrical connection portion 46 and the fluid system connection portion, the arrangement, and the mode of the insertion portion side connector 41 corresponding to the orientation of the base 32 are the same as the example of the fluid supply device connector 31 described later. There are various types.

  Here, the connector 31 having the shape as shown in FIG. 3 is disposed on the fluid supply device side, and the connector 41 having the shape as illustrated in FIG. 5 is disposed on the insertion portion 2 side. On the contrary, the connector 31 having the shape as shown in FIG. 3 may be provided on the insertion portion 2 side, and the connector 41 having the shape as shown in FIG. 5 may be provided on the fluid supply device side. I do not care.

  Next, when the fluid supply device connector 31 and the insertion portion side connector 41 are connected, the connection is as shown in FIG. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 32a and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 42a are fitted, and the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36 and the electrical contact 46a of the electrical connection portion 46 are connected to supply air. The tip opening 34a of the water supply connection 34 and the tip opening 44a of the air / water connection 44 are connected, and the tip opening 35a of the suction connection 35 and the tip opening 45a of the suction connection 45 are connected. Is connected. The front end surface of the partition 33 is in contact with the surface of the base 42, and the front end surface of the partition 43 is in contact with the surface of the base 32. Thereby, the electrical connection parts 36 and 46 are isolated from the air / water supply connection parts 34 and 44 and the suction connection parts 35 and 45 through the partitions 33 and 43 so as to be substantially watertight from each other.

  Subsequently, the fluid supply device connector 31 and the insertion portion side connector 41 connected to each other are removed, and a state in the middle of moving in the pulling direction is as shown in FIG. At this time, the connection between the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36 and the electrical contact 46a of the electrical connection portion 46 is released and is somewhat isolated, and the distal end side opening 34a of the air / water supply connection portion 34 The connection between the air supply / water supply connection portion 44 with the distal end side opening portion 44a and the connection between the distal end side opening portion 35a of the suction connection portion 35 and the distal end side opening portion 45a of the suction connection portion 45 are released and slightly isolated. It has become.

  At this time, for example, water or the like may leak from the fluid system pipeline, but since the partition 33, 43 is partially overlapped and the waterproof function is still continuing, the leaked water And the like are not applied to the electrical connection portions 36 and 46.

  Then, by further pulling out from the state shown in FIG. 8, the partitions 33, 43 and the cylindrical wall portions 32a, 42a are separated from each other, and the fluid supply device connector 31 and the insertion portion side connector 41 are not connected. It becomes.

  Next, referring to FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, the fluid according to the protrusion length of the electrical connection portion 36 and the fluid system connection portion from the base 32, the arrangement in the direction of gravity, or the orientation of the base 32, etc. Various aspects of the supply device connector 31 and its suitability will be described. Here, since only the aptitude related to these factors is clarified, other factors, that is, factors such as the partitions 33 and 43 and the cylindrical wall portions 32a and 42a are excluded from consideration. ing.

  First, in FIG. 9, when the electrical connection portion 36 has a projecting length shorter than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 (more specifically, from the base 32 of the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36). Is shorter than the distance from the base 32 of the distal end side opening 34a of the air / water feeding connection portion 34 and the distance from the base 32 of the distal end side opening 35a of the suction connection portion 35), In addition, the base end on the base 32 side of the electrical connection portion 36 is lower in the gravity direction than the base end on the base 32 side of the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the base end on the base 32 side of the suction connection portion 35. Each aspect and aptitude according to the direction of the connector 31 for fluid supply apparatuses in a certain case are shown.

  First, when the fluid supply device connector 31 is upward (more specifically, when the normal line standing on the surface of the base 32 is configured to face upward with respect to the direction of gravity), gravity is applied. When dripping (for example, a state where the liquid flows in the suction connection portion 35 is assumed) from the front end side opening of the fluid system connection portion on the upper side in the direction, the dripping liquid is applied to the electrical connection portion 36. Because of the possibility, it cannot be said that it has a very high aptitude. However, even in this case, it is also possible to give suitability by adjusting the relationship between the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36 and the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion. At this time, for a case in which ejection from the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection portion (for example, a state where liquid is discharged at the air / water supply connection portion 34) occurs, the fluid system connection portion Since the protruding length is longer than the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36, it is considered that there is a certain degree of suitability.

  Next, when the fluid supply device connector 31 is oriented in the horizontal direction (more specifically, when the normal line standing on the surface of the base 32 is configured to face the horizontal direction with respect to the direction of gravity) ) Is considered suitable for both dripping and ejection.

  Similarly, when the fluid supply device connector 31 is downward (more specifically, when the normal line standing on the surface of the base 32 is configured to face downward with respect to the direction of gravity), It is considered that both the dripping and the ejection are suitable.

  Next, in FIG. 10, the electrical connection portion 36 has a projecting length shorter than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 and the base on the base 32 side of the electrical connection portion 36. The end is the same position in the gravity direction as the base end on the base 32 side of the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the base end on the base 32 side of the suction connection portion 35 (that is, arranged in parallel in the gravity direction). Each aspect and suitability according to the orientation of the fluid supply device connector 31.

  At this time, since the electrical connection portion 36 does not exist on the lower side in the gravity direction of the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection portion, even if the fluid supply device connector 31 is upward, horizontal, or downward, It is considered suitable for dripping.

  Furthermore, since the protruding length of the fluid connection portion is longer than the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36, the fluid supply device connector 31 is suitable for ejecting liquid regardless of whether it is upward, horizontal, or downward. It is thought that there is.

  Subsequently, in FIG. 11, the electrical connection portion 36 has a projecting length shorter than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35, and the base on the base 32 side of the electrical connection portion 36. Depending on the orientation of the fluid supply device connector 31 when the end is on the base 32 side of the air / water connection part 34 and the base 32 side of the suction connection part 35 on the base 32 side. Each aspect and suitability are shown.

  At this time, since the electrical connection portion 36 does not exist on the lower side in the gravity direction of the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection portion, even if the fluid supply device connector 31 is upward, horizontal, or downward, It is considered suitable for dripping.

  Furthermore, since the protruding length of the fluid connection portion is longer than the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36, the fluid supply device connector 31 is suitable for ejecting liquid regardless of whether it is upward, horizontal, or downward. It is thought that there is.

  In FIG. 12, when the electrical connection portion 36 has a longer projection length than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 (more specifically, from the base 32 of the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36). Is longer than the distance from the base 32 of the distal end side opening 34a of the air / water connection part 34 and the distance from the base 32 of the distal side opening 35a of the suction connection part 35), In addition, the base end on the base 32 side of the electrical connection portion 36 is lower in the gravity direction than the base end on the base 32 side of the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the base end on the base 32 side of the suction connection portion 35. Each aspect and aptitude according to the direction of the connector 31 for fluid supply apparatuses in a certain case are shown.

  At this time, the electrical connection part 36 is located below the opening in the gravity direction of the opening part on the tip side of the fluid system connection part, but since the electrical contact 36a is provided at the tip part, the connector 31 for the fluid supply device faces upward. In the case of the horizontal direction, it is considered that there is a certain degree of suitability for dripping. However, when the fluid supply device connector 31 is facing downward, there is a possibility that the liquid may leak through the electrical connection portion 36 itself and reach the electrical contact 36a. However, even at this time, it is possible to make it suitable by adjusting the protrusion length and taking measures to prevent the leakage.

  In addition, since the protruding length of the fluid connection portion is shorter than the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36, the fluid supply device connector 31 is suitable for ejecting liquid regardless of whether it is upward, horizontal, or downward. There seems to be not much. However, even in this case, it is possible to give a certain degree of suitability by adjusting the protrusion length.

  Subsequently, in FIG. 13, when the electrical connection portion 36 has a longer protruding length than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 (more specifically, the base 32 of the electrical contact 36 a of the electrical connection portion 36. The distance from the base 32 of the tip side opening 34a of the air / water connection part 34 and the distance from the base 32 of the tip side opening 35a of the suction connection part 35). In addition, the base end of the electrical connection portion 36 on the base 32 side is the same in the direction of gravity as the base end of the air / water supply connection portion 34 on the base 32 side and the base end of the suction connection portion 35 on the base 32 side. Each mode and suitability according to the orientation of the fluid supply device connector 31 in the case of the position (that is, arranged in parallel in the direction of gravity) are shown.

  At this time, since the electrical connection portion 36 does not exist on the lower side in the gravity direction of the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection portion, even if the fluid supply device connector 31 is upward, horizontal, or downward, It is considered suitable for dripping.

  In addition, since the protruding length of the fluid connection portion is shorter than the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36, the fluid supply device connector 31 is suitable for ejecting liquid regardless of whether it is upward, horizontal, or downward. There seems to be not much. However, in this case as well, it is possible to give a certain degree of suitability by adjusting the protruding length, as described above.

  In FIG. 14, when the electrical connection portion 36 has a longer projection length than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 (more specifically, from the base 32 of the electrical contact 36 a of the electrical connection portion 36. Is longer than the distance from the base 32 of the distal end side opening 34a of the air / water connection part 34 and the distance from the base 32 of the distal side opening 35a of the suction connection part 35), In addition, the base end on the base 32 side of the electrical connection portion 36 is above the base end on the base 32 side of the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the base end on the base 32 side of the suction connection portion 35 in the gravity direction. Each aspect and suitability according to the orientation of the fluid supply device connector 31 are shown.

  At this time, since the electrical connection portion 36 does not exist on the lower side in the gravity direction of the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection portion, even if the fluid supply device connector 31 is upward, horizontal, or downward, It is considered suitable for dripping.

  In addition, since the protruding length of the fluid connection portion is shorter than the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36, the fluid supply device connector 31 is suitable for ejecting liquid regardless of whether it is upward, horizontal, or downward. There seems to be not much. However, in this case as well, it is possible to give a certain degree of suitability by adjusting the protruding length, as described above.

  Considering each aspect as shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 14 in general, in order to provide suitability for ejection, the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion is longer than the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36. is necessary. Further, in order to have the suitability for dripping, it is necessary that the electrical connection portion 36 does not exist on the lower side in the gravity direction of the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection portion.

  Therefore, considering these factors, the one having the suitability for both the liquid dripping and the ejection is that the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion is longer than the protruding length of the electric connecting portion 36, and the electric connecting portion 36 is It is desirable that they are disposed above the fluid system connection portion in the gravity direction or in parallel with the gravity direction. Thus, for example, the configuration as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 10 is given as a representative example of a desirable configuration. At this time, in consideration of the moving direction of the liquid due to gravity, it is more desirable that the fluid supply device connector 31 is oriented horizontally or downward.

  On the other hand, if the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36 is longer than the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion, the fluid supply device connector 31 is directed horizontally or upward in consideration of the influence of transmission leakage. It will be desirable. At this time, it is further desirable that the base end of the electrical connection portion 36 is disposed above the base end of the fluid system connection portion in the gravity direction or in parallel with the gravity direction. Here, if the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36 is longer than the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion, there is an advantage that the electrical connecting portion 36 can be accessed more quickly.

  In addition, when making the connector 41 for insertion part side disposable, for example, since it becomes important to protect the connector 31 for fluid supply apparatuses, in the above, the connector 31 for fluid supply apparatuses was mainly demonstrated. However, when it is important to protect the insertion portion side connector 41, the insertion portion side connector 41 is configured as described above, so that the suitability for the fluid can be similarly provided.

  According to such an embodiment, by making the distance from the base of the electrical contact of the electrical connection portion different from the distance from the base of the distal end side opening of the fluid connection portion, the same distance can be obtained. As compared with a certain case, the distance between the electrical contact and the tip side opening is increased, and the possibility that the fluid from the tip side opening affects the electrical contact can be reduced. Thereby, the possibility that an electrical contact short-circuit or the like occurs can be further reduced.

  In addition, even if liquid is ejected from the front end side opening by making the distance from the base of the front end side opening of the fluid system connection portion longer than the distance from the base of the electrical contact of the electrical connection portion The liquid can be prevented from being applied to the electrical contacts. Furthermore, at this time, when the connector is to be touched by hand, the possibility of touching the fluid connection portion is high, so the possibility of touching the electrical contact is further reduced, and safety can be improved.

  When the electrical connection part is disposed above the fluid system connection part in the gravitational direction or in parallel with the gravity direction, the fluid system connection part has an opening on the lower side in the gravitational direction. Since there is no electrical contact in the electrical connection portion, even if liquid dripping occurs from the opening on the front end side, the liquid can be prevented from being applied to the electrical contact.

  In the above-described embodiment, a rotary self-propelled endoscope device is taken as an example to describe a connector for connecting a signal cable and a fluid system conduit. However, other general endoscopes are described. Even so, it can be applied in the same manner.

  In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims (12)

In order to electrically and fluidly connect a fluid supply device capable of supplying a fluid and an endoscope insertion portion side provided with an imaging device, which is used in connection with the fluid supply device Connector,
An electrical connection portion having an electrical contact for at least electrical connection related to transmission of a drive signal to the image sensor;
A fluid system connecting portion including a distal end side opening serving as a fluid flow opening from one of the fluid supply device and the endoscope insertion portion side to the other;
A base on which the electrical connection part and the fluid system connection part are disposed;
Comprising
A connector characterized in that a distance of the electrical contact from the surface of the base and a distance of the opening on the front end side from the surface of the base are different.   The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is disposed in the fluid supply device.   The connector according to claim 2, wherein a distance of the distal end side opening from the base surface is longer than a distance of the electrical contact from the base surface.   The connector according to claim 2, wherein a distance of the electrical contact from the base surface is longer than a distance of the tip side opening from the base surface.   The connector according to claim 3, wherein the base is configured such that a normal line standing on a surface thereof is directed horizontally or downward with respect to a direction of gravity.   The connector according to claim 4, wherein the base is configured such that a normal line standing on a surface thereof is directed in a horizontal direction or an upward direction with respect to a direction of gravity.   The electrical connecting portion is mounted on the base so that the base end is at the same position in the gravitational direction as the base end of the fluid connection portion, or the upper position in the gravitational direction from the base end of the fluid connection portion. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the connector is disposed on the connector.   The electrical connecting portion is mounted on the base so that the base end is at the same position in the gravitational direction as the base end of the fluid connection portion, or the upper position in the gravitational direction from the base end of the fluid connection portion. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the connector is disposed on the connector.   The connector according to claim 3, wherein the fluid system connection part is an air / water supply connection part for supplying a fluid from the fluid supply device to the endoscope insertion part side.   The connector according to claim 7, wherein the fluid connection portion is a suction connection portion for sucking the fluid on the endoscope insertion portion side from the fluid supply device.   The connector according to claim 8, wherein the fluid connection portion is a suction connection portion for sucking fluid from the endoscope insertion portion side to the fluid supply device. In order to electrically and fluidly connect a fluid supply device capable of supplying a fluid and an endoscope insertion portion side provided with an imaging device, which is used in connection with the fluid supply device Connector,
An electrical connection means having an electrical contact for at least electrical connection related to transmission of a drive signal to the image sensor;
A fluid system connection means comprising a distal end side opening that serves as a fluid flow opening from one of the fluid supply device and the endoscope insertion portion side to the other;
Base means on which the electrical connection means and the fluid system connection means are disposed;
Comprising
A connector characterized in that a distance of the electrical contact from the surface of the base means and a distance of the tip side opening from the surface of the base means are different.

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