WO2017043098A1 - Medical instrument, and cap for endoscope connector - Google Patents

Medical instrument, and cap for endoscope connector Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017043098A1
WO2017043098A1 PCT/JP2016/053326 JP2016053326W WO2017043098A1 WO 2017043098 A1 WO2017043098 A1 WO 2017043098A1 JP 2016053326 W JP2016053326 W JP 2016053326W WO 2017043098 A1 WO2017043098 A1 WO 2017043098A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
connector
cap
convex
convex transmission
endoscope connector
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2016/053326
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
真広 吉野
鳥山　誠記
Original Assignee
オリンパス株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by オリンパス株式会社 filed Critical オリンパス株式会社
Priority to JP2016553910A priority Critical patent/JP6072388B1/en
Publication of WO2017043098A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017043098A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a medical device including an endoscope connector that can be freely attached to and detached from a connection portion of an external device, and an endoscope connector cap that is attached to the endoscope connector.
  • the endoscope is a so-called electronic endoscope (hereinafter referred to as an electronic endoscope) in which an imaging device having a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS is built in the distal end portion of the insertion portion.
  • an optical scanning endoscope apparatus is also known as an apparatus that displays a subject image without using the technology of a solid-state imaging device.
  • an image of an observation target area illuminated with illumination light is imaged on, for example, an imaging surface of a CCD included in the imaging device to obtain an endoscopic image of the observation target area.
  • an optical scanning endoscope an endoscopic image of an observation target region is obtained by continuously receiving reflected light while scanning light irradiating a minimal point on the observation target region. .
  • the electronic endoscope and the optical scanning endoscope each have a function of a light source device and a function of a processor, respectively, and are connected to an external endoscope device configured integrally or separately via a connector. Connected. Then, the electronic endoscope and the optical scanning endoscope, which are medical devices, are removed from the endoscope external device after use, and are cleaned and disinfected.
  • Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-034914 discloses an endoscope in which a light guide connecting rod made of a material having good thermal conductivity is immersed in a strongly acidic chemical solution or the like so as to be sterilized.
  • An endoscope light guide connector cap is disclosed.
  • the light guide connector cap is formed of a member having waterproofness and chemical resistance, and is detachable from a light guide connecting rod inserted and connected to the light source device.
  • the light guide connector cap is water-tightly covered with the light guide connecting rod.
  • Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-248888 discloses an optical scanning probe device that is easy to handle and easy to handle because the tip of the optical fiber is not easily damaged.
  • a watertight cap reference numeral 20 in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-248888
  • the watertight cap Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-248888
  • the caps disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2002-034914 and 2004-248888 are mounted on the light guide connecting rod, electrical connector, and FC connector when sterilizing and disinfecting the endoscope. Is done.
  • the periphery of the light guide connecting rod covered with the cap, the electrical connector, and the FC connector are not sterilized or disinfected. Therefore, in a state where the cap that has been mounted is removed, a non-sterile and non-sterile area is exposed. For this reason, there is a possibility that medical personnel in the sterilized area may touch the non-sterile area that is accidentally exposed.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a medical worker in a sterilized area touches the non-sterile area after removing the cap while reducing the non-sterile area generated by attaching the cap during sterilization / washing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical device and an endoscope connector cap that prevent the above-described problems.
  • the medical device includes an endoscope connector having a convex transmission portion that is arranged in a predetermined insertion state in a connection hole of the external device and connected to the external device in a state of being connected to the external device;
  • a connector cap having a sealing member that forms a gap for guiding the fluid between the endoscope connector and prevents the fluid flowing into the gap from flowing into at least the end face side end of the convex transmission section; are provided.
  • An endoscope connector cap includes an endoscope having a convex transmission portion that is arranged in a predetermined insertion state in a connection hole of an external device and connected to the external device when connected to the external device.
  • a sealing member which is attached to the connector and forms a gap for guiding fluid between the endoscope connector and prevents the fluid flowing into the gap from flowing into at least the end face side end of the convex transmission section.
  • a medical device and an endoscope that prevent medical personnel in a sterilized area from touching the non-sterile area after removing the cap while reducing the non-sterile area generated by attaching the cap during sterilization / washing.
  • a mirror connector cap can be realized.
  • the figure explaining the endoscope apparatus provided with the endoscope which is a medical device The figure explaining the cap for connectors and the 2nd connector
  • wore the 2nd connector with the cap for connectors The figure explaining the inflow state of sterilization gas
  • the figure explaining the cap for connectors and the sterilization field of the 2nd connector, and the non-sterilization field after sterilization processing The figure explaining the other structural example of the cap for connectors
  • the figure explaining the state which attached the cap for connectors to the 2nd connector, and the inflow state of sterilization gas The figure explaining the cap for connectors and the sterilization field of the 2nd connector, and the non-sterilization field after sterilization processing
  • the figure explaining another structural example of the cap for connectors The figure explaining the state which made the bottom face of an accommodation hole contact the front-end
  • a scanning endoscope system (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope apparatus) 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a scanning endoscope (hereinafter abbreviated as an endoscope) 2 that is a medical device, and an endoscope 2.
  • a main body device 3 that is an endoscope external device that is detachably connected, a monitor 4 as a display device that displays an image corresponding to the image signal by an image signal generated by the main body device 3, and an endoscope connector Cap (hereinafter referred to as a connector cap) 10.
  • the endoscope 2 has a flexible insertion portion 11 to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion 12 provided at the proximal end of the insertion portion 11, and one end extending from the operation portion 12.
  • a flexible universal cable 13 a first endoscope connector (hereinafter referred to as a first connector) 14 provided at the other end of the universal cable 13, and a side portion of the first connector 14 are extended.
  • a second endoscope connector (hereinafter referred to as a second connector) 16 provided at an end of the cable 15.
  • the first endoscope connector 14 and the second endoscope connector 16 are configured to be detachable from the main body device 3.
  • a distal end portion of the insertion portion 11 is provided with a first illumination lens 6 a and a second illumination lens 6 b that are optical members constituting the illumination optical system 6, and a condensing lens 7 a that is an optical member constituting the detection optical system 7. ing.
  • the illumination optical system 6 is configured by providing one or a plurality of optical members.
  • the detection optical system 7 includes a condenser lens 7a and a detection optical fiber 7f.
  • the detection optical fiber 7f is a transmission component and a fiber for transmitting detection light.
  • the illumination optical fiber 6f is a transmission component and a fiber that transmits illumination light, and guides illumination light emitted from a laser diode module (reference numeral 23 in FIG. 1), which will be described later, which is a light source unit.
  • the guided illumination light passes through the illumination optical system 6 from the tip and is emitted toward the subject to be observed.
  • the actuator 8 is, for example, a piezoelectric element, and is a scanner driving unit provided on the distal end side of the illumination optical fiber 6f.
  • the piezoelectric element is provided with, for example, two pairs of electrodes, which will be described later, at positions divided into four in the circumferential direction.
  • the piezoelectric element is driven based on a drive signal from a control board (see reference numeral 26), which will be described later, and swings the tip of the illumination optical fiber 6f to scan the illumination light in a predetermined locus on the observation target.
  • the illumination optical fiber 6f and the actuator 8 constitute an optical scanning unit 9 that is a scanning unit.
  • Reference numerals 8a and 8b denote drive lines which transmit drive signals.
  • a detection optical connector base 14a and an electrical connector 14b which are convex transmission parts, protrude.
  • Drive wires 8a and 8b for applying a drive signal to the actuator 8 provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 11 are inserted into the electrical connector 14b.
  • the base end side portion of the detection optical fiber 7f is inserted into the detection optical connector base 14a.
  • the detection optical fiber 7f passes through the insertion portion 11, the operation portion 12, and the universal cable 13 and extends into the detection optical connector base 14a.
  • the illumination base 16a which is a convex transmission part protrudes from the base end face of the second connector 16.
  • An illumination optical fiber 6f is inserted through the illumination base 16a.
  • the illumination optical fiber 6 f transmits (guides) illumination light generated in the light source unit 21 of the main body device 3.
  • Reference numeral 16b denotes a surrounding portion, which is a peripheral wall surrounding the periphery of the illumination base 16a.
  • the surrounding portion 16b prevents the end face of the illumination base 16a from protruding outside from the surrounding portion opening (see reference numeral 16m). Therefore, the protruding length of the surrounding portion 16b from the connector tip surface 16f is longer than the protruding length of the illumination base 16a from the connector tip surface 16f.
  • the illumination optical fiber 6f is inserted from the second connector 16 into the insertion portion 11 through the cable 15, the operation portion 12, and the like.
  • the main unit 3 includes a light source unit 21 that supplies illumination light to the endoscope 2 and a control unit 22 that performs control including processing from generation of detection light by the detection optical fiber 7f to generation of an image.
  • the light source unit 21 includes a laser diode module (abbreviated as LD module) 23 and an optical fiber 24.
  • the LD module 23 generates laser light serving as illumination light.
  • the optical fiber 24 transmits laser light that is illumination light generated from the LD module 23.
  • Reference numeral 25 denotes a second connector receiver, which is provided with an illumination base receiver 25a that is a connection hole into which the surrounding portion 16b of the second connector 16 can be inserted.
  • the illumination base receiver 25a is a non-contact connector receiver in which the front end surface of the illumination base 16a is non-contact. Therefore, the surrounding portion 16b of the second connector 16 is fitted (arranged) to the illumination base receiver 25a.
  • the illumination optical fiber 6f is inserted and disposed in a through hole formed along the central axis of the ferrule 16c that is an exterior body.
  • the ferrule 16c has a flange 16d, and the flange 16d is integrally fixed to the second connector 16 while maintaining watertightness.
  • the central axis of the ferrule 16c and the central axis of the surrounding portion 16b are coaxial.
  • the control unit 22 has a control board 26.
  • Reference numeral 27 denotes a first connector receptacle.
  • the first connector receiver 27 is provided with a detection optical connector cap receiver 27a and an electrical connector receiver 27b, which are connection holes.
  • the detection optical connector base 14a is detachably connected to the detection optical connector base 27a, and the electrical connector 14b is detachably connected to the electrical connector base 27b.
  • the electrical connector base receiver 27 b and the control board 26 are connected via a cable 28, and the detection optical connector base receiver 27 and the control board 26 are connected via a detection optical system 29.
  • the detection optical system 29 is shown in a simplified manner.
  • the detection optical connector base 14a is connected to the detection optical connector base 27a, the detection optical connector base 14a is held by the detection optical connector base 27a.
  • the detection light emitted from the end face of the detection optical fiber 7f inserted through the detection optical connector cap 14a is efficiently received by the photodetector (not shown) through the detection optical system 29, and is received as an electrical signal. It is converted into a certain detection signal and input to the control board 26.
  • the connector cap 10 of this embodiment is detachable from the second connector 16 when the endoscope 2 after use is sterilized.
  • the connector cap 10 has a function of holding the end portion on the end face side of the illumination base 16a located in the center in the surrounding portion 16b in a state of being attached to the second connector 16 in a watertight manner.
  • the connector cap 10 includes a cap body 31 and a flange 32, and is formed of a member having waterproofness and chemical resistance.
  • the flange 32 is a grip portion provided in consideration of the mountability. Therefore, in the connector cap 10 that does not require the gripping portion, the cap may be configured only by the cap body 31 without providing the flange 32.
  • the surrounding part opening (hereinafter abbreviated as opening) 16m of the surrounding part 16b shown in FIG. 2A is, for example, circular, and its inner diameter B is set in advance larger than the outer diameter of the cap body 31. Further, the front end surface of the illumination base 16a is set so as to be spaced a distance D from the end surface on the opening 16m side of the surrounding portion 16b in advance.
  • the inner diameter B of the opening 16m and the distance D from the end face on the opening 16m side to the end face of the illumination base 16a are determined by the tip of the test finger specified by IEC-J603335-1 (household electrical equipment).
  • the end face of the illumination base 16a is set so as not to touch.
  • the test finger specified in IEC-J603335-1 (household electrical equipment) has a rod-like portion having a diameter of 12 mm and a distance from the tip to the stop surface of 80 mm.
  • the tip of the rod-like portion which is the finger tip side of the test finger, has a tapered shape.
  • test finger has joints on the finger tip side joint and the stop surface side, the diameter of the joint part is 12 mm, and the distance from the finger tip to the finger tip side joint center is 30 mm.
  • the inner diameter B of the opening 16m of the surrounding portion 16b is set to be less than 12 mm where the test finger cannot enter, and the distance D is 30 mm where the tapered finger tip of the test finger cannot reach. It is set above.
  • the inner diameter B is set to 11 mm, and the distance D is set to 35 mm.
  • the outer diameter of the cap body 31 is 11 mm or less, and is set to form a first gap 37a having a predetermined interval between the outer peripheral surface of the cap main body 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16b.
  • the cap body 31 has an accommodation hole 33 formed along the central axis.
  • the inner diameter D1 of the accommodation hole 33 is set to be larger than the diameter D2 of the illumination base 16a. Therefore, the illumination base 16 a is loosely disposed in the accommodation hole 33.
  • the depth of the accommodation hole 33 is set to be shallower than the protruding length of the illumination base 16a, that is, the length from the connector front end face 16f to the end face of the illumination base 16a. Therefore, when the connector cap 10 is attached to the second connector 16, the tip surface of the illumination base 16a comes into contact with the bottom surface 33b of the accommodation hole 33 as shown in FIG. 2B.
  • a circumferential groove 34 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation hole 33.
  • an annular O-ring 39 that is a sealing member is disposed in the circumferential groove 34 and is integrally fixed by, for example, adhesion.
  • the distance from the opening side end surface of the accommodation hole 33 to the ridgeline of the circumferential groove 34 is set to 30 mm or more.
  • Numeral 35 is an escape hole.
  • the escape hole 35 is a bottomed circular recess formed in the bottom surface 33 b of the accommodation hole 33.
  • the inner diameter of the escape hole 35 is smaller than the outer diameter of the illumination base 16a and larger than the outer diameter of the illumination optical fiber 6f.
  • the O-ring 39 is a sealing member and has a predetermined elastic force.
  • the inner diameter D3 of the O-ring 39 is smaller than the diameter D2 of the illumination base 16a.
  • the inner diameter of the O-ring 39 is set so that the inner surface of the ring is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the illumination base 16a with a predetermined pressing force.
  • the tip surface of the illumination base 16a abuts against the bottom surface 33b of the receiving hole 33 and the tip surface 31f of the cap body 31 and the connector
  • a second gap 37b having a predetermined size is formed between the distal end surface 16f and a third gap 37c having a predetermined size between the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33 and the outer peripheral surface of the illumination base 16a. Is formed.
  • Reference numeral 38 denotes a sealed space
  • the sealed space 38 is provided on the end face side of the illumination base 16a from the O-ring 39, and includes an outer peripheral surface on the end face side of the illumination base 16a, a bottom face 33b of the accommodation hole 33, and a housing.
  • the inner circumferential surface of the hole 33 is an airtight space or a watertight space.
  • the central axis of the receiving hole 33 and the central axis of the illumination base 16a are configured to coincide with each other.
  • the operator first inserts the cap body 31 of the connector cap 10 into the opening 16m of the surrounding portion 16b. Thereafter, the operator guides the illumination base 16a into the accommodation hole 33 while inserting the front end surface of the cap body 31 toward the connector front end surface 16f. Then, the operator further inserts the front end surface of the cap body 31 toward the front end surface 16f.
  • the end face of the illumination base 16 a comes into contact with the O-ring 39 provided in the accommodation hole 33.
  • the operator inserts the front end surface of the cap body 31 against the connector front end surface 16 f against the elastic force of the O-ring 39.
  • the attachment of the connector cap 10 to the second connector 16 is completed when the distal end surface of the illumination base 16 a comes into contact with the bottom surface 33 b of the accommodation hole 33.
  • the front end surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f provided on the illumination base 16a is disposed in the opening of the escape hole 35, and only the end surface of the ferrule 16c constituting the base 16a is in contact with the bottom surface 33b. . Further, the inner surface of the O-ring 39 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface on the end face side of the illumination base 16a.
  • the gap 37 having the first gap 37a, the second gap 37b, and the third gap 37c described above is formed between the connector cap 10 and the second connector 16, and the sealed space 38 is formed.
  • the gap 37 is a gap 37 into which a fluid such as a sterilizing gas, a disinfecting liquid, or a rinsing liquid can enter.
  • the fluid flows into the first gap 37a as indicated by an arrow Y2B in FIG. 2B. Therefore, during the sterilization operation of the endoscope 2, for example, the sterilization gas 40 flows into the first gap 37a as shown in FIG. 2C, and then fills the second gap 37b and the third gap 37c. However, the fluid such as the sterilizing gas 40 that has entered the third gap 37 c is prevented from entering the sealed space 38 by the O-ring 39.
  • the surface of the endoscope 2 including the second connector 16 that has come into contact with the sterilizing gas 40 and the surface of the connector cap 10 are sterilized to become a sterilization region, while the sterilization gas 40 is a space in which the sterilization gas 40 cannot enter.
  • the space 38 becomes a non-sterile area.
  • the areas indicated by the broken lines of the cap body 31 and the flange 32 that are the surfaces and the areas indicated by the broken lines of the accommodation holes 33 are sterilized areas.
  • the surface indicated by the broken line, the outer surface and inner surface indicated by the broken line of the surrounding portion 16b, and the outer peripheral surface and end surface indicated by the broken line of the illumination base 16a Becomes the sterilized area.
  • the sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the connector cap 10 and the sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the second connector 16 can be grasped by, for example, an operator when the attached cap 10 is removed from the second connector 16. It is an important part.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33 on the bottom surface 33b side from the O-ring 39 constituting the sealed space 38 shown in the left diagram of FIG. 2D is a non-sterile region.
  • the outer peripheral surface and the end surface of the end portion on the end surface side that is the end portion side of the illumination base 16a are non-sterile regions. These non-sterile regions are exposed to the outside by removing the connector cap 10 from the second connector 16.
  • the end portion on the end face side of the illumination base 16a which is a non-sterile region, is set at a position where the operator's fingers cannot touch by setting the inner diameter B and the distance D shown in FIG. 2A as described above. is there.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33 on the bottom surface 33b side from the O-ring 39 that is a non-sterile region has an inner diameter of the accommodation hole 33 smaller than the inner diameter B, and the circumferential groove 34 in which the O-ring 39 is disposed. Is separated from the opening side end face of the accommodation hole 33 by 30 mm or more. For this reason, the O-ring 39 and the inner peripheral surface on the bottom surface 33b side of the accommodation hole 33 are in a position where the operator's fingers cannot touch.
  • the illumination optical fiber 6f is prevented from deteriorating by preventing the tip surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f from coming into contact with the bottom surface 33b of the receiving hole 33 and the fluid of the sterilizing gas 40 or the like from contacting the tip surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f. It can be surely prevented.
  • the inner diameter B of the opening 16m of the surrounding portion 16b is set to be less than 12 mm where the test finger cannot enter.
  • the connector cap 10A may be configured as shown in FIG. 3A.
  • the connector cap 10 ⁇ / b> A has a cylindrical shape, and includes a cylinder portion 51 having an internal space 50 and a cap body 52.
  • the cap body 52 is a solid part.
  • the convex part 53 which protrudes from the cylinder bottom face 51b is provided in the center part of the internal space 50.
  • the opening 51m of the cylindrical portion 51 is, for example, circular, and the inner diameter Ba is less than 12 mm into which the above-described test finger cannot enter, and is set to 11 mm, for example.
  • the front end surface 53f of the convex portion 53 is set at a position that is a distance Da1 away from the end surface on the side of the opening 51m of the connector cap 10A so that the front end of the tapered finger cannot reach, for example, 35 mm. Is the position.
  • a circumferential groove 55 in which an O-ring 54 as a sealing member is disposed is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 53.
  • the distance Da2 from the cylinder bottom surface 51b to the ridgeline of the circumferential groove 55 is set to 35 mm, for example.
  • an escape hole 56 that is a bottomed and circular recess is formed on the front end surface 53 f of the convex portion 53 in the same manner as the above-described escape hole 35.
  • the O-ring 54 has a predetermined elastic force, and its outer diameter D4 is larger than the inner diameter D5 of the surrounding portion 16ba of the second connector 16A.
  • the outer surface of the O-ring 54 is set to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba with a predetermined pressing force.
  • a third gap 37c1 having a predetermined interval is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the portion 53 and the outer peripheral surface.
  • the outer diameter of the surrounding portion 16ba is 11 mm or less, and is predetermined between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 that forms the internal space 50 of the connector cap 10A and the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba. It is set so that the first gaps 37a1 with a certain interval are formed.
  • a second gap 37b1 having a predetermined size is formed between the cylindrical bottom surface 51b and the front end surface of the surrounding portion 16ba.
  • the relationship between the connector cap 10A configured as described above and the second connector 16A will be described.
  • the worker puts the surrounding portion 16ba in the internal space 50 of the connector cap 10A. That is, the worker accommodates the surrounding portion 16ba in the internal space 50 of the connector cap 10A. Then, the end surface of the surrounding portion 16ba on the opening 16m side and the O-ring 54 provided on the convex portion 53 come into contact with each other.
  • the worker accommodates the surrounding portion 16ba in the internal space 50 of the connector cap 10A against the elastic force of the O-ring 54. Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the front end surface 53f of the convex portion 53 comes into contact with the front end surface of the illumination base 16a, whereby the mounting of the connector cap 10A to the second connector 16A is completed.
  • the distal end surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f provided in the illumination base 16a is disposed in the opening of the escape hole 56, and only the end surface of the ferrule 16c constituting the base 16a is in contact with the distal end surface 53f.
  • the outer peripheral surface of the O-ring 54 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba.
  • a gap 37A having a first gap 37a1, a second gap 37b1, and a third gap 37c1 is formed, and the distal end surface 53f and the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba are closer to the distal end surface 53f than the O-ring 54.
  • a sealed space 38A constituted by the connector front end face 16f is formed.
  • the sterilization gas 40 enters from the first gap 37a1 of the gap 37A, and the third gap 37c1 located in the gap 37a1, the second gap 37b1, and before the O-ring 54. It penetrates to the inside and fills in the gap 37A. However, the fluid such as the sterilizing gas 40 that has entered the third gap 37 c is prevented from entering the sealed space 38 ⁇ / b> A by the O-ring 54.
  • the surface of the endoscope 2 including the second connector 16A touched by the sterilization gas 40 and the surface of the connector cap 10A are sterilized to become a sterilization region, while the sterilization gas 40 is a space that cannot be intruded.
  • the space 38A becomes a non-sterile region.
  • the outer surface indicated by the broken line of the connector cap 10 ⁇ / b> A that is the surface, and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 indicated by the broken line that constitutes the internal space 50 is a sterilization region.
  • the sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the connector cap 10 and the sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the second connector 16A can be grasped by, for example, an operator when the attached cap 10 is removed from the second connector 16 or the like. It is an important part.
  • the side surface located on the tip surface 53f side of the convex portion 53 from the O-ring 54 constituting the sealed space 38A and the tip surface 53f become a non-sterile region.
  • the end surface and outer peripheral surface, which are the entire surface of the illumination base 16a, the connector front end surface 16f, and the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba from the connector front end surface 16f are indicated by broken lines.
  • the distal end surface 53f which is a non-sterile region, is at a position where the surgeon's fingers cannot be touched by setting the inner diameter Ba and the distance Da1 as described above as shown in FIG. 3A.
  • the opening of the surrounding portion 16ba is smaller than the inner diameter Ba, and the distance from the opening end surface of the surrounding portion 16ba to the O-ring 54 shown by the broken line is substantially Db.
  • the end face of the illumination base 16a which is a non-sterile region, and the broken line, the vicinity of the position where the O-ring 54 is in close contact is also in a position where the operator's fingers cannot touch.
  • the partition wall 16w may be provided with a vent hole 16h as shown by a broken line for confirming the airtight state.
  • the inner diameter B of the opening 16m and the inner diameter Ba of the opening 51m are set to be less than 12 mm where the test finger cannot enter.
  • the distance from the opening end face of the opening 16m to the end face of the illumination base 16a and the distance from the opening end face of the opening 51m to the end face of the front end face 53f of the convex portion 53 are set. Set to 80 mm or more.
  • Da2 is set so that the distance from the opening end face of the opening 16m to the portion where the O-ring 54 shown by the broken line in FIG.
  • the shape of the opening 16m and the shape of the opening 51m are not limited to a circle, and may be other shapes such as a regular polygon.
  • the second connector 16 is provided with the surrounding portions 16b and 16ba.
  • the connector cap 10B shown in FIG. 4A is attached to the illumination cap 16a of the second connector 16B.
  • the connector cap 10B includes a cap main body 31B and a flange 32B having substantially the same configuration as the connector cap 10, and an accommodation hole 33B is formed in the cap main body 31B.
  • a circumferential groove 34B is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation hole 33B.
  • an annular O-ring 39B which is a sealing member, is integrally fixed to the circumferential groove 34B by, for example, adhesion.
  • the inner diameter Bb of the accommodation hole 33B is set larger than the diameter D6 of the illumination base 16a.
  • the distance Db from the other opening surface of the accommodation hole 33B to the circumferential groove 34B is set in advance to be shorter than the protruding length of the illumination base 16a.
  • the depth of the accommodation hole 33B may be set deeper than the protruding length of the base 16a for illumination, or may be set shallower.
  • the above-described escape hole 35B is provided on the bottom surface 33Bb of the accommodation hole 33B.
  • the connector cap 10B configured as described above and the second connector 16B will be described.
  • the operator attaches the connector cap 10B to the second connector 16B.
  • the operator guides the illumination base 16a into the accommodation hole 33B of the cap body 31B, and then moves the end face of the cap body 31B toward the connector front end face 16f. I will do it.
  • the end face of the illumination base 16a comes into contact with the O-ring 39 provided in the accommodation hole 33B.
  • the operator moves the distal end surface 31Bf of the cap main body 31B further toward the connector distal end surface 16f against the elastic force of the O-ring 39.
  • the attachment of the connector cap 10 ⁇ / b> B to the second connector 16 ⁇ / b> B is completed when the tip end surface of the illumination base 16 a abuts the bottom surface 33 ⁇ / b> Bb of the accommodation hole 33 ⁇ / b> B.
  • the front end surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f provided in the illumination base 16a is disposed in the escape hole 35B, and only the end surface of the ferrule 16c constituting the base 16a is in contact with the bottom surface 33b. Further, the inner surface of the O-ring 39B is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface on the end face side of the illumination base 16a.
  • a gap 37B is formed between the end face of the connector cap 10B and the connector front end face 16f of the second connector 16, and a sealed space 38B is formed.
  • the clearance 37B allows fluid such as sterilizing gas, disinfectant, or rinsing liquid to enter a clearance 37c2 formed between the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33B and the outer peripheral surface of the illumination base 16a. Therefore, during the sterilization operation of the endoscope 2, for example, the sterilization gas 40 is filled in the gap 37c2. On the other hand, the fluid that has entered the gap 37c2 is prevented from entering the sealed space 38B by the O-ring 39B.
  • the surface of the endoscope 2 touched by the sterilization gas 40 and the surface of the connector cap 10B are sterilized to become a sterilization region, while the sealed space 38B, which is a space into which the sterilization gas 40 cannot enter, is a non-sterilization region. Become.
  • the areas indicated by the broken lines of the cap body 31B and the flange 32B, which are the surfaces, and the areas indicated by the broken lines of the receiving holes 33B are sterilized areas.
  • the sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the connector cap 10B and the sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the second connector 16B can be grasped by, for example, an operator when the cap 10B that has been attached is removed from the second connector 16B. Part.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33B on the bottom surface 33b side from the O-ring 39B constituting the sealed space 38B shown in the left diagram of FIG. 4C is a non-sterile region.
  • the operator's fingers cannot touch the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33B on the bottom surface 33b side from the O-ring 39B. Can be in position.
  • the outer peripheral surface and the end surface of the end portion on the end surface side, which is one end portion of the illumination base 16a are slightly non-sterile.
  • the workability can be improved, and the deterioration of the illumination optical fiber 6f can be surely prevented as described above.
  • the operator When the depth of the accommodation hole 33B is deep, when attaching the connector cap 10B to the second connector 16B as shown in FIG. 4D, the operator resists the elastic force of the O-ring 39 and removes the cap body 31B. The distal end surface 31Bf is moved toward the connector distal end surface 16f.
  • the operator considers that the front end surface of the illumination base 16a does not abut on the bottom surface 33Bb of the accommodation hole 33B, and is between the end surface of the connector cap 10B and the connector front end surface 16f of the second connector 16. In the state where the desired gap 37B is provided, the mounting of the connector cap 10B to the second connector 16B is completed.
  • the surface of the endoscope 2 and the surface of the connector cap 10B that are touched by the sterilization gas 40 are sterilized to become a sterilization region, while the sterilization gas 40 cannot enter.
  • the sealed space 38B obtains a non-sterile region and can obtain the same operations and effects as described above.
  • the connector cap of the above-described embodiment can be mounted on the first connector 14 including the detection optical connector base 14a and the electrical connector 14b, or can be mounted on the detection optical connector base 14a and the electrical connector 14b. You may make it do.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Endoscopes (AREA)

Abstract

An endoscope 2 comprises: a second endoscope connector 16 having an illumination nozzle 16a which enters a connected state when being connected to a main device 3 and disposed in an illumination nozzle receiving part 25a in a predetermined insertion state; and a connector cap 10 having an O-ring 39 which forms a gap 37 between the O-ring 39 and the second endoscope connector 16 for bringing in a sterilization gas 40, and which, at the same time, prevents the sterilization gas 40 that flowed into the gap 37 from at least making entry to the end on the end-surface side of the illumination nozzle 16a.

Description

医療機器及び内視鏡コネクタ用キャップCap for medical equipment and endoscope connector
　本発明は、外部装置の接続部に着脱自在な内視鏡コネクタを備える医療機器及び内視鏡コネクタに装着される内視鏡コネクタ用キャップに関する。 The present invention relates to a medical device including an endoscope connector that can be freely attached to and detached from a connection portion of an external device, and an endoscope connector cap that is attached to the endoscope connector.
　近年、内視鏡は、医療分野及び工業用分野等において利用されている。　
　内視鏡には、挿入部の先端部にＣＣＤ、ＣＭＯＳなどの固体撮像素子を有して構成される撮像装置を内蔵した、いわゆる電子式の内視鏡（以下、電子内視鏡と記載）がある。　
　また、固体撮像素子の技術を用いずに被写体画像を表示する装置として光走査型内視鏡装置も知られている。 In recent years, endoscopes are used in the medical field, industrial field, and the like.
The endoscope is a so-called electronic endoscope (hereinafter referred to as an electronic endoscope) in which an imaging device having a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS is built in the distal end portion of the insertion portion. There is.
An optical scanning endoscope apparatus is also known as an apparatus that displays a subject image without using the technology of a solid-state imaging device.
　電子内視鏡では、照明光で照らされた観察対象領域の画像を撮像装置が有する例えばＣＣＤの撮像面に結像させて観察対象領域の内視鏡画像を得る。これに対して、光走査型内視鏡では、観察対象領域上の極小の一点に照射する光を走査させつつ連続的に反射光を受光することにより、観察対象領域の内視鏡画像を得る。 In an electronic endoscope, an image of an observation target area illuminated with illumination light is imaged on, for example, an imaging surface of a CCD included in the imaging device to obtain an endoscopic image of the observation target area. On the other hand, in an optical scanning endoscope, an endoscopic image of an observation target region is obtained by continuously receiving reflected light while scanning light irradiating a minimal point on the observation target region. .
　このため、電子内視鏡及び光走査型内視鏡は、それぞれ光源装置の機能及びプロセッサの機能を有する、一体、または、別体で構成された内視鏡外部装置に対してコネクタを介して接続される。　
　そして、医療機器である電子内視鏡及び光走査型内視鏡は、使用後、内視鏡外部装置から取り外され、洗浄、消毒される。 For this reason, the electronic endoscope and the optical scanning endoscope each have a function of a light source device and a function of a processor, respectively, and are connected to an external endoscope device configured integrally or separately via a connector. Connected.
Then, the electronic endoscope and the optical scanning endoscope, which are medical devices, are removed from the endoscope external device after use, and are cleaned and disinfected.
　日本国特開２００２－０３４９１４号公報には、熱伝導性のよい材料からなるライトガイド接続ロッドが用いられた内視鏡を強酸性の薬液等に浸漬して消毒することができるようにした内視鏡のライトガイドコネクタキャップが開示されている。　
　このライトガイドコネクタキャップは、防水性と耐薬品性とを有する部材によって形成され、光源装置に差し込み接続されるライトガイド接続ロッドに対して着脱自在である。ライトガイドコネクタキャップは、ライトガイド接続ロッドに対して水密に被覆される。 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2002-034914 discloses an endoscope in which a light guide connecting rod made of a material having good thermal conductivity is immersed in a strongly acidic chemical solution or the like so as to be sterilized. An endoscope light guide connector cap is disclosed.
The light guide connector cap is formed of a member having waterproofness and chemical resistance, and is detachable from a light guide connecting rod inserted and connected to the light source device. The light guide connector cap is water-tightly covered with the light guide connecting rod.
　日本国特開２００４－２４８８８８号公報には、プローブの洗浄が容易で、光ファイバの先端部が破損しにくく、取り扱いが容易な光走査プローブ装置が開示されている。　
　この光走査プローブ装置を洗浄するとき、水密キャップ（日本国特開２００４－２４８８８８号公報の符号２０）をコネクタユニットの電気コネクタを覆うように取り付け、水密キャップ（日本国特開２００４－２４８８８８号公報の符号２１）をコネクタユニットのＦＣコネクタを覆うように取り付ける。　
　しかしながら、日本国特開２００２－０３４９１４号公報、日本国特開２００４－２４８８８８号公報に示したキャップは、内視鏡の滅菌・消毒を行う際にライトガイド接続ロッド、電気コネクタ、ＦＣコネクタに装着される。このため、キャップによって覆われたライトガイド接続ロッドの周囲、電気コネクタの周囲、ＦＣコネクタの周囲は、滅菌・消毒されない。したがって、装着されていたキャップを取り外した状態において、滅菌・消毒されていない非滅菌領域が露出した状態になる。このため、滅菌領域の医療従事者が誤って露出されている非滅菌領域に触れてしまうおそれがある。 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-248888 discloses an optical scanning probe device that is easy to handle and easy to handle because the tip of the optical fiber is not easily damaged.
When cleaning the optical scanning probe device, a watertight cap (reference numeral 20 in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-248888) is attached so as to cover the electrical connector of the connector unit, and the watertight cap (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-248888). Is attached so as to cover the FC connector of the connector unit.
However, the caps disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2002-034914 and 2004-248888 are mounted on the light guide connecting rod, electrical connector, and FC connector when sterilizing and disinfecting the endoscope. Is done. For this reason, the periphery of the light guide connecting rod covered with the cap, the electrical connector, and the FC connector are not sterilized or disinfected. Therefore, in a state where the cap that has been mounted is removed, a non-sterile and non-sterile area is exposed. For this reason, there is a possibility that medical personnel in the sterilized area may touch the non-sterile area that is accidentally exposed.
　本発明は上記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、滅菌・洗浄時にキャップを装着することによって生じる非滅菌領域を少なくしつつキャップ取外後、滅菌領域の医療従事者が非滅菌領域に触れることを防止する医療機器及び内視鏡コネクタ用キャップを提供することを目的にしている。 The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and a medical worker in a sterilized area touches the non-sterile area after removing the cap while reducing the non-sterile area generated by attaching the cap during sterilization / washing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a medical device and an endoscope connector cap that prevent the above-described problems.
　本発明の一態様の医療機器は、外部装置に接続した状態において当該外部装置の接続穴内に予め定めた挿入状態で配置されて接続状態になる凸状伝送部を有する内視鏡コネクタと、前記内視鏡コネクタとの間に流体を導く隙間を形成しつつ、該隙間に流入した流体が前記凸状伝送部の少なくとも端面側端部に流入することを阻止する密封部材を有するコネクタ用キャップと、を具備している。 The medical device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an endoscope connector having a convex transmission portion that is arranged in a predetermined insertion state in a connection hole of the external device and connected to the external device in a state of being connected to the external device; A connector cap having a sealing member that forms a gap for guiding the fluid between the endoscope connector and prevents the fluid flowing into the gap from flowing into at least the end face side end of the convex transmission section; Are provided.
　本発明の一態様の内視鏡コネクタ用キャップは、外部装置に接続した状態において当該外部装置の接続穴内に予め定めた挿入状態で配置されて接続状態になる凸状伝送部を有する内視鏡コネクタに装着され、該内視鏡コネクタとの間に流体を導く隙間を形成しつつ、該隙間に流入した流体が前記凸状伝送部の少なくとも端面側端部に流入することを阻止する密封部材を有している。 An endoscope connector cap according to one aspect of the present invention includes an endoscope having a convex transmission portion that is arranged in a predetermined insertion state in a connection hole of an external device and connected to the external device when connected to the external device. A sealing member which is attached to the connector and forms a gap for guiding fluid between the endoscope connector and prevents the fluid flowing into the gap from flowing into at least the end face side end of the convex transmission section. have.
　本発明によれば、滅菌・洗浄時にキャップを装着することによって生じる非滅菌領域を少なくしつつキャップ取外後、滅菌領域の医療従事者が非滅菌領域に触れることを防止する医療機器及び内視鏡コネクタ用キャップを実現できる。 According to the present invention, a medical device and an endoscope that prevent medical personnel in a sterilized area from touching the non-sterile area after removing the cap while reducing the non-sterile area generated by attaching the cap during sterilization / washing. A mirror connector cap can be realized.
医療機器である内視鏡を備える内視鏡装置を説明する図The figure explaining the endoscope apparatus provided with the endoscope which is a medical device コネクタ用キャップ及び第２コネクタを説明する図The figure explaining the cap for connectors and the 2nd connector コネクタ用キャップを第２コネクタに装着した状態を示す図The figure which shows the state which mounted | wore the 2nd connector with the cap for connectors 滅菌ガスの流入状態を説明する図The figure explaining the inflow state of sterilization gas 滅菌処理後における、コネクタ用キャップ及び第２コネクタの滅菌領域と非滅菌領域とを説明する図The figure explaining the cap for connectors and the sterilization field of the 2nd connector, and the non-sterilization field after sterilization processing コネクタ用キャップの他の構成例を説明する図The figure explaining the other structural example of the cap for connectors コネクタ用キャップを第２コネクタに装着した状態と、滅菌ガスの流入状態とを説明する図The figure explaining the state which attached the cap for connectors to the 2nd connector, and the inflow state of sterilization gas 滅菌処理後における、コネクタ用キャップ及び第２コネクタの滅菌領域と非滅菌領域とを説明する図The figure explaining the cap for connectors and the sterilization field of the 2nd connector, and the non-sterilization field after sterilization processing コネクタ用キャップの別の構成例を説明する図The figure explaining another structural example of the cap for connectors 収容穴の底面を照明用口金の先端面に当接させてコネクタ用キャップを第２コネクタに装着した状態と、滅菌ガスの流入状態とを説明する図The figure explaining the state which made the bottom face of an accommodation hole contact the front-end | tip surface of an illumination nozzle | cap | die, and the cap for connectors was attached to the 2nd connector, and the inflow state of sterilization gas 滅菌処理後における、コネクタ用キャップ及び第２コネクタの滅菌領域と非滅菌領域とを説明する図The figure explaining the cap for connectors and the sterilization field of the 2nd connector, and the non-sterilization field after sterilization processing 収容穴の深さが深く底面に照明用口金の先端面が当接しない状態でコネクタ用キャップを第２コネクタに装着して滅菌ガスを流入させた状態を説明する図The figure explaining the state which attached the cap for connectors to the 2nd connector, and made sterilization gas flow in in the state where the depth of an accommodation hole is deep, and the tip face of a base for illumination is not in contact with the bottom
　以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。　
　なお、以下の説明に用いる各図において、各構成要素を図面上で認識可能な程度の大きさとするため、構成要素毎に縮尺を異ならせてあるものもある。即ち、本発明は、これらの図に記載された構成要素の数量、構成要素の形状、構成要素の大きさの比率、及び各構成要素の相対的な位置関係のみに限定されるものではない。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In each drawing used in the following description, the scale of each component may be different in order to make each component large enough to be recognized on the drawing. That is, the present invention is not limited only to the number of components, the shape of the components, the ratio of the sizes of the components, and the relative positional relationship between the components described in these drawings.
　図１に示す走査型内視鏡システム（以下、内視鏡装置と記載する）１は、医療機器である走査型内視鏡（以下、内視鏡と略記）２と、内視鏡２が着脱自在に接続される内視鏡外部装置である本体装置３と、本体装置３により生成される画像信号により、画像信号に対応する画像を表示する表示装置としてのモニタ４と、内視鏡コネクタ用キャップ(以下、コネクタ用キャップと記載する)１０と、を備える。 A scanning endoscope system (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope apparatus) 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a scanning endoscope (hereinafter abbreviated as an endoscope) 2 that is a medical device, and an endoscope 2. A main body device 3 that is an endoscope external device that is detachably connected, a monitor 4 as a display device that displays an image corresponding to the image signal by an image signal generated by the main body device 3, and an endoscope connector Cap (hereinafter referred to as a connector cap) 10.
　内視鏡２は、被検体内に挿入される可撓性を有する挿入部１１と、この挿入部１１の基端に設けられた操作部１２と、この操作部１２から一端が延出される可撓性のユニバーサルケーブル１３と、このユニバーサルケーブル１３の他端に設けられた第１内視鏡コネクタ（以下、第１コネクタと記載する）１４と、第１コネクタ１４の側部から延出されたケーブル１５の端部に設けられた第２内視鏡コネクタ（以下、第２コネクタと記載する）１６と、を有する。　
　第１内視鏡コネクタ１４、第２内視鏡コネクタ１６は、本体装置３と着脱自在に構成されている。 The endoscope 2 has a flexible insertion portion 11 to be inserted into a subject, an operation portion 12 provided at the proximal end of the insertion portion 11, and one end extending from the operation portion 12. A flexible universal cable 13, a first endoscope connector (hereinafter referred to as a first connector) 14 provided at the other end of the universal cable 13, and a side portion of the first connector 14 are extended. A second endoscope connector (hereinafter referred to as a second connector) 16 provided at an end of the cable 15.
The first endoscope connector 14 and the second endoscope connector 16 are configured to be detachable from the main body device 3.
　挿入部１１の先端部分には照明光学系６を構成する光学部材である第１照明レンズ６ａ及び第２照明レンズ６ｂ、および検出光学系７を構成する光学部材である集光レンズ７ａが設けられている。照明光学系６は、１つまたは複数の光学部材を設けて構成される。検出光学系７は、集光レンズ７ａと検出光ファイバ７ｆとで構成される。検出光ファイバ７ｆは、伝送部品であって検出光を伝送するためのファイバである。 A distal end portion of the insertion portion 11 is provided with a first illumination lens 6 a and a second illumination lens 6 b that are optical members constituting the illumination optical system 6, and a condensing lens 7 a that is an optical member constituting the detection optical system 7. ing. The illumination optical system 6 is configured by providing one or a plurality of optical members. The detection optical system 7 includes a condenser lens 7a and a detection optical fiber 7f. The detection optical fiber 7f is a transmission component and a fiber for transmitting detection light.
　挿入部１１の内部には、照明光学系６と、照明光ファイバ６ｆと、アクチュエータ８と、検出光ファイバ７ｆと、が設けられている。　
　照明光ファイバ６ｆは、伝送部品であって照明光を伝送するファイバであり、光源部である後述するレーザダイオードモジュール（図１の符号２３）から出射される照明光を導光する。導光された照明光は、先端から照明光学系６を通過して観察対象である被写体に向けて出射される。 Inside the insertion portion 11, an illumination optical system 6, an illumination optical fiber 6f, an actuator 8, and a detection optical fiber 7f are provided.
The illumination optical fiber 6f is a transmission component and a fiber that transmits illumination light, and guides illumination light emitted from a laser diode module (reference numeral 23 in FIG. 1), which will be described later, which is a light source unit. The guided illumination light passes through the illumination optical system 6 from the tip and is emitted toward the subject to be observed.
　アクチュエータ８は、例えば圧電素子であって、照明光ファイバ６ｆの先端側に設けられたスキャナ駆動部である。圧電素子は、例えば周方向に四分割された位置に後述する二対の電極を相対して設けている。後述する制御基板（符号２６参照）からの駆動信号に基づいて圧電素子は、駆動され、照明光ファイバ６ｆの先端を揺動制御して照明光を観察対象上において予め定めた軌跡に走査する。　
　照明光ファイバ６ｆ及びアクチュエータ８は、走査部である光走査ユニット９を構成している。符号は８ａ、８ｂは駆動線であって駆動信号を伝送する。 The actuator 8 is, for example, a piezoelectric element, and is a scanner driving unit provided on the distal end side of the illumination optical fiber 6f. The piezoelectric element is provided with, for example, two pairs of electrodes, which will be described later, at positions divided into four in the circumferential direction. The piezoelectric element is driven based on a drive signal from a control board (see reference numeral 26), which will be described later, and swings the tip of the illumination optical fiber 6f to scan the illumination light in a predetermined locus on the observation target.
The illumination optical fiber 6f and the actuator 8 constitute an optical scanning unit 9 that is a scanning unit. Reference numerals 8a and 8b denote drive lines which transmit drive signals.
　第１コネクタ１４の基端面からは凸状伝送部である検出光コネクタ口金１４ａ及び電気コネクタ１４ｂが突出している。　
　電気コネクタ１４ｂには、挿入部１１の先端側に設けたアクチュエータ８に駆動信号を印加する駆動線８ａ、８ｂが挿通されている。検出光コネクタ口金１４ａには、検出光ファイバ７ｆの基端側部が挿通されている。　
　検出光ファイバ７ｆは、挿入部１１内、操作部１２内、及びユニバーサルケーブル１３内を挿通して、検出光コネクタ口金１４ａ内に延出されている。 From the base end face of the first connector 14, a detection optical connector base 14a and an electrical connector 14b, which are convex transmission parts, protrude.
Drive wires 8a and 8b for applying a drive signal to the actuator 8 provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 11 are inserted into the electrical connector 14b. The base end side portion of the detection optical fiber 7f is inserted into the detection optical connector base 14a.
The detection optical fiber 7f passes through the insertion portion 11, the operation portion 12, and the universal cable 13 and extends into the detection optical connector base 14a.
　第２コネクタ１６の基端面からは凸状伝送部である照明用口金１６ａが突出している。照明用口金１６ａには、照明光ファイバ６ｆが挿通されている。照明光ファイバ６ｆは、本体装置３の光源部２１において発生した照明光を伝送（導光）する。符号１６ｂは囲繞部であって、照明用口金１６ａの周囲を囲む周壁である。 The illumination base 16a which is a convex transmission part protrudes from the base end face of the second connector 16. An illumination optical fiber 6f is inserted through the illumination base 16a. The illumination optical fiber 6 f transmits (guides) illumination light generated in the light source unit 21 of the main body device 3. Reference numeral 16b denotes a surrounding portion, which is a peripheral wall surrounding the periphery of the illumination base 16a.
　囲繞部１６ｂは、照明用口金１６ａの端面が囲繞部開口(符号１６ｍ参照)から外部に突出することを防止する。したがって、囲繞部１６ｂのコネクタ先端面１６ｆからの突出長は、照明用口金１６ａのコネクタ先端面１６ｆからの突出長より長くなっている。 The surrounding portion 16b prevents the end face of the illumination base 16a from protruding outside from the surrounding portion opening (see reference numeral 16m). Therefore, the protruding length of the surrounding portion 16b from the connector tip surface 16f is longer than the protruding length of the illumination base 16a from the connector tip surface 16f.
　なお、照明光ファイバ６ｆは、第２コネクタ１６からケーブル１５内、操作部１２内等を経て挿入部１１内に挿通されている。 The illumination optical fiber 6f is inserted from the second connector 16 into the insertion portion 11 through the cable 15, the operation portion 12, and the like.
　本体装置３は、内視鏡２に照明光を供給する光源部２１と、検出光ファイバ７ｆによる検出光から画像を生成するまでの処理を含む制御を行う制御部２２と、を有する。 The main unit 3 includes a light source unit 21 that supplies illumination light to the endoscope 2 and a control unit 22 that performs control including processing from generation of detection light by the detection optical fiber 7f to generation of an image.
　光源部２１は、レーザダイオードモジュール（ＬＤモジュールと略記）２３と、光ファイバ２４と、を有する。ＬＤモジュール２３は、照明光となるレーザ光を発生する。光ファイバ２４は、ＬＤモジュール２３から発生された照明光となるレーザ光を伝送する。符号２５は、第２コネクタ受けであり、第２コネクタ１６の囲繞部１６ｂが挿入可能な接続穴である照明用口金受け２５ａが備えられている。 The light source unit 21 includes a laser diode module (abbreviated as LD module) 23 and an optical fiber 24. The LD module 23 generates laser light serving as illumination light. The optical fiber 24 transmits laser light that is illumination light generated from the LD module 23. Reference numeral 25 denotes a second connector receiver, which is provided with an illumination base receiver 25a that is a connection hole into which the surrounding portion 16b of the second connector 16 can be inserted.
　照明用口金受け２５ａは、照明用口金１６ａの先端面が非接触な非接触コネクタ受けである。そのため、照明用口金受け２５ａには、第２コネクタ１６の囲繞部１６ｂが嵌合して配置（装着）される。照明光ファイバ６ｆは、外装体であるフェルール１６ｃの中心軸に沿って形成された貫通孔に挿通配置されて保持されている。フェルール１６ｃは、フランジ１６ｄを有し、該フランジ１６ｄは第２コネクタ１６に対して水密を保持して一体に固設されている。　
　なお、フェルール１６ｃの中心軸及び囲繞部１６ｂの中心軸は同軸である。 The illumination base receiver 25a is a non-contact connector receiver in which the front end surface of the illumination base 16a is non-contact. Therefore, the surrounding portion 16b of the second connector 16 is fitted (arranged) to the illumination base receiver 25a. The illumination optical fiber 6f is inserted and disposed in a through hole formed along the central axis of the ferrule 16c that is an exterior body. The ferrule 16c has a flange 16d, and the flange 16d is integrally fixed to the second connector 16 while maintaining watertightness.
The central axis of the ferrule 16c and the central axis of the surrounding portion 16b are coaxial.
　制御部２２は、制御基板２６を有する。符号２７は第１コネクタ受けである。第１コネクタ受け２７には接続穴である検出光コネクタ口金受け２７ａ及び電気コネクタ受け２７ｂが備えられている。 The control unit 22 has a control board 26. Reference numeral 27 denotes a first connector receptacle. The first connector receiver 27 is provided with a detection optical connector cap receiver 27a and an electrical connector receiver 27b, which are connection holes.
　検出光コネクタ口金受け２７ａには検出光コネクタ口金１４ａが着脱自在に接続され、電気コネクタ口金受け２７ｂには電気コネクタ１４ｂが着脱自在に接続される。　
　電気コネクタ口金受け２７ｂと制御基板２６とはケーブル２８を介して接続され、検出光コネクタ口金受け２７と制御基板２６とは検出光学系２９を介して接続されている。 The detection optical connector base 14a is detachably connected to the detection optical connector base 27a, and the electrical connector 14b is detachably connected to the electrical connector base 27b.
The electrical connector base receiver 27 b and the control board 26 are connected via a cable 28, and the detection optical connector base receiver 27 and the control board 26 are connected via a detection optical system 29.
　なお、本図において、検出光学系２９は、簡略化して示されている。　
　検出光コネクタ口金受け２７ａに検出光コネクタ口金１４ａが接続されると、検出光コネクタ口金受け２７ａによって検出光コネクタ口金１４ａが保持される。この保持状態で、検出光コネクタ口金１４ａ内を挿通する検出光ファイバ７ｆの端面から出射される検出光は、検出光学系２９を経て光検出器（不図示）により効率良く受光され、電気信号である検出信号に変換され、制御基板２６に入力される。 In the drawing, the detection optical system 29 is shown in a simplified manner.
When the detection optical connector base 14a is connected to the detection optical connector base 27a, the detection optical connector base 14a is held by the detection optical connector base 27a. In this holding state, the detection light emitted from the end face of the detection optical fiber 7f inserted through the detection optical connector cap 14a is efficiently received by the photodetector (not shown) through the detection optical system 29, and is received as an electrical signal. It is converted into a certain detection signal and input to the control board 26.
　一方、電気コネクタ口金受け２７ｂに電気コネクタ１４ｂが接続されると、電気コネクタ口金受け２７ｂの電気接点（不図示）と電気コネクタ１４ｂの電気接点（不図示）とが接触して導通状態になる。この導通状態において、制御基板２６内の駆動回路（不図示）により生成された駆動信号は、ケーブル２８、上述した導通状態の電気接点、駆動線８ａ、８ｂを経て操作用アクチュエータに駆動信号が印加される。 On the other hand, when the electrical connector 14b is connected to the electrical connector base receiver 27b, the electrical contacts (not shown) of the electrical connector base receiver 27b and the electrical contacts (not shown) of the electrical connector 14b come into contact and become conductive. In this conductive state, a drive signal generated by a drive circuit (not shown) in the control board 26 is applied to the operating actuator via the cable 28, the above-described conductive contacts of the conductive state, and the drive lines 8a and 8b. Is done.
　本実施形態のコネクタ用キャップ１０は、使用後の内視鏡２を滅菌消毒する際、第２コネクタ１６に着脱自在である。　
　コネクタ用キャップ１０は、第２コネクタ１６に装着した状態において、囲繞部１６ｂ内の中央に位置する照明用口金１６ａの端面側端部を水密に保持する機能を有する。 The connector cap 10 of this embodiment is detachable from the second connector 16 when the endoscope 2 after use is sterilized.
The connector cap 10 has a function of holding the end portion on the end face side of the illumination base 16a located in the center in the surrounding portion 16b in a state of being attached to the second connector 16 in a watertight manner.
　図１、図２Ａに示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０は、キャップ本体３１と、フランジ３２と、を備え、防水性と耐薬品性とを有する部材によって形成されている。　
　上述において、フランジ３２は、装着性を考慮して設けた把持部である。したがって、把持部を不要とするコネクタ用キャップ１０においては、フランジ３２を設けること無く、キャップ本体３１のみでキャップを構成するようにしてもよい。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the connector cap 10 includes a cap body 31 and a flange 32, and is formed of a member having waterproofness and chemical resistance.
In the above description, the flange 32 is a grip portion provided in consideration of the mountability. Therefore, in the connector cap 10 that does not require the gripping portion, the cap may be configured only by the cap body 31 without providing the flange 32.
　図２Ａに示す囲繞部１６ｂの囲繞部開口(以下、開口と略記する)１６ｍは、例えば円形であって、その内径Ｂは、キャップ本体３１の外径より予め大きく設定してある。また、照明用口金１６ａの先端面は、囲繞部１６ｂの開口１６ｍ側端面から予め距離Ｄ、離間して位置するように設定されている。 The surrounding part opening (hereinafter abbreviated as opening) 16m of the surrounding part 16b shown in FIG. 2A is, for example, circular, and its inner diameter B is set in advance larger than the outer diameter of the cap body 31. Further, the front end surface of the illumination base 16a is set so as to be spaced a distance D from the end surface on the opening 16m side of the surrounding portion 16b in advance.
　本実施形態において、開口１６ｍの内径Ｂ、および、開口１６ｍ側端面から照明用口金１６ａの端面までの距離Ｄは、ＩＥＣ－Ｊ６０３３５－１（家庭用電気機器）で規定されたテストフィンガの先端が照明用口金１６ａの端面に触れることが無いように設定してある。 In the present embodiment, the inner diameter B of the opening 16m and the distance D from the end face on the opening 16m side to the end face of the illumination base 16a are determined by the tip of the test finger specified by IEC-J603335-1 (household electrical equipment). The end face of the illumination base 16a is set so as not to touch.
　具体的に、ＩＥＣ－Ｊ６０３３５－１（家庭用電気機器）で規定されたテストフィンガは、直径が１２ミリで、先端から停止面までの距離が８０ミリの棒状部を有している。テストフィンガのフィンガ先端側である棒状部先端部は、先細形状である。 Specifically, the test finger specified in IEC-J603335-1 (household electrical equipment) has a rod-like portion having a diameter of 12 mm and a distance from the tip to the stop surface of 80 mm. The tip of the rod-like portion, which is the finger tip side of the test finger, has a tapered shape.
　また、テストフィンガは、フィンガ先端側の関節及び停止面側にそれぞれ関節を有し、関節部分の直径は１２ミリであり、フィンガ先端からフィンガ先端側関節中心までの距離は３０ミリである。 Also, the test finger has joints on the finger tip side joint and the stop surface side, the diameter of the joint part is 12 mm, and the distance from the finger tip to the finger tip side joint center is 30 mm.
　したがって、本実施形態においては、囲繞部１６ｂの開口１６ｍの内径Ｂをテストフィンガが侵入不可能な１２ミリ未満に設定し、距離Ｄをテストフィンガの先細形状のフィンガ先端が到達不可能な３０ミリ以上に設定している。　
　例えば、内径Ｂを１１ｍｍに設定し、距離Ｄを３５ｍｍに設定してある。 Therefore, in the present embodiment, the inner diameter B of the opening 16m of the surrounding portion 16b is set to be less than 12 mm where the test finger cannot enter, and the distance D is 30 mm where the tapered finger tip of the test finger cannot reach. It is set above.
For example, the inner diameter B is set to 11 mm, and the distance D is set to 35 mm.
　そして、キャップ本体３１の外径は、１１ｍｍ以下であって、キャップ本体３１の外周面と囲繞部１６ｂの内周面との間に予め定めた間隔の第１隙間３７ａを形成するように設定される。 The outer diameter of the cap body 31 is 11 mm or less, and is set to form a first gap 37a having a predetermined interval between the outer peripheral surface of the cap main body 31 and the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16b. The
　キャップ本体３１には中心軸に沿って収容穴３３が形成されている。収容穴３３の内径Ｄ１は、照明用口金１６ａの直径Ｄ２より大径に設定してある。したがって、照明用口金１６ａは、収容穴３３内に遊嵌配置される。 The cap body 31 has an accommodation hole 33 formed along the central axis. The inner diameter D1 of the accommodation hole 33 is set to be larger than the diameter D2 of the illumination base 16a. Therefore, the illumination base 16 a is loosely disposed in the accommodation hole 33.
　収容穴３３の深さは、照明用口金１６ａの突出長、すなわち、コネクタ先端面１６ｆから照明用口金１６ａの端面までの長さより浅く設定してある。したがって、第２コネクタ１６にコネクタ用キャップ１０を装着したとき、図２Ｂに示すように収容穴３３の底面３３ｂに照明用口金１６ａの先端面が当接する。 The depth of the accommodation hole 33 is set to be shallower than the protruding length of the illumination base 16a, that is, the length from the connector front end face 16f to the end face of the illumination base 16a. Therefore, when the connector cap 10 is attached to the second connector 16, the tip surface of the illumination base 16a comes into contact with the bottom surface 33b of the accommodation hole 33 as shown in FIG. 2B.
　収容穴３３の内周面には周溝３４が形成されている。周溝３４には密封部材である例えば環状のＯリング３９が配置され、例えば接着によって一体固定される。　
　本実施形態において、収容穴３３の開口側端面から周溝３４の稜線までの距離を３０ｍｍ以上に設定してある。 A circumferential groove 34 is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation hole 33. For example, an annular O-ring 39 that is a sealing member is disposed in the circumferential groove 34 and is integrally fixed by, for example, adhesion.
In this embodiment, the distance from the opening side end surface of the accommodation hole 33 to the ridgeline of the circumferential groove 34 is set to 30 mm or more.
　符号３５は逃がし穴である。逃がし穴３５は、収容穴３３の底面３３ｂに形成された有底で円形の凹部である。逃がし穴３５の内径は、照明用口金１６ａの外径より小径であって、照明光ファイバ６ｆの外径より大径である。 Numeral 35 is an escape hole. The escape hole 35 is a bottomed circular recess formed in the bottom surface 33 b of the accommodation hole 33. The inner diameter of the escape hole 35 is smaller than the outer diameter of the illumination base 16a and larger than the outer diameter of the illumination optical fiber 6f.
　Ｏリング３９は、密封部材であって予め定めた弾性力を有する。Ｏリング３９の内径Ｄ３は、照明用口金１６ａの直径Ｄ２より小径である。Ｏリング３９の内径寸法は、リング内面が照明用口金１６ａの外周面に対して予め定めた押圧力で密着するように設定されている。 The O-ring 39 is a sealing member and has a predetermined elastic force. The inner diameter D3 of the O-ring 39 is smaller than the diameter D2 of the illumination base 16a. The inner diameter of the O-ring 39 is set so that the inner surface of the ring is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the illumination base 16a with a predetermined pressing force.
　したがって、図２Ｂに示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０を第２コネクタ１６に装着した状態において、収容穴３３の底面３３ｂに照明用口金１６ａの先端面が当接してキャップ本体３１の先端面３１ｆとコネクタ先端面１６ｆとの間に予め定めた寸法の第２隙間３７ｂが形成されるとともに、収容穴３３の内周面と照明用口金１６ａの外周面との間に予め定めた寸法の第３隙間３７ｃが形成される。 Therefore, when the connector cap 10 is attached to the second connector 16 as shown in FIG. 2B, the tip surface of the illumination base 16a abuts against the bottom surface 33b of the receiving hole 33 and the tip surface 31f of the cap body 31 and the connector A second gap 37b having a predetermined size is formed between the distal end surface 16f and a third gap 37c having a predetermined size between the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33 and the outer peripheral surface of the illumination base 16a. Is formed.
　符号３８は密封空間であって、密封空間３８は、Ｏリング３９より照明用口金１６ａの端面側に設けられ、照明用口金１６ａの端面部側外周面と、収容穴３３の底面３３ｂと、収容穴３３の内周面と、で構成され、気密空間或いは水密空間である。 Reference numeral 38 denotes a sealed space, and the sealed space 38 is provided on the end face side of the illumination base 16a from the O-ring 39, and includes an outer peripheral surface on the end face side of the illumination base 16a, a bottom face 33b of the accommodation hole 33, and a housing. The inner circumferential surface of the hole 33 is an airtight space or a watertight space.
　なお、コネクタ用キャップ１０が第２コネクタ１６に装着された状態において、収容穴３３の中心軸と照明用口金１６ａの中心軸とが一致する構成になっている。 In the state where the connector cap 10 is attached to the second connector 16, the central axis of the receiving hole 33 and the central axis of the illumination base 16a are configured to coincide with each other.
　上述のように構成したコネクタ用キャップ１０と第２コネクタ１６との関係を説明する。　
　使用後の内視鏡２を滅菌消毒する際、作業者は、コネクタ用キャップ１０を第２コネクタ１６に装着する。 The relationship between the connector cap 10 configured as described above and the second connector 16 will be described.
When the endoscope 2 after use is sterilized and sterilized, the operator attaches the connector cap 10 to the second connector 16.
　その際、作業者は、まず、コネクタ用キャップ１０のキャップ本体３１を囲繞部１６ｂの開口１６ｍに挿入していく。この後、作業者は、キャップ本体３１の先端面をコネクタ先端面１６ｆに向けて挿入しつつ収容穴３３内に照明用口金１６ａを導く。そして、作業者は、さらにキャップ本体３１の先端面を該先端面１６ｆに向けて挿入していく。 At that time, the operator first inserts the cap body 31 of the connector cap 10 into the opening 16m of the surrounding portion 16b. Thereafter, the operator guides the illumination base 16a into the accommodation hole 33 while inserting the front end surface of the cap body 31 toward the connector front end surface 16f. Then, the operator further inserts the front end surface of the cap body 31 toward the front end surface 16f.
　すると、収容穴３３内に設けられたＯリング３９に照明用口金１６ａの端面が当接する。ここで、作業者は、Ｏリング３９の弾性力に抗してキャップ本体３１の先端面をコネクタ先端面１６ｆに向けて挿入していく。　
　そして、照明用口金１６ａの先端面が収容穴３３の底面３３ｂに当接することによって、コネクタ用キャップ１０の第２コネクタ１６への装着が完了する。 Then, the end face of the illumination base 16 a comes into contact with the O-ring 39 provided in the accommodation hole 33. Here, the operator inserts the front end surface of the cap body 31 against the connector front end surface 16 f against the elastic force of the O-ring 39.
The attachment of the connector cap 10 to the second connector 16 is completed when the distal end surface of the illumination base 16 a comes into contact with the bottom surface 33 b of the accommodation hole 33.
　このとき、照明用口金１６ａに設けられた照明光ファイバ６ｆの先端面が逃がし穴３５の開口内に配置され、該口金１６ａを構成するフェルール１６ｃの端面だけが底面３３ｂに当接した状態になる。　
　また、Ｏリング３９の内面が照明用口金１６ａの端面側の外周面に密着した状態になる。 At this time, the front end surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f provided on the illumination base 16a is disposed in the opening of the escape hole 35, and only the end surface of the ferrule 16c constituting the base 16a is in contact with the bottom surface 33b. .
Further, the inner surface of the O-ring 39 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface on the end face side of the illumination base 16a.
　この結果、コネクタ用キャップ１０と第２コネクタ１６との間に上述した第１隙間３７ａ、第２隙間３７ｂ、第３隙間３７ｃを有する隙間３７が形成されると共に、密封空間３８が形成される。 As a result, the gap 37 having the first gap 37a, the second gap 37b, and the third gap 37c described above is formed between the connector cap 10 and the second connector 16, and the sealed space 38 is formed.
　隙間３７は、滅菌ガス、或いは、消毒液、或いは、濯ぎ液等の流体が侵入可能な隙間３７である。流体は、図２Ｂの矢印Ｙ２Ｂに示すように第１隙間３７ａ内に流入する。したがって、内視鏡２の滅菌作業中において、例えば滅菌ガス４０は、図２Ｃに示すように第１隙間３７ａ内に流入した後、第２隙間３７ｂ内、及び第３隙間３７ｃ内に充満する。　
　しかし、第３隙間３７ｃ内まで侵入した滅菌ガス４０等の流体は、Ｏリング３９によって密封空間３８内への侵入が阻止される。 The gap 37 is a gap 37 into which a fluid such as a sterilizing gas, a disinfecting liquid, or a rinsing liquid can enter. The fluid flows into the first gap 37a as indicated by an arrow Y2B in FIG. 2B. Therefore, during the sterilization operation of the endoscope 2, for example, the sterilization gas 40 flows into the first gap 37a as shown in FIG. 2C, and then fills the second gap 37b and the third gap 37c.
However, the fluid such as the sterilizing gas 40 that has entered the third gap 37 c is prevented from entering the sealed space 38 by the O-ring 39.
　この結果、滅菌ガス４０に触れた第２コネクタ１６を含む内視鏡２の表面及びコネクタ用キャップ１０の表面が滅菌されて滅菌領域となる一方、滅菌ガス４０が侵入不可能な空間である密封空間３８内が非滅菌領域になる。 As a result, the surface of the endoscope 2 including the second connector 16 that has come into contact with the sterilizing gas 40 and the surface of the connector cap 10 are sterilized to become a sterilization region, while the sterilization gas 40 is a space in which the sterilization gas 40 cannot enter. The space 38 becomes a non-sterile area.
　具体的に、図２Ｄの左図に示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０においては、表面であるキャップ本体３１及びフランジ３２の破線に示す領域及び収容穴３３の破線に示す領域が滅菌領域になる。また、図２Ｄの右図に示すように第２コネクタ１６においては、破線に示す表面、囲繞部１６ｂの破線に示す外面及び内面の表面、照明用口金１６ａの破線に示す外周面及び端面の表面が滅菌領域になる。 Specifically, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 2D, in the connector cap 10, the areas indicated by the broken lines of the cap body 31 and the flange 32 that are the surfaces and the areas indicated by the broken lines of the accommodation holes 33 are sterilized areas. 2D, in the second connector 16, the surface indicated by the broken line, the outer surface and inner surface indicated by the broken line of the surrounding portion 16b, and the outer peripheral surface and end surface indicated by the broken line of the illumination base 16a. Becomes the sterilized area.
　これらコネクタ用キャップ１０の破線に示した滅菌領域及び第２コネクタ１６の破線に示した滅菌領域は、装着されていた該キャップ１０を第２コネクタ１６から取り外す際等に例えば術者等が把持可能な部分である。 The sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the connector cap 10 and the sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the second connector 16 can be grasped by, for example, an operator when the attached cap 10 is removed from the second connector 16. It is an important part.
　これに対して、図２Ｄの左図に示す密封空間３８を構成するＯリング３９より底面３３ｂ側の収容穴３３の内周面が非滅菌領域になる。また、図２Ｄの右図に示すように照明用口金１６ａの端部側である端面側先端部の外周面及び端面が非滅菌領域になる。これら非滅菌領域は、コネクタ用キャップ１０を第２コネクタ１６から取り外すことによって外部に対して露出する。 In contrast, the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33 on the bottom surface 33b side from the O-ring 39 constituting the sealed space 38 shown in the left diagram of FIG. 2D is a non-sterile region. Moreover, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 2D, the outer peripheral surface and the end surface of the end portion on the end surface side that is the end portion side of the illumination base 16a are non-sterile regions. These non-sterile regions are exposed to the outside by removing the connector cap 10 from the second connector 16.
　しかし、非滅菌領域である照明用口金１６ａの端面側先端部は、図２Ａに示された内径Ｂ及び距離Ｄを上述したように設定したことによって、術者の手指が触れることのできない位置にある。　
　また、非滅菌領域であるＯリング３９より底面３３ｂ側の収容穴３３の内周面は、収容穴３３の内径が内径Ｂより小径であって、且つ、Ｏリング３９が配置される周溝３４の位置が収容穴３３の開口側端面から３０ｍｍ以上離間されている。このため、Ｏリング３９及び収容穴３３の底面３３ｂ側内周面は、術者の手指が触れることのできない位置にある。 However, the end portion on the end face side of the illumination base 16a, which is a non-sterile region, is set at a position where the operator's fingers cannot touch by setting the inner diameter B and the distance D shown in FIG. 2A as described above. is there.
Further, the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33 on the bottom surface 33b side from the O-ring 39 that is a non-sterile region has an inner diameter of the accommodation hole 33 smaller than the inner diameter B, and the circumferential groove 34 in which the O-ring 39 is disposed. Is separated from the opening side end face of the accommodation hole 33 by 30 mm or more. For this reason, the O-ring 39 and the inner peripheral surface on the bottom surface 33b side of the accommodation hole 33 are in a position where the operator's fingers cannot touch.
　したがって、滅菌領域で作業する医療従事者が、第２コネクタ１６に装着されているコネクタ用キャップ１０を取り外す際、及び、コネクタ用キャップ１０を取り外した後、第２コネクタ１６及びコネクタ用キャップ１０を取り扱う際に、誤って、非滅菌領域に触れてしまうことを確実に防止できる。 Therefore, when a medical worker working in the sterilization region removes the connector cap 10 attached to the second connector 16 and after removing the connector cap 10, the second connector 16 and the connector cap 10 are removed. When handling, it can prevent reliably touching a non-sterile region accidentally.
　また、照明光ファイバ６ｆの先端面が収容穴３３の底面３３ｂに当接すること及び照明光ファイバ６ｆの先端面に滅菌ガス４０等の流体が接触することが防止されて照明光ファイバ６ｆの劣化を確実に防止できる。 Further, the illumination optical fiber 6f is prevented from deteriorating by preventing the tip surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f from coming into contact with the bottom surface 33b of the receiving hole 33 and the fluid of the sterilizing gas 40 or the like from contacting the tip surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f. It can be surely prevented.
　なお、上述した実施形態においては、囲繞部１６ｂの開口１６ｍの内径Ｂをテストフィンガが侵入不可能な１２ミリ未満に設定するとしている。しかし、図３Ａに示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａを構成するようにしてもよい。 In the above-described embodiment, the inner diameter B of the opening 16m of the surrounding portion 16b is set to be less than 12 mm where the test finger cannot enter. However, the connector cap 10A may be configured as shown in FIG. 3A.
　図３Ａに示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａは筒形状であって、内部空間５０を有する筒部５１とキャップ本体５２と、を有する。キャップ本体５２は、中実部である。そして、内部空間５０の中央部には筒底面５１ｂから突出する凸部５３が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 3A, the connector cap 10 </ b> A has a cylindrical shape, and includes a cylinder portion 51 having an internal space 50 and a cap body 52. The cap body 52 is a solid part. And the convex part 53 which protrudes from the cylinder bottom face 51b is provided in the center part of the internal space 50. As shown in FIG.
　本実施形態において、筒部５１の開口５１ｍは、例えば円形であって、その内径Ｂａは上述したテストフィンガが侵入不可能な１２ミリ未満であって、例えば１１ｍｍに設定されている。 In the present embodiment, the opening 51m of the cylindrical portion 51 is, for example, circular, and the inner diameter Ba is less than 12 mm into which the above-described test finger cannot enter, and is set to 11 mm, for example.
　一方、凸部５３の先端面５３ｆは、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ａの開口５１ｍ側の端面からテストフィンガの先細形状のフィンガ先端が到達不可能な予め距離Ｄａ１、離間した位置に設定されており、例えば３５ｍｍの位置である。 On the other hand, the front end surface 53f of the convex portion 53 is set at a position that is a distance Da1 away from the end surface on the side of the opening 51m of the connector cap 10A so that the front end of the tapered finger cannot reach, for example, 35 mm. Is the position.
　凸部５３の外周面には密封部材であるＯリング５４が配置される周溝５５が形成されている。本実施形態において、筒底面５１ｂから周溝５５の稜線までの距離Ｄａ２を例えば３５ｍｍに設定してある。　
　なお、凸部５３の先端面５３ｆには、上述した逃がし穴３５と同様に有底で円形の凹部である、逃がし穴５６が形成されている。 A circumferential groove 55 in which an O-ring 54 as a sealing member is disposed is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 53. In the present embodiment, the distance Da2 from the cylinder bottom surface 51b to the ridgeline of the circumferential groove 55 is set to 35 mm, for example.
In addition, an escape hole 56 that is a bottomed and circular recess is formed on the front end surface 53 f of the convex portion 53 in the same manner as the above-described escape hole 35.
　Ｏリング５４は、予め定めた弾性力を有し、その外径Ｄ４は第２コネクタ１６Ａの囲繞部１６ｂａの内径Ｄ５より大径である。そして、Ｏリング５４の外面は、囲繞部１６ｂａの内周面に対して予め定めた押圧力で密着するように設定されている。 The O-ring 54 has a predetermined elastic force, and its outer diameter D4 is larger than the inner diameter D5 of the surrounding portion 16ba of the second connector 16A. The outer surface of the O-ring 54 is set to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba with a predetermined pressing force.
　そして、図３Ｂに示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａを第２コネクタ１６Ａに装着した状態において、Ｏリング５４の外面が囲繞部１６ｂａの内周面に密着することによって囲繞部１６ｂａの内周面と凸部５３の外周面との間には予め定めた間隔の第３隙間３７ｃ１が形成されるようになっている。 3B, when the connector cap 10A is attached to the second connector 16A, the outer surface of the O-ring 54 comes into close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba, thereby protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba. A third gap 37c1 having a predetermined interval is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the portion 53 and the outer peripheral surface.
　本実施形態において、囲繞部１６ｂａの外径は、１１ｍｍ以下であって、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ａの内部空間５０を形成する筒部５１の内周面と囲繞部１６ｂａの外周面との間に予め定めた間隔の第１隙間３７ａ１が形成されるように設定される。 In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the surrounding portion 16ba is 11 mm or less, and is predetermined between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 that forms the internal space 50 of the connector cap 10A and the outer peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba. It is set so that the first gaps 37a1 with a certain interval are formed.
　そして、照明用口金１６ａの先端面が凸部５３の先端面５３ｆに当接した状態において、筒底面５１ｂと囲繞部１６ｂａの先端面との間には予め定めた寸法の第２隙間３７ｂ１が形成されるように設定されている。　
　その他の構成は、上述した実施形態と同様であり、同部材には同符号を付して説明を省略する。 Then, in a state in which the front end surface of the illumination base 16a is in contact with the front end surface 53f of the convex portion 53, a second gap 37b1 having a predetermined size is formed between the cylindrical bottom surface 51b and the front end surface of the surrounding portion 16ba. Is set to be.
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 is omitted.
　上述のように構成したコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａと第２コネクタ１６Ａとの関係を説明する。　
　作業者は、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ａを第２コネクタ１６Ａに装着する際、まず、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ａの内部空間５０内に囲繞部１６ｂａが配置されるよう被せていく。すなわち、作業者は、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ａの内部空間５０内に囲繞部１６ｂａを収容していく。　
　すると、囲繞部１６ｂａの開口１６ｍ側の端面と凸部５３に設けられたＯリング５４とが当接する。 The relationship between the connector cap 10A configured as described above and the second connector 16A will be described.
When the operator attaches the connector cap 10A to the second connector 16A, first, the worker puts the surrounding portion 16ba in the internal space 50 of the connector cap 10A. That is, the worker accommodates the surrounding portion 16ba in the internal space 50 of the connector cap 10A.
Then, the end surface of the surrounding portion 16ba on the opening 16m side and the O-ring 54 provided on the convex portion 53 come into contact with each other.
　ここで、作業者は、Ｏリング５４の弾性力に抗してコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａの内部空間５０内に囲繞部１６ｂａを収容していく。　
　そして、図３Ｂに示すように凸部５３の先端面５３ｆが照明用口金１６ａの先端面に当接することによって、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ａの第２コネクタ１６Ａへの装着が完了する。 Here, the worker accommodates the surrounding portion 16ba in the internal space 50 of the connector cap 10A against the elastic force of the O-ring 54.
Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, the front end surface 53f of the convex portion 53 comes into contact with the front end surface of the illumination base 16a, whereby the mounting of the connector cap 10A to the second connector 16A is completed.
　このとき、照明用口金１６ａに設けられた照明光ファイバ６ｆの先端面が逃がし穴５６の開口内に配置され、該口金１６ａを構成するフェルール１６ｃの端面だけが先端面５３ｆに当接した状態になる。また、Ｏリング５４の外周面が囲繞部１６ｂａの内周面に密着した状態になる。 At this time, the distal end surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f provided in the illumination base 16a is disposed in the opening of the escape hole 56, and only the end surface of the ferrule 16c constituting the base 16a is in contact with the distal end surface 53f. Become. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the O-ring 54 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba.
　この結果、第１隙間３７ａ１、第２隙間３７ｂ１、第３隙間３７ｃ１を有する隙間３７Ａが形成されると共に、Ｏリング５４より先端面５３ｆ側に該先端面５３ｆと、囲繞部１６ｂａの内周面と、コネクタ先端面１６ｆと、で構成された密封空間３８Ａが形成される。 As a result, a gap 37A having a first gap 37a1, a second gap 37b1, and a third gap 37c1 is formed, and the distal end surface 53f and the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba are closer to the distal end surface 53f than the O-ring 54. A sealed space 38A constituted by the connector front end face 16f is formed.
　内視鏡２の滅菌作業中において、滅菌ガス４０は、隙間３７Ａの第１隙間３７ａ１から進入し、該隙間３７ａ１内、第２隙間３７ｂ１内、及びＯリング５４の手前に位置する第３隙間３７ｃ１内まで侵入して隙間３７Ａ内に充満する。　
　しかし、第３隙間３７ｃ内まで侵入した滅菌ガス４０等の流体は、Ｏリング５４によって密封空間３８Ａ内への侵入が阻止される。 During the sterilization operation of the endoscope 2, the sterilization gas 40 enters from the first gap 37a1 of the gap 37A, and the third gap 37c1 located in the gap 37a1, the second gap 37b1, and before the O-ring 54. It penetrates to the inside and fills in the gap 37A.
However, the fluid such as the sterilizing gas 40 that has entered the third gap 37 c is prevented from entering the sealed space 38 </ b> A by the O-ring 54.
　この結果、滅菌ガス４０が触れた第２コネクタ１６Ａを含む内視鏡２の表面及びコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａの表面が滅菌されて滅菌領域となる一方、滅菌ガス４０が侵入不可能な空間である密封空間３８Ａが非滅菌領域となる。 As a result, the surface of the endoscope 2 including the second connector 16A touched by the sterilization gas 40 and the surface of the connector cap 10A are sterilized to become a sterilization region, while the sterilization gas 40 is a space that cannot be intruded. The space 38A becomes a non-sterile region.
　具体的に、図３Ｃの左図に示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａにおいては、表面であるコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａの破線に示す外表面、内部空間５０を構成する破線に示す筒部５１の内周面、破線に示す筒底面５１ｂ、及び凸部５３の外周面であってＯリング５４手前までの破線に示す領域が滅菌領域になる。また、図３Ｃの右図に示すように第２コネクタ１６Ａの破線に示す表面、囲繞部１６ｂａの破線に示す外周面及び端面の表面、及び囲繞部１６ｂａの内面であって破線に示すようにＯリング５４密着した手前までの破線に示す表面が滅菌領域になる。 Specifically, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 3C, in the connector cap 10 </ b> A, the outer surface indicated by the broken line of the connector cap 10 </ b> A that is the surface, and the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 indicated by the broken line that constitutes the internal space 50 The region indicated by the broken line up to the front surface of the cylinder bottom surface 51b and the convex portion 53 and before the O-ring 54 is a sterilization region. 3C, the surface shown by the broken line of the second connector 16A, the outer peripheral surface and the end surface shown by the broken line of the surrounding portion 16ba, and the inner surface of the surrounding portion 16ba, as shown by the broken line, O The surface shown by the broken line up to the near side where the ring 54 comes into contact is the sterilization region.
　これらコネクタ用キャップ１０の破線に示した滅菌領域及び第２コネクタ１６Ａの破線に示した滅菌領域は、装着されていた該キャップ１０を第２コネクタ１６から取り外す際等に例えば術者等が把持可能な部分である。 The sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the connector cap 10 and the sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the second connector 16A can be grasped by, for example, an operator when the attached cap 10 is removed from the second connector 16 or the like. It is an important part.
　これに対して、図３Ｃの左図に示すように密封空間３８Ａを構成したＯリング５４より凸部５３の先端面５３ｆ側に位置する側面及び該先端面５３ｆは非滅菌領域になる。また、図３Ｃの右図に示すように照明用口金１６ａの表面全体である端面及び外周面と、コネクタ先端面１６ｆと、コネクタ先端面１６ｆから囲繞部１６ｂａの内周面であって破線に示すようにＯリング５４が密着した部分までの領域が非滅菌領域になる。 On the other hand, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 3C, the side surface located on the tip surface 53f side of the convex portion 53 from the O-ring 54 constituting the sealed space 38A and the tip surface 53f become a non-sterile region. Further, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 3C, the end surface and outer peripheral surface, which are the entire surface of the illumination base 16a, the connector front end surface 16f, and the inner peripheral surface of the surrounding portion 16ba from the connector front end surface 16f are indicated by broken lines. Thus, the region up to the portion where the O-ring 54 is in close contact becomes a non-sterile region.
　そして、これら非滅菌領域は、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ａを第２コネクタ１６Ａから取り外した状態において、外部に対して露出する。　
　しかし、非滅菌領域である先端面５３ｆは、図３Ａで示すように内径Ｂａ及び距離Ｄａ１を上述したように設定したことによって、術者の手指が触れることのできない位置にある。 These non-sterile regions are exposed to the outside in a state where the connector cap 10A is detached from the second connector 16A.
However, the distal end surface 53f, which is a non-sterile region, is at a position where the surgeon's fingers cannot be touched by setting the inner diameter Ba and the distance Da1 as described above as shown in FIG. 3A.
　一方、囲繞部１６ｂａの開口は、内径Ｂａより小さく、囲繞部１６ｂａの開口端面から破線に示すＯリング５４までの距離は略Ｄｂである。この結果、非滅菌領域である照明用口金１６ａの端面及び破線に示すようにＯリング５４が密着した位置近傍も術者の手指が触れることのできない位置にある。 On the other hand, the opening of the surrounding portion 16ba is smaller than the inner diameter Ba, and the distance from the opening end surface of the surrounding portion 16ba to the O-ring 54 shown by the broken line is substantially Db. As a result, as shown by the end face of the illumination base 16a, which is a non-sterile region, and the broken line, the vicinity of the position where the O-ring 54 is in close contact is also in a position where the operator's fingers cannot touch.
　したがって、滅菌領域で作業する医療従事者が、第２コネクタ１６Ａに装着されているコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａを取り外す際、及び、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ａを取り外した後、第２コネクタ１６Ａ及びコネクタ用キャップ１０Ａを取り扱う際に、誤って、非滅菌領域に触れてしまうことを確実に防止できる。　
　その他の作用及び効果は上述した実施形態と同様である。 Therefore, when a medical worker working in the sterilization area removes the connector cap 10A attached to the second connector 16A and after removing the connector cap 10A, the second connector 16A and the connector cap 10A are removed. When handling, it can prevent reliably touching a non-sterile region accidentally.
Other operations and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment.
　なお、本実施形態においては、図３Ｂに示すように隔壁１６ｗに気密状態確認用の破線に示すような通気孔１６ｈを設けるようにしてもよい。 In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, the partition wall 16w may be provided with a vent hole 16h as shown by a broken line for confirming the airtight state.
　また、上述した実施形態においては、開口１６ｍの内径Ｂ、及び、開口５１ｍの内径Ｂａをテストフィンガが侵入不可能な１２ミリ未満に設定するとしている。しかし、内径Ｂ、内径Ｂａが１２ミリより大きいときには、開口１６ｍの開口端面から照明用口金１６ａの端面までの距離、及び開口５１ｍの開口端面から凸部５３の先端面５３ｆの端面までの距離を８０ミリ以上に設定する。 Further, in the above-described embodiment, the inner diameter B of the opening 16m and the inner diameter Ba of the opening 51m are set to be less than 12 mm where the test finger cannot enter. However, when the inner diameter B and the inner diameter Ba are larger than 12 mm, the distance from the opening end face of the opening 16m to the end face of the illumination base 16a and the distance from the opening end face of the opening 51m to the end face of the front end face 53f of the convex portion 53 are set. Set to 80 mm or more.
　また、内径Ｄ５が１２ミリより大きいときには、開口１６ｍの開口端面から図３Ｃの破線に示すＯリング５４が密着配置された部分まで距離が８０ミリ以上になるようにＤａ２を設定する。 Further, when the inner diameter D5 is larger than 12 mm, Da2 is set so that the distance from the opening end face of the opening 16m to the portion where the O-ring 54 shown by the broken line in FIG.
　また、開口１６ｍの形状、開口５１ｍの形状は、円形に限定されるものでは無く、正多角形等、他の形状であってもよい。 Further, the shape of the opening 16m and the shape of the opening 51m are not limited to a circle, and may be other shapes such as a regular polygon.
　さらに、上述した実施形態においては、第２コネクタ１６に囲繞部１６ｂ、１６ｂａが備えられている。しかし、囲繞部を有していない構成の第２コネクタにおいては、図４Ａに示すコネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂを第２コネクタ１６Ｂの照明用口金１６ａに装着する。 Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the second connector 16 is provided with the surrounding portions 16b and 16ba. However, in the second connector having a configuration not including the surrounding portion, the connector cap 10B shown in FIG. 4A is attached to the illumination cap 16a of the second connector 16B.
　図４Ａに示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂは、コネクタ用キャップ１０と略同様な構成のキャップ本体３１Ｂとフランジ３２Ｂとを備え、該キャップ本体３１Ｂには収容穴３３Ｂが形成され。該収容穴３３Ｂの内周面には周溝３４Ｂが形成されている。　
　そして、周溝３４Ｂには密封部材である例えば環状のＯリング３９Ｂが例えば接着によって一体に固定される。 As shown in FIG. 4A, the connector cap 10B includes a cap main body 31B and a flange 32B having substantially the same configuration as the connector cap 10, and an accommodation hole 33B is formed in the cap main body 31B. A circumferential groove 34B is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation hole 33B.
For example, an annular O-ring 39B, which is a sealing member, is integrally fixed to the circumferential groove 34B by, for example, adhesion.
　収容穴３３Ｂの内径Ｂｂは、照明用口金１６ａの直径Ｄ６より大径に設定してある。また、収容穴３３Ｂの開口他面から周溝３４Ｂまでの距離Ｄｂは、照明用口金１６ａの突出長より予め短く設定されている。 The inner diameter Bb of the accommodation hole 33B is set larger than the diameter D6 of the illumination base 16a. The distance Db from the other opening surface of the accommodation hole 33B to the circumferential groove 34B is set in advance to be shorter than the protruding length of the illumination base 16a.
　そして、収容穴３３Ｂの深さは、照明用口金１６ａの突出長より深く設定されていても、浅く設定されていてもよい。収容穴３３の深さが浅い場合、収容穴３３Ｂの底面３３Ｂｂに上述した逃がし穴３５Ｂを設ける。 And the depth of the accommodation hole 33B may be set deeper than the protruding length of the base 16a for illumination, or may be set shallower. When the depth of the accommodation hole 33 is shallow, the above-described escape hole 35B is provided on the bottom surface 33Bb of the accommodation hole 33B.
　上述のように構成したコネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂと第２コネクタ１６Ｂとの関係を説明する。　
　使用後の内視鏡を滅菌消毒する際、作業者は、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂを第２コネクタ１６Ｂに装着する。ここで、収容穴３３Ｂの深さが浅い場合、作業者は、キャップ本体３１Ｂの収容穴３３Ｂ内に照明用口金１６ａを導き、その後、さらにキャップ本体３１Ｂの端面をコネクタ先端面１６ｆに向けて移動していく。 The relationship between the connector cap 10B configured as described above and the second connector 16B will be described.
When the endoscope after use is sterilized and sterilized, the operator attaches the connector cap 10B to the second connector 16B. Here, when the depth of the accommodation hole 33B is shallow, the operator guides the illumination base 16a into the accommodation hole 33B of the cap body 31B, and then moves the end face of the cap body 31B toward the connector front end face 16f. I will do it.
　すると、収容穴３３Ｂ内に設けられたＯリング３９に照明用口金１６ａの端面が当接する。ここで、作業者は、Ｏリング３９の弾性力に抗してキャップ本体３１Ｂの先端面３１Ｂｆをさらにコネクタ先端面１６ｆに向けて移動していく。　
　本実施形態においても図４Ｂに示すように照明用口金１６ａの先端面が収容穴３３Ｂの底面３３Ｂｂに当接することによって、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂの第２コネクタ１６Ｂへの装着が完了する。 Then, the end face of the illumination base 16a comes into contact with the O-ring 39 provided in the accommodation hole 33B. Here, the operator moves the distal end surface 31Bf of the cap main body 31B further toward the connector distal end surface 16f against the elastic force of the O-ring 39.
Also in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, the attachment of the connector cap 10 </ b> B to the second connector 16 </ b> B is completed when the tip end surface of the illumination base 16 a abuts the bottom surface 33 </ b> Bb of the accommodation hole 33 </ b> B.
　このとき、照明用口金１６ａに設けられた照明光ファイバ６ｆの先端面が逃がし穴３５Ｂ内に配置され、該口金１６ａを構成するフェルール１６ｃの端面だけが底面３３ｂに当接した状態になる。　
　また、Ｏリング３９Ｂの内面が照明用口金１６ａの端面側の外周面に密着した状態になる。 At this time, the front end surface of the illumination optical fiber 6f provided in the illumination base 16a is disposed in the escape hole 35B, and only the end surface of the ferrule 16c constituting the base 16a is in contact with the bottom surface 33b.
Further, the inner surface of the O-ring 39B is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface on the end face side of the illumination base 16a.
　この結果、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂの端面と第２コネクタ１６のコネクタ先端面１６ｆとの間に隙間３７Ｂが形成されると共に、密封空間３８Ｂが形成される。 As a result, a gap 37B is formed between the end face of the connector cap 10B and the connector front end face 16f of the second connector 16, and a sealed space 38B is formed.
　隙間３７Ｂは、滅菌ガス、或いは、消毒液、或いは、濯ぎ液等の流体が収容穴３３Ｂの内周面と照明用口金１６ａの外周面との間に形成された隙間３７ｃ２に侵入可能にする。したがって、内視鏡２の滅菌作業中において、例えば滅菌ガス４０が隙間３７ｃ２内に充満する。　
　一方、隙間３７ｃ２内に侵入した流体は、Ｏリング３９Ｂによって密封空間３８Ｂ内への侵入が阻止される。 The clearance 37B allows fluid such as sterilizing gas, disinfectant, or rinsing liquid to enter a clearance 37c2 formed between the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33B and the outer peripheral surface of the illumination base 16a. Therefore, during the sterilization operation of the endoscope 2, for example, the sterilization gas 40 is filled in the gap 37c2.
On the other hand, the fluid that has entered the gap 37c2 is prevented from entering the sealed space 38B by the O-ring 39B.
　この結果、滅菌ガス４０が触れる内視鏡２の表面及びコネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂの表面が滅菌されて滅菌領域となる一方、滅菌ガス４０が侵入不可能な空間である密封空間３８Ｂが非滅菌領域となる。 As a result, the surface of the endoscope 2 touched by the sterilization gas 40 and the surface of the connector cap 10B are sterilized to become a sterilization region, while the sealed space 38B, which is a space into which the sterilization gas 40 cannot enter, is a non-sterilization region. Become.
　具体的に、図４Ｃの左図に示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂにおいては、表面であるキャップ本体３１Ｂ及びフランジ３２Ｂの破線に示す領域及び収容穴３３Ｂの破線に示す領域が滅菌領域になる。また、図４Ｃの右図に示すように第２コネクタ１６Ｂの破線に示す表面、照明用口金１６ａの破線に示す外周面であって破線に示すようにＯリング３９Ｂが密着配置された部分までの表面が滅菌領域になる。 Specifically, as shown in the left figure of FIG. 4C, in the connector cap 10B, the areas indicated by the broken lines of the cap body 31B and the flange 32B, which are the surfaces, and the areas indicated by the broken lines of the receiving holes 33B are sterilized areas. Further, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 4C, the surface shown by the broken line of the second connector 16B, the outer peripheral surface shown by the broken line of the illumination base 16a, and the portion where the O-ring 39B is closely arranged as shown by the broken line. The surface becomes a sterilized area.
　コネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂの破線に示した滅菌領域及び第２コネクタ１６Ｂの破線に示した滅菌領域は、装着されていた該キャップ１０Ｂを第２コネクタ１６Ｂから取り外す際等に例えば術者等が把持可能な部分である。 The sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the connector cap 10B and the sterilization area indicated by the broken line of the second connector 16B can be grasped by, for example, an operator when the cap 10B that has been attached is removed from the second connector 16B. Part.
　これに対して、図４Ｃの左図に示す密封空間３８Ｂを構成するＯリング３９Ｂより底面３３ｂ側の収容穴３３Ｂの内周面が非滅菌領域になる。ここで、収容穴３３Ｂの内径Ｂｂ及び距離Ｄｂを図２Ａで示したように設定することによって、Ｏリング３９Ｂより底面３３ｂ側の収容穴３３Ｂの内周面を術者の手指が触れることのできない位置にすることができる。　
　一方、図４Ｃの右図に示すように照明用口金１６ａの一端部である端面側先端部の外周面及び端面が僅かであるが非滅菌領域になる。 On the other hand, the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33B on the bottom surface 33b side from the O-ring 39B constituting the sealed space 38B shown in the left diagram of FIG. 4C is a non-sterile region. Here, by setting the inner diameter Bb and the distance Db of the accommodation hole 33B as shown in FIG. 2A, the operator's fingers cannot touch the inner peripheral surface of the accommodation hole 33B on the bottom surface 33b side from the O-ring 39B. Can be in position.
On the other hand, as shown in the right figure of FIG. 4C, the outer peripheral surface and the end surface of the end portion on the end surface side, which is one end portion of the illumination base 16a, are slightly non-sterile.
　このように、照明用口金１６ａの端面側先端部だけを非滅菌領域にすることにより作業性の向上を図れるとともに、上述したように照明光ファイバ６ｆの劣化を確実に防止できる。 Thus, by making only the end portion on the end face side of the illumination base 16a into a non-sterile region, the workability can be improved, and the deterioration of the illumination optical fiber 6f can be surely prevented as described above.
　なお、収容穴３３Ｂの深さが深い場合、図４Ｄに示すようにコネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂを第２コネクタ１６Ｂに装着する際、作業者は、Ｏリング３９の弾性力に抗してキャップ本体３１Ｂの先端面３１Ｂｆをコネクタ先端面１６ｆに向けて移動させていく。ここで、作業者は、照明用口金１６ａの先端面が収容穴３３Ｂの底面３３Ｂｂに当接しないことを考慮して、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂの端面と第２コネクタ１６のコネクタ先端面１６ｆとの間に所望する隙間３７Ｂが設けられた状態で、コネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂの第２コネクタ１６Ｂへの装着を完了する。 When the depth of the accommodation hole 33B is deep, when attaching the connector cap 10B to the second connector 16B as shown in FIG. 4D, the operator resists the elastic force of the O-ring 39 and removes the cap body 31B. The distal end surface 31Bf is moved toward the connector distal end surface 16f. Here, the operator considers that the front end surface of the illumination base 16a does not abut on the bottom surface 33Bb of the accommodation hole 33B, and is between the end surface of the connector cap 10B and the connector front end surface 16f of the second connector 16. In the state where the desired gap 37B is provided, the mounting of the connector cap 10B to the second connector 16B is completed.
　この結果、上記図４Ｃに示したように滅菌ガス４０が触れる内視鏡２の表面及びコネクタ用キャップ１０Ｂの表面が滅菌されて滅菌領域となる一方、滅菌ガス４０が侵入不可能な空間である密封空間３８Ｂが非滅菌領域とを得て上述と同様の作用及び効果を得ることができる。 As a result, as shown in FIG. 4C, the surface of the endoscope 2 and the surface of the connector cap 10B that are touched by the sterilization gas 40 are sterilized to become a sterilization region, while the sterilization gas 40 cannot enter. The sealed space 38B obtains a non-sterile region and can obtain the same operations and effects as described above.
　尚、本発明は、以上述べた実施形態のみに限定されるものではなく、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形実施可能である。　
　すなわち、上述した実施形態のコネクタ用キャップを検出光コネクタ口金１４ａ、電気コネクタ１４ｂを備える第１コネクタ１４に装着可能な構成、或いは、検出光コネクタ口金１４ａ及び電気コネクタ１４ｂにそれぞれ装着可能な構成にするようにしてもよい。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.
That is, the connector cap of the above-described embodiment can be mounted on the first connector 14 including the detection optical connector base 14a and the electrical connector 14b, or can be mounted on the detection optical connector base 14a and the electrical connector 14b. You may make it do.
　本出願は、２０１５年９月７日に日本国に出願された特願２０１５－１７５８９４号を優先権主張の基礎として出願するものであり、上記の内容は、本願明細書、請求の範囲、および図面に引用されたものである。 This application is filed on the basis of the priority claim of Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-175894 filed in Japan on September 7, 2015, and the above content includes the description, claims, and It is cited in the drawing.

Claims (16)

  1. 　外部装置に接続した状態において該外部装置の接続穴内に予め定めた挿入状態で配置されて接続状態になる凸状伝送部を有する内視鏡コネクタと、
    　前記内視鏡コネクタとの間に流体を導く隙間を形成しつつ、該隙間に流入した流体が前記凸状伝送部の少なくとも端面側端部に流入することを阻止する密封部材を有するコネクタ用キャップと、
    　を具備することを特徴とする医療機器。     An endoscope connector having a convex transmission portion that is arranged in a predetermined insertion state in a connection hole of the external device in a state of being connected to the external device and is connected.
    A connector cap having a sealing member that forms a gap for guiding fluid between the endoscope connector and prevents the fluid flowing into the gap from flowing into at least the end face side end of the convex transmission section. When,
    A medical device characterized by comprising:
  2. 　前記コネクタ用キャップは、
    　前記凸状伝送部が遊嵌状態で収容配置される収容穴と、
    　前記収容穴の内周面に設けられ、前記凸状伝送部の外周面に密着する前記密封部材を配置するための周溝と、
    　を有することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の医療機器。     The connector cap is
    A receiving hole in which the convex transmission part is received and arranged in a loosely-fitted state; and
    A circumferential groove for disposing the sealing member provided on the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation hole and in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the convex transmission section;
    The medical device according to claim 1, comprising:
  3. 　前記内視鏡コネクタは、前記凸状伝送部の周囲を囲んで該凸状伝送部が外部に突出することを防止する囲繞部を有し、
    　前記コネクタ用キャップは、前記囲繞部内に遊嵌配置されるキャップ本体と、
    　前記キャップ本体に設けられ前記凸状伝送部が遊嵌状態で収容配置される収容穴と、
    　前記収容穴の内周面に設けられ、前記凸状伝送部の外周面に密着する前記密封部材を配置するための周溝と、　
    　を有することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の医療機器。     The endoscope connector has a surrounding portion that surrounds the periphery of the convex transmission portion and prevents the convex transmission portion from protruding outside,
    The connector cap has a cap body that is loosely arranged in the surrounding portion;
    An accommodation hole provided in the cap body and accommodated in the loosely-fitted state of the convex transmission portion; and
    A circumferential groove for disposing the sealing member provided on the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation hole and in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the convex transmission section;
    The medical device according to claim 1, comprising:
  4. 　前記キャップ本体に設けられた前記収容穴の深さを前記凸状伝送部の突出長より浅く設定する構成において、
    　前記収容穴の底面に、前記凸状伝送部の中心軸に沿って配設された伝送部品が該底面に当接することを防止する一方、該凸状伝送部の外装部材端面が当該底面に当接可能にする逃がし穴を設けたことを特徴とする請求項２または請求項３に記載の医療機器。     In the configuration in which the depth of the accommodation hole provided in the cap body is set shallower than the protruding length of the convex transmission part,
    While preventing the transmission component arranged along the central axis of the convex transmission part from coming into contact with the bottom surface of the receiving hole, the end face of the exterior member of the convex transmission part contacts the bottom surface. The medical device according to claim 2, wherein an escape hole that allows contact is provided.
  5. 　前記囲繞部内に位置する前記凸状伝送部の端面を、直径が１２ミリで長さが８０ミリであって先端部を予め定めた形状に形成したテストフィンガの先端面が到達不可能な位置に設けたことを特徴とする請求項３に記載の医療機器。 The end face of the convex transmission part located in the surrounding part is at a position where the tip face of the test finger in which the diameter is 12 mm and the length is 80 mm and the tip part is formed in a predetermined shape cannot be reached. The medical device according to claim 3, wherein the medical device is provided.
  6. 　前記内視鏡コネクタは、前記凸状伝送部の周囲を囲んで該凸状伝送部が外部に突出することを防止する囲繞部を有し、
    　前記コネクタ用キャップは、前記囲繞部の外側に遊嵌配置される筒部と、
    　前記筒部内に設けられ筒底面から突出した凸部と、
    　前記凸部の外周面に設けられ、前記囲繞部の内周面に密着する前記密封部材を配置するための周溝と、
    　を有することを特徴とする請求項１に記載の医療機器。     The endoscope connector has a surrounding portion that surrounds the periphery of the convex transmission portion and prevents the convex transmission portion from protruding outside,
    The connector cap has a cylindrical portion that is loosely arranged on the outer side of the surrounding portion;
    A convex portion provided in the cylindrical portion and protruding from the cylindrical bottom surface;
    A circumferential groove for disposing the sealing member that is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion and is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the surrounding portion;
    The medical device according to claim 1, comprising:
  7. 　前記筒部内に突出した前記凸部の端面を、直径が１２ミリで長さが８０ミリであって先端部を予め定めた形状に形成したテストフィンガの先端面が到達不可能な位置に設けたことを特徴とする請求項６に記載の医療機器。 The end surface of the convex portion protruding into the cylindrical portion is provided at a position where the tip surface of the test finger in which the diameter is 12 mm and the length is 80 mm and the tip portion is formed in a predetermined shape cannot be reached. The medical device according to claim 6.
  8. 　前記筒底面から前記周溝までを予め定めた距離に設定したことを特徴とする請求項７に記載の医療機器。 The medical device according to claim 7, wherein a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the cylinder to the circumferential groove is set.
  9. 　外部装置に接続した状態において当該外部装置の接続穴内に予め定めた挿入状態で配置されて接続状態になる凸状伝送部を有する内視鏡コネクタに装着され、該内視鏡コネクタとの間に流体を導く隙間を形成しつつ、該隙間に流入した流体が前記凸状伝送部の少なくとも端面側端部に流入することを阻止する密封部材を有することを特徴とする内視鏡コネクタ用キャップ。 In the state where it is connected to the external device, it is attached to the endoscope connector having a convex transmission part that is arranged in a predetermined insertion state in the connection hole of the external device and becomes connected, and between the endoscope connector An endoscope connector cap comprising: a sealing member that forms a gap for guiding a fluid and prevents the fluid that has flowed into the gap from flowing into at least the end face side end of the convex transmission section.
  10. 　前記凸状伝送部が遊嵌状態で収容配置される収容穴と、
    　前記収容穴の内周面に設けられ、前記凸状伝送部の外周面に密着する前記密封部材を配置するための周溝と、
    　を有することを特徴とする請求項９に記載の内視鏡コネクタ用キャップ。     A receiving hole in which the convex transmission part is received and arranged in a loosely-fitted state; and
    A circumferential groove for disposing the sealing member provided on the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation hole and in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the convex transmission section;
    The cap for an endoscope connector according to claim 9, comprising:
  11. 　前記凸状伝送部の周囲を囲んで該凸状伝送部が外部に突出することを防止する囲繞部を有する前記内視鏡コネクタに着脱可能であり、
    　前記囲繞部内に遊嵌配置されるキャップ本体と、
    　前記キャップ本体に設けられ前記凸状伝送部が遊嵌状態で収容配置される収容穴と、
    　前記収容穴の内周面に設けられ、前記凸状伝送部の外周面に密着する前記密封部材を配置するための周溝と、　
    　を有することを特徴とする請求項９に記載の内視鏡コネクタ用キャップ。     It is detachable to the endoscope connector having a surrounding portion that surrounds the convex transmission portion and prevents the convex transmission portion from projecting to the outside,
    A cap body loosely arranged in the surrounding portion;
    An accommodation hole provided in the cap body and accommodated in the loosely-fitted state of the convex transmission portion; and
    A circumferential groove for disposing the sealing member provided on the inner circumferential surface of the accommodation hole and in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the convex transmission section;
    The cap for an endoscope connector according to claim 9, comprising:
  12. 　前記キャップ本体に設けられた前記収容穴の深さを前記凸状伝送部の突出長より浅く設定する構成において、
    　前記収容穴の底面に、前記凸状伝送部の中心軸に沿って配設された伝送部品が該底面に当接することを防止する一方、該凸状伝送部の外装部材端面が当該底面に当接可能にする逃がし穴を設けたことを特徴とする請求項１０または請求項１１に記載の内視鏡コネクタ用キャップ。     In the configuration in which the depth of the accommodation hole provided in the cap body is set shallower than the protruding length of the convex transmission part,
    While preventing the transmission component arranged along the central axis of the convex transmission part from coming into contact with the bottom surface of the receiving hole, the end face of the exterior member of the convex transmission part contacts the bottom surface. The cap for an endoscope connector according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising an escape hole that enables contact.
  13. 　前記囲繞部内に位置する前記凸状伝送部の端面を、直径が１２ミリで長さが８０ミリであって先端部を予め定めた形状に形成したテストフィンガの先端面が到達不可能な位置に設けたことを特徴とする請求項１１に記載の内視鏡コネクタ用キャップ。 The end face of the convex transmission part located in the surrounding part is at a position where the tip face of the test finger in which the diameter is 12 mm and the length is 80 mm and the tip part is formed in a predetermined shape cannot be reached. The cap for an endoscope connector according to claim 11, wherein the cap is provided.
  14. 　前記凸状伝送部の周囲を囲んで該凸状伝送部が外部に突出することを防止する囲繞部を有する前記内視鏡コネクタに着脱可能であり、
    　前記囲繞部の外側に遊嵌配置される筒部と、
    　前記筒部内に設けられ筒底面から突出した凸部と、
    　前記凸部の外周面に設けられ、前記囲繞部の内周面に密着する前記密封部材を配置するための周溝と、　
    　を有することを特徴とする請求項９に記載の内視鏡コネクタ用キャップ。     It is detachable to the endoscope connector having a surrounding portion that surrounds the convex transmission portion and prevents the convex transmission portion from projecting to the outside,
    A cylindrical portion that is loosely arranged on the outside of the surrounding portion;
    A convex portion provided in the cylindrical portion and protruding from the cylindrical bottom surface;
    A circumferential groove for disposing the sealing member that is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the convex portion and is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the surrounding portion;
    The cap for an endoscope connector according to claim 9, comprising:
  15. 　前記筒部内に突出した前記凸部の端面を、直径が１２ミリで長さが８０ミリであって先端部を予め定めた形状に形成したテストフィンガの先端面が到達不可能な位置に設けたことを特徴とする請求項１４に記載の内視鏡コネクタ用キャップ。 The end surface of the convex portion protruding into the cylindrical portion is provided at a position where the tip surface of the test finger in which the diameter is 12 mm and the length is 80 mm and the tip portion is formed in a predetermined shape cannot be reached. The endoscope connector cap according to claim 14.
  16. 　前記筒底面から前記周溝までを予め定めた距離に設定したことを特徴とする請求項１５に記載の内視鏡コネクタ用キャップ。 The endoscope connector cap according to claim 15, wherein the distance from the bottom surface of the tube to the circumferential groove is set to a predetermined distance.
PCT/JP2016/053326 2015-09-07 2016-02-04 Medical instrument, and cap for endoscope connector WO2017043098A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2016553910A JP6072388B1 (en) 2015-09-07 2016-02-04 Cap for medical equipment and endoscope connector

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2015175894 2015-09-07
JP2015-175894 2015-09-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017043098A1 true WO2017043098A1 (en) 2017-03-16

Family

ID=58239480

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2016/053326 WO2017043098A1 (en) 2015-09-07 2016-02-04 Medical instrument, and cap for endoscope connector

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2017043098A1 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002034914A (en) * 2000-07-21 2002-02-05 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Light guide connector cap of endoscope
JP2002238847A (en) * 2001-02-21 2002-08-27 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Washing-disinfecting system
JP2004135946A (en) * 2002-10-18 2004-05-13 Olympus Corp Apparatus for washing and disinfecting endoscope

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002034914A (en) * 2000-07-21 2002-02-05 Asahi Optical Co Ltd Light guide connector cap of endoscope
JP2002238847A (en) * 2001-02-21 2002-08-27 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Washing-disinfecting system
JP2004135946A (en) * 2002-10-18 2004-05-13 Olympus Corp Apparatus for washing and disinfecting endoscope

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10441151B2 (en) Endoscope
JP6072393B1 (en) Resin tip parts for endoscope
EP1989989B1 (en) Medical apparatus with electrical connection portions
JP6556430B2 (en) Medical equipment
WO2005055816A1 (en) Endoscope
JP6197150B2 (en) Endoscope
JP5184964B2 (en) Endoscope system and connector cover
JP4776933B2 (en) Endoscope device
JP6072388B1 (en) Cap for medical equipment and endoscope connector
WO2017043098A1 (en) Medical instrument, and cap for endoscope connector
WO2006004124A1 (en) Endoscope
US9537574B2 (en) Optical transmitting and receiving unit
JP6439081B2 (en) Endoscope
EP3656281B1 (en) Endoscope
JP3826053B2 (en) Endoscope
JP5851661B1 (en) Optical transceiver unit
WO2015125344A1 (en) Imaging unit
JP5322448B2 (en) Screening endoscope
JP5457773B2 (en) Guide tube for guiding endoscope insertion part
US20230218152A1 (en) Endoscope and endoscope producing method
JP4643672B2 (en) Ultrasound endoscope
JP6328988B2 (en) Ultrasound endoscope system
CN113543693A (en) Connector device for endoscope
JP5135054B2 (en) Endoscope and method for detecting water leakage of the endoscope
CN117137409A (en) Medical insertion device system, capsule, and method for sterilizing insertion device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2016553910

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 16843964

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 16843964

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1