WO2020008680A1

WO2020008680A1 - Endoscope connector and endoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2020008680A1
Application number: PCT/JP2019/007611
Authority: WO
Inventors: 晋一北出; 正規谷島; 佐藤　稔
Original assignee: オリンパス株式会社
Priority date: 2018-07-05
Filing date: 2019-02-27
Publication date: 2020-01-09
Also published as: JP2021191318A

Abstract

An endoscope connector 5 is provided with: a plug part 30 connected to an exterior case 23; a first molded body 40 molded from a first resin, the first molded body 40 being provided to the plug part 30, and a plurality of metal terminal parts 46, 47 being provided therein; a second molded body 50 provided to the plug part 30, the first molded body 40 being provided inside the second molded body 50, and the second molded body 50 being molded so as to cover the outer surface of the first molded body 40 by injection molding of a second resin so that electrical contact parts 41, 42 of the plurality of metal terminal parts 46, 47 are exposed; and a recess 51 provided in the second molded body 50 and formed in one surface 53 positioned in the exterior case 23 so that a portion of the surface 45 of the first molded body 40 is exposed.

Description

Endoscope connector and endoscope

The present invention relates to an endoscope connector and an endoscope connected to an external device such as a light source device.

The endoscope device as a medical device is connected to a video processor and a light source device as peripheral devices. For this reason, in the endoscope apparatus, an endoscope connector, which is a connector unit that can be detachably connected to a video processor, a light source device, and the like, is provided at an extended end of the signal cable. The endoscope connector is connected to a video processor, a light source device, and the like, which are external devices.

An endoscope connector of such an endoscope has a plug portion formed of a resin component in which a contact terminal is embedded, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-6163. I have. In order to cover a plurality of metal terminals with a resin, a plug portion of a conventional endoscope connector includes a resin-made primary molded body into which the plurality of metal terminals are press-fitted, and a resin-made secondary molding as an exterior. The body is formed by injection molding.

However, in the conventional endoscope connector, the secondary molded body is injected around the primary molded body and the plurality of metal terminal portions so that the electrical contact portions of the plurality of metal terminal portions are exposed from the exterior of the plug portion. There is a problem that it is very difficult to ensure airtightness / watertightness due to molding.

The reason for this is that the plug portion is formed between the primary molded body and the secondary molded body by means of a mold core pin serving as a spacer for holding the primary molded body in the mold during injection molding for forming the secondary molded body on the primary molded body. A portion where the surface of the primary molded body is exposed occurs at the interface of the secondary molded body.

The surface of the primary molded body, which is formed by the core pins of the mold and is exposed on the interface between the primary molded body and the secondary molded body, is provided at a position inside the endoscope connector. If the watertightness is not ensured, there is a possibility that water, gas such as cleaning water, disinfectant, high-pressure steam, etc. may enter the endoscope connector during cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope. .

Furthermore, the endoscope performs a leak test to check whether a hole or the like is generated particularly in an insertion portion to be inserted into the subject. At this time, if the endoscope connector is not airtight, it becomes impossible to apply a predetermined air pressure for a leak test to the endoscope.

Therefore, the conventional endoscope has a problem that if the airtightness / watertightness of the plug portion of the endoscope connector is lost, the plug portion itself must be replaced.

In addition, the plug portion has a high degree of difficulty in securing the adhesion of the interface between the resin forming the primary molded body and the resin of the secondary molded body, and secures airtightness / watertightness. It is difficult. For this reason, there is a problem that if there is an air leak at the time of product inspection of the plug part, it becomes a non-conforming product and the yield decreases.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the yield at the time of manufacturing is improved, and the airtightness / watertightness of a resin plug portion obtained by injection molding a secondary molded body into a primary molded body is improved. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope connector and an endoscope which can be easily repaired without replacement even if lost.

An endoscope connector according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plug portion connected to an outer case, a first metal portion provided on the plug portion, a plurality of metal terminal portions provided, and a first resin molded member. And the first molded body provided in the plug portion, the first molded body is provided therein, and the first resin is formed by injection molding of a second resin so that the electrical contact portions of the plurality of metal terminals are exposed. A second molded body molded so as to cover an outer surface of the molded body; and a second molded body provided in the second molded body, and inside the outer case so that a part of the surface of the first molded body is exposed. And a concave portion formed on one surface located.

An endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plug connected to an outer case, a first molding provided on the plug, a plurality of metal terminals disposed, and molded with a first resin. And a first molded body provided in the plug portion, wherein the first molded body is provided therein, and the first molded body is formed by injection molding of a second resin so that the electrical contact portions of the plurality of metal terminals are exposed. A second molded body formed so as to cover the outer surface of the first molded body; and a second molded body provided in the second molded body, wherein the second molded body is located in the outer case so that a part of the surface of the first molded body is exposed. And a recess formed on one surface.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an endoscope according to one embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view showing the endoscope connector Perspective view showing a plug portion of the endoscope connector Schematic perspective view of a plug formed from the primary molded body and the secondary molded body. Perspective view showing the primary molded body Perspective view showing a plug portion in which a secondary molded body is formed on a primary molded body. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an end surface of a plug portion on the inner side of the endoscope connector. Same, partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a plug portion provided with a metal terminal portion Exploded perspective view showing a plug portion in which a rubber packing is provided in a concave portion. Perspective view showing a plug portion in which rubber packing is provided in a concave portion. Partial sectional view showing a part of a plug portion in which a rubber packing is provided in a concave portion. FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a plug part in which a concave portion is filled with a sealing member such as an adhesive and a filler, showing the same modified example

Here, an embodiment of an endoscope connector provided in the endoscope will be described as an example. In the following description, the drawings based on each embodiment are schematic, and the relationship between the thickness and the width of each part, the ratio of the thickness of each part, and the like are different from the actual ones. It should be noted that the drawings may include portions having different dimensional relationships and ratios between the drawings.

Hereinafter, an endoscope connector of an endoscope which is a medical device of one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope of one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an endoscope connector, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a plug portion of the endoscope connector, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a primary molded body, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a plug formed from a secondary molded body on a primary molded body. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing an end face of a plug portion on the inner side of the endoscope connector, FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a plug portion provided with a metal terminal portion, and FIG. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a plug portion in which a packing is provided in a concave portion. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a plug portion in which a rubber packing is provided in a concave portion. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a plug portion in which a rubber packing is provided in a concave portion. It is a fragmentary sectional view showing a part.

First, as shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 1 includes an insertion portion 2 as an elongated member to be inserted into a site to be observed, here, a lumen such as the large intestine, and a base end portion of the insertion portion 2. And a universal cable 4 which is a composite cable extending from a side surface of the operation unit 3, and a video processor (not shown) provided at an end of the universal cable 4 and integrated with the light source device. Endoscope connector 5 which is a medical device connector detachably connected to an external device (not shown).

The insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 has a distal end portion 6 having a built-in image pickup means on the distal end side, and a bending portion 7 as a movable portion that can be bent is connected to the rear portion of the distal end portion 6. Note that the endoscope 1 may have a configuration in which the insertion section 2 is not provided with the bending section 7.
Further, a long and flexible flexible tube portion 8 formed of a soft tubular member is connected to the rear portion of the curved portion 7. The flexible tube section 8 of the insertion section 2 has a base end connected to the buckle 9 of the operation section 3.

The operation unit 3 of the endoscope 1 is provided with a grip 10 which is connected to the buckle 9 and is gripped by a user at the time of use, and is provided with a treatment tool channel (not shown) provided in the insertion unit 2. A treatment tool insertion opening 11 that forms a base end opening is provided at a portion where the stopper 9 and the grip 10 are connected.

In addition, the bending section 7 of the insertion section 2 is bent on the grip section 10 of the operation section 3. Here, two bending operation knobs 15 and a section for fixing these bending operation knobs 15 at desired rotation positions are provided. A bending operation section 17 having a fixed lever 16 is provided. Further, the gripper 10 is provided with

switches

13 and 14 for operating various endoscope functions.

The universal cable 4 of the endoscope 1 maintains the connection strength so as to cover the outer peripheral portions of both end portions connected to the operation unit 3 or the endoscope connector 5 to prevent damage due to twisting or the like. Are provided.

Next, the configuration of the endoscope connector 5 included in the endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below. In addition, since the endoscope connector 5 of the present embodiment is disposed at the base end of the endoscope 1 which is the end of the universal cable 4, the end connected to the universal cable 4 is the tip (front). The following description may be made with the side connected to the external device as the base end (rear).

First, as shown in FIG. 2, a substantially cylindrical plug portion 30 formed in two stages and integrally formed so as to have different outer diameters in order from the base end side is fixed to the plug portion 30 in a watertight manner. Metal case 22 which is a disc-shaped frame, and an outer case which is a resin-made tubular case body which is connected to the flange 22 in a water-tight manner and has a diameter reduced toward the buckle 19 on the universal cable 4 side. 23.

The plug section 30 has a plurality of

electric contact sections

41 and 42 arranged in parallel on the outer surface. A light guide base 21 to which illumination light from an external device such as a light source device is incident extends from an end surface (base end surface) of the plug portion 30. The outer case 23 may be provided with a water supply base, a front water supply base, a suction base, and the like (not shown).

Here, the configuration of the plug section 30 as a main part of the present embodiment will be described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 3, the plug portion 30 includes a flat portion 32 in which a part of the outer periphery of a substantially cylindrical plug main body 31 exposed to the outside in the endoscope connector 5 is cut out, and a tip portion from the flat portion 32. And an inclined surface 33 directed to the side.

The plug portion 30 has a columnar connecting portion 34 having a smaller diameter than the plug body 31 and connected to the flange portion 22 at the tip end side of the plug body 31.

(4) A plurality of electrical contact portions 42 are juxtaposed on the outer peripheral surface of the plug body 31 of the plug portion 30 so as to be exposed in substantially the same plane. Further, a plurality of electrical contact portions 41 are juxtaposed on the flat portion 32 of the plug portion 30 so as to be exposed in substantially the same plane.

プラグ In the plug portion 30, a metal tubular socket portion 25 to which the light guide base 21 is connected is embedded.

As shown in FIG. 4, the plug portion 30 is formed by primary molding of a second resin so that a primary molded body 40, which is a first molded body formed by injection molding of the first resin, is internally provided. An exterior is formed as a secondary molded body 50 which is a second molded body covering the outer surface of the molded body 40.

As shown in FIG. 5, the primary molded body 40 has an electrical contact holding portion 43 having a semicircular cross section at a distal end portion which is on the upper side toward the paper surface, and a large diameter at a base end side which is on the lower side toward the paper surface. And an electrical contact array portion 44 having a semicircular cross-section.

In the primary molded body 40 thus formed, a plurality of electric contact portions 41 and 42 (the plurality of electric contact portions 41 are blind spots in FIG. 5) are arranged in the electric contact arrangement portion 44. A plurality of

metal terminal portions

46 and 47 are press-fitted and arranged. At this time, the ends of the plurality of

metal terminal portions

46 and 47 opposite to the

electrical contact portions

41 and 42 protrude from the surface 45 of the electrical contact holding portion 43.

The

metal terminal portions

46 and 47 are conductive metal members formed by bending and forming the

electrical contact portions

41 and 42 at a plurality of locations on an elongated strip-shaped metal plate such as copper (see FIG. 8).

In addition, the secondary molded body 40 includes a socket portion 25, two metal screw bases 26 to which a metal frame (not shown) provided in the endoscope connector 5 is connected, and a surface of the electrical contact holding portion 43. It is buried so as to open at 45.

This primary molded body 40 is housed in a mold (not shown), and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a secondary molded body 50 is formed by injection molding with a second resin so as to cover the outer surface. . At this time, the primary molded body 40 is positioned in the mold by a cylindrical core pin provided on the mold.

The secondary molded body 50 is in close contact with the surfaces of the plurality of

metal terminal portions

46 and 47, the socket portion 25, and the two screw caps 26 in a state where airtightness / watertightness is maintained by the surface treatment applied to each surface. And joined.

The secondary molded body 50 includes an opening 52 communicating with the socket portion 25 at an end surface 53 on the distal end side which is located inside the outer case 23 of the endoscope connector 5 and is not exposed to the outside, two screw caps 26 and the like. And a concave portion 54 from which is exposed. The secondary formed body 50 is formed such that the ends of the plurality of

metal terminals

46 and 47 protrude from the end face 53 of the secondary formed body 50.

That is, the plurality of

metal terminal portions

46 and 47 are partially embedded in the secondary molded body 50. The ends of the plurality of

metal terminals

46 and 47 are to which an electric cable (not shown) is soldered.

{Circle around (5)} A plurality of, here seven recesses 51 are formed in the end face 53 of the secondary molded body 50, which are holes having a circular cross section formed by the core pins of the mold. As shown in FIG. 7, these concave portions 51 are traces of core pins of a mold that abuts on the surface 45 of the electrical contact holding portion 43 of the primary molded body 40 to hold and position the secondary molded body. An opening is formed in the end face 53 of the hole 50, and the surface 45 of the primary molded body 40 is exposed on the bottom surface.

The plug portion 30 configured as described above is formed by injection molding of the secondary molded body 50 so as to cover the primary molded body 40. Therefore, as shown in FIG. In most cases, fluid such as air, cleaning disinfectant, high-pressure steam, etc. is transmitted along the interface S, and leaks from the concave portion 51 where the surface 45 of the primary molded body 40 formed by the core pins of the mold is exposed.

When the airtightness / watertightness is determined to be inadequate in the leak test at the time of manufacture, the plug portion 30 is provided by press-fitting a rubber packing 61 as a sealing member into the concave portion 51 as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. Thus, leakage of the fluid from the concave portion 51 can be prevented.

As described above, since the concave portion 51 formed by the core pin of the mold is a hole having an outer cylindrical shape with a circular cross section, the plug portion 30 press-fits the cylindrical rubber packing 61 into the concave portion 51. Sealing can be easily achieved simply by providing such a member, and airtightness / watertightness can be ensured.
When the plug 30 is connected to a video processor which is an external device, the end face 53 of the secondary molded body 50 comes into contact with the video processor. Therefore, it is preferable that the recess 51 is formed on a surface that is more concave than the end face 53. By forming the concave portion 51 on a surface that is more concave than the end surface 53 as described above, even if the rubber packing 61 press-fitted into the concave portion 51 slightly protrudes from the concave portion 51, it does not become an obstacle when connecting to the video processor. There is an advantage that connection is possible.

In addition, after the endoscope has been used several times in many cases, a leak occurs in the plug portion 30, and when the leak location is from the concave portion 51 of the plug portion 30, the rubber packing 61 is press-fitted into the concave portion 51 and provided. This makes it possible to easily repair the leak of the plug portion 30.

As described above, the endoscope 1 has a configuration in which airtightness / watertightness can be easily ensured at the time of the occurrence of a leak at the time of manufacturing the plug portion 30 of the endoscope connector 5 and at the time of repair due to the leak of the plug portion 30. Therefore, the yield can be improved by reducing the loss at the time of manufacturing, and the repair cost can be reduced because the plug 30 need not be replaced.

Therefore, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment can be easily repaired without replacement even if the airtightness / watertightness of the resin plug portion obtained by injection-molding the secondary molded body into the primary molded body is lost. In addition, a configuration including an endoscope connector that improves the yield can be provided.

(Modification)
FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modification, showing a part of a plug portion in which a recess is filled with a sealing member such as an adhesive or a filler.

As shown in FIG. 12, the plug portion 30 is a sealing member in the concave portion 51 when the airtightness / watertightness is determined to be inadequate in the leak test at the time of manufacture and when the plug portion 30 is repaired in which the leak has occurred. The sealing member 62 such as an adhesive or a filler may be filled to prevent the fluid from leaking from the recess 51.

The cross section of the concave portion 51 is not limited to a circular shape, but may be a non-circular cross-sectional shape such as a square or an ellipse.

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

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the yield at the time of manufacture improves, and even if the airtightness / watertightness of the resin plug part which injected and molded the secondary molded body to the primary molded body is lost, it can be easily replaced, without replacing. An endoscope connector and an endoscope that can be repaired can be provided.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-128466 filed in Japan on July 5, 2018 as the basis for claiming priority, and the contents disclosed above are described in the present specification and claims. Shall be quoted.

Claims

A plug connected to the outer case,
A first formed body provided on the plug portion, provided with a plurality of metal terminal portions, and formed of a first resin;
An outer surface of the first molded body provided in the plug portion, wherein the first molded body is provided inside, and an injection molding of a second resin is performed so that electric contact portions of the plurality of metal terminals are exposed. A second molded body formed so as to cover
A recess provided on the second molded body and formed on one surface located in the outer case so that a part of the surface of the first molded body is exposed;
A connector for an endoscope, comprising:
The connector for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the recess has a circular cross section.
The said recessed part is a hole part formed by the core pin provided in the metal mold | die which positions and hold | maintains the said 1st molded body at the time of injection molding of the said 2nd molded body, The inside of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. Endoscope connector.
The connector for an endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising: a sealing member provided in the concave portion for keeping the first molded body and the second molded body airtight / watertight.
The connector for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a part of the surface of the first resin is a bottom surface of a hole formed in the second resin.
The connector for an endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the sealing member is a rubber packing.
An endoscope comprising the endoscope connector according to claim 1.