Endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscope capable of improving the durability of a water supply device. The endoscope comprises: a standing platform (36), which is arranged in a lifting platform accommodating space (66) formed in the front end body (32) and is arranged to be freely rotatable between a standing position and a lying position with the rotation axis (86) as the center, and has a connecting port (94) arranged in a side area opposite to the rotation axis (86) in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis (86) and an injection port (96) connected to the connecting port (94); an outflow port (45), which is arranged in the front end body (32) and formed on the end face (25) of the body; and a liquid supply line (98), which connects the outflow port (45) and the connecting port (94) and has at least a soft line (100), which can guide the fluid flowing out of the outflow port (45) to the connecting port (94) through the liquid supply line (98) and inject it from the injection port (96), and the injection direction of the fluid can be changed according to the rotation position of the standing platform (36).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope capable of supplying water from a rising platform provided at a front end portion of an insertion portion toward an observation direction. Background Art

[0002] In an endoscope, various treatment instruments are introduced through a treatment instrument inlet located on the handheld operating unit and then directed outward from a vertical platform storage space located at the distal end of the insertion unit for treatment. For example, treatment instruments such as forceps and angiographic tubes are used in duodenoscopes, while treatment instruments such as puncture needles are used in ultrasonic endoscopes. To treat a desired location within the subject, these treatment instruments require a change in the direction they are directed outward from the vertical platform storage space.

[0003] For example, in the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1, an upright stand (also referred to as a treatment instrument lifting stand) is rotatably provided in an upright stand storage space, and a lever (also referred to as a lifting lever) is provided on the handheld operating portion for changing the upright stand's posture between an upright position and a lowered position. Furthermore, in the upright stand of Patent Document 1, the handle-side base end portion is rotatably supported by a pin (also referred to as a rotation axis) on the distal end body of the insertion portion.

[0004] Furthermore, the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes, in addition to an air and water supply device for cleaning the observation window, a water supply device for removing dirt and the like in the observation direction (also referred to as the field of view). This water supply device supplies water in the observation direction from a front end opening formed in the upright stand, and includes a water supply hose projecting from the end face of the front end portion body toward the front end side of the insertion portion, and a water supply port provided on the upright stand and connected to the front end of the water supply hose and having the front end opening.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-000389

[0006] However, in the endoscope of Patent Document 1, the connection portion between the water supply hose and the standing base is provided at the base end of the standing base on the handheld side (i.e., on the side of the standing base on which the rotation axis is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis). Therefore, in the endoscope of Patent Document 1, when the standing base is rotated from the lying position to the standing position, the water supply hose is bent at a large angle in the standing direction of the standing base.

[0007] Specifically, the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 raises concerns about fatigue damage to the curved portion of the water supply hose during repeated rotation of the upright stand. Furthermore, the connecting portions at both ends of the water supply hose are also subject to loads in the pulling direction, raising concerns about fatigue damage. For these reasons, the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 suffers from low durability of the water supply device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of improving the durability of a water supply device.

[0009] In order to achieve the purpose of the present invention, the endoscope of the present invention comprises: an insertion portion having a front end and a base end; a front end main body, which is arranged on the front end side of the insertion portion; a treatment instrument outlet, which is arranged on the front end main body and formed on the main body end surface facing the front end side of the insertion portion; a partition wall, which is arranged on the front end main body and defines a standing table storage space facing the treatment instrument outlet; a standing table, which is arranged in the standing table storage space and is arranged to be able to rotate freely between an upright position and a lying position with a rotation axis as the center; a connecting port, which is arranged on the standing table; an injection port, which is arranged on the standing table and is connected to the connecting port; an outflow port, which is arranged on the front end main body and formed on the main body end surface; and a liquid supply pipeline, which connects the outflow port and the connecting port and has at least a soft pipeline, and the connecting port is arranged in the standing table in an area on the side opposite to the side where the rotation axis is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0010] In one aspect of the present invention, the connection port is preferably provided at a position where the distance from the outflow port changes with the rotation of the standing table, and the axial length of the liquid supply conduit is longer than the maximum value of the distance.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the flexible conduit is preferably configured in a bellows shape that is expandable and contractible in the axial direction of the flexible conduit.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stand preferably includes a treatment instrument guide surface for guiding the treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port and a stand back surface arranged on the opposite side of the treatment instrument guide surface, a connection port is provided on the stand back surface, and a liquid supply line is arranged on the stand back surface.

[0013] One embodiment of the present invention preferably comprises a standing platform having a disposal instrument guide surface for guiding the disposal instrument guided out from the disposal instrument guide port, and a standing platform side surface connected to the disposal instrument guide surface and having a direction including an axial component of the rotation axis as a normal line, a connection port being provided on the standing platform side surface, and a liquid supply pipeline being arranged on the standing platform side surface.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the standing platform preferably includes a treatment instrument guide surface for guiding the treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port and an adjacent surface adjacent to and surrounding the treatment instrument guide surface, a connection port is provided on the adjacent surface, and a liquid supply line is arranged on the adjacent surface side.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention preferably includes an operation wire for operating the erection table, the operation wire being inserted through the liquid supply line, and an end portion of the operation wire being connected to the erection table.

[0016] One aspect of the present invention preferably includes an observation optical system disposed on the partition wall and observing in an observation direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion, and the ejection direction of the ejection port when the standing base is in the fallen position is a direction having a component in the observation direction.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention preferably includes a top cover detachably mounted on the front end body, the liquid supply conduit includes a connecting conduit connected to the outflow port, and the connecting conduit is provided on the top cover.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, the connecting pipe is preferably configured as a through-hole formed in the top cover.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the top cover preferably includes a shaft support portion that shaft supports the rotation shaft of the rising table.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present invention, the durability of the water supply device can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 It is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system including the endoscope according to the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing an enlarged front end portion.

[0024] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 An assembled perspective view of the structure of the front end portion is shown.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the front end portion main body as viewed from the X(+) side.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the assembly of the front end body and the standing platform.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the water supply device provided in the front end body as viewed from the X(+) side.

[0028] Figure 7 It is observed from the X(+) side. Figure 6 A side view of the water supply device is shown.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a top view of the rising platform as viewed from the Z(+) side.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top cover showing a first embodiment in which a liquid supply conduit is integrated into the top cover.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top cover showing a second embodiment in which a liquid supply conduit is integrated into the top cover.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top cover showing a first embodiment in which a liquid supply conduit and a rising platform are integrated into the top cover.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top cover showing a second embodiment in which the liquid supply conduit and the rising platform are integrated into the top cover.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a top view of the water supply device according to the second embodiment as viewed from the Z(+) side.

[0035] Figure 14 It is observed from the X(+) side. Figure 13 A side view, including partial section, of a water supply device is shown.

[0036] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the rising platform and water supply device shown.

[0037] Figure 16 This is a side view including a partial cross section of the water supply device according to the third embodiment as viewed from the X(+) side.

[0038] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of a water supply hose connected to a liquid supply line via an outflow port. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram of an endoscope system 12 including the endoscope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope system 12 includes the endoscope 10 , a processor device 14 , a light source device 16 , and a display 18 .

[0041] The endoscope 10 includes an operation portion 22 provided with a standing operation rod 20 and an insertion portion 24 provided on the distal end side of the operation portion 22 and inserted into a subject.

[0042] The insertion portion 24 has a longitudinal axis A extending from the base end toward the distal end, and includes a soft portion 26, a bending portion 28, and a distal end portion 30 in this order from the base end toward the distal end.

[0043] Figure 2 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the front end portion 30. Figure 1 The endoscope 10 shown is a side-viewing endoscope used as a duodenoscope, for example. Figure 2 The front end portion 30 has a structure in a side-view endoscope.

[0044] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 The front end portion 30 is shown in the assembled perspective view. Figure 3 As shown, the front end portion 30 includes a front end portion body 32 and a top cover 34, and is formed by attaching the top cover 34 to the front end portion body 32. The front end portion body 32 is provided at Figure 1 The front end side of the insertion portion 24 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with a rising platform 36 described later on the front end main body 32. Figure 2 and Figure 3 3. The stand 36 is shown in the fallen position.

[0045] And, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The figure shows the arrangement of the inserting portion 24 (refer to Figure 1 ) various contents inside. Specifically, there are provided a treatment instrument channel 38 for guiding a treatment instrument (not shown) to the front end body 32, a standing operation wire 40 (hereinafter referred to as a steel wire 40) for changing the direction of movement of the treatment instrument led out from the front end body 32, an air and water supply hose 42, and a loosening hose 44. And, although Figure 2 and Figure 3 Not shown in the figure, but also provided for changing the bending portion 28 (reference Figure 1 ) in the bending direction, a signal cable for transmitting image signals, and a light guide for transmitting lighting light.

[0046] Hereinafter, when describing the structure of each part, a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis will be used for description. That is, when observing the front end portion 30 from the operating portion 22, when the direction of leading out the treatment instrument (not shown) through the upright stand 36 is set to the upward direction, the upward direction is set to the Z(+) direction, and the opposite direction, that is, the downward direction, is set to the Z(-) direction. Furthermore, the right direction at this time is set to the X(+) direction, and the left direction is set to the X(-) direction. Furthermore, the front direction at this time (the direction of the front end side in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the insertion portion 24) is set to the Y(+) direction, and the rear direction (the direction of the base end side in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the insertion portion 24) is set to the Y(-) direction.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the operating portion 22 is generally cylindrical in shape. The operating portion 22 includes an operating portion body 46 on which the erection operating lever 20 is rotatably mounted, and a grip portion 48 connected to the operating portion body 46. The proximal end of the insertion portion 24 is connected to the distal end of the grip portion 48 via a bend prevention tube 50. The grip portion 48 is held by a medical practitioner when operating the endoscope 10.

[0048] A universal cable 52 is provided on the operating unit body 46. A light source connector 54 is provided at the distal end of the universal cable 52. The light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16. An electrical connector 56 is branched from the light source connector 54 and connected to the processor device 14.

[0049] Furthermore, an air supply and water supply button 57 and a suction button 59 are provided in parallel on the operating part main body 46. When the operating part main body 46 is operated by a licensed physician, the air supply and water supply button 57 is pressed. Figure 2 Gas or liquid is supplied through the air and water supply hose 42. An air and water supply nozzle 58 for cleaning the observation optical system 76 is provided at the front end of the air and water supply hose 42. Gas or liquid is ejected from the air and water supply nozzle 58 toward the observation optical system 76. The observation optical system 76 will be described later.

[0050] The water supply hose 44 is connected to the universal cable 52 from the insertion portion 24 via the operation portion 22. The base end of the water supply hose 44 opens into the light source connector 54 as a water spray connector connection portion (not shown). A liquid tank (not shown) is connected to the connector connection portion via a liquid supply pump (not shown). When the liquid supply pump is driven by an electrical switch provided separately, liquid is supplied from the liquid tank via the connector connection portion to the water supply hose 44. Figure 3 As shown, the distal end of the water supply hose 44 opens as an outflow port 45 in the distal end body 32. Therefore, liquid supplied to the water supply hose 44 flows out from the outflow port 45. The outflow port 45 is formed on the body end surface 25 facing the distal end side of the insertion portion 24.

[0051] The liquid supply method using the liquid supply pump is merely an example. For example, a liquid supply method may be employed in which the water supply line is switched from the air and water supply hose 42 to the water supply hose 44 by fully pressing the air and water supply button 57 .

[0052] On the other hand, if performed by a licensed physician Figure 1 The attraction button 59 is set at Figure 2 The treatment instrument outlet 60 of the distal end body 32 aspirates body fluids such as blood through the treatment instrument channel 38. The treatment instrument outlet 60 is also formed on the body end surface 25 similarly to the outflow port 45.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, a pair of angle knobs 62, 62 for performing bending operation on the bending portion 28 are provided on the operation portion main body 46. The pair of angle knobs 62, 62 are coaxially rotatably provided.

[0054] The erection operation lever 20 is rotatably provided on the same axis as the angle knobs 62, 62. The erection operation lever 20 is rotated by the hand of the practitioner holding the grip portion 48. When the erection operation lever 20 is rotated, the erection operation lever 20 is rotated in conjunction with the rotation of the erection operation lever 20. Figure 2 Thus, by operating the wire 40, the posture of the stand 36 connected to the front end side of the wire 40 is adjusted. Figure 3 The lying position and standing position (reference Figure 7 ) between the two.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, a treatment instrument introduction port 64 for introducing a treatment instrument is provided in the grip portion 48 of the operation portion 22. A treatment instrument (not shown) is introduced through the treatment instrument introduction port 64 with the front end thereof as the leading end and is inserted into the handle 48. Figure 2 The patient is guided to the outside through the treatment instrument channel 38 provided in the distal end body 32 through the treatment instrument guide port 60 .

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the soft portion 26 of the insertion portion 24 comprises a spiral tube (not shown) formed by spirally winding a thin elastic metal strip. The soft portion 26 is formed by covering the outside of the spiral tube with a cylindrical mesh woven with metal wires and covering the outer periphery of the mesh with a resin sheath.

[0057] The curved portion 28 of the insertion portion 24 comprises a structure composed of multiple angle rings (not shown) rotatably connected to one another. The curved portion 28 is constructed by wrapping a cylindrical mesh woven with metal wire around the periphery of the structure, and then coating the mesh with a cylindrical rubber sheath. For example, four angle wires (not shown) are arranged from the curved portion 28 to the angle knobs 62, 62. Rotating the angle knobs 62, 62 pushes and pulls these angle wires, thereby bending the curved portion 28 upward, downward, leftward, and rightward.

[0058] As described above, the endoscope 10 of the embodiment configured as above is a side-viewing endoscope used as a duodenoscope. The insertion portion 24 is inserted into the subject via the oral cavity. The insertion portion 24 is inserted from the esophagus through the stomach into the duodenum to perform a prescribed examination or treatment. Examples of treatment instruments used with the endoscope 10 include biopsy forceps with a cup at the tip for extracting living tissue, a surgical knife for EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy), and an angiographic tube.

[0059] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The detailed structure of the front end portion 30 will be described.

[0060] As described above, the front end portion 30 is constructed by attaching the top cover 34 to the front end portion body 32. A protruding engaging portion (not shown) is provided on the base end side of the top cover 34, and the top cover 34 is detachably attached to the front end portion body 32 by engaging the engaging portion with a groove-shaped engaged portion (not shown) formed on the front end portion body 32.

[0061] The top cover 34 is formed of a substantially cylindrical body with a closed front end and an open base end, and a substantially rectangular opening window 34A is provided on a portion of its outer peripheral surface. Figure 2 As shown, when the top cover 34 is attached to the distal end body 32, the opening window 34A is arranged to face the Z(+) direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Thus, the treatment instrument outlet 60 communicates with the opening window 34A via the stand accommodation space 66 provided in the distal end body 32. The stand accommodation space 66 will be described later.

[0062] The top cover 34 is made of a resilient material, such as a rubber material such as fluororubber or silicone rubber, or a resin material such as polysulfone or polycarbonate. When the endoscope 10 is used, the top cover 34 is removed from the distal end body 32 for cleaning and disinfection, or is discarded as a disposable device.

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the distal end body 32 has a pair of partition walls 68 and 70 projecting toward the Y(+) side. These partition walls 68 and 70 are disposed opposite each other in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, a stand accommodating space 66 for accommodating the stand 36 is provided between the partition walls 68 and 70. The stand accommodating space 66 faces the treatment instrument outlet 60 and is defined by the partition walls 68 and 70. The stand accommodating space 66 opens in the Z(+) and Z(-) directions, which are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0064] An illumination optical system 74 having an illumination window and an observation optical system 76 having an observation window are provided adjacent to each other along the Y-axis direction on the upper surface 68A on the Z(+) side of the partition wall 68. The observation optical system 76 enables observation of the subject in the observation direction. The observation direction refers to the direction in which the subject is observed in relation to the insertion portion 24 (reference Figure 1 ) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the front end portion 32. The front end portion 32 is provided with the air and water supply nozzles 58 disposed on the front end portion 32, facing the observation optical system 76. The observation optical system 76 is cleaned and dried by the air and liquid ejected from the air and water supply nozzles 58.

[0065] A storage chamber 72 is provided inside the partition wall 68. The storage chamber 72 stores an illumination unit (not shown). The illumination unit includes a light guide (not shown) disposed on the storage chamber 72 side of the illumination optical system 74. The light guide is connected to the endoscope 10 (refer to FIG. Figure 1) is provided on the universal cable 52 via the operation portion 22, and its base end is connected to the light source connector 54. Therefore, when the light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16, the irradiation light from the light source device 16 is transmitted to the illumination optical system 74 via the light guide, and is irradiated from the illumination optical system 74 toward the above-mentioned observation direction.

[0066] Furthermore, an imaging unit (not shown) is housed in the housing chamber 72. The imaging unit includes a CMOS (complementary metal ion) disposed on the housing chamber 72 side of the observation optical system 76. o An imaging element (not shown) of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) type or a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type is used. The subject image is formed on the imaging surface of the imaging element by an imaging lens (not shown) constituting the observation optical system 76. The distal end of a signal cable (not shown) is connected to the imaging element. The signal cable is connected from the endoscope 10 (refer to FIG. Figure 1 ) is provided on the universal cable 52 via the operation unit 22, and its base end is connected to the electrical connector 56. Therefore, when the electrical connector 56 is connected to the processor device 14, the imaging signal of the subject image obtained by the imaging unit is transmitted to the processor device 14 via the signal cable. Then, the imaging signal is processed by the processor device 14 and displayed as the subject image on the display 18.

[0067] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of the rising stage 36 will be described.

[0068] Figure 4 It is observed from the X(+) side. Figure 3 A perspective view of the front end body 32, Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the assembly of the front end portion body 32 and the rising base 36 .

[0069] A rising rod storage chamber 78 is provided on the X(+) side of the partition wall 70. The rising rod storage chamber 78 houses a rising rod 80. The rising rod storage chamber 78 is formed into a concave, fan-shaped shape and is covered and sealed by a protective plate (not shown). Furthermore, a through hole 82 for inserting and disposing the steel wire 40 is provided along the Y-axis on the Y(-) side of the rising rod storage chamber 78A. The distal end of the steel wire 40 is inserted through the through hole 82 and secured to the rod portion 80A of the rising rod 80.

[0070] And, as Figure 5As shown, a through hole 84 is provided in the partition wall 70 along the X-axis direction, connecting the erection rod storage chamber 78 with the erection table storage space 66. A rotation shaft 86 of the erection rod 80 is inserted through this through hole 84 and rotatably supported by the through hole 84. The distal end of the rotation shaft 86 inserted through the through hole 84 engages with a hole 88 provided in the base end portion 36A of the erection table 36. Thus, the erection rod 80 and the erection table 36 are connected via the rotation shaft 86.

[0071] According to the erection platform 36 constructed as above, if the erection operation rod 20 (refer to Figure 1 ) Push and pull the wire 40, the rotating shaft 86 rotates together with the erection rod 80, thereby the erection platform 36 is in the lying position (reference Figure 4 ) and standing position (reference Figure 7 ). This rotation of the erection table 36 changes the direction in which the treatment instrument is led out of the treatment instrument outlet 60 into the erection table storage space 66. Furthermore, an O-ring (not shown) is disposed between the rotation shaft 86 and the through-hole 84 to prevent the intrusion of gas or liquid between the erection table storage space 66 and the erection rod storage chamber 78.

[0072] Next, refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A water supply device 90 according to a first embodiment that ejects liquid from the rising platform 36 will be described.

[0073] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the water supply device 90 provided in the front end body 32 as viewed from the X(+) side, showing a state before the connection pipe 92, which is a part of the water supply device 90, is connected to the outflow port 45. Figure 6 The partition wall 70 is omitted (refer to Figure 4 ) shows the standing platform 36 in the prone position.

[0074] Figure 7 It is observed from the X(+) side. Figure 6 The side view of the water supply device 90 shown in FIG. 1 shows a state where the connecting pipe 92 is connected to the outflow port 45. Figure 7 The standing stand 36 is shown in a standing position.

[0075] The water supply device 90 is different from the cleaning device that cleans the observation optical system 76 with liquid ejected from the air and water supply nozzles 58 , and is a device for ejecting liquid toward dirt and the like present in the observation direction to remove the dirt and the like.

[0076] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the water supply device 90 includes the liquid supply pump (not shown), the water supply hose 44, the outflow port 45, the connecting port 94, the injection port 96, and the liquid supply pipe 98. The liquid supply pump, the water supply hose 44, and the outflow port 45 have been described, so their description is omitted here.

[0077] The connection port 94 is provided on the stand 36. Specifically, the connection port 94 is provided at the front end portion 36B of the stand 36 and at the stand back portion 36D of the stand 36. Here, the front end portion 36B of the stand 36 refers to the portion that exists in the area on the side opposite to the rotation axis 86 in the direction perpendicular to the axis 86A of the rotation axis 86. In addition, a guide port 60 (refer to FIG. 1 ) is provided on the opposite side of the stand back portion 36D to guide the treatment instrument. Figure 2 ) of the treatment tool guide surface 36C (reference Figure 6 ).

[0078] The injection port 96 is provided at the front end portion 36B of the stand 36, similarly to the connection port 94. The injection port 96 opens at the front end surface 36E connected to the treatment instrument guide surface 36C and the back surface 36D of the stand. The front end surface 36E is configured so that the stand 36 can be opened even when the stand 36 is in the fallen position (refer to FIG. Figure 6 ) and standing position (reference Figure 7 ) even if the vertical position 36 is changed, the normal line B of the front end surface 36E still has a component in the Z(+) direction. Therefore, even when the upright stand 36 is in the down position, the ejection direction of the ejection port 96 is set to have the component in the Z(+) direction. Figure 2 The injection port 96 thus configured communicates with the connection port 94 via a communication path 97 provided inside the front end portion 36B.

[0079] The liquid supply line 98 is a line connecting the outflow port 45 and the connection port 94. In addition to the aforementioned connection line 92, it also includes a soft line 100. Figure 7 The base end 92A of the connecting tube 92 is connected to the outflow port 45 , the front end 92B of the connecting tube 92 is connected to the base end 100A of the flexible tube 100 , and the front end 100B of the flexible tube 100 is connected to the connecting port 94 .

[0080] The connection portion 102 between the connection conduit 92 and the flexible conduit 100 is located on the Z(+) and Y(+) sides relative to the rotation axis 86, and is located on the X(+) side relative to the base end portion 36A of the upright stand 36. Thus, the flexible conduit 100 is led out from the connection portion 102 toward the X(-) side and is located on one side of the upright stand rear surface 36D, with its distal end portion 100B connected to the connection port 94.

[0081] On the other hand, the outlet 45 is provided at a position offset to the Z(+) side and to the Y(-) side relative to the rotation axis 86. Thus, the connection port 94 is provided at a position where the distance from the outlet 45 changes with the rotation of the stand 36. Specifically, when the stand 36 is in the down position (refer to Figure 4 ), the connection port 94 is set at a position where the distance between the connection port 94 and the outflow port 45 becomes the maximum, and when the upright stand 36 is in the upright position (reference Figure 7 ), the connection port 94 is provided at a position where the distance from the outflow port 45 becomes the minimum.

[0082] That is, when the axis 86A of the rotating shaft 86 and the outflow port 45 are projected onto Figure 7 When viewed on the same page as the drawing, the outflow port 45 is located on the Z(+) side and eccentrically toward the Y(-) side relative to the axis 86A, resulting in a difference in distance as described above. To account for this difference in distance, the axial length of the liquid supply conduit 98 is set to be longer than the maximum value of the aforementioned distance. This ensures that the liquid supply conduit 98 maintains excess length even when the uprighting platform 36 rotates between the inverted and upright positions.

[0083] In this example, the soft tube 100 is made of PTFE (PTFE). o Although a flexible hose made of a soft resin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can be used, the flexible conduit 100 can also be configured as an axially extendable accordion-shaped hose. Furthermore, a straight tube made of an acrylic resin material, which is harder than the flexible conduit 100, is exemplified as the connecting conduit 92. However, similarly to the flexible conduit 100, a flexible hose or an accordion-shaped hose can also be used.

[0084] Next, the operation of the water supply device 90 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0085] By driving the liquid supply pump, the liquid is supplied to the water supply hose 44 (refer to Figure 3 ) of the liquid from Figure 7 The liquid flows from the outlet 45 of the connecting pipe 92. The liquid is then guided from the connecting pipe 92 through the flexible pipe 100 to the connecting port 94, and then ejected from the ejection port 96 in the viewing direction through the communication passage 97. This removes dirt and other particles located in the viewing direction. Furthermore, to change the direction of liquid ejection, the upright stand 36 is rotated between an upright position and a lowered position. This allows the liquid ejection direction to be changed depending on the rotational position of the upright stand 36.

[0086] Furthermore, because the connection port 94 provided on the standing platform 36 is provided at the front end portion 36B of the standing platform 36, even when the standing platform 36 is rotated from the lying position to the standing position, the flexible conduit 100 still bends gradually starting from the connection portion 102. This makes it difficult for the flexible conduit 100 to bend, thereby improving the durability of the flexible conduit 100 and, therefore, the durability of the water supply device 90.

[0087] On the other hand, in the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1, the connection portion between the water supply hose and the lifting platform is provided at the base end portion on the handheld side of the lifting platform (i.e., on the side of the lifting platform on which the rotation axis is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis). Therefore, there is a concern that when the rotation of the lifting platform for the treatment instrument is repeated, the bent portion of the water supply hose may be damaged due to fatigue or the connection portions at both ends of the water supply hose may be damaged due to fatigue.

[0088] In contrast, according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, the connection portion between the liquid supply pipe 98 and the standing platform 36, i.e., the connection port 94, is provided at the front end portion 36B of the standing platform 36 (i.e., the area on the side opposite to the side where the rotation axis is arranged in the standing platform in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis). Therefore, even when the standing platform 36 is rotated from the lying position to the standing position, it is difficult to generate a bending portion in the flexible pipe 100, thereby improving the durability of the water supply device 90.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, even if the distance between the outflow port 45 and the connection port 94 changes as the upright stand 36 rotates, the liquid supply conduit 98 is configured to be longer than the maximum value of that distance (in this example, the distance between the outflow port 45 and the connection port 94 when the upright stand 36 is in the lowered position). Therefore, even if the upright stand 36 is rotated, no pulling force is applied to the liquid supply conduit 98. This further improves the durability of the liquid supply conduit 98.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, the connection port 94 is provided on the rear face 36D of the upright stand 36, and the flexible conduit 100 is arranged on one side of the rear face 36D of the upright stand. This prevents the treatment instrument guided by the treatment instrument guide surface 36C from interfering with the flexible conduit 100. Thus, damage to the flexible conduit 100 caused by interference with the treatment instrument can be prevented.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, the ejection direction of the ejection port 96 when the upright stand 36 is in the lying position is a direction having a component of the observation direction of the observation optical system 76, so that even when the upright stand 36 is in the lying position, liquid can be ejected in the observation direction.

[0092] In the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, the liquid supply conduit 98 is configured by the connecting conduit 92 and the flexible conduit 100 . However, the connecting conduit 92 may be omitted and the proximal end portion 100A of the flexible conduit 100 may be directly connected to the outflow port 45 .

[0093] Here, reference Figure 8 The arrangement position of the injection port 96 relative to the rising platform 36 will be described. Figure 8 This is a top view of the rising stage 36 as viewed from the Z(+) side.

[0094] In the water supply device 90 of the first embodiment, the injection port 96 opens at the front end surface 36E formed on the Y(+) side relative to the treatment instrument guide surface 36C. However, the opening position of the injection port 96 is not limited to this position. For example, the injection port 96 may open at the upper right surface 36F formed on the X(+) side or the upper left surface 36G formed on the X(-) side relative to the treatment instrument guide surface 36C.

[0095] However, in an endoscope in which the distal end portion 40A of the stylet 40 is directly connected to the right upper surface 36F of the stand 36, if the injection port 96 opens on the right upper surface 36F, the space on the right upper surface 36F must be expanded, resulting in a situation where the distal end portion 30 of the insertion portion 24 becomes larger in diameter. Furthermore, if the injection port 96 opens on the left upper surface 36G, a treatment instrument with curved characteristics may interfere with the injection direction of the injection port 96. Therefore, from the perspective of achieving a smaller distal end portion 30 and preventing the liquid ejected from the injection port 96 from interfering with the treatment instrument, it is preferable to open the injection port 96 on the distal end surface 36E, as in the water supply device 90 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, although described later, the right upper surface 36F and the left upper surface 36G described above correspond to adjacent surfaces surrounding the treatment instrument guide surface 36C.

[0096] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the top cover 34 showing a first embodiment in which the liquid supply conduit 98 is integrated into the top cover 34 .

[0097] When the front end body 32 (reference Figure 3 ) When the top cover 34 is installed, Figure 9The connecting conduit 92 of the illustrated liquid supply conduit 98 is provided on the top cover 34 at a position where the base end portion 92A of the connecting conduit 92 is connected to the outflow port 45. Therefore, simply by attaching the top cover 34 to the front end body 32, the base end portion 92A of the connecting conduit 92 can be connected to the outflow port 45. This eliminates the need for manually connecting the base end portion 92A of the connecting conduit 92 to the outflow port 45. Examples of methods for providing the connecting conduit 92 on the top cover 34 include fixing the connecting conduit 92 to the top cover 34 with an adhesive and forming the connecting conduit 92 integrally with the top cover 34.

[0098] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the top cover 34 showing a second embodiment in which the liquid supply conduit 98 is integrated into the top cover 34 .

[0099] Figure 10 The connecting conduit 92 of the illustrated liquid supply conduit 98 is formed by a through-hole 104 formed in the top cover 34. When the top cover 34 is attached to the front end body 32, the connecting conduit 92 is formed in the top cover 34 at the position where the base end 92A of the connecting conduit 92 is connected to the outflow port 45. Therefore, simply by attaching the top cover 34 to the front end body 32, the base end 92A of the connecting conduit 92 can be connected to the outflow port 45. This eliminates the need for manual connection of the base end 92A of the connecting conduit 92 to the outflow port 45.

[0100] And, as Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, by integrating the liquid supply conduit 98 into the top cover 34, the liquid supply conduit 98 can be removed from the front end body 32 together with the top cover 34. This improves the cleanability of the front end body 32. Furthermore, the liquid supply conduit 98 can be cleaned, disinfected, or discarded together with the top cover 34.

[0101] Figure 11 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a first embodiment of the top cover 34 in which the liquid supply pipe 98 and the riser 36 are integrated. Figure 11 When explaining the method of Figure 9 Components that are the same or similar as shown are denoted by the same reference numerals for description.

[0102] exist Figure 11 In the top cover 34 shown, a convex shaft support portion 106 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the top cover 34, and the rotating shaft 86 of the stand 36 is supported by the shaft support portion 106. In addition, the liquid supply pipe 98 is provided in the top cover 34. Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the front end portion 100B of the flexible tube 100 is connected to the connection port 94 of the rising platform 36 .

[0103] According to the Figure 11 In this manner, simply by installing the top cover 34 on the front end body 32 , the connection port 94 of the standing platform 36 can be connected to the outflow port 45 of the front end body 32 via the liquid supply line 98 .

[0104] Figure 12 34 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the top cover 34 in which the liquid supply pipe 98 and the riser 36 are integrated. Figure 12 When explaining the method of Figure 10 Components that are the same or similar as shown are denoted by the same reference numerals for description.

[0105] exist Figure 12 In the top cover 34 shown, a convex shaft support portion 106 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the top cover 34, and the rotating shaft 86 of the stand 36 is supported by the shaft support portion 106. Figure 10 In the illustrated embodiment, the front end portion 100B of the flexible tube 100 is connected to the connection port 94 of the rising platform 36 .

[0106] According to the Figure 12 In this manner, simply by installing the top cover 34 on the front end body 32 , the connection port 94 of the standing platform 36 can be connected to the outflow port 45 of the front end body 32 via the liquid supply line 98 .

[0107] And, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the embodiment shown, by integrating the liquid supply conduit 98 and the stand 36 into the top cover 34, the liquid supply conduit 98 and the stand 36 can be removed from the front end body 32 and the top cover 34 together. This improves the cleanability of the front end body 32. Furthermore, the liquid supply conduit 98 and the stand 36 can be cleaned, disinfected, or discarded together with the top cover 34.

[0108] In addition, Figure 11 and Figure 12 In the endoscope with the top cover 34 shown, the front end portion 40A of the wire 40 (refer to Figure 8 ) is directly connected to the stand 36. As an example, the front end portion 40A of the wire 40 is connected to Figure 8 The upper right surface 36F is shown connected.

[0109] Next, refer to Figure 13 、 Figure 14 and Figure 15 The water supply device 110 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0110] Figure 13 This is a top view of the water supply device 110 as viewed from the Z(+) side. Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 The cross-sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV is a side view including a partial cross section of the water supply device 110 as viewed from the X(+) side. Figure 15 It is a cross-sectional view of the standing platform 36 and the water supply device 110.

[0111] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, the upright platform 36 includes an upright platform side surface 36H connected to the treatment instrument guide surface 36C. The upright platform side surface 36H has a normal line C in a direction including an axial component (X(+) direction) of the rotation axis 86. Furthermore, a connection port 94 is provided on the distal side surface 36J formed at the distal end portion 36B of the upright platform 36 in the upright platform side surface 36H. This connection port 94 communicates with the injection port 96 via a communication path 97.

[0112] The front end portion 112B of the liquid supply pipe 112 is bonded to the connection port 94, and the base end portion 112A of the liquid supply pipe 112 is bonded to the outflow port 45. Thus, the liquid supply pipe 112 is arranged on one side of the side surface 36H of the stand. In addition, the liquid supply pipe 112 is configured to be flexible and retractable in the axial direction. Therefore, according to the liquid supply pipe 112, when the connection port 94 is separated from the outflow port 45 to the maximum, the liquid supply pipe 112 is connected to the outlet 45. Figure 14 It stretches when it falls down, and contracts when the flow connection port 94 stands up closest to the flow outlet 45 (not shown).

[0113] On the other hand, a wire 40 for rotating the stand 35 is inserted into the liquid supply line 112. Figure 15 As shown, the distal end portion 40A of the wire 40 is inserted into the communication passage 97 from the connection port 94 and fixed to the plug 114 that seals the opening 97A of the communication passage 97. Thus, the distal end portion 40A of the wire 40 is connected to the rising platform 36.

[0114] According to the water supply device 110 of the second embodiment configured in this manner, the wire 40 is inserted into the liquid supply conduit 112 , so that the wire 40 protruding toward the distal end from the distal end body 32 can be protected by the liquid supply conduit 112 .

[0115] Next, refer to Figure 16 The water supply device 120 of the third embodiment will be described. Figures 13 to 15 The same or similar components of the water supply device 110 are denoted by the same reference numerals for description.

[0116] Figure 16 The stand 36 shown connects the front end portion 112B of the liquid supply pipe 112 with the upper right surface 36F (reference Figure 8) is connected to the connection port 94 of the water supply device 120, and the wire 40 is inserted into the interior of the liquid supply conduit 112. In this water supply device 120, the liquid supply conduit 112 is arranged on one side of the right upper surface 36F. Furthermore, the front end 40A of the wire 40 is inserted into the communication path 97 through the connection port 94 and fixed to the plug 114 that seals the opening 97A of the communication path 97.

[0117] Even in the water supply device 120 of the third embodiment thus configured, the wire 40 protruding from the distal end body 32 can be protected by the liquid supply conduit 112 by inserting the wire 40 into the liquid supply conduit 112 .

[0118] Furthermore, according to the water supply device 120 of the third embodiment, the wire 40 is inserted into the connection port 94, and thus the connection port 94 is connected to the connection port 94 on the upper right surface 36F (reference Figure 8 ) is provided separately with the connection port 94 and the upright stand 36 of the connection portion of the front end portion 40A of the wire 40, the space of the right upper surface 36F can be saved. As a result, the upright stand 36 can be miniaturized, thereby miniaturizing the front end portion 30. In addition, the connection port 94 can also be provided on the left upper surface 36G (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0119] And, in Figures 13 to 16 The liquid supply line 112 shown can also be connected with Figure 9 and Figure 10 The liquid supply line 98 shown is also integral with the top cover 34. Figure 11 and Figure 12 The liquid supply line 98 shown can also be connected to the upright platform 36 integrated into the top cover 34.

[0120] Figure 17 It is a cross-sectional view of the water supply hose 44 connected to the liquid supply line 112 via the outflow port 45 .

[0121] like Figure 17 As shown, the wire 40 is inserted into the water supply hose 44 . The water supply hose 44 branches inside the operation unit 22 . The wire 40 is inserted into the branch conduit 122 . The base end 40B of the wire 40 is connected to the erection operation rod 20 via the erection operation mechanism 124 .

[0122] An O-ring 126 is disposed between the wire 40 and the branch line 122 to prevent the liquid in the water supply hose 44 from leaking from the branch line 122 into the operating portion 22. This structure allows the wire 40 to be pushed or pulled by the upright operating lever 20, and liquid can be supplied to the liquid supply line 112.

[0123] As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated, this invention is not limited to the said example, It is a matter of course that various improvements and modifications can be made within the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention.

[0124] Explanation of symbols

[0125] 10-Endoscope, 12-Endoscope System, 14-Processor Device, 16-Light Source Device, 18-Display, 20-Standing Operation Lever, 22-Operating Section, 24-Insertion Section, 25-Main End Surface, 26-Soft Section, 28-Bending Section, 30-Front End, 32-Front End Body, 34-Top Cover, 34A-Opening Window, 36-Standing Platform, 36A-Base End, 36B-Front End, 36C-Disposal Instrument Guide Surface, 36D-Back of Standing Platform, 36E-Front End Surface, 36F-Upper Right Surface , 36G-upper left surface, 36H-side of the upright platform, 36J-front end side, 38-treatment instrument channel, 40-standing operation line, 40A-front end, 40B-base end, 42-air and water supply hose, 44-water supply hose, 45-outlet, 46-operation part body, 48-holding part, 50-anti-bend tube, 52-universal cable, 54-light source connector, 56-electrical connector, 57-air and water supply button, 58-air and water supply nozzle, 59-suction button, 60-treatment instrument outlet, 6 2-angle button, 64-treatment instrument introduction port, 66-standing platform storage space, 68-partition wall, 68A-upper surface, 70-partition wall, 72-storage chamber, 74-illumination optical system, 76-observation optical system, 78-standing rod storage chamber, 78A-side, 80-standing rod, 80A-rod part, 82-through hole, 84-through hole, 86-rotation axis, 86A-axis, 88-hole, 90-water supply device, 92-connecting pipe, 92A-base end, 92B-front end, 94-connection Mouth, 96-injection port, 97-connecting passage, 97A-opening, 98-liquid supply pipeline, 100-flexible pipeline, 100A-base end portion, 100B-front end portion, 102-connecting portion, 104-through hole, 106-axis support portion, 110-water supply device, 112-liquid supply pipeline, 112A-base end portion, 112B-front end portion, 114-plug, 120-water supply device, 122-branch pipeline, 124-upright operating mechanism, 126-O-ring, A-longitudinal axis, B-normal line, C-normal line.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: An insertion portion having a front end and a base end; A front end body, disposed at the front end side of the insertion portion; a treatment instrument outlet, provided on the front end portion body and formed on the body end surface facing the front end side of the insertion portion; a partition wall provided on the front end body and defining a standing platform accommodation space facing the treatment instrument outlet; A standing platform is disposed in the standing platform storage space and is configured to rotate freely between a standing position and a lying position around a rotation axis; A connection port is provided on the standing platform; an injection port, provided on the rising platform and connected to the connecting port; an outflow port, disposed on the front end body and formed on the end surface of the body; and A liquid supply pipeline is connected between the outflow port and the connection port and has at least a soft pipeline. The connection port is provided in a region of the rising base on a side opposite to a side where the rotation axis is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The connection port is provided at a position where the distance from the outflow port changes as the standing platform rotates. An axial length of the liquid supply pipeline is longer than a maximum value of the distance.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The flexible conduit is configured in a bellows shape that is expandable and contractible in the axial direction of the flexible conduit.

4. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The standing platform includes a treatment tool guide surface for guiding the treatment tool led out from the treatment tool lead-out port and a standing platform back surface disposed on the opposite side of the treatment tool guide surface. The connection port is provided on the back of the standing platform. The liquid supply pipe is arranged on the back side of the rising platform.

5. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein: The upright platform includes a treatment instrument guide surface for guiding the treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port, and an upright platform side surface connected to the treatment instrument guide surface and having a direction including the axial component of the rotation axis as a normal line. The connection port is provided on the side of the standing platform. The liquid supply pipeline is arranged on the side surface of the rising platform.

6. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein: The standing platform includes a treatment instrument guide surface for guiding the treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port and an adjacent surface adjacent to and surrounding the treatment instrument guide surface. The connecting port is provided on the adjacent surface, The liquid supply pipeline is arranged on the adjacent surface side.

7. The endoscope according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The endoscope has: An operating wire is used to move the raising platform. The operation wire is inserted into the liquid supply line, and an end portion of the operation wire is connected to the rising platform.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The endoscope has: an observation optical system disposed on the partition wall and observing in an observation direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion; When the standing base is located at the lying position, the ejection direction of the ejection port is a direction having a component in the observation direction.

9. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The endoscope includes a top cover detachably mounted on the distal end body. The liquid supply pipeline has a connecting pipeline connected to the outflow port, The connecting pipeline is arranged on the top cover.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein: The connecting pipe is configured as a through hole formed in the top cover.

11. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein: The top cover includes a shaft support portion that shaft supports the rotation shaft of the rising platform.

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