Cover member for a roller of an endoscope device and method of handling an endoscope device

Abstract

An endoscope device has an insertion section extending along a longitudinal axis, a roller driven by a driving force to rotate around the longitudinal axis, and a cover member covering the roller, wherein the cover member has a base layer having an outer surface direction side and an inner surface direction side arranged to be in contact with the roller, wherein a portion of the base layer covering the roller when the roller rotates around the longitudinal axis of the insertion section is elastically elongated in the outer surface direction of the insertion section, and wherein the base layer has an auxiliary material that is a first color when in a first temperature range and a second color when in a second temperature range, and an outer coating layer formed on at least one of the outer surface direction side and the inner surface direction side of the base layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Insertion devices, such as endoscopes, may have an elongated and flexible insertion portion. The insertion device may also have an auxiliary tool that can be attached to and rotated from the insertion portion. Background Technology

[0002] It was recognized that there was a need to improve the structure used to transmit driving force from the insert to the auxiliary tool. Furthermore, it was recognized that there was a need for a technology that could confirm with greater certainty that the insert was successfully cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized during the reprocessing of the insert. Additionally, it was recognized that there was a need for a technology that could confirm with greater certainty that the insert was manufactured by the original manufacturer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment of the invention, an endoscope device is provided, comprising: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; a roller configured to be driven by a driving force to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; and a cover member configured to be attached to the insertion portion to cover the roller, wherein the cover member comprises: a base layer having: an outer surface direction side; and an inner surface direction side arranged to contact the roller, wherein a portion of the base layer covering the roller is configured to elastically elongate along the outer surface direction of the insertion portion when the roller rotates about the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; and an outer coating formed on at least one of the outer surface direction side and the inner surface direction side of the base layer.

[0004] In another embodiment, an endoscope device is provided, comprising: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; and a cover member configured to cover at least a portion of the insertion portion, wherein the cover member comprises: a base layer including: an elastomer; and one or more auxiliary materials configured to change color in response to temperature changes of the one or more auxiliary materials.

[0005] In another embodiment, a method of processing an endoscope device is provided, wherein the endoscope device includes: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; a roller configured to be driven by a driving force to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; and a cover member configured to be attached to the insertion portion to cover the roller, wherein the cover member includes: a base layer, wherein a portion of the base layer covering the roller is configured to elastically elongate along the outer surface direction of the insertion portion as the roller rotates about the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, and wherein the base layer includes: an elastomer; and an auxiliary material configured to react in response to a temperature change of the auxiliary material from a first temperature to a second temperature. The method involves changing the color, wherein the first temperature is associated with a first temperature when the elastomer has a high coefficient of friction, and the second temperature is associated with a second temperature when the elastomer has a low coefficient of friction. The method includes: inspecting a cover member to determine whether the auxiliary material has undergone a color change; heating the cover member in response to determining that the auxiliary material has not undergone a color change; repeating the inspection and heating of the cover member until it is determined that the auxiliary material has undergone a color change; and attaching a rotating unit having a tubular shape to the insertion portion at the location where driving force is transmitted from the roller to the rotating unit via the cover member in response to determining that the auxiliary material has undergone a color change. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention. These drawings, in conjunction with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, are used to explain various aspects of the invention.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an endoscope device as an insertion device according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a construction for transmitting rotational driving force to a rotating unit according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the bending portion, the first flexible tube portion, the second flexible tube portion, and the rotating unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the construction of a second flexible tube section, a third flexible tube section, a base section, and a rotating unit according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 5 It is according to one aspect of this disclosure along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view taken from the VV line.

[0012] Figure 6This is an exploded perspective view of the first and second flexible tube portions as components according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view showing a spiral tube of a first form according to one aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the tube portion is broken down into components.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of a cover member according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing an endoscope device according to one aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] In the various figures used in the following description, there are also component elements drawn at different scales so that each component element has a size that can be identified in the figures. That is, this disclosure is not limited to the number of component elements, the shape of the component elements, the size ratio of the component elements, and the relative positional relationships between the component elements as described in these figures.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, an insertion device is provided having an elongated and flexible insertion portion. An endoscope device 1 suitable for medical procedures will be described below as an example of an insertion device. However, the insertion device is not limited to endoscope devices for medical procedures and may encompass other endoscope devices suitable for other purposes, such as endoscope devices suitable for industrial applications. Endoscope device 1 may, but does not necessarily, include an illumination optics system, an observation optics system, or one or more sensors (e.g., one or more image sensors) included in some conventional endoscopes. Other insertion devices besides endoscope devices are also contemplated. For example, insertion devices having an insertion portion (e.g., a catheter) are also within the scope of the invention.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, the endoscope device 1 can extend along the longitudinal axis X. The endoscope device 1 may include an endoscope 2. The endoscope 2 may include an insertion part 3, an operating unit 5, and a peripheral unit 10. In the following description, the extension side of the insertion part 3, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the endoscope 2, is defined as the distal direction, and the side of the operating unit 5, which is in the opposite direction to the distal direction, is defined as the proximal direction. Furthermore, the distal direction and the proximal direction are axially parallel directions parallel to the longitudinal axis X.

[0023] The peripheral unit 10 may include an image processing unit 11, such as an image processor, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs); a light source unit 12, which may include a light source, such as a lamp; a drive control unit 13, which may include a power supply; a storage unit, such as a memory; a CPU, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a drive operation input unit 15, which may include buttons, foot switches, etc.; and a display unit 16, such as a monitor.

[0024] The insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2 can extend along the longitudinal axis X and can be inserted into a cavity (e.g., a body cavity) when using the endoscope device 1. The insertion portion 3 may include a distal forming portion 21 forming the distal end of the insertion portion 3, a curved portion 22 disposed on the proximal side relative to the distal forming portion 21, a first flexible tube portion 23 disposed on the proximal side relative to the curved portion 22, a second flexible tube portion 25 disposed on the proximal side relative to the first flexible tube portion 23, and a third flexible tube portion 26 disposed on the proximal side relative to the second flexible tube portion 25.

[0025] The base 27 can be disposed between the second flexible tube section 25 and the third flexible tube section 26 along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis X. The second flexible tube section 25 can be connected to the third flexible tube section 26 through the base 27.

[0026] Here, in a section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, the direction away from the longitudinal axis X is defined as the outer surface direction or off-axis direction, while the direction toward the center of the longitudinal axis X is defined as the inner surface direction or along-axis direction.

[0027] In the insertion part 3, a rotating unit 30 (also called an auxiliary tool) with a tubular shape and which is disposable or consumable may be provided on the outer surface side. That is, when the insertion part 3 is inserted into the rotating unit 30, the rotating unit 30 can be mounted on the second flexible tube part 25.

[0028] In the endoscope 2, with the rotating unit 30 mounted on the insertion part 3, the rotating unit 30 can rotate relative to the insertion part 3 about the longitudinal axis X by transmitting a rotational driving force to the insertion part 3.

[0029] The rotating unit 30 may include a helical tube 31 extending along the longitudinal axis X. The helical tube 31 may include a tube portion 32 and a finned portion 33 extending on the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 32. The construction of the tube portion 32 will be described in detail later. In the helical tube 31, the tube portion 32 may be a bellows.

[0030] The fin portion 33 can extend in a spiral shape from the proximal direction to the distal direction with the longitudinal axis X as the center. A distal tubular portion 35 may be provided on the distal direction side of the spiral tube 31 in the rotating unit 30.

[0031] The distal tubular portion 35 may be formed into a conical shape, with its outer diameter gradually decreasing as it moves closer to the distal side. Furthermore, a proximal tubular portion 36 with a tubular shape may be provided on the proximal side of the helical tube 31.

[0032] With the finned portion 33 of the spiral tube 31 compressed along its inner surface by the cavity wall or similar structure, the rotating unit 30 can rotate around the longitudinal axis X. Thus, a propulsive force in either the distal or proximal direction can act on the insertion portion 3 and the rotating unit 30.

[0033] Specifically, under the action of the propulsive force in the distal direction, the ability of the insertion part 3 to move in the insertion direction or distal direction within the cavity (e.g., a body cavity, such as a body cavity in the small intestine or large intestine) can be improved, and under the action of the propulsive force in the proximal direction, the ability of the insertion part 3 to move in the retraction direction or proximal direction within the cavity can be improved.

[0034] One end of the universal rope 6 can be connected to the operating unit 5 of the endoscope 2. The other end of the universal rope 6 can be connected to the peripheral unit 10. A bending operation knob 37 can be provided on the outer surface of the operating unit 5, and the bending operation of the bending part 22 is input to the bending operation knob 37.

[0035] Furthermore, a surgical instrument insertion portion 48 may be provided on the outer surface of the operating unit 5, into which surgical instruments, such as forceps, can be inserted. This surgical instrument insertion portion 48 can connect with a channel tube 43 arranged within the insertion portion 3 (see...). Figure 3 Connect.

[0036] Specifically, the channel tube 43 can pass through the interior of the insertion part 3 and the interior of the operating unit 5, and one end of it can be connected to the surgical instrument insertion part 48. Furthermore, a surgical instrument inserted from the surgical instrument insertion part 48 can pass through the interior of the channel tube 43 and can extend distally from the opening 49 of the distal forming part 21. Then, surgery can be performed using the surgical instrument with it extended from the opening 49 of the distal forming part 21.

[0037] The motor housing 71 can be attached to the operating unit 5. The motor 72 serves as the drive source (see...). Figure 2 It can be housed within the motor housing 71.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, one end of the motor cable 73 can be connected to the motor 72 housed in the motor housing 71 on the operating unit 5. The motor cable 73 can pass through the interior of the operating unit 5 and the interior of the universal rope 6, and its other end can be connected to the drive control unit 13 of the peripheral unit 10.

[0039] The motor 72 can be driven by electricity supplied from the drive control unit 13 via the motor cable 73. Furthermore, the drive of the motor 72 generates a rotational driving force that rotates the rotating unit 30. A relay gear 75 can be attached to the motor 72. Additionally, a transmission gear 76 that meshes with the relay gear 75 can be provided within the operating unit 5.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, within the insertion section 3, the imaging cable 41, the optical fiber 42, and the aforementioned channel tube 43 can extend along the longitudinal axis X.

[0041] Furthermore, the bent portion 22 of the insertion portion 3 may include a bent tube 81. The bent tube 81 may include a plurality of bent parts 82 made of metal.

[0042] Each of the plurality of bends 82 is pivotally coupled to an adjacent bend among the plurality of bends 82. In the bend 22, the outer surface side of the bend tube 81 may be covered by a bend mesh tube 83, which may be a bend blade. In the bend mesh tube 83, wires (not shown) made of metal may be woven into a mesh. Furthermore, in the bend 22, the outer surface side of the bend mesh tube 83 may be covered by a bend sleeve 85. The bend sleeve 85 may, for example, be formed of fluororubber.

[0043] An imaging element (not shown) for imaging the object being probed may be provided in the distal forming portion 21 or the distal portion of the insertion portion 3. This imaging element can image the object being probed through an observation window 46. Figure 1 As shown in the figure, it can be set at the distal forming portion 21 of the endoscope 2.

[0044] One end of the imaging cable 41 can be connected to the imaging element. The imaging cable 41 can pass through the interior of the insertion part 3, the interior of the operating unit 5, and the interior of the universal rope 6, and its other end can be connected to... Figure 1 The image processing unit 11 of the peripheral unit 10 shown.

[0045] The image processing unit 11 can perform image processing on the image of the probe obtained through imaging, thereby generating an image of the probe. The generated image of the probe can then be displayed on the display unit 16 (see [link]). Figure 1).

[0046] Furthermore, the optical fiber 42 can pass through the interior of the insertion part 3, the interior of the operating unit 5, and the interior of the universal rope 6, and can be connected to the light source unit 12 of the peripheral unit 10. Light emitted from the light source unit 12 can be guided by the optical fiber 42, and can use light from... Figure 1 The object being probed is illuminated by the light from the illumination window 47 at the distal portion of the insertion part 3 or the distal forming part 21.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, a metal support member 51 may be provided at the base 27. The proximal portion of the second flexible tube portion 25 may be connected to the distal portion of the support member 51.

[0048] Furthermore, the distal portion of the third flexible tube 26 can be coupled to the proximal portion of the support member 51. Therefore, the second flexible tube 25 and the third flexible tube 26 can be connected via the base 27.

[0049] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the hollow portion 52 can be defined by the support member 51 in the base 27. In addition, the driving force transmission unit 53 can be attached to the support member 51.

[0050] The drive force transmission unit 53 can be disposed in the hollow portion 52. In addition, a rotational drive force that causes the rotating unit 30 to rotate can be transmitted to the drive force transmission unit 53, thereby driving the drive force transmission unit 53.

[0051] The drive force transmission unit 53 may include a transmission gear 55. Furthermore, the drive force transmission unit 53 may include a rotating tubular member 58. With the support member 51 inserted into the rotating tubular member 58, the rotating tubular member 58 may be attached to the base 27. The rotating tubular member 58 may rotate about the longitudinal axis X relative to the insertion portion 3 or the base 27.

[0052] Here, the two rotational directions of the rotating unit 30 are defined as directions around the longitudinal axis X. An inner circumferential gear portion 59 may be provided on the inner circumference of the rotating tubular member 58, covering the entire circumference relative to the direction around the longitudinal axis X. The inner circumferential gear portion 59 can mesh with the transmission gear 55.

[0053] In this embodiment, three inner rollers 61A to 61C may be attached to the rotating tubular member 58. Although three inner rollers are described, fewer or more inner rollers may be provided. The inner rollers 61A to 61C may be arranged apart from each other at predetermined intervals in a direction about the longitudinal axis X.

[0054] Each inner roller 61A to 61C has a corresponding roller axis Q1 to Q3. Each inner roller 61A to 61C can rotate freely relative to the rotating tubular member 58, with the corresponding roller axis Q1 to Q3 being the center.

[0055] Furthermore, each of the inner rollers 61A to 61C can rotate freely relative to the insertion portion 3 or the base 27 about the longitudinal axis, integrally with the rotating tubular member 58.

[0056] The outer surface of the rotating tubular member 58 and the inner rollers 61A to 61C can be covered by a tubular cover member 62. The distal end of the cover member 62 can be attached (e.g., fixed) to the outer peripheral surface of the support member 51 via an adhesive portion 63A (e.g., adhesive), and the proximal end of the cover member 62 can be attached (e.g., fixed) to the outer peripheral surface of the support member 51 via an adhesive portion 63B (e.g., adhesive). Alternatively, each of the adhesive portions 63A and 63B may also include a linear member wound around and pressing on the respective end of the cover member 62 and an adhesive disposed on the linear member.

[0057] The hollow portion 52, in which the driving force transmission unit 53 is located, can be separated from the outside of the insertion portion 3 under the action of the cover member 62. The watertightness between the support member 51 and the cover member 62 can be maintained at the attachment positions at the distal and proximal ends of the cover member 62.

[0058] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the inflow of liquid from the outside of the insertion part 3 into the hollow part 52 and the driving force transmission unit 53. In addition, at the positions of the inner rollers 61A to 61C, the cover member 62 can protrude outward in the direction of the outer surface around the longitudinal axis X.

[0059] The cover member 62 may be attached (e.g., fixed) to the insertion portion 3 and the rotating tubular member 58, and the inner rollers 61A to 61C may be rotated about the longitudinal axis X relative to the cover member 62, respectively.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, six outer rollers 65A to 65F can be attached to the inner circumferential surface of the proximal tubular portion 36. The outer rollers 65A to 65F can be located on the outer surface side of the cover member 62.

[0061] With the rotating unit 30 mounted on the insertion part 3, in the direction surrounding the longitudinal axis X, the inner roller 61A can be located between the outer rollers 65A and 65B, the inner roller 61B can be located between the outer rollers 65C and 65D, and the inner roller 61C can be located between the outer rollers 65E and 65F. Furthermore, each of the outer rollers 65A to 65F has a corresponding roller axis P1 to P6.

[0062] The corresponding outer rollers 65A to 65F can rotate freely relative to the cover member 62 and the proximal tubular portion 36, with the corresponding roller axes P1 to P6 as the center. In addition, the outer rollers 65A to 65F can rotate freely with the rotating unit 30 around the longitudinal axis X relative to the insertion portion 3 or the base portion 27.

[0063] Due to this configuration, when the drive force transmission unit 53 is driven by a rotational drive force, the rotating tubular member 58 can rotate about the longitudinal axis X. This causes the inner roller 61A to press against the outer roller 65A or the outer roller 65B. Similarly, it causes the inner roller 61B to press against the outer roller 65C or the outer roller 65D, and it causes the inner roller 61C to press against the outer roller 65E or the outer roller 65F.

[0064] Therefore, the driving force can be transmitted from the inner rollers 61A to 61C of the rotating unit 30 to the outer rollers 65A to 65F, and the rotating unit 30 can rotate about the longitudinal axis X relative to the insertion part 3 and the cover member 62.

[0065] As described above, the outer rollers 65A to 65F attached to the proximal tubular portion 36 form a drive force receiving portion that receives rotational drive force from the driven drive force transmission unit 53.

[0066] The outer rollers 65A to 65F, which serve as driving force receiving units, are arranged on the proximal side relative to the spiral tube 31. Furthermore, when the rotating unit 30 is mounted on the insertion part 3, the outer rollers 65A to 65F are located on the outer surface side of the base 27.

[0067] Since each inner roller 61A to 61C rotates around its corresponding roller axis Q1 to Q3, the friction between each inner roller 61A to 61C and the cover member 62 can be reduced.

[0068] Similarly, since each outer roller 65A to 65F rotates around its corresponding roller axis P1 to P6, the friction between each outer roller 65A to 65F and the cover member 62 can be reduced.

[0069] like Figure 8 As shown, according to one aspect of the invention, the cover member 62 may include a base layer 62B. The base layer 62 may be formed (e.g., molded) into a desired shape (e.g., a tubular shape of the cover member 62) from a material (including an elastomer) selected for its elasticity. Examples of elastomers forming the base layer 62B may include polyisoprene or natural rubber, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, and polyurethane.

[0070] The cover member 62 may also include an outer coating 62A formed on the outer surface side of the base layer 62B, an inner coating 62C formed on the inner surface side of the base layer 62B, or both.

[0071] The thickness of each of the outer coating 62A and the inner coating 62C is selected so as not to interfere with or restrict the cover member 62, and in particular not to interfere with or restrict the base layer 62B from protruding outward at the location of the inner rollers 61A to 61C.

[0072] Materials can be selected for forming the outer coating 62A and the inner coating 62C to form a durable and chemically resistant coating that provides good barrier properties against inorganic and organic fluids, strong acids, corrosive solutions, gases and water vapor.

[0073] Compared to the configuration where the base layer 62B directly contacts the outer rollers 65A to 65F, the material used to form the outer coating 62A is further selected to reduce the coefficient of friction between the outer surface of the cover member 62 and the outer rollers 65A to 65F. Similarly, compared to the configuration where the base layer 62B directly contacts the inner rollers 61A to 61C, the material used to form the inner coating 62C is further selected to reduce the coefficient of friction between the inner surface of the cover member 62 and the inner rollers 61A to 61C.

[0074] There are no particular limitations on the materials used to form the outer coating 62A and the inner coating 62C, but materials such as silver, ceramics, or chemical vapor deposition of poly(p-xylene) polymers (e.g., parylene) may be included.

[0075] Taking parylene as an example, which is selected for both the outer coating 62A and the inner coating 62C, the parylene coating can be applied to the outer surface of the substrate 62B, particularly the outer and inner surfaces of the substrate 62B, via vapor deposition. The vapor deposition process allows parylene to conformally coat the substrate 62B with a substantially uniform thickness, without any pinholes or other types of discontinuities.

[0076] The applied thickness of the parylene coating should allow the outer coating 62A and the inner coating 62C to adhere to the base layer 62B and remain flexible, so that the base layer 62B can still elongate to protrude outwards at the positions of the inner rollers 61A to 61C to allow the rotating unit 30 to rotate. In one embodiment, the applied parylene coating may have a thickness of 0.5 micrometers to 1.0 micrometers to maintain adhesion and flexibility to the base layer 62B. The thickness of the parylene coating is not limited to 0.5 micrometers to 1.0 micrometers. Other thickness ranges that allow the base layer 62B to have adhesion and flexibility at the positions of the inner rollers 61A to 61C are also within the scope of this invention.

[0077] Furthermore, during the reprocessing of endoscope 2, the thickness of the applied parylene coating should be such that it is chemically resistant to the fluid applied to the insertion portion 3.

[0078] In addition, the parylene coating provides a biocompatible and biostable coating to the surface of the base layer 62B and provides dry film lubrication, which reduces the coefficient of friction between the outer surface of the cover member 62 and the outer rollers 65A to 65F, and between the inner surface of the cover member 62 and the inner rollers 61A to 61C.

[0079] In addition, the parylene coating protects the substrate 62B from oil, dust and other contaminants, while reducing adverse effects such as peeling or dust accumulation on the elastic surface of the substrate 62B.

[0080] In addition, the parylene coating can protect the base layer 62B from damage during the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of the insertion part 3 of the endoscope 2, a process that may involve exposure to high temperatures and one or more liquid solutions.

[0081] In addition, the parylene coating can be substantially transparent to allow visual inspection of the color of the base layer 62B or color variations of the base layer 62B (which is explained in more detail below).

[0082] like Figure 9 As shown, the cover member 62 may be formed of a mixture or blend of materials comprising an elastomer as a base material 62B0 and one or more auxiliary materials (or additives), the auxiliary materials (or additives) changing color in response to temperature changes from a first temperature (or a first temperature range) to a second temperature (or a second temperature range). The color change provides an indication of the temperature of the base material 62B0 in thermal contact with the one or more auxiliary materials.

[0083] For example, the one or more auxiliary materials may be in the form of thermochromic / thermochromic liquid crystal or powder mixed with the base material 62B0. The mixture of the base material 62B0 and the one or more auxiliary materials can then be molded into a desired shape (e.g., the tubular shape of the cover member 62).

[0084] Each of the one or more auxiliary materials may be selected to reversibly change from a certain color (different from the color of the base material 62B0) to transparent (or substantially transparent) (i.e., a change from colored to transparent) in response to the temperature of the base material 62B0 exceeding a threshold or in response to the temperature of the base material 62B0 being within a predetermined temperature range.

[0085] Furthermore, each of the one or more auxiliary materials can be selected to reversibly change from transparent (or substantially transparent) to a certain color (different from the color of the base material 62B0) in response to the temperature of the base material 62B0 exceeding a threshold or in response to the temperature of the base material 62B0 being within a predetermined temperature range (i.e., from transparent to colored).

[0086] As an example, auxiliary material 62B1 among the one or more auxiliary materials may be selected to reversibly change from colored to transparent in response to being heated from a first temperature associated with a first temperature when the base material 62B0 has a higher coefficient of friction to a second temperature associated with a second temperature when the base material 62B0 has a lower coefficient of friction, wherein the second temperature of the base material 62B0 is higher than the first temperature of the base material 62B0.

[0087] As an example, auxiliary material 62B1 among the one or more auxiliary materials may be selected to reversibly change from transparent to colored in response to being heated from a first temperature associated with a first temperature when the base material 62B0 has a higher coefficient of friction to a second temperature associated with a second temperature when the base material 62B0 has a lower coefficient of friction, wherein the second temperature of the base material 62B0 is higher than the first temperature of the base material 62B0.

[0088] Here, the second temperature at which the base material 62B0 has a low coefficient of friction can be body temperature (e.g., 37 degrees Celsius) or a body temperature range (e.g., 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius).

[0089] As another example, auxiliary material 62B2, one or more of the auxiliary materials, may be selected to reversibly change from colored to transparent in response to being heated from a first temperature associated with room temperature or the storage temperature of the base material 62B0 to a second temperature associated with a second temperature of the base material 62B0 during reprocessing of the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2 after successful cleaning, disinfection and sterilization.

[0090] As another example, auxiliary material 62B2, one or more of the auxiliary materials, may be selected to reversibly change from transparent to colored in response to being heated from a first temperature associated with room temperature or the storage temperature of the base material 62B0 to a second temperature associated with a second temperature of the base material 62B0 during the reprocessing of the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2 after successful cleaning, disinfection and sterilization.

[0091] As another example, auxiliary material 62B3, one or more of the auxiliary materials, may be selected to reversibly produce a color-to-transparency change in response to being heated or cooled from a first temperature associated with room temperature or the storage temperature of the base material 62B0 to a second temperature associated with the original manufacturer of the endoscope 2.

[0092] As another example, auxiliary material 62B3, one or more of the auxiliary materials, may be selected to reversibly produce a change from transparent to colored in response to being heated or cooled from a first temperature associated with room temperature or the storage temperature of the base material 62B0 to a second temperature associated with the original manufacturer of the endoscope 2.

[0093] like Figure 10 As shown, in one variation, one or more of the above-mentioned auxiliary materials may be applied to the base material 62B0 by spraying, dipping, or the like, rather than forming a mixture with the base material 62B0.

[0094] like Figure 11 As shown, in another variation, the base layer 62B, which is formed as a mixture of the base material 62B0 and the one or more auxiliary materials, or formed as a base material 62B0 coated with the one or more auxiliary materials, may also have an outer coating 62A. As described above, by forming the outer coating 62A from a substantially transparent material (e.g., a parylene coating), the color-to-transparent or transparency-to-color change of the one or more auxiliary materials can be visually inspected through the outer coating 62A.

[0095] Based on the above-described structure of the cover member 62 and the relative arrangement of the cover member 62 with the inner rollers 61A to 61C and the outer rollers 65A to 65F, the rotational driving force can be appropriately transmitted from the inner rollers 61A to 61C to the rotating unit 30 so that the rotating unit 30 rotates.

[0096] In the proximal tubular portion 36, a locking claw 67 protruding inwards is provided. Furthermore, in the support member 51 of the base 27, a locking groove 68 may be provided on the entire circumference relative to the direction around the longitudinal axis.

[0097] The locking claw 67 can be locked into the locking groove 68, thereby adjusting the movement of the rotating unit 30 relative to the insertion part 3 along the longitudinal axis X. However, with the locking claw 67 locked into the locking groove 68, the locking claw 67 can move freely relative to the locking groove 68 in the direction about the longitudinal axis.

[0098] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the conduit 77 can extend along the longitudinal axis X within the third flexible tube portion 26 of the insertion portion 3. The distal end of the conduit 77 can be connected to the support member 51 of the base 27.

[0099] A guide channel 78 may be formed within the conduit 77. The distal end of the guide channel 78 may communicate with the hollow portion 52. Within the guide channel 78, a drive shaft 79, which is a linear component, may extend along the axis S of the shaft.

[0100] The rotational driving force generated by the motor 72 is transmitted to the drive shaft 79 via the relay gear 75 and the transmission gear 76. As the rotational driving force is transmitted to the drive shaft 79, the drive shaft 79 rotates around the axis S of the shaft.

[0101] The distal end of the drive shaft 79 can be connected to the drive gear 55 of the drive force transmission unit 53. Due to the rotation of the drive shaft 79, a rotational driving force can be transmitted to the drive force transmission unit 53, and the drive force transmission unit 53 can be driven. Then, the rotational driving force can be transmitted to the rotating tubular member 58, thereby transmitting the rotational driving force to the rotating unit 30 as described above, so as to cause the rotating unit 30 to rotate.

[0102] like Figure 5 As shown, the bending lines 38A and 38B can extend along the longitudinal axis X within the insertion portion 3. The proximal ends of the bending lines 38A and 38B can be connected to a pulley (not shown), which is coupled to a bending operation knob 37 inside the operation unit 5.

[0103] The distal ends of bending lines 38A and 38B can be connected to the distal portion of bending section 22. Bending operation is performed using bending operation knob 37, which pulls bending line 38A or bending line 38B, causing bending section 22 to bend. In this embodiment, bending section 22 may be formed solely by an active bending section bent through bending operation.

[0104] Each of the bending lines 38A and 38B can be inserted into the corresponding coils 39A and 39B. The proximal ends of coils 39A and 39B can extend into the operating unit 5. Furthermore, the distal ends of coils 39A and 39B can be connected to the inner circumferential surface of the distal portion of the first flexible tube 23. In this embodiment, two bending lines 38A and 38B are provided, and the bending portion 22 can be bent in two directions. However, for example, four bending lines can also be provided, and the bending portion 22 can be bent in four directions.

[0105] like Figure 6 As shown, the first flexible tube section 23 and the second flexible tube section 25 are formed by a first spiral tube 91 as the first flexible tube, a first flexible mesh tube 92 as the first flexible blade tube, and a first flexible sleeve 93 as the sleeve tube.

[0106] The first spiral tube 91, the first flexible mesh tube 92, and the first flexible sleeve 93 can extend along the longitudinal axis X from the distal end of the first flexible tube section 23 to the proximal end of the second flexible tube section 25.

[0107] The outer surface of the first spiral tube 91 can be covered by the first flexible mesh tube 92, and the outer surface of the first flexible mesh tube 92 can be covered by the first flexible sleeve 93.

[0108] The first helical tube 91 may include a strip member 95 made of metal. In the first helical tube 91, the strip member 95 may extend in a helical shape about a longitudinal axis X. The first flexible mesh tube 92 may include a wire 96 made of metal. The wire 96 may be woven into the first flexible mesh tube 92. The first flexible sheath 93 may, for example, be formed of a resin material.

[0109] The proximal portion of the bent tube 81 can be fitted to a connecting tube 84 having a tubular shape (see...). Figure 3 The first spiral tube 91 and the first flexible mesh tube 92 can be fitted onto the connecting tube 84 while inserted into the inner surface direction side of the connecting tube 84.

[0110] Furthermore, the first flexible sleeve 93 can be bonded to the curved sleeve 85 via the adhesive portion 86 (e.g., adhesive). The first flexible tube portion 23 can be bonded to the curved portion 22 in the manner described above. Figure 4 As shown, the first spiral tube 91, the first flexible mesh tube 92, and the first flexible sleeve 93 can be fitted onto the support member 51 in a state where they are inserted into the inner surface of the support member 51.

[0111] Thus, the second flexible tube portion 25 can be attached to the base portion 27. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first spiral tube 91, the first flexible mesh tube 92, and the first flexible sleeve 93 can extend continuously between the first flexible tube portion 23 and the second flexible tube portion 25.

[0112] The third flexible tube section 26 may consist of a second spiral tube 101 as a second flexible tube, a second flexible mesh tube 102 as a second flexible blade tube, and a second flexible sleeve 103. Figure 6 The brackets in the figure form the diagram.

[0113] The second helical tube 101, the second flexible mesh tube 102, and the second flexible sleeve 103 can extend along the longitudinal axis X from the distal end of the third flexible tube portion 26 to the proximal end of the third flexible tube portion 26. The outer surface of the second helical tube 101 is covered by the second flexible mesh tube 102, and the outer surface of the second flexible mesh tube 102 is covered by the second flexible sleeve 103.

[0114] The proximal end of the support member 51 can be fitted onto the connecting member 104. The second helical tube 101 and the second flexible mesh tube 102 can be fitted onto the connecting member 104 in the state of being inserted into the inner surface direction of the connecting member 104 (see...). Figure 4 Therefore, the third flexible tube section 26 can be attached to the base section 27.

[0115] In the second helical tube 101, a strip member 105 made of metal can be extended into a spiral shape centered on the longitudinal axis X. Furthermore, in the second flexible mesh tube 102, threads 106 made of metal are woven in. The second flexible sheath 103 can be formed, for example, from a resin material.

[0116] Please refer again to the description of the color-to-transparent and transparent-to-color changes of the cover member 62. The provision of one or more of the aforementioned auxiliary materials in other parts of the insertion portion 3 is also within the scope of this invention. For example, the aforementioned one or more auxiliary materials may also be provided on one or more of the curved sleeve 85, the first flexible sleeve 93, and the second flexible sleeve 103.

[0117] As an example, the one or more auxiliary materials may be provided in the form of a mixture with fluororubber, which is the base material of the curved sleeve 85, or coated onto the surface of the base material of the curved sleeve 85.

[0118] As another example, the one or more auxiliary materials may be provided in the form of a mixture with a resin material that serves as the base material of the first flexible cover 93, or may be coated onto the surface of the base material of the first flexible cover 93.

[0119] As another example, the one or more auxiliary materials may be provided in the form of a mixture with a resin material that serves as the base material of the second flexible cover 103, or may be coated onto the surface of the base material of the second flexible cover 103.

[0120] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for processing the above-described endoscope device 1 is provided.

[0121] like Figure 12 As shown, the method may begin with step S100, which involves obtaining the endoscope 2. Following step S100, the method may further include step S102: heating or cooling the cover member 62, and in particular the auxiliary material 62B3 of the cover member 62, to a second temperature associated with the original manufacturer of the endoscope 2, and visually inspecting the cover member 62 to determine whether the cover member 62 has undergone a change in visual appearance as described above (e.g., a change from colored to transparent or a change from transparent to colored).

[0122] In response to determining that the cover member 62 has undergone a change from colored to transparent or from transparent to colored as described above, in step S104 it is further determined that the endoscope 2 is more likely to have been manufactured by the original manufacturer.

[0123] Conversely, in response to determining that the cover member 62 has not undergone the color-to-transparent or transparent-to-color change as described above, in step S106 it is further determined that the endoscope 2 is less likely to be manufactured by the original manufacturer (or the endoscope 2 or its components are more likely to be manufactured by a third party different from the original manufacturer).

[0124] Following step S100, the method may further include step S108: visually inspecting the cover member 62 to determine whether the auxiliary material 62B1 of the cover member 62 has undergone a change from colored to transparent or from transparent to a second color associated with a second temperature at which the base material 62B0 has a lower coefficient of friction.

[0125] In response to determining that the auxiliary material 62B1 of the cover member 62 has undergone a change from colored to transparent or from transparent to colored at a second temperature associated with a second temperature at which the base material 62B0 has a lower coefficient of friction, the method may further include step S110 of attaching the rotating unit 30 to the insertion part 3 such that the rotational driving force from the driving force transmission unit 53 can be transmitted to the rotating unit 30 to cause the rotating unit 30 to rotate.

[0126] In response to determining that the auxiliary material 62B1 of the cover member 62 has not undergone a color-to-transparent or transparent-to-colored change at a second temperature associated with a second temperature when the base material 62B0 has a lower coefficient of friction, the method may further include step S112 of heating the cover member 62. Heating the cover member 62 may be achieved, for example, by physical contact with a hotter surface (e.g., a technician's hand) or by a heating device (e.g., a hot water bath). After step S112, the method may return to step S108: visually inspecting the cover member 62 to determine whether the auxiliary material 62B1 of the cover member 62 has undergone a color-to-transparent or transparent-to-colored change at a second temperature associated with a second temperature when the base material 62B0 has a lower coefficient of friction.

[0127] Following step S100, the method may further include step S114 of reprocessing the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2. The reprocessing of the insertion portion 3 may include one or more of cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing the insertion portion 3 at a predetermined temperature above room temperature or the storage temperature of the base material 62B0.

[0128] During or immediately following step S114, the method may further include a step of visually inspecting the cover member 62 to determine whether the auxiliary material 62B1 of the cover member 62 has undergone a change from colored to transparent or from transparent to a second color, which is associated with the successful cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2.

[0129] In response to determining that the auxiliary material 62B1 of the cover member 62 has undergone a color-to-transparent or transparent-to-colored change when reaching a second temperature associated with successfully cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2, it is further determined in step S116 that the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2 is highly likely to have been successfully cleaned, disinfected and sterilized.

[0130] If other parts of the insertion portion 3 (e.g., the curved sleeve 85, the first flexible sleeve 93, and the second flexible sleeve 103) are also provided with one or more of the aforementioned auxiliary materials, the insertion portion 3 can be visually inspected to determine whether the other parts of the insertion portion 3 are highly likely to have been successfully cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized.

[0131] In response to the determination that the auxiliary material 62B1 of the cover member 62 has not undergone a color-to-transparent change or a transparent-to-a second color change associated with successful cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2, step S118 further determines that the likelihood of the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2 being successfully cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized is low. The method may then return to step S114, which involves reprocessing the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope 2.

[0132] Those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus and methods without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is intended to cover such modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An endoscope device comprising: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; a roller configured to be driven by a driving force to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; and a cover member configured to be attached to the insertion portion to cover the roller, wherein the cover member comprises: a base layer having: an outer surface direction side; and an inner surface direction side arranged to be in contact with the roller, wherein a portion of the base layer that covers the roller when the roller rotates around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion is configured to be elastically elongated along the outer surface direction of the insertion portion; and wherein the base layer comprises: an elastomer; and one or more auxiliary materials configured to change color in response to a temperature change of the one or more auxiliary materials; and an outer coating formed on at least one of the outer surface direction side and the inner surface direction side of the base layer, wherein the outer coating comprises a material selected to reduce a coefficient of friction of an outer surface of the cover member as compared to a coefficient of friction of the base layer and the roller.

2. The endoscope device of claim 1, comprising: an auxiliary tool comprising: a tubular portion configured to engage with the roller through the outer coating and the portion of the base layer that is elastically elongated by the roller, thereby to receive the driving force and rotate relative to the insertion portion under the driving force.

3. The endoscope device of claim 1, wherein the outer coating comprises silver.

4. The endoscope device of claim 1, wherein the outer coating comprises a chemical vapor deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymer.

5. The endoscope device of claim 1, wherein the one or more auxiliary materials are configured to be a first color at a first temperature range and a second color at a second temperature range.

6. The endoscope device of claim 5, wherein a predetermined coefficient of friction of the base layer corresponds to the second temperature range of the one or more auxiliary materials.

7. An endoscope device comprising: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; and a cover member configured to cover at least a portion of the insertion portion, wherein the cover member comprises: a base layer comprising: an elastomer; and one or more auxiliary materials configured to change color in response to a temperature change of the one or more auxiliary materials, wherein the cover member further comprises an outer coating formed on at least one of an outer surface direction side and an inner surface direction side of the base layer, wherein the outer coating comprises a material selected to reduce a coefficient of friction of an outer surface of the cover member as compared to a coefficient of friction of the base layer.

8. The endoscope device of claim 7, wherein the one or more auxiliary materials are configured to be a first color at a first temperature range and a second color at a second temperature range higher than the first temperature range.

9. The endoscope device of claim 8, wherein a coefficient of friction of the cover member at the second temperature range is lower than a coefficient of friction of the cover member at the first temperature range.

10. The endoscope device of claim 7, further comprising: a roller configured to be driven by a driving force to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, wherein the cover member is configured to be attached to the insertion portion to cover the roller, and ​ ​ wherein the base layer has: an outer surface direction side; and an inner surface direction side arranged to be in contact with the roller, wherein the portion of the base layer that covers the roller when the roller is rotated around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion is configured to be elastically elongated along the outer surface direction of the insertion portion.

11. The endoscope device of claim 10, further comprising: an auxiliary tool including: a tubular portion configured to be engaged with the roller by the outer coating and the portion of the base layer that is elastically lengthened by the roller, thereby to receive a driving force and rotate relative to the insertion portion under the driving force.

12. The endoscope device of claim 10, wherein the outer coating includes silver.

13. The endoscope device of claim 10, wherein the outer coating includes a chemical vapor deposited poly(p-xylylene) polymer.

14. A method of handling an endoscope device, wherein the endoscope device includes: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; a roller configured to be driven by a driving force to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; and a cover member configured to be attached to the insertion portion to cover the roller, wherein the cover member includes: a base layer, wherein the portion of the base layer that covers the roller when the roller is rotated around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion is configured to be elastically elongated along the outer surface direction of the insertion portion, and wherein the base layer includes: an elastomer; an auxiliary material configured to change color in response to a temperature change of the auxiliary material from a first temperature associated with a first temperature at which the elastomer has a higher coefficient of friction to a second temperature associated with a second temperature at which the elastomer has a lower coefficient of friction; and wherein the cover member further includes an outer coating formed on at least one of the outer surface direction side and the inner surface direction side of the base layer, wherein the outer coating includes a material selected to reduce a coefficient of friction of an outer surface of the cover member as compared to a coefficient of friction of the base layer and the roller, and wherein the method includes: performing an inspection of the cover member to determine whether the auxiliary material has undergone a color change; warming the cover member in response to a determination that the auxiliary material has not undergone a color change; repeating the inspection of the cover member and the warming of the cover member until a determination is made that the auxiliary material has undergone a color change; and attaching an auxiliary tool having a tubular shape to the insertion portion at a location where the driving force is transmitted from the roller to the rotating unit via the cover member in response to the determination that the auxiliary material has undergone a color change.

Images