Endoscope

Abstract

Provided is an endoscope capable of improving the liquid tightness of an observation window. The endoscope includes an insertion section (12) having a distal end face (28) on the distal end side thereof that is inserted into a subject; an observation window (34) provided to the distal end face (28) and used for observing the inside of the subject; a fluid ejection nozzle (40) provided to the distal end face (28) and used for ejecting fluid toward the observation window (34); and a channel port (48) provided to the distal end face and used for leading a treatment instrument or suctioning fluid. The distal end face (28) has a hydrophobic property in a nozzle facing region (102) between the fluid ejection nozzle (40) and the observation window (34), and has a hydrophilic property in a channel port adjacent region (104) on the side opposite the nozzle facing region (102) with the channel port (48) interposed therebetween.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope that improves the fluid-free properties of an observation window disposed on the front end face of the insertion portion. Background Technology

[0002] The endoscope has an observation window for taking in light from the area being observed and an illumination window for illuminating the area being observed on its front end face. Furthermore, a fluid jet nozzle is provided on the front end face for spraying cleaning fluid (e.g., water) and gas (e.g., air) toward the observation window to remove fluids or other deposits adhering to it.

[0003] When cleaning the observation window, firstly, cleaning fluid is sprayed from the nozzle of the fluid jet nozzle to remove the deposits adhering to the observation window. Then, gas is sprayed from the nozzle to remove the cleaning fluid remaining in the observation window.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope that allows fluid ejected from a nozzle to flow through the observation window and an adjacent area adjacent to the observation window during cleaning of the observation window. According to this endoscope, a fluid guide is provided between the fluid ejection nozzle and the observation window, a first fluid path that guides a portion of the fluid guided by the fluid guide to the observation window, and a second fluid path that guides fluid that deviates from the fluid guide to the aforementioned adjacent area.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope capable of removing residual liquid in the observation window by air delivery from an air delivery nozzle. According to this endoscope, at least a portion of the flat portion of the front cover, the window surface of the observation window, and at least a portion of the inclined portion are configured as a front cover with surface properties that have high affinity for liquids.

[0006] Previous technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-202707

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-22006 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0011] The endoscope has a port on its tip for discharging instruments or aspirating fluid. Sometimes, liquids such as cleaning water from the viewing window or the area being observed may remain near the opening of this port. When gas is ejected from the nozzle of a fluid ejection nozzle while liquid remains near the port opening, the liquid will continue to move towards the viewing window through the ejected gas, causing it to be reflected in the image or leaving liquid (droplets) in the viewing window.

[0012] The present invention was made in view of this situation, and its object is to provide an endoscope that can achieve improved visibility of the viewing window.

[0013] means for solving technical problems

[0014] To achieve the objectives of this invention, the endoscope includes: an insertion portion having a front end face on the front end side inserted into the subject body; an observation window disposed on the front end face and used for observing the subject body; a nozzle disposed on the front end face and spraying fluid toward the observation window; and a forceps port disposed on the front end face and used for discharging a treatment instrument or aspirating fluid. In the front end face, the nozzle-opposing region between the nozzle and the observation window is hydrophobic, and the forceps port adjacent region on the side opposite to the nozzle-opposing region across the forceps port is hydrophilic.

[0015] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the front end face has a jaw forming face with a jaw forming face and a protruding face that protrudes forward from the jaw forming face to become the front end side, and at least one of an observation window and a nozzle is disposed on the protruding face.

[0016] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the protruding face has an observation window configured face with an observation window and a nozzle configured face with a nozzle, wherein the observation window configured face protrudes further forward than the nozzle configured face.

[0017] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the prominent face is hydrophobic.

[0018] In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the clamping orifice is positioned near the area opposite the nozzle.

[0019] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle periphery region on the front end face, on the side opposite to the nozzle opening and across the nozzle opposing region, is hydrophobic.

[0020] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle has an outlet for ejecting fluid, and at least a portion of the nozzle orifice is positioned closer to the observation window side than a reference line extending from the outlet.

[0021] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the fluid discharge area on the front end face, on the side opposite to the nozzle area across the observation window, is hydrophilic.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] According to the present invention, the liquid-blocking property of the observation window of the endoscope can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is an overall view of the endoscope involved in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the structure of the front end face of the insertion part of the endoscope.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view of the front face is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view cut along line IV-IV.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a top view showing the structure of the fluid guide and the fluid path.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions of the front end.

[0030] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the flow of liquid on the tip surface of the comparative example endoscope.

[0031] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the flow of liquid on the tip surface of the endoscope in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the endoscope involved in the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is an overall view of the endoscope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope 10 includes an insertion part 12 that is inserted into the body of the patient; an operation part 14 provided at the base of the insertion part 12; and a universal cable 16 that connects the endoscope 10 to a system consisting of a light source device, a processor device, and an air and water supply device (not shown).

[0035] The insertion part 12 has a front end, a base end, and an axis, namely the longitudinal axis A, of the insertion part 12, and a flexible part 18, a curved part 20, and a front end 22 are sequentially provided from the base end toward the front end.

[0036] The flexible portion 18 is flexible and can be bent in any direction along the insertion path of the insertion portion 12. The bending portion 20 can be bent in the up-down and left-right directions respectively by operating the bend knobs 24 and 26 rotatably provided on the operating portion 14, and the direction of the front end portion 22 can be changed in any direction. Furthermore, the front end portion 22 has a front end surface 28 provided at the front end of the insertion portion 12 (see reference). Figure 2 ).

[0037] Figure 2 This is a magnified three-dimensional view of the front end 22. Figure 3 From the vertical axis A (reference) Figure 1 The front view of the front end 22 was viewed from the front. Furthermore, Figure 4 It is along Figure 2 A sectional view of the front end 22 cut along line IV-IV. Additionally, in Figure 3 In the diagram, the fluid ejection nozzle 40 is shown in cross-sectional view to illustrate the pipeline.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, the front end portion 22 has a front end body 30 made of a hard material such as metal and holding various components disposed on the front end portion 22, and a front end cover 32 made of an insulating resin material and covering the front end surface 30A and the front end outer peripheral surface 30B of the front end body 30. Additionally, in Figure 4 In the middle, as an assembly held at the front end body 30 and the front end cover 32, a lens barrel 38 is shown that houses the observation window 34 constituting the observation section and the optical system 36, as well as the front end portion 42A of the air and water delivery channel 42 connected to the fluid ejection nozzle (equivalent to "nozzle") 40.

[0039] use Figure 2 and Figure 3 The structure of the front end face 28 of the front end portion 22 will be described. The front end face 28 is formed on the front end side of the front end cover 32. The front end face 28 is formed as a flat surface with a circular shape, with the intersection with the longitudinal axis A as the center C of the front end face 28. In the following description, "front end side" refers to the front end side in the direction of the longitudinal axis A of the insertion portion 12.

[0040] The front end face 28 has a clamping opening forming face 56 that forms a clamping opening 48. Illumination windows 44 and 46 are provided on the same surface as the clamping opening forming face 56. The front end face 28 has a protruding face 58 that protrudes forward from the clamping opening forming face 56. The protruding face 58 has an observation window configuration face 60 and a nozzle configuration face 62. An observation window 34 is provided on the observation window configuration face 60, and a fluid ejection nozzle 40 is provided on the nozzle configuration face 62. The observation window configuration face 60 is configured to protrude further forward than the nozzle configuration face 62.

[0041] The clamping orifice 48 penetrates the insertion portion 12 via insertion (reference). Figure 1 The not shown pliers channel inside the operating unit 14 is connected to the pliers inlet 50. Therefore, the treatment instrument introduced from the pliers inlet 50 is discharged from the pliers channel 48 via the pliers channel.

[0042] Furthermore, a suction channel (not shown) is connected to the aforementioned clamp channel, via the operating unit 14 (see reference). Figure 1 The operation of the suction button 54 enables suction action from the clamping port 48 via the suction channel.

[0043] Illumination windows 44 and 46 are components of an illumination unit used to illuminate the observed part, irradiating the observed part with illumination light sent from the aforementioned light source device.

[0044] The circular surfaces 44S and 46S of the illumination windows 44 and 46 are formed, for example, by flat surfaces and are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Moreover, the centers of each of the surfaces 44S and 46S are arranged at a position offset from the center C of the front end surface 28 toward the periphery of the front end surface 28, and the center B of the surface 34S across the observation window 34 is arranged opposite to each other.

[0045] The observation window 34 is a component of the observation unit used to acquire an image of the observed area, and transmits the subject light from the observed area via... Figure 4 The optical system 36 shown is incorporated into a solid-state imaging element (not shown). The image captured by this observation section is sent as an image signal to the aforementioned processor device.

[0046] The circular surface 34S of the observation window 34 is formed, for example, from a flat surface and is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis D of the observation section. Furthermore, the center B of the surface 34S is positioned offset from the periphery of the front end surface 28 relative to the center C of the front end surface 28. Additionally, the optical axis D is approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis A, and the center B is located on the optical axis D.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, the fluid ejection nozzle 40 has a base portion 40A and a front portion 40B, and the shape including the base portion 40A and the front portion 40B is configured as an L-shape.

[0048] The base portion 40A forms a connection portion that connects to the front end portion 42A of the air and water supply channel 42, and is connected to the aforementioned air and water supply device via the air and water supply channel 42. Furthermore, the cross-section of the pipe 41A of the base portion 40A, perpendicular to the axis of the pipe 41A, is formed as a circle, and the center E of this circle is located at the center C relative to the front end face 28 (see reference). Figure 3 It is positioned offset from the periphery of the front face 28 and is located close to the lighting window 44 of the lighting windows 44 and 46 in order to avoid interference with the opening 48.

[0049] The front end portion 40B has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the axis of the pipe 41B, and an outlet 52 is formed at the front end of the pipe 41B that opens toward the observation window 34. Similar to the cross-sectional shape of the pipe 41B, the outlet 52 is also a rectangular opening.

[0050] The fluid ejection nozzle 40, configured as described above, can be locked by a finger in the operating section 14 (see reference). Figure 1 When the air / water supply button 55 has a leak hole (not shown), gas from the air / water supply device is sprayed from the nozzle 52 toward the surface 34S of the observation window 34. Furthermore, if the air / water supply button 55 is pressed with a finger that has the leak hole closed, cleaning fluid from the air / water supply device is sprayed from the nozzle 52 toward the surface 34S of the observation window 34. Additionally, as a sequence for cleaning the observation window 34, for example, after spraying cleaning fluid from the nozzle 52 to remove blood or bodily fluids adhering to the surface 34S of the observation window 34, gas is sprayed from the nozzle 52 to remove any remaining cleaning fluid from the surface 34S of the observation window 34.

[0051] And, as Figure 3 As shown, when the front end face 28 is observed from the front end side of the endoscope 10, regarding the positions of the fluid ejection nozzle 40 and the clamping port 48, when the reference line 66 is set along the extension line of the nozzle outlet 52 that extends vertically relative to the axis I of the front end portion 40B of the fluid ejection nozzle 40, at least a portion of the clamping port 48 is positioned closer to the observation window 34 than the reference line 66. The clamping port 48 is located close to the fluid ejection nozzle 40. In this embodiment, the fluid ejection nozzle 40 is disposed on the protruding part 58, and the clamping port 48 is located close to the protruding part 58.

[0052] (Structure of the fluid guide)

[0053] Next, the structure related to the flow path of the fluid ejected from the nozzle 52 will be described in detail.

[0054] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, a fluid guide 68 is provided on the front end face 28 to guide the fluid ejected from the nozzle 52 to the observation window 34, etc. This fluid guide 68 is provided on the extension of the rectangular opening area of ​​the nozzle 52 between the fluid ejection nozzle 40 and the observation window 34 and extends in the fluid ejection direction.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a top view showing the structure of the fluid guide and the fluid path guided by the fluid guide. The fluid guide 68 is composed of a raised portion 70 that protrudes from the front end face 28 toward the longitudinal axis A.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the raised portion 70 has a top 72 formed on the front end side in the longitudinal axis A direction of the raised portion 70. Furthermore, the raised portion 70 has a pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76. The pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 are respectively formed on both sides of the top 72 in the direction of arrow H, which is orthogonal to the straight line G connecting the center F of the opening region of the nozzle 52 and the center B of the observation window 34. This pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 functions as guide surfaces leading a portion of the fluid ejected from the nozzle 52 towards the two side portions 34A, 34B of the observation window 34 in the direction of arrow H in the surface 34S of the observation window 34. Additionally, as an example, in... Figure 3 The diagram shows a structure where the center C is located on the line G, but it is not limited to this; it can also be a structure where the center C is offset from the line G.

[0057] As an example, the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 are formed by an inclined surface that includes a component that is oblique to the longitudinal axis A and extends from the straight line G in the direction of the arrow H as the fluid ejection nozzle 40 moves toward the observation window 34. Furthermore, the aforementioned inclined surface is just one example; any surface with a shape capable of guiding the fluid to the two sides 34A, 34B of the observation window 34 can be formed.

[0058] Furthermore, the raised portion 70 has a second guide surface 78. This second guide surface 78 is disposed between the fluid ejection nozzle 40 and the top 72, and functions as a guide surface that leads a portion of the fluid ejected from the nozzle 52 through the top 72 to the central portion 34C of the observation window 34.

[0059] As an example, the second guide surface 78 is formed by an inclined surface that slopes towards the front end in the longitudinal axis A direction as the fluid ejection nozzle 40 moves toward the observation window 34. Furthermore, the aforementioned inclined surface is just one example; any other surface can be used as long as it has a shape that can guide the fluid toward the central portion 34C of the observation window 34.

[0060] Furthermore, the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 and second guide surfaces 78 are connected to each other via curved ridge portions 80, 82. Also, the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 and second guide surfaces 78 are each composed of surfaces containing streamlined curved surfaces.

[0061] Next, the function of the fluid guide 68, which has the first guide surfaces 74 and 76 and the second guide surface 78, will be explained.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the fluid ejected from the nozzle 52 of the fluid ejection nozzle 40, specifically the fluid ejected from the center F of the nozzle 52 in the direction of arrow H, flows from the second guide surface 78 via the ridge portions 80 and 82 to a pair of first guide surfaces 74 and 76, as indicated by the first fluid paths 90 and 92 (represented by arrows J and K). Then, it is guided by the pair of first guide surfaces 74 and 76 to the two sides 34A and 34B of the observation window 34, and flows towards them. Thus, the two sides 34A and 34B of the observation window 34 are cleaned by the fluid flowing along the first fluid paths 90 and 92.

[0063] Thus, on the front end face 28 of the insertion part 12, a fluid guide part 68 composed of a raised part 70 is provided between the fluid ejection nozzle 40 and the observation window 34, and is configured such that a portion of the fluid ejected from the nozzle 52 is guided to the two sides 34A and 34B of the observation window 34 through a pair of first guide surfaces 74 and 76 formed on both sides of the top 72, thereby improving the cleanability of the two sides 34A and 34B of the observation window 34.

[0064] Furthermore, the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 are formed by an inclined surface containing a component that is oblique to the longitudinal axis A and extends in the direction of arrow H as the fluid ejection nozzle 40 moves toward the observation window 34, thus enabling the fluid to be smoothly guided to the two sides 34A, 34B of the observation window 34.

[0065] On the other hand, as indicated by the second fluid path 94 (arrow L), the fluid ejected from the center F of the nozzle 52 and its vicinity is guided by the second guide surface 78 via the top 72 to the central portion 34C of the observation window 34. Thus, the central portion 34C of the observation window 34 is cleaned by the fluid flowing along the second fluid path 94.

[0066] Furthermore, the second guide surface 78 in the embodiment is formed by an inclined surface that slopes towards the front end in the longitudinal axis A direction as the fluid ejection nozzle 40 moves toward the observation window 34, thus enabling the fluid to be smoothly guided to the central portion 34C of the observation window 34.

[0067] Furthermore, the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 and the second guide surface 78 are connected to each other via curved ridge portions 80, 82. Therefore, fluid flowing along the first fluid paths 90, 92 flows smoothly from the second guide surface 78 toward the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 through the ridge portions 80, 82. As a result, fluid can be effectively guided toward the two sides 34A, 34B of the observation window 34.

[0068] Furthermore, the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 include streamlined curved surfaces, thus allowing fluid to be smoothly guided from the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 toward the two sides 34A, 34B of the observation window 34. Similarly, the second guide surface 78 also includes a streamlined curved surface, thus allowing fluid to be smoothly guided from the second guide surface 78 toward the center 34C of the observation window 34. By configuring the first guide surfaces 74, 76 and the second guide surface 78 in such a streamlined manner, even in the event of a violent collision between the fluid and the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 and the second guide surface 78, fluid splashing can be suppressed, thus enabling most of the fluid ejected from the nozzle 52 to be effectively utilized for cleaning the observation window 34.

[0069] The aforementioned streamlined surface refers to, for example, a curved surface that smoothly bulges out from the front end surface 28 toward the front end side of the longitudinal axis A. Furthermore, the first guide surfaces 74, 76 and the second guide surface 78, in addition to being composed solely of the aforementioned streamlined surfaces, can be surfaces that connect streamlined surfaces and flat surfaces, as long as they can smoothly guide the fluid to the observation window 34.

[0070] As a preferred embodiment, the fluid guide 68 of this embodiment also has the following structure.

[0071] The fluid guide section 68 has a flat third guide surface 84 to allow the fluid passing through the second guide surface 78 to flow smoothly toward the observation window 34. By having the third guide surface 84, the fluid from the second guide surface 78 via the top 72 toward the center 34C of the observation window 34 can be smoothly guided to the center 34C of the observation window 34 through the third guide surface 84.

[0072] Furthermore, the fluid guide section 68 is provided with a fourth guide surface 86, 88 in order to guide the fluid ejected from the nozzle 52 that deviates from the pair of first guide surfaces 74, 76 to the two sides 34A, 34B of the observation window 34.

[0073] By providing fourth guide surfaces 86 and 88 in the fluid guide section 68, fluid ejected from the nozzle 52 that deviates from the pair of first guide surfaces 74 and 76 in the direction of arrow H is guided by the fourth guide surfaces 86 and 88 to the two sides 34A and 34B of the observation window 34 via the third fluid paths 96 and 98 indicated by arrows M and N, and flows to the two sides 34A and 34B. Thus, the two sides 34A and 34B can be cleaned together with the fluid flowing along the first fluid paths 90 and 92 indicated by arrows J and K, thereby further improving the cleaning performance of the two sides 34A and 34B.

[0074] (Surface properties of the front end)

[0075] Next, the surface characteristics of the front end face 28 will be described. In this embodiment, in order to prevent liquid remaining on the front end face 28 and liquid remaining due to incomplete suction through the clamping port 48 from moving toward the observation window 34 due to the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle, the front end face 28 is given hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity.

[0076] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions of the front face 28. (See diagram for example.) Figure 6 As shown, according to the front end surface 28 of this embodiment, the nozzle-facing region 102 between the fluid ejection nozzle 40 and the observation window 34 is set as a hydrophobic region. Furthermore, the adjacent region 104 of the clamping opening 48 on the side opposite to the nozzle-facing region 102 is set as a hydrophilic region.

[0077] Furthermore, the front end face 28 sets the nozzle periphery area 106 on the side opposite to the nozzle opposing area 102 and the clamping mouth 48 as a hydrophobic area.

[0078] Furthermore, the fluid discharge area 108 on the side opposite to the nozzle opposing area 102, separated by the observation window 34, is designed to be a hydrophilic area.

[0079] To create a hydrophobic region, for example, the surface roughness Ra of the front end face 28 can be made less than 0.4. Preferably, the surface roughness Ra can be made less than 0.2. Similarly, to create a hydrophilic region, the surface roughness Ra can be made less than 0.4. To form both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions based on surface roughness, after cutting the surface in a mold polishing process to make the entire surface hydrophilic (e.g., Ra = 0.4), the areas to be hydrophobic (nozzle-facing region 102, nozzle peripheral region 106) of the cut surface are polished (e.g., polished to Ra = 0.2), thereby effectively forming the desired hydrophobic region.

[0080] Furthermore, the contact angle of the front end face 28 is preferably set to 80° or more for the hydrophobic region. And, preferably, the contact angle of the hydrophilic region is set to 70° or less. Additionally, the contact angle can be a value measured using a DAICO MFG CO., LTD. "Wettability Evaluation Apparatus LSE-ME1 (Contact Angle Meter)".

[0081] In addition to the method of forming based on the surface roughness described above, hydrophobic areas can also be formed by applying a hydrophobic coating. As a hydrophobic coating, a coating agent such as a fluorinated resin or a silicone resin can be used. By applying these coating agents and allowing them to cure, hydrophobic areas can be created.

[0082] Next, the effects of setting hydrophobic and hydrophilic areas on the front end surface 28 will be explained. Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the flow of liquid on the tip surface of the comparative example endoscope. Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the flow of liquid on the tip surface of the endoscope in this embodiment.

[0083] In the comparative example, the endoscope's tip surface 128 is a tip surface in a region that is neither hydrophobic nor hydrophilic. In this case, such as Figure 7 As shown, surface tension is used to extract the liquid 110 remaining in the jaw opening 48 at the end of the jaw opening 48 and on the side of the protruding surface 58. Furthermore, the liquid 110 is extracted through the irregularities of the fluid ejection nozzle 40 and the fluid guide portion 68 provided on the front end face 128. In this state, if gas is ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40, the liquid 110 extracted between the observation window 34 and the fluid ejection nozzle 40 is transported to the observation window 34. Moreover, the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40 continues to extract the liquid 110 remaining in the jaw opening 48, so the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40 and the liquid 110 continue to move on the observation window 34 in a mixed state. Therefore, it is easy for liquid to be reflected in the observation image or for liquid remaining in the observation window 34 to be difficult to remove.

[0084] According to the front end face 28 of this embodiment, as Figure 8 As shown, by making the nozzle-opposing region 102 hydrophobic, it is possible to prevent liquid 110 remaining in the clamping orifice 48 due to incomplete suction from flowing into the area between the fluid ejection nozzle 40 and the observation window 34. Furthermore, by making the clamping orifice-adjacent region 104 hydrophilic, it is possible to guide the liquid 110 remaining in the clamping orifice 48 towards the clamping orifice-adjacent region 104. By preventing residual water and bodily fluids from remaining in the nozzle-opposing region 102, it is possible to prevent the continued suction of liquid 110 remaining in the clamping orifice 48 by the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40, and the liquid moves towards the observation window 34.

[0085] Furthermore, the observation window 34 and the fluid ejection nozzle 40 are disposed on the protruding surface 58. If the jaw opening 48 and the protruding surface 58 are disposed close together, due to surface tension, the liquid 110 remaining in the jaw opening 48 can easily become connected in the jaw opening 48 and the protruding surface 58. According to this embodiment, by making the nozzle opposing region 102 hydrophobic, it is possible to prevent the liquid 110 from flowing between the observation window 34 and the fluid ejection nozzle 40, thus preventing the liquid 110 from moving towards the observation window 34 due to the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40.

[0086] Furthermore, the protruding surface 58 is provided with a nozzle configuration surface 62 and an observation window configuration surface 60 that protrudes further forward than the nozzle configuration surface 62. A fluid guide portion 68 is provided between the observation window 34 and the fluid ejection nozzle 40. Therefore, liquid 110 remaining in the channel opening 48 can be easily drawn into the space between them. According to this embodiment, by making the nozzle opposing region 102 hydrophobic, liquid flow between the observation window 34 and the fluid ejection nozzle 40 can be prevented, thus preventing liquid from moving towards the observation window 34 due to the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40.

[0087] Furthermore, the positional relationship between the front sides of the observation window configuration surface 60 and the nozzle configuration surface 62 is not limited to this. In the protruding surface 58, the observation window configuration surface 60 and the nozzle configuration surface 62 can be provided on the same surface. Moreover, the observation window 34 and the fluid ejection nozzle 40 can be provided on the same surface as the jaw opening forming surface 56, or either one can be provided on the same surface as the jaw opening forming surface 56. Even with this structure, by making the nozzle opposing region 102 hydrophobic and the jaw opening adjacent region 104 hydrophilic, it is possible to prevent liquid 110 from flowing through the region between the observation window 34 and the fluid ejection nozzle 40 (nozzle opposing region 102), thus preventing liquid 110 remaining in the jaw opening 48 due to the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40 from moving towards the observation window 34.

[0088] Furthermore, it can prevent the liquid 110 remaining in the clamp opening 48 from flowing through the nozzle opposing area 102, therefore... Figure 3 As shown, even if the position of the clamping orifice 48 is positioned closer to the observation window 34 than the reference line 66 of the extended nozzle 52, it can prevent the liquid 110 from moving towards the observation window 34. Therefore, the position of the clamping orifice 48 can be configured on the front end face 28 without restricting its position, thus enabling a smaller diameter of the insertion part.

[0089] Furthermore, the endoscope 10 in this embodiment has a fluid guide 68 on its front end face, allowing the fluid ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40 to effectively flow through both ends of the observation window 34. At this time, as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 As described, if the clamping port 48 is arranged adjacent to the fluid ejection nozzle 40, the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40 is sprayed to the vicinity of the clamping port 48. Therefore, if the liquid drawn into the clamping port 48 is in a state of residue in the clamping port 48, the liquid is drawn out by the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40, thereby making it easier for the liquid to flow through the observation window 34. By making the region 104 adjacent to the clamping port hydrophilic, the liquid residue in the clamping port 48 can be guided to the region on the opposite side of the clamping port 48 relative to the path of the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40. Thus, the liquid 110 residue in the clamping port 48 can be prevented from moving towards the observation window 34 due to the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40.

[0090] Furthermore, by making the nozzle periphery region 106 hydrophobic, it is possible to prevent liquid 110 remaining in the jaw opening 48 from crossing the hydrophobic nozzle opposing region 102 and moving towards the vicinity of the fluid ejection nozzle 40 on the opposite side of the jaw opening 48. Moreover, it is possible to prevent liquid remaining on the front end face 28 from lingering near the fluid ejection nozzle 40. Therefore, liquid lingering can also be prevented near the fluid ejection nozzle 40 on the opposite side of the jaw opening 48, thereby preventing liquid from moving towards the observation window 34 due to the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40.

[0091] Furthermore, by making the fluid discharge area 108 hydrophilic, liquid present on the observation window 34 can be easily discharged from the fluid discharge area 108. Thus, by using gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40, liquid on the observation window 34 can be easily discharged.

[0092] In addition, Figure 6 In this design, the nozzle-opposing region 102 is made hydrophobic, but the entire protruding surface 58 can also be made hydrophobic. The fluid ejection nozzle 40 and the observation window 34 are positioned on the protruding surface 58; therefore, by making the protruding surface 58 hydrophobic, it is possible to prevent liquid 110 remaining in the channel opening 48 from contacting the protruding surface 58. This prevents liquid 110 from being drawn out of the protruding surface 58 by the gas ejected from the fluid ejection nozzle 40, and also prevents it from moving towards the observation window 34.

[0093] Symbol Explanation

[0094] 10-Endoscope, 12-Insertion section, 14-Operating section, 16-Universal cable, 18-Flexible section, 20-Bend section, 22-Front end section, 24, 26-Angle knob, 28, 128-Front end face, 30-Front end body, 30A-Front end face of the front end body, 30B-Outer peripheral surface of the front end body, 32-Front end cover, 34-Observation window, 34A-Both sides, 34B-Both sides, 34C-Central part, 34S-Surface of the observation window 36-Optical system, 38-Lens barrel, 40-Nose for fluid ejection, 40A-Base section, 40B-Front end section, 41A-Pipeline of the base section, 41B-Pipeline of the front end section, 42-Air and water supply channel, 42A-Front end section of the air and water supply channel, 44, 46-Illumination window, 44S, 46S-Surface of the illumination window, 48-Pliers inlet, 50-Pliers inlet, 52-Ejection outlet, 54-Suction button, 55-Air and water supply button, 5 6-Pinch-shaped face, 58-Protruding face, 60-Observation window face, 62-Nozzle face, 66-Baseline, 68-Fluid guide, 70-Raised portion, 72-Top, 74, 76-First guide surface, 78-Second guide surface, 80, 82-Ridge portion, 84-Third guide surface, 86, 88-Fourth guide surface, 90, 92-First fluid path, 94-Second fluid path, 96, 98-Third fluid path, 102 - Nozzle opposing area, 104 - Adjacent area to the nozzle orifice, 106 - Nozzle peripheral area, 108 - Fluid discharge area, 110 - Liquid, A - Longitudinal axis, B - Center of the surface of the observation window, C - Center of the front end face, D - Optical axis of the observation window, E - Center of the base portion of the nozzle for fluid ejection, F - Center of the opening area of ​​the nozzle outlet, G - Straight line connecting the center of the opening area of ​​the nozzle outlet and the center of the observation window, I - Axis of the base portion of the nozzle for fluid ejection.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: The insertion part has a front end face on the front end side that is inserted into the body of the test subject; An observation window is provided on the front end face and is used to observe the body inside the test subject; A nozzle is disposed on the front end face and sprays fluid toward the observation window; A clamping port is provided on the front end face and is used to discharge treatment instruments or aspirate fluid; as well as A raised portion protrudes from the front end face and is positioned between the nozzle and the observation window. In the front end face, the nozzle-opposing region, located between the nozzle and the observation window and in contact with a portion of the opening edge of the clamp passage, is hydrophobic; the clamp passage adjacent region, located on the side opposite to the nozzle-opposing region and in contact with another portion of the opening edge of the clamp passage, is hydrophilic. The nozzle opposing region is located on the raised portion.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, The front end face has a jaw forming face where the jaw jaws are formed and a protruding face that protrudes forward from the jaw forming face to become the front end side. The protruding surface is provided with at least one of the observation window and the nozzle.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein, The protruding surface has an observation window configuration surface with the observation window and a nozzle configuration surface with the nozzle. The viewing window protrudes further forward than the nozzle.

4. The endoscope according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The protruding face is hydrophobic.

5. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The clamp orifice is positioned near the area opposite the nozzle.

6. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the front end face, the nozzle periphery region on the side opposite to the caliper opening, separated from the nozzle opposing region, is hydrophobic.

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The nozzle has an outlet for ejecting fluid. At least a portion of the clamping orifice is positioned closer to the observation window side than the baseline that forms an extension of the nozzle outlet.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, In the front end face, the fluid discharge area on the side opposite to the nozzle area, separated by the observation window, is hydrophilic.

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