Endoscope

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing an endoscope capable of improving the cleanability of the tip main body of an endoscope insertion section. This endoscope is provided with: a tip main body (20) provided on the tip side of an endoscope insertion section (12); a stand (26) provided on the tip main body (20); a front end cover (100) which can be attached to and detached from the front end main body (20); an operation cable (66) for operating the stand (26); and a cable insertion passage (71) through which an operation cable (66) is inserted, the front end cover (100) sealing at least a space portion including an outlet (70) of the cable insertion passage (71) when the front end cover (100) is attached to the front end main body (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope including an erecting platform at a front end body of an endoscope insertion portion. Background Art

[0002] In an endoscope, various treatment instruments are inserted from a treatment instrument introduction port provided in the operation part, and are led out from a treatment instrument lead-out port opened at the front end of the insertion part for treatment. For example, in a duodenoscope, treatment instruments such as a guide wire or a molding hose are used. Such treatment instruments need to change the lead-out direction at the front end of the insertion part in order to treat the desired position in the subject, so a treatment instrument erection mechanism (erecting platform) is provided at the front end.

[0003] As a treatment instrument standing mechanism, the following mechanism (open type) is known: a cable is set on the standing platform and the cable is extended to the operating part of the endoscope, and the cable is pushed and pulled by an operating lever provided in the operating part to swing the standing platform around the rotation axis, thereby changing the position between the standing position and the lying position.

[0004] In addition, the following mechanism (closed type) is also known: the rotation axis of the standing platform is connected to a rod housed across the partition, a cable is set on the rod, and the cable is pushed and pulled by an operating lever of an operating unit to swing the standing platform around the rotation axis, thereby changing the position between the standing position and the lying position.

[0005] The shape and structure of the front end portion provided with such a treatment tool erecting mechanism are complicated, and therefore, it is required to improve the cleaning performance with a cleaning liquid.

[0006] Patent document 1 discloses an endoscope in which a front end cover is provided on a front end body of an endoscope insertion portion so as to be rotatable between a locked position and a released position, and when the front end cover is rotated to the locked position, the outlet of the cable insertion path is covered by the front end cover.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Chinese Utility Model Specification No. 207012171

[0008] However, when the outlet of the cable insertion path is covered only by the distal end cover as in the endoscope of Patent Document 1, the outlet of the cable insertion path may be contaminated by liquid that penetrates from the gap between the distal end body and the distal end cover.

[0009] If the outlet of the cable insertion passage is contaminated, the cable that is in sliding contact with the edge of the outlet is also contaminated. The cable is a cable made of multiple bare wires twisted together. If liquid penetrates between the bare wires, it becomes extremely difficult to clean the cable itself. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of improving the cleansability of a distal end portion body of an endoscope insertion portion.

[0011] The endoscope involved in the first embodiment comprises: a front end body, which is arranged on the front end side of the endoscope insertion part; a rising platform, which is arranged on the front end body; a front end cover that can be loaded and unloaded on the front end body; an operating cable for operating the rising platform; and a cable insertion passage for inserting the operating cable, and when the front end cover is installed on the front end body, the front end cover at least seals the space portion including the outlet of the cable insertion passage.

[0012] The endoscope according to the second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the distal end cover has a first sealing member on a surface facing the space portion.

[0013] The endoscope according to the third aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the distal end portion body has:

[0014] a rod connected to one end of the operating cable and used to move the erection platform; and

[0015] A rod receiving portion for receiving the rod,

[0016] The front end cover seals the rod receiving portion.

[0017] The endoscope according to the fourth aspect is characterized in that in the first aspect or the second aspect, the distal end portion body has a partition wall that separates the side where the rising platform is provided and the side where the cable insertion path is provided.

[0018] A through hole is provided on the partition wall, which passes through the side where the standing platform is provided and the side where the cable insertion passage is provided.

[0019] The endoscope includes a power transmission member that is inserted into the through hole and has one end connected to a rising base and the other end connected to an operation cable.

[0020] The endoscope involved in the fifth embodiment is in the fourth embodiment, wherein the power transmission component comprises: a rotating shaft, which is inserted into the through hole and connected to a rising platform at one end; and a rod, which is arranged at the other end of the rotating shaft via a bending portion and is connected to an operating cable, and the front end body has a rod accommodating portion for accommodating the rod, and the front end cover seals the rod accommodating portion.

[0021] The endoscope according to the sixth aspect includes a second sealing member that seals the through hole in the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect.

[0022] In the endoscope according to a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the second sealing member is a biocompatible silicone lubricant.

[0023] The endoscope according to the eighth aspect is one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the distal end cover is rotatably mounted on the distal end body and rotates between a locked state in which the distal end body cannot rotate and a released state in which the locked state is released.

[0024] The endoscope according to the ninth aspect is characterized in that in the eighth aspect, the distal end portion body has a hook portion,

[0025] The front cover has: a first hole to allow the hook to be inserted and removed; and a second hole to engage with the hook.

[0026] The state in which the hook is inserted into the first hole is the released state, and the state in which the hook is engaged with the second hole is the locked state.

[0027] In the endoscope according to the tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the first hole and the second hole are arranged along the rotation direction of the distal end cover.

[0028] The endoscope according to the eleventh aspect is the endoscope of the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect, wherein the distal end cover has an opening.

[0029] The front end cover has a stopper portion protruding from the peripheral portion of the opening toward the inner side of the opening.

[0030] The first hole and the second hole are arranged on both sides sandwiching the stopper portion.

[0031] The endoscope according to a twelfth aspect includes a cap attached to the outside of the distal end cover in any one of the first to eleventh aspects.

[0032] Effects of the Invention

[0033] According to the present invention, the cleanability of the distal end portion main body of the endoscope insertion portion can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 It is an assembly perspective view showing the structure of the distal end portion main body of the endoscope insertion portion.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the front end portion main body.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic front view of the front end body.

[0037] Figure 4 This is an assembly diagram of the front end body.

[0038] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the rising platform which is moved by operating the lever.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional view of the appearance of the stand.

[0040] Figure 7 It is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the hook portion.

[0041] Figure 8 It is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the front end cover.

[0042] Fig. 9 It is a perspective view showing a state before the front end cover is fixed.

[0043] Fig.10 It is a perspective view showing a state where the front end cover is fixed.

[0044] Fig.11 It is an explanatory diagram of a sealing member provided at the front end cover.

[0045] Fig.12 It is an assembly perspective view showing the connection structure between the standing platform and the rod.

[0046] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the connection structure shown.

[0047] Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional view of the rotation axis and the through hole.

[0048] Fig.15 This is an explanatory diagram of a space defined by a through hole and a rotation axis.

[0049] Explanation of symbols

[0050] 10-front end portion, 12-insertion portion, 14-bend portion, 16-cylindrical member, 20-front end portion body, 22-first partition wall, 24-second partition wall, 24A-front end surface, 26-upright platform, 28-upright platform storage chamber, 30-opening, 32-treatment instrument insertion passage, 32A-treatment instrument outlet, 50-rotation axis, 50A-axis, 50B-edge portion, 50C-arc portion, 52-through hole, 52A-inner surface, 53-gap portion, 53A-gap side edge portion, 53B-gap side arc portion, 54-rod, 56-rod storage chamber, 58-storage chamber, 60-irradiation window, 62-observation window, 64-air and water supply nozzle, 66 -operating cable, 68-connecting portion, 70-exit, 71-cable insertion passage, 72-through hole, 72B-hole side portion, 72C-hole side arc portion, 80-sealing component, 100-front end cover, 102-opening portion, 104-front end wall, 106-outer peripheral wall, 107-outer wall, 107A-inner surface, 108-opening portion, 108A-peripheral portion, 110-stop portion, 112-first hole, 114-second hole, 122-sealing component, 122A-slit, 150-hook portion, 152-engaging portion, 154-abutting portion, 156-connecting portion, 200-cover, 202-opening window, Ax-major axis, G-guide surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Hereinafter, an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0052] [Implementation Method]

[0053] In the embodiment, a side-viewing endoscope used as a duodenoscope is exemplified. The endoscope includes an operation unit operated by a surgeon and an endoscope insertion unit (hereinafter referred to as "insertion unit") connected to the operation unit and inserted into a subject.

[0054] The insertion section is inserted into the subject through the oral cavity, and then inserted from the esophagus through the stomach to the duodenum. Thus, a treatment instrument inserted into the insertion section is used to perform a predetermined examination or treatment of the duodenum.

[0055] Examples of the treatment instrument include a biopsy forceps having a cup at the tip portion thereof for collecting living tissue, an EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy) knife, and an imaging tube.

[0056] Figure 1 1 is an assembly perspective view showing the structure of the distal end portion 10 having the distal end portion body 20 according to the embodiment. The distal end portion body 20 is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 12. The distal end portion body 20 is an example of a distal end portion body of the present invention.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the insertion portion 12 has a long axis Ax extending from the proximal end side connected to the operation portion toward the distal end side, and includes a soft portion, a bending portion 14, and a distal end portion 10 in this order from the proximal end side toward the distal end side.

[0058] The bending portion 14 is configured to have a cylindrical member 16 that is configured to be bendable by providing a notch in the circumferential direction, and the outer circumference of the cylindrical member 16 is covered with a mesh body woven with metal wires, and further covered with a rubber outer skin. In addition, a plurality of cables extend from the angle knob of the operating portion to the bending portion 14, and the front ends of these cables are fixed to the cylindrical member 16 constituting the bending portion 14. Thus, the bending portion 14 is bent up, down, left, and right by operating the angle knob.

[0059] The distal end portion 10 includes a distal end portion body 20 , a distal end cover 100 detachably attached to the distal end portion body 20 , and a cap 200 attached to the outer side of the distal end cover 100 .

[0060] The front end cover 100 has a stand-up housing chamber 28 (see FIG. 2 ) which is opened and described later when the front end cover 100 is attached to the front end body 20. Figure 3 ) is an open portion 102 of the opening 30 on the upper side of the front cover. The front cover 100 is made of a metal material having corrosion resistance. The front cover 100 will be described later. In addition, the front cover 100 is an example of the front cover of the present invention.

[0061] Furthermore, the cover 200 has an opening window 202 for opening the opening 30 when it is mounted on the front end body 20. The cover 200 has an engaging portion on its base end side that engages with a groove formed in the front end body 20, and is detachably mounted on the front end body 20. The cover 200 is made of a material having elasticity or a soft material such as silicone rubber or polyethylene. In addition, the cover 200 is an example of the cover of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the front end portion body 20 . Figure 3 It is a schematic front view of the distal end portion body 20 .

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the front end body 20 has a pair of first partition walls 22 and second partition walls 24 that are opposed to each other as a part of the front end body 20. A stand accommodating chamber 28 is formed between the first partition wall 22 and the second partition wall 24. The stand accommodating chamber 28 is used to accommodate the stand 26 (in Figure 3 The slit-shaped space (not shown) of the rising stage storage chamber 28 Figure 2 The opening on the middle upper side is formed as the above-mentioned opening 30. The front end body 20 is made of a metal material having corrosion resistance.

[0064] In addition, a treatment instrument insertion passage 32 is connected to the erection platform storage chamber 28 of the front end body 20. The treatment instrument insertion passage 32 is inserted into the insertion portion 12 and connected to the treatment instrument introduction port of the operation portion. Thus, the treatment instrument introduced from the treatment instrument introduction port is led out to the erection platform storage chamber 28 through the treatment instrument insertion passage 32.

[0065] The stand 26 is provided in the front end body 20 and is accommodated in the stand accommodation chamber 28. The stand 26 changes the direction of the treatment tool introduced from the treatment tool outlet 32A, which is the front end opening of the treatment tool insertion passage 32, to the stand accommodation chamber 28 and protrudes from the opening 30. The stand 26 is rotated via a rotation shaft 50 (see FIG. 5 ) described later. Figure 4 ) is swingably provided in the through hole 52 of the first partition wall 22, and can control the direction of leading out the treatment tool when leading out the treatment tool from the treatment tool leading out port 32A. In addition, the standing stand 26 is an example of the standing stand of the present invention.

[0066] A concave rod accommodation chamber 56 for accommodating the rod 54 is formed on the opposite surface of the first partition wall 22 to the surface facing the rising stage accommodation chamber 28. The rod 54 and the rod accommodation chamber 56 are examples of the rod and the rod accommodation portion of the present invention.

[0067] A storage chamber 58 for storing an optical system and the like is provided in the second partition wall 24. An irradiation window 60, an observation window 62, and an air and water supply nozzle 64 facing the observation window 62 are provided in the upper portion of the storage chamber 58. The air and water supply nozzle 64 is connected to the air and water supply device via an air and water supply hose inserted into the insertion portion 12. By operating the air and water supply button of the operation portion, air or water is sprayed from the air and water supply nozzle 64 toward the observation window 62, thereby cleaning the observation window 62.

[0068] Furthermore, an illumination unit and a photographing unit are accommodated in the second partition wall 24. The illumination unit includes an illumination lens disposed inside the illumination window 60 and a light guide member disposed so that the front end faces the illumination lens. The light guide member is inserted into the insertion portion 12, and the base end thereof is connected to the light source device. Thus, the illumination light from the light source device is transmitted through the light guide member and irradiated from the illumination window 60.

[0069] The photographing unit includes a photographing optical system and a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type or CCD (charge coupled device) type imaging element disposed inside the observation window 62. The imaging element is connected to the image processing device via a signal cable inserted into the insertion portion 12. The imaging signal of the subject image obtained by photographing the photographing unit is input to the image processing device via the signal cable, and the subject image is displayed on a monitor connected to the image processing device.

[0070] Figure 4 2 is an assembled stereogram of the front end body 20. Figure 4 In FIG. 5 , the rod 54 is omitted from illustration, and the rotation shaft 50 provided on the rod 54 is shown.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, a through hole 52 is provided on the bottom surface of the concave rod accommodation chamber 56, which penetrates the first partition wall 22 and communicates with the stand accommodation chamber 28. The rotation shaft 50 connecting the stand 26 and the rod 54 is inserted through the through hole 52. That is, the through hole 52 through which the rotation shaft 50 is inserted is provided on the first partition wall 22. The rod 54 in the rod accommodation chamber 56 swings around the rotation shaft 50, so the rod accommodation chamber 56 is formed into a roughly fan shape around the rotation shaft 50. In addition, the rotation shaft 50 and the through hole 52 are examples of the rotation shaft and the through hole of the present invention.

[0072] One end of the rod 54 is connected to the erecting platform 26 via the rotating shaft 50, and the other end is connected to the operation cable 66, the detailed structure of which will be described later. By operating the operation cable 66, the rod 54 and the erecting platform 26 swing together around the rotating shaft 50.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the operation cable 66 has a connection portion 68 connected to the rod 54 in the rod storage chamber 56 at its front end side. That is, one end of the operation cable 66 is connected to the rod 54 for operating the erection platform 26. In addition, the base end side of the operation cable 66 is inserted from the outlet 70 opened to the wall surface of the rod storage chamber 56 to the cable insertion passage 71, thereby connecting to the erection platform operation mechanism in the operation portion. In addition, the operation cable 66 and the cable insertion passage 71 are examples of the operation cable and the cable insertion passage of the present invention.

[0074] According to the front end body 20 configured in this way, the first partition wall 22 is provided to separate the side where the erection stand 26 is provided (the erection stand storage chamber 28) from the side where the cable insertion passage 71 is provided (the rod storage chamber 56). In addition, the first partition wall 22 is provided with a through hole 52, and the through hole 52 allows the side where the erection stand 26 is provided to communicate with the side where the cable insertion passage is provided. In addition, the first partition wall 22 is an example of a partition wall of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 5 VA and VB are explanatory diagrams for explaining the operation of the erecting table 26 which is operated by the operation of the lever 54.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown in VA, if the operating cable 66 is pushed by operating the operating lever, the rod 54 swings in the direction A around the rotating shaft 50, and the erecting platform 26 moves from the erecting position to the lying position. Figure 5 As shown in VB, if the operating cable 66 is pulled by operating the operating lever, the rod 54 swings in the B direction (the direction opposite to the A direction) with the rotating shaft 50 as the center, and the erecting platform 26 moves from the lying position to the standing position. In this way, the operating cable 66 can rotate the rotating shaft 50 via the rod 54 by operating the operating lever. As a result, the position of the erecting platform 26 changes between the standing position and the lying position. In addition, the rod 54 and the rotating shaft 50 can be provided as a whole, or can be provided as a separate body so as to be freely loaded and unloaded. The rod 54 and the rotating shaft 50 are connected via a bending portion, which is an example of a power transmission component of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 6 It is an external perspective view of the standing table 26 accommodated in the standing table accommodation chamber 28 .

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, the stand 26 has an arc-shaped guide surface G. The guide surface G faces the treatment tool outlet 32A of the treatment tool insertion passage 32 in the stand storage chamber 28 and guides the treatment tool introduced from the treatment tool outlet 32A into the stand storage chamber 28 toward the opening 30 .

[0079] The base end portion of the erecting stand 26 is provided with a through hole 72 into which the rotating shaft 50 is inserted. When the rotating shaft 50 is inserted into the through hole 72, the erecting stand 26 is connected to the rod 54 via the rotating shaft 50.

[0080] <Front end cover>

[0081] Next, return Figure 1The front end cover 100 will be described. The front end cover 100 is a member that seals at least the space portion including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion path 71 when mounted on the front end body 20. The front end cover 100 is mounted on the front end body 20 using a hook 150 provided on the front end body 20. First, the hook 150 will be described.

[0082] <Hook)

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, the hook portion 150 is provided on the front end surface 24A of the second partition wall 24 and protrudes from the front end surface 24A in the direction of the long axis Ax (forward). The hook portion 150 includes an engaging portion 152, a contact portion 154, and a connecting portion 156, and is formed in an L-shape as a whole.

[0084] Figure 7 1 is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the hook portion 150. Figure 7 As shown, the connecting portion 156 of the hook portion 150 protrudes forward from the front end surface 24A of the second partition wall 24. The contact portion 154 extends from the front end of the connecting portion 156 toward the front end surface 24A of the second partition wall 24 in parallel with the front end surface 24A of the second partition wall 24. Figure 2 The engaging portion 152 protrudes from the surface side of the abutting portion 154 that is opposite to the front end surface 24A toward the front end surface 24A. The above is the structure of the hook portion 150. In addition, the hook portion 150 is an example of the hook portion of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 8 1 is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the front end cover 100. Figure 8 As shown, the distal end cover 100 has a fan-shaped distal end wall 104 and a semi-cylindrical outer peripheral wall 106 provided on the periphery of the distal end wall 104. When the distal end cover 100 is attached to the distal end body 20, the stand 26 and the treatment tool are led out from the opening 102 provided in the outer peripheral wall 106.

[0086] The front end wall 104 has a generally fan-shaped opening 108. The peripheral portion 108A of the opening 108 has a stopper 110. The stopper 110 is protruded from the peripheral portion 108A toward the inner side of the opening 108. A first hole 112 and a second hole 114 are arranged on both sides sandwiching the stopper 110. The first hole 112 and the second hole 114 are arranged along the rotation direction of the front end cover 100 described later. In addition, the opening 108, the stopper 110, the first hole 112 and the second hole 114 are examples of the opening, the stopper, the first hole and the second hole of the present invention.

[0087] The size of the first hole 112 is formed to be larger than the size of the hook 150 (engaging portion 152). The size of the second hole 114 is formed to be smaller than the size of the hook 150 (engaging portion 152). Thus, the hook 150 is protruded forward from the first hole 112, and the front end cover 100 is rotated, so that the hook 150 (engaging portion 152) can be engaged with the second hole 114.

[0088] Here, regarding the method of fixing the front end cover 100 to the front end body 20, refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Provide explanation. Fig. 9 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the state before fixing. Fig.10 It is a perspective view showing the state after fixing.

[0089] like Fig. 9 As shown, the front end cover 100 is rotatably mounted on the front end body 20. The front end cover 100 is in a locked state (refer to FIG. 1 ) in which the front end body 20 is not rotatable relative to the front end body 20. Fig.10 ) and the unlocked state where the locked state is unlocked (reference Fig. 9 The front end cover 100 rotates with the long axis Ax as the rotation axis.

[0090] Specifically, the front cover 100 is directed from the direction of arrow C (refer to Figure 1 ) is mounted on the front end body 20. At this time, the engaging portion 152 of the hook portion 150 is inserted into the first hole 112 and protrudes forward from the front end wall 104 to form Fig. 9 That is, the state in which the hook portion 150 is inserted into the first hole 112 is the released state, and the distal end cover 100 is allowed to rotate relative to the distal end body 20 .

[0091] Next, if the front end cover 100 is turned toward Fig. 9 When the front end cover 100 is rotated in the direction of arrow D, the stopper 110 enters the gap between the engaging portion 152 and the front end face 24A. In this state, the engaging portion 152 engages with the second hole 114. As a result, the front end cover 100 is fixed to the front end body 20 and becomes a locked state. That is, the state in which the hook 150 engages with the second hole 114 becomes a locked state, which restricts the front end cover 100 from accidentally rotating relative to the front end body 20. A cover 200 (see FIG. 20) is installed on the outside of the front end cover 100. Figure 1 ).

[0092] When the front end cover 100 is removed from the front end body 20, Fig.10 The front end cover 100 in the locked state shown in FIG. 1 is rotated in the direction of arrow E (the direction opposite to the direction of arrow D) to change from the locked state to the Fig. 9 Thus, the front end cover 100 can be removed from the front end body 20 .

[0093] Here, if Fig.10 As shown, when the front end cover 100 is mounted (fixed) to the front end body 20, when liquid penetrates into the rod accommodation chamber 56 from the gap between the front end body 20 and the front end cover 100, the rod 54 and the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 are contaminated by the liquid. If the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 is contaminated, the operation cable 66 in contact with the edge of the outlet 70 is also contaminated. The operation cable 66 is an operation cable formed by twisting a plurality of bare wires, and if liquid penetrates between the bare wires, it becomes extremely difficult to clean the operation cable 66 itself.

[0094] Therefore, the front end portion body 20 of the embodiment has the following structure (sealing structure) to solve such a problem of cleansability and improve the cleansability of the front end portion body 20.

[0095] <Sealing Structure of Space Portion Including Exit of Cable Insertion Path>

[0096] According to the front end body 20 of the embodiment, when the front end cover 100 is mounted on the front end body 20 (refer to Fig.10 ), the front end cover 100 seals at least the space portion including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71. Sealing means that the space portion including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 and the external space of the space portion are shielded watertightly. In contrast, covering is simply covering the space portion of the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71, and does not have the function of shielding watertightly like sealing.

[0097] According to the front end body 20 of the embodiment, when the front end cover 100 is attached to the front end body 20, since at least the space portion including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 is sealed by the front end cover 100, even if liquid enters from the gap between the front end body 20 and the front end cover 100, contamination of the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 by the liquid can be prevented. Thus, the cleanability of the front end body 20 can be improved. Furthermore, if the rod accommodation chamber 56 is also sealed by the front end cover 100, contamination of the rod 54 by the liquid can also be prevented, so the cleanability of the front end body 20 can be improved.

[0098] Fig.11 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sealing structure for sealing the space portion by the front end cover 100 .

[0099] like Fig.11 As shown, the front end cover 100 has a sealing member 120 on the inner surface 107A of the outer wall 107 of the outer peripheral wall 106 that faces the rod accommodation chamber 56. The sealing member 120 is formed in a frame shape on the inner surface 107A, and when the front end cover 100 is mounted on the front end body 20 (refer to Fig.10), closely fitting with the front end body 20 (first partition wall 22 ) to surround the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 formed in the first partition wall 22 and the rod accommodation chamber 56 .

[0100] At this time, the space portion including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 and the space portion including the rod accommodation chamber 56 become the space portion watertightly shielded from the outside space by the front end body 20, the front end cover 100 and the sealing member 120. Thus, the space portion including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 is sealed. In addition, the front end cover 100 also seals the rod accommodation chamber 56.

[0101] As the sealing member 120, a frame-shaped elastic member (for example, made of rubber) can be exemplified. In this case, the sealing member 120 can be formed by arranging the frame-shaped elastic member on the inner surface 107A. In addition, the inner surface 107A of the outer wall 107 is an example of a surface facing the space portion of the present invention, and the sealing member 120 is an example of a first sealing member.

[0102] By providing such a sealing member 120 in the front end cover 100, at least the space portion including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 can be reliably sealed, so that the outlet 70 can be prevented from being contaminated by liquid. Thus, the cleaning performance of the front end body 20 can be improved. In addition, the rod accommodation chamber 56 is also sealed by the sealing member 120, so that the rod 54 can also be prevented from being contaminated by liquid.

[0103] In addition, as a method for preventing contamination of the outlet 70, a lubricant may be filled in the outlet 70 to seal the outlet 70. As the lubricant at this time, a biocompatible silicone lubricant may be cited. Also, as another method for preventing contamination, a tubular sealing member 122 (see Fig.12 ) to prevent contamination of the outlet 70. The sealing member 122 is formed with a slit 122A in the axial direction, and the operation cable 66 can be inserted into the inner side of the sealing member 122 through the slit 122A.

[0104] The front end body 20 is a component that is exposed to liquids such as body fluids when the endoscope is used. Therefore, liquid may flow from the stand-up housing chamber 28 into the through hole 52 of the first partition wall 22 and enter the rod housing chamber 56. In this way, the rotating shaft 50, the through hole 52, the rod 54, etc. are contaminated by the liquid, so these components must be cleaned, but since these components are small and have a complex shape, it is difficult to clean them completely.

[0105] Therefore, the front end portion body 20 of the embodiment has the following structure to improve the cleansability of the front end portion body 20 by solving the above-mentioned problem of cleansability.

[0106] <Through-hole sealing structure>

[0107] Fig.12 It is an assembly perspective view showing a connection structure between the rising stand 26 and the rod 54 for sealing the through hole 52 . Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the connection structure shown.

[0108] <Rotation axis>

[0109] First, the rotating shaft 50 is described. The rotating shaft 50 has a flat side portion 50B and a curved arc portion 50C in a circumferential surface parallel to the axis 50A of the rotating shaft 50. Specifically, the rotating shaft 50 has a substantially triangular prism shape as follows: the side portions 50B and the arc portions 50C are alternately formed at three locations in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 50, and these side portions 50B and the arc portions 50C are extended along the axis 50A direction.

[0110] When the rotating shaft 50 is inserted into the through hole 52 to connect the upright stand 26 and the rod 54, Fig.14 As shown in the cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft 50 and the through hole 52, the arc portion 50C of the rotating shaft 50 is in sliding contact with the inner surface 52A of the through hole 52 as a circular hole, but the side portion 50B of the rotating shaft 50 is not in contact with the inner surface 52A. Therefore, a gap portion 53 is formed between the side portion 50B and the inner surface 52A. In this example, the gap portion 53 is formed at three locations in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft 50.

[0111] Fig.15 It is an explanatory diagram of the gap portion 53 provided between the side portion 50B of the rotating shaft 50 and the inner surface 52A of the through hole 52 .

[0112] like Fig.15 As shown, the gap portion 53 is a space portion defined by the side portion 50B and the inner surface 52A, and is formed in a substantially half-moon shape having a gap side edge portion 53A along the side portion 50B and a gap side arc portion 53B along the inner surface 52A.

[0113] The gap 53 formed in this way becomes a flow path for the fluid from the erection platform accommodating chamber 28 toward the rod accommodating chamber 56, so in order to improve the cleanability of the front end body 20, it is necessary to close the gap 53 and seal the through hole 52. Therefore, in the front end body 20 of the embodiment, a sealing member 80 for sealing the through hole 52 is provided in the connection structure between the erection platform 26 and the rod 54. The sealing member 80 will be described below.

[0114] <Sealing Parts>

[0115] In this example, a lubricant is used as the sealing member 80. Fig.15As shown, the sealing member 80 as a lubricant is filled in the three gaps 53. As a result, the through hole 52 is sealed by the sealing member 80, so that the flow of the fluid from the stand accommodating chamber 28 to the rod accommodating chamber 56 can be blocked by the sealing member 80. As the lubricant, a biocompatible silicone lubricant can be cited. In addition, the sealing member 80 is an example of the second sealing member of the present invention.

[0116] Thus, according to the distal end body 20 of the embodiment, since the sealing member 80 that seals the through hole 52 is provided, it is possible to prevent liquid such as body fluid from entering the rod accommodation chamber 56 from the through hole 52. Thus, the cleanability of the distal end body 20 can be improved.

[0117] <Modification>

[0118] Several modified examples are described below.

[0119] <First Modification>

[0120] In the embodiment, a frame-shaped elastic member disposed on the inner surface 107A is exemplified as the sealing member 120, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as another sealing member, a frame-shaped convex stripe may be integrally formed on the inner surface 107A, and the convex stripe may be closely fitted with the front end body 20, thereby sealing the above-mentioned space. In addition, a biocompatible silicone lubricant may be applied in a frame shape on the inner surface 107A, and the biocompatible silicone lubricant may be closely fitted with the front end body 20, thereby sealing the above-mentioned space.

[0121] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the side-view endoscope is described as an example, but the present invention can be applied to various endoscopes such as an ultrasonic endoscope and a direct-view endoscope that have a standing base for changing the direction in which a treatment instrument is led out at the distal end of the insertion portion.

[0122] As mentioned above, the endoscope according to the embodiment has been described, but the present invention can be modified or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: A front end body, arranged at the front end side of the endoscope insertion portion; A standing platform, arranged on the front end body; A front end cover, which can be attached and detached to the front end body; an operating cable for operating the erection platform; and A cable insertion passage for inserting the operating cable. When the front end cover is attached to the front end portion body, the front end cover seals at least a space portion including an outlet of the cable insertion passage.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The front end cover has a first sealing member on a surface facing the space portion.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The front end body has: a rod connected to one end of the operating cable and used to move the erecting platform; and a rod receiving portion for receiving the rod, The front end cover seals the rod accommodation portion.

4. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The front end body has a partition wall, and the partition wall separates a side where the rising platform is provided and a side where the cable insertion passage is provided. The partition wall is provided with a through hole penetrating between a side where the rising platform is provided and a side where the cable insertion passage is provided. The endoscope includes a power transmission member that is inserted into the through hole, and one end of the power transmission member is connected to the standing base and the other end of the power transmission member is connected to the operation cable.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein: The power transmission component comprises: a rotating shaft inserted into the through hole and connected to the rising platform at one end; and a rod, which is provided at the other end side of the rotating shaft via a bending portion and is connected to the operating cable, The front end body has a rod receiving portion for receiving the rod. The front end cover seals the rod accommodation portion.

6. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein: The endoscope includes a second sealing member that seals the through hole.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein: The second sealing member is a biocompatible silicone lubricant.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The front end cover is rotatably mounted on the front end body, and is rotatable between a locked state in which the front end body cannot rotate relative to the front end body and a released state in which the locked state is released.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein: The front end body has a hook portion, The front end cover has: a first hole, allowing insertion and removal of the hook; and The second hole is engaged with the hook portion, A state in which the hook portion is inserted into the first hole is the released state, and a state in which the hook portion is engaged with the second hole is the locked state.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein: The first hole and the second hole are arranged along a rotation direction of the front cover.

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein: The front end cover has an opening. The front end cover has a stopper portion protruding from the peripheral portion of the opening toward the inner side of the opening. The first hole and the second hole are arranged on both sides sandwiching the stopper portion.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein: The endoscope includes a cap attached to the outside of the distal end cover.

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