Endoscope

Abstract

The utility model aims to provide an endoscope capable of improving the cleaning performance of a front end part main body of an endoscope insertion part. The endoscope is provided with a front end part main body (20) which is arranged on the front end side of an endoscope insertion part (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] This utility model relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope in which the front end body of the endoscope insertion part has a standing platform. Background Technology

[0002] In endoscopy, various instruments are inserted through an instrument inlet located in the operating section and exited through an instrument outlet opening towards the front of the insertion section for use in treatment. For example, in duodenoscopes, instruments such as guidewires or shaping tubing are used. Because the exit direction of such instruments needs to be changed at the front of the insertion section to treat the desired location within the patient, an instrument erecting mechanism (erecting platform) is provided at the front.

[0003] As a lifting mechanism for a treatment device, there is a known mechanism (open type): a cable is installed on the lifting platform and extended to the operating part of the endoscope; the lifting platform is oscillated about a rotation axis by pushing and pulling the cable through an operating lever provided in the operating part, thereby changing its position between an upright position and a collapsed position.

[0004] Furthermore, the following mechanism (closing type) is also known: the rotation axis of the erecting platform is connected to a rod housed through a partition, a cable is placed on the rod, and the erecting platform is swung around the rotation axis by pushing and pulling the cable through the operating lever of the operating unit, thereby changing its position between the erected position and the collapsed position.

[0005] The front end of this treatment device with its erecting mechanism has a complex shape and structure, thus requiring improved cleaning performance based on the cleaning fluid.

[0006] Patent document 1 discloses an endoscope in which a front cover is configured on the front end body of the endoscope insertion part to rotate freely between a locked position and a released position, and when the front cover is rotated to the locked position, the front cover covers the outlet of the cable insertion passage.

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

[0008] However, as with the endoscope in Patent Document 1, when the outlet of the cable insertion passage is covered only by the front cover, the outlet of the cable insertion passage may sometimes be contaminated by liquid seeping in from the gap between the front end body and the front cover.

[0009] If the outlet of the cable insertion passage is contaminated, the cable that slides in contact with the edge of that outlet will also be contaminated. Since the cable is made of multiple bare wires twisted together, cleaning the cable itself becomes extremely difficult if liquid seeps between the bare wires. Utility Model Content

[0010] This invention was made in view of this situation, and its purpose is to provide an endoscope that can improve the cleanliness of the front end body of the endoscope insertion section.

[0011] The endoscope involved in the first method comprises: a front end body disposed at the front end of the endoscope insertion part; an erecting platform disposed at the front end body; a front end cover detachable from the front end body; an operating cable for operating the erecting platform; and a cable insertion passage for inserting the operating cable, wherein when the front end cover is installed on the front end body, the front end cover at least seals the space including the outlet of the cable insertion passage.

[0012] The endoscope involved in the second method has a first sealing member on the front end cover of the first method on the surface opposite to the space.

[0013] The endoscope involved in the third method, in the first or second method, has the following features in its anterior end body:

[0014] A lever, connected to one end of an operating cable and used to actuate the platform; and

[0015] Rod housing, rod housing

[0016] Front cover sealing rod receiving part.

[0017] The endoscope involved in the fourth method, in the first or second method, has a partition at its front end body that separates the side where the support platform is located from the side where the cable insertion passage is located.

[0018] A through hole is provided on the side of the partition wall between the side where the support platform is installed and the side where the cable insertion passage is installed.

[0019] The endoscope has a power transmission component that is inserted into a through hole, and one end of the power transmission component is connected to a standing platform and the other end is connected to an operating cable.

[0020] The endoscope involved in the fifth method, in the fourth method, has a power transmission component comprising: a rotating shaft inserted into a through hole and connected to a standing platform at one end; and a rod disposed at the other end of the rotating shaft via a bend and connected to an operating cable, the front end body having a rod receiving portion for receiving the rod, and a front end cover sealing the rod receiving portion.

[0021] The endoscope involved in the sixth method has a second sealing component that seals the through hole, as in the fourth or fifth method.

[0022] In the seventh method, the endoscope used in the sixth method has a second sealing component made of biocompatible silicone lubricant.

[0023] In the 8th method, the endoscope is rotatably mounted on the front end body in any of the 1st to 7th methods, and rotates between a locked state in which it cannot rotate relative to the front end body and an unlocked state in which it is unlocked.

[0024] The endoscope involved in the ninth method has a hook at its front end body, as in the eighth method.

[0025] The front cover has: a first hole for inserting and removing the hook; and a second hole for engaging with the hook.

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

[0027] In the 10th method, the endoscope is configured such that the first and second ports are arranged along the rotation direction of the front cover, as in the 9th method.

[0028] The endoscope involved in the 11th method, in the 9th or 10th method, has an opening at the front end cover.

[0029] The front cover has a stop portion that protrudes from the periphery of the opening toward the inside of the opening.

[0030] The first hole and the second hole are provided on both sides of the clamping stop.

[0031] The endoscope involved in the 12th method has a cover mounted on the outside of the front cover in any of the 1st to 11th methods.

[0032] Utility model effect

[0033] According to this invention, the cleanability of the front end body of the endoscope insertion part can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is an assembled three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the front part of the endoscope insertion section.

[0035] Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the main body at the front end.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a rough front view of the main body at the front end.

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

[0038] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the action of the standing platform, which is operated by levers.

[0039] Figure 6 It is a 3D view of the standing platform.

[0040] Figure 7 It is an enlarged three-dimensional diagram showing the structure of the hook.

[0041] Figure 8 It is an enlarged 3D view showing the structure of the front cover.

[0042] Figure 9 It is a 3D diagram showing the state of the front cover before it is fixed.

[0043] Figure 10 It is a 3D diagram showing the state after the front cover is fixed.

[0044] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram of the sealing component installed on the front cover.

[0045] Figure 12 It is an assembly three-dimensional diagram showing the connection structure between the platform and the pole.

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

[0047] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft and the through hole.

[0048] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram of the gaps defined by the through hole and the rotating shaft.

[0049] Explanation of symbols

[0050] 10-Front end portion, 12-Insertion portion, 14-Bent portion, 16-Cylindrical component, 20-Front end body, 22-First partition wall, 24-Second partition wall, 24A-Front end face, 26-Erecting platform, 28-Erecting platform receiving chamber, 30-Opening, 32-Disposal device insertion channel, 32A-Disposal device outlet, 50-Rotating shaft, 50A-Shaft, 50B-Side portion, 50C-Arc portion, 52-Through hole, 52A-Inner surface, 53-Gap portion, 53A-Gap side portion, 53B-Gap side arc portion, 54-Rod, 56-Rod receiving chamber, 58-Receiving chamber, 60-Irradiation window, 62-Observation window, 64-Air and water supply nozzle, 66 - Operating cable, 68- Connecting part, 70- Outlet, 71- Cable insertion passage, 72- Through hole, 72B- Hole side part, 72C- Hole side arc part, 80- Sealing component, 100- Front end cover, 102- Opening part, 104- Front end wall, 106- Outer peripheral wall, 107- Outer wall, 107A- Inner surface, 108- Opening part, 108A- Peripheral part, 110- Stop part, 112- First hole, 114- Second hole, 122- Sealing component, 122A- Slit, 150- Hook part, 152- Engaging part, 154- Abutting part, 156- Connecting part, 200- Cover, 202- Opening window, Ax- Long shaft, G- Guide surface. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following describes the endoscope involved in the embodiments of this utility model.

[0052] [Implementation Method]

[0053] In one embodiment, a side-viewing endoscope used as a duodenoscope is illustrated. This endoscope includes: an operating section operated by a surgeon; and an endoscope insertion section (hereinafter referred to as the "insertion section") connected to the operating section and inserted into the patient.

[0054] The insertion device is inserted into the patient's body through the mouth, and then through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Thereby, a treatment instrument inserted into the insertion device is used to perform prescribed examinations or treatments of the duodenum.

[0055] Examples of such instruments include biopsy forceps with a cup at the tip for collecting live tissue, EST (Endoscopic Sphincter Otomy) scalpel, or contrast tubing.

[0056] Figure 1 This is an assembled perspective view showing the structure of the front end portion 10 having the front end body 20 according to the embodiment. The front end body 20 is provided on the front end side of the insertion portion 12. Furthermore, the front end body 20 is an example of the front end body of this utility model.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the insertion part 12 has a long axis Ax extending from the base end side connected to the operation part toward the front end side, and a flexible part, a bending part 14 and a front end part 10 are sequentially provided from the base end side toward the front end side.

[0058] The bending section 14 is configured as a cylindrical component 16 that is bendable by having a notch in the circumferential direction, and the outer periphery of the cylindrical component 16 is covered with a mesh made of woven metal wire, and further covered with a rubber outer sheath. Multiple cables extend from the bend knob of the operating section to the bending section 14, and the front ends of these cables are fixed to the cylindrical component 16 constituting the bending section 14. Thus, the bending section 14 can be bent upwards, downwards, leftwards, and rightwards by operating the bend knob.

[0059] The front end 10 includes a front end body 20, a front end cover 100 that can be attached to the front end body 20, and a cover 200 installed on the outside of the front end cover 100.

[0060] When the front cover 100 is installed on the front end body 20, it has an open, later-described, upright accommodating chamber 28 (see reference). Figure 3 The opening 102 is the opening 30 on the upper side of the front cover 100. The front cover 100 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal material. The front cover 100 will be described later. In addition, the front cover 100 is an example of the front cover of this utility model.

[0061] Furthermore, the cover 200, when installed on the front end body 20, has an opening window 202 that opens the aforementioned opening 30. The cover 200 has a engaging portion on its base end side that engages with a groove formed on the front end body 20, and is detachably installed on the front end body 20. The cover 200 is made of an elastic or soft material such as silicone rubber or polyethylene. Additionally, the cover 200 is an example of the cover of this utility model.

[0062] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of the front part of the main body 20. Figure 3 This is a schematic front view of the front end body 20.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the front end body 20 has a pair of opposing first partition walls 22 and second partition walls 24, which are part of the front end body 20. A platform receiving chamber 28 is formed between the first partition wall 22 and the second partition wall 24, which receives the platform 26 (in...). Figure 3 A narrow, slit-like space (not shown in the diagram). The platform accommodates chamber 28. Figure 2 The opening on the upper side is formed as the aforementioned opening 30. The front end body 20 is made of a corrosion-resistant metallic material.

[0064] Furthermore, a treatment device insertion channel 32 is connected to the standing platform receiving chamber 28 of the front end body 20. The treatment device insertion channel 32 is inserted into the insertion part 12 and connected to the treatment device inlet of the operation part. Thus, the treatment device introduced from the treatment device inlet is led out to the standing platform receiving chamber 28 through the treatment device insertion channel 32.

[0065] A lifting platform 26 is provided on the front end body 20 and housed in a lifting platform receiving chamber 28. The lifting platform 26 causes a treatment device that is led out of the lifting platform receiving chamber 28 from a treatment device outlet 32A, which serves as a treatment device insertion channel 32, to change direction and protrude from the opening 30. The lifting platform 26 is connected via a rotation axis 50 (see reference 50). Figure 4 The through hole 52 is pivotally disposed in the first partition wall 22, and the discharge direction of the treatment device can be controlled when the treatment device is discharged from the treatment device discharge port 32A. In addition, the standing platform 26 is an example of the standing platform of this utility model.

[0066] A concave rod receiving chamber 56 for receiving rod 54 is formed on the opposite side of the first partition 22, opposite to the opposing side of the supporting table receiving chamber 28. Furthermore, rod 54 and rod receiving chamber 56 are examples of rods and rod receiving parts of this utility model.

[0067] A housing chamber 58 for accommodating optical systems and the like is provided within the second partition 24. An illumination window 60, an observation window 62, and an air / water supply nozzle 64 facing the observation window 62 are provided in the upper part of the housing chamber 58. The air / water supply nozzle 64 is connected to an air / water supply device via an air / water supply hose inserted into the insertion part 12. By operating the air / water supply button on the operating unit, air or water is sprayed from the air / water supply nozzle 64 toward the observation window 62, thereby cleaning the observation window 62.

[0068] Furthermore, the second partition 24 houses an illumination unit and a photographic unit. The illumination unit includes an illumination lens disposed inside the illumination window 60 and a light guide arranged with its front end facing the illumination lens. The light guide is inserted into the insertion part 12, and its base end is connected to the light source device. Thus, illumination light from the light source device is transmitted through the light guide and illuminates through the illumination window 60.

[0069] The imaging unit includes an imaging optical system and a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) or CCD (charge coupled device) imaging element located inside the viewing window 62. The imaging element is connected to an image processing device via a signal cable inserted into the insertion part 12. The image signal of the subject obtained by capturing an image based on the imaging unit is input to the image processing device via the signal cable, thereby displaying the subject image on a monitor connected to the image processing device.

[0070] Figure 4 This is an assembled three-dimensional view of the front end body 20. Additionally, in Figure 4 The diagram of rod 54 is omitted; instead, a rotation axis 50 is shown that is mounted on rod 54.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, a through hole 52 is provided on the bottom surface of the concave rod receiving chamber 56, penetrating the first partition wall 22 and communicating with the standing platform receiving chamber 28. A rotating shaft 50 connecting the standing platform 26 and the rod 54 is inserted into the through hole 52. That is, a through hole 52 for the rotating shaft 50 to be inserted is provided on the first partition wall 22. The rod 54 in the rod receiving chamber 56 swings around the rotating shaft 50, so the rod receiving chamber 56 is formed in a generally fan shape centered on the rotating shaft 50. In addition, the rotating shaft 50 and the through hole 52 are examples of the rotating shaft and through hole of this utility model.

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

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the operating cable 66 has a connecting portion 68 at its front end that connects to the rod 54 within the rod receiving chamber 56. That is, one end of the operating cable 66 is connected to the rod 54 used to actuate the lifting platform 26. Furthermore, the base end of the operating cable 66 extends from the outlet 70, which opens into the wall of the rod receiving chamber 56, into the cable insertion passage 71, thereby connecting to the lifting platform operating mechanism within the operating unit. The operating cable 66 and the cable insertion passage 71 are examples of the operating cable and cable insertion passage of this utility model.

[0074] The front end body 20, configured as described above, has a first partition wall 22 separating the side where the support platform 26 is installed (support platform receiving chamber 28) from the side where the cable insertion passage 71 is installed (pole receiving chamber 56). Furthermore, a through hole 52 is provided in the first partition wall 22, which connects the side where the support platform 26 is installed with the side where the cable insertion passage is installed. This first partition wall 22 is an example of the partition wall of this invention.

[0075] Figure 5 VA and VB are explanatory diagrams illustrating the movement of the lifting platform 26, which is operated by lever 54.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown in VA, if the operating cable 66 is pushed by operating the lever, the lever 54 swings in the direction A around the rotation axis 50, and the standing platform 26 moves from the standing position to the lying position. On the other hand, as Figure 5 As shown in VB, if the operating cable 66 is pulled by operating the lever, the lever 54 swings in direction B (opposite to direction A) around the rotation axis 50, and the standing platform 26 moves from a folded position to an upright position. Thus, the operating cable 66 can cause the rotation axis 50 to rotate via the lever 54 through the operation of the lever. Consequently, the position of the standing platform 26 changes between the upright position and the folded position. Furthermore, the lever 54 and the rotation axis 50 can be integrally installed or separately for easy assembly and disassembly. The lever 54 and the rotation axis 50 are connected via a bend, which is an example of the power transmission component of this utility model.

[0077] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the standing platform 26 housed in the standing platform housing 28.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, the standing platform 26 has an arc-shaped guide surface G. The guide surface G is opposite to the treatment device outlet 32A of the treatment device insertion channel 32 in the standing platform receiving chamber 28, and guides the treatment device that is led out of the treatment device outlet 32A into the standing platform receiving chamber 28 toward the opening 30.

[0079] The base end of the erecting platform 26 has a through hole 72 for inserting a rotating shaft 50. The erecting platform 26 is connected to the rod 54 via the rotating shaft 50 by inserting the rotating shaft 50 into the through hole 72.

[0080] <Front-end Cover>

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

[0082] <Hook section>

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

[0084] Figure 7 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the structure of the hook 150. (For example...) Figure 7 As shown, the connecting portion 156 of the hook portion 150 protrudes forward from the front end face 24A of the second partition wall 24. The abutting portion 154 extends from the front end of the connecting portion 156 in a manner parallel to the front end face 24A of the second partition wall 24 towards... Figure 2 The hook protrudes from the lower side. The engaging portion 152 protrudes from the side of the abutting portion 154 opposite to the front end surface 24A toward the front end surface 24A. The above describes the structure of the hook portion 150. Furthermore, the hook portion 150 is an example of the hook portion of this utility model.

[0085] Figure 8 This is an enlarged 3D view showing the structure of the front cover 100. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the front cover 100 has a fan-shaped front wall 104 and a semi-cylindrical outer peripheral wall 106 provided on the periphery of the front wall 104. When the front cover 100 is installed on the front end body 20, the stand 26 and the handling device are extended 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. A stop portion 110 is provided on the periphery 108A of the opening 108. The stop portion 110 protrudes from the periphery 108A toward the inside of the opening 108. A first hole 112 and a second hole 114 are arranged on both sides sandwiching the stop portion 110. The first hole 112 and the second hole 114 are arranged along the rotation direction of the front end cover 100, which will be described later. Furthermore, the opening 108, the stop portion 110, the first hole 112, and the second hole 114 are examples of the opening, stop portion, first hole, and second hole of this utility model.

[0087] The size of the first hole 112 is larger than the size of the hook portion 150 (engaging portion 152). The size of the second hole 114 is smaller than the size of the hook portion 150 (engaging portion 152). As a result, the hook portion 150 protrudes forward from the first hole 112, and the front cover 100 is rotated, thereby enabling the hook portion 150 (engaging portion 152) to engage with the second hole 114.

[0088] Regarding the method of fixing the front cover 100 relative to the front body 20, please refer to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 Please provide an explanation. Figure 9 It is a 3D diagram representing the state before it was fixed. Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional diagram representing the fixed state.

[0089] like Figure 9 As shown, the front cover 100 is rotatably mounted on the front end body 20. The front cover 100 is in a locked state relative to the front end body 20, where it cannot rotate (see reference). Figure 10 ) and the unlocked state after the locked state is released (see reference) Figure 9 The front cover 100 rotates between the major axis Ax and the major axis Ax.

[0090] To be more specific, the front cover 100 is positioned in the direction of arrow C (see reference). Figure 1 It is installed on the front end body 20. At this time, the engaging part 152 of the hook 150 is inserted into the first hole 112 and protrudes forward from the front end wall 104, becoming Figure 9 The state shown is the released state. That is, the state in which the hook 150 is inserted into the first hole 112 is the released state, allowing the front cover 100 to rotate relative to the front end body 20.

[0091] Next, if the front cover is 100 degrees... Figure 9 When the arrow D is rotated, the stop portion 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. Thus, the front cover 100 is fixed to the front end body 20 and becomes locked. That is, the state in which the hook portion 150 engages with the second hole 114 constitutes a locked state, preventing accidental rotation of the front cover 100 relative to the front end body 20. A cover 200 (see reference) is installed on the outside of the front cover 100. Figure 1 ).

[0092] When the front cover 100 is removed from the front end body 20, Figure 10 The front cover 100, which is in the locked state, rotates in the direction of arrow E (opposite to the direction of arrow D) to change from the locked state. Figure 9 The shown is the released state. Therefore, the front cover 100 can be detached from the front end body 20.

[0093] Here, as Figure 10 As shown, with the front cover 100 installed (fixed) to the front end body 20, when liquid seeps into the rod receiving chamber 56 through the gap between the front end body 20 and the front cover 100, the rod 54 and the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 will be contaminated by the liquid. If the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 is contaminated, the operating cable 66, which is in contact with the edge of the outlet 70, will also be contaminated. The operating cable 66 is an operating cable made of multiple bare wires twisted together; if liquid seeps between the bare wires, cleaning the operating cable 66 itself becomes extremely difficult.

[0094] Therefore, the front end body 20 of the embodiment has the following structure (sealing structure) to eliminate this cleaning problem and improve the cleaning performance of the front end body 20.

[0095]

[0096] According to the embodiment of the front end body 20, when the front end cover 100 is installed on the front end body 20 (see reference) Figure 10 The front cover 100 at least seals the space including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71. Sealing means watertightly covering the space including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 and the external space of that space. In contrast, covering merely covers the space of the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 and does not provide the watertight covering function of a seal.

[0097] According to the embodiment of the front end body 20, when the front end cover 100 is installed on the front end body 20, since the front end cover 100 at least seals the space including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71, even if liquid seeps in 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 caused by liquid can be prevented. This improves the cleanability of the front end body 20. Furthermore, if the front end cover 100 also seals the rod receiving chamber 56, contamination of the rod 54 caused by liquid can also be prevented, thus improving the cleanability of the front end body 20.

[0098] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sealing structure used to seal the aforementioned space by the front cover 100.

[0099] like Figure 11 As shown, the front end cover 100 has a sealing member 120 on the inner surface 107A of the outer wall 107 opposite the rod receiving chamber 56 in the outer peripheral wall 106. The sealing member 120 is formed in a frame shape on the inner surface 107A, and when the front end cover 100 is installed on the front end body 20 (see reference). Figure 10The cable insertion passage 71 formed in the first partition wall 22 is tightly closed with the front end body 20 (first partition wall 22) and surrounds the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 and the rod receiving chamber 56.

[0100] At this time, the space including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 and the space including the rod receiving chamber 56 become spaces that are watertightly shielded from the external space by the front end body 20, the front cover 100, and the sealing member 120. Thus, the space including the outlet 70 of the cable insertion passage 71 is sealed. Furthermore, the front cover 100 also seals the rod receiving chamber 56.

[0101] As a sealing member 120, a frame-shaped elastic member (e.g., made of rubber) can be exemplified. In this case, the sealing member 120 can be constructed by arranging a 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 opposite to the spatial portion of this utility model, and the sealing member 120 is an example of a first sealing member.

[0102] By providing this sealing member 120 in the front cover 100, at least the space of the outlet 70, including the cable insertion passage 71, can be reliably sealed, thus preventing contamination of the outlet 70 by liquid. This improves the cleanability of the front end body 20. Furthermore, the rod receiving chamber 56 is also sealed by the sealing member 120, thus preventing contamination of the rod 54 by liquid.

[0103] Additionally, as a method to prevent contamination of the outlet 70, the outlet 70 can be sealed by filling it with lubricant. Biocompatible silicone lubricants are an example of suitable lubricants. Furthermore, as another method to prevent contamination, a tubular sealing member 122 (see reference) can be embedded in the outlet 70. Figure 12 To prevent contamination of the outlet 70. The sealing member 122 has a slit 122A formed along the axial direction, through which the operating cable 66 can be inserted into the inside of the sealing member 122.

[0104] The front end body 20 is a component exposed to liquids such as bodily fluids when using the endoscope. Therefore, liquid sometimes flows from the stand-up stage receiving chamber 28 into the through hole 52 of the first partition 22 and soaks into the rod receiving chamber 56. As a result, the rotating shaft 50, the through hole 52, and the rod 54 become contaminated by the liquid, and these components must be cleaned. However, due to the small size and complex shape of these components, it is difficult to clean them completely.

[0105] Therefore, the front end body 20 of the embodiment has the following structure to eliminate the above-mentioned cleaning problem and improve the cleaning performance of the front end body 20.

[0106] <Sealing structure of through hole>

[0107] Figure 12 This is an assembly perspective view showing the connection structure between the support platform 26 and the rod 54 used to seal the through hole 52. Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of the connection structure shown.

[0108] <Rotation axis>

[0109] First, the rotation shaft 50 will be described. The rotation shaft 50 has planar edges 50B and curved arcs 50C, which are parallel to the direction of the axis 50A of the rotation shaft 50. Specifically, the rotation shaft 50 has a generally triangular prism shape: the edges 50B and arcs 50C are alternately formed at three locations in the circumferential direction of the rotation shaft 50, and these edges 50B and arcs 50C extend along the direction of the axis 50A.

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

[0111] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram of the gap 53 between the edge 50B of the rotating shaft 50 and the inner surface 52A of the through hole 52.

[0112] like Figure 15 As shown, the gap portion 53 is a space portion divided by the edge portion 50B and the inner surface 52A, and is formed into a generally crescent shape having a gap side portion 53A along the edge portion 50B and a gap side arc portion 53B along the inner surface 52A.

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

[0114] <Sealing components>

[0115] In this example, a lubricant is used as the sealing component 80. For example... Figure 15As shown, the sealing member 80, acting as a lubricant, fills the three gaps 53. Thus, the through hole 52 is sealed by the sealing member 80, thereby blocking the flow of fluid from the stand-up pouch chamber 28 towards the rod chamber 56. Biocompatible silicone lubricants can be used as examples of the lubricant. Furthermore, the sealing member 80 is an example of the second sealing member of this invention.

[0116] Thus, according to the embodiment, the front end body 20, having a sealing member 80 that seals the through hole 52, can prevent liquids such as bodily fluids from seeping into the rod receiving chamber 56 through the through hole 52. This improves the cleanability of the front end body 20.

[0117] <Variation Example>

[0118] The following are some examples of variations.

[0119] <First Variation>

[0120] In this embodiment, a frame-shaped elastic member disposed on the inner surface 107A is exemplified as the sealing member 120, but it is not limited to this. For example, as another sealing member, a frame-shaped protrusion may be integrally formed on the inner surface 107A, and the protrusion may be made to fit tightly against the front end body 20, thereby sealing the aforementioned space. Alternatively, a biocompatible silicone lubricant may be applied in a frame shape to the inner surface 107A, and the biocompatible silicone lubricant may be made to fit tightly against the front end body 20, thereby sealing the aforementioned space.

[0121] In the above embodiments, a side-viewing endoscope was used as an example for explanation. However, this invention can be applied to various endoscopes such as ultrasonic endoscopes and direct-viewing endoscopes, which have a standing platform at the front end of the insertion part to change the direction of the treatment device.

[0122] The endoscope involved in the above embodiments has been described, but several improvements or modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the spirit of this utility model.

Claims

1. An endoscope, characterized in that, The endoscope has the following features: The front end body is located at the front end of the endoscope insertion part; An erecting platform is provided at the front end of the main body; The front cover is detachable from the front end body; Operating cables are used to operate the erecting platform; and A cable insertion path is provided for the operation cable to be inserted. When the front cover is installed on the front end body, the front cover at least seals the space including the outlet of the cable insertion passage.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end cover has a first sealing component on the surface opposite to the space portion.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end body has: A lever, connected to one end of the operating cable and used to actuate the erecting platform; and Rod receiving part, for receiving the rod, The front cover seals the rod receiving portion.

4. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front end body has a partition wall that separates the side where the support platform is located from the side where the cable insertion passage is located. A through hole is provided on the partition wall, passing through the side where the support platform is set and the side where the cable insertion passage is set. The endoscope has a power transmission component inserted into the through hole, and one end of the power transmission component is connected to the standing platform and the other end is connected to the operating cable.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The power transmission component has: A rotating shaft is inserted into the through hole and connected to the standing platform at one end; and A lever, via a bend, is positioned at the other end of the rotating shaft and is connected to the operating cable. The front end body has a rod receiving portion for accommodating the rod. The front cover seals the rod receiving portion.

6. The endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The endoscope has a second sealing component that seals the through hole.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second sealing component is a biocompatible silicone lubricant.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The front cover is rotatably mounted on the front end body and rotates between a locked state in which it cannot rotate relative to the front end body and an unlocked state in which the locked state is released.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that, The front end body has a hook portion. The front cover has: The first hole allows for insertion and removal of the hook; and The second hole engages with the hook portion. 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 in the second hole is the locked state.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first hole and the second hole are configured along the rotation direction of the front cover.

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, characterized in that, The front cover has an opening. The front cover has a stop portion that protrudes from the periphery of the opening toward the inside of the opening. The first hole and the second hole are provided on both sides of the stop portion.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, characterized in that, The endoscope has a cover mounted on the outside of the front end cover.

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