Endoscope and tip cap

Abstract

To provide an endoscope and a tip cap which can reduce workload on an operator without damaging the inner wall of the digestive tract when performing extraction operation of an endoscope.SOLUTION: An endoscope includes: an end body provided on an end side of an endoscope insertion part; a suction port provided for the end body; and a tip cap which is fitted to the end body, defines a space part at a position facing the suction port, and has an opening that opens the space part outside. The end body is provided with an observation window and an illumination window on an end surface facing a second direction orthogonal to a first direction to be a longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion part. The opening opens in the second direction. The tip cap is provided with a cut part which releases negative pressure of the space part at a position communicating with the opening. The cut part has an area having a groove width below 1 mm and an area equal to 2.0 mm2 or larger, or a groove width equal to 1 mm or larger and an area equal to 3.5 mm2 or larger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope and a tip cap. [Background technology]

[0002] In an endoscope, various treatment tools are introduced from a treatment tool introduction port provided in an operating section, and the treatment tools are led out from a treatment tool lead-out port opened at the tip of an insertion section for use in treatment. For example, a treatment tool such as a guide wire or an imaging tube is used in a duodenoscope. Such treatment tools need to change the lead-out direction at the tip in order to treat a desired position inside a subject. For this reason, a stand that changes the lead-out direction of the treatment tool is provided on the tip body of the tip. In addition, in an endoscope, the treatment tool lead-out port can also serve as a suction port, and by generating a negative pressure at the treatment tool lead-out port, for example, cleaning fluid or residues in the subject are suctioned from the treatment tool lead-out port.

[0003] Since endoscopes need to be cleaned after treatment, a tip cap is detachably attached to the tip body equipped with a stand, and the tip cap can be removed after treatment to improve cleanability.

[0004] Regarding tip caps, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a tip cap for an endoscope that is attached to a tip member provided with a lifting stand for the insertion section of an endoscope, covers at least a portion of the tip member, has an opening that exposes to the outside the space in which the lifting stand is housed, has a slit formed in the peripheral portion on the tip side of the opening, and has a thin-walled portion connected to the slit and extending toward the base end. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6368888 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6438177 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when an operation to withdraw an endoscope with a tip cap attached is performed while the endoscope is in a suction state, the inner wall of the digestive tract is sucked into the opening, and a scratching force acts on the inner wall in the shear direction, so it is necessary to prevent the inner wall from being damaged. As a countermeasure, for example, it is possible to warn the surgeon not to withdraw the endoscope while the endoscope is in a suction state when performing the operation to withdraw the endoscope, but since there are many things that the surgeon needs to pay attention to, this places an excessive burden on the surgeon and is an insufficient countermeasure.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has as its object to provide an endoscope and tip cap that can reduce the burden on the surgeon without damaging the inner wall of the digestive tract when pulling out the endoscope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The endoscope of the first aspect comprises a tip body provided on the tip side of an endoscope insertion part, a suction port provided in the tip body, and a tip cap attached to the tip body to define a space at a position facing the suction port and having an opening that opens the space to the outside. The tip body has an observation window and an illumination window on an end face facing a second direction perpendicular to a first direction that is the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion part, and the opening is an opening that opens toward the second direction. The tip cap has a slit that releases negative pressure in the space at a position communicating with the opening, and the slit has a groove width of less than 1 mm and a length of 2.0 mm. 2 or more, or groove width of 1 mm or more and 3.5 mm 2 The area is as above.

[0009] In the endoscope of the second aspect, the notch is disposed on a distal end surface portion provided on the distal end side of the distal end cap in the first direction.

[0010] In the endoscope of the third aspect, a groove portion communicating with the slit portion is formed on the outer surface of the tip cap.

[0011] In the endoscope of the fourth aspect, the tip cap is removably attached to the tip body.

[0012] The tip cap of the fifth aspect is attached to a tip body provided on the tip side of an endoscope insertion part, defines a space at a position facing a suction port provided on the tip body, has an opening that opens the space to the outside, and has a slit that releases negative pressure in the space at a position communicating with the tip cap and the opening, and the slit has a groove width of less than 1 mm and a length of 2.0 mm. 2 or more, or groove width of 1 mm or more and 3.5 mm 2 The area is as above. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the endoscope and tip cap of the present invention, the inner wall of the digestive tract is not damaged during the operation of withdrawing the endoscope, and the burden on the surgeon can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system including an endoscope according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a tip portion including a first embodiment of a tip cap. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an assembled perspective view of the tip portion shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the end cap taken along a plane extending in the longitudinal direction and passing through the through hole. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the first embodiment of the end cap. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the end cap. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the tip cap taken along a plane extending in the longitudinal direction and passing through a slit portion. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the second embodiment of the end cap. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view of the tip surface portion of the tip cap of FIG. 8 as viewed from the longitudinal direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the second embodiment of the end cap. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the second embodiment of the end cap. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a fourth modified example of the second embodiment of the end cap. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a fifth modified example of the second embodiment of the end cap. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an assembled perspective view of the endoscope according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sectional perspective view of a modified example of the endoscope of the third embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] [First embodiment] <Overall configuration of endoscope and endoscope system> 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system 12 including an endoscope 10 of the present invention. The endoscope system 12 includes the endoscope 10, an endoscope processor device 14, and a display 18.

[0016] The endoscope 10 is a side-viewing endoscope used, for example, as a duodenoscope. The endoscope 10 includes an operation section 22 provided with an upright operation lever 20, and an endoscope insertion section 24 connected to the operation section 22 and inserted into a subject.

[0017] The endoscope insertion section 24 is inserted into the subject via the oral cavity, and further inserted through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. As a result, a treatment such as a predetermined examination or treatment of the duodenum is performed using a treatment tool (not shown) inserted into the endoscope insertion section 24. Examples of the treatment tool include biopsy forceps having a cup at the tip capable of collecting biological tissue, an EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy) knife, and an imaging tube.

[0018] The endoscope insertion portion 24 extends from its base end side to its tip end side in the longitudinal direction Ax, and is provided, in this order from the base end side to the tip end side, with a flexible section 26, a bending section 28, and a tip end portion 30. The detailed configuration of the tip end portion 30 will be described later, but first, a schematic configuration of the tip end portion 30 will be described.

[0019] Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion 30. Here, the endoscope 10 (see Fig. 1) of the embodiment is a side-viewing endoscope used as, for example, a duodenoscope, and the tip portion 30 in Fig. 2 has a configuration for a side-viewing endoscope.

[0020] 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the tip portion 30 has a tip portion main body 32 and a tip cap 34, and is configured by attaching the tip cap 34 to the tip portion main body 32. The tip portion main body 32 is provided on the tip side of the endoscope insertion portion 24 (see FIG. 1), and the tip portion main body 32 is provided with a stand 36 having a treatment tool guide surface to be described later. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the stand 36 in a laid-down position.

[0021] 2 and 3 show various contents disposed inside the endoscope insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, a treatment tool channel 38 that guides the tip of a treatment tool (not shown) to the tip body 32, an operation wire 40 for performing an operation to change the direction in which the tip of the treatment tool is led out from the tip body 32, and an air / water supply tube 42 are provided. Although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, contents such as an angle wire for performing an operation to change the bending direction of the bending portion 28 (see FIG. 1), a signal cable for transmitting an image signal, and a light guide for transmitting illumination light are also provided.

[0022] In this specification, a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system of three axial directions (X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis) is used for explanation. For example, in Figs. 1 to 3, the Z(+) direction indicates the upward direction, and the Z(-) direction indicates the downward direction. The X(+) direction indicates the rightward direction, and the X(-) direction indicates the leftward direction. The Y(+) direction indicates the distal end direction of the distal end portion 30, and the Y(-) direction indicates the proximal end direction of the distal end portion 30. The Y-axis direction including the Y(+) and Y(-) directions is parallel to the longitudinal direction Ax of the endoscope insertion portion 24, and means the first direction. The Z-axis direction including the Z(+) and Z(-) directions means the second direction, and the X-axis direction including the X(+) and X(-) directions means the third direction.

[0023] 1, the operation section 22 is configured to be generally cylindrical as a whole. This operation section 22 has an operation section main body 46 on which the standing operation lever 20 is rotatably provided, and a grip section 48 connected to the operation section main body 46, and the base end of the endoscope insertion section 24 is provided on the tip side of the grip section 48 via a break prevention tube 50. This grip section 48 is the part that is gripped by the surgeon when operating the endoscope 10.

[0024] The base end of a universal cable 52 is connected to the operation portion main body 46. A connector device 54 is provided at the tip end of the universal cable 52. The connector device 54 is connected to the processor device 14 for the endoscope.

[0025] The endoscope processor device 14 includes a light source device 15 and an image processing device 16. The light source device 15 includes a processor-side connector 15A to which a connector device 54 is connected. In addition, a display 18 that displays an image processed by the image processing device 16 is connected to the image processing device 16.

[0026] The connector device 54 and the processor-side connector 15A transmit illumination light, power, image signals, etc. in a non-contact manner (wired transmission is also possible) between the endoscope 10 and the endoscope processor device 14. As a result, illumination light from the light source device 15 is emitted from an illumination window 74 (see FIG. 2) provided in the tip body 32 via a light guide (optical fiber cable, not shown). In addition, an image signal of an image captured by an imaging unit (not shown) in the observation window 76 is processed by the image processing device 16 and then displayed as an image on the display 18.

[0027] The operation unit body 46 is provided with an air / water supply button 57, a suction button 59, a pair of angle knobs 62, and a standing operation lever 20.

[0028] The air and water supply button 57 is a button that can be pressed, and is connected to the air and water supply tube 42 and an air and water supply source (not shown). By operating the air and water supply button 57, air is sprayed from the air and water supply source through the air and water supply tube 42 and from the air and water supply nozzle 58. In addition, by pressing the air and water supply button 57, water is sprayed from the air and water supply source through the air and water supply tube 42 and from the air and water supply nozzle 58.

[0029] The suction button 59 is connected between the treatment tool channel 38 and a negative pressure source (not shown). When the suction button 59 is pressed, the negative pressure source sucks air through the treatment tool channel 38 from the suction port which also serves as the treatment tool outlet 60. This allows body fluids such as blood to be sucked from the treatment tool outlet 60 via the treatment tool channel 38. The suction port may be provided separately from the treatment tool outlet 60.

[0030] The pair of angle knobs 62 are rotatably provided on the same axis in the operation unit main body 46. The pair of angle knobs 62 are connected to the base ends of the angle wires (not shown) opposite to the tip ends connected to the bending portion 28. By rotating each of the pair of angle knobs 62, the angle wires are pushed and pulled, whereby the bending portion 28 is bent up, down, left, and right.

[0031] The standing operation lever 20 is provided in the operation unit main body 46 so as to be rotatable coaxially with the pair of angle knobs 62, and is turned by the hand of the surgeon holding the grip 48. The base end of the operation wire 40, which is integrally formed with the standing platform 36, is connected to the standing operation lever 20 via a link mechanism (not shown). As a result, the operation wire 40 is pushed and pulled by turning the standing operation lever 20, and the posture of the standing platform 36 is displaced between a lying position and an erect position.

[0032] Next, the structure of the tip portion 30 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 will be described in detail.

[0033] As described above, the distal end portion 30 includes the distal end body 32 and the distal end cap 34 that is detachably attached to the distal end body 32. The distal end cap 34 is attached to the distal end body 32 as described below, and defines a space 66 at a position facing the treatment tool outlet 60 that functions as a suction port.

[0034] <Tip body> The tip body 32 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal material. As shown in Fig. 3, the tip body 32 has a pair of partition walls 68, 70 protruding toward the Y(+) side. The partition walls 68, 70 are disposed opposite each other in the X-axis direction. When viewed from the Z(+) direction, the partition wall 68 is disposed on the X(-) side, and the partition wall 70 is disposed on the X(+) side.

[0035] An illumination window 74 and an observation window 76 are disposed on the Z(+) side of the partition wall 68, i.e., on an end face 68A facing the second direction. The illumination window 74 and the observation window 76 are adjacent to each other in the Y direction, with the illumination window 74 disposed on the tip end side and the observation window 76 disposed on the base end side.

[0036] An emission end of a light guide (not shown) is disposed inside the illumination window 74. The illumination window 74 can illuminate the Z(+) direction (second direction) side.

[0037] An imaging section (not shown) is provided inside the observation window 76. The imaging section images a subject present in the Z(+) direction (second direction) through the observation window 76. This imaging section includes, for example, an imaging optical system (not shown) and a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) or CCD (charge coupled device) imaging element (not shown). An image signal of the subject output from the imaging element is input to the image processing device 16 via a signal cable (not shown), the connector device 54, and the processor-side connector 15A. As a result, an image of the subject is displayed on the display 18.

[0038] The air and water nozzle 58 is provided on the Z(+) direction side of the partition wall 68 of the tip portion main body 32, closer to the base end than the observation window 76. The air and water nozzle 58 is connected to the air and water tube 42, and the air and water nozzle 58 sprays air and water supplied from the air and water tube 42 toward the observation window 76.

[0039] A treatment tool outlet 60 is provided on the base end side of the tip body 32. The treatment tool outlet 60 is connected to the treatment tool channel 38, and the treatment tool outlet 60 and the treatment tool channel 38 enable the outlet of a treatment tool and the suction of bodily fluids such as blood.

[0040] The riser 36 is disposed between the partition 68 and the partition 70 in front of (the distal end side of) the treatment tool outlet 60. The riser 36 is rotatably supported on a rotation axis (not shown) parallel to the Y axis (third direction). The operation wire 40 is inserted through the wire channel 41 and connected to the riser 36. By operating the operation wire 40, the riser 36 rotates between an upright position and a lying position around the rotation axis. The riser 36 displaces the direction of the treatment tool led out from the treatment tool outlet 60. The operation wire 40 is disposed on the partition 70, for example, and connected to the riser 36 via a rise operation lever (not shown).

[0041] <Tip cap> Next, a first embodiment of the tip cap 34 will be described. The tip cap 34 has a generally bottomed cylindrical shape with a closed tip end and an open base end, and an internal space is formed. The tip cap 34 is detachably attached to the tip body 32. When the tip cap 34 is attached to the tip body 32, a space 66 is defined at a position facing the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port). In this space 66, the stand 36 is disposed between a pair of partition walls 68 and 70.

[0042] The tip cap 34 includes a cylindrical portion 80, an opening 81 formed in the cylindrical portion 80, a tip surface portion 82, and a through hole 83 provided in the tip surface portion 82. The tip cap 34 is made of an elastic material, for example, a rubber material such as fluororubber or silicone rubber, or a resin material such as polysulfone or polycarbonate.

[0043] The tubular portion 80 has a generally tubular shape and surrounds the treatment tool outlet 60 and the partitions 68 and 70. The opening on the base end side of the tubular portion 80 is provided with a convex engaging portion (not shown) that engages with a groove-shaped engaged portion (not shown) formed in the tip portion main body 32, and the tip cap 34 is removably attached to the tip portion main body 32 by engaging the engaging portion with the engaged portion.

[0044] The opening 81 is an opening formed in a part of the tube part 80, and opens the space part 66 to the outside. When the distal end part 30 is viewed from a position on the Z(+) direction side, the opening 81 opens toward the Z(+) direction (second direction), and exposes the space part 66 and the end face 68A of the partition wall 68. This makes it possible to lead out a treatment tool from the space part 66 toward the Z(+) direction side, and to illuminate and photograph a subject.

[0045] The cylindrical portion 80 is opened by the opening 81, and does not need to be closed all around. On the other hand, it is preferable that the portion that engages with the tip portion main body 32 is a closed annular shape.

[0046] The tip surface portion 82 is connected to the tubular portion 80 and is provided on the tip side in the Y(+) direction (first direction) of the tip cap 34. The tip surface portion 82 covers the tip surface on the Y(+) direction side of the tip body 32. The tip surface portion 82 and the tubular portion 80 form the tip cap 34 as a whole into a substantially bottomed tubular shape.

[0047] A through hole 83 is provided in the tip surface portion 82 of the tip cap 34, at a position separate from the opening 81. The through hole 83 connects the space portion 66 with the outside, and functions as a negative pressure release portion that releases the negative pressure in the space portion 66, as described below. The through hole 83 may be provided in the tubular portion 80, as long as it is at a position separate from the opening 81. When the opening 81 is provided in the tubular portion 80, it is preferable to provide the opening 81 at a position not facing the partition walls 68, 70 housed in the space portion 66.

[0048] <Negative pressure release section> 4 is a diagram for explaining the function of the negative pressure release section that releases the negative pressure in the space of the through hole, showing a cross-sectional view of the tip section 30 cut along a plane that extends along the longitudinal direction Ax and passes through the through hole.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 4, the tip cap 34 is attached at a position facing the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) to define a space 66. The stand 36 is disposed in the space 66 and rotates between an upright position and a lying position around a rotation shaft 39. In Fig. 4, the stand 36 is located in the lying position.

[0050] The opening 81 of the tip cap 34 opens the space 66 to the outside, facing the inner wall 91 of the digestive tract 90. When the suction button 59 is pressed, the negative pressure source sucks air A from the space 66 through the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port). The negative pressure in the space 66 of the tip cap 34 increases.

[0051] For example, when the tip portion 30 of the endoscope 10 is located in a narrowed portion of the digestive tract 90, the opening 81 and the inner wall 91 are close to each other, and the inner wall 91 may be unintentionally sucked into the space 66 of the tip cap 34, as indicated by the double line. When the sucked inner wall 91 blocks the opening 81 of the tip cap 34, the negative pressure in the space 66 becomes higher, making it difficult for the inner wall 91 to separate from the opening 81.

[0052] If tip portion 30 is moved while inner wall 91 is being sucked, a scratching force acts on inner wall 91 in the shear direction, so it is necessary to take care not to damage inner wall 91.

[0053] Furthermore, the tip cap 34 is often made of a molded product using multiple molds. Therefore, a parting line is formed in some part of the tip cap 34 (a parting line is a linear protrusion that occurs at the mold mating surface). In order to prevent the parting line from contacting the inner wall 91, it is mainly formed on the edge of the opening 81 indicated by a circle, rather than on the outer circumferential surface of the tube portion 80. The surgeon must be careful not to pull out the endoscope 10 while using the suction function in a state where the parting line is in contact with the inner wall 91 sucked into the space portion 66.

[0054] Therefore, in the first embodiment of the tip cap 34, a through hole 83 is formed in the tip surface portion 82 to prevent the negative pressure in the space portion 66 from increasing and to prevent the inner wall 91 from being sucked into the opening 81. The through hole 83 communicates the space portion 66 with the outside of the tip cap 34. Therefore, even if air A in the space portion 66 is sucked from the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port), for example, air B is sucked into the space portion 66 through the through hole 83 from the inside of the digestive tract 90. Then, since the negative pressure in the space portion 66 is released through the through hole 83, the negative pressure in the space portion 66 can be prevented from increasing, and this through hole 83 functions as a negative pressure release portion.

[0055] In the first embodiment of the tip cap 34, even if the endoscope 10 is pulled out while being suctioned, the negative pressure release section prevents the inner wall 91 from being sucked into the space 66, and therefore the force that scratches the inner wall 91 in the shear direction is also suppressed. This reduces the burden on the surgeon when pulling out the endoscope 10, regardless of the presence or absence of a parting line.

[0056] The through hole 83, which is the negative pressure release portion, is preferably provided in the tip surface portion 82. This makes it possible to prevent the inner wall 91 from blocking the through hole 83, and enables the through hole 83 to reliably perform its function as a negative pressure release portion. It is preferable to provide a check valve in the through hole 83, which is the negative pressure release portion. By regulating the direction of the air B sucked in from the through hole 83, the negative pressure in the space portion 66 can be reliably released.

[0057] Next, a modified example of the first embodiment of the tip cap 34 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. In Fig. 5, the tip body 32 is omitted.

[0058] 5, in the tip cap 100 of the modified example of the first embodiment, a groove portion 84 communicating with the through hole 83 is formed on the outer surface of the tip cap 100. The groove portion 84 does not penetrate the tip cap 100, but opens to the outside side of the tip cap 100. The groove portion 84 is composed of a first groove portion 84A, a second groove portion 84B, and a third groove portion 84C.

[0059] The first groove portion 84A is formed in the tip surface portion 82 and extends in the Z(-) direction starting from the through hole 83. The second groove portion 84B is formed in the tip surface portion 82 and the tubular portion 80. The second groove portion 84B extends in the X(-) direction starting from the through hole 83 in the tip surface portion 82, and further extends in the Y(-) direction in the tubular portion 80. The third groove portion 84C is formed in the tip surface portion 82 and the tubular portion 80. The third groove portion 84C extends in the X(+) direction starting from the through hole 83 in the tip surface portion 82, and further extends in the Y(-) direction in the tubular portion 80.

[0060] Since the tip cap 100 includes the groove portion 84, even if the tip side of the through hole 83 is blocked, the space portion 66 can communicate with the outside via the through hole 83 and the groove portion 84. The groove portion 84 can suppress a decrease in the function of the through hole 83 as a negative pressure release portion. Although the groove portion 84 is configured by the first groove portion 84A, the second groove portion 84B, and the third groove portion 84C as an example, it is sufficient that the groove portion 84 includes at least one of the first groove portion 84A, the second groove portion 84B, and the third groove portion 84C. However, negative pressure is more easily released when the groove portion 84 is configured by a plurality of groove portions.

[0061] [Second embodiment] Next, an endoscope according to a second embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0062] The endoscope of the second embodiment has a different shape of a tip cap from that of the endoscope of the first embodiment. The second embodiment of the tip cap will be described with reference to Figs.

[0063] <Tip cap> 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a tip cap, in which the tip body 32 has been omitted.

[0064] Like the tip cap 34 of the first embodiment, the tip cap 102 includes a cylindrical portion 80, an opening 81 formed in the cylindrical portion 80, and a tip surface portion 82. The opening 81 opens toward the Z(+) direction (second direction) and opens the space portion 66 to the outside.

[0065] The tip cap 102 further has a slit 85 extending from the periphery of the opening 81 at a position separate from the opening 81. The slit 85 is provided in the tip surface portion 82 and extends in the Z(-) direction from the periphery of the opening 81. The slit 85 connects the space 66 to the outside.

[0066] The tip cap 102 further includes an easily breakable portion 86. The easily breakable portion 86 is a groove portion formed in the tip surface portion 82 and the tubular portion 80, and opens to the side of the space portion 66. Therefore, the easily breakable portion 86 becomes a thin-walled portion in the tip cap 102. The easily breakable portion 86 extends in the Z(-) direction from the notch portion 85 in the tip surface portion 82, and further extends in the Y(-) direction in the tubular portion 80.

[0067] When a force is applied in a direction that widens the slit 85 (X(+) direction and X(-) direction), the tip cap 102 breaks along the easily breakable portion 86 and separates in the X(+) direction and X(-) direction. As a result, the tip cap 102 can be easily removed from the tip body 32 (not shown). Because the tip cap 102 breaks along the easily breakable portion 86, the tip cap 102 is discarded without being reused.

[0068] <Negative pressure release section> The function of the slit as a negative pressure release portion will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the tip portion 30 cut along a plane that extends along the longitudinal direction Ax and passes through the slit.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 7, the tip cap 34 is attached at a position facing the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port) to define a space 66. In Fig. 7, the stand 36 is in the laid-down position.

[0070] When the suction button 59 is pressed, the air A in the space 66 is sucked in through the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port) by the negative pressure source, and the negative pressure in the space 66 increases.

[0071] In the second embodiment, a slit 85 is formed in the distal end surface portion 82 of the distal end cap 34 to prevent the negative pressure in the space 66 from increasing and to prevent the inner wall 91 from being sucked into the opening 81. The slit 85 communicates the space 66 with the outside of the distal end cap 34. Therefore, even if air A in the space 66 is sucked from the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port), for example, air B is sucked into the space 66 through the slit 85 from the inside of the digestive tract 90 (not shown). Then, the negative pressure in the space 66 is released through the slit 85, so that the negative pressure in the space 66 can be prevented from increasing, and the slit 85 functions as a negative pressure release portion. The slit 85 may be formed in the tube portion 80 of the distal end cap 102.

[0072] The position of the deepest part of the slit 85 in the Z-axis direction is preferably lower than the tip 36A of the stand 36 in the laid-down position (the position farthest from the rotation shaft 39). This prevents the slit 85 from being blocked by the inner wall 91 (not shown), and allows the slit 85 to maintain its function as a negative pressure release part. Here, the height is determined by the distance from the opening 81 to the opposite position.

[0073] Next, a first modified example of the second embodiment of the end cap 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] 8, tip cap 104, which is the first modified example, has linear slit 85A parallel to the Z-axis direction, similar to tip cap 102 of the second embodiment. However, slit 85A extends longer in the Z(-) direction compared to slit 85. Slit 85A functions as a negative pressure release portion that releases negative pressure in space 66. By lengthening slit 85A, it is possible to ensure that the negative pressure release portion functions reliably.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a view of the distal end surface portion 82 of the distal end cap 104 of Fig. 8 as viewed from the longitudinal direction Ax (Y(+) direction). The slit portion 85A has a constant groove width W and a groove length L extending from the groove width starting position to approximately the center of the distal end surface portion 82, and has an elongated shape extending in the Z-axis direction in which the groove length L is greater than the groove width W. The groove width W is sufficiently smaller than the treatment tool outlet 60, and the slit portion 85A is configured so that the treatment tool cannot pass through. In other words, the slit portion 85A is configured to have a narrow groove width W that the inner wall 91 does not reach, and a long groove length L.

[0076] Next, preferable conditions of the cut portion 85A will be described, where the groove width W, the groove length L, and the area S of the cut portion 85A are taken as the groove width W, the groove length L, and the area S, respectively.

[0077] The first condition for the cutout 85A is that when the groove width W is less than 1 mm, the area S calculated from the groove width W and the groove length L is 2.0 mm 2 In other words, when the groove width W is less than 1 mm, the area S of the cutout portion 85A is preferably 2.0 mm or more. 2 It is preferable that the groove length L is equal to or greater than 2.5 mm. For example, if the groove width W is 0.8 mm, the groove length L should be 2.5 mm or greater.

[0078] The second condition for the cutout 85A is that when the groove width W is 1 mm or more, the area S calculated from the groove width W and the groove length L is 3.5 mm 2 That is, when the groove width W is 1 mm or more, the area S of the cutout portion 85A is preferably 3.5 mm or more. 2 It is preferable that the groove length L is equal to or greater than 1.4 mm. For example, if the groove width W is 1.4 mm, the groove length L should be 2.5 mm or greater.

[0079] If the groove width W is 1 mm or more, the negative pressure in the space 66 will make it easier for the inner wall 91 to penetrate into the opening 81, so it is preferable to ensure a larger area S.

[0080] In the case of the notch 85A, the larger the groove length L, the easier it is to release the negative pressure. On the other hand, this may reduce the rigidity of the tip cap 104. For example, if the tip cap 104 is made of polyethylene resin with a thickness of 1 mm, the shape of the tip cap 104 can be more reliably maintained by setting the groove length L to 4 mm or less.

[0081] Next, a second modified example of the second embodiment of the tip cap 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 10, the tip cap 106 of the second modified example has a notch portion 85B, similar to the tip cap 104 of the first modified example.

[0082] The notch 85B of the second modification has a different shape from the straight notch 85A of the first modification. The notch 85B has a constant groove width W and is composed of a first straight portion 85B1 having a groove length L1 extending from the groove width starting position in the Z(-) direction, and a second straight portion 85B2 having a groove length L2 extending from the end of the first straight portion 85B1 in the X(+) direction. The first straight portion 85B1 and the second straight portion 85B2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0083] Next, preferable conditions of the cutout portion 85B will be described assuming that the groove width of the cutout portion 85B is W, the groove length of the first straight portion 85B1 is L1, the groove length of the second straight portion 85B2 is L2, and the area is S.

[0084] The first condition for the cutout portion 85B is that when the groove width W is less than 1 mm, the area S calculated from the groove width W, the groove length L1, and the groove length L2 is 2.0 mm 2 More preferably, it is equal to or greater than this.

[0085] The second condition for the notch 85B is that when the groove width W is 1 mm or more, the area S calculated from the groove width W, the groove length L1, and the groove length L2 is 3.5 mm 2 More preferably, it is equal to or greater than this.

[0086] The shape of the notch 85B is not limited as long as it satisfies the first and second conditions. Although the first straight portion 85B1 and the second straight portion 85B2 are perpendicular to each other, the angle between the first straight portion 85B1 and the second straight portion 85B2 may be an acute angle or an obtuse angle. The first straight portion 85B1 and the second straight portion 85B2 may intersect each other.

[0087] Next, a third modified example of the second embodiment of the end cap 102 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, the end cap 108 of the third modified example has a notch 85C, similar to the end cap 104 of the first modified example.

[0088] The cut portion 85C of the third modified example has a shape different from the shape of the linear cut portion 85A of the first modified example. The cut portion 85C has a substantially triangular shape with the start position as the apex.

[0089] Next, preferable conditions for the cut portion 85C will be described, where the groove width of the cut portion 85C is W, the length from the start position to the base is L3, the length of the base is L4, and the area is S. The groove width W of the shape of the cut portion 85C means the width at the start position of the cut portion 85C.

[0090] The first condition for the cutout 85C is that when the groove width W is less than 1 mm, the area S calculated from the groove width W, length L3, and base L4 is 2.0 mm 2 More preferably, it is equal to or greater than this.

[0091] The second condition for the notch 85C is that when the groove width W is 1 mm or more, the area S calculated from the length L3 and the base L4 is 3.5 mm 2 More preferably, it is equal to or greater than this.

[0092] In the first, second and third modified examples, the area S of the notches 85A, 85B and 85C can be determined as the area occupied by the notches 85A, 85B and 85C on the tip surface portion 82 when the tip surface portion 82 is viewed from the longitudinal direction Ax.

[0093] Next, a fourth modified example of the second embodiment of the tip cap 102 will be described with reference to FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, the tip cap 110 of the fourth modified example has a notch 85A, similar to the tip cap 104 of the first modified example. The tip cap 110 of the fourth modified example further has a groove 84 that communicates with the notch 85A formed on the outer surface of the tip cap 110. The groove 84 does not penetrate the tip cap 110, but opens to the outside side of the tip cap 110. Similar to the tip cap 100 of the first embodiment, the groove 84 is composed of a first groove 84A, a second groove 84B, and a third groove 84C.

[0094] The first groove portion 84A is formed in the tip surface portion 82 and extends in the Z(-) direction starting from the end of the notch portion 85A. The second groove portion 84B is formed in the tip surface portion 82 and the tubular portion 80. The second groove portion 84B extends in the X(-) direction starting from the notch portion 85A in the tip surface portion 82, and further extends in the Y(-) direction in the tubular portion 80. The third groove portion 84C extends in the X(+) direction starting from the notch portion 85A in the tip surface portion 82, and further extends in the Y(-) direction in the tubular portion 80.

[0095] Since the tip cap 110 has the groove 84, even if the tip side of the slit 85A is blocked, the space 66 can communicate with the outside via the slit 85A and the groove 84. The groove 84 can suppress a decrease in the function of the slit 85A as a negative pressure release portion. Although the groove 84 is configured by the first groove 84A, the second groove 84B, and the third groove 84C, it is sufficient to have at least one of the first groove 84A, the second groove 84B, and the third groove 84C. However, negative pressure is more easily released when the groove 84 is configured by a plurality of grooves.

[0096] Next, a fifth modification of the second embodiment of the end cap 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0097] 13, unlike the second embodiment of the tip cap 102, the tip cap 112 has a plurality of through holes 83 in addition to the slit portion 85. The through holes 83 can be arranged, for example, in a line along the Z-axis direction on a virtual straight line connecting the slit portion 85 and the easy-to-break portion 86. In the tip cap 112, the slit portion 85 and the plurality of through holes 83 function as a negative pressure release portion that releases the negative pressure in the space portion 66.

[0098] Providing a plurality of negative pressure release parts with different shapes makes it possible to ensure that the negative pressure release parts function reliably. Also, it becomes possible to design tip cap 112 taking into consideration the balance of functions required for tip cap 112, such as rigidity, breakability, and negative pressure release ability.

[0099] [Third embodiment] Next, an endoscope according to a third embodiment will be described. Note that the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0100] The endoscope of the third embodiment has a different shape of the tip body from those of the first and second embodiments. The tip body of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0101] FIG. 14 is an assembled perspective view of the tip portion, in which 14-1 in FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tip portion main body, and 14-2 in FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the tip portion after the tip cap is attached to the tip portion main body.

[0102] <Tip body> 14-1, the tip body 33 includes a pair of partitions 68 and 70 protruding toward the Y(+) side, and an illumination window 74 and an observation window 76 provided on an end face 68A of the partition 68 in the Z(+) direction. A treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port) is provided on the base end side of the tip body 32. The stand 36 is disposed between the pair of partitions 68, 70 on the distal side of the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port).

[0103] A groove 79 is provided in the tip body 33 in the Z(+) direction of the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port) and on the proximal end side of the tip body 33. The groove 79 is open in the Z(+) direction.

[0104] <Tip cap> 14-2, a tip cap 114 is attached to the tip body 33. As in the first and second embodiments, the tip cap 114 includes a cylindrical portion 80, an opening 81 formed in the cylindrical portion 80, and a tip surface portion 82. The tip cap 114 does not include a through hole 83 and notches 85, 85A, 85B, and 85C that function as negative pressure release portions.

[0105] By attaching the tip cap 114 to the tip body 33, a space 66 is defined at a position facing the treatment tool outlet port 60 (suction port).

[0106] <Negative pressure release section> As shown in FIG. 14-2, the groove 79 formed in the tip body 33 is exposed without being blocked by the tip cap 114, and serves as a communication portion that connects the space 66 with the outside.

[0107] When the suction button 59 is pressed, the air A in the space 66 is sucked from the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port) by the negative pressure source, and the negative pressure in the space 66 becomes high. In the third embodiment, in order to prevent the negative pressure in the space 66 from becoming high, a groove 79 that communicates with the space 66 and the outside is formed in the tip body 33. Therefore, even if the air A in the space 66 is sucked from the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port), for example, air B is sucked into the space 66 from the inside of the digestive tract 90 (not shown) through the groove 79, which is a communicating part. Then, the negative pressure in the space 66 is released through the groove 79, which is a communicating part, so that the negative pressure in the space 66 can be prevented from becoming high. The groove 79, which is a communicating part, functions as a negative pressure release part.

[0108] Next, a modified example of the endoscope of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. Configurations similar to those of the third embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof may be omitted.

[0109] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a modification of the third embodiment, and Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16-16 in Fig. 15. As shown in Fig. 15, a tip cap 116 is attached to the tip body 33. The third embodiment and the modification are different in the configuration of the negative pressure release section. Unlike the third embodiment, the modification does not have a groove portion 79 formed in the tip body 33.

[0110] In this modification, a gap 93 is formed between the tip body 33 and the tip cap 116. As shown in Fig. 16, the gap 93 extends in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the tip body 33. This gap 93 serves as a communication portion that connects the space 66 with the outside.

[0111] When the suction button 59 is pressed, the air A in the space 66 is sucked in from the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port) by the negative pressure source, and the negative pressure in the space 66 becomes high. In the modified example, in order to prevent the negative pressure in the space 66 from becoming high, the gap 93 formed by the distal end body 33 and the distal end cap 116 communicates the space 66 with the outside. Therefore, even if the air A in the space 66 is sucked in from the treatment tool outlet 60 (suction port), for example, air B is sucked into the space 66 from the inside of the digestive tract 90 (not shown) through the gap 93, which is a communication part. Then, the negative pressure in the space 66 is released through the gap 93, which is a communication part, so that the negative pressure in the space 66 can be prevented from becoming high. The gap 93, which is a communication part, functions as a negative pressure release part.

[0112] Although an example has been given in which the groove portion 79 and the gap 93, which are communicating parts, function as the negative pressure release part, the communicating parts are not limited to the groove portion 79 and the gap 93. For example, a through hole formed in the tip portion main body 33 can be used as the communicating part and function as the negative pressure release part.

[0113] <Other configurations> In the first and second embodiments, the negative pressure release part is formed in the tip cap, and in the third embodiment, the negative pressure release part is formed in the tip body. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the negative pressure release part can be formed in both the tip cap and the tip body.

[0114] Although the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 10 Endoscopy 12 Endoscope System 14. Processor device for endoscope 15 Light source device 15A Processor Side Connector 16 Image Processing Device 18 Display 20 Standing operation lever 22 Control section 24 Endoscope insertion part 26 Soft part 28 Curved section 30 Tip 32 Tip body 33 Tip body 34 Tip cap 36 Standing platform 36A Tip 38 Treatment tool channel 39 Rotational Axis 40 Control wire 41 Wire Channel 42 Air and water supply tube 46 Operation unit body 48 Gripping part 50 Anti-break tube 52 Universal Cable 54 Connector device 57 Air / water supply button 58 Air and water supply nozzle 59 Suction button 60 Treatment tool outlet 62 Angle knob 66 Space section 68 Bulkhead 68A End face 70 Bulkhead 74 Lighting window 76 Observation window 79 Groove 80 Cylinder part 81 Opening 82 Tip surface section 83 Through hole 84 Groove 84A First groove 84B Second groove 84C Third groove 85, 85A, 85B, 85C Notch 86 Easy to break part 90 Gastrointestinal tract 91 Inner wall 93 Gap 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 112, 114, 116 Tip cap Ax Longitudinal Air A, B

Claims

1. A tip body provided at the tip side of the endoscope insertion part; A suction port provided in the tip body; a tip cap attached to the tip body to define a space at a position facing the suction port and having an opening that opens the space to the outside; Equipped with the tip body includes an observation window and an illumination window on an end surface facing a second direction perpendicular to a first direction that is a longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion, The opening is an opening that opens toward the second direction, The tip cap is provided with a notch at a position communicating with the opening for releasing the negative pressure in the space, The notch has a groove width of less than 1 mm and a groove width of 2.0 mm 2 or more, or groove width of 1 mm or more and 3.5 mm 2 An endoscope with an area of ​​more than 100mm.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the notch is disposed on a distal end surface portion provided on a distal end side of the distal end cap in the first direction.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2 , wherein a groove portion communicating with the slit portion is formed on an outer surface of the tip cap.

4. The endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the tip cap is removably attached to the tip body.

5. A tip cap is attached to a tip body provided on the tip side of an endoscope insertion part, defines a space at a position facing a suction port provided in the tip body, and has an opening that opens the space to the outside, a notch for releasing the negative pressure in the space is provided at a position communicating with the opening, The notch has a groove width of less than 1 mm and a groove width of 2.0 mm 2 or more, or groove width of 1 mm or more and 3.5 mm 2 The tip cap has an area of ​​more than 15mm.

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