Leak test jig, leak tester, and endoscope system

Abstract

To provide a leak test jig capable of accurately performing a leak test to a check valve of a button for an endoscope.SOLUTION: A leak test jig 71 includes: a jig body 75 having a jig body hole 76 into which the base 31 and the shaft body 55 are inserted; a first seal surface 77a that is a part of the inner surface forming the jig body hole 76 and against which the first seal ring 43a abuts while maintaining airtightness; a second seal surface 77b, which is another part of the inner surface forming the jig body hole 76 and against which the second seal ring 43b abuts while maintaining airtightness when the first seal ring 43a abuts against the first seal surface 77a; and a communication hole 82 disposed between the first seal surface 77a and the second seal surface 77b of the jig body 75 and communicating with the jig body hole 76 and a space outside the jig body 75.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a leak test jig, a leak tester, and an endoscope system for conducting a leak test on an endoscope button used in an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, in the medical field, reusable endoscopes (hereinafter simply referred to as endoscopes) are subjected to reprocessing such as cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization after use. Furthermore, the endoscopes are subjected to leak tests.

[0003] A well-known leak tester for endoscopes is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1. This leak tester includes a hollow member having a first opening and a second opening through which an insertion tube (insertion section) is inserted, a first closing mechanism and a second closing mechanism that seal the interior of the hollow member by closing the first opening and the second opening, and a pressure detection unit that detects the pressure inside the airtight hollow member. The leak tester pressurizes and expands the first and second closing mechanisms, thereby tightly sealing the inner wall of the insertion hole against the insertion section. Furthermore, the leak tester increases the pressure in the hollow member to a test pressure and determines that a hole has formed in the insertion section if the test pressure is below a threshold.

[0004] Incidentally, endoscopes equipped with functions such as air and water supply functions for the lumen have endoscopic buttons such as an air and water supply button in the operating section. The air and water supply button generally has a check valve and multiple seal rings on the outer periphery of the shaft member. The air and water supply button performs its air and water supply functions when pressed by a user or the like. The air and water supply button is detachably attached to the operating section.

[0005] The check valve of the air / water supply button has a function to prevent fluids in the lumen from flowing back into the insertion section when the pressure in the lumen of the subject increases. Such air / water supply buttons can be reprocessed and reused after being removed from the endoscope. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-189294 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the check valve of the air / water supply button can be damaged by handling before reprocessing and by impact during reprocessing. In particular, even small scratches on the check valve can impair the backflow prevention function. However, such scratches on the check valve are difficult to detect visually.

[0008] The technology in Patent Document 1 is a technology that corresponds to a leak test of an insertion section, and therefore it is difficult to apply the technology in Patent Document 1 to a leak test of an endoscope button such as an air / water supply button, which is small in size and has a complex shape around the check valve.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a leak test tool, a leak tester, and an endoscope system that can accurately perform a leak test on a check valve of an endoscope button. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A leak test jig according to one embodiment of the present invention is a leak test jig for an endoscopic button having an axial member, a first elastic member and a second elastic member arranged at a distance from each other in the axial direction of the axial member, and a check valve arranged between the first elastic member and the second elastic member and opened by pressure from inside the axial member. The leak test jig is also equipped with: a tubular member having a first hole through which the axial member is inserted; a first surface which is part of the inner surface forming the first hole and against which the first elastic member abuts while maintaining airtightness; a second surface which is another part of the inner surface forming the first hole and against which the second elastic member abuts while maintaining airtightness when the first elastic member abuts against the first surface; and a second hole which is arranged between the first surface and the second surface of the tubular member and which communicates with the first hole and the space outside the tubular member.

[0011] A leak tester according to one aspect of the present invention includes the leak test jig and a pressure device connected to the leak test jig.

[0012] An endoscope system according to one aspect of the present invention includes the leak tester, the endoscope button, and an endoscope to which the endoscope button is attached.

[0013] A leak test jig according to another aspect of the present invention is a leak test jig for an endoscopic button having an axial member, a first elastic member and a second elastic member arranged at a distance in the axial direction of the axial member, and a check valve arranged between the first elastic member and the second elastic member and opened by pressure from inside the axial member, the leak test jig comprising: a tubular member having a first hole through which the axial member is inserted; a first surface which is a part of the inner surface forming the first hole and against which the first elastic member abuts while maintaining airtightness; and another part of the inner surface forming the first hole, which is formed on the proximal side of the first surface and against which the first elastic member abuts while maintaining airtightness. the second elastic member abuts against the first surface while maintaining airtightness when the first elastic member is in contact with the second surface of the tubular member; and a second hole disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the tubular member and communicating with the first hole and the space outside the tubular member, wherein the first hole is a hole penetrating the tubular member in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the first surface and the second surface are surfaces inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first hole, the second hole opens into a connecting portion provided on the outside of the tubular member, the connecting portion is connected to a pressure device, and the inner diameter of the second hole is such that the inner diameter of the second opening opening into the connecting portion is larger than the inner diameter of the first opening opening into the first hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, a leak test can be accurately performed on a check valve of an endoscope button. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an endoscope [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of the main parts of the air and water supply button and the air and water supply cylinder [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of the main part of the air and water supply button [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the lower part of the air and water supply button and the air and water supply cylinder when the leak hole is blocked [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of the lower part of the air / water supply button and the air / water supply cylinder in a first pressed state; [Figure 6]10 is a cross-sectional view of the lower part of the air / water supply button and the air / water supply cylinder in the second pressed state. [Figure 7] Side view of a leak tester equipped with air and water supply buttons [Figure 8] A side view showing the leak test jig, pressure pump, and air / water supply button separated. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view showing the leak test jig [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view showing the leak test jig equipped with the air and water supply buttons [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the air and water supply button being attached to the leak test jig [Figure 12] An explanatory diagram showing the behavior of compressed air when the valve is not damaged [Figure 13] An explanatory diagram showing the behavior of compressed air when the valve is damaged [Figure 14] An explanatory diagram showing the behavior of the pressure gauge when measuring internal pressure [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified example of the leak test jig during installation of the air / water supply button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Before describing the configuration of the endoscope accessory button quality determination device of this embodiment, we will explain an example of the configuration of an endoscope 1 that uses an air / water supply button 11. The air / water supply button 11 corresponds to a specific example of an endoscope accessory button.

[0018] 1 is, for example, an ultrasonic endoscope. The endoscope 1 includes an insertion section 2, an operation section 3, and a universal cable 4.

[0019] The distal end 6 of the insertion section 2 is provided with an air / water supply nozzle 7, a channel opening 8a, and a balloon 9.

[0020] The air and water nozzle 7 is a nozzle for supplying air and water to an objective optical system (not shown). A nozzle air and water supply conduit is connected to the air and water supply nozzle 7. The nozzle air and water supply conduit is branched into a nozzle air supply conduit 7a and a nozzle water supply conduit 7w, for example, inside the operation unit 3.

[0021] The channel opening 8a is formed at the tip of the treatment instrument channel 8. The base end side of the treatment instrument channel 8 is connected to a treatment instrument insertion port 8b in the operation unit 3. Furthermore, inside the operation unit 3, a channel suction conduit 8v branches off from the treatment instrument channel 8.

[0022] The balloon 9 is used during ultrasonic diagnosis. The tip of a balloon conduit 9a is connected to the inside of the balloon 9. The balloon conduit 9a branches into a balloon water supply conduit 9w and a balloon suction conduit 9v, for example, inside the operation unit 3.

[0023] The operation unit 3 is provided with an air / water supply button 11 and a suction button 12.

[0024] The air / water supply button 11 is a button for supplying air and water at the distal end portion 6 in response to an operation by a user or the like. The air / water supply button 11 is detachably attached to the air / water supply cylinder 13.

[0025] The nozzle air supply pipe 7a, the nozzle water supply pipe 7w, and the balloon water supply pipe 9w are connected to the air and water supply cylinder 13. Furthermore, the air and water supply cylinder 13 is connected to the air supply pipe 10a and the water supply pipe 10w.

[0026] The suction button 12 is a button for performing suction in the distal end portion 6 in response to an operation by a user or the like. The suction button 12 is detachably attached to the suction cylinder .

[0027] A channel suction pipe line 8v and a balloon suction pipe line 9v are connected to the suction cylinder 14. Furthermore, a suction pipe line 10v is connected to the suction cylinder 14.

[0028] An air supply pipe 10a, a water supply pipe 10w, and a suction pipe 10v are inserted through the universal cable 4. Furthermore, various signal lines, light guides, etc. (none of which are shown) are inserted through the universal cable 4.

[0029] An endoscope connector 15 is provided at the extending end of the universal cable 4. The endoscope connector 15 has a light guide connector 15a and a video connector 15b. The light guide connector 15a can connect the light guide to a light source device (not shown). The video connector 15b can connect various signal lines to an image processing device (not shown).

[0030] Inside the endoscope connector 15, the air supply conduit 10a branches into a first branch conduit 10a1 and a second branch conduit 10a2. The first branch conduit 10a1 is connected to an air supply nozzle 15c. The air supply nozzle 15c is capable of connecting the first branch conduit 10a1 to, for example, an air supply pump 16 built into the light source device. The second branch conduit 10a2 is connected to a water supply nozzle 15d. The water supply nozzle 15d is connectable to the upper part (gas layer) of a water supply tank 19 via an air supply tube 19a. Furthermore, a water supply conduit 10w is connected to the water supply nozzle 15d. The water supply nozzle 15d is connectable to the lower part of the water supply tank 19 via a water supply tube 19b. Note that physiological saline is stored in the lower part of the water supply tank 19. Furthermore, the suction conduit 10v is connected to a suction nozzle 15e. The suction mouthpiece 15e can be connected to a suction pump 17 via a suction tube 17a.

[0031] Next, the configurations of the air / water supply cylinder 13 and the air / water supply button 11 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0032] 2, the air / water supply cylinder 13 is cylindrical with a bottom. In the following description, in the direction along the central axis (longitudinal axis) Ax of the air / water supply cylinder 13 and the air / water supply button 11, the bottom side of the air / water supply cylinder 13 is defined as the tip side, and the opening side of the air / water supply cylinder 13 is defined as the base side.

[0033] The air / water supply cylinder 13 has, in order from the tip along the central axis Ax, a first cylinder portion 13a, a second cylinder portion 13b, a third cylinder portion 13c, and a fourth cylinder portion 13d.

[0034] The first to fourth cylinder portions 13a to 13d have different inner diameters. That is, the inner diameter of the second cylinder portion 13b is set smaller than the inner diameter of the first cylinder portion 13a. The inner diameter of the third cylinder portion 13c is set larger than the inner diameter of the second cylinder portion 13b. The inner diameter of the fourth cylinder portion 13d is set larger than the inner diameter of the third cylinder portion 13c.

[0035] The first cylinder 13a is provided with a through-hole 35a. The through-hole 35a penetrates, for example, a side wall of the first cylinder 13a in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax. The upstream end of the nozzle water supply pipe 7w is connected to the through-hole 35a.

[0036] The second cylinder portion 13b is provided with a through hole 35b and a through hole 35c. The through hole 35b and the through hole 35c penetrate, for example, the side wall portion of the second cylinder portion 13b in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax. The through hole 35b is located on the distal end side of the second cylinder portion 13b. The downstream end of the water supply pipe 10w is connected to this through hole 35b. The through hole 35c is located closer to the proximal end than the through hole 35b. The upstream end of the balloon water supply pipe 9w is connected to this through hole 35c.

[0037] The third cylinder 13c is provided with a through-hole 35d. The through-hole 35d penetrates, for example, a side wall of the third cylinder 13c in a direction inclined with respect to the central axis Ax. The upstream end of the nozzle air supply conduit 7a is connected to the through-hole 35d.

[0038] The inner circumferential surface of the third cylinder portion 13c is provided with a first tapered surface 36a and a second tapered surface 36b. The first tapered surface 36a is provided at the boundary between the second cylinder portion 13b and the third cylinder portion 13c, closer to the tip side than the through hole 35d. The second tapered surface 36b is provided at the boundary between the third cylinder portion 13c and the fourth cylinder portion 13d, closer to the base side than the through hole 35d.

[0039] Furthermore, a through-hole 35e is provided in the third cylinder portion 13c. The through-hole 35e penetrates, for example, an L-shaped portion of the side wall of the third cylinder portion 13c. As a result, one end of the through-hole 35e opens to the outer circumferential surface of the third cylinder portion 13c. The other end of the through-hole 35e opens to the bottom surface of the fourth cylinder portion 13d. The downstream end of the air supply pipe 10a is connected to one end of the through-hole 35e.

[0040] Here, a mouthpiece 37 is provided on the outer periphery of the fourth cylinder portion 13d. This mouthpiece 37 is a member for detachably connecting the air / water supply button 11 to the air / water supply cylinder 13. For this reason, an engagement protrusion 37a is provided on the outer periphery of the mouthpiece 37.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the air / water supply button 11 has a base 31, a spring receiving tube 32, and an air / water supply shaft 33.

[0042] The base 31 is a member for connecting the air / water supply button 11 to the air / water supply cylinder 13. In this embodiment, the base 31 corresponds to a specific example of a shaft member. The base 31 has, in order from the tip along the central axis Ax, a first base portion 31a, a second base portion 31b, and a third base portion 31c. Each of the first to third base portions 31a to 31c has a substantially cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the first to third base portions 31a to 31c have different outer diameters and inner diameters. As a result, the base 31 has a multi-stage, substantially cylindrical shape.

[0043] The outer diameter of the first base portion 31a is set smaller than the inner diameter of the third cylinder portion 13c of the air / water supply cylinder 13. This allows the first base portion 31a to be inserted into the third cylinder portion 13c.

[0044] A plurality of through holes 42a are provided in the middle of the first base portion 31a. Each through hole 42a penetrates, for example, a side wall portion of the first base portion 31a in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax. As a result, each through hole 42a communicates between the inner space and the outer space of the first base portion 31a.

[0045] A first seal ring 43a serving as a first elastic member is provided on the outer periphery of the tip end of the first base portion 31a. When the first base portion 31a is inserted into the third cylinder portion 13c, the first seal ring 43a elastically deforms and abuts against the first tapered surface 36a. This allows the first seal ring 43a to airtightly seal the tip end of the first base portion 31a and the tip end of the third cylinder portion 13c.

[0046] A second seal ring 43b serving as a second elastic member is provided on the outer periphery of the base end side of the first base portion 31a. When the first base portion 31a is inserted into the third cylinder portion 13c, the second seal ring 43b elastically deforms and abuts against the second tapered surface 36b. This allows the second seal ring 43b to airtightly seal the base end of the first base portion 31a and the base end of the third cylinder portion 13c.

[0047] Furthermore, a check valve 44 is integrally formed with the second seal ring 43b. This check valve 44 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. When the second seal ring 43b is attached to the first base portion 31a, the check valve 44 comes into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the first base portion 31a. As a result, the check valve 44 airtightly closes each of the through holes 42a. When the air pressure inside the first base portion 31a is higher than the air pressure outside the first base portion 31a by a predetermined amount or more, the check valve 44 elastically deforms in the outward radial direction. As a result, the check valve 44 opens each of the through holes 42a. On the other hand, when the air pressure inside the first base portion 31a is lower than the air pressure outside the first base portion 31a, the check valve 44 maintains the closed state of each of the through holes 42a.

[0048] In this way, the first seal ring 43a, the second seal ring 43b, and the check valve 44 form a closed space inside the first base portion 31a, which prevents the fluid in the lumen from flowing back into the nozzle air supply conduit 7a even when the pressure inside the lumen into which the endoscope 1 is inserted increases.

[0049] The outer diameter of the second base portion 31b is set smaller than the inner diameter of the fourth cylinder portion 13d of the air / water supply cylinder 13. This allows the second base portion 31b to be inserted into the fourth cylinder portion 13d.

[0050] The inner diameter of the second base portion 31b is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the first base portion 31a.

[0051] A seal ring 45 is provided on the outer periphery of the second base portion 31b. When the second base portion 31b is inserted into the fourth cylinder portion 13d, the seal ring 45 comes into contact with the inner periphery of the fourth cylinder portion 13d. As a result, the seal ring 45 airtightly seals the outer periphery of the second base portion 31b and the inner periphery of the fourth cylinder portion 13d.

[0052] The second base portion 31b has a sidewall formed with a plurality of through holes 42b. Each through hole 42b extends along the central axis Ax. As a result, each through hole 42b communicates the through hole 35e (air supply conduit 10a) with the interior of the third base portion 31c.

[0053] The outer diameter of the third base portion 31c is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the fourth cylinder portion 13d, and the inner diameter of the third base portion 31c is set to be larger than the inner diameter of the second base portion 31b.

[0054] An outer tubular member 46 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the third base portion 31c. An engaging recess 46a is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end of this outer tubular member 46. This engaging recess 46a is engageable with the engaging protrusion 37a. The engagement between this engaging recess 46a and the engaging protrusion 37a secures the base 31 to the air / water supply cylinder 13.

[0055] Furthermore, a female thread portion 47 is provided on the base end side of the inner circumferential surface of the third base portion 31c.

[0056] The spring receiving cylinder 32 has a cylinder body 32a having a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0057] An outward flange 32b is provided at the tip of the cylindrical main body 32a. The outward flange 32b has an annular shape. The outer diameter of the outward flange 32b is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the third base portion 31c. This allows the outward flange 32b to slide along the inner circumferential surface of the third base portion 31c.

[0058] An inward flange 32c is provided at the base end of the cylindrical body 32a. The inward flange 32c has an annular shape.

[0059] The spring receiving cylinder 32 forms an air chamber Ca inside the base portion 31. The air chamber Ca is in communication with each of the through holes 42b, which allows compressed air supplied from the air supply conduit 10a to be introduced into the air chamber Ca.

[0060] Sheet-like sealing members 49 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical main body 32a, the tip surface of the outward flange 32b, and the tip surface of the inward flange 32c. The sealing member 49 provided on the outward flange 32b can abut against the bottom surface of the third base portion 31c. This allows the sealing members 49 on the outward flange 32b to close each of the through holes 42b.

[0061] A stopper ring 50 is attached by screwing to the female thread portion 47 of the third base portion 31c. This stopper ring 50 restricts movement of the outward flange 32b toward the base end. This prevents the spring receiving tube 32 from falling off the third base portion 31c. Furthermore, a seal ring 51 is attached to the stopper ring 50. The seal ring 51 is able to abut against the base end surface of the outward flange 32b. When the seal ring 51 abuts against the outward flange 32b, the seal ring 51 provides an airtight seal between the outer peripheral surface of the outward flange 32b and the inner peripheral surface of the third base portion 31c.

[0062] The air / water supply shaft 33 has a shaft body 55. In this embodiment, the shaft body 55 corresponds to a specific example of a shaft member. The shaft body 55 has an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into the air / water supply cylinder 13, the base 31, and the spring receiving tube 32. This allows the shaft body 55 to move back and forth in the direction of the central axis Ax.

[0063] A head 56 is provided at the base end of the shaft body 55. The head 56 is capable of abutting against the inward flange 32c outside the spring receiving cylinder 32.

[0064] An outward flange 55a is provided on the base end side of the shaft body 55. The outward flange 55a is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the head 56. This outward flange 55a is capable of abutting against the inward flange 32c inside the spring receiving cylinder 32 via the seal member 49.

[0065] As a result, the shaft body 55 is held by the spring receiving cylinder 32 in a state in which it is allowed to move back and forth in the direction of the central axis Ax.

[0066] A first return spring 57a is provided between the outward flange 32b of the spring receiving cylinder 32 and the head 56. The first return spring 57a biases the shaft body 55 toward the base end in the direction of the central axis Ax.

[0067] In addition, a second return spring 57b is provided between the bottom surface of the second base portion 31b and the outward flange 55a of the shaft main body 55. The second return spring 57b biases the shaft main body 55 and the spring receiving cylinder 32 toward the base end side in the direction of the central axis Ax.

[0068] The biasing force of the second return spring 57b is set to be weaker than the biasing force of the first return spring 57a. Therefore, when the user or the like presses the head 56, only the second return spring 57b is compressed first. As a result, the spring receiving tube 32 and the shaft body 55 move integrally toward the tip side in the direction of the central axis Ax. The spring receiving tube 32 and the shaft body 55 move to a position where the outward flange 32b abuts against the bottom surface of the third base portion 31c via the seal member 49. In the following description, this pressed state is referred to as the "first pressed state." When the user or the like further presses the head 56, the first return spring 57a is compressed. As a result, the shaft body 55 moves toward the tip side in the direction of the central axis Ax. The shaft body 55 moves to a position where the head 56 abuts against the inward flange 32c. In the following description, this pressed state is referred to as the "second pressed state."

[0069] A series of leak holes 60 are provided on the base end side of the head 56 and the shaft body 55. The leak holes 60 are bottomed holes that extend along the central axis Ax. The depth of the leak holes 60 is set to a depth that positions the tips (bottoms) of the leak holes 60 further distally than the through-holes 42a of the base 31 when the head 56 is not pressed by a user or the like.

[0070] The shaft body 55 is provided with a through hole 58a, a through hole 58b, and a through hole 58c in this order from the tip side. Each of the through holes 58a to 58c penetrates the shaft body 55, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the central axis Ax. As a result, each of the through holes 58a to 58c communicates with the inside and outside of the leak hole 60. When the head 56 is not pressed, the through hole 58a is located at a position corresponding to the through hole 42a of the base 31. When the head 56 is not pressed, the through holes 58b and 58c are located at positions that are disposed within the air chamber Ca. When the head 56 is in the second pressed state, the through hole 58b is located at a position corresponding to the through hole 42a of the base 31.

[0071] On the distal end side of the leak hole 60, a seal ring 65a, a seal ring 65b, and a seal ring 65c are provided on the outer periphery of the shaft body 55, in that order from the distal end. Each of the seal rings 65a to 65c is slidable along the inner circumferential surface of the second cylinder portion 13b. Each of the seal rings 65a to 65c is spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance in the direction of the central axis Ax. As a result, the seal rings 65a and 65b form a first liquid chamber Aw1 inside the second cylinder portion 13b. The seal rings 65b and 65c form a second liquid chamber Aw2 inside the second cylinder portion 13b. Furthermore, the seal ring 65a forms a third liquid chamber Aw3 inside the first cylinder portion 13a.

[0072] When the head 56 is not pressed, the first liquid chamber Aw1 communicates with the water supply conduit 10w. Furthermore, when the head 56 is not pressed, the second liquid chamber Aw2 communicates with the balloon water supply conduit 9w. Furthermore, when the head 56 is not pressed, the third liquid chamber Aw3 communicates with the nozzle water supply conduit 7w. Thus, when the head 56 is not pressed, the water supply conduit 10w, the balloon water supply conduit 9w, and the nozzle water supply conduit 7w each communicate with an independent closed space. This prevents fluid in the lumen from flowing back into the balloon water supply conduit 9w and the nozzle water supply conduit 7w even if the pressure in the lumen into which the endoscope 1 is inserted increases.

[0073] Furthermore, when the head 56 is in the first pressed state, the first liquid chamber Aw1 is opened to the inside of the third liquid chamber Aw3, thereby connecting the water supply conduit 10w to the nozzle water supply conduit 7w.

[0074] When the head 56 is in the second pressed state, the second liquid chamber Aw2 communicates with the water supply conduit 10w and the balloon water supply conduit 9w.

[0075] A guide member 66 is provided between the seal ring 65b and the seal ring 65c of the shaft body 55. The guide member 66 prevents the shaft body 55 from tilting relative to the air / water supply cylinder 13. In this way, the guide member 66 guides the shaft body 55 to move back and forth along the central axis Ax.

[0076] In this configuration, compressed air supplied from the air pump 16 is introduced into the air chamber Ca through the air supply conduit 10a and the through-hole 42b. The compressed air is then introduced into the leak hole 60 through the through-holes 58b and 58c of the shaft body 55.

[0077] When the head 56 of the air / water supply button 11 is not operated by a user or the like, the leak hole 60 is open, and compressed air is thereby released into the atmosphere from the leak hole 60. At this time, the check valve 44 closes the through-hole 42a (see FIG. 2).

[0078] On the other hand, when the user's finger touches the head 56 of the air / water supply button 11, the leak hole 60 is closed, thereby preventing the compressed air from being released into the atmosphere. At this time, the compressed air in the air chamber Ca causes the check valve 44 to open the through-hole 42a (see FIG. 4). As a result, the compressed air is supplied to the nozzle air supply conduit 7a.

[0079] Furthermore, when the head 56 is in the first pressing state, the through-hole 42b is closed by the sealing member 49. This blocks the supply of compressed air to the air chamber Ca. When the supply of compressed air to the air chamber Ca is blocked, the check valve 44 closes the through-hole 42a.

[0080] Furthermore, when the through-hole 42b is closed, the compressed air supplied from the air supply pump 16 is supplied to the water supply tank 19 via the air supply tube 19a. When the internal pressure of the water supply tank 19 is increased by the compressed air, the saline solution in the water supply tank 19 is supplied to the water supply conduit 10w. As described above, when the head 56 is in the first pressed state, the water supply conduit 10w is connected to the nozzle water supply conduit 7w inside the air and water supply cylinder 13 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the saline solution is supplied from the water supply conduit 10w to the nozzle water supply conduit 7w.

[0081] Furthermore, when the head 56 is in the second pressing state, the water supply conduit 10w is connected to the balloon water supply conduit 9w inside the air / water supply cylinder 13 (see FIG. 6). Therefore, saline is supplied from the water supply conduit 10w to the balloon water supply conduit 9w.

[0082] After using such an endoscope 1, a reprocessing and a leak test are performed on the endoscope 1. In this case, the reprocessing and leak test on the air / water supply button 11 are performed in a state where it is removed from the endoscope 1.

[0083] 7 and 8 show a leak tester 70 for conducting a leak test on the air / water supply button 11. This leak tester 70 can be used together with the endoscope 1 to form an endoscope system 100 (see FIG. 1). The leak tester 70 has a leak test tool 71 and a pressurizing device 72.

[0084] The leak test jig 71 has a jig body 75 as a tubular member. As shown in Fig. 9, the jig body 75 has a jig body hole 76 as a first hole. The jig body hole 76 penetrates the jig body 75 in the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax1 of the jig body 75, for example.

[0085] The jig body hole 76 is a hole into which the tip end side of the shaft body 55 of the air / water supply button 11 and the first base portion 31a can be inserted.

[0086] The jig main body hole 76 has, in order from the tip side along the longitudinal axis Ax1, a first main body hole portion 76a and a second main body hole portion 76b.

[0087] The first body hole 76a and the second body hole 76b have different inner diameters, that is, the inner diameter of the first body hole 76a is set smaller than the inner diameter of the second body hole 76b.

[0088] More specifically, the inner diameter of the first main body hole 76a is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the second cylinder portion 13b of the air / water supply cylinder 13. As a result, when the shaft body 55 is inserted into the first main body hole 76a, the seal rings 65a to 65c are able to slide on the inner circumferential surface of the first main body hole 76a.

[0089] The inner diameter of the second main body hole portion 76b is set to be the same as the inner diameter of the third cylinder portion 13c of the air / water supply cylinder 13, for example.

[0090] A first seal surface 77a serving as a first surface is provided on a portion of the inner surface (inner circumferential surface) of the second main body hole 76b. When the first base portion 31a is inserted into the second main body hole 76b, the first seal surface 77a can abut against the first seal ring 43a while maintaining airtightness. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the first seal surface 77a is provided on a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the second main body hole 76b toward the tip end. Here, it is preferable that the first seal surface 77a be a tapered surface having the same shape as the first tapered surface 36a provided on the third cylinder portion 13c.

[0091] Furthermore, a second seal surface 77b serving as a second surface is provided on another portion of the inner surface (inner circumferential surface) of the second main body hole 76b. When the first base portion 31a is inserted into the second main body hole 76b, the second seal surface 77b can abut against the second seal ring 43b while maintaining airtightness. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9, the second seal surface 77b is provided on a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the second main body hole 76b on the base end side. Here, it is preferable that the second seal surface 77b be a tapered surface having the same shape as the second tapered surface 36b provided on the third cylinder portion 13c.

[0092] 9 shows an example in which the first seal surface 77a and the second seal surface 77b are each configured as a tapered surface. However, the first seal surface 77a and the second seal surface 77b are not limited to tapered surfaces as long as they are surfaces that can abut against the first seal ring 43a and the second seal ring 43b while maintaining airtightness. For example, it is possible for only one of the first seal surface 77a and the second seal surface 77b to be a tapered surface, and the other to be a toric surface. Alternatively, it is possible for both the first seal surface 77a and the second seal surface 77b to be toric surfaces.

[0093] The leak test jig 71 also has a socket 80 on the outer side of the base end of the jig body 75 .

[0094] The socket 80 is connected to the jig body 75 via a relay pipe 81. The socket 80 and the relay pipe 81 are provided with a communication hole 82 serving as a second hole.

[0095] One end of the communication hole 82 forms the opening of the socket 80. The other end of the communication hole 82 opens to the inner surface of the second body hole portion 76b (jig body hole 76) between the first seal surface 77a and the second seal surface 77b. As a result, the communication hole 82 communicates between the jig body hole 76 and the space outside the jig body 75.

[0096] 9, the inner diameter of the opening (second opening 82b) of the communicating hole 82 on the socket 80 side is set larger than the inner diameter of the opening (first opening 82a) of the communicating hole 82 on the jig body hole 76 side. More specifically, the inner diameter of the second opening 82b is set to an inner diameter that allows connection to a connector 88 of the pressurizing device 72, which will be described later, while maintaining an airtight state. In this way, the socket 80 corresponds to a specific example of a connecting portion.

[0097] Furthermore, the leak test jig 71 has an air release hole 83 as a third hole. The air release hole 83 is provided in the jig body 75 on the tip side of the first seal surface 77a. More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the air release hole 83 is provided on the tip side of the tip of the shaft body 55 when the air / water supply button 11 is attached to the leak test jig 71. The air release hole 83 is, for example, a through-hole that penetrates the wall of the jig body 75 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax1. As a result, the air release hole 83 communicates between the first body hole portion 76a (jig body hole 76) and the space outside the jig body 75.

[0098] The pressurizing device 72 includes a pressurizing pump 85 , an air supply tube 86 , and a pressure gauge 87 .

[0099] The pressure pump 85 is configured, for example, by a rubber air supply sphere, and can be manually squashed to expel air.

[0100] The air supply tube 86 is made of, for example, a flexible rubber tube. One end of the air supply tube 86 is connected to a pressure pump 85. A connector 88 is provided at the other end of the air supply tube 86.

[0101] The connector 88 can be detachably connected to the socket 80 of the leak test jig 71. When the connector 88 is connected to the socket 80, it is possible to maintain airtightness between the connector 88 and the socket 80. This allows compressed air discharged from the pressure pump 85 to be supplied into the second main body hole portion 76b (jig main body hole 76).

[0102] The pressure gauge 87 is provided, for example, at the connection between the pressure pump 85 and the air supply tube 86. The pressure gauge 87 measures the internal pressure of the air supply tube 86.

[0103] Next, an example of a leak test for the check valve 44 of the air / water supply button 11 using the leak tester 70 will be described.

[0104] 10, for example, during a leak test, an air / water supply button 11 is attached to a leak test jig 71. The air / water supply button 11 is attached by inserting the tip end of the air / water supply button 11 from the base end of a jig body hole 76.

[0105] For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , when installing the air / water supply button 11, a user places their thumb and index finger against the tip of the jig body 75 and the base of the head 56, respectively. Furthermore, the user pinches the jig body 75 and the air / water supply button 11 between their thumb and index finger. This allows the user to push the air / water supply button 11 into the jig body hole 76. This pushing is performed until the first seal ring 43 a and the second seal ring 43 b abut against the first seal surface 77 a and the second seal surface 77 b, respectively. By abutting against the first seal surface 77 a and the second seal surface 77 b, the first seal ring 43 a and the second seal ring 43 b airtightly seal both ends of the second body hole 76 b. This forms a closed space in the second body hole 76 b.

[0106] When the air / water supply button 11 is pressed in, the seal rings 65a-65c of the air / water supply button 11 slide relative to the first main body hole 76a. Therefore, when the tip of the first main body hole 76a is blocked by the thumb, the air inside the first main body hole 76a is compressed by the seal rings 65a-65c. Even in this case, the compressed air is released to the outside of the jig body 75 through the air release hole 83. In this way, the air release hole 83 prevents the compressed air inside the first main body hole 76a from generating a reaction force in a direction that pushes back the air / water supply button 11.

[0107] When the air / water supply button 11 is attached to the leak test jig 71, the user or the like operates the pressure pump 85 to discharge compressed air from the pressure pump 85 into the air supply tube 86. This discharge of compressed air increases the internal pressure of the air supply tube 86 and the second main body hole 76b. This internal pressure can be measured by the pressure gauge 87. While observing the internal pressure measured by the pressure gauge 87, the user or the like continues pressurizing with the pressure pump 85 until the internal pressure reaches a set pressure (for example, 20 [KPa]).

[0108] When the internal pressure rises to the set pressure, the user stops pressurizing and monitors the internal pressure measured by the pressure gauge 87 for a set time.

[0109] 12, if the check valve 44 is not damaged, the pressurized air will not leak and will remain inside the air supply tube 86 and the second main body hole 76b. Therefore, the internal pressure measured by the pressure gauge 87 will be maintained at the set pressure.

[0110] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13, if the check valve 44 is damaged, some of the pressurized air will pass through the damaged portion of the check valve 44. Furthermore, the air that has passed through the check valve 44 passes through the through holes 42a and 58a and flows into the leak hole 60. The air that has flowed into the leak hole 60 is then discharged from the open end of the leak hole 60 to the outside of the air / water supply button 11. Therefore, the internal pressure measured by the pressure gauge 87 will be lower than the set pressure (see the two-dot chain line in Figure 14).

[0111] These are used to determine whether the check valve 44 is in good condition, that is, whether leakage due to damage to the check valve 44 is occurring or not.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the leak test jig 71 includes a jig body 75 having a jig body hole 76 into which the base 31 and the shaft body 55 are inserted, a first seal surface 77a that is a part of the inner surface forming the jig body hole 76 and against which the first seal ring 43a abuts while maintaining airtightness, a second seal surface 77b that is another part of the inner surface forming the jig body hole 76 and against which the second seal ring 43b abuts while maintaining airtightness when the first seal ring 43a abuts against the first seal surface 77a, and a communication hole 82 that is disposed between the first seal surface 77a and the second seal surface 77b of the jig body 75 and that communicates with the jig body hole 76 and the space outside the jig body 75. This allows a leak test of the check valve 44 of the air / water supply button 11 to be performed accurately.

[0113] That is, the first seal ring 43a and the second seal ring 43b can simultaneously abut against the first seal surface 77a and the second seal surface 77b of the leak test jig 71 while maintaining airtightness. Therefore, when the air / water supply button 11 is inserted into the jig body hole 76, the first seal ring 43a and the second seal ring 43b form a closed space inside the jig body hole 76.

[0114] Here, the check valve 44 of the air / water supply button 11 is provided between the first seal ring 43a and the second seal ring 43b. Therefore, when the air / water supply button 11 is inserted into the jig body hole 76, the check valve 44 is disposed in the closed space of the jig body hole 76.

[0115] Furthermore, a communication hole 82 that connects the jig body hole 76 to the outside is provided between the first seal surface 77a and the second seal surface 77b of the jig body 75. Therefore, the communication hole 82 connects the closed space of the jig body hole 76 to the outside.

[0116] With these configurations, the leak test jig 71 can introduce compressed air for leak testing from outside the leak test jig 71 into the closed space in which the check valve 44 is disposed. Then, by monitoring the internal pressure after the compressed air has been introduced, the leak test for the check valve 44 can be performed accurately.

[0117] In particular, leak test jig 71 employs a configuration that utilizes first seal ring 43a and second seal ring 43b of air / water supply button 11, and can form a closed space to accommodate check valve 44 simply by inserting air / water supply button 11 into jig body hole 76. Therefore, a leak test of check valve 44 can be easily performed even for small-sized air / water supply buttons 11 without requiring a complex configuration.

[0118] 15, for example, a blocking portion 84 for blocking the jig body hole 76 can be provided at the tip of the jig body 75. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the blocking portion 84 is configured by a cap attached to the tip of the jig body 75. It is also possible to form the blocking portion 84 integrally with the jig body 75. When such a blocking portion 84 is provided, the air release hole 83 functions more effectively to suppress the reaction force when the air / water supply button 11 is inserted into the jig body hole 76.

[0119] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible, and these are also within the technical scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the air / water supply button is shown as an example of an endoscope button, but other buttons that can be attached and detached to the endoscope may also be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1. Endoscope 2 ... Insertion section 3...Operation unit 4...Universal cable 6 … Tip 7...Air and water supply nozzle 7a ... Nozzle air supply line 7b ... Nozzle water supply pipe 7w... Water supply pipe for nozzle 8...Treatment tool channel 8a … Channel opening 8b ... Treatment tool insertion port 8v... Suction line for channel 9... Balloon 9a ... Balloon duct 9v ... Balloon suction line 9w... Water supply line for balloon 10a … Air supply pipe line 10a1 ... First branch pipe 10a2 ... Second branch line 10v … Suction line 10w … Water pipeline 11...Air and water supply button 12 ... Suction button 13...Air and water supply cylinder 13a ... First cylinder section 13b ... second cylinder section 13b ... Third cylinder section 13c ... Third cylinder section 13d ... Fourth cylinder section 14...Suction cylinder 15...Endoscope connector 15a ... Light guide connector 15b ... Video connector 15c ... Air supply nozzle 15d... Water supply nozzle 15e ... Suction nozzle 16...Air pump 17...Suction pump 17a ... Suction tube 19... Water tank 19a...Air supply tube 19b... Water supply tube 31... Bass 31a ... First base part 31b ... Second base part 31c ... Third base 32 ... Spring holder 32a … Cylinder body 32b ... Outward flange 32c...inward flange 33...Air and water supply shaft 35a … Through hole 35b … Through hole 35c … Through hole 35d … Through hole 35e … Through hole 36a ... First tapered surface 36b ... Second tapered surface 37 ... nozzle 37a... Engagement protrusion 42a through hole 42b … Through hole 43a ... First seal ring 43b ... Second seal ring 44...Check valve 45 ... Seal ring 46 ... Outer cylinder member 46a ... Engagement recess 47 ... Threaded section 49 ... Sealing material 50...Stopper ring 51 ... Seal ring 55... Shaft body 55a ... Outward flange 56... Head 57a ... 1st return spring 57b ... Second return spring 58a ... through hole 58b … Through hole 58c … Through hole 60...Leak hole 65a ... Seal ring 65b ... Seal ring 65c ... Seal ring 66 ... Guide member 70...Leak tester 71...Leak test fixture 72...Pressure device 75 ... Jig body 76 ... Jig body hole 76a ... first main body hole 76b ... second body hole 77a ... First sealing surface 77b ... Second sealing surface 80... Socket 81 ... relay pipe 82 … Communication hole 82a ... First opening 82b ... Second opening 83 ... Air release hole 84 … Occlusion 85... Pressure pump 86 ... Air supply tube 87... Pressure gauge 88 … Connector 100...Endoscopy system Aw1: First liquid chamber Aw2: Second liquid chamber Aw3: Third liquid chamber Ax: central axis (longitudinal axis) Ax1: Longitudinal axis Ca...air chamber

Claims

1. A leak test jig for an endoscopic button, comprising: an axial member; a first elastic member and a second elastic member spaced apart in an axial direction of the axial member; and a check valve disposed between the first elastic member and the second elastic member, the check valve opening in response to pressure from inside the axial member, a tubular member having a first hole through which the shaft member is inserted; a first surface that is a part of an inner surface that forms the first hole and against which the first elastic member abuts while maintaining airtightness; a second surface that is another part of the inner surface forming the first hole, and that the second elastic member abuts against while maintaining airtightness when the first elastic member abuts against the first surface; a second hole disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the tubular member and communicating with the first hole and a space outside the tubular member; A leak test jig comprising:

2. 2. The leak test jig according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the first hole.

3. 3. The leak test jig according to claim 2, wherein the first hole is a hole that penetrates the tubular member in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

4. the first surface is disposed on a distal side of the second hole of the tubular member, 2. The leak test jig according to claim 1, further comprising a third hole communicating with the first hole and a space outside the tubular member, the third hole being located closer to the tip of the tubular member than the first surface.

5. the first surface is disposed on a distal side of the second hole of the tubular member, a blocking portion that blocks a distal end side of the first hole is provided on the distal end side of the first surface of the tubular member, 2. The leak test jig according to claim 1, further comprising a third hole between the first surface of the tubular member and the closing portion, the third hole communicating with the first hole and a space outside the tubular member.

6. a connection portion connectable to a pressurizing device is provided on the outside of the tubular member; 2. The leak test jig according to claim 1, wherein the second hole is opened in the connecting portion.

7. The leak test jig according to claim 1; a pressure device connected to the leak test jig; A leak tester comprising:

8. The leak tester according to claim 7; the endoscope button; an endoscope to which the endoscope button is attached; and An endoscope system comprising:

9. A leak test jig for an endoscopic button, comprising: an axial member; a first elastic member and a second elastic member spaced apart in an axial direction of the axial member; and a check valve disposed between the first elastic member and the second elastic member, the check valve opening in response to pressure from inside the axial member, a tubular member having a first hole into which the shaft member is inserted; a first surface that is a part of an inner surface that forms the first hole and against which the first elastic member abuts while maintaining airtightness; a second surface that is another part of the inner surface that forms the first hole, the second surface being formed closer to the base end than the first surface, and against which the second elastic member abuts while maintaining airtightness when the first elastic member abuts against the first surface; a second hole disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the tubular member and communicating with the first hole and a space outside the tubular member; Equipped with the first hole is a hole that penetrates the tubular member in the direction of the longitudinal axis, the first surface and the second surface are surfaces inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the first hole, the second hole opens into a connecting portion provided on the outside of the tubular member, the connecting portion is connected to a pressure device, A leak test jig characterized in that the inner diameter of the second hole is larger than the inner diameter of the first opening that opens to the first hole, and the inner diameter of the second opening that opens to the connection portion.

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