Endoscope expansion unit and endoscope adapter device

Abstract

We provide an expansion unit and adapter device that can increase the number of channels in an endoscope. [Solution] The extension unit 1A comprises a tip member 20 configured to be held on the tip portion 10C of the endoscope 1, a first tubular member 30 extending from the tip member 20, a cylindrical member 40 having a first opening 41 and a second opening 42 connected to the base end portion 32 of the first tubular member 30 on the side opposite to the tip member 20, and a connecting member 50 connecting the second opening 42 and the instrument entry port 112 of the endoscope 1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an endoscopic extension unit and an adapter device for an endoscope.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an endoscope main body including a distal end portion having an observation window or the like, a hand operation portion, and a body cavity insertion portion connecting the distal end portion and the hand operation portion, and a first attachment means provided on the distal end side and capable of being detachably attached to the distal end portion and a second attachment means provided on the proximal end side and capable of being detachably attached to the hand operation portion, and a channel forming tube for inserting a treatment tool such as a forceps having the second attachment means.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an endoscope main body having an elongated insertion portion incorporating an observation optical system provided with an observation window at the distal end portion and an operation portion connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion, and a hollow channel having a part detachably attached along the insertion portion, one end opening near the distal end portion, the other end provided with a connection portion to a suction source, having a branch portion in the middle, and a treatment tool insertion port provided at one end branched by the branch portion, and the channel is a channel detachable endoscope provided with a separable connection portion near the branch portion.

[0004] Patent Document 3 describes that a valve mounting portion is provided in the middle of an endoscope internal suction path provided inside the endoscope and having a distal end opening at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and by mounting a suction valve on this valve mounting portion, the endoscope internal suction path can be switched between a suction operating state connected to a suction source and a non-operating state in which the suction source is communicated with the atmosphere. In this case, an endoscope external suction passage extending along the insertion portion, a second suction valve that can be detachably mounted on the valve mounting portion and can be switched between a non-operating state in which the suction source is communicated with the atmosphere and a suction operating state in which the communication with the atmosphere is blocked and the endoscope external suction passage is connected is described as a characteristic configuration of an endoscope suction device.

[0005] Patent Document 4 describes an external channel characterized by comprising a flexible first lumen, a flexible second lumen extending along the first lumen, and a fixing part for detachably fixing the first lumen and the second lumen to the insertion part of the endoscope.

[0006] Patent Document 5 describes an auxiliary device that is used in combination with an endoscope having an insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity through one external nostril, and is characterized by having an insertion portion that assists the function of the endoscope by being inserted into the body cavity through the other external nostril.

[0007] Patent Document 6 describes a fixing means for fixing an endoscope that allows observation of a surgical site inside a body cavity using an endoscope having an insertion portion inserted into a body cavity and an endoscope body attached to one end of the insertion portion, wherein the fixing means comprises a holder body that is attached to a fixing stand placed on the floor and holds the endoscope body so as to be axially rotatable, and the holder body comprises a detachment mechanism that allows the endoscope body to be attached to and detached from the holder body while the insertion portion is inserted into the body cavity. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japan Act No. 59-48601 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-47426 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-216104 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-131107 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-63483 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-68517 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] This disclosure provides a technology that allows for the retrofitting of channels in an endoscope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An extension unit for an endoscope according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a tip member configured to be held at the tip of an endoscope, a first tubular member extending from the tip member, a cylindrical member having a first opening and a second opening connected to the base end of the first tubular member opposite to the tip member, and a connecting member connecting the second opening and the instrument entry port of the endoscope. An adapter device for an endoscope according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a first engaging portion that detachably engages with the operating section of an endoscope, and a second engaging portion that detachably engages with an extension unit that adds channels to the endoscope. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The technology described herein allows for an increase in the number of channels in an endoscope. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope device 100, which is one embodiment of the technology of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the general configuration of an extension unit 1A according to one embodiment of the technology of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram partially showing the state in which the expansion unit 1A shown in Figure 2 is attached to the endoscope 1 via the adapter device 60. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cylindrical member 40. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first connection portion 51. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tip member 20 and the first tubular member 30 in the expansion unit 1A, viewed from a different direction than in Figure 2. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a view of the tip member 20 and the first tubular member 30 shown in FIG. 6 as seen in the direction X1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the adapter device 60. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adapter device 60 as seen from a different direction from FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of the state in which the cylindrical member 40 and the adapter device 60 are attached to the endoscope 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a view showing the state in which the cylindrical member 40 is rotated 180 degrees from the state of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view showing the state in which the adapter device 60 and the operation unit 11 are fixed by the fixture 80. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a side view showing the state in which the cylindrical member 40 is engaged with the adapter device 60 attached to the operation unit 11. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of the attachment 70. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the state in which a grasping forceps with a bending function is additionally used in the endoscope 1. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a view showing a modification example of the extension unit 1A. [[ID=;31]] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an adapter device 60A which is a modification example of the adapter device 60. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an example in which a large treatment tool 90 is attached to the adapter device 60A via the attachment 70.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an endoscope device 100, which is one aspect of the technology of this disclosure. The endoscope device 100 comprises an endoscope 1, a main unit 2 consisting of a light source device 4 and a processor device 5 to which the endoscope 1 is connected, and a display device 7 that displays captured images obtained by the endoscope 1.

[0014] The endoscope 1 comprises an insertion section 10 that extends in one direction and is inserted into the subject, an operating section 11 provided at the base end of the insertion section 10 which has an operating member for performing operations such as observation mode switching, image storage, forceps operation, air supply / water supply operation, suction operation, or electrosurgical operation, an angle knob 12 provided adjacent to the operating section 11, and a universal cord 13 including a connector section 13A that detachably connects the endoscope 1 to the connection section 4A of the light source device 4.

[0015] The operating section 11 is provided with a treatment instrument inlet 112 for introducing treatment instruments for collecting biological tissue such as cells or polyps. Although not shown in Figure 1, the operating section 11 and the insertion section 10 are provided with various channels such as a treatment instrument channel, an air / water supply channel, and a suction channel through which the treatment instruments introduced from the treatment instrument inlet 112 are inserted. The operating section 11 also includes a suction button 11A and an air / water supply button 11B, etc.

[0016] The insertion section 10 consists of a flexible section 10A, a curved section 10B provided at the tip of the flexible section 10A, and a harder tip section 10C provided at the tip of the curved section 10B. The tip section 10C houses an image sensor and an imaging optical system.

[0017] The bending section 10B is configured to bend freely by rotating the angle knob 12. The bending section 10B can be bent in any direction and at any angle depending on the part of the subject on which the endoscope 1 is used, and the tip section 10C can be directed in the desired direction.

[0018] Inside the endoscope 1, a light guide is provided, consisting of multiple bundled optical fibers, extending from the tip 10C of the insertion section 10 to the connector section 13A. Light generated by the light source device 4 is introduced from the connector section 13A into this light guide, travels to the tip 10C, and is irradiated onto the subject through an illumination window provided at the tip 10C.

[0019] The universal code 13 includes the suction channel described above. For example, the light source device 4 is equipped with or has an external suction device, and this suction device is connected to the suction channel. When the suction button 11A included in the control unit 11 is operated, the negative pressure generated by this suction device is connected to the tip of the endoscope 1, and fluids, etc., are drawn from the tip of the endoscope 1 into the suction channel and collected by the suction device.

[0020] Next, the configuration of the expansion unit for adding channels to the endoscope 1 shown in Figure 1, and the adapter device for attaching this expansion unit to the endoscope 1 will be described. Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing the general configuration of an expansion unit 1A according to one embodiment of the technology of this disclosure. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram partially showing the state in which the expansion unit 1A shown in Figure 2 is attached to the endoscope 1 via the adapter device 60.

[0021] As an example, the expansion unit 1A adds a treatment instrument channel and a suction channel to the endoscope 1. As shown in Figure 2, the expansion unit 1A includes a tip member 20 configured to be held at the tip portion 10C of the endoscope 1, a first tubular member 30 extending from the tip member 20, a cylindrical member 40 connected to the base end portion 32 of the first tubular member 30 opposite to the tip member 20, and a connecting member 50 connecting the cylindrical member 40 to the treatment instrument inlet 112 of the endoscope 1.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3, the adapter device 60 is used by engaging with the tip end 113 of the endoscope 1 at the operating unit 11. The extension unit 1A is attached to the endoscope 1 via the adapter device 60 by the engagement of the cylindrical member 40 with the adapter device 60. As shown in Figure 3, the instrument entry port 112 of the endoscope 1 is made up of a mouthpiece 111A that fits into an opening 111 provided in the housing of the operating unit 11.

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cylindrical member 40. The cylindrical member 40 has a cylindrical main portion 44 that forms a straight passage 44A, and a cylindrical branch portion 45 that branches off from the passage 44A and forms a branch passage 45A that extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the passage 44A extends. In this specification, “passage” means a space through which at least one of a treatment tool and a fluid can pass.

[0024] The main section 44 has a first opening 41 on one end in the axial direction and a third opening 43 on the other end in the axial direction. The columnar space extending from the first opening 41 to the third opening 43 forms a passage 44A. The branch section 45 protrudes obliquely from the outer circumferential surface of the main section 44 relative to the axis of the main section 44 and has a second opening 42 at the end opposite to the main section 44. The second opening 42 communicates with the passage 44A, and the columnar space extending from the second opening 42 to the passage 44A forms a branch path 45A.

[0025] The cylindrical member 40 further has a first flange portion 46 and a second flange portion 47 on the outer circumferential surface of the main portion 44, aligned in the axial direction of the main portion 44. The first flange portion 46 and the second flange portion 47 are provided in the portion of the main portion 44 between the third opening 43 and the branch portion 45 in the axial direction. The portion of the main portion 44 between the first flange portion 46 and the second flange portion 47, and the first flange portion 46 and the second flange portion 47, constitute an engaged portion 48 that can be engaged with the adapter device 60.

[0026] In the main portion 44 of the cylindrical member 40, the shape of the end portion 44B (the portion above the first flange portion 46 in Figure 4) where the third opening 43 is formed is preferably the same shape as the mouthpiece 111A provided on the operating portion 11. In the main portion 44, the end portion 44C where the first opening 41 is formed is configured to have a smaller diameter than the other parts of the main portion 44. As shown in Figure 3, the base end portion 32 of the first tubular member 30 is connected to this small-diameter end portion 44C. The end portion 44C is fixed to the base end portion 32 by welding or adhesive while inserted through the base end portion 32. The first tubular member 30 is flexible so that it can deform to follow the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 1.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the connecting member 50 has a first connecting portion 51 that is connected to the instrument inlet 112 (in other words, the mouthpiece 111A) of the endoscope 1, and a second tubular member 52 that has one end connected to the second opening 42 of the cylindrical member 40 and the other end connected to the first connecting portion 51. The second tubular member 52 is preferably flexible. The second tubular member 52 and the cylindrical member 40 may be fixed together by welding or adhesive, or they may be detachable by fitting or press-fitting.

[0028] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the first connection part 51. As shown in Figure 5, the first connection part 51 comprises a cylindrical part 51A connected to the instrument inlet 112 (mouthpiece 111A), and a lid part 51D that closes the opening 51B of the two openings 51B and 51C arranged axially in the cylindrical part 51A. The internal space of the cylindrical part 51A is connected to the inside of the second tubular member 52. The opening 51C is shaped to engage with the mouthpiece 111A of the endoscope 1.

[0029] When the opening 51C of the first connection part 51 is engaged with the nozzle 111A and the opening 51B is opened by the lid 51D, a treatment instrument can be introduced into the treatment instrument channel inside the endoscope 1 via the opening 51B and the treatment instrument introduction port 112. When the opening 51C of the first connection part 51 is engaged with the nozzle 111A and the opening 51B is closed by the lid 51D, operating the suction button 11A generates negative pressure inside the cylindrical part 51A, allowing the fluid inside the second tubular member 52 to be collected by the suction device. In other words, the expansion unit 1A can function as an additional suction channel.

[0030] The lid portion 51D is not essential for the first connection portion 51. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-198834, the cylindrical portion 51A and the lid portion 51D are integrally formed, and a slit (see dashed line in Figure 5) that can communicate with the opening 51B is provided in the lid portion 51D. It is also possible to adopt a structure in which the inside of the cylindrical portion 51A is kept sealed under normal conditions, and when inserting a treatment instrument, this slit expands to allow the treatment instrument to be inserted into the inside of the cylindrical portion 51A. The cylindrical portion 51A only needs to be configured to generate negative pressure inside when the above-mentioned suction device is activated (when the suction button 11A is operated).

[0031] If the shape of the end portion 44B of the main portion 44 of the cylindrical member 40 is the same as that of the mouthpiece 111A, the first connecting portion 51 can also be connected to this end portion 44B. When the first connecting portion 51 is connected to the end portion 44B, the connecting member 50 can connect the third opening 43 and the second opening 42 of the cylindrical member 40. When the opening 51C of the first connecting portion 51 is engaged with the end portion 44B of the cylindrical member 40, and the opening 51B is opened by the lid portion 51D, a treatment tool can be introduced into the first tubular member 30 via the opening 51B, the third opening 43, and the first opening 41. In other words, the first tubular member 30 in the expansion unit 1A can function as an additional treatment tool channel.

[0032] The first connecting portion 51 may have a structure in which the lid portion 51D and the cylindrical portion 51A are integrated. Even when this structure is adopted, if a slit or pinhole is provided on the top surface of the integrated first connecting portion 51, the airtightness of the treatment instrument inlet 112 can be ensured, thereby maintaining the suction function and allowing the treatment instrument to be inserted into the treatment instrument inlet 112.

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the tip member 20 and the first tubular member 30 in the extension unit 1A, viewed from a different direction than in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of line AA in Figure 2.

[0034] The tip member 20 has an engaging portion 21 that engages with the tip portion 10C of the endoscope 1, and a conduit 22 that communicates with the first tubular member 30, which is located radially adjacent to the tip portion 10C when the engaging portion 21 is engaged with the tip portion 10C.

[0035] As shown in Figure 7, the engaging portion 21 is cylindrical, forming a cylindrical space 21A. The inner diameter of the engaging portion 21 is approximately the same as, or slightly smaller than, the outer diameter of the tip portion 10C. The tip member 20 engages with the tip portion 10C when the tip member 20 is inserted into the space 21A. In Figure 7, the axial direction of the endoscope 1 with the tip member 20 engaged with the tip portion 10C is shown as direction X, and the radial direction of the endoscope 1 is shown as direction Y. Of the directions X, the direction from the base end to the tip of the endoscope 1 is shown as direction X1, and the opposite direction of direction X1 is shown as direction X2. Direction X1 is the imaging direction of the subject by the image sensor built into the tip portion 10C. In Figure 7, one of the directions Y is shown as direction Y1, the opposite direction of direction Y1 is shown as direction Y2, and the position P1 of the edge of the engaging portion 21 on the direction X2 side is shown.

[0036] The tip member 20 has a bulge 210 that bulges out in direction Y2 from the engaging portion 21. As shown in Figure 7, a hole 210A is formed in the bulge 210 that penetrates in direction X. A conduit 22 is provided in the hole 210A. The conduit 22 is made of, for example, a cylindrical metal pipe. The conduit 22 has a conduit extension portion 22A (the part to the left of position P1 in Figure 7) that extends in direction X2 from the engaging portion 21. The tip portion 31 of the first tubular member 30 is connected to this conduit extension portion 22A. The tip portion 31 of the first tubular member 30 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the conduit extension portion 22A by adhesive or welding. Figure 7 shows the position P2 of the end edge on the direction X2 side of the conduit extension portion 22A.

[0037] The tip member 20 has a tip member extension 23 that extends in direction X2 from the engaging portion 21. Figure 8 is a view of the tip member 20 and the first tubular member 30 shown in Figure 6 in direction X1. As shown in Figure 8, the tip member extension 23 is provided between the tip portion 10C engaged with the engaging portion 21 and the pipe extension 22A, and is provided adjacent to the tip portion 10C and the pipe extension 22A. Furthermore, when viewed in direction X, the tip member extension 23 is provided straddling the line segment L3 connecting the center of the tip portion 10C engaged with the engaging portion 21 and the center of the pipe extension 22A. The side surface of the tip member extension 23 includes a first curved surface 23B that faces and follows the outer circumferential surface of the pipe extension 22A, a second curved surface 23A that faces and follows the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion 10C that engages with the engaging portion 21, a plane 23C connecting one end edge of the first curved surface 23B and one end edge of the second curved surface 23A, and a plane 23D connecting the other end edge of the first curved surface 23B and the other end edge of the second curved surface 23A.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the tip member 20 has a projection 24 that protrudes from the engaging portion 21 in the imaging direction (direction X1 in Figure 7) of the endoscope 1 engaged with the engaging portion 21. As shown in Figure 2, two projections 24 are provided at opposing positions across the space 21A. Preferably, the two projections 24 are provided opposite each other across the extension of the line segment L3 in Figure 8. The provision of projections 24 prevents contact between the organ of the subject and the tip surface of the tip portion 10C engaged with the engaging portion 21, even if the tip of the tip member 20 comes into contact with the organ of the subject. Furthermore, it is preferable that the shape of the projection 24 is symmetrical with respect to the extension of the line segment L3. This ensures that the projection shape is the same regardless of whether the conduit 22 is positioned to the left or right of the endoscopic image, allowing endoscopic examinations and procedures to be performed in the same environment regardless of the arrangement of the conduit 22. Generally, the treatment instrument channel of an endoscope is located on the lower side of the endoscope screen. Therefore, by positioning the conduit 22 on either the left or right side of the endoscope screen, it is possible to align the vertical position of the treatment instrument on the endoscope screen. Furthermore, in endoscopes that have a function to supply water forward, it is preferable to supply water to a position close to the axis of the endoscope's treatment instrument channel. The position of the conduit 22 can be considered in relation to the outlet of the channel that supplies water forward, and it can be positioned on either the left or right side. In addition, it is desirable that the protruding portion 24 is relatively low in height on the line segment L3. This makes it difficult for water to accumulate between the protruding portion 24 and the tip portion 10C, and even if water does accumulate, it can be quickly removed by suction from the conduit 22, thus maintaining a good endoscopic view. In Figure 7, the relatively low part of the protruding portion 24 is at the same height as the end face of the conduit 22, but it may be higher or lower as long as it is lower than the most protruding part.

[0039] The engaging portion 21, the tip member extension portion 23, and the protruding portion 24 are made of molded products such as resin, rubber, and elastomer. The conduit 22 can be integrally formed with this molded product by insert molding, but the conduit 22 may be made as a separate part. The material of this molded product is preferably flexible, like rubber, so that if the inner diameter of the engaging portion 21 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tip portion 10C, the tip portion 10C can be pushed in and the inner diameter of the engaging portion 21 can be widened to fix it in place. On the other hand, the protruding portion 24 needs to have a certain degree of rigidity to prevent contact between the tip portion 10C and organs. To achieve both, the hardness is preferably about Shore A30 to 70. In addition, the height of the most protruding part of the protruding portion 24 is preferably about 2 to 5 mm from the end face of the tip portion 10C, and the radial thickness is preferably about 1 to 3 mm. The above configuration provides the advantage that, especially when using a treatment instrument with a bending function, even if the protruding portion 24 interferes with the treatment instrument when it rotates or otherwise moves at a position very close to the tip end face 10C, the protruding portion 24 deforms appropriately, making it less likely to hinder the operation of the treatment instrument.

[0040] The retention of the tip member 20 to the tip portion 10C is strengthened by wrapping a medical adhesive tape TP (see Figure 7), such as surgical tape, around the outer circumference of the tip member 20 and the tip portion 10C. Specifically, the adhesive tape TP is wrapped so that the pipe extension portion 22A and the outer portion of the engaging portion 21 of the tip portion 10C become one, thereby more firmly holding the position of the tip member 20 relative to the tip portion 10C.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, the presence of the tip member extension 23 allows the gap between the tip portion 10C and the pipe extension portion 22A to be filled by the tip member extension 23. When reinforcement is performed with adhesive tape TP, this gap is filled by the tip member extension 23, which allows for a stronger fixation between the tip portion 10C and the pipe extension portion 22A. In addition, since the flat surfaces 23C and 23D of the tip member extension 23 can make flat contact with the adhesive tape TP, the peeling of the adhesive tape TP can be prevented.

[0042] Furthermore, since the tip member extension portion 23 is provided on both sides straddling the line segment L3, the fixation between the tip portion 10C and the conduit extension portion 22A can be made stronger compared to a configuration in which the tip member extension portion 23 is provided on only one side of the line segment L3. In addition, because the tip member extension portion 23 is present on both sides straddling the line segment L3, it is possible to prevent the conduit extension portion 22A and the tip portion 10C from coming into contact, thereby increasing the durability of the tip member 20 and the endoscope 1. From the viewpoint of this durability, it is preferable that the length L2 (see Figure 7) of the tip member extension portion 23 in the direction X is equal to or greater than the length L1 (see Figure 7) of the conduit extension portion 22A in the direction X. By doing so, it is possible to effectively prevent the conduit extension portion 22A and the tip portion 10C from coming into contact compared to a configuration in which the length L2 is less than the length L1.

[0043] Furthermore, since the tip member extension 23 has a second curved surface 23A, the second curved surface 23A acts as a guide when the tip portion 10C is engaged with the engagement portion 21, making it easy to engage the tip portion 10C with the tip member 20. In addition, since almost the entire surface of the second curved surface 23A is in contact with the outer surface of the tip portion 10C, stable fixing is achieved. Moreover, since the tip member extension 23 has a first curved surface 23B, the work of connecting the tip portion 31 of the first tubular member 30 to the pipe extension 22A is made easier.

[0044] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the adapter device 60. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the adapter device 60 from a different direction than that shown in Figure 9. The adapter device 60 includes a first engaging portion 61 that detachably engages with the operating portion 11 of the endoscope 1, and a second engaging portion 62 that detachably engages with the cylindrical member 40 of the expansion unit 1A. The first engaging portion 61 is made of a cylindrical body, and the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body has an opening 61A that extends from one end to the other in the axial direction, forming a roughly C-shaped cross-section. The first engaging portion 61 can be quickly engaged with the operating portion 11 by, for example, passing the insertion portion of the endoscope through the roughly C-shaped notch from the side, and then sliding it axially relative to the operating portion 11. The first engaging portion 61 may also be made of a cylindrical body with a closed opening 61A. In this case, the end portion 113 of the endoscope 1 can be engaged with the first engaging portion 61 by passing the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 1 into the cylindrical body from the tip side. The first engaging portion 61 may be composed of either a cylindrical body having an opening on its outer surface or a cylindrical body not having an opening on its outer surface.

[0045] The adapter device 60 has a flange portion 64 that protrudes from the first engagement portion 61. The flange portion 64 is provided so as to protrude from the outer edge of one of the two openings 61E in the axial direction of the first engagement portion 61. As shown in Figure 3, the opening 61E is the one located on the proximal end side of the endoscope 1 when the adapter device 60 is attached to the operating unit 11, out of the two openings in the axial direction of the first engagement portion 61.

[0046] The flange portion 64 is provided with two second engaging portions 62, which are positioned opposite each other with the first engaging portion 61 in between. In the example shown in Figure 9, the second engaging portion 62 includes a hole that penetrates the flange portion 64 in its thickness direction and an elastically deformable claw portion provided in the hole, and is configured to engage with the engaged portion 48 of the cylindrical member 40 by snap-fit. When the cylindrical member 40 is engaged with the second engaging portion 62, the flange portion 64 is sandwiched between the first flange portion 46 and the second flange portion 47, thereby providing a stronger engagement between the cylindrical member 40 and the adapter device 60. In Figure 3, the cylindrical member 40 is engaged with the second engaging portion 62 on the left side of the figure, but it is also possible to engage the cylindrical member 40 with the second engaging portion 62 on the right side of the figure.

[0047] The cylindrical member 40 is rotatable about the axis of the main part 44 when engaged with the second engaging part 62. Therefore, the orientation of the branching part 45 relative to the adapter device 60 can be freely changed. For example, as shown in Figure 11, the branching part 45 can be rotated 180 degrees from the state in which the cylindrical member 40 is engaged with the second engaging part 62 to obtain the state shown in Figure 12, thereby preventing interference between the branching part 45, the second tubular member 52, and the operating part 11.

[0048] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the flange portion 64 is provided with an oval flange hole 64H that penetrates in the thickness direction of the flange portion 64 between one of the two second engaging portions 62 (the second engaging portion 62 on the right in the figures) and the first engaging portion 61. In addition, the outer circumferential surface 61S of the first engaging portion 61 is provided with two protrusions 65 on the opposite side of the opening 61A. Since the adapter device 60 is configured to be detachable from the endoscope 1, it is preferable that the adapter device 60 and the endoscope 1 be firmly fixed together so that their relative positions do not shift. As an example of a tool for such fixing, a strip-shaped fixing device 80 made of an elastic material such as rubber can be used. Furthermore, for example, by providing a plurality of ribs 61L (see Figure 10) extending in the axial direction on the inner circumferential surface of the first engaging portion 61, rotational fixing can be made more reliable.

[0049] Figure 13 shows the adapter device 60 and the operating unit 11 fixed together with a fastener 80. The fastener 80 is, for example, a rubber band. One end of the fastener 80 is hooked onto the lower projection 65 of the adapter device in the figure. The fastener 80 extends from the position of the lower projection 65 in the figure, through the left side of the first engaging portion 61 and the lower part of the flange portion 64 in the figure, to the position of the opening 111, and is hooked onto a part of the operating unit 11. The fastener 80 hooked onto a part of the operating unit 11 passes through the flange hole 64H and is hooked onto the upper projection 65 in the figure. In this way, the projection 65 constitutes a locking portion that can lock onto the fastener 80. Furthermore, since the flange portion 64 is provided with a flange hole 64H, the fixing of the adapter device 60 and the operating unit 11 can be made more secure compared to a configuration in which the fastener 80 is locked only by the projection 65.

[0050] Figure 14 is a side view showing the state in which the cylindrical member 40 is engaged with the adapter device 60 attached to the operating unit 11. As shown in Figure 14, the flange portion 64 is provided at an inclination with respect to the axis AX of the first engaging portion 61. In the state of the flange portion 64 shown in Figure 14, the proximal end surface 64S of the endoscope 1 is shaped to follow the opening surface 112A of the mouthpiece 111A (shown by a dashed line in Figure 14 for convenience). The surface 64S following the opening surface 112A means that the angle between the surface 64S and the opening surface 112A is less than or equal to a threshold (for example, 45 degrees), and includes a configuration in which the surface 64S and the opening surface 112A are parallel. Because the surface 64S follows the opening surface 112A, the first opening 41 of the cylindrical member 40 engaged with the flange portion 64 and the treatment instrument introduction port 112 are oriented in the same direction. Therefore, assuming that a treatment instrument is introduced into both the first opening 41 and the treatment instrument inlet 112 to perform the treatment, the introduction direction of the two treatment instruments will be the same, making it possible to perform the treatment efficiently.

[0051] In the state shown in Figure 14, the flange portion 64 is positioned on the tip side of the endoscope 1, beyond the instrument inlet 112. With this configuration, when performing a procedure by introducing instruments into the first opening 41 and the instrument inlet 112, interference between the two instruments can be prevented, making it possible to perform the procedure efficiently.

[0052] The adapter device 60 further includes an attachment 70 capable of holding a treatment tool 90 connected to the extension unit 1A engaged with the second engaging portion 62. Figure 15 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the attachment 70. The attachment 70 is, for example, cylindrical and has two engaged portions 71 at one end. The flange portion 64 of the adapter device 60 has a third engaging portion 63 that can engage with the engaged portion 71 of the attachment 70, provided around one of the two second engaging portions 62. The third engaging portion 63 is structured to engage with the engaged portion 71 of the attachment 70, for example, by snap-fit. The attachment 70 is able to engage with the third engaging portion 63 around the second engaging portion 62 when the cylindrical member 40 is engaged with the second engaging portion 62. When the cylindrical member 40 is engaged with the second engaging portion 62, and the attachment 70 is further engaged with the third engaging portion 63 surrounding the second engaging portion 62, the third opening 43 of the cylindrical member 40 is positioned inside the attachment 70. In this state, the tip of the gripping portion of a large treatment instrument 90 with a large gripping portion is inserted through the attachment 70, and the tip is connected to the third opening 43. This makes it possible to insert forceps or the like, which are built into the gripping portion of the treatment instrument 90, into the first tubular member 30 and the conduit 22. By using the attachment 70, the tip of the gripping portion of the treatment instrument 90 can be held by the cylindrical portion of the attachment 70, thus allowing for stable placement of the large treatment instrument 90. The treatment instrument 90 could be, for example, a gripping forceps with a bending function. Figure 16 is a perspective view showing the state in which a gripping forceps with a bending function is additionally used in the endoscope 1. The treatment instrument 90, which is exemplified as a gripping forceps with a bending function, is close in size to the operating part 11. Even with such a large treatment instrument, the attachment 70 allows for stable holding of the instrument.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the third engagement portion 63 is provided on the opposite side of the angle knob 12 when the adapter device 60 is attached to the operating unit 11. Since the operating unit 11 of the endoscope 1 is grasped by the operator's left hand, the provision of the third engagement portion 63 on the operator's right side makes it easy to operate the large treatment instrument 90. The attachment 70 may be integrated with the flange portion 64.

[0054] The expansion unit 1A described above can be used in a variety of ways. For example, consider the case in Figure 3 where the first connection part 51 is connected to the mouthpiece 111A and the opening 51B is opened by the lid part 51D to use the endoscope 1. In this case, treatment instruments can be introduced into both the treatment instrument inlet 112 and the third opening 43. In this way, the expansion unit 1A can function as an external treatment instrument channel for the endoscope 1. Therefore, by using the expansion unit 1A, complex procedures that cannot be performed with a single treatment instrument become possible.

[0055] Furthermore, in Figure 3, we consider the case where the first connection part 51 is connected to the nozzle 111A and the opening 51B is closed by the lid part 51D, and further, the forceps plug 54 is connected to the third opening 43 and the third opening 43 is closed. The forceps plug 54 has the same configuration as the first connection part 51 in which the cylindrical part 51A and the lid part 51D are integrated, and it is possible to connect it to the third opening 43 and close it. In this case, the conduit 22 of the expansion unit 1A and the suction channel inside the operating unit 11 are in a sealed state. In this state, when the suction button 11A is operated, the fluid sucked into the conduit 22 passes through the first tubular member 30, the cylindrical member 40, and the connecting member 50, reaches the suction channel inside the operating unit 11, and can be collected by the suction device. In this way, the expansion unit 1A can function as an external suction channel for the endoscope 1.

[0056] In Figure 3, the expansion unit 1A can also be used by connecting the first connection part 51 to the third opening 43. In this case, it is not possible to perform fluid suction with the expansion unit 1A, but it is possible to use the expansion unit 1A as an external treatment tool channel.

[0057] It is preferable that the cylindrical member 40 has a first opening 41, a second opening 42, and a third opening 43 that are in communication with each other, but it is not limited to this. For example, the second opening 42 and the third opening 43 do not need to be connected. For example, the end portion 44B of the cylindrical member 40 may be provided with a lid portion through which a treatment tool can be inserted but fluid cannot pass, so that the first opening 41 and the third opening 43 are in communication with each other, but the third opening 43 and the second opening 42 cannot be connected even by a treatment tool.

[0058] Figure 17 shows a modified example of the expansion unit 1A. In the expansion unit 1A shown in Figure 17, the connecting member 50 is changed to a connecting member 50X, and the cylindrical member 40 is changed to a cylindrical member 40A.

[0059] The connecting member 50X has a configuration in which the second tubular member 52 is changed to a second tubular member 52A, and a second connecting portion 55 is added. The second tubular member 52A has the second connecting portion 55 connected to one end and the other end connected to the first connecting portion 51. The second connecting portion 55 has the same configuration as the first connecting portion 51 in which the cylindrical portion 51A and the lid portion 51D are integrated, and it can be connected to and close the third opening 43. The cylindrical member 40A has a configuration in which the branch portion 45 shown in Figure 4 is removed, leaving only the main portion 44.

[0060] In the expansion unit 1A shown in Figure 17, the second connecting part 55 is connected to the third opening 43 of the cylindrical member 40A, the first connecting part 51 is connected to the treatment instrument inlet 112, and the opening 51B of the first connecting part 51 is closed by the lid part 51D, allowing the expansion unit 1A to function as an external suction channel. Furthermore, by removing the second connecting part 55 from the third opening 43 of the cylindrical member 40A, the portion of the expansion unit 1A excluding the connecting member 50X can function as an external treatment instrument channel. In the modified example shown in Figure 17, the third opening 43 of the cylindrical member 40 constitutes the second opening, and the second tubular member 52A constitutes the third tubular member.

[0061] Preferably, the extension unit 1A described so far further includes a long covering member capable of covering the tip member 20 held at the tip portion 10C of the endoscope 1, the first tubular member 30, and the insertion portion 10 of the endoscope 1 together. For example, with the tip member 20 engaged with the tip portion 10C, the long, cylindrical covering member is placed over the endoscope 1 from the tip side, and one end of the covering member is extended to the end portion 113 of the operating section 11, thereby covering the insertion portion 10, the first tubular member 30, and the tip member 20 together. In this state, by wrapping tape around the outside of the covering member at multiple positions in the axial direction of the endoscope 1 to fix the first tubular member 30 and the insertion portion 10, the first tubular member 30 can be made to follow the movement of the insertion portion 10.

[0062] Figure 18 is a perspective view showing an adapter device 60A, which is a modified version of the adapter device 60. The adapter device 60A has the same configuration as the adapter device 60, except that the position of the pair of protrusions 65 has been changed to a position on the opening 61A side of the outer peripheral surface 61S of the first engaging portion 61 and sandwiching the opening 61A, and the flange portion 64 has been changed to include a flange portion 64C that is inclined with respect to the axis AX, and flange portions 64A and 64B that are inclined with respect to the flange portion 64C. In the adapter device 60A, the shape of the second engaging portion 62 is slightly different from that of the adapter device 60, but the function is the same.

[0063] One of the two second engaging portions 62 is formed on flange portion 64A. The other of the two second engaging portions 62 and a third engaging portion 63 are formed on flange portion 64B. As shown in Figure 18, flange portions 64A and 64B extend inclined from the position of flange portion 64C toward the other opening 61D side of the two openings in the axial direction of the first engaging portion 61 (towards the tip of the endoscope 1 when the operating portion 11 is engaged with the first engaging portion 61).

[0064] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which a large treatment instrument 90 is attached to an adapter device 60A via an attachment 70. In the adapter device 60A, when attached to the endoscope 1 as shown in Figure 19, flange portions 64A and 64B are inclined toward the tip of the endoscope 1. With this configuration, the distance between the treatment instrument 90 attached to flange portion 64B and the operating portion 11 that engages with the first engaging portion 61 can be increased compared to when using the adapter device 60. Therefore, interference between the operating portion 11 and the treatment instrument 90 can be prevented, and the operability of the treatment instrument 90 can be improved.

[0065] Furthermore, the adapter device 60A has a pair of protrusions 65 arranged along the circumferential direction of the operating section 11. This makes it easy to fix the adapter device 60A to the operating section 11 using the fixing device 80.

[0066] As described above, this specification includes at least the following items ([1]-[7] and (1)-(31)). Below, components corresponding to the above embodiments are shown in parentheses, but are not limited thereto.

[0067] [1] A first engaging part (first engaging part 61) is made up of a cylindrical body and is detachably engaged with the operating part (operating part 11) of the endoscope (endoscope 1), A flange portion protruding from the first engagement portion, An expansion unit (expansion unit 1A) for adding channels to the above-mentioned endoscope has a second engaging portion (second engaging portion 62) provided on the flange portion which engages with the expansion unit (expansion unit 1A) in a detachable manner, An attachment (attachment 70) capable of holding a treatment tool (treatment tool 90) connected to the extension unit that engages with the second engagement portion, The flange portion is provided with a third engaging portion (third engaging portion 63) capable of engaging the attachment, The region of the flange portion (flange portion 64B) on which the third engagement portion is provided is an adapter device (adapter device 60A) that is provided at an angle toward the tip of the endoscope when the first engagement portion is engaged with the operating portion of the endoscope.

[0068] [2] [1] The adapter device described above, The flange portion described above is an adapter device inclined with respect to the axis (axis AX) of the first engaging portion described above.

[0069] [3] The adapter device described in [1] or [2], The flange portion is an adapter device that protrudes from the proximal end edge (opening 61E) of the endoscope of the first engaging portion when the first engaging portion is engaged with the operating portion of the endoscope.

[0070] [4] An adapter device as described in any one of [1] to [3], The flange portion is an adapter device positioned on the tip side of the endoscope, beyond the instrument inlet (instrument inlet 112) of the instrument inlet

[0071] [5] An adapter device according to any one of [1] to [4], Having multiple of the above-mentioned second engaging portions, The second engagement portion is an adapter device that is positioned opposite to the first engagement portion, with the first engagement portion in between.

[0072] [6] [5] The adapter device described above, The above-mentioned third engagement portion is an adapter device provided around any one of the plurality of second engagement portions.

[0073] [7] An adapter device according to any one of [1] to [6], The adapter device is provided with a locking portion on the outer circumferential surface of the first engaging portion, capable of locking a strip-shaped body.

[0074] (1) A tip member (tip member 20) configured to be held at the tip (tip 10C) of the endoscope (endoscope 1), A first tubular member (first tubular member 30) extends from the above-mentioned tip member, A cylindrical member (cylindrical member 40) having a first opening (first opening 41) and a second opening (second opening 42) connected to the base end (base end 32) of the first tubular member opposite to the tip member side, An endoscope extension unit (extension unit 1A) comprising a connecting member (connecting member 50) that connects the above-mentioned second opening and the above-mentioned endoscope instrument introduction port (instrument introduction port 112).

[0075] (2) (1) The expansion unit described above, The connecting member is an expansion unit having a first connecting portion (first connecting portion 51) connected to the treatment tool inlet, and a second tubular member (second tubular member 52) whose one end is connected to the second opening and whose other end is connected to the first connecting portion.

[0076] (3) (2) The expansion unit described above, The first connection part described above has a cylindrical part (cylindrical part 51A) that is connected to the instrument inlet, and the cylindrical part is configured to generate negative pressure inside when the suction device connected to the endoscope is activated, thus forming an expansion unit.

[0077] (4) An expansion unit as described in any of (1) to (3), The cylindrical member is an expansion unit having a third opening (third opening 43) that leads to at least the first opening among the first and second openings.

[0078] (5) (4) The expansion unit described above, The cylindrical member described above is an expansion unit having a first hollow section (passage 44A) extending from the first opening to the third opening, and a second hollow section (branch path 45A) extending from the first hollow section to the second opening.

[0079] (6) (5) The expansion unit described above, The above-mentioned connecting member is further configured to be an expansion unit capable of connecting the third opening and the second opening.

[0080] (7) (1) The expansion unit described above, The connecting member is an expansion unit having a first connecting portion (first connecting portion 51) connected to the treatment tool inlet, a second connecting portion (second connecting portion 55) connected to the second opening (third opening 43), and a third tubular member (second tubular member 52A) with one end connected to the second connecting portion and the other end connected to the first connecting portion.

[0081] (8) An expansion unit as described in any of (1) to (7), The above-mentioned tip member is an extension unit having an engaging portion (engaging portion 21) that engages with the tip portion of the endoscope, and a conduit (conduit 22) that is positioned radially next to the tip portion when the engaging portion is engaged with the tip portion and communicates with the first tubular member.

[0082] (9) (8) The expansion unit described above, The above-mentioned conduit is an extension unit having a conduit extension portion (conduit extension portion 22A) that extends toward the proximal end of the endoscope beyond the engagement portion.

[0083] (10) (9) The expansion unit described above, The first tubular member described above is an extension unit connected to the pipeline extension.

[0084] (11) An expansion unit as described in (9) or (10), The above-mentioned tip member is an extension unit having a tip member extension portion (tip member extension portion 23) that extends from the engagement portion toward the proximal end of the endoscope.

[0085] (12) (11) The expansion unit described above, An extension unit in which the length in the extension direction of the tip member extension (length L2) is equal to or greater than the length in the extension direction of the pipe extension (length L1).

[0086] (13) An expansion unit as described in (11) or (12), The above-mentioned tip extension is an extension unit provided adjacent to the endoscope engaged with the above-mentioned engagement portion and the above-mentioned conduit extension.

[0087] (14) (13) The expansion unit described above, The above-mentioned tip member extension is an extension unit that straddles a line segment (line segment L3) connecting the center of the endoscope and the center of the conduit extension when viewed in the axial direction of the endoscope engaged with the above-mentioned engagement portion.

[0088] (15) (14) The expansion unit described above, The above-mentioned tip member extension is an extension unit that includes a curved surface (second curved surface 23A) along the outer circumferential surface of the tip of the endoscope that is engaged with the above-mentioned engagement portion.

[0089] (16) (8) The expansion unit described above, The above-mentioned tip member is an extension unit having a tip member extension portion (tip member extension portion 23) that extends from the engagement portion toward the proximal end of the endoscope.

[0090] (17) An expansion unit as described in any of (8) to (16), The above-mentioned engaging portion and the above-mentioned conduit are integrally formed in this expansion unit.

[0091] (18) An expansion unit as described in any of (8) to (17), The above-mentioned tip member is an extension unit having a protruding portion (protruding portion 24) that protrudes from the engagement portion toward the imaging direction (direction X1) of the endoscope that is engaged with the engagement portion.

[0092] (19) An expansion unit as described in any of (1) to (18), The cylindrical member described above is an extension unit configured to be engageable with a part of an adapter device (adapter device 60) that is attached to the operating section (operating section 11) of the endoscope.

[0093] (20) An expansion unit according to any one of (1) to (19), An extension unit further comprising a covering member capable of covering the insertion portion (insertion portion 10) of the endoscope, the tip member held at the tip of the endoscope, and the first tubular member.

[0094] (twenty one) A first engaging part (first engaging part 61) that detachably engages with the operating part (operating part 11) of the endoscope (endoscope 1), An adapter device (adapter device 60) for an endoscope comprising an expansion unit (expansion unit 1A) for increasing the number of channels of the endoscope and a second engaging part (second engaging part 62) that engages with the expansion unit 1A in a detachable manner.

[0095] (twenty two) (21) The adapter device described above, The first engagement portion described above is made up of a cylindrical body, The flange portion (flange portion 64) protrudes from the first engagement portion described above, The second engagement portion described above is an adapter device provided on the flange portion.

[0096] (twenty three) (22) The adapter device described above, The flange portion described above is an adapter device inclined with respect to the axis (axis AX) of the first engaging portion described above.

[0097] (twenty four) (22) or (23) an adapter device, The flange portion is an adapter device in which, when the first engaging portion is engaged with the operating portion of the endoscope, the flange portion is shaped to conform to the opening surface (opening surface 112A) of the instrument inlet (instrument inlet 112) of the endoscope.

[0098] (twenty five) An adapter device according to any one of (22) to (24), The flange portion is an adapter device that protrudes from the proximal end edge (opening 61E) of the endoscope of the first engaging portion when the first engaging portion is engaged with the operating portion of the endoscope.

[0099] (26) An adapter device according to any one of (22) to (25), The flange portion is an adapter device positioned on the tip side of the endoscope, beyond the instrument inlet (instrument inlet 112) of the instrument inlet

[0100] (27) An adapter device according to any one of (22) to (26), Having multiple of the above-mentioned second engaging portions, The second engagement portion is an adapter device that is positioned opposite to the first engagement portion, with the first engagement portion in between.

[0101] (28) An adapter device as described in any of (22) to (27), The device includes an attachment (attachment 70) capable of holding a treatment tool (treatment tool 90) that is connected to the extension unit engaged with the second engagement portion, The adapter device is provided with a third engaging portion (third engaging portion 63) on the flange portion, which is capable of engaging the attachment.

[0102] (29) (28) The adapter device described above, Having multiple of the above-mentioned second engaging portions, The second engaging portion is positioned opposite the first engaging portion, The above-mentioned third engagement portion is an adapter device provided around any one of the plurality of second engagement portions.

[0103] (30) (28) or (29) an adapter device, The region of the flange portion (flange portion 64B) on which the third engagement portion is provided is an adapter device that is inclined toward the tip side of the endoscope when the first engagement portion is engaged with the operating portion of the endoscope.

[0104] (31) An adapter device according to any one of (22) to (30), The adapter device is provided with a locking portion (projection 65) on the outer circumferential surface of the first engaging portion, which is capable of locking a strip-shaped body (fixing device 80).

[0105] (32) An adapter device as described in any of (22) to (31), The adapter device is provided with a flange portion having a hole (flange hole portion 64H) between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion through which a strip-shaped body (fixing device 80) can be inserted. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1 Endoscope 1A Expansion Unit 2 Main body L3 line segment 5. Processor Unit 4 Light source device 7 Display device 10 Insertion part 10A Soft part 10B Curved section 10C,31 Tip 11 Control section 12 Angle knob 13 Universal Code 13A Connector section 20 Tip member 21 Engaging part 21A Space 22 Conduit 22A Pipe extension 23. Extension of the tip member 23A Second curved surface 23B First curved surface 23C,23D plane 24 Protrusion 30 First tubular member 32 Proximal end 40,40A Cylindrical member 41. First opening 42. Second opening 43 Third opening 44 Main body 44A aisle 44B,44C,113 End 45 Branching point 45A Branch Road 46 First flange section 47 Second flange section 48,71 Engaged portion 50,50X connecting member 51 First connection section 51A Cylinder part 51B,51C,61A,61E,111 Opening 51D Lid 52,52A Second tubular member 55 Second connection section 60, 60A adapter device 61 First engaging portion 62 Second engaging portion 63 Third engaging part 64, 64A, 64B, 64C Flange section 64H Flange hole 64S surface 65 Protrusion 70 Attachments 80 Fixtures 90 Treatment tools 100 Endoscopes 111A nozzle 112 Instrument Inlet 112A Opening surface 210 Bulge 210A hole

Claims

1. A tip member configured to be held at the tip of the endoscope, A first tubular member extending from the aforementioned tip member, A cylindrical member having a first opening and a second opening connected to the base end of the first tubular member opposite to the tip member side, An extension unit for an endoscope, comprising a connecting member that connects the second opening and the instrument entry port of the endoscope.

2. An expansion unit according to claim 1, The connecting member is an expansion unit having a first connecting portion connected to the treatment tool inlet and a second tubular member having one end connected to the second opening and the other end connected to the first connecting portion.

3. The expansion unit according to claim 2, The first connection portion is an expansion unit having a cylindrical portion connected to the treatment instrument inlet, wherein the cylindrical portion is configured to generate negative pressure inside when the suction device connected to the endoscope is activated.

4. An expansion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The cylindrical member is an expansion unit having a third opening that is connected to at least the first opening among the first and second openings.

5. The expansion unit according to claim 4, The cylindrical member is an expansion unit having a first hollow portion extending from the first opening to the third opening, and a second hollow portion extending from the first hollow portion to the second opening.

6. The expansion unit according to claim 5, The connecting member is further configured as an expansion unit capable of connecting the third opening and the second opening.

7. An expansion unit according to claim 1, The connecting member is an expansion unit having a first connecting portion connected to the treatment tool inlet, a second connecting portion connected to the second opening, and a third tubular member having one end connected to the second connecting portion and the other end connected to the first connecting portion.

8. An expansion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The tip member is an extension unit having an engaging portion that engages with the tip portion of the endoscope, and a conduit that is positioned radially adjacent to the tip portion and communicates with the first tubular member when the engaging portion is engaged with the tip portion.

9. The expansion unit according to claim 8, The conduit is an extension unit having a conduit extension portion that extends toward the proximal end of the endoscope beyond the engagement portion.

10. An expansion unit according to claim 9, The first tubular member is an extension unit connected to the pipeline extension.

11. An expansion unit according to claim 10, The tip member is an extension unit having a tip member extension portion that extends from the engagement portion toward the proximal end of the endoscope.

12. An expansion unit according to claim 11, An extension unit in which the length in the extension direction of the tip member extension is equal to or greater than the length in the extension direction of the pipeline extension.

13. An expansion unit according to claim 11, The aforementioned tip member extension is an extension unit provided adjacent to the endoscope engaged with the engagement portion and the conduit extension.

14. The expansion unit according to claim 13, The tip member extension is an extension unit provided that straddles a line segment connecting the center of the endoscope and the center of the conduit extension when viewed in the axial direction of the endoscope engaged with the engagement portion.

15. An expansion unit according to claim 14, The tip extension portion is an extension unit that includes a curved surface along the outer circumferential surface of the tip portion of the endoscope that is engaged with the engagement portion.

16. The expansion unit according to claim 8, The tip member is an extension unit having a tip member extension portion that extends from the engagement portion toward the proximal end of the endoscope.

17. The expansion unit according to claim 8, The engagement portion and the conduit are integrally formed in the expansion unit.

18. The expansion unit according to claim 8, The tip member is an extension unit having a projection that protrudes from the engagement portion in the direction of imaging of the endoscope engaged with the engagement portion.

19. An expansion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The cylindrical member is an extension unit configured to be engageable with a part of an adapter device attached to the operating section of the endoscope.

20. An expansion unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An extension unit further comprising a covering member capable of covering the insertion portion of the endoscope, the tip member held at the tip of the endoscope, and the first tubular member.

21. A first engaging portion that detachably engages with the operating section of the endoscope, An adapter device for an endoscope comprising an expansion unit for increasing the number of channels in the endoscope and a second engaging portion that detachably engages with the expansion unit.

22. The adapter device according to claim 21, The first engaging portion is composed of a cylindrical body, The flange portion protrudes from the first engaging portion, The second engagement portion is an adapter device provided on the flange portion.

23. The adapter device according to claim 22, The flange portion is inclined with respect to the axis of the first engaging portion in this adapter device.

24. The adapter device according to claim 23, The flange portion of the adapter device is shaped to conform to the opening surface of the instrument entry port of the endoscope when the first engaging portion is engaged with the operating portion of the endoscope.

25. An adapter device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, The flange portion is an adapter device that protrudes from the proximal end edge of the first engaging portion of the endoscope when the first engaging portion is engaged with the operating portion of the endoscope.

26. An adapter device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, The flange portion is an adapter device positioned on the tip side of the endoscope, beyond the instrument entry port of the operating section, when the first engaging portion is engaged with the operating section of the endoscope.

27. An adapter device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, Having a plurality of the aforementioned second engaging portions, The second engaging portion is an adapter device positioned opposite the first engaging portion, with the first engaging portion in between.

28. An adapter device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, The device includes an attachment capable of holding a treatment tool connected to the extension unit that engages with the second engaging portion, The adapter device is provided with a third engaging portion on the flange portion, which is capable of engaging the attachment.

29. The adapter device according to claim 28, Having a plurality of the aforementioned second engaging portions, The second engaging portion is positioned opposite the first engaging portion, The third engagement portion is an adapter device provided around any one of the plurality of second engagement portions.

30. The adapter device according to claim 28, The region of the flange portion on which the third engaging portion is provided is provided at an angle toward the tip of the endoscope when the first engaging portion is engaged with the operating portion of the endoscope, in the adapter device.

31. An adapter device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, An adapter device having a locking portion on the outer circumferential surface of the first engaging portion, capable of locking a strip-shaped body.

32. An adapter device according to any one of claims 22 to 24, The adapter device is provided with a flange portion having a hole between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion through which a strip-shaped body can be inserted.

Images