Cleaning fluid supply unit and supply method

Abstract

A cleaning fluid supply unit and a supply method capable of improving hygiene problems. [Solution] The cleaning fluid supply unit 30 comprises a base portion 30a and a cartridge 30b that is detachably attached to the base portion 30a. The cartridge 30b is provided with paths 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 that supply cleaning fluid sent to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 from the outside to supply pipes 64, 66, and the base portion 30a is provided with closure mechanisms 46, 48, 50 that selectively stop the flow of cleaning fluid in the paths 32, 38, 40.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cleaning fluid supply unit and supply method connected to a supply tube for supplying a cleaning fluid to an observation window portion at the tip of a rigid endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in the medical field, endoscopes (flexible endoscopes), such as gastroscopes, have come to be used in stomach examinations and surgeries. In addition, thoracoscopes are often used in surgeries performed by opening the chest, and laparoscopes are often used in surgeries performed by opening the abdomen (hereinafter referred to as laparoscopic surgery). Laparoscopic surgery has rapidly spread due to its minimal invasiveness and good cosmetic results, and its proportion of all surgical operations, mainly for stomach cancer and colon cancer surgeries, is increasing year by year. The above-mentioned thoracoscopes and laparoscopes are called rigid endoscopes, and at the tip of such rigid endoscopes, an objective lens for imaging the affected area and an observation window for protecting the objective lens are provided.

[0003] During surgery using a rigid endoscope such as the thoracoscope or laparoscope, the observation window at the tip of the rigid endoscope often becomes dirty or cloudy with blood, fat, etc. This requires the surgery to be temporarily interrupted to wash or purify the observation window, resulting in a significant decrease in surgical efficiency. To explain in more detail, the only information required for surgery using a rigid endoscope is the image (visual) information obtained by the rigid endoscope, and clouding during surgery or contamination of the observation window with blood, fat, etc. hinders the safe execution of surgery. For this reason, the rigid endoscope needs to be removed from the body once during surgery to be washed, but the time required for this extends the surgery time, which may cause a heavy burden on the patient or lead to unexpected complications.

[0004] In order to solve such problems, a technique has been disclosed in which cleaning water such as saline solution or a gas for blowing away the cleaning water is supplied to the observation window of a rigid endoscope inside the patient's body, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6242560 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There is a demand for an improvement in the cleaning fluid supply unit connected to a supply pipe for supplying cleaning fluid to the observation window portion.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above points, and has an object to provide a cleaning fluid supply unit and a supply method that can improve hygiene issues. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The cleaning fluid supply unit of the present disclosure comprises: A cleaning fluid supply unit connected to a supply pipe for supplying a cleaning fluid to an observation window portion provided at a tip of a rigid endoscope, A base portion; a cartridge that is detachably attached to the base portion; Equipped with the cartridge is provided with a path for supplying the cleaning fluid sent from the outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit to the supply pipe; The base portion is characterized by being provided with a closure mechanism for selectively stopping the flow of cleaning fluid in the passage.

[0009] In the cleaning fluid supply unit of the present disclosure, the paths are composed of a cleaning liquid path that supplies a cleaning liquid sent from an outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit to the supply pipe, a gas path that supplies a gas sent from an outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit to the supply pipe, and a bypass path that connects the cleaning liquid path and the gas path and sends the gas from the gas path to the cleaning liquid path, The closure mechanism may include a first closure mechanism that selectively stops the flow of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid path, a second closure mechanism that selectively stops the flow of gas in the gas path, and a third closure mechanism that selectively stops the flow of cleaning liquid and gas in the bypass path.

[0010] The supply pipe includes a first supply pipe for supplying a cleaning liquid to the observation window portion and a second supply pipe for supplying a gas to the observation window portion, The cleaning liquid path is connectable to the first supply pipe, The gas passage may be connectable to the second supply pipe.

[0011] The pathway further includes a flexible tube, The closure mechanism may be adapted to selectively stop flow of flushing fluid through the tube by externally pushing and deforming the tube.

[0012] The closing mechanism may include a pusher that moves toward and away from the tube provided in the cartridge attached to the base portion, and an advancing / retracting mechanism that moves the pusher toward and away from the tube.

[0013] Also, a spring may be provided between the pusher and the advancing / retracting mechanism, so that the pusher is pushed toward the tube by the spring.

[0014] The base portion is provided with a fastener for fixing the cartridge to the base portion, the fastener has a rotating part that rotates around an axis provided on the base part, a hook part provided at a tip of the rotating part, and a spring provided at a base end of the rotating part and attached to the base part, The cartridge may be attached to the base portion by the hook portion by rotating the rotating portion against the biasing force of the spring.

[0015] The supply method of the present disclosure includes: A method for supplying a cleaning fluid by a cleaning fluid supply unit connected to a supply tube for supplying a cleaning fluid to an observation window portion provided at a tip of a rigid endoscope, comprising: a step of removably mounting the cartridge to the base portion; supplying the cleaning fluid sent from the outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit to the supply pipe through a path provided in the cartridge, and selectively stopping the flow of the cleaning fluid in the path by a closing mechanism provided in the base portion; removing the cartridge from the base; The present invention is characterized by comprising: Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the cleaning fluid supply unit and supply method of the present disclosure, hygiene issues can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a base portion of a cleaning fluid supply unit in the system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the base portion shown in FIG. 2 taken along the line AA. [Figure 4] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing details of the configuration of a closing mechanism provided in the base portion shown in FIG. 2 etc. [Diagram 5] 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a base portion shown in FIG. 2 etc. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a cartridge of a cleaning fluid supply unit in the system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of the system shown in FIG. 1 when the flow of cleaning fluid in the pathway is not stopped by a closing mechanism. [Figure 9] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of the system shown in FIG. 1 when the flow of cleaning fluid in a path is stopped by a closing mechanism. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when a cleaning liquid is supplied to an observation window portion of a rigid endoscope in the system shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is a flowchart showing an operation when gas is supplied to an observation window portion of a rigid endoscope in the system shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 9 are diagrams showing a system equipped with a cleaning fluid supply unit according to this embodiment, and Figures 10 and 11 are flow charts showing the operation when cleaning liquid and gas are respectively supplied to an observation window of a rigid endoscope in the system of Figure 1. In this embodiment, the cleaning fluid is used as a term that includes all of cleaning liquid, gas, and a mixture of cleaning liquid and gas.

[0019] The system 10 according to this embodiment includes a rigid endoscope 20, a cover 22 that covers the rigid endoscope 20, a cleaning fluid supply unit 30 for supplying cleaning fluid to the cover 22, a cleaning fluid supply source 60 that supplies cleaning fluid such as saline to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30, and a gas supply source 62 such as a gas cylinder that supplies gas such as air to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30.

[0020] The rigid endoscope 20 is composed of a thoracoscope used in surgery performed by opening the chest, a laparoscope used in surgery performed by opening the abdomen, etc. An objective lens for imaging the affected area is provided at the tip of the rigid endoscope 20, and an observation window portion for protecting the objective lens is also provided.

[0021] During surgery using the rigid endoscope 20 such as the thoracoscope or laparoscope described above, the observation window provided at the tip of the rigid endoscope 20 often becomes dirty or cloudy with blood, fat, etc. This requires the surgery to be temporarily interrupted in order to wash or purify the observation window, resulting in a significant decrease in surgical efficiency. To explain in more detail, the only information required for surgery using the rigid endoscope 20 is the image (visual) information obtained by the rigid endoscope 20, and clouding during surgery or stains on the observation window due to blood, fat, etc. hinder the safe execution of surgery. For this reason, the rigid endoscope 20 needs to be removed from the body once during surgery and washed, but the time required for this extends the surgery time, which may cause a heavy burden on the patient or the development of unexpected complications.

[0022] For this reason, in this embodiment, a cover 22 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the rigid endoscope 20 to supply cleaning water such as saline solution or gas for blowing away the cleaning water to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 inside the patient's body.

[0023] A cleaning fluid supply unit 30 for supplying a cleaning fluid such as a cleaning liquid or gas to the cover 22 of such a rigid endoscope 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG.

[0024] The cleaning fluid supply unit 30 includes a base portion 30a, a cartridge 30b detachably attached to the base portion 30a, and a control unit 70. A first supply pipe 64 and a second supply pipe 66 are provided between the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 and the cover 22, so that the cleaning fluid is supplied to the cover 22 from the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 through the first supply pipe 64, and gas is supplied to the cover 22 from the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 through the second supply pipe 66. The cover 22 is provided with a cleaning fluid path for sending the cleaning fluid sent from the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to the cover 22 through the first supply pipe 64 to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20, and a gas path for sending the gas sent from the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to the cover 22 through the second supply pipe 66 to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20. The cleaning fluid path and the gas path may be integrally provided in the cover 22.

[0025] The cartridge 30b is provided with paths 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 that supply the cleaning fluid sent from the outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to the first supply pipe 64 and the second supply pipe 66. Details of these paths will be described later. The base portion 30a is also provided with a first closing mechanism 46, a second closing mechanism 48, and a third closing mechanism 50 that selectively stop the flow of the cleaning fluid in the first path 32, the fourth path 38, and the fifth path 40, respectively. Details of each of these closing mechanisms 46, 48, and 50 will also be described later.

[0026] A cleaning liquid such as physiological saline is supplied from a cleaning liquid supply source 60 to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 through a cleaning liquid supply pipe 61. A gas such as air is supplied from a gas supply source 62 to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 through a gas supply pipe 63.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the base part 30a will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. Figure 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the base part 30a of the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 in the system 10 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the base part 30a shown in Figure 2 taken along the line AA. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the details of the configuration of the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 provided in the base part 30a shown in Figure 2 and other figures, and Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the base part 30a shown in Figure 2 and other figures.

[0028] As shown in Figs. 2 to 5, the base portion 30a is made of a substantially flat plate-like member, and three through holes 46b, 48b, 50b are formed to extend along the thickness direction of the flat plate-like member. Each through hole 46b, 48b, 50b is disposed at a position facing the first path 32, the fourth path 38, and the fifth path 40 of the cartridge 30b when the cartridge 30b is attached to the base portion 30a. The base portion 30a is also provided with three closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50. Each closing mechanism 46, 48, 50 has a pusher 46a, 48a, 50a, and a reciprocating mechanism 46c, 48c, 50c such as an air cylinder that reciprocates the pusher 46a, 48a, 50a. The pushers 46a, 48a, 50a pass through the through holes 46b, 48b, 50b, respectively, and move in the thickness direction of the base portion 30a (the vertical direction in FIG. 3). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the tip of the pusher 46a, 48a, 50a is an isosceles triangle, and the rod 46d, 48d, 50d of the advance / retract mechanism 46c, 48c, 50c is attached to the base end of the pusher 46a, 48a, 50a. The advance / retract mechanism 46c, 48c, 50c reciprocates the rod 46d, 48d, 50d in the vertical direction in FIG. 4, so that the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a reciprocate in the vertical direction in FIG. 4. When the rods 46d, 48d, 50d are in the most contracted state, the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a are completely housed inside the through-holes 46b, 48b, 50b, and the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a do not protrude upward from the surface 30e of the base portion 30a. On the other hand, when the rods 46d, 48d, 50d are in the most extended state, the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a protrude outward from the through-holes 46b, 48b, 50b, and the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a protrude upward from the surface 30e of the base portion 30a (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

[0029] In addition, springs 46e, 48e, 50e are arranged in a contracted state around the rod 46d between the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a and the advancing and retracting mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c. The pushers 46a, 48a, 50a are biased upward in FIG. 4 (i.e., in the direction of projecting outward from the respective through-holes 46b, 48b, 50b) by the repulsive force of the springs 46e, 48e, 50e from the contracted state.

[0030] 2 and 5, the base portion 30a is provided with a hook portion 30m, on which a cartridge 30b (described later) can be hooked. Specifically, the hook portion 30m is formed with two notches 30p and 30q each having a substantially semicircular shape. The protrusions 30r and 30s of the cartridge 30b are adapted to fit into the notches 30p and 30q, respectively.

[0031] As shown in Figures 2, 3, 5, etc., the base portion 30a is provided with a fastener 31 for fixing the cartridge 30b to the base portion 30a. The fastener 31 has a rotating portion 31c that rotates around a shaft 31a (see Figure 3) provided on the base portion 30a, and a hook portion 31b provided at the tip of the rotating portion 31c. The base end of the fastener 31 is attached to the base portion 30a by a spring (not shown). As a result, the repulsive force from the contracted state of the spring constantly biases the fastener 31 in the counterclockwise direction around the shaft 31a in Figure 3.

[0032] Next, the details of the configuration of the cartridge 30b will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 is a front view showing the configuration of the cartridge 30b of the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 in the system 10 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 7 is a rear view of the cartridge 30b shown in Figure 6. That is, Figure 7 is a view of the cartridge 30b shown in Figure 6 as seen from the back side.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 7, the cartridge 30b is provided with a plurality of paths 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40. Specifically, each of the paths 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 is formed, for example, from a flexible tube. Here, the first path 32 and the second path 34 are in communication with each other, and the third path 36 and the fourth path 38 are also in communication with each other. In addition, the tubes forming each of the paths 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 are in contact with the cartridge 30b.

[0034] The first path 32 communicates with a cleaning liquid supply pipe 61, and cleaning liquid such as physiological saline supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source 60 to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 through the cleaning liquid supply pipe 61 enters the first path 32. A first check valve 42 is provided in the first path 32 near the connection point with the cleaning liquid supply pipe 61, and the first check valve 42 prevents the cleaning fluid from being sent from the first path 32 to the cleaning liquid supply pipe 61. The first supply pipe 64 communicates with the second path 34, and the cleaning fluid such as cleaning liquid is sent from the second path 34 to the first supply pipe 64.

[0035] Moreover, the third path 36 communicates with a gas supply pipe 63, and a gas such as air supplied from the gas supply source 62 to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 through the gas supply pipe 63 enters the third path 36. Moreover, a second check valve 44 is provided in the vicinity of the connection point of the third path 36 with the gas supply pipe 63, and the second check valve 44 prevents the cleaning fluid from being sent from the third path 36 to the gas supply pipe 63. Moreover, the second supply pipe 66 communicates with a fourth path 38, and a gas such as air is sent from the fourth path 38 to the second supply pipe 66.

[0036] 1 and 7, a fifth path 40 is provided between a connection point 35 between the first path 32 and the second path 34 and a connection point 39 between the third path 36 and the fourth path 38. That is, one end of the fifth path 40 is connected to each of the first path 32 and the second path 34, and the other end of the fifth path 40 is connected to each of the third path 36 and the fourth path 38.

[0037] As described above, the through holes 46b, 48b, 50b of the base portion 30a are disposed at positions facing the first path 32, the fourth path 38, and the fifth path 40 of the cartridge 30b when the cartridge 30b is attached to the base portion 30a. The pushers 46a, 48a, 50a are projected from the through holes 46b, 48b, 50b of the base portion 30a by the advancement and retreat mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c. This allows the flow of the cleaning fluid in the first path 32, the fourth path 38, and the fifth path 40 to be selectively stopped by the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50, respectively. Such a function will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic state when the flow of cleaning fluid in each of the paths 32, 38, 40 in the system 10 shown in Figure 1 is not stopped by the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic state when the flow of cleaning fluid in each of the paths 32, 38, 40 in the system 10 shown in Figure 1 is stopped by the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50.

[0038] When the rods 46d, 48d, 50d are fully retracted by the advance / retract mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c, the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a are completely housed inside the through holes 46b, 48b, 50b, and the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a do not protrude upward from the surface 30e of the base portion 30a. In this case, as shown in Fig. 8, the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a do not push the paths 32, 38, 40 (specifically, flexible tubes), and the cleaning fluid can pass through the hollow portions 32a, 38a, 40a of the tubes that constitute the paths 32, 38, 40.

[0039] On the other hand, when the rods 46d, 48d, 50d are fully extended by the advance / retract mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c, the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a protrude from the through holes 46b, 48b, 50b to the outside, and the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a protrude upward from the surface 30e of the base portion 30a. Here, the tubes constituting the paths 32, 38, 40 are in contact with the cartridge 30b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a push the paths 32, 38, 40 (specifically, flexible tubes), deforming the tubes constituting the paths 32, 38, 40, and blocking the hollow portions 32a, 38a, 40a of the tubes by the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a, so that the cleaning fluid cannot pass through the inside of the tubes. This causes the flow of cleaning fluid in each of the paths 32,38,40 to be stopped by the closure mechanisms 46,48,50.

[0040] One edge of the cartridge 30b is provided with two protrusions 30r and 30s, and a notch 30c is formed. The other edge of the cartridge 30b facing the one edge is formed with a hooked portion 31e to which the hooking portion 31b of the fastener 31 is fastened. An inclined surface 31d is formed on the back side of the hooked portion 31e. When attaching the cartridge 30b to the base portion 30a, the protrusions 30r and 30s of the cartridge 30b are fitted into the notches 30p and 30q of the base portion 30a, and then the cartridge 30b is pushed toward the base portion 30a, so that the hooking portion 31b of the fastener 31 comes into contact with the inclined surface 31d of the cartridge 30b. When the cartridge 30b is pushed toward the base part 30a in this state, the fastener 31 rotates clockwise about the axis 31a in Fig. 3 against the force of the spring provided in the fastener 31, and when the cartridge 30b comes into contact with the surface 30e of the base part 30a, the hooking part 31b of the fastener 31 gets caught by the hooked part 31e of the cartridge 30b, and the cartridge 30b is fixed to the base part 30a by the fastener 31. On the other hand, when the cartridge 30b is to be removed from the base part 30a, the fastener 31 is rotated clockwise about the axis 31a in Fig. 3 against the force of the spring provided in the fastener 31, so that the hooking part 31b of the fastener 31 is released from the hooked part 31e of the cartridge 30b, and the cartridge 30b can be removed from the base part 30a.

[0041] In this manner, in this embodiment, the fastener 31 allows the cartridge 30b to be easily attached to and detached from the base portion 30a.

[0042] Next, the configuration of the control unit 70 of the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 will be described. The control unit 70 has a control unit 72, which controls the advancing and retreating mechanisms 46c, 48c, and 50c. Specifically, the control unit 72 controls the advancing and retreating mechanisms 46c, 48c, and 50c to perform a cleaning fluid supply operation in which, when supplying the cleaning fluid to the cover 22, the cleaning fluid sent from the cleaning fluid supply source 60 to the first path 32 through the cleaning fluid supply pipe 61 is supplied to the first supply pipe 64 for a certain period of time to cause the cleaning fluid to remain in the middle of the first supply pipe 64, and then the gas sent from the gas supply source 62 to the third path 36 through the gas supply pipe 63 is supplied to the fifth path 40 and the second path 34 to the first supply pipe 64, thereby supplying a mixture of the cleaning fluid and the gas to the cover 22 as a cleaning fluid. The control unit 72 also controls the advancing and retreating mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c so as to perform a gas supply operation in which the gas sent from the gas supply source 62 to the third path 36 by the gas supply pipe 63 is supplied from the fourth path 38 to the second supply pipe 66, thereby supplying the gas to the cover 22. At this time, the control unit 72 also controls the advancing and retreating mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c so as to alternately repeat an operation of supplying gas to the second supply pipe 66 and an operation of stopping the supply of gas to the second supply pipe 66 when performing the gas supply operation of supplying gas to the cover 22. The method of controlling the advancing and retreating mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c by the control unit 72 will be described later.

[0043] In this embodiment, the first path 32, the second path 34, the third path 36, the fifth path 40, the first closing mechanism 46, the second closing mechanism 48, and the third closing mechanism 50 are combined to form a cleaning liquid supply unit 14 for supplying cleaning liquid to the first supply tube 64. The first path 32, the second path 34, the third path 36, the fourth path 38, the fifth path 40, the first closing mechanism 46, the second closing mechanism 48, and the third closing mechanism 50 are combined to form a gas supply unit 16 for supplying gas to the first supply tube 64 or the second supply tube 66. The cleaning liquid supply unit 14, the gas supply unit 16, the first supply tube 64, the second supply tube 66, and the control unit 72 are combined to form a supply device 12 for supplying cleaning fluid to a cover 22 that covers a rigid endoscope 20 having an observation window at its tip.

[0044] Next, a method of using the system 10 configured as described above will be described. First, when performing surgery in which the rigid endoscope 20 is inserted into the patient's body, the cover 22 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of the rigid endoscope 20. Then, the rigid endoscope 20 with the cover 22 attached is inserted into the patient's body to perform the surgery.

[0045] If the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 becomes dirty or cloudy due to blood, fat, or the like during surgery, the observation window is cleaned while the rigid endoscope 20 is inserted into the patient's body. More specifically, the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 supplies cleaning fluid from the first supply pipe 64 to the cover 22, and the cleaning fluid is sent to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 through a cleaning fluid path provided in the cover 22. This operation will be described in more detail using the flow chart shown in FIG. 10. The following operations are performed by the control unit 72 controlling the advancement and retreat mechanisms 46c, 48c, and 50c.

[0046] In a normal state, the flow of the cleaning fluid in each of the paths 32, 38, 40 is stopped by the respective advancing and retracting mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c. When a command to clean the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 with cleaning fluid is given to the control unit 70, the control section 72 controls the first advancing and retracting mechanism 46c to open the first closing mechanism 46 for a first predetermined period (step ST1 in FIG. 10). Specifically, the rod 46d is retracted by the first advancing and retracting mechanism 46c. When the rod 46d is in the most retracted state, the pusher 46a is completely accommodated inside the through hole 46b and does not protrude upward from the surface 30e of the base portion 30a. Therefore, the first path 32 (specifically, a flexible tube) is not pushed by the pusher 46a, and the cleaning fluid can pass through the inside of the tube constituting the first path 32. The first predetermined period is a time during which the cleaning liquid sent from the cleaning liquid source 60 to the first path 32 by the cleaning liquid supply pipe 61 is sent from the second path 34 to the first supply pipe 64 and stays in an intermediate portion of the first supply pipe 64, and is, for example, a time within a range of 0.01 to 1.0 seconds. In this way, a predetermined amount of cleaning liquid stays in an intermediate portion of the first supply pipe 64.

[0047] Next, after the control unit 72 closes the first closing mechanism 46, the control unit 72 controls the third advance / retract mechanism 50c to open the third closing mechanism 50 for only a second predetermined period (step ST2 in FIG. 10). Specifically, the third advance / retract mechanism 50c retracts the rod 50d. When the rod 50d is in the most retracted state, the pusher 50a is completely accommodated inside the through hole 50b and does not protrude upward from the surface 30e of the base portion 30a. Therefore, the fifth path 40 (specifically, a flexible tube) is not pushed by the pusher 50a, and gas can pass through the inside of the tube constituting the fifth path 40. The second predetermined period is a time during which the gas sent from the gas supply source 62 to the third path 36 by the gas supply pipe 63 can be sufficiently sent to the cover 22 by the first supply pipe 64, and is a time sufficiently longer than the first predetermined period. The second predetermined period is, for example, a time within a range of 1.0 seconds to 10 seconds. In this way, when the gas sent from the gas supply source 62 to the third path 36 by the gas supply tube 63 is sent to the first supply tube 64 via the fifth path 40 and the second path 34, the gas collides with and mixes with the cleaning liquid remaining in the middle of the first supply tube 64, and the mixture of the cleaning liquid and the gas is sent from the first supply tube 64 to the cover 22 as a cleaning fluid. In this way, the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 is cleaned by the mixture of the cleaning liquid and the gas. Here, when the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 is cleaned by the mixture of the cleaning liquid and the gas, dirt such as blood and fat adhering to the observation window can be more reliably removed by mixing the gas into the cleaning liquid, compared with the case where the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 is cleaned by the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply source 60 by the cleaning liquid supply tube 61. This is because fine air bubbles mixed in the cleaning liquid adsorb dirt and can be washed away together with the cleaning liquid. In this manner, the operation of cleaning the observation window portion of the rigid endoscope 20 with the cleaning liquid is completed.

[0048] Thereafter, gas is supplied from the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 through the second supply pipe 66 to the cover 22, whereby the gas is discharged to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 through the gas path provided in the cover 22. This makes it possible to ensure visibility through the observation window by blowing away the cleaning liquid adhering to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 with the gas discharged from the observation window. This operation will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0049] When the operation of cleaning the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 with the cleaning liquid is completed, the flow of the cleaning fluid in each of the paths 32, 38, 40 is stopped by each of the advancing and retracting mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c. When a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the operation of cleaning the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 with the cleaning liquid is completed, or when a command is given to the control unit 70 to blow off the cleaning liquid attached to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 with gas, the control unit 72 controls the second advancing and retracting mechanism 48c to open the second closing mechanism 48 for only a third predetermined period (step ST11 in FIG. 11). Specifically, the rod 48d is retracted by the second advancing and retracting mechanism 48c. In the state where the rod 48d is most retracted, the pusher 48a is completely accommodated in the through hole 48b and does not protrude upward from the surface 30e of the base portion 30a, so that the third path 36 (specifically, a flexible tube) is not pushed by the pusher 48a, and gas can pass through the inside of the tube constituting the third path 36. The third predetermined period is a time during which the gas sent from the gas supply source 62 to the third path 36 by the gas supply pipe 63 can be sufficiently sent from the fourth path 38 to the cover 22 by the second supply pipe 66, and is, for example, a time within a range of 0.1 seconds to 0.5 seconds. Next, the control unit 72 controls the second advance / retract mechanism 48c to close the second closing mechanism 48 for only a fourth predetermined period (step ST12 in FIG. 11). The fourth predetermined period is a time longer than the third predetermined period, and is, for example, a time within a range of 0.2 seconds to 2.0 seconds. Such opening and closing operation of the second closing mechanism 48 is repeated until the second closing mechanism 48 opens a predetermined number of times ("NO" in step ST13 of FIG. 11). The predetermined number of times is, for example, within a range of 2 to 100 times. After the opening and closing operation of the second closing mechanism 48 is performed until the second closing mechanism 48 opens a predetermined number of times ("NO" in step ST13 of FIG. 11), the control unit 72 controls the second advancement and retreat mechanism 48c so that the second closing mechanism 48 closes. In this manner, the operation of blowing off the cleaning liquid attached to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 by gas is completed.

[0050] In addition, when performing the operation of blowing off the cleaning liquid adhering to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 with gas, if the gas sent from the gas supply source 62 to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 by the gas supply tube 63 is continuously supplied to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 by the second supply tube 66, the gas will be continuously sent to the inside of the patient's chest or abdomen, which places a heavy burden on the patient. In contrast, by intermittently sending the gas sent from the gas supply source 62 to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 by the gas supply tube 63 to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 by the second supply tube 66, the cleaning liquid adhering to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 can be sufficiently blown off with gas, while the total amount of gas sent to the inside of the patient's chest or abdomen is reduced, thereby reducing the burden on the patient. Furthermore, if the same amount of gas that can be supplied intermittently to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 to blow away the cleaning liquid adhering to the observation window and ensure visibility through the observation window is supplied continuously to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20, the cleaning liquid adhering to the observation window cannot be sufficiently blown away, and sufficient visibility through the observation window cannot be ensured.

[0051] In this embodiment, after the operation of blowing off the cleaning liquid adhering to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 with gas is completed, the cleaning liquid supply unit 14 supplies the cleaning liquid to the first supply pipe 64 to cause the cleaning liquid to accumulate in advance in an intermediate portion of the first supply pipe 64. In this case, in the cleaning process of the next observation window, even if the operation shown in step ST1 of Fig. 10 is not performed, when a command to clean the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 with cleaning liquid is given to the control unit 70, a mixture of the cleaning fluid and gas can be sent to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 simply by performing the operation shown in step ST2 of Fig. 10, so that the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 can be removed more quickly.

[0052] Next, the operation of replacing the cartridge 30b in the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 will be described. For example, after one operation is completed, the cartridge 30b is replaced in the following procedure. Specifically, the fastener 31 is rotated clockwise around the axis 31a in FIG. 3 against the force of the spring provided on the fastener 31. As a result, the hooking portion 31b of the fastener 31 is disengaged from the hooked portion 31e of the cartridge 30b, so that the cartridge 30b can be removed from the base portion 30a. Then, after removing the old cartridge 30b from the base portion 30a, the new cartridge 30b is attached to the base portion 30a. Specifically, after fitting the respective convex portions 30r, 30s of the new cartridge 30b into the respective cutout portions 30p, 30q of the base portion 30a, the cartridge 30b is pushed toward the base portion 30a. As a result, the hooking portion 31b of the fastener 31 comes into contact with the inclined surface 31d of the cartridge 30b. In this state, when the cartridge 30b is pushed toward the base portion 30a, the fastener 31 rotates clockwise about the axis 31a in Fig. 3 against the force of the spring provided in the fastener 31. Then, when the cartridge 30b comes into contact with the surface 30e of the base portion 30a, the hooking portion 31b of the fastener 31 gets caught on the hooked portion 31e of the cartridge 30b, and the fastener 31 fixes the cartridge 30b to the base portion 30a.

[0053] According to the supply device 12 of the present embodiment configured as described above, the supply device 12 for supplying a cleaning fluid to the cover 22 covering the rigid endoscope 20 having an observation window at its tip includes supply pipes 64, 66 connected to the cover 22 for supplying a cleaning fluid to the cover 22, a cleaning liquid supply unit 14 for supplying a cleaning liquid to the first supply pipe 64, a gas supply unit 16 for supplying a gas to the second supply pipe 66, and a control unit 72 for controlling the cleaning liquid supply unit 14 and the gas supply unit 16. The control unit 72 controls the cleaning liquid supply unit 14 and the gas supply unit 16 to perform a cleaning fluid supply operation in which the cleaning liquid is supplied to the first supply pipe 64 by the cleaning liquid supply unit 14 to cause the cleaning liquid to accumulate in the middle of the first supply pipe 64, and then the gas supply unit 16 supplies gas to the first supply pipe 64 to supply a mixture of the cleaning liquid and the gas to the cover 22 as a cleaning fluid. According to such a supply device 12, by supplying a mixture of cleaning fluid and gas to the cover 22 as a cleaning fluid, dirt such as blood and fat adhering to the observation window can be removed more reliably. This is because fine air bubbles mixed in the cleaning fluid adsorb dirt and can be washed away together with the cleaning fluid. Also, according to such a supply device 12, by supplying cleaning fluid to the first supply tube 64 by the cleaning fluid supply unit 14 and causing the cleaning fluid to accumulate in advance at a midway point of the first supply tube 64, in the next observation window cleaning process, when a command to clean the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 with the cleaning fluid is given to the control unit 70, the mixture of cleaning fluid and gas can be sent to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 simply by opening the third closing mechanism 50 for the second predetermined period, so that the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 can be cleaned more quickly. In this embodiment, it is not necessarily required to perform the operation of supplying cleaning liquid to the first supply pipe 64 by the cleaning liquid supply unit 14 and storing the cleaning liquid in advance at a midpoint of the first supply pipe 64 in preparation for cleaning the next observation window portion.

[0054] Furthermore, in the supply device 12 of this embodiment, as described above, the control unit 72 controls the gas supply unit 16 so as to perform a gas supply operation of supplying gas to the cover 22 by causing the gas supply unit 16 to supply gas to the second supply pipe 66. This makes it possible to ensure a field of view from the observation window by blowing away the cleaning liquid adhering to the observation window with the gas supplied to the second supply pipe 66 by the gas supply unit 16.

[0055] At this time, the control unit 72 controls the gas supply unit 16 so as to alternately repeat an operation of supplying gas to the second supply pipe 66 and an operation of stopping the supply of gas to the second supply pipe 66 when performing a gas supply operation of supplying gas to the cover 22. In this case, the cleaning solution adhering to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 is sufficiently blown away by the gas, and the total amount of gas sent to the inside of the patient's chest and abdomen is also reduced, thereby reducing the burden on the patient.

[0056] In the supply device 12 of this embodiment, as described above, the first supply pipe 64 for supplying the cleaning liquid to the cover 22 and the second supply pipe 66 for supplying the gas to the cover 22 are connected to the cover 22, the cleaning liquid supply unit 14 is capable of supplying the cleaning liquid to the first supply pipe 64, and the gas supply unit 16 is capable of supplying the gas to each of the first supply pipe 64 and the second supply pipe 66. Note that this embodiment is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the supply device 12 may have one supply pipe instead of two supply pipes (the first supply pipe 64 and the second supply pipe 66), and the cleaning liquid and the gas may be sent to the cover 22 through this supply pipe.

[0057] Moreover, as described above, the supply device 12 of this embodiment may further include the cleaning fluid supply unit 30, and the cleaning liquid supply section 14 and the gas supply section 16 may each be provided in the cleaning fluid supply unit 30. In this case, the cleaning liquid supply section 14 is adapted to supply the cleaning liquid sent from the outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to the first supply pipe 64, and the gas supply section 16 is adapted to supply the gas sent from the outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to the first supply pipe 64 and the second supply pipe 66. The cleaning fluid supply unit 30 is provided with paths 32, 34 (cleaning fluid paths) for supplying the cleaning fluid sent from outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to the first supply pipe 64, paths 36, 38 (gas paths) for supplying the gas sent from outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to the second supply pipe 66, and a path 40 (bypass path) that connects the paths 32, 34 and the paths 36, 38 and sends the gas from the path 36 serving as the gas path to the path 34 serving as the cleaning fluid path. With this configuration, the cleaning fluid and the gas can be reliably sent from the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to each of the supply pipes 64, 66, respectively.

[0058] In this case, the cleaning liquid supply unit 14 has a first closing mechanism 46 that selectively stops the flow of cleaning liquid in the first path 32 as a cleaning liquid path, and the gas supply unit 16 has a second closing mechanism 48 that selectively stops the flow of gas in the fourth path 38 as a gas path and a third closing mechanism 50 that selectively stops the flows of cleaning liquid and gas in the fifth path 40 as a bypass path. In this case, these closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 make it possible to selectively send cleaning liquid and gas from the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to each supply pipe 64, 66, respectively.

[0059] As described above, the first supply pipe 64 for supplying cleaning liquid to the cover 22 and the second supply pipe 66 for supplying gas to the cover 22 are each connected to the cover 22, and the second path 34 as a path for cleaning liquid can be connected to the first supply pipe 64, and the fourth path 38 as a path for gas can be connected to the second supply pipe 66.

[0060] The cleaning fluid supply unit 30 of this embodiment configured as described above is connected to supply pipes 64, 66 for supplying cleaning fluid to an observation window provided at the tip of the rigid endoscope 20, and includes a base portion 30a and a cartridge 30b detachably attached to the base portion 30a, the cartridge 30b is provided with paths 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 for supplying the cleaning fluid sent to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 from the outside to the supply pipes 64, 66, and the base portion 30a is provided with closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 for selectively stopping the flow of the cleaning fluid in the paths 32, 38, 40. As described above, the cartridge 30b is detachably attached to the base portion 30a, so that a disposable cartridge can be used as the cartridge 30b. Here, when the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 is used for a long period of time, the paths 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 provided in the cartridge 30b may become dirty, or the paths 32, 38, 40 may become worn or damaged due to the opening and closing operations of the paths 32, 38, 40 by the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50. However, by replacing the cartridge 30b, it is possible to prevent problems caused by dirt, wear, etc., of the paths 32, 34, 36, 38, 40. Also, when valves such as globe valves or gate valves are simply installed in the paths 32, 38, 40 such as tubes, dirt from inside the valves may get into the paths 32, 38, 40 if the valves are used for a long period of time, and the cleaning solution or the like with this dirt attached may be sent into the patient's body. In contrast, in this embodiment, by separating the base part 30a on which the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 are provided and the cartridge 30b on which the paths 32, 38, 40 are provided, it is possible to prevent dirt from the inside of the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 from being sent to the inside of the paths 32, 38, 40 even when the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 are used for a long period of time, and therefore it is possible to prevent cleaning liquid and the like on which the dirt has adhered from being sent into the patient's body. As described above, by making the cartridge 30b detachably attachable to the base part 30a, new paths 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 can always be used, improving hygiene problems.

[0061] In addition, in the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 of this embodiment, as described above, the paths 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 are composed of the paths 32, 34 (cleaning fluid paths) that supply the cleaning fluid sent from the outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to the first supply pipe 64, the paths 36, 38 (gas paths) that supply the gas sent from the outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to the second supply pipe 66, and the fifth path 40 (bypass path) that connects the cleaning fluid path and the gas path and sends the gas from the gas path to the cleaning fluid path. In addition, the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 have a first closing mechanism 46 that selectively stops the flow of the cleaning fluid in the first path 32 as the cleaning fluid path, a second closing mechanism 48 that selectively stops the flow of the gas in the fourth path 38 as the gas path, and a third closing mechanism 50 that selectively stops the flow of the cleaning fluid and the gas in the fifth path 40 as the bypass path. In this case, each of these closure mechanisms 46, 48, 50 allows selective delivery of cleaning liquid and gas from the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to each of the supply pipes 64, 66, respectively.

[0062] As described above, the first supply tube 64 for supplying cleaning liquid to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 and the second supply tube 66 for supplying gas to the observation window of the rigid endoscope 20 are provided, and the second path 34 as a cleaning liquid path can be connected to the first supply tube 64, and the fourth path 38 as a gas path can be connected to the second supply tube 66. In this case, the cleaning liquid and gas can be reliably sent from the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 to each of the supply tubes 64, 66, respectively.

[0063] In the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 of this embodiment, as described above, each of the paths 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 includes a flexible tube, and each of the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 selectively stops the flow of the cleaning fluid in the tube by pushing and deforming the tube from the outside. In this case, each of the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 can adjust the flow of the cleaning fluid in each of the paths 32, 38, 40 by pushing and deforming the tube from the outside.

[0064] In this case, each closing mechanism 46, 48, 50 has a pusher 46a, 48a, 50a that moves toward and away from a tube provided in a cartridge 30b attached to the base portion 30a, and an advancing / retracting mechanism 46c, 48c, 50c that moves the pusher 46a, 48a, 50a toward and away from the tube. In this case, the advancing / retracting mechanism 46c, 48c, 50c moves the pusher 46a, 48a, 50a toward and away from the tube, thereby making it possible to adjust the flow of the cleaning fluid in each of the paths 32, 38, 40.

[0065] In addition, springs 46e, 48e, 50e are provided between the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a and the advancing / retracting mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c, so that the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a are pushed toward the tubes by the springs 46e, 48e, 50e. In this case, even if the advancing / retracting mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c fail and the advancing / retracting mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c are unable to press the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a against the tubes to stop the flow of the cleaning fluid in the paths 32, 38, 40, the springs 46e, 48e, 50e can press the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a toward the tubes to stop the flow of the cleaning fluid in the paths 32, 38, 40. Therefore, even if a malfunction occurs in the advance / retract mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c, it is possible to prevent the cleaning liquid or gas sent from the cleaning liquid supply source 60 or the gas supply source 62 to the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 from being unintentionally sent to the cover 22 of the rigid endoscope 20.

[0066] In addition, in the cleaning fluid supply unit 30 of this embodiment, as described above, the base part 30a is provided with the fastener 31 for fixing the cartridge 30b to the base part 30a, and the fastener 31 has a rotating part 31c that rotates around the shaft 31a provided on the base part 30a, a hook part 31b provided at the tip of the rotating part 31c, and a spring (not shown) provided at the base end of the rotating part 31c and attached to the base part 30a. Also, the cartridge 30b can be attached to the base part 30a by the hook part 31b by rotating the rotating part 31c against the biasing force of the spring. With this configuration, the cartridge 30b can be fixed to the base part 30a by the fastener 31, and the cartridge 30b can be easily removed from the base part 30a by rotating the rotating part 31c of the fastener 31 about the shaft 31a.

[0067] The supply device and cleaning fluid supply unit according to the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described aspects, and various modifications can be made.

[0068] For example, in the above embodiment, the supply device and cleaning fluid supply unit supply cleaning fluid such as cleaning liquid or gas to the cover 22 attached to the rigid endoscope 20, but the present embodiment is not limited to such an embodiment. As long as the supply device and cleaning fluid supply unit can supply cleaning fluid such as cleaning liquid or gas to the observation window portion of the rigid endoscope 20, they are not necessarily limited to those that supply cleaning fluid such as cleaning liquid or gas to the cover 22.

[0069] That is, as another aspect of the present embodiment, a supply device for supplying a cleaning fluid to the observation window at the tip of the rigid endoscope 20 may be used that includes a supply tube for supplying the cleaning fluid to the observation window, a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying the cleaning liquid to the supply tube, a gas supply unit for supplying gas to the supply tube, and a control unit for controlling the cleaning liquid supply unit and the gas supply unit. In this case, the control unit controls the cleaning liquid supply unit and the gas supply unit to perform a cleaning fluid supply operation in which the cleaning liquid supply unit supplies the cleaning liquid to the supply tube to cause the cleaning liquid to accumulate in the middle of the supply tube, and then the gas supply unit supplies gas to the supply tube to supply a mixture of the cleaning liquid and the gas as a cleaning fluid to the observation window.

[0070] In addition, the paths 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 provided in the cartridge 30b are not limited to being made of a flexible material such as a tube. The paths 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 provided in the cartridge 30b may be made of a material other than a tube as long as the flow of the cleaning fluid can be selectively stopped by the closing mechanisms 46, 48, and 50 provided in the base portion 30a. As another aspect of this embodiment, for example, an elastic plate-like member may be attached to the cartridge 30b, and through holes may be provided in the plate-like member as the paths 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40. In this case, the pushers 46a, 48a, 50a may move toward the plate-shaped member by the advance / retract mechanisms 46c, 48c, 50c of each closing mechanism 46, 48, 50, and the through holes serving as paths 32, 38, 40 at positions corresponding to each pusher 46a, 48a, 50a may be deformed and blocked, thereby stopping the flow of cleaning fluid in each path 32, 38, 40.

[0071] Furthermore, each of the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 is not limited to having a pusher 46a, 48a, 50a that moves forward and backward with respect to a tube provided in the cartridge 30b attached to the base portion 30a, and an advancing and retracting mechanism 46c, 48c, 50c that moves the pusher 46a, 48a, 50a forward and backward with respect to the tube. Various configurations of the closing mechanisms 46, 48, 50 can be used as long as they can stop the flow of the cleaning fluid in the paths 32, 38, 40. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10. System 12 Feeding device 14 Cleaning liquid supply unit 16 Gas supply section 20 Rigid endoscope 22 Cover 30 Cleaning fluid supply unit 30a Base 30b Cartridge 30c cutout 30e surface 30m hook 30p, 30q cutout 30r, 30s convex part 31 Fasteners 31a axis 31b Hook part 31c Rotating part 31d sloped surface 31e Hooked part 31g Clasp 32 Route 1 32a Hollow part 34 2nd Route 35 Connection points 36 Route 3 38 4th Route 38a Hollow part 39 Connection points 40 5th Route 40a Hollow part 42 First check valve 44 Second check valve 46, 48, 50 1st closing mechanism 46a, 48a, 50a Pusher 46b, 48b, 50b through hole 46c, 48c, 50c 1st advancement / retraction mechanism 46d, 48d, 50d Rod 46e, 48e, 50e springs 60 Cleaning fluid supply source 61 Cleaning fluid supply pipe 62 Gas supply source 63 Gas supply pipe 64 1st supply pipe 66 2nd supply pipe 70 Control Unit 72 Control section

Claims

1. A cleaning fluid supply unit connected to a supply pipe for supplying a cleaning fluid to an observation window portion provided at a tip of a rigid endoscope, A base portion; a cartridge that is detachably attached to the base portion; Equipped with the cartridge is provided with a path for supplying the cleaning fluid sent from the outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit to the supply pipe; The base portion is provided with a closure mechanism for selectively stopping the flow of cleaning fluid in the path.

2. the paths are composed of a cleaning liquid path that supplies a cleaning liquid sent from an outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit to the supply pipe, a gas path that supplies a gas sent from an outside to the cleaning fluid supply unit to the supply pipe, and a bypass path that connects the cleaning liquid path and the gas path and sends the gas from the gas path to the cleaning liquid path, 2. The cleaning fluid supply unit of claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism includes a first closing mechanism that selectively stops the flow of cleaning liquid in the cleaning liquid path, a second closing mechanism that selectively stops the flow of gas in the gas path, and a third closing mechanism that selectively stops the flow of cleaning liquid and gas in the bypass path.

3. the supply pipe includes a first supply pipe for supplying a cleaning liquid to the observation window portion and a second supply pipe for supplying a gas to the observation window portion; The cleaning liquid path is connectable to the first supply pipe, 3. The cleaning fluid according to claim 2, wherein the gas passage is connectable to the second supply pipe. Supply unit.

4. the pathway includes a flexible tube; 2. The cleaning fluid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the closing mechanism selectively stops the flow of cleaning fluid through the tube by pressing and deforming the tube from the outside.

5. The cleaning fluid supply unit according to claim 4 , wherein the closing mechanism includes a pusher that moves toward and away from the tube provided in the cartridge attached to the base portion, and a retracting mechanism that moves the pusher toward and away from the tube.

6. 6. The cleaning fluid supply unit according to claim 5, wherein a spring is provided between said pusher and said advancing and retreating mechanism, said pusher being pushed toward said tube by said spring.

7. a fastener for fastening the cartridge to the base portion is provided on the base portion; the fastener has a rotating part that rotates around an axis provided on the base part, a hook part provided at a tip of the rotating part, and a spring provided at a base end of the rotating part and attached to the base part, 2. The cleaning fluid supply unit according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge can be attached to the base portion by the hook portion by rotating the rotating portion against the biasing force of the spring.

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