Endoscope

Abstract

An endoscope 1 includes: a grip part 20; a connection part 40 that is disposed inside the grip part 20 and to which the tip of a first air supply tube 35, the tip of a first liquid supply tube 36, and the base end of an air supply-liquid supply tube 39 are connected; and an insertion part 5 that is disposed on the tip side of the grip part 20 and in which the tip of the air supply-liquid supply tube 39 is disposed.

Description

Endoscope

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope having an air supply function and a liquid supply function for a subject's body.

[0002] Endoscopes are widely used in the medical field. An endoscope has an elongated insertion portion that can be inserted into a subject's body. By inserting the insertion portion into the subject's body, the user can observe the inside of the subject's body and perform treatments on lesions in the subject's body.

[0003] This type of endoscope generally has an air supply tube for realizing air supply to the subject's body and a liquid supply tube for realizing liquid supply to the subject's body. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-32585 (Patent Document 1), the tip of the air supply tube and the tip of the liquid supply tube are connected to a nozzle or the like in a state of being connected inside the insertion portion. By connecting the air supply tube and the liquid supply tube inside the insertion portion in this way, the connection portion between the air supply tube and the liquid supply tube can be arranged in the vicinity of a nozzle or the like. Thereby, the responsiveness when switching between air supply and liquid supply can be improved.

[0004] However, the above configuration is useful for an endoscope with a relatively large outer diameter of the insertion portion, but it is difficult to adopt for an endoscope that requires a reduced diameter of the insertion portion, such as an endoscope for pediatric use.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-32585

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can realize an air supply function and a liquid supply function without inhibiting the reduction in the diameter of the insertion portion.

[0007] An endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention includes a gripping portion, a coupling portion disposed inside the gripping portion, to which one ends of an air supply tube, a liquid supply tube, and an air / liquid supply tube are connected, and an insertion portion connected to the tip side of the gripping portion, where the other end of the air / liquid supply tube is disposed.

[0008] Furthermore, an endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes a coupling portion to which three conduits are connected, a second coupling portion to which the other three conduits are connected and provided adjacent to the coupling portion, a gripping portion in which the coupling portion and the second coupling portion are arranged inside, and an insertion portion connected to the tip side of the gripping portion.

[0009] Schematic diagram of the endoscope Perspective view showing the tip Perspective view showing the endoscope connector Cross-sectional view of the main part of the endoscope connector Diagram of the piping configuration of the air supply and fluid supply lines and suction lines Perspective view showing the manifold Cross-sectional view of the main part of the manifold Perspective view showing the internal structure of the operating section Cross-sectional view of the main part showing the connection between the air supply tube and the fluid supply tube Cross-sectional view of the main part showing the light guide nozzle Perspective view showing the second nozzle Cross-sectional view of Figure 10 XII-XII Cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the first, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the second, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the second, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the second, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the second, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the third, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the third, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the third, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the third, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the third, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the third, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the third, cross-sectional view relating to a modification of the manifold Flowchart showing the reprocessing method of the endoscope

[0010] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings relate to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an endoscope. The endoscope 1 shown in Figure 1 is, for example, a pediatric endoscope. In this embodiment, the endoscope 1 is a single-use endoscope that is used only once.

[0011] This endoscope 1 is composed of an insertion section 5, an operating section 6, a universal cord 7, and an endoscope connector 8.

[0012] The insertion section 5 has, in order from the tip side, a tip section 10, a curved section 11, and a flexible tube section 12. Here, the insertion section 5 used in the pediatric endoscope 1 is thinner in diameter than the insertion section used in the adult endoscope.

[0013] As shown in Figure 2, the tip portion 10 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape by a rigid member. This tip portion 10 has a flat portion 10a, an opening 10b, and a lifting base 10c.

[0014] The flat portion 10a is formed on a part of the outer circumference of the tip portion 10. The flat portion 10a is provided with an illumination window 10d, an observation window 10e, and a nozzle 10f.

[0015] The illumination window 10d is composed of an optical component located at the very front of the illumination optical system. The illumination optical system is capable of irradiating the subject with illumination light guided from the light source by, for example, a light guide bundle 30 (see Figures 4 and 8).

[0016] The observation window 10e is formed by the observation optical system of the imaging unit provided at the tip portion 10. That is, the observation window 10e is formed by exposing the optical element located at the very tip of the observation optical system from the flat portion 10a. The observation optical system captures the reflected light from the subject through the observation window 10e. The observation optical system then projects the captured reflected light onto the image sensor of the imaging unit. As a result, the image sensor converts the reflected light into an imaging signal, enabling it to capture an image of the subject. Here, the optical axis of the observation optical system is set in a direction that intersects the longitudinal axis O of the insertion portion 5 (side view direction).

[0017] The nozzle 10f is connected to the leading end of the air / liquid supply tube 39 (see Figure 5), which will be described later. This allows the nozzle 10f to eject the gas or liquid supplied from the air / liquid supply tube 39 onto the flat section 10a.

[0018] The opening 10b is formed to open on the outer circumferential side of the tip portion 10. This opening 10b is in communication with the treatment tool channel 31 (see Figure 5), which will be described later.

[0019] The lifting base 10c is a component for lifting the tip of the treatment instrument that protrudes from the treatment instrument channel 31. For this reason, the lifting base 10c is positioned within the opening 10b, facing the tip of the treatment instrument channel 31. The lifting base 10c is also pivotably attached to the tip portion 10. Furthermore, the tip of the lifting base operating wire is connected to the lifting base 10c.

[0020] The curved section 11 has a plurality of curved pieces (not shown). These curved pieces are arranged in a row along the longitudinal axis O of the insertion section 5. Furthermore, adjacent curved pieces are rotatably connected via connecting members such as rivets. As a result, the plurality of curved pieces form a row of curved pieces that allows curving in all directions, including up, down, left, and right.

[0021] In this embodiment, the up, down, left, and right directions of the insertion portion 5 are, for example, directions intersecting the longitudinal axis O, and are defined in a predetermined correspondence with the up, down, left, and right directions of the image captured by the image sensor of the tip portion 10.

[0022] Furthermore, the tip ends of a pair of vertical bending control wires and the tip ends of a pair of horizontal bending control wires are connected to the bending saddle located at the very front of the curved section 11 (neither of which are shown).

[0023] The flexible tube section 12 is a tube that can bend according to the shape of the subject into which the insertion section 5 is inserted. To achieve this flexibility, the flexible tube section 12 is constructed using a serpentine tube (not shown). A light guide bundle 30 is inserted through the inside of the flexible tube section 12. A signal cable bundle 33 connected to an imaging unit, etc., is also inserted through the inside of the flexible tube section 12. Various tubes, such as a treatment instrument channel 31 and an air and fluid supply tube 39 (described later), are also inserted through the inside of the flexible tube section 12. Furthermore, various wires, such as an up-and-down bending operation wire, a left-and-right bending operation wire, and a lifting platform operation wire (described later), are also inserted through the inside of the flexible tube section 12. In this embodiment, a flexible endoscope equipped with a flexible tube section 12 is described as an example of the endoscope 1, but the endoscope 1 may also be a rigid endoscope equipped with a rigid tube section.

[0024] The operating unit 6 has a housing 15 as the main body of the operating unit. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 15 is divided into left and right halves by, for example, a first housing member 16 and a second housing member 17. These first and second housing members 16 and 17 are formed, for example, by resin molding. The first housing member 16 and the second housing member 17 are joined together by adhesive or the like. As a result, the first housing member 16 and the second housing member 17 constitute a hollow housing 15.

[0025] The proximal end of the flexible tube portion 12 is connected to the tip end of the housing 15. A gripping portion 20 for the operator to grasp the operating portion 6 by hand is formed approximately in the longitudinal center of the housing 15. A forceps plug mouthpiece 21 is attached to the housing 15 at the tip end of the gripping portion 20. Further towards the proximal end from the gripping portion 20, the housing 15 is provided with an up / down bending operation knob 22 and a left / right bending operation knob 23 as bending operation members, a lifting platform operation lever 24, an air / fluid supply button 25, a suction button 26, and a plurality of button switches 29.

[0026] The forceps plug mouthpiece 21 constitutes a treatment instrument port 21a into which treatment instruments such as forceps can be inserted. Inside the housing 15, the treatment instrument port 21a is connected to the proximal end of the treatment instrument channel 31.

[0027] The vertical bending operation knob 22 and the horizontal bending operation knob 23 constitute a bending operation mechanism. The bending operation mechanism pulls or loosens the vertical bending operation wire and the horizontal bending operation wire according to the amount of operation on the vertical bending operation knob 22 and the horizontal bending operation knob 23. As a result, the bending operation mechanism is able to bend the bending section 11 in all directions, including the vertical, horizontal, and left-right directions.

[0028] The lifting platform operating lever 24 constitutes the lifting platform operating mechanism. The lifting platform operating mechanism pulls or loosens the lifting platform operating wire according to the amount of movement applied to the lifting platform operating lever 24. This allows the lifting platform operating mechanism to swing the lifting platform 10c.

[0029] The air / liquid supply button 25 is an operating button for supplying air and liquid from the nozzle 10f to the flat portion 10a of the tip portion 10. This air / liquid supply button 25 is attached to the air / liquid supply cylinder 27 which is fixed to the housing 15.

[0030] The suction button 26 is an operating button for aspirating liquids or solids from the opening 10b provided at the tip 10. This suction button 26 is attached to the suction cylinder 28, which is fixed to the housing 15.

[0031] Multiple button switches 29 are held in the housing 15, sandwiched between the first housing member 16 and the second housing member 17. Each button switch 29 can be assigned to activate various functions of the endoscope 1.

[0032] The universal cord 7 extends from the base end of the operating unit 6. The light guide bundle 30 is inserted through the universal cord 7. The signal cable bundle 33, which connects to each button switch 29 and the imaging unit, is also inserted through the universal cord 7. Furthermore, various tubes, such as the second air supply tube 37, the second fluid supply tube 38, and the second suction tube 43, which will be described later, are inserted through the universal cord 7.

[0033] The endoscope connector 8 is connected to the extended end of the universal cord 7. This endoscope connector 8 can be connected to external devices (not shown), such as a light source device or a processor, via a relay connector 9.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the endoscope connector 8 of this embodiment has a plug portion 46 at the end of the connector body 45. This plug portion 46 is, for example, roughly rectangular in shape. Inside the plug portion 46, there is a light guide socket 50, an air supply socket 51, and a plurality of electrical contacts 52.

[0035] The light guide socket 50 is connected to the light guide bundle 30. The air supply socket 51 is connected to the second air supply tube 37. Each electrical contact 52 is connected to each signal cable of the signal cable bundle 33.

[0036] Furthermore, the side of the connector body 45 is provided with a suction port 53, a pressure port 54, and a liquid supply port 55.

[0037] The suction port 53 is connected to the second suction tube 43. The pressure port 54 is connected to the second air supply tube 37 via a branching passage 56 formed inside the endoscope connector 8. The fluid supply port 55 is connected to the second fluid supply tube 38.

[0038] The relay connector 9 is a reusable item that can be used multiple times. That is, the relay connector 9 can be used repeatedly for multiple endoscopes 1. This relay connector 9 can be connected, for example, to a processor that integrates a light source device and an air pump 57.

[0039] Therefore, the relay connector 9 has a light guide relay socket 61 and an air supply relay socket 62 at its tip. The relay connector 9 also has a plurality of electrical contacts 63 on its side.

[0040] Furthermore, the relay connector 9 has a connector receiving hole 64 at its base end into which the endoscope connector 8 can be inserted. The connector receiving hole 64 is, for example, roughly square in shape. The base ends of the light guide relay port 61 and the air supply relay port 62 protrude into the inside of this connector receiving hole 64. The base end of the light guide relay port 61 is positioned to be optically connectable to the light guide port 50 of the endoscope connector 8. The base end of the air supply relay port 62 is also positioned to be connectable to the air supply port 51 of the endoscope connector 8.

[0041] Furthermore, the base ends of each electrical contact 63 are located inside the connector receiving hole 64. The base ends of each electrical contact 63 are positioned to be electrically connectable to each electrical contact 52 of the endoscope connector 8.

[0042] Next, referring to FIG. 5, the pipeline configuration for realizing the suction function and the air and liquid supply function of the endoscope 1 will be described.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 5, the base end side of the first suction tube 42 and the distal end side of the second suction tube 43 are connected to the suction cylinder 28.

[0044] The distal end side of the first suction tube 42 is connected to the base end side of the treatment tool channel 31. Also, the base end side of the second suction tube 43 is connected to the suction pump 58 via the suction base 53.

[0045] Inside the suction cylinder 28, a piston 26a is provided. This piston 26a is integrally formed with the suction button 26. The piston 26a moves forward and backward inside the suction cylinder 28 according to the pressing state of the suction button 26. And the piston 26a communicates or cuts off the first suction tube 42 and the second suction tube 43 according to the forward and backward positions in the suction cylinder 28. When the first suction tube 42 and the second suction tube 43 communicate, the negative pressure of the suction pump 58 is transmitted to the second suction tube 43 and the treatment tool channel 31. Thereby, the suction function of sucking liquid and solids from the opening 10b of the distal end portion 10 is realized.

[0046] Here, the distal end side of the first suction tube 42 is connected to the treatment tool channel 31 via the manifold 65.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the manifold 65 includes a manifold body 66, a channel coupler 67, and a channel base 68.

[0048] The manifold body 66 is composed of an integrally formed metal product provided with the treatment tool port 21a of the forceps plug base 21 and the suction port 70. The suction port 70 is a port for connecting to the distal end side end of the first suction tube 42. The distal end portion of this suction port 70 is arranged adjacent to the distal end portion of the treatment tool port 21a. That is, the treatment tool port 21a and the suction port 70 are arranged in a substantially V shape.

[0049] Furthermore, the manifold body 66 is provided with a bracket 71 for screwing and fixing the manifold body 66 to the first housing member 16.

[0050] Furthermore, the manifold body 66 is provided with, for example, two pairs of guide protrusions 72. The two pairs of guide protrusions 72 are positioned, for example, adjacent to the treatment tool port 21a. These guide protrusions 72 are for holding long members such as tubes routed inside the operating section 6 in a predetermined position.

[0051] The channel coupler 67 is a component for connecting the manifold body 66 and the channel fitting 68. The channel coupler 67 is made of a molded product using a transparent resin material. As a result, the channel coupler 67 is ultraviolet transparent. The base end of the channel coupler 67 is connected to the manifold body 66 at the manifold portion at the tip end of the treatment instrument port 21a and the suction port 70. As a result, the channel coupler 67 is connected to the tip end of the treatment instrument port 21a and the tip end of the suction port 70.

[0052] The channel nozzle 68 is made of a tapered tube whose outer diameter decreases from the base end to the tip end. The base end of the channel nozzle 68 is connected to the tip end of the channel coupler 67. The tip end of the channel nozzle 68 is inserted into the base end of the treatment instrument channel 31.

[0053] Furthermore, a male threaded portion 68a is provided on the outer circumference of the base end of the channel jaw 68. A tightening nut 73 can be screwed onto this male threaded portion 68a. When screwing on the tightening nut 73, a clawed ring 74 is positioned between the channel jaw 68 inserted into the treatment tool channel 31 and the tightening nut 73. The clawed ring 74 is configured to shrink in diameter according to the amount the tightening nut 73 is screwed onto the male threaded portion 68a. This shrinkage causes the clawed ring 74 to press the treatment tool channel 31 against the channel jaw 68, preventing the treatment tool channel 31 from falling out of the channel jaw 68.

[0054] With these configurations, the instrument port 21a of the forceps plug nozzle 21 is connected to the channel coupler 67 of the manifold tube 65. The tip end of the first suction tube 42 is also connected to the channel coupler 67 via the suction port 70. Furthermore, the proximal end of the instrument channel 31 is connected to the channel coupler 67 via the channel nozzle 68. Thus, the channel coupler 67 is a specific example of a coupling (second coupling) to which three conduits (the other three conduits) are connected.

[0055] Here, the connection between the manifold body 66 and the channel coupler 67, and the connection between the channel coupler 67 and the channel fitting 68, are made using an ultraviolet-curing adhesive 69. As described above, the channel coupler 67 is ultraviolet-transmitting. Therefore, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto the adhesive 69 from the inside of the channel coupler 67. This makes it possible to cure the adhesive 69 accurately.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the air / liquid supply cylinder 27 is connected to the base end of the first air supply tube 35, the base end of the first liquid supply tube 36, the tip end of the second air supply tube 37, and the tip end of the second liquid supply tube 38. The first air supply tube 35 and the second air supply tube 37 constitute an air supply tube for supplying gas, which is a fluid, to the insertion section 5. The first liquid supply tube 36 and the second liquid supply tube 38 constitute a liquid supply tube for supplying liquid, which is a fluid, to the insertion section 5.

[0057] The tip end of the first air supply tube 35 and the tip end of the first fluid supply tube 36 are connected to the base end of the air supply tube 39. The air supply tube 39 constitutes a conduit for guiding the fluid supplied from the first air supply tube 35 or the first fluid supply tube 36 to the tip side of the insertion section 5.

[0058] The base end of the second air supply tube 37 is connected to the air supply pump 57 via an air supply nozzle 51 (and an air supply relay nozzle 62). Furthermore, the middle section of the base end of the second air supply tube 37 is connected to the liquid supply bottle 59 via a branch passage 56, a pressure nozzle 54, and a relay pipeline 59a. In addition, the base end of the second liquid supply tube 38 is connected to the liquid supply tank 59 via a liquid supply nozzle 55 and a relay pipeline 59b.

[0059] A piston 25a is provided inside the air supply / liquid supply cylinder 27. This piston 25a is integrally formed with the air supply / liquid supply button 25. The piston 25a moves back and forth inside the air supply / liquid supply cylinder 27 in accordance with the pressing state on the air supply / liquid supply button 25. Then, depending on its position within the air supply / liquid supply cylinder 27, the piston 25a opens the second air supply tube 37 to the atmosphere, connects the first air supply tube 35 and the second air supply tube 37, and blocks the first air supply tube 35 and the second air supply tube 37.

[0060] Furthermore, the piston 25a connects the first liquid delivery tube 36 and the second liquid delivery tube 38, and blocks the connection between the first liquid delivery tube 36 and the second liquid delivery tube 38. In this case, when the piston 25a connects the first air delivery tube 35 and the second air delivery tube 37, the piston 25a blocks the connection between the first liquid delivery tube 36 and the second liquid delivery tube 38. Also, when the piston 25a blocks the connection between the first air delivery tube 35 and the second air delivery tube 37, the piston 25a connects the first liquid delivery tube 36 and the second liquid delivery tube 38.

[0061] When the second air supply tube 37 is open to the atmosphere, the air supplied from the air supply pump 57 is released directly to the outside.

[0062] Furthermore, when the first air supply tube 35 and the second air supply tube 37 are connected, and the first liquid supply tube 36 and the second liquid supply tube 38 are blocked, the air supplied from the air supply pump 57 is introduced from the second air supply tube 37 into the first air supply tube 35. The air introduced into the first air supply tube 35 is then guided to the tip side of the insertion section 5 by the air-liquid supply tube 39, and then ejected from the air-liquid supply nozzle 10f. This realizes the air supply function.

[0063] Furthermore, when the first air supply tube 35 and the second air supply tube 37 are blocked, and the first liquid supply tube 36 and the second liquid supply tube 38 are connected, the air supplied from the air supply pump 57 pressurizes the liquid supply tank 59. This pressurization causes the liquid supplied from the liquid supply tank 59 to be introduced from the second liquid supply tube 38 into the first liquid supply tube 36. The liquid introduced into the first liquid supply tube 36 is then guided to the tip side of the insertion section 5 by the air-liquid supply tube 39, and then ejected from the air-liquid supply nozzle 10f. This realizes the liquid supply function.

[0064] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 9, the tip (one end) of the first air supply tube 35 and the tip (one end) of the first liquid supply tube 36 are connected to the base (one end) of the air supply / liquid supply tube 39 inside the gripping portion 20. In other words, the first air supply tube 35 and the first liquid supply tube 36 are connected to the air supply / liquid supply tube 39 on the base end side of the insertion portion 5.

[0065] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the connection between the first air supply tube 35 and the first liquid supply tube 36 and the air supply / liquid supply tube 39 is made, for example, using a connecting tube 41. That is, in this embodiment, the connecting tube 41 constitutes the joint 40 between the first air supply tube 35 and the first liquid supply tube 36 and the air supply / liquid supply tube 39.

[0066] This connecting tube 41 is formed using the same material as the first air supply tube 35, the first liquid supply tube 36, and the air supply / liquid supply tube 39. More specifically, the first air supply tube 35, the first liquid supply tube 36, the air supply / liquid supply tube 39, and the connecting tube 41 are formed using, for example, the same elastomer.

[0067] The tip of the first air supply tube 35 and the tip of the first liquid supply tube 36 are connected to the base end of the connecting tube 41 by welding. In other words, the tip of the first air supply tube 35, the tip of the first liquid supply tube, and the base end of the connecting tube 41 are connected to each other by welding.

[0068] To achieve a smaller diameter for the insertion section 5, the air and liquid supply tube 39 is composed of a tube smaller in diameter than the first air supply tube 35, the first liquid supply tube 26, and the connecting tube 41. The base end of the air and liquid supply tube 39 is connected to the connecting tube 41 by adhesive while inserted into the tip end of the connecting tube 41.

[0069] For example, as shown in Figure 8, the coupling portion 40 to which the three tubes 35, 36, and 39 are connected is positioned adjacent to the manifold 65. More specifically, the coupling portion 40 is positioned adjacent to the channel coupler 67 of the manifold 65. In this case, in order to efficiently position the coupling portion 40 inside the gripping portion 20, it is preferable that the coupling portion 40 is positioned towards the tip of the treatment tool port 21a. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the tip of the coupling portion 40 is positioned towards the tip of the channel coupler 67. However, in order to avoid interference with the bellows of the flexible tube portion 12, it is preferable that the tip of the coupling portion 40 is positioned away from the base end of the insertion portion 5.

[0070] To accurately realize the arrangement of the joint portion 40, the first air supply tube 35 and the first liquid supply tube 36 are positioned inside the grip portion 20 by two pairs of guide protrusions 72, together with the light guide bundle 30 and the signal cable bundle 33, etc. That is, inside the grip portion 20, the first air supply tube 35 and the first liquid supply tube 36 are routed between the two pairs of guide protrusions 72. As a result, the two pairs of guide protrusions 72 function as holding portions for holding the sides of the first air supply tube 35 and the first liquid supply tube 36 in predetermined positions.

[0071] By the way, in order to achieve a smaller diameter for the insertion portion 5, the diameter of the light guide bundle 30 in this embodiment is set to 3 mm or less. To facilitate connection with such a small-diameter light guide bundle 30, the light guide socket 50 has a first socket 75 and a second socket 76, as shown in Figures 4, 10 to 4, 12.

[0072] The first mouthpiece 75 has a hollow, substantially cylindrical shape. The base end of the first mouthpiece 75 is fixed to the endoscope connector 8. The first mouthpiece 75 also has a large diameter portion 75a at its base end. Multiple (for example, two) screw holes 75b are provided in the large diameter portion 75a. Each screw hole 75b penetrates the side wall of the first mouthpiece 75 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first mouthpiece 75.

[0073] The second socket 76 has a hollow, approximately cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the second socket 76 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the first socket 75. This allows the second socket 76 to be inserted into the first socket 75. The inner diameter of the second socket 76 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the light guide bundle 30. This allows the light guide bundle 30 to be inserted into the second socket 76. Furthermore, a notch 76a is provided in the middle of the second socket 76. Due to this notch 76a, a portion of the internal space of the second socket 76 is exposed to the outside.

[0074] The light guide bundle 30 is inserted through the second socket 76 configured in this way. Furthermore, the notch 76a of the second socket 76 is filled with, for example, an ultraviolet-curing adhesive 77. By curing this adhesive 77, the light guide bundle 30 is connected to the second socket 76.

[0075] The second socket 76, to which the light guide bundle 30 is connected, is inserted through the first socket 75. In this state, grub screws 78 are screwed into each screw hole 75b of the first socket 75. Each grub screw 78 presses the second socket 76 against the inner wall surface of the first socket 75. As a result, the second socket 76, which holds the base end of the light guide bundle 30, is fixed to the first socket 75.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the endoscope 1 includes a gripping portion 20, a connecting portion 40 located inside the gripping portion 20 to which the tip of the first air supply tube 35, the tip of the first fluid supply tube 36, and the base end of the air supply tube 39 are connected, and an insertion portion 5 located on the tip side of the gripping portion 20 to which the tip of the air supply tube 39 is located.

[0077] This makes it possible to achieve air and fluid delivery functions to the inside of the subject without hindering the reduction in diameter of the insertion portion 5.

[0078] In other words, the coupling portion 40 for connecting the tip of the first air supply tube 35 and the tip of the first liquid supply tube 36 to the base end of the air supply / liquid supply tube 39 is located inside the gripping portion 20, on the base end side of the insertion portion 5. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the first air supply tube 35 and the first liquid supply tube 36 are located inside the insertion portion 5, the diameter of the insertion portion 5 can be effectively reduced. Furthermore, compared to the case in which the coupling portion 40 is located inside the insertion portion 5, interference between the coupling portion 40 and other internal components can be prevented, and the durability of the coupling portion 40 can be improved.

[0079] In this case, when the connecting portion 40 is placed inside the gripping portion 20, the length of the air supply and liquid supply tube 39 becomes longer compared to when the connecting portion 40 is placed inside the insertion portion 5. Even in this case, the increase in volume of the air supply and liquid supply tube 39 can be suppressed by making the air supply and liquid supply tube 39 smaller in diameter than the first air supply tube 35 and the first liquid supply tube 36. Furthermore, by making the air supply and liquid supply tube 39 smaller in diameter in this way, it is possible to further reduce the diameter of the insertion portion 5 while ensuring responsiveness when switching between the air supply function and the liquid supply function.

[0080] Here, for example, as shown in Figure 13, the joint 40 between the first air supply tube 35, the first liquid supply tube 36, and the air supply / liquid supply tube 39 can also be formed using a metal manifold 47. This manifold 47 has a three-pronged structure in which three pipe sections are connected. The tip end of the first air supply tube 35, the tip end of the first liquid supply tube 36, and the base end of the air supply / liquid supply tube 39 are connected to each pipe section of the manifold 47, respectively.

[0081] The connecting portion 40, configured in this way, is positioned inside the gripping portion 20. As a result, this modified example can achieve the same effects as the embodiment described above.

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, for example, the joint 40 between the first air supply tube 35, the first liquid supply tube 36, and the air supply / liquid supply tube 39 can also be formed using a resin manifold 48. This manifold 48 is molded, for example, using a transparent resin material that transmits ultraviolet light.

[0083] A manifold conduit 48a is provided inside the manifold pipe 48. The manifold conduit 48a is a conduit formed to bring together the ends of the first conduit section 48b and the second conduit section 48c into one. For this reason, the manifold conduit 48a has a roughly V-shape. Here, the inner diameter of the first conduit section 48b is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the first air supply tube 35. The inner diameter of the second conduit section 48c is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the first liquid supply tube 36. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the manifold section where the first conduit section 48b and the second conduit section 48c meet is set to be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the air supply tube 35.

[0084] Furthermore, the manifold 48 has a first tube insertion hole 48d, a second tube insertion hole 48e, and a third tube insertion hole 48f.

[0085] The first tube insertion hole 48d is a hole that extends from the base end of the first conduit section 48b to the base end of the manifold 40. The inner diameter of the first tube insertion hole 48d is larger than the inner diameter of the first conduit section 48b. This makes it possible to insert the tip of the first air supply tube 35 into the first conduit section 48b. The tip of the first air supply tube 35 is fixed to this first tube insertion hole 48d using adhesive 49.

[0086] The second tube insertion hole 48e is a hole that extends from the base end of the second conduit section 48c to the base end of the manifold 40. The inner diameter of the second tube insertion section 48e is larger than the inner diameter of the second conduit section 48c. This makes it possible to insert the tip of the first liquid delivery tube into the second conduit section 48e. The tip of the first liquid delivery tube 36 is fixed to this second tube insertion hole 48e using adhesive 49. The second tube insertion hole 48e is located near the first tube insertion hole 48d and is positioned approximately parallel to the first tube insertion hole 48d.

[0087] The third tube insertion hole 48f is a hole that extends from the junction of the first conduit section 48b and the second conduit section 48c to the tip of the manifold pipe 40. The inner diameter of the third tube insertion hole 48f is larger than the inner diameter of the junction of the first conduit section 48b and the second conduit section 48e. This makes it possible to insert the base end of the air supply / liquid supply tube 35 into the third conduit section 48f. The tip of the air supply / liquid supply tube 35 is fixed to this third tube insertion hole 48f using adhesive 49.

[0088] For example, an ultraviolet-curing adhesive is used for the adhesive 49 used to fix the first air supply tube 35, the first fluid supply tube 36, and the air / fluid supply tube 40 to the manifold tube 48. This allows the worker to easily and reliably cure the adhesive 49 by irradiating the transparent manifold tube 48 with ultraviolet light from the outside during the assembly process of the endoscope 1.

[0089] Here, for example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the first tube insertion hole 48b and the second tube insertion hole 48c can also be formed by a single hole with their sides connected to each other.

[0090] Incidentally, the endoscope 1 can be reprocessed, for example, using the following reprocessing method. The endoscope 1 described above may be discarded after a single use, or it may be used repeatedly multiple times.

[0091] For configurations that are used repeatedly multiple times, a reprocessing method such as the one shown in Figure 18 may be necessary.

[0092] In this reprocessing method, the worker collects and receives used endoscopes 1 after they have been used for treatment, and then transports, ships, and delivers them to factories, etc. (Step S1). At this time, the used endoscopes 1 can be transported in a special container to prevent contamination from the endoscope itself.

[0093] Next, the operator can perform pre-cleaning such as washing and sterilization on the collected and transported used endoscope 1 (Step S2). Specifically, in washing the endoscope, the operator removes any attached substances from the endoscope 1 using a brush or the like. After that, the operator washes the endoscope 1 with any washing solution such as an isopropanol-containing washing agent, a proteolytic enzyme washing agent, or alcohol to remove pathogenic microorganisms derived from blood or bodily fluids. Note that the washing solution is not limited to the washing solutions described above, and other washing solutions may be used. Furthermore, in sterilizing the endoscope 1, one of the following methods is used to sterilize pathogenic microorganisms: autoclaving, ethylene oxide gas sterilization, gamma ray sterilization, or hydrogen peroxide sterilization.

[0094] Next, the operator performs an acceptance inspection of the used endoscope 1 (step S3). Specifically, the operator checks whether the used endoscope 1 has any serious defects or whether the used endoscope 1 has exceeded the maximum number of reprocessing cycles.

[0095] Next, the worker may disassemble the used endoscope 1 (step S4).

[0096] Furthermore, the worker replaces some of the used endoscope 1 parts with new parts as needed (step S5).

[0097] The worker can then assemble the new endoscope 1 (step S6). In some examples, the worker may add an identifier to the reassembly of the endoscope 1 to indicate that the endoscope 1 has been modified from its original state, for example, by adding a label or other marking that designates the endoscope 1 as a reworked, refurbished, or remanufactured item.

[0098] Next, the worker can inspect and test the newly formed endoscope 1 (step S7). Specifically, the worker confirms through various functional tests that the newly formed endoscope 1 has the same effectiveness and safety as the original product.

[0099] Next, the worker may sequentially perform sterilization and storage (step S8) and shipment (step S9) of the new endoscope 1. In step S8, the new endoscope 1 is sterilized using a sterilization gas such as ethylene oxide gas or propylene oxide gas, and stored in a storage container until use.

[0100] The reprocessing of the endoscope 1 is achieved by performing steps S1 to S9 described above. Although specific order of terms is used above, one or more steps in this method may be performed in any order depending on the circumstances.

[0101] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible, all of which fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope characterized by comprising: a gripping portion; a connecting portion disposed inside the gripping portion, to which the air supply tube, the fluid supply tube, and one end of the air supply tube are connected; and an insertion portion connected to the tip side of the gripping portion, to which the other end of the air supply tube is positioned.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising a holding portion disposed inside the gripping portion and holding the sides of the air supply tube and the fluid supply tube.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that the gripping portion has a treatment instrument port, and the holding portion is positioned adjacent to the treatment instrument port.

4. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the air supply tube, the fluid supply tube, and the air supply / fluid supply tube are formed of the same material.

5. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the air supply tube, the fluid supply tube, and the air supply / fluid supply tube are formed of the same elastomer.

6. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the joint includes a portion where the air supply tube and the fluid supply tube are welded together.

7. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting portion is formed by a metal tube, and the tip of the air supply tube and the tip of the fluid supply tube are connected to the connecting portion.

8. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting portion is formed of a transparent material, the tip of the air supply tube and the tip of the fluid supply tube are connected to the connecting portion, and the base end of the fluid supply tube is connected to the connecting portion.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that the tip of the air supply tube, the tip of the fluid supply tube, and the base end of the air supply and fluid supply tube are fixed to the joint by an adhesive.

10. The endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting portion is located on the tip side of the treatment instrument port.

11. The endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that the treatment instrument port is connected to a second connecting portion made of a transparent material inside the gripping portion.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, characterized in that the second coupling portion is connected to a treatment instrument channel and a suction tube.

13. The endoscope according to claim 11, characterized in that the tip of the connecting portion is located inside the gripping portion, closer to the tip than the second connecting portion.

14. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the air supply tube is smaller in diameter than the air supply tube and the fluid supply tube.

15. An endoscope characterized by comprising: a coupling portion to which three conduits are connected; a second coupling portion to which three other conduits are connected and provided adjacent to the coupling portion; a gripping portion in which the coupling portion and the second coupling portion are arranged inside; and an insertion portion connected to the tip side of the gripping portion.

16. The endoscope according to claim 15, characterized in that the connecting portion connects the three conduits for supplying fluid to the tip side of the insertion portion.

17. The endoscope according to claim 16, characterized in that the three conduits are an air supply tube, a fluid supply tube, and an air supply / fluid supply tube.

18. The endoscope according to claim 15, characterized in that the other three conduits include conduits for aspirating fluid from the tip side of the insertion portion.

19. The endoscope according to claim 18, characterized in that the other three conduits connected to the second joint are a treatment instrument port, a treatment instrument channel, and a suction tube.

Images