JPH09201332A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope which prevents view eclipse other than that at cleaning, and in which cleaning ability is improved because of a fluid jet port set close to the surface of an observation window in cleaning. SOLUTION: In a nozzle storage hole 23, a cleaning nozzle 22, and a coil spring type elasticity member 24 composing a movable means to energize a flange part 22b composing a moving means for this cleaning nozzle 22 to be tightly applied to a bottom surface 23a of the nozzle containing hole 23 are contained. In a normal condition where cleaning fluid is not jetted from the cleaning nozzle 22, the cleaning nozzle 22 is stored in the nozzle storage hole 23 by energization force of the elasticity member 24. The elasticity member 24 is contracted by pressure of fluid flowing in to push the flange part 22b forward toward the tip surface side. The fluid jet port 22a of the cleaning nozzle 22 is thus moved along a tip surface 9a of an endoscope tip part 9 to get closer to a window surface. In this condition, fluid is jetted from the fluid jet port 22a to eliminate a stain on the window surface.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope provided with a cleaning nozzle for ejecting a fluid toward the surface of an observation window to remove dirt adhering to the window surface.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used not only in the industrial field but also in the medical field. In endoscopes used in the medical field, the endoscope tip is inserted into the body cavity to observe and treat the affected area. There are openings for this.

When the endoscope is inserted into a body cavity, there is a possibility that body fluid or the like in the body cavity will adhere to the surface of the observation window and obstruct the observation. For this reason, the endoscope device has a liquid-sending function for sending water or the like to wash away body fluid and the like adhering to the observation window, and air for blowing away residual water etc. adhering to the observation window. There is provided a fluid device having an air supply function of supplying air, and further having a suction function of sucking water wiped on the observation window, body fluid in a body cavity, dirt, and the like and discharging the same out of the body. By appropriately operating the liquid feeding function, the air feeding function, and the suction function communicating with the inside of the body cavity, the observation target site can be observed without any trouble.

Generally, in an endoscope in the medical field, the interval between a plurality of internal components arranged in the distal end portion of the endoscope is made as small as possible to make the diameter of the distal end portion of the endoscope as small as possible. It is desired to relieve the pain. However, since the cleaning nozzle for cleaning the surface of the observation window has to spray a cleaning fluid onto the surface of the observation window, it is usually made to project forward of the surface of the observation window. Was arranged. For this reason, the fluid ejection port of the cleaning nozzle may be too close to the observation window, and the observation field of view may be eclipsed. Therefore, the distance between the nozzle fluid ejection port and the observation window cannot be reduced.

Therefore, in JP-A-1-26696, a cleaning nozzle is made movable in the insertion direction of the endoscope, and the cleaning nozzle is moved during cleaning so that the fluid ejection port is located in front of the observation window. On the other hand, by storing the cleaning nozzle inside the endoscope distal end during observation insertion,
An endoscope is shown which prevents the vignetting of the visual field during observation and prevents the cleaning nozzle from being caught on the body wall during insertion.

[0006]

However, in the endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-26696,
Since the distance between the fluid ejection port of the cleaning nozzle and the observation window becomes large, the fluid ejected from the fluid ejection port diffuses midway, and when the fluid reaches the surface of the observation window,
The flow force of the fluid for cleaning the surface of the observation window was attenuated, and it was difficult to sufficiently remove dirt and the like adhering to the surface of the observation window.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and while surely preventing the vignetting of the visual field except during cleaning,
It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope having a high cleaning ability by bringing the cleaning fluid into the observation window surface vigorously by bringing the fluid ejection port close to the observation window surface only during cleaning.

[0008]

The endoscope of the present invention has a cleaning nozzle for ejecting a fluid toward the surface of an observation window to remove dirt adhering to the window surface. In the endoscope provided in the section, a moving unit that moves the fluid ejection port of the cleaning nozzle to near the surface of the observation window during cleaning of the observation window is provided.

According to this structure, since the fluid ejection port for ejecting the cleaning fluid is located on the surface of the observation window during cleaning,
The cleaning fluid is jetted onto the surface of the observation window without damaging the flow force, and the dirt adhering to the surface of the window is removed. on the other hand,
At times other than during cleaning, the fluid ejection port of the cleaning nozzle retreats from the vicinity of the observation window and the vignetting due to the fluid nozzle disappears.

[0010]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an endoscope device, and FIG. 2 is an observation window and a cleaning nozzle provided at a distal end portion of the endoscope. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship of.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope device 1 includes an endoscope 2 and a light source device 3 for supplying illumination light to the endoscope 2.
Solid-state image sensor (not shown) provided in the endoscope 2
And a monitor 5 for displaying a video signal processed by the video processor 4, a video processor 4 for driving a signal from the solid-state image sensor, and a monitor 5 for displaying an image signal processed by the video processor 4.
It is composed of a VTR deck 6, a video disk 7, a video printer 8 and the like for recording the image displayed on.

The endoscope 2 includes an elongated insertion portion 10 having a solid-state image pickup element built in the endoscope distal end portion 9, and the insertion portion 10.
The operation unit 11 which is arranged on the hand side of the operator and also serves as a gripping portion to be grasped by an operator, and the operation unit 1 which is inserted through the insertion portion 10
The flexible universal cord 12 has a built-in light guide cable and a signal cable (not shown) extending from one side portion, a connector 13 provided at the other end of the universal cord 12, and the like.

The connector 13 is provided with an LG connector 14 which is detachably connected to the light source device 3 for supplying the illumination light, and the illumination light of the lamp 15 of the light source device 3 is reflected by the lens 16.
Via a light guide cable (not shown) and is transmitted to an illumination optical system provided in the endoscope front end portion 9 to illuminate a subject. Further, an electric cable 18 provided with an EL connector 17 having electric contacts for connecting to the video processor 4 is connected to the connector 13,
The electric signal of the subject image photoelectrically converted by the solid-state image sensor built in the endoscope tip portion 9 is guided to the video processor 4, and the observed image of the subject is displayed on the screen of the TV monitor 5.

The distal end portion 9 of the endoscope has an observation window of an objective optical system and an illumination window of an illumination optical system (not shown), which will be described later, and an opening portion (not shown) of a treatment instrument insertion channel which also serves as a suction conduit. ) And a cleaning nozzle for supplying air and water, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 2 (A), an observation window 21 of the objective optical system is provided at the tip end portion 9 of the endoscope, and the observation window 21 is provided in the vicinity of the observation window 21 on the surface thereof. A nozzle storage hole 23 for accommodating a cleaning nozzle 22 formed of a flexible soft member having a fluid ejection port 22a for ejecting a fluid for removing attached dirt and the like is provided.

Inside the nozzle housing hole 23, the cleaning nozzle 22 and the collar portion 22b which constitutes the moving means of the cleaning nozzle 22 are urged so as to be in close contact with the bottom surface 23a of the nozzle housing hole 23. An elastic member 24 in the form of a coil spring that constitutes the moving means is stored.

Nozzle body 22c of the cleaning nozzle 22
Is inserted through the inner hole of the elastic member 24, and the collar portion 22b
The lower end of the elastic member 24 is disposed in contact with. Therefore, in a normal state where fluid such as air and water is not ejected from the cleaning nozzle 22, the brim portion 22b of the cleaning nozzle 22 is pressed against the bottom surface 23a of the nozzle storage hole 23 by the urging force of the elastic member 24. Therefore, the cleaning nozzle 22 is stored in the nozzle storage hole 23. In addition,
A fluid tube 25 is connected to the bottom surface 23 a of the nozzle storage hole 23.

The operation of the cleaning nozzle 22 constructed as described above will be described. At the time of cleaning in which a cleaning fluid is sent through the fluid tube 25, the fluid tube 25
The fluid flows into the nozzle storage hole 23 via the. Then, as shown in FIG. 2B, the elastic member 24 is contracted by the pressure of the fluid flowing in, and the flange portion 22b is pushed toward the tip surface side. As a result, the cleaning nozzle 2
The second fluid ejection port 22a moves along the distal end surface 9a of the endoscope distal end portion 9 and is arranged so as to come into contact with or approach the surface 21a of the observation window 21 to eject the fluid.
2a ejects toward the surface 21a of the observation window 21 to remove dirt on the window surface. The nozzle body 22c of the cleaning nozzle 22 is bent so as to be deformed toward the surface 21a of the observation window 21 when protruding from the endoscope distal end portion 9.

At the same time as the removal of the dirt on the surface 21a of the observation window 21 is completed and the ejection of the fluid from the cleaning nozzle 22 is finished, the supply of the fluid sent to the nozzle storing hole 23 is stopped, and thus the collar is formed. Instead of the fluid pressure pushing the portion 22b, the urging force of the elastic member 24 acts on the collar portion 22b again to push the collar portion 22b back to the bottom surface 23 side of the nozzle housing hole 23. Then, the nozzle body 22 deformed in the direction of the observation window 21.
c is gradually housed in the nozzle housing hole 23, and is housed in the nozzle housing hole 23 with the tip of the cleaning nozzle 22 slightly protruding from the tip surface 9a of the endoscope tip 9.

As described above, when the supply of the cleaning fluid to the cleaning nozzle is stopped when the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity or during observation, the elastic member disposed in the nozzle storage hole is Vignetting of the observation field of view by the cleaning nozzle can be eliminated by storing the cleaning nozzle in the nozzle storage hole so that the biasing force almost eliminates the protrusion of the cleaning nozzle from the tip of the endoscope.

During cleaning, the cleaning nozzle moves due to the pressure of the cleaning fluid flowing into the nozzle storage hole in which the cleaning nozzle is stored, and the fluid ejection port is located near the observation window. Thus, the force of the fluid ejected from the fluid ejection port toward the observation window reaches the surface of the observation window without deteriorating, and the dirt on the window surface can be removed efficiently.

Further, since the cleaning nozzle is housed in the nozzle storage in the normal state and the cleaning nozzle is made of a flexible member, the cleaning nozzle is mistakenly inserted at the time of insertion of the endoscope, observation or cleaning. Since it can prevent the body wall from being damaged even if it contacts the body wall,
The insertability and safety of the endoscope are greatly improved.

Further, if the nozzle is formed of a transparent member, the field of view is not significantly obstructed even during cleaning.

As the cleaning nozzle 22 which can be deformed when it projects from the endoscope tip portion 9, the nozzle 22 is formed of a hard resin member as shown in FIG.
A thin portion 26 may be provided in a part of 2c to be deformable so that the fluid ejection port 22a is located in the vicinity of the surface 21a of the observation window 21. As a result, the nozzle 2
When 2 projects from the endoscope tip portion 9, the fluid ejection port 22a
Can be located in the vicinity of the surface 21a of the observation window 21 to remove dirt on the window surface, and in the normal state, it can be stored in the nozzle storage hole 23 to eliminate vignetting in the observation field.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing another structure of the cleaning nozzle provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, the cleaning nozzle 32 of this embodiment is a hard member, and the nozzle body 32c is formed in a curved shape. The nozzle storage hole 33 for storing the cleaning nozzle 32 is formed into a curved shape similar to the nozzle body 32c in accordance with the member and shape of the nozzle body 32c. Therefore, in the normal state, the collar 3
The cleaning nozzle 32 is housed in the nozzle housing hole 33 by closely contacting the bottom surface 33a of the nozzle housing hole 33 with 2b. Then, when the fluid is poured into the nozzle storage hole 33 in order to eject the washing fluid from the washing nozzle 32, the washing nozzle 32 is moved to the tip end surface side by the pressure of the flowing fluid as shown in FIG. The fluid ejection port 32a projects from the distal end surface 9a of the endoscope distal end portion 9 and is positioned in the vicinity of the surface 21a of the observation window 21 to eject the cleaning fluid onto the surface 21a of the observation window 21. . Other configurations and operations are similar to those of the first embodiment,
The same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, since the cleaning nozzle is made of a hard material, the direction of the fluid ejection port does not become unstable during cleaning, and the surface of the observation window can be stably faced. The cleaning fluid can be vigorously sprayed toward the surface without impairing the flow of the cleaning fluid. As a result, the cleaning ability of the cleaning nozzle is greatly improved, and the amount of cleaning liquid used is reduced. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another structure of the cleaning nozzle provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, the cleaning nozzle portion 41a and the fluid conduit portion 41b are integrally formed as a nozzle tube 41 which is a tubular member such as a Teflon tube. Then, the nozzle tube 4 having the cleaning nozzle portion 41a and the fluid conduit portion 41b.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a nozzle moving operation knob 42 that extends from the endoscope distal end portion 9 through an operating portion 11 and has an end portion located on the operating portion 11 side as a moving means that can move back and forth in the insertion portion longitudinal direction. It is fixed integrally.

Therefore, the nozzle moving operation knob 42 is provided.
By moving the nozzle tube 41 forward and backward in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion to move the nozzle tube 41 forward and backward, thereby cleaning nozzle portion 41a.
Is projected from the inside of the endoscope tip portion 9 to the outside of the tip surface 9a. The cleaning nozzle portion 41a of the nozzle tube 41 has a fluid ejection port 41c near the surface 21a of the observation window 21 when the nozzle moving operation knob 42 is moved forward and backward to project from the endoscope distal end portion 9. It is bent so that it is located. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the nozzle tube in which the cleaning nozzle portion and the fluid conduit portion are integrated is moved forward and backward by operating the nozzle moving operation knob provided in the operation portion to project from the distal end portion of the endoscope, By storing the endoscope in the distal end portion of the endoscope, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

Further, by operating the nozzle moving operation knob provided on the operator's operation side, the cleaning nozzle is projected from the distal end surface of the endoscope distal end portion to a position where the operator feels optimal and observed. Since the surface of the window for cleaning can be cleaned, the cleaning workability is improved.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing another structure of the cleaning nozzle provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The cleaning nozzle 45 of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3A is formed of two types of shape memory members, that is, a first nozzle member 45a and a second nozzle member 45b that form a moving unit.

The first nozzle member 45a is deformed only by the length in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope insertion portion when the temperature changes, and when the temperature in the body cavity (about 36 ° C.) is the same as that shown in FIG. ) As shown in the figure,
No. 2 attached to the front end of the nozzle member 45a of
The nozzle member 45b is substantially stored in the nozzle storage hole 46. When a fluid such as water or air is passed, the fluid is cooled by the fluid and is an elastic member that expands to its original shape as shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the second nozzle member 45b is a straight circular pipe member at the temperature in the body cavity as shown in FIG. 4A, but is cooled by the passage of fluid such as water or air. As shown in FIG. 3B, the fluid ejection port 45c is a bending member that is curved so as to come close to the surface 21a of the observation window 21.

By configuring the cleaning nozzle 45 with two kinds of shape memory members as described above, when the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity, the temperature of the cleaning nozzle 45 is almost equal to the temperature in the body cavity. Since it becomes the same, the first nozzle member 45a
Is in a contracted state. At this time, the second nozzle member 45b is straight. Therefore, the cleaning nozzle 45 is almost housed in the nozzle storage hole 46.

Here, when a fluid is ejected from the cleaning nozzle to supply water and air, the cleaning nozzle is cooled by this fluid. As a result, the first nozzle member 45a extends forward and causes the second nozzle member 45b attached to the front end face to protrude from the distal end face 9a of the endoscope distal end portion 9. At this time, the second nozzle member 45b is gradually curved to form the fluid ejection port 45c.
Is positioned near the surface 21a of the observation window 21 to eject the fluid.

When the supply of the cleaning fluid is stopped after the cleaning is completed, the temperature of the first nozzle member 45a and the second nozzle member 45b rises to the temperature inside the body cavity, and the second nozzle member 45b is restarted. While being deformed to the straight state, the first nozzle member 45a contracts and the cleaning nozzle 45 is housed in the nozzle storage hole 46. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the cleaning nozzle is formed by the two types of shape memory members, that is, the first nozzle member and the second nozzle member, and these first nozzle member and the second nozzle member are set to the body cavity temperature. By supplying a cleaning fluid to the cleaning nozzle and deforming the cleaning nozzle when cooled, the cleaning nozzle is housed in the nozzle storage hole by positioning the fluid ejection port near the surface of the observation window for cleaning. can do. Other effects are similar to those of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view showing still another construction of the cleaning nozzle provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3A, in the present embodiment, the middle portion of the tip portion 51a of the cleaning nozzle 51 that projects from the tip surface 9a of the endoscope tip portion 9 toward the surface 21a of the observation window 21. An elastic portion 52 serving as a moving means is provided in the. Therefore, when the cleaning fluid is sent to the cleaning nozzle 51, the observation window 21 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fluid ejection port 53.
When a pressure is applied toward the surface 21a, the elastic portion 52 extends and the fluid ejection port 53 is positioned near the surface 21a of the observation window 21 and ejects the fluid, as shown in FIG. Then, in the normal state in which the water supply and the air supply of the cleaning fluid are stopped, the elastic portion 52 contracts to the original state and the fluid ejection port 53 is moved away from the observation window 21 as shown in FIG. It is placed in.

As described above, since the fluid ejection port is located near the surface of the observation window for cleaning only during cleaning, the cleaning ability can be improved without vignetting the observation field during observation.

By the way, since the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion of the endoscope is made smooth to enhance the insertability, there is a problem that it is difficult to insert it because there is no guide for assisting the insertion of the insertion portion at the time of insertion. Therefore, there has been a demand for a guide member that assists the insertion on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion.

As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, a plurality of slanted hairs 55, ..., 55 having an angle that spreads in the opposite direction to the insertion direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion part of the insertion part 10 of the endoscope 2. It is provided. Since the slanted bristles 55 are provided at an angle such that the spread becomes smaller in the insertion direction,
It serves as a guide when inserting the endoscope. Further, the oblique hairs 55 generate a propulsive force in the forward direction like a cat's cat.

As described above, when the slanted hair is formed of the elastic member in the insertion portion, the vibration is applied from the operation portion,
The insertion state of the insertion portion is maintained, and the endoscope can be smoothly inserted without receiving much resistance from the body wall. In addition, by forming the bristles with a stiff member so that the spread of the bristles does not collapse, the part that touches the body wall when inserting the endoscope will be the bristles instead of the insertion part surface, so the contact area Is significantly reduced, and the frictional resistance at the time of insertion is reduced, and the insertability of the endoscope is improved.

[Additional Notes] 1. In an endoscope having a cleaning nozzle at the tip of the endoscope for ejecting fluid toward the surface of the observation window to remove dirt adhering to the window surface, the cleaning is performed when the observation window is cleaned. An endoscope provided with a moving means for moving the fluid ejection port of the nozzle for use near the surface of the observation window.

2. The endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the fluid ejection port of the cleaning nozzle is movable from the nozzle storage hole toward the surface of the observation window in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction of the endoscope.

3. The cleaning nozzle can be stored in the nozzle storage hole in the tip body except during cleaning work, and the fluid ejection port of this cleaning nozzle is between the surface of the observation window and the nozzle storage hole provided in the endoscope body. Endoscope moving in.

4. The endoscope according to Appendix 3, wherein the cleaning nozzle is formed of a flexible member.

5. The endoscope according to Appendix 3, wherein the cleaning nozzle is formed of a rigid member that is curved so that the fluid ejection port comes close to the surface of the observation window when the cleaning nozzle projects from the nozzle storage hole.

6 While integrally forming the cleaning nozzle and the fluid conduit, connecting the fluid conduit to the operating means,
Supplementary note 1 and supplementary note 3 in which the cleaning nozzle portion can be projected and retracted from the distal end portion of the endoscope by moving the operating means forward and backward.
The endoscope as described.

7. The cleaning nozzle is formed by a plurality of shape memory members, and the temperature of the cleaning nozzle changes, so that the cleaning nozzle can be stored in the body of the distal end portion when it is inserted into the body cavity, and the fluid ejection port at the time of fluid supply is the surface of the observation window. An endoscope that is located in the vicinity.

8. In the cleaning nozzle having a fluid ejection port facing the surface of the observation window from the mounting position of the tip of the endoscope, an elastic portion is provided in the middle part of the portion facing the surface of the observation window, and the cleaning nozzle is provided. An endoscope in which the fluid ejection port can be moved toward the surface of the observation window.

9. An endoscope in which the cleaning nozzle is formed of a transparent member.

[0052]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to surely prevent the vignetting of the visual field other than during the cleaning, while the fluid ejection port is brought close to the surface of the observation window only during the cleaning. The cleaning fluid can be vigorously sprayed onto the surface of the endoscope to provide an endoscope with high cleaning ability.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 and 2 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an endoscope device.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between an observation window provided at the tip of the endoscope and a cleaning nozzle.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another configuration of a deformable cleaning nozzle.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of the cleaning nozzle provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of the cleaning nozzle provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of the cleaning nozzle provided at the endoscope distal end portion according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing still another configuration of the cleaning nozzle provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an outer peripheral surface of an insertion portion of an endoscope provided with oblique hair.

[Explanation of symbols]

 22 ... Cleaning nozzle 22b ... Collar part 24 ... Elastic member

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope in which a cleaning nozzle for ejecting a fluid toward the surface of an observation window to remove dirt adhering to the surface of the window is provided at the distal end of the endoscope. An endoscope comprising a moving means for moving a fluid ejection port of the cleaning nozzle to a vicinity of a surface of an observation window during cleaning.