KR100822543B1 - Endoscopes, Endoscope Systems and Filter Units - Google Patents

Abstract

In the present invention, in the distal end portion 17 of the insertion portion 7, a conduit member 93 having one opening 44 and the other opening 26 in a portion other than the distal end portion 17 is inserted therethrough. In addition, an endoscope covered by the exterior member is provided in a portion other than the two openings, and is provided in the exterior member opening 37 and the exterior member opening 37 in communication with the interior 45 and the exterior of the endoscope covered by the exterior member. Endoscope 2 having a removable filter 149 for preventing entry of dust into the interior 45 and outflow of the lubricant of the interior 45 to the outside of the endoscope, and the inside of the endoscope from the outside of the endoscope 2 ( 45) and a high temperature high pressure steam supply means for supplying a high temperature high pressure steam in the conduit 93.

Endoscope, filter unit, pipeline member, filter, waterproof cap

Description

Endoscope, Endoscopy System and Filter Unit {ENDOSCOPE, ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, AND FILTER UNIT}

The present invention relates to an endoscope, an endoscope system and a filter unit, and more particularly, to an endoscope system having an endoscope, a high temperature and high pressure steam supply device for sterilizing the endoscope by high temperature and high pressure steam, and a filter unit used for an endoscope. will be.

Background Art Conventionally, endoscopes are widely used in the medical field and the like. By inserting the elongated insertion part of the endoscope into the body cavity, the doctor or the like can observe the organs in the body cavity or, if necessary, perform various treatments using the treatment instrument inserted into the insertion through channel of the treatment instrument.

A bend and a tip are provided at the tip of the insertion section, and the operator or the like can change the observation direction of the objective lens of the observation optical system provided in the tip by bending by a wire connected to the endoscope operating section.

In addition, in order to prevent infectious diseases, it is necessary to disinfect and sterilize the inner surface of the endoscope and the duct member such as an insertion through channel installed in the interior covered by the outer member of the endoscope in order to prevent infection. to be. Conventionally, this disinfection sterilization process has been performed using sterilization gas such as ethylene oxide gas (EOG) or a disinfectant solution.

However, when a sterilizing gas is used for disinfection sterilization of the endoscope, handling of the endoscope after disinfection sterilization is complicated, such as an aeration operation for sufficiently removing the sterilization gas attached to the endoscope after disinfection sterilization. In addition, sterile gas also has a problem such as high operating cost.

In addition, when a disinfectant solution is used for disinfection sterilization of an endoscope, there is a disadvantage in that the management of the disinfectant solution is complicated for the operator and a high cost is required for the disposal of the disinfectant solution after use.

In view of such circumstances, recently, as a method and apparatus for sterilizing an endoscope apparatus, a method and apparatus for high temperature and high pressure steam sterilization (hereinafter referred to as an autoclave treatment) that do not involve complicated work and are inexpensive to operate. Continues to be mainstream.

Then, an entrance port (hereinafter referred to as a steam entrance port) for supplying high temperature and high pressure steam to the interior covered by the exterior member of the endoscope is installed in the exterior member of the endoscope, and when the endoscope is autoclaved, steam is introduced into the interior of the endoscope. By entering, the autoclave processing method for preventing the damage of the outer shell of an endoscope by the pressure difference between inside and outside an endoscope is proposed (for example, refer patent document 1).

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-51323

However, in the autoclave treatment method of the endoscope disclosed in Patent Literature 1, when the high temperature and high pressure steam is supplied from the steam inlet to the inside covered by the exterior member of the endoscope, the curved portion of the endoscope is curved during the autoclave treatment of the endoscope, for example. Lubricant applied to the wire used for making the wire may leak out of the endoscope from the steam inlet, or dust may enter the inside covered by the exterior member of the endoscope from the steam inlet, resulting in failure of the endoscope.

In addition, in the autoclave treatment method of an endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1, the sterilization in the conduit member of the endoscope is reliably maintained by maintaining the temperature necessary for the sterilization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is capable of autoclaving sterilization of the outer surface of an endoscope and the inside of a duct member, and an endoscope system having the endoscope, and an endoscope system having the endoscope. It is an object to provide a filter unit.

In order to achieve the above object, the endoscope according to the present invention has one opening at the distal end of the insertion portion, a conduit member having the other opening at the portion other than the distal end portion is inserted, and the portion other than the two openings. An endoscope covered by the exterior member, the exterior member opening communicating between the inside and the exterior of the endoscope covered by the exterior member, the exterior member opening provided in the exterior member opening, and the outside of the endoscope of the lubricant into the interior and the lubricant inside the endoscope. And a removable filter for preventing the outflow of the furnace.

In order to achieve the above object, the endoscope system according to the present invention comprises the endoscope according to claim 1 and a high temperature and high pressure steam supply means for supplying a high temperature and high pressure steam from the outside of the endoscope to the inside of the endoscope and the conduit member. do.

In order to achieve the above object, the filter unit according to the present invention includes an exterior member having an exterior member opening, which is an opening for introducing a sterilization gas into the interior at the time of sterilization by embedding a conduit member open to an external space at a plurality of sites. A filter unit for use in an endoscope, at least in the sterilization process, a lubricant disposed in the endoscope via the exterior member opening and kept in the endoscope via the exterior member opening to the outside of the endoscope, or to the dust floating outside the endoscope. And a filter for suppressing or preventing at least one of intrusion into the endoscope. Moreover, in such a filter unit, the structure which is further detachably formed with respect to the said endoscope, and further equipped with the attachment member which fixes the said filter to a predetermined position with respect to the said exterior member opening is also preferable.

The endoscope and the endoscope system of the present invention can reliably autoclave sterilize the outer surface of the endoscope and the conduit member, and can provide an endoscope system having the endoscope and the endoscope which improves the overall durability of the endoscope.

1 is a perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of an endoscope and an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective front view schematically showing the inside of the endoscope of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a front view of a mounting rubber provided with a filter mounted on the sleeve installed in the endoscope of FIG.

4 is an enlarged front view of the sleeve of the endoscope equipped with the mounting rubber and the waterproof cap of FIG.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a vapor entry port and a storage case of the endoscope of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the vapor inlet as seen from FIG. 5 in the direction of VI. FIG.

7 is a diagram showing another example of a method for detecting clogging of a filter.

8 is a view showing still another example of a clogging detection method of the filter.

[Description of the code]

1: endoscope system

2: endoscope

7: insertion unit

17: tip

23: water tank pressurized sleeve (other opening)

24: liquid supply sleeve (the other opening)

25: suction sleeve (the other opening)

26: injection sleeve (the other opening)

34: storage case (storage means)

35 tray (storing means)

37, 38: exterior member opening

39: suction port (one opening)

42: air supply water supply nozzle (one opening)

44: liquid feeding hole (one opening)

45: inside the endoscope

48: filter

93: pipeline for pipe feeding

94: pipeline for pipe delivery (pipe)

95: suction pipe (pipe)

60 supply device (high temperature high pressure steam supply means)

137: sleeve (exterior member opening)

138: sleeve (exterior member opening)

149 filter unit (mounting means)

150: waterproof cap

249 filter unit (mounting means)

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiment of this invention is described with reference to drawings.

(1st embodiment)

1 is a perspective view showing an outline of the configuration of an endoscope and an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective front view schematically showing the inside of the endoscope of FIG.

As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope device 40 having an endoscope 2, and a sterilization storage case in which a part of the endoscope device 40 is housed in an autoclave process (hereinafter, referred to as a storage device). The main part is comprised by the high temperature high pressure steam supply apparatus (henceforth a supply apparatus) 60 which is a high temperature high pressure steam supply means in which 34 is stored.

The endoscope apparatus 40 is detachable from the endoscope 2 which has imaging means, such as a solid-state image sensor and a photographing lens which are not shown in figure, and the endoscope 2 which supplies illumination light to the light guide which is not shown in the endoscope 2 which is not shown. A video processor connected to the light source device 3 via the endoscope 2 and the signal cable 4 to control the operation of the imaging means of the endoscope 2 and to process the video signal obtained from the imaging means; 5) and a monitor 6 which displays a video signal corresponding to a subject output from the video processor 5, the main part of which is constituted.

The endoscope 2 is composed of a member having resistance to high temperature and high pressure steam so as to be subjected to an autoclave treatment after being used for endoscopy such as observation or treatment and so-called bedside cleaning.

The endoscope 2 has an elongated insertion part 7 having flexibility, an operation part 8 connected to the proximal end side of the insertion part 7, and one end connected to a first surface of the operation part 8. A flexible universal cord 9, a connector portion 10 provided at the other end of the universal cord 9 and detachable from the light source device 3, and provided on an outer circumferential surface of the connector portion 10 The main part is comprised by having the electrical connector part 11 which attaches or detaches the connector 4a of the signal cable 4 which can be attached or detached to the video processor 5.

The insertion part side stop member 12 which consists of an elastic member which prevents the sudden bending of the said connection part is provided in the connection part of the insertion part 7 and the operation part 8, The connection part of the operation part 8 and the universal cord 9 is provided. The same operation part side stop member 13 and the connector part side stop member 14 are provided in the connection part of the universal cord 9 and the connector part 10, respectively.

The insertion portion 7 is a flexible flexible pipe portion 15 having flexibility, and a curved portion provided on the tip end side of the flexible pipe portion 15 and curved by a rotation operation of the bending operation knob 30 of the operation portion 8 ( 16) and the main part is comprised by having the front end part 17 provided in the front end part which is one end of the insertion part 7, and provided with the observation optical system, illumination optical system, etc. which are not shown in figure.

In addition, one end portion is provided in the interior (hereinafter referred to as an interior) 45 in which portions other than the exterior member opening and the other opening, which will be described later, of the insertion portion 7 and the universal cord 9 are covered by the exterior member. A liquid feeding conduit 93, which is a conduit member connected to a liquid feeding port 44 to be described later, which is one opening provided at the other end, and connected to an injection sleeve 26 as another opening provided at the connector portion 10; A water supply tank pressurized sleeve 23 and a liquid supply sleeve 24 connected to a later-described air supply / receiving nozzle 42 which is one opening provided in the additional leading end 17, and the other end provided in the connector unit 10. The air supply and delivery pipe line 94 which is a pipe member connected to the end, and one end is connected to the suction port 39 mentioned later which is one opening provided in the front-end | tip part 17, and the other end is the other opening provided in the connector part 10. Connection to suction sleeve 25 and treatment instrument insertion through hole 32, the other opening The channel member of the suction pipe (95) for are provided (see both Fig. 2).

In this way, in the endoscope 2, both ends are open to the outside, and various conduits are provided to allow the fluid and the like to penetrate therein. In addition, the insertion portion 7 and the universal cord 9 are both formed of a flexible member and are hollow rather than solid. In addition, most of the conduits 93, 94, and 95 of the insertion portion 7 and the universal cord 9 are installed in the hollow part in an unfixed state so as to cope with the flexible action, and there are other internal parts around the conduit. , Most of the space.

The periphery of each of the conduits in the middle portion of the conduits 93, 94, 95 (here, meaning a position spaced apart from the end and indicating a somewhat wide range) communicates with the inside of the endoscope 45, and the endoscope The interior 45 communicates with the outside by the exterior member openings 37 and 38 described later. That is, the circumference | surroundings of a pipeline are in the state which communicates with the outside through the inside of the endoscope 45, and the exterior member openings 37 and 38. And the communication state by this exterior member opening 37 and 38 can be selected by the attachment / non-attachment (removal) of the waterproof cap 150. As shown in FIG.

In the present embodiment, the endoscope inside 45 is not filled around the central portion of the path connecting the openings and openings of the arbitrary pipelines, for example, with the filler or solid matter, and the inside of the endoscope 45 is not filled. The space in which is formed is secured. In addition, although various interior parts and components exist also in the middle of the path | route of the inside of the endoscope 45 and the exterior member openings 37 and 38, they are arrange | positioned so that a vapor | steam is not interrupted | blocked. Therefore, vapor can pass through this path without being inhibited.

The front end portion 17 is an air delivery channel for use when ejecting the cleaning liquid or air toward the optical member of the outer surface of the observation optical system, not shown, by the pressing operation of the air supply / reception operation button 28 described later of the operation unit 8. Treatment connected to one end of the suction air flow passage nozzle 42 connected to one end of the 94 and the suction conduit 95 for inserting the treatment tool through the insertion unit 7 or sucking the liquid in the body cavity. A suction port 39, which is an opening on the tip end side of the old channel, and a liquid feeding port 44 connected to one end of the liquid feeding passage 93 for ejecting liquid toward the object to be observed are provided.

One end of the connector portion 10 is provided with a gas supply sleeve 21 detachable from a gas supply source (not shown) built in the light source device 3, and is an outer circumferential surface of the connector portion 10, and the electrical connector portion The water supply tank pressurization sleeve 23 and the liquid supply sleeve 24 which are detachable with respect to the water supply tank 22 which is a liquid supply source are provided in positions other than the position where 11 was provided.

The other end of the air supply and delivery pipe line 94 is connected to the water supply tank pressurizing sleeve 23 and the liquid supply sleeve 24. In addition, the water supply tank pressurized sleeve 23 and the liquid supply sleeve 24 are the openings for supplying the high temperature and high pressure steam in the air supply and delivery pipe line 94 provided in the endoscope inside 45 of the endoscope 2 during the autoclave process. Has That is, the water supply tank pressurizing sleeve 23 and the liquid supply sleeve 24 are steam inlets for sterilizing the inside of the air supply and delivery conduit 94 by introducing steam into the air supply and conduit 94.

Moreover, it is the outer peripheral surface of the connector part 10, and is connected to the suction source which is not shown in figure at the position of the opposite side of the position of the water supply tank pressurization sleeve 23 and the liquid supply sleeve 24 for suction from the said suction port. A suction sleeve 25 is provided. The other end of the suction pipe line 95 is connected to the suction sleeve 25. Moreover, this suction sleeve 25 has an opening at the time of supplying high temperature high pressure steam to the suction pipe line 95 arrange | positioned at the inside of the endoscope 45 of the endoscope 2 at the time of autoclave processing. That is, the suction sleeve 25 is a steam inlet for sterilizing the inside of the suction pipe line 95 by entering steam into the suction pipe line 95.

Moreover, the injection sleeve 26 which is an outer peripheral surface of the connector part 10 and connected with the water supply means which is not shown in the vicinity of the suction sleeve 25 for carrying out water from the said liquid delivery port is provided. The other end of the liquid feeding conduit 93 is connected to the injection sleeve 26. Moreover, this injection sleeve 26 has a sleeve which is an opening at the time of supplying high temperature, high pressure steam to the liquid supply pipe 93 arrange | positioned in the endoscope inside 45 of the endoscope 2 at the time of autoclave processing. That is, the injection sleeve 26 is a steam inlet for sterilizing the inside of the liquid feeding pipe 93 by entering steam into the liquid feeding pipe 93.

Moreover, when the high frequency leakage current generate | occur | produces in an endoscope when the high frequency treatment etc. are performed in the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface of the connector part 10, and the suction sleeve 25, the water supply tank pressurization sleeve 23, and the liquid supply sleeve 24 are performed, An earth terminal sleeve 27 for returning the leakage current to the high frequency treatment device is provided.

The waterproof cap 33 can be attached to and detached from the electrical connector portion 11 of the connector portion 10. In addition, the waterproof cap 33 is mounted after the connector 4a of the signal cable 4 is removed at the time of autoclave processing, and enters the cleaning liquid at the time of washing into the connector portion 10 or at the time of autoclave processing. This is to prevent the entry of high temperature and high pressure steam. In addition, the waterproof cap 33 is provided with a pressure regulating valve (not shown).

The sleeve 137 which has the exterior member opening 37 is provided in the vicinity of the surface where the electrical connector part 11 of the connector part 10 is arrange | positioned. The sleeve 137 having the exterior member opening 37 is for supplying high temperature and high pressure steam to the endoscope inside 45 of the endoscope 2 during the autoclave process. That is, the sleeve 137 is a vapor inlet for entering steam into the endoscope interior 45.

In addition, the high-temperature, high-pressure steam is introduced into the endoscope inside (45) to enter the high-temperature, high-pressure steam in the liquid supply pipe (93), the air supply and transport pipe (94), and the suction pipe (95) inside each pipeline. When sterilizing the autoclave, the sterilization temperature is kept constant over the entire area of each pipeline by warming the inside of the liquid feed pipe 93, the air feed water pipe 94, and the suction pipe 95 from the outside of the pipe. This is to maintain and ensure the sterilization time and to shorten the sterilization time.

In addition, as the representative conditions for the high temperature and high pressure steam sterilization (autoclave treatment or autoclave sterilization), the US standard ANSI / AAMIST37-1992 issued by the American Standards Association, published by the Medical Device Development Association, prevacumm In the () type, the sterilization step is performed at 132 ° C for 4 minutes, and in the gravity type that is not depressurized before the sterilization step, the sterilization step is performed at 132 ° C for 10 minutes.

The temperature conditions in the sterilization process of high pressure steam sterilization vary depending on the type of the high pressure steam sterilization device and the time of the sterilization process, but are generally set in the range of about 115 ° C to 138 ° C. Some sterilization apparatuses can be set at about 142 degreeC.

About time conditions, although it changes with the temperature conditions of a sterilization process, it sets generally about 3 to 60 minutes. Depending on the type of sterilization apparatus, it may be set to about 100 minutes. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally set at about +0.2 MPa relative to atmospheric pressure.

The general high vacuum type high pressure steam sterilization process includes an advanced vacuum process in which a sterilization chamber containing a device to be sterilized is decompressed before sterilization, and a sterilization process which is then sterilized by feeding high pressure high temperature steam into the sterilization chamber. It is.

The advanced vacuum process is a process for permeating steam to the details of the sterilization target device during the subsequent sterilization process, and the high pressure and high temperature steam evenly spreads over the entire sterilization target device by depressurizing the inside of the sterilization chamber. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in the advanced vacuum process is generally set at about -0.07 MPa to -0.09 MPa with respect to atmospheric pressure.

In order to dry the sterilization object after sterilization, there exists a drying process in which the inside of a sterilization chamber is depressurized again after a sterilization process. In this process, the pressure in the sterilization chamber is reduced to exclude steam from the sterilization chamber to facilitate drying of the sterilization target device in the sterilization chamber. The pressure in the sterilization chamber in this step is generally set at about −0.07 to 0.09 MPa relative to atmospheric pressure.

In addition, an important element of the exterior member opening 37 is its size. In an opening that is too small, it cannot follow the speed of the pressure change, and the penetration of the vapor into the endoscope interior 45 is delayed, and the sterilization treatment in each of the conduits 93, 94, 95 is delayed. Therefore, as a magnitude | size of the exterior member opening 37, it is more preferable that it is larger as 1 mm or more, if possible 5 mm and 10 mm or more, for example.

In addition, when the area of the exterior member opening 37 is larger than the gap area of the portion with the smallest gap among the endoscope interiors 45 communicating with the exterior member opening 37, the exterior member opening 37 is a bottle for vapor penetration. The bottleneck can be prevented.

Moreover, the filter unit 149 which is a mounting means integrally formed with the filter 48 mentioned later is attached to the outer periphery of the sleeve 137 which has the exterior member opening 37 so that the outer periphery of the said sleeve 137 may be attached. In addition, when not performing autoclave processing, the waterproof cap (refer FIG. 4) 150 mentioned later is attached to the outer periphery of the sleeve 137 so that the filter unit 149 may be covered.

In detail, FIG. 3 is a front view of the mounting rubber integrally formed with the filter mounted to the sleeve disposed in the endoscope of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the sleeve of the endoscope with the mounting rubber and waterproof cap of FIG. to be.

As shown in Fig. 3, the filter unit 149 includes, for example, a base end portion 47 having a hollow disc shape formed of a hard resin, and a filter 48 disposed on one surface of the base end portion 47. ) And, for example, a disk-shaped high formed on the surface opposite to the surface on which the base end portion 47 of the filter 48 is formed, for example, made of silicone rubber and has a pleat portion 49a extending in one direction on the outer circumference thereof. It is comprised by the government 49.

The filter 48 flows out from the sleeve 137 when steam enters the inside of the endoscope 45 of the endoscope 2, for example, the curved portion 16 of the endoscope 2 (see FIG. 1). Traps at least one, preferably both, of the known lubricant applied to the wire used to bend the end of the endoscope 2, preferably both of them, to prevent problems from occurring in the endoscope 2; .

From the standpoint of realizing such a function, the filter 48 is formed of, for example, a fine sheet having a fine mesh structure to shield passage of particles or / and dust of the lubricant. Specifically, it is formed by the sheet member etc. which form the peel pack which packs the storage case 34 which accommodates the endoscope 2 at the time of sterilization process, for example.

In addition, the filter 48 has a function of a well-known chemical indicator (CI) that changes color from white to red when the temperature becomes 130 ° or more from the first color to the second color when a predetermined temperature is reached. It is preferably formed by the sheet. Therefore, since the filter 48 has a function of detecting the temperature of the high temperature, high pressure steam, the operator can recognize whether the endoscope 2 has passed through the autoclave treatment process only by looking at the color of the filter 48. have.

In order to mount the filter unit 149 configured in this way to the sleeve 137, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the operator places the proximal end 47 of the filter unit 149 in the outer member opening of the sleeve 137 ( Load on the outer circumference of the tip of 37). Next, the worker folds back the wrinkles 49a extending in one direction of the fixing portion 49 so as to contact the outer peripheral side surface of the sleeve 137. Thereby, the filter unit 149 is fixed to the sleeve 137 by the fastening attachment force with respect to the outer peripheral side surface of the sleeve 137 of the pleats 49a.

When the filter unit 149 is removed from the sleeve 137, the pleated portion 49a in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the fixing portion 49 is folded back in the direction of the front end portion of the sleeve 137. As a result, the filter unit 149 is detached from the sleeve 137.

Thus, the filter unit 149 is detachable with respect to the sleeve 137.

In addition, when the autoclave process is not performed, the waterproof cap 150 is attached to the outer circumference of the sleeve 137 so as to cover the filter unit 149 as shown in FIG. In detail, the waterproof cap 150 has a downward concave shape, and the tip portion is mounted in a sealed state with respect to the sleeve 137 via an O-ring 46 at the base end of the outer peripheral side of the sleeve 137.

Thus, with or without the filter unit 149, the waterproof cap 150 is mounted relative to the sleeve 137. For this reason, even if an operator forgets to attach the filter unit 149 to the sleeve 137, dust does not enter the inside of the endoscope 45 of the endoscope 2 except at the time of autoclave processing.

Returning to Fig. 1, the operation unit 8 includes an air supply and reception operation button 28 for operating air supply and reception on the second surface opposite to the first surface, a suction operation button 29 for operating suction operation, and an exterior member. A sleeve 138 having an opening 38 is provided. The sleeve 138 having the exterior member opening 38 is for supplying high temperature and high pressure steam to the endoscope interior 45 of the endoscope 2 during the autoclave treatment. That is, the sleeve 138 is a vapor inlet for introducing steam into the endoscope interior 45.

As the size of the exterior member opening 38, the larger one is, for example, 1 mm or more, preferably 5 mm or 10 mm or more, similarly to the exterior member opening 37. In addition, when the area of the exterior member opening 38 is larger than the gap area of the portion with the smallest gap among the endoscope interiors 45 in communication with the exterior member opening 38, the exterior member opening 38 is a bottle for vapor penetration. I can prevent becoming a neck.

Also, on the outer circumference of the sleeve 138 having the exterior member opening 38, the same filter unit 149 (see FIG. 4) as the mounting rubber mounted on the sleeve 137 is mounted to cover the outer circumference of the sleeve 138. It is. In addition, when the autoclave process is not performed, the waterproof cap 150 (see FIG. 4), which is the same as the waterproof cap attached to the outer circumference of the sleeve 137 to cover the filter unit 149, is attached to the outer circumference of the sleeve 138. It is.

Moreover, the curved operation knob 30 for arranging the curved part 16 remotely is arrange | positioned at the 3rd surface of the operation part 8.

The curved manipulation knob 30 is rotated to be disposed in the endoscope interior 45 of the insertion section 7 and the operation section 8, and connected to a curved mechanism (not shown) of the curved section 16 of the insertion section 7. In addition, a tensioning action and a relaxation action are produced in the operation wire (not shown). Therefore, as a result, the curved part 16 can be bent in four directions of up, down, left, and right, and the viewing direction of the insertion part 7 becomes variable.

Further, a treatment tool insertion through hole 32 which is an opening communicating with the treatment tool channel is provided in the vicinity of the insertion part side bending stop member 12 of the operation part 8. The treatment instrument insertion through hole 32 is connected to a suction pipe passage 95. In addition, a switch box 55 is provided at an upper end of the operation unit 8, and a plurality of remote switches 31 for remotely operating the video processor 5 are provided at the switch box 55.

The endoscope 2 comprised in this way is accommodated in the storage case 34 at the time of an autoclave process, and the storage case 34 is stored in the supply apparatus 60 which performs an autoclave process. The storage case 34 has a tray 35 for storing the endoscope 2 and a lid member 36 covering the upper side of the tray 35.

The tray 35 and the lid member 36 are provided with a plurality of ventilation holes (not shown), through which the high temperature and high pressure water vapor supplied into the supply device 60 can pass.

In addition, although the supply apparatus 60 is an apparatus in which high temperature high pressure steam is introduce | transduced inside, since it is well-known, the detailed description here is abbreviate | omitted.

As described above, in the endoscope and the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the filter (installed in the detachable filter unit 149 having an indicator function in the sleeves 137 and 138 having the exterior member openings 37 and 38) 48) was placed.

Thereby, when the high temperature and high pressure steam enters into the liquid supply pipe 93, the air supply pipe 94, and the suction pipe 95, the autoclave process sterilizes in each pipe, the liquid supply pipe 93 The inside of the endoscope from the sleeves 137 and 138 having the exterior member openings 37 and 38 of the endoscope 2 to warm the inside, the air intake and delivery line 94, and the inside of the suction line 95 from the outside of the line. When the high temperature and high pressure steam enters into (45), it is applied to the wire used for bending the curved portion 16 of the endoscope 2, for example, flowing out of the sleeves 137 and 138 by the high temperature and high pressure steam. The filter 48 can trap the well-known lubrication agent and the dust which enters the endoscope inside 45 of the endoscope 2. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent problems in the endoscope 2 due to the outflow of lubricant and entry of dust. Therefore, durability of an endoscope can be improved.

In addition, since the filter 48 is detachable together with the filter unit 149, replacement is easy. In addition, since the filter 48 has an indicator function, the operator can confirm whether the endoscope 2 has passed through the autoclave treatment process only by looking at the color of the filter 48.

In addition, the operator can check the clogging of the filter 48 at the same time to check the filter 48 to check the color of the filter 48. Therefore, there is no fear of forgetting to replace the filter 48.

In the endoscope and the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the waterproof cap 150 is attached to and detached from the outer periphery of the sleeves 137 and 138 so as to cover the filter unit 149.

Thereby, even if an operator forgets to attach the filter unit 149 to the sleeves 137 and 138, dust does not enter the inside of the endoscope 45 of the endoscope 2 except at the time of autoclave processing.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the sleeves 137 and 138 were shown to the steam entrance opening to the endoscope inside 45 as an example, it is not limited to this, Of course, one sleeve may be sufficient and two or more may be sufficient.

(2nd embodiment)

Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a vapor entrance port and a storage case of the endoscope of the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 6 is a front view of the vapor entrance port viewed from Fig. 5 in the direction of M;

The configuration of the endoscope and the endoscope system according to the second embodiment is almost the same as the endoscope and endoscope systems shown in Figs. 1 and 2, but in this embodiment, only a filter mounted on the steam inlet is disposed in the storage case. different. Therefore, only this difference is demonstrated, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. In addition, in the following description, the steam inlet for making high temperature high pressure steam into the endoscope inside 45 of the endoscope 2 is demonstrated using the sleeve 137 as an example.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the tray 35 of the storage case 34 has an exterior member opening 37 of the tip 137a of the sleeve 137 when the endoscope 2 is accommodated in the tray 35. The detachable filter unit 249 which is a mounting means is arrange | positioned at the position which contacts a.

The filter unit 249 is comprised by the filter 48 and the packing 77 formed by the silicone rubber which has the shape of the two hollow disks which fit the said filter 48, for example. In addition, the filter 48 and the packing 77 are integrally formed.

Thus, when the endoscope 2 is set in the tray 35 during the autoclave process, the exterior member opening 37 of the tip portion 137a of the sleeve 137 of the endoscope 2 is disposed in the tray 35. It is pressed against the packing 77 of the unit 249 and is in close contact.

As described above, in the endoscope and the endoscope system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when the endoscope 2 is accommodated in the tray 35 of the storage case 34 at the time of autoclave processing, the tip portion of the sleeve 137 ( A filter unit 249 in close contact with the exterior member opening 37 of 137a was disposed on the tray 35 in a detachable manner.

Therefore, when the endoscope 2 is stored in the tray 35, the filter 48 is always attached to the sleeve 137. Therefore, the autoclave processing does not forget to mount the filter 48.

In addition, if the waterproof cap 150 shown in the above-described first embodiment is attached to the sleeve 137, the waterproof cap 150 is in contact with a portion other than the storage position of the tray 35, so as to contact the tray 35. Since it cannot be stored, it is possible to prevent forgetting the shell of the waterproof cap 150 during the autoclave process.

Moreover, even if comprised in this way, the same effect as the 1st Embodiment of this invention mentioned above can be acquired.

In addition, in this embodiment, although the sleeve which mounts the filter unit 249 showed the sleeve 137 as an example, it is not limited to this, The case where it applies to the sleeve 137 which has the exterior member opening 38, or other The same effect can be obtained when applied to the steam inlet.

In addition, in 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment mentioned above, although clogging of the filter 48 was shown to be performed by the operator visually confirming, it is not limited to this, It is not limited to this using a sleeve and a waterproof cap. You may carry out.

In detail, Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a method for detecting clogging of a filter. As shown in Fig. 7, the waterproof cap 150 is provided with two vapor inlets 150a and 150b which are clogging detection means, and the steam inlet 150b is a pressure detecting means.

The check valve 151 is formed.

In addition, the filter unit 349 is disposed in close contact with the inside of the waterproof cap 150 via the O-ring 146, and is detachably disposed. The filter unit 349 is disposed on a surface in contact with the opening of the sleeve of the endoscope. The filter 48, the conduit 349a for sending the air sent from the steam inlet 150a to the sleeve, and the air which is isolated from the conduit 349a and is sent from the endoscope interior 45 to the steam inlet 150b. The main part is comprised by the pipe line 349b for sending by air).

In order to perform clogging detection of the filter 48 by using the waterproof cap 150 and the filter unit 349 formed in this way, the operator first uses the waterproof cap 150 in which the filter unit 349 is disposed, for example. For example, it is attached to the sleeve 137.

Next, an operator blows air from the steam inlet 150a of a waterproof cap using the pressurization apparatus which is pressurization means used for leak testing, for example. The blown air enters the inside of the endoscope 45 of the endoscope 2 through the conduit 349a and the filter 48, and is also checked from the inside of the endoscope 45 through the filter 48 and the conduit 349b. Enter steam entry port 150b with valve 151.

At this time, if a blockage occurs in the filter 48, the air sent from the steam inlet 150a does not reach the steam inlet 150b in a sufficient amount. In other words, the check valve 151 is not opened. For this reason, the operator can recognize that clogging has occurred in the filter 48.

Specifically, P1 is the pressure required for the leak test, P2 is the maximum set pressure of the pressurization device for the leak test, and P3 is the opening pressure of the check valve 151 required for the clogging detection, and P1, P2, P3 The relationship is called P1 <P3 <P2. The operator performs a leak test at a pressure of P1. As a result, when there is no leak, the operator checks the above-mentioned blockage by setting the set pressure of the pressurizing device to P3.

Thus, the use of pressures separately is because we do not want to miss some leaks during the leak test. In addition, during the leak test, if air for checking clogging comes out of the check valve 151, it is not possible to know whether there is a leak in a portion other than the check valve 151. Therefore, during the leak test, the check valve 151 for confirming the blockage is left closed, and after the leak test, the check valve 151 is checked to allow the check valve 151 to function for the first time.

In addition, the state in which the check valve 151 does not open, ie, the clogging of the filter 48, is a state in which the transmittance | permeability of the filter 48 became 80 to 85% or less, for example.

In addition, by using this waterproof cap, the steam inlet 150b is pressed with a worker's finger or the like to send air from the steam inlet 150a, and it is confirmed whether or not the air is coming out of the other part of the endoscope 2. The leak test can also be performed.

In addition, the clogging of the filter 48 may be detected using the sleeve 137, the sleeve 138, or the electrical connector portion 11. In detail, FIG. 8 is a view showing still another example of a clogging detection method of a filter. In addition, in the following description, the clogging detection method of the filter using the sleeve 137 and the sleeve 138 is demonstrated as an example.

As shown in Fig. 8, first, the operator mounts the waterproof cap 250 having the leak test sleeve 250a to the sleeve 137 having the exterior member opening 37, and also the exterior member opening 38. Mount the waterproof cap 350 having a check valve 351 to the sleeve 137 having a. These waterproof caps 250 and 350 are attached to the sleeves 137 and 138 except at the time of autoclave process as mentioned above.

Next, the worker blows air from the sleeve 250a of the waterproof cap 250 by using the blower device. This blown air enters the endoscope interior 45 of the endoscope 2 and also check valve 351 of the waterproof cap 350 mounted on the sleeve 137 via the filter 48 from the endoscope interior 45. Enter).

At this time, if clogging occurs in the filter 48, the air supplied from the sleeve 250a does not reach the check valve 351 in a sufficient amount. In other words, the check valve 351 is not opened. For this reason, the operator can recognize that clogging has occurred in the filter 48.

In this case, the air can also be provided with a sleeve in the waterproof cap 33 (see Fig. 1) attached to the electrical connector portion 11, and the same effect can be obtained by sending air from the sleeve.

In this way, the operator can recognize the blockage of the filter as well as the leak test.

[bookkeeping]

As described above in detail, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the configuration can be obtained as follows. In other words,

(1) an endoscope having one opening at the distal end of the insertion section and having a second opening at a portion other than the distal end; and an endoscope covered with the exterior member at portions other than the two openings;

An exterior member opening communicating between the inside and the outside of the endoscope covered by the exterior member;

And an attachable and detachable filter provided in the exterior member opening to prevent entry of dust into the interior and outflow of lubricant from the inside of the endoscope to the outside of the endoscope.

(2) the endoscope described in Appendix 1;

And high temperature and high pressure steam supply means for supplying high temperature and high pressure steam from the outside of the endoscope to the inside of the endoscope and into the conduit.

(3) The endoscope system according to Appendix 2, wherein the high temperature and high pressure steam supply means promotes sterilization of the inside of the conduit by supplying high temperature and high pressure steam from the exterior member opening to the interior.

(4) The endoscope system according to Appendix 2, wherein the filter has a function of detecting a temperature of the high temperature, high pressure steam.

(5) The endoscope system according to Appendix 4, wherein the function of detecting the temperature of the high temperature and high pressure steam is a function of changing the filter from the first color to the second color when the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature.

(6) The endoscope according to Supplementary Note 2, Supplementary Note 4, or Supplementary Note 5, wherein the filter is formed integrally with the mounting means, and the mounting means is attached to the exterior member opening so as to cover the outer periphery of the exterior member opening. system.

(7) The endoscope system according to note 6, wherein a waterproof waterproof cap is detachable to cover the mounting means for covering the exterior member opening in the exterior member opening of the endoscope equipped with the filter.

(8) further comprising storage means for accommodating the endoscope when the high temperature and high pressure steam is supplied to the endoscope by the high temperature and high pressure steam supply means, wherein the filter stores the endoscope in the storage means. The endoscope system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 2 and Supplementary Notes 4 to 7, which is disposed at a position in contact with the opening of the exterior member of the endoscope.

(9) The endoscope system according to supplementary note 7 or supplementary note 8, wherein the storing means is provided with a portion in which the waterproof cap of the endoscope contacts, in addition to the storing position of the endoscope.

(10) The endoscope system according to note 9, wherein the waterproof cap is provided with blockage detecting means for detecting blockage of the filter.

(11) The endoscope system according to note 10, wherein the blockage detecting means is at least two or more vapor inlets formed in the waterproof cap, and pressure detection means is arranged in at least one vapor inlet.

(12) The endoscope system according to note 11, wherein the pressure detecting means is provided with a check valve.

(13) The pressure detecting means includes the check valve being blown from the one steam inlet to enter the endoscope through the filter, and detecting the pressure of the air sent from the inside of the endoscope through the filter. The endoscope system according to supplementary note 10 or supplementary note 12, wherein clogging of the filter is detected.

(14) The endoscope system according to Appendix 13, wherein the one steam inlet for sending air is a leak test communication hole provided in the endoscope in communication with the steam inlet in which the pressure detecting means of the waterproof cap is disposed. .

(15) The endoscope system according to Appendix 14, wherein the means for sending air to the leak test communication hole is the same as the pressurizing means during the leak test.

As described above, the endoscope, the endoscope system, and the filter unit according to the present invention have a configuration including a filter that suppresses or prevents the passage of dust and / or lubricant at the time of introduction of the high temperature and high pressure steam in the sterilization treatment. Application to endoscopes, etc., where sterilization is necessary prior to use, is effective.

Claims (11)

A pipe member having one opening at the distal end of the insertion portion and having the other opening at a portion other than the distal end portion is inserted through, and portions other than the two openings are endoscopes covered by the exterior member, An exterior member opening communicating between the inside and the outside of the endoscope covered by the exterior member; An endoscope having a filter provided in the exterior member opening to prevent or prevent at least one of the entry of dust into the interior or the outflow of lubricant inside the endoscope to the outside of the endoscope. The endoscope according to claim 1, And high temperature and high pressure steam supply means for supplying high temperature and high pressure steam from the outside of the endoscope to the inside of the endoscope and into the conduit member. 3. An endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein said hot high pressure steam supply means promotes sterilization of the interior of said duct member by supplying hot high pressure steam from said exterior member opening to said interior. The endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein the filter has a function of detecting a temperature of the high temperature and high pressure steam. The endoscope system according to claim 4, wherein the function of detecting the temperature of the high temperature, high pressure steam is a function of changing the filter from the first color to the second color when the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature. The endoscope system according to claim 2, wherein the filter is integrally formed with a mounting means, and the mounting means is mounted to the exterior member opening so as to cover the outer circumference of the exterior member opening. 7. An endoscope system according to claim 6, wherein a waterproof waterproof cap is detachable so as to cover said mounting means covering said exterior member opening in said exterior member opening of said endoscope equipped with said filter. 3. The storage apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising storage means for accommodating the endoscope when the high temperature and high pressure steam is supplied to the endoscope by the high temperature and high pressure steam supply means, wherein the filter is configured to store the endoscope in the storage means. An endoscope system, characterized in that it is disposed at a position in contact with the exterior member opening of the endoscope of the means. 9. An endoscope system according to claim 8, wherein said storage means has a portion in which said waterproof cap of said endoscope is contacted in addition to a storage position of said endoscope. A filter unit for use in an endoscope having an exterior member having a exterior member opening, which is an opening for introducing sterilization high temperature and high pressure steam into the interior at a time of sterilization, At least in the sterilization process, during the outflow of the lubricant retained in the endoscope via the exterior member opening to the outside of the endoscope or infiltration into the inside of the endoscope of dust floating outside the endoscope. A filter unit comprising a filter for suppressing or preventing at least one side. 11. The filter unit according to claim 10, further comprising fixing means detachably attached to said endoscope and fixing said filter at a predetermined position with respect to said exterior member opening.

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