WO2006123396A1

WO2006123396A1 - Connector

Info

Publication number: WO2006123396A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/008911
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takehiro Nishiie; Yoshiyuki Tanii
Original assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
Priority date: 2005-05-16
Filing date: 2005-05-16
Publication date: 2006-11-23
Also published as: JP4540709B2; JPWO2006123396A1

Abstract

A connector (31, 41) for electrically and fuidly connecting a fluid feeding device and an an endoscope insertion section (2), the fluid feeding device being capable of feeding fluid, the endoscope insertion section (2) being adapted to be used while being connected to the fluid feeding device and having an imaging element (22). The connector has an electric connection section (36) having an electric contact (36a) for at least performing an electrical connection for transmitting a drive signal to the imaging element (22); an air/water feeding connection section (34) having a forward end side opening (34a) as a flow opening for the fluid from the fluid feeding device to the endoscope insertion section (2) side; a suction connection section (35) having a forward end side opening (35a) as a flow opening for the fluid from the endoscope insertion section (2) side to the fluid feeding device; and a base (32) where the electric connection section (36), the air/water feeding connection section (34), and the suction connection section (35) are arranged. The distance of the electric contact (36a) from the surface of the base (32) and the distance of the forward end side openings (34a, 35a) from the surface of the base (32) are different.

Description

Specification

Connectors

Technical field

The present invention relates to a connector capable of detachably connecting an endoscope insertion portion side and a fluid supply device.

Background art

[0002] Endoscopes are widely used in various fields such as medicine and industry to observe a part that cannot be directly visually observed, such as in a lumen. It is configured with an elongated insertion section for insertion into the interior. The distal end of the insertion portion is provided with illumination means for illuminating the test site, an objective optical system for forming an image of the test site illuminated by the illumination means, and the like. Then, at the imaging position of the objective optical system, the tip surface force of the image guide if it is an optical endoscope, c if it is an electronic endoscope.

Image sensors such as CDs are respectively arranged.

[0003] Among various fields as described above, a medical endoscope, in particular, is used by being inserted into a body cavity, and body fluid may adhere to the objective optical system. An air supply / water supply conduit is provided for cleaning by supplying air or water to the objective optical system. Furthermore, some medical endoscopes are equipped with a treatment instrument channel through which various treatment instruments can be passed as necessary. This treatment instrument channel uses a treatment instrument. In some cases, it is also used as a suction channel for sucking the excised tissue pieces.

As described above, the endoscope is configured such that an illumination signal line, an image sensor signal line, an air supply / water supply line, a suction line, and the like are disposed in the insertion portion. .

[0005] By the way, in recent years, an endoscope in which the insertion portion side is made detachable to the operation portion side, for example, the insertion portion side is made disposable so that washing after use is eliminated and safety is further improved. Has been proposed. There are various types of such endoscopes. For example, in an endoscope that is inserted into the large intestine by the transanus, a spiral-shaped portion is provided on the outer peripheral side of the insertion portion. By providing a rotating cylinder that can be rotated around the provided axis, and rotating the rotating cylinder, it can be automatically inserted into a body cavity, There is a rotary self-propelled endoscope in which the insertion part side is a disposable type.

[0006] The insertion part of such a rotating self-propelled endoscope connects the outer peripheral side rotating cylinder to a motor box or the like equipped with a rotation driving unit, and separately connects the inner peripheral side line and signal line, etc. It is necessary to connect to the fluid supply device with the operation unit.

[0007] At this time, since the connection work becomes complicated if a plurality of connection portions are dispersed at different locations, the signal line connection portion and the air / water supply conduit or suction conduit are arranged. It is possible to arrange them close to each other. However, if no measures are taken at this time, there is a possibility that liquid leaking out from the air supply / water supply line or suction line will wet the signal line connection. It was necessary.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a connector capable of reducing the possibility that the fluid from the fluid system connection portion affects the electrical contacts of the electrical connection portion. It is an object.

Disclosure of the invention

Means for solving the problem

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a connector according to a first aspect of the present invention is a fluid supply device capable of supplying a fluid, and is used in connection with the fluid supply device. A connector for electrically and fluidly connecting an endoscope insertion portion side including the electrical contact for at least electrical connection related to transmission of a drive signal to the imaging device. An electrical connection section, a fluid system connection section having a distal end opening that serves as a fluid flow opening from one of the fluid supply device and the endoscope insertion section to the other, and the electrical connection section. A base on which the fluid connection portion is disposed, and a distance from the base surface of the electrical contact and a distance from the base surface of the tip side opening are different. It is a thing.

[0010] The connector according to the second invention is the connector according to the first invention, wherein the connector is disposed in the fluid supply device.

[0011] Further, the connector according to the third invention is the connector according to the second invention, wherein the distance from the base surface of the tip side opening is greater than the distance from the base surface of the electrical contact. It's long. [0012] A connector according to a fourth invention is the connector according to the second invention, wherein a distance of the electrical contact from the surface of the base is greater than a distance of the tip side opening from the surface of the base. It's long.

[0013] A connector according to a fifth aspect of the invention is the connector according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the base is configured to face a horizontal direction or a downward direction with respect to a normal force gravity direction standing on a surface thereof. It is a thing.

[0014] A connector according to a sixth aspect of the invention is the connector according to the fourth aspect of the invention, wherein the base is configured to face a horizontal direction or an upward direction with respect to a normal force gravity direction standing on a surface thereof. It is a thing.

[0015] A connector according to a seventh invention is the connector according to the third invention, wherein the electrical connection portion has a proximal end at the same position in the direction of gravity as the proximal end of the fluid connection portion or the fluid system. It is arranged on the base so as to be in the upper position in the direction of gravity than the base end of the connecting portion.

[0016] A connector according to an eighth invention is the connector according to the fourth invention, wherein the electrical connection portion has a proximal end at the same position in the direction of gravity as the proximal end of the fluid connection portion or the fluid system. It is arranged on the base so as to be in the upper position in the direction of gravity than the base end of the connecting portion.

[0017] A connector according to a ninth aspect of the invention is the connector according to the third aspect of the invention, wherein the fluid system connection portion supplies an air / water supply connection for supplying fluid from the fluid supply device to the endoscope insertion portion side. Part.

[0018] A connector according to a tenth invention is the connector according to the seventh invention, wherein the fluid connection portion is a suction connection portion for sucking fluid on the endoscope insertion portion side from the fluid supply device. is there.

[0019] A connector according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is the connector according to the eighth aspect of the invention, wherein the fluid connection portion is a suction connection portion for sucking fluid from the endoscope insertion portion side to the fluid supply device. is there.

[0020] A connector according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is a fluid supply device capable of supplying a fluid, and is used in connection with the fluid supply device, and is provided on the side of an endoscope insertion portion provided with an imaging device. When , An electrical connection means comprising electrical contacts for at least electrical connection for transmission of drive signals to the image sensor, and A fluid system connecting means having a distal end side opening serving as a fluid flow opening from one of the fluid supply device and the endoscope insertion portion side to the other; the electrical connecting means; and the fluid system connecting means. The base means is provided, and the distance from the surface of the base means to the electrical contact and the distance from the surface of the base means of the opening on the front end side are different from each other.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the distal end portion and the distal end side of the insertion portion in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a configuration of a connector for a fluid supply device in the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the fluid supply device connector in Embodiment 1 described above.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the configuration of the insertion portion side connector in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the insertion portion side connector in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side sectional view showing a state where the fluid supply device connector and the insertion portion side connector are connected in combination in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a state in the middle of removing the fluid supply device connector and the insertion portion side connector in the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a table showing a first mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion in the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a table showing a second mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion in the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a table showing a third mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a table showing a fourth mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion in the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a fifth mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion in the first embodiment. Table.

FIG. 14 is a table showing a sixth mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion in the first embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 14 show Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rotating self-propelled endoscope device, and FIG. 2 is a diagram of a distal end portion and an insertion portion distal end side. Fig. 3 is a front view showing the configuration of the fluid supply device connector, Fig. 4 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the fluid supply device connector, and Fig. 5 is for the insertion portion side. 6 is a front sectional view showing the configuration of the connector, FIG. 6 is a sectional side view showing the configuration of the connector for the insertion portion, and FIG. 7 is a sectional side view showing a state in which the connector for the fluid supply device and the connector for the insertion portion are connected in combination. Fig. 8, Fig. 8 is a side sectional view showing a state in the middle of disconnecting the fluid supply device connector and the insertion portion side connector, and Fig. 9 is a table showing a first mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion. Fig. 10, Fig. 10 is a table showing the second mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion, and Fig. 11 is the electrical connection portion and the fluid system. FIG. 12 is a table showing a fourth mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion, and FIG. 13 is a table showing the 4th mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion. FIG. 14 is a table showing a fifth mode group, and FIG. 14 is a table showing a sixth mode group of the electrical connection portion and the fluid system connection portion.

[0024] This rotary self-propelled endoscope device (hereinafter abbreviated as "endoscope device" as appropriate) 1 includes an elongated insertion portion 2 to be inserted into a body cavity, and a proximal end side of the insertion portion 2. Rotation drive unit 3 and operation unit 4 provided on the control unit, universal cord 5 extending from the operation unit 4 force, universal connector 6 provided on the distal end side of the universal cord 5, and the universal connector For example, a control cable 7 extending from the controller 6, a control device 8 to which the control cable 7 is detachably connected, and a foot switch 9 to be detachably connected to the control device 8. .

The insertion portion 2 includes a distal end portion 11, a rotating cylinder 12 that is connected to the proximal end side of the distal end portion 11, and a connection portion 13 that is provided on the proximal end side of the rotating tubular body 12. , Including.

[0026] The configuration of the insertion portion 2 including the distal end portion 11 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the distal end portion 11 and the insertion portion 2 distal end side along the insertion axis direction. FIG.

[0027] An objective optical system 21 is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11, and an imaging element 22 composed of, for example, a CCD or a CMOS is disposed on the imaging surface of the objective optical system 21. Yes. Further, an LED 23 serving as an illumination light source for illuminating a subject to be imaged by the objective optical system 21 and the image sensor 22 is provided on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11. The signal line 22a, which is a signal transmission means extending from the image pickup element 22, and the signal line 23a, which is a power line and a signal transmission means, which is extended from the LED 23, are integrated together in the middle to form a signal cable 26. It is extended to the end side.

[0028] Further, the tip surface of the tip portion 11 is supplied with water for cleaning the objective optical system 21 and with air supply for wiping off water droplets adhering to the objective optical system 21. Air supply nozzle 24a is provided. The air / water supply nozzle 24a is a fluid line and is connected to an air / water supply tube 24 which is a fluid flow means, and the air / water supply tube 24 is extended to the base end side.

[0029] Further, the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11 exposes an opening 25a of a channel 25 which is a fluid system conduit used for suction or the like and is a fluid circulation means. Has been extended to

[0030] Further, on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 11, an abutting portion 11a for abutting the distal end side of the rotating cylindrical body 12 is provided.

[0031] The rotating cylindrical body 12 is formed with a spiral convex portion (or a spiral concave portion, or a convex portion protruding so as to be continuously provided along the spiral) on the outer peripheral surface. It is a member and is configured to be rotatable around an axis in the insertion direction. Then, when the rotating cylinder 12 rotates, the spiral convex portion on the outer peripheral surface comes into contact with the inner wall of the body cavity of the subject to generate thrust, and the rotating cylinder 12 itself tends to advance in the insertion direction. At this time, the distal end surface of the rotating cylinder 12 abuts against the abutting portion 11a to press the distal end portion 11, and the insertion portion 2 including the distal end portion 11 is inserted.

A tube 27 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the rotating cylinder 12. The tube 27 is a tube through which the air / water tube 24, the channel 25, and the signal cable 26 as described above are inserted. On the side, the rotating cylinder 12 is not hindered from rotating.

Returning to the description of FIG. 1 again, the connecting portion 13 is connected to a rotating cylinder connecting portion 14 provided in the rotation driving portion 3, and this connection allows the inside of the rotation driving portion 3 to be connected. Although not shown in the figure, the driving force of the motor is transmitted to the rotating cylinder 12 so that the rotating cylinder 12 is rotated. In addition, the lower surface of the rotation drive unit 3 is provided with a plurality of leg portions 15 as installation direction defining means and installation means used when the rotation drive unit 3 is placed. The lower surface on which the legs 15 are provided is placed with the lower side in the direction of gravity. Therefore, the leg portion 15 also functions as an index indicating the lower side in the gravity direction.

[0034] Further, the air / water supply tube 24, the channel 25, and the signal cable 26 passed through the insertion section 2 are inserted into the tube 28 after being passed through the rotary drive section 3. In this state, the rotation drive unit 3 is extended to the outside again. Here, the tube 28 is integrally connected to the tube 27 described above, for example, so as to protect the built-in air / water tube 24, channel 25, and signal cable 26, and to facilitate the handling. It is somewhat flexible.

[0035] At the end of this tube 28, the conduit of the air / water feed tube 24, the conduit of the channel 25, and the electrical contact of the signal cable 26 are connected integrally to the operation unit 4 side. An insertion portion side connector 41 as a connector means is provided.

On the other hand, on the side surface of the operation unit 4, a fluid supply device connector 31 is provided as connector means for connecting the insertion unit side connector 41. The configurations of the fluid supply device connector 31 and the insertion portion side connector 41 will be described in detail later.

[0037] The operation unit 4 is provided with a grip part 4a for gripping by hand, and further, an air / water supply button 4b for operating air supply / water supply via the air / water supply tube 24, Various operation buttons are provided, such as the arch I button 4c for operating the arch I through channel 25.

[0038] In the universal cable 5 extended from the operation unit 4, a fluid system conduit connected to the air / water supply tube 24 and an air / water supply conduit as a fluid distribution means, 25 channels, are connected. A suction line or signal cable that is a fluid line and a fluid distribution means 2 A signal line as signal transmission means connected to 6 is disposed.

[0039] The universal connector 6 provided on the distal end side of the universal cable 5 receives the image signal from the connection part to the air supply device, the connection part to the water supply tank, the connection part to the suction pump, and the image sensor 22. A connection to a video processor for processing is provided.

[0040] In the control cable 7 extending from the universal connector 6, a signal line to the rotation drive unit 3 and a signal line to the LED 23 arranged in the distal end portion 11 are arranged. ing.

[0041] The control device 8 to which the control cable 7 is connected is for controlling the motor disposed in the rotation drive unit 3 or for controlling the light emission state of the LED 23. A power switch and various volume dials are provided.

The foot switch 9 is for controlling the motor of the rotation drive unit 3. However, this foot switch 9 may be used to control the light emission state of the LED 23.

[0043] In the configuration as described above, portions other than the insertion portion 2, that is, the rotation drive portion 3, the operation portion 4, the universal cable 5, the universal connector 6, the control cable 7, the control device 8, and the foot The switch 9 constitutes a fluid supply device. Furthermore, the fluid supply device may include an air supply device, a water supply tank, a suction pump, or the like, or may include a video processor. Therefore, the endoscope apparatus 1 includes at least a part of the fluid supply apparatus and the insertion portion 2. The endoscope system is assumed to include an endoscope device 1, an air supply device, a water supply tank, and a suction pump.

Next, the configuration of the fluid supply device connector 31 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.

[0045] The connector 31 for the fluid supply device is provided on the base 32 serving as the base means, and the air / water connection section 34 serving as the fluid system connection section and the fluid system connection section, and the fluid system connection section serving as the fluid system connection section. A suction connection portion 35 and an electrical connection portion 36 as an electrical connection means having a plurality of electrical contacts 36a.

[0046] Here, the base 32 is, for example, a substantially short cylindrical pedestal, and a cylindrical wall is provided at the periphery thereof Part 32a is formed. In addition, a partition 33 that is a protruding portion (protruding means) is formed between the electrical connection portion 36, the air / water supply connection portion 34, and the suction connection portion 35 on the surface of the base 32. The partition 33 is a convex portion provided with both ends having a width that can be fitted to an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical wall portion 42a described later of the insertion portion side connector 41.

[0047] The air / water supply connection 34 is provided with a front end side opening 34a serving as a flow opening when supplying fluid from the fluid supply device to the insertion portion 2 side, and the suction connection 35 is supplied with fluid supply A front end side opening 35a is provided as a flow opening when the fluid on the insertion portion 2 side is sucked from the apparatus.

[0048] The electrical connection portion 36 is disposed on one side of the surface of the base 32 substantially surrounded by the partition 33 and the cylindrical wall portion 32a, and is connected to the air / water connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35. Is disposed on the other side of the surface of the base 32 substantially surrounded by the partition 33 and the cylindrical wall 32a. Each connection portion, that is, the air / water supply connection portion 34, the suction connection portion 35, and the electrical connection portion 36 is formed so that the surface force of the base 32 protrudes. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, the air / water connection 34 and the suction connection 35 having a short protruding length are located on the upper side in the direction of gravity and the electrical connection 36 is compared to the electrical connection 36. An example is shown in which the protrusion length is long under the gravity direction. However, the fluid supply device connector 31 has various modes depending on the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36 and the fluid system connection portion from the base 32, the arrangement in the direction of gravity, or the orientation of the base 32. Since the suitability of each aspect differs depending on whether the fluid is dripped or ejected from the fluid system connection portion, this will be described later in a classified manner.

[0049] The connector 41 for the insertion section is provided on the base 42 serving as the base means, the air / water connection section 44 serving as the fluid system connection section and fluid system connection means, and the fluid system connection section serving as the fluid system connection means. The suction connection portion 45 and the electrical connection portion 46 as an electrical connection means having a plurality of electrical contacts 46a are provided.

Here, the base 42 is, for example, a substantially short cylindrical base similar to the base 32 described above, but its diameter is slightly smaller than that of the base 32. A cylindrical wall portion 42 a is also formed on the periphery of the base 42. The cylindrical wall portion 42a is substantially the same as the inner peripheral diameter of the cylindrical wall portion 32a described above, that is, on the outer peripheral side, it fits with the inner periphery of the cylindrical wall portion 32a. It has become. In addition, the electrical connection 46 on the surface of the base 42 and the air A partition 43 that is a protrusion (protrusion means) is formed between the water connection portion 44 and the suction connection portion 45. The partition 43 is a convex portion provided so that one end force of the surface of the base 42 having a circular shape is also at the other end, and the total width is formed, and is formed integrally with the cylindrical wall portion 42a. Yes. Further, the upper surface of the partition 43 in FIG. 5 is fitted with the lower surface of the partition 33 in FIG.

[0051] The air / water supply connection 44 is provided with a tip opening 44a serving as a flow opening when supplying fluid from the fluid supply device to the insertion portion 2 side, and the suction connection 45 is supplied with fluid. A front end side opening 45a serving as a flow opening when the fluid on the insertion portion 2 side is sucked from the apparatus is provided.

[0052] The electrical connection 46 is disposed on one side of the surface of the base 42 surrounded by the partition 43 and the cylindrical wall 42a, and the air / water connection 44 and the suction connection 45 are In addition, it is disposed on the other side of the surface of the base 42 surrounded by the partition 43 and the cylindrical wall portion 42a. Each connection portion, that is, the air / water supply connection portion 44, the suction connection portion 45, and the electrical connection portion 46 is formed so as to protrude from the surface of the base 42. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the electrical connection portion 46 is on the upper side in the gravitational direction and has a longer projecting length than the air / water supply connection portion 44 and the suction arch I connection portion 45. In this example, the protruding length is short on the lower side in the gravity direction. However, the protruding portion of the electrical connection portion 46 and the fluid connection portion, the arrangement, and the mode of the insertion portion side connector 41 corresponding to the orientation of the base 32 are also the same as the example of the fluid supply device connector 31 described later. Similarly, there are various things.

[0053] Here, the connector 31 having the shape as shown in FIG. 3 is disposed on the fluid supply device side, and the connector 41 having the shape as illustrated in FIG. 5 is disposed on the insertion portion 2 side. On the contrary, the connector 31 having the shape shown in FIG. 3 is arranged on the insertion portion 2 side, and the connector 41 having the shape shown in FIG. 5 is arranged on the fluid supply device side. It doesn't matter.

[0054] Next, when the fluid supply device connector 31 and the insertion portion side connector 41 are connected, the connection is as shown in FIG. That is, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 32a and the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion 42a are fitted, and the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36 and the electrical contact 46a of the electrical connection portion 46 are connected to supply air. The tip opening 34a of the water connection 34 is connected to the tip opening 44a of the air / water connection 44, and the tip opening 35a of the suction connection 35 and the tip opening of the suction connection 45 are connected. 45a is connected. The front end surface of the partition 33 is in contact with the surface of the base 42, and the front end surface of the partition 43 is in contact with the surface of the base 32. Thus, the electrical connection portions 36 and 46 are isolated from the air / water supply connection portions 34 and 44 and the suction connection portions 35 and 45 through the partitions 33 and 43 so as to be substantially watertight from each other.

[0055] Subsequently, the fluid supply device connector 31 and the insertion portion side connector 41 connected to each other are disconnected, and the state force during the movement in the pulling direction is as shown in FIG. At this time, the connection between the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36 and the electrical contact 46a of the electrical connection portion 46 is released and is somewhat isolated, and the front opening side opening portion of the air / water supply connection portion 34 Connection between 34a and air supply / water supply connection 44 front end opening 44a and suction connection 35 front end opening 35a and suction connection 45 front end 45a It has become a state.

[0056] At this time, the fluid system pipe force, for example, the force that may leak water, etc., is being continued because the partition 33, 43 is overlapping and the waterproof function is still functioning. Water does not reach the electrical connections 36, 46.

[0057] By further pulling out from the state shown in FIG. 8, the partitions 33, 43 and the cylindrical wall portions 32a, 42a are separated from each other, and the fluid supply device connector 31 and the insertion portion side connector 41 are not connected. It becomes a connection state.

Next, referring to FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, depending on the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36 and the fluid connection portion from the base 32, the arrangement in the direction of gravity, or the orientation of the base 32, etc. Various aspects of the fluid supply device connector 31 and its suitability will be described. Here, since we are trying to clarify only the aptitude related to these factors, other factors, for example, factors such as partitions 33 and 43 and cylindrical walls 32a and 42a are also removed. ing.

First, in FIG. 9, when the electrical connection portion 36 is shorter than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 and has a protruding length (more specifically, the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36). The distance from the base 3 2 is greater than the distance from the base 32 at the tip opening 34a of the air / water connection 34 and the distance from the base 32 at the tip opening 35a of the suction connection 35. And the base end on the base 32 side of the electrical connection 36 is on the base 32 side of the air / water connection 34. Each mode and suitability according to the orientation of the fluid supply device connector 31 when the base end and the base end on the base 32 side of the suction connection portion 35 are below the gravitational direction are shown.

[0060] First, when the fluid supply device connector 31 is facing upward (more specifically, when the normal line standing on the surface of the base 32 is configured to face upward with respect to the direction of gravity) In this case, if the force at the front end side of the fluid system connection portion on the upper side in the direction of gravity is also dripping (for example, a state where the liquid flows through the suction connection portion 35) occurs, The electrical connection 36 may be applied, so it is not very suitable. However, even in this case, it is also possible to give suitability by adjusting the relationship between the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36 and the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion. At this time, in the case where the ejection from the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection portion (for example, a state where liquid is discharged at the air / water connection portion 34 is assumed) occurs, Since the protruding length is longer than the protruding length of the electrical connection portion 36, it is considered that there is some suitability.

[0061] Next, when the fluid supply device connector 31 is oriented in the horizontal direction (more specifically, the normal line standing on the surface of the base 32 is oriented in the horizontal direction relative to the direction of gravity. In this case, it is considered that both dripping and ejection are appropriate.

[0062] Similarly, when the fluid supply device connector 31 faces downward (more specifically, when the normal line standing on the surface of the base 32 is configured to face downward with respect to the direction of gravity) Therefore, it is considered that both the dripping and the ejection are suitable.

Next, in FIG. 10, the electrical connection portion 36 has a projecting length shorter than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35, and the base 32 of the electrical connection portion 36. Side base force Air supply / water connection 34 Base 32 and suction connection 35 Base 32 Side base is the same position in the gravitational direction (that is, arranged in parallel in the gravitational direction) In this case, each mode and suitability according to the orientation of the fluid supply device connector 31 are shown.

[0064] At this time, since the electrical connection portion 36 does not exist below the opening in the front end side of the fluid system connection portion in the gravitational direction, the connector 31 for the fluid supply device is either upward, horizontal, or downward. Even if it exists, it is thought that there is suitability for dripping.

[0065] Further, since the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion is longer than the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36, Regardless of whether the fluid supply device connector 31 is upward, horizontal, or downward, it is considered that the fluid supply device connector 31 is suitable for the ejection of liquid.

Subsequently, in FIG. 11, the electrical connection portion 36 has a projecting length shorter than that of the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35, and the base 32 of the electrical connection portion 36. Base force of air supply / water supply connection 34 Base of 32 side and suction connection 35 Base of 32 The direction of fluid supply device connector 31 when it is above the base of 32 side in the gravity direction Each aspect and suitability according to

[0067] At this time, since the electrical connection part 36 does not exist below the opening in the gravity direction of the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection part, the fluid supply device connector 31 is either upward, horizontal, or downward. Even if it exists, it is thought that there is suitability for dripping.

[0068] Further, since the projecting length of the fluid system connecting portion is longer than the projecting length of the electrical connecting portion 36, the liquid supply device connector 31 is in the upward, horizontal or downward direction. It seems that there is a suitability for ejection.

[0069] In Fig. 12, when the electrical connection portion 36 is longer than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 and has a protruding length (more specifically, the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36 (When the distance from the base 32 is longer than the distance from the base 32 of the opening 34a at the air supply / water connection 34 and the distance from the base 32 at the front opening 35a of the suction connection 35) In addition, the base end on the base 32 side of the electrical connection part 36 is more gravitational than the base end on the base 32 side of the air / water supply connection part 34 and the base end on the base side 32 of the suction connection part 35. Each mode and suitability according to the orientation of the fluid supply device connector 31 when the direction is the lower side are shown.

[0070] At this time, since the force electrical contact 36a is provided at the distal end portion of the fluid connection portion at the lower end in the direction of gravity of the opening on the distal end side of the fluid system connection portion, the connector 31 for the fluid supply device If is upward or horizontal, it is considered that there is some suitability for dripping. However, when the fluid supply device connector 31 is downward, the liquid may reach the electrical contact 36a by leaking through the electrical connection part 36 itself, so that it is not very suitable. However, even at this time, it is possible to make it suitable by adjusting the protrusion length and taking measures to prevent leakage.

[0071] Further, since the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion is shorter than the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36, Regardless of whether the fluid supply device connector 31 is upward, horizontal, or downward, it is considered that the fluid supply device connector 31 is not very suitable for ejecting liquid. However, even in this case, it is possible to provide a certain degree of suitability by adjusting the protrusion length.

Subsequently, in FIG. 13, when the electrical connection portion 36 is longer than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 and has a protruding length (more specifically, the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36). If the distance from the base 32 is longer than the distance from the base 32 at the tip opening 34a of the air / water connection 34 and the distance from the base 32 at the tip 35a of the suction connection 35 And the base end on the base 32 side of the electrical connection part 36 is the base end on the base 32 side of the air / water feed connection part 34 and the base end on the base 32 side of the suction connection part 35; Each mode and suitability according to the direction of the connector 31 for the fluid supply device when they are at the same position in the gravitational direction (that is, arranged in parallel in the gravitational direction) are shown.

[0073] At this time, since the electrical connection portion 36 does not exist below the opening in the gravitational direction of the opening on the front side of the fluid connection portion, the fluid supply device connector 31 is either upward, horizontal, or downward. Even if it exists, it is thought that there is suitability for dripping.

[0074] Further, since the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion is shorter than the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36, the liquid supply device connector 31 is in the upward, horizontal, or downward direction. It is thought that there is not much suitability for ejection. However, even in this case, it is possible to give a certain degree of suitability by adjusting the protrusion length, as described above.

In FIG. 14, when the electrical connection portion 36 is longer than the air / water supply connection portion 34 and the suction connection portion 35 and has a protruding length (more specifically, the electrical contact 36a of the electrical connection portion 36 (When the distance from the base 32 is longer than the distance from the base 32 of the opening 34a at the air supply / water connection 34 and the distance from the base 32 at the front opening 35a of the suction connection 35) In addition, the base end on the base 32 side of the electrical connection part 36 is more gravitational than the base end on the base 32 side of the air / water supply connection part 34 and the base end on the base side 32 of the suction connection part 35. Each mode and suitability according to the direction of the fluid supply device connector 31 in the case of the upper side in the direction are shown.

[0076] At this time, since the electrical connection portion 36 does not exist on the lower side in the gravity direction of the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection portion, the fluid supply device connector 31 faces upward, horizontally, and downward. Any of them is considered suitable for dripping.

[0077] In addition, since the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion is shorter than the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36, the liquid supply device connector 31 is in the upward, horizontal, or downward direction. It is thought that there is not much suitability for ejection. However, even in this case, it is possible to give a certain degree of suitability by adjusting the protrusion length, as described above.

[0078] Considering each aspect as shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 14 in general, in order to be suitable for ejection, the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion is larger than the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36. It needs to be long. Further, in order to have the suitability for dripping, it is necessary that the electrical connection portion 36 does not exist in the gravity direction lower side of the front end side opening portion of the fluid system connection portion.

[0079] Therefore, considering these factors, those that are suitable for both liquid dripping and jetting have a longer protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion than the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36, and It is desirable that the connecting portion 36 be arranged in parallel with the force arranged in the gravity direction above the fluid system connecting portion, or in the direction of the heavy force. Thus, for example, the configuration force shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 10 can be given as a representative example of a desirable configuration. At this time, in consideration of the moving direction of the liquid due to gravity, it is more desirable that the fluid supply device connector 31 is directed horizontally or downward.

[0080] On the other hand, if the projecting length of the electrical connection portion 36 is longer than the projecting length of the fluid system connection portion, the fluid supply device connector 31 is horizontal or upward in consideration of the effect of transmission leakage. It would be desirable to be facing the direction. At this time, it is more desirable that the proximal end of the electrical connection portion 36 is disposed in parallel with the force disposed in the gravity direction above the proximal end of the fluid system connection portion or in the gravity direction. Here, if the protruding length of the electrical connecting portion 36 is longer than the protruding length of the fluid system connecting portion, there is an advantage that the electrical connecting portion 36 can be accessed more quickly.

[0081] When the insertion portion side connector 41 is made disposable, for example, it is important to protect the fluid supply device connector 31. Therefore, in the above description, the fluid supply device connector is used. 31 was mainly explained. However, when it is important to protect the insertion portion side connector 41, the insertion portion side connector 41 should be configured as described above. Thus, the suitability for the fluid can be given as well.

[0082] According to such an embodiment, the distance from the base of the electrical contact of the electrical connection portion and the distance from the base of the tip side opening of the fluid connection portion are different from each other. The distance between the electrical contact and the tip side opening is greater than when the distance is the same, and the possibility that the fluid from the tip side opening affects the electrical contact can be reduced. As a result, the possibility of an electrical contact short circuit or the like can be further reduced.

[0083] Further, by making the distance from the base of the opening on the front end side of the fluid system connection portion longer than the distance of the base force at the electrical contact point of the electrical connection portion, the force on the front end side, for example, the liquid Even if the liquid is ejected, the liquid can be prevented from being applied to the electrical contact. In addition, at this time, when trying to touch the connector by hand, the possibility of touching the fluid connection portion is high, so the possibility of touching the electrical contact is reduced, and safety can be improved. .

[0084] Then, in the case where the electrical connection portion is disposed in the gravity direction above the fluid system connection portion, or in parallel with the heavy force direction, the gravity direction of the front end side opening of the fluid system connection portion Since there is no electrical contact of the electrical connecting portion on the lower side, even if liquid leaks from the opening on the front end side, the liquid can be prevented from being applied to the electrical contact.

In the above-described embodiment, a rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus is taken as an example to describe a connector for connecting a signal cable and a fluid line, but other general Even a simple endoscope can be similarly applied.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made within the scope without departing from the gist of the invention.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A fluid supply device that can supply fluid and an endoscope insertion portion side that is connected to the fluid supply device and includes an imaging device are electrically and fluidically connected. A connector for connecting to

An electrical connection unit having an electrical contact for at least electrical connection related to transmission of a drive signal to the image sensor;

A fluid system connection portion including a distal end side opening portion serving as a fluid flow opening from one of the fluid supply device and the endoscope insertion portion side to the other;

A base on which the electrical connection part and the fluid system connection part are disposed;

Comprising

A connector characterized in that a distance from the base surface of the electrical contact is different from a distance from the base surface of the opening on the front end side.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the connector is disposed in the fluid supply device.

[3] The connector according to claim 2, wherein a distance from the base surface of the opening on the front end side is longer than a distance of the base surface force of the electrical contact.

4. The connector according to claim 2, wherein a distance of the electrical contact from the base surface is longer than a distance of the base surface force of the tip side opening.

[5] The connector according to claim 3, wherein the base is configured such that a normal line standing on a surface thereof is directed horizontally or downward with respect to a direction of gravity. .

6. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the base is configured such that a normal line standing on a surface thereof is directed in a horizontal direction or an upward direction with respect to a direction of gravity. .

[7] The electrical connection portion has a base end in the same position in the gravitational direction as the base end of the fluid system connection portion, or an upper position in the gravitational direction than the base end of the fluid system connection portion. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the connector is arranged on a base.

[8] The electrical connection portion has a base end in the same position in the gravity direction as the base end of the fluid system connection portion, or an upper position in the gravity direction than the base end of the fluid system connection portion. The connector according to claim 4, wherein the connector is arranged on a base.

9. The connector according to claim 3, wherein the fluid system connection part is an air / water supply connection part for supplying fluid from the fluid supply device to the endoscope insertion part side.

10. The connector according to claim 7, wherein the fluid system connection part is a suction connection part for sucking fluid on the endoscope insertion part side from the fluid supply device.

11. The connector according to claim 8, wherein the fluid connection portion is a suction connection portion for sucking fluid from the endoscope insertion portion side to the fluid supply device.

[12] An electrical and fluid connection between a fluid supply device capable of supplying a fluid and an endoscope insertion portion side that is connected to the fluid supply device and includes an image sensor. A connector for connecting to

An electrical connection means having an electrical contact for at least electrical connection related to transmission of a drive signal to the image sensor;

Fluid system connecting means comprising a tip side opening that serves as a fluid flow opening from one of the fluid supply device and the endoscope insertion portion to the other;

Base means on which the electrical connection means and the fluid system connection means are disposed, and

A connector characterized in that a distance of the electric contact from the surface of the base means and a distance of the opening on the front end side from the surface of the base means are different.