WO2018008193A1

WO2018008193A1 - Endoscope connector and endoscope device

Info

Publication number: WO2018008193A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/009907
Authority: WO
Inventors: 佐藤　稔; 寛丹羽; 浩司大森
Original assignee: オリンパス株式会社
Priority date: 2016-07-05
Filing date: 2017-03-13
Publication date: 2018-01-11
Also published as: JP6342599B2; JPWO2018008193A1

Abstract

This endoscope connector 20 includes: a connector connection portion 48 that is to be connected to a receptacle of an external device 120; electrical contacts 45, 46 which are disposed exposed on an outer surface of the connector connection portion 48; and an orientation regulating portion 52 which regulates the orientation of the endoscope connector 20 during mounting thereof, such that droplets that have adhered to the electrical contacts flow toward regions A, B where the electrical contacts 45, 46 are not provided.

Description

Endoscope connector and endoscope apparatus

The present invention relates to an endoscope connector that can be attached to and detached from an external device, and an endoscope apparatus having the endoscope connector.

Conventionally, in the medical field, endoscope apparatuses that can observe an organ in a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the body cavity have been widely used.

When an observation image of a body cavity organ or the like is displayed on a monitor, an endoscope apparatus in which a solid-state image sensor such as a charge coupled device (CCD) is disposed at the front or rear imaging unit of the endoscope insertion unit. An electronic endoscope or the like is used.

The signal output from the image sensor provided in the electronic endoscope is converted into a video signal by an image processing device separate from the electronic endoscope, the external camera, etc., and output to the monitor. The electronic endoscope configured separately and the image processing apparatus are connected via an endoscope connector.

Such an endoscope connector is described in, for example, WO2011-052408. The endoscope connector disclosed in this WO2011-052408 is a connector for a medical device connected to a medical external device, and the plug portion and the outer case abut against the flange portion by different fixing members. In addition, the structure that is compressed and fixed to the sub-frame member ensures sufficient strength corresponding to the usage environment and effectively secures the space for arranging the built-in components, thereby improving the assembly workability.

For example, an endoscope connector provided in an endoscope apparatus as disclosed in WO2011-052408 needs to be cleaned and disinfected before and after use together with the endoscope apparatus.

However, when the conventional endoscope connector is dried in a wet state after cleaning and disinfection, the cleaning liquid or disinfecting liquid scale, chalk, chemicals, etc. adhere to the exposed electrical contacts, and the external device and There is a possibility of poor electrical contact in the connection. In particular, the above problem is not limited to drying after cleaning and disinfection, but may occur when the endoscope connector is dried in a wet state.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an endoscope connector and an endoscope apparatus in which an exposed electrical contact is suppressed from causing a poor electrical contact when connected to an external device. The purpose is to provide.

An endoscope connector according to an aspect of the present invention includes a connector connecting portion connected to a receptacle portion of an external device, an electrical contact exposed on the outer surface of the connector connecting portion, and a droplet when placed A posture defining portion that regulates a posture flowing in a region where the electrical contact is not provided.

An endoscope apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a connector connecting portion connected to a receptacle portion of an external device, an electrical contact exposed on the outer surface of the connector connecting portion, and a droplet when placed An endoscope connector comprising: a posture defining portion that regulates a posture flowing in a region where the electrical contact is not provided.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows the connector for endoscopes similarly The perspective view which shows the structure of the connector for endoscopes seen from the angle different from FIG. The front view which shows the structure of the connector for endoscopes similarly The side view which shows the structure of the plug part of the connector for endoscopes similarly Side view showing a state in which the endoscope connector is mounted Sectional drawing which shows the endoscope connector of a 1st modification same as the above The front view which shows the endoscope connector of a 2nd modification same as the above Sectional drawing which shows the endoscope connector of a 2nd modification same as the above The front view which shows the endoscope connector provided with the attitude | position definition part of the other aspect of the 3rd modification same as the above The front view which shows the endoscope connector provided with the attitude | position defining part of the aspect different from FIG. 10 of the 3rd modification similarly. The perspective view which shows the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus and two endoscope apparatus of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The perspective view which shows an endoscope connector similarly Cross-sectional view of the connector case The top view which shows the state in which the two endoscope connectors were piled up and mounted. The perspective view which shows the endoscope connector of a 1st modification similarly. Sectional drawing of the connector case of a 1st modification same as the above The perspective view for demonstrating the state in which two endoscope connectors of a 1st modification are piled up similarly The perspective view which shows the state by which the two endoscope connectors of the 1st modification were piled up and mounted same as the above The front view which shows the state by which the endoscope connector of the 2nd modification was piled up and mounted. The front view which shows the state by which the endoscope connector of the 2nd modification was mounted side by side same as the above The perspective view which shows the state by which the endoscope connector was set to the endoscope installation net | network of an endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus according to the 3rd modification similarly. The top view which shows the state which concerns on a 3rd modification and the endoscope connector is set to the endoscope installation network of an endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus. The top view which shows the state by which the endoscope connector was set to the endoscope installation network of an endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus according to the 3rd modification similarly. The perspective view which shows the state by which the endoscope connector was set to the endoscope installation network of the endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus according to the 4th modification. The top view which shows the state which concerns on a 4th modification and the endoscope connector is set to the wrong direction in the endoscope installation network of an endoscope washing / disinfecting apparatus. The top view which shows the state by which the endoscope connector was set to the endoscope installation network of an endoscope washing | cleaning disinfection apparatus according to the 4th modification similarly.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the drawings used for the following description, the scale of each component is made different in order to make each component recognizable on the drawing. It is not limited only to the quantity of the component described in (1), the shape of the component, the ratio of the size of the component, and the relative positional relationship of each component. Moreover, in the following description, the up-down direction seen toward the paper surface of the figure may be described as the upper part and the lower part of the component.

(First embodiment)
First, an endoscope apparatus including an endoscope connector according to an aspect of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings here, the vertical direction as viewed toward the page is the vertical vertical direction, and the horizontal direction is the horizontal direction.
1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an endoscope connector, and FIG. 3 is an angle different from FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the configuration of the endoscope connector, FIG. 5 is a side view showing the configuration of the plug portion of the endoscope connector, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a state where an endoscope connector is placed.

First, an example of the configuration of an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
An endoscope apparatus (hereinafter abbreviated as “endoscope”) 101 as an endoscope system of the present embodiment can be introduced into a subject such as a human body and optically transmits a predetermined observation site in the subject. It has a configuration for imaging.

Note that the subject into which the endoscope apparatus 101 is introduced is not limited to a human body, and may be another living body or an artificial object such as a machine or a building.

The endoscope apparatus 101 includes an insertion unit 102 that is introduced into the subject, an operation unit 103 that is located at the proximal end of the insertion unit 102, and a universal cord 104 that extends from the side of the operation unit 103. It is mainly composed of.

The insertion portion 102 includes a distal end portion 110 disposed at the distal end, a bendable bending portion 109 disposed on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 110, and an operation portion 103 disposed on the proximal end side of the bending portion 109. A flexible tube portion 108 having flexibility is connected to the tip end side of the tube.

Note that the endoscope apparatus 101 may have a form called a so-called rigid endoscope that does not include a flexible portion in the insertion portion 102.

At the distal end portion 110, an imaging device 1 incorporating an imaging module is provided. In addition, the operation unit 103 is provided with an angle operation knob 106 for operating the bending of the bending unit 109.

At the proximal end of the universal cord 104, an endoscope connector 20 connected to the external device 120 is provided. The external device 120 to which the endoscope connector 20 is connected is connected to an image display unit 121 such as a monitor via a cable.

In addition, the endoscope apparatus 101 includes an optical fiber bundle (non-optical fiber cable) that transmits illumination light from the universal cord 104, the operation unit 103, the composite cable 115 inserted into the insertion unit 102, and the light source unit provided in the external device 120. (Shown).

The composite cable 115 is configured to electrically connect the endoscope connector 105 and the imaging device 1. By connecting the endoscope connector 20 to the external device 120, the imaging device 1 is electrically connected to the external device 120 through the composite cable 115.

The power supply from the external device 120 to the imaging device 1 and the communication between the external device 120 and the imaging device 1 are performed via the composite cable 115.

The external device 120 is provided with an image processing unit 120a. The image processing unit 120 a generates a video signal based on the image sensor output signal output from the imaging device 1 and outputs the video signal to the image display unit 121. That is, in the present embodiment, an optical image (endoscopic image) captured by the imaging device 1 is displayed on the image display unit 121 as a video.

Note that the endoscope apparatus 101 is not limited to the configuration connected to the external device 120 or the image display unit 121, and may be configured to include a part or all of an image processing unit or a monitor, for example.

Also, the optical fiber bundle is configured to transmit light emitted from the light source unit of the external device 120 to the illumination window as the illumination light emitting unit of the tip part 110. Further, the light source unit may be arranged on the operation unit 103 or the distal end portion 110 of the endoscope apparatus 101.

Next, the configuration of the endoscope connector 20 of the present embodiment will be described in detail below. In the following description, the endoscope connector 20 has a direction in which the composite cable 115 connected to the operation unit 103 of the endoscope apparatus 101 extends as a distal end side, and a direction in which a light guide connector 51 described later extends. It demonstrates as a base end side.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the endoscope connector 20 includes a plug portion 41, a connector case 42 that is an exterior portion, and a bend preventing portion 43 that is connected to the composite cable 115 in order from one end side on the base end side. The flange portion 44 is provided between the plug portion 41 and the connector case 42.

The plug portion 41 includes a connector fitting portion 47 provided with electrical contacts (connector contacts) 45 and 46 formed of a conductive metal constituting the conductive portion exposed at the outer peripheral portion, and a connector connection connected to the connector case 42. Part 48.

The plug portion 41 has a connector fitting portion 47 and a connector connecting portion 48 integrally formed, and is airtightly connected to the connector case 42 via, for example, a metallic flange portion 44. The flange portion 44 maintains the fitting state with the receptacle portion of the external device 120.

The connector fitting portion 47 of the connector case 42 has a cutout portion 41a in which a part of a columnar shape similar to that of the connector connection portion 48 is cut out, and the cylindrical longitudinal axis (center axis) of the connector case 42 A flat portion 47 a parallel to the direction and a circumferential portion 47 b having the same peripheral shape as the connector connecting portion 48 are provided.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connector fitting portion 47 has a so-called D-cut shape in which a flat portion 47a is formed by cutting out a part of the outer cylindrical shape. The connector fitting portion 47 is not limited to the D-cut shape, and may have any shape such as a simple outer cylindrical shape.

A plurality of

connector contacts

45 and 46 as electrical contacts are provided on the flat portion 47 a and the circumferential portion 47 b of the connector fitting portion 47.

The plurality of

connector contacts

45, 46 have a substantially rectangular surface, a plurality of connector contacts 45 are arranged in the width direction on the surface of the flat portion 47 a, and the plurality of connector contacts 46 are circumferential portions. On the circumferential surface of 47b, a plurality are arranged in the circumferential direction.

The plurality of connector contacts 46 are provided on the circumferential surface of the circumferential portion 47b excluding the predetermined range A at one end of the edge of the circumferential portion 47b of the connector fitting portion 47 (see FIG. 4). That is, the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not arranged in the region of the predetermined range A at one end portion of the edge of the circumferential portion 47 b of the connector fitting portion 47.

Further, the plurality of

connector contacts

45, 46 are connected to the connector fitting portion 47 so that a region of a predetermined range B having a predetermined distance from the tip portion of the connector fitting portion 47 is formed in the connector fitting portion 47. It is arrange | positioned in the part by the side of the base end of the joining part 47 (refer FIG. 5). That is, the plurality of

connector contacts

45, 46 are not disposed in the region of the predetermined range B on the distal end side of the connector fitting portion 47.

Then, within a predetermined range A of the edge portion of the circumferential portion 47b, the external device 120 is made to recognize the model and connection of the endoscope device 101, and at the time of connecting the external device 120 to the receptacle portion, the endoscope A recessed endoscope identification groove 50 for defining the direction around the axis of the connector 20 is formed.

Further, the front portion 49 of the connector fitting portion 47 has an arc shape in which a part of a circle is cut off by forming a flat portion 47a. From the front portion 49, a substantially cylindrical light guide connector 51 as a light guide plug for illumination in which an optical fiber bundle is accommodated is extended to the proximal end side.

That is, the light guide connector 51 is a male optical connector (plug) extending from the plug portion 41 of the endoscope connector 20 to the proximal end side.

The connector case 42 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape having a diameter and size that can be easily grasped by an operator's hand, and has an outer diameter toward the anti-breaking portion 43 so as to match the outer shape of the anti-folding portion 43. Has become a slightly thinner case body.

Further, the connector case 42 is a portion that is in the same direction along the longitudinal axis direction with respect to the region of a predetermined range A of the circumferential portion 47b of the connector fitting portion 47 where the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided. A case flat surface portion 52 is formed as a posture defining portion.

The case plane portion 52 is for stabilizing the endoscope connector 20 so that it does not roll when the endoscope connector 20 is placed on a placement place such as a top plate of a desk. In other words, the posture of the endoscope connector 20 is stabilized by being placed on a top plate such as a desk so that the case flat surface portion 52 of the connector case 42 is vertically downward. .

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the endoscope connector 20 is in surface contact with the case flat surface portion 52 of the connector case 42 facing a flat surface that is a mounting position such as a substantially horizontal top plate such as a desk. When placed in the state, the region of the predetermined range A of the circumferential portion 47b of the connector fitting portion 47 in which the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided is configured to be vertically downward.

At this time, the endoscope connector 20 has a cone shape in which the outer diameter d1 on the proximal end side of the connector case 42 becomes smaller toward the distal end side, which is larger (thicker) than the outer diameter d2 on the distal end side. The central axis X of the longitudinal axis has a predetermined angle θ with respect to the plane on the top plate such as a desk, and the plug portion 41 on the base end side is positioned higher vertically above the plane on which the placement is made. Placed on.

Therefore, when the endoscope connector 20 is placed on a desk in a wet state and dried after the cleaning and disinfection processing is performed, droplets such as a cleaning liquid and a disinfecting liquid are vertically below and It has a configuration defined by the posture flowing to the tip side.

As a result, the endoscope connector 20 has a predetermined range A of the plug portion 41 where the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided, and is located vertically below the connector fitting portion 47. Even when a liquid droplet such as a liquid flows, it hardly remains on the plurality of connector contacts 46.

Furthermore, the endoscope connector 20 is placed such that a plurality of

connector contacts

45 and 46 provided on the plug portion 41 are located higher vertically than the predetermined range A and are inclined toward the distal end side. Therefore, the liquid droplets of the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid flow into the region of the predetermined range B (see FIG. 5) on the distal end side of the connector fitting portion 47 of the plug portion 41 and remain on the plurality of

connector contacts

45 and 46. It becomes difficult.

As described above, the endoscope apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of connector contacts which are electric contacts exposed and disposed in the endoscope connector 20 even if the endoscope apparatus 101 is dried in a wet state after cleaning and disinfection. 45, 46 can be prevented from adhering scales, chalk, chemicals, and the like, and the cause of poor electrical contact in connection with the external device 120 can be suppressed.

(First modification)
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an endoscope connector of a first modification.
As shown in FIG. 7, the endoscope connector 20 sets the position of the center of gravity G closer to the case plane portion 52 than the center axis X, so that the case plane portion 52 is vertically positioned when placed on a desk or the like. Even if it is not directed downward, it can naturally roll around the central axis X toward the case flat surface 52 side. In FIG. 7, the endoscope connector 20 rolls in the direction of the arrow R around the central axis X.

(Second modification)
FIG. 8 is a front view showing an endoscope connector of a second modification, and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the endoscope connector.

As shown in FIG. 8, the endoscope connector 20 is provided with protrusions 53 in the left-right direction of the connector case 42 so that the case flat surface portion 52 does not face the vertically lower side when placed on a desk or the like. Also, it can be made to roll around the central axis X toward the case flat surface portion 52 side. In FIG. 8, the endoscope connector 20 rolls in the direction of arrow R around the central axis X.

Furthermore, in addition to the configuration of the present modification, the endoscope connector 20 sets the position of the center of gravity G closer to the case plane part 52 than the center axis X, as shown in FIG. Thus, when placed on a desk or the like, it is possible to naturally roll around the central axis X toward the case plane portion 52 side without directing the case plane portion 52 toward the vertically lower side.

(Third Modification)
FIG. 10 is a front view showing an endoscope connector provided with a posture defining portion according to another aspect of the third modified example, and FIG. 11 is an endoscope connector provided with a posture defining portion different from FIG. FIG.

The endoscope connector 20 is changed to a case plane portion 52 as a posture defining portion that is placed so that a region of a predetermined range A of the plug portion 41 not provided with the plurality of connector contacts 46 is positioned vertically downward. 8, a pedestal 61 having a flat surface 61a serving as a posture defining portion as shown in FIG. 8 or two legs 62 serving as a posture defining portion as shown in FIG. 9 are arranged so as to protrude from the outer peripheral portion of the connector case 42. May be.

Further, the leg portion 62 serving as a posture defining portion is a suction base, a vent base provided in a main body portion such as the connector case 42 of the endoscope connector 20, an S-code connector receiver connected to the S-code of the high-frequency cauterization device, or the like. You may use together the member etc. to which a tube or a connector is connected.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an endoscope apparatus provided with an endoscope connector according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below based on the drawings. Also in the drawings here, the vertical direction viewed toward the paper surface is the vertical vertical direction, and the horizontal direction is the horizontal direction.
12 is a perspective view showing an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus and two endoscope apparatuses, FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an endoscope connector, FIG. 14 is a sectional view of a connector case, and FIG. 15 is two endoscopes. It is a top view which shows the state by which the mirror connector was piled up and mounted.

In the following description, the various constituent elements already described in the first embodiment are omitted from the description and the same reference numerals are used.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 12, an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200 for cleaning and disinfecting an endoscope apparatus 101 (101a, 101b) is known. The endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200 accommodates the endoscope apparatus 101 (101a, 101b) in a sink 201 and automatically performs a cleaning / disinfecting process.

Recent endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatuses 200 include a model that can clean and disinfect a plurality of

endoscope apparatuses

101a and 101b at a time.

However, the setting of the two

endoscope apparatuses

101a and 101b into the sink 201 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200 is announced including an instruction manual so that it can be properly cleaned, but it is left to the user. Depending on the setting state of the endoscope connector 20, the droplets such as the cleaning liquid or the disinfecting liquid may be dried on the plurality of

connector contacts

45 and 46, and scales, chalk, chemicals, etc. may adhere.

Furthermore, the two

endoscope apparatuses

101a and 101b may be left until the next day while being left in the sink 201 after being cleaned and disinfected by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 200. There is a high possibility that scale, chalk, chemicals, etc. will adhere to the plurality of

connector contacts

45, 46 of the

mirror connectors

20a, 20b.

Therefore, in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the

endoscope apparatuses

101a and 101b of the present embodiment are configured so that a plurality of

endoscope connectors

20a and 20b can be appropriately placed, and the endoscope connectors It is configured to prevent adhesion of scale, chalk, chemicals, and the like to the plurality of

connector contacts

45 and 46 which are electrical contacts disposed exposed at 20a and 20b.

As shown in FIG. 13, the

endoscope connectors

20a and 20b according to the present embodiment have a central axis X with respect to a case plane portion 52 (hereinafter referred to as a first case plane portion 52) as a posture defining portion. A second case flat surface portion 54 as an attitude defining portion is formed at a substantially point symmetrical position of the connector case 42 as a point.

As shown in FIG. 14, the second case plane portion 54 has a direction with an angle with respect to the central axis X, which is a longitudinal axis, here a direction substantially orthogonal to the first case plane portion 52, and a predetermined amount relative to the first case plane portion 52. The connector case 42 is formed on the outer peripheral portion so as to have an angle θ.

With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 15, one first endoscope connector 20a and the other second endoscope connector 20b can be stacked and placed.

Specifically, for example, the first endoscope connector 20a is placed in the sink 201 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200. At this time, the first endoscope connector 20a is placed in surface contact with the first case flat surface portion 52 of the connector case 42 facing the flat surface of the sink 201 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200. Then, the region of the predetermined range A of the circumferential portion 47 b of the connector fitting portion 47 in which the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided is vertically downward in the connector fitting portion 47.

As in the first embodiment, the first endoscope connector 20a is such that the proximal end side plug portion 41 is positioned vertically higher than the placement position of the endoscope connector 20a, and the distal end By being placed in the sink 201 so as to incline toward the side, a state in which droplets such as a cleaning liquid and a disinfecting liquid flow vertically downward and on the distal end side is established.

The second endoscope connector 20b is a second case formed in the connector case 42 of the first endoscope connector 20a in which the first case plane portion 52 of the connector case 42 is placed in the sink 201. By being placed in face contact with the flat surface portion 54, a predetermined range A of the circumferential portion 47b of the connector fitting portion 47 where the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided is vertically downward. Become.

The second endoscope connector 20b has a direction in which the second case flat surface portion 54 of the first endoscope connector 20a has an angle with respect to the central axis X, which is the longitudinal axis, in this case, a substantially orthogonal direction. In addition, since it has a predetermined angle θ with respect to the first case plane portion 52 of the first endoscope connector 20a, the central axis X has a predetermined angle θ with respect to the plane of the sink 201. The plug portion 41 on the base end side is stacked (stacked) on the first endoscope connector 20a so as to be positioned higher vertically.

For this reason, the second endoscope connector 20b is also located on the endoscope connector 20a so that the proximal-side plug portion 41 is located vertically higher than the endoscope connector 20a and is inclined toward the distal end side. It is in a state defined by the posture in which droplets such as cleaning liquid and disinfecting liquid flow vertically downward and to the tip side.

Thereby, in the two first and

second endoscope connectors

20a and 20b, the region of the predetermined range A of the plug portion 41 in which the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided is vertical in the connector fitting portion 47. Since it is positioned below, even if a liquid such as a cleaning liquid, a disinfecting liquid, or a medicine flows vertically below, it is difficult to remain on the plurality of connector contacts 46.

Further, in the two first and

second endoscope connectors

20a and 20b, the plurality of

connector contacts

45 and 46 provided in the respective plug portions 41 are perpendicular to the placement position of the endoscope connector 20a. Since the liquid is placed so as to be inclined upward and inclined toward the distal end side, droplets of cleaning liquid, disinfectant liquid, medicine, etc. fall within a predetermined range B on the distal end side of the connector fitting portion 47 of the plug portion 41. It flows into the region (see FIG. 5) and hardly remains on the plurality of

connector contacts

45 and 46.

Therefore, even if a plurality of

endoscope apparatuses

101a and 101b are applied to the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 200 and dried in a wet state after cleaning and disinfecting as in the present embodiment, a plurality of, in this case, two It is possible to suppress adhesion of scales, chalk, chemicals, etc. to the plurality of

connector contacts

45, 46 which are the electrical contacts exposed and arranged in the first and

second endoscope connectors

20a, 20b. In this configuration, it is possible to suppress a factor that causes an electrical contact failure in connection with the external device 120.

Here, the two

endoscope apparatuses

101a and 101b have been exemplified as being cleaned and disinfected by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 200, but of course, the endoscope capable of cleaning and disinfecting three or more endoscope apparatuses 101a to 101n. Also in the mirror cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200, a plurality of first to n-th endoscope connectors 20a to 20n are stacked (stacked) and placed in the sink 201, or the first to n-th nth endoscope connectors 20a to 20n are placed for each set. The present invention can also be applied to a case where the endoscope connectors 20a to 20n are stacked (stacked) and placed in the sink 201.

Furthermore, here, the contents of the two

endoscope connectors

20a and 20b are overlapped (stacked) in the sink 201 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200. However, of course, a plurality of endoscope connectors 20 are placed on a desk or the like. Needless to say, they can be stacked on the plane.

(First modification)
16 is a perspective view showing an endoscope connector of a first modification, FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a connector case, and FIG. 18 is a perspective view for explaining a state in which two endoscope connectors are overlapped. 19 is a perspective view showing a state where two endoscope connectors are stacked and placed.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the plurality of

endoscope connectors

20a and 20b, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, have a trapezoidal cross-section engaging projection having a first case flat surface portion 64 as a posture defining portion. And a second flat surface portion 66 that is a flat surface portion for stacking as a posture defining portion at the position of the connector case 42 that is substantially point-symmetric with respect to the central axis X. And it is good also as a structure which has the engagement recessed part 67 of cross-sectional trapezoid groove shape which is a shape substantially similar to the cross section of the engagement convex part 65. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 17, the second case plane portion 66 here is also in a direction having an angle with respect to the central axis X, which is a longitudinal axis, here a direction substantially orthogonal to the first case plane portion 52. Are formed on the outer peripheral portion of the connector case 42 so as to have a predetermined angle θ.

With such a configuration, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, one first endoscope connector 20a and the other second endoscope connector 20b can be stacked and placed. .

Also at this time, for example, the first endoscope connector 20a is placed in the sink 201 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200. In the first endoscope connector 20a, the first case flat surface portion 64 of the engaging convex portion 65 of the connector case 42 is in surface contact with the flat surface of the sink 201 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200. Placed on.

As a result, the first endoscope connector 20a is configured such that the region of the predetermined range A of the circumferential portion 47b of the connector fitting portion 47 where the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided is vertically downward in the connector fitting portion 47. In addition, the plug portion 41 on the proximal end side is placed in the sink 201 so as to be positioned vertically higher than the placement position of the endoscope connector 20a and inclined toward the distal end side. The posture is such that droplets of cleaning liquid, disinfectant liquid, medicine, etc. flow vertically downward and to the tip side.

In the second endoscope connector 20, the engagement concave portion 67 formed in the connector case 42 of the first endoscope connector 20 a placed in the sink 201 with the engagement convex portion 65 of the connector case 42. It is placed so as to fit in.

At this time, in the second endoscope connector 20b, the first case flat surface portion 64 of the engaging convex portion 65 is opposed to the second flat surface portion 66 of the engaging concave portion 67 of the first endoscope connector 20a. The region of the predetermined range A of the circumferential portion 47b of the connector fitting portion 47 in which the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided is vertically downward in the connector fitting portion 47. Become.

Further, the second endoscope connector 20b has a second case plane portion 66 of the first endoscope connector 20a in a direction in which the second axis plane 66 has an angle with respect to the central axis X which is the longitudinal axis, in this case, the central axis X. Since the center axis X has a predetermined angle θ with respect to the plane of the sink 201, the central axis X has a predetermined angle θ with respect to the substantially orthogonal direction and the first case plane portion 52 of the first endoscope connector 20 a. The plug portion 41 on the proximal end side is positioned vertically higher than the distal end side and has an angle θ, and is stacked (stacked) on one endoscope connector 20 so as to be inclined toward the distal end side. Is done.

Therefore, here too, the second endoscope connector 20b is configured so that the plug portion 41 on the proximal end side is positioned vertically higher than the distal end side, and the first endoscope in the sink 201 is inclined toward the distal end side. By being placed on the endoscope connector 20a, a state in which a droplet such as a cleaning liquid or a disinfecting liquid flows vertically downward and on the distal end side is established.

As a result, the plurality of, here two, first and

second endoscope connectors

20a and 20b are unlikely to have droplets remaining on the plurality of connector contacts 46, in addition to the above-described effects. In particular, the second endoscope connector 20b superimposed on the upper side is stable without being displaced by the engagement between the engagement convex portion 65 and the engagement concave portion 67 of the first endoscope connector 20a on the lower side. It becomes the structure mounted by the attitude | position which carried out.

(Second modification)
FIG. 20 is a front view showing a state in which the endoscope connectors of the second modification are stacked and placed, and FIG. 21 is a front view showing a state in which the endoscope connectors are placed side by side.

As shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of (here also two) first and

second endoscope connectors

20a and 20b are connected to a flange portion 44, a connector case 42, etc., in a plane portion 55 as a posture defining portion in the vertical direction. 56 may be formed so as to be stacked and stacked so as to be stable.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 21, a plurality of (here also two) first and

second endoscope connectors

20a and 20b are provided on the flange portion 44, the connector case 42, etc. as planar portions as posture defining portions in the left-right direction. 57 and 58 may be formed and placed side by side so as to be stable.

Further, the connector fitting portion 47 is not necessarily provided in the circumferential portion 47b, and a region of a predetermined range A may be provided vertically below the region other than the circumferential shape.

(Third Modification)
FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a state in which an endoscope connector is set on an endoscope installation network of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a third modification, and FIG. 23 is an inside view of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. FIG. 24 is a plan view showing a state where the endoscope connector is set on the endoscope installation network, and FIG. 24 is a plan view showing a state where the endoscope connector is set on the endoscope installation network of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. .

As shown in FIG. 22, the endoscope connector 20 includes two rods 205 constituting an endoscope installation network 202 for setting the endoscope apparatus 101 to the sink 201 of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200. A plurality of, in this case, four substantially U-shaped holding

pieces

203, 204 connected to each other, define the front-rear direction of the endoscope connector 20, and are placed on the two rod bodies 205. Is held in a predetermined posture.

At this time, the light guide connector 51 extending from the rear of the endoscope connector 20 is disposed between the pair of holding pieces 203 on one side of the endoscope installation network 202.

The light guide connector 51 serves as a posture defining unit that defines the posture of the endoscope connector 20 when the endoscope connector 20 is set to the endoscope installation network 202.

Even if the endoscope connector 20 is tilted in the process of installing the light guide connector 51 so as to enter between the pair of holding pieces 203, as shown in FIG. The outer surfaces of the plug portion 41 and the connector case 42 are brought into contact with one of the two rods 205 of the net 202 and rotate around the axis of the light guide connector 51 by its own weight (in the direction indicated by the arrow R).

Therefore, in the endoscope connector 20, as shown in FIG. 24, the four holding

pieces

203 and 204 define the front-rear direction while the light guide connector 51 is inserted between the pair of holding pieces 203, and 2 It is held in a predetermined posture by being placed on one rod 205.

In other words, the light guide connector 51 is disposed at a position eccentric with respect to the central axis X of the endoscope connector 20 on the surface of the plug portion 41, and is placed on the two rod bodies 205 so that The direction around the central axis X of the entire endoscope connector 20 is restricted.

Therefore, when the endoscope connector 20 is arranged in the endoscope installation network 202 and set in the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus 200, in this state, the connector fitting in which the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided is provided. A region of a predetermined range A (see FIG. 4 and the like) of the circumferential portion 47b of the portion 47 is configured to be vertically downward.

Thereby, when the endoscope connector 20 is dried in a wet state, for example, after the cleaning and disinfecting process is performed by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 200, the liquid drops such as the cleaning liquid and the disinfecting liquid are vertically downward. And it is the composition prescribed | regulated by the attitude | position which flows to the front end side.

In this way, the endoscope connector 20 has a predetermined range A of the plug portion 41 where the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided, and is located vertically below the connector fitting portion 47. Even when a liquid droplet such as the above flows, it is difficult to remain on the plurality of connector contacts 46.

In this case, the endoscope connector 20 also has a light guide connector 51 in contact with the endoscope installation network 202, and the plug 41 on the proximal end side is from the mesh surface of the endoscope installation network 202, which is a setting location. Also, it is desirable to be placed so as to be positioned higher vertically.

As a result, the endoscope connector 20 is mounted such that the plurality of

connector contacts

45 and 46 provided on the plug portion 41 are located vertically higher than the predetermined range A and are inclined toward the distal end side. Therefore, it is difficult to remain on the plurality of

connector contacts

45 and 46.

(Fourth modification)
FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state in which an endoscope connector is set on an endoscope installation network of an endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus according to a fourth modification, and FIG. 26 is an inside view of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. FIG. 27 is a plan view showing a state in which the endoscope connector is set in the wrong direction on the endoscope installation network, and FIG. 27 shows a state in which the endoscope connector is set on the endoscope installation network of the endoscope cleaning / disinfecting apparatus. FIG.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 25, the endoscope connector 20 is provided with a protrusion 68 protruding from the connector case 42, so that the light guide connector 51 is interposed between the pair of holding pieces 203 as shown in FIG. In the process of being installed so as to enter, even if an attempt is made to install in the wrong direction (direction reversed by 180 °), the projection 68 interferes with one of the two rods 205 of the endoscope installation network 202, and the inner Setting to the endoscope installation network 202 may be disabled.

As a result, the endoscope connector 20 is installed on the endoscope installation network 202 without the projections 68 interfering with the endoscope installation network 202, so that the light guide connector 51 is connected as shown in FIG. In this state, a region in a predetermined range A (see FIG. 4 and the like) of the circumferential portion 47b of the connector fitting portion 47 in which the plurality of connector contacts 46 are not provided. Is held in a predetermined posture so as to be vertically downward.

The projection 68 of the endoscope connector 20 is connected to a tube or connector such as a suction base, a vent base provided in a main body such as the connector case 42, or an S cord connector receiver connected to an S cord of a high-frequency cauterization apparatus. A member to be used may be used in combination.

According to the above description, the endoscope apparatus 101 of the present modified example can be left dry or left in the sink 201 in a wet state after being cleaned and disinfected by the endoscope cleaning and disinfecting apparatus 200 until the next day. In the connection with the external device 120, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of scale, chalk, medicine, etc. to the plurality of

connector contacts

45, 46 that are the electrical contacts that are exposed and disposed in the endoscope connector 20. It becomes the structure which can suppress the factor used as electrical contact failure.

The invention described in each of the above embodiments is not limited to those embodiments and modifications, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements.

For example, even if some constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in each embodiment, the stated requirements can be deleted if the stated problem can be solved and the stated effect can be obtained. The structure thus constructed can be extracted as an invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope connector and an endoscope apparatus in which the exposed electrical contacts are suppressed from causing a poor electrical contact when connected to an external apparatus.

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

This application is filed on the basis of the priority claim of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-133576 filed in Japan on July 5, 2016, and the above disclosure is included in the present specification and claims. Shall be quoted.

Claims

A connector connecting portion to be connected to the receptacle portion of the external device;
An electrical contact disposed exposed on the outer surface of the connector connecting portion;
A posture defining section that regulates a posture in which a droplet attached to the electrical contact flows in a region where the electrical contact is not provided during mounting;
An endoscope connector comprising:
The posture defining section defines the posture so that the connector connecting portion is positioned vertically above a placement location where the endoscope connector is placed when the endoscope is placed. The described endoscope connector.
The endoscope connector according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope connector has a protruding portion that protrudes in a horizontal direction when the posture defining portion at the time of placement is set vertically downward.
The endoscope connector according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a center of gravity position is provided closer to the posture defining portion than a center axis.
The endoscope connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the posture defining portion is a flat portion formed in a longitudinal axis direction of the exterior portion.
The exterior portion is substantially point-symmetrical about the central axis with respect to the plane portion, and is formed to have a direction with an angle from the longitudinal axis and a predetermined angle with respect to the plane portion. The flat portion of another endoscope connector is provided with a flat portion for stacking so that the flat portion of the other endoscope connector comes into surface contact and the other endoscope connector is placed in a predetermined posture. Item 5. The endoscope connector according to Item 5.
The posture defining part is a convex part having a first flat part formed in the longitudinal axis direction of the exterior part,
The exterior portion is a substantially point-symmetrical position around the central axis with respect to the convex portion, and has a shape similar to the convex portion in a direction having an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, and with respect to the first plane portion. A second flat surface portion having a predetermined angle is formed, and the convex portions of the other endoscope connectors are engaged with each other to place the other endoscope connector in a predetermined posture. The endoscope connector according to claim 6, further comprising a recess.
An endoscope apparatus comprising the endoscope connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7.