1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an endoscope cleaning sheath attached to an endoscope which includes an observation window provided at a distal portion of an insertion section, and to an endoscope device including the endoscope cleaning sheath.
2. Description of the Related Art
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2009-247566 discloses an endoscope cleaning sheath attached to an endoscope which includes an observation window provided in a distal portion of an insertion section. This endoscope cleaning sheath includes a multi-lumen tube that is a sheath main body. In the multi-lumen tube, an endoscope insertion duct into which the insertion section of the endoscope can be inserted is defined along a longitudinal axis. Further, in the multi-lumen tube, an air supply duct through which air can be supplied as a fluid from a proximal direction toward a distal direction and a water supply duct through which water can be supplied as a fluid from the proximal direction toward the distal direction are defined as fluid ducts. A distal-side fixing portion is fixed to a distal portion of the multi-lumen tube. In the distal-side fixing portion, a merging portion where the air supply duct and the water supply duct are merged and a nozzle as a fluid emitting portion that can emit air and water merged in the merging portion are provided. In a state that the endoscope cleaning sheath is attached to an endoscope, the merged air and water can be emitted from the nozzle toward the observation window of the insertion section. When the air and the water are emitted toward the observation window, contamination adhering to the observation window can be cleaned off without removing the insertion section from a body cavity in observation of a subject using the endoscope in the body cavity.
Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2008-279202 also discloses an endoscope cleaning sheath attached to an endoscope which includes an observation window provided at a distal portion of an insertion section. In this endoscope cleaning sheath are also provided with a multi-lumen tube as a sheath main body and a distal-side fixing portion. Moreover, in the multi-lumen tube, an endoscope insertion duct, an air supply duct, and a water supply duct are provided. Additionally, at the distal-side fixing portion, a merging portion for the air supply duct and the water supply duct and a nozzle as a fluid emitting portion from which merged air and water can be emitted toward the observation window of the insertion section are provided. In this endoscope cleaning sheath is provided with a wiper that can wipe the observation window of the insertion section when the endoscope cleaning sheath is attached to the endoscope. A distal end of a wire is connected to the wiper. A wire duct communicating with the merging portion is provided in the multi-lumen tube. Further, a proximal-side fixing portion is fixed at a proximal portion of the multi-lumen tube. The wire is passed through the merging portion and the wire duct, and a proximal end of the wire is connected to the proximal-side fixing portion through a tension spring. In a state that the air and the water are not emitted from the nozzle, the wiper is placed between the nozzle and the observation window by an energizing force of the tension spring, and the wiper is outside of a viewing field that is provided through the observation window. On the other hand, in a state that the air and the water are emitted from the nozzle, the wiper moves toward the observation window due to an emission pressure against the energizing force. As a result, the observation window is wiped by the wiper.
According to one aspect of the invention, an endoscope cleaning sheath attached to an endoscope which includes an insertion section extended along a longitudinal axis, and in which an observation window is provided to a distal portion of the insertion section, the endoscope cleaning sheath including that: a sheath main body including: an insertion duct defining portion defining an endoscope insertion duct, which enables the insertion section of the endoscope to be inserted therein, along the longitudinal axis; and a fluid duct defining portion defining a fluid duct which enables a fluid to be supplied from a proximal direction toward a distal direction; a distal-side fixing portion which is fixed to a distal portion of the sheath main body, and which includes a fluid emitting portion enabling emission of the fluid having passed through the fluid duct toward the observation window of the endoscope in a state that the endoscope cleaning sheath is attached to the endoscope; a proximal-side fixing portion which is fixed to a proximal portion of the sheath main body; and a linear portion which has a distal end fixed to the distal-side fixing portion at a distal-side connecting position, and a proximal end fixed to the proximal-side fixing portion at a proximal-side connecting position, and which is extended along a linear core axis between the distal-side connecting position and the proximal-side connecting position, the linear portion having a higher tensile strength in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis than the sheath main body.
Advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A first embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to
The endoscope 2 is, e.g., a rigid endoscope. The endoscope 2 includes an insertion section 5 which is extended along the longitudinal axis C, and an operation section 6 which is provided to the proximal direction side with respect to the insertion section 5. One end of a universal cord 7 is connected to the operation section 6. The insertion section 5 includes a distal main body section 8 which forms a distal surface 10 of the insertion section 5, and a bending section 9 which is provided to the proximal direction side with respect to the distal main body section 8. The bending section 9 is provided in a distal portion of the insertion section 5 and can bend in two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C. That is, the direction of the arrow B1 and the direction of the arrow B2 in
The other end of the universal cord 7 is connected to an observation control unit 12. The observation control unit 12 includes an image processing section (not shown) such as an image processor and a light source section (not shown). The image processing section of the observation control unit 12 is electrically connected to a monitor 13 as a display section. An observation window 15 and illumination windows 16A and 16B are provided to the distal surface 10 (the distal portion) of the insertion section 5. Two light guides (not shown) are extended in the insertion section 5 along the longitudinal axis C. The light guides are optically connected to the light source section of the observation control unit 12 through an inside of the operation section 6 and an inside of the universal cord 7. Light emitted from the light source section is guided by the light guides. Further, a subject is irradiated with the guided light through the illumination windows 16A and 16B.
An imaging element (not shown) such as a CCD is provided in the distal main body portion 8. The imaging element is configured to image the subject. One end of an imaging cable (not shown) is connected to the imaging element. The other end of the imaging cable is connected to the image processing section of the observation control unit 12 through the inside of the insertion section 5, the inside of the operation section 6, and the inside of the universal cord 7. When the subject is imaged by the imaging element and an electrical signal is transmitted to the image processing section through the imaging cable, image processing is executed in the image processing section, and an image of the subject is generated. The generated image of the subject is displayed on the monitor 13.
A distal-side fixing portion 22 is fixed to a distal portion of the multi-lumen tube 21. Furthermore, a proximal-side fixing portion 23 is fixed to a proximal portion of the multi-lumen tube 21. The distal-side fixing portion 22 and the proximal-side fixing portion 23 are made of a harder material than the multi-lumen tube 21 and do not have the flexibility.
One end of an air supply tube 25 is connected to the proximal-side fixing portion 23. The other end of the air supply tube 25 is connected to an air supply unit 26. The air supply unit 26 includes an air supply pump 27 and a pressure adjustment valve 28. When the air supply pump 27 is driven, air as a fluid is supplied through the air supply tube 25 by an adjusted pressure.
One end of a water supply tube 31 is connected to the proximal-side fixing portion 23. The other end of the water supply tube 31 is connected to a water supply unit 32. The water supply unit 32 includes a water supply pump 33 and a water supply tank 35. When the water supply pump 33 is driven, water as a fluid is supplied from the water supply tank 35 through the water supply tube 31.
As shown in
An air supply intermediary portion (not shown) that intermediates between an inside of the air supply tube 25 and the air supply duct 42 is provided to the proximal-side fixing portion 23. An air supply control valve (not shown) is provided to the air supply intermediary portion. Additionally, a water supply intermediary portion (not shown) that intermediates between an inside of the water supply tube 31 and the water supply duct 43 is provided to the proximal-side fixing portion 23. A water supply control valve (not shown) is provided to the water supply intermediary portion.
Further, a control valve operation button 45 that is a control valve operation section is attached to the proximal-side fixing portion 23. When the control valve operation button 45 is pressed, the air supply intermediary portion is opened at the air supply control valve, and air is supplied to the air supply duct 42 from the air supply tube 25 through the air supply intermediary portion. Furthermore, in the air supply duct 42, the air is supplied from the proximal direction toward distal direction. Moreover, when the control valve operation button 45 is pressed, the water supply intermediary portion is opened at the water supply control valve, and water is supplied to the water supply duct 43 from the water supply tube 31 through the water supply intermediary portion. Additionally, in the water supply duct 43, the water is supplied from the proximal direction toward the distal direction. As described above, each of the air supply duct 42 and the water supply duct 43 is a fluid duct through which a fluid can be supplied from the proximal direction toward the distal direction.
As shown in
A linear dimension S1 of the linear portion 51 along the linear core axis L between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2 is larger than a parallel axial dimension S2 along the longitudinal axis C between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2. Further, the linear portion 51 is placed at substantially the same angular position as one of the bending directions (the direction of the arrow B1 in
As shown in
As shown in
In the endoscope insertion duct 37, the linear portion 51 is extended toward the proximal direction until it reaches the first hole 55A. Furthermore, in the first hole 55A, the linear portion 51 is extended from the endoscope insertion duct 37 to the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21. Moreover, on an outer peripheral portion of the multi-lumen tube 21, the linear portion 51 is extended from the first hole 55A toward the distal direction until it reaches the second hole 57A. Additionally, in the second hole 57A, the linear portion 51 is inserted into the endoscope insertion conduit 37 from the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21. Further, in the endoscope insertion duct 37, the linear portion 51 is extended from the second hole 57A toward the proximal direction. When the linear portion 51 is extended as described above, a loop-shaped portion 59 is formed in the linear portion 51 between the first hole 55A and the second hole 57A.
Functions and effects of the endoscope device 1 according to this embodiment will now be described. In the endoscope device 1, the insertion section 5 and the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 are inserted into a body cavity in a state that the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is attached to the endoscope 2. Furthermore, a subject is imaged by the imaging element (not shown) through the observation window 15. If contamination adheres to the observation window 15, the control valve operation button 45 is pressed. As a result, air is supplied from the proximal direction toward the distal direction in the air supply duct 42, and water is supplied from the proximal direction toward the distal direction in the water supply duct 43. Moreover, the air and the water are merged in the merging portion 47, and the air and the water are emitted from the nozzle 48 toward the observation window 15. As a result, the contamination adhering to the observation window 15 is cleaned off without removing the insertion section 5 and the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 from the body cavity.
Here, in observation of a subject using the endoscope apparatus 1, there are cases that an excessive external force acts on the multi-lumen tube 21. In this case, the multi-lumen tube 21 is pulled in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C. The distal-side fixing portion 22 and the proximal-side fixing portion 23 are fixed to the multi-lumen tube 21. Additionally, the distal end of the linear portion 51 is fixed to the distal-side fixing portion 22, and the proximal end of the linear portion 51 is fixed to the proximal-side fixing portion 23. The linear portion 51 has a higher tensile strength in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C than the multi-lumen tube 21, and the linear portion 51 is not expanded even if it is pulled in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C. When the linear portion 51 is provided, the tensile strength of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C increases. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 from being damaged due to pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C.
As described above, when the linear portion 51 is provided, the tensile strength of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C increases. However, when the multi-lumen tube 21 is pulled in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C by external force, the multi-lumen tube 21 expands in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C to some extent. Further, when the multi-lumen tube 21 as the sheath main body bends in accordance with a bending motion of the bending section 9, the multi-lumen tube 21 is likewise pulled in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C in a bending outer side part. In this case, likewise, the multi-lumen tube 21 expands in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C. Furthermore, in a state that the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is attached to the endoscope 2, the distal surface 10 of the insertion section 5 must be arranged to closely abut on the abutting portion 40 of the distal-side fixing portion 22. Therefore, in a state that the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is attached to the endoscope 2, the multi-lumen tube 21 expands in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C as compared with a case that the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is not attached to the endoscope 2.
The linear dimension S1 of the linear portion 51 along the linear core axis L between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2 is larger than the parallel axial dimension S2 along the longitudinal axis C between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2. That is, slack is generated in the linear portion 51. When the slack is generated in the linear portion 51, expansion of the multi-lumen tube 21 is not inhibited by the linear portion 51 even if the multi-lumen tube expands in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, when the multi-lumen tube 21 bends in accordance with a bending motion of the bending section 9, the bending motion of the bending section 9 is not inhibited by the linear portion 51. Therefore, even if the linear portion 51 that is not expanded by pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C is provided, bendability of the bending section 9 is assured. Moreover, even in a case of attaching the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 to the endoscope 2, the expansion of the multi-lumen tube 21 is not inhibited by the linear portion 51. Therefore, operability for attaching the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 to the endoscope 2 is improved.
A method for attaching the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 to the endoscope 2 will now be described. As described above, in this embodiment, since the stretch of the multi-lumen tube 21 is not inhibited by the linear portion 51, the slack is generated in the linear portion 51. That is, the slack is generated in the linear portion 51 in the endoscope insertion duct 37.
Like the slack part E1 located to the proximal direction side with respect to the first hole 55A, the slack part E2 placed between the second hole 57A and the first hole 55B in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C is pushed toward the distal direction by the distal surface 10 of the insertion section 5. As a result, the slack part E2 placed between the second hole 57A and the first hole 55B moves toward the distal direction and located near the first hole 55B. Further, like the slack part E1 located to the proximal direction side with respect to the first hole 55A, even when the distal plane 10 of the insertion section 5 has moved to a region on the distal direction side with respect to the second hole 57B, the slack part E2 located between the second hole 57A and the first hole 55B does not move to the region on the distal direction side with respect to the second hole 57B.
It is to be noted that, in a first modification in which a rigidity of the linear portion 51 is changed from the first embodiment, the slack parts E1 to E3 move as follows. That is, as shown in
The slack part E2 located between the second hole 57A and the first hole 55B in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C behaves in the same manner as the slack part E1 located to the proximal end direction side with respect to the first hole 55A. That is, when the slack part E2 is pushed by the distal surface 10 of the insertion section 5 in a state that the slack part E2 has moved toward the distal direction and located near the first hole 55B, the slack part E2 moves to a part of the linear portion 51 (the loop-shaped portion 59) extended on the outer peripheral portion of the multi-lumen tube 21 between the first hole 55B and the second hole 57B. As a result, the slack part E2 having been located between the second hole 57A and the first hole 55B is no longer pushed toward the distal direction by the distal surface 10 of the insertion section 5. Therefore, even when the distal surface 10 of the insertion section 5 has moved to the region on the distal direction side with respect to the second hole 57B, the slack part E2 having been placed between the second hole 57A and the first hole 55B does not move to the distal direction side from the second hole 57B.
Therefore, in this modification, the slack parts E1 to E3 of the linear portion 51 do not densely form in a part on the distal direction side with respect to the distal surface 10 of the insertion section 5 when the distal surface 10 of the insertion section 5 has moved to the region to the distal direction side with respect to the second hole 57B. As a result, when the insertion section 5 moves toward the distal direction in the endoscope insertion duct 37, it is hard for the slack parts E1 to E3 of the linear portion 51 to be hitched on the insertion section 5. Therefore, even when the slack parts E1 to E3 are produced in the linear portion 51, the insertability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured.
When the multi-lumen tube 21 is expanded in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C, a dimension of the first hole 55A and a dimension of the second hole 57A in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C increase. Further, when the dimension of the loop-shaped portion 59 along the linear core axis L decreases, the multi-lumen tube 21 is compressed by the loop-shaped portion 59 between the first hole 55A and the second hole 57A. As a result, a distance between the first hole 55A and the second hole 57A is reduced. It is to be noted that, in the vicinity of the first hole 55B and the second hole 57B, the linear portion 51 is deformed in accordance with the expansion of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C like the vicinity of the first hole 55A and the second hole 57A.
Since the linear portion 51 is deformed as described above, even in the state that the slack parts E1 to E3 are not produced in the linear portion 51 in the endoscope insertion duct 37, the linear portion 51 can be deformed in accordance with the expansion of the multi-lumen tube 21. That is, when the loop-shaped portion 59 is provided to the linear portion 51, the linear portion 51 is deformed in accordance with the expansion of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C without producing the slack parts E1 to E3 in the linear portion 51 in the endoscope insertion duct 37. When the slack parts E1 to E3 are not generated in the linear portion 51 in the endoscope insertion duct 37, the insertability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 is improved.
It is to be noted that each of the first holes 55A and 55B is placed on the proximal direction side with respect to the corresponding second hole 57A or 57B in the first embodiment, but it is not restricted thereto. For example, as shown in
As shown in
In the first embodiment and the second modification, the first hole (55A or 55B) and the second hole (57A or 57B) are apart from each other in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. Further, the loop-shaped portion (59 or 61) is formed in the linear portion 51 between the first hole (55A or 55B) and the second hole (57A or 57B). When the above-described configuration is adopted, the linear portion 51 is deformed in accordance with the expansion of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C without producing the slack parts (E1 to E3) in the linear portion 51 in the endoscope insertion duct 37.
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, although the loop-shaped portion 59 is formed by the linear portion 51 between each of the first holes 55A and 55B and the corresponding second hole 57A or 57B, it is not restricted thereto. For example, as shown in
As shown in
In the first embodiment and the third modification, the first hole (55A or 55B) and the second hole (57A or 57B) different from the first hole (55A or 55B) are formed in the multi-lumen tube 21. Moreover, the linear portion 51 is extended through the endoscope insertion duct 37 between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2. Additionally, the linear portion 51 is extended from the endoscope insertion duct 37 to the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the first hole (55A or 55B), and it is inserted into the endoscope insertion duct 37 from the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the second hole (57A or 57B). When the above-described configuration is adopted, in a state that the insertion section 5 moves toward the distal direction in the endoscope insertion duct 37, it is hard for the slack parts (E1 to E3) of the linear portion 51 to be hitched on the insertion section 5.
Further, in the first embodiment, although the first holes 55A and 55B and the second holes 57A and 57B are provided in the multi-lumen tube 21, it is not restricted thereto. For example, as shown in
In the first embodiment and the fourth modification, the linear dimension S1 of the linear portion 51 along the linear core axis L between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2 is larger than the parallel axis dimension S2 along the longitudinal axis C between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2. When the above-described configuration is adopted, extensibility of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C can be assured even though the linear portion 51 that does not extend by pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C is provided.
Moreover, in the first embodiment, the bending section 9 can bend in two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C, and the linear portion 51 is placed at substantially the same angular position as one of the bending directions (the direction of the arrow B1 in
Additionally, as shown in
In the fifth modification and the sixth modification, the linear portion 51 is placed at an angular position deviating from the bending directions (the first bending direction and the second bending direction) of the bending section 9 of the endoscope 2 in the directions around the longitudinal axis. When the above-described configuration is adopted, an influence of the linear portion 51 on bending of the multi-lumen tube 21 is reduced.
Furthermore, in the first embodiment and the first modification to the sixth modification, the distal-side fixing portion 22 and the proximal-side fixing portion 23 are fixed to the multi-lumen tube 21. Moreover, the distal end of the linear portion 51 is fixed to the distal-side fixing portion 22, and the proximal end of the linear portion 51 is fixed to the proximal-side fixing portion 23. The linear portion 51 has a higher tensile strength in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C than the multi-lumen tube 21, and the linear portion 51 is not expanded even when it is pulled in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C. As described above, when the linear portion 51 is provided, the tensile strength of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C also increases.
Additionally, in a seventh modification shown in
A caulking member 65 is fixed to one end portion of the annular member 63. Further, the caulking member 65 is fixed to the proximal-side fixing portion 23. As a result, at the proximal-side connecting position P2, proximal ends of the linear portions 51A and 51B are fixed to the proximal-side fixing portion 23.
Furthermore, at the distal-side connecting position P1 of the distal-side fixing portion 22, a through hole 67 that is pierced from the outer peripheral portion of the distal-side fixing portion 22 to the endoscope insertion duct 37 is formed. The other end portion of the annular member 63 is inserted into the endoscope insertion duct 37 via the through hole 67. Moreover, the annular member 63 is extended to an outside of the distal-side fixing portion 22 via the through hole 67 and again inserted into the endoscope insertion duct 37 from the distal-side opening portion 38. Additionally, at a portion of the annular member 63 that is inserted into the endoscope insertion conduit 37 from the through hole 67, the annular member 63 passes through the inner side of a ring. Further, in the endoscope insertion duct 37, the annular member 63 is extended toward the proximal direction. When the annular member 63 is extended as described above, the annular member 63 is attached to the distal-side fixing portion 22. That is, the annular member 63 is attached to the distal-side fixing portion 22 by a Cow hitch. As described above, when the annular member 63 is attached to the distal-side fixing portion 22, distal ends of the linear portions 51A and 51B are fixed to the distal-side fixing portion 22 at the distal-side connecting position P1.
In this modification, the two linear portions 51A and 51B are extended between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2. Therefore, the tensile strength of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C further increases. Therefore, it is more difficult for the multi-lumen tube 21 to be expanded by pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C, and damage to the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 due to pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C is further effectively avoided.
Further, in the first embodiment, although the distal-side connecting position P1 of the linear portion 51 is placed at the angular position that is substantially 180° apart from the nozzle 48 in the directions around the longitudinal axis, it is not restricted thereto. For example, as shown in
Here, a given one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C is determined as a first perpendicular direction (a direction of an arrow N1 in
A wall thickness in the distal-side fixing portion 22 increases as a position in it gets closer to the nozzle 48 in the directions around the longitudinal axis. Therefore, in this modification, in which the distal-side connecting position P1 of the linear portion 51 is placed at an angular position that is substantially 60° apart from the nozzle 48 in the directions around the longitudinal axis, the distal end of the linear portion 51 is fixed at the distal-side fixing portion 22 in a region having a large wall thickness as compared with the foregoing embodiment and modifications. When the multi-lumen tube 21 is pulled in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C, a force generated by pulling acts on the linear portion 51. Therefore, when the multi-lumen tube 21 is pulled, at the distal-side connecting position P1 of the distal-side fixing portion 22, the force acts on the distal-side fixing portion 22 from the linear portion 51. In this modification, since the distal end of the linear portion 51 is fixed to the distal-side fixing portion 22 in the region having the large wall thickness, damage to the distal-side fixing portion 22 due to the force from the linear portion 51 is effectively avoided.
The air or the water is emitted from the nozzle 48 in a state that the first perpendicular direction is a vertically downward direction. Therefore, the water emitted from the nozzle 48 toward the second perpendicular direction that is a vertically upward direction moves toward the first perpendicular direction by gravity and returns to a position near the emission port 49. In this modification, at the distal-side connecting position P1 located on the second perpendicular direction side with respect to the emission port 49, the linear portion 51 that can readily collect water is fixed to the distal-side fixing portion 22. That is, the linear portion 51 that can easily collect water is placed at a position apart from the emission port 49 of the nozzle 48. Therefore, a large amount of water emitted from the emission port 49 can be prevented from collecting near the emission port 49. Since a large amount of water is not stored near the emission port 49, the collected water can be effectively prevented from being blown up toward the second perpendicular direction by the emitted air when the air is emitted from the emission port 49.
A second embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to
In this embodiment, like the first embodiment, the linear portion 51 is extended along a linear core axis L through an endoscope insertion conduit 37 between a distal-side connecting position P1 and a proximal-side connecting position P2. In the endoscope insertion duct 37, the linear portion 51 is extended toward the proximal direction until it reaches the hole 81A. An external extended portion 83, which is extended from the endoscope insertion duct 37 to the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the hole 81A (81B), is provided to the linear portion 51. Further, a duct inserting portion 85, which is inserted into the endoscope insertion duct 37 from the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the hole 81A (81B), is provided to the linear portion 51. The linear portion 51 is extended toward one of circumferential directions of the multi-lumen tube 21 (directions around the longitudinal direction) between the external extended portion 83 and the duct inserting portion 85. That is, a circumferential extended portion 86, which is extended along the circumferential directions of the multi-lumen tube 21 between the external extended portion 83 and the duct inserting portion 85, is provided to the linear portion 51. The circumferential extended portion 86 is extended to make a circuit of an outer peripheral portion of the multi-lumen tube 21 from the hole 81A to the hole 81A. The linear portion 51 inserted into the endoscope insertion duct 37 from the hole 81A is extended from the hole 81A toward the proximal direction.
In this embodiment, when the linear portion 51 is provided, the tensile strength of the multi-lumen tube 21 in directions parallel to a longitudinal axis C increases. Therefore, it is difficult to expand the multi-lumen tube 21 by pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C, and damage to the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 due to pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C is effectively avoided.
Furthermore, since the linear portion 51 is extended as described above, like the first embodiment, a linear dimension S1 of the linear portion 51 along the linear core axis L between a distal-side connecting position P1 and a proximal-side connecting position P2 is larger than a parallel axial dimension S2 along the longitudinal axis C between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2. Therefore, slack parts are produced in the linear portion 51. Therefore, even when the linear portion 51 that is not extended by pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C is provided, bendability, etc. of a bending section 9 can be assured.
Moreover, in the linear portion 51 according to this embodiment, the external extended portion 83 is extended to the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the hole 81A (81B). Additionally, in the linear portion 51, the circumferential extended portion 86 is extended along the circumferential directions on the outer peripheral portion of the multi-lumen tube 21, and the duct inserting portion 85 is inserted into the endoscope insertion duct 37 from the hole 81A (81B). Since the linear portion 51 is extended as described above, when the insertion section 5 moves in the endoscope insertion duct 37 toward the distal direction, the slack parts located to the proximal direction side with respect to the hole 81A (81B) do not move to the distal direction side from the hole 81A. As a result, like the first embodiment, when the insertion section 5 moves in the endoscope insertion duct 37 toward the distal direction, it is hard for the slack parts of the linear portion 51 to be hitched on the insertion section 5. Therefore, even when the slack parts are generated in the linear portion 51, insertability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured.
Further, in this embodiment, since the linear portion 51 is extended as described above in a part near the hole 81A (81B), even when the multi-lumen tube 21 is pulled in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C, a large force does not act on the multi-lumen tube 21 from the linear portion 51 in the hole 81A (81B). Therefore, damage to the multi-lumen tube 21 due to a force acting on the multi-lumen tube 21 from the linear portion 51 can be effectively avoided.
As shown in
As described above, in this embodiment, the slack parts E4 and E5 of the linear portion 51 are not congested in a proximal-direction-side region of the endoscope insertion duct 37 by removal of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 from the endoscope 2. Therefore, even after repeating the attachment and the removal of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 with respect to the endoscope 2, the slack parts E4 and E5 of the linear portion 51 are not congested in the proximal-direction-side region of the endoscope insertion duct 37. As a result, even after repeating the attachment and the removal of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 with respect to the endoscope 2, the insertability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured.
It is to be noted that, as a ninth modification, the extended state of the linear portion 51 in the first embodiment may be combined with the extended state of the linear portion 51 in the second embodiment as shown in
In this modification, the first hole 55 is placed to the proximal direction side with respect to the second hole 57. Further, the third hole 81 is placed to the proximal direction side with respect to the first hole 55 and the second hole 57. In the vicinity of the first hole 55 and the second hole 57, the linear portion 51 is extended like the extended state near the first hole 55A and the second hole 57A in the first embodiment. That is, in the endoscope insertion duct 37, the linear portion 51 is extended toward the proximal direction until it reaches the first hole 55. Furthermore, in the first hole 55, the linear portion 51 is extended from the endoscope insertion conduit 37 to the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21. Moreover, on the outer peripheral portion of the multi-lumen tube 21, the linear portion 51 is extended toward the distal direction from the first hole 55 to the second hole 57. Additionally, in the second hole 57, the linear portion 51 is inserted into the endoscope insertion duct 37 from the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21. Further, in the endoscope insertion duct 37, the linear portion 51 is extended from the second hole 57 toward the proximal direction. Therefore, the loop-shaped portion 59 is formed by the linear portion 51 between the first hole 55 and the second hole 57.
Furthermore, in this modification, in the vicinity of the third hole 81, the linear portion 51 is extended like the extended state near the hole 81A in the second embodiment That is, in the linear portion 51, the external extended portion 83 is extended from the endoscope insertion duct 37 to the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the third hole 81, and the duct inserting portion 85 is inserted into the endoscope insertion duct 37 from the outside of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the third hole 81. Moreover, the circumferential extended portion 86 of the linear portion 51 is extended along the circumferential directions of the multi-lumen tube 21 (the directions around the longitudinal axis) between the external extended portion 83 and the duct inserting portion 85. In this modification, like the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the insertability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured.
A third embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to
In this embodiment, like the first embodiment, a linear dimension S1 of the linear portion 51 along a linear core axis L between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2 is larger than a parallel axial dimension S2 along a longitudinal axis C between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2. Further, the linear portion 51 is placed at an angular position deviating from bending directions (a direction of an arrow B1 and a direction of an arrow B2 in
In this embodiment, likewise, when the linear portion 51 is provided, the tensile strength of the multi-lumen tube 21 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C increases. Therefore, it is hard to expand the multi-lumen tube 21 by pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C, and damage to the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 due to pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C can be effectively avoided.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the linear portion 51 is extended from the distal-side connecting position P1 to the proximal-side connecting position P2 on the outer peripheral portion of the multi-lumen tube 21 without passing through the endoscope insertion duct 37. Therefore, even when the linear portion 51 is provided, the insertability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured.
It is to be noted that, as a 10th modification, the linear portion 51 may be spirally extended on the outer peripheral portion of the multi-lumen tube 21 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C as shown in
In this modification, since the linear portion 51 is spirally extended, in a state that the multi-lumen tube 21 is bent in accordance with a bending motion of the bending section 9, the linear portion 51 can readily follow the bending motion of the bending section 9. Therefore, the bendability of the bending section 9 is further improved.
A third embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to
In this embodiment, like the first embodiment, a linear dimension S1 of the linear portion 51 along a linear core axis L between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2 is larger than a parallel axial dimension S2 along a longitudinal axis C between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2. Further, the linear portion 51 is placed at an angular position deviating from bending directions (a direction of an arrow B1 and a direction of an arrow B2 in
In this embodiment, likewise, when the linear portion 51 is provided, the tensile strength of the multi-lumen tube 21 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C increases. Therefore, the multi-lumen tube 21 is hard to be expanded by pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C, and damage to the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 due to pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C can be effectively avoided.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the linear portion 51 is extended from the distal-side connecting position P1 to the proximal-side connecting position P2 in the air supply duct 42 without passing through the endoscope insertion duct 37. Therefore, even when the linear portion 51 is provided, the insertability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured.
It is to be noted that the linear portion 51 is extended in the air supply duct 42 in the fourth embodiment, but the linear portion 51 may be extended from the distal-side connecting position P1 to the proximal-side connecting position P2 in the water supply duct 43 in one modification. Moreover, in another modification, two linear portions 51 may be provided, one linear portion 51 may be extended in the air supply duct 42, and the other linear portion 51 may be extended in the water supply duct 43.
In the third embodiment and its modification, each fluid duct (42 or 43) separated from the endoscope insertion duct 37 is defined. Additionally, the linear portion 51 is extended from the distal-side connecting position P1 to the proximal-side connecting position P2 in the fluid duct (42 or 43). As a result, even when the linear portion 51 is provided, the insertability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured.
A fifth embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to
In this embodiment, like the first embodiment, a linear dimension S1 of the linear portion 51 along a linear core axis L between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2 is larger than a parallel axial dimension S2 along a longitudinal axis C between the distal-side connecting position P1 and the proximal-side connecting position P2. Further, the linear portion 51 is placed at an angular position deviating from bending directions (a direction of an arrow B1 and a direction of an arrow B2 in
In this embodiment, likewise, when the linear portion 51 is provided, the tensile strength of the multi-lumen tube 21 in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C increases. Therefore, the multi-lumen tube 21 is hard to be stretched by pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C, and damage to the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 due to pulling in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C can be effectively avoided.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the linear portion 51 is extended in the separation duct 72 from the distal-side connecting position P1 to the proximal-side connecting position P2 without passing through the endoscope insertion duct 37. Therefore, even when the linear portion 51 is provided, the insertability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured.
A sixth embodiment according to the present invention will now be described with reference to
In this embodiment, an intermediary duct defining portion 91 defines an intermediary duct 92 in the distal-side fixing portion 22. A proximal end of the intermediary duct 92 communicates with a distal end of the endoscope insertion duct 37. In the distal-side fixing portion 22, a distal-side opening portion 38 is provided. A distal end of the intermediary conduit 92 is opened at the distal-side opening portion 38 with respect to an outside of the distal-side fixing portion 22. Therefore, the distal-side opening portion 38 communicates with the endoscope insertion duct 37 through the intermediary duct 92.
The intermediary duct defining portion 91 defines a diameter dimension of the intermediary duct 92 as a second diameter dimension D2 over the entire length in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C. The second diameter dimension D2 is smaller than the first diameter dimension D1 of the endoscope insertion duct 37. Therefore, a step portion 93 is formed between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the intermediary duct defining portion 91.
Further, in a state that the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is attached to the endoscope 2, a bending section 9 of the insertion section 5 is placed to the proximal direction side with respect to a proximal end of the intermediary duct 92 (i.e., a proximal end of the intermediary duct defining portion 91). Therefore, in the state that the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is attached to the endoscope 2, the bending section 9 is placed in the endoscope insertion duct 37 provided inside the multi-lumen tube 21 having flexibility. Furthermore, the intermediary duct defining portion 91 of the distal-side fixing portion 22 is thinly coated with a water-shedding coating 95 such as a silicone oil or a silicone coat.
In the endoscope cleaning sheath according to each of Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, a distal-side opening portion is provided on a distal surface of a multi-lumen tube as a sheath main body. Moreover, a distal end of an endoscope insertion duct is directly opened at the distal-side opening portion with respect to the outside of the distal-side fixing portion. In such a configuration, in a state that the endoscope cleaning sheath is attached to the endoscope, water is apt to flow from the distal-side opening portion into a gap between an insertion duct defining portion that defines the endoscope insertion duct and an outer peripheral portion of an insertion section. Therefore, water easily collects in the gap between the insertion duct defining portion and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section. If observation is performed through an observation window in a state that water has collected in the gap between the insertion duct defining portion and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section, the water might possibly flow to the distal surface of the insertion section from the gap between the insertion duct defining portion and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section. When the water flows out to the distal surface of the insertion section, the water adheres to the observation window, and an observation performance of a subject is lowered.
Reducing a diameter dimension of the endoscope insertion duct in the multi-lumen tube enables the gap between the insertion duct defining portion and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section to be decreased. However, since the multi-lumen tube as the sheath main body is formed by the extrusion molding, a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis has the same shape over the entire length in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. Therefore, in case of reducing the diameter dimension of the endoscope insertion duct, the diameter dimension of the endoscope insertion duct must be reduced over the entire length in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis. Additionally, in general, the multi-lumen tube is made of a material having flexibility. In a case that the endoscope insertion duct having a small diameter dimension over the entire length is formed into the multi-lumen tube, frictional resistance increases between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section and the insertion duct defining portion during movement of the insertion section in the endoscope insertion duct. Therefore, insertability of the insertion section into the endoscope insertion duct and removability of the insertion section from the endoscope insertion duct are lowered. That is, movability of the insertion section in the endoscope insertion duct is decreased.
Thus, in this embodiment, as will be described later, there are provided the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 and the endoscope apparatus 1 in which water hardly collects in a gap between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5, and in which the mobility of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 is assured. That is, in this embodiment, the intermediary duct 92 having a proximal end communicating with the distal end of the endoscope insertion duct 37 is defined in the distal-side fixing portion 22. Further, a distal end of the intermediary conduit 92 is opened with respect to the outside of the distal-side fixing portion 22. The intermediary duct 92 has the second diameter dimension smaller than the first diameter dimension D1 of the endoscope insertion duct 37 over the entire length in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C. Since the second radial dimension D2 of the intermediary duct 92 is small, in the state that the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is attached to the endoscope 2, a gap between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 and the intermediary duct defining portion 91 is small. Therefore, water hardly passes through the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 and the intermediary duct defining portion 91, and the water can be effectively prevented from flowing into the gap between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 from the distal-side opening portion 38. Therefore, it is difficult for water to collect in the gap between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, a difference between the outer diameter dimension D0 of the insertion section 5 and the second diameter dimension D2 of the same is 0.1 mm or less. Therefore, it is hard for the water to pass through the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 and the intermediary duct defining portion 91, and the water can be further effectively prevented from flowing into the gap between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 from the distal-side opening portion 38.
Moreover, in this embodiment, the intermediary duct defining portion 91 is coated with the water-shedding coating 95. Therefore, it is harder for the water to pass through the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 and the intermediary duct defining portion 91, and the water can be further effectively prevented from flowing into the gap between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 from the distal-side opening portion 38.
As described above, in this embodiment, since the water is prevented from flowing into the gap between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 from the distal-side opening portion 38, it is difficult for water to collect in the gap between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5. Therefore, in the case of performing observation through the observation window, the water is prevented from adhering to the observation window, and an observation performance of a subject can be assured.
Further, in the endoscope insertion duct 37 provided in the multi-lumen tube 21 having flexibility, a diameter dimension is the first diameter dimension D1 larger than the second diameter dimension D2 over the entire length in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C. Therefore, during movement of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37, frictional resistance does not increase between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 and the insertion duct defining portion 36. Therefore, insertability of the insertion section 5 into the endoscope insertion duct 37 and removability of the insertion section 5 from the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured. That is, movability of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 can be assured.
Furthermore, in the intermediary duct 62 provided in the distal-side fixing portion 22, a diameter dimension is the second diameter dimension D2 smaller than the first diameter dimension D1. Therefore, the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 and the intermediary duct defining portion 91 is reduced. However, the distal-side fixing portion 22 is made of a hard material. Therefore, even when the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 and the intermediary duct defining portion 91 is small, frictional resistance between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 and the intermediary duct defining portion 91 does not increase. Therefore, the insertability of the insertion section 5 in the intermediary duct 92 and the removability of the insertion section 5 from the intermediary duct 92 can be assured. That is, the movability of the insertion section 5 in the intermediary duct 92 can be assured.
Since the mobility of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope insertion duct 37 and the intermediary duct 92 is assured, attachment of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 to the endoscope 2 and removal of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 from the endoscope 2 can be readily carried out. Furthermore, in the attachment of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 to the endoscope 2 and the removal of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 from the endoscope 2, a major part of movement of the insertion section 5 is movement in the endoscope insertion duct 37 having the large diameter dimension. Therefore, in the attachment of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 to the endoscope 2 and the detachment of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 from the endoscope 2, a distance that the insertion section 5 travels in the intermediary duct 92 having the small diameter dimension is small. Therefore, the attachment of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 to the endoscope 2 and the removal of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 from the endoscope 2 can be further easily carried out.
Additionally, in the state that the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is attached to the endoscope 2, the bending section 9 of the insertion section 5 is placed to the proximal direction side with respect to the proximal end of the intermediary duct 92. That is, in the state that the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 is attached to the endoscope 2, the bending section 9 is placed in the multi-lumen tube 21 having the flexibility. Therefore, the multi-lumen tube 21 bends in accordance with a bending motion of the bending section 9. Therefore, an influence of the endoscope cleaning sheath 3 on the bending motion of the bending section 9 is reduced.
It is to be noted that, in the sixth embodiment, the diameter dimension of the intermediary duct 92 is the second diameter dimension D2 over the entire length in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C, but it is not restricted thereto. For example, as an 11th modification, a tapered surface 101 whose diameter dimension is reduced from the distal direction toward the proximal direction may be provided in the intermediary duct defining portion 91 as shown in
Additionally, for example, as a 12th modification, a tapered surface 103 whose diameter dimension is reduced from the proximal direction toward the distal direction may be provided in the intermediary duct defining portion 91 as shown in
Further, for example, as a 13th modification, a protruding portion 105 that protrudes toward an inner peripheral direction may be provided on the intermediary duct defining portion 91 as shown in
Furthermore, for example, as a 14th modification, convex portions 107 and concave portions 109 may be alternately aligned and provided on the intermediary duct defining portion 91 in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis C as shown in
In the sixth embodiment and the 11th modification to the 14th modification, the intermediary duct defining portion 91 defines the diameter dimension of at least part of the intermediary duct 92 as the second diameter dimension D2 that is smaller than the first diameter dimension D1 of the endoscope insertion duct 37 and larger than the outer diameter dimension D0 of the insertion section 5. When such a configuration is adopted, it is hard for the water to pass through the gap between the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 and the intermediary duct defining portion 91, and the water can be effectively prevented from flowing into the gap between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5 from the distal-side opening portion 38. As a result, it is difficult for the water to collect in the gap between the insertion duct defining portion 36 and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section 5.
Other characteristic technical matters according to the present invention are additionally set forth below.
(Additional Note 1)
An endoscope cleaning sheath attached to an endoscope which includes an insertion section extended along a longitudinal axis, and in which an observation window provided to a distal portion of the insertion section, the endoscope cleaning sheath comprising:
a sheath main body which is extended along the longitudinal axis, and in which a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is formed into the same shape over an entire length in directions parallel to the longitudinal axis, the sheath main body including a fluid duct defining portion defining a fluid duct through which supply of a fluid from a proximal direction toward a distal direction is enabled;
a distal-side fixing portion which is fixed to a distal portion of the sheath main body, and which is made of a material harder than the sheath main body, the distal-side fixing portion including a fluid emitting portion which enables emitting the fluid having passed through the fluid duct toward the observation window of the endoscope in a state that the endoscope cleaning sheath is attached to the endoscope;
an insertion duct defining portion defining an endoscope insertion duct, which enables the insertion section of the endoscope to be inserted therein, in the sheath main body along the longitudinal axis, and also defining a diameter dimension of the endoscope insertion duct as a first diameter dimension over the entire length in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis; and
an intermediary duct defining portion defining in the distal-side fixing portion an intermediary duct which has a proximal end communicating with a distal end of the endoscope insertion duct, and also defining the intermediary duct in a state that a distal end of the intermediary duct is opened with respect to an outside of the distal-side fixing portion, the intermediary duct defining portion defining a diameter dimension of at least part of the intermediary duct as a second diameter dimension that is smaller than the first diameter dimension and larger than an outer diameter dimension of the insertion section.
(Additional Note 2)
The endoscope cleaning sheath according to Additional note 1,
wherein a difference between the outer diameter dimension of the insertion section and the second diameter dimension is 0.1 mm or less.
(Additional Note 3)
The endoscope cleaning sheath according to Additional note 1, further comprising a water-shedding coating which coats the intermediary duct defining portion.
(Additional Note 4)
An endoscope device comprising:
the endoscope cleaning sheath according to Additional note 1; and
the endoscope including the insertion section which is extended along the longitudinal axis, and which is configured to be inserted into the endoscope insertion duct of the sheath main body, the endoscope cleaning sheath being attached to the endoscope, the insertion section including the observation window in the distal portion thereof.
(Additional Note 5)
The endoscope device according to Additional note 4,
wherein the insertion section includes a bending section configured to bend in a bending direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and
the bending section is placed to a proximal direction side with respect to the proximal end of the intermediary duct in a state that the endoscope cleaning sheath is attached to the endoscope.
Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
2012-202943 | Sep 2012 | JP | national |
This is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2013/060954, filed Apr. 11, 2013 and based upon and claiming the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-202943, filed Sep. 14, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | PCT/JP2013/060954 | Apr 2013 | US |
Child | 14293579 | US |