Connection joint, endoscope, and method of connecting tube and connection joint
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12588802-B2
Publication Date
2026-03-31
Expiration Date
Abstract
A connection joint includes: a first sleeve that is formed such that an end portion of a first tube arranged in an endoscope is externally fitted to the first sleeve; a first pusher configured to apply bias to the first sleeve from an outer peripheral side of the first sleeve; and a first bias releasing portion configured to press the first pusher in an outer peripheral direction of the first sleeve to release the bias.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a connection joint for an endoscope in which a case main body having a tubular shape and a bottomed surface supports a sleeve and a biasing mechanism. A first sleeve is integrally formed with the bottomed surface, and an end portion of a first tube arranged in an endoscope is externally fitted to the first sleeve. A first pusher applies a bias to the first tube from a first outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve, and a first bias releasing portion presses the first pusher in a direction toward the bottomed surface to release the bias.
A retainer surface is configured to prevent the first tube from coming off from the first sleeve. The retainer surface comprises first grooves aligned in a direction that is not parallel to a mounting direction of the first tube. Modifications described include retainer geometries on the sleeve and retainer features such as a protruding portion or grooves, and the use of a window portion or a transparent-resin case main body for confirmation of tube fitting.
The disclosed arrangement is extended to additional structural layouts, including an alternative configuration in which two tube locations each have a sleeve, pusher, and bias releasing portion. The document also describes an arrangement applicable to various channel tubes, including a treatment tool path tube, air supply path tube, suction path tube, and balloon air/water supply path tubes.
Claims Coverage
The partial document explicitly provides four independent claims: clm-00001, clm-00012, clm-00014, and clm-00015. Across these claims, at least four core inventive elements are repeated: a connection joint with a case main body and a sleeve integrally formed with a bottomed surface, a pusher that directly applies bias to the tube via an outer peripheral surface, a bias releasing portion that presses the pusher to release or change the bias state, and a retainer surface that prevents the tube from coming off with grooves aligned not parallel to the tube mounting direction.
Case main body with integrally formed sleeve and bottomed surface
A case main body that has a tubular shape with a bottomed surface; a first sleeve that is formed such that an end portion of a first tube arranged in an endoscope is externally fitted to the first sleeve, the first sleeve being integrally formed with the bottomed surface.
Pusher directly applying bias to tube from sleeve outer peripheral surface
A first pusher having a first surface configured to directly apply a bias to the first tube from a first outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve.
Bias releasing portion presses pusher to release bias
A first bias releasing portion having a first bias releasing surface configured to press the first pusher in a direction toward the bottomed surface to release the bias.
Retainer surface with grooves not parallel to tube mounting direction
One of the first surface of the first pusher or the first outer peripheral surface of the first sleeve having a first retainer surface configured to prevent the first tube from coming off from the first sleeve; and the first retainer surface comprises first grooves that are aligned in a direction that is not parallel to a mounting direction of the first tube.
Pusher implemented with multiple plate springs
The first pusher includes a plurality of plate springs each having the first surface.
Together, the independent claims define a connection joint structure and complementary connecting methods where a pusher/bias-release mechanism with a sleeve integrally formed with a bottomed surface controls bias state for fitting and retention, and where tube retention is achieved using a retainer surface with grooves aligned not parallel to the tube mounting direction; an additional independent claim specifies that the pusher includes a plurality of plate springs.
Stated Advantages
Simplifies tube connection/removal.
Reduces operation time.
Documented Applications
Applicable to various channel tubes, including a treatment tool path tube, an air supply path tube, a suction path tube, and balloon air/water supply path tubes.
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