Abstract:
A medical apparatus includes a first medical equipment, a second medical equipment, an indicator and a keeping portion. The first medical equipment is used for performing a medical action with respect to an object. The second medical equipment includes a coupling portion attachable to/detachable from the first medical equipment. The indicator is attached to the first medical equipment and/or second medical equipment. The indicator is configured to indicate that the first and second medical equipments are coupled with each other, simultaneous with coupling between the first and second medical equipments. The keeping portion irreversibly keeps a state indicated by the indicator.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2007/071035, filed Oct. 29, 2007, which was published under PCT Article 21(2) in Japanese. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a medical apparatus that couples a plurality of medical equipments to use them. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    For example, JP-A 2006-34573 (KOKAI) discloses an endoscopic light source system. The light source system is controlled in such a manner that a lamp of the light source system is turned on when a connector of an endoscope is coupled with a connector of the light source system, and it is controlled in such a manner that the lamp is turned off when the connectors are decoupled. 
         [0006]    Applying a relationship between the connector of the endoscope and the connector of the light source system to a coupling portion of a medical equipment such as a disposable insertion portion of the endoscope and a coupling portion of the medical equipment such as a reusable operation portion, any means indicates a situation that the coupling portions of the insertion portion and the operation portion are coupled with each other in accordance with lighting of the lamp in a state that both the members are coupled with each other. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a medical apparatus includes: a first medical equipment used for performing a medical action with respect to an object; a second medical equipment including a coupling portion attachable to/detachable from the first medical equipment; an indicator attached to the first medical equipment and/or second medical equipment and configured to indicate that the first and second medical equipments are coupled with each other, simultaneous with coupling between the first and second medical equipments; and a keeping portion which irreversibly keeps a state indicated by the indicator. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view showing an endoscopic system according to first to seventh embodiments; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2A  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a separated state before a first coupling portion on an insertion portion side of an endoscope is coupled with a second coupling portion on an operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to the first embodiment; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2B  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state that the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to the first embodiment; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a separated state before the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to a modification of the first embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a separated state before the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to a second embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state that the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to the second embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4C  is a schematic front view showing a flat plate which moves and uses the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope to indicate that the first and second coupling portions are coupled when the first coupling portion on the insertion portion is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to the second embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a separated state before the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to a modification of the second embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a schematic view showing the inside of the endoscope which is in a state that the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to a third embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the first coupling portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope which is in the separated state before the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to the third embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an oxygen indicator fixed to an air supply tube arranged in the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side in air supply tubes of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to a fourth embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a schematic view showing the inside of the endoscope which is in a state that the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to a fifth embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a pH indicator fixed to a suction tube arranged in the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side in suction tubes of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to the fifth embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11A  is a schematic view showing an outline configuration of digital paper arranged with the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to a sixth embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11B  is a schematic view showing a state that a voltage is applied to a microcapsule having black and white fine particles of the digital paper to separate the black and white fine particles from each other; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a schematic view showing the indication of the digital paper of the first coupling portion before and after the first coupling portion on the insertion portion side of the endoscope is coupled with the second coupling portion on the operation portion side of the endoscope in the endoscopic system according to the sixth embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a schematic view showing the endoscopic system according to a seventh embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14A  is a partial cross-sectional view which is an enlarged view of a part indicated by reference character  14 A in  FIG. 13 , showing a state that a pigment-containing capsule is arranged in a pigment accommodation portion of a universal cable of the endoscope and the portion is sealed by a flexible transparent window in the state; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 14B  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state that the transparent window of the universal cable of the endoscope is pushed by the gravity of the endoscope and the pigment-containing capsule arranged in the pigment accommodation portion is destroyed to attach a pigment to an entire surface of the transparent window on the pigment accommodation portion side when the endoscope is put on a scope hanger of a trolley. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0027]    The best mode for carrying out the present invention will now be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0028]    A first embodiment will be first explained with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 . 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , an endoscopic system (a medical apparatus)  10  according to the embodiment includes an endoscope  12 , a light source  14  that provides the endoscope  12  with light, a controller  16  that controls the endoscope  12 , and a monitor  18  that displays an observation image. 
         [0030]    The endoscope  12  includes an elongated insertion portion (a first medical equipment)  22  that is inserted into a body cavity and an operation portion (a second medical equipment)  24  arranged at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion  22 . Of these portions, the insertion portion  22  is a disposable portion, and the operation portion  24  is a reusable portion that can be reused through cleaning, antisepsis, and sterilization. Of course, it is also preferable to configure the operation portion  24  as a disposable portion or adopt a configuration obtained by integrally forming the entire endoscope  12  as a disposable portion. In this embodiment, the insertion portion  22  is a disposable portion and the operation portion  24  is a reuse portion. 
         [0031]    The insertion portion  22  sequentially includes a distal end hard portion  32 , a bending portion  34 , a flexible portion  36 , and a first coupling portion  38  from a distal end side toward a proximal end side. 
         [0032]    The distal end hard portion  32  is formed of a hard member. The distal end hard portion  32  is arranged at a distal end of the insertion portion  22 . The bending portion  34  that can bend in, e.g., two or four directions is arranged at a proximal end portion of the distal end hard portion  32 . The flexible portion  36  that can bend in accordance with a shape of the body cavity or the like is arranged at a proximal end portion of the bending portion  34 . The distal end hard portion  32 , the bending portion  34 , and the flexible portion  36  are arranged on the same axis. Further, the first coupling portion  38  that is coupled with the operation portion  24  is arranged at a proximal end portion of the flexible portion  36 . 
         [0033]    The operation portion  24  includes an operation portion main body  42  having a second coupling portion  44 , a universal cable  46  having one end connected with the operation portion main body  42 , and a connector  48  arranged at the other end of the universal cable  46 . The connector  48  can be attached to or detached from the light source  14  and the controller  16 . 
         [0034]    Further, the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  and the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  can be attached to or detached from each other. 
         [0035]    It is to be noted that built-in members such as a bending operation wire, an air supply tube, a water supply tube, a suction tube, an illumination optical system and an observation optical system, and others (which are not illustrated) are arranged in the insertion portion  22  and the operation portion  24 . Further, when the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is attached to or detached from the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 , the built-in members on the insertion portion  22  side are attached to or detached from the built-in members on the operation portion  24  side in, e.g., a mechanical and optical manner. Since the built-in members on the insertion portion  22  side are mechanically and optically connected to the built-in members on the operation portion  24  side, the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is coupled with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  in a predetermined state by various means when coupling these portions. In other words, at the time of coupling the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 , various kinds of coupling means are allowed if these coupling portions are coupled in a predetermined state. Therefore, when coupling the first coupling portion  38  with the second coupling portion  44  is achieved, both the first coupling portion  38  and the second coupling portion  44  are prevented from being moved in an axial direction and a circumferential direction. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  includes an exterior frame  52  having an opening portion  52   a , a window portion  54 , and an accommodation portion  56 . The exterior frame  52  can be attached to or detached from a later-described engagement portion  62  of the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 . 
         [0037]    The window portion  54  is arranged on the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52 . The window portion  54  is transparent or translucent, and the inside can be observed through the window portion  54 . The accommodation portion  56  is a portion where a later-described pigment-containing bag  72  is accommodated. The accommodation portion  56  is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped having a substantially-L-shaped vertical cross section and one opened surface. Further, the accommodation portion  56  is integrally formed with the exterior frame  52  and or fixed on the same by screwing and the like. At this time, the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  or the window portion  54  faces the largest wall surface of the accommodation portion  56 . Incidentally, it is preferable for a space between the exterior frame  52  and the accommodation portion  56  (a space between the window portion  54  and the largest wall surface of the accommodation portion  56 ) to be narrowly formed so that a pigment-containing bag  72  hardly moves away from the accommodation portion  56  when a pigment flows into a first chamber  74  of the later-described pigment-containing bag  72 . 
         [0038]    Therefore, the later-described first chamber  74  of the pigment-containing bag  72  is arranged in the window portion  54 , and a later-described second chamber  76  is fixed to the exterior frame  52  by, e.g., an adhesive. Therefore, positions of the first chamber  74  and the second chamber  76  themselves of the pigment-containing bag  72  are prevented from being moved as much as possible. 
         [0039]    The second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  includes the engagement portion  62  that can be attached to or detached from the exterior frame  52  of the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22 . A part of the engagement portion  62  is formed into a tapered shape so that the later-described second chamber  76  of the later-described pigment-containing bag  72  is pushed between the engagement portion  62  and the exterior frame  52  at the time of coupling the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 . At this time, a small space is formed in such a manner that a pushed state of the second chamber  76  is held between the engagement portion  62  and the inner peripheral surface of the exterior frame  52  after the pigment-containing bag  72  is pushed. Furthermore, a step  62   a  is formed at a position facing an end part of the accommodation portion  56 . 
         [0040]    As a material forming the pigment-containing bag  72 , for example, a transparent and colorless film in which a polyethylene-based material and a polypropylene-based material are mixed is used. Rim parts of a front film  72   a  and a rear film  72   b  are strongly welded, and the pigment-containing bag  72  is divided into the first chamber (an empty compartment)  74  and the second chamber (a pigment-containing compartment)  76  by an easy-peel portion  78 . The easy-peel portion  78  is weakly welded to block flow of fluid (the pigment) between the first chamber  74  and the second chamber  76 . When the first chamber  74  or the second chamber  76  is pushed, the easy-peel portion  78  enters a communicating state, thereby readily achieving communication between the first chamber  74  and the second chamber  76 . 
         [0041]    Furthermore, the pigment such as iodine, congo red, phenol red, methylene blue, toluidine blue, indigo carmine, brilliant blue, or evans blue is put in the second chamber  76  of the pigment-containing bag  72 . Moreover, in the pigment-containing bag  72 , although a color of the pigment in the second chamber  76  containing the pigment can be visually confirmed, the first chamber  74  and the easy-peel portion  78  are transparent and colorless. As such a pigment-containing bag  72 , using a double bag (Japanese Patent No. 3016348) having substantially the same configuration as PLW (a registered trademark) of Nipro Corporation is preferable, for example. 
         [0042]    It is to be noted that, as the pigment, using one that meets criteria such as a Japanese Pharmaceutical Excipients or Japanese Standards of Food Additives is preferable. Additionally, the pigment of any color can be used as long as it is a color that readily allows recognition that the pigment has flowed into the first chamber  74  via the easy-peel portion  78  from the second chamber  76  through the opening portion  52   a  or the window portion  54 . That is, it is preferable for the pigment to have a color that can be readily recognized as being largely different from a wall color of the accommodation portion  56  that is visually confirmed though the transparent first chamber  74 . To compare colors in this manner, fixing a non-illustrated color comparison table to an edge part of the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  in the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is preferable. The comparison table shows a correct color that is visually confirmed through the opening portion  52   a  or the window portion  54  before use and a correct color that is visually confirmed through the opening portion  52   a  or the window portion  54  after the insertion portion  22  is coupled with the operation portion  24  or after the endoscope  12  is used as will be described later. Therefore, when a user of the endoscope  12  compares the colors, whether the insertion portion  22  has been used can be easily recognized. 
         [0043]    Further, as the pigment, it is preferable to use a pigment (e.g., iodine) that is not easily faded by cleaning when the pigment-containing bag  72  gets broken and the pigment adheres to the insertion portion  22  and/or the operation portion  24  of the endoscope  12  at the time of or after coupling the insertion portion  22  with the operation portion  24 . Therefore, it can be easily recognized that the insertion portion  22  has been already connected with the operation portion  24 . 
         [0044]    Furthermore, a configuration that the window portion  54  is not provided on the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  and the opening portion  52   a  alone is formed is also preferable. 
         [0045]    A function of the endoscope  12  according to the embodiment will now be described. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIG. 2A , when using the endoscope  12 , the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is caused to face the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 . At this time, the pigment is provided in the second chamber  76  of the pigment-containing bag  72  alone, and the first chamber  74  is clear and colorless. Therefore, a color of the wall surface of the accommodation portion  56  can be visually confirmed through the window portion  54  and the first chamber  74 . 
         [0047]    Furthermore, the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is coupled with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  in a predetermined state. At this time, the engagement portion  62  of the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  is utilized to push the second chamber  76  of the pigment-containing bag  72 . Therefore, the sealing of the easy-peel portion  78  is released by pressure provided at this moment, thereby achieving communication between the first chamber  74  and the second chamber  76  through the tubular easy-peel portion  78 . Therefore, the pigment flows into the first chamber  74  from the second chamber  76  through the easy-peel portion  78  to fill the first chamber  74  with the pigment. Accordingly, the color of the pigment in the first chamber  74  can be visually confirmed through the window portion  54 . 
         [0048]    Therefore, it is recognized that the disposable insertion portion  22  is coupled with the reusable operation portion  24 . The endoscope  12  in this state is used for, e.g., a living tissue. 
         [0049]    Moreover, after use of the endoscope  12 , the insertion portion  22  is separated from the operation portion  24 . At this time, the pressing force of the engagement portion  62  in the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  with respect to the second chamber  76  of the pigment-containing bag  72  is released. However, the first chamber  74  of the front film  72   a  communicates with the second chamber  76  of the rear film  72   b  through the easy-peel portion  78 , and then the pressing force for the second chamber  76  of the rear film  72   b  is gradually weakened with time. Therefore, the easy-peel portion  78  between the front film  72   a  and the rear film  72   b  is again closed. That is, a communication path between the first chamber  74  and the second chamber  76  is narrowed. Therefore, all of the pigment that has flowed into the first chamber  74  of the pigment-containing bag  72  does not return to the second chamber  76 . Even if returning the pigment that has flowed into the first chamber  74  to the second chamber is tried, the pigment partially remains in the first chamber  74 . Therefore, even though the coupling between the insertion portion  22  and the operation portion  24  is released, the state that the insertion portion  22  is being coupled with the operation portion  24  is continuously recognized. 
         [0050]    As explained above, according to this embodiment, the following matters can be said. 
         [0051]    When the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  is coupled with the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  having the pigment-containing bag  72 , an evidence that the insertion portion  22  has been coupled with the operation portion  24  can be left. Therefore, it is possible to easily recognize that a disposable portion (the insertion portion  22 ) has been already used in a surgical apparatus, e.g., the disposable endoscope  12 . Additionally, even if the coupled state of the insertion portion  22  with respect to the operation portion  24  of the endoscope  22  is released, an indication that enables recognition that a used state is kept in the insertion portion  22 , and hence erroneous reuse due to disappearance of the indication can be avoided. Therefore, whether the disposable portion has been used can be more assuredly recognized even after the insertion portion  22  is used and the coupled state with respect to the operation portion  24  is released in particular. 
         [0052]    Further, even if cleaning or the like is performed in a state that the pigment-containing bag  72  is broken, the pigment partially still remains at any position in the insertion portion  22 . Furthermore, the endoscope  12  having the insertion portion  22  on which the indication of the used state based on the attachment of the pigment is kept can make a strong impression on a patient and others. Therefore, since the use of such an endoscope  12  having the insertion portion  22  that has such the pigment attached thereto may possibly become a problem, the endoscope  12  can be hardly used for a new patient. 
         [0053]    It is to be noted that the example that the judgment is made upon whether the connection has been achieved based on the change in color of the pigment after simply flowing the pigment in the second chamber  76  of the pigment-containing bag  72  into the first chamber  74  through the easy-peel portion  78  has been described herein. Additionally, it is also preferable to form the first chamber  74  of the pigment-containing bag  72  itself into appropriate characters or symbols such as “USED”. When such a configuration is adopted, whether the insertion portion  22  has been already connected with the operation portion  24  can be more assuredly recognized by raising characters or symbols in addition to changing the color. 
         [0054]    Further, although the pigment-containing bag  72  of the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is directly pushed by the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  in this example, it is also preferable to seal the accommodation portion  56  with the pigment-containing bag  72  being contained in a flexible sheet-like member  58  formed of, e.g., a polyolefin-based resin material, chloroethene, or PTFE depicted in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0055]    In this case, one end of the sheet-like member  58  is fixed to an end part of the accommodation portion  56 , and the other end of the sheet-like member  58  is fixed to the exterior frame  52  by an adhesive or the like. The sheet-like member  58  is formed to be hardly removed. When the sheet-like member  58  is removed, bored, or deformed, the state that the insertion portion  22  has been coupled with the operation portion  24  or the used state is confirmed, thereby enabling the recognition that the use should be avoided. 
         [0056]    It is to be noted using a member that is plastically deformed or using a member that is destroyed in place of the flexible sheet-like member  58  is also preferable. Further, when the accommodation portion  56  is sealed by the sheet-like member  58  or the like, it is also preferable to use, e.g., a capsule that can be easily destroyed by pressing force caused at the time of coupling the operation portion  24  with the insertion portion  22  in place of using the pigment-containing bag  72 . In this case, a pigment in the capsule diffuses in the accommodation portion  56  to cause the pigment to attach to the window portion  54 , thus enabling a judgment on a change in color. 
         [0057]    Furthermore, although the example where the window portion  54  is provided to the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  has been explained, the window portion  54  does not have to be necessarily provided to the opening portion  52   a , and a state that the communication with the outside of the accommodation portion  56  is achieved is also preferable. 
         [0058]    Moreover, it is often the case that the appearance of the endoscope is black, but the appearance is not restricted to the black color, various colors are allowed, and a transparent color or the like is also allowed because the insertion portion  22  of the endoscope  12  according to this embodiment is of a disposable type. In this case, if the pigment is attached to the insertion portion  22 , it, is preferable to select a pigment that is distinctive to an exterior color so that the attached pigment can be readily recognized. 
         [0059]    Additionally, in this embodiment, the configuration that the endoscope  12  is divided into the insertion portion  22  and the operation portion  24  has been described, but a configuration that the insertion portion  22  and the operation portion  24  of the endoscope  12  are integrated can also obtain the same functions and effects. That is, in this embodiment, the configuration that the pigment-containing bag  72  is provided in the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  has been described, but it is also preferable to provide the same configuration as the first coupling portion  38  to the connector  48  serving as the first coupling portion of the endoscope (the first medical equipment as a disposable part)  12  and provide the same configuration as the second coupling portion  44  to the light source (the second medical equipment as a reusable part)  14  serving as the second coupling portion, for example. In this case, the endoscopic system  10  as a medical apparatus can obtain the same functions and effects as those explained above in the relationship between the connector  48  of the endoscope  12  and the light source  14 . 
         [0060]    It is to be noted that, in this embodiment, any one or combinations of the pigment-containing bag  72 , the opening portion  52   a , the window portion  54 , and others constitute a part of an indicator (indication means), and any one or combinations of the engagement portion  62 , the pigment-containing bag  72 , the easy-peel portion  78 , and others constitute a keeping portion (keeping means). 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0061]    A second embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 4A to 5 . This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and like reference numbers denote members equal to those described in the first embodiment, thereby omitting a detailed explanation. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  includes a flat plate  82  that can be readily put into the accommodation portion  56  and is hard to be removed from the same in place of the pigment-containing bag  72 . For example, a concave portion  56   a  is formed in the accommodation portion  56 , and a protrusion  82   a  is formed on the flat plate  82 . Therefore, when the flat plate  82  is slid with respect to the accommodation portion  56 , the protrusion  82   a  of the flat plate  82  engages with the concave portion  56   a  of the accommodation portion  56 . Therefore, the flat plate  82  can be easily put into the accommodation portion  56 , and the flat plate  82  that is once accommodated in the accommodation portion  56  is hard to be taken out. It is to be noted that a word, e.g., “USED” is provided on the flat plate  82  by printing or the like as shown in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0063]    An engagement portion  64  of the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  has a shape different from that of the engagement portion  62  described in the first embodiment, and it is formed to press an end of the flat plate  82  when putting the flat plate  82  into the accommodation portion  56 . 
         [0064]    A function of the endoscope  12  according to this embodiment will now be described. 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 4A , when using the endoscope  12 , the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is set to face the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 . At this time, the flat plate  82  is placed at a position depicted in  FIG. 4A . Therefore, a color of the wall surface of the accommodation portion  56  can be visually confirmed through the window portion  54 . 
         [0066]    Moreover, the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is coupled with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  in a predetermined state. At this time, the end part of the flat plate  82  is pressed by the engagement portion  64  of the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 . Therefore, the flat plate  82  is slid by this pressure, whereby the flat plate  82  is accommodated in the accommodation portion  56  as depicted in  FIG. 4B . Therefore, the word “USED” on the flat plate  82  can be visually confirmed through the window portion  54 . 
         [0067]    Therefore, it is recognized that the disposable insertion portion  22  is coupled with the reusable operation portion  24 . The endoscope  12  in this state is used for, e.g., a living tissue. 
         [0068]    Additionally, after the use of the endoscope  12 , the insertion portion  22  is separated from the operation portion  24 . At this time, the state that the flat plate  82  is accommodated in the accommodation portion  56  is kept. Therefore, even if the insertion portion  22  is decoupled from the operation portion  24 , the state that the insertion portion  22  is coupled with the operation portion  24  is continuously confirmed. 
         [0069]    It is to be noted that the example where the single concave portion  56   a  of the accommodation portion  56  and the single protrusion  82   a  of the flat plate  82  are provided as depicted in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  has been described in this embodiment, but a configuration that another protrusion  82   b  of the flat plate  82  engages with the concave portion  56   a  of the accommodation portion  56  as shown in  FIG. 5  is also preferable. Then, it is possible to prevent the flat plate  82  from being accommodated in the accommodation portion  56  when the flat plate  82  is slid before the engagement of the insertion portion  22  and the operation portion  24 . Further, when the flat plate  82  has the other protrusion  82   b  in this manner, the other protrusion  82   b  of the flat plate  82  engages with the other concave portion  52   b  of the accommodation portion  56  at the time of coupling the insertion portion  22  with the operation portion  24 . 
         [0070]    Furthermore, in this embodiment, any one or combinations of the flat plate  82 , the opening portion  52   a , the window portion  54 , and others constitute an indicator (indication means), and any one or combinations of the concave portion  56   a  (and the concave portion  56   b ), the protrusion  82   a  (and the protrusion  82   b ), the first coupling portion  38 , the second coupling portion  44 , the engagement portion  62 , and others constitute a keeping portion (keeping means). 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0071]    A third embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 . This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and like reference numbers denote members equal to those described in the first embodiment, thereby omitting a detailed description thereof. 
         [0072]    As shown in  FIG. 6 , a cylindrical air supply/water supply button arrangement portion  102  is formed in the operation portion main body  42  of the endoscope  12 . An air supply/water supply button  104  that can be pushed in an axial direction with respect to the air supply/water supply button arrangement portion  102  is arranged on the air supply/water supply button arrangement portion  102 . It is to be noted that a communication hole  104   a  and a leak hole  104   b  communicating with an operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  and an insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116  which will be described later are formed in the air supply/water supply button  104 . 
         [0073]    One end of each of the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  and an operation-portion-side water supply tube  108  is connected with the air supply/water supply arrangement portion  102 . Each of the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  and the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108  is arranged in the universal cable  46 . Further, an air supply pump  110  is connected with the other end of the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  through the connector  48  in addition to the universal cable  46 . A water supply bottle  112  is connected with the other end of the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108  through the universal cable  46 . A branch tube  106   a  of the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  is further connected with the water supply bottle  112 . It is to be noted that the water supply bottle  112  is filled with a liquid such as a normal saline solution, and the other end of the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108  is provided in the liquid. On the other hand, an end part of the branch tube  106   a  is provided in a space in the water supply bottle  112 . 
         [0074]    In an insertion portion  22  of the endoscope  12 , the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116  and an insertion-portion-side water supply tube  118  are arranged separately from the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  and the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108  of the operation portion  24 . The insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116  and the insertion-portion-side water supply tube  118  are coupled with each other at a distal end portion of the insertion portion  22 . An air supply/water supply nozzle  120  is arranged at a distal end portion of the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116  and the insertion-portion-side water supply tube  118 . That is, the air supply/water supply nozzle  120  is arranged to protrude from a distal end surface of the distal end hard portion  32 . 
         [0075]    Further, as explained above, when the air supply/water supply button  104  is operated, a communication state between the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  and the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116  is switched, and a communication state between the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108  and the insertion-portion-side water supply tube  118  is switched. 
         [0076]    Here, when the leak hole  104   b  is opened, air supplied from the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  is discharged to the outside from the leak hole  104   b  of the air supply/water supply button  104 . When the leak hole  104   b  of the air supply/water supply button  104  is closed with a finger, the air supplied from the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  is fed to the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116  through the communication hole  104   a  to be discharged from the air supply/water supply nozzle  120 . 
         [0077]    When the air supply/water supply button  104  is pushed with the leak hole  104   b  being closed with a finger, the communication between the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  and the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116  is blocked, and the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108  and the insertion-portion-side water supply tube  118  communicate with each other through the communication hole  104   a . Air flows into the water supply bottle  112  from the air supply pump  110  via the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106  and the branch tube  106   a . Thus, pressure is applied to the liquid in the water supply bottle  112 . Accordingly, the liquid in the water supply bottle  112  is supplied to the insertion-portion-side water supply tube  118  from the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108  to be discharged from the air supply/water supply nozzle  120 . 
         [0078]    The first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is arranged in the middle of the insertion-portion-side water supply tube  118  arranged from the air supply/water supply button arrangement portion  102  toward the distal end side of the insertion portion  22 . 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the first coupling portion  38  includes a mechanism that enables coupling with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 , a fixing portion  122 , a slide portion  124  slidably coupled with the fixing portion  122 , and a pigment-containing capsule  126  arranged in the fixing portion  122 . The fixing portion  122  and the slide portion  124  are lucidly formed to enable visually confirming the pigment-containing capsule  126  through the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  or the window portion  54 . 
         [0080]    As a pigment in the pigment-containing capsule  126 , it is possible to use a pigment whose trace can be left after use like the pigment described in each of the foregoing embodiments or a pigment whose trace cannot be left when a liquid such as wafer is caused to flow as different from the above-described pigment. Such a pigment may be supplied to the inside of a body in some cases, and hence one that meets criteria such as a Japanese Pharmaceutical Excipients or Japanese Standards of Food Additives is used. 
         [0081]    The fixing portion  122  is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape coupled with the first coupling portion  38 . A first water supply tube  132  having a needle  132   a  is arranged on a bottom part of the fixing portion  122 . 
         [0082]    On the other hand, the slide portion  124  is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape coupled with the fixing portion  122 . A second water supply tube  134  having a needle  134   a  is arranged on a bottom part of the slide portion  124 . Furthermore, the pigment-containing capsule  126  is arranged in the slide portion  124 . 
         [0083]    The pigment-containing capsule  126  includes a transparent cylindrical portion  142  and rubber stoppers  144  and  146  arranged at both ends of the cylindrical portion  142 . Moreover, the cylindrical portion  142  of the pigment-containing capsule  126  is filled with a pigment and sealed by the rubber stoppers  144  and  146 . Additionally, the needle  132   a  of the first water supply tube  132  of the fixing portion  122  faces one rubber stopper  144  of the pigment-containing capsule  126 . The needle  134   a  of the second water supply tube  134  faces the other rubber stopper  146  of the pigment-containing capsule  126 . 
         [0084]    It is to be noted that, when coupling the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 , the second water supply tube  134  may be directly connected with the air supply/water supply button arrangement portion  102  or may be connected with the air supply/water supply button arrangement portion  102  through the tube  118   a  (see  FIG. 6 ). On the other hand, the insertion-portion-side water supply tube  118  is fixed to the first water supply tube  132 . 
         [0085]    A function of the endoscope  12  according to this embodiment will now be described. 
         [0086]    When coupling the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 , the slide portion  124  is pushed and moved with respect to the fixing portion  122 . Further, when pushing force is applied to each of the needle  132   a  of the first water supply tube  132  and the needle  134   a  of the second water supply tube  134 , the rubber stoppers  144  and  146  of the pigment-containing capsule  126  are burst. Therefore, the needle  132   a  of the first water supply tube  132  and the needle  134   a  of the second water supply tube  134  are inserted into the cylindrical portion  142 . 
         [0087]    In this state, the air supply/water supply button  104  is operated to flow the liquid from the water supply bottle  112  toward the first water supply tube  132  of the fixing portion  122  through the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108 , the second water supply tube  134  of the slide portion  124 , and the cylindrical portion  142  of the pigment-containing capsule  126 . Then, the pigment in the cylindrical portion  142  of the pigment-containing capsule  126  flows out together with the liquid. Therefore, the pigment in the cylindrical portion  142  is gradually thinned. Further, although almost all of the pigment is eventually removed from the cylindrical portion  142  but, in case of the pigment whose trace remains, judging whether the pigment is present through the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  or the window portion  54  enables recognition of whether the insertion portion  22  has been already used. Furthermore, in case of the pigment whose trace does not remain at all after flowing out, judging whether the pigment is present through the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  or the window portion  54  enables recognition of whether the insertion portion  22  has been already used. 
         [0088]    Moreover, even if the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is decoupled from the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 , a state that the pigment-containing capsule  126  is arranged at the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  or the window portion  54  is kept since the fixing portion  122  and the slide portion  124  are provided on the insertion portion  22  side. 
         [0089]    It is to be noted that, in the embodiment using the pigment whose trace remains after supplying water, a configuration that a non-illustrated color comparison table is fixed at an edge part of the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  is preferable. 
         [0090]    As explained above, according to this embodiment, the following matters can be said. 
         [0091]    After supplying the water from the water supply bottle  112  into the pigment-containing capsule  126  through the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108 , the pigment partially leaves a trace or the pigment in the pigment-containing capsule  126  is caused to flow out to run out, whereby a state that the fluid such as a normal saline solution has been actually caused to flow to the operation-portion-side water supply tube  108  and the insertion-portion-side water supply tube  118  of the endoscope  12 , i.e., a state that the endoscope  12  has been used, can be recognized. Furthermore, a state which enables confirming that the endoscope  12  has been already used can be kept. 
         [0092]    It is to be noted that, in this embodiment, any one or combinations of the pigment-containing capsule  126 , the opening portion  52   a , the window portion  54 , and others constitute an indicator (indication means), and any one or combinations of the first coupling portion  38 , the second coupling portion  44 , the opening portion  52   a , the window portion  54 , and others constitute a keeping portion (keeping means). 
       Fourth Embodiment 
       [0093]    A fourth embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIG. 8 . This embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment, and like reference numbers denote members equal to those described in the third embodiment, thereby omitting a detailed explanation thereof. 
         [0094]    Although not shown, an oxygen indicator (a notification portion or indication means and a keeping portion or keeping means)  150  is fixed to the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  or the window portion  54  of the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22 . The oxygen indicator  150  is also fixed to the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116 . 
         [0095]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the oxygen indicator  150  includes a frame body  152 , an oxygen barrier film  154  arranged on the frame body  152 , a check valve  156  arranged between the inside of the frame body  152  and the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116 , and a film-like or plate-like pigment  158 . The check valve  156  allows the passage of gas from the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116  but avoids the passage of the gas from an opposite direction, i.e., the oxygen indicator  150  side. Additionally, a part of the frame body  152  substitutes for the window portion  54  arranged on the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  to prevent gas (oxygen) from entering. The pigment  158  contains a redox pigment and reacts with oxygen to change its color. As a material of the oxygen barrier film, any material having transparency such as an ethylene-vinylalcohol copolymer (EVOH) resin material or a polyvinylidene-chloride (PVDC) resin can be preferably utilized. 
         [0096]    Therefore, when air enters the frame body  152  from the air supply pump  110  through the operation-portion-side air supply tube  106 , the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116 , and the check valve  156  of the oxygen indicator  150 , oxygen contained in the air reacts with the pigment  158 . This can be observed through the oxygen barrier film  154 . Further, the pigment  158  keeps a state after such a reaction. Therefore, visually confirming the state of the pigment  158  through the oxygen barrier film  154  enables recognition of whether the insertion portion  22  has been already used. 
         [0097]    It is to be noted that, when the pigment  158  is to be replaced, the new pigment  158  may highly possibly react with oxygen, and hence the pigment  158  must be replaced together with the oxygen indicator  150 . However, when replacement is carried out in this manner, the insertion-portion-side air supply tube  116  must be replaced in addition to the oxygen indicator  150 . In this case, since the insertion portion  22  must be disassembled, reuse of the insertion portion  22  is avoided. 
       Fifth Embodiment 
       [0098]    A fifth embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . This embodiment is a modification of the third embodiment, and like reference numbers denote members equal to those described in the third embodiment, thereby omitting a detailed explanation thereof. 
         [0099]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , a cylindrical suction button arrangement portion  162  is formed in the operation portion main body  42  of the endoscope  12 . A suction button  164  that can be pushed in an axial direction with respect to the suction button arrangement portion  162  is arranged on the suction button arrangement portion  162 . 
         [0100]    One end of an operation-portion-side suction tube  166  is connected with the suction button arrangement portion  162 . The operation-portion-side suction tube  166  is arranged in the universal cable  46 . Further, the other end of the operation-portion-side suction tube  166  is fixed to the connector  48  through the universal cable  46 . Furthermore, one end of a suction-pump-side tube  168  is arranged in the connector  48 . The other end of the suction-pump-side tube  168  is connected with a suction pump  170 . The suction pump  170  includes a suction bottle (not shown) in which a suctioned substance is arranged. 
         [0101]    An insertion-portion-side suction tube  172  of the insertion portion  22  is arranged in the insertion portion  22  of the endoscope  12  separately from the operation-portion-side suction tube  166  of the operation portion  24 . A distal end part of the insertion-portion-side suction tube  172  is opened at the distal end of the distal end hard portion  32 . 
         [0102]    Moreover, a branch tube  172   a  communicating with the insertion-portion-side suction tube  172  is arranged at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion  22 . An end portion of the branch tube  172   a  is arranged in a forceps opening portion  174 . A non-illustrated forceps stopper is arranged in the forceps opening portion  174  so that forceps can be arranged in a state that the insertion-portion-side suction tube  172  is sealed. 
         [0103]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a pH indicator (a notification portion or indication means)  180  is fixed to the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  or the window portion  54  of the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22 . The pH indicator  180  is also fixed to the insertion-portion-side suction tube  172 . 
         [0104]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the pH indicator  180  includes a frame body  182  and a moisture holding substrate (a keeping portion or keeping means)  184  such as dried gel arranged in the frame body  182 . When a part of the frame body  182  serves as the window portion  54  arranged on the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52 . The moisture holding substrate  184  contains a pH indicator that undergoes a color change in a weak acidic to strong acidic region or a weak acidic to weak basic region. In the insertion-portion-side suction tube  172 , a plurality of opening portions  186  through which a suctioned substance comes into contact with the moisture holding substrate  184  are formed at positions facing the frame body  182 . Further, the moisture holding substrate  184  is formed into a configuration that it cannot be removed from the frame body  182  since it is fixed to the frame body  182 , for example. Furthermore, the frame body  182  is also formed into a shape in which the moisture holding substrate  184  cannot be newly put. 
         [0105]    It is to be noted that, as the pH indicator, methyl orange, methyl red, or litmus is used. Moreover, for example, thymol blue, litmus, bromthymol blue, or phenol red is used for an upper endoscope and a lower endoscope. It is to be noted that congo red, phenol red, or the like is used for the upper endoscope and methyl yellow, methyl orange, methyl red, or the like is used for the lower endoscope, but any indicator which undergoes a color change in a weak acidic to strong acidic region can be preferably used for the upper endoscope, and any indicator which undergoes a color change in a weak acidic to weak basic region can be used for the lower endoscope. 
         [0106]    Therefore, when the suction button  164  is operated to perform suction in a state that the endoscope  12  is inserted in, e.g., a body cavity, a suctioned substance comes into contact with the moisture holding substrate  184  of the frame body  182  through the opening portion  186  of the insertion-portion-side suction tube  172 . Additionally, a color of the pH indicator contained in the moisture holding substrate  184  changes in accordance with properties of the suctioned substance. This can be observed through the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  or the window portion  54 . Further, the moisture holding substrate  184  containing the pH indicator keeps a state after the color has changed in this manner. Therefore, visually confirming the state of the moisture holding substrate  184  through the window portion  54  enables recognition of whether the insertion portion  22  has been already used. 
         [0107]    It is to be noted that the configuration using the oxygen indicator  150  has been explained in the fourth embodiment whilst the configuration using the pH indicator  180  has been explained in the fifth embodiment, but using, e.g., a water leakage detection sticker (not shown) which is called “water indicator” is also preferable. For example, a red or pink dot pattern is printed on a surface of the water leakage detection sticker (an indicator or indication means and a keeping portion or keeping means) and the dot pattern is dissolved to bleed when getting wet with water, and hence a history recording that the pattern got wet with water in the past can be recognized even after drying. Alternatively, an indicator which is originally substantially white but gets red when coming into contact with water and keeps the color even after drying is also used. 
       Sixth Embodiment 
       [0108]    A sixth embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 11A to 12 . This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and like reference numbers denote members equal to those described in the first embodiment, thereby omitting a detailed description thereof. 
         [0109]    A digital paper (an indicator or indication means and a keeping portion and keeping means)  210  is embedded in the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22 . The digital paper (electronic paper)  210  is fixed to the opening portion  52   a  of the exterior frame  52  or the window portion  54  of the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22 . 
         [0110]    For the digital paper  210 , for example, there is adopted a microcapsule electrophoretic scheme that uses charged white and black particles in a transparent microcapsule with which a substrate surface is coated, applies a voltage P, and thereby moves pigment particle to effect indication. 
         [0111]    As shown in  FIG. 11A , the microcapsule type digital paper  210  includes many microcapsules  212 , a transparent electrode (ITO)  214  and a back plate  216  which are utilized to arrange these microcapsules  212  in one layer, a polyimide film  218  having printed circuits printed on both surfaces, and a PET film  220 . As shown in  FIG. 11B , the microcapsule  212  includes a capsule wall  222 , and black fine particles  224  and white fine particles  226  which are arranged in the capsule wall  222 . The transparent electrode  214  and the back plate  216  are arranged to enable changing polarities thereof. 
         [0112]    It is to be noted that a switch of the digital paper  210  is not shown, but it is turned on when the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is coupled with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24  for the first time. Further, even after the first coupling portion  38  is decoupled from the second coupling portion  44 , the ON state of the switch is kept when the first coupling portion  38  is plastically deformed, for example. Furthermore, for a power supply (a keeping portion or keeping means) of the digital paper  210 , it is preferable to use a battery arranged in the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22 , electric power that is supplied to a non-illustrated imaging element provided in the distal end hard portion  32  when the controller  16  is connected with the endoscope  12 , or electric power that is supplied to an imaging element (not shown) provided in the distal end hard portion  32  when the insertion portion  22  is connected with the operation portion  24 . 
         [0113]    Therefore, when the transparent electrode  214  on an observation side of a user of the endoscope  12  denoted by reference character E depicted in  FIG. 11B  is charged to have a positive polarity, the white fine particles  226  charged to have a negative polarity move toward the electrode. The black fine particles  224  charged to have the positive polarity move toward the back plate  216 . Therefore, the microcapsule  212  is visually confirmed as being black. 
         [0114]    Moreover, when the microcapsules  212  are controlled in the entire digital paper  210 , characters “USED” are shown on the digital paper  210  in this embodiment as shown in  FIG. 12 . Additionally, in this embodiment, when the characters “USED” are once shown, the switched is turned on to keep the indication. That is, when the first coupling portion  38  of the insertion portion  22  is coupled with the second coupling portion  44  of the operation portion  24 , the switch is kept in the ON state due to the coupling, and means for turning off the switch is not provided. Further, since such digital paper  210  can effect the indication with low electric power, the battery slowly runs out, whereby the indication of the characters “USED” can be kept for a longer period of time. Therefore, the state that the insertion portion  22  has been used can be recognized for a long time. 
         [0115]    It is to be noted that the description has been given as to the example that the characters “USED” are shown alone in this embodiment, but it is also preferable to effect on the digital paper  210  the indication of various kinds of information, e.g., information indicating that the endoscope  12  is normal or abnormal when the insertion portion  22  and the operation portion  24  of the endoscope  12  are coupled with each other (including information indicative of an abnormal part in case of abnormality) or information indicating that the endoscope  12  is normal or abnormal when the endoscope  12  is connected with the light source  14 . 
         [0116]    Furthermore, although the microcapsule electrophorestic device is taken as the example of the digital paper  210  in the foregoing embodiment, various kinds of devices such as a flexible organic EL device, a liquid crystal display device, a twist ball display device, a powder transfer display device, or a thermal display device can be utilized. 
       Seventh Embodiment 
       [0117]    A seventh embodiment will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 13 to 14B . This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and like reference numbers denote members equal to those described in the first embodiment, thereby omitting a detailed description thereof. 
         [0118]    As shown in  FIG. 13 , in the endoscopic system (a medical apparatus)  10 , peripheral devices of the endoscope (a first medical equipment)  12  such as the light source  14  or the controller  16  are arranged on a trolley (a second medical equipment)  240  at the time of use. A scope hanger  242  on which the endoscope  12  is put is arranged on the trolley  240 . The scope hanger (a coupling portion)  242  includes a column support  244  whose protruding length from the trolley  240  can be changed and a holding portion  246  arranged at a top portion of the support column  244 . 
         [0119]    The holding portion  246  includes a substantially-U-like concave portion  252 . The concave portion  252  is used for hooking the operation portion main body  42  and hooking the universal cable  46  extended from the operation portion main body  42 . Furthermore, a protrusion  254  is formed on the concave portion  252 . The protrusion  254  is formed at a position at which a later-described transparent window  266  is pushed when the endoscope  12  is put on the scope hanger  242 . 
         [0120]    On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 14A , at a root portion of the universal cable  46  of the endoscope  12  (a part of the universal cable  46  that is designated by reference character  14 A in  FIG. 13  as a part close to the operation portion main body  42 ), a pigment-containing portion  262  is formed into a concave shape. For example, a capsule  264  containing a pigment is arranged in the pigment-containing portion  262 . Moreover, a clear and flexible transparent window  266  is arranged and sealed on the pigment accommodation portion  262  with the capsule  264  being put in the portion. It is to be noted that a space formed between the transparent window  266  and the pigment accommodation portion  262  is formed to be very narrow. The flexibility of the transparent window  266  is formed in such a manner that a volume of a space formed between the transparent window  266  and the pigment accommodation portion  262  is greatly reduced as shown in  FIG. 14B  when the endoscope  12  is put on the scope hanger  242 . 
         [0121]    A function of the endoscopic system  10  according to the embodiment will now be described. 
         [0122]    Before using the endoscope  12 , as shown in  FIG. 14A , the capsule  264  in the pigment-containing portion  262  is filled with a pigment as shown in  FIG. 14A . Additionally, the endoscope  12  is put on the scope hanger  242  before using the endoscope  12  or in order to use any other equipment. At this time, the transparent window  266  of the endoscope  12  is pressed against the protrusion  254  of the scope hanger  242  due to the gravity of the endoscope  12  itself. Therefore, as shown in  FIG. 14B , the capsule  264  in the pigment accommodation portion  262  receives a pressure to be destroyed. Accordingly, the pigment in the capsule  264  flows out into the space between the pigment accommodation portion  262  and the transparent window  266 . Therefore, it is possible to readily recognize that the pigment has adhered to the transparent window  266  and the capsule  264  has been destroyed through the transparent window  266  and also recognize a change in color that can be visually confirmed through the transparent window  266 . 
         [0123]    Here, the transparent window  266  cannot be removed. Alternatively, since an unnatural repair mark or the like remains when the transparent window  266  is removed, even if time elapses after use of the endoscope  12 , whether the preparation for using the endoscope  12  has been made or whether the endoscope  12  has been used can be recognized. 
         [0124]    It is to be noted that the description has been given as to the example where the pigment accommodation portion  262  is provided at the root portion (the part denoted by reference character  14 A in  FIG. 13 ) of the universal cable  46  with respect to the operation portion main body  42 , but it is also preferable to provide the pigment accommodation portion  262  at any position, e.g., the operation portion main body  42  itself to which the gravity is applied in a state that the transparent window  266  is in contact with the protrusion  254  of the scope hanger  242 . 
         [0125]    Further, in this embodiment, the capsule  264  constitutes an indicator or indication means, and the pigment-containing portion  262  and the transparent window  266  constitute a keeping portion or keeping means. 
         [0126]    Although the several embodiments have been specifically described with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not restricted to the foregoing embodiments, and it includes all embodiments carried out without departing from the scope thereof. 
         [0127]    According to the preceding embodiments, there can be provided the medical apparatus that can readily determine that the medical equipments were coupled with each other in the past or that the medical equipments were used in the past while being coupled with each other even after decoupling.