Patent Description:
In the field of an endoscope in the related art, liquid is supplied into a body to be observed using a liquid supply pipe line, such as a treatment tool-insertion channel or a water jet pipe inserted into an endoscope. For example, <CIT> discloses a liquid supply device for an endoscope that sends liquid to the liquid supply pipe line. The liquid supply device for an endoscope sends liquid to the liquid supply pipe line by rotating a rotor and squeezing a part of the liquid supply tube with rollers arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the rotor in a state where the liquid supply tube is wound on the outer peripheral portion of the rotor.

Further, the liquid supply device for an endoscope disclosed in <CIT> comprises a flow rate adjustment knob, and the amount of liquid to be supplied to the liquid supply pipe line can be adjusted by the operation of the flow rate adjustment knob. <CIT> discloses an adapter identification of a reprocessing device for surgical instruments. <CIT> discloses a multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration pump system. <CIT> discloses an apparatus and method for recognizing coupling between two system components. <CIT> discloses a system for identifying the presence and correctness of a medical device accessory. <CIT> discloses a water leakage checking apparatus.

Meanwhile, liquid supply pipe lines (liquid supply pipe lines, such as treatment tool-insertion channels or water jet pipes) corresponding to a liquid supply destination to which liquid is to be sent from the liquid supply device for an endoscope generally have inner diameters that are different from each other due to the purpose or the intended use, design restrictions, or the like.

Further, for example, the liquid supply pipe line of a treatment tool, such as a high-frequency knife having a water supply function, may also be a liquid supply destination to which liquid is to be supplied from the liquid supply device for an endoscope. For this reason, it is desirable that a plurality of types of liquid supply tubes having, for example, different inner diameters or the like can be connected so as to be interchangeable and can be used in the liquid supply device for an endoscope according to the type of a liquid supply pipe line corresponding to the liquid supply destination.

However, in a case where a desired liquid supply tube among a plurality of types of liquid supply tubes is connected and used in the liquid supply device for an endoscope disclosed in <CIT>, a manipulator, such as an operator, should operate the flow rate adjustment knob and adjust the amount of liquid to be supplied in order to set the amount of liquid to be supplied suitable for the type of a liquid supply pipe line corresponding to the liquid supply destination and this operation is cumbersome. For this reason, there is a problem that the convenience for a manipulator is insufficient.

The invention has been made in consideration with the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the invention is to provide a liquid supply device for an endoscope, a liquid supply tube, and a liquid supply device body of which convenience can be improved.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid supply tube as claimed in claim <NUM>.

In the liquid supply device for an endoscope according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the flow rate-setting unit sets the flow rate of the liquid in a flow rate range different for each type of the liquid supply tube, and the liquid supply device comprises an adjustment unit allowing the flow rate of the liquid to be manually adjusted in the flow rate range set by the flow rate-setting unit.

In the liquid supply device for an endoscope according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that, in a state where the liquid supply tube is wound on a rotor including a plurality of rollers provided on an outer peripheral portion thereof, the pump sends liquid by rotating the rotor and squeezing the liquid supply tube with the rollers.

In the liquid supply device for an endoscope according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has mechanical identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is a mechanical reading unit capable of mechanically reading the mechanical identification information.

In the liquid supply device for an endoscope according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has magnetic identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is a magnetic reading unit capable of magnetically reading the magnetic identification information.

In the liquid supply device for an endoscope according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has electric identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is an electric reading unit capable of electrically reading the electric identification information.

In the liquid supply device for an endoscope according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has optical identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is an optical reading unit capable of optically reading the optical identification information.

In the liquid supply device for an endoscope according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the liquid supply tube includes at least one joint of a first joint to be connected to a first tube corresponding to a liquid destination side or a second joint to be connected to a second tube corresponding to a liquid source side and the identifier is provided on the one joint.

In the liquid supply device for an endoscope according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the part to which liquid is to be supplied is a liquid supply pipe line provided in an endoscope or a treatment tool.

In order to achieve the object of the invention, a liquid supply tube according to another aspect of the invention is used for a liquid supply device for an endoscope including a liquid supply device body, to which a plurality of types of liquid supply tubes are connected so as to be interchangeable, and sends liquid to a part to which liquid is to be supplied by a pump provided in the liquid supply device body. The liquid supply tube comprises an identifier that is used to identify the type of the liquid supply tube, and the identifier is provided at a position that is capable of being recognized by an identifier recognition unit provided in the liquid supply device body in a case where the liquid supply tube is connected to the liquid supply device body.

In the liquid supply tube according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has mechanical identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is a mechanical reading unit capable of mechanically reading the mechanical identification information.

In the liquid supply tube according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has magnetic identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is a magnetic reading unit capable of magnetically reading the magnetic identification information.

In the liquid supply tube according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has electric identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is an electric reading unit capable of electrically reading the electric identification information.

In the liquid supply tube according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has optical identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is an optical reading unit capable of optically reading the optical identification information.

In the liquid supply tube according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the part to which liquid is to be supplied is a liquid supply pipe line provided in an endoscope or a treatment tool.

In order to achieve the object of the invention, a liquid supply device body according to still another aspect of the invention is a liquid supply device body to which a plurality of types of liquid supply tubes are connected so as to be interchangeable and in which the liquid supply tube is provided with an identifier used to identify the type of the liquid supply tube. The liquid supply device body comprises a pump that sends liquid to a part to which liquid is to be supplied through the liquid supply tube, an identifier recognition unit that recognizes the identifier, and a flow rate-setting unit that sets a flow rate of the liquid to be supplied to the part to which liquid is to be supplied for each type of the liquid supply tube by changing an operating condition of the pump on the basis of the identifier recognized by the identifier recognition unit.

In the liquid supply device body according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the flow rate-setting unit sets the flow rate of the liquid in a flow rate range different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the liquid supply device comprises an adjustment unit allowing the flow rate of the liquid to be manually adjusted in the flow rate range set by the flow rate-setting unit.

In the liquid supply device body according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that, in a state where the liquid supply tube is wound on a rotor including a plurality of rollers provided on an outer peripheral portion thereof, the pump sends liquid by rotating the rotor and squeezing the liquid supply tube with the rollers.

In the liquid supply device body according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has mechanical identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is a mechanical reading unit capable of mechanically reading the mechanical identification information.

In the liquid supply device body according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has magnetic identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is a magnetic reading unit capable of magnetically reading the magnetic identification information.

In the liquid supply device body according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has electric identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is an electric reading unit capable of electrically reading the electric identification information.

In the liquid supply device body according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the identifier has optical identification information different for each type of the liquid supply tube and the identifier recognition unit is an optical reading unit capable of optically reading the optical identification information.

In the liquid supply device body according to this aspect of the invention, it is preferable that the part to which liquid is to be supplied is a liquid supply pipe line provided in an endoscope or a treatment tool.

According to the invention, convenience can be improved.

A liquid supply device for an endoscope, a liquid supply tube, and a liquid supply device body according to embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a diagram showing the entire configuration in which a liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope according to an embodiment is shown together with an endoscope <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing four different types of tube units <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that are connected to a liquid supply pipe line of the endoscope <NUM> and a tube unit <NUM> that is connected to a liquid supply pipe line of a high-frequency knife <NUM> that is a treatment tool. These tube units <NUM> to <NUM> are connected to a liquid supply device body <NUM> forming the liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope so as to be interchangeable depending on the purpose or the intended use.

Further, the liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope includes a tank <NUM> in which liquid, such as a normal saline solution or a chemical solution, is stored, and the tank <NUM> is used in a state where the tank <NUM> is attachably and detachably placed on a tank tray <NUM> provided on the liquid supply device body <NUM>. The liquid supply device body <NUM> and the tube units <NUM> to <NUM> will be described later.

Next, an example of the endoscope <NUM> to be connected to the liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope will be described with reference to <FIG>.

<FIG> is a diagram showing the configuration of an endoscope system <NUM> comprising the endoscope <NUM>. The endoscope system <NUM> comprises the endoscope <NUM>, a processor device <NUM> for an endoscope, and a display <NUM>.

The endoscope <NUM> comprises an operation unit <NUM> and an insertion unit <NUM> that is provided on the distal end side of the operation unit <NUM> and is to be inserted into a body to be observed.

The insertion unit <NUM> includes a soft part <NUM>, a bendable part <NUM>, and a distal end part <NUM> that are arranged in this order toward a distal end from a proximal end. An air/water supply channel <NUM>, a water jet pipe <NUM>, and a treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM> shown in <FIG> by a dotted line, and the like are provided in the insertion unit <NUM>. The air/water supply channel <NUM> is formed of a pipe line that jets liquid or air to an observation window (not shown) provided on a distal end face 46A of the distal end part <NUM> through a nozzle (not shown). The water jet pipe <NUM> is formed of a liquid supply pipe line that supplies liquid into the body to be observed, and the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM> includes a pipe line into which a treatment tool is to be inserted and a liquid supply pipe line that supplies liquid into the body to be observed.

The operation unit <NUM> includes an operation unit body <NUM> and a grip part <NUM> connected to the operation unit body <NUM>, and the proximal end portion of the insertion unit <NUM> is connected to the distal end side of the grip part <NUM> through a bending-proof pipe <NUM>. The grip part <NUM> is a part that is gripped by an operator during an examination using the endoscope <NUM>.

The operation unit body <NUM> is provided with a universal cable <NUM>. A connector unit <NUM> is provided on the distal end side of the universal cable <NUM>, and is connected to the processor device <NUM> for an endoscope. The processor device <NUM> for an endoscope comprises a light source device <NUM> and an image processing device <NUM>. The light source device <NUM> is provided with a processor-side connector 34A to which the connector unit <NUM> is to be connected. Further, a display <NUM>, which displays an image subjected to image processing by the image processing device <NUM>, is connected to the image processing device <NUM>. The endoscope system <NUM> is adapted to transmit electric power, optical signals, and the like between the endoscope <NUM> and the processor device <NUM> for an endoscope through a connector part, which includes the connector unit <NUM> and the processor-side connector 34A, in a non-contact manner. Accordingly, light generated from the light source device <NUM> is transmitted through an optical fiber cable (not shown), and is emitted from an illumination window (not shown) that is provided on the distal end face 46A of the distal end part <NUM>. Furthermore, the optical signals of an image taken from the observation window are subjected to image processing by the image processing device <NUM> and are displayed on the display <NUM> as an image.

Here, as shown in <FIG>, the connector unit <NUM> is provided with a liquid supply connector <NUM>. A proximal end opening of the water jet pipe <NUM> (see <FIG>) inserted into the insertion unit <NUM> and the universal cable <NUM> is connected to the liquid supply connector <NUM>. A distal end opening of the water jet pipe <NUM> is disposed on the distal end face 46A of the distal end part <NUM> as a jet port. Two types of the tube unit <NUM> and the tube unit <NUM> are connected to the liquid supply connector <NUM> shown in <FIG> so as to be interchangeable.

Returning to <FIG>, an air/water supply button <NUM> and a suction button <NUM> are installed side by side on the operation unit body <NUM>. In a case where the air/water supply button <NUM> is operated by an operator, liquid or air is supplied to the air/water supply channel <NUM>. Accordingly, liquid or air is jetted to the observation window. Further, in a case where the suction button <NUM> is operated by an operator, liquid present in the body to be observed is sucked from a distal end opening of the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM>, which is disposed on the distal end face 46A of the distal end part <NUM>, through the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM>.

The treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM> branches into a suction passage 52A and a treatment tool-insertion passage 52B in the grip part <NUM>. The suction passage 52A is connected to a suction port (not shown) of the connector unit <NUM> through a cylinder (not shown) of the suction button <NUM> and the universal cable <NUM>, and a suction pump (not shown) is connected to the suction port. Furthermore, the treatment tool-insertion passage 52B is connected to a forceps port <NUM> protruding from the grip part <NUM>. Two types of the tube unit <NUM> and the tube unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> are connected to the forceps port <NUM> so as to be interchangeable.

Further, the high-frequency knife <NUM> shown in <FIG> is introduced into the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM> from the forceps port <NUM> shown in <FIG> through the treatment tool-insertion passage 52B. The high-frequency knife <NUM> is provided with a liquid supply pipe line <NUM> shown in <FIG> by a dotted line, and the tube unit <NUM> is connected to a proximal end opening 74A of the liquid supply pipe line <NUM>.

Returning to <FIG>, the operation unit body <NUM> is provided with a pair of angle knobs <NUM> and <NUM> that is used to perform an operation for bending the bendable part <NUM>. The pair of angle knobs <NUM> and <NUM> is coaxially provided so as to be rotationally movable.

The schematic configuration of the endoscope system <NUM> shown in <FIG> has been described above. The liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope shown in <FIG> and <FIG> will be described below.

As shown in <FIG>, the liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope comprises the liquid supply device body <NUM>, the tank <NUM>, and a foot switch <NUM>. Five different types of tube units <NUM> to <NUM> shown in <FIG> are connected to the liquid supply device body <NUM> so as to be interchangeable depending on the purpose or the intended use.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the entire liquid supply device body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the liquid supply device body <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>. A pump head cover (hereinafter abbreviated as a "cover") <NUM>, a power switch <NUM>, a power switch indicator lamp <NUM>, a flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>, a liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM>, and a liquid supply tube-detection indicator lamp <NUM> are provided at predetermined positions on an operation panel <NUM> forming the front surface of the housing <NUM>. The operation panel <NUM> is formed of a surface that is inclined obliquely upward.

<FIG> is an enlarged view of main portions of the liquid supply device body <NUM> of which the cover <NUM> is open, and is a diagram showing that a pump <NUM> having been covered with the cover <NUM> is exposed to the outside.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is formed in a rectangular shape as a whole and is provided on the liquid supply device body <NUM> so as to be openable and closable through hinge portions <NUM> and <NUM> that are provided on both left and right sides of a lower portion thereof.

As shown in <FIG>, the pump <NUM> is provided in a rotor housing chamber <NUM> that is exposed to the outside since the cover <NUM> is open. The pump <NUM> includes a DC brushless motor (see <FIG>. Hereinafter abbreviated as a "motor") <NUM> that is installed in the housing <NUM>, a disc-shaped rotor <NUM> that is rotated by the motor <NUM>, and three rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> that are mounted on the outer peripheral portion of the rotor <NUM> at regular intervals. A liquid supply tube of one tube unit selected from the five types of tube units <NUM> to <NUM> is fixed to the pump <NUM> provided in the liquid supply device body <NUM> in a state where the liquid supply tube is wound in a U shape on the outer peripheral portion of the rotor <NUM>. The liquid supply tube will be described later.

According to the pump <NUM> having the above-mentioned configuration, a part of the liquid supply tube is squeezed by the roller <NUM> and the rotor <NUM> is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, which is indicated in <FIG> by an arrow A, by the motor <NUM>. Accordingly, a position where the liquid supply tube is squeezed is moved in the counterclockwise direction by the rotor <NUM>, so that liquid present in the liquid supply tube is sent to a part to which liquid is to be supplied. In this specification, the water jet pipe <NUM>, the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM>, and the liquid supply pipe line <NUM> will be described as an example of the part to which liquid is to be supplied.

The liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope according to the embodiment has the following configuration so that each of the liquid supply tubes of the five types of tube units <NUM> to <NUM> is simply attached to and detached from the liquid supply device body <NUM>. The tube unit <NUM> among the tube units <NUM> to <NUM> shown in <FIG> will be described below by way of example.

<FIG> is a perspective view showing the configuration of the tube unit <NUM>. The same components of the tube units <NUM> to <NUM> shown in <FIG> as the components of the tube unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in <FIG> and the description thereof will be omitted.

The tube unit <NUM> includes a liquid supply tube <NUM> that is to be wound on the outer peripheral portion of the rotor <NUM> (see <FIG>). The liquid supply tube <NUM> is an elastic tube made of, for example, silicone rubber, and includes a winding portion <NUM> that is a portion to be wound on the rotor <NUM> in a case where the liquid supply tube <NUM> is to be wound on the rotor <NUM>. Further, a joint <NUM> is provided at an end portion 302A of the liquid supply tube <NUM> that is close to a liquid destination side, and a joint <NUM> is provided at an end portion 302B of the liquid supply tube <NUM> that is close to a liquid source side. The joint <NUM> is an example of a first joint and the joint <NUM> is an example of a second joint.

The joint <NUM> is provided with a stopper part <NUM> and the joint <NUM> is provided with a stopper part <NUM>. Each of these stopper parts <NUM> and <NUM> is formed in the shape of a flange protruding in a radial direction of the tube (the direction of an arrow C shown in <FIG>) orthogonal to an axial direction of the liquid supply tube <NUM> (the direction of an arrow B shown in <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, the stopper parts <NUM> and <NUM> include shaft portions 108A and 110A extending in the axial direction of the tube (the direction of the arrow B shown in <FIG>), respectively. Further, the stopper part <NUM> includes a pair of stopper pieces <NUM> and <NUM> that is disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the tube (the direction of the arrow B shown in <FIG>) with the shaft portion 108A interposed therebetween, and the stopper part <NUM> includes a pair of stopper pieces <NUM> and <NUM> that is disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the tube with the shaft portion 110A interposed therebetween.

As shown in <FIG>, the liquid supply device body <NUM> is provided with a restriction portion <NUM> that is engaged with the stopper part <NUM> (see <FIG>) and restricts the position of the stopper part <NUM> and a restriction portion <NUM> that is engaged with the stopper part <NUM> (see <FIG>) and restricts the position of the stopper part <NUM>. These restriction portions <NUM> and <NUM> are provided so as to be spaced apart from each other at an upper side portion 116A of a rectangular housing case <NUM> that is formed on the operation panel <NUM> and defines the rotor housing chamber <NUM>.

Further, the restriction portions <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> include grooves 112A and 114A (see <FIG>) into which the shaft portions 108A and 110A are to be inserted, respectively. The grooves 112A and 114A are formed by the notching of a part of the upper side portion 116A.

<FIG> is a perspective view of which main portions are enlarged and which shows examples of the shapes of the restriction portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the groove 112A of the restriction portion <NUM> is formed in a U shape and the groove 114A of the restriction portion <NUM> is formed in an L shape. Accordingly, the stopper part <NUM> is engaged with the restriction portion <NUM> by an operation for pushing the shaft portion 108A into the groove 112A. Further, the stopper part <NUM> is engaged with the restriction portion <NUM> by an operation for pushing the shaft portion 110A into the groove 114A in an L shape.

Since the pairs of stopper pieces <NUM> and <NUM> are engaged with the upper side portion 116A in this case, the movement of the stopper parts <NUM> and <NUM> to both sides in the axial direction of the tube (the direction of the arrow B shown in <FIG>) is restricted. Since a shift in the position of the liquid supply tube <NUM> in the axial direction of the tube (the direction of the arrow B shown in <FIG>) is prevented by this configuration during the rotation of the rotor <NUM>, an operation for stably supplying liquid by the liquid supply device body <NUM> is achieved.

Further, the diameters of the shaft portions 108A and 110A of the stopper parts <NUM> and <NUM> are different from each other, and the widths of the grooves 112A and 114A of the restriction portions <NUM> and <NUM> correspond to the diameters of the shaft portions 108A and 110A, respectively. Since the stopper parts <NUM> and <NUM> and the restriction portions <NUM> and <NUM> are formed as described above, the incorrect attachment of the stopper part <NUM> to the restriction portion <NUM> or the incorrect attachment of the stopper part <NUM> to the restriction portion <NUM> can be prevented.

According to the liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope of the embodiment, due to this configuration, it is possible to connect the liquid supply tube <NUM> to the liquid supply device body <NUM> merely by engaging the stopper part <NUM> with the restriction portion <NUM> and engaging the stopper part <NUM> with the restriction portion <NUM> in a state where the winding portion <NUM> is wound on the outer peripheral portion of the rotor <NUM>. Further, it is possible to detach the liquid supply tube <NUM> from the liquid supply device body <NUM> merely by detaching the stopper part <NUM> from the restriction portion <NUM> and detaching the stopper part <NUM> from the restriction portion <NUM>.

Furthermore, as shown in <FIG>, an upper side portion 84A of the cover <NUM> includes a pressing piece <NUM> that has the shape of the tip of a sword and protrudes toward the restriction portion <NUM>. In a case where the cover <NUM> is closed, the pressing piece <NUM> presses the shaft portion 110A of the stopper part <NUM> engaged with the groove 114A of the restriction portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the movement of the stopper part <NUM> in the groove 114A in the radial direction of the tube (the direction of the arrow C shown in <FIG>) is restricted by the pressing piece <NUM>. Therefore, in a case where the cover <NUM> is closed, a state where the stopper part <NUM> is engaged with the restriction portion <NUM> is maintained. The pressing piece <NUM> may also be provided on a side corresponding to the restriction portion <NUM> without being limited to a side corresponding to the restriction portion <NUM>. Accordingly, in a case where the cover <NUM> is closed, a state where the stopper part <NUM> is engaged with the restriction portion <NUM> is maintained as in the case of the restriction portion <NUM>.

Further, each of the joints <NUM> and <NUM> shown in <FIG> is formed of a coupler that connects tubes. A tube <NUM> corresponding to the liquid destination side is connected to the joint <NUM>. The tube <NUM> includes a connecting pipe <NUM> provided at an end portion thereof opposite to the joint <NUM>, and the connecting pipe <NUM> is attachably and detachably connected to the forceps port <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The tube units <NUM> to <NUM> also include the same tubes <NUM>, the tube <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> is attachably and detachably connected to the forceps port <NUM> through the connecting pipe <NUM>, the tube <NUM> of each of the tube unit <NUM> and <NUM> is attachably and detachably connected to the liquid supply connector <NUM> through the connecting pipe <NUM>, and the tube <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> is attachably and detachably connected to the proximal end opening 74A of the high-frequency knife <NUM> through the connecting pipe <NUM>. Here, the tube <NUM> is an example of a first tube and the connecting pipe <NUM> is an example of a first connecting part.

Furthermore, a tube <NUM> corresponding to the liquid source side is connected to the joint <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The tube <NUM> includes a distal end opening part <NUM> provided at an end portion thereof opposite to the joint <NUM>, and the distal end opening part <NUM> is inserted into the tank <NUM> through a connection port 18A of the tank <NUM> shown in <FIG> and is positioned below the liquid level in the tank <NUM>. The tube units <NUM> to <NUM> also include the same tubes <NUM>, and the distal end opening part <NUM> of each of the tube <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM>, the tubes <NUM> of the tube units <NUM> and <NUM>, and the tube <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> is inserted into the tank <NUM> through the connection port 18A of the tank <NUM> and is positioned below the liquid level in the tank <NUM>. The tube <NUM> is an example of a second tube and the distal end opening part <NUM> is an example of a second connecting part.

As shown in <FIG>, the joint <NUM> includes a joint body part <NUM> having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and the joint <NUM> includes a joint body part <NUM> having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The joint body part <NUM> includes a knob portion <NUM> comprising a pair of knob surfaces 130A and 130A opposite to each other, and the joint body part <NUM> includes a knob portion <NUM> comprising a pair of knob surfaces 132A and 132A opposite to each other. Since the joints <NUM> and <NUM> include the knob portions <NUM> and <NUM>, an operator can pick up the knob portions <NUM> and <NUM> with fingers and easily engage the stopper parts <NUM> and <NUM> with the restriction portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

Here, the tube units <NUM> to <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>.

As already described above, the tube units <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to the forceps port <NUM>. The tube unit <NUM> is a reuse type of tube unit that is sterilized and washed and is reused on each examination, and the tube unit <NUM> is a disposable type of tube unit that is discarded after an examination. Further, the tube units <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to the liquid supply connector <NUM>. The tube unit <NUM> is a reuse type of tube unit that is sterilized and washed and is reused on each examination, and the tube unit <NUM> is a disposable type of tube unit that is discarded after an examination. Furthermore, the tube unit <NUM> is connected to the proximal end opening 74A of the high-frequency knife <NUM>, and is a disposable type of tube unit that is discarded after an examination.

Since the inner diameter of the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM> shown in <FIG> is larger than the inner diameter of each of the water jet pipe <NUM> and the liquid supply pipe line <NUM>, the amount (mL/min) of liquid supplied by the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM> is set to be larger than the amount of liquid supplied by each of the water jet pipe <NUM> and the liquid supply pipe line <NUM>. Accordingly, the inner diameters of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> and <NUM> of the tube units <NUM> and <NUM> are larger than the inner diameters of the liquid supply tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the tube units <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>.

Next, examples of identifiers used to identify the types of the liquid supply tubes <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> will be described with reference to (A), (B), and (C) of <FIG>.

(A) of <FIG> shows the identifier <NUM> used to identify each of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, (B) of <FIG> shows the identifier <NUM> used to identify each of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> and <NUM>, and (C) of <FIG> shows the identifier <NUM> used to identify the liquid supply tube <NUM>.

These identifiers <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are formed to have different shapes by combinations of two projection portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Here, the projection portions <NUM> and <NUM> are examples of mechanical identification information.

The identifier <NUM> is the identifier of each of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> and <NUM> where two projection portions <NUM> and <NUM> are provided on a rear surface 104A of the joint <NUM> so as to be spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction. Further, the identifier <NUM> is the identifier of each of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> and <NUM> where one projection portion <NUM> is provided at the upper portion of the rear surface 104A of the joint <NUM>. Furthermore, the identifier <NUM> is the identifier of the liquid supply tube <NUM> where one projection portion <NUM> is provided at the lower portion of the rear surface 104A of the joint <NUM>.

The identifier <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> is provided at a position that can be recognized by the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> in a case where the liquid supply tube <NUM> (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>) is connected to the liquid supply device body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Then, in a case where the joint <NUM> is connected to the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM>, the identifier <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> is recognized by an identifier recognition unit of the liquid supply device body <NUM>. The identifier recognition unit will be described later.

A protruding portion 104B is formed at the upper portion of the rear surface 104A of the joint <NUM> as shown in (A), (B), and (C) of <FIG> and a recessed portion 90A (see <FIG>) is formed at the upper portion of the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM>. Accordingly, in a case where the protruding portion 10B is engaged with the recessed portion 90A (see <FIG>), the joint <NUM> is easily positioned with respect to the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a control block diagram relating to the control of the amount of liquid to be supplied by the liquid supply device body <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the amount of liquid to be supplied by the liquid supply device body <NUM> is controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) <NUM> provided in a control circuit <NUM>. A plurality of circuits, such as a read only memory (ROM) <NUM> for storing programs and a random access memory (RAM) <NUM> in which data are temporarily stored, are provided in the control circuit <NUM>.

Data (flow rate range-setting data) used to set the flow rate range of liquid for each type of a liquid supply tube according to a detection signal output from a microswitch <NUM> to be described later are stored in the ROM <NUM>. Power is supplied to the respective circuits, which are provided in the control circuit <NUM>, from an AC/DC power supply <NUM>.

A cover opening/closing detection switch <NUM> for detecting the opening/closing of the cover <NUM>, the foot switch <NUM>, the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>, and a pump control circuit <NUM> for causing the pump <NUM> to operate according to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM> are connected to the control circuit <NUM>. The pump control circuit <NUM> includes a current switching circuit that switches current flowing in the motor <NUM>, and a variable resistor <NUM> is used as an example of the current switching circuit. The control circuit <NUM> causes each circuit to operate in a case where a signal indicating the closing of the cover <NUM> is output from the cover opening/closing detection switch <NUM>.

The control circuit <NUM> sets a flow rate, which is sent from the pump <NUM>, in a flow rate range corresponding to the type of the liquid supply tube connected to the microswitch <NUM> by reading out data from the ROM <NUM> according to a detection signal output from the microswitch <NUM> and outputting the data to the pump control circuit <NUM>. Further, the control circuit <NUM> adjusts a flow rate in the flow rate range according to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. Specifically, the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM> can be operated in an operation range of <NUM> to <NUM>%. For example, in a case where the flow rate adjustment knob is in an operation position of <NUM>%, the control circuit <NUM> sets the rotational speed of the rotor <NUM> so that liquid is supplied at a medium flow rate in the flow rate range. That is, the control circuit <NUM> sets the amount of liquid to be supplied to the amount of liquid to be supplied (a ratio to the flow rate range) that corresponds to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM> in the set flow rate range. Accordingly, the amount of liquid to be supplied (a ratio to the flow rate range) corresponding to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM> is achieved in the flow rate range that is set for each type of a liquid supply tube.

Here, the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes the microswitch <NUM> (see <FIG>) that can mechanically read the projection portions <NUM> and <NUM> (see (A), (B), and (C) of <FIG>).

The microswitch <NUM> includes two actuators <NUM> and <NUM> (see <FIG>) that are pressed by the projection portions <NUM> and <NUM> (see (A), (B), and (C) of <FIG>) in a case where the joint <NUM> is connected to the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) (see <FIG>), and two terminal parts (not shown) detecting that the actuators <NUM> and <NUM> are pressed and outputting a detection signal to the control circuit <NUM>.

Specifically, for example, in a case where the joint <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> is connected to the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> is pressed by the projection portion <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> is pressed by the projection portion <NUM>. Accordingly, a detection signal indicating that the actuators <NUM> and <NUM> are pressed is output to the control circuit <NUM> from the terminal parts.

The control circuit <NUM> recognizes the connection of the liquid supply tube <NUM> to the liquid supply device body <NUM> on the basis of the detection signal, and changes the operating condition of the pump <NUM>. That is, in a case where the liquid supply tube <NUM> is connected, the range of the rotational speed of the rotor <NUM> is set so that the amount of liquid to be supplied is in the flow rate range of, for example, <NUM>/min to <NUM>/min. Then, the amount of liquid to be supplied is set to the amount of liquid to be supplied (a ratio to the flow rate range) that corresponds to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM> in the set flow rate range. Accordingly, in a case where the foot switch <NUM> is pressed, the rotor <NUM> is rotated at a rotational speed corresponding to the amount of liquid to be supplied corresponding to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM> and liquid corresponding to the rotational speed is sent to the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM>.

The same applies to a case where the joint <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> is connected to the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM>.

Since the actuator <NUM> is pressed by the projection portion <NUM> in a case where the joint <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> is connected, a detection signal indicating that the actuator <NUM> is pressed is output to the control circuit <NUM> from the terminal parts. Accordingly, the range of the rotational speed of the rotor <NUM> is set so that the amount of liquid to be supplied, which can be adjusted by the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>, is in the flow rate range of, for example, <NUM>/min to <NUM>/min. Then, the amount of liquid to be supplied is set to the amount of liquid to be supplied (a ratio to the flow rate range) that corresponds to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM> in the set flow rate range.

The microswitch <NUM> and the control circuit <NUM> are an example of the identifier recognition unit. Further, the microswitch <NUM> is an example of a mechanical reading unit. Furthermore, the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM> is an example of an adjustment unit that is used to manually adjust the flow rate of liquid in the flow rate range. Moreover, the control circuit <NUM> is an example of a flow rate-setting unit. That is, the control circuit <NUM> sets the flow rate of liquid, which is to be supplied to a part to which liquid is to be supplied, for each type of a liquid supply tube by identifying the type of the liquid supply tube on the basis of a detection signal output from the microswitch <NUM> (that is, the identifier recognized by the microswitch <NUM> and the control circuit <NUM> that are the identifier recognition unit) and changing the operating condition of the pump <NUM>.

Further, the control circuit <NUM> controls the turn-on of the liquid supply tube-detection indicator lamp <NUM> on the basis of a detection signal output from the microswitch <NUM> (that is, an identifier recognized by the microswitch <NUM> and the control circuit <NUM> that are the identifier recognition unit). Specifically, in a case where the joint <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> or <NUM> is connected, the control circuit <NUM> turns on a lamp 92A (see <FIG>) of the liquid supply tube-detection indicator lamp <NUM>. Furthermore, in a case where the joint <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> or <NUM> is connected, the control circuit <NUM> turns on a lamp 92B (see <FIG>) of the liquid supply tube-detection indicator lamp <NUM>. Moreover, in a case where the joint <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> is connected, the control circuit <NUM> turns on a lamp 92C (see <FIG>) of the liquid supply tube-detection indicator lamp <NUM>. Accordingly, an operator can grasp one of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM>, which is connected to the liquid supply device body <NUM>, merely by checking the turn-on of the lamp 92A, 92B, and 92C.

Next, the action of the liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope according to the embodiment will be described.

A case where the tube unit <NUM> is selected and used among the tube units <NUM> to <NUM> will be described.

First, as shown in <FIG>, an operator opens the cover <NUM> of the liquid supply device body <NUM> to expose the rotor <NUM> to the outside. Next, the operator winds the winding portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the liquid supply tube <NUM> in a U shape on the outer peripheral portion of the rotor <NUM>. Then, as shown in <FIG>, the operator engages the stopper part <NUM> with the restriction portion <NUM> to restrict the position of the stopper part <NUM> and engages the stopper part <NUM> with the restriction portion <NUM> to restrict the position of the stopper part <NUM>.

After that, the operator connects the joint <NUM> of the tube unit <NUM> to the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM>. Specifically, after engaging the protruding portion 104B of the joint <NUM> with the recessed portion 90A of the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> to position the joint <NUM> on the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the operator pushes the joint <NUM> to the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Accordingly, the operator can easily and reliably connect the joint <NUM> to the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM>.

Then, the operator closes the cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The operator can fix the tube unit <NUM> to the liquid supply device body <NUM> with the above-mentioned work.

In this case, the pressing piece <NUM> shown in <FIG> presses the shaft portion 110A of the stopper part <NUM> to the groove 114A and restricts the movement of the stopper part <NUM> in the radial direction of the tube (the direction of the arrow C shown in <FIG>). Accordingly, a shift in the position of the stopper part <NUM> with respect to the restriction portion <NUM> in the radial direction of the tube (the direction of the arrow C shown in <FIG>) can be prevented. Work for connecting the joint <NUM> shown in <FIG> to the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> may be performed before work for engaging the stopper part <NUM> with the restriction portion <NUM>.

Further, it is preferable that the positions of the stopper parts <NUM> and <NUM> on the liquid supply tube <NUM> in the axial direction of the tube (the direction of the arrow B shown in <FIG>) are set to positions where the liquid supply tube <NUM> is connected to the liquid supply device body <NUM> without receiving excessive stress (unnecessary tension) in the axial direction of the tube (the direction of the arrow B shown in <FIG>). In a case where the stopper parts <NUM> and <NUM> are provided at these positions, the stopper part <NUM> is engaged with the restriction portion <NUM>, and the stopper part <NUM> is engaged with the restriction portion <NUM>, the length and position of the winding portion <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> can be set to an appropriate length and an appropriate position. Accordingly, since work for adjusting the length and position of the winding portion <NUM> is easily performed and a change in the amount of liquid to be supplied by the pump <NUM> can be reduced, an operation for stably supplying liquid by the liquid supply device body <NUM> is achieved.

Next, the operator connects the connecting pipe <NUM> of the tube <NUM> shown in <FIG> to the forceps port <NUM>, and inserts the distal end opening part <NUM> of the tube <NUM> into the tank <NUM> through the connection port 18A of the tank <NUM> and positions the distal end opening part <NUM> below the liquid level in the tank <NUM>. Accordingly, preparation for sending liquid, which is stored in the tank <NUM>, to the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM> is completed.

Next, the operator presses the power switch <NUM> to actuate the liquid supply device body <NUM>. Accordingly, the power switch indicator lamp <NUM> is turned on. Further, since the cover <NUM> is closed in this case, the control circuit <NUM> shown in <FIG> recognizes the connection of the liquid supply tube <NUM> to the liquid supply device body <NUM> and identifies the liquid supply tube on the basis of a detection signal output from the microswitch <NUM>. Then, the control circuit <NUM> reads out data, which are required to set the flow rate range of liquid to a flow rate range corresponding to the liquid supply tube <NUM>, from the ROM <NUM> and outputs the data to the pump control circuit <NUM>. Accordingly, the range of the rotational speed of the rotor <NUM> is set so that the amount of liquid to be supplied is in the flow rate range of <NUM>/min to <NUM>/min. Further, the control circuit <NUM> sets the rotational speed of the rotor <NUM> so that liquid is supplied at a flow rate in the flow rate range according to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. In this case, the control circuit <NUM> turns on the lamp 92A (see <FIG>) of the liquid supply tube-detection indicator lamp <NUM> on the basis of the detection signal.

After that, in a case where the operator presses the foot switch <NUM>, the rotor <NUM> is rotated at a rotational speed corresponding to the amount of liquid to be supplied (a ratio to the flow rate range) that corresponds to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. Accordingly, liquid can be sent to the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM> in a flow rate range corresponding to the liquid supply tube <NUM>. Then, in a case where the operator wants to finely adjust the amount of liquid to be supplied, the operator operates the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. As a result, the amount of liquid to be supplied can be finely adjusted without exceeding the set flow rate range. The same operation applies to a case where the tube unit <NUM> is fixed to the liquid supply device body <NUM>.

On the other hand, in a case where the tube unit <NUM> is fixed to the liquid supply device body <NUM>, the control circuit <NUM> recognizes the connection of the liquid supply tube <NUM> to the liquid supply device body <NUM> and identifies the liquid supply tube on the basis of a detection signal output from the microswitch <NUM>. Then, the control circuit <NUM> reads out data, which are required to set the flow rate range of liquid to a flow rate range corresponding to the liquid supply tube <NUM>, from the ROM <NUM> and outputs the data to the pump control circuit <NUM>. Accordingly, the range of the rotational speed of the rotor <NUM> is set so that the amount of liquid to be supplied is in the flow rate range of <NUM>/min to <NUM>/min. Further, the control circuit <NUM> sets the rotational speed of the rotor <NUM> so that liquid is supplied at a flow rate in the flow rate range according to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. In this case, the control circuit <NUM> turns on the lamp 92B of the liquid supply tube-detection indicator lamp <NUM> on the basis of the detection signal.

After that, in a case where the operator presses the foot switch <NUM>, the rotor <NUM> is rotated at a rotational speed corresponding to the amount of liquid to be supplied (a ratio to the flow rate range) that corresponds to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. Accordingly, liquid can be sent to the water jet pipe <NUM> in a flow rate range corresponding to the liquid supply tube <NUM>. Then, in a case where the operator wants to finely adjust the amount of liquid to be supplied, the operator operates the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. As a result, the amount of liquid to be supplied can be finely adjusted without exceeding the set flow rate range. The same operation applies to a case where the tube unit <NUM> is fixed to the liquid supply device body <NUM>.

Further, in a case where the tube unit <NUM> is fixed to the liquid supply device body <NUM>, the control circuit <NUM> recognizes the connection of the liquid supply tube <NUM> to the liquid supply device body <NUM> and identifies the liquid supply tube on the basis of a detection signal output from the microswitch <NUM>. Then, the control circuit <NUM> reads out data, which are required to set the flow rate range of liquid to a flow rate range corresponding to the liquid supply tube <NUM>, from the ROM <NUM> and outputs the data to the pump control circuit <NUM>. Accordingly, the range of the rotational speed of the rotor <NUM> is set so that the amount of liquid to be supplied is in the flow rate range of <NUM>/min to <NUM>/min. Further, the control circuit <NUM> sets the rotational speed of the rotor <NUM> so that liquid is supplied at a flow rate in the flow rate range according to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. In this case, the control circuit <NUM> turns on the lamp 92C of the liquid supply tube-detection indicator lamp <NUM> on the basis of the detection signal.

After that, in a case where the operator presses the foot switch <NUM>, the rotor <NUM> is rotated at a rotational speed corresponding to the amount of liquid to be supplied (a ratio to the flow rate range) that corresponds to the operation position of the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. Accordingly, liquid can be sent to the liquid supply pipe line <NUM> in a flow rate range corresponding to the liquid supply tube <NUM>. Then, in a case where the operator wants to finely adjust the amount of liquid to be supplied, the operator operates the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. As a result, the amount of liquid to be supplied can be finely adjusted without exceeding the set flow rate range.

According to the liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope of the embodiment, as described above, the amount of liquid to be supplied can be automatically changed to the amounts of liquid to be supplied that correspond to the changed liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM> in a case where the liquid supply tubes <NUM> and <NUM> are interchanged with different types of liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM>.

Accordingly, the liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope according to the embodiment comprises: the microswitch <NUM> and the control circuit <NUM> that recognize the identifiers <NUM> to <NUM> used to identify the types of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM>; and the control circuit <NUM> that sets the flow rate of liquid, which is to be supplied to a part to which liquid is to be supplied, for the respective types of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM> by changing the operating condition of the pump <NUM> on the basis of the identifiers <NUM> to <NUM> recognized by the microswitch <NUM> and the control circuit <NUM> (that is, according to the types of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM>). Accordingly, convenience can be improved.

Further, according to the liquid supply device <NUM> for an endoscope of the embodiment, the flow rate of liquid can be manually adjusted in the flow rate range, which is set for each type of a liquid supply tube by the control circuit <NUM>, by the flow rate adjustment knob <NUM>. Accordingly, the amount of liquid to be supplied can be finely adjusted without exceeding the flow rate range that is set according to the type of a liquid supply tube.

In the embodiment, an aspect where mechanical identifiers are formed to have different shapes by combinations of two projection portions <NUM> and <NUM> has been exemplified and the microswitch <NUM> has been exemplified as the mechanical reading unit. However, other mechanical identifiers and other mechanical reading units may be applied.

For example, mechanical identification information, such as recessed portions or hole portions, may be used as other mechanical identification information, and a mechanical reading unit for reading mechanical identification information, such as the recessed portions or the hole portions, may be used as the mechanical reading unit.

Further, identification information and a reading unit other than the mechanical identification information and the mechanical reading unit may be used as the identification information and the reading unit for reading the identification information. Other examples will be described below.

For example, an identifier <NUM> having magnetic identification information may be provided on a rear surface 104A of a joint <NUM> as with the joint <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and a liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be provided with a reading unit <NUM> that magnetically reads the magnetic identification information.

The identifier <NUM> may be mounted on, for example, the liquid supply tube <NUM> other than the joint <NUM>. According to an aspect where magnetic identification information is used, the degree of freedom in mounting the identifier having magnetic identification information and the reading unit is improved. For example, in a case where the identifier <NUM> having magnetic identification information is mounted on the liquid supply tube <NUM>, the identifier <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> and the reading unit <NUM> can be made close to each other as long as the reading unit <NUM> is mounted in the rotor housing chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, it is preferable that the identifier having magnetic identification information is mounted on the liquid supply tube <NUM>.

A magnetic tape in which magnetic information indicating each of the types of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM> is magnetically written can be exemplified as the identifier having magnetic identification information. A magnetic information reading unit including a magnetic head, which can read the magnetic information, can be exemplified as the reading unit <NUM>.

Alternatively, an identifier <NUM> having electric identification information may be provided on the rear surface 104A of the joint <NUM>, and the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> may be provided with a reading unit <NUM> that electrically reads the electric identification information.

The identifier <NUM> may be mounted on, for example, the liquid supply tube <NUM> other than the joint <NUM>. According to an aspect where electric identification information is used, the degree of freedom in mounting the identifier having electric identification information and the reading unit is improved. For example, in a case where the identifier <NUM> having electric identification information is mounted on the liquid supply tube <NUM>, the identifier <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> and the reading unit <NUM> can be made close to each other as long as the reading unit <NUM> is mounted in the rotor housing chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, it is preferable that the identifier having electric identification information is mounted on the liquid supply tube <NUM>.

A radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag including an integrated circuit (IC) chip in which electronic information indicating each of the types of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM> is stored can be exemplified as the identifier having electric identification information. An electric information reading unit including a reader/writer, which can read the electronic information, can be exemplified as the reading unit <NUM>.

Alternatively, an identifier <NUM> having optical identification information may be provided on the rear surface 104A of the joint <NUM>, and the liquid supply tube-detection unit <NUM> may be provided with a reading unit <NUM> that optically reads the optical identification information.

The identifier <NUM> may be mounted on, for example, the liquid supply tube <NUM> other than the joint <NUM>. According to an aspect where optical identification information is used, the degree of freedom in mounting the identifier having optical identification information and the reading unit is improved. For example, in a case where the identifier <NUM> having optical identification information is mounted on the liquid supply tube <NUM>, the identifier <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> and the reading unit <NUM> can be made close to each other as long as the reading unit <NUM> is mounted in the rotor housing chamber <NUM>. Accordingly, it is preferable that the identifier having optical identification information is mounted on the liquid supply tube <NUM>. Further, since the rotor housing chamber <NUM> is shielded from light by the cover <NUM>, the reading unit can read optical identification information without being affected by external light.

A geometric pattern, such as a bar code, a color code, or a dot code, indicating each of the types of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM> can be exemplified as the identifier having optical identification information; and an optical information reading unit including an image pickup element, such as a laser or a charge coupled device (CCD) capable of reading the geometric pattern, can be exemplified as the reading unit <NUM>.

In the embodiment, the water jet pipe <NUM>, the treatment tool-insertion channel <NUM>, and the liquid supply pipe line <NUM> have been exemplified as examples of the part to which liquid is to be supplied. However, the part to which liquid is to be supplied is not limited thereto, and may be another liquid supply pipe line provided in the endoscope or a liquid supply pipe line of a treatment tool other than the high-frequency knife, or may be a liquid supply pipe line other than an endoscope and a treatment tool.

The joints <NUM> and <NUM> have been provided in the embodiment, but at least one joint may be provided and an identifier may be provided on the joint.

Further, the pump <NUM> of the embodiment includes arc-shaped wall portions <NUM> provided below the rotor <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and each of the wall portions <NUM> is disposed so as to be vertically movable between a retracted position (see <FIG>) where the wall portion is retracted from the rotor <NUM> in conjunction with an operation for opening the cover <NUM> and an advanced position (not shown) where the wall portion pinches the winding portion <NUM> between the roller <NUM> and itself in conjunction with an operation for closing the cover <NUM>. Accordingly, in a case where the cover <NUM> is closed, the winding portion <NUM> of the liquid supply tube <NUM> is pinched between the roller <NUM> and the wall portions <NUM>.

Further, a pump of a type in which each of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM> is wound on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating rotor <NUM> has been exemplified as the pump <NUM> in the embodiment, but any pump that can send liquid through each of the liquid supply tubes <NUM> to <NUM> can be applied. For example, in a case where a rotary pump is used as the pump, a plurality of different types of liquid supply tubes are connected to the discharge port of the rotary pump so as to be interchangeable.

Claim 1:
A liquid supply tube (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) comprising
a first joint (<NUM>) which is provided at a first end portion (302A) of the liquid supply tube (<NUM>) corresponding to a liquid destination side, and a second joint (<NUM>) which is provided at second end portion (302B) of the liquid supply tube (<NUM>) corresponding to a liquid source side,
wherein the liquid supply tube (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is configured to be connected to a liquid supply device for an endoscope (<NUM>) by the first joint (<NUM>) via a liquid supply tube-detection unit (<NUM>) of the liquid supply device, the liquid supply device including a liquid supply device body (<NUM>), to which a plurality of types of liquid supply tubes are connectable so as to be interchangeable, and sends liquid to a part to which liquid is to be supplied by a pump (<NUM>) provided in the liquid supply device body (<NUM>),
characterized in that the liquid supply tube (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) further comprises an identifier (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) which is used to identify the type of the liquid supply tube (<NUM>),
wherein the identifier (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is provided at a position that is capable of being recognized by an identifier recognition unit provided in the liquid supply device body (<NUM>) in a case where the liquid supply tube (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) is connected to the liquid supply device body (<NUM>).