JP3356355B2 - Combination endoscope - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combined endoscope in which an image pickup means and an operation section are detachably mounted on an insertion section.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In endoscopes used for endoscopic examinations, it is necessary to prevent infection by using a clean endoscope for each examination. Therefore, after cleaning and disinfection, it is used for the next case.

[0003] However, washing and disinfecting the endoscope for cleaning it is time-consuming and takes one hour or more. In order to save this time, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-54534 proposes an exchangeable cover with a conduit for covering an endoscope.

In this cover-type endoscope, a gap is formed between the foremost surface of the endoscope objective lens and the lens cover on the cover side. There is a problem that the inner surface of the lens cover becomes cloudy. When such a phenomenon occurs, the observability, which is an important function of the endoscope, is impaired.

On the other hand, PCT WO93 / 15648A1
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H11-163873 discloses a configuration in which an imaging unit on a distal end side and an operation unit unit on a hand side are detachable from an insertion unit. In this configuration, only the insertion portion that is difficult to wash is disposable, and the portion that is relatively easy to wash is reused after disinfection to reduce running costs.

Further, the above publication discloses that the signal of the imaging means is separately controlled via an output terminal provided on the imaging unit (casing) and a signal line in an insertion portion connected to the output terminal. The configuration transmitted to the device is shown.
The publication also discloses a means for wirelessly transmitting the output of the imaging unit to the video control device.

[0007]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] PCT WO93 / 1
In Japanese Patent No. 5648A1, since there is no cover for covering the object plane, an image free from flare ghosts and fogging can be provided.

However, the signal transmission path is susceptible to the effects of noise and the like, and considering the entire system, it has not been possible to provide a good image. When transmitting signals wirelessly, there is a restriction that oscillation energy must be suppressed so as not to cause malfunctions of other medical equipment, and that a small transmitter must be mounted due to a demand for a smaller diameter tip. is there. Due to the above restrictions, the capability of the mounted transmitter cannot be increased unnecessarily, and noise is liable to be caused due to the low signal level, and the image is likely to be disturbed. That is, the S / N ratio cannot be improved.

Further, in the case of a configuration in which a signal is transmitted through a terminal provided in the imaging unit, noise is easily picked up when a signal is transmitted and received between terminals. At the distal end of the insertion portion, it is desired to reduce the diameter to reduce the pain of the patient, and there is no space for sufficient noise countermeasures. Also, PCT WO93
In the / 15648A1 publication, the insertion portion is disposable, so connection terminals are required at least in two places before and after the insertion portion, and the number of relay points of the terminals is increased, so that noise is easily picked up, which is disadvantageous.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, the expensive parts can be easily cleaned and disinfected and then reused to reduce running costs, and relatively inexpensive parts are disposable. It is another object of the present invention to provide a combined endoscope which is excellent in noise suppression and can obtain a good endoscope image.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an observation and imaging unit having an insertion section provided with at least one conduit, an objective optical system, and imaging means for imaging a subject image formed by the objective optical system. An operation unit having operation instruction means;
In the combination type endoscope having, the engaging portion for detachably holding the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the observation and imaging unit portion is provided mutually, and a proximal end portion of the insertion portion is provided. An engaging means for detachably holding the distal end of the operation unit is provided, and a signal output by the imaging means of the observation imaging unit is transmitted.
A signal line extending from the observation / imaging unit and having a connector provided at an end thereof, wherein the signal line is connected to the observation / imaging unit in a state where the observation / imaging unit is attached to a distal end of the insertion unit. It has an extension length equal to or greater than the length from the position of the end extending from the unit to the tip of the operation unit engaged and held by the insertion unit, and is detachably attached to the signal line. A storage means capable of storing at least a part thereof is provided in the insertion portion along the axial direction of the insertion portion.

[0012]

According to the structure of the present invention, the observation / imaging unit is detachably attached to the insertion portion, and a signal line integrally formed with the observation / imaging unit is axially moved along the insertion portion from the position of the extending end thereof. Extends with an extension length equal to or greater than the length of the operation unit connected to the insertion unit.No noise is generated because the number of electrical relay points is reduced and the wireless system is not used. It is preventing that.

Further, in the above configuration, each component can be easily washed and disinfected by removing the observation imaging unit and the operation unit from the insertion unit. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the observation imaging unit and the operation unit can be reused after disinfection, so that the running cost of each inspection can be reduced. On the other hand, the insert can be disposable.

Further, in the above configuration, the connector receiver connected to the signal line connector can be provided not at the insertion portion having a large size restriction but at a portion having a relatively large degree of freedom. It is easy to make the structure difficult to stick.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 (a) is an overall configuration diagram, FIG. 1 (b) is a perspective view of a distal end of an insertion portion, and FIG. 2 (a) is FIG. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG.
1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 1A, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration, FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an operation unit including an operation knob, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a cutaway view showing the inside of the connector receiver, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the connector.

In the combination endoscope of the first embodiment, the image pickup means and the operation section are detachably mounted on the insertion section.

A combination endoscope (hereinafter, referred to as an endoscope) 1 shown in FIG. 1A has an imaging unit 2 as an imaging means, and the imaging unit 2 is detachably mounted and inserted into a body cavity. It has an insertion section 3 to be inserted, and an operation section 4 detachable from the insertion section 3. The insertion portion 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the operation portion 4 has an L shape and a shape in which the tube is partially cut away along the axial direction.

The image pickup unit 2 includes a main body 57 having a solid-state image pickup device to be described later mounted on the distal end side, a signal line 58 extending from a position of the main body 57 different from the image pickup side of the solid-state image pickup device, and a signal line. Connector 59 provided at the end of 58
And

The endoscope insertion section 3 has an opening 5 formed with a step 5a on the distal end side where the imaging unit 2 is mounted, an illumination window 6 for emitting illumination light, an air / water supply nozzle 7, And a channel opening 8. The distal end portion 9 of the endoscope insertion portion 3 provided with these components has a bending portion 10 that can be bent, a flexible tube 11 having flexibility, and a proximal side mouth portion 12 in the hand side direction. Are sequentially connected. Further, the insertion portion 3 is provided inside the distal end portion 9, the bending portion 10, and the flexible tube 11,
Light guide 13, air supply line 14, water supply line 15
And two sets of curved traction members 17 whose both ends are fixed to the foremost node ring of the bending section 10 composed of a plurality of node rings and are folded back, and a pair of curved traction members 1.
3 is inserted through a traction member guide 18 that covers the wire 7 (FIG. 3).
(A)). The emission end of the light guide 13 faces the illumination window 6, the air supply line 14 and the water supply line 15 communicate with the air supply / water supply nozzle 7, and the suction line 16 communicates with the suction channel opening 8.

Each of the two sets of curved traction members 17 has a loop portion folded back on the hand side, and is configured to bend the bending portion 10 vertically and horizontally by pulling and relaxing each set. Each loop portion of the curved traction member 17 is provided with a tooth pattern such as a timing belt.

The operating portion 4 includes two gears 19 meshing with tooth forms such as a timing belt provided on two loop portions of the curved traction member 17, and a rotational force transmitted to these gears 19, which will be described later. A bending operation knob 20, an image control instruction switch 21, and a fluid control instruction switch 22 protruding from the internal mechanism are provided. The operation unit 4 is
A flexible universal cord 23 extends to the side, and a connector 25 provided at an end of the universal cord 23 is connected to an image control device 24 described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation section 4 is provided with a bending operation knob 20 capable of up, down, left, and right operations.
The two gears 19 are covered by a casing 27 that accommodates two sets of gear trains 26 that transmit the amount of rotation to each of the two gears 19 according to the amount of operation force.

An air supply pipe 14 extending from the insertion portion 3 is connected to an air supply pump (not shown) incorporated in a fluid control device 29 described later via an electromagnetic valve (not shown).
0 can be attached to and detached from the connection port A31. The water supply line 15 extending in the same manner is detachable from a solenoid valve (not shown) connected to the air supply pump built in the fluid control device 29 and a connection port B34 of an air supply tube 33 connected via a water supply tank 32. is there. Further, the suction line 16 is connected to the fluid control device 29.
A connection port C3 of a suction tube 38 attached to a solenoid valve 35 provided in the
9 is detachable.

The light guide connector 40 at the end of the light guide 13 can be connected to a receiver 42 of a light source device 41 described later.

The endoscope apparatus includes an image control device 24 for processing a signal output from the imaging unit 2, a fluid control device 29 for controlling a fluid through each conduit, and a light guide 13
The light source device 41 supplies the illumination light via the monitor, a monitor 43 that displays the output of the image control device 24, and the endoscope 1.

The image control device 24 and the light source device 41, the image control device 24 and the fluid control device 29, and the image control device 24 and the monitor 43 can transmit and receive signals via the connection cord 44, respectively.

The proximal end mouth portion 12 of the endoscope insertion portion 3 is provided with a treatment tool insertion port 45 which communicates with the suction pipe line 16 and has a cross-slit valve body.

An engaging projection A46 as an engaging means provided on the casing 27 of the operating portion 4 is detachably engaged with an engaging groove (not shown) as an engaging means provided on the inner surface of the proximal mouth portion 12. In the case, snap-fit type attachment / detachment is possible.

On the other hand, a locking projection B47 as an engaging means provided on the image pickup unit 2 is detachably engaged with a locking groove as an engaging means (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the opening 5, and is a snap-fit type. It is designed to be removable.

The air supply line 14 and the water supply line 15 are shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), they join at the tip 9 and communicate with the air / water supply nozzle 7. Air supply line 14 at the junction
And the water supply line 15 merge at an acute angle, and the cross-sectional area of the merged line 48 after the merger is larger than the cross-sectional areas of the air supply line 14 and the water supply line 15.

As shown in the vertical section of FIG.
The first objective lens 50 is fixed to one end of a casing 49 of the main body 57 in a watertight manner, and an objective lens is provided inside the casing 49 together with the first objective lens 50 on the same optical axis as the first objective lens 50. A lens group 51 to be constituted, and a solid-state imaging device 52 such as a CCD facing the lens group 51.
And Further, the imaging unit 2 is mounted on the same line as the pin 53 of the solid-state
And a circuit component 55 of an electric circuit related to the solid-state imaging device 52 provided on the substrate 54.

A lid 56 is fixed to one end of the casing 49 in a water-tight manner.
The signal line 58 in which a plurality of lead wires 60 connected to the same are bundled extends.

The signal line 58 has substantially the same length as the insertion section 3, and the connector 59 can be detachably connected to a connector receiver 61 provided on the casing 27. The connector receiver 61 for connecting the connector 59 is connected to a signal line (not shown). The signal line is connected to the connector 25 of the universal cord 23 via the operation unit 4. With the above configuration, the imaging unit 2 can transmit the output of the solid-state imaging device 52 to the image control device 24.

The bending portion 10 and the flexible tube 11 of the insertion portion 3
FIG. 1 (a) and FIG.
As shown in (a), a guide groove 62 that can house and hold the signal line 58 of the imaging unit 2 is provided in the axial direction. The guide groove 62 shown in FIG. 3A has a width slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the signal line 58, and
The signal line 58 is held by the elasticity of 1a.

FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing another configuration of the guide groove 62. As shown in FIG. Each of the guide grooves 62 is provided with a projection 63 for preventing a signal line from falling off at the opening end of the groove.
The cross section of the groove 62 is different from that of FIG. 3A and has a circular shape substantially the same as the signal line 58, and the projection 63 is provided with the mounted signal line 5.
8 plays a role of retaining.

As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of, for example, three plate-shaped contacts A fixed to the bottom are provided in a space of a bottomed substantially rectangular parallelepiped opening at the end face of the operating portion 4 on the distal end side.
64, a plurality of, for example, three plate-shaped contacts B66 provided on one surface of a plate 65 which is fixed at one side and located in the middle, an insulating plate 67 provided on the upper side in parallel with the plate 65, A plate spring 68 for urging the plate 67 toward the plate 65.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
The connector 59 has a main body 69 large enough to be mounted in the connector receiver 61. The main body 69 has a contact A
64, and a plurality of tapered terminals 70 corresponding to the contact points B66 are protruded. Each of these terminals 70 is connected to the lead wire 60 and comes into contact with a contact A64 and a contact B66.

In the above configuration, before the inspection, the imaging unit 2, the insertion section 3, and the operation section 4 are assembled. First, insert section 4
Is pushed into the proximal mouth portion 12, and the locking projection A <b> 46 is locked in the locking groove of the proximal mouth portion 12, and the operating section 4 is fixed to the proximal mouth portion 12. Main body 57 of imaging unit 2
Is pushed in from the distal end face side of the distal end portion 9, and the locking projection B 47 is pressed.
And the locking groove on the side of the opening 5 is locked, and the main body 57 is
Fixed to. At this time, after aligning the signal line 58 along the guide groove 62, the connector 59 is inserted into the connector receiver 61. Since the terminal 70 of the connector 59 is tapered, it is easily guided to a predetermined position, that is, the contact A64 and the contact B66. In the natural state, the terminal 70 of the connector 59 is wider than the width of the gap between the contact A 64 and the plate 65 and the width of the gap between the plate 65 and the insulator 67. Then, the terminal 70 is urged to each contact, and the connector 59 is fixed to the connector receiver 61. At this time, since the plate 65 is fixed on one side, the plate spring 68
Biases all the two-stage (two-row) terminals 70.

Next, the loop portions of the two sets of curved traction members 17 are engaged with the two gears 19, respectively. Air supply line 14,
The water supply pipe 15 and the suction pipe 16 are connected to the connection port A31, the connection port B34, and the connection port C39, respectively. Then, the light guide connector 40 is connected to the receiver 4 of the light source device 41.
Connect to 2. Connector 25 of universal cord 23
Is connected to the image control device 24. This completes the preparation before the inspection.

After the endoscope inspection, the connector 59 is detached from the connector receiver 61. Next, a remover for a divider is inserted into a step portion 5a on the distal end side of the opening 5 of the insertion portion 3, and
When the distal end portion 9 is spread laterally, the engagement between the locking projection B47 and the locking groove of the distal end portion 9 is released, so that the imaging unit 2 is moved to the distal end portion 9.
Can be removed from.

Air supply line 14, water supply line 15, suction line 1
6 and the light guide connector 40 are disconnected,
The two sets of curved traction members 17 are removed from the two gears 19.

When the insertion portion 3 is pulled in the axial direction with respect to the operation portion 4, the engagement between the locking projection A46 and the locking groove of the proximal mouth portion 12 is released, so that the insertion portion 3 is removed from the operation portion 4. Can be removed. Then, the connector 25 of the universal cord 23 is disconnected from the image control device 24.

The insertion unit 3 is discarded, and the imaging unit 2 and the operation unit 4 are washed, disinfected, and reused.

In the present embodiment, since the first objective lens 50 is not covered with the cover, no flare, ghost, or clouding occurs, and the observation ability is not reduced or lost.

In the present embodiment, the signal line 59 formed integrally with the observation and imaging unit 2 extends in the axial direction along the insertion portion 3,
The operation part 4 connected to the insertion part 3 from the position of the extension end
Of the same length as the tip connector receiver 61 of
Since the number of electrical relay points is reduced and the wireless system is not used, it is possible to prevent an increase in noise generation.

In this embodiment, the operation unit 4 includes the connector receiver 6
1, the contact 70 can be formed relatively large, and the terminal 70 of the connector 59 contacts the contact A 64 and the contact B 66 with a sufficiently large area, and is pressed by the leaf spring 68 with a sufficiently large force to make contact. Can be reduced, and a good image can be obtained with less noise.

In this embodiment, since the insertion portion including the conduit which is troublesome to clean is disposable, the cleaning can be easily performed as a whole.

In this embodiment, since the expensive imaging unit and the operation unit are repeatedly used, the running cost per inspection can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the signal line 58 has a length substantially equal to the length of the insertion portion and is shorter than that of the type directly connected to the image control device 24, so that it is easy to handle at the time of cleaning and disinfection.

In this embodiment, the junction 48 between the air supply pipe and the water supply pipe is larger than the cross-sectional area of each pipe.
Backflow between the air supply line and the water supply line does not easily occur. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air supply conduit joins the water supply conduit at an acute angle, not at a right angle, so that a large flow rate can be obtained with little energy loss.

The snap-fit type attachment / detachment configuration using the locking projection B47 and the locking groove of the image pickup unit 2 can be configured as shown in FIG. 1B, for example. A step 9b is provided on the front side of the locking groove 9a, and a feed groove 9c formed up to the end of the opening 5 to guide the locking projection A46 of the casing 27 is formed on the front side of the step 9b. Have been. The locking projection A46 passes through the feed groove 9c, passes over the step 9b, and is held in the locking groove 9a. This allows
It does not fall off in the insertion part axial direction. A projection (not shown) is provided on the opposite side of the locking projection B47 provided on the imaging unit 2 in parallel with the axial direction, and the locking groove 9d shown in FIG.
Does not come off in the radial direction.

The configuration of the snap-fit type attachment / detachment is not limited to the illustrated example, and the imaging unit 2 may be attached to the opening 5 from the radial direction so as not to come off. If the material of the component of the distal end portion 9 is made of a material that can be elastically deformed even slightly, the configuration shown in FIG. 1B is not required, and only one locking groove 9a is required. If the locking groove 9a is formed at a position where the outer peripheral end is not opened, the imaging unit 2 does not fall off in the radial direction.

In addition to the above, the terminals 70 of the connector 59 are urged by the leaf springs 68 of the air supply conduit 14, instead of the terminals 70.
By providing a separate leaf spring 68 for each of the terminals, the terminal 70 can be surely brought into contact with the contact A64 and the contact B66. can get.

In the present embodiment, if the operation section cover is also used to cover the operation section 4 and the operation section cover is attached and the inspection is performed, the operation section does not need to be washed and the labor can be saved. For greater care, the controls may be sterilized or disinfected. The operation unit cover is disposable or used after cleaning and disinfection.

FIGS. 8 to 14 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of an endoscope. FIG.
10 is a side sectional view showing a bending drive mechanism, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sliding tube, FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a part of the sliding tube, FIG. 13 is a transverse sectional view of the sliding tube, and FIG. (C) is a cross-sectional view according to another configuration of the sliding tube.

In the endoscope 1 'of the second embodiment, the signal line of the image pickup unit is arranged to be exposed along the groove provided in the axial direction of the insertion portion in the first embodiment. , Except that the groove is removed and the signal line is inserted inside the insertion portion. In addition, the same configurations and operations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

A signal line conduit 71 for accommodating the signal line 58 of the image pickup unit 2 shown in FIG. 8 is provided in the distal end portion 9, the bending portion 10, and the flexible tube 11 of the insertion section 3, and is close to the hand. It is open at the hand side of the mouth portion 12 and communicates with the opening 5 provided at the distal end portion 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the connector 59 'of the imaging unit 2 has a shape in which a side surface of a cylinder having an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the signal line 58 is cut off in the axial direction.
A plurality of terminals 70 protrude from the cutout surface 72. On the other hand, the casing 27 of the operation section 4 is provided with a connector receiver 61 'having terminals for connecting the terminals 70, and a U-shaped groove 73 for accommodating the cylindrical portion of the signal line 58 and the connector 59 is provided in the connector receiver 61. Is provided on the front end side.

As shown in FIG. 10, the two gears 19 are connected to two electric motors 74 such as an electromagnetic motor, an ultrasonic motor, and an electrostatic motor provided inside the casing 27, and two sets of gears 75. And are rotatably engaged and connected.

The operating section 4 includes a bending instruction switch 76 composed of a two-dimensional joystick or the like for instructing the operation of the motor 74, and a control circuit (not shown) for controlling the motor 74 in accordance with the operation of the bending instruction switch 76. Is provided. This bending instruction switch 76 is provided instead of the bending operation knob 20 of the first embodiment.

When the endoscope 1 'is used for colorectal examination, a sliding tube 77 as an endoscope insertion aid shown in FIG. 11 is used. The tube 77 allows the endoscope 1 'to pass through the inside of the tube 77 and reach a target site. The sliding tube 77 includes an elastic tube 78 made of urethane-based resin, fluorine resin, silicon-based resin, or the like, a hollow large-diameter holding portion 79 connected to one end of the elastic tube 78, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic tube 78 has four rods 80 made of a single wire or a stranded wire made of stainless steel or the like and extended in the axial direction of the elastic tube 78. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG.
They are arranged at intervals of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the elastic tube 78 may have a non-circular cross section such as an ellipse. Alternatively, the rod body 80 may be a pipe material as shown in FIG. 14B, and may be fixed to a groove 81 provided on the outer periphery of the elastic tube 78 by bonding or welding in which a part of the elastic tube 78 is melted. Also, as shown in FIG.
The rod body 80 may be a pair of plate members, and may be fixed to a groove 81 provided on the inner peripheral side of the elastic tube 78.

In the above configuration, the connector 59 ′ and the signal line 58
Through the signal line conduit 71 from the opening 5 side of the insertion portion 3,
The main body 57 of the imaging unit 2 is mounted on the distal end portion 9. Then, the connector 59 'extending from the opening of the signal line conduit 71 on the side of the proximal opening 12 is connected to the connector receiver 61'. After attaching the operation unit 4 to the proximal mouth unit 12 of the insertion unit 3, the curved traction member 17 is engaged with the gear 19.

In this embodiment, the signal line 5 of the imaging unit 2
Since the signal line 8 is accommodated in the signal line conduit 71 inserted into the insertion section 3, the signal line 58 is less likely to come off during the inspection than in the first embodiment.

The signal line 5 is provided on the outer periphery of the bending portion 10 and the flexible tube 11.
Since there is no groove for accommodating the bending portion 10 and the flexible tube 11
Can be formed in a completely cylindrical shape, and the curved portion 10 and the flexible tube 11
And has good insertability into the body cavity.

Since the sliding tube 77 is basically formed of an elastic tube, its sectional shape can be easily deformed. Therefore, even if the cross section of the endoscope insertion portion is non-circular, the elastic tube is deformed to follow even if the cross section of the endoscope insertion portion changes in the axial direction. Therefore, by using the sliding tube selected according to the outer circumference of the endoscope insertion portion, it is possible to prevent the patient from suffering and to prevent the mucous membrane from getting caught from the sliding tube end face.

The sliding tube 77 includes
Since the bar 80 is disposed in the axial direction, the straightness is easily maintained and the cross-sectional shape is easily deformed.

FIGS. 15 to 18 relate to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an imaging unit, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an insertion section, and FIG. 17 is an overall external view of an endoscope apparatus. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the node ring.

The combination endoscope of the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a bending portion is provided in the imaging unit. In addition, the same configurations and operations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15, the imaging unit 92 of this embodiment has a curved portion 93. This imaging unit 92 has a semi-cylindrical tip portion 9a on the tip side as a main body, and a cylindrical curved portion 93 at the proximal end of the tip portion 9a.
Are linked. A signal line 58 having the connector 59 at the end thereof extends from the proximal end of the curved portion 93.

As shown in FIG. 18, the internal structure of the curved portion 93 is such that the tip-side tongue piece 83 and the hand-side tongue piece 84 of each of the plurality of articulated rings 82 which are rotatably combined are respectively provided. It forms the rotor and stator of the ultrasonic motor.
The detailed structure and control method are described in JP-A-61-106126.
It is the same as that described in Japanese Patent Publication No. By controlling the drive of the rotor and the stator, the angle between the node rings 82 is changed, and a predetermined bending angle is obtained for the entire node ring 82. These articulated rings 82 are made of a material such as fluorocarbon rubber on the inner and outer surfaces.
Is covered with a curved outer skin 85 shown in FIG. It should be noted that such a configuration eliminates the need for a curved traction member.

A plurality of node rings 8 covered by the curved outer skin 85
2 has a hollow lumen 86 inside the tip 9.
A locking portion 87 made of a shape memory alloy or a shape memory resin protrudes from a. The locking portion 87 is curved at a diameter capable of urging a later-described pipe group storage tip tube, and is provided at both ends of the flat portion of the tip portion 9a, and opens outward when the temperature reaches 50 degrees or more. Is set to

The insertion portion 94 does not have a curved portion, and as shown in FIG. 16, a semi-cylindrical conduit group storage distal end portion 88 that can be inserted into the lumen 86 protrudes from the distal end side of the flexible tube 11. I have. The flexible tube 11 is provided with a signal line conduit 95 through which the signal line 58 is inserted so as to penetrate in the axial direction.

The signal line 58 is formed to be 1 to 2 m longer than the length of the flexible tube 11. The signal lines 58 include, in addition to the signal lines related to the solid-state imaging device, a signal line for controlling the driving of the bending portion and opening the locking portion 87.

As shown in FIG. 17, the signal line 58 of the image pickup unit 92 mounted on the insertion portion 94 is inserted through a signal line tube 95, and is connected to the image processing device 96 via a connector 59.
Is electrically connected to The image control device 96 includes a first
In addition to the functions of the image control device 24 of the embodiment, the bending portion 93
And an energization control circuit for opening the locking portion 87 (both are not shown).

In the above-described configuration, while the signal line 58 is inserted into the signal line conduit 95 of the flexible tube 11, the conduit group housing distal end portion 88 is inserted into the lumen 86. Then, the pipeline group housing distal end portion 88 is fixed by the urging force of the locking portion 87. The connector 59 of the imaging unit 92 is connected to a connector receiver provided on the image control device 96. When removing the imaging unit 92 from the insertion portion 94, the imaging unit 2 is heated and the locking portion 87 is opened.
And the insertion part 3 are separated.

In this embodiment, the signal line between the solid-state imaging device and the image control device is connected at only one location near the image control device, and noise can be reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the bending portion is built in the imaging unit, so that the cost of the disposable insertion portion 94 can be reduced, and the running cost per inspection can be reduced.

In each of the above embodiments, the cords and conduits extending from the endoscope are shown as being separated from each other. However, the cords and the conduits may be easily handled as follows. That is,
The light guide 13, the air supply line 14, the water supply line 15,
Suction line 16, universal cord 23 and signal line 58
Are bundled to make the operation at the time of inspection easier.

As another structure, a groove extending in the axial direction is provided in the universal cord 23, and the light guide 13, the air supply line 14, the water supply line 15, the suction line 16, and the signal line 58 are provided in this groove. I do. Then, after being arranged in the groove, each pipe or cord is bundled for each universal cord 23.

[Appendix] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained.
[Appendix 1] An insertion portion provided with at least one conduit,
In a combined endoscope including an objective optical system and an observation imaging unit unit having an imaging unit that captures a subject image formed by the objective optical system, and an operation unit including operation instruction means, Engaging means for detachably holding the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the observation / imaging unit portion are provided mutually, and the proximal end portion of the insertion portion and the distal end portion of the operation portion are detachably held. For transmitting signals output by the imaging means of the observation and imaging unit, and extending from the observation and imaging unit and having a connector provided at an end thereof. The signal line is engaged with the insertion portion from a position of an end extending from the observation and imaging unit in a state where the observation and imaging unit is attached to a distal end portion of the insertion portion. Of the operation unit held A storage means having an extension length equal to or greater than the length to the end portion and capable of detachably storing at least a part of the signal line is provided in the insertion portion along the axial direction of the insertion portion. ing.

[Supplementary Note 1-1] An insertion unit provided with at least one conduit, an observation imaging unit having an objective optical system and imaging means for imaging a subject image formed by the objective optical system, and an operation instruction An operation section having means, and an engagement means for detachably holding a distal end of the insertion section and the observation / imaging unit section, An engaging means for detachably holding the proximal end of the insertion section and the distal end of the operation section is provided mutually, and transmits a signal output by the imaging means of the observation imaging unit. There is a signal line extending from the observation imaging unit and provided with a connector at an end thereof, and the signal line has an extension length equal to or greater than the length of the insertion portion. , And the signal line can be detachably stored. Storage means is provided in the insertion portion along the axial direction of the insertion portion.

In the configuration described in Appendix 1-1, the observation / imaging unit is made detachable from the insertion portion, and a signal line integrally formed with the observation / imaging unit extends in the axial direction along the insertion portion toward the proximal end of the insertion portion. Extending beyond the part.

Further, in the above configuration, the observation / imaging unit and the operation unit can be easily cleaned and disinfected by removing the operation / imaging unit from the insertion unit. Further, after the observation imaging unit and the operation unit are disinfected,
Since it can be reused, the running cost of each test can be reduced. Since the transmission and reception between the signal line terminals is provided not at the insertion portion where the size is large but at the portion where the degree of freedom of the size is relatively large, it is easy to make the structure that the noise is hard to be attached.

[Supplementary Note 1-2] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the observation / imaging unit exposes the surface of the objective optical system even when the observation / imaging unit is attached to the insertion portion. Are arranged.

In the configuration described in Supplementary Note 1-2, the operation section is detachable from the insertion section, and since the objective surface of the observation / imaging unit is not covered with a cover or the like, problems such as flare, ghost, and clouding do not occur. .

[Supplementary Note 2] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, a connector receiver that is detachably electrically connected to a connector of the signal line is provided on the operation unit, and the signal line is A connector provided on the operation unit engaged with and held by the insertion unit from a position of an end extending from the observation imaging unit in a state where the observation imaging unit is attached to a distal end of the insertion unit; It has an extension length equal to the length up to the position where the receiver is arranged.

[Supplementary Note 3] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the signal line extends from the observation and imaging unit in a state where the observation and imaging unit is attached to a distal end portion of the insertion portion. The length from the position of the end to the position of the connector is equal to or longer than the length of the insertion portion.

[Supplementary Note 4] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, a connector receiver detachably and electrically connected to the connector of the signal line is used for signal processing of an output of an imaging unit of the observation imaging unit. The signal line extends longer than the proximal end of the insertion portion so as to reach the connector receiver.

[Supplementary Note 5] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the operation unit is detachably and electrically connected to a connector of a signal line extending from the observation and imaging unit. I have a receiver.

[Supplementary Note 6] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the connector receiver is configured such that a contact member that is detachable from the connector of the signal line and contacts an electrical contact member of the connector is electrically connected to the connector. There is a biasing means for biasing toward the target contact member side.

[Supplementary Note 7] An insertion unit provided with at least one conduit, an observation imaging unit unit having an objective optical system and an imaging unit for imaging a subject image formed by the objective optical system, and an operation instruction unit are provided. In the combination endoscope having an operating portion provided, the insertion portion is formed of an elastic member, and at least one elongated hard body is arranged in an axial direction of the elastic member.

[Supplementary Note 8] An insertion section provided with a bendable section and a driving force transmitting means for transmitting a driving force for bending the bending section, an operation section provided with a driving section for generating the driving force, In a combined endoscope having an objective optical system and an imaging unit having an imaging unit for imaging a subject image formed by the objective optical system, the distal end of the insertion unit and the observation imaging unit And an engaging means for detachably holding a proximal end of the insertion portion and a distal end of the operating portion. And a second driving force transmitting means for detachably engaging the driving force transmitting means of the insertion portion and transmitting the driving force of the driving means to the driving force transmitting means.

[Supplementary Note 8-1] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 8, the driving means is a bending operation knob provided on the operation unit and operated rotatably to generate a driving force.

[Supplementary Note 8-2] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 8, the driving means is an electric motor controlled by operation instruction means provided in the operation unit.

[Supplementary Note 8-3] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 8, the driving force transmission means may include a plurality of node rings provided on a curved portion of the insertion portion and rotatably combined. A wire that is fixed at both ends to the foremost node ring and that is folded back in a loop shape at the hand side, wherein the second driving force transmission means engages with the loop-shaped portion of the wire and A gear that transmits the driving force of

[Supplementary Note 9] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the storage means is provided on an outer surface or inside the insertion portion along an axial direction of the insertion portion.

[Supplementary Note 10] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 9, the storage means is provided inside the insertion portion, and is a conduit through which the signal line is inserted.

[Supplementary Note 11] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 9, the storage means is a groove provided on an outer surface of the insertion portion and in which the signal line is mounted.

[Supplementary Note 12] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 11, the groove is provided with means for preventing the signal line from falling off.

[Supplementary Note 13] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 12, the means for preventing is provided at both ends of the groove, and the diameter between the both ends is smaller than the diameter of the signal line. It is a projection formed so that

[Supplementary Note 14-1] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, a connector receiver that is electrically connected to a connector of the signal line is provided in an operation unit.

[Supplementary Note 14-2] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the connector provided at an end portion of the signal line may be configured to process an output of an imaging unit of the observation imaging unit. It is extended in such a length that it can be directly electrically connected to the connector receiver provided on the side.

[Supplementary Note 14-3] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 14-2, wherein the signal line is configured to be able to be inserted into the inside of the insertion portion, and furthermore, in a hand-side direction from the insertion portion. The length can be extended.

[Supplementary Note 14-4] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 14-2, the signal line is disposed in a groove provided on an outer periphery of the insertion portion, and furthermore, a hand side direction from the insertion portion. The length can be extended to.

[Supplementary Note 14-5] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 14-2, a part of the signal line is arranged in parallel with a flexible tube constituting the insertion portion. Has become.

[Supplementary Note 15] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 14-1, provided at an end of a flexible tube extending from the operation unit, and configured to process an output of an imaging unit of the observation imaging unit. A flexible tube-side connector electrically connected to a connector receiver provided on the side of the operating unit, and an operation unit for connecting the connector receiver provided on the operation unit and the flexible tube-side connector A side signal line is provided in the operation section and the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 16] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 15, the operation unit-side signal line is disposed inside the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 17] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 15, the operation unit side signal line is disposed in a groove provided on an outer periphery of the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 18] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 15, the operation unit side signal line is arranged in parallel with the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 19] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 18, further comprising a unit for bundling the operation unit side signal line and the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 20] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein a bending drive motor is provided in the observation / imaging unit so as to be able to bend, and a drive signal is supplied to the bending drive motor. A signal line having a connector at an end for detachably electrically connecting to a motor drive source for supplying the power supply extends.

[Supplementary Note 21] An observation / imaging unit section having an optical system and an image pickup means for picking up a subject image formed by the objective optical system, and having a bending section driving force transmission means capable of bending, at least In a combined endoscope having an insertion section provided with one conduit, and an operation section having operation instruction means including at least means for giving an instruction of a bending operation of the bending section, Engaging means for detachably holding the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the observation / imaging unit portion are provided mutually, and the proximal end portion of the insertion portion and the distal end portion of the operation portion are detachably held. Are provided mutually, and a plurality of rotatably combined node rings are provided within the curved portion, and tongue pieces rotatably combined among these node rings are connected to the vibrator. It constitutes the rotor and stator of the motor, A signal line for transmitting a signal for controlling the driving of the rotor and the stator extends from the image pickup unit in the hand side direction.

[Supplementary Note 22] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the operation instructing means of the operation unit may control image output to the imaging means or perform a fluid control through a conduit of the insertion unit. An instruction switch for instructing control of an endoscope-related function including at least one of the controls.

[Supplementary Note 23] A hollow or flexible tubular body having both ends opened, and a tubular body that extends in the axial direction of the tubular body and is housed in the tubular body and is more rigid than the tubular body. An endoscope insertion aid having a rod made of a member.

[Supplementary Note 24] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein a hollow holding portion is connected to one end of the tubular body.

[Supplementary Note 25] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, which is autoclavable.

[Supplementary Note 26] In the endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 25, the tubular body is made of a silicon-based material.

[Supplementary Note 27] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 25, wherein the rod is made of stainless steel.

[Supplementary Note 28] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the rod is solidly configured.

[Supplementary Note 29] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the rod is hollow.

[Supplementary Note 30] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein a plurality of the rods are provided.

[Supplementary Note 31] The endoscope insertion aid according to supplementary note 23, wherein the rod is a plate.

[Supplementary Note 32] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the rod is buried inside the cylindrical body.

[Supplementary Note 33] In the endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, the rod is fixed inside so as to be exposed to the hollow of the cylindrical body.

[Supplementary Note 34] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the rod is fixed to the outside of the cylindrical body.

[Supplementary Note 35] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary note 33 or 34, wherein the rod is fixed to a groove provided in the cylindrical body.

[Supplementary Note 36] The endoscope insertion aid according to supplementary note 33 or 34, wherein the fixing is performed by bonding.

[Supplementary Note 37] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary note 33 or 34, wherein the fixing is performed by welding in which a part of the cylindrical body is melted.

Although the above embodiment is conceivable, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0130]

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the running cost can be reduced by easily reusing the expensive parts after cleaning and disinfecting them.
The relatively inexpensive portion can be disposable, and has an effect that it is excellent in noise suppression and a good endoscope image can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 relate to a first embodiment, and FIG.
1A is an overall configuration diagram, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a distal end of an insertion portion.

2A is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 2A.

3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view illustrating another configuration.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an operation unit including an operation knob.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the imaging unit.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view showing the inside of the connector receiver.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connector.

8 to 14 relate to a second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a side view of a partial cross section showing a configuration of an endoscope.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a connector and a connector receiver of the imaging unit.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing a bending drive mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sliding tube.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a part of a sliding tube.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding tube.

14 (a) to 14 (c) are cross-sectional views according to another configuration of the sliding tube.

15 to 18 relate to a third embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an imaging unit.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an insertion portion.

FIG. 17 is an overall external view of the endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a node ring.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Combination endoscope 2 ... Imaging unit 47 ... Locking projection B 58 ... Signal line 3 ... Insertion part 5 ... Opening 17 ... Curved traction material 62 ... Guide groove 4 ... Operation part 20 ... Operation knob 46 ... Locking projection A 61 ... Connector receiver 23 ... Universal cord

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-60-203230 (JP, A) JP-A-61-163316 (JP, A) JP-A-61-179128 (JP, A) 65914 (JP, A) JP-A-5-307145 (JP, A) JP-A-5-337078 (JP, A) JP-A-7-255667 (JP, A) JP-A-3-35513 (JP, U) U.S. Pat. No. 3,101,907 (JP, U) U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,704 (JP, U) U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,865 (US, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) A61B 1/00

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. An observing / imaging unit having an insertion section provided with at least one conduit, an objective optical system, and an imaging unit for imaging a subject image formed by the objective optical system, and an operation instruction unit. And an operating section, wherein an engaging means for detachably holding the distal end of the insertion section and the observation / imaging unit section is provided mutually, and a hand of the insertion section is provided. An engagement means for detachably holding a side end and a distal end of the operation unit is provided mutually, and transmits a signal output by an imaging unit of the observation imaging unit unit, A signal line extending from the observation / imaging unit and having a connector provided at an end thereof, wherein the signal line includes the observation / imaging unit in a state where the observation / imaging unit is attached to a distal end of the insertion portion. End extending from Has an extension length equal to or longer than the length from the position to the distal end of the operation portion engaged and held by the insertion portion, and is capable of detachably storing at least a part of the signal line. Wherein the storage section is provided in the insertion section along the axial direction of the insertion section.