JP2002125925A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope which can easily be inserted to a lumen by keeping the multifunctional property of the endoscope without increasing the diameter of an insertion part and allowing the insertion part to obtain propelling force in the direction of its tip within the lumen by simple structure so as to help the insertion part move forward. SOLUTION: A tube 7 with a clogged tip is installed within a duct 16 formed within the insertion part 2 of the endoscope 1. The driving force of the solenoid 4 installed at an operation part 3 is transmitted to a hitting body 5 by a transmission member 6 installed inside of the tube 7. The body 5 is reciprocated at a tip part within the tube and collides with a clogged part formed at the tip part of the tube 7 to give propelling force to the part 2. The duct 16 can be used as a treating tool put-through channel, a liquid sending (air sending) channel, a suction channel, etc., in common by removing the tube 7.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope for medical use, industrial use, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the medical field, endoscopes are used for examination, treatment and the like of the digestive tract and the like. Such an endoscope has a long insertion portion to be inserted into a lumen, and an operation portion provided on a proximal end side of the insertion portion, and the insertion portion is provided for a tubular organ (lumen) of a patient. Insert and use inside. The insertion of the insertion portion into the lumen is performed by applying a pushing force or torsion to the proximal end side (hand side) of the insertion portion to advance the insertion portion into the lumen.

[0003] However, since the lumen in the body is complicatedly bent, it is not easy to advance the distal end portion of the long insertion portion only by operating force applied to the base end portion of the insertion portion. In particular,
For example, when inserting deep into a body cavity such as the small intestine or large intestine, the pushing force or torsion applied to the proximal end of the insertion portion is difficult to transmit to the distal end, and therefore, the operation of inserting to the target site is It is difficult and requires a high degree of skill.

Therefore, in order to facilitate such difficult insertion operation, a drive source is provided in the endoscope, and the insertion portion obtains a propulsive force in the direction of the distal end in the lumen by driving the drive source. An endoscope adapted to be used is disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3009603. An endoscope disclosed in the publication (hereinafter, referred to as an “endless belt type endoscope”) is provided with a driving source in an operation unit, and is provided along an outer peripheral portion of an insertion portion along a longitudinal direction. By driving the endless belt like an endless track by the drive source, the insertion portion is configured to obtain a propulsive force in the direction of the distal end.

However, this endless belt type endoscope has the following disadvantages. First, as compared with the conventional endoscope, there is a disadvantage that the number of parts is greatly increased and the structure is extremely complicated. That is, in the endless belt type endoscope, in addition to the endless belt, a large number of guide hooks for holding four endless belts are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion, and inside the insertion portion,
The same number of guide pipes as the endless belts are inserted through the endless belts. Further, the operation unit includes a motor and a gear box for driving the endless belt. Due to such a complicated structure, the endless belt type endoscope has a problem that the manufacturing cost is significantly increased. There is also a problem that care and maintenance of the endoscope become complicated.

Second, as described above, since four dedicated guide pipes for inserting the endless belt into the insertion portion must be provided, there is a disadvantage that the diameter of the insertion portion is increased. . When the diameter of the insertion portion is increased, there is a problem that it becomes impossible to insert the insertion portion into a small lumen, and the burden and pain on the patient increase.

Thirdly, since the endless belt slides against the inner wall of the lumen to obtain a propulsive force, there is a problem that the friction may damage the organ of the patient.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to maintain the multifunctionality of an endoscope without increasing the diameter of an insertion portion,
With a simple structure, the insertion portion is configured to obtain a propulsive force in the distal direction in the lumen, thereby assisting the advancement of the insertion portion, thereby facilitating insertion into the lumen. An endoscope is provided.

[0009]

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention which is defined below as (1) to (13).

(1) An insertion portion to be inserted into a lumen, an operation portion provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion,
A pipe formed along the longitudinal direction and having an open end, a long hollow member having a passage removably installed in the pipe and extending along the longitudinal direction therein, and a tip of the passage In the vicinity, a hitting body movably provided along the longitudinal direction thereof, a driving source for reciprocating the hitting body, and at least a part thereof is provided so as to be located in the passage, and the driving source A transmitting member for transmitting a driving force to the hitting body, wherein the hollow member has a collision portion near the tip thereof where the hitting body collides, and the hitting body and the transmitting member are each provided with the insertion portion. The insertion unit is configured to obtain a propulsive force in the direction of the tip thereof by repeatedly hitting the hit body reciprocated by the driving source with the collision unit. An endoscope characterized in that:

[0011] Thus, the endoscope is maintained multifunctional without increasing the diameter of the insertion section, and is provided with a propulsive force toward the distal end of the insertion section with a simple structure to advance the insertion section. It is possible to provide an endoscope which can be assisted and can be easily inserted into a lumen.

(2) The endoscope according to the above (1), wherein the collision portion is configured so that the hitting body cannot pass through. Thereby, the hitting force of the hitting body is transmitted to the insertion portion with higher efficiency.

(3) The endoscope according to the above (1) or (2), wherein the collision portion is a closing portion that seals the passage. Thereby, the hitting force of the hitting body is transmitted to the insertion portion with particularly high efficiency.

(4) The conduit has a proximal opening which is open to the outside on the proximal end side, and the hollow member is removable from the insertion portion by being pulled out from the proximal opening. The endoscope according to any one of the above (1) to (3). Thus, the hollow member can be quickly removed after the use of the propulsion mechanism.

(5) The above-mentioned (1) to (4), further comprising a movement restricting means for restricting the hollow member from moving toward the distal end with respect to the pipeline when the hitting body collides with the collision portion. An endoscope according to any one of the above. Thereby, the hitting force of the hitting body is transmitted to the insertion portion with particularly high efficiency.

(6) The pipe has a base opening on the base end side which is open to the outside, and the movement restricting means is formed at a base end of the hollow member. The endoscope according to (5), wherein the endoscope is an engagement portion that engages with an edge of the end opening.
Thereby, the hitting force of the hitting body is transmitted to the insertion portion with particularly high efficiency.

(7) The endoscope according to the above (5), wherein the movement restricting means is a contact portion with which a tip of the hollow member contacts. Thereby, the hitting force of the hitting body is transmitted to the insertion portion with particularly high efficiency.

(8) The endoscope according to (7), wherein the abutting portion is a reduced diameter portion formed at a distal end portion of the conduit and having a reduced inner diameter of the conduit. Thereby, the hitting force of the hitting body is transmitted to the insertion portion with particularly high efficiency.

(9) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the hollow member is mainly constituted by a tubular tube. This facilitates the production of the hollow member and reduces the production cost.

(10) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the transmission member is detachably connected to the drive source. Thereby, the transmission member and the hit body can be easily removed from the insertion portion.

(11) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (10), wherein a collision condition of the hitting body can be adjusted. Thereby, the thrust acting on the insertion portion can be adjusted.

(12) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the stroke of the reciprocating motion of the hitting body is adjustable. Thereby, the thrust acting on the insertion portion can be adjusted.

(13) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (12), wherein the cycle of the reciprocating motion of the hitting body is adjustable. Thereby, the thrust acting on the insertion portion can be adjusted.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an endoscope according to the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of an endoscope of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line X--X in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a semi-longitudinal sectional view showing the distal end of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope (electronic scope) 1 shown in FIG. 1, and FIG.
FIG. 5 is a side view of the hitting body 5 and the transmission member 6, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration example for controlling the rotary solenoid 4,
FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view showing a state before the engaging portion 73 of the tube 7 is engaged with the proximal opening 17 of the conduit 16.
Are the engaging portion 73 of the tube 7 and the proximal opening 1 of the conduit 16.
FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an engagement state with the seventh embodiment. In addition, FIG.
FIG. 3 is a simplified view for illustrating a configuration example of the conduit 16, the tube 7, the hitting body 5, the transmission member 6, and the like, and the illustration of a built-in component of the insertion unit 2 described later is omitted. (The same applies to FIG. 8 described later). In the following description, the left side in FIGS. 1 and 3 is referred to as “base end”, the right side is referred to as “distal end”, the upper side is referred to as “upper”, and the lower side is referred to as “lower”.

The endoscope 1 shown in these figures reciprocates the long insertion portion 2, the operation portion 3 provided on the base end side of the insertion portion 2, the hitting member 5, and the hitting member 5. A rotary solenoid 4 as a drive source, a transmission member 6 for transmitting the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 to the hitting body 5, a tube 7 as a hollow member, and a control unit 8 for controlling the rotary solenoid 4
And a connection section flexible tube 30 connected to the operation section 3. Hereinafter, the configuration of each unit will be described.

The insertion portion 2 is a portion to be inserted into a lumen (tubular organ) of a living body, and has a structure in which various built-in components described later are disposed inside a long tubular member. .

Most of the entire length of the insertion section 2 (excluding the vicinity of the tip) is constituted by a flexible (elastic) flexible tube section 21. The exterior of the flexible tube portion 21 is formed of a flexible tube for an endoscope. The flexible tube for an endoscope is formed by braiding a spiral tube 23 formed by spirally winding a band-like material and a thin wire made of metal or nonmetal, and a mesh-like shape covering the outer periphery of the spiral tube 23. It comprises a tube 24 and an outer skin 25 made of an elastic material such as a synthetic resin and covering the outer periphery of the mesh tube 24. Note that, in the configuration shown in FIG.
It is provided in double.

The portion near the distal end of the insertion portion 2 is a curved portion 22.
It is composed of The exterior of the bending portion 22 is formed of a bending tube. The curved tube includes a plurality of node rings (not shown) rotatably connected to each other, a mesh tube 24 covering the outer periphery of the node ring, and an outer skin 25 covering the outer periphery of the mesh tube 24. It is configured. As described later, the bending portion 22 can be remotely controlled in bending.

At the distal end of the insertion section 2 (curved section 22), an image pickup device (CCD) (not shown) for picking up a subject image at an observation site is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the insertion portion 2,
A light guide 11 using an optical fiber bundle, an image signal cable 12, a bending operation wire 13, a conduit tube 14, and an air supply / liquid supply tube 15 are respectively inserted and installed along the longitudinal direction. . The endoscope 1 is configured to be able to supply air and liquid to the lumen from the distal end of the insertion section 2 through the inside of the air and liquid supply tube 15.

The inside (hollow portion) of the conduit tube 14 becomes a conduit 16 in which the tube 7 described later is installed. Pipe line 1
6 is provided at a position eccentric downward in FIG. 3 from the center axis 26 of the insertion portion 2 in the configuration shown in FIG.
The position of the conduit 16 in the horizontal cross section is not particularly limited, and for example, may be provided concentrically with the insertion portion 2.

The conduit 16 is formed along the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 2, and the distal end of the conduit 16 is open to the outside at the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and a distal opening 18 is formed.

The proximal end of the insertion section 2 is connected to the operation section 3. The operation unit 3 is a part that is operated by the operator to operate the endoscope 1 as a whole. An operation knob 31 is provided on the side of the operation unit 3 near the base end. This operation knob 31
Is operated, the bending operation wire 13 disposed in the insertion section 2 is pulled, and the bending direction and the degree of bending of the bending section 22 can be freely controlled.

In the vicinity of the distal end of the operating section 3, a projecting section 32 projecting obliquely upward is formed. The conduit 16 is formed continuously from the inside of the insertion section 2 to the inside of the operation section 3.
It is formed continuously within the projection 32.

As shown in FIG. 6, the protruding portion 32 is formed with a base end opening 17 which protrudes in a cylindrical shape.
The base end of 6 is open to the outside diagonally upward at the base end opening 17. Further, the inner diameter of the conduit 16 in the portion formed inside the protruding portion 32 is larger than the inner diameter of the conduit 16 in the portion formed inside the insertion portion 2.

The tube 7, which will be described in detail later, is installed in the conduit 16, and can be pulled out of the conduit 16 and removed from the insertion section 2 by being pulled out from the proximal opening 17 of the conduit 16. It has become.

One end of a flexible connecting portion 30 is connected to a lower portion of the operation portion 3, and the other end of the flexible connecting portion 30 is connected to a light source insertion portion (not shown). . The light source insertion portion is provided with an image signal connector (not shown) and a light source connector (not shown), and the endoscope 1 is connected to the light source processor device (not shown) through both connectors. Z)
Connected to. Further, the light source processor device is connected to a monitor device (not shown) via a cable.

The light emitted from the light source in the light source processor device is transmitted to the inside of the light source insertion portion, the inside of the flexible tube 30 of the connection portion, and to the operation portion 3.
, Light guide 11 continuously arranged in insertion section 2
Through the insertion portion 2 (curved portion 22), and is illuminated from the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 (bending portion 22) to the observation site.

The reflected light (subject image) from the observation site illuminated by the illumination light is picked up by an image sensor. An image signal corresponding to the subject image picked up by the image pickup device is output via a buffer (not shown).

This image signal is continuously provided in the insertion section 2, the operation section 3, and the connection section flexible tube 30, and passes through the image signal cable 12 for connecting the image pickup device and the image signal connector. And transmitted to the light source insertion part.

Then, predetermined processing (for example, signal processing, image processing, and the like) is performed in the light source insertion unit and the light source processor device, and then input to the monitor device. In the monitor device, an image (electronic image) captured by the image sensor,
That is, an endoscope monitor image of a moving image is displayed.

It is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to an electronic endoscope such as the endoscope 1, but can be applied to various endoscopes including a fiber endoscope.

In the conduit 16, along its longitudinal direction,
A long tube 7 is installed (inserted). The tube 7 is mainly constituted by a tubular tube. The overall length of the tube 7 is substantially the same as the overall length of the conduit 16.
Further, the tube 7 has flexibility and can be freely bent in accordance with the bending of the insertion section 2.

A passage 74 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed inside the tube 7. The proximal end of the passage 74
It is open to the outside at the base opening 75. That is,
A proximal opening 75 is formed at the proximal end of the tube 7.

The portion near the base end of the tube 7 is
The diameter of the pipe 16 is increased in accordance with the diameter of the conduit 16 located inside the pipe 2.

The outer diameter of each part of the tube 7 is set so that the gap between the tube 7 and the pipe 16 is as small as possible when the tube 7 is properly installed in the pipe 16. Preferably, it is substantially the same as the inside diameter of the conduit 16. Thereby, when the hitting body 5 collides with the closing portion 72 (collision portion), the movement of the tube 7 in the distal direction with respect to the conduit 16 is restricted (suppressed) by friction. Therefore, the force (propulsive force) that the tube 7 receives from the hitting body 5 can be transmitted from the tube 7 to the insertion portion 2 with high efficiency.

The constituent material of the tube 7 is not particularly limited. For example, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene,
Polyolefin resins such as polypropylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide resins, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polybutylene terephthalate, polyurethane resins, polystyrene resins, polytetrafluoroethylene, ethylene-tetra Examples include fluororesin such as fluoroethylene copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and various kinds of flexible resins such as polyimide resin, and two or more of these may be used in combination. it can. Further, the tube 7 may be provided with a reinforcing material (core material) made of various metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or aluminum alloy, titanium or titanium alloy, various hard resins, or the like. The shape of such a reinforcing material can be, for example, a linear shape, a spiral shape, a mesh shape, or the like.

At the tip of the tube 7, a closing portion 72 for sealing the passage 74 is formed. The closing portion 72 is located near the distal end of the insertion portion 2 (the conduit 16). The closing portion 72 constitutes a collision portion where the hitting body 5 collides, and the hitting body 5 described later repeatedly hits the base end face 721.

The closing portion 72 may be integrally formed of the same material, or may be formed by fixing a material made of various hard resins, various metal materials, various ceramics, etc. to the main body. It may be something. Further, it can be made of a material having an X-ray contrast property.
Even if an X-ray marker is not separately provided, the position of the distal end of the insertion section 2 can be confirmed under X-ray fluoroscopy.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG.
An engagement portion 73 is formed at a base end of the base member as a restricting means for restricting (suppressing) the tube 7 from moving in the distal direction relative to the conduit 16 when the hitting body 5 collides with the closing portion 72. Have been. FIG. 6 shows that the tube 7 is connected to the proximal opening 17.
3 shows a state immediately before the insertion is completed (a state before the engagement portion 73 is engaged with the edge 171 of the base end opening 17) when the insertion is performed into the conduit 16 from the above.

The engaging portion 73 includes a flange portion 731 projecting in a ring shape (annular) from the outer periphery of the base end of the tube 7, and a folded portion projecting cylindrically in the distal end direction of the tube 7 from the outer periphery of the flange portion 731. 732.
A ring-shaped (annular) groove 733 is formed between a base end outer peripheral surface of the tube 7 and an inner peripheral surface of the folded portion 732.

As shown in FIG. 7, the tube 7 is connected to the conduit 16.
When properly installed in the inside, the end of the base end opening 17 is inserted into the groove 733. As a result, the flange portion 732 of the engagement portion 73 comes into contact with the edge portion (end surface) 171 of the base end opening portion 17, and the tube 7 does not move in the distal direction from this position.

By providing such an engaging portion 73, the force in the tip direction applied from the hitting body 5 to the tube 7 is transmitted to the insertion portion 2 more reliably, and the insertion portion 2 is provided with higher efficiency. Can give propulsion.

The engaging portion 73 may be integrally formed of the same material, or may be formed of a material such as various hard resins, various metal materials, or various ceramics which are fixed to the main body. May be done.

A hitting body (hammer) 5 having a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole is provided near the tip of the passage 74 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the passage 74. That is, the hitting body 5 is located on the base end side of the closing portion 72. Batter 5
Is reciprocated along the longitudinal direction of the passage 74 by the rotary solenoid 4, and the distal end surface (distal end portion) 51 repeatedly collides with the base end surface 721 of the closing portion 72, whereby the distal end of the insertion portion 2 Propulsion in the direction
It is simply called "propulsion." ).

The constituent material of the striking body 5 is not particularly limited, and may be a metal material or a non-metal material. For example, a comparative material such as iron, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, brass, or copper may be used. A metal material having a large specific gravity is preferably used. Thereby, a large propulsion force can be obtained even when the outer shape of the hitting body 5 is reduced. The outer surface of the hitting body 5 may be covered with a film such as a resin.

The base end of the hitting body 5 is connected to the front end of the transmission member 6. Here, the hitting body 5 may be replaced with a similar hitting body 5 having different conditions, for example, a hitting body 5 having a different weight. Thereby, the driving force applied by the hitting body 5 to the insertion portion 2 can be adjusted, and the propulsion force of the insertion portion 2 can be adjusted. In this case, the hitting body 5 may be replaced with the transmitting member 6 by making the hitting body 5 and the transmission member 6 detachable, and the hitting body 5 and the transmitting member 6 may be replaced with the insertion portion 2. They may be exchanged as a set.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
Is a long (slim) member, and a flexible coil portion 61 formed by spirally winding a band-shaped material without gaps.
And a rod-shaped rod portion 62 connected to the base end of the coil portion 61. The coil portion 61 includes the transmission member 6
And is provided in the passage 74 along the longitudinal direction. Then, a part of the rod portion 62 comes out of the base end opening 75 of the passage 74 and is exposed to the outside.

Since the portion of the transmission member 6 located in the insertion portion 2 is constituted by the coil portion 61,
The transmission member 6 does not hinder the bending of the flexible tube portion 21 and the bending portion 22 of the insertion portion 2, and the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 is reduced even when the flexible tube portion 21 and the bending portion 22 are in the bending state. The power can be transmitted to the hitting body 5 with high efficiency (with little loss).

The rotary solenoid 4 reciprocates the hitting body 5 repeatedly along the longitudinal direction of the passage 74. As shown in FIG. 1, the rotary solenoid 4 is installed via a pedestal 43 at substantially the center of the side of the operation unit 3 in the longitudinal direction. That is, the rotary solenoid 4
Is provided at a position on the distal end side of the operation knob 31.

The rotary solenoid 4 has a case (stator) 41 fixed to a pedestal 43 and a rotor 42 rotatably mounted on the case 41.

The rotary solenoid 4 is electrically connected to the control unit 8 by a lead wire 85. When energized by the controller 8, the rotor 42 rotates the rotor 42 by a predetermined angle from the start position, and when the energization is released, the rotor 42 is biased by a return spring installed in the case 41. Returns to the start position.

The lead wire 85 may be disposed inside the operation section 3 and the connection section flexible tube 30, unlike the configuration shown in the figure. Thereby, the operability is further improved.

As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 8 has a power supply circuit 81 and a drive circuit 82 therein, and controls and drives the rotary solenoid 4.

The power supply circuit 81 is connected to a power supply,
Power is supplied to the drive circuit 82. The power supply of the power supply circuit 81 is not particularly limited, and for example, a power supply common to the light source processor device, a power supply of another system therefrom, or a battery can be used.

The drive circuit 82 converts the supplied electric power so as to output a voltage that periodically changes in, for example, a pulse wave (rectangular wave), oscillates, and supplies it to the rotary solenoid 4. Accordingly, the energized state and the non-energized state of the rotary solenoid 4 are periodically repeated, and the rotor 42 reciprocates periodically. In this case, the driving circuit 82
The oscillation frequency of is not particularly limited,
It is preferably about Hertz, and more preferably about 5 to 15 Hertz.

As shown in FIG. 1, one end of an arm 44 is fixed to the rotor 42 by, for example, screws. The other end of the arm 44 is provided with a long hole 45 along its longitudinal direction, and a pin slider 46 is provided. The pin slider 46 is connected to the arm 44
, And is freely movable along the long hole 45.

The pin slider 46 is provided with an internally threaded female thread.
On the base end side, a male screw portion formed by cutting a male screw corresponding to the female screw portion is formed. Then, the transmission member 6 and the arm 44 are connected (coupled) via the pin slider 46 by screwing the male screw portion of the rod portion 62 into the female screw portion of the pin slider 46. Thus, the rod portion 62 is connected to the arm 44 so as to be rotatable and movable along the elongated hole 45. The arm 44 and the rod portion 62 are preferably connected in a positional relationship such that the angle between the arm 44 and the rod portion 62 is close to a right angle in a range where the rotor 42 rotates.

The pin slider 46 can be released from the long hole 4 of the arm 44 by releasing the fixing with, for example, a small screw.
5, the arm 44 and the rod portion 62 of the transmission member 6 are detachable. Therefore, the arm 44 and the rod 6 of the transmission member 6
2 and the transmission member 6 is pulled out from the base end opening 75 of the passage 74, the transmission member 6 and the hit body 5 can be easily removed from the insertion portion 2.

When the rotary solenoid 4 is driven and the rotor 42 reciprocates, the arm 44 attached to the rotor 42 moves the rod portion 62 of the transmission member 6 through the passage 74.
Reciprocate along the base end of At this time, as described above, since the rod portion 62 is connected to the arm 44 via the pin slider 46, the rotational motion of the rotor 42 is smoothly converted to the reciprocating motion of the transmission member 6 and transmitted.

As described above, when the transmission member 6 reciprocates along the longitudinal direction of the passage 74, the striking body 5 attached to the tip of the transmission member 6 also reciprocates along with this.
As described above, the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 is transmitted to the hitting body 5 by the transmitting member 6, and the hitting body 5 reciprocates periodically along the longitudinal direction of the passage 74.

Here, in the present embodiment, the reciprocating stroke of the striking body 5 can be adjusted by rotating the rod portion 62 of the transmission member 6 around the axis with respect to the pin slider 46. That is, as described above, since the male screw portion formed on the base end side of the rod portion 62 is screwed with the female screw portion of the pin slider 46, the rod portion 62 is rotated around the axis. By the rod part 6
The connection position of the 2 (transmission member 6) to the arm 44 (rotary solenoid 4) moves. Thereby, the position of the hitting body 5 corresponding to the start position of the rotor 42 of the rotary solenoid 4 moves. Since the stroke of the reciprocating motion of the striking body 5 is the distance from this position to the collision with the closing portion 72 of the tube 7, the stroke of the reciprocating motion of the striking body 5 can be adjusted in this manner.

By adjusting the stroke of the reciprocating motion of the hitting body 5 in this manner, it is easy to determine at which position in the movable range of the rotor 42 the hitting body 5 collides with the closing portion 72 of the tube 7. Can be adjusted. That is, when the hitting body 5 is adjusted so as to collide within a certain range in the movable range of the rotor 42, a large hitting force is obtained, and the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 is efficiently used for the propulsive force of the insertion portion 2. However, in the present embodiment, the adjustment can be easily performed.

The hitting body 5 reciprocated by the rotary solenoid 4 repeatedly hits the base end face 721 of the closing portion 72 of the tube 7. As a result, the hitting body 5 is
To the tip. The force in the distal direction is transmitted from the tube 7 to the insertion portion 2, and the insertion portion 2 obtains a propulsive force.

The propulsive force assists the insertion section 2 to advance in the lumen in the distal direction.
Makes the insertion operation extremely easy. In particular, since the pushing force and the torsional force applied to the base end side of the insertion portion 2 are concentrated on the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 which is difficult to transmit, the propulsion force is obtained.
Propulsion works effectively.

Further, even when the insertion section 2 is curved along the bending of the lumen, the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 is transmitted to the hitting body 5 with high efficiency as described above, and a large propulsion force is obtained. .

When the hitting body 5 repeatedly collides with the tip of the insertion portion 2, the insertion portion 2 slightly vibrates. This prevents the insertion section 2 and the inner wall of the tubular organ from coming into close contact with each other, reduces the friction between the insertion section 2 and the lumen, reduces the resistance, and allows for easier insertion.

The mechanism for applying a propulsive force to the insertion section 2 is hereinafter referred to as a “propulsion mechanism”.

In the endoscope 1, the strength (the speed at which the insertion section 2 moves forward) of the propulsive force acting on the insertion section 2 can be adjusted by adjusting (setting) the collision conditions of the hitting body 5. Here, the collision conditions of the hitting body 5 include the weight of the hitting body 5 and the reciprocating stroke of the hitting body 5 as described above,
The term refers to the reciprocating cycle of the striking body 5, the striking force of the striking body 5 (the driving force of the driving source), and the like as described below. The collision conditions of the hitting body 5 are not limited to those described above, and in the present invention, at least one of the collision conditions is adjusted (set).
Preferably it is possible.

In the present embodiment, the cycle of the reciprocating motion of the striking body 5 can be adjusted by changing the oscillation frequency from the drive circuit 82 provided in the control unit 8. That is, by adjusting the oscillation frequency, the cycle of the reciprocating motion of the hitting body 5 changes, and
The number of times that collides with the collision portion (the closed portion 72 of the tube 7) increases or decreases. Therefore, by adjusting the oscillation frequency of the drive circuit 82, the speed at which the insertion section 2 moves forward can be adjusted. However, if the oscillation frequency is too high, the movement of the rotor 42 may not be able to follow the drive pulse, so the oscillation frequency is preferably in the above-described range.

In the present embodiment, the striking force of the striking body 5 (driving force of the driving source) can be adjusted by adjusting the magnitude of the output voltage from the driving circuit 82. Thereby, the strength of the rotational force of the rotor 42 can be adjusted, and the strength of the hitting force of the hitting body 5 hitting the collision portion (the closing portion 72) can be adjusted.

The magnitude of the output voltage can be adjusted, for example, by changing the duty ratio of the output pulse (the ratio of the energization time in one cycle of the pulse is expressed as a percentage). In this case, the preferred value of the duty ratio varies depending on the output voltage of the power supply circuit 81, the type and use of the endoscope, etc., but it is usually preferably about 10 to 75%, and preferably 12.5 to 50%. More preferably, it is in the order of magnitude.

The adjustment of the oscillation frequency of the drive circuit 82 (the speed at which the insertion section 2 moves forward) and the adjustment of the hitting force of the hitting body 5
Each of the frequency adjustment knobs 83 provided in the control unit 8
And, it can be adjusted by operating the hitting force adjusting knob 84. Further, the frequency adjustment knob 83 and the striking force adjustment knob 84 may be provided on the operation unit 3. Thereby, the operability is further improved.

It is preferable that the rotary solenoid 4 is detachably provided to the operation unit 3. Accordingly, when the propulsion mechanism is not used, for example, when the propulsion mechanism is inserted into a relatively shallow part, the weight can be reduced by removing the rotary solenoid 4 and the operability can be improved.
Also, by removing the rotary solenoid 4 during sterilization and washing after use, sterilization and washing can be performed easily and reliably.

Next, an example of the use (operation) of the endoscope 1 will be described. [1] Initial Setting of Collision Conditions Before the insertion operation is started, by adjusting the above-mentioned collision conditions according to the case, the physique of the patient, the insertion target site, etc., the strength of the propulsive force acting on the insertion section 2 can be reduced. Adjust.

That is, the hitting body 5 having a desired weight is selected and mounted, and the connection position of the rod portion 62 to the arm 44 is adjusted. By operating the frequency adjusting knob 83 and the hitting force adjusting knob 84, the speed at which the insertion portion 2 moves forward and the hitting force of the hitting body 5 are adjusted.

Note that these initial settings may be made as needed, and need not be adjusted each time they are used.

[2] Insertion operation [0107] The insertion operation is performed by applying a pushing force or a twist to the base end of the insertion section 2 in the same manner as in a conventional endoscope having no propulsion mechanism. Advance into the cavity. In this case, according to the present invention, as described above, since the propulsion mechanism assists the advancement of the insertion portion 2 in the lumen, even in a case where the insertion portion 2 is particularly inserted deep into the body cavity, it is extremely possible. It can be easily inserted.

Further, even during the insertion operation, by operating the frequency adjustment knob 83 and the striking force adjustment knob 84, the speed at which the insertion section 2 moves forward (the propulsive force of the insertion section 2) is adjusted as desired. be able to. This allows
While judging the degree of lumen bending and the patient's situation,
The desired speed (propulsion) is obtained.

At first, the tube 7 (and the rotary solenoid 4) was inserted into the body without being attached, and
If insertion becomes difficult in the middle,
By mounting the (and the rotary solenoid 4), a propulsion mechanism may be used.

[3] After Insertion is Completed When the insertion to the target site is completed, the screw 47 is loosened to release the connection between the arm 44 and the transmission member 6, and the transmission member 6 is opened together with the hitting body 5 at the base end opening of the tube 7. Pull out from 75,
Pull out (remove) from the insertion section 2.

Next, the tube 7 is pulled out from the proximal end opening 17 of the conduit 16 and pulled out (removed) from the insertion portion 2. In this state, the conduit 16 penetrates from the proximal opening 17 to the distal opening 18 at the distal end of the insertion section 2. Thereby, the pipeline 16 can be used for other purposes. Other uses of the conduit 16 are not particularly limited, and include, for example, the following.

-Forceps such as biopsy forceps and grasping forceps, various sensors such as body temperature sensors, electrodes for measuring electrocardiograms, incision tools such as knives and laser scalpels, contrast tubes, washing tubes, drainage tubes, etc. A treatment tool insertion channel for inserting various treatment tools (inspection tools) such as various tubes (catheters), crushing probes (stone breaking tools), heat probes, injection needles, ligating tools, wires and the like.

A liquid supply (air supply) channel for ejecting a fluid such as water from the distal end of the insertion section 2 to remove blood or mucous membranes at the observation site or to inject a medical solution for treatment.

A suction channel for sampling a bodily fluid, discharging a fed fluid, and the like.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the conduit 16 can be used for other purposes, the multifunctionality of the endoscope can be maintained without increasing the diameter of the insertion section 2. Thereby, the diameter of the insertion section 2 can be reduced as in an endoscope having no conventional propulsion mechanism. Therefore, the insertable site is wide, and the burden on the patient does not increase.

[4] When the Propulsion Mechanism is Not Used When the propulsion mechanism does not need to be used, such as when the insertion target portion is shallow, the tube 7 must be inserted before the insertion operation starts.
The hitting body 5 and the transmission member 6 are removed from the insertion section 2. Thus, the conduit 16 can be used as a treatment instrument insertion channel, a liquid supply (air supply) channel, a suction channel, and the like as described above.

In this case, the rotary solenoid 4 may be further removed from the operation unit 3. Thus, the weight is equivalent to that of a conventional endoscope having no propulsion mechanism, and the operability is further improved.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 8 is a semi-longitudinal sectional view of the distal end of the insertion section 2 in a second embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention will be described with reference to this figure, but the description will be focused on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same items will be omitted. .

This embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the structure of the movement restricting means for the tube 7 is different.

In this embodiment, as the means for restricting the movement of the tube 7, a reduced-diameter portion 9 is formed at the distal end of the conduit 16 instead of the engaging portion 73 of the tube 7 of the first embodiment. . The reduced diameter portion 9 forms a contact portion with which the distal end of the tube 7 contacts.

In the reduced diameter portion 9, the inner diameter of the conduit 16 is reduced. The stepped surface 9 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conduit 16 is formed in the conduit 16 by the reduced diameter portion 9.
A step having 1 is formed. That is, the step surface 9
Reference numeral 1 denotes a base end surface of the reduced diameter portion 9.

The tip end surface 722 of the tube 7 (closing portion 72)
Has an outer peripheral portion in contact with a step surface 91 of the reduced diameter portion 9. Thus, when the hitting body 5 collides with the base end face 721 of the closing portion 72, the tube 7 does not move in the distal direction from this position. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, the force in the tip direction applied from the hitting body 5 to the tube 7 is transmitted to the insertion portion 2 more reliably, and the propulsion force can be given to the insertion portion 2 with higher efficiency. .

In the present invention, it goes without saying that the structure, function and the like of the movement restricting means of the tube 7 are not limited to those shown in the drawings. Further, a combination of a plurality of movement restriction means may be used.
It may have both the engaging part 73 of the embodiment and the reduced diameter part 9 of the present embodiment. Further, the vehicle may not have such a movement restricting means.

<Third Embodiment> FIG. 9 is a semi-longitudinal sectional view of the distal end of the insertion section 2 in a third embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to this drawing, but the description will be focused on the differences from the above-described embodiment, and the description of the same items will be omitted. .

The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the structure of the collision portion formed at the distal end of the tube 7 is different.

The collision portion in this embodiment is different from the closing portion 72 in the first embodiment in that it has a reduced diameter portion 76 having a reduced diameter hole 761 in which the inner diameter of the passage 74 is reduced.

That is, the distal end of the passage 74 is
Through, it communicates with the outside. The inner diameter of the reduced diameter hole 761 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the hitting body 5.
Cannot move (pass) in the distal direction beyond the reduced diameter portion 76.

The distal end face 51 of the hitting body 5 reciprocated by the rotary solenoid 4 repeatedly collides with the base end face 762 of the reduced diameter portion 76 to apply a propulsive force to the insertion portion 2. Thus, in the present embodiment, an effect of facilitating the insertion operation can be obtained as in the first embodiment.

After the use of the propulsion mechanism, the tube 7,
By removing the hitting body 5 and the transmission member 6 from the insertion portion 2, the conduit 16 is used for other purposes as a treatment tool insertion channel, a liquid supply (air supply) channel, a suction channel, and the like as described above. What can be done is the same as in the first embodiment.

Further, in this embodiment, since the reduced diameter hole 761 is formed at the distal end of the tube 7, only the hitting body 5 and the transmission member 6 can be used with the tube 7 attached after the propulsion mechanism is used. When the tube 74 is pulled out from the proximal opening 75 of the tube 7 and removed, the passage 74 can be used as a treatment instrument insertion channel as described above. Accordingly, when using a treatment tool having a relatively small distal end portion that can pass through the reduced diameter hole 761, the labor for removing the tube 7 can be omitted, and the procedure can be performed in a shorter time with a simpler operation. Can be.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the reduced diameter portion 76 of the present embodiment. For example, the configuration may be such that the distal end of the tube 7 is formed in a lattice shape (frame shape) having a plurality of holes.
The same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained.

The endoscope according to the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and each part constituting the endoscope may have any structure capable of exhibiting the same function. Can be replaced by

For example, the driving source for reciprocating the hitting body 5 is as follows.
The configuration is not limited to the rotary solenoid 4, but may be any type such as a direct-acting solenoid that linearly moves a plunger, a motor, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, and a piezoelectric actuator, as long as the hitting body 5 can reciprocate. There may be.

Further, any mechanism capable of transmitting power, such as a rotating mechanism, a link mechanism, a cam mechanism, a gear mechanism, a pulley and a belt, may exist between the drive source and the transmission member. .

The transmitting member 6 is not limited to the configuration shown in the figure, and is capable of transmitting the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 to the striking member 5 to reciprocate the striking member 5. Any shape may be used as long as it does not hinder the curvature of the second.

Further, the hollow member is not limited to the one mainly constituted by a tubular tube as shown in the figure, but is constituted, for example, mainly by a braid formed by braiding a metallic or non-metallic thin wire. Or a structure mainly formed by spirally winding a band-shaped material. The peripheral wall may have one or more holes, slits, or the like.

The hitting portion of the hitting body 5 collides with the hitting body 5.
Any structure may be used as long as the hitting body 5 can collide or cannot pass through in relation to the shape and posture of the distal end portion.

[0122]

As described above, according to the present invention, the driving force of the drive source allows the insertion portion to obtain a propulsive force in the lumen toward the distal end thereof. Then, advance of the insertion portion is assisted by this propulsion force, and insertion into the lumen can be easily performed.

Further, since the conduit which is the insertion space for the hitting body and the transmission member can be used for other purposes, the multifunctionality of the endoscope can be maintained without increasing the diameter of the insertion portion. be able to. Thus, the diameter of the insertion portion can be reduced as in a conventional endoscope having no propulsion mechanism. Therefore, it can be inserted into a thin lumen, and the burden on the patient is reduced.

In addition, the above-described effects can be achieved with a simple structure having little design change compared to a conventional endoscope, and can be manufactured relatively inexpensively, with high reliability and easy maintenance. It is.

Further, the outer shape of the insertion section is almost the same as that of a conventional endoscope, and the propulsion mechanism is not exposed outside the insertion section, so that the safety is extremely high.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an embodiment of an endoscope of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a semi-longitudinal sectional view showing a distal end portion of an insertion section in the first embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a hitting body and a transmission member.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration for controlling a driving source.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view showing a state before a base end portion (engaging portion) of the tube is engaged with a base end opening of the conduit.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an engagement state between a base end portion (engaging portion) of a tube and a base end opening of a conduit.

FIG. 8 is a semi-longitudinal sectional view showing a distal end portion of an insertion section in a second embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a semi-longitudinal sectional view showing a distal end portion of an insertion section in a third embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Endoscope 11 Light guide 12 Image signal cable 13 Bending operation wire 14 Transmission member insertion tube 15 Air supply / liquid supply tube 16 Pipe line 17 Base opening 171 Edge 18 Tip opening 2 Insertion section 21 Flexible tube Part 22 Curved part 23 Spiral tube 24 Reticulated tube 25 Outer skin 26 Center axis 3 Operation part 31 Operation knob 32 Projection part 4 Rotary solenoid 41 Case 42 Rotor 43 Base 44 Arm 45 Slot 46 Pin slider 5 Hitting body 51 Tip surface 52 Taper portion Reference Signs List 6 transmission member 61 coil part 62 rod part 7 tube 71 enlarged diameter part 72 closing part 721 base end face 722 tip end face 73 engaging part 731 flange part 732 folded back part 733 groove 74 passage 75 base end opening 76 reduced diameter part 761 reduced diameter hole 762 Base end face 8 Control unit 81 Power supply circuit 82 Drive circuit 83 Frequency adjusting knob 84 Hitting force adjusting knob 85 Lead wire 9 Reduced diameter part 91 Step surface 30 Connection part flexible tube

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. An insertion portion to be inserted into a lumen, an operation portion provided on a proximal end side of the insertion portion, and a conduit formed in the insertion portion along a longitudinal direction thereof and having an open distal end. A long hollow member which is detachably installed in the conduit and has a passage extending in the longitudinal direction therein; and a hitting member provided near the tip of the passage so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction. Body, a driving source for reciprocating the hitting body, and a transmission member that is provided so that at least a part thereof is located in the passage, and that transmits a driving force of the driving source to the hitting body, The hollow member has a collision portion near the tip where the hitting body collides, the hitting body and the transmission member are provided detachably with respect to the insertion portion, and reciprocate by the driving source. The hit body that was hit repeatedly hits the hitting part An endoscope, wherein the insertion portion is configured to obtain a driving force for the distal direction. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the collision section has a configuration in which the hit body cannot pass. 3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the collision section is a closing section that seals the passage. 4. The pipe line has a base opening on the base end side which is open to the outside, and the hollow member is detachable from the insertion portion by being pulled out from the base opening. Item 4. The endoscope according to any one of Items 1 to 3. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a movement restricting means for restricting a movement of the hollow member in a distal direction with respect to the conduit when the hitting body collides with the collision portion. The endoscope as described. 6. The pipe has a base opening which is open to the outside on a base end side, and the movement restricting means is formed at a base end of the hollow member, and a base end of the pipe is provided. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the endoscope is an engagement portion that engages with an edge of the opening. 7. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the movement restricting means is a contact portion with which a tip of the hollow member contacts. 8. The contact portion is a reduced diameter portion formed at a distal end portion of the conduit and having a reduced inner diameter of the conduit.
An endoscope according to claim 1. 9. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the hollow member is mainly constituted by a tubular tube. 10. The transmission member according to claim 1, wherein:
The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is detachably connected. 11. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a collision condition of the hitting body can be adjusted. 12. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the stroke of the reciprocating motion of the hitting body is adjustable. 13. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a cycle of a reciprocating motion of the hitting body is adjustable.