JP2002291688A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope, which can be easily inserted to a vascular cavity by applying a driving force from a driving source to an inserting part in simple structure. SOLUTION: An endoscope 1 has an inserting part 2, an operating part 3, and a rotary solenoid 4 installed in the operating part 3. A pat 5 and a transmitting member 6 are inserted in a pass 16 formed inside the inserting part 2. When a rotor 42 of the rotary solenoid 4 reciprocates and turns, an arm 44 attached to the rotor 42 makes a first member 61 of the transmitting member 6 reciprocate along the base end part of the pass 16. Thus, the transmitting member 6 reciprocates along the lengthwise direction of the pass 16 and the pat 5 attached on the top end of the transmitting member 6 repeatedly reciprocates as well. The reciprocating pat 5 repeatedly collides with a collision part 27 on the top end of the pass 16. The transmitting member 6 can control the flexibility of a coil part 63 by axially compressing the coil part 63.

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 It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope which can be easily inserted into a lumen by applying a propulsive force to an insertion portion by a driving source with a simple structure. Is to do.

[0009]

This and other objects are achieved by the present invention which is defined below as (1) to (15).

(1) An insertion portion to be inserted into a lumen, an operation portion provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion,
A passage formed along the longitudinal direction, a hitting body installed near the tip of the passage so as to be movable along the passage, a drive source for reciprocating the hitting body, and driving of the drive source A long transmitting member having a function of transmitting a force to the hitting body, at least a part of which is inserted into the passage, and at least a part of which has flexibility, and a collision portion where the hitting body collides It is configured such that the hitting body reciprocated by the drive source repeatedly collides with the collision portion, so that the insertion portion obtains a propulsive force in a tip direction thereof, and at least the transmission member has An endoscope provided with flexibility adjusting means for partially adjusting flexibility.

As a result, a driving force can be applied to the insertion portion with high efficiency from the driving source, and the insertion into the lumen can be easily performed.

(2) The endoscope according to the above (1), wherein the transmission member has a spiral coil portion.

[0013] Thus, a driving force can be applied from the driving source to the insertion portion with higher efficiency.

(3) The endoscope according to (2), wherein the flexibility adjusting means adjusts the flexibility of the coil portion by compressing the coil portion in the axial direction. Thereby, the flexibility of the coil portion can be easily adjusted.

(4) The flexibility adjusting means has a linear member inserted inside the coil portion, and maintains a state in which the coil portion is axially compressed by the tension of the linear member. The endoscope according to the above (3). Thus, the compressed state of the coil portion can be reliably maintained.

(5) The distal end of the linear body is connected to or near the distal end of the coil portion, and the flexibility adjusting means is provided on the proximal end side of the coil portion. The endoscope according to the above (4), further comprising a pulling mechanism for pulling the linear body in a proximal direction. Thereby, the coil portion can be easily and reliably compressed.

(6) The distal end of the linear body is connected to or near the distal end of the coil portion, and the flexibility adjusting means is connected to the base end of the linear body. First
A member, and a second member that is connected to the first member so as to be movable in the axial direction and that presses a base end of the coil portion in a distal direction, wherein the second member is attached to the first member. The endoscope according to (4), wherein the endoscope moves in the distal direction to compress the coil portion in the axial direction. Thereby, the coil portion can be easily and reliably compressed.

(7) The endoscope according to (6), wherein the second member is connected to the first member movably in the axial direction by screwing.

Thus, even if a repeated impact acts, the connection between the first member and the second member can be reliably maintained.

(8) The hitting body and the transmitting member are:
The endoscope according to any one of the above (1) to (7), which is detachably attached to the insertion portion.

Accordingly, when the propulsion mechanism is not used, the passage in the insertion portion can be used for other purposes.

(9) The endoscope according to (8), wherein the flexibility of the transmission member can be adjusted while the transmission member is mounted on the insertion portion. Thereby, the flexibility of the transmission member can be adjusted during the insertion operation.

(10) The collision portion is constituted by a collision member detachably mounted on the insertion portion, and when the collision member is removed from the insertion portion, a tip of the passage opens to the outside. The endoscope according to any one of the above (1) to (9).

Thus, when the propulsion mechanism is not used, the treatment tool or the like can be used by inserting it into the passage in the insertion portion.

(11) The endoscope according to (10), wherein the collision member is attached to and detached from the insertion section by rotating the collision member. This makes it possible to easily attach and detach the collision member.

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

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

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

(15) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (14), wherein the driving source is a solenoid. Thereby, the above-mentioned effect can be obtained with a simple structure.

[0030]

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.
3 is a semi-longitudinal sectional view showing the distal end portion of the insertion section in the endoscope shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line YY in FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a side view of the hitting body and the transmission member in the endoscope shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view showing a coil portion and a wire in the transmission member shown in FIG. 5, and FIG.
5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first member and a second member in the transmission member shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration for controlling a rotary solenoid in the endoscope shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a simplified view showing the structure of the passage 16, the hitting body 5, the transmitting member 6, and the like, and the internal parts of the insertion portion 2 are omitted. (The same applies to FIG. 9 described later). In the following description, the left side in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 3 to 7 is referred to as a “proximal end”, the right side is referred to as a “distal end”, the upper side is referred to as “upper”, and the lower side is referred to as “lower”.

The endoscope (electronic scope) 1 shown in FIG.
A long insertion portion 2, an operation portion 3 provided on the base end side of the insertion portion 2, a hitting body 5 installed at a distal end of a passage 16 formed inside the insertion portion 2, and a hitting body 5 And a transmission member 6 for transmitting the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 to the hitting body 5, and a control unit 8 for controlling the rotary solenoid 4.
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 flexible (elastic) insertion portion flexible tube (flexible tube for endoscope) 21. And a curved portion 22 connected to the distal end of the flexible tube 21.

The insertion section flexible tube 21 constitutes most of the entire length of the insertion section 2, and as shown in FIG. 2, a spiral tube 23 formed by spirally winding a strip-shaped material, A braided tube made of braided or non-metallic thin wires and covering the outer periphery of the spiral tube 23, and an outer skin 25 made of an elastic material such as synthetic resin and covering the outer periphery of the braided tube 24 Have been. In the configuration shown in FIG.
Are doubly provided.

The bending portion 22 provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion flexible tube 21 has a plurality of node rings (not shown) rotatably connected to each other and a net-like shape covered on the outer periphery of the node rings. Tube 24
And an outer skin 25 coated on the outer periphery of the mesh tube 24. Such a curved portion 22 is, as described later,
The curvature can be remotely controlled.

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

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the insertion portion 2,
A light guide 11, an image signal cable 12, a bending operation wire 13, a transmission member insertion tube 14, and an air supply / liquid supply tube 15 formed by an optical fiber bundle are inserted and installed along the longitudinal direction, respectively. ing. Through the inside of the air / liquid feeding tube 15, air / liquid feeding can be performed from the distal end of the insertion section 2 into the lumen.

The inside (hollow portion) of the transmission member insertion tube 14 serves as a passage 16 in which the transmission member 6 and the hitting body 5 are installed (inserted). The passage 16 is provided at a position eccentric downward in FIG. 3 from the center axis 26 of the insertion portion 2 in the illustrated configuration, but is not limited to such a configuration, and is provided concentrically with the insertion portion 2. May be.

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.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, a projection 32 projecting obliquely upward is formed in the vicinity of the tip of the operation unit 3. The passage 16 is formed continuously from the inside of the insertion section 2 to the inside of the operation section 3, and further, is formed continuously within the protruding section 32. The protruding portion 32 is provided with a base opening 17 of the passage 16. The passage 16 is open at the base end opening 17 to the outside slightly obliquely upward.

One end of a flexible connecting portion 10 is connected to the lower portion of the operation portion 3, and the other end of the flexible connecting portion 10 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)
, I.e., electrically and optically connected to the light source processor. The light source processor is connected to a monitor (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 10 at the connection portion, and 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 pickup device. 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 connecting section flexible tube 10, and is connected via an image signal cable 12 for connecting the image pickup device to 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, and then input to the monitor. 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.

As shown in FIG. 3, the passage 16 (insertion section 2)
Is provided with a collision portion 27 against which the hitting body 5 collides. The distal end of the passage 16 is sealed by the collision portion 27 and is closed.

In the vicinity of the distal end of the passage 16 (insertion portion 2), a hitting body (hammer) 5 having a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole is provided movably along the longitudinal direction of the passage 16.
That is, the hit body 5 is located on the base end side of the collision portion 27. The striking body 5 is reciprocated along the longitudinal direction of the passage 16 by the rotary solenoid 4, and its distal end surface (distal end portion) 51 repeatedly collides with the base end surface 271 of the collision portion 27, whereby the insertion portion 2 , In the direction of the tip (hereinafter, simply referred to as “propulsion”).

The constituent material of the hitting body 5 is not particularly limited, and may be a metal material or a non-metallic 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. Further, the outer surface of the hitting body 5 may be covered with a film such as a resin.

The distal end of the transmitting member 6 is connected to the proximal end of the hitting body 5. 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 hitting body 5 is
, The thrust of the insertion section 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. 5, the transmission member 6 is a long (elongated) member and has a function of transmitting the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 (reciprocating motion generated by the rotary solenoid 4) to the hitting body 5. Have That is, the transmission member 6 reciprocates along the passage 16 together with the hitting body 5 by driving the rotary solenoid 4, thereby causing the hitting body 5 to repeatedly collide with the collision portion 27.

The transmission member 6 includes a first member 61, a second member 62 connected to the distal end of the first member 61, and a second member 62.
Spiral coil portion 63 connected to the tip of member 62
The hitting body 5 is fixed (fixed) to the tip of the coil portion 63. The transmission member 6 will be described later in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the rotary solenoid 4 for repeatedly reciprocating the hitting body 5 and the transmitting member 6 along the passage 16 is connected to the operating unit 3 via the base 9.
Is installed substantially at the center in the longitudinal direction of the side part. That is, the rotary solenoid 4 is provided at a position on the distal end side of the operation knob 31. Thereby, the operation knob 31
Is operated, the rotary solenoid 4 is not in the way, and the operability of the endoscope 1 is not impaired.

The pedestal 9 to which the rotary solenoid 4 is fixed is detachable from the operation unit 3. That is, the rotary solenoid 4 is detachable from the operation unit 3 together with the pedestal 9. Thus, at the time of cleaning and disinfecting after use, by removing the rotary solenoid 4, cleaning and disinfecting can be performed easily and reliably. Further, the waterproofness and heat resistance of the rotary solenoid 4 are not required, and the rotary solenoid 4 can be manufactured at lower cost.

The rotary solenoid 4 has a case (stator) 41 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 provided inside the operation section 3 and the connection section flexible tube 10 or the like, unlike the configuration shown in the figure. Thereby, the operability is further improved.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control section 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.

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 rotatable with respect to the arm 44,
And it is movable along the long hole 45.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pin slider 46 is provided with a connection portion 461 in which a female screw portion (screw hole) is formed. The female screw portion 61 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first member 61 of the transmission member 6 has a female screw portion of the connection portion 461.
1 is screwed, whereby the first member 61 is inserted inside the connection portion 461.

With such a configuration, the first member of the transmission member 6
The member 61 is connected (connected) to the arm 44 via a pin slider 46 so as to be rotatable and movable along the long hole 45. Further, the arm 44 and the first member 61
Means that within the range in which the rotor 42 rotates, the arm 4
It is preferable that the angle between the first member 61 and the fourth member 61 is close to a right angle.

Further, the pin slider 46 can be easily removed from the long hole 45 of the arm 44 by loosening the small screw 47, whereby the arm 44 and the first member 61 of the transmission member 6 can be detached. It is free. Therefore, when the connection between the arm 44 and the first member 61 of the transmission member 6 is released and the transmission member 6 is pulled out from the base end opening 17 of the projection 32, the transmission member 6 and the hitting body 5 are removed from the insertion portion 2. Can be easily removed.

When the rotary solenoid 4 is driven and the rotor 42 reciprocates, the arm 44 attached to the rotor 42 reciprocates the transmission member 6 along the passage 16. At this time, as described above, since the first member 61 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 16, the hitting body 5 attached to the tip of the transmission member 6 also reciprocates with it.
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 16.

Here, in the present embodiment, the reciprocating stroke of the striking body 5 can be adjusted by rotating the first member 61 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 611 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first member 61 is screwed to the connection portion 461 of the pin slider 46, the first member 61 is rotated around the axis. Thereby, the connection position of the first member 61 (transmission member 6) to the arm 44 (rotary solenoid 4) is moved. 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 collision portion 27, the stroke of the reciprocating motion of the striking body 5 can be adjusted in this manner.

By adjusting the reciprocating stroke of the hitting body 5 in this manner, it is possible to easily adjust at which position in the movable range of the rotor 42 the hitting body 5 collides with the collision portion 27. Can be. That is, if 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 rotary solenoid 4
Can be efficiently used for the propulsion force of the insertion section 2, but in the present embodiment, the adjustment can be easily performed.

The struck body 5 reciprocated by the rotary solenoid 4 has a collision portion 27 formed at the distal end of the insertion portion 2.
Repeatedly hits the base end surface 271. As a result, the hitting body 5 applies a force to the insertion portion 2 in the distal direction, and the insertion portion 2
Gains momentum.

The propulsive force assists the insertion section 2 to advance in the lumen toward the distal end, so that the endoscope 1
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.

When the hitting body 5 repeatedly collides with the tip of the insertion section 2, the insertion section 2 vibrates slightly. 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, by adjusting (setting) the collision condition of the hitting body 5, the strength of the propulsive force acting on the insertion section 2 (the speed at which the insertion section 2 moves forward) can be adjusted. Here, the collision conditions of the hitting body 5 include the weight of the hitting body 5 and the stroke of the reciprocating motion 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. Note that 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 this 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 is changed, and the hitting body 5 per unit time is changed.
The number of times of collision with the collision unit 27 increases or decreases. Therefore, by adjusting the oscillation frequency of the drive circuit 82, the insertion portion 2
You can adjust the speed at which you move forward. 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 hitting force of the hitting body 5 (the 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 rotating force of the rotor 42 can be adjusted, and the strength of the hitting force of the hitting body 5 hitting the base end surface 271 of the collision portion 27 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 energizing time in one cycle of the pulse 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, and the like. 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.

The endoscope 1 according to the present invention as described above comprises:
It has a flexibility adjusting means for adjusting the flexibility of at least a part of the transmission member 6. Hereinafter, the flexibility adjusting means of the transmission member 6 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 5, the transmission member 6 is connected to a first member 61, a second member 62 screwed to the first member 61, and a distal end of the second member 62. A spiral coil portion 63, a first member 61, a second member 62
And a wire (linear body) 64 inserted into the lumen of the coil portion 63.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first member 6
1 has a substantially cylindrical shape having an open end at the distal end and a closed end at the proximal end.

On the outer peripheral surface of the first member 61, a male screw portion 61 is provided.
1 is formed, and as described above, the first member 61 is formed.
The male screw portion 611 is connected to the connecting portion 46 of the pin slider 46.
1 is connected to the arm 44 of the rotary solenoid 4 by being screwed into a female screw portion formed in the same.

The inner peripheral surface of the first member 61 (lumen 613)
A female screw portion 612 is formed on the inner wall of the internal thread.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second member 6
2 is a rod-shaped (tubular) having a hollow portion 621. A male screw portion 622 is formed on an outer peripheral surface of about a half of the base end side of the second member 62, and the second member 62 is configured such that the male screw portion 622 is a female screw of the first member 61. Part 6
12 and connected to the first member 61. That is, the portion on the base end side of the second member 62 is the first member.
It is inserted into the lumen 613 of the member 61.

A knurl (small unevenness) 623 for preventing slippage is formed on the outer peripheral surface of about a half of the base member side of the second member 62. This knurl 6
By rotating the second member 62 with a finger or the like on the member 23, the insertion depth of the second member 62 into the first member 61 changes by feeding the screw, and the second member 62 is moved to the first member 61.
Can be moved in the axial direction.

As described above, the first member 61 and the second member 62
Are connected by screwing, the connection position between the first member 61 and the second member 62 is adjusted by an operation in a direction different from the axial direction (the direction of the transmitted force),
There is an advantage that the connection state between the first member 61 and the second member 62 is not likely to be loosened or disconnected even when the axial impact is repeatedly applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, a portion of the second member 62 on the distal end side is inserted into the passage 16 in the protruding portion 32 from the base end opening 17.

As shown in FIG. 5, a flexible coil portion 63 is fixed (fixed) to the tip of the second member 62. As shown in FIG. 6, the coil portion 63 is formed by spirally winding a band-shaped material. The coil unit 63
The transmission member 6 constitutes most of the entire length, and is mainly composed of the insertion portion 2.
Is inserted into the passage 16 at the center.

Since the portion of the transmitting member 6 located in the insertion portion 2 is constituted by such a coil portion 63, the transmitting member 6 can be inserted into the insertion portion flexible tube 21 or the bending portion 22 of the insertion portion 2. And the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 can be increased with high efficiency (with little loss) even when the insertion portion flexible tube 21 and the bending portion 22 are in a bending state.
Can be transmitted to the hitting body 5.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the first member 6
1. Central part (lumen) of second member 62 and coil part 63
Are provided with wires 64 continuously.

As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end of the wire 64 is connected (connected) to a connecting portion 52 projecting from the base end of the hitting body 5 in a ring shape.

As shown in FIG. 7, the wire 64
The hollow portion 621 of the member 62 and the lumen 61 of the first member 61
3, and further, the base end of the wire 64 passes through a through hole 614 formed in the base end of the first member 61,
It is outside.

At the base end of the wire 64 projecting outward, for example, a substantially hemispherical locking member 65 is fixed. When the locking member 65 is locked to the base end surface of the first member 61, the base end of the wire 64 is connected to the first member 6.
1 is connected. That is, the wire 64
The locking member 65 prevents the first member 61 from falling off in the distal direction.

With such a configuration, in the transmission member 6,
The coil portion 63 can be compressed by the tension of the wire 64.

For example, from the state shown in FIG.
When the is rotated in the distal direction with respect to the first member 61, the second member 62 presses the base end of the coil portion 63 in the distal direction, whereby the coil portion 63 is compressed.

In other words, the second member 62 is connected to the first member 61
, The first member 61 pulls the wire 64 in the proximal direction, whereby the striking body 5 presses the distal end of the coil portion 63 in the proximal direction, and The part 63 is compressed. That is, the first member 6
The first and second members 62 are a pulling mechanism that pulls the wire 64 in the proximal direction.

When the second member 62 is rotated with respect to the first member 61, the coil portion 63 and the wire 64 also rotate together with the second member 62.
Since the wire 64 is freely rotatable with respect to the through hole 614 of the member 61, the twist of the wire 64 can be prevented.

The transmission member 6 is thus connected to the coil section 6.
By compressing 3, the flexibility of the coil portion 63 can be adjusted.

That is, when the coil portion 63 is compressed,
The gap between the strips constituting the coil portion 63 (S in FIG. 6)
(The length indicated by). In other words, the spiral pitch of the coil portion 63 (the length indicated by P in FIG. 6) is reduced. Therefore, the coil portion 63 is densely wound, and the bending rigidity of the coil portion 63 is increased (hardened).

When the second member 62 is located farthest from the first member 61 (when the second member 62 is inserted deepest into the first member 61), the coil portion 63 is in the most extended state. And its bending stiffness is the smallest (the softest). From this state, the second member 62 is turned in a predetermined direction by touching the knurl 623 with a finger or the like, and the position of the second member 62 with respect to the first member 61 is moved in the distal direction. 63 is compressed, and the bending rigidity of the coil portion 63 gradually increases (the coil portion 6
3 becomes harder). When the second member 62 is turned in the opposite direction, the compression of the coil portion 63 is released, and the bending rigidity of the coil portion 63 gradually decreases (the coil portion 63 becomes softer).

As described above, the first member 61 and the second member 62
A flexibility adjusting means for adjusting the flexibility of the coil portion 63 with the wires 64 is provided.

In order to transmit the driving force (reciprocating motion) of the rotary solenoid 4 to the hitting body 5 with high efficiency (with little loss), the coil portion 63 which is bent together with the insertion portion 2 is required.
Is required to have an appropriate degree of flexibility. However, in the present invention, the flexibility of the coil portion 63 can be adjusted as described above. As a result, a greater propulsive force is obtained for the insertion section 2.

During the insertion operation, the flexibility of the coil portion 63 may be adjusted according to, for example, the bending state of the insertion portion 2.

For example, when the insertion section 2 is almost straight, the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 can be directly transmitted to the hitting body 5 by setting the coil section 63 to a relatively hard state. On the other hand, the insertion portion flexible tube 2
When 1 is in a bent state, by making the coil portion 63 relatively soft, friction with the inner wall of the passage 16 is reduced, and the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 can be transmitted to the hitting body 5 with high efficiency. it can. When the operation knob 31 is operated and the bending portion 22 is bent (angled), the coil portion 63 is made to be in a softer state, so that the passage is formed even in the bending portion 22 having a small radius of curvature. The friction with the inner wall of the rotary solenoid 16 can be reduced, and the loss of the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 can be reduced.

As described above, according to the present invention, for example, the insertion section 2
Irrespective of the state of bending, etc., the driving force of the rotary solenoid 4 can always be transmitted to the hitting body 5 with high efficiency (with a small loss), so that the propulsive force of the insertion portion 2 can be obtained more reliably. The insertion operation of the insertion section 2 can be performed more easily.

The apparent flexibility of the insertion section flexible tube 21 (the flexibility of the combination of the coil section 63 and the insertion section flexible tube 21) can be improved by adjusting the flexibility of the coil section 63. It can also be adjusted. That is, the flexibility of the coil portion 63 may be adjusted in order to make the insertion portion flexible tube 21 have an appropriate hardness in accordance with an insertion target portion, an insertion situation, and the like.

In such a transmission member 6, even if the coil portion 63 is compressed, the length from the first member 61 to the hitting body 5 does not change. That is, even if the flexibility of the coil portion 63 is adjusted, the position of the hitting body 5 with respect to the collision portion 27 does not change, which is preferable.

Next, an example of the use (operation) of the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment will be described. [1] Initial setting of the flexibility of the coil unit 63 and the collision conditions Before starting the insertion operation, adjust the flexibility of the coil unit 63 and the collision conditions according to the case, the physique of the patient, the insertion target site, and the like. Do.

That is, the flexibility of the coil portion 63 is adjusted by rotating the second member of the transmission member 6.

Further, the hitting body 5 having a desired weight is selected and mounted, and the connection position of the first member 61 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 The insertion operation is performed by applying a pushing force or torsion to the base end of the insertion section 2 in the same manner as in a conventional endoscope having no propulsion mechanism, and by inserting the insertion section 2 into a tube. 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.

By operating the frequency adjustment knob 83 and the striking force adjustment knob 84 during the insertion operation, the speed at which the insertion section 2 moves forward (the propulsive force of the insertion section 2) can be adjusted as desired. it can. Thus, a desired speed (propulsion force) can be obtained while judging the degree of bending of the lumen, the condition of the patient, and the like.

Further, during the insertion operation, a finger or the like is put on the knurl 623 to rotate the second member 62 to adjust the flexibility of the coil portion 63, so that the flexibility of the insertion portion 2 can be adjusted. The driving body 5 can be driven (reciprocated) with high efficiency. Therefore, regardless of the degree of bending of the insertion portion 2, a stable propulsion force can be obtained, and the insertion operation can be performed more easily.

When the insertion to the target site is completed, the rotary solenoid 4 may be removed from the operation unit 3 as necessary. Thus, the weight of the operation unit 3 is reduced, and the operability is further improved.

[3] When the propulsion mechanism is not used When the propulsion mechanism does not need to be used, for example, when the insertion target portion is shallow, the hitting body 5 and the transmission member 6 are inserted before the insertion operation is started. 2 and the rotary solenoid 4 is removed from the operation unit 3. This allows
The endoscope 1 has the same operability as a conventional endoscope, and can be used like a conventional endoscope.

<Second Embodiment> FIG. 9 is a semi-longitudinal sectional view showing a distal end portion of an 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. .

The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the configuration of the collision portion is different. As shown in FIG.
The collision unit of the present embodiment is the same as the collision unit 27 of the first embodiment.
Unlike the first embodiment, it is constituted by a collision member 7 which is detachably installed at the tip of the passage 16.

The collision member 7 has a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole, and when mounted on the distal end of the insertion portion 2,
The tip of the passage 16 is sealed. When the collision member 7 is removed from the insertion section 2, the distal end of the passage 16 opens to the outside at the distal end of the insertion section 2.

The hitting body 5 reciprocated by the rotary solenoid 4 repeatedly collides with the base end face 71 of the collision member 7 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.

The collision member 7 is attached to the insertion section 2 with respect to the insertion section 2.
It is preferable to be detachable by rotating around an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, and it is more preferable to be detachable by screwing. Accordingly, the collision member 7 is attached and detached by an operation in a direction different from the collision direction of the hitting body 5, so that the collision member 7 is loosely fixed to the insertion portion 2 even when repeatedly receiving the impact from the hitting body 5. There is no risk of falling off. Also, the attachment / detachment operation is easy.

Since the collision member 7 is detachable as described above, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment can be easily cleaned by a cleaning machine or the like, similarly to a conventional ordinary endoscope. it can. That is, since water or the like that has entered the passage 16 can be easily discharged by removing the collision member 7, there is no need to attach a waterproof plug or the like to the base end opening 17.

The operation of attaching / detaching the collision member 7 to / from the distal end of the insertion section 2 is performed, for example, by forming a groove having a predetermined shape on the distal end surface of the collision member 7 and forming a protrusion engageable with this groove. It is preferable that the collision member 7 be screwed into the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 using a jig provided.

The constituent material of the collision member 7 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include various metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum or aluminum alloy, titanium and titanium alloy, and various ceramics. Further, it is preferable to use a material having X-ray contrast.
Thereby, the tip position of the insertion section 2 can be confirmed under X-ray fluoroscopy without separately providing an X-ray marker.

Next, an example of the use (operation) of the endoscope 1 of the second embodiment will be described. [1] Initial setting of collision conditions Same as in the first embodiment.

[2] Insertion operation Same as in the first embodiment.

[3] 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 hitting body 5 and the transmission member 6 are inserted before the insertion operation is started. 2 and the rotary solenoid 4 is removed from the operation unit 3.

Further, the collision member 7 is removed from the distal end of the insertion section 2. As a result, the passage 16 is formed in the proximal opening 17.
Through to the tip of the insertion portion 2. And in this case,
The passage 16 can be used for other purposes. Passage 16
The other uses 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, dissecting 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, in this embodiment, when it is not necessary to use the propulsion mechanism, the passage 16 as the insertion space of the transmission member 6 can be used for other purposes. Thereby, the multifunctionality of the endoscope can be maintained.

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 configuration 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.

The collision section 27 is connected to the passage 1 as shown in the figure.
6 is not limited to the one that seals the tip, but may be anything as long as the hitting body 5 can collide with the shape and posture of the hitting body 5. The collision portion may be constituted by the reduced diameter portion, and the end of the passage 16 may be open. In this case, after insertion using the propulsion mechanism, the transmission member 6 and the striking body 5 are removed from the insertion portion, and the passage 16 can be used as a treatment instrument insertion channel or an air supply / water supply channel. .

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. .

[0138]

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.

In particular, by using a flexibility adjusting means for adjusting the flexibility of at least a part of the transmission member, the flexibility of the transmission member is optimally adjusted according to the degree of bending of the insertion portion, etc. The driving force of the driving source can be transmitted to the hitting body with high efficiency. Thus, the insertion portion can be easily inserted regardless of, for example, the bending state of the insertion portion.

In addition, the above-described effects can be achieved with a simple structure, and it can be manufactured at a relatively low cost, and has high reliability and easy maintenance.

Further, since the design of the conventional endoscope is less than that of the conventional endoscope and can be configured by adding a small number of parts, the endoscope can be set as an option for a normal endoscope.

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.

When the collision member is used, when the propulsion mechanism is not used, the passage, which is the insertion space for the transmission member, can be used for other purposes. The multifunctionality of the endoscope can be maintained.

If the impact condition of the hitting body can be adjusted, an optimal collision state can be obtained according to the situation, and the propulsion assist effect can be exhibited with higher efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first 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 endoscope shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a view taken along line YY in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a hitting body and a transmission member in the endoscope shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view showing a coil portion and a wire in the transmission member shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first member and a second member in the transmission member shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration for controlling a rotary solenoid in the endoscope shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 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.

[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 / liquid feeding tube 16 Passage 17 Base end opening 2 Insertion part 21 Insertion flexible tube 22 Curved part 23 Spiral Tube 24 Reticulated tube 25 Outer skin 26 Center axis 27 Collision part 271 Base end face 3 Operation part 31 Operation knob 32 Projection part 4 Rotary solenoid 41 Case 42 Rotor 44 Arm 45 Slot 46 Pin slider 461 Connection part 47 Small screw 5 Hitting body 51 Tip Surface 52 Connecting part 6 Transmission member 61 First member 611 Male screw part 612 Female screw part 613 Lumen 614 Through hole 62 Second member 621 Hollow part 622 Male screw part 623 Knurl 63 Coil part 64 Wire 65 Lock member 7 Collision member 71 Base end face 8 Control unit 81 Power supply circuit 82 Drive circuit 3 Frequency adjustment knob 84 batting power adjustment knob 85 leads 9 pedestal 10 connecting the flexible tube

Claims (15)

[Claims] 1. An insertion section to be inserted into a lumen, an operation section provided on a proximal end side of the insertion section, a passage formed in the insertion section along a longitudinal direction thereof, and a distal end of the passage In the vicinity, a hitting body movably installed along the passage, a driving source for reciprocating the hitting body, and a function of transmitting a driving force of the driving source to the hitting body,
At least a part thereof is inserted into the passage, and at least a part thereof is provided with a long transmission member having flexibility, and a collision portion against which the hit body collides, wherein the driving source is reciprocated. The hitting member repeatedly collides with the collision portion, whereby the insertion portion is configured to obtain a propulsive force in the distal direction thereof, and a flexibility adjustment for adjusting flexibility of at least a part of the transmission member. An endoscope comprising means. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the transmission member has a coil portion having a spiral shape. 3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the flexibility adjusting unit adjusts the flexibility of the coil unit by compressing the coil unit in an axial direction. 4. The flexible adjustment means has a linear body inserted inside the coil section, and maintains a state in which the coil section is compressed in the axial direction by the tension of the linear body. Item 4. The endoscope according to item 3. 5. A distal end portion of the linear body is connected to a distal end portion of the coil portion or in the vicinity thereof, and the flexibility adjusting means is provided on a proximal end side of the coil portion, and The endoscope according to claim 4, further comprising a traction mechanism configured to pull the body in a proximal direction. 6. A distal end portion of the linear body is connected to a distal end portion of the coil portion or in the vicinity thereof, and the flexibility adjusting means is connected to a proximal end of the linear body. A first member, and a second member that is connected to the first member so as to be movable in the axial direction and that presses a base end of the coil portion in a distal direction. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the endoscope moves in the distal direction to compress the coil portion in the axial direction. 7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the second member is connected to the first member movably in an axial direction by screwing. 8. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the hitting body and the transmitting member are detachably attached to the insertion portion. 9. The flexibility of the transmission member can be adjusted while the transmission member is mounted on the insertion portion.
An endoscope according to claim 1. 10. The collision portion is constituted by a collision member detachably mounted on the insertion portion, and when the collision member is removed from the insertion portion, a tip of the passage opens to the outside. Item 10. The endoscope according to any one of Items 1 to 9. 11. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the collision member is attached and detached by rotating the collision member with respect to the insertion portion. 12. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a collision condition of the hitting body can be adjusted. 13. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a stroke of a reciprocating motion of the hitting body is adjustable. 14. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a cycle of reciprocation of the hitting body is adjustable. 15. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the drive source is a solenoid.