JP2003204926A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a means for enhancing the freedom of movement at a leading edge of the constituent section. <P>SOLUTION: The bent portion 7 is formed by connecting a plurality of the bent frame 41 with a rotational axis 42. At the leading edge of the bent portion 7, there exists a connection portion 20, namely a ring-shaped member integrally fixed to the bent frame 41 at an extreme end by a bent-frame connection screw 43. A seal member 52 consisting of O-rings and the like is installed between the forefront body 51 of the leading edge constitution 6. The forefront body 51 is rotatably movable toward the connection portion 20. Two wires 57a and 57b are fastened to a portion 58 for fixing the rotational wire by welding or the like at the edge of the forefront body 51. The forefront body 51 is rotated to the right side in the figure when the wire 57a is pulled in toward the bent portion 7 while the forefront body 51 is rotated to the left side in the figure when the wire 57b is pulled in toward the bent portion 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope having a distal end portion having an objective optical system and a bending portion provided on the proximal side of the distal end portion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, using an endoscope with a bending function,
A technique for diagnosing / treating a body cavity has been put into practical use. 2. Description of the Related Art As an endoscope having a bending function, one in which a bending portion is configured by connecting a plurality of bending pieces and a bending portion is bent by pulling the plurality of bending pieces with a wire is widely used.

22 and 23 are explanatory views showing the bending operation of such a conventional direct-viewing type endoscope with a bending function.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the endoscope 1
The insertion portion 102 of 01 is a hard tip forming portion 103 provided at the tip, a bendable bending portion 104 provided at the rear end of the tip forming portion 103, and the rear end of the bending portion 104 is not shown. The flexible tube portion 105 has flexibility and extends to the front end of the operation portion.

As shown in FIG. 22, when the distal end forming portion 103 of the endoscope 101 is aimed at the target portion from the state where no bending is applied, the distal end forming portion 103 is formed by the bending function of the bending portion 104 of the endoscope 101. The portion 103 has four degrees of freedom: an up-down direction A, a left-right direction B, a rotation direction C due to a twisting operation of the bending portion 104, and a forward / backward direction D due to pushing and pulling of the insertion portion.

Here, when the distal end forming portion 103 of the endoscope 101 is aimed at the target portion in the state where the bending portion 104 of the endoscope 101 is bent as shown in FIG. 23, the bending operation of the bending portion 104 causes The rotation direction C is similar to the movement in the left-right direction B due to the bending function. Therefore, the operation in the rotation direction E for rotating the tip forming portion 103 with respect to the central axis 106 must be achieved by adjusting the rotation direction C and then adjusting the bending in the vertical direction A and the horizontal direction B, respectively.

[0007] Conventionally, as an apparatus for diagnosing and treating the inside of a body cavity using an endoscope with a bending function, for example, a contrast agent is injected into the bile duct endoscopically and the bile duct is X-ray imaged. The technique to do is known.

A side-view endoscope is usually used as an endoscope used in this procedure, and a cannula for imaging is inserted into the duodenum through the channel, and the tip of the cannula for imaging is duodenal papilla. To insert into the bile duct.

24 and 25 are explanatory views showing the bending operation of such a conventional side-view type endoscope with a bending function.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the endoscope 1
At the distal end of the insertion portion 112 of No. 11, the side-view type distal end constituent portion 1
13 is provided, and at the rear end of the tip forming portion 113, as shown in FIG.
2 and a bending portion 104 and a flexible tube portion 105 similar to those shown in FIG. 23 are provided.

The tip forming portion 113 of the side-view type endoscope 111 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 bends or twists the bending portion 104 to thereby provide the direct-view type endoscope shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Like the mirror, the vertical direction A of the tip forming portion 113,
The operation in the left-right direction B, the rotation direction C, the forward / backward direction D, and the rotation direction E is possible.

In particular, in the side-view type endoscope 111 and the perspective-type endoscope shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the target portion seen in the peripheral portion of the visual field in the state of FIG. When it is desired to perform the movement in the rotation direction E to move the target portion, the target portion captured in the peripheral portion of the visual field is once out of the visual field because the movement in the vertical direction A and the horizontal direction B is performed after the movement in the rotation direction C.

In this case, it is difficult for the endoscope 111 to capture the target region again.

To address such a problem, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-232160 filed by the applicant of the present application describes an endoscope having a mechanism for bending while maintaining a proper distance to the duodenal papilla. .

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing the movement of the distal end forming portion when a left or right bending operation is performed in the lumen of the duodenum using such a conventional endoscope.

In FIG. 26, when diagnosing the bile duct 124, the conventional endoscope 120 is inserted into the duodenum 121, and a contrasting cannula 122 provided in the distal end forming portion 126 of the endoscope 120 is attached to the duodenum. Bile duct 12 from teat 123
Insert in 4. Here, the duodenal papilla 123 exists on the wall surface of the duodenum 121 as an opening of the bile duct 124 and the pancreatic duct 125. From the duodenal papilla 123, the bile duct 124 and the pancreatic duct 125, from which bile that assists digestion and absorption and pancreatic juice that aids digestion and decomposition are discharged from the duodenal papilla 123,
Some may have a common duct, but they run in different directions towards the liver and pancreas respectively. That is, the bile duct 12
4 is running toward the stomach side compared to the pancreatic duct 125. The pancreatic duct 125 runs toward the small intestine side as compared with the bile duct 124. Generally, the bile duct 124 is formed with a steep angle with respect to the duodenal papilla 123.

In the endoscope 120, when the distal end forming section 126 is remotely operated to bend rightward or leftward from the position P1, the distal end forming section 126 rises to the upper right or the upper left by the tilt angle θ. A bending mechanism that bends the bending tube portion so as to come to the positions P2 and P3 is provided.

As a result, the endoscope 120 is constructed so as to bend while maintaining an appropriate distance with respect to the duodenal papilla 123.

[0019]

However, in the technique described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-232160 described above, since the organs to be examined have individual differences, the proper distance to the endoscope is uniquely set. It was difficult to decide.

After all, as shown in FIG. 26, in order to guide the cannula 122, which is a treatment tool, to the duodenal papilla 123,
After the operation in the rotation direction C shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the operations in the up-down direction A and the left-right direction B are repeated to place the distal end configuration portion 126 of the endoscope 120 at the position P3 in the position shown by the broken line. It was necessary and complicated.

In addition, even if an attempt is made to introduce the cannula 122 into the bile duct 124 in order to diagnose a disease caused by the gallbladder such as gallstones, the running (direction) of the bile duct 124 varies from person to person, and this direction is substantially different. In order to insert the cannula 122 at parallel angles, it is necessary to repeat the operation in the vertical direction A and the horizontal direction B after the operation in the rotational direction C to reproduce the operation in the rotational direction E.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope capable of increasing the degree of freedom of movement of a distal end forming portion.

[0023]

In order to achieve the above object, the endoscope according to claim 1 has a distal end portion having at least an objective optical system, and a curvature provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion. In the endoscope having a section, between the rear end side of the tip forming section and the most distal end of the bending section, a connecting section capable of rotating the tip forming section around the longitudinal axis of the bending section is provided. It is characterized by being provided.

An endoscope according to a second aspect of the present invention is a endoscope, wherein the visual field direction has at least an objective optical system that is inclined or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the insertion section, and a curve provided on the proximal side of the distal end configuration section. In the endoscope having a section, between the rear end side of the tip forming section and the most distal end of the bending section, a connecting section capable of rotating the tip forming section around the longitudinal axis of the bending section is provided. It is characterized by being provided.

An endoscope according to a third aspect is the endoscope according to the first or second aspect, wherein the distal end forming portion includes a treatment instrument lead-out port.

[0026]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIGS. 1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a direct-viewing type endoscope as viewed from the side of a distal end forming portion and a bending portion. 2, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the distal end body, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end constituent portion of the endoscope seen from the proximal end side, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the overall constitution of the endoscope, and FIG. It is a perspective view.

(Structure) First, the overall structure of the endoscope will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the internal mirror 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention is a direct-viewing type in which the direct-viewing direction is the illumination and the observation visual field. The internal mirror 1 has an insertion portion 2
The operating section 3 and the universal cable 4 are provided.

The insertion part 2 is formed in an elongated shape and is inserted into a body cavity. The operation unit 3 is provided at the rear end of the insertion unit 2. The universal cable 4 extends from the side of the operation unit 3. A connector 5 is provided at the end of the universal cable 4. The connector 5 is detachably connected to a light source device (not shown).

The insertion portion 2 includes a tip forming portion 6 and a bending portion 7.
And a flexible tube portion 8. A bendable bending portion 7 is provided on the base end side of the tip forming portion 6. The flexible tube portion 8 has flexibility and extends from the rear end of the bending tube portion 7 to the front end of the operation portion 3.

A bending operation device 10 is provided at a position near the rear end of the casing 9 of the operation portion 3. A bending knob 11a for up / down bending, an operation knob 11b for left / right bending, and a rotation operation knob 12 are provided so as to extend to the outside of the casing 9 in the bending operation device 10.

In the endoscope 1, the bending portion 7 can be remotely operated to bend vertically or horizontally in any direction by rotating the bending knob 11a or 11b, and the tip forming portion 6 on the tip side thereof. The orientation of can be changed to the desired direction. Further, the internal mirror 1 is configured such that the distal end forming portion 6 can be rotated at a desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 7 by rotating the rotation operation knob 12. .

A treatment instrument insertion port 15 is provided near the front end of the operation section 3. By inserting the treatment tool from the treatment tool insertion port 15, the distal end side of the treatment tool is projected to the outside from the treatment tool outlet port 30 of the distal end forming section 6 through the treatment tool channel communicating inside the treatment tool insertion slot 15. Can be made.

The internal mirror 1 is supplied with illumination light from the light source device by connecting the connector 5 to a light source device (not shown), and the illumination light is transmitted to the tip side by a light guide. Then, the illumination light is emitted to the front side of the illumination optical system 31 through the illumination optical system 31 provided on the front surface of the distal end configuration unit 6 to illuminate a subject such as a diseased part.

An observation optical system 32 is provided adjacent to the illumination optical system 31 in the distal end forming section 6, and the observation optical system 32 forms an optical image of a subject. An image pickup device such as a CCD (not shown) is arranged at the image forming position, and an optical image is photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device.

The image pickup device of the tip forming portion 6 is connected to an electric connector 20 provided on the side portion of the connector 5 by a signal line arranged inside the insertion portion 2 or the like. The image pickup device is connected to a video processor through a scope cable (not shown) which is detachably attached to the electric connector 20. As a result, the video processor performs signal processing on the signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor to generate a video signal. This video signal is output to a monitor (not shown),
An image captured by the image sensor is displayed as an endoscopic image on the display surface of the monitor.

An air / water feeding nozzle 33 is provided on the front surface of the tip forming portion. Next, the insertion section 2 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 5, the insertion portion 2 is formed by connecting the tip forming portion 6, the bending portion 7, and the flexible tube portion 8 from the tip.

The tip forming portion 6 is provided between the rear end side of the tip forming portion 6 and the bending portion 7 of the bending portion.
A connecting portion 20 is provided which is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the.

When the distal end forming portion 6 is rotated by the connecting portion 20, the treatment instrument outlet 30, the illumination optical system 31, the observation optical system 32, and the air / water feeding nozzle 33 which are the built-in components of the endoscope 1.
Rotates.

Next, the internal structures of the tip forming portion 6 and the bending portion 7 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tip forming portion 6 of the endoscope 1 is composed of a tip body 51 and a tip cover 55.
The bending portion 7 of the endoscope 1 includes a plurality of bending pieces 41 and a rotating shaft 4.
It is formed by connecting at 2. The tip forming portion 6 is shown in FIG.
This is for connecting the treatment instrument outlet 30, the illumination optical system 31, the observation optical system 32, and the air / water feeding nozzle 33 shown in FIG.

A bending piece connecting screw 4 is provided at the tip of the bending portion 7.
There is a connecting portion 20 which is a ring-shaped member integrally fixed to the curved top piece 41 by 3.

The tip body 51 of the tip forming portion 6 shown in FIG. 5 is fitted into the end of the connecting portion 20 to which the bending piece 41 is not connected.

A seal member 52 composed of an O-ring or the like is arranged between the tip body 51 and the connecting portion 20. Further, the tip body 51 is rotatable with respect to the connecting portion 20.

A rotation restricting pin 53 is integrally attached to the connecting portion 20. The rotation restricting pin 53 is the tip body 5.
1 is inserted into a rotation restricting groove 54 (see FIG. 2) formed on the outer periphery of

As shown in FIG. 3, the rotation restricting groove 54 is formed with a width of an angle γ around the central axis S1 of the tip body 51.

As shown in FIG. 1, a tip cover 55 made of an insulating resin or the like is provided on the end of the tip body 51 which is not assembled to the connecting portion 20.

On the outer periphery of the curved portion formed by connecting a plurality of bending pieces 41, a curved portion braided wire 44 formed by braiding a wire made of metal or the like into a cylindrical shape is installed. Further, on the outer periphery of the curved portion braided wire 44, a curved portion outer cover 45 formed in a cylindrical shape by an elastomer having elasticity is disposed in a liquid-tight manner in a range including the connecting portion 20.

The tip side end of the curved portion outer skin 45 is connected to the connecting portion 2.
No. 0 is provided in a liquid tight contact with the outer peripheral surface of
An outer skin fixing portion 56, which is fixed by winding a thread or the like on the outer periphery of 5, and covering the outer peripheral surface thereof with an adhesive or the like, is formed.

Further, the outer cover fixing portion 56 is constructed so as not to cover the tip cover 55 of the tip forming portion 6.

Two wires 57 are attached to the end of the tip body 51.
a and 57b are fixed to the rotating operation wire fixing portion 58 by welding or the like.

Inside the plurality of bending pieces 41, a rotating operation wire receiver 46 is formed on the inner peripheral surface. The most advanced rotation operation wire receiver 46 is arranged on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 20.

The wires 57a and 57b are arranged in the bending portion 7 through the rotary operation wire receiver 46.

The rotating operation wire receiver 46 is provided with a wire 57.
The wire a and the wire 57b are bundled in a close position.

As shown in FIG. 3, the rotating operation wire fixing portion 58 is fixed at a position separated by an angle α about the central axis S1 of the tip body 51 and near the edge of the tip body 51. There is.

The angle α and the angle γ have a relation of α> γ, and the angle α has a positional relation including the angle γ.

The wire 57a and the wire 57b are connected to the rotary operation knob 1 through the bending portion 7 and the flexible tube portion 8 shown in FIG.
It is mechanically connected to the two shafts.

As a result, the internal mirror 1 has the rotary operation knob 1
By rotating 2 the tip forming part 6 can be rotated at a desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bending part 7.

(Operation) In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a plurality of bending pieces 41 are rotatably connected by a rotation shaft 42, and are shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. Like the conventional endoscope, the distal end forming portion 6 of the endoscope 1 can be directed in a desired direction by pulling a bending operation wire (not shown).

The connecting portion 20 and the bending piece 41 can be integrally connected by a bending piece connecting screw 43.

Further, in the first embodiment, the seal member 52 can ensure the liquid tightness between the tip body 51 and the connecting portion 20. In addition, in the first embodiment,
The rotation restricting pin 53 can restrict the movement of the tip body 51 and the connecting portion 20 in the longitudinal direction (the detachment of the tip body 51 with respect to the connecting portion 20).

Further, in the first embodiment, the rotation regulating pin 53 can also regulate the rotation amount of the tip body 51 by contacting the rotation regulating groove 54.

Also, in the first embodiment, the connecting portion 20
The curved outer skin 45 is liquid-tightly adhered and fixed by an outer skin fixing portion 56. That is, the watertightness is secured between the connecting portion 20 and the curved portion outer skin 45, and together with the seal member 52, the liquid is prevented from entering the inside of the curved portion 7.

Further, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rotary operation wire receiver 46 is connected to the connecting portion 2.
On the inner peripheral surface of 0, the wires 57a and 57b are bundled at positions close to each other, and then the wires 57a and 57b are connected to the vicinity of the edge portion of the tip body 51 at an angle α. Therefore, when the wire 57a is pulled into the bending portion 7 side, the tip body 51 rotates to the right side in the figure, and conversely, when the wire 57b is pulled into the bending portion 7 side, the tip body 51 rotates to the left side in the figure. .

Further, in the first embodiment, the wire 57a and the wire 57b are used to rotate the tip body 51.
Even if a traction force is applied to the rotation restriction pin 53 and the rotation restriction groove 5.
Since the rotation range of the tip body 51 is regulated by the abutment of 4, the rotation regulation groove 54 can clearly determine the rotation range even if it is difficult to determine the welding position of the rotation operation wire fixing portion 58. .

Further, in the first embodiment, since the tipmost turning operation wire receiver 46 is formed in the connecting portion 20, even if the bending portion 7 is bent, the wire 57 is bent.
The fulcrum for pulling a and 57b can always be in the same position.

Further, in the first embodiment, since the outer cover fixing portion 56 is not applied to the tip cover 55, the tip body 5
The rotation of the No. 1 with respect to the connecting portion 20 is smooth.

(Effect) According to the first embodiment, the distal end cover 55 is attached to the bending portion 7 even when the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is kept watertight and curved. Can be rotated with respect to.

Here, as shown in the conventional example of FIG. 22, when the insertion portion is not curved, the distal end portion of the endoscope is shown in FIG. 22 within the range of the rotation restricting groove 54 shown in FIG. In order to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow of the rotation direction C, it can be achieved only by rotating the insertion portion.

However, in normal endoscopy, there is always a curvature. As shown in the conventional example of FIG. 23, when the insertion portion is curved, when the insertion portion is rotated, the tip moves in a direction in which the tip largely shakes, as shown in the rotation direction C.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, by rotating the rotary operation knob 12, the tip forming portion 6 is moved to the longitudinal axis of the bending portion 7 (the central axis 106 in FIG. 23).
23, the operation in the rotation direction E of FIG. 23 can be performed, the degree of freedom of movement of the endoscope distal end configuration portion is increased, and the operability for the operator is improved.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are the first shown in FIG. 1 to FIG.
An example of application to a side-viewing type endoscope of the embodiment of
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end constituent portion and the bending portion of the side-view type endoscope as seen from the side surface side, and FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the side-view type endoscope 201, the bending mechanism of the insertion portion 202 is constructed similarly to the direct-view type endoscope shown in FIGS. However, only the shapes of the connecting portion 220, the tip cover 255 and the tip body 251 of the tip forming portion 206 are different.

The seal member 52 may be provided on the side of the connecting portion 220 in FIG. 1 as in FIG.

In particular, in the side-view type endoscope shown in FIG. 6, as shown in the conventional example of FIG. 26, the distal end constituent portion of the endoscope is inserted into the duodenum and the cannula is inserted into the bile duct. When performing a proper procedure, it is necessary to insert it according to the running of the bile duct.

At this time, the cannula 122 does not match the running of the bile duct even if the distal end portion of the endoscope is brought to the position P1, and it becomes difficult to guide the cannula 122 if it comes to the position P3. .

Therefore, by rotating the tip cover 255 (tip body 251) of the tip forming portion 206 shown in FIG. 6 and bringing it to the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 26, the cannula 122 matches the running of the bile duct and has an insertability. Can be improved.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an insertion portion which is an application example of the perspective type endoscope of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

In FIG. 8, the insertion portion 26 of the endoscope 261 is shown.
The reference numeral 2 includes a tip forming portion 276, a bending portion 7, and a flexible tube portion 8. The perspective type endoscope 261 has a bending mechanism of the insertion portion 262 configured similar to that of the direct-viewing type endoscope shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, except that the distal end cover 275 of the distal end configuration portion 266 is different. Tip body and connecting part 2
Only 80 shapes.

The tip end configuration portion 266 is provided with a tool outlet 230, an illumination optical system 231, an observation optical system 232, and an air / water feeding nozzle 233 in an oblique direction.

The tip forming section 266 has an observing optical system 232 which is a perspective and side-viewing type objective optical system whose view direction is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion section.

Also in such a perspective type endoscope 261, the same effect as the application example to the endoscope shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be obtained.

(Second Embodiment) FIGS. 9 to 11 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is a side view of a distal end forming portion and a bending portion of a direct-viewing type endoscope. Cross section,
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the distal end body, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end constituent portion of the endoscope seen from the proximal end side.

(Structure) As shown in FIG.
The connecting portion 320 of the inserting portion 302 is disposed between the tip body 351 and the bending piece 341 of the bending portion 307, as in the first embodiment.

Further, a seal member 352 is arranged between the connecting portion 320 and the tip body 351 to ensure the waterproof property between them.

On the outer peripheral portion of the connecting portion 320, the curved portion outer skin 34 is formed.
5 are provided. The outer cover fixing portion 356 is the connecting portion 32.
The waterproof property between 0 and the curved portion outer skin 345 is secured.

On the outer peripheral surface of the tip body 351 on the curved portion 307 side, a peripheral tooth portion 371 having the tooth portion shown in FIG. 10 is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the connecting portion 32
A pinion 372, which is a small gear, is arranged inside the 0 so as to mesh with the peripheral tooth portion 371.

A torque wire 373 for rotating the pinion 372 is connected to the pinion 372.
The torque wire 373 is disposed through a drive wire receiver 374 that is integrally provided on the connecting portion 320.

The drive wire receiver 374 has a protective sheath 3
The end of 75 is fixed. The protective sheath 375 is a flexible tube-shaped material in which the torque wire 373 is inserted throughout the entire length.

An outer peripheral groove portion 376 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tip body 351 where the peripheral tooth portion 371 is not formed, and abutting walls 377 are formed at both ends of the outer peripheral groove portion 376.

A pin-shaped rotation restricting member 378 is fixed to the connecting portion 320 at a position facing the outer peripheral groove portion 376. One end of the rotation restricting member 378 is located in the space surrounded by the outer peripheral groove portion 376 and the connecting portion 320.

The positions of the pinion 372 and the rotation restricting member 378 and the widths of the peripheral tooth portion 371 and the outer peripheral groove portion 376 have a relationship as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, the rotation restricting member 378.
Are arranged at positions shifted by approximately 180 ° from the pinion 372.

At the neutral position, the peripheral tooth portion 371 is arranged at an equal angle to the left and right with respect to the position of the pinion 372.

Similarly, in the neutral position, the outer peripheral groove portion 376 is also disposed at an equal angle to the left and right of the position of the rotation restricting member 378.

The angle of the peripheral tooth portion 371 is β, and the outer peripheral groove portion 376 is
If the angle of is η, then β> η.

The sum of β and η is less than 360 °.
This configuration may be applied to a side-view type endoscope as shown in FIG. 7 and a perspective-type endoscope as shown in FIG.

(Operation) In the second embodiment, the watertightness of the inside of the endoscope is the same as in the first embodiment.
52 and the outer skin fixing portion 356 of the curved outer skin 345.

Further, in the second embodiment, when the torque wire 373 is rotated by the operating device (not shown),
The pinion 372 rotates. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, by rotating the pinion 372, the distal end main body 351 can be rotated via the peripheral tooth portion 371.

In the second embodiment, since the torque wire 373 is inserted into the protective sheath 375 over the entire length of the insertion portion 302 of the endoscope 301, the torque wire 373 is rotated only in the protective sheath 375. Will be done. Protective sheath 37
Since the distal end of the endoscope 5 is fixed to the drive wire receiver 374, it does not rotate in the insertion portion 302 of the endoscope 301. Since the protective sheath 375 has flexibility, it can be flexibly bent as the insertion section 302 is bent.

Further, in the second embodiment, the ends of the rotation restricting member 378 protruding into the outer peripheral groove portion 376 come into contact with the abutting walls 377 formed at both ends of the outer peripheral groove portion 376.

In this case, since the width η of the outer peripheral groove portion 376 is narrower than the width β of the peripheral tooth portion 371, the rotation angle of the tip body 351 is determined by the groove width η of the outer peripheral groove portion 376.

(Effect) According to the second embodiment, the tip body 351 can be rotated by rotating the torque wire 373 with an operating device (not shown). The same effect as the effect is obtained.

In addition, in order to improve the operability of the tip main body 351, the pinion 372 can be rotated by using an electric device such as a motor in the operating device.

Here, considering the operation in which the operator bends the insertion portion 302, the operator's hand touches a bending operation knob (not shown), and the tip is rotated by releasing this hand. Is often troublesome.

In this case, it may be easier to operate by rotating the tip by a switch operation such as a foot switch.

When such a case is assumed, the motor rotating torque is transmitted via the torque wire 373 to the pinion 3 rather than the pushing / pulling operation of the wire according to the first embodiment.
It is more effective to transmit to 72 and rotate the tip body 351.

Further, when the peripheral tooth portion 371 is processed on the outer periphery of the tip end body 351, an imperfect gear is formed at the end portion of the peripheral tooth portion 371.

If the pinion 372 enters the incomplete tooth portion, the pinion 372 and the peripheral tooth portion 371 will be scratched, resulting in malfunction.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the abutment wall 377 and the rotation restricting member 378 come into contact with each other before the pinion 372 enters the incomplete tooth portion of the circumferential tooth portion 371, thereby preventing the galling. It is possible to always ensure good operation.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a direct-viewing-type endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the side of a distal end forming portion and a bending portion.

(Structure) As shown in FIG.
Similarly to the first embodiment, the connecting portion 420 of the insertion portion 402 of No. 1 has the tip body 451 and the bending piece 441 of the bending portion 407.
It is arranged between.

A seal member 452 is arranged between the connecting portion 420 and the tip body 451 to ensure the waterproof property between them.

On the outer periphery of the connecting portion 420, the curved portion skin 4 is provided.
45 are provided. The outer cover fixing portion 456 is the connecting portion 42.
The waterproof property between 0 and the curved portion outer skin 445 is secured.

The rotation restricting pin 453 is integrally arranged on the connecting portion 420 so as to project only on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 420.

The rotation restricting groove 4 is provided on the outer periphery of the tip body 451.
54 is formed. Rotation restriction groove 454 and connecting portion 42
The protruding end of the rotation restricting pin 453 is located in the space formed by 0.

Between the connecting portion 420 and the tip body 451,
A ring motor 481 which is a circular cylinder and rotates between the inner circumference and the outer circumference is arranged.

The inner peripheral surface of the ring motor 481 is the tip body 4
It is fixed to the outer circumference of 51. The outer peripheral surface of the ring motor 481 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 420.

The ring motor 481 is connected to a signal line 482 for transmitting a signal for starting the rotation operation.

The signal line 482 is connected to the ring motor 481 through an introduction hole 483 formed in the tip body 451.

The inside of the introduction hole 483 is filled with a filler such as an adhesive after the signal line 482 is arranged to ensure watertightness.

The present configuration may be applied to a side-view type endoscope as shown in FIG. 6 and a perspective-type endoscope as shown in FIG.

(Operation) In the third embodiment, when a signal is applied to the ring motor 481 via the signal line 482 by the operation unit or operation device (not shown), the tip body 451 fixed to the ring motor 481 is moved. Rotate.

In accordance with this, the treatment instrument outlet 30, the illumination optical system 31, the observation optical system 32, and the air / water feeding nozzle 33 shown in FIG.

In this case, the rotation range is the rotation regulation groove 454.
In the width of, the rotation regulation pin 453 is regulated and determined by abutting.

(Effect) According to the third embodiment, as shown in FIG.
The same effects as those of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 11 are obtained.

In addition to this, the tip body 451 and the connecting portion 4
By directly arranging the ring motor 481 between 20 and 20, the signal line 482 is only arranged on the bending portion and the flexible tube portion of the insertion portion 402 as a means for rotating the tip body 451.

Here, in the insertion portion 402 of the endoscope 401, a signal line made up of a treatment instrument insertion conduit, an air / water supply conduit, a light guide bundle, and a solid-state image sensor arranged inside the observation optical system. Etc. are provided, and the internal diameter of the insertion portion is determined by these built-in objects.

That is, when the number of built-in components in the insertion portion of the endoscope is increased, the inner diameter of the insertion portion is increased, and accordingly, the outer diameter is also increased.

In the third embodiment, the tip body 451.
Since only the signal line 482 is arranged on the curved portion of the insertion portion and the flexible tube portion as a means for rotating the body, the capacity of the built-in object is not increased, and the outer diameter of the insertion portion of the endoscope 401 is large. The effects of the first and second embodiments can be achieved without affecting.

(Fourth Embodiment) By the way, Japanese Patent Application No.
Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 3-104071 describes an endoscope in which a detachable knob is attached to an operation knob provided so as not to come off in a hand operation section. However, in such an endoscope, a display surface of the operation knob is disclosed. Since it is covered by the detachable knob, the detachable knob had to be displayed with the vertical and horizontal rotation phases.

In this case, there is a problem that printing or inking work for displaying on the removable knob is required, and the parts cost is increased due to the work.

In addition, since the operation knob of the endoscope has to have a dedicated form, a dedicated endoscope is required.

The fourth embodiment addresses such a problem. 13 to 19 relate to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an operation section and an operation knob attachment of an endoscope, and FIG. 14 is a view showing an operation knob attachment to the operation section of the endoscope. FIG. 15 is an external view of the attached state, FIG. 15 is a plan view of the operation knob attachment, and FIG.
Is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the operation knob attachment is being attached to the operation knob, and FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the operation knob attachment is attached to the operation knob.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the endoscope to which the operation knob attachment is not attached, and FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the endoscope to which the operation knob attachment is attached.

(Structure) First, the entire operation portion of the endoscope will be described with reference to FIG. In the endoscope 501, the bending portion on the distal end side of the insertion portion 502 (see the bending portion 7 shown in FIG. 4) is UP /
There is an operation unit 510 for bending in each direction of DOWN / RIGHT / LEFT.

The grip section 503 is for gripping the operation section 510. The operation unit 510 includes a vertical operation knob 511 and a vertical operation knob 511 which are knobs for bending the bending portion 7 shown in FIG. 4 in the UP / DOWN direction.
A vertical knob rotation restricting lever 512 for temporarily restricting movement by applying friction to the left, right and left operation knobs 513 for bending operation in the RIGHT / LEFT direction, and left and right for temporarily restricting movement of the left and right operation knobs 513. A direction knob rotation restricting knob 514 is provided so as to project coaxially.

An operation knob attachment 520 is freely removably attached to the left / right operation knob 513.

The operation knob attachment 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
20 shows a state in which 20 is attached to the left-right direction operation knob 513.

As shown in FIG. 14, the left / right operation knob 5
On the upper surface of 13, the bending direction display portion 51 showing the bending direction.
5 are provided. The operation knob attachment 520 is provided with a claw portion 523 on the inner circumference. The claw portion 523 is
It is adapted to engage with the lower surface of the left-right direction operation knob 513.

The operation knob attachment 520 does not cover the bending direction display portion 515 when attached to the left-right direction operation knob 513.

The operation knob attachment 5 will be described with reference to FIG.
20 will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 15, the circular opening 521 indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is formed larger than the outer circumference of the left-right direction knob rotation restricting knob 514 shown in FIG.

The display through hole 522 shown by the hatched portion is positively removed in all directions of the operation knob attachment 520 so as not to cover the curved direction display portion 515.

The claw portion 523 shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 is formed on a part of the inner peripheral surface of the operation knob attachment 520 and is formed so as to engage with the lower surface of the left-right direction operation knob 513.

The claw portions 523 are provided at least at three locations on the inner circumference of the operation knob attachment 520 (positions separated by approximately 120 °).

As shown in FIG. 16, when the operation knob attachment 520 is externally attached to the left / right operation knob 513, the claw portion 523 is leftward / rightward due to elastic deformation within the reversible deformation range of the operation knob attachment 520. It is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the operation knob 513.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the operation knob attachment 520 is attached to the left-right direction operation knob 513, the upper surface 524 of the projecting portion of the claw section 523 has the shape of the claw portion 523 such that the left-right direction operation knob 513. The lower end of the upper surface 525 of the operation knob attachment 520 and the upper surface of the left / right operation knob 513 are in contact with each other.

As shown in FIG. 19, the outer diameter x of the operation knob attachment 520 is the outer diameter y of the vertical operation knob 511.
It is configured as follows.

(Operation) In the fourth embodiment, when the operation knob attachment 520 is attached to the left / right operation knob 513 of the normal endoscope, it is arranged on the left / right operation knob 513 through the display through hole 522. Curved direction display section 5
It does not cover 15.

Further, since the display through hole 522 is provided in all directions, no matter which direction the operation knob attachment 520 is attached to the left / right operation knob 513, the bending direction display portion 515 is not covered.

As shown in FIG. 17, the operation knob attachment 520 includes an upper surface 524 of the claw portion 523 and a back end 526 of the upper surface 525 of the operation knob attachment 520.
The left and right operation knobs 513 are fixed with the lower surface and the upper surface sandwiched therebetween.

The operation knob attachment 520 has a claw portion 5
Since 23 is provided in at least three places,
It can be attached to the left-right direction operation knob 513 substantially uniformly over the entire circumference.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the operation knob attachment 520 has only a shape characteristic, and the left-right direction operation knob 513 is not particularly different from the knob of the conventional endoscope.

Next, the operation of the operator's hand with the operation knob attachment 520 attached will be described with reference to FIGS. 18 and 19.

In FIG. 18, the operation knob attachment 520 is not attached to the left-right direction operation knob 513 of the endoscope 501.

When operating the left-right direction operation knob 513 with the hand 530 that holds the operation section 510, it is necessary to move the fingers of the solid line to the broken line.

Since the left / right direction operation knob 513 is set to a size suitable for a general hand operator, it is a relatively easy work for a general operator of the size of the hand 530. , I never touch my fingers.

However, an operator with a small hand 530 may be obstructed by the vertical operation knob 511 and may have difficulty in approaching the horizontal operation knob 513.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, by attaching the operation knob attachment 520 to the left / right operation knob 513, the left / right operation knob 513 can be moved with a small amount of movement even for an operator who has a small hand 530 and has a difficult finger approach.
To be able to operate.

In addition to this, since the outer diameter of the left-right direction operation knob 513 is increased, the required rotational torque can be generated with a small force.

Further, since the operation knob attachment 520 is smaller than the outer diameter of the vertical operation knob 511, the tips of the fingers when operating the vertical operation knob 511 do not interfere with the operation knob attachment 520, and The operability of only the operation knob 511 is not impaired.

(Effect) According to the fourth embodiment, by attaching the operation knob attachment 520 without changing the operation portion of the conventional endoscope, the bending operability of an operator having a small hand is improved. be able to.

Further, according to the fourth embodiment, when the operation knob attachment 520 is attached, the operator can display the operation knob 513 through the display through hole 522 which is a cutout portion of the operation knob attachment 520. That is, the operation knob attachment 520 does not cover the bending direction display portion 515 of the left-right direction operation knob 513, and thus it is not necessary to newly provide a display portion on the surface of the operation knob attachment 520, and the operation knob attachment 520 can be provided accordingly. The manufacturing cost of 520 can be reduced.

Further, according to the fourth embodiment, in the vertical / horizontal direction operation knobs 511 and 513 provided so as to coaxially project on the operation section 510 of the endoscope 501, the operation section 5 is provided.
By attaching the operation knob attachment 520 to the operation knob 513 disposed on the distal side of 10, the outer diameter of the operation knob 513 on the distal side can be increased.

As a result, the approach distance from the operation portion 510 to the operation knob 513 on the distal side is shortened. further,
When operating the operating portion side knob 511, the distal side operating knob 51
Since the fingers do not interfere with 3, the manipulability of the knob on the operation portion side is not impaired.

Also, according to the fourth embodiment, the claw portion 5
Since 23 is engaged with the back surface of the left-right operation knob 513 by elastic deformation of the operation knob attachment 520, the operation knob attachment 520 is locked by sandwiching the front surface and the back surface of the operation knob 513 on the distal side to operate. It is fixed to the knob 513.

As a result, in the fourth embodiment, the structure for fixing the operation knob attachment 520 can be simplified, resulting in the operation knob attachment 520.
Manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a connecting structure on the operation knob 513 on the distal side, the operation knob 513 on the distal side can be easily connected to the operation knob of the endoscope used in the related art. In addition, the operation knob attachment 520
Since the operation knob 513 on the distal side is sandwiched, there is no discomfort due to rattling at the time of operation.

Further, according to the fourth embodiment, since the display through hole 522 provided in the operation knob attachment 520 exists in the entire circumferential direction, it is necessary to pay attention to the directionality at the time of mounting. Absent.

Also, according to the fourth embodiment, the claw portion 5
Since 23 is provided in at least three places, the operation knob attachment 5 can be easily operated when operating the left-right operation knob 513 with the operation knob attachment 520 attached.
20 does not fall off and good operability can be maintained.

20 and 21 relate to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an operating portion and an operating knob attachment of the endoscope, and FIG. 21 is an operating portion of the endoscope. It is an external view in which the knob attachment is attached.

As shown in FIG. 20, the same endoscope 501 as that of the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 13 is used.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the back surface of the operation knob attachment 620 is formed into a shape that fits in the left-right direction operation knob 513 from the front side like the operation knob attachment 520 shown in FIGS. 13 to 19. Has been done.

On the front side of the operation knob attachment 620, a plate-like portion 63 that partially covers the left-right operation knob 513.
0 is formed, and the plate-shaped portion 630 has a knob opening 62.
1 and a display through hole 622 are formed.

The knob opening 621 is formed to be larger than the outer circumference of the left / right knob rotation restricting knob 514. The display through hole 622 is provided in the bending direction display portion 51 of the plate-shaped portion 630.
A circular through hole is formed at a position corresponding to 5.

According to such a modification, the display through hole 6 is formed.
22 allows the bending direction display portion 515 to be exposed to the outside of the operation knob attachment 620.
The same effect as the operation knob attachment 520 shown in FIGS.

[Additional Notes] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention as described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(Additional Item 1) In an endoscope having at least a distal end constituting section having an objective optical system and a curved portion provided at a base end side of the distal end constituting section, a rear end side of the distal end constituting section is provided. An endoscope characterized in that a connecting portion is provided between the distal end portion of the bending portion and the tip forming portion so as to be rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the bending portion.

(Additional Item 2) Endoscope having a distal end portion having at least an objective optical system in which the visual field direction is inclined or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, and a bending portion provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion. In the mirror, a connecting portion is provided between the rear end side of the tip forming portion and the most distal end of the bending portion, the connecting portion being capable of rotating the tip forming portion around the longitudinal axis of the bending portion. An endoscope that does.

(Additional Item 3) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1 or 2, wherein the distal end constituting portion includes a treatment instrument lead-out port.

(Additional Item 4) A bending portion is provided at least in the insertion portion, and an operation knob for operating the bending portion is disposed on the proximal end side of the insertion portion, and the operation knob is bent as a display portion. In an operation knob attachment detachably attached to a bending operation knob of an endoscope on which a display indicating a direction or the like is made, the operation knob attachment is such that the display portion displayed on the operation knob is not covered when the operation knob is attached. Operation knob attachment characterized in that a notch is formed.

(Additional Item 5) The operation knob attachment according to Additional Item 4, wherein the cutout portion is provided in all directions in which it may be attached to the operation knob.

(Additional Item 6) At least an insertion portion is provided with a bending portion which bends in four directions of up / down / left / right, and vertical / horizontal direction operation knobs for operating the bending portion, which are provided coaxially on the operation portion. However, the knob outer diameter on the operation portion side of the operation knob arranged coaxially is detachably attached to the operation knob on the distal side with respect to the operation knob of the endoscope configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the knob on the distal side. In the formed operation knob attachment, the operation knob attachment is formed to have a diameter equal to or smaller than a knob outer diameter on the operation portion side.

(Supplementary Note 7) The supplementary note 6 is characterized in that the operation knob attachment is configured to sandwich the front surface and the rear surface of the operation knob on the distal side so as to be locked.
Operation knob attachment shown.

[0183]

As described above, according to the endoscopes of claims 1 to 3, in the state where the bending portion is bent, the objective optical system can be formed together with the tip forming portion without changing the bending shape. Since it can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the bending portion, the target site can be adjusted within the observation screen without operating the bending portion, and the flexibility of movement of the tip forming portion can be increased. Therefore, the operability of the operator is improved.

According to the endoscope of the second aspect, in the state where the bending portion is curved, the perspective or side-viewing type objective optical system is used together with the tip forming portion without changing the bending shape. Can be rotated about its longitudinal axis.

According to the endoscope of the third aspect, since the treatment instrument lead-out port can be rotated around the longitudinal axis of the bending portion together with the distal end forming portion, the target portion is captured within the observation visual field. With, it is possible to adjust the protruding direction of the treatment tool without changing the curved shape.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a direct-viewing-type endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention as seen from a side surface side of a distal end forming portion and a bending portion.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tip body according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the proximal end side of the distal end configuration portion.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the insertion section according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an application example of the side view type endoscope of the first embodiment as seen from a side surface side of a distal end forming portion and a bending portion.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an insertion portion showing an application example of the side view type endoscope according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an insertion portion of an application example of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 to a perspective-type endoscope.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a direct-viewing type endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention as seen from a side surface side of a distal end forming portion and a bending portion.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tip body according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end constituent portion of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention as seen from a proximal end side.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a direct-viewing type endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention as seen from a side surface side of a distal end forming portion and a bending portion.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an operation section and an operation knob attachment of an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an external view showing a state in which an operation knob attachment is attached to an operation portion of an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of an operation knob attachment according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view showing a state where the operation knob attachment is being attached to the operation knob according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing a state in which an operation knob attachment is attached to the operation knob according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the endoscope before the operation knob attachment according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is attached.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the endoscope after the operation knob attachment according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is attached.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an operation section and an operation knob attachment of an endoscope according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is an external view showing a state where an operation knob attachment is attached to an operation portion of an endoscope according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a first explanatory diagram showing a bending operation of a conventional direct-viewing type endoscope with a bending function.

FIG. 23 is a second explanatory view showing the bending operation of the conventional direct-viewing type endoscope with a bending function.

FIG. 24 is a first explanatory diagram showing a bending operation of a conventional side-view type endoscope with a bending function.

FIG. 25 is a second explanatory diagram showing the bending operation of the conventional side-viewing type endoscope with a bending function.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the distal end configuration portion when a left or right bending operation is performed within the lumen of the duodenum using a conventional side-viewing endoscope.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Insert 6 ... Tip component 7 ... Curved part 20 ... Connection part

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having at least a distal end forming section having an objective optical system and a bending section provided on a proximal end side of the distal end forming section, wherein a rear end side of the distal end forming section and the bending section are provided. An endoscope characterized in that a connecting portion is provided between the distal end portion and the distal end portion of the distal end forming portion so as to be rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the bending portion. 2. An endoscope having a distal end portion having at least an objective optical system whose view direction is inclined or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, and a bending portion provided on the proximal side of the distal end portion, An internal view characterized in that a connecting portion is provided between the rear end side of the tip forming portion and the most distal end of the bending portion, the connecting portion being capable of rotating the tip forming portion around the longitudinal axis of the bending portion. mirror. 3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the distal end forming portion includes a treatment instrument lead-out port.