JP2004305765A - Guiding tube for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a guiding tube for endoscope which can get through an elbow tube by a simple method even when an end surface of the guiding tube is caught to an uneven part and so on in the elbow tube. <P>SOLUTION: The end surface of an apical cap 112 which is fixed on the end of a spiral tube 111 is made into an inclined plane 113. A protruding portion which projects toward the tip of a longitudinal axis is prepared on the rear anchor part side of this inclined surface 113. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a guide tube for inserting an endoscope into a pipe.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, it is possible to observe internal organs in the body cavity or to perform various treatments using a treatment tool inserted into a treatment tool channel as necessary. Endoscopes are widely used. Also, in the industrial field, industrial endoscopes capable of observing and inspecting internal scratches and corrosion of boilers, turbines, engines, chemical plants, and the like are widely used. For example, when a non-destructive inspection of a compressor blade (hereinafter, referred to as a blade) inside a jet engine is performed using the industrial endoscope, it is generated by birds, stones, ice, and the like sucked during operation of the jet engine. Damage such as chipped or cracked blade edges can be found.

  Generally, in an endoscope having a flexible insertion portion, a bending portion is provided in the insertion portion, and the bending operation wire inserted into the insertion portion is advanced and retracted by using a bending means, whereby the bending portion can be bent. I have. In this way, by bending the bending portion in the target direction and angle by the bending means, the observation can be performed with the distal end of the insertion portion directed in the target direction, and the insertion into the test site can be easily performed. I have.

  By the way, when inserting an industrial endoscope into a pipe, a guide tube called a guide tube is inserted in advance to a target observation site in the pipe, and the endoscope is inserted through the guide tube to the target observation site. Let's observe.

  However, the pipe for performing the endoscopy is not always limited to a straight pipe, and may have a complicated shape such as a part bent in a right angle direction by an elbow pipe. For this reason, when the guide tube reaches the elbow tube while pushing the guide tube to the target observation site, the distal end surface of the guide tube is caught by the step portion forming the connecting portion between the elbow tube and the straight tube, and this guide is guided. Sometimes it became difficult to insert the tube further into the tube. In such a case, the guide tube is twisted or pushed and pulled repeatedly to reach the target tube.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and even when the distal end surface of the guide tube is caught on a step portion or the like in the elbow tube, the guide tube can be passed through the elbow tube with a simple operation to smoothly reach the target observation site. The purpose is to provide a guide tube with a structure that can be fed.

  The present invention is a guide tube for an endoscope for inserting an endoscope into an observation site, wherein an inclined surface is formed at a distal end portion, and a projection is provided on a base end side of the inclined surface. .

  Further, the position of the distal end surface of the projection and the most distal position of the inclined surface are substantially the same.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when the front-end | tip of a guide tube is hooked on a step part etc., the part caught by a step part can be eliminated only by operation which twists and rotates a guide tube using a protrusion as a fulcrum.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  1 to 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a drum section, and FIG. Is a perspective view showing the distal end side of the insertion portion, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the distal end side of the insertion portion, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration and operation of the conductive holder provided on the distal end adapter. 6 is an AA cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection relationship between the drum unit and the connector, and a configuration of an actuator unit in the drum unit, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific configuration example of the actuator unit. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing a specific example of mounting the insertion section and the drum section, FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a bending state of the bending section. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes, for example, an industrial endoscope 2 having a long and flexible insertion portion 21 and an industrial endoscope (hereinafter, an endoscope). A drum device 3 provided with a drum portion 32 rotatable with respect to a table 31 for winding the two insertion portions 21, and a base of an elongated electric cable 41 detachable from the drum device 3. The controller 4 includes an operation unit and an observation unit at the end.

  The insertion portion 21 of the endoscope 2 is provided with a flexible flexible tube 22 having a base end attached to the drum portion 32, and is connected to the distal end side of the flexible tube 22 to bend in a desired direction. And a rigid distal end portion 24 which is connected to the distal end side of the curved portion 23 and includes a solid-state imaging device such as a charge-coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) as an observation optical system. It consists of. A plurality of (two in the figure) tip adapters 5a and 5b for changing the viewing angle and the viewing direction are detachably attached to the tip rigid portion 24.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a camera control unit (e.g., an image processing circuit for generating an image picked up by a CCD into a TV signal) and a timing generating circuit for generating a timing signal for driving the CCD are provided in the drum unit 32. A control circuit 35 for controlling a bending state of the bending section 23 based on an instruction signal from an operation means of the controller, and the CCD and the actuator section 34; A battery 36 serving as a power supply unit of the control circuit 35 is provided. The CCU 33, the actuator unit 34, the control circuit 35, and the battery 36 are disposed in the drum unit 32 in consideration of the rotational balance, and a balance weight is added to keep the weight balance of the drum unit 32 optimal. You can do it.

  At the end of the electric cable 41 of the controller 4, there is provided a connector 42 that is detachably attached to a connector connecting portion, which will be described later, provided at the rotation center position of the drum 32. Further, the controller 4 is provided with an LCD monitor 43 on which an endoscope image picked up by a CCD is displayed and a joystick 44 operated when the bending portion 23 is bent in a desired direction.

  First, the endoscope 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end rigid portion 24 is provided with an observation lens cover 51 constituting one observation window and illumination lens covers 52 constituting two illumination windows on the distal end surface. 5a is connected. A flexible tube front base 6 is provided between the flexible tube 22 and the bending portion 23, and two metal contacts 6 a are provided on an outer peripheral surface of the flexible tube front base 6.

  The configuration of the distal end side of the insertion section 21 will be described with reference to FIG. The flexible tube 22 has a three-layered structure in which an impregnated resin layer 22a is provided on the outermost surface and a metal mesh layer 22b and a metal spiral tube 22c are sequentially arranged.

  A flexible pipe front base 6 having a substantially pipe shape is disposed at a distal end portion of the flexible tube 22. One of the metal contacts 6a provided on the flexible tube front base 6 is a cathode metal contact 6n, and the other is an anode metal contact 6p. One end of an electric cable 6b corresponding to each characteristic is connected to these metal contacts 6n and 6p. The metal contacts 6n and 6p are disposed on the flexible tube front base 6 via a non-conductive collar 6c. A non-conductive coil spring 6d is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the flexible tube front base 6 so as to protect the metal contacts 6n and 6p.

  One end of a synthetic rubber resin coating 25 constituting the curved portion 23 is coated on the distal end of the flexible tube front base 6, and the other end of the resin coating 25 is a base of the rigid distal end portion 24. It is coated on the end. A thread-wound adhesive portion (not shown) is provided at both ends of the resin coating 25, and the flexible tube front base 6 and the rigid tip portion 24 are integrally fixed to the resin coating 25.

  The tip hard portion 24 has a superelastic characteristic made of a Ni-Ti alloy as a wire constituting the curved portion 23 together with the resin coating 25, and an operation wire 26 formed of a wire generally called a superelastic alloy. Is fixed at one end. The other end of the operation wire 26 is provided in the drum portion 32 through the inside of the flexible tube front base 6 and the flexible tube 22, and the operation wire 26 advances and retreats in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion. It is connected and fixed to an actuator section 34 which is a bending means to be operated. In the present embodiment, three operation lines 26 are provided, and the positional relationship between the three operation lines 26 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The operation line 26 located in the bending portion 23 is provided with a sensor 26a such as a strain gauge for detecting the bending direction of the operation line 26. The bending state detection signal detected by the sensor 26a is transmitted through a signal transmission line 26b extending from the sensor 26a and output to a control circuit 35 in the drum unit 32.

  A contact between a cathode and an anode for supplying illumination power to a CCD 27 constituting an observation optical system and a light emitting element, for example, an LED device (hereinafter referred to as an LED) 54 constituting an illumination optical system described later, is provided at the tip rigid portion 24. A contact electrode 28 serving as a second electrical contact is provided.

  The CCD 27 is provided with a drive circuit 27a for driving the CCD 27, a preamplifier 27b for amplifying an electric signal which is formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 27 and photoelectrically converted, and the like. A signal cable 29 for transmitting and receiving signals from the drive circuit 27a and the preamplifier 27b extends through the bending portion 23, the flexible tube front base 6 and the flexible tube 22, and extends to the drum portion 32. The base end of the cable 29 is connected to the CCU 33 provided on the drum 32.

  On the other hand, one end of an electric wire 28 a corresponding to the characteristic of each electrode is connected to the contact electrode 28, and the other end of the electric wire 28 a inserted through the insertion portion 21 is provided on the drum 32. 36.

  An observation lens cover 51 and an objective lens 53 constituting an observation optical system, and an end adapter 5a provided with an LED 54 for supplying illumination light are arranged at the end of the end rigid section 24. The distal end adapter 5a is connected and fixed to the distal end of the insertion portion via a rotary ring 50 formed on the inner peripheral surface side with a female screw portion screwed into a male screw portion (not shown) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insert 24. ing. The rotary ring 50 is provided with a watertight member for preventing dust and water from entering the endoscope from the connection between the distal end adapter 5a and the rigid distal end portion 24.

  The LED 54 provided on the tip adapter 5a is provided with a cathode terminal 54n and an anode terminal 54p facing the contact electrode 28 provided on the tip rigid portion 24. Note that the LED 54 has an optical axis that matches the viewing direction of the observation optical system of the endoscope.

  A conductive holder 7 formed of an insulating member is disposed on the distal end adapter 5a. The conductive holder 7 has a conductive compression spring 71 for electrically connecting the cathode terminal 54n and the anode terminal 54p of the LED 54 to the contact electrode 28, and a mounting through hole 73 for disposing a metal ball 72. When the metal ball 72 and the compression spring 71 are disposed in the mounting through hole 73 as shown in FIG. 5A, the cathode terminal 54n or the anode terminal 54p is provided on the end face of the compression spring 71. It constitutes a first electrical contact that makes contact. When the distal end adapter 5a is not attached to the rigid distal end portion 24, the biasing force of the coil spring 71 causes the ball 72 disposed on the proximal side to protrude from the proximal end surface by a dimension a. ing.

  On the other hand, when the tip adapter 5a is attached to the tip rigid portion 24 as shown in FIG. 5B, the ball 72 biased by the compression spring 71 and the tip surface of the contact electrode 28 come into contact with each other. It will be in a state of having done Thus, power for illumination is supplied from the battery 36 to the LED 54 via the electric wire 28a, the contact electrode 28, the ball 72, the compression spring 71, and the terminals 54n and 54p, and the LED 54 is turned on. At this time, the ball 72 always contacts the distal end surface of the contact electrode 28 while being pressed by the urging force of the compression spring 71, so that reliable conduction can be achieved regardless of the operation of the endoscope.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the operation line 26 constituting the bending portion 23 does not abut on the two conductive holders 7 provided with the contact electrodes 28 for supplying power to the LEDs 54, and sufficiently occupies the internal space. To secure them, three are fixed on the outer peripheral surface side of the distal end rigid portion 24 so as to form an equilateral triangular shape.

  The three operation wires 26 fixed to the distal end rigid portion 24 and extending to the drum portion 32 are formed by setting any two operation wires 26 from the three operation wires 26 as one set. Is formed, at least one of a plurality of planes formed by an arbitrary set of operation lines 26 forms a plane that does not include the center axis of the insertion portion (curved portion) 21. And so on.

  For this reason, at least any one of the three operation lines 26 is moved forward and backward by the actuator unit 34, so that the operation line 26 that is not moved forward and backward by the actuator unit 34 becomes After resisting the movement of the operation line 26 moved forward and backward, the bending portion 23 bends in the direction of the operation line 26 moved forward and backward.

  Next, the drum device 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, the base end of the flexible tube 22 constituting the insertion portion 21 is connected to a connection tool 32 b provided on a winding surface 32 a of the drum 32, and The other end of the operation wire 26 extending through the front tube base 6 and the flexible tube 22 and extending into the drum portion 32 is connected to a rack 34 b of a rack and pinion portion 34 a constituting an actuator portion 34. Have been. The rack 34b is configured to move forward and backward in accordance with the rotation of the pinion 34c, and the pinion 34c is rotated by a rotatable motor 37. The motor 37 is fixed inside the drum unit 32.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the actuator section 34 is provided with three rack and pinion sections 34a so as to correspond to the three operation wires 26 inserted through the insertion section 21, respectively. The end of each operation line 26 is connected and fixed to the rack 34b of the pinion portion 34a.

  That is, the operation lines 26 are configured to advance and retreat independently of the operation of the rack and pinion portions 34a corresponding to the operation lines 26, and the operation of each rack and pinion portion 34a is controlled. By appropriately controlling and moving each rack 34b forward and backward, the operation line 26 fixed to the rack 34b moves forward and backward, and the bending portion 23 bends in a desired direction.

  In addition, the operation line 26 is moved from the initial position where the bending of the bending portion 23 is released to be pushed toward the bending portion to bend the bending portion 23, and the operation line 26 is moved to the position where the bending of the bending portion 23 is released. The configuration may be such that the curve is released by returning the line 26.

  Further, the ends of the signal transmission line 26b and the signal cable 29 which extend through the insertion portion 21 and extend into the drum portion 32 are connected to a control circuit provided in the drum portion 32 as shown in FIG. 35 and the CCU 33 respectively.

  The specific mounting of the insertion section 21 and the drum section 32 of the endoscope 2 is performed as shown in FIG. That is, as shown in the figure, the connecting tool 32b to which the base end of the flexible tube 22 on the base end side of the insertion section 21 is connected is detachable with the winding surface 32a of the drum 32 with screws. It has become.

  The connector 32b is provided with a connector 32c that is electrically connected to the CCU 33, the control circuit 35, or the battery 36 provided in the drum unit 32. Therefore, by connecting the connector 32c of the connecting tool 32b to the mating connector provided on the drum section 32, the signal transmission line 26b and the signal cable 29 passing through the insertion section 21, the control circuit 35 and the CCU 33 Is connected. After the connector 32c is connected to the mating connector in the drum unit, the connection between the insertion unit 21 and the drum unit 32 is completed by fixing the connector 32b to the winding surface 32a using screws.

  Further, a reduction gear mechanism may be provided between the rotation shaft 37a of the motor 37 and the pinion 34c to reduce the rotation speed of the motor 37.

  Next, a connection relationship between the control circuit 35 and the CCU 33 and the controller 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, a connector receiver 31 a provided with a bearing portion 31 b therein protrudes from the side surface of the base 31 of the drum device 3. A shaft portion 38, which protrudes from the center of the side surface of the drum portion 32 and has a plurality of contact portions on the bottom surface of the connector connection portion 39, is rotatably attached to the base 31 on the bearing portion 31b of the connector receiver 31a. ing.

  On the bottom surface side of the connector connection portion 39 of the shaft portion 38 protruding from the drum portion 32, a video signal contact electrode 39a connected to the video signal line 33a extending from the CCU 33 and a ground connected to a ground line 33b. Terminals (also referred to as GND terminals) 39b, and a plurality of communication photodiodes 39c and communication LEDs 39d connected to a communication cable 35f for bidirectional communication extending from the control circuit 35. ing.

  The video signal contact electrode 39a to which the video signal line 33a is connected is provided on a non-conductive first holder 75 disposed on the rotation center axis of the drum unit 32. On the other hand, the GND terminal 39b to which the ground line 33b is connected is housed in a non-conductive second holder 76 disposed near the outer peripheral surface of the connector connection portion 39 away from the video signal contact electrode 39a. The GND terminal 39b is constantly urged outward in the lateral direction by a compression spring 71 provided in the second holder 76. In addition, a diffusion plate 39e is disposed in front of the communication photodiode 39c and the communication LED 39d.

  On the other hand, on the distal end surface of the connector 42 inserted into the connector receiver 31a and connected to the connector connection portion 39, the video signal contact electrode 39a, the GND terminal 39b, the communication photodiode A video signal connection terminal 42a, a GND contact electrode 42b, a communication LED 42c, and a communication photodiode 42d are provided to face the diffusion plate 39e disposed in front of the communication LED 39d and the communication LED 39d, respectively.

  The video signal connection terminal 42a is housed in a non-conductive second holder 76 sealed and fixed with a filler or the like at the center position of the connector 42, and is disposed in the second holder 76. By the compression spring 71, the video signal connection terminal 42a is constantly urged outward in the side surface. The communication LED 42c and the communication photodiode 42d are sealed and fixed with a filler or the like so as to face the communication photodiode 39c and the communication LED 39d provided in the connector connection portion 39, respectively. Further, the GND contact electrode 42b is arranged in a ring shape on the distal end surface of the connector 42 so as to reliably conduct with the GND terminal 39b arranged near the outer peripheral surface side of the connector connection portion 39.

  As a result, the light emitted from the communication LED 42c in response to the bending instruction signal output by operating the joystick 44 provided in the controller 4 is diffused by the diffusion plate 39e of the connector connection portion 39, and the photo is emitted. The light reaches the diode 39c and is transmitted to the control circuit 35 via the communication cable 35f. At this time, even if the connector 42 is attached to the connector connecting portion 39 in any circumferential positional relationship, the light emitted by the plurality of communication LEDs 42c and the diffusion effect of the diffusion plate 39e is surely emitted. The signal is transmitted to the control circuit 35 as a bending instruction signal.

  Further, the video signal connection terminal 42a that contacts the video signal contact electrode 39a connected to the video signal line 33a extending from the CCU 33, and the GND that contacts the GND contact electrode 42b provided on the connector 42. Since the terminal 39b is constantly pressed by the urging force of the compression spring 53 so as to be in contact with the contact electrodes 39a and 42b, conduction between the terminals 42a and 39b and the electrodes 42b and 39a is ensured, and a signal is transmitted. Can give and receive.

  An O-ring 31c is provided at the inner peripheral surface of the connector receiver 31a to prevent dust and water from entering the inside of the connection portion and to prevent the connector 42 from coming off the connector receiver 31a. I have.

  The operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. An LED 54 for illuminating the observation site, a CCD 27 for imaging the observation site illuminated by the LED 54, a driving circuit 27 a for driving the CCD 27, and an image formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 27 are provided on the rigid end portion 24 of the endoscope 2. And a preamplifier 27b for amplifying the electric signal that has been photoelectrically converted. Further, a sensor for detecting the bending state of each operation line 26 is provided in the middle portion of the operation line 26 which is fixed to the distal end rigid portion 24 and is located within the bending portion 23 of the operation line 26 extending to the actuator portion 34. 26a is provided.

  Inside the drum unit 32 of the drum device 3, a CCU 33 including an image processing circuit for generating an electric signal of the CCD 27 into a video signal and the like, an actuator unit 34 that moves the operation wire 26 forward and backward, and a bending unit 23 A control circuit 35 for controlling a bending state and the like and a battery 36 as a power supply are provided.

  When the flexible tube 22 forming the insertion portion 21 is connected and fixed to the drum portion 32, the LED 54 is lit by receiving power from the battery 36.

  The controller 4 includes a joystick 44 as an operation switch, a CPU 45 for converting the movement of the joystick 44 into a bending instruction signal, a communication circuit 46 for outputting the bending instruction signal converted by the CPU 45 to the control circuit 35, A TV signal receiving circuit 47 serving as a receiving section of a TV signal transmitted from the CCU 33, an LCD monitor 43 serving as a television monitor, and a superimposer 48 for displaying image information and character information on the LCD monitor 43 are provided. I have.

  The CCD drive circuit 27a provided in the tip rigid portion 24 is driven by a drive signal output from a timing generation circuit 61 provided in the CCU 33. The electric signal formed on the imaging surface of the CCD 27 and amplified by the preamplifier 27b is transmitted to the image processing circuit of the CCU 33. In this image processing circuit, the transmitted electric signal is subjected to well-known processing by a clamp circuit 62 and a sample-and-hold circuit 63, then amplified by an amplifier (not shown), input to an A / D conversion circuit 64, and subjected to A / D conversion. Is converted. The A / D-converted image data is input to the memory 65. The image data input to the memory 65 is obtained from a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 67 to obtain a predetermined video signal based on a program from a DSP ROM 66. After that, a first frame memory 68a and a second frame After being D / A-converted by the D / A conversion circuit 69 via the memory 68b, it is generated into a TV signal output to an external device by the encoder 70, and the TV signal reception of the controller 4 is performed via the TV signal transmission circuit 70a. The signal is output to the circuit 47.

  That is, the image captured by the CCD 27 is converted into an electric signal, amplified by the preamplifier 27b, and transmitted to the CCU 33. The CCU 33 generates a TV signal. The TV signal is output to the TV signal receiving circuit 47 of the controller 4 via the TV signal transmitting circuit 70a, and is displayed on the LCD monitor 43 via the superimposer 48 from the TV signal receiving circuit 47.

  When the joystick 44 of the controller 4 is operated to bend the bending portion 23, the movement of the joystick 44 is transmitted through the CPU 45 and the communication circuit 46 via the communication circuit 35a of the control circuit 35 provided in the drum unit 32. The signal is input to the controller CPU 35b as a bending instruction signal from the joystick 44.

  When a bending instruction signal is input to the control unit CPU 35b, a drive signal is output from the CPU 35b through the bending control circuit 35c to the corresponding motor 37 of the actuator unit 34 from the bending drive circuit 35d, and the motor 37 starts driving. I do. As a result, the pinion 34c rotates by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction, the rack 34b moves, and the operation line 26 moves in the designated direction.

  Then, with respect to the moved operation line 26, the non-moved operation line 26 resists the movement of the moved operation line 26, and the rigid end portion 24 is pulled toward the flexible tube front base 6. In this state, the operation line 26 bends, and the bending portion 23 bends in the direction shown by the arrow as shown in FIG.

  When the bending portion 23 starts bending as shown in the drawing, the amount of distortion is detected by a sensor 26a provided on each operation line 26, and a control circuit is provided as a bending state detection signal via a signal transmission line 26b. It is transmitted to a sensor signal receiving circuit 35e which is a sensor signal receiver of 35. The bending state detection signal output from the sensor 26a and input to the sensor signal receiving circuit 35e is compared with the bending instruction signal from the joystick 44 by the control unit CPU 35b via the bending control circuit 35c, and then is returned to the bending driving circuit. A drive signal is output from the actuator 35d to the actuator section 34, and the operation lines 26 are advanced and retracted so that the bending section 23 bends in the direction instructed by the joystick 44.

  As described above, when the distal ends of the operation wires formed of the three superelastic alloys are fixed to the distal end hard portion constituting the distal end side of the insertion portion, the operation wires are arbitrarily selected from the three operation wires. When an arbitrary plane is formed by each of the two operation lines, at least one of the planes arbitrarily selected and formed does not include the center axis of the distal end rigid portion and the curved portion constituting the insertion portion. And by connecting the base end of each operation line to an actuator unit that moves each operation line forward and backward to form a bending mechanism, the amount of movement of each operation line for each actuator unit is reduced. With appropriate adjustment, the bending portion can be bent in a desired direction.

  In addition, a sensor for detecting the bending state of the operation line is disposed at an intermediate portion located in the bending portion of the three operation lines, and a bending state detection signal output from this sensor is used as a bending control signal in the control circuit. The driving signal is output to the circuit and is compared with the bending instruction signal from the joystick, and a driving signal for controlling the bending state of the bending portion is newly output to the actuator unit via the bending driving circuit based on the comparison result, and the operation is performed. By operating the line, the bending portion can be reliably controlled to bend in the direction specified by the joystick.

  Furthermore, the bending portion and the bending mechanism are configured with three operation lines, in contrast to the configuration of a conventional bending portion provided with a plurality of bending pieces and an operation wire for bending a bending tube formed by the plurality of bending pieces. Thereby, a sufficient space inside the insertion portion can be secured. As a result, a sufficient space for inserting a built-in object other than the bending mechanism is secured, so that it is not necessary to reduce the diameter of the built-in object, but it is possible to make the endoscope insertion section smaller.

  In addition, an LED is provided on the distal end adapter, and a flexible tube constituting the base end side of the insertion portion is connected to the drum portion, so that power is supplied from the battery provided on the drum portion to the LED, and illumination is performed. By obtaining the observation light, it is possible to always illuminate the test site with a predetermined amount of illumination light. As a result, the shortage of light quantity can be solved by the light loss caused by the lengthening of the light guide fiber normally used as the illumination means and the light quantity decrease due to the light loss at the connection surface with the distal end adapter. Also, in order to efficiently transmit illumination light from a distant light source device to an observation site, it is not necessary to use a large fiber diameter or use an expensive fiber having high transmission efficiency. A diameter and an inexpensive configuration are realized.

  Also, since the video signal contact electrode to which the video signal line extending from the CCU is connected and the video signal connection terminal provided on the connector are provided on the rotation center axis of the drum portion, the Due to the rotation, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of a problem in the conduction between the video signal contact electrode and the video signal connection terminal.

  In addition, the metal ball provided on the distal end adapter is always pressed against the distal end surface of the contact electrode by the urging force of the compression spring, and the video signal connection terminal and the ground terminal are always pressed by the compression spring. By pressing the electrode and the ground contact electrode, conduction between the metal ball, the contact electrode, the video signal connection terminal, the video signal contact electrode, the ground terminal, and the ground contact electrode can be ensured. .

  In the present embodiment, an LED is used for the illumination means. However, a lamp may be used instead of the LED, and a configuration similar to that described above may be used.

  12 to 15 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a bending portion of an endoscope provided with four operation lines and one interval maintaining line. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a link mechanism constituting the actuator section, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation of the link mechanism, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a bending state of a bending portion.

  First, the configuration of the endoscope 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the number of operation lines 26 is increased by one to four. The four operation lines 26 are fixed at four divided positions on the outer peripheral surface side of the distal end rigid portion 24 so as to be upper, lower, left, and right operation lines 26U, 26D, 26L, and 26R, respectively. are doing.

  In addition, a spacing wire 81 is fixed on the substantially central axis of the rigid distal end portion 24 as a wire material for keeping the spacing between the curved portions 23 at a predetermined spacing, and the other end of the spacing wire 81 is It is fixed substantially on the center axis of the flexible tube front base 6.

  Further, instead of the resin coating 25 covering the curved portion 23, a composite pipe in which a metal mesh pipe (blade) 22b and a metal spiral pipe (flex) 22c are arranged coaxially is used. The composite pipe may have a configuration in which the metal spiral pipe 22c is on the inside and a metal mesh pipe 22b on the outside, or may have a configuration opposite thereto.

  Next, the configuration of the actuator section 34 will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, the actuator section 34 of the present embodiment includes an up / down link bar 82 to which the up / down operation lines 26U, 26D are connected and a left / right link bar 83 to which the left / right operation lines 26R, 26L are connected. , A threaded linear drive member 84 connected to the up / down link bar 82 and the left / right link bar 83, and a motor 85 for driving the threaded linear drive member 84. In this figure, a screw-type linear drive member 84 connected to the left and right link rods 83 and a motor 85 for driving the screw-type linear drive member 84 are omitted.

  A link rod 82 constituting the vertical link mechanism is pivotally supported so as to rotate around a shaft 86 fixed inside the drum 32, and one end of the link rod 82 and a motor 85. The one end of the screw-type linear drive member 84 which moves forward and backward is fixed. Thus, the motor 85 is rotated by the drive signal from the bending drive circuit 35d to move the link rod 82 fixed to the screw-type linear drive member 84 from the position shown by the solid line to the position shown by the broken line. As shown in FIG. 14, for example, while the upper operation line 26U is towed, the lower operation line 26D is pushed out, that is, by simultaneously pushing and pulling a pair of operation lines, the bending portion 23 It bends in the direction of the pulled up operation line 26U.

  Note that the structure in the left-right direction is the same as the structure in the up-down direction described above, and a description thereof will be omitted. The positions of the fixed portions of the operation lines 26U and 26D and the link bar 82 and the positions of the operation lines 26R and 26L and the link bar 83 are equidistant from the shaft portion 86 as a fulcrum. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  The operation of the endoscope apparatus configured as described above will be described. By operating the joystick 44 of the controller 4 as in the first embodiment, a bending instruction signal is output to the control unit CPU 35b. Then, a drive signal is output from the control unit CPU 35b via the bending control circuit 35c to the corresponding motors 85 provided in the vertical and horizontal directions provided in the actuator unit 34 from the bending driving circuit 35d, and the motor 85 rotates. Start. As a result, the screw-type linear drive member 84 advances and retreats in a predetermined direction, and the link rods 82 and 83 fixed to the screw-type linear drive member 84 rotate with respect to the shaft portion 86, and this link The pair of operation lines 26U, 26D or the operation lines 26R, 26L fixed to the rods 82, 83 relatively move, and the position of the distal end rigid portion 24 with respect to the flexible tube front base 6 changes. As a result, the spacing line 81 is bent, and the bending portion 23 is freely bent in a desired direction as shown in FIG.

  Thus, by increasing the number of operation lines and fixing the space holding line as a wire material that holds the space between the curved portions at a predetermined interval between the rigid distal end portion and the front end of the flexible tube, The bending is generated in the spacing line with the movement, and the bending portion is bent, whereby the bending control can be performed with high accuracy.

  In addition, since the interval between the curved portions is maintained at a predetermined interval by providing the interval maintaining line, the curved portion can have a small curvature to maintain a stable curved angle.

  In the present embodiment, a configuration in which the number of operation lines is increased is described. However, a curved portion may be configured by providing two operation lines by providing a spacing line. At this time, the bending portion can be bent in a desired direction by appropriately setting the arrangement position of the spacing line and the operation line. Also, a plurality of spacing lines may be provided. Further, as the number of operation lines increases, instead of providing a link mechanism, the number of rack and pinion units may be increased in accordance with the increase in operation lines.

  By the way, when performing normal endoscope observation, the distal end side in the insertion direction of the endoscope is directly observed to inspect the entire inner circumference of the pipe. For example, when observing the inside of a pipe with the endoscope, it may be necessary to observe the inside of a pipe having an inner diameter much larger than the diameter of the endoscope. In such a case, the endoscope insertion portion is inserted substantially along the vertical lower surface of the inner peripheral surface of the pipe without being arranged and inserted substantially at the center of the pipe. In this state, when the distal end side in the insertion direction is directly observed, the entire inner circumference of the pipe cannot be inspected, and the observation is performed in a deviated state. In order to solve this problem, there is an insertion assisting tool that attaches to the distal end side of the insertion section of the endoscope to position the distal end of the insertion section substantially at the center of the pipe. They were prepared so as to be compatible with piping of various inner diameters.

  However, when observing the inside of a pipe having a large inner diameter using the insertion assisting tool, since the internal space in the observed pipe is large, the illumination means provided in the endoscope efficiently covers the entire inner circumference of the pipe. It was not possible to illuminate and there was a risk of obstructing observation. For this reason, even when observing a large space using the insertion assisting tool, an endoscope apparatus capable of performing observation with sufficient illumination has been desired.

  An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 16, an endoscope device 90 of the present embodiment has a configuration substantially similar to that of the endoscope device 1 of the first embodiment, and in this embodiment, a long and flexible insertion portion is provided. An insertion aid 91 made of a non-conductive resin such as polyacetal having a small sliding resistance is attached to the tip of the insertion member 21.

  As shown in FIG. 17, three projecting feet 93 are provided at both ends of an auxiliary tool main body 92 that covers the endoscope insertion section of the auxiliary tool 91 attached to the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion section 21. Have been The foot portion 93 is formed such that the outer peripheral side surfaces of the three foot portions 93 are substantially circular as shown by a dashed line in the drawing, and the outer peripheral surface of the foot portion 93 serves as a guide surface. The small-diameter endoscope 2 provided in the auxiliary tool main body 92 is arranged on a substantially central axis in a pipe having a large inner diameter, and is inserted therethrough.

  A distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion 21 is provided in an endoscope fixing hole 92 a formed in the auxiliary tool main body 92 of the insertion auxiliary tool 91. Is provided with an LED device (LED) 94 which is a light emitting element for illumination. The LED 94 has an optical axis that matches the viewing direction of the observation lens cover 51 provided on the endoscope 2.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the insertion assisting tool 91 tightens a screw 95 provided in an assisting tool main body 92, so that the distal end side of the endoscope insertion portion 21 inserted into the endoscope fixing hole 92 a. It is detachably attached to the part.

  An electric wire 94a extending from the electrode of the LED 94 provided on the distal end surface of the auxiliary tool 91 is connected to the first contact 96 made of a conductive material. The metal contact 96 is provided with a pin 96b biased by a spring 96a. The pin 96b is provided with an endoscope fixing hole 92a in which the endoscope insertion portion 21 is disposed by the biasing force of the spring 96a. Project in the direction of the central axis.

  For this reason, when the insertion portion 21 of the endoscope 2 is inserted into the endoscope fixing hole 92a formed in the insertion assisting tool 91 from the distal end side, the center of the endoscope fixing hole 92a is adjusted. The pin 96b protruding in the axial direction moves on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end adapter 5a, the distal end rigid portion 24, and the curved portion 23, and the end surface of the non-conductive spring 6d covering the outer peripheral surface of the flexible tube front base 6. Contact Then, the pin 96b compresses the spring 6d in the proximal direction of the insertion portion. As a result, the metal terminal 6a provided on the flexible tube front base 6 is exposed, and the pin 96b is brought into contact with the metal terminal 6a to electrically connect the two, whereby the LED 94 is turned on. At this point, the screw 95 is tightened to fix the endoscope insertion portion 21 and the insertion assisting tool 91 integrally.

  Thus, by fixing the endoscope to the insertion aid provided with the illumination means and observing the inside of the pipe having a large inner diameter, the internal space in the pipe to be observed is large, so that the endoscope is provided with the endoscope. With the illuminating means, the entire circumference of the inner surface of the pipe can be efficiently illuminated by the illuminating means of the insertion aid, and the inside of the pipe can be observed with illumination light brighter than the illumination optical system provided in the endoscope.

  Note that, as shown in FIG. 17, the projecting positions of both ends of the foot portion 93 may not be in the same position in the circumferential direction, but may be shifted from each other in the circumferential direction. Further, the LED 94 may be provided on the foot 93 or on the peripheral surface of the assisting device main body 92 or the like. Further, a lamp may be used instead of the LED 94.

  As shown in FIG. 19, an electric wire 97 for supplying electric power for lighting the LED 94 may be directly drawn from the LED 94 provided on the insertion assisting tool 91. By attaching the insertion assisting tool 91 to the endoscope insertion portion 21, observation with an optimal illumination light amount is possible even with the endoscope 2 having no metal terminal 6a for connection in the endoscope insertion portion 21. become. Further, by fixing a wire 98 to the insertion aid main body 92 and extending the wire 98 toward the hand, the wire 98 is pulled to connect the insertion aid 91 and the endoscope insertion portion 21 to the inside of the pipe. It becomes possible to remove from.

  By the way, when inspecting the inner surface of a pipe or the like with the endoscope, the purpose is to observe the entire circumference of the inner surface of the pipe at the time of insertion, and usually, the insertion direction in which the endoscope is inserted is observed. Then, when any defective part is found on the inner surface of the pipe, the observation window arranged on the distal end surface of the endoscope is brought closer to the part to confirm the enlargement. At this time, the distal end surface of the endoscope is brought closer to the defective portion by using the bending function of the endoscope. However, while the distance from the curved portion to the distal end surface is constant, the distance between the inner surface of the pipe and the distal end surface of the endoscope is not always constant. However, there was a case that did not approach the defective part sufficiently. For this reason, there is a demand for an endoscope that can easily widen the observation range by easily changing the distance from the curved portion to the distal end surface (also referred to as the distal end length).

  An endoscope having a structure in which the length of the distal end portion is variable will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 20, in the present embodiment, a plurality of variable-length-pieces 101 are arranged between the rigid distal end portion 24 constituting the distal end side of the endoscope 2 and the flexible tube front base 6, and The curved portion 23 forms a gap between the group of variable-length tip pieces 102 connected to the distal-end rigid portion 24 and the group of variable-length tip pieces 103 connected to the flexible tube front base 6.

  Connecting portions 101a are provided at both ends of the variable tip length piece 101 so that the pieces can be detachably connected to each other. The connecting portion 101a has a concave portion 101b that can be connected to the convex base end of the distal end rigid portion 24 and a convex portion 101c that can be attached to and detached from the concave front end of the flexible tube front base 6 at both ends. It is configured to have.

  As shown in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21, the variable-length-end piece 101 is configured so that it can advance and retreat with respect to the operation line 26 and the distance-maintaining line 81. Through holes 104a and 104b having a diameter larger than the outer diameter are formed at positions corresponding to the wires 26 and 81, and the electric wires 28a connected to the signal cable 29 and the contact electrode 28 extending from the CCD 27. Is formed to penetrate in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion.

  As a result, as shown in FIGS. 22A to 22C, by changing the number of connected variable-length-end pieces 101 connected to the rigid distal end portion 24, the position of the gap that becomes the curved portion 23 can be changed. By moving, the length from the curved portion 23 to the distal end surface can be freely changed.

  In this way, by moving the position of the variable tip length piece in accordance with the observation situation, the length from the curved portion to the distal end surface is freely changed, and the observation of the test site is always observed under optimal conditions. be able to.

  In the endoscope 2 using the variable-length tip 101, it is necessary to frequently change the arrangement position of the variable-length tip 101. The resin coating 25 constituting 23 is not used.

  By the way, when inserting an industrial endoscope into a pipe, a guide tube called a guide tube is inserted in advance to a target observation site in the pipe, and the endoscope is inserted through the guide tube to the target observation site. Let's observe. However, the pipe for performing the endoscopy is not always limited to a straight pipe, and may have a complicated shape such as a part bent in a right angle direction by an elbow pipe. For this reason, when the guide tube reaches the elbow tube while pushing the guide tube to the target observation site, the distal end surface of the guide tube is caught by the step portion forming the connecting portion between the elbow tube and the straight tube, and this guide is guided. Sometimes it became difficult to insert the tube further into the tube. In such a case, the guide tube is twisted or pushed and pulled repeatedly to reach the target tube.

  For this reason, there has been a demand for a guide tube having a structure in which even when the distal end surface of the guide tube is caught on a step portion or the like in the elbow tube, the guide tube can be passed through the elbow tube with a simple operation and smoothly sent to a target observation site.

  The configuration and operation of the guide tube will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 23, the guide tube 110 of the present embodiment may be configured such that the distal end surface of the distal end cap 112 attached to the distal end of the spiral tube 111 made of stainless steel, for example, forms a face orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. Instead, it has an inclined surface 113 obliquely intersecting the longitudinal axis. A projection 114 is provided at the base end of the inclined surface 113 so as to project toward the distal end of the longitudinal axis. The position of the distal end of the projection 114 is substantially the same as the position of the tip of the inclined surface 113. Position. The end cap 112 is fixed to the end of the spiral tube 111 by brazing or the like.

  The operation of the guide tube 110 configured as described above will be described. When the distal end cap 112 of the guide tube 110 reaches the elbow tube 115 as shown by the broken line in FIG. 24A, the tip of the inclined surface 113 of the guide tube 110 comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the elbow tube 115. Then, when the guide tube 110 is further pushed in in this state, as shown by a solid line in FIG.

  However, at this time, the projection 114 provided at the base end of the inclined surface 113 has reached the inner peripheral surface side of the straight pipe 116 connected to the elbow pipe 115. Therefore, by twisting the guide tube 110 in this state, the protrusion 114 abutting on the inner peripheral surface side of the straight tube 116 becomes a fulcrum as shown in FIG. The whole starts to rotate. Then, by performing the pushing operation while rotating the guide tube by 180 degrees, the tip end of the inclined surface 113 that has been caught by the step portion 115a moves to the inner peripheral surface side of the straight tube 116, and the broken line in FIG. As shown, it is inserted further into the guide tube 110.

  As described above, the distal end surface of the distal end cap provided at the distal end portion of the spiral tube constituting the guide tube is formed as an inclined surface obliquely intersecting the longitudinal axis, and is inserted from the base end side of the inclined surface in the insertion direction. By providing a projection that is almost the same height as the tip of the inclined surface that protrudes toward, when the guide tube tip is caught on a step, etc., it is an operation that only twists and rotates the guide tube with the projection as a fulcrum In addition, it is possible to eliminate a portion caught by the step portion.

  In addition, since the distal end surface of the tip base is formed as an inclined surface, and the protrusion is provided on the base end side of the inclined surface so as to protrude forward in the longitudinal direction, without increasing the number of parts, Since the diameter dimension is not increased, the configuration can be made inexpensive and suitable for reducing the diameter.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 25, instead of the inclined surface 113 shown by the broken line shown in this embodiment, a face 117 orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction shown by a solid line is provided, and a projection 114 is provided on a part of the face 117. In this case, when the tip end of the inclined surface 113 is caught on the step portion 115a, the protrusion 114 also comes into contact with the step portion 115a. Therefore, the trigger for disposing the guide tube 110 on the inner peripheral surface side of the straight tube 116 is caught. There is a problem that there is no.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[Appendix]
(1) A distal end rigid portion including an observation optical system and an illumination optical system, an elongated insertion portion having a curved portion connected to the proximal end side of the distal end rigid portion, and a distal end portion fixed to the distal end rigid portion. At least three or more wire rods whose ends are inserted at least up to the bending portion, and bending means provided on the insertion portion base end side for bending the bending portion, at least one of the three or more wire rods By moving one wire rod in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion by operating the bending means, of the three or more wire rods, the other wire rods not moved forward and backward by the bending means are replaced by the moved wire rod. Of the three or more wires are bent in the bending direction of the advanced or retracted wire, and any two wires are removed from the three or more wires. When forming multiple planes in a set, At least one set of plane of the plurality of planes formed by any of a set of wire rod, an endoscope apparatus to place each wire so as to form a plane that does not include the central axis of the insertion portion.

  (2) The endoscope device according to supplementary note 1, wherein the three or more wires are a superelastic alloy.

  (3) The endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the three or more wires are operation wires whose distal ends are fixed to a rigid distal end portion, and whose proximal ends are fixed to bending means provided on the proximal side of the insertion portion. Mirror device.

  (4) At least one of the three or more wires is an interval maintaining wire for setting and maintaining the interval of the curved portion between the rigid distal end portion and the flexible tube to a predetermined value, and the other wires are 2. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distal end is fixed to a rigid distal end portion, and the proximal end is an operation wire fixed to a bending means provided on a proximal end side of the insertion portion.

  (5) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the bending means includes an actuator and a bending control circuit that controls a bending state by controlling driving of the actuator.

  (6) The endoscope apparatus according to attachment 5, wherein the actuator bends the bending portion by pushing the operation line toward the bending portion.

  (7) The actuator includes a rack to which a base end of an operation wire is fixed, a rack and pinion mechanism having a pinion that meshes with the rack and moves the rack forward and backward, and a motor that rotates the pinion. 6. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, wherein

  (8) The endoscope device according to attachment 7, wherein the rack bends the bending portion by pushing the operation line toward the bending portion.

  (9) The endoscope apparatus according to attachment 7, wherein the rack and pinion mechanism section is provided in correspondence with the number of operation lines.

  (10) The actuator includes a link mechanism for fixing two base ends of the operation wire, a screw-type linear moving mechanism for fixing one end of a link rod constituting the link mechanism, and a screw. 6. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a motor for moving the linear movement mechanism forward and backward.

  (11) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 10, wherein the fixing portions of the two operation lines fixed to the link rod are equidistant with respect to a rotation center of the link rod.

  (12) An endoscope device having an endoscope distal end adapter that is detachably attached to the distal end of an elongated endoscope insertion portion and converts the optical characteristics of the endoscope and the physical shape of the distal end of the endoscope. In the endoscope apparatus, the light emitting element provided in the endoscope distal end adapter and a power supply provided in the endoscope apparatus are electrically connected by an electric wire passing through the endoscope.

  (13) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 12, further comprising an electrical contact for electrically connecting the distal end adapter and an electric wire passing through the endoscope.

  (14) A metal ball provided on the endoscope distal end adapter and protruding toward the distal end surface of the endoscope, and a conductive coil spring for urging the metal ball and contacting the terminal of the light emitting element And a second electrical contact provided at the distal end of the endoscope and connected to the electric wire, wherein the endoscope distal end adapter and the endoscope are provided. 14. The endoscope apparatus according to Supplementary Note 12 or 13, wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are electrically connected by connecting the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact.

  (15) The endoscope apparatus according to Supplementary Note 12 or 13, wherein the distal end adapter and the light emitting element are integrally formed.

  (16) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 14, wherein the light emitting element and the first electric contact are integrally formed.

  (17) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 16, wherein the integrally formed light emitting element and the first electric contact are detachable from the distal end adapter.

  (18) An endoscope having an elongated insertion portion having an observation mechanism for observation at the distal end, a main body to which the insertion portion is connected, and an observation operation device connected to the main body via a connection connector. In the apparatus, an endoscope apparatus in which the main body and the observation operation device are functionally connected to each other by a connector mechanism including an electrical connector and an optical connector.

  (19) The electrical connector provided in the connector mechanism electrically connects the main body and the video circuit of the observation operation device to transmit a video signal, while the optical connector is connected to the main body and the observation operation device. 20. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the operation communication signal is transmitted between the endoscope apparatus and the apparatus.

  (20) The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 18, wherein an electrode of the electric connector is arranged at a center position of the connector mechanism, and an electrode of the optical connector is arranged on an outer peripheral side of the electrode of the electric connector.

  (21) The endoscope apparatus according to attachment 18, wherein the electrode of the optical connector is arranged at a center position of the connector mechanism, and the electrode of the electric connector is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the electrode of the electric connector.

  (22) An endoscope having an elongated insertion section having an observation mechanism for observation at the distal end, a main body to which the insertion section is connected, and an observation operation device connected to the main body via a connection connector. An endoscope apparatus, wherein a wireless communication circuit is provided between the main body and the observation operation device, and the main body and the observation operation device perform mutual communication of a video signal and an operation command signal.

  (23) An endoscope having an elongated insertion section having an observation mechanism for observation at the distal end, a main body to which the insertion section is connected, and an observation operation device connected to the main body via a connection connector. In the device, an endoscope device provided with a connecting portion for detachably attaching the insertion portion and the main body.

  (24) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 23, wherein the drive circuit is provided on the insertion unit side such that the drive circuit for driving the observation mechanism is located on the insertion unit side when the insertion unit is removed from the main body. .

  (25) An endoscope insertion having a fixed portion detachably attached to a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion portion, and one or more overhang portions projecting in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion. In an endoscope apparatus provided with an auxiliary tool, an endoscope in which a light emitting element that emits observation illumination light provided in the insertion auxiliary tool is aligned with an optical axis in a viewing direction of the endoscope to which the insertion auxiliary tool is attached. apparatus.

  (26) The endoscope apparatus according to Supplementary Note 25, wherein the light emitting element is provided on a front surface of the insertion aid.

  (27) The endoscope apparatus according to Supplementary Note 25, wherein the light-emitting element is provided on a side surface of the insertion aid.

  (28) The endoscope apparatus according to Supplementary Note 25, wherein the light-emitting element is provided in the overhang portion.

  (29) The endoscope apparatus according to attachment 25, wherein the light emitting element is an LED.

  (30) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 25, wherein the light emitting element is a lamp.

  (31) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 25, further comprising: a first contact point electrically connected to the light emitting element; and a first contact point located on an outer peripheral surface side of an insertion portion of the endoscope. A metal contact electrically connected to an electric wire passing through the insertion portion from a power supply as an external device, wherein when the insertion aid is mounted on the endoscope, the first contact and the metal contact are electrically connected. An endoscope apparatus in which the light-emitting element is turned on upon contact with the endoscope.

  (32) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 25, further comprising an electric wire extending from the light emitting element to a power supply as an external apparatus, the electric wire electrically connecting the light emitting element and the power supply.

  (33) A distal end rigid portion provided with an observation optical system and an illumination optical system, an elongated insertion portion having a curved portion connected to the proximal end side of the distal end rigid portion, and a distal end fixed to the distal end rigid portion. At least three or more wire rods whose ends are inserted at least up to the bending portion, and bending means provided on the insertion portion proximal end side for bending the bending portion, at least among the three or more wire rods By moving one wire rod in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion by operating the bending means, of the three or more wire rods, the other wire rods not moved forward and backward by the bending means are replaced by the moved wire rod. The movement of the three or more wire rods are all curved in the bending direction of the wire rod that has moved forward and backward, and between the distal end rigid portion and the distal end of the insertion portion, Adjacent with a fitting hole that slides into the wire One or more of the tip length adjustment piece endoscope apparatus arranged to form a fitting portion mutually fitted in frame to each other that.

  (34) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 33, wherein a pair of concave portions and convex portions forming the fitting portion are provided at an end portion of the variable tip length piece.

  (35) The endoscope apparatus according to attachment 33, wherein the length of the distal end length is changed by changing a frame arrangement relation of the variable length of the distal end length.

  (36) In an endoscope apparatus including a flexible guide tube for guiding an elongated insertion portion of an endoscope to a target observation site, a protrusion protruding in an insertion direction at an end of the guide tube. An endoscope device provided with a tip base having a portion formed.

  (37) The endoscope apparatus according to attachment 36, wherein a distal end surface of the distal end base having the protruding portion is an inclined surface that is inclined and intersects with a longitudinal axis of the guide tube.

  (38) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 36, wherein the protruding portion is provided on the most proximal side of the inclined surface.

  (39) The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 36, wherein an amount of protrusion of the protrusion in the insertion direction is substantially the same as a position of the leading end surface of the guide tube.

1 to 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment. Explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of a drum unit Perspective view showing the distal end side of the insertion section Sectional drawing explaining the structure of the front end side of an insertion part The figure explaining the structure and operation of the conductive holder provided in the tip adapter AA sectional view of FIG. Explanatory drawing showing the connection relationship between the drum section and the connector and the configuration of the actuator section inside the drum section Explanatory diagram showing a specific configuration example of an actuator unit Explanatory drawing showing a specific example of attachment between an insertion portion and a drum portion Block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus Explanatory drawing showing the bending state of the bending section 12 to 15 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a bending portion of an endoscope provided with four operation lines and one spacing line. Explanatory drawing showing the configuration of the link mechanism that constitutes the actuator section Explanatory diagram showing the operation of the link mechanism Explanatory drawing showing the bending state of the bending section FIGS. 16 to 18 relate to an endoscope apparatus having another configuration, and FIG. 16 is a view showing the configuration of an endoscope apparatus provided with an insertion aid. Explanatory drawing which shows the connection state of the endoscope insertion part of an insertion assistance tool The figure which shows the structure of an insertion assistance tool A perspective view showing an example of an insertion aid of another configuration. 20 to 22 relate to an endoscope having a structure with a variable tip length, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope having a variable tip length piece. Front view of tip length variable piece Explanatory drawing showing an example of linking variable-length-tip pieces 23 to 25 relate to a guide tube, and FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a distal end portion of the guide tube. Figure showing the inserted state of the guide tube Explanatory drawing showing a failure example of a guide tube

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Endoscope 6 ... Flexible tube front base 23 ... Bending part 24 ... Tip rigid part 26 ... Operation wire 26a ... Sensor 32 ... Drum part 33 ... CCU
34: Actuator section 35: Control circuit

Claims (2)

An endoscope guide tube for inserting an endoscope into an observation site,
A guide tube for an endoscope, wherein an inclined surface is formed at a distal end portion, and a projection is provided on a base end side of the inclined surface. The guide tube for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a position of a distal end surface of the protrusion and a position of a tip end of the inclined surface are substantially the same.

Images