JP2005205102A - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope system automatically and surely advancing/retreating a treatment instrument in a channel. <P>SOLUTION: This endoscope system is provided with a flexible insertion tube, an operating section 14 connected to the proximal end of the insertion tube, and the channel 10 communicating the insides of the insertion tube and the operating section 14 and retreatably inserting the treatment instrument 3. This system is further provided with a retreating mechanism 22 freely changing over between a state of retreating the treatment instrument inserted in the channel and a state of releasing the retention; and an advancing/retreating mechanism 21 advancing/ retreating the retaining part 32a provided in the retaining mechanism in the axial direction of the channel 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope system capable of automatically inserting / removing a treatment tool inserted into a body cavity via an endoscope.

  In general, when performing a treatment of a required part in the body or an examination of a living tissue by an operation from outside the body using an endoscope, for example, a plurality of treatment tools such as a needle knife and a grasping forceps are continuously used. Sometimes. In such a case, conventionally, the selected treatment tool is inserted into the body through a forceps channel provided in the insertion portion of the endoscope, and after performing a predetermined treatment, the treatment tool is pulled out of the body, and the forceps is channeled again. And so on.

Therefore, as a treatment tool used in an endoscope for observing living tissue such as an affected part in a body cavity, a treatment tool such as a forceps inserted into the body cavity is automatically inserted through a forceps opening formed in the endoscope. , One having a device for removing and controlling the amount of insertion has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
The endoscope described in Patent Document 1 includes a drum that is pivotally attached to two rotatable gears provided in an operation unit on the endoscope side, and the outer peripheral surfaces (roller surfaces) of these drums are in close contact with each other. The pressure contact state is provided. By inserting the treatment tool between the two drums, the endoscope is inserted and removed while holding the treatment tool in the forceps channel.
JP 57-117823 A (Fig. 1 etc.)

However, in the endoscope described in Patent Document 1, since the treatment tool is inserted and removed by the two drums, the contact surface with the treatment tool is not sufficiently removed, and the endoscope becomes slippery. As a result, it has been difficult to further shorten and simplify the procedure.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope system capable of automatically and reliably advancing and retracting a treatment instrument in a forceps channel.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following means.
The endoscope system according to the present invention includes a flexible insertion portion, an operation portion connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion, and the inside of the insertion portion and the operation portion so that the treatment tool can be advanced and retracted. In an endoscope system including a channel that can be inserted into the channel, a state in which the treatment tool inserted into the channel is held in the hollow portion communicating with the channel in the channel or the operation unit, and the holding is released. It is characterized by comprising a holding mechanism capable of switching the state and an advancing / retracting mechanism for advancing / retreating a holding portion provided in the holding mechanism in the axial direction of the channel.

  In this invention, after the treatment instrument is inserted into the channel, the treatment instrument is clamped by the holding mechanism, and in this state, the holding section is advanced toward the axial front end side of the channel by the advance / retreat mechanism, and further, the treatment instrument is clamped by the holding section. Open. In this state, the holding portion is moved back to the axial base end side of the channel by the advance / retreat mechanism. As a result, the treatment instrument can be transported to the distal end side in the channel, and the treatment instrument can be pulled back by performing the reverse operation, so that the endoscope treatment instrument can be advanced and retracted.

The endoscope system of the present invention preferably includes a drive source that drives the holding mechanism and the advance / retreat mechanism.
According to the present invention, the holding mechanism and the advance / retreat mechanism can be efficiently driven by providing the drive source.

In the endoscope system of the present invention, it is preferable that the advance / retreat mechanism advances and retracts the holding unit when the holding unit holds the treatment instrument.
According to this invention, since the holding part holds the treatment instrument, the treatment instrument can be reliably advanced and retracted.

Moreover, it is preferable that the endoscope system of the present invention includes a control unit that controls the advance / retreat mechanism so that the holding unit is advanced and retracted when the holding unit holds the treatment instrument.
According to the present invention, the operation of the advance / retreat mechanism can be accurately controlled by providing the control means.

Moreover, it is preferable that the endoscope system according to the present invention further includes a regulation unit that regulates advancement / retraction of the treatment instrument when the holding by the holding unit is released.
According to the present invention, by providing the restricting means, it is possible to prevent the treatment instrument from moving forward and backward in the axial direction of the channel when the holding by the holding portion is released.

Moreover, it is preferable that the endoscope system of the present invention further includes a control unit that controls the regulating unit so as to regulate the advancement / retraction of the treatment tool when the holding unit opens the treatment tool.
According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately control the operation of the restricting means by including the control means.

Moreover, it is preferable that the endoscope system of the present invention includes a drive source that drives the restricting means.
According to this invention, by providing the drive source, it is possible to efficiently drive the regulating means.

  In the endoscope system of the present invention, the advance / retreat mechanism has a first movable portion that advances and retreats in the axial direction of the channel, and is fixed to both sides of the channel or the cavity portion with the channel interposed therebetween. A pair of first solenoids, wherein the holding mechanism includes a pair of second solenoids having a second movable part that is provided on a distal end side of the first movable part and advances and retreats in the inner diameter direction of the channel; Preferably, the restricting means includes a third movable portion that has a third movable portion that moves forward and backward in the inner diameter direction of the channel and is fixed to the channel or the hollow portion.

  In the present invention, after the treatment instrument is inserted into the channel, the pair of second and third solenoids move in the inner diameter direction of the channel under the control of the control means, so that the treatment instrument can be clamped, Since one solenoid is moved in the axial direction of the channel, the treatment instrument can be transported in the channel. Therefore, since the treatment tool can be transported in the channel by the advance / retreat mechanism and the holding mechanism, the treatment tool can be advanced and retracted easily and accurately.

In the endoscope system according to the present invention, the endoscope operating unit is provided with a recess in which the advance / retreat mechanism and the holding mechanism are installed, and the holding mechanism is movably movable in the recess. It is preferable that a flexible waterproof cover for covering is provided.
According to this invention, since the waterproof cover that covers the advance / retreat mechanism and the holding mechanism is arranged in the recess where the advance / retreat mechanism and the holding mechanism are installed, when the treatment instrument is inserted into the channel, the advance / retreat mechanism and the holding mechanism get wet, It becomes possible to prevent getting dirty.

  In the endoscope system of the present invention, the advance / retreat mechanism includes a pair of first balloons having one end fixed to the channel or the cavity and the other end extending and contracting in the axial direction of the channel by adjusting internal pressure. The holding mechanism is fixed to the channel or the cavity on one end side of the first balloon and provided in an annular shape around the channel, and is capable of expanding in the inner diameter direction of the channel by adjusting internal pressure. It is preferable that a balloon is provided, and the restricting means includes a third balloon that is annularly provided around the channel on the other end side of the first balloon and is inflatable in the inner diameter direction of the channel by adjusting internal pressure. .

  In the present invention, after the treatment instrument is inserted into the channel, the second and third balloons are pressurized and inflated in the inner diameter direction of the channel under the control of the control means. For this reason, since the inner diameters of the second and third balloons are reduced, the treatment instrument can be grasped. Further, since the internal pressure of the first balloon is adjusted to expand and contract the first balloon and the third balloon is moved in the axial direction of the channel, the treatment instrument can be transported in the channel. Therefore, the treatment tool can be transported in the channel by the advance / retreat mechanism and the holding mechanism, and the treatment tool can be pulled back by performing the reverse operation. In this case, since the contact surface between the treatment tool and the second and third balloons can be sufficiently taken, the treatment tool can be reliably conveyed.

  In the endoscope system according to the present invention, the advance / retreat mechanism includes a pair of piezoelectric elements whose one end side is fixed to the channel or the hollow portion with the channel interposed therebetween and can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction of the channel. It is preferable that the mechanism is provided at the other end of the piezoelectric element, and that the end portion in the inner diameter direction is arranged so as to be in contact with the treatment instrument.

  In the present invention, after the treatment instrument is inserted into the channel, a predetermined voltage is applied to the pair of piezoelectric elements under the control of the control means. At this time, the applied voltage is controlled so that the piezoelectric element extends toward the distal end side of the channel with the holding mechanism holding the treatment tool, and then contracts at a faster speed than when the piezoelectric element is extended. Therefore, by repeating this operation, the treatment instrument can be transported to the channel tip side in the channel. In addition, if this reverse voltage application is performed, the treatment instrument can be transported to the proximal end side of the channel. As described above, since the treatment instrument can be transported only by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element, a simpler configuration can be achieved.

  According to the endoscope system according to the present invention, the advancement / retraction mechanism is provided in the axial direction of the channel in a state in which the holding unit provided in the holding mechanism holds the treatment tool by providing the advancement / retraction mechanism, the holding mechanism, and the regulating unit. By moving the holding portion, the treatment instrument can be advanced and retracted. Therefore, when the treatment tool is inserted into the endoscope system, a sufficient contact surface with the treatment tool can be taken, so that the operability can be improved.

Hereinafter, an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment has an insertion portion 11 that is flexible and can be inserted into a body cavity, and is connected to a proximal end of the insertion portion 11. An operable endoscope operation unit (operation unit) 14, and a channel 10 that allows the inside of the insertion unit 11 and the endoscope operation unit 14 to communicate with each other and the treatment instrument 3 having the forceps unit 2 to be inserted are provided. Yes.
The insertion portion 11 includes a hard endoscope distal end portion 12, a bendable bending portion 13 provided at the proximal end of the endoscope distal end portion 12, and an endoscope operation from the rear end of the bending portion 13. And a long flexible portion 15 extending to the portion 14. The bending portion 13 can be bent in any direction in the vertical and horizontal directions by operating a bending operation knob 16 provided in the endoscope operation portion 14.

The endoscope operation unit 14 includes an endoscope holding unit 14a that holds the endoscope system 1 in order from the insertion unit 11 side, and a main operation unit 19 to which a universal cord 18 is extended.
In a hollow portion (concave portion) 14 b communicating with the channel in the endoscope operation section, a treatment instrument transport mechanism 20 that advances and retracts the treatment instrument 3 in the channel 10, and a drive source 39 that drives the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20. And a control device (control means) 40 that is connected to the drive source 39 and controls the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20 includes an advance / retreat mechanism 21 that reciprocates in the axial direction, a holding mechanism 22 that can hold the treatment instrument 3 in the channel 10, and an advance / retreat of the treatment instrument 3 in the axial direction. And restricting means 23 for restricting movement.

The advance / retreat mechanism 21 has a first movable portion 31a that advances and retreats in the axial direction of the channel 10, and includes a pair of first solenoids 31 fixed on both sides of the endoscope operation portion 14 with the channel 10 interposed therebetween. I have. The advance / retreat mechanism 21 is configured to advance and retract a holding portion provided in a holding mechanism, which will be described later, in the axial direction of the channel.
The holding mechanism 22 includes a pair of second solenoids 32 having a second movable part (holding part) 32 a that is provided on the distal end side of the first movable part 31 a and advances and retreats in the inner diameter direction of the channel 10. The holding mechanism 22 can be switched between a state in which the treatment instrument 3 inserted through the channel 10 is held and a state in which the holding is released.
The restricting means 23 includes a third movable portion 33 a that moves forward and backward in the inner diameter direction of the channel 10, and includes a pair of third solenoids 33 fixed to the endoscope operation portion 14. Further, the restricting means 23 restricts the forward / backward movement of the treatment instrument 3 in the axial direction when the holding of the treatment instrument 3 by the second movable portion 32a is released.

As for the shape of the second and third movable parts 32a and 33a, the distal end side of the movable part is protruding so that the treatment instrument 3 can be easily held.
The first, second, and third solenoids 31, 32, and 33 are provided with solenoid coils (not shown) inside the main bodies 31b, 32b, and 33b, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drive source 39 is connected to the first, second and third solenoids 31, 32 and 33.
The control device 40 is a device that is built in the endoscope operation unit 14 and controls the operations of the advance / retreat mechanism 21, the holding mechanism 22, and the regulating means 23. That is, when the second movable part 32a holds the treatment instrument 3, the advance / retreat mechanism 21 is controlled so that the second movable part 32a is advanced and retracted in the axial direction of the channel 10, and the second When the holding of the treatment instrument 3 by the movable portion 32a is released, the restricting means 23 is controlled to hold the treatment instrument 3. Thus, by driving the forward and backward switches 50 provided in the endoscope gripping portion 14a, drive control of the current applied to these solenoids is performed according to the selected switch.

Further, the second and third movable portions 32a and 33a project in the inner diameter direction of the channel 10 when the second and third solenoids 32 and 33 are energized, and the treatment instrument 3 can be clamped. ing.
Further, the first movable part 31 a protrudes in the axial direction of the channel 10 when the first solenoid 31 is energized. Further, the first, second and third movable parts 31a, 32a and 33a are housed in the main bodies 31b, 32b and 33b and opened when not energized.

  Further, in the cavity portion 14b where the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20 is installed, the holding mechanism 22 is provided between the channel 10 and the second movable portion 32a and between the second movable portion 32a and the third movable portion 33a. A flexible waterproof cover 25 that covers the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20 is provided.

Next, a method of using the endoscope system of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below.
First, after inserting the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope system 1 into the body cavity, the treatment instrument 3 is inserted into the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20, and the drive source 39 is operated by the advance / retreat switch 50. Then, a current is applied to the second solenoid 32 under the control of the control device 40, and as shown in FIG. 3, the pair of second movable portions 32a are moved in the inner diameter direction of the channel 10 to sandwich the treatment instrument 3. To do. Next, in this state, a current is applied to the first solenoid 31, and the first movable portion 31a is moved in the direction of the distal end of the channel 10 as shown in FIG. Further, in this state, a current is applied to the third solenoid 33, and the pair of third movable parts 33 a are moved in the inner diameter direction of the channel 10, so that the treatment instrument 3 is sandwiched.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 5, the control device 40 puts the second solenoid 32 in a state where no current is applied, opens the second movable portion 32 a, and then sends the current to the first solenoid 31. The first movable portion 31a is stored in the main body 31b without being applied. Again, a current is applied to the second solenoid 32, the pair of second movable parts 32a sandwich the treatment instrument 3, and no current is applied to the third solenoid 33. The third movable part 33a is a main body. 33b. By repeating this operation, the treatment instrument 3 is moved in the direction of the endoscope distal end portion 12 by the stroke of the first movable portion 31a, and the forceps portion 2 is projected from the endoscope distal end portion 12.
When the treatment instrument 3 reaches a desired position, the treatment tool 3 is controlled in a state of being sandwiched between the second and third movable parts 32a and 33a.

  Next, when the treatment tool 3 is moved backward, control is performed in the reverse operation, that is, in the following order, when the treatment tool is moved forward. First, the first movable portion 31a is set in the extended state, the second movable portion 32a holds the treatment instrument 3, and the third movable portion 33a is set in the open state. In this state, the first movable part 31a is accommodated, the treatment tool 3 is held by the third movable part 33a, the second movable part 32a is opened, the first movable part 31a is expanded, and the first movable part 31a is expanded again. The treatment instrument 3 is clamped by the two movable parts 32a. By repeating this operation, the treatment instrument 3 can be retracted.

That is, according to the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment, the treatment instrument 3 is moved by the stroke of the first movable portion 31a provided in the advance / retreat mechanism 21. Therefore, by providing the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20, the treatment instrument 3 can be transported in the channel 10, so that the treatment instrument 3 can be advanced and retracted easily and accurately.
In addition, since the waterproof cover 24 that covers the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20 is disposed in the cavity portion 14b in which the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20 is installed, the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20 is inserted when the treatment instrument 3 is inserted into the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20. Can be prevented from getting wet or dirty.

  In the present embodiment, since the time when the first movable part 31a is stored is lost, when the first movable part 31a is stored, the fourth movable part 34a is in the extended state, The treatment tool 3 is clamped by the movable part 35 a of 5 and is conveyed in the channel 10. Therefore, the treatment instrument can be transported at twice the speed. At this time, the movable part 33a is in an open state. When the desired position is reached, it is possible to control the treatment tool 3 while holding the treatment tool 3 using the third movable portion 33a.

  As another control method, as shown in FIG. 6, a fourth solenoid 34 having a fourth movable portion 34 a that advances and retreats in the axial direction of the channel 10 and is fixed to both sides of the endoscope operation portion 14. In addition, a fifth solenoid 35 having a fifth movable portion 35a that is provided on the distal end side of the fourth movable portion 34a and advances and retracts in the inner diameter direction of the channel 10 may be provided. That is, the fourth movable portion 34a is controlled to operate in conjunction with the first movable portion 31a, and the fifth movable portion 34a is controlled to operate in conjunction with the second movable portion 32a. Thus, the third movable portion 33a holds the treatment tool when the second and fifth movable portions 32a and 35a are in the stored state, and when the second and fifth movable portions 32a and 35a are in the extended state. Open state. Therefore, the treatment tool can be transported in a state of being strongly held.

Next, an endoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In each embodiment described below, portions having the same configuration as those of the endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
In the endoscope system 60 according to the present embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20 of the first embodiment uses a solenoid, whereas the second embodiment uses a balloon. The point which provides the treatment tool conveyance mechanism 70 and the point which the control apparatus (control means) 41 controls the internal pressure of a balloon.

As shown in FIG. 7, the treatment instrument transport mechanism 70 includes an advance / retreat mechanism 71 that reciprocates in the axial direction, a holding mechanism 72 that can hold the treatment instrument 3 in the channel 10, and an advance / retreat of the treatment instrument 3 in the axial direction. A restricting means 73 for restricting movement is provided.
The advance / retreat mechanism 71 includes a pair of first balloons 74 that expand and contract in the axial direction of the channel 10 by adjusting the internal pressure.
The holding mechanism 72 includes a second balloon 75 which is disposed on one end side of the first balloon 74 and is fixed to the endoscope operation unit 14 and which can be expanded in the inner diameter direction of the channel 10 by adjusting the internal pressure. .
The restricting means 73 includes a third balloon 76 that can be expanded in the inner diameter direction of the channel 10 by adjusting the internal pressure on the other end side of the first balloon 74. The second and third balloons 75 and 76 are annularly provided around the channel 10.

As shown in FIG. 7, the drive source 42 is connected to the first, second and third balloons 74, 75 and 76.
The control device 41 is a device that controls the operations of the advance / retreat mechanism 71, the holding mechanism 72, and the regulating means 73. In other words, when the second balloon 75 holds the treatment instrument 3, the advance / retreat mechanism 21 is controlled so that the second balloon 75 is advanced and retracted in the axial direction of the channel 10, and the second balloon 75 is also controlled. When the holding of the treatment instrument 3 by 75 is released, the restricting means 73 is controlled to hold the treatment instrument 3. Thus, by pushing the forward / backward switch 50 provided in the endoscope gripping portion 14a, drive control of the gas supplied to and discharged from these balloons is performed according to the selected switch.
Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the first balloon 74 is in an expanded state in the axial direction of the channel 10 when gas is supplied to the balloon. When the gas is supplied to the balloons, the second and third balloons 75 and 76 are inflated in the inner diameter direction of the channel 10 and the inner diameter of the balloon is reduced, so that the treatment instrument 3 can be held. .
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the first balloon 74 is contracted to the endoscope distal end portion 12 side when gas is exhausted from the balloon. In addition, when the gas is exhausted from the balloons of the second and third balloons 75 and 76, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the inner diameter of the balloon is widened so that the treatment instrument 3 can be moved.

Next, a method of using the endoscope system of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below.
First, after inserting the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope system 60 into the body cavity, the treatment instrument 3 is inserted into the treatment instrument transport mechanism 70, and the drive source 39 is operated by the advance / retreat switch 50. And by control of the control apparatus 41, gas is supplied to the 1st balloon 74, and as shown in FIG. 8, the 1st balloon 74 is expanded by the axial direction. In this state, gas is supplied to the second balloon 75, the inner diameter of the second balloon 75 is reduced, and the treatment instrument 3 is held. Next, in this state, gas is exhausted from the first balloon 74, and as shown in FIG. 9, the distal end portion of the endoscope together with the first balloon 74 in a state where the third balloon 76 holds the treatment tool 3. Moved to the 12 side.

Further, in this state, gas is supplied to the third balloon 76, and the inner diameter of the third balloon 76 is reduced as shown in FIG. In this state, the gas is exhausted from the third balloon 75, the gas is supplied to the first balloon 74, and the first balloon 74 is inflated. Next, as shown in FIG. 8, the gas is exhausted from the third balloon 76, and the gas is supplied to the second balloon 75 again. By repeating this operation, the treatment instrument 3 is moved in the direction of the endoscope distal end portion 12 by the stroke of the first balloon 74, and the forceps portion 2 is protruded from the endoscope distal end portion 12.
When the treatment instrument 3 reaches a desired position, the treatment instrument 3 is controlled while being sandwiched between the second and third balloons 75 and 76.

  Next, when the treatment tool 3 is moved backward, control is performed in the reverse operation, that is, in the following order, when the treatment tool 3 is moved forward. First, the second balloon 75 is inflated to hold the treatment instrument 3 and the first and third balloons 74 and 76 are in a contracted state. In this state, the first balloon 74 is inflated and the treatment instrument 3 is retracted. Then, the third balloon 76 is inflated, the treatment tool 3 is held, and the second and first balloons 75 and 74 are contracted in this order. Next, the treatment tool 3 is held again by the second balloon 75. By repeating this operation, the treatment instrument 3 can be retracted.

That is, according to the endoscope system 60 according to the present embodiment, the treatment instrument 3 is moved by the stroke of the first balloon 74 provided in the advance / retreat mechanism 71. Therefore, since the treatment instrument transport mechanism 70 is provided, a sufficient contact surface between the treatment instrument 3 and the second and third balloons 75 and 76 can be obtained, so that the treatment instrument 3 can be reliably conveyed. .
In this embodiment, gas is supplied to each balloon, but instead of this, a liquid such as water may be used.

Next, an endoscope system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
In the endoscope system 80 according to the present embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the treatment instrument transport mechanism 20 of the first embodiment uses a solenoid, whereas the piezoelectric element 81 in the third embodiment. And a control device (control means) 43 that controls the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element 81.

As shown in FIG. 1, the treatment instrument transport mechanism 82 includes an advance / retreat mechanism 83 that expands and contracts in the axial direction of the channel 10, and a holding mechanism 84 that can clamp the treatment instrument 3 in the channel 10.
The advance / retreat mechanism 83 includes a pair of piezoelectric elements 81 that are fixed to the endoscope operation unit 14 with one end side sandwiching the channel 10.
The holding mechanism 84 is provided at the other end of the piezoelectric element 81, and an end portion in the inner diameter direction can contact the treatment instrument 3.

As shown in FIG. 11, the drive source 44 is connected to the piezoelectric element 81 and the holding mechanism.
The control device 43 is a device that controls the operation of the advance / retreat mechanism 83 and the holding mechanism 84, and is connected to the piezoelectric element 81. Therefore, by driving the forward / backward switch 50 provided in the endoscope gripping portion 14a, the drive control of the voltage applied to these piezoelectric elements is performed according to the selected switch.
When the vertical axis is the movement distance of the piezoelectric element 81 and the horizontal axis is time, the control device 43 moves the treatment instrument 3 forward as shown in FIG. Control is performed so that the piezoelectric element is contracted to the endoscope operation unit 14 side at a speed higher than that when the distal end part 12 is extended and then extended. Further, when the control device 43 retracts the treatment instrument 3, as shown in FIG. 12B, the control device 43 contracts the piezoelectric element 81 to the endoscope operation unit 14 side, and then speeds faster than the contraction. Thus, control is performed so that the piezoelectric element extends toward the endoscope distal end 12 side.

Next, a method of using the endoscope system of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below.
First, after inserting the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope system 80 into the body cavity, the treatment instrument is inserted into the treatment instrument transport mechanism 82, and the control device 43 is operated by the advance / retreat switch 50. A predetermined voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 81 under the control of the control device 43. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12A, the holding mechanism 84 holds the treatment instrument 3 so that the piezoelectric element moves. Therefore, the treatment instrument 3 is moved to the distal end portion of the endoscope by the stroke of the piezoelectric element 81. The forceps 2 is moved from the endoscope distal end 12.
Next, when the treatment tool 3 is moved backward, the control device 43 is operated by the advance / retreat switch 50. Under the control of the control device 43, the piezoelectric element 81 moves as shown in FIG. 12B in a state where the holding mechanism 84 holds the treatment instrument 3, so that the treatment instrument 3 is moved by the stroke of the piezoelectric element 81. Retract to the endoscope operation unit 14 side.
When the treatment instrument 3 reaches a desired position, the treatment instrument 3 is controlled in a state of being held by the holding mechanism 84.

  That is, according to the endoscope system 80 according to the present embodiment, the treatment instrument 3 can be conveyed in the channel 10 by including the treatment instrument conveyance mechanism 82. In this case, since the treatment instrument 3 can be transported only by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element 81, a simpler configuration can be achieved.

The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Moreover, in each said embodiment, although the forceps part 2 was used as the treatment tool 3, it is not restricted to this, For example, things, such as a snare, may be sufficient.
Further, although the advancing / retreating mechanisms 21, 71, 83, the holding mechanisms 22, 72, 84 and the restricting means 23, 73 are provided in the hollow portion 14b, the present invention is not limited to this, and the structure provided in the channel 10 is used. May be. The solenoid may be a linear actuator using a feed screw or the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a cross-sectional view of a main part of an endoscope operation unit. It is sectional drawing of the treatment tool conveyance mechanism of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing when an electric current is applied to the 2nd solenoid of the treatment tool conveyance mechanism of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing when an electric current is applied to the 1st, 2nd solenoid of the treatment tool conveyance mechanism of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing when an electric current is applied to the 1st, 3rd solenoid of the treatment tool conveyance mechanism of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification of the front-end | tip part conveyance mechanism of the endoscope system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the endoscope system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing when gas is supplied to the 1st, 3rd balloon of the treatment tool conveyance mechanism of the endoscope system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing when gas is supplied to the 3rd balloon of the treatment tool conveyance mechanism of the endoscope system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing when gas is supplied to the 1st, 2nd balloon of the treatment tool conveyance mechanism of the endoscope system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is principal part sectional drawing which shows the operation part of the endoscope system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. In the control apparatus of the endoscope system according to the third embodiment of the present invention, it is the relationship between time and the moving distance of the piezoelectric element, (a) shows when the treatment tool is advanced, and (b) is the treatment tool. It is a graph which shows when retreating.

Explanation of symbols

1, 60, 80 Endoscope System 10 Channel 11 Insertion Unit 12 Endoscope End Part 14 Endoscope Operation Unit (Operation Unit)
14b Cavity (recess)
21, 71, 83 Advance / Retreat mechanism 22, 72, 84 Holding mechanism 23, 73 Restricting means 24 Waterproof cover 31a First movable part 32a Second movable part (holding part)
33a 3rd movable part 31 1st solenoid 32 2nd solenoid 33 3rd solenoid 39,42,44 Drive source 40,41,43 Control apparatus (control means)
74 First balloon 75 Second balloon 76 Third balloon 81 Piezoelectric element

Claims (11)

A flexible insert;
An operation unit connected to the proximal end side of the insertion unit;
In an endoscope system provided with a channel that allows the inside of the insertion portion and the operation portion to communicate with each other so that a treatment tool can be inserted and retracted.
A holding mechanism capable of switching between a state in which the treatment tool inserted through the channel is held and a state in which the holding is opened are provided in the holding mechanism and the holding mechanism in a hollow portion communicating with the channel in the channel or the operation unit. An endoscope system comprising an advancing / retracting mechanism for advancing and retracting the holding portion in the axial direction of the channel.   The endoscope system according to claim 1, further comprising a drive source that drives the holding mechanism and the advance / retreat mechanism.   The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein when the holding unit holds the treatment tool, the advance / retreat mechanism advances and retracts the holding unit.   4. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit configured to control the advance / retreat mechanism so as to advance and retract the holding unit when the holding unit holds the treatment tool. 5. Endoscopic system.   The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a restriction unit that restricts advancement and retreat of the treatment instrument when the holding by the holding unit is released.   The endoscope system according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit that controls the regulating unit so as to regulate the advancement / retraction of the treatment tool when the holding unit opens the treatment tool.   The endoscope system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a drive source that drives the restricting means. The advance / retreat mechanism has a first movable part that advances and retreats in the axial direction of the channel, and includes a pair of first solenoids fixed to both sides of the channel or the cavity part across the channel,
The holding mechanism includes a pair of second solenoids having a second movable part that is provided on a distal end side of the first movable part and moves forward and backward in the inner diameter direction of the channel;
8. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the restricting unit includes a third movable portion that moves forward and backward in the inner diameter direction of the channel, and includes a pair of third solenoids fixed to the channel or the cavity portion. The endoscope system according to any one of the above.   The endoscope operation section is provided with a recess in which the advance / retreat mechanism and the holding mechanism are installed, and a flexible waterproof cover is provided in the recess so as to cover the advance / retreat mechanism and the holding mechanism. The endoscope system according to claim 8, wherein the endoscope system is provided. The advance / retreat mechanism includes a pair of first balloons having one end fixed to the channel or the cavity and the other end extending and contracting in the axial direction of the channel by adjusting internal pressure,
The holding mechanism is fixed to the channel or the cavity on one end side of the first balloon and provided in an annular shape around the channel, and is capable of expanding in the inner diameter direction of the channel by adjusting internal pressure. With a balloon,
The said restriction | limiting means is equipped with the 3rd balloon which is provided in the other end side of the said 1st balloon at the circumference | surroundings of the said channel, and is expandable to the internal diameter direction of the said channel by internal pressure adjustment. The endoscope system according to any one of 5 to 7. The advancing / retreating mechanism includes a pair of piezoelectric elements whose one end is fixed to the channel or the hollow portion with the channel interposed therebetween and can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction of the channel,
The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the holding mechanism is provided at the other end of the piezoelectric element, and an end portion in an inner diameter direction is disposed so as to be in contact with the treatment instrument. system.

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