JP2008148935A - Endoscope system and cleaning method of objective lens of endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope system capable of securing an observation field of vision by one of two observation means (a first and a second observation means) as much as possible even when observation is being made by the other observation means. <P>SOLUTION: An endoscope 12 of the endoscopic system 10 has a nozzle 112, and objective lenses 82 and 92 for first and second observation means 64a and 64b on the tip of an insertion part 32 one by one. The objective lenses are placed at a position which can be influenced respectively by supplying liquid/air from the nozzle. A control circuit 162 is connected to an air/water supply device 20 connected to the nozzle and is connected to the first and second observation means. The control circuit operates the air/water supply device 20 and has the objective lenses selectively supply liquid/air so as to remove adhered substances of the objective lenses of the observation means different from the observation means where an image is displayed to an observation monitor 18 when the image by the observation means selected by a relay board 50 is displayed to the observation monitor. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope system that switches and uses at least two observation optical systems and a method for cleaning an objective lens of an endoscope.

  Conventionally, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the like. An endoscope, for example, observes an organ or the like in a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion portion into the body cavity, or performs various treatments using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel as necessary. be able to. A bending portion is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and the bending portion can be bent by operating the operation portion of the endoscope to change the observation direction of the observation window at the distal end portion of the insertion portion.

  In general, the outer surface of the observation optical system of an endoscope may be provided with body fluids or the like when it is inserted into a body cavity, thereby obstructing observation. Yes. And a clear observation visual field can be ensured by ejecting a cleaning liquid from an air / water supply nozzle or blowing air.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope that switches between two observation optical systems. One of these observation optical systems is for normal light observation, and the other is for special light observation. And the objective lens of these observation optical systems is arrange | positioned on the straight line in the discharge direction of the gas and liquid from an air supply / water supply nozzle.

For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration for recognizing an adhering substance such as blood adhering to an objective lens by frequency analysis using a fast Fourier transform or a contrast ratio.
JP 2006-187554 A JP-A-6-98854

  In the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1, the objective lens of the observing person (first observing means) clears the objective lens by supplying water after supplying water from the nozzle when blood or the like adheres. To make sure However, when blood or the like is attached to the objective lens that is not being observed (second observation means), the state is not displayed on the observation monitor. For this reason, when the observation means is switched from the first observation means to the second observation means, blood, cells, residual stool, etc. may be attached to the objective lens. An observation visual field may not be secured. As described above, it is necessary to clean the objective lens each time the observation means is switched, and the switching of observation may not be performed smoothly.

  Moreover, in the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1, the objective lenses of the first observation unit and the second observation unit are arranged in a straight line in the air / water supply direction from the air / water supply nozzle. It is assumed that the objective lens of the first observation unit is closer to the nozzle than the objective lens of the second observation unit. In this case, if the objective lens of the second observation unit is to be washed while observing with the first observation unit, the liquid flows on the objective lens of the first observation unit. The observation visual field cannot be secured.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and the object of the present invention is to observe either the first observation means or the second observation means. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope system and an endoscope objective lens cleaning method capable of securing an observation field of view by the other observation means as much as possible.

In order to solve the above problems, an endoscope system includes an endoscope, a switching mechanism, a cleaning device, a control unit, an observation monitor connected to the control unit, and a detection unit. The endoscope is provided to be inserted through the insertion portion to be inserted into the body cavity, an operation portion provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion, the insertion portion and the operation portion, and disposed at a distal end of the insertion portion. First observation means and second observation means each having an objective lens, and provided so as to be inserted through the insertion portion and the operation portion so as to be arranged in parallel with the first observation means and the second observation means. And a cleaning channel having a nozzle for feeding and / or feeding air toward the objective lens of the first observation means and the second observation means at the distal end of the insertion portion. ing. The switching mechanism selectively switches between the first observation unit and the second observation unit. The cleaning device is connected to the cleaning path of the endoscope, and can send / feed liquid to the cleaning path. The control means is connected to the cleaning device and is connected to the first observation means and the second observation means of the endoscope. The detection means is connected to the control means and can detect the observation means selected by the switching mechanism. The observation means is connected to the observation monitor via the control means by the observation means selected by the switching mechanism. Display the image. In the endoscope system, the objective lens of the first observation unit and the objective lens of the second observation unit are affected by the liquid supply and the air supply from the nozzle, and the first lens The objective lens of the observation means is disposed at a position closer to the nozzle than the objective lens of the second observation means, and the control means is configured to observe the image by the observation means selected by the switching mechanism by the detection means. In order to remove obstructions on the objective lens of the observation means different from the observation means on which the image is displayed on the observation monitor and prevent the observation image being displayed from being obstructed when displayed on the monitor The cleaning device is operated so that the objective lens selectively feeds / feeds air.
Therefore, the detection means detects that the first observation means is observing the nozzle, the objective lens of the first observation means, and the objective lens of the second observation means arranged at the tip of the insertion portion. When an adherent such as blood, biological tissue or residual stool adheres to the objective lens of the second observation means, the air is fed from the cleaning device, thereby affecting the observation state of the first observation means. The objective lens of the second observation means can be cleaned without giving Further, when it is detected that the observation means continues to observe with the second observation means, at the time when the adhering matter adheres to the objective lens of the first observation means, or periodically, By performing a small amount of liquid supply and subsequent strong air supply, the observation is prevented from being obstructed by the cleaning device, and the objective lens of the first observation means is affected as little as possible to the objective lens of the second observation means. Can only be cleaned automatically. Therefore, the objective lens of the observation means that is not used for observation can be kept in a clear state while preventing the observation means used for observation as much as possible.

Further, the control means or the cleaning device can set a liquid feeding amount to be discharged from the cleaning device via the nozzle, and the control means selects the second observation means by the detection means. When it is determined that the liquid is supplied, it is preferable that the liquid of the set liquid supply amount is supplied from the cleaning device to the objective lens of the first observation unit through the nozzle at regular intervals.
For this reason, for example, when the detection means detects that the second observation means is observing, a set small amount of liquid is periodically supplied to the objective lens of the first observation means. Thus, while preventing the deposit from adhering to the objective lens of the first observation means, only the objective lens of the first observation means is affected without affecting the objective lens of the second observation means as much as possible. Can be washed.

The first observation means and / or the second observation means that the attachment to the objective lens of the first observation means and / or the second observation means is connected to the control means. It is preferable that the apparatus further includes an adhering matter detection means for detecting based on a signal from the means, and the control means operates the cleaning device based on a signal from the adhering matter detection means.
Since the adhering matter detection means can detect that the adhering matter has adhered to the objective lens of the first observation means and / or the second observation means, by operating the cleaning device based on the detection data, The observation state of the first observation means and / or the second observation means can be kept good.

Further, when the deposit is attached to the objective lens of at least one of the first observation unit and the second observation unit by the deposit detection unit and connected to the control unit It is preferable to further include warning means for warning.
For this reason, even if there is a deposit on the objective lens of the observation means that is not used for observation, even if the objective lens of the observation means is not cleaned, the warning means It can be recognized that a deposit is attached to the objective lens.

In addition, the control unit or the cleaning apparatus determines that the deposit is attached to the objective lens of the first observation unit by the deposit detection unit when the second observation unit is selected. A liquid amount adjusting means for adjusting the liquid amount so as to prevent the liquid from being discharged from the cleaning device to the objective lens of the first observing means and obstructing the observation by the second observing means. Is preferred.
The liquid amount adjusting means provided in the control means or the cleaning device prevents liquid from adhering only to the objective lens of the first observation means from affecting the objective lens of the second observation means. can do.

The control unit determines that the first observation unit is selected by the detection unit, and determines that the adhering matter has adhered to the objective lens of the second observation unit by the adhering matter detection unit. In this case, it is preferable that air is supplied from the cleaning device to the objective lens of the first observation unit and the objective lens of the second observation unit through the nozzle.
When deposits adhere to the objective lens of the second observation means when the first observation means is selected, air is supplied from the cleaning device toward the objective lenses of the first observation means and the second observation means. By doing so, the deposits can be blown away. At this time, since no liquid is used, it is possible to prevent the first observation means from being affected as much as possible.

In addition, when the detection unit detects that the switching mechanism is switched, the control unit causes the objective lens of the first observation unit and the objective lens of the second observation unit to supply liquid and supply air. It is preferable to operate the cleaning device so that the
For this reason, an image displayed on the observation monitor at the stage where the observation means has been switched, even if an adherent has adhered to the objective lens of the observation means that was not selected before the observation means was switched. Can be cleared.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, there is provided a method for cleaning an objective lens of an endoscope in an endoscope system, wherein the observation means selected from the first observation means and the second observation means is the above-described observation means. The step of determining by the detecting means, and the image data signal picked up by the first observing means and the second observing means are processed by the adhering matter detecting means and compared with a predetermined value to operate the cleaning device. The step of determining whether or not to perform the observation and the determination by the adhering matter detection means that the detection is determined by the detection means selected from the first observation means and the second observation means. And a signal from the adhering matter detecting means when the detecting means determines the observing means selected by the switching mechanism when it is determined that the adhering matter is attached to the objective lens of the observing means different from the means. In Zui and characterized by comprising the step of operating appropriately the cleaning device.
For this reason, when detecting that the adhering matter has adhered to the objective lens of the second observing means while detecting that the detecting means is observing with the first observing means, By supplying air from the cleaning device, the objective lens of the second observation unit is cleaned without affecting the observation by the first observation unit. In addition, when it is detected by the detection means that the observation is performed by the second observation means, if the attachment detection means detects that the attachment is attached to the objective lens of the first observation means, the cleaning is performed. By feeding weakly from the apparatus, the objective lens of the first observation means is washed without affecting the observation by the second observation means.

Further, it is preferable that the step of operating the cleaning device includes a step of supplying air from the cleaning device.
For this reason, when detecting that the adhering matter has adhered to the objective lens of the second observing means while detecting that the detecting means is observing with the first observing means, By supplying air from the cleaning device, the objective lens of the second observation unit is cleaned without affecting the observation by the first observation unit.

Further, when the first observation means and the second observation means are switched by the switching mechanism, the observation means to be displayed on the observation monitor is switched, and the cleaning device is operated so that the objective of the first observation means is switched. It is preferable to include a step of supplying air to the lens and the objective lens of the second observation unit after supplying water or the like from the cleaning device.
As described above, when the observation means is switched, the objective lenses of both the first observation means and the second observation means are washed to obtain a good field of view when the observation means is switched. Can do.

In order to solve the above problems, an endoscope system includes an endoscope, a switching mechanism, a cleaning device, a control unit, an observation monitor connected to the control unit, and a detection unit. . The cleaning path includes a first nozzle for feeding and / or feeding air toward the objective lens of the first observation means at the distal end of the insertion portion, and the objective lens of the second observation means A second nozzle for feeding liquid and / or air toward the tip of the insertion portion, and the control means is configured to observe the image by the observation means selected by the switching mechanism by the detection means. The cleaning device is operated so as to remove deposits on the objective lens of the observation means different from the observation means whose image is displayed on the observation monitor when displayed on the monitor.
For this reason, one nozzle is provided for cleaning the objective lens of the first observation means at the tip of the insertion portion, and another nozzle is provided for cleaning the objective lens of the second observation means. For this reason, when a deposit | attachment adheres to each objective lens, it can wash | clean separately. Therefore, both objective lenses can be kept in a clear state.

Further, it is connected to the control means and detects that an adhering substance has adhered to the objective lens of the first observation means based on a signal from the first observation means, and the objective of the second observation means. It is preferable that the apparatus further includes an adhering matter detection unit that detects adhering matter adhering to the lens based on a signal from the second observation unit.
By using the adhering matter detection means, the adhering matter adhering to the objective lens can be removed automatically or sometimes manually by operating the cleaning device.

Further, when it is connected to the control means and the adhering matter detecting means detects that the adhering matter has adhered to one of the objective lenses of the first observing means and the second observing means, this is performed. It is preferable to further include warning means for warning.
Even if a deposit is attached to the objective lens of the observation means that is not used for observation, the warning means can notify the user of the fact. For this reason, the deposits can be removed as quickly as possible.

The control means operates the cleaning device when the detection means determines that the second observation means is selected, and causes the objective lens of the first observation means to operate on the objective lens of the first observation means. Liquid is periodically fed through one nozzle, and when the first observing means is determined to be selected by the detecting means, the cleaning device is operated, and the second observing means is operated. It is preferable that the objective lens is periodically fed via the second nozzle.
For this reason, it is possible to make it difficult to attach the deposit to the objective lens.

In addition, when the detection unit detects that the switching mechanism is switched, the control unit causes the objective lens of the first observation unit to supply liquid from the first nozzle and supply air. It is preferable that the cleaning device is operated so that the objective lens of the second observation unit is supplied with liquid from the second nozzle and supplied with air.
For this reason, an image displayed on the observation monitor at the stage where the observation means has been switched, even if an adherent has adhered to the objective lens of the observation means that was not selected before the observation means was switched. Can be cleared.

Further, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, there is provided a method for cleaning an objective lens of an endoscope in an endoscope system, wherein the observation means selected from the first observation means and the second observation means is the above-described observation means. The step of determining by the detecting means, and the image data signals picked up by the first observing means and the second observing means are each processed by the adhering matter detecting means and compared with a predetermined value, and the cleaning device In the step of determining whether or not to operate the object and the determination in the adhering matter detection means, the adhering matter has adhered to at least one of the objective lens of the first observation means and the objective lens of the second observation means When the judgment is made, the cleaning device is operated so as to prevent an influence on the observation means whose image is displayed on the observation monitor based on the signal from the detection means and the signal from the adhering matter detection means. Characterized by comprising the steps of.
By operating the cleaning device based on the data detected by the adhering matter detection means and the data detected by the detection means, the objective lens cleaning method is appropriately selected, that is, the optimum cleaning method is automatically selected. You can choose.

  According to the present invention, an endoscope system and an endoscope that can secure an observation field of view as much as possible regardless of which of the first observation means and the second observation means is used. The objective lens cleaning method can be provided.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 10 includes an endoscope 12, a light source device 14, a processor 16, an observation monitor 18, an air / water supply device (cleaning device) 20, and a front water supply device 22. It has.
The endoscope 12 can selectively perform normal light observation and special light observation. The light source device 14 supplies illumination light (normal light and special light) to the endoscope 12. The processor 16 is provided as a signal processing device that performs signal processing on the observation optical system of the endoscope 12 and signal processing of the observation monitor 18 and the air / water supply device 20. Therefore, the observation monitor 18 selectively displays each endoscopic image for normal light observation or special light observation by receiving the video signal output from the processor 16. The air / water supply device 20 selectively performs automatic / manual cleaning of objective lenses 82 and 92 to be described later when performing normal light observation or special light observation. In particular, when a manual operation is performed, the manual cleaning operation is given priority even if it is set to perform automatic cleaning. The front water supply device 22 is used to flow (blow away) blood or the like in front of the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 12 with physiological saline or the like.

The endoscope 12 includes an elongated insertion portion 32 so that it can be easily inserted into a body cavity, and an operation portion 34 connected to the proximal end of the insertion portion 32.
The operation unit 34 includes an operation unit main body 42 and a universal cable 44 extending from a side portion of the operation unit main body 42. The universal cable 44 has a connector 46 at its end. The connector 46 is detachably connected to the light source device 14. Further, a scope cable 48 is disposed on the connector 46. The scope cable 48 is detachably connected to the processor 16.

  The insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 12 is operated from the hard distal end hard portion 52 formed at the distal end thereof, the bending portion 54 provided at the proximal end of the distal end hard portion 52, and the proximal end of the bending portion 54. And a flexible tube portion 56 having flexibility, which is disposed over the portion 34. That is, the flexible tube portion 56 is connected to the operation portion main body 42.

  An illumination optical system 62, a first observation unit 64a, a second observation unit 64b, a cleaning path 66, and a forward water supply channel (not shown) are inserted into the insertion unit 32 and the operation unit 34. Has been. Among these, a treatment instrument insertion channel (not shown) is further inserted through the insertion portion 32.

  The illumination optical system 62 includes a pair of illumination lenses 72 a and 72 b (see FIG. 2) and a light guide 74 that transmits illumination light from the light source device 14. The light guide 74 is inserted into the insertion portion 32 and is inserted into the universal cable 44 via the operation portion main body 42. The base end portion of the light guide 74 is connected to a light guide connector (not shown) protruding from the connector 46. The light guide 74 is, for example, one in the universal cable 44 of the operation unit 34, but is branched in the operation unit main body 42, and is inserted into the insertion unit 32 in a state of being divided into two. The front end surface of each of the light guides 74 divided into two is disposed in the vicinity of the back surfaces of the two illumination lenses 72 a and 72 b provided in the front end hard portion 52. That is, the tip of the light guide 74 and the illumination lenses 72 a and 72 b are fixed inside the tip hard portion 52. For this reason, the illumination light from the light source device 14 is emitted from the light guide 74 through the illumination lenses 72a and 72b.

  The first observation means 64 a includes a first objective lens 82 (see FIG. 2), a normal light observation imaging unit (hereinafter referred to as a normal light imaging unit) 84, and a first signal cable 86. . The first objective lens 82 is fixed to the distal end hard portion 52. The first objective lens 82 and the normal light imaging unit 84 are fixed with respect to each other. At this time, the first objective lens 82 and the normal light imaging unit 84 are optically connected.

The normal light imaging unit 84 shown in FIG. 1 includes an imaging device (not shown) such as a CCD or CMOS, and a circuit board (not shown) to which the imaging device is connected. Therefore, the light incident on the first objective lens 82 forms an image by the first objective lens 82, is imaged and imaged on the image sensor of the normal light imaging unit 84, and is photoelectrically converted.
One end of a first signal cable 86 is connected to the normal optical imaging unit 84. The other end of the first signal cable 86 is connected to the relay board (switching mechanism) 50 provided in the connector 46 at the end of the universal cable 44 from the insertion section 32 through the operation section main body 42 and the universal cable 44. .

The second observation means 64b includes a second objective lens 92 (see FIG. 2), a special light observation imaging unit (hereinafter referred to as a special light imaging unit) 94, and a second signal cable 96. .
Here, in this embodiment, a special light imaging unit for special light observation will be described as a fluorescence imaging unit. As the special light imaging unit, various imaging units such as an imaging unit for night vision observation that performs observation in a night vision state and an imaging unit for infrared observation that performs observation by infrared rays are allowed.

  By the way, when performing fluorescence observation in this embodiment, the imaging element of the fluorescence imaging unit 94 needs to capture weak light compared to the case of normal light observation. For this reason, the fluorescence imaging unit 94 employs a dedicated image sensor having a high SN ratio and suitable for fluorescence imaging. Then, when the image sensor of the normal light imaging unit is also used, an image with a low SN ratio is likely to be obtained, whereas a fluorescent image with a good SN ratio can be obtained.

The second objective lens 92 is fixed to the distal end hard portion 52. The second objective lens 92 and the fluorescence imaging unit 94 are fixed with respect to each other. At this time, the second objective lens 92 and the fluorescence imaging unit 94 are optically connected. Therefore, the light incident on the second objective lens 92 forms an image by the second objective lens 92, is imaged and imaged on the fluorescence imaging unit 94, and is photoelectrically converted.
One end of a second signal cable 96 is connected to the fluorescence imaging unit 94. The other end of the second signal cable 96 is connected to the relay board (switching mechanism) 50 provided on the connector 46 at the end of the universal cable 44 through the operation section main body 42 and the universal cable 44 from the insertion section 32.

  The relay board 50 can selectively switch the first observation unit 64 a and the second observation unit 64 b to the common signal cable 102. The common signal cable 102 is connected to the processor 16 through the scope cable 48 connected to the connector 46. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the first and second signal cables 86 and 96 are branched in, for example, the connector 46 shown in FIG. 1 and connected to a control circuit 162 described later of the processor 16. For this reason, even if the first observation unit 64a and the second observation unit 64b are switched by the relay board 50, the signals of the first observation unit 64a and the second observation unit 64b are transmitted to the control circuit 162 of the processor 16. Is input.

  The operation unit main body 42 is provided with an observation means switching button (first control switch) 104a, a control switch (second control switch) 104b, and an air / water supply button 104c. In the following description, it is assumed that the observation means switching button 104a is provided on the operation unit main body 42. However, the observation means switching button 104a is directly connected to the detection circuit 166 of the processor 16 outside the endoscope 12. It is also suitable. In addition, although not shown, the operation unit main body 42 has a bending operation knob, a switch (also referred to as a tele / zoom button) for performing the tele / zoom operation of the normal light imaging unit 84, a forward water supply button, and the above-described treatment tool. A treatment tool insertion port of the insertion channel is provided.

The observation means switching button 104a is connected to a later-described control circuit 162 of the processor 16 by a first signal line 106a inserted into the universal cable 44 and the scope cable 48. The control switch 104 b is connected to the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 by a second signal line 106 b inserted through the universal cable 44 and the scope cable 48.
In this embodiment, for example, the observation means switching button (switching mechanism) 104a generates a signal instructing switching of the relay board 50 (switching of the observation means 64a and 64b), and the control switch 104b is, for example, a freeze instruction. Generate a signal. Further, when the air / water supply button 104c is operated, air is supplied after the liquid is supplied from the air / water supply device 20 through the cleaning path 66.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the cleaning path 66 includes an air / water feeding nozzle 112, a pipe line 114 of the distal end hard portion 52, a pipe member 116, an air / water feeding pipe line 118, a branch pipe 120, An air supply conduit 122 and a water supply conduit 124 are provided. The air / water supply nozzle 112 is a tubular member bent into a substantially L shape, and a base end portion thereof is fixed to the distal end hard portion 52. On the base end side of the nozzle 112, an air / water supply pipe 118 is disposed via a pipe 114 and a pipe member 116 of the distal end hard portion 52.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the air supply / water supply pipe 118 has a base end portion connected to the distal end of the branch pipe 120. The branch ends of the branch pipe 120 are respectively connected to the tip portions of the air supply pipe line 122 and the water supply pipe line 124. As a result, the air / water supply conduit 118 communicates with the air / air supply conduit 122 and the water supply conduit 124. The pipes 116 and 118, the pipes 118 and 120, the pipes 120 and 122, and the pipes 120 and 124 are connected and fixed by, for example, thread winding. Then, for example, an adhesive is applied to the connection portions of the pipe lines 116, 118, 120, 122, and the entire periphery of the branch pipe 120, and each connection portion is kept airtight (watertight).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the air supply conduit 122 and the water supply conduit 124 are inserted up to the connector 46 of the universal cable 44. The air supply conduit 122 and the water supply conduit 124 are connected to an air / water supply device 20 in which a pump (not shown) for supplying air or liquid is incorporated.

  As described above, the air supply pipe 122 and the water supply pipe 124 are provided with the air / water supply button 104c for manual operation on the operation section main body 42 in the middle thereof. When the air / water supply button 104c is operated, air or liquid is supplied from the air / water supply device 20. As a result, the air / water supply nozzle 112 causes the objective lens 82 and the second lens 82 of the first observation means 64a in which a gas such as air or a liquid such as distilled water or physiological saline is disposed in the ejection direction of the ejection port 112a. By spraying on the outer surface of the objective lens 92 of the observation means 64b to remove and wash deposits such as blood, biological tissue (cells), residual stool, etc., a clear imaging and observation field of view can be secured. . In addition, when operating the air / water supply apparatus 20 manually, it is preferable that not only the air / water supply button 104c but also a foot switch (not shown) is connected.

As shown in FIG. 2, a first objective lens 82 is disposed at a substantially upper end of the hard end 52 of the insertion portion 32 slightly above the center of the insertion portion 32 as viewed toward the paper surface of FIG. 2. Yes. A pair of illumination lenses 72 a and 72 b are arranged on the left and right sides so as to sandwich the first objective lens 82. A second objective lens 92 is disposed below the illumination lens 72b.
Furthermore, an opening 68a of a forward water supply channel is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal rigid portion 52, above the right side of the first objective lens 82 and above the left side of the illumination lens 72b. An air supply / water supply nozzle 112 for cleaning is disposed above the left side of the first objective lens 82 and above the right side of the illumination lens 72a. An opening 68b of the treatment instrument insertion channel is disposed slightly below the right side of the illumination lens 72a.

  The air / water supply nozzle 112, the first objective lens 82, and the second objective lens 92 are substantially in a straight line so that the nozzle 112a of the nozzle 112 faces the first objective lens 82 and the second objective lens 92. It is arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the light source device 14 includes a lamp (light source) 132, a collimator lens 134, a rotary filter 136, and a condenser lens 138. The lamp 132 generates white light including the wavelength of the excitation light. The collimator lens 134 turns the light of the lamp 132 into a parallel light beam. The rotary filter 136 is disposed on the optical path of the collimator lens 134. The rotary filter 136 includes, for example, RGB filters in the circumferential direction that respectively pass light in the wavelength bands of R (RED), G (GREEN), and B (BLUE) in the visible light wavelength band (380 nm to 780 nm). . The rotary filter 136 includes, for example, an excitation light filter that passes excitation light (for example, fluorescence observation excitation light) in a wavelength band shorter than the wavelength band of visible light outside the RGB filter. The condensing lens 138 condenses the light transmitted through the rotary filter 136 and emits it to the proximal end portion of the light guide 74. Therefore, light passing through the illumination lenses 72 a and 72 b from the tip of the light guide 74 is emitted from the tip of the tip hard portion 52 of the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 12.

  The rotary filter 136 is rotated by a first motor 144 attached to the rack 142. The rotary filter 136 can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the illumination optical axis as indicated by an arrow by a geared second motor 146 that meshes with the rack 142. The second motor 146 is controlled by the control circuit 148. The control circuit 148 of the light source device 14 is connected to the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 through a control signal line. Then, a corresponding control operation is performed by operating the switching button 104a.

The insertion portion 32 and the operation portion 34 have at least an inner circumferential length that allows the liquid to flow, and the front for supplying a liquid such as physiological saline or distilled water to the test site in the body cavity. A water supply channel (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided. The front end of the forward water supply channel is opened at the front end surface of the front end hard portion 52 (see FIG. 2).
The forward water supply channel is connected to the forward water supply device 22. The operation unit body 42 is provided with a front water supply button (not shown). When this forward water supply button is operated, a liquid such as physiological saline or distilled water is sprayed from the distal end surface of the insertion portion 32 toward the insertion direction into the body cavity. For this reason, bodily fluids such as blood at the site to be examined in the body cavity are blown away and removed. As shown in FIG. 1, a foot switch 22 a is connected to the forward water supply device 22. By operating the foot switch 22a, the user can also spray liquids such as physiological saline and distilled water from the distal end surface of the insertion portion 32 toward the insertion direction into the body cavity. That is, when operating the front water supply apparatus 22, the front water supply button and the foot switch 22a can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the processor 16 includes a control circuit (CPU) 162, a memory 164, a detection circuit (detection means) 166, a first drive circuit 168a, a second drive circuit 168b, The processing circuit 170 and the adhering matter detection circuit (the first adhering matter detecting means for detecting the adhering matter on the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a and the adhering matter on the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b) A second adhering matter detecting means) 172 for detecting, and a warning circuit (warning means) 174. The memory 164, the detection circuit 166, the first drive circuit 168 a, the second drive circuit 168 b, the signal processing circuit 170, the deposit detection circuit 172, and the warning circuit 174 are connected to the control circuit 162. The control circuit 162 controls the operation state of these circuits. In this embodiment, the attached matter detection circuit 172 includes an FFT circuit 172a connected to the control circuit 162 and a comparison circuit 172b connected to the control circuit 162 and the FFT circuit 172a. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that only one FFT circuit 172a and one comparison circuit 172b are provided. However, the FFT circuit 172a and the comparison circuit 172b operate separately for the first observation unit 64a and the second observation unit 64b, respectively. That is, the FFT circuit 172a and the comparison circuit 172b are the same as two circuits. Further, the light source device 14 and the air / water supply device 20 are further connected to the control circuit 162. Further, the signal processing circuit 170 includes R, G, and B memories (not shown). An observation monitor 18 is connected to the signal processing circuit 170.

  In this embodiment, the detection circuit 166, the adhering matter detection circuit 172, and the warning circuit 174 are described as being provided in the processor 18. However, these are provided outside the processor 16. Is also suitable.

  The first observation means 64 a and the second observation means 64 b are branched into two at the base ends of the first signal cable 86 and the second signal cable 96, respectively. One of the proximal ends of the first signal cable 86 and the second signal cable 96 of the first observation means 64 a and the second observation means 64 b is connected to the relay substrate 50. The relay board 50 controls the relay board 50 based on the signal detected by the detection circuit 166.

  The other of the first end portions of the first signal cable 86 and the second signal cable 96 of the first observation means 64a and the second observation means 64b is connected to the control circuit 162 in the processor 16, respectively. It is connected. Therefore, both the image data signal imaged by the normal light imaging unit 84 of the first observation unit 64a and the image data signal imaged by the fluorescence imaging unit 94 of the second observation unit 64b are input to the control circuit 162. The Therefore, the normal light imaging unit 84 of the first observation unit 64a is always controlled by the first drive circuit 168a, and the fluorescence imaging unit 94 of the second observation unit 64b is controlled by the second drive circuit 168b. Is always in a controlled state.

  The FFT circuit 172a performs fast Fourier transform (FFT) on image data captured by the normal light imaging unit 84 of the first observation unit 64a and the fluorescence imaging unit 94 of the second observation unit 64b. The comparison circuit 172b generates a control signal to the control circuit 162 when the low frequency component of the spatial frequency subjected to the fast Fourier transform by the FFT circuit 172a is larger than a predetermined value. By this control signal, air is supplied from the air / water supply device 20 or only air is supplied after liquid supply.

  The warning circuit 174 attaches any object (for example, adherent or liquid such as viscous blood, cellular tissue, residual stool, etc.) to the objective lenses 82, 92 of the observation means 64a, 64b different from the selected observation means 64a, 64b. The observation monitor 18 is lit or blinked on the observation monitor 18 through the signal processing circuit 170 or the user is notified by voice. This function is particularly used when the air / water supply device 20 is operated manually even when a deposit adheres to the first objective lens 82 or the second objective lens 92. However, it is also suitable to be used when it is in a state of being automatically operated.

  In addition, the subject image photographed by each of the imaging units 84 and 94 is displayed on the observation monitor 18 (see FIG. 1), and the vertical direction of the observation monitor 18 is the imaging element (CCD element or CCD element) of each of the imaging units 84 and 94. The vertical transfer direction coincides with the vertical transfer direction of the CMOS elements), and the horizontal direction coincides with the horizontal transfer direction of the image pickup elements (CCD elements or CMOS elements) of the image pickup units 84 and 94. That is, the up-down direction and the left-right direction of the endoscopic images photographed by the imaging units 84 and 94 coincide with the up-down direction and the left-right direction of the observation monitor 18.

The vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the bending portion 54 of the insertion unit 32 are determined so as to correspond to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the observation monitor 18. That is, the bending portion 54 can be bent in four directions, that is, an up-down direction and a left-right direction corresponding to the up-down direction and the left-right direction of the image displayed on the observation monitor 18 by a bending operation on the operation unit main body 42.
That is, even when the observation with the normal light and the observation with the special light are switched, the endoscopic image displayed on the observation monitor 18 is always equal in the vertical and horizontal directions of the bending operation direction of the bending portion 54. In the imaging units 84 and 94, the installation direction in the distal end hard portion 52 is determined so that the horizontal transfer direction and the vertical transfer direction of the respective imaging elements (not shown) coincide with each other.

  As a result, the user receives a sense of discomfort in the vertical and horizontal directions of the endoscopic image displayed on the observation monitor 18 when the endoscopic image is switched between the normal light observation image and the special light observation image. The bending operation of the bending portion 54 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction can be performed.

  The up-down direction, which is the first direction, will be described as the up-down direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the observation monitor 18 and the up-down direction in which the bending portion 54 is bent. Moreover, normally, the observation monitor 18 is installed so that the vertical direction thereof substantially coincides with the vertical vertical direction. Further, the left-right direction, which is a second direction substantially orthogonal to the up-down direction, is equal to the left-right direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the observation monitor 18 and the left-right direction in which the bending portion 54 is bent.

Next, the operation of the endoscope system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.
When the endoscope system 10 is activated, a normal light observation image is displayed on the observation monitor 18. That is, when the endoscope system 10 is activated, the first observation unit 64a is selected. At this time, the base end of the first signal cable 86 of the first observation means 64a is connected to the signal cable 102 of the relay board 50. At this time, the normal light imaging unit 84 of the first observation unit 64a is controlled by the first drive circuit 168a. In addition, it is assumed that the air / water supply device 20 is set to operate automatically.

  On the other hand, a signal is input from the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 to the control circuit 148 of the light source device 14. That is, the light source device 14 is in the illumination light supply state for normal light observation. In this state, the rotary filter 136 is rotationally driven by the motor 144 in a state where the RGB filter is disposed in the illumination optical path. The light guide 74 is supplied with RGB illumination light in the order of frames. For this reason, the affected part in the body cavity of the patient is illuminated through the light guide 74 and the illumination lenses 72a and 72b.

In synchronization with this, the first drive circuit 168a of the processor 16 outputs a CCD drive signal. The illuminated subject such as an affected part passes through the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a, forms an image on the light receiving surface of the normal light imaging unit 84, and is subjected to photoelectric conversion. The normal light imaging unit 84 outputs a photoelectrically converted image data signal by applying a drive signal. This signal is input to the signal processing circuit 170 through the common signal cable 102 selected by the first signal cable 86 and the relay board 50 and the control circuit 162.
The signal input into the signal processing circuit 170 is A / D converted therein and then temporarily stored in an R, G, B memory (not shown). Thereafter, the signals stored in the R, G, B memory are simultaneously read and synchronized into R, G, B signals, and further D / A converted into analog R, G, B signals, The color is displayed on the observation monitor 18.

  Further, since the first signal cable 86 is branched at the base end portion thereof, the image signal acquired by the normal optical imaging unit 84 is input to the FFT circuit 172 a via the control circuit 162 of the processor 16. The FFT circuit 172a performs fast Fourier transform on the image data signal imaged by the first observation unit 64a. Then, the comparison circuit 172b connected to the FFT circuit 172a compares the low frequency component with a predetermined value. For this reason, the presence or absence of the deposit | attachment in an image is determined.

  In addition, although the adhering substance has not adhered to the 1st objective lens 82, when the whole observation image is a flat image with many low frequency components, a low frequency component becomes larger than predetermined value in the whole image. In this case, the comparison circuit 172b determines that the image is a flat image and prevents the control signal for operating the air / water supply apparatus 20 from being output. Measurement by frequency analysis is performed at an appropriately set interval such as once every few seconds.

  That is, for example, when an adherent adheres to the first objective lens 82, the image from the endoscope 12 appears in the image displayed on the observation monitor 18. The focus of the first observation means 64 a of the endoscope 12 is adjusted to the observation site at the tip of the insertion portion 32. For this reason, the image of the deposit adhered to the first objective lens 82 is not focused, and a blurred image is displayed. The low frequency component of the spatial frequency of the entire image increases due to the deposit that is the source of the blurred image.

In this case, the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 operates the air / water supply device 20. The air / water supply apparatus 20 is directed to the first objective lens 82 through the air supply pipe 122, the branch pipe 120, the air / water supply pipe 118, the pipe member 116, the pipe 114 of the distal end hard portion 52, and the air / water supply nozzle 112. To supply compressed air. That is, here, since the observation is performed by the first observation means 64a, if the liquid is automatically supplied from the air / water supply device 20, the visual field of the first objective lens 82 is unexpectedly hindered. For this reason, it obstructs the user's observation, and when the first objective lens 82 is automatically cleaned, only air supply is performed. That is, the first objective lens 82 is washed by supplying air.
Note that the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b is also cleaned by supplying air. The air supply at this time is air supplied toward the first objective lens 82. That is, both the first objective lens 82 and the second objective lens 92 are cleaned by one air supply.

On the other hand, when the user operates the air / water supply device 20 by operating the air / water supply button 104c of the operation unit main body 42, the air / water supply button 104c is set on the assumption that the visual field of the first objective lens 82 is obstructed. Manipulate. For this reason, the air / water supply apparatus 20 removes the liquid on the first objective lens 82 by supplying air after supplying the liquid to the first objective lens 82. That is, the first objective lens 82 is washed by both liquid feeding and air feeding.
Note that the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b is also cleaned by both liquid feeding and air feeding.

  Further, since the second signal cable 96 is branched at its proximal end, the image signal acquired by the fluorescence imaging unit 94 is input to the FFT circuit 172a via the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 as will be described later. The The FFT circuit 172a performs fast Fourier transform on the image data signal imaged by the second observation unit 64b. Then, the comparison circuit 172b connected to the FFT circuit 172a compares the low frequency component with a predetermined value. For this reason, the presence or absence of the deposit | attachment in an image is determined.

  In addition, although the adhered object does not adhere to the second objective lens 92, when the entire observation image is a flat image with many low frequency components, the low frequency component is larger than a predetermined value in the entire image. In this case, as described above, the comparison circuit 172b prevents the control signal for operating the air / water supply apparatus 20 from being output. Measurement by frequency analysis is performed at an appropriately set interval such as once every few seconds.

  The focus of the second observation means 64 b of the endoscope 12 is adjusted to the observation site at the tip of the insertion portion 32. For this reason, the image of the adhering matter attached to the second objective lens 92 is not focused, and a blurred image is captured. The low frequency component of the spatial frequency of the entire image increases due to the deposit that is the source of the blurred image.

  In this case, the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 operates the air / water supply device 20. As described above, the air / water supply device 20 supplies compressed air to the first objective lens 82 and the second objective lens 92 through the air / water supply nozzle 112. That is, here, since the observation is performed by the first observation means 64a, if the liquid is automatically supplied from the air / water supply device 20, the visual field of the first objective lens 82 is unexpectedly hindered. For this reason, when the second objective lens 92 is automatically cleaned, only air supply is performed. That is, the second objective lens 92 is cleaned only by air supply.

  When the user desires to examine the affected area in more detail by special light observation such as fluorescence observation in addition to normal light observation, the user operates the switching button 104a of the operation unit main body 42. As described above, when the switching button 104a is operated, the switching signal is input to the detection circuit 166 from the switching button 104a through the first signal line 106a. The detection circuit 166 passes the switching signal to the control circuit 162. The control circuit 162 switches the relay board 50 by inputting a switching signal to the relay board 50.

  Specifically, for example, when the switching button 104 a is operated, the switching signal is transmitted to the relay board 50 through the switching signal line that is inserted into the scope cable 48 and electrically connected to the control circuit 162. Is output. In the relay board 50 to which the switching signal line is connected, the input terminal of the signal from the control circuit 162 is normally in an L (LOW) level state, and the switching control terminal is pulled down. In this state, the signal cable 86 of the normal optical imaging unit 84 is connected to the common signal cable 102. Even in the start-up state, the switching control terminal is at the L level. In other words, when the switching instruction operation is not performed after the endoscope system 10 is activated, the normal light observation processing mode is set.

  In this state, when the user operates the switching button 104a, a control signal that causes the signal from the control circuit 162 to be at the H (HIGH) level is applied to the input end of the relay board 50 via the switching signal line. At this time, the relay board 50 pulls up the switching control terminal, and the signal cable 96 of the fluorescence imaging unit 94 is connected to the common signal cable 102 in this state.

  That is, the relay board 50 includes, for example, one of the signal cables 86 and 96 connected to the imaging units (imaging devices) 84 and 94 according to the operation of the switching button 104a. The switching operation is performed so that the other second signal cable 96 is connected to the common signal cable 102 from the state where it is connected to the common signal cable 102. Therefore, the base end of the second signal cable 96 of the second observation unit 64b is connected to the signal cable 102 of the relay board 50.

  Therefore, the control circuit 162 receives the switching instruction signal via the detection circuit 166 and performs switching control of the relay board 50. At this time, the signal processing circuit 170 is set to a special light observation processing mode. In addition, the control circuit 162 sets the operation of the air / water supply device 20 to the special light observation processing mode. Then, the fluorescence imaging unit 94 of the second observation unit 64b is controlled by the second drive circuit 168b, and a signal is input from the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 to the control circuit 148 of the light source device 14, and the light source device 14 Is set to a special light observation processing mode (excitation light supply state for special light observation).

  At this time, the control circuit 162 to which the signal is input from the detection circuit 166 outputs a signal to the air / water supply device 20. The air / water supply device 20 supplies the air to the first objective lens 82 and the second objective lens 92 and then supplies the air to wash the first objective lens 82 and the second objective lens 92. Therefore, when the processing mode for normal light observation is switched to the processing mode for special light observation, the first objective lens 82 and the second objective lens 92 are cleaned. At this time, the water supply time is variable, for example, about 3 seconds, and the air supply time is also variable, for example, about 5 seconds.

  A signal is input to the control circuit 148 of the light source device 14 from the control circuit 162 of the processor 16. At this time, the control circuit 148 in the light source device 14 moves the rotary filter 136 in the direction orthogonal to the illumination optical path together with the motor 144 by the geared motor 146, and arranges the excitation light filter in the illumination optical path. In this state, the light from the lamp 132 is supplied to the light guide 74 through the light in the wavelength band near 400 nm to 450 nm, for example, by the excitation light filter. And this excitation light is irradiated to the affected part etc. in a body cavity through the illumination lenses 72a and 72b.

When the affected area or the like irradiated with the excitation light is an abnormal tissue such as a cancer tissue, the excitation light is absorbed and emits weaker fluorescence than that of the normal tissue. The intensity of the light emitted from the fluorescent light is imaged on the light receiving surface of the fluorescence imaging unit 94 through the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b and is photoelectrically converted.
The fluorescence imaging unit 94 outputs a photoelectrically converted signal by applying a drive signal from the second drive circuit 168b. In this case, the image data signal is amplified and output inside the fluorescence imaging unit 94. This image data signal is input to the signal processing circuit 170 through the common signal cable 102 and the control circuit 162 selected by the second signal cable 96 and the relay board 50.
The image data signal input into the signal processing circuit 170 is A / D converted therein and then stored in, for example, an R, G, B memory (not shown) simultaneously. Thereafter, the signals stored in the R, G, B memory are simultaneously read and synchronized into R, G, B signals, and further D / A converted into analog R, G, B signals, It is displayed in monochrome on the observation monitor 18. Note that the level of the signal input into the signal processing circuit 170 may be compared with a plurality of threshold values, and the color to be assigned may be changed in accordance with the comparison result to display a pseudo color.

  That is, for example, when an adherent is attached to the second objective lens 92, the image from the endoscope 12 appears on the observation monitor 18. The focus of the second observation means 64 b of the endoscope 12 is adjusted to an observation site that is separated from the distal end of the insertion portion 32. For this reason, the image of the deposit adhered to the second objective lens 92 is not focused, and a blurred image is displayed. The low frequency component of the spatial frequency of the entire image increases due to the deposit that is the source of the blurred image.

In this case, the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 operates the air / water supply device 20. The air / water feeding device 20 feeds compressed air toward the second objective lens 92 through the air / water feeding nozzle 112 as described above. That is, here, since the observation is performed by the second observation means 64b, if the liquid is automatically supplied from the air / water supply device 20, the visual field of the second objective lens 92 is unexpectedly hindered. For this reason, it obstructs the user's observation, and when the second objective lens 92 is automatically cleaned, only air supply is performed. That is, the second objective lens 92 is washed by supplying air.
Note that the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a is also cleaned by supplying air. The air supply at this time is air supplied toward the second objective lens 92. That is, both the first objective lens 82 and the second objective lens 92 are cleaned by one air supply.

On the other hand, when the user operates the air / water supply device 20 by operating the air / water supply button 104c of the operation unit main body 42, the air / water supply button 104c is set on the assumption that the visual field of the second objective lens 92 is obstructed. Manipulate. For this reason, after supplying air to the second objective lens 92, the air / water supply device 20 blows away the liquid on the second objective lens 92 by air supply. That is, the second objective lens 92 is washed by both liquid feeding and air feeding.
The objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a is also cleaned simultaneously with the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b by both liquid feeding and air feeding.

  Further, since the first signal cable 86 is branched at the base end portion thereof, the image signal acquired by the normal optical imaging unit 84 is input to the FFT circuit 172 a via the control circuit 162 of the processor 16. The FFT circuit 172a performs fast Fourier transform on the image data signal imaged by the first observation unit 64a. Then, the comparison circuit 172b connected to the FFT circuit 172a compares the low frequency component with a predetermined value. For this reason, the presence or absence of the deposit | attachment in an image is determined.

  The focus of the first observation means 64 a of the endoscope 12 is adjusted to the observation site at the tip of the insertion portion 32. For this reason, the image of the deposit adhered to the first objective lens 82 is not focused, and a blurred image is captured. The low frequency component of the spatial frequency of the entire image increases due to the deposit that is the source (cause) of the blurred image.

  In this case, the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 operates the air / water supply device 20. As described above, the air / water supply device 20 supplies compressed air to the first objective lens 82 and the second objective lens 92 through the air / water supply nozzle 112. That is, here, since the observation is performed by the second observation means 64b, if the liquid is automatically supplied from the air / water supply device 20, the visual field of the second objective lens 92 is unexpectedly hindered. For this reason, it obstructs the user's observation, and when the first objective lens 82 is automatically cleaned, only air supply is performed. That is, the first objective lens 82 is washed by supplying air.

  When the switch button 104a is pressed, the original normal light observation processing mode is switched again.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
The endoscope system 10 obtains a normal light observation image observed using the first observation means 64a and a special light observation image observed using the second observation means 64b, that is, a fluorescence observation image. Can be selected.

  By using the data from the detection circuit 166 and the data from the adhering matter detection circuit 172, the control circuit 162 can appropriately operate the air / water supply apparatus 20. For this reason, the objective lenses 82 and 92 can always be kept in a good state.

  That is, when the first observation means 64a performs normal light observation, if a deposit adheres to the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a, the air / water supply device is manually supplied to the first objective lens 82. After an appropriate amount of liquid is fed from 20, a deposit can be removed by sending compressed air. For this reason, the 1st observation means 64a can be made into a favorable observation state. At this time, the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b can be cleaned together with the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a.

  In addition, when a deposit adheres to the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b that is not used for observation, the deposit can be automatically removed by sending compressed air to the second objective lens 92. At this time, since the adhering matter of the second objective lens 92 is removed by the compressed air, a good observation state can be maintained without unexpectedly hindering the observation of the first observation means 64a. For this reason, even when fluorescence observation (special light observation) is not performed by the second observation unit 64b, the second observation unit 64b can be always maintained in a good observation state.

  In addition, when special light observation is performed by the second observation unit 64b, if a deposit adheres to the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b, the air / water supply device is manually supplied to the second objective lens 92. After an appropriate amount of liquid is fed from 20, a deposit can be removed by sending compressed air. For this reason, the 2nd observation means 64b can be made into a favorable observation state. At this time, the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a that is not used for observation can also be washed together.

  In addition, when a deposit adheres to the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a that is not used for observation, the deposit can be automatically removed by sending compressed air to the first objective lens 82. At this time, since the adhering matter on the first objective lens 82 is removed by the compressed air, it is possible to maintain a good observation state without unexpectedly hindering the observation with the second observation means 64b. For this reason, even if the normal light observation is not performed by the first observation unit 64a, the first observation unit 64a can always be maintained in a good observation state.

  Therefore, both objective lenses 82 and 92 can be cleaned in a state in which obstruction of the visual field of both observation means 64a and 64b is prevented.

When observation is performed using the first observation means 64a, when the attachment detection circuit 172 detects the attachment of the attachment to the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b, the objective lens is detected. When the cleaning of 92 is performed manually, the warning circuit 174 may display, for example, on the observation monitor 18 that the object is attached to the objective lens 92 by blinking display, lighting display, or the like. it can. In this case, instead of displaying on the observation monitor 18, it is also preferable to indicate this by voice or the like.
Further, when the observation using the second observation unit 64b is performed, when the attachment detection circuit 172 detects the attachment of the attachment to the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a, the objective lens is detected. In the case where the cleaning of 82 is performed manually, the warning circuit 174 can display, for example, on the observation monitor 18 that the deposit is attached to the objective lens 82 by blinking display, lighting display, or the like. it can. In this case, instead of displaying on the observation monitor 18, it is also preferable to indicate this by voice or the like.

  Further, when switching from the first observation means 64a to the second observation means 64b, or when switching from the second observation means 64b to the first observation means 64a, the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a and Liquid supply and air supply can be performed to the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b. Therefore, a good observation image can be displayed on the observation monitor 18 when the observation means is switched.

  Further, since only one cleaning path 66 is used to clean the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a and the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b, the insertion portion 32 of the endoscope 12 can be used. An increase in the outer diameter can be prevented.

  In this embodiment, the air / water supply nozzle, the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a, and the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b are described as being arranged substantially in a straight line. The arrangement of the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a and the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b is within a range in which the liquid supply and the air supply from the air / water supply nozzle 112 reach the objective lenses 82 and 92. It is not restricted to arrange | positioning on a substantially straight line. That is, some deviation is allowed.

  In this embodiment, the attachment detection circuit 172 has been described with the FFT circuit 172a for performing frequency analysis by performing fast Fourier transform on the image data signal. However, the contrast value of the observation image is detected instead of frequency analysis. By doing so, it is possible to determine the adhesion of the deposit. That is, in this embodiment, the use of the FFT circuit 172a for the adhering matter detection circuit 172 has been described, but it is also preferable to provide a circuit for obtaining the contrast value of the observation image instead of the FFT circuit 172a.

  Special light observation is not only fluorescence observation but also magnification observation using a magnifying optical system having a magnification of a histological observation level including cells and glandular structures (preferably a magnification of 100 times or more). There may be.

  Further, the endoscope 12 of this embodiment has the same external structure as an existing endoscope having only an imaging unit for normal light observation, so that imaging for normal light observation is performed via the scope cable 48. By connecting to an unillustrated processor that performs driving and signal processing for an existing endoscope having only a unit, it can be used as an endoscope for normal light observation as well as an existing endoscope. That is, the endoscope 12 can be used by being connected to an existing processor while maintaining the same compatibility as an existing endoscope having only an imaging unit for normal light observation.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and the same members as those described in the first embodiment or members having the same action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be given. Is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the appearance of the endoscope 12 is not changed, but the functions of both the first observation unit 64a and the second observation unit 64b are changed. Here, unlike the state described in the first embodiment, the first observation means 64a is used for special light observation, and the second observation means 64b is used for normal light observation. The positions where the first observation means 64a and the second observation means 64b are arranged are the same as the positions described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). That is, the endoscope 12 according to this embodiment performs fluorescence observation (special light observation) in the first observation unit 64a located near the air / water supply nozzle 112, and is usually performed in the separated second observation unit 64b. Perform light observation.

  The air / water supply device 20 is used when the adhering matter detection circuit 172 detects that the adhering matter has adhered to the objective lens 82 of the first observing means 64a while observing with the second observing means 64b. A knob (liquid feeding amount adjusting means) (not shown) for setting the liquid amount is provided. Alternatively, when the control circuit 162 controls the air / water supply device 20, it is also preferable to set the amount of liquid supplied from the air / water supply device 20. That is, it is also preferable that the control circuit 162 is provided with a liquid feeding amount adjusting means. The air / water supply device 20 is appropriately set when the air / water supply device 20 is automatically operated and when the air / water supply device 20 is operated manually. Alternatively, the control circuit 162 preferably sets the water supply time and the air supply time when controlling the air / water supply device 20. The air / water supply device 20 or the control circuit 162 can also set the air supply amount from the air / water supply device 20.

  Further, the signal cable 96 of the second observation unit 64 b is not branched and is not connected to the deposit detection circuit 172 through the control circuit 162. That is, in the first embodiment, it has been described that the deposit detection circuit 172 is connected to each of the first and second observation means 64a and 64b. In this embodiment, the first observation means is used. A description will be given assuming that the adhering matter detection circuit 172 is connected only to 64a. For this reason, here, it is assumed that there is no function of detecting that an adhering matter has adhered to the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b.

The operation of the endoscope system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.
Of the first and second observation means 64a and 64b of the endoscope 12 according to this embodiment, the second observation means 64b for normal light observation is generally used for a long time. For this reason, here, when the endoscope system 10 is activated, the second observation means 64b for performing normal light observation is selected.

  At this time, when the knob of the air / water supply device 20 is operated to automatically wash only the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a, the amount of liquid fed to the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a (unit time) Set the amount of water per hour) and time. In addition, manual and automatic water supply amount, water supply time, and air supply time are appropriately set.

  When normal light observation is performed by the second observation means 64b located far from the air / water supply nozzle 112, the first observation means 64a for fluorescence observation located near the air / water supply nozzle 112 is provided. It is assumed that a deposit is attached to the objective lens 82. At this time, the adhering matter detection circuit 172 detects that the low frequency component of the image data signal of the 1st observation means 64a increased. Therefore, the control circuit 162 discharges the amount of liquid set by the knob from the air / water supply device 20 through the air / water supply nozzle 112 of the cleaning path 66. For this reason, the liquid discharged from the air / water supply nozzle 112 is applied to the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a.

  At this time, the ejection momentum and the ejection amount of the liquid depend on the adjustment by the knob, and are amounts applied only to the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a, for example. That is, the liquid discharged from the air / water supply nozzle 112 is prevented from being applied to the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b.

  Thereafter, the control circuit 162 vigorously discharges gas (air) from the air / water supply device 20 through the air / water supply nozzle 112 of the cleaning path 66. The amount of gas discharged at this time is such that the adhered matter attached to the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a is blown off and the liquid attached to the objective lens is blown away. Therefore, the deposit is removed from the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a for fluorescence observation. In this case, since the liquid is prevented from being applied to the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b, a good observation state by the second observation unit 64b can be maintained. Even if the liquid is applied to the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b (the liquid adheres to the objective lens 92), the liquid is blown off by air supply and removed.

  In addition, when a deposit adheres to the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b, the deposit is reflected on the observation monitor 18 by the second observation unit 64b performing normal light observation. For this reason, the user recognizes that a deposit is attached to the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b. At this time, when the user wants to clean the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b, the air / water supply button 104c of the operation unit main body 42 is manually operated. Then, the air / water supply nozzle 112 ejects the liquid vigorously regardless of the set amount of the knob. Thereafter, gas is vigorously discharged. For this reason, not only the objective lens 92 of the 2nd observation means 64b but the objective lens 82 of the 1st observation means 64a close | similar to the air / water supply nozzle 112 is also wash | cleaned.

  When performing special light observation such as fluorescence observation, the switching button 104a of the operation unit main body 42 is operated. Then, the relay substrate 50 is switched from the state of observation with the normal observation second observation means 64b to the state of observation with the fluorescence observation first observation means 64a. When the observation means 64a and 64b are switched in this way, as described in the first embodiment, the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a and the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b are both together. Washed. For example, after the cleaning of the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a is finished, an observation image by fluorescence observation is displayed on the observation monitor 18.

Here, in the state in which the fluorescence observation is performed by the first observation unit 64a, it is possible to select automatic / manual cleaning of the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a.
When the mode for automatically cleaning the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a is selected, the user's visual field is unexpectedly obstructed, but the adhering matter adheres to the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a. Cleans the objective lens 82 based on the judgment of the adhering matter detection circuit 172. At this time, since the observation by the second observation means 64b is not disturbed, in order to wash the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b together, the liquid is sent vigorously regardless of the set amount of the knob, and thereafter , Airing vigorously. For this reason, it is preferable that the automatic cleaning is selected only during observation.

  When the mode for manually washing the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a is selected, the user presses the air / water supply button 104c of the operation unit main body 42. At this time, in order to wash the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b together, the liquid is vigorously fed, and then the air is vigorously fed. For this reason, it is preferable that manual cleaning is selected when endoscopic treatment is performed in addition to observation.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
When normal light observation is performed using the second observation means 64b, the amount of liquid discharged from the air / water supply nozzle 112 and the discharge time can be adjusted by operating the knob of the air / water supply device 20 or the like. it can. Therefore, when the normal light observation is performed using the second observation means 64b far from the air / water supply nozzle 112, if the attached matter adheres only to the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a, the objective is observed. The discharged liquid can reach only the lens 82. Therefore, it is possible to clean the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a in a state that prevents the normal observation of the second observation unit 64b from being disturbed as much as possible. In this case, as described in the first embodiment, the adhering matter attached to the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a can be removed only with gas without using a liquid.

Even when normal light observation is performed using the second observation unit 64b, not only the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b but also the objective of the first observation unit 64a can be manually operated. The lens 82 can be cleaned.
Therefore, the objective lens of the observation means that is not used can be kept clean without affecting the observation means that is used as much as possible.

  Further, as in the first embodiment, when the observation means 64a and 64b are switched, the objective lenses 82 and 92 of both observation means 64a and 64b can be washed.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a modification of the first and second embodiments, and the same members as those described in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be given. Omitted.
As shown in FIG. 5, a protective wall 52a is formed on the distal end surface of the distal rigid portion 52 between the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a and the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b. ing. The protective wall 52a protrudes with respect to the distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 52, and the height thereof is, for example, about 0.1 mm with respect to the distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 52. For this reason, when the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a is washed while being observed by the second observation means 64b, when a small amount of liquid is discharged as adjusted with the knob, This prevents the liquid from adhering to the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b beyond the protective wall 52a due to the small amount of the liquid itself or the surface tension.

  In this embodiment, the length of the protective wall 52a in FIG. 5 is shown to be substantially the same as the diameter of the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b. It is also preferable that the length of the second observation unit 64b is long so as to prevent it from reaching the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b. Further, the height of the protective wall 52a prevents the liquid from getting over the protective wall 52a depending on the amount of liquid and the like, and when the liquid or gas is ejected from the air / water supply nozzle 112, the height of the protective wall 52a is overcome. The height of the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b may be any suitable height.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the protective wall 52a is formed between the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a and the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b. For this reason, when a small amount of liquid is discharged from the air / water supply nozzle 112 to the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a, the liquid is prevented from reaching the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b as much as possible. Can do.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. The same members as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the adhering matter detection circuit 172 is removed from the processor 16 shown in FIG. Instead, in order to keep the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a and the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b in a clear state, liquid is supplied periodically (at regular intervals) from the air / water supply nozzle 112. After that, it can be set to blow air vigorously and blow off the liquid. That is, the control circuit 162 of the processor 16 outputs a signal to the air / water supply device 20 at regular intervals. For this reason, an appropriate amount of liquid is fed from the air / water feeding device 20 to prevent (prevent) the deposits from adhering to the objective lenses 82 and 92.

  Even if a deposit adheres to the objective lenses 82 and 92, when the user recognizes this through the observation monitor 18, there is no need to wait for automatic cleaning, and the operation unit main body 42 can be By operating the air / water supply button 104c, the air / water supply apparatus 20 can be operated to remove deposits.

  In this case, the adhering matter detection circuit 172 is not required for both the first observation unit 64a and the second observation unit 64b. Therefore, the endoscope system 10 can be configured at a lower cost.

(Fifth embodiment)
Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a modification of the first to fourth embodiments. The same members as those described in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the first observation means 64a and the second observation means 64b are arranged in the distal end hard portion 52 of the insertion portion 32 as in the first embodiment. A cleaning path 66 is formed in the vicinity of the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a and the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b. That is, the first hard portion 52 is provided with first and second air / water supply nozzles 113a and 113b. Although not shown, there are two cleaning paths 66 at least at the distal end of the insertion portion 32. For this reason, these 1st and 2nd air / water supply nozzles 113a and 113b can discharge a liquid and gas independently, respectively. That is, of the objective lenses 82 and 92 of the first and second observation means 64a and 64b, only one objective lens can be selectively cleaned by liquid feeding and air feeding.

  The first air / water supply nozzle 113a is disposed at the upper right of the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a. The second air / water supply nozzle 113b is disposed, for example, at the lower left of the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b. Preferably, the liquid and gas discharge directions of the first and second air / water supply nozzles 113a and 113b are substantially parallel. Further, the first and second air / water supply nozzles 113a and 113b prevent the second observation means 64b from affecting the objective lens 92 by discharging liquid or gas from the first air / water supply nozzle 113a. The second air / water supply nozzle 113b is disposed at a position to prevent the influence of the first observation means 64a on the objective lens 82 due to the discharge of liquid or gas.

  The attached matter detection circuit 172 may or may not be provided in this embodiment, but it will be described here as being provided.

Next, the operation of the endoscope system 10 according to this embodiment will be described.
For example, when observation is performed using the first observation unit 64a, when an adhering matter adheres to the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a, the adhering matter detection circuit 172 automatically or manually supplies an air / water supply device. 20 is operated. Therefore, after the liquid is discharged from the first air / water supply nozzle 113a, the gas is discharged to clean the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a.
When observation is performed using the first observation unit 64a, the air / water supply device 20 is automatically operated when an adhering substance adheres to the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b. For this reason, after the liquid is discharged from the second air / water supply nozzle 113b, the gas is discharged to clean the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b. At this time, it is also preferable to set the air / water supply device 20 so that it does not operate even when the deposits adhere to the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b.

  On the other hand, when switching to observation using the second observation unit 64b by operating the air / water supply button 104c, the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a and the objective lens of the second observation unit 64b are also performed. After the liquid is supplied to 92, the air is supplied, and in particular, the deposits attached to the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b are removed.

Thus, when observing using the 2nd observation means 64b, when a deposit | attachment adheres to the objective lens 82 of the 1st observation means 64a, the air / water supply apparatus 20 is automatically operated. Therefore, after the liquid is discharged from the first air / water supply nozzle 113a, the gas is discharged to clean the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a. At this time, it is also preferable to set the air / water supply device 20 so that it does not operate even when a deposit adheres to the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a.
When observation is performed using the second observation unit 64b, the air / water supply device 20 is operated automatically or manually when an adhering substance adheres to the objective lens 82 of the second observation unit 64b. For this reason, after the liquid is discharged from the second air / water supply nozzle 113b, the gas is discharged to clean the objective lens 92 of the second observation means 64b.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
A first air / water supply nozzle 113a for the first observation means 64a and a second air / water supply nozzle 113b for the second observation means 64b are disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 52. For this reason, the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a and the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b can be separately sent and then supplied to perform cleaning.

  At this time, the position of the first air / water supply nozzle 113a is arranged so as to wash only the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a, and the position of the second air / water supply nozzle 113b is changed to the second observation. Only the objective lens 92 of the means 64b was arranged to be washed. Therefore, for example, when the observation is performed using the first observation unit 64a, and when an attachment is attached to the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b that is not currently used for observation, the second observation unit 64b is used. The object lens 92 can be vigorously fed and sent from the second air / water supply nozzle 113b to remove the deposits. Similarly, for example, when the observation is performed by using the second observation unit 64b, when an object adheres to the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a, the object is applied to the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a. The deposits can be removed by vigorously feeding and feeding air from the first air / water feeding nozzle 113a. For this reason, even when the objective lenses 82 and 92 are cleaned, the cleaning can be performed without affecting the observation means 64a and 64b.

  Since the adhering matter detection circuit 172 is provided, the warning circuit 174 and the like can be appropriately operated as described in the first embodiment, for example.

(Sixth embodiment)
Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. This embodiment is a modification of the fifth embodiment, and the same members as those described in the fifth embodiment or members having the same action are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be given. Is omitted.

  In this embodiment, the adhering matter detection circuit 172 is removed. Then, the detection circuit 166 determines which of the observation means 64a and 64b that is not selected by the relay board 50 is.

  When the second observation means 64b is selected, the first air / water supply nozzles 113a to 3 are spaced from the objective lens 82 of the first observation means 64a not used for observation, for example, at an interval of 10 seconds. After 5 seconds of liquid supply, air is supplied for 5 seconds. That is, the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a is cleaned at an appropriate interval. For this reason, the objective lens 82 of the 1st observation means 64a which is not used for observation can always be kept in a clear state.

  When the first observation unit 64a is selected, the liquid supply and the air supply are similarly performed from the second air / water supply nozzle 113b to the objective lens 92 of the second observation unit 64b that is not used for observation. To do. For this reason, the objective lens 92 of the 2nd observation means 64b which is not used for observation can always be kept in a clear state.

  For example, when the first observation unit 64a is used for observation, when the objective lens 82 of the first observation unit 64a is washed, the air / water supply button 104c of the operation unit main body 42 is operated to manually. The air / water supply device 20 is operated. The same applies when the objective lens 92 is washed when the second observation means 64b is used for observation.

  Although several embodiments have been specifically described so far with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and all the embodiments performed without departing from the gist of the present invention are described. Including implementation.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Schematic which shows the front-end | tip of the insertion part of the endoscope of the endoscope system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The schematic block diagram which shows the structure of the processor of the endoscope system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. The schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the washing | cleaning path arrange | positioned inside the endoscope of the endoscope system which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Schematic which shows the front-end | tip of the insertion part of the endoscope of the endoscope system which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. Schematic which shows the front-end | tip of the insertion part of the endoscope of the endoscope system which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 ... Endoscope, 14 ... Light source device, 16 ... Processor, 18 ... Observation monitor, 20 ... Air / water supply device (cleaning device), 50 ... Relay board (switching mechanism), 64a ... First observation means, 64b ... Second observation means, 104a ... observation means switching button, 104b ... control switch, 104c ... air / water supply button, 162 ... control circuit, 164 ... memory, 166 ... detection circuit, 168a ... first drive circuit, 168b ... first 2 drive circuit, 170 ... signal processing circuit, 172 ... adhering matter detection circuit, 172a ... FFT circuit, 172b ... comparison circuit, 174 ... warning circuit

Claims (16)

An insertion part to be inserted into the body cavity;
An operation portion provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion;
A first observation unit and a second observation unit, which are provided so as to be inserted through the insertion unit and the operation unit, and each have an objective lens at a tip of the insertion unit;
The insertion unit and the operation unit are provided so as to be inserted in parallel with the first observation unit and the second observation unit, and the first observation unit and the second observation unit are provided at the distal end of the insertion unit. An endoscope provided with a cleaning path having a nozzle for feeding and / or feeding air toward the objective lens of the means at the distal end of the insertion part;
A switching mechanism for selectively switching between the first observation means and the second observation means;
A cleaning device connected to the cleaning path of the endoscope and capable of feeding / sending liquid to the cleaning path;
Control means connected to the cleaning device and connected to the first observation means and the second observation means of the endoscope;
An observation monitor connected to the control means;
The observation means selected by the switching mechanism can be detected while being connected to the control means, and an image by the observation means selected by the switching mechanism is displayed on the observation monitor via the control means. In an endoscope system comprising a detecting means,
The objective lens of the first observing means and the objective lens of the second observing means are affected by the liquid feeding and air feeding from the nozzle, and the objective lens of the first observing means is the first lens. 2 is arranged closer to the nozzle than the objective lens of the observation means,
The control means has an objective lens of an observation means different from the observation means on which the image is displayed on the observation monitor when the image by the observation means selected by the switching mechanism is displayed on the observation monitor by the detection means. The cleaning device is operated so that the objective lens selectively feeds / feeds air so as to remove the adhering matter and prevent the observation image being displayed from being obstructed. Endoscope system. The control means or the cleaning device can set the amount of liquid to be discharged from the cleaning device through the nozzle,
When the control unit determines that the second observation unit is selected by the detection unit, the setting is performed from the cleaning device to the objective lens of the first observation unit via the nozzle at regular intervals. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein a liquid having a liquid supply amount is supplied. The first observation means and / or the second observation means is connected to the control means, and the fact that the adhering matter has adhered to the objective lens of the first observation means and / or the second observation means. Further comprising an adhering matter detecting means for detecting based on the signal of
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit operates the cleaning device based on a signal from the attached matter detection unit.   When the deposit is attached to the objective lens of the first observation unit and the second observation unit by the deposit detection unit and connected to the control unit, a warning is given to that effect. The endoscope system according to claim 3, further comprising a warning unit that performs the warning.   When the control unit or the cleaning device determines that the deposit is attached to the objective lens of the first observation unit by the deposit detection unit when the second observation unit is selected, Liquid quantity adjusting means for adjusting the liquid quantity so as to prevent the liquid from being discharged from the cleaning device to the objective lens of the first observation means and preventing observation by the second observation means is provided. The endoscope system according to claim 3.   When the control means determines that the first observation means is selected by the detection means, and the attachment detection means determines that an attachment has adhered to the objective lens of the second observation means The endoscope system according to claim 3, wherein air is supplied from the cleaning device to the objective lens of the first observation unit and the objective lens of the second observation unit via the nozzle.   When the detection means detects that the switching mechanism is switched, the control means supplies the liquid to the objective lens of the first observation means and the objective lens of the second observation means to supply air. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cleaning device is operated. A method for cleaning an objective lens of an endoscope in the endoscope system according to claim 3,
Determining the selected observation means among the first observation means and the second observation means by the detection means;
Steps for determining whether or not to operate the cleaning device by processing the image data signal picked up by the first observation unit and the second observation unit by the adhering matter detection unit and comparing them with a predetermined value, respectively. When,
For the objective lens of the observation means different from the observation means determined by the detection means to be selected by the detection means among the first observation means and the second observation means. When it is determined that the deposit is adhered, the cleaning device is appropriately operated based on the signal determined by the detection unit and the signal from the deposit detection unit that is selected by the switching mechanism. And a step of cleaning the objective lens of the endoscope.   The cleaning method according to claim 8, wherein the step of operating the cleaning device includes a step of supplying air from the cleaning device.   When the first observation means and the second observation means are switched by the switching mechanism, the observation means to be displayed on the observation monitor is switched, and the cleaning device is operated so that the objective lens of the first observation means and 10. The cleaning method according to claim 8, further comprising a step of supplying air to the objective lens of the second observation unit after supplying water such as water from the cleaning device. An insertion part to be inserted into the body cavity;
An operation portion provided at a proximal end portion of the insertion portion;
A first observation unit and a second observation unit, which are provided so as to be inserted through the insertion unit and the operation unit, and each have an objective lens at a tip of the insertion unit;
An endoscope comprising: a cleaning path provided so as to be inserted through the insertion unit and the operation unit so as to be arranged in parallel with the first observation unit and the second observation unit;
A switching mechanism for selectively switching between the first observation means and the second observation means;
A cleaning device connected to a cleaning path of the endoscope;
Control means connected to the cleaning device and connected to the first observation means and the second observation means of the endoscope;
An observation monitor connected to the control means;
The observation means selected by the switching mechanism can be detected while being connected to the control means, and an image by the observation means selected by the switching mechanism is displayed on the observation monitor via the control means. In an endoscope system comprising a detecting means,
The cleaning path is directed toward the objective lens of the second observation means and the first nozzle for feeding and / or supplying air toward the objective lens of the first observation means at the distal end of the insertion portion. And a second nozzle for feeding and / or feeding air at the tip of the insertion part,
The control means has an objective lens of an observation means different from the observation means on which the image is displayed on the observation monitor when the image by the observation means selected by the switching mechanism is displayed on the observation monitor by the detection means. An endoscope system, wherein the cleaning device is operated so as to remove deposits on the body.   Based on the signal from the first observation means, the attachment to the objective lens of the first observation means is detected based on the signal from the first observation means, and is connected to the control means. 12. The endoscope system according to claim 11, further comprising a deposit detection unit that detects that a deposit is attached based on a signal from the second observation unit.   Connected to the control means and warns when the adhering matter detection means detects that the adhering matter has adhered to one of the objective lenses of the first observation means and the second observation means. The endoscope system according to claim 12, further comprising a warning unit. The control means includes
When it is determined by the detection means that the second observation means is selected, the cleaning device is operated, and the objective lens of the first observation means is periodically connected to the objective lens via the first nozzle. Liquid
When it is determined by the detection means that the first observation means is selected, the cleaning device is operated, and the objective lens of the second observation means is periodically connected to the objective lens via the second nozzle. The endoscope system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the liquid is fed in an automatic manner.   The control unit is configured to cause the objective lens of the first observation unit to supply liquid from the first nozzle and supply air when the detection unit detects that the switching mechanism is switched. 15. The cleaning device is operated so that the objective lens of the second observation means is fed from the second nozzle and fed from the second nozzle. The endoscope system according to 1. A method for cleaning an objective lens of an endoscope in the endoscope system according to claim 12,
Determining the selected observation means among the first observation means and the second observation means by the detection means;
The image data signals picked up by the first observation unit and the second observation unit are processed by the adhering matter detection unit and compared with predetermined values to determine whether or not to operate the cleaning device. Process,
In the determination by the adhering matter detection means, when it is determined that the adhering matter has adhered to at least one of the objective lens of the first observation means and the objective lens of the second observation means, a signal from the detection means And an operation of operating the cleaning device so as to prevent an influence on the observation means on which an image is displayed on the observation monitor based on a signal from the adhering matter detection means. Cleaning method for objective lenses.

Images