JP2013220179A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain an endoscope capable of jetting a fluid in an amount sufficient to wash a photographing lens from an air/water supply nozzle.SOLUTION: A first insertion tube 163 is inserted to an inner periphery of a connection tube 118. A first jetting port side plane 171, an inner side face of a first guide part 161, and an inner side face of a first lid 162 form a first jetting pipeline 180. In the state where a first air/water supply nozzle 160 is attached to a first notched part 119, a distance between the first guide part 161 and an optical axis A of a photographing lens 141 becomes longer as moving from a first notched bottom surface 174 to a distal end face 107. According as the distance between the first guide part 161 and the optical axis A of the photographing lens 141 is increased as approaching the distal end face 107 from the first notched bottom surface 174, a distance between an axis B1 of the jetting pipeline and the optical axis A of the photographing lens 141 can be made longer than before.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope provided with an air / water supply nozzle for ejecting fluid at a distal end.

  The endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope that is inserted into a subject's body and a processor that is provided outside the subject's body and performs image processing. At the distal end of the endoscope, an imaging lens that takes in reflected light from the observation object and an air / water supply nozzle that ejects fluid toward the imaging lens are attached. The user ejects fluid from the air / water feeding nozzle to remove, that is, clean, the foreign matter attached to the photographing lens.

  In order to properly remove foreign matter adhering to the photographing lens, a sufficient amount of fluid must be ejected from the air / water feeding nozzle. Various air / water nozzle shapes may be proposed to eject a sufficient amount of fluid. However, the size of the air / water supply nozzle is limited because the distal end of the endoscope is narrow, and if the air / water supply nozzle enters the angle of view of the photographic lens, observation will be hindered. In order to solve this problem, an air / water supply nozzle (Patent Document 1) in which the amount of protrusion from the distal end is reduced, or a movable air / water supply nozzle that protrudes from the distal end only when performing air / water supply (patent 1) Document 2) has been proposed.

JP-A-6-237889 JP-A-9-84748

  However, in the air / water supply nozzle described in Patent Document 1, since the amount of protrusion from the distal end is small, the amount of air / water supply is not sufficient, and thus there is a possibility that foreign matter attached to the photographing lens cannot be removed. Moreover, since the air / water nozzle described in Patent Document 2 protrudes from the distal end to perform air / water supply, foreign matter blown off by air / water supply adheres to the air / water supply nozzle, and the air / water supply nozzle is When retracted to the distal end, foreign matter is expected to be caught between the air / water supply nozzle and the distal end. If a foreign object is caught between the air / water supply nozzle and the distal end, the air / water supply nozzle cannot be completely retracted to the distal end, and the air / water supply nozzle may enter the angle of view of the photographing lens. .

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to obtain an endoscope capable of ejecting a sufficient amount of fluid from an air / water supply nozzle for washing a photographing lens.

  An endoscope according to the present invention includes a flexible tube having a distal end close to an object to be observed, and a notch extending from the distal end along the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube and opening to a side surface of the flexible tube And an air / water supply nozzle that engages with the notch and is attached to the flexible tube.

  The pipe further includes a pipe provided inside the flexible pipe and over substantially the entire length, the notch has a bottom surface at an end opposite to the distal end, and the pipe has an opening opening at the bottom. Preferably, the air / water supply nozzle is connected to the opening.

  A photographing lens used for photographing an observation object is provided at the distal end, and the notch has a jet outlet side plane extending along the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube from the distal end to the bottom surface. When the distal end is viewed from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the tube, the jet outlet side plane is preferably perpendicular to a straight line connecting the optical axis of the photographing lens and the center of the opening.

  The jet outlet side plane may be configured such that the distance from the axis of the flexible tube increases as the distance from the bottom surface approaches the distal end.

  The jet outlet side plane may be configured to be parallel to the axis of the flexible tube.

  The air / water supply nozzle has a guide portion that engages with the notch portion, and a lid portion that is connected to the end portion of the guide portion, and the guide portion has a distal end side end surface located on the distal end side. In the cross section parallel to the axis of the flexible tube, the lid portion is provided so as to cover the distal end side of the guide portion with a predetermined distance from the end surface on the distal end side in the axial direction of the flexible tube. When the distal end is viewed from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube, the lid portion has a flange extending in the direction of the photographing lens from the end surface on the distal end side, and the tip of the collar and the light of the photographing lens The distance from the axis is preferably shorter than the distance between the jet side flat surface and the optical axis of the taking lens.

  The guide portion has a split cylinder shape, and in the state where the air / water supply nozzle is attached to the flexible tube, the distance between the guide portion and the axis of the flexible tube may increase as the distance from the bottom surface approaches the distal end. preferable.

  The guide part may have a split cylinder shape and be configured to have a recess provided on the outer surface.

  In the state where the air / water supply nozzle is attached to the flexible tube, an outer skin is provided on the outer periphery of the air / water supply nozzle and the flexible tube, and a fixing thread is wound around the outer periphery of the air / water supply nozzle and the flexible tube from above the outer skin. It is preferable that the adhesive is applied from the outer periphery of the outer skin and the fixing yarn.

  The guide portion has a U-shaped cross section in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and has a first side portion and a second side portion that are parallel to each other, and the notch portion intersects the jet outlet side plane at a right angle. A first notch side surface and a second notch side surface that intersects the first notch plane at right angles and is parallel to the first notch side surface, and the first side portion engages with the first notch side surface. The second side portion preferably engages the second notched side surface.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain an endoscope capable of ejecting a sufficient amount of fluid from an air / water feeding nozzle to clean a photographing lens.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an endoscope according to a first embodiment. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the distal end part of a 1st endoscope. It is the end view which looked at the distal end part from the axial direction exterior of the 1st flexible tube. It is the perspective view which looked at the distal end to which the 1st air / water supply nozzle is not attached from the slanting outside of the 1st flexible tube in the direction of an axis. It is a front perspective view of the 1st air / water supply nozzle. It is a back perspective view of the 1st air / water supply nozzle. It is a right view of the 1st air / water supply nozzle. It is the perspective view which looked at the distal end part from the axially diagonal outer side of the 1st flexible tube. FIG. 3 is an end view of a distal end portion taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 2. It is sectional drawing of the distal end part of a 2nd endoscope. It is the perspective view which looked at the distal end part to which the 2nd air / water supply nozzle is not attached from the slanting outside of the 2nd flexible tube in the direction of an axis. It is the end view which looked at the distal end part from the axial direction exterior of the 2nd flexible tube. It is a front perspective view of the 2nd air / water supply nozzle. It is a right view of the 2nd air / water supply nozzle. It is a back perspective view of the 2nd air / water supply nozzle. It is the perspective view which looked at the distal end from the axially diagonally outer side of the second flexible tube. It is an end elevation of the distal end part in the XVII-XVII line of FIG.

  A first endoscope 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, the first endoscope 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The first endoscope 100 includes a first flexible tube 110 to be inserted into the body of a subject, an operation unit 120 held by an operator, and an endoscope processor (not shown). It mainly includes a connector 130 to be connected. A universal cable 131 connects the connector 130 and the operation unit 120.

  The first flexible tube 110 has a distal end 101 that is inserted into the body of the subject. The first flexible tube 110 includes a suction tube (not shown) and an air / water supply tube 113 (see FIG. 2) extending from the operation unit 120 to the distal end 101, and a distal end 101 from the connector 130. An illumination fiber (not shown) and a signal line 152 (see FIG. 2) are provided. The distal end 101 is provided inside a tip member 112 made of metal, resin, ceramic, or the like, and the CCD unit 140 and the first air / water supply nozzle 160 shown in FIG. 2 and the suction port 104 and the illumination shown in FIG. A lens 105 is provided. Details of the distal end 101 will be described later.

  The operation unit 120 includes a forceps port 121, an endoscope valve 122, and a switch 123. The forceps port 121 is connected to the suction tube. The forceps inserted into the forceps port 121 is carried to the distal end portion 101 along the inside of the suction tube. The endoscope valve 122 is a valve that supplies water or air to the suction port 104 up to the distal end portion 101 by being pushed down, and is connected to the nipple 124 and the air / water supply pipe 113. Hereinafter, water or air is referred to as water or the like. An air supply / water supply pipe (not shown) is connected to the nipple 124 to supply water or the like to the endoscope valve 122. When the endoscope valve 122 is pushed down, the nipple 124 and the air / water supply pipe 113 are connected, and water or the like is supplied from the nipple 124 to the air / water supply pipe 113. The switch 123 is used to operate the first endoscope 100 and the endoscope processor.

  The connector 130 has a signal terminal 132 connected to an endoscope processor (not shown) and an illumination terminal 133 connected to an illumination unit (not shown). The signal terminal 132 is connected to a signal line in the connector 130, and transmits an image signal from the CCD unit 140 to the endoscope processor. The illumination terminal 133 is connected to the illumination fiber in the connector 130 and transmits illumination light to the illumination lens 105.

  Next, the distal end portion 101 will be described with reference to FIG. Inside the distal end portion 101, a CCD unit 140, a first air / water supply nozzle 160, a suction port (not shown), an illumination lens 105, and the like are provided. Here, the CCD unit 140 and the first air / water supply nozzle 160 will be described.

  The CCD unit 140 is mainly composed of a photographic lens 141 that is a concave lens provided at the tip, a CCD 142 that is an imaging element that images an observation object, and a casing 143 that stores these members.

  The photographing lens 141 is provided at the tip of the casing 143 so as to slightly protrude from the distal end surface 107, and is fixed to the casing 143 with an adhesive 144. The adhesive 144 is filled in a gap between the photographing lens 141 and the casing 143 to fix the photographing lens 141 to the casing 143.

  A diaphragm 145 that adjusts the amount of light incident from the photographing lens 141 and the depth of field is provided at the rear end of the photographing lens 141. A first objective lens 146 and a second objective lens 147 are provided at the rear end of the stop 145, and form a subject image on the CCD 142. A spacer 148 is provided between the first objective lens 146 and the second objective lens 147, and the first objective lens is maintained while maintaining a distance between the first objective lens 146 and the second objective lens 147. 146 and the second objective lens 147 are fixed to the casing 143. A light shielding mask 149 and a cover glass 150 are provided between the second objective lens 147 and the CCD 142. The light shielding mask 149 suppresses the influence of irregular reflection in the lens barrel on the captured image. The CCD 142 is attached to the substrate 151, and a peripheral circuit of the CCD 142 is formed on the substrate 151. A signal line 152 made of a conductive metal is connected to the substrate 151, a first protective tube 153 is provided so as to wrap the outer periphery of the signal line 152, and a second protective tube 154 is wrapped so as to wrap the outer periphery of the first protective tube 153. Is provided. The casing 143 stores the photographic lens 141, the diaphragm, the first objective lens 146, the spacer 148, the second objective lens 147, the light shielding mask 149, the cover glass 150, the CCD 142, and the substrate 151 while storing the second protective tube. One end of 154 is supported. A protective tube 155 is provided so as to cover a part of the outer surface of the casing 143 and to cover the outer surface of the second protective tube 154.

  Next, the first air / water supply nozzle 160 and the air / water supply pipe 113 will be schematically described. The air / water supply pipe 113 is mainly composed of an elastic member 114 made of a cylindrical resin and a protective coil 115 wound around the elastic member 114. A spiral spiral groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member 114, and the protective coil 115 is engaged with the spiral groove and fixed to the elastic member 114. Since the depth of the spiral groove is substantially the same as the diameter of the steel wire constituting the protective coil 115, the protective coil 115 does not protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the elastic member 114. The distal end portion side end of the air / water feeding tube 113 is connected to a connection tube 118 configured inside the tip member 112. The bottom of the first air / water supply nozzle 160 is inserted into the inner surface of the connection pipe 118. As a result, the first air / water supply nozzle 160 is connected to the air / water supply pipe 113. The first air / water supply nozzle 160 is formed of resin, and is engaged with and attached to a first cutout portion 119 that opens on a side surface of the tip member 112. The shape of the first air / water supply nozzle 160 will be described later.

  The tip member 112 stores the casing 143, the protective tube 155, the air / water supply tube 113, and the first air / water supply nozzle 160. A groove 108 is provided on the distal end surface 107 side of the tip member 112 over the entire circumference of the tip member 112. The groove 108 is slightly recessed with respect to the radial direction of the tip member 112. A ring ring tube 116 is wound around the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the tip member 112, and a mesh tube 117 is wound around the ring ring tube 116. Then, an outer skin 111 made of resin is provided from above the mesh tube 117.

  In a state where the first air / water supply nozzle 160 is attached to the tip member 112, the outer skin 111 is provided on the outer periphery of the first air / water supply nozzle 160 and the tip member 112, and the first air supply / feed nozzle is provided from above the skin 111. The fixing thread 102 is wound around the outer periphery of the water supply nozzle 160 and the tip member 112, and the adhesive 144 is applied from the outer periphery of the outer skin 111 and the fixing thread 102. Since the end portion of the outer skin 111 and the fixing thread 102 are fitted into the groove 108 and the groove 108 has substantially the same depth as the diameter of the fixing thread 102, the fixing thread 102 is more than the outer skin 111 provided in the portion where the groove 108 is not provided. It does not protrude.

  Next, the distal end face 107 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a view of the distal end face 107 as viewed from the outside in the axial direction of the first flexible tube 110. The photographing lens 141, the first air / water supply nozzle 160, the suction port 104, and the two illumination lenses 105 are exposed on the distal end surface 107. The taking lens 141 is attached to the casing 143 and exposed to the outside from the distal end. The two illumination lenses 105 are arranged on both sides of the photographing lens 141 and irradiate the observation object with illumination light. The first air / water supply nozzle 160 is attached to be engaged with the first cutout portion 119 so that the opening thereof faces the photographing lens 141.

  Next, the 1st notch part 119 is demonstrated using FIG. The first notch 119 extends along the longitudinal direction of the first flexible tube 110 so as to face the side surface of the tip member 112, and opens on the side surface of the tip member 112. A first notch bottom surface 174 in which one end of the connection pipe 118 is opened, a first jet outlet side flat surface 171, a first side surface 172, and a second side surface 173 extending from the distal end surface 107 to the first notch bottom surface 174. Constitutes a first notch 119. The first jet side flat surface 171 extends along the longitudinal direction of the first flexible tube 110 from the distal end surface 107 to the first notch bottom surface 174. When the distal end surface 107 is viewed from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the first flexible tube 110, the first jet outlet side plane 171 has the optical axis A of the photographing lens 141 and the first air / water supply nozzle 160. A right angle is formed with respect to a straight line connecting the central axis B1 (see FIG. 3). The first side surface 172 and the second side surface 173 are connected to form a right angle with the first jet outlet side plane 171. Referring to FIG. 2, the first jet side flat surface 171 increases in distance from the axis of the first flexible tube 110 as it approaches the distal end surface 107 from the first notch bottom surface 174. That is, the first jet outlet side flat surface 171 is inclined toward the outer surface side of the distal end portion 101 from the first notch bottom surface 174 toward the distal end surface 107.

  Next, the shape of the first air / water supply nozzle 160 will be described with reference to FIGS. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the first air / water supply nozzle 160 includes a first guide part 161, a first lid 162 connected to one end of the first guide part 161, and a first guide part 161. The first insertion tube 163 is connected to the other end of the first insertion tube 163. The first guide portion 161 has a split cylinder shape and has a U shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The U-shaped curved portion forms the first back portion 164, and the straight portion forms the first side portion 165 and the second side portion 166. The right side surface of the first air / water supply nozzle 160 will be described with reference to FIG. The first back portion 164 includes a portion extending obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first air / water feeding nozzle 160 and a portion extending along the longitudinal direction. The first side portion 165 has a pentagonal shape, and the left side in FIG. 7 extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the first air / water feeding nozzle 160, and the right side is oblique with respect to the longitudinal direction. It consists of a part extending parallel to the left side and a part extending along the longitudinal direction. The second side 166 also has a configuration similar to that of the first side 165. The first lid 162 has a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the first back portion 164, the first side portion 165, and the second side portion 166, and the distal end side of the first guide portion 161. So as to cover the first back portion 164, the first side portion 165, and the second side portion 166. And the 1st cover 162 protrudes from a side part toward the left in FIG. This projecting portion is referred to as a collar portion 167. The top of the first lid 162 is flat. The inner side surface of the first guide part 161 and the inner side surface of the first lid 162 form a part of the first ejection pipe line 180 (see FIG. 5). The first insertion tube 163 has a cylindrical shape, and its outer diameter is slightly shorter than the inner diameter of the connection tube 118.

  Next, the 1st air / water supply nozzle 160 attached to the 1st notch part 119 is demonstrated using FIG. 2, 3, 8, and 9. FIG. FIG. 8 is a view showing the first air / water supply nozzle 160 attached to the first cutout portion 119 from above the outer side of the distal end portion 101.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the outer side of the first side portion 165 is in surface contact with the first side surface 172, the end surface of the first side portion 165 is in surface contact with the first jet outlet side plane 171, and The first air / water supply nozzle 160 is arranged such that the outer side of the side portion 166 is in surface contact with the second side surface 173 and the end surface of the second side portion 166 is in surface contact with the first jet outlet side plane 171. Attached to the first notch 119. The first insertion tube 163 is inserted into the inner periphery of the connection tube 118. The outer periphery of the first insertion tube 163 and the inner periphery of the connection tube 118 are in close contact with each other so that water or the like does not leak. Since the inclination of the first side 165 and the second side 166 with respect to the axis of the distal end portion 101 is the same as the inclination of the first outlet side plane 171, the first side 165 and the second side 165 The side portion 166 is in close contact with the first spout side flat surface 171 over the entire length. As a result, the first jet outlet side flat surface 171, the inner side surface of the first guide portion 161, and the inner side surface of the first lid 162 form a first jet pipe 180. Referring to FIG. 2, in a state where the first air / water supply nozzle 160 is attached to the first cutout portion 119, the first guide portion 161 and the first guide portion 161 are moved as they move from the first cutout bottom surface 174 to the distal end surface 107. The distance between the photographic lens 141 and the optical axis A becomes longer. The collar portion 167 extends from the first guide portion 161 toward the photographing lens 141. The distance from the tip of the collar 167 to the optical axis A of the photographing lens 141 is shorter than the distance from the intersection of the first jet outlet side plane 171 and the distal end surface 107 to the optical axis A of the photographing lens 141. By increasing the distance between the first guide portion 161 and the optical axis A of the photographic lens 141 as approaching the distal end surface 107 from the first notch bottom surface 174, the air / water supply tube in the first flexible tube 110 is increased. While maintaining 113 at the same position as in the past, the distance between the axis B1 of the ejection conduit and the optical axis A of the photographic lens 141 can be made longer than in the past. Thereby, even if the protrusion length of the collar part 167 is made longer than before, or the distance H1 from the distal end surface 107 to the collar part 167 is made longer than before, the collar part 167 is not the image of the photographing lens 141. It does not enter the angle α (see FIG. 2).

  With reference to FIG. 2, the flow of water or the like in the first jet pipe 180 will be described. When water or the like is sent from the air / water supply pipe 113, the water or the like collides with the inner surface of the first lid 162 through the first ejection pipe line 180 and is guided to the flange portion 167. The outflow direction of water or the like is changed by the flange portion 167 and flows toward the photographing lens 141. As a result, water or the like that has passed through the first air / water supply nozzle 160 does not peel from the distal end surface 107, and a fluid flow along the distal end surface 107 is formed. The ejected water or the like is guided to the photographic lens 141 to remove dirt and the like attached to the photographic lens 141.

  According to the present embodiment, since the distance from the distal end surface 107 to the collar portion 167 can be increased, water or the like having a larger flow rate than the conventional one is ejected from the first air / water supply nozzle 160, and the photographing lens 141 can be quickly ejected. The liquid and foreign matter adhering to the surface can be removed quickly.

  Moreover, since the protrusion length of the collar part 167 can be made longer than before, water or the like ejected from the first air / water feeding nozzle 160 can be accurately ejected toward the photographing lens 141.

  The outer side surface of the first side portion 165 is in surface contact with the first side surface 172 of the first notch portion 119, and the end surface of the first side portion 165 is the first outlet of the first notch portion 119. Since it is in surface contact with the side plane 171, the first air / water supply nozzle 160 does not rotate relative to the first notch 119 just by inserting the first air / water supply nozzle 160 into the first notch 119. Fixed to. Therefore, the ring-shaped member conventionally used for fixing the air / water supply nozzle to the distal end portion 101 is not required.

  In a state where the first air / water supply nozzle 160 is attached to the first notch 119, a step is formed between the first air / water supply nozzle 160 and the outer peripheral surface of the tip member 112 in the vicinity of the first notch bottom surface 174. Can do. By providing the end of the outer skin 111 and the fixing thread 102 at a portion having the same depth as the diameter of the fixing thread 102 in this step, the end of the outer skin 111 and the fixing thread 102 are fitted into this step, and the step is The fixing thread 102 does not protrude beyond the outer skin 111 provided in the non-existing portion. Thereby, unevenness is reduced on the outer peripheral surface of the first flexible tube 110, and the patient's pain can be reduced. The step is filled with an adhesive.

  Next, the second endoscope 200 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. In the second embodiment, the air / water supply pipe 113 and the second air / water supply nozzle 260 are provided closer to the outer periphery of the distal end portion 101 than in the first embodiment. The shape is different from that of the first air / water supply nozzle 160, and the shape of the second notch 219 is different from that of the first notch 119.

  The air / water supply pipe 113 and the second air / water supply nozzle 260 will be schematically described with reference to FIG. The air / water supply tube 113 is provided closer to the outer periphery of the distal end portion 101 than in the first embodiment. The second air / water supply nozzle 260 is formed of resin, and is engaged with and attached to the second notch portion 219 opened on the side surface of the tip member 112 so that the opening faces the photographing lens 141. A concave portion 267 is provided on the outer peripheral side surface of the second air / water supply nozzle 260. The recess 267 has substantially the same depth as the groove 108. The detailed shape of the second air / water supply nozzle 260 will be described later. The bottom of the second air / water supply nozzle 260 is inserted into the inner surface of the connection pipe 118. As a result, the second air / water supply nozzle 260 is connected to the air / water supply pipe 113. In a state where the second air / water supply nozzle 260 is attached to the tip member 112, the outer skin 111 is provided on the outer periphery of the second air / water supply nozzle 260 and the tip member 112, and the second air / water supply nozzle 260 and the tip are provided. The fixing thread 102 is wound around the outer periphery of the member 112 from the outer skin 111, and the adhesive 144 is applied from the outer periphery of the outer skin 111 and the fixing thread 102. The end portion of the outer skin 111 and the fixing thread 102 are fitted into the groove 108 and the recess 267, and the groove 108 and the recess 267 have substantially the same depth as the diameter of the fixing thread 102. The fixing thread 102 does not protrude beyond the outer skin 111.

  Next, the 2nd notch part 219 is demonstrated using FIGS. 10-12. Referring to FIG. 11, the second notch 219 extends along the longitudinal direction of the second flexible tube 210 so as to face the side surface of the tip member 112, and opens on the side surface of the tip member 112. A second notch bottom surface 274 in which one end of the connection pipe 118 is opened, and a second jet side flat surface 271, a third side surface 272, and a fourth side surface 273 extending from the distal end surface 107 to the notch bottom surface are second. The notch part 219 of this is comprised. The second jet side flat surface 271 extends along the longitudinal direction of the second flexible tube 210 from the distal end surface 107 to the second notch bottom surface 274. When the distal end face 107 is viewed from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the second flexible tube 210, the second jet outlet side flat surface 271 is formed by the optical axis A of the photographing lens 141 and the second air / water supply nozzle 260. A right angle is formed with respect to a straight line connecting the central axis B2 (see FIG. 12). The third side surface 272 and the fourth side surface 273 are connected to form a right angle with the second jet outlet side plane 271. Referring to FIG. 10, the second jet outlet side flat surface 271 extends along the axis of the second flexible tube 210 at a right angle from the second notch bottom surface 274. That is, the second jet outlet side plane 271 is a plane parallel to the axis of the second flexible tube 210. Note that the step formed between the outer peripheral surface of the second air / water supply nozzle 260 and the second notch bottom surface 274 is filled with an adhesive.

  Next, the shape of the second air / water supply nozzle 260 will be described with reference to FIGS. The second air / water supply nozzle 260 is connected to the second guide portion 261, the second lid 262 connected to one end of the second guide portion 261, and the second end connected to the other end of the second guide portion 261. 2 insertion pipes 263. The second guide portion 261 has a split cylinder shape and has a U shape in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The U-shaped curved portion forms the second back portion 264, and the straight portion forms the third side portion 265 and the fourth side portion 266. The right side surface of the second air / water supply nozzle 260 will be described with reference to FIG. The second back portion 264 extends along the longitudinal direction of the second air / water supply nozzle 260. That is, the second back portion 264 extends parallel to the axis of the second flexible tube 210. The third side portion 265 has a rectangular shape, and the long side extends in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the second air / water supply nozzle 260. The fourth side portion 266 also has a configuration similar to that of the third side portion 265. The second lid 262 has a predetermined distance along the longitudinal direction of the second back portion 264, the third side portion 265, and the fourth side portion 266, and is located on the distal end side of the second guide portion 261. So as to cover the second back portion 264, the third side portion 265, and the fourth side portion 266. And the 2nd cover 262 protrudes from a side part toward the left in FIG. This projecting portion is referred to as a collar portion 167. The top of the second lid 262 forms a plane. The inner side surface of the second guide portion 261 and the inner side surface of the second lid 262 form a part of the second ejection conduit 280 (see FIG. 13). The second insertion tube 263 has a cylindrical shape, and its outer diameter is slightly shorter than the inner diameter of the connection tube 118. Referring to FIG. 15, a recess 267 is provided on the outer peripheral side surface of the second air / water supply nozzle 260. The recess 267 has substantially the same depth as the groove 108 shown in FIG.

  Next, the second air / water supply nozzle 260 attached to the second notch 219 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10, 12, 16 and 17. FIG. 16 is a view showing the second air / water supply nozzle 260 attached to the second notch 219 from the upper outside of the distal end 101.

  Referring to FIG. 17, the outer side of the third side portion 265 is in surface contact with the third side surface 272, the end surface of the third side portion 265 is in surface contact with the second jet outlet side plane 271, and The outside of the side portion 266 is in surface contact with the fourth side surface 273, and the end surface of the fourth side portion 266 is in surface contact with the second jet outlet side plane 271. Referring to FIG. 10, the second insertion tube 263 is inserted into the inner periphery of the connection tube 118. The outer periphery of the second insertion tube 263 and the inner periphery of the connection tube 118 are in close contact with each other so that water or the like does not leak. Since the third side 265, the fourth side 266, and the second spout side plane 271 are parallel to the axis of the distal end 101, the third side 265 and the fourth side The part 266 is in close contact with the second jet outlet side plane 271 over the entire length. As a result, the second jet outlet side flat surface 271, the inner side surface of the second guide portion 261, and the inner side surface of the second lid 262 form a second jet pipe 280. Referring to FIG. 12, the flange 167 extends in the direction of the taking lens 141 from the end surface on the distal end side. The distance between the tip of the collar 167 and the optical axis A of the photographing lens 141 is shorter than the distance between the second jet outlet side plane 271 and the optical axis A of the photographing lens 141.

  By providing the air / water supply pipe 113 and the second air / water supply nozzle 260 near the outer periphery of the distal end portion 101, the distance between the axis B2 of the ejection pipe line and the optical axis A of the photographing lens 141 is made longer than before. can do. Thereby, even if the protrusion length of the collar part 167 is made longer than before, or the distance H2 from the distal end surface 107 to the collar part 167 is made longer than before, the collar part 167 is not the image of the photographing lens 141. It does not enter the angle α (see FIG. 10). Further, when the air / water supply pipe 113 and the second air / water supply nozzle 260 are provided near the outer periphery of the distal end portion 101, the fixing thread 102 wound around the second air / water supply nozzle 260 and the tip member 112 is distant. Although there is a risk of forming irregularities on the outer peripheral surface of the end portion 101, in this embodiment, a concave portion 267 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second air / water supply nozzle 260, and the fixing thread 102 is wound around the concave portion 267. The unevenness is not formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 101.

  According to the present embodiment, since the distance from the distal end surface 107 to the collar portion 167 can be increased, water having a larger flow rate than the conventional one is ejected from the second air / water supply nozzle 260, and the photographing lens 141 can be quickly ejected. The liquid and foreign matter adhering to the surface can be removed quickly.

  Moreover, since the protrusion length of the collar part 167 can be made longer than before, water or the like ejected from the second air / water feeding nozzle 260 can be accurately ejected toward the photographing lens 141.

  And since the outer side of the 3rd side part 265 surface-contacts with the 3rd side surface 272, and the end surface of the 3rd side part 265 surface-contacts with the 2nd jet nozzle side plane 271, it is 2nd air supply / water supply. By simply inserting the nozzle 260 into the notch, the second air / water supply nozzle 260 is fixed without rotating with respect to the second notch 219. Therefore, the ring-shaped member which conventionally fixed the air / water supply nozzle to the distal end portion 101 is not required.

  A recess 267 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second air / water supply nozzle 260, and the fixing thread 102 is wound around the recess 267, so that the end of the outer skin 111 and the fixing thread 102 are fitted into the recess 267, and the recess 267 is formed. The fixing thread 102 does not protrude beyond the outer skin 111 provided in the non-existing portion. Thereby, the unevenness on the outer peripheral surface of the second flexible tube 210 is reduced, and the patient's pain can be reduced. Moreover, since the outer peripheral surface of the second air / water supply nozzle 260 is in close contact with the outer skin 111, the second air / water supply nozzle 260 can be firmly fixed. And since the recessed part 267 is provided, a fixed thread | yarn can be wound easily.

  In any of the embodiments, the imaging element is not limited to the CCD 142.

  Further, the outer peripheral surfaces of the first air / water supply nozzle 160 and the second air / water supply nozzle 260 may be formed to be flush with the outer peripheral surface of the tip member.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 1st endoscope 101 Distal end part 102 Fixing thread 104 Inlet 105 Illumination lens 107 Distal end surface 108 Groove 110 1st flexible pipe 111 Outer skin 112 Tip member 113 Air supply / water supply pipe 114 Elastic member 115 Protection coil 116 Contact ring tube 117 Mesh tube 118 Connection tube 119 First notch 120 Operation unit 121 Forceps port 122 Endoscope valve 123 Switch 124 Nipple 130 Connector 131 Universal cable 132 Signal terminal 133 Illumination terminal 140 CCD unit 141 Shooting lens 142 CCD
143 Casing 144 Adhesive 146 First objective lens 147 Second objective lens 148 Spacer 149 Shading mask 150 Cover glass 151 Substrate 152 Signal line 153 First protection tube 154 Second protection tube 155 Protection tube 160 First feed Air supply nozzle 161 First guide portion 162 First lid 163 First insertion tube 164 First back portion 165 First side portion 166 Second side portion 167 Hook portion 171 First jet outlet side plane 172 First 1 side surface 173 2nd side surface 174 1st notch bottom surface 180 1st ejection line

Claims (10)

A flexible tube having a distal end proximate to the observation object;
A notch extending from the distal end along the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube and opening to the side of the flexible tube;
An endoscope comprising an air / water supply nozzle that engages with the notch and is attached to the flexible tube. Further comprising a conduit provided within the flexible tube and over substantially the entire length;
The notch has a bottom surface at an end opposite to the distal end,
The conduit has an opening that opens to the bottom surface,
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the air / water supply nozzle is connected to the opening. A photographing lens used for photographing an observation object is provided at the distal end,
The notch has a jet side flat surface extending along the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube from the distal end to the bottom surface,
The jet outlet side plane is perpendicular to a straight line connecting the optical axis of the photographing lens and the center of the opening when the distal end is viewed from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube. Or the endoscope of 2.   The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein a distance between the jet port-side plane and the axis of the flexible tube increases as the distance from the bottom surface approaches the distal end.   The endoscope (second embodiment) according to claim 3, wherein the jet port side plane is parallel to an axis of the flexible tube. The air / water supply nozzle has a guide portion that engages with the notch portion, and a lid portion that is connected to an end portion of the guide portion,
The guide portion has a distal end surface located on the distal end side,
In a cross section parallel to the axis of the flexible tube, the lid portion covers the distal end side of the guide portion with a predetermined distance from the distal end surface toward the axial direction of the flexible tube. And when the distal end is viewed from the outside in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube, the lid portion has a hook portion extending from the distal end side end surface toward the photographing lens, The endoscope according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein a distance between a distal end of the buttock and the optical axis of the photographing lens is shorter than a distance between the jet port side plane and the optical axis of the photographing lens.   The guide portion has a split cylinder shape, and the guide portion and the axis of the flexible tube as it approaches the vicinity of the distal end from the bottom surface in a state where the air / water supply nozzle is attached to the flexible tube. The endoscope according to claim 6 (first embodiment).   The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the guide portion has a split cylinder shape and has a concave portion provided on an outer side surface (second embodiment).   In the state where the air / water supply nozzle is attached to the flexible tube, an outer skin is provided on the outer periphery of the air / water supply nozzle and the flexible tube, and the air / water supply nozzle and the flexible tube are provided on the outer skin. The endoscope according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a fixing thread is wound around an outer periphery of the wrapping cloth, and an adhesive is applied from the outer periphery of the outer skin and the fixing thread. The guide portion has a U-shaped cross section in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and has a first side portion and a second side portion parallel to each other,
The notch has a first notch side that intersects with the jet outlet side plane at a right angle, and a second notch side that intersects with the first notch plane at a right angle and is parallel to the first notch side. And
The endoscope according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the first side portion engages with the first notch side surface, and the second side portion engages with the second notch side surface.

Images