JP2014102390A - Endoscope guide tube - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope guide tube for improving the durability of an endoscope by improving the insertion property when the endoscope is inserted into a bent part of a pipe.SOLUTION: An endoscope guide tube 1 is disposed in an insertion part of an endoscope and guides the insertion to a pipe. The minimum curvature radius of the insertion part of the endoscope is denoted with r, the inner diameter of the pipe is denoted with D, the bent angle of a bent part of the pipe is denoted with (π-θ), the diameter of the endoscope guide tube 1 is denoted with d (here, d<D), and the curvature radius of the inner diameter side 1a of a bent part of the endoscope guide tube 1 is denoted with R. The endoscope guide tube 1 is configured so that the curvature radius R satisfies the relation r<R≤(D-d)/{1-sin(θ/2)}.

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope guide tube that guides insertion of an insertion portion of an endoscope into a pipe.

  For example, when an endoscopic inspection is performed on a small-diameter pipe such as a water supply pipe, it is necessary to insert the pipe through a bent portion, a so-called elbow.

  However, the elbow may be configured as a joint that connects the straight pipes, and there may be a step or the like due to the thickness at the fitting portion with the straight pipe (FIG. 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention). And the step 51d shown in FIG. 8).

  Therefore, even if the endoscope is to be inserted deeper into the pipe, if the distal end of the insertion part hits the step of the elbow, further insertion may be difficult.

  In view of this, a technique has been proposed that uses a guide tube that guides insertion of an endoscope to improve insertability when passing through an elbow.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-27986 describes a technique of providing a tube-shaped insertion auxiliary coil in which a flat plate is wound in a loose manner. The insertion assisting coil is fixed in the longitudinal direction relative to the insertion portion by the proximal side fixing portion disposed at the base end, and is held rotatably about the longitudinal axis with respect to the insertion portion. In such a configuration, if the insertion auxiliary coil is pushed into the pipe while rotating around the insertion axis, it is caught by the step of the elbow and the rotation of the tip is restricted, but the insertion auxiliary coil is rotated as it is. Since the compressive force is accumulated, the tip portion is finally bounced so that it can be flipped forward and can pass through the elbow. Therefore, the endoscope can also pass through the insertion auxiliary coil that has already passed through the elbow without being affected by the step.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-186329 discloses a guide tube for passing a bent tube, which includes an outer coil constituted by a close-contact coil spring and an inner coil slidably inserted into the outer coil. . Here, the inner coil can be inserted through the insertion portion of the endoscope and is constituted by a close-contact coil spring, and a coarsely wound coil portion is provided at the distal end portion. The inner coil has a distal end side and a proximal end side projecting from each end opening of the outer coil, and a proximal length side of the inner coil is provided with a projecting length defining member that defines a projecting length from the distal end opening of the outer coil. In such a configuration, when the inner coil protruding to the tip side from the outer coil is caught by a step, the catch is eliminated by moving the inner coil forward while rotating in the same manner as described above. Yes.

JP 2011-27986 A JP 2011-186329 A

  However, in the conventional technique described above, no special consideration has been given to the degree of bending of the insertion portion of the endoscope when passing through the bent portion of the pipe. Therefore, in the above conventional configuration, the endoscope is inserted in a bent state (with the curvature of the bent portion) along the bent portion of the pipe, or inserted with a curvature higher than the curvature of the bent portion. It could have happened.

  However, if the bending portion of the endoscope is inserted and passed through the elbow while being bent with a high curvature (for example, the maximum curvature), the resistance increases and the load on the bending portion increases. If the insertion and removal are repeated multiple times with the endoscope having a high curvature, the bending portion is damaged or a hole is opened in the sealing member inside the bending portion due to the load and resistance described above. There is a high possibility that the waterproof property will be impaired, and a problem such as a short circuit may occur in the signal line connected to the image sensor at the tip.

  In addition, when the endoscope is further inserted into the deep part of the pipe after passing through the elbow, the flexible tube part connected to the proximal end side of the bending part becomes a bent part in the insertion part. The load and resistance when passing through the elbow will be added.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an endoscope guide tube that can improve the insertability when inserting an endoscope into a bent portion of a pipe and improve the durability of the endoscope. The purpose is to provide.

To achieve the above object, an endoscope guide tube according to an aspect of the present invention is an endoscope guide tube that guides insertion of an insertion portion of an endoscope into a pipe. The minimum curvature radius of the insertion portion is r, the inner diameter of the pipe is D, the bending angle of the bent portion of the pipe is (π−θ), and the diameter of the endoscope guide tube is d (where d <D is satisfied). ), Where R is the radius of curvature on the inner diameter side of the bent portion of the endoscope guide tube, the endoscope guide tube has the following relationship with the radius of curvature R:
r <R ≦ (D−d) / {1-sin (θ / 2)}
It is configured to satisfy.

  According to the endoscope guide tube of the present invention, it is possible to improve the insertability when inserting the endoscope into the bent portion of the pipe and improve the durability of the endoscope.

The figure for demonstrating the structure regarding the curvature radius of the guide tube penetrated by the bending part of piping in each embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the virtual edge at the time of calculating the curvature radius of the guide tube with respect to piping whose bending part is gentle in each embodiment of this invention using numerical formula with respect to piping where a bending part is sharp. The figure for demonstrating the setting method of the effective internal diameter of piping regarding the curvature radius of the guide tube penetrated by the bending part of piping in each embodiment of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the structure regarding the length of the guide tube penetrated by the bending part of piping in each embodiment of this invention. In Embodiment 1 of this invention, the perspective view which shows the structure of the guide tube with which the outer peripheral side of the endoscope was mounted | worn. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the base end side of the guide tube in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the structure of the elbow of the piping in the said Embodiment 1. FIG. In the said Embodiment 1, sectional drawing which shows the virtual piping structure at the time of calculating the structure of the guide tube corresponding to the elbow of piping using numerical formula. The perspective view which shows the structure of the rotation part of the guide tube in Embodiment 2 of this invention. The perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the structure of the modification of the rotation part of the guide tube in the said Embodiment 2. FIG. The perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the structure of the guide tube in Embodiment 3 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the endoscope in the said Embodiment 3. FIG. The perspective view which shows the structure of the guide tube in Embodiment 4 of this invention. The perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the structure of the base end side of the guide tube in the said Embodiment 4. FIG. In the said Embodiment 4, the figure which shows the structural example which attaches a tube to the base end side of an air supply nozzle | cap | die. In Embodiment 5 of this invention, the perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the structure of the guide tube inserted in piping. The perspective view which shows one structural example of the fixed nozzle | cap | die of the guide tube in the said Embodiment 5. FIG. The perspective view which shows the other structural example of the fixed nozzle | cap | die of the guide tube in the said Embodiment 5. FIG. In Embodiment 6 of this invention, the perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the endoscope which protrudes from the front-end | tip opening of a guide tube. In Embodiment 7 of this invention, the perspective view which shows the structure of the guide tube with which the outer peripheral side of the endoscope was mounted | worn. The perspective view which shows the structure of the guide tube in Embodiment 8 of this invention.

  First, a basic configuration according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the configuration related to the radius of curvature of the guide tube 1 inserted through the bent portion of the pipe 51, and FIG. 2 shows the radius of curvature of the guide tube 1 with respect to the pipe 51 where the bent portion is gentle. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a virtual edge when calculating using a mathematical expression for the pipe 51 having a sharp bent portion. FIG. 3 shows the effective inner diameter of the pipe 51 with respect to the radius of curvature of the guide tube 1 inserted through the bent portion of the pipe 51. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the setting method, and FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration relating to the length of the guide tube 1 inserted through the bent portion of the pipe 51.

  The endoscope guide tube 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the guide tube 1) is an insertion portion of the endoscope 11 (this insertion portion is referred to as “insertion portion”) when the endoscope 11 is inserted into the piping 51 in order to inspect the piping 51. For example, the insertion of the distal end rigid portion 12, the bending portion 13, and the flexible tube portion 14 (see FIG. 12 and the like) into the pipe 51 is guided.

The minimum radius of curvature of the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 is r, the inner diameter of the pipe 51 is D, the bending angle of the bent portion of the pipe 51 is (π−θ), and the diameter of the guide tube 1 is d (here, the diameter d). Since the guide tube 1 cannot be inserted into the pipe 51 unless it is smaller than the inner diameter D of the pipe 51, d <D is satisfied), and the radius of curvature of the bent portion inner diameter side 1a of the guide tube 1 is satisfied. When R is R, the guide tube 1 has a curvature radius R represented by the following formula (1):
r <R ≦ (D−d) / {1-sin (θ / 2)}
It is configured to satisfy.

  Here, the first inequality r <R in Equation 1 indicates that the radius of curvature R of the bent portion inner diameter side 1a of the guide tube 1 is larger than the minimum radius of curvature r of the insertion portion of the endoscope 11. . This eliminates the need to bend the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 to the minimum radius of curvature r when passing through a bent portion of the pipe 51, thereby reducing damage to the insertion portion and improving durability. Become.

  Needless to say, the minimum curvature radius r is not limited by the curved portion 13. For example, in the case of the endoscope 11 in which the bending portion 13 is not provided and the entire insertion portion is flexible, the minimum curvature radius r in the entire insertion portion is indicated.

  Further, the second inequality in Equation 1 indicates that the radius of curvature R of the bent portion inner diameter side 1a of the guide tube 1 is equal to or less than the right side equation (Dd) / {1-sin (θ / 2)}. ing. Here, the right-hand side expression is a value when the bent portion of the guide tube 1 takes the maximum curvature in a state where the guide tube 1 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the straight pipe portion of the pipe 51 as shown in FIG. Is shown. 1, the curvature radius (R + d) of the bent portion outer diameter side 1b of the guide tube 1 from the center of curvature O in FIG. 1 is the height {D + Rsin ( It is derived from being equal to θ / 2)}. As a result, the guide tube 1 can be smoothly and smoothly inserted into the bent portion of the pipe 51.

If a numerical example in a specific example (also see FIG. 4) where θ = π / 2 (= 90 °) is given, the above-mentioned right side expression of Equation 1 is (2 + √2) (D−d) ≈3. .41 (D-d). Therefore, when the bent part (elbow) of the pipe 51 is a right angle, if considering the ease of insertion,
r <R ≦ 3 × (D−d)
(It should be noted that when the ease of insertion is generally considered, the right-hand side expression may be multiplied by an appropriate coefficient less than 1).

  FIG. 1 shows an example in which the bending radius of the pipe 51 itself is 0, that is, the pipe 51 is not bent with a gentle curve but is bent with a sharp angle. This is because when the guide tube 1 is inserted into the pipe 51, the case where it is bent at a certain angle is the most severe condition (the condition where the upper limit value of the radius of curvature R is the smallest).

  In other words, when the pipe 51 is bent with a gentle curve, the configuration satisfying the expression 1 is such that the straight pipe portion inner diameter side of the pipe 51 is extended as shown in FIG. This means that the guide tube 1 is configured to be able to pass through even if there is a pipe at the intersection 51e2 of the line 51v2. Thus, since the edge on the inner diameter side of the bent portion of the pipe 51 is one of the most conflicting portions when the guide tube 1 is inserted, severe conditions are set so that this portion can be passed with a margin. doing.

  Therefore, when the pipe 51 is bent with a gentle curve, the guide tube 1 can be inserted into the pipe 51 with a margin if the condition of Formula 1 is satisfied. In addition, when the pipe 51 is bent with a gentle curve, as shown in FIG. 3, a central point on the inner peripheral surface inner diameter side of the bent portion of the pipe 51 (the pipe 51 passes through this central point so as to pass through this central point). It is also possible to configure such that it can pass through the intersection 51e1) when the extension line 51v1 is drawn parallel to the straight pipe portion. In this case, in Equation 1, the effective inner diameter D ′ at the bent portion of the pipe 51 may be used instead of the inner diameter D of the pipe 51. Since this effective inner diameter D ′ is larger than the inner diameter D, (D′−d)> (D−d), and when the pipe 51 is bent with a gentle curve, the design of the guide tube 1 is You can see that there is more room.

  When the pipe 51 is bent with a gentle curve and the radius of curvature of the bent portion of the pipe 51 is larger than the minimum radius of curvature r of the insertion portion, the radius of curvature R of the guide tube 1 is set to bend the pipe 51. It is preferable that the curvature radius is equal to or greater than the curvature radius of the portion (that is, the lower limit value of the curvature radius R is changed to “greater than the curvature radius of the bent portion of the pipe 51” instead of “greater than the minimum curvature radius r”). good).

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the guide tube 1 has a bent portion in the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 when passing through the pipe 51 (an example of this bent portion is the curved portion 13, but the minimum radius of curvature is As described above with respect to r, when the length of the bent portion is not limited to the curved portion 13), the length L of the guide tube 1 is expressed by the following equation (2):
l1 <L
It is preferable that it is comprised so that it may satisfy | fill. As a result, since the bent portion of the insertion portion that passes through the bent portion of the pipe 51 can be entirely covered with the guide tube 1, the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 can be effectively protected.

In addition, the guide tube 1 is connected to the inner periphery of the pipe 51 in the vicinity of the bent portion of the pipe 51 (this vicinity also includes the bent portion itself). ) When the length in the axial direction along the inner periphery of the pipe 51 from the position where the separation starts to the position where it comes into contact with the inner circumference of the pipe 51 again (slowly) is defined as l2, the length L described above is Furthermore, the relationship of Equation 3 below [Formula 3]
l2 <L
It is preferable that it is comprised so that it may satisfy | fill. This makes it possible to draw an ideal arc (inscribed circle) in which the guide tube 1 is inscribed in the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 51, and the bent portion of the endoscope 11 inserted into the guide tube 1. Can be gently bent with a constant curvature, and the load and resistance applied to the endoscope 11 can be reduced satisfactorily.

  The guide tube 1 described above is provided on the proximal end side, and is fixed to the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 (see the fixing base 4 shown in FIG. 5 and the like), and the fixing portion It is preferable to include a rotating unit 2 (see FIG. 5 and the like) that is provided on the distal end side and is rotatable around the insertion axis. In this case, the above-mentioned diameter d is the diameter of the rotating part 2, the above-mentioned radius of curvature R is the radius of curvature of the bending portion inner diameter side 1 a of the rotating part 2, and the above-mentioned length L is the length of the rotating part 2. .

  Thus, by providing the rotatable rotating part 2, even when the bent portion (elbow) of the pipe 51 has a step 51d (see FIGS. 7 and 8), the step 51d can be reduced by rotating the rotating part 2. It is possible to get over and advance the guide tube 1 to a deeper part of the pipe 51, and consequently to guide the endoscope 11 to a deeper part of the pipe 51.

  The pipe 51 is of various types such as those having no step at the bent portion as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and those having a step at the bent portion as shown in FIGS. There is. Therefore, in calculating the curvature radius R and the length L, it is necessary to appropriately set each amount (the above-mentioned inner diameter D, effective inner diameter D ′, angle θ, length l2, etc.) related to the pipe 51 each time. is there. For example, in the case of the pipe 51 having a step as shown in FIG. 8, the shape obtained by virtually extending the straight pipe 51b and the straight pipe 51c (shown by a dotted line in FIG. 8), that is, the shape of the pipe without a step. Approximate calculation according to

  The basic configuration as described above is applied to each embodiment described below.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]

  5 to 8 show the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the guide tube 1 mounted on the outer peripheral side of the endoscope 11, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the elbow of the pipe 51, and FIG. 8 is a virtual view when calculating the configuration of the guide tube corresponding to the elbow of the pipe 51 using mathematical formulas. It is sectional drawing which shows a piping structure.

  First, the endoscope 11 includes an operation portion (not shown) on the proximal end side, and an insertion portion extends from the operation portion to the distal end side. The insertion portion is configured by, for example, sequentially connecting a flexible tube portion 14 (see FIG. 12 and the like), a bending portion 13 (see FIG. 12 and the like), and a distal end rigid portion 12 toward the distal end side. . The distal end rigid portion 12 is provided with an observation system 15 for observing the inspection object and an illumination system 16 for illuminating the inspection object.

  The guide tube 1 guides the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 when it is inserted into the pipe 51, and is attached to the outer peripheral side of the endoscope 11 for use.

  In order from the distal end side to the proximal end side, the guide tube 1 rotates the rotating portion 2 by rotating around the insertion axis with respect to the endoscope 11 and the rotating portion 2 by gripping and rotating. A movable base 3, a fixed base 4 for fixing to the insertion portion of the endoscope 11, and a knob 5 that is screwed into the fixed base 4 to fix the endoscope 11. An endoscope 11 extends from the knob 5 to the proximal end side.

  In the present embodiment, the rotating unit 2 is a spiral tube formed so as to have elasticity and flexibility by spirally winding the long plate member 2a. The rotating portion 2 is formed such that the length in the insertion axis direction is longer than the bending portion 13 of the endoscope 11 and longer than an elbow joint 51a (see FIG. 7) described later. And the front-end | tip of this long plate member 2a is a convex part of the front-end | tip of the rotation part 2. As shown in FIG. With such a configuration, the rotating part 2 can be expanded and contracted in the direction of the insertion axis, and in the shortened state, elastic energy is stored inside.

  The movable base 3 is attached to the outer periphery on the proximal end side of the rotating unit 2 so as to be capable of rotating, and is integrated with the rotating unit 2. An inner diameter flange portion 3 b is provided on the inner peripheral side of the base end portion of the movable base 3, and a groove portion 3 c is formed between the inner diameter flange portion 3 b and the base end surface of the rotating portion 2 of the guide tube 1. .

  The fixed base 4 is configured by connecting a cylindrical inner base 4X and a cylindrical outer base 4Y with a slight shift in the axial position. The inner periphery 4X on the inner peripheral side and the distal end side includes an outer diameter flange portion 4b on the outer peripheral side of the distal end portion. Then, by engaging the outer flange portion 4b with the groove portion 3c described above, the fixed base 4 can slide in the rotational direction with respect to the movable base 3, but the movable base 3 (and thus the rotational portion 2) can be slid. ) The movement in the direction of the insertion axis is restricted. With this configuration, the rotating portion 2 that is pivotally integrated with the movable base 3 rotates relative to the fixed base 4 and, consequently, the endoscope 11 that is fixed to the fixed base 4 as described below.

  The outer base 4Y on the outer peripheral side and the base end side of the fixed base 4 includes a sealing material 6 such as an O-ring formed of an elastic material, and a washer 7 disposed on the base end side of the sealing material 6. Are disposed on the inner peripheral side. Further, a female screw 4 a is threaded on the inner peripheral surface of the base end side of the outer base 4 Y and is screwed with a male screw 5 a threaded on the distal end side of the knob 5.

  Then, when the knob 5 is screwed into the outer base 4Y in a state where the sealing material 6 and the washer 7 are accommodated on the inner peripheral side of the outer base 4Y, the tip of the knob 5 is sealed via the washer 7. The stopper 6 is pressed. Then, the sealing material 6 is compressed in the insertion axis direction and deformed in the inner diameter direction, and comes into contact with the endoscope 11 with a pressing force. In this way, the fixed base 4 is fixed to the endoscope 11 by the static frictional force between the sealing material 6 and the endoscope 11 that are in contact with each other with a pressing force. Therefore, the fixed base 4, the knob 5, the sealing material 6, and the washer 7 constitute a fixing portion for fixing the guide tube 1 to the insertion portion of the endoscope 11.

  Next, a configuration example of the elbow of the pipe 51 to be inspected by the endoscope 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The bent portion of the pipe 51 is constituted, for example, by connecting a straight pipe 51b and a straight pipe 51c arranged so that the central axis of the straight pipe 51b intersects (for example, orthogonal) via an elbow joint 51a. Has been.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the straight pipe 51b is inserted into the inner peripheral side of one opening of the elbow joint 51a, and the straight pipe 51c is inserted into the inner peripheral side of the other opening. For this reason, a step 51d corresponding to the thickness of the straight pipes 51b and 51c is formed at the connection portion between the elbow joint 51a and the straight pipes 51b and 51c.

  In the example shown in FIG. 7, the elbow joint 51a has an R shape that is gently bent, but the shape of the elbow joint 51a is not limited to this example. For example, there may be an elbow joint 51a 'shaped as shown in FIG. 8 that is bent with a sharp angle (especially a sharp angle on the inner diameter side of the bent portion). In the case of the elbow joint 51a ′ shaped as shown in FIG. 8, as described above, the shape obtained by virtually extending the straight pipe 51b and the straight pipe 51c (shown by the dotted line in FIG. 8), that is, In accordance with the shape of the pipe without the step 51d, the above mathematical formulas 1 to 3 may be calculated approximately. Specifically, the guide tube 1 is configured to allow passage even if there is a pipe at the intersection 51e3 on the inner diameter side when the straight pipe 51b and the straight pipe 51c are extended. Using the inner diameters of the straight pipe 51c and the straight pipe 51c, the pipe length between the straight pipe 51b and the straight pipe 51c (or the pipe length of the elbow joint 51a ′ itself) is used as the length l2.

  Subsequently, an operation when the guide tube 1 is inserted into the pipe 51 will be described.

  First, with the knob 5 loosened, the endoscope 11 is inserted from the proximal end side of the guide tube 1 until the distal end surface of the distal rigid portion 12 substantially coincides with the distal end of the guide tube 1 but is slightly in front. insert. This position is a position where the distal end rigid portion 12 does not protrude from the distal end of the guide tube 1. At this time, it is preferable that the position is such that the illumination in the pipe 51 by the illumination system 16 and the observation in the pipe 51 by the observation system 15 can be performed (hereinafter described as such a preferable position. ).

  In this state, the guide tube 1 is fixed to the endoscope 11 by screwing the knob 5 into the fixed base 4.

  Then, the guide tube 1 in which the endoscope 11 is inserted is inserted into the pipe 51 while illuminating and observing the inside of the pipe 51 with the endoscope 11.

  There is no problem if the guide tube 1 (and the endoscope 11, which will be omitted in the following description) passes through the bent portion as it is when it reaches the bent portion of the pipe 51, but the tip of the guide tube 1 is caught by the step 51d. In some cases, the pipe 51 may be prevented from being inserted in the depth direction.

  In this case, a force for pushing into the guide tube 1 is applied while rotating the movable base 3 in the winding direction of the long plate member 2 a in the rotating portion 2.

  Then, the tip of the long plate member 2a (the convex portion at the tip of the rotating portion 2) is caught by the step 51d, and the rotation of the tip of the rotating portion 2 stops. In this state, the movable base 3 is further rotated. As a result, elastic energy is accumulated in the rotating unit 2.

  Then, the tip of the long plate member 2a caught on the step 51d cannot withstand the pressing force generated from the accumulated elastic energy, and is finally repelled. Thereby, the rotation part 2 begins to rotate so as to release the force compressed as a whole, and extends so that the tip of the long plate member 2 a can be repelled toward the deep part direction of the pipe 51. As described above, the guide tube 1 has an elastic spring property, and is configured to easily generate a propulsive force when passing through the bent portion of the pipe 51.

  Thus, once the tip of the rotating part 2 gets over the step 51d, the guide tube 1 can be easily pushed into the deeper part of the pipe 51 thereafter. At this time, if the rotary part 2 is pushed in while being rotated, the guide tube 1 can be inserted along the winding shape of the long plate member 2a. When passing through the bent portion of the pipe 51, the radius of curvature R of the bent portion inner diameter side 1a of the guide tube 1 is larger than the minimum radius of curvature r of the endoscope 11 as described above. A large bending load is not applied to the curved portion 13.

  When the knob 5 is loosened when the vicinity of the target position to be observed is reached, only the endoscope 11 can be moved in the insertion axis direction relative to the guide tube 1, and the endoscope 11 is moved slightly toward the distal end side. It can be pushed out to project outside from the tip of the guide tube 1. As a result, it is possible to perform desired observation without causing illumination vignetting or observation image vignetting by the guide tube 1.

  Further, when the endoscope 11 is removed from the pipe 51, the endoscope 11 is accommodated in the guide tube 1 again, or the endoscope 11 is inserted with the guide tube 1 inserted into the pipe 51. Only the mirror 11 is extracted first through the inside of the guide tube 1, and then the guide tube 1 is extracted.

  According to the first embodiment, since the radius of curvature R of the bent portion inner diameter side 1a of the guide tube 1 is larger than the minimum radius of curvature r of the insertion portion of the endoscope 11, it passes through the bent portion of the pipe 51. In this case, the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 is not bent to the minimum radius of curvature r, and not only can the load and damage of the insertion portion be reduced to improve durability, but also the endoscope 11 Only the distal end portion is not extremely bent, and the bent portion of the pipe 51 is easily passed.

  In addition, since the radius of curvature R satisfies the second inequality in Equation 1 described above, the guide tube 1 can be smoothly and smoothly inserted into the bent portion of the pipe 51.

  Further, since the length L of the guide tube 1 is longer than the length l1 of the bending portion in the insertion portion of the endoscope 11, the bending portion of the insertion portion that passes through the bending portion of the pipe 51 is guided to the guide tube. 1 can be entirely covered, and the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 can be effectively protected.

  Then, since the length L of the guide tube 1 satisfies the above-described formula 3, it is possible to draw an ideal arc (inscribed circle) in which the guide tube 1 is inscribed in the inner peripheral surface of the pipe 51. The bending portion of the endoscope 11 inserted into the guide tube 1 can also bend gently with a constant curvature, and the load and resistance applied to the endoscope 11 can be reduced more favorably. Become.

  In addition, since the fixing portion is provided, the guide tube 1 can be fixed to the insertion portion of the endoscope 11.

  In addition, since the guide tube 1 is configured to include the rotating unit 2, it is possible to pass the bent portion of the pipe 51 while rotating the rotating unit 2.

  Furthermore, since the rotating part 2 is formed as a spiral tube, it is possible to overcome the step 51d in the bent portion of the pipe 51 with elasticity. Further, even after overcoming the step 51d, it is possible to proceed along the pitch of the spiral tube while rotating the rotating portion 2.

Since the fixed portion further restricts the movement of the rotating portion 2 in the insertion axis direction, only the rotation of the rotating portion 2 is performed without making the position of the guide tube 1 in the insertion axis direction relative to the endoscope 11 unstable. Can be performed stably.
[Embodiment 2]

  9 and 10 show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the rotating portion 2 of the guide tube 1. FIG. 10 shows a modification of the rotating portion 2 of the guide tube 1. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows a structure.

  In the second embodiment, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In the guide tube 1 of the first embodiment described above, the entire rotating unit 2 is configured by a spiral tube. However, the guide tube 1 of the present embodiment has a rotating distal end 2A on the distal end side of the rotating unit 2 and a proximal end side. The rotation base end portion 2B has a different configuration.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the rotating front end 2A is a spiral tube formed so as to have elasticity and flexibility by spirally winding a long plate member 2a, but the rotating base end 2B The close-contact coil 2b is formed by coiling a wire in close contact with each other. The adhesion coil 2b has a wire hardness (the higher the hardness of the wire, the harder the adhesion coil 2b), the wire, so as to have appropriate stretchability and rigidity considering the pushability to the deep part of the pipe 51. The wire diameter (the larger the wire diameter, the harder the contact coil 2b), the number of strips (the greater the number of strands, the harder the contact coil 2b), and the like are set.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, the radius of curvature R on the inner side of the bending portion of the rotating tip portion 2A satisfies the condition of Equation 1 described above, and the length L of the rotating tip portion 2A is determined by Equation 2 and Equation 3 described above. It is configured to satisfy the conditions.

  According to the second embodiment, the passage of the bent portion of the pipe 51 by the rotating tip 2A of the guide tube 1 can be ensured in substantially the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the same effect can be obtained. Furthermore, since the rotation base end portion 2B is formed as the contact coil 2b, the pushability of the guide tube 1 into the pipe 51, that is, the ease of insertion can be enhanced.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the modification of the rotation part 2 of the guide tube 1 is demonstrated.

  The guide tube 1 of this modification is configured such that the rotating portion 2 is configured by connecting a distal end spiral tube 2E and a proximal end spiral tube 2F.

  That is, a female screw cap portion 2E1 is provided on the proximal end side of the distal spiral tube 2E, and a male screw cap portion 2F1 is provided on the distal end side of the proximal spiral tube 2F. Then, by sandwiching the elastic holding member 31 formed in an O-ring shape with an elastic material and screwing the female screw cap portion 2E1 and the male screw cap portion 2F1, the distal spiral tube 2E and the proximal spiral tube 2F Are connected together.

  If the inner diameter of the elastic holding member 31 is formed in accordance with the outer diameter of the insertion portion of the endoscope 11, the elastic holding member 31 is adjusted by adjusting the screwing amounts of the female screw base portion 2E1 and the male screw base portion 2F1. The endoscope 11 can be held and fixed also in this part.

  Further, the movable base 3 and the fixed part (fixed base 4, knob 5, sealing material 6, washer 7) as described above are attached to the base end side of the base end spiral tube 2 </ b> F.

  The guide tube 1 having the configuration shown in FIG. 10 is attached to the endoscope 11 as follows, for example.

  First, the guide tube 1 is assembled in a state in which the movable base 3 and the fixed portion, the proximal spiral tube 2F, the elastic holding member 31, and the distal spiral tube 2E are connected. At this time, the female screw cap portion 2E1 and the male screw cap portion 2F1 are in a loosely screwed state.

  Next, the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 is inserted into the guide tube 1. At this time, since the female screw cap portion 2E1 and the male screw cap portion 2F1 are in a loosened state, the insertion portion can pass through the portion of the elastic holding member 31 as it is.

  Then, when the distal end of the endoscope 11 is substantially coincident with the distal end of the distal spiral tube 2E but is inserted to a slightly nearer position, the female screw base portion 2E1 and the male screw base portion 2F1 are screwed and screwed together to be elastic. The holding member 31 is compressed in the insertion axis direction and deformed in the inner diameter direction, and the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 can be held and fixed.

  Further, when the guide tube 1 is inserted into the pipe 51, the endoscope 11 is fixed by the elastic holding member 31, and therefore the rotation of the guide tube 1 when passing through the bent portion of the pipe 51 is as follows. This is performed together with the endoscope 11 inserted inside. Therefore, at this time, it is necessary to loosen the knob 5 described above.

  In the above description, the endoscope 11 is held and fixed to the guide tube 1 at two locations (two locations of the sealing material 6 and the elastic holding member 31). The endoscope 11 may be held and fixed at three or more locations.

  In the configuration as described above, the radius of curvature R and the length L shown in the above-described formulas 1 to 3 are, for example, the radius of curvature and the length of the distal spiral tube 2E.

According to the configuration of this modification, a plurality of spiral tubes can be easily and integrally connected. Furthermore, the endoscope 11 can be held and fixed to the guide tube 1 at a plurality of locations in the insertion axis direction, and the position of the endoscope 11 with respect to the guide tube 1 can be stabilized.
[Embodiment 3]

  11 and 12 show Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the guide tube 1, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope 11. FIG.

  In the third embodiment, the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The guide tube 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the rotating distal end portion 2A and the rotating proximal end portion 2B are different from the guide tube 1 of the above-described embodiment 2, but the rotating proximal end portion 2B is different from that of the second embodiment. Is even more different.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the guide tube 1 is a spiral tube in which the rotating tip 2A is formed so as to have elasticity and flexibility by spirally winding the long plate member 2a.

  On the other hand, the rotation base end portion 2 </ b> B is configured as a normal tube portion 22. And the rotation front-end | tip part 2A which is a spiral tube, and the rotation base end part 2B which is the tube part 22 are connected via a nozzle | cap | die.

  First, the spiral tube side cap 21 is provided on the proximal end side of the rotating distal end portion 2A. On the other hand, a tube side connection base 23 is provided on the distal end side of the rotation base end portion 2B, and a connection pipe 24 extends from the tube side connection base 23 to the distal end side. Then, by inserting the connection pipe 24 into the spiral tube side base 21 and connecting the spiral tube side base 21 and the tube side connection base 23 with an appropriate configuration, the rotational tip portion 2A and the rotational base end portion 2B Are connected together.

  In such a configuration of the guide tube 1 as well, the curvature radius R on the inner diameter side of the bending portion of the rotating tip 2A satisfies the condition of the above-described formula 1 and the length of the rotating tip 2A is the same as in the second embodiment. L is configured to satisfy the conditions of Equation 2 and Equation 3 described above.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the endoscope 11 includes a distal end rigid portion 12, a bending portion 13, and a flexible tube portion 14 in order from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the insertion portion. The distal end rigid portion 12 is provided with the observation system 15 and the illumination system 16 as described above.

  In the configuration of the present embodiment, the length l1 shown in Formula 2 is, for example, the distal end rigid portion 12, the bending portion 13, and the connecting portion between the bending portion 13 and the flexible tube portion 14 as illustrated. It is length.

  Further, FIG. 12 illustrates a state in which the bending portion 13 in the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 has the minimum curvature radius r shown in Equation 1.

According to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained by using the tube portion 22 as the rotation base end portion 2B. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the rotation tip portion 2A and the rotation base end portion 2B are connected via a base, so that elasticity, flexibility, rigidity, outer diameter, inner diameter, length, heat resistance If a plurality of different types of rotating tip 2A and rotating base end 2B are prepared, the length, inner diameter, temperature (whether the temperature is high, etc.) of the pipe 51 to be inspected, and the curvature of the bent portion Depending on the radius, the outer diameter of the endoscope 11, the minimum radius of curvature r of the curved portion, etc., it is possible to use the optimum rotating tip 2A and rotating base end 2B in combination.
[Embodiment 4]

  FIGS. 13 to 15 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the guide tube 1, and FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the proximal end side of the guide tube 1. FIG. 15 and FIG. 15 are views showing a configuration example in which the tube 39 is attached to the proximal end side of the air supply base 27.

  In the fourth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The guide tube 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be used as a heat resistant sheath.

  That is, the rotating portion 2 of the guide tube 1 includes an inner tube 2C configured as a spiral tube and an outer tube 2D configured as a heat-resistant sheath that hardly conducts heat to the inside. It has a double cylinder structure in which the outer tube 2D is disposed on the outer peripheral side. Here, the distal end portion of the inner tube 2C extends to the distal end side with respect to the distal end opening of the outer tube 2D. Here, the extension length of the inner tube 2C from the distal end opening of the outer tube 2D is, for example, such that the bending portion 13 of the endoscope 11 is covered only by the inner tube 2C and not covered by the outer tube 2D. Length. Then, for example, by gripping and rotating the proximal end side of the outer tube 2D, the inner tube 2C and the outer tube 2D rotate together, that is, the rotating unit 2 rotates. .

  Here, the spiral tube constituting the inner tube 2C is assumed to be flexible over its entire length. This flexibility is a degree of flexibility that does not hinder the bending when the bending portion 13 of the endoscope 11 is bent. However, with only such a flexible inner tube 2 </ b> C, it is difficult to transmit the pushing force when pushing into the pipe 51. Therefore, the outer tube 2D, which is made harder using a material such as urethane resin, fluororubber, or fluororesin, is extrapolated to the inner tube 2C to improve the pushability into the pipe 51.

  A close-contact coil may be provided on the outer peripheral side of the outer tube 2D to make it easier to push. Alternatively, only the contact coil may be provided instead of the outer tube 2D.

  The outer tube 2D is provided on the outer periphery on the proximal end side with a folding stop 25 in which a band-like member is spirally wound. Further, a sheath side connection pipe 26 is extended from the proximal end side of the outer tube 2D.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, a fixed base 28 for inserting and fixing the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 is provided on the proximal end side of the guide tube 1. A female screw similar to the female screw 4a of the fixed base 4 of the first embodiment described above is also threaded on the inner periphery on the base end side of the fixed base 28, and the sealing material 6 is sandwiched between It is adapted to be screwed with the threaded male screw 5a. The fixed base 28 has a fixed base side pipe 28a extending to the tip side.

  An air supply base 27 is attached between the rotating unit 2 and the fixed base 28.

  The air supply base 27 includes a distal end side connecting portion 27a for inserting the sheath side connection pipe 26 and connecting it in an airtight manner, and a proximal end side connecting portion 27b for inserting the fixed base side pipe 28a and connecting it in an airtight manner. And a side connecting portion 27c for airtightly connecting a fluid conduit 29 for supplying a cooling fluid (for example, cooling air) sent from an external compressor or the like. ing.

  As another structure, FIG. 15 shows a simplified structure of the fixed base 28, the sealing material 6, and the knob 5.

  A tube 39 is connected to the base end side connecting portion 27 b of the air supply base 27 via a sealing material 38. That is, when the sealing material 38 is sandwiched between the air supply base 27 and the tube 39 in a state where the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 is passed through the sealing material 38, the cooling air leaks from the base end side connection portion 27b. It is the structure which seals.

  In such a configuration, the radius of curvature R and the length L shown in the above-described formulas 1 to 3 are, for example, the radius of curvature and the length of the portion of the inner tube 2C that extends from the outer tube 2D to the distal end side.

  The operation when the guide tube 1 is attached to the endoscope 11 and the operation when the guide tube 1 passes through the bent portion of the pipe 51 are substantially the same as those in the above-described embodiments.

  On the other hand, when the inside of the pipe 51 is at a high temperature, the following actions are further performed while the guide tube 1 and the endoscope 11 are inserted into the pipe 51.

  For example, cooling air is sent from the fluid pipe 29 to the air supply base 27 by operating a compressor or the like. As described above, since the sealing material 6 is provided in the fixed base 28, the cooling air does not leak from the proximal end side of the guide tube 1.

  Accordingly, the cooling air flows to the distal end side through the inside of the rotating unit 2 and cools the insertion portion of the endoscope 11. Furthermore, after cooling the observation system 15 and the illumination system 16 in the distal end rigid portion 12 of the endoscope 11, the endoscope 11 is discharged from the distal end opening of the guide tube 1 into the pipe 51.

  For example, the observation system 15 may include a heat-sensitive device such as an image sensor. Accordingly, in order to effectively cool the observation system 15 and the illumination system 16 in such a configuration, observation or the like is preferably performed in a state where the distal end rigid portion 12 does not protrude as much as possible from the distal end opening of the guide tube 1.

According to the fourth embodiment, the same effect as the first to third embodiments described above can be obtained, and the endoscope 11 can be effectively protected from the high temperature even when the inside of the pipe 51 is at a high temperature. Is possible. That is, since the outer tube 2D configured as a heat resistant sheath is provided, the amount of heat conducted to the endoscope 11 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the endoscope 11 is cooled by the cooling fluid, it is possible not only to prevent damage to the heat-sensitive device, but also to reduce noise generated by the heat, so that the image quality of the observation image is reduced. It is also possible to improve.
[Embodiment 5]

  16 to 18 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the guide tube 1 inserted into the pipe 51. FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing another configuration example of the fixed base of the guide tube 1.

  In the fifth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The guide tube 1 of the present embodiment has a shape maintaining function.

  That is, the guide tube 1 is configured by rotatably attaching the rotating part 2G to the distal end side of the fixed base 4B, and the rotating part 2G is configured as a bent shape holding spiral tube. In addition, a connection pipe 2G1 extends from the base end side of the rotating part 2G, and the rotating part 2G is connected to the fixed base 4B via the connecting pipe 2G1.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the fixed base 4B is inserted with a distal end side connection portion 4B1 for inserting and connecting the connection pipe 2G1, and a tube portion 33 having a structure portion for fixing the endoscope 11. And a base end side connection portion 4B2 for connection. Here, the distal end side connection portion 4B1 restricts the movement of the rotating portion 2G connected via the connection pipe 2G1 in the insertion axis direction, but at least a predetermined angular range (for example, 1) in the rotation direction around the insertion axis. It is configured to be able to rotate (or to be freely rotatable) by a range of rotation or more.

  The tube part 33 connected to the base end side connection part 4B2 sandwiches the insertion part of the endoscope 11 with elasticity, for example, and restricts and fixes the movement of the endoscope 11 by static frictional force (fixing part) It is a linear tube provided with a deformed portion 33a. The deformed portion 33a is, for example, a portion in which the tube portion 33 having a circular cross section is plastically deformed by compressing in one direction so that the cross section is elliptical.

  Here, when the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 is inserted into the guide tube 1 via the fixed base 4B, the deformed portion 33a of the tube portion 33 is applied with a pressing force and has an elliptical cross section. In such a state, the insertion portion may be passed. After that, when the endoscope 11 is inserted to a predetermined position, the insertion portion is fixed by the deformation portion 33a if the pressing force applied to the deformation portion 33a is released.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 16, a pipe member 34 for preventing disconnection is externally fitted to the connection portion between the fixed base 4 </ b> B and the tube portion 33.

  18 includes a distal end side connection portion 4A1 for inserting and connecting the connection pipe 2G1, and a proximal end side connection portion 4A2 for inserting and connecting the tube portion 33. ing. Here, the distal end side connecting portion 4A1 regulates the movement of the rotating portion 2G in the insertion axis direction and allows rotation (or rotation) within a predetermined angle range around the insertion axis. It is the same as the connection part 4B1.

  The tube portion 33 connected to the proximal end side connection portion 4A2 not only includes a deformable portion 33a that is a structure portion for fixing the endoscope 11, but is further bent to the proximal end side of the deformable portion 33a. The bent deformation part 33b is provided, and is a substantially L-shaped tube.

  In such a configuration, when the bending portion 13 of the endoscope 11 is bent in a state where the shape holding function of the guide tube 1 is released, the guide tube 1 is also bent along the bending shape of the bending portion 13. When the shape holding function of the guide tube 1 is exhibited in this state, the guide tube 1 is in a state of maintaining a curved shape. When the rotating unit 2G is rotated around the insertion axis indicated by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 16 in this state, the endoscope 11 can observe the entire circumference around the insertion axis.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the desired direction around the insertion axis can be easily observed by using the guide tube 1 having the same effects as those of the first to fourth embodiments described above and having a shape maintaining function. There are advantages that are possible.

Further, the endoscope 11 is fixed by the fixing caps 4A and 4B on the proximal end side of the guide tube 1 by the deforming portion 33a instead of the knob 5, the sealing material 6 and the washer 7 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced, and the endoscope 11 can be fixed to the guide tube 1 by a simple operation.
[Embodiment 6]

  FIG. 19 shows Embodiment 6 of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope 11 protruding from the distal end opening of the guide tube 1.

  In the sixth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In the present embodiment, an outer tube 35 is attached to the distal end portion of the endoscope 11.

  Specifically, an outer tube 35 is integrally attached to the outer peripheral side of the distal end rigid portion 12. A male screw-shaped spiral portion 35a is provided on the outer periphery of the outer tube. The spiral portion 35a is formed in a shape (outer diameter, pitch, etc.) that can be screwed onto the inner periphery of the rotating portion 2 formed of a spiral tube.

  In addition, a fixed base 4 and a knob 5 are provided on the proximal end side of the guide tube 1, and the endoscope 11 can be fixed and released as desired as in the above-described embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the movable base 3 is not provided, and the rotating portion 2 is directly fixed to the fixed base 4. Therefore, in the configuration of the present embodiment, when the endoscope 11 is fixed to the guide tube 1, the endoscope 11 is rotated integrally with the endoscope 11 when the guide tube 1 is rotated.

  When passing through the bent portion of the pipe 51, it is preferable that the distal end portion of the endoscope 11 is housed in the guide tube 1 in order to protect the endoscope 11. Therefore, in a state in which the guide tube 1 is not fixed to the endoscope 11, the rotating portion 2 formed of a spiral tube is rotated relative to the endoscope 11 so that the inner circumference of the rotating portion 2 and the spiral portion 35a Is screwed, the endoscope 11 can be moved back and forth in the insertion axis direction with respect to the guide tube 1. Accordingly, the distal end rigid portion 12 is accommodated in the guide tube 1 by relatively rotating the rotating portion 2 by an appropriate amount before passing through the bent portion of the pipe 51.

  Thereafter, the guide tube 1 is fixed to the endoscope 11. Thereby, the movement of the endoscope 11 in the insertion axis direction with respect to the guide tube 1 is prohibited. In this state, by pushing the guide tube 1 while rotating the rotating portion 2, the insertion portion of the endoscope 11 can pass through the bent portion of the pipe 51 in a safe state stored in the guide tube 1. it can.

According to such Embodiment 6, while having the effect similar to Embodiment 1-5 mentioned above, the outer tube | pipe 35 provided with the spiral part 35a is attached to the front-end | tip part of the endoscope 11, and consists of a spiral tube. Since the rotating part 2 can be screwed, the endoscope 11 can be moved back and forth relative to the guide tube 1. In addition, since the relative advance / retreat is performed by the rotation of the rotating portion 2, there is no need to provide a separate advance / retreat mechanism, and there is an advantage that the configuration is simple and can be manufactured at low cost.
[Embodiment 7]

  FIG. 20 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a configuration of the guide tube 1 attached to the outer peripheral side of the endoscope 11.

  In the seventh embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  The guide tube 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a transparent hood 37 at the distal end, and provided with a telescopic mechanism capable of changing the length of the guide tube 1 even when the guide tube 1 is attached to the endoscope 11. It has become.

  That is, the transparent hood 37 is attached to the distal end portion of the spiral tube around which the long plate member 2 a of the rotating portion 2 is wound, and the distal end convex portion 37 a that contacts the step 51 d of the pipe 51 is attached to the transparent hood 37. (Corresponding to the tip of the long plate member 2a in the first embodiment described above) is provided.

  Further, the movable base 3 is provided on the base end side of the guide tube 1 as in the above-described embodiment, and the fixed base 4 </ b> C provided with an expansion / contraction mechanism is provided on the base end side of the movable base 3. The fixed base 4C is provided with a distal end side connection portion 4C1, and the distal end side connection portion 4C1 supports the movable base 3 so that the movable base 3 can be rotated and restricted in the insertion axis direction.

  The fixed base 4C includes a base end side connection portion 4C2, and the tube portion 33 including the deforming portion 33a described above is connected to the base end side connection portion 4C2.

  A male screw 4C4 is provided on the distal end side of the base end side connection portion 4C2, and is screwed with a female screw 4C3 provided on the inner periphery of the fixed base 4C on the distal end side of the base end side connection portion 4C2. Then, if the screwing of the male screw 4C4 and the female screw 4C3 is advanced one turn, the length of the rotating part 2 is shortened by one pitch of the male screw 4C4 and the female screw 4C3, and if the screwing is returned one turn, the rotating part 2 is similarly turned. The length is extended by one pitch.

  In such a configuration, when passing through the bent portion of the pipe 51, the telescopic mechanism is adjusted so that the distal end portion of the endoscope 11 is housed in the transparent hood 37 in order to protect the endoscope 11. To do. Even at this time, since the transparent hood 37 is formed to be transparent, observation with the endoscope 11 can be performed as it is.

  Further, even after passing through the bent portion of the pipe 51 (or even before passing through the bent portion of the pipe 51), the inner end of the distal end rigid portion 12 is stored in the transparent hood 37. An operation of performing observation with the endoscope 11 is possible. However, when it is desired to obtain a clear image by directly observing without passing through the transparent hood 37 (for example, when the target observation position is reached), the observation system of the endoscope 11 is adjusted by adjusting the expansion / contraction mechanism described above. 15 and the illumination system 16 may be exposed to the outside of the transparent hood 37.

  According to such Embodiment 7, while having the effect similar to Embodiments 1-6 mentioned above and providing the transparent hood 37 in the front-end | tip part of the guide tube 1, even in the state which protected the endoscope 11 Observation can be performed.

In addition, since the guide tube 1 is provided with an expansion / contraction mechanism, the length of the guide tube 1 can be changed even when the guide tube 1 is fixed to the endoscope 11.
[Eighth embodiment]

  FIG. 21 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention and is a perspective view showing a configuration of the guide tube 1.

  In the eighth embodiment, the same parts as those in the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate, and only different points will be mainly described.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the guide tube 1 is configured to include a spiral tube. However, in this embodiment, a curved tube is employed instead of the spiral tube.

  First, the guide tube 1 of the present embodiment has a configuration in which the rotating portion 2 includes a rotating distal end portion 2H on the distal end side and a rotating proximal end portion 2I on the proximal end side.

  The rotating tip 2H has the same configuration as the bending tube provided in the bending portion 13 of the endoscope 11. That is, the rotating tip 2H is configured by connecting a plurality of cylindrical curved pieces 41 with hinge portions 41a. Here, the hinge portion 41a is provided such that the position around the insertion axis is shifted by 90 ° between the distal end side and the proximal end side of an arbitrary bending piece 41. With such a configuration, the bending tube can be bent vertically and horizontally. It has become.

  Further, the rotation base end portion 2I is formed as a contact coil 2b, for example, like the rotation base end portion 2B of the second embodiment described above.

  When the guide tube 1 having such a configuration is passed through the bent portion of the pipe 51, the guide tube 1 is pushed in while being rotated, as in the above-described embodiment.

  According to the eighth embodiment, substantially the same effects as those of the first to seventh embodiments can be obtained by using a curved tube instead of the spiral tube.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments as they are, and can be embodied by modifying the constituent elements without departing from the scope in the implementation stage. In addition, various aspects of the invention can be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the embodiment. For example, you may delete some components from all the components shown by embodiment. Furthermore, the constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined. Thus, it goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope guide tube 1a ... Bending part inner diameter side 1b ... Bending part outer diameter side 2, 2G ... Rotating part 2A, 2H ... Rotating front-end | tip part 2B, 2I ... Rotating base end part 2C ... Inner tube 2D ... Outer tube 2E ... tip spiral tube 2E1 ... female screw cap part 2F1 ... male screw cap part 2F ... proximal end spiral pipe 2G1, 24 ... connection pipe 2a ... long plate member 2b ... contact coil 3 ... movable base 3b ... inner diameter flange part 3c ... groove part 4, 4A , 4B, 4C, 28 ... fixed base (fixed part)
4A1, 4B1, 4C1 ... distal end side connection part 4A2, 4B2, 4C2 ... proximal end side connection part 4b ... outer diameter flange part 4X ... inner base 4Y ... outer base 5 ... knob (fixed part)
6 ... Sealing material (fixing part)
7. Washer (fixed part)
11 ... Endoscope 12 ... Tip rigid part (insertion part)
13: Curved part (insertion part)
14 ... Flexible tube part (insertion part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 ... Observation system 16 ... Illumination system 21 ... Spiral tube side base 22, 33 ... Tube part 23 ... Tube side connection base 25 ... Folding 26 ... Sheath side connection pipe 27 ... Air supply base 27a ... Tip side connection part 27b ... Base End side connection part 27c ... Side connection part 28a ... Fixed cap side pipe 29 ... Fluid conduit 31 ... Elastic holding member 33a ... Deformation part (fixed part)
33b ... Bending deformation part 34 ... Pipe member 35 ... Outer pipe 35a ... Spiral part 37 ... Transparent hood 37a ... Tip convex part 38 ... Sealing material 39 ... Tube 41 ... Curve top 41a ... Hinge part 51 ... Piping 51a, 51a '... Elbow joint 51b, 51c ... Straight pipe 51d ... Step 51e1, 51e2, 51e3 ... Intersection 51v1, 51v2 ... Extension line

Claims (8)

In the endoscope guide tube that guides the insertion of the insertion portion of the endoscope into the pipe,
The minimum radius of curvature of the insertion portion of the endoscope is r, the inner diameter of the pipe is D, the bending angle of the bent portion of the pipe is (π−θ), and the diameter of the endoscope guide tube is d (here , D <D), when the radius of curvature of the bending portion inner diameter side of the endoscope guide tube is R,
The endoscope guide tube has a relationship in which the radius of curvature R is as follows:
r <R ≦ (D−d) / {1-sin (θ / 2)}
An endoscope guide tube characterized by being configured to satisfy the above. When the length of the bending portion in the insertion portion of the endoscope when passing through the pipe is l1,
The length L of the endoscope guide tube has the following relationship:
l1 <L
The endoscope guide tube according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope guide tube is configured to satisfy the above. From the position where the endoscope guide tube in contact with the inner circumference of the pipe in the vicinity of the bent portion of the pipe starts to separate from the inner circumference of the pipe to the position in contact with the inner circumference of the pipe again. When the length in the axial direction along the inner periphery of the pipe is l2,
The length L further has the following relationship:
l2 <L
The endoscope guide tube according to claim 2, wherein the endoscope guide tube is configured to satisfy the above. A fixing portion that is provided on the proximal end side and is fixed to the insertion portion of the endoscope;
A rotating part that is provided on the distal end side of the fixed part and is rotatable around an insertion axis;
Comprising
The diameter d is a diameter of the rotating part, the radius of curvature R is a radius of curvature of the rotating part on the inner side of a bent portion, and the length L is a length of the rotating part. The endoscope guide tube according to Item 2 or Claim 3.   The endoscope guide tube according to claim 4, wherein the rotating unit is rotatable around an insertion axis relative to the endoscope.   The endoscope guide tube according to claim 5, wherein the fixed portion further restricts movement of the rotating portion in the insertion axis direction.   The endoscope guide tube according to claim 4, wherein the rotating portion is rotatable around the insertion axis so as to rotate integrally with the endoscope.   At least the tip of the rotating part is formed as a spiral tube, the diameter d is the diameter of the spiral tube, the radius of curvature R is the radius of curvature of the inside of the bent portion of the spiral tube, and the length The endoscope guide tube according to claim 4, wherein L is a length of the spiral tube.

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