JP2024000193A - Double balloon type endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress interference between a long part of a double balloon type endoscope and an inner wall of a bent part of a test object, in comparison to such a constitution that only a tip part of the long part is bent by an external operation, concerning the double balloon type endoscope.SOLUTION: A double balloon type endoscope includes a long part which has a long shape, and one expandable/contractible balloon on a tip part, and in which the tip part can be bent by an external operation, and a cylinder part into which the long part is stored movably forward and backward, and which has a cylindrical shape, another expandable/contractible balloon on the tip part, and a tip part bendable by an external operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a double balloon endoscope.

An insertion aid for guiding the insertion of an insertion portion of an endoscope described in Patent Document 1 has a main body tube, and an insertion hole is formed in the main body tube in the axial direction. A wire is inserted through each insertion hole, and the tip of each wire is fixed to the main body tube. A locking member for locking the proximal end of the wire is provided at the proximal end of the insertion aid.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-271500

A double balloon endoscope has a long part that has one balloon that inflates and deflates at its tip, and a cylindrical tube in which the long part is housed so that it can move forward and backward, and has another balloon that inflates and deflates at its tip. It has a section. The distal end portion of the elongated portion is curved by an external operation.

Conventionally, when using this double-balloon endoscope to examine the inner wall of the large intestine, which has a bent part, for example, the double-balloon endoscope was inserted from the anus with the long part housed in the cylindrical part. Insert the barrel of the endoscope into the large intestine. Then, in order to avoid interference between the cylindrical part of the double balloon endoscope and the inner wall of the large intestine, the cylindrical part is stopped before the bending part, and the long part is made to protrude from the cylindrical part in the advancing direction. Here, in order to avoid interference between the long part and the inner wall of the large intestine, when the long part is made to protrude from the cylindrical part, the long part is made to protrude while being curved by an operation from the outside. However, the elongated portion with a curved tip protrudes in the extending direction of the cylindrical portion, and the elongated portion may interfere with the inner wall of the large intestine.

The problem of the present disclosure is that compared to a double balloon endoscope in which only the distal end of the long part is bent by external operation, the long part of the double balloon endoscope and the object to be inspected are bent. This is to suppress interference between the inner wall of the part and the inner wall of the part.

A double-balloon endoscope according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is elongated and has one balloon that expands and contracts at its distal end, and the elongated end whose distal end can be bent by external operation. and a cylindrical part in which the elongated part is housed so as to be movable and retractable, and has another balloon that expands and contracts at its distal end, and whose distal end is bendable by external operation. It is characterized by

According to the first aspect, the cylindrical portion is inserted into the inspection object having the bent portion while the elongated portion is housed in the cylindrical portion. Further, the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion inserted into the test object is bent by an external operation so as to follow the bent portion of the test object. In this state, by inflating the other balloon of the cylindrical portion, the tip portion of the cylindrical portion is fixed at a predetermined position of the inspection target.

With the distal end of the cylindrical section fixed at a predetermined position on the object to be inspected, the elongated section is made to protrude from the cylindrical section, and one balloon of the protruded elongated section is inflated to remove the distal end of the elongated section. is fixed at a predetermined position on the object to be inspected. Furthermore, the other balloons are deflated and only the cylindrical portion is advanced. Then deflate one balloon. By repeating this process, the tip of the elongated portion reaches the region to be inspected.

As explained above, the tip of the cylindrical part inserted into the object to be inspected is bent by an external operation so as to follow the bent part of the object, and in this state, the elongated part is made to protrude from the cylindrical part. . For this reason, compared to a double-balloon endoscope in which only the distal end of the long part is curved by external operation, the long part of the double-balloon endoscope and the inner wall of the bent part to be inspected are It is possible to suppress interference between the two.

A double-balloon endoscope according to a second aspect of the present disclosure is the double-balloon endoscope according to the first aspect, including a base attached to a proximal end of the cylindrical portion; The present invention is characterized by comprising another stand attached to the base end of the elongated portion protruding from the base end, and a relative movement member that relatively moves the one stand and the other stand.

According to the second aspect, the relative movement member can move the elongated portion forward and backward with respect to the cylindrical portion by relatively moving one stand and the other stand.

A double-balloon endoscope according to a third aspect of the present disclosure is the double-balloon endoscope according to the first aspect, in which a bendable distal end portion of the cylindrical portion is arranged and arranged in the longitudinal direction. and a plurality of curved pieces that are mutually rotatable; a plurality of curved pieces are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the curved pieces when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and extend in the longitudinal direction and penetrate through the plurality of curved pieces; A traction wire that rotates the plurality of bending pieces when being pulled to curve a distal end portion of the cylindrical portion, the traction wire directed from a proximal end of the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion toward a proximal end of the cylindrical portion. and the pulling wire arranged in a spiral around the elongated part.

According to the third aspect, the plurality of curved pieces are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the curved pieces arranged in the longitudinal direction, extend in the longitudinal direction and penetrate through the plurality of curved pieces, and are pulled by the plurality of curved pieces. A pulling wire, which is rotated to curve the distal end portion, is arranged in a helical manner around the elongated portion. For this reason, when the proximal portion of the cylindrical portion is warped with respect to the distal end portion, the traction wire is placed around the elongated portion along the longitudinal direction. The amount of pulling of the pulling wire when bending the tip portion can be reduced.

A double-balloon endoscope according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the double-balloon endoscope according to the third aspect, including one base attached to the proximal end of the cylindrical portion, and a plurality of the traction units. a traction part attached to the proximal end of the wire and pulling the plurality of traction wires; a free state in which the traction part can be moved in the longitudinal direction with respect to the one base; The present invention is characterized by comprising a switching unit that switches between a locked state and a locked state that disables movement in the longitudinal direction with respect to one base.

According to the fourth aspect, the switching section is used to set the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion in a locked state when it is curved, and to set it in a free state when there is no need to curve the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion. Thereby, the cylindrical portion can be smoothly advanced inside the object to be inspected.

A double-balloon endoscope according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a double-balloon endoscope according to the second aspect, in which the long portion has a bendable distal end portion and is arranged in the longitudinal direction. a plurality of other curved pieces that are arranged and rotatable with respect to each other; and a plurality of other curved pieces that extend in the longitudinal direction and are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the other curved pieces when viewed from the longitudinal direction; another traction wire that passes through the curved piece and rotates the plurality of other curved pieces when being pulled to curve the distal end portion of the elongated part, and the proximal end of the plurality of other traction wires; another traction part that is attached to the part and pulls the plurality of other traction wires; a free state that allows the other traction part to move in the longitudinal direction with respect to the other platform; The present invention is characterized in that it includes another switching section that switches the traction section to a locked state that makes it impossible to move the traction section in the longitudinal direction with respect to the other platform.

According to the fifth aspect, another switching section is used to set the distal end portion of the elongated portion in the locked state when the distal end portion is curved, and to set the distal end portion of the elongated portion in the free state when there is no need to curve the distal end portion. Thereby, the elongated portion can be smoothly advanced inside the object to be inspected.

According to the double-balloon endoscope of the present disclosure, the length of the double-balloon endoscope is longer than that of a double-balloon endoscope in which only the distal end of the long portion is curved by external operation. It is possible to suppress interference between the ulnar part and the inner wall of the bent part to be inspected.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the entire double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with one stand and another stand spaced apart. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the entire double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, with one stand and another stand close to each other. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a distal end portion of a long portion of a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (A), (B), and (C) are drawings showing component configurations of a distal end portion of a long portion of a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (A) and (B) are perspective views showing the balloon of the long portion of the double balloon endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure in a deflated state and in an inflated state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a distal end portion of a cylindrical portion of a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (A), (B), and (C) are drawings showing component configurations of a distal end portion of a cylindrical portion of a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (A) and (B) are perspective views showing a deflated state and an inflated state of the balloon of the cylindrical portion of the double balloon endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one stand and another stand of the double balloon endoscope in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and showing a state in which the one stand and the other stand are spaced apart. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one stand and another stand of a double balloon endoscope in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and showing a state in which the one stand and the other stand are close to each other. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one stand of a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (A) (B) shows one stand of the double balloon endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which the movement of the sliding part is allowed and a state in which the movement of the sliding part is restricted. FIG. FIG. 1 is a side view showing one stand of a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a pair of pulleys provided in a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing another stand of the double balloon endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. (A) (B) Another table of the double balloon endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, showing a state in which movement of the sliding part is allowed and a state in which movement of the sliding part is restricted. FIG. FIG. 7 is a side view showing another stand of the double balloon endoscope according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the whole of one stand and another stand of a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and showing a state in which the one stand and the other stand are spaced apart. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the whole of one stand and another stand of a double balloon type endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and showing a state in which the one stand and the other stand are close to each other. 1 is a drawing showing a controller of a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing the entire state in which a cylindrical portion is inserted into the large intestine. 3 is a diagram illustrating a step of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a cylindrical portion is inserted into a large intestine. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a cylindrical portion is curved. 2 is a diagram illustrating a step of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a balloon provided in a cylindrical portion is inflated; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a long portion protrudes from a cylindrical portion. 2 is a diagram illustrating a step of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a balloon provided in a long portion is inflated; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a state in which a balloon provided in a cylindrical portion is deflated. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a cylindrical portion is advanced relative to a long portion; FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a balloon provided in a long portion is deflated. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a double balloon endoscope according to a comparative embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a double balloon endoscope according to a comparative embodiment of the present disclosure. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to a comparative embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a cylindrical portion is inserted into the large intestine. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process of inspecting a large intestine using a double balloon endoscope according to a comparative embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a state in which a long portion protrudes from a cylindrical portion.

An example of a double balloon endoscope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 33.

Note that the arrow H shown in each figure indicates the vertical direction and indicates the up and down direction of the tables 16 and 18 provided in the double balloon type endoscope 10, and the arrow W indicates the horizontal direction and indicates the vertical direction of the tables 16 and 18 provided in the double balloon type endoscope 10. The arrow L indicates the width direction of the tables 16 and 18 provided on the endoscope 10, and the arrow L indicates the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction of the tables 16 and 18 provided on the double balloon endoscope 10.

(Overall configuration of double balloon endoscope 10)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the double balloon endoscope 10 includes an elongated portion 12, a cylindrical portion 14 in which the elongated portion is housed so that it can move forward and backward, and a tube. It includes a stand 16 attached to the base end of the section 14 and a stand 18 attached to the base end of the elongated part 12 protruding from the base end of the cylindrical part 14. The stand 16 is an example of one stand, and the stand 18 is an example of another stand.

Further, the double balloon endoscope 10 includes a linear motor 22 that moves the base 16 and the base 18 relative to each other to move them closer to each other, and a controller 102 (see FIG. 20) for operating each part. The linear motor 22 is an example of a relative movement member.

[Long part 12]
The long part 12 is a so-called endoscope, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, it has an elongated shape, and an imaging lens (not shown) is attached to the distal end. Note that FIGS. 3 and 4 show the elongated portions 12 arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the tables 16 and 18. Further, FIGS. 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C) show the elongated portion 12 in which the skin material and the like are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 4(A), the elongated portion 12 is constructed using a flexible dense spring 22 with a circular cross section as a basic member, and the tip of the dense spring 22 is connected to other parts. The diameter is smaller compared to that of the conventional one. Further, a plurality of cylindrical curved pieces 24 are rotatably connected to each other in the longitudinal direction and cover the tip portion of the dense spring 22. The curved piece 24 is an example of another curved piece. Note that the term "dense spring" may also be referred to as "dense spring" or the like.

Specifically, four wires 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d extending in the longitudinal direction penetrate through holes formed in the curved piece 24 and are lined up in the circumferential direction, as shown in FIG. 4(B). I'm here. In other words, the wires 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the curved piece 24 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. The tips of the four wires 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d are attached to a bending piece 24 disposed at the tip of the plurality of bending pieces 24. Wire 26a, wire 26b, wire 26c, and wire 26d are examples of other pulling wires.

Further, in the proximal end portion of the elongated portion 12 with respect to the plurality of curved pieces 24, the four wires 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d are connected to the dense spring 22 as shown in FIG. 4(C). It goes through the inside.

In this configuration, by pushing and pulling the wire 26a and the wire 26c in the longitudinal direction, the bending pieces 24 rotate with respect to each other, and the distal end portion of the elongated portion 12 curves in the vertical direction, thereby connecting the wire 26b and the wire 26d. By pushing and pulling in the longitudinal direction, the bending pieces 24 rotate with respect to each other, and the tip portion of the elongated portion 12 curves in the width direction (see FIG. 3). In this way, the elongated portion 12 is provided with a bending portion 28 that can be bent by a plurality of bending pieces 24 and four wires 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d. In other words, the distal end portion of the elongated portion 12 is the curved portion 28 . The curved portion 28 is an example of another curved portion.

Furthermore, a balloon 30 that expands and contracts is provided at the tip of the elongated portion 12, as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B). An air tube (not shown) for inserting air into the balloon 30 or extracting air from the balloon 30 is spirally wound around the tight spring 22 and extends toward the proximal end of the elongated portion 12. There is. Balloon 30 is an example of one balloon.

In this configuration, when air is inserted into the balloon 30 from the air tube, the balloon 30 expands in the radial direction of the elongated portion 12, as shown in FIG. 5(B). On the other hand, when air is extracted from the balloon 30 through the air tube, the balloon 30 is deflated as shown in FIG. 5(A).

[Cylinder part 14]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the cylindrical portion 14 has a cylindrical shape, and the elongated portion 12 (see FIG. 5) is housed inside the cylindrical portion 14 so as to be movable forward and backward. Note that FIGS. 6 and 7 show the cylindrical portion 14 arranged so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the tables 16 and 18. FIGS. 7(A), 7(B), and 7(C) show the cylindrical portion 14 from which the skin material and the like are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 7(A), the cylindrical portion 14 is configured with a flexible dense spring 42 having a circular cross section as a basic member, and the tip portion of the dense spring 42 is larger than the other portions. It has been made smaller in diameter. Further, a plurality of cylindrical curved pieces 44 are rotatably connected to each other in the longitudinal direction and cover the tip portion of the dense spring 42. The curved piece 44 is an example of a curved piece.

Specifically, four wires 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d extending in the longitudinal direction pass through through holes formed in the curved piece 44 and are arranged in the circumferential direction, as shown in FIG. 7(B). I'm here. In other words, the wire 46a, the wire 46b, the wire 46c, and the wire 46d are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the curved piece 44 when viewed from the longitudinal direction. The tips of the four wires 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d are attached to a bending piece 44 disposed at the tip of the plurality of bending pieces 44. Wires 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d are examples of traction wires.

In addition, the four wires 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d are arranged in a spiral shape in the dense spring 42 at the proximal end portion of the plurality of curved pieces 44, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(C). is wrapped around.

In this configuration, by pushing and pulling the wire 46a and the wire 46c in the longitudinal direction, the bending pieces 44 rotate with respect to each other, and the tip portion of the cylindrical portion 14 curves in the vertical direction, and the wire 46b and the wire 46d are pushed and pulled in the longitudinal direction. By pushing and pulling in the direction, the bending pieces 44 rotate with respect to each other, and the tip portion of the cylindrical portion 14 curves in the width direction (see FIG. 6). In this way, the cylindrical portion 14 is provided with a bending portion 48 that can be bent by a plurality of bending pieces 44 and four wires 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d. In other words, the tip portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is the curved portion 48 . The curved portion 48 is an example of a curved portion.

Furthermore, a balloon 50 that expands and contracts is provided at the tip of the cylindrical portion 14, as shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B). An air tube (not shown) for inserting air into the balloon 50 or extracting air from the balloon 50 is spirally wound around the tight spring 42 and extends toward the proximal end. Balloon 50 is an example of another balloon.

In this configuration, when air is inserted into the balloon 50 from the air tube, the balloon 50 expands in the radial direction of the cylindrical portion 14, as shown in FIG. 8(B). On the other hand, when air is extracted from the balloon 50 through the air tube, the balloon 50 is deflated as shown in FIG. 8(A).

[Table 16]
The stand 16 is attached to the base end of the cylindrical portion 14, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The stand 16 includes a frame portion 56 that is a skeleton member, and a slide portion 66 that is attached to the frame portion 56 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the stand 16 includes a pulley 76 attached to the slide section 66 , a servo motor 80 that rotates the pulley 76 , a coil spring 82 that biases the slide section 66 toward the proximal end in the longitudinal direction, and a pulley 76 attached to the slide section 66 . It also includes a switching section 88 that switches between enabling and disabling movement.

-Frame part 56-
As shown in FIG. 11, the frame part 56 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and is spanned between a pair of frame parts 58 and 60 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and the frame part 58 and the frame part 60. It includes four rods 62 and four tires 64.

The frame portion 58 and the frame portion 60 are arranged in this order from the distal end side to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. A reinforcing portion 58a extending in the vertical direction is provided at the center portion of the frame portion 58 in the width direction. The reinforcing portion 58a has a plate shape whose longitudinal direction is the thickness direction, and a through hole passing through the front and back sides is formed in the reinforcing portion 58a. A base end portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is attached to the reinforcing portion 58a so as to cover this through hole.

Further, the four rods 62 extend in the longitudinal direction, and their respective ends are attached to the four corners of the frame portion 58 and the four corners of the frame portion 60. Furthermore, four tires 64 are provided, and are attached to one side and the other side of the frame part 58 in the width direction, and one side and the other side of the frame part 60 in the width direction. This allows the frame portion 56 to move in the longitudinal direction.

-Slide part 66-
The slide portion 66 is arranged between the frame portion 58 and the frame portion 60, as shown in FIG. The slide portion 66 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and includes a pair of frame portions 68 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and a pair of reinforcing portions 72 spanned between the pair of frame portions 68.

A cylindrical portion 70 is formed at each of the four corners of the rectangular frame portion 68, and a rod 62 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 70. Further, among the four cylindrical portions 70, the cylindrical portion 70 on the upper side in the vertical direction and on one side in the width direction is formed with an uneven engagement portion 70a facing outward in the width direction. There is. Specifically, the engaging portion 70a extends in the longitudinal direction in an uneven manner, as shown in FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B).

Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the reinforcing part 72 has a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction when viewed from above, and has a plate shape with the plate thickness direction being the vertical direction, and the reinforcing part 72 is at the longitudinal center of the reinforcing part 72. A through hole is formed in the portion to penetrate in the vertical direction. The distal end of the reinforcing portion 72 is connected to the frame portion 68 on the distal side, and the base end of the reinforcing portion 72 is connected to the frame portion 68 on the proximal side.

Specifically, a pair of reinforcing portions 72 are provided vertically apart from each other. In the following description, for convenience, the upper reinforcing part 72 may be referred to as the reinforcing part 72a, and the lower reinforcing part 72 may be referred to as the reinforcing part 72b. The upper reinforcing portion 72a is arranged at the center of the frame portion 68 in the width direction, and is connected to a portion of the frame portion 68 extending in the width direction on the upper side. The lower reinforcing portion 72b is arranged at the center of the frame portion 68 in the width direction, and is connected to a portion of the frame portion 68 extending in the width direction on the lower side.

In this configuration, the slide portion 66 is guided by the four rods 62 and is slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the frame portion 56.

-Pulley 76, servo motor 80-
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, the pulleys 76 are provided as a pair separated in the vertical direction, with the axial direction being the vertical direction. The pair of pulleys 76 are arranged between the pair of reinforcing parts 72 in the vertical direction, and the elongated part 12 protruding from the base end of the cylindrical part 14 passes between the pair of pulleys 76. . In the following description, for convenience, the upper pulley 76 may be referred to as a pulley 76a, and the lower pulley 76 may be referred to as a pulley 76b. The pulley 76a and the pulley 76b are examples of a traction section.

The rotating shaft of the upper pulley 76a projects upward and passes through the through hole of the reinforcing part 72a to the upper side of the reinforcing part 72a, and the rotating shaft of the lower pulley 76b projects downward and passes through the through hole of the reinforcing part 72b. It protrudes below the reinforcing portion 72b through the through hole.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, a wire 46a and a wire 46c are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pulley 76a on opposite sides of the rotation center. Further, a wire 46b and a wire 46d are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pulley 76b on opposite sides of the rotation center.

On the other hand, a pair of servo motors 80 are provided, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13. Specifically, a servo motor 80a that rotates the pulley 76a and a servo motor 80b that rotates the pulley 76b are provided. The servo motor 80a is attached to the upper surface of the reinforcing portion 72a, and the servo motor 80b is attached to the lower surface of the reinforcing portion 72b.

In this configuration, the servo motor 80a rotates the pulley 76a in one direction or the other, thereby pushing and pulling (pulling) the wire 46a and the wire 46c in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the tip portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is curved in the vertical direction (see FIG. 6). Moreover, the servo motor 80b rotates the pulley 76b in one direction or the other, thereby pushing and pulling the wire 46b and the wire 46d in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the tip portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is curved in the width direction (see FIG. 6).

-Coil spring 82-
The coil springs 82 are compression coil springs, and as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, four coil springs are provided. Specifically, the coil spring 82 is disposed between the frame portion 58 and the slide portion 66 in the longitudinal direction, and the rods 62 are inserted into the coil spring 82, respectively.

In this configuration, the slide portion 66 is urged toward the base end side in the longitudinal direction by the urging force of the coil spring 82.

-Switching section 88-
As shown in FIGS. 11, 12(A) and 12(B), the switching portion 88 is disposed on the outer side in the width direction with respect to the engaging portion 70a of the sliding portion 66. The switching section 88 includes a pair of rods 90 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and extend in the width direction, a main body section 92 that spans the pair of rods 90, a guide section 94 that is guided by the rods 90, and a guide section 94 that is guided by the rods 90. It is equipped with a solenoid 96 for moving.

A pair of rods 90 are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, for convenience, the rod 90 on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction may be referred to as the rod 90a, and the rod 90 on the proximal end side may be referred to as the rod 90b.

The rod 90a extends outward in the width direction from the upper side of the frame 58 on one side in the width direction, and the rod 90b extends outward in the width direction from the upper side of the frame 60 on the one side in the width direction. It is extending. Further, the main body portion 92 has an elongated shape extending between the tip of the rod 90a and the tip of the rod 90b, and the cross section of the main body portion 92 is rectangular. A through hole passing through the main body part 92 in the width direction is formed in the central part of the main body part 92 in the longitudinal direction.

The guide portion 94 is disposed between the main body portion 92 and the engaging portion 70a of the slide portion 66 in the width direction, and has an elongated shape extending in the longitudinal direction. Insertion portions 94a into which the rod 90 is inserted are formed on one side and the other side of the guide portion 94 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Further, in a portion of the guide portion 94 facing the engaging portion 70a, an engaged portion 94b having an uneven shape that can be engaged with the engaging portion 70a is formed.

Further, a solenoid 96 for moving the guide portion 94 in the width direction is attached to a portion of the main body portion 92 opposite to the guide portion 94 . Specifically, a shaft portion 96a of the solenoid 96 is inserted into a through hole of the main body portion 92, and a guide portion 94 is attached to the tip of the shaft portion 96a.

In this configuration, the solenoid 96 moves the guide portion 94 in the width direction, and the engaged portion 94b is moved between the disengaged position (see FIG. 12A) where the engaged portion 94b is separated from the engaged portion 70a, and the engaged portion 94b. The guide portion 94 is disposed at an engagement position (see FIG. 12(B)) where the guide portion 94 engages with the engagement portion 70a. Then, with the guide portion 94 disposed at the non-engaging position, the slide portion 66 is allowed to move in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the pulleys 76a, 76b are in a free state allowing movement in the longitudinal direction. Further, with the guide portion 94 disposed at the engagement position, movement of the slide portion 66 in the longitudinal direction is restricted. In other words, the pulleys 76a and 76b are in a locked state in which movement in the longitudinal direction is impossible.

[Table 18]
The stand 18 is attached to the base end of the elongated portion 12, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The stand 18 includes a frame portion 156 that is a skeleton member, and a slide portion 166 that is attached to the frame portion 156 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the stand 18 includes a pulley 176 attached to the slide section 166, a servo motor 180 that rotates the pulley 176, a coil spring 182 that biases the slide section 166 toward the proximal end in the longitudinal direction, and a pulley 176 attached to the slide section 166. A switching unit 188 that switches between enabling and disabling movement is provided.

-Frame part 156-
As shown in FIG. 15, the frame part 156 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and is spanned between a pair of frame parts 158 and 160 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and the frame part 158 and the frame part 160. It includes four rods 162 and four tires 164.

The frame portion 158 and the frame portion 160 are arranged in this order from the distal end side to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. A reinforcing portion 158a extending in the vertical direction is provided at the center portion of the frame portion 158 in the width direction. This reinforcing portion 158a has a plate shape whose longitudinal direction is the thickness direction, and a through hole passing through the front and back is formed in the reinforcing portion 158a. The base end portion of the elongated portion 12 is attached to the reinforcing portion 158a so as to cover this through hole.

Furthermore, the four rods 162 extend in the longitudinal direction, and their respective ends are attached to the four corners of the frame section 158 and the four corners of the frame section 160.

Furthermore, four tires 164 are provided, and are attached to one side and the other side of the frame part 158 in the width direction, and one side and the other side of the frame part 160 in the width direction. This allows the frame portion 156 to move in the longitudinal direction.

-Slide part 166-
The slide part 166 is arranged between the frame part 158 and the frame part 160, as shown in FIG. The slide portion 166 has a rectangular frame shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and includes a pair of frame portions 168 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction, and a pair of reinforcing portions 172 spanned over the pair of frame portions 168.

Cylindrical portions 170 are formed at each of the four corners of the rectangular frame portion 168, and a rod 162 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 170. Further, among the four cylindrical portions 170, the cylindrical portion 170 on the upper side in the vertical direction and on one side in the width direction is formed with an uneven engagement portion 170a facing outward in the width direction. There is. Specifically, the engaging portion 170a extends in an uneven shape in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B).

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the reinforcing part 172 has a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction when viewed from above, and has a plate shape with the thickness direction as the vertical direction. A through hole is formed in the portion to penetrate in the vertical direction. The distal end of the reinforcing portion 172 is connected to the frame portion 168 on the distal side, and the base end of the reinforcing portion 172 is connected to the frame portion 168 on the proximal side.

Specifically, a pair of reinforcing portions 172 are provided spaced apart in the vertical direction. In addition, in the following description, for convenience, the upper reinforcing part 172 may be referred to as the reinforcing part 172a, and the lower reinforcing part 172 may be referred to as the reinforcing part 172b. The upper reinforcing portion 172a is arranged at the center of the frame portion 168 in the width direction, and is connected to a portion of the frame portion 168 extending in the width direction on the upper side. The lower reinforcing portion 172b is arranged at the center of the frame portion 168 in the width direction, and is connected to a portion of the frame portion 168 extending in the width direction on the lower side.

In this configuration, the slide portion 166 is guided by the four rods 162 and is slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the frame portion 156.

-Pulley 176, servo motor 180-
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, the pulleys 176 are provided as a pair separated in the vertical direction, with the axial direction being the vertical direction. The pair of pulleys 176 are arranged between the pair of reinforcing portions 172 in the vertical direction. In the following description, for convenience, the upper pulley 176 may be referred to as a pulley 176a, and the lower pulley 176 may be referred to as a pulley 176b. Pulley 176a and pulley 176b are examples of other traction parts.

The rotating shaft of the upper pulley 176a projects upward and passes through the through hole of the reinforcing part 172a to the upper side of the reinforcing part 172a, and the rotating shaft of the lower pulley 176b projects downward and passes through the through hole of the reinforcing part 172b. It protrudes below the reinforcing portion 172b through the through hole.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, a wire 26a and a wire 26c are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pulley 176a on opposite sides of the rotation center. Furthermore, a wire 26b and a wire 26d are attached to the outer peripheral surface of the pulley 176b on opposite sides of the rotation center.

On the other hand, a pair of servo motors 180 are provided, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17. Specifically, a servo motor 180a that rotates pulley 176a and a servo motor 180b that rotates pulley 176b are provided. The servo motor 180a is attached to the upper surface of the reinforcing portion 172a, and the servo motor 180b is attached to the lower surface of the reinforcing portion 172b.

In this configuration, the servo motor 180a rotates the pulley 176a in one direction or the other, thereby pushing and pulling the wires 26a and 26c in the longitudinal direction (pulling). As a result, the curved portion 28 of the elongated portion 12 is curved in the vertical direction (see FIG. 3). Furthermore, the servo motor 180b rotates the pulley 176b in one direction or the other, thereby pushing and pulling the wire 26b and the wire 26d in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the curved portion 28 of the elongated portion 12 is curved in the width direction (see FIG. 3).

-Coil spring 182-
The coil springs 182 are compression coil springs, and as shown in FIGS. 15 and 17, four coil springs are provided. Specifically, the coil spring 182 is disposed between the frame portion 158 and the slide portion 166 in the longitudinal direction, and the rods 162 are inserted into the coil springs 182, respectively.

In this configuration, the slide portion 166 is urged toward the base end side in the longitudinal direction by the urging force of the coil spring 182.

-Switching section 188-
As shown in FIGS. 15, 16(A) and 16(B), the switching portion 188 is disposed on the outer side in the width direction with respect to the engaging portion 170a of the sliding portion 166. The switching section 188 includes a pair of rods 190 that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction and extend in the width direction, a main body section 192 that is spanned over the pair of rods 190, a guide section 194 that is guided by the rods 190, and a guide section 194 that is guided by the rods 190. It also includes a solenoid 196 for moving.

A pair of rods 190 are provided spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, for convenience, the rod 190 on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction may be referred to as the rod 190a, and the rod 190 on the proximal end side may be referred to as the rod 190b.

The rod 190a extends outward in the width direction from the upper side of the frame 158 on one side in the width direction, and the rod 190b extends outward in the width direction from the upper side of the frame 160 on the one side in the width direction. It is extending. Further, the main body portion 192 has an elongated shape extending over the tip of the rod 190a and the tip of the rod 190b, and the cross section of the main body portion 192 is rectangular. A through hole passing through the main body 192 in the width direction is formed in the center of the main body 192 in the longitudinal direction.

The guide portion 194 is disposed between the main body portion 192 and the engaging portion 170a of the slide portion 166 in the width direction, and has an elongated shape extending in the longitudinal direction. Insertion parts 194a into which the rod 190 is inserted are formed on one and the other side of the guide part 194 in the longitudinal direction, respectively. Further, in a portion of the guide portion 194 facing the engaging portion 170a, an engaged portion 194b having an uneven shape that can be engaged with the engaging portion 170a is formed.

Further, a solenoid 196 that moves the guide portion 194 in the width direction is attached to a portion of the main body portion 192 opposite to the guide portion 194. Specifically, a shaft portion 196a of the solenoid 196 is inserted into a through hole of the main body portion 192, and a guide portion 194 is attached to the tip of the shaft portion 196a.

In this configuration, the solenoid 196 moves the guide portion 194 in the width direction, and the engaged portion 194b is moved between the disengaged position (see FIG. 16A) where the engaged portion 194b is separated from the engaged portion 170a, and the engaged portion 194b. The guide portion 194 is disposed at an engagement position (see FIG. 16(B)) where the guide portion 194 engages with the engagement portion 170a. Then, with the guide portion 194 disposed at the non-engaging position, the slide portion 166 is allowed to move in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the pulleys 176a, 176b are in a free state allowing movement in the longitudinal direction. Further, with the guide portion 194 disposed at the engagement position, movement of the slide portion 166 in the longitudinal direction is restricted. In other words, the pulleys 176a and 176b are in a locked state in which movement in the longitudinal direction is impossible.

[Linear motor 22]
As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the linear motor 22 extends in the longitudinal direction and is spanned between the bases 16 and 18. Specifically, the tip end portion of the linear motor 22 is attached to the frame portion 60 of the stand 16, and the base end portion of the linear motor 22 is attached to the frame portion 158 of the stand 18.

In this configuration, the driving force of the linear motor 22 causes the tables 16 and 18 to approach or separate from each other, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Then, with the bases 16 and 18 separated from each other, the distal end portion of the elongated portion 12 is housed in the cylindrical portion 14, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, in a state where the base 16 and the base 18 are close to each other, the distal end portion of the elongated portion 12 protrudes from the cylindrical portion 14, as shown in FIG.

[Controller 102]
The controller 102 is connected to a member to be operated via a signal line (not shown), and includes various operation sections as shown in FIG. 20. The left side of the figure is a controller 102a for operating the cylindrical part 14 and the stand 16, and the right side of the figure is a controller 102b for operating the elongated part 12, the stand 18, and the linear motor 22.

-Controller 102a-
An operating section for bending the bending section 48 of the cylindrical section 14 is provided in the central portion of the controller 102a. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the controller 102a includes a grip part 104 that is gripped by the operator, and the grip part 104 is arranged in the front-back direction (arrow X direction in the figure) and the left-right direction (arrow Y direction in the figure). direction). The controller 102a also includes a press switch 106a that inflates the balloon 50 of the cylindrical portion 14, and a press switch 106b that deflates the balloon 50. Further, the controller 102a includes a changeover switch 108 that operates a solenoid 96 of the switching section 88 to switch the guide section 94 between a non-engaged position and an engaged position.

In this configuration, by moving the grip part 104 in the front-back direction, the servo motor 80a shown in FIG. 13 rotates the pulley 76a in one direction or the other, so that the wire 46a and the wire 46c shown in FIG. being pushed and pulled. As a result, the curved portion 48 of the cylindrical portion 14 is curved in the vertical direction (see FIG. 6).

Further, by moving the grip portion 104 in the left-right direction, the servo motor 80b shown in FIG. 13 rotates the pulley 76b in one direction or the other, thereby pushing the wires 46b and 46d shown in FIG. 14 in the longitudinal direction. I am drawn to it. As a result, the curved portion 48 of the cylindrical portion 14 is curved in the width direction (see FIG. 6).

Furthermore, when the press switch 106a is pressed, air is sent into the balloon 50 from a compressor (not shown) via a solenoid valve and an air tube. Then, the pressure inside the balloon 50 is detected by the pressure sensor. When the balloon 50 is inflated and the pressure inside the balloon 50 reaches a predetermined value, as shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the compressor is stopped. In this way, when the press switch 106a is pressed, the balloon 50 is inflated.

Furthermore, when the press switch 106b is pressed, air is extracted from the balloon 50 from a vacuum pump (not shown) via a solenoid valve and an air tube. Then, the pressure inside the balloon 50 is detected by the pressure sensor. When the balloon 50 is deflated and the pressure inside the balloon 50 reaches a predetermined value, as shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the vacuum pump is stopped. In this way, when the press switch 106b is pressed, the balloon 50 is deflated.

Furthermore, by operating the changeover switch 108, the movement of the slide portion 66 in the longitudinal direction is permitted or restricted, as shown in FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B). In other words, the free state of the pulleys 76a, 76b and the locked state of the pulleys 76a, 76b are switched.

-Controller 102b-
An operating section for bending the bending section 28 of the elongated section 12 is provided in the central portion of the controller 102b. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20, the controller 102b includes a grip section 114 that is gripped by the operator, and the grip section 114 is configured to move in the front-rear direction (arrow X direction in the figure) and the left-right direction (arrow Y direction in the figure). direction). The controller 102b also includes a press switch 116a that inflates the balloon 30 of the elongated portion 12, and a press switch 116b that deflates the balloon 30.

Further, the controller 102b includes a changeover switch 118 that operates a solenoid 196 of the switching section 188 to switch the guide section 194 between a non-engaged position and an engaged position. Further, the controller 102b is slidable in the front-rear direction and includes a grip portion 112 that operates the linear motor 22.

In this configuration, by moving the grip part 114 in the front-back direction, the servo motor 180a shown in FIG. 17 rotates the pulley 176a in one direction or the other, so that the wire 26a and the wire 26c shown in FIG. being pushed and pulled. As a result, the curved portion 28 of the elongated portion 12 is curved in the vertical direction (see FIG. 6).

Further, by moving the grip portion 114 in the left-right direction, the servo motor 180b shown in FIG. 17 rotates the pulley 176b in one direction or the other, thereby pushing the wires 26b and 26d shown in FIG. 14 in the longitudinal direction. I am drawn to it. As a result, the curved portion 28 of the elongated portion 12 is curved in the width direction (see FIG. 6).

Furthermore, when the press switch 116a is pressed, air is sent into the balloon 30 from a compressor (not shown) via a solenoid valve and an air tube. Then, the pressure inside the balloon 30 is detected by the pressure sensor. When the balloon 30 is inflated and the pressure inside the balloon 30 reaches a predetermined value, as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), the compressor is stopped. In this way, when the press switch 116a is pressed, the balloon 30 is inflated.

Furthermore, when the press switch 116b is pressed, air is extracted from the balloon 30 from a vacuum pump (not shown) via a solenoid valve and an air tube. Then, the pressure inside the balloon 30 is detected by the pressure sensor. When the balloon 30 is deflated and the pressure inside the balloon 30 reaches a predetermined value, as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), the vacuum pump is stopped. In this way, when the press switch 116b is pressed, the balloon 30 is deflated.

Furthermore, by operating the changeover switch 118, the movement of the slide portion 166 in the longitudinal direction is permitted or restricted, as shown in FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B). In other words, the free state of the pulleys 176a, 176b and the locked state of the pulleys 176a, 176b are switched.

Further, by moving the grip portion 112 forward, the linear motor 22 is operated, and as shown in FIG. 19, the base 16 and the base 18 are brought close to each other. On the other hand, by moving the grip part 112 backward, the linear motor 22 is operated, and the base 16 and the base 18 are separated, as shown in FIG.

(effect)
Next, a method of inspecting the inside of the large intestine 700, which is an inspection target, using the double balloon endoscope 10 will be described in comparison with a case where a double balloon endoscope 510 according to a comparative embodiment is used. First, regarding the configuration of a double balloon endoscope 510 according to a comparative embodiment, the parts that are different from the double balloon endoscope 10 will be mainly described.

[Configuration of double balloon endoscope 510 according to comparative form]
As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the double balloon endoscope 510 according to the comparative embodiment includes a main body 520, a cylindrical portion 514 whose proximal end is attached to the main body 520, and an interior of the cylindrical portion 514. The long part 512 is housed in a movable manner.

A balloon 550 is provided at the tip of the cylindrical portion 514. However, the cylindrical portion 514 is not provided with a curved portion composed of a plurality of curved pieces and four wires.

Further, a balloon 530 is provided at the distal end portion of the elongated portion 512, and a proximal end portion of the elongated portion 512 protrudes from the main body portion 520. By pushing and pulling the proximal end portion of the elongated portion 512 that protrudes from the main body portion 520, the distal end portion of the elongated portion 512 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 514 or protruded from the cylindrical portion 514. It has become.

[Function of double balloon endoscope 10, 510]

Before the large intestine is examined using the double balloon endoscope 10, 510, the long portions 12, 512 of the double balloon endoscope 10, 510 are housed in the cylindrical portions 14, 514. Also, each balloon has been deflated. Furthermore, the tip portions of the elongated portions 12, 512 and the tip portions of the cylindrical portions 14, 514 are not curved but straight.

Further, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the guide portions 94 and 194 are disposed at non-engaging positions, and the base 16 and base 18 are spaced apart. In other words, pulleys 76a, 76b and pulleys 176a, 176b are in a free state.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. The tip of the tube is stopped in front of the sigmoid colon 700b. The sigmoid colon 700b is an example of a bend.

Here, the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion 514 of the double balloon endoscope 510 is not provided with a bending portion that can be bent by an external operation. For this reason, in the double balloon endoscope 510, as shown in FIG. 33, the long part 512 is made to protrude from the cylindrical part 514, and the long part 512 is moved along the intestinal wall by an operation from the outside. The curved portion 528 is curved. However, since the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion 514 is not curved, the elongated portion 512 protrudes in the extending direction of the cylindrical portion 514, and the distal end portion of the elongated portion 512 presses against the intestinal wall. For this reason, the person undergoing the test may feel severe pain. The intestinal wall is an example of an internal wall.

Here, in this embodiment, "it can be bent by an external operation..." means "it can be bent by operating the operating means provided on the double balloon endoscope 10 through the load transmission member." It is possible to curve a curved part by transmitting force to the curved part. Specifically, in this embodiment, "it is possible to bend the curved portion by pushing and pulling the wire by operating the controller 102."

On the other hand, at the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion 14 of the double balloon endoscope 10, a bending portion 48 that can be bent by an external operation is provided. Therefore, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the grip part 104 of the controller 102a is moved to curve the curved part 48 of the cylindrical part 14 along the intestinal wall, as shown in FIG.

Specifically, the changeover switch 108 of the controller 102a is operated, the solenoid 96 is operated, and the guide portion 94 is moved to the engagement position (FIG. 12) where the engaged portion 94b is engaged with the engaging portion 70a. (see B)). In other words, the pulleys 76a and 76b are changed from the free state to the locked state. In this state, the grip portion 104 of the controller 102a is moved to operate the servo motors 80a, 80b to move the pulleys 76a, 76b to one side or the other. As a result, the wire 46a and the wire 46c are pushed and pulled in the longitudinal direction, and the wire 46b and the wire 46d are pushed and pulled in the longitudinal direction, thereby bending the curved portion 48 of the cylindrical portion 14.

Furthermore, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the press switch 106a of the controller 102a is pressed to inflate the balloon 50 and press the intestinal wall of the large intestine 700 with the outer peripheral surface of the balloon 50, as shown in FIG. . Thereby, the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is fixed at a predetermined position in the large intestine 700.

Furthermore, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the gripping part 112 of the controller 102b is moved to cause the elongated part 12 to protrude from the cylindrical part 14, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the grip section 114 of the controller 102b is moved to curve the curved section 28 of the elongated section 12 along the intestinal wall.

Specifically, the grip portion 112 of the controller 102b is moved, the linear motor 22 is operated, the table 18 is brought closer to the table 16 (see FIG. 19), and the elongated portion 12 is made to protrude from the cylindrical portion 14. In this state, operate the changeover switch 118 of the controller 102b, operate the solenoid 196, move the guide part 194, and move the engaged part 194b to the engaging part 170a to the engagement position (FIG. 16(B) ). In other words, the pulleys 176a and 176b are changed from the free state to the locked state.

Then, the grip portion 114 of the controller 102b is moved to operate the servo motors 180a, 180b to move the pulleys 176a, 176b to one side or the other. As a result, the wire 26a and the wire 26c are pushed and pulled in the longitudinal direction, and the wire 26b and the wire 26d are pushed and pulled in the longitudinal direction, thereby bending the curved portion 28 of the elongated portion 12.

Furthermore, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the press switch 116a of the controller 102b is pressed to inflate the balloon 30 and press the intestinal wall of the large intestine 700 with the outer peripheral surface of the balloon 30, as shown in FIG. . Thereby, the distal end portion of the elongated portion 12 is fixed at a predetermined position in the large intestine 700.

Furthermore, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the press switch 106b of the controller 102a is pressed to deflate the balloon 50, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the changeover switch 108 of the controller 102a is operated to operate the solenoid 96 and move the guide section 94 to the non-engaged position (FIG. 12(A)) where the engaged section 94b is separated from the engaged section 70a. (see). In other words, the pulleys 76a and 76b are brought from the locked state to the free state.

Furthermore, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the grip portion 112 of the controller 102b is moved to advance only the cylindrical portion 14, as shown in FIG. Specifically, by moving the grip part 112 of the controller 102b and operating the linear motor 22, the table 18 is separated from the table 16 (see FIG. 18), so that a part of the elongated part 12 is cylindrical. It is stored in the section 14 and only the cylindrical section 14 is advanced.

Furthermore, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the press switch 116b of the controller 102b is pressed to deflate the balloon 30, as shown in FIG. Further, the changeover switch 118 of the controller 102b is operated to operate the solenoid 196 and move the guide portion 194 to the non-engaged position (FIG. 16(A)) where the engaged portion 194b is separated from the engaged portion 170a. (see). In other words, the pulleys 176a and 176b are brought from the locked state to the free state.

By repeating the above steps, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is advanced along the intestinal wall of the large intestine 700, and the distal end of the long portion 12 reaches the inspection target area. reach.

(summary)
As explained above, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the curved portion 48 of the inserted cylindrical portion 14 is curved by an external operation so as to align with the sigmoid colon 700b of the large intestine 700, and this state is Then, the elongated portion 12 is made to protrude from the cylindrical portion 14. Therefore, compared to the case where the double balloon endoscope 510 according to the comparative embodiment is used, interference between the long portion 12 of the double balloon endoscope 10 and the inner wall of the sigmoid colon 700b of the large intestine 700 is prevented. Can be suppressed.

Further, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the linear motor 22 can move the elongated portion 12 forward and backward with respect to the cylindrical portion 14 by moving the base 16 and the base 18 closer to each other.

In addition, in the double balloon endoscope 10, the four wires 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d passing through the curved piece 44 of the cylindrical portion 14 are connected at the base end portion as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2, it is spirally wound around the tight spring 42 and extends toward the stand 16 side. In other words, the four wires 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d are arranged helically around the elongate portion 12 inserted inside the tight spring 42. Therefore, when the proximal portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is warped with respect to the curved portion 48 of the cylindrical portion 14, compared to the case where the wire is arranged along the longitudinal direction around the elongated portion, When the curved portion 48 of the cylindrical portion 14 is curved from one side to the other side and from the other side to one side, the amount of pushing and pulling of the four wires 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d can be reduced.

Specifically, when the wire is arranged along the longitudinal direction around the elongated portion, if the proximal portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is warped with respect to the curved portion 48 of the cylindrical portion 14, The warp causes the wire to be pushed and pulled. However, by arranging the four wires 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d in a spiral around the elongated portion 12, pushing and pulling of the wires caused by warping is suppressed. Therefore, when the proximal portion of the cylindrical portion 14 is warped with respect to the curved portion 48 of the cylindrical portion 14, compared to the case where the wire is arranged along the longitudinal direction around the elongated portion, When the curved portion 48 of the cylindrical portion 14 is curved from one side to the other side and from the other side to one side, the amount of pushing and pulling of the four wires 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d can be reduced.

Furthermore, in the double balloon endoscope 10, when the bending section 48 of the cylindrical section 14 is to be bent using the changeover switch 108, the pulleys 76a and 76b are locked, and when there is no need to bend the bending section 48, the pulleys 76a and 76b are locked. , the pulleys 76a and 76b are set free. As a result, when inserting the cylindrical portion 14 into the large intestine 700, the cylindrical portion 14 can be smoothly inserted into the large intestine 700 by setting it in a free state, and when bending the curved portion 48, by setting it in a locked state. The portion 48 can be reliably curved.

Furthermore, in the double balloon endoscope 10, when the changeover switch 118 is used to bend the bending part 28 of the long part 12, the pulleys 176a and 176b are in a locked state, so that there is no need to bend the bending part 28. Sometimes, the pulleys 176a and 176b are left in a free state. Thereby, when inserting the long portion 12 into the large intestine 700, the long portion 12 can be smoothly inserted into the large intestine 700 by setting it in the free state, and when bending the curved portion 28, the long portion 12 can be set in the locked state. The curved portion 28 can be reliably curved.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to a specific embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiment, and the present disclosure can take various other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. It is clear to those skilled in the art that For example, in the above embodiment, the double balloon endoscope 10 is used to examine the large intestine 700, which is the test target, but the double balloon endoscope 10 is used to examine other test targets such as the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum. may be inspected.

Further, in the embodiment described above, the linear motor 22 is used to move the tables 16 and 18 closer to each other, but the tables 16 and 18 may be moved closer to each other using another member such as a solenoid.

Further, in the above embodiment, the guide parts 94, 194 are moved using the solenoids 96, 196, but the guide parts 94, 194 may be moved by other means such as a combination of a motor and a link mechanism.

10 Double balloon endoscope 12 Long part 14 Cylindrical part 16 units (an example of one unit)
18 units (an example of other units)
22 Linear motor (an example of a relative movement member)
24 Curved piece (an example of another curved piece)
26a wire (an example of other traction wire)
26b wire (an example of other traction wire)
26c wire (an example of other traction wire)
26d wire (an example of other traction wire)
28 Curved part (an example of other curved part)
30 Balloon (an example of the first balloon)
44 Curved piece (an example of a curved piece)
46a wire (an example of traction wire)
46b wire (an example of traction wire)
46c wire (an example of traction wire)
46d wire (an example of traction wire)
48 Curved portion 50 Balloon (an example of another balloon)
76a Pulley (an example of a traction part)
76b pulley (an example of a traction part)
88 Switching part 176a Pulley (an example of other traction part)
176b pulley (an example of other traction part)
188 Switching unit (an example of another switching unit)

Claims (5)

an elongated portion having a balloon that expands and contracts at its tip, and whose tip portion can be bent by external operation;
a cylindrical part in which the elongated part is housed in a movable manner, has another balloon that expands and contracts at its distal end, and whose distal end is bendable by external operation;
A double balloon endoscope equipped with a stand attached to the proximal end of the cylindrical part;
another stand attached to the base end of the elongated part protruding from the base end of the cylindrical part;
a relative movement member that relatively moves the one table and the other table;
The double balloon endoscope according to claim 1, comprising: a plurality of curved pieces constituting a bendable tip portion of the cylindrical portion, arranged in the longitudinal direction and mutually rotatable;
A plurality of curved pieces are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the curved piece when viewed from the longitudinal direction, extend in the longitudinal direction and pass through the plurality of curved pieces, and are pulled to rotate the plurality of curved pieces. a traction wire for bending a distal end portion of the cylindrical portion, the traction wire being arranged spirally around the elongated portion from a proximal end of the distal end portion of the cylindrical portion toward a proximal end of the cylindrical portion; the traction wire;
The double balloon endoscope according to claim 1, comprising: a stand attached to the proximal end of the cylindrical part;
a traction part attached to the proximal end of the plurality of traction wires and pulling the plurality of traction wires;
A switching unit that switches between a free state in which the traction portion is movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the one platform and a locked state in which the traction portion is not movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the one pedestal. and,
The double balloon endoscope according to claim 3, comprising: a plurality of other curved pieces forming a bendable tip portion of the elongated portion and arranged in the longitudinal direction and mutually rotatable;
A plurality of curved pieces are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction of the other curved pieces when viewed from the longitudinal direction, and extend in the longitudinal direction and pass through the plurality of other curved pieces, and are pulled. another pulling wire that rotates the curved piece to curve the distal end portion of the elongated part;
another traction part that is attached to the proximal end of the plurality of other traction wires and pulls the plurality of other traction wires;
a free state in which the other traction section is allowed to move in the longitudinal direction relative to the other platform; and a locked state in which the other traction section is not allowed to move in the longitudinal direction relative to the other platform. and another switching section that switches between
The double balloon endoscope according to claim 2, comprising: