JP3684037B2

JP3684037B2 - Endoscope

Info

Publication number: JP3684037B2
Application number: JP19576197A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 裕太岡田
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 1997-07-22
Filing date: 1997-07-22
Publication date: 2005-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-22
Also published as: JPH1132981A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、管腔内に挿入される挿入部に流体管路を有する内視鏡に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
一般に、ビデオ内視鏡や、ファイバー式内視鏡では例えば人体の体腔内等の管腔内に挿入される細長い挿入部の先端部を構成する先端構成部材に挿入部の軸方向に延出される孔部が複数形成されている。ここで、少なくとも一つの孔部である第１の孔部には流体管路として働くパイプが内嵌される状態で内装され、挿入部の先端部から前方に流体を噴出する流体管路が形成されている。さらに、第１の孔部以外の孔部である第２の孔部には少なくとも観察用レンズ、照明用レンズ或いは他の流体管路の何れかの他の内蔵物が内装されている。
また、先端構成部材に形成されている第１の孔部と、第２の孔部との間は先端構成部材自体の薄肉の壁部により仕切られている。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
ところで、管腔内に挿入される挿入部に流体管路を有する内視鏡においては、一般的に内視鏡挿入部の先端構成部材に形成された孔部に、流体管路構成用の管体の先端部が内嵌される構成になっている。そのため、流体管路構成用の管体を内嵌するために先端構成部に形成される孔部の内径寸法の方が流体管路構成用の管体の外径寸法よりもわずかに大きくなっているので、流体管路構成用の管体と先端構成部材の孔部との間には隙間が存在する。
【０００４】
そこで、流体管路構成用の管体の先端側で、流体管路構成用の管体と先端構成部材の孔部との隙間に接着剤を充填することにより、流体管路構成用の管体内を通ってきた流体が、流体管路構成用の管体と先端構成部材の孔部との間の隙間から内視鏡内部に浸入することを防いでいる。
【０００５】
しかしながら、上記従来構成の内視鏡では、流体管路構成用の管体の先端側において、流体管路構成用の管体と先端構成部材の孔部との間に接着剤充填用の隙間を設け、かつこの隙間は一般的に流体管路構成用の管体とこの管体を内嵌する孔部の内周面との間の隙間より大きくする必要があるため、内視鏡挿入部の先端部の外径寸法が大きくなる問題がある。
【０００６】
さらに、流体管路構成用の管体と先端構成部材の孔部との間の隙間に接着剤が全周にわたって充填されていることが確認し難いので、接着作業が不確実となるおそれがある。そのため、流体管路構成用の管体の後端側で先端構成部材の孔部との間の隙間を埋める接着作業を行い、流体管路構成用の管体の先端側から流体管路構成用の管体と先端構成部材の孔部との間の隙間に入った流体が、内視鏡の内部に浸入することを防ぐようにしている。
【０００７】
また、この場合でも、流体管路構成用の管体を内嵌する先端構成部材の孔部と他の内蔵物を内嵌する孔部とを各々隔離させる必要があるので、通常は、先端構成部材自体の素材によって形成される薄肉部によって、各内蔵物の内嵌用の孔部を隔離させている。
【０００８】
しかしながら、隔離されている各内蔵物間を近づけすぎると、各内蔵物間に介設されている先端構成部材自体の素材の肉厚が薄くなるので、各内蔵物間に配置されている肉厚が薄い部分が破損しやすくなる。そのため、各内蔵物を確実には隔離することができなくなるので、複数の内蔵物間の間隔を極端に近づけることができず、内視鏡挿入部の先端部の外径寸法が大きくなる問題がある。
【０００９】
本発明は上記事情に着目してなされたもので、その目的は、挿入部内の流体管路を通過した流体が、流体管路構成用の管体以外の他の内蔵物が内嵌される孔部に流入することを確実に防止することができ、各内蔵物を近づけて配置し、先端部の外径寸法を小さくするうえで有利な内視鏡を提供することにある。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は挿入部の先端部を構成する先端構成部材に前記挿入部の軸方向に延出される複数の孔部が形成され、少なくとも一つの前記孔部である第１の孔部に前記挿入部の先端部から前方に流体を噴出する流体管路が形成され、前記第１の孔部以外の少なくとも一つの前記孔部である第２の孔部に少なくとも観察用レンズ、照明用レンズ或いは他の流体管路の何れかが形成された内視鏡において、前記先端構成部材の前記第２の孔部の後端側に先端側の孔径に比べて孔径を大径にした大径部を設け、前記先端構成部材における前記第１の孔部と前記第２の孔部の大径部との間の薄肉状の壁部に、前記第１の孔部と前記第２の孔部との間を連通させる切り欠き部を設けるとともに、前記第１の孔部に内嵌される前記流体管路用の管体と前記切り欠き部との間の境界に沿って接着層を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡である。
【００１１】
そして、先端構成部材における第１の孔部と第２の孔部の後端側の大径部との間の薄肉状の壁部に、第１の孔部と第２の孔部との間を連通させる切り欠き部を設け、第１の孔部に内嵌される流体管路用の管体と切り欠き部との間の境界に沿って接着層を設けたことにより、流体による他の内蔵物の破損が無いまま、内視鏡挿入部の先端構成部を細くすることができるようにしたものである。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の第１の実施の形態を図１乃至図２（Ａ）〜（Ｄ）を参照して説明する。図１は本実施の形態のビデオ内視鏡１のシステム全体の概略構成を示すものである。ここで、内視鏡１には体腔内に挿入される軟性の細長い挿入部２が設けられている。この挿入部２の基端部には検査者が把持する手元側の操作部３が設けられている。
【００１３】
また、挿入部２には操作部３に基端部が連結された細長い可撓管部４と、この可撓管部４の先端部に配設された例えば上下方向および左右方向にそれぞれ湾曲操作可能な湾曲部５と、この湾曲部５の先端部に連結された先端構成部６とが設けられている。
【００１４】
また、操作部３には鉗子等を導入する処置具導入口７が設けられているとともに、湾曲部５の動作を制御する図示しない上下湾曲操作ノブおよび左右湾曲操作ノブと、送気送液機能を制御する送気／送液ボタンと、吸引機能を制御する吸引ボタンと、映像記録機能や光量調整等を遠隔的に行うスイッチとがそれぞれ設けられている。
【００１５】
さらに、操作部３の側面には可撓性を備えたユニバーサルコード８の基端部が連結されている。このユニバーサルコード８の先端部には第１のコネクタ９が連結されている。この第１のコネクタ９は光源装置１０に着脱可能に接続されている。
【００１６】
また、第１のコネクタ９には信号ケーブル１１の一端部が接続されている。この信号ケーブル１１の他端部は第２のコネクタ１２を介して信号処理装置であるビデオプロセッサ１３に接続されている。さらに、ビデオプロセッサ１３には映像信号を表示するモニタ１４と、映像を記録するＶＴＲデッキ１５と、ビデオプリンタ１６と、ビデオディスク１７とがそれぞれ接続されている。そして、内視鏡１による観察像はこの内視鏡１の先端構成部６に設けられた図示しない固体撮像素子等によって電気信号に変換された後、この固体撮像素子からの出力信号が信号ケーブル１１を介して信号処理装置であるビデオプロセッサ１３に送られるようになっている。さらに、ビデオプロセッサ１３にて処理された信号は、モニタ１４、ＶＴＲデッキ１５、ビデオプリンタ１６、ビデオディスク１７にそれぞれ送られるようになっている。そして、内視鏡１による観察像の映像がモニタ１４に表示されるとともに、必要に応じてＶＴＲデッキ１５およびビデオディスク１７にその映像が記録され、さらににその映像がビデオプリンタ１６でプリント出力されるようになっている。
【００１７】
また、本実施の形態の先端構成部６には図２（Ａ）に示すように硬質な先端構成部材１８が設けられている。なお、図２（Ａ）は本実施の形態の先端構成部材１８の後端面を示すものである。この先端構成部材１８には挿入部２の軸方向に延出される複数、本実施の形態では４つの孔部（第１〜第４の孔部）１９〜２２が形成されている。ここで、第１の孔部１９には図２（Ｃ）に示すように鉗子挿通孔や、流体管路として機能するチャンネルパイプ（流体管路用の管体）２３が内嵌され、挿入部２の先端部から前方に流体を噴出する流体管路が形成されている。
【００１８】
さらに、第２の孔部２０には図２（Ｃ）に示すように観察用レンズ群２４が内嵌されている。また、先端構成部材１８の第２の孔部２０の後端側には先端側の孔径に比べて孔径を大径にした大径部２５が設けられている。この場合、第２の孔部２０の先端側の小径部２６は図２（Ｂ）に示すように先端構成部材１８の先端面から先端構成部材１８の軸方向略中央位置まで延設されている。さらに、第２の孔部２０の小径部２６の中心軸と大径部２５の中心軸とは同軸上に配置されている。なお、第２の孔部２０の大径部２５は必ずしも円形状でなくとも良く、円形状以外の異形状であっても良い。
【００１９】
また、先端構成部材１８における第１の孔部１９と第２の孔部２０の大径部２５との間の薄肉状の壁部２７には第１の孔部１９と第２の孔部２０との間を連通させる切り欠き部２８が形成されている。そして、第１の孔部１９に挿入されたチャンネルパイプ２３を先端構成部材１８に固定する作業時には図２（Ｄ）に示すように第１の孔部１９に内嵌されるチャンネルパイプ２３と切り欠き部２８との間の境界に沿って接着剤２９が層状に塗布される。さらに、第１の孔部１９とチャンネルパイプ２３との間の隙間３０は先端構成部材１８の後端側にて、接着剤２９で塞いでいる。これにより、チャンネルパイプ２３と先端構成部材１８の第１の孔部１９との間の境界上、及びチャンネルパイプ２３と切り欠き部２８との間の境界上の稜線に沿って、接着剤２９が層状に塗布され、チャンネルパイプ２３と第１の孔部１９との間の隙間３０からの流体の流出を防ぐ接着層３１が形成されている。
【００２０】
また、第３の孔部２１には照明光を導光するライトガイドが内嵌され、第４の孔部２２には観察用レンズ群２４の先端面洗浄用流体を流通させる流体管路が内嵌されている。
【００２１】
次に、上記構成の作用について説明する。例えば、図３に示すように、先端構成部材１８内に配設される各内蔵物間の間隔を接近させることにより、挿入部２の先端部を細径化しようとした場合には先端構成部材１８における第１の孔部１９と第２の孔部２０の大径部２５との間に破損しやすい薄肉状の壁部２７の部分が形成された状態で残されることになる。この場合には先端構成部材１８の後端側でチャンネルパイプ２３と先端構成部材１８との間に接着層３１による水密手段を設けても、薄肉状の壁部２７の部分が破損した際に先端構成部材１８の先端側よりチャンネルパイプ２３と第１の孔部１９との間の隙間３０を通ってきた流体がこの破損箇所から内視鏡内部に浸入することになる。
【００２２】
これに対して、本実施の形態では先端構成部材１８の後端側において第１の孔部１９と第２の孔部２０の大径部２５との間の薄肉状の壁部２７に第１の孔部１９と第２の孔部２０との間を連通させる切り欠き部２８を形成したので、第１の孔部１９と第２の孔部２０の大径部２５との間の薄肉状の壁部２７を取り除くことができる。そして、チャンネルパイプ２３と先端構成部材１８の第１の孔部１９との間の境界上、及びチャンネルパイプ２３と切り欠き部２８との間の境界上の稜線に沿って、接着剤２９を層状に塗布し、チャンネルパイプ２３と第１の孔部１９との間の隙間３０からの流体の流出を防ぐ接着層３１を形成したので、先端構成部材１８の先端側から浸入してきた流体を後端側の接着層３１の部分で止めることができ、内視鏡内部に流体が浸入することを防止することができる。
【００２３】
そこで、上記構成のものにあっては次の効果を奏する。すなわち、本実施の形態では先端構成部材１８における第１の孔部１９と第２の孔部２０の後端側の大径部２５との間の薄肉状の壁部２７に、第１の孔部１９と第２の孔部２０との間を連通させる切り欠き部２８を設け、第１の孔部１９に内嵌されるチャンネルパイプ２３と切り欠き部２８との間の境界に沿って接着層３１を設けたので、挿入部２内の流体管路を通過した流体が、チャンネルパイプ２３以外の他の内蔵物が内嵌される孔部２０〜２２に流入することを確実に防止することができる。そのため、流体が内視鏡内部に浸入して他の内蔵物を破損することがない。
【００２４】
さらに、第１の孔部１９と第２の孔部２０との間を近づけて配置することができるので、先端構成部材１８の外径寸法を小さくするうえで有利となり、内視鏡先端部を細径化できる。
【００２５】
なお、本実施の形態ではビデオ内視鏡に本発明を適用した例を示したが本発明はビデオ内視鏡のみに限定されるものではなく、ファイバー式内視鏡にも適用可能である。
【００２６】
また、図４（Ａ）〜（Ｃ）は本発明の第２の実施の形態を示すものである。本実施の形態は第１の実施の形態の内視鏡１の先端構成部６の構成を次の通り変更したものである。
【００２７】
すなわち、本実施の形態では先端構成部６の先端面は図４（Ａ）に示すように凸状曲面３１で形成されている。この先端構成部６にはレンズ装着用孔部３２と、洗浄用ノズル装着用孔部３３とが形成されている。そして、レンズ装着用孔部３２には観察用レンズ群３４が装着され、洗浄用ノズル装着用孔部３３には観察用レンズ群３４の先端面を洗浄する洗浄用ノズル３５が装着されている。
【００２８】
さらに、洗浄用ノズル３５は図４（Ｂ）に示すようにチューブ状部材３６で形成されている。このチューブ状部材３６は加熱することにより軟性化し、常温では硬化するプラスチック材料によって形成されている。
【００２９】
そして、洗浄用ノズル３５の成形時には例えば、ＰＴＦＥでできたチューブ状部材３６の一部を加熱して軟化させ、図４（Ｃ）に示すようにチューブ状部材３６の先端をチューブ状部材３６の中心軸からほぼ直角になるまで屈曲させて噴出口部３７を形成する。さらに、その噴出口部３７の屈曲形状を維持しつつ、冷却して常温にまで戻すことにより、チューブ状部材３６の先端をこのチューブ状部材３６の中心軸から略直角に曲げた噴出口部３７の屈曲形状が維持される。
【００３０】
また、先端の噴出口部３７を曲げた洗浄用ノズル３５を内視鏡１の先端構成部６の先端に取り付ける際には、洗浄ノズル３５の噴出口部３７の先端が観察用レンズ群３４の先端面に向くように噴出口部３７の屈曲角度が略直角に設定されている。
【００３１】
そこで、上記構成のものにあっては次の効果を奏する。すなわち、ＰＴＦＥのチューブ状部材３６の内周面には汚物が付着しにくい。そのため、洗浄ノズル３５のつまりが起きにくい効果がある。
【００３２】
また、チューブ状部材３６の一部を加熱し、曲げるだけで洗浄ノズル３５の噴出口部３７が形作れるので加工が容易である。さらに、ＰＴＦＥの外表面は滑らかであるので、挿入部２の挿入時に洗浄用ノズル３５が体壁に引っかかりにくい効果がある。
【００３３】
したがって、本実施の形態では挿入部２の挿入性向上が図れるとともに、洗浄ノズル３５の噴出口部３７のつまりが起きにくく、加工が容易な洗浄用ノズル３５を提供することができる。
【００３４】
また、図５は本発明の第３の実施の形態を示すものである。本実施の形態は第１の実施の形態の内視鏡１の先端構成部６の構成を次の通り変更したものである。
【００３５】
すなわち、本実施の形態では先端構成部６の先端面は図５に示すように凸状曲面４１で形成されている。この先端構成部６の凸状曲面４１には観察用レンズ群４２と、この観察用レンズ群４２の先端面を洗浄する洗浄用ノズル４３とが装着されている。さらに、洗浄用ノズル４３の噴出口部４４は先端構成部６の凸状曲面４１に配置されている。ここで、凸状曲面４１の法線が洗浄用ノズル４３の噴出口部４４の中心軸と平行になるように洗浄用ノズル４３の噴出口部４４の中心軸は洗浄用ノズル４３のノズル本体の軸とは傾けて配置されている。
【００３６】
そこで、上記構成のものにあっては次の効果を奏する。すなわち、洗浄用ノズル４３の噴出口部４４が内視鏡１の先端構成部６の凸状曲面４１の法線方向と平行な中心軸を有しているため、洗浄用ノズル４３の噴出口部４４が内視鏡１の先端構成部６の凸状曲面４１と滑らかにつながり、内視鏡１の挿入性を損ねない効果がある。
【００３７】
また、図６は本発明の第４の実施の形態を示すものである。本実施の形態は第１の実施の形態の内視鏡１の先端構成部６の構成を次の通り変更したものである。
【００３８】
すなわち、本実施の形態では先端構成部６を構成する先端構成部材５１が樹脂材料で作られている。さらに、この先端構成部材５１には複数の内蔵物を収納するための収納穴５２が複数設けられている。各収納穴５２には収納穴５２の中心軸方向とは垂直方向に収納穴５２の内壁から先端構成部材５１の外壁までにわたって、ねじ穴５３が設けられている。
【００３９】
また、このねじ穴５３には固定ねじ５４が螺着されている。そして、各収納穴５２に収納された各内蔵物は、ねじ穴５３にねじ込まれた固定ねじ５４によって押しつけられることにより、先端構成部材５１に固定されている。なお、固定ねじ５４の山径をＤ、固定ねじ５４の谷径をｄ、ねじ穴５３の谷径をＤ´、ねじ穴５３の山径をｄ´とした時、Ｄ＞Ｄ´に設定されている。
【００４０】
次に、上記構成の作用について説明する。本実施の形態では固定ねじ５４をねじ穴５３に締め込むと、ねじ穴５３は塑性変形、又は切削されて固定ねじ５４とねじ穴５３のねじ山は各ねじ山の全面で接触する。そのため、ねじ穴５３と固定ねじ５４との螺合部の一部のあるねじ山に局部的に負荷が集中することがないので、ねじ穴５３と固定ねじ５４との螺合部の一部のねじ山が破損してねじが機能しなくなることがない。
【００４１】
また、ねじ山の引っかかり量が多いので、固定ねじ５４の着脱の繰り返しによりねじ山が摩耗した際に、従来のねじ穴５３よりねじ溝が破損しにくい効果がある。さらに、内蔵物を固定する際にねじ締めトルクが管理できる効果もある。
【００４２】
そこで、上記構成のものにあっては次の効果を奏する。すなわち、本実施の形態では樹脂で形成された先端構成部材５１において、ねじ部の破損が起きにくいうえ、先端構成部材５１の耐久性が良い。さらに、先端構成部材５１を樹脂で形成できるため安価にできる。また、ｄ´＞ｄであっても、同様の作用効果が得られる。
【００４３】
なお、本発明は上記実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形実施できることは勿論である。
次に、本出願の他の特徴的な技術事項を下記の通り付記する。
【００４４】
記
（付記項１）内視鏡の先端部より前方に流体を噴出する少なくとも一つの流体管路を備えた内視鏡において、前記内視鏡の先端構成部材に、流体管路の少なくとも一部が内嵌され先端側より後端側の径が大きいように複数の径を有す段状の第１の孔部と、観察用レンズ、照明用レンズ或いは他の流体管路の何れかの一部が内嵌される第２の孔部との間の薄肉状の壁部に、前記先端構成部材の後端側より前記第１の孔部の最大径部の深さまで深さを有す前記第１の孔部と前記第２の孔部とを連通させる切り欠き部を設け、前記第１の孔部に内嵌された流体管路と前記切り欠き部の境界に沿って、接着層を設けたことを特徴とした内視鏡。
【００４５】
（付記項１の従来技術）先端部に設けられた流体管路として働くパイプが内装される孔部と、他の内蔵物が内装される孔部とは薄肉の壁部により仕切られていた。
【００４６】
（付記項１が解決しようとする課題）一般的に流体管路を有する内視鏡においては、内視鏡の先端構成部材に設けられた孔部に、流体管路が内嵌される構成になっている。そのため、流体管路の外径よりも前記流体管路を内嵌するために先端構成部に設けられる孔部内径の方がわずかに大きくなっており、流体管路と先端構成部材との間には隙間が存在する。そこで前記流体管路の先端側で、流体管路と先端構成部材との隙間に接着剤を充填することにより、流体管路内を通ってきた流体が、流体管路と先端構成部材との間の隙間から内視鏡内部に入ることを防いでいた。しかしこの方法では、流体管路の先端側において、流体管路と先端構成部材との間に接着剤充填用の隙間を設けなくてはならず、一般的にこの隙間は流体管路と流体管路を内嵌する孔部内径との隙間より大きいものが必要となるため、内視鏡の先端部が大きくなってしまったり、接着剤が流体管路と先端構成部材との隙間に全周にわたって充填されていることを確認しづらく、接着作業が不確実であった。このため、流体管路の後端側で先端構成部材との隙間を埋める接着を行い、流体管路の先端側から流体管路と先端構成部材との隙間に入った流体が、内視鏡内部に浸入するのを防ぐようにした。ただしこうした場合でも、流体管路内嵌用の孔部と他の内蔵物の内嵌される孔部が各々隔離されている必要がある。通常、先端構成部材によって、各内蔵物内嵌用孔部を隔離されているが、各内蔵物を近づけすぎると、各内蔵物間にある先端構成部材の肉厚が薄くなって破損しやすくなり、確実に各内蔵物を隔離することができなくなるため、あまり内蔵物同士を近づけることができなかった。そのため、内視鏡の先端部の径が大きくなってしまっていた。
【００４７】
本付記項の目的とするところは、流体管路を通過した流体が、他内蔵物の内嵌される孔部に流入することなく、各内蔵物を近づけて配置し、先端部の径の細い内視鏡を提供することである。
【００４８】
（付記項１の課題を解決するための手段）内視鏡の先端部本体に設けられた流体管路の内嵌用の孔と、他の内蔵物の内嵌用の孔とを区切る薄肉状の壁部の一部に切り欠き部を設け、前記流体管路と切り欠き部との間に接着層を設けることにより、流体による他内蔵物の破損がないまま、内視鏡の先端部を細くすることができる。
【００４９】
（付記項１の効果）スコープを細径化しても、故障による観察不能のない内視鏡の提供。
（付記項２）第１の孔部が、流体管路によって、第２の孔部とは隔離されていることを特徴とした付記項１の内視鏡。
【００５０】
（付記項３）流体管路は金属や硬質樹脂などのパイプ状部材で形成されたことを特徴とした付記項１の内視鏡。
（付記項４）流体管路は柔軟なチューブ状部材で形成されたことを特徴とした付記項１の内視鏡。
【００５１】
（付記項５）観察用レンズと観察用レンズ表面を洗浄するフッ素樹脂製の洗浄用ノズルを有する内視鏡。
（付記項５の従来技術）従来は、内視鏡先端部に配置する観察用レンズの洗浄用ノズルとして、金属パイプを曲げて使用していた。
【００５２】
（付記項５が解決しようとする課題）金属製のノズルでは、管路内面に汚物が付着しやすく、また挿入時に引っかかり易いという問題があった。本付記項の目的とするところは、内面に汚物が付着しずらく、外表面が滑らかで挿入性を向上できる内視鏡の提供である。
【００５３】
（付記項５の課題を解決するための手段）ＰＴＦＥのチューブの一部を加熱し曲げ加工することにより、加工が困難になることなく、引っかかりの少ないノズルを提供でき、内視鏡の挿入性を向上させることができる。
【００５４】
（付記項５の効果）挿入性向上。
（付記項６）フッ素樹脂製のチューブの一部に熱を加えることにより、その一部を軟性化させ軟化部をつくり、前記チューブの軸とほぼ垂直に前記チューブの先端部が向くように前記軟化部を湾曲させた後、前記軟化部を硬化させて形成した洗浄用ノズルを有する内視鏡。
【００５５】
（付記項７）フッ素樹脂はＰＴＦＥである付記項５，６の内視鏡。
（付記項８）フッ素樹脂はＰＦＡである付記項５，６の内視鏡。
（付記項９）フッ素樹脂はＦＥＰである付記項５，６の内視鏡。
【００５６】
（付記項１０）洗浄用ノズルを、フッ素樹脂製の軟性なチューブで形成した付記項５，６の内視鏡。
（付記項１１）先端部を凸状曲面として形成した内視鏡において、洗浄用ノズルの開口部を、洗浄用ノズルを内視鏡先端部に取り付けた際、内視鏡挿入軸方向に平行な方向を高さとし、垂直な方向を幅として、前記開口部の高さの方が幅より小さくなるような異形円としたことを特徴とした付記項５の内視鏡。
【００５７】
（付記項１２）洗浄用ノズルの開口部を楕円としたことを特徴とした付記項５の内視鏡。
（付記項１３）洗浄用ノズルの先端の開口部が、チューブ軸とは鈍角に曲げられていることを特徴とした付記項１０の内視鏡。
【００５８】
（付記項１４）洗浄用ノズルの先端の開口部が、チューブ軸とは鋭角に曲げられていることを特徴とした付記項１０の内視鏡。
（付記項１５）先端部を凸状曲面として形成した内視鏡において、洗浄用ノズルの先端部を前記凸状曲面と滑らかにつながる形状に曲げたことを特徴とした付記項５の内視鏡。
【００５９】
（付記項１６）先端部を凸状曲面として形成した内視鏡において、前記凸状曲面の接平面の法線を軸とする洗浄用ノズルを設けたことを特徴とした内視鏡。（付記項１６の従来技術）先端部の先端面を凸状曲面として形成した内視鏡において、内視鏡挿入軸と平行な軸を有す観察用レンズの洗浄用ノズルを前記凸状曲面状に配していた。
【００６０】
（付記項１６が解決しようとする課題）ノズルが内視鏡先端面と滑らかにつながるので、内視鏡挿入時に体壁にノズルが引っかかりにくく、挿入が容易である内視鏡の提供。
【００６１】
（付記項１６の課題を解決するための手段）内視鏡の先端面とノズルとを滑らかにつなぐことができ、ノズルの体壁への引っかかりを押さえることができるので、内視鏡の挿入性を向上させることができる。
【００６２】
（付記項１６の効果）挿入性向上。
（付記項１７）樹脂にて形成された先端部を有し、先端部に少なくとも一つの内蔵物を収納する収納穴と収納穴に貫通したビス穴と内蔵物を固定するためのビス部材を有する内視鏡装置において、ビス穴のネジ谷径、ネジ山径の少なくとも一つをビス部材のビス山径、ネジ谷径よりも小さく形成したことを特徴とした内視鏡。
【００６３】
（付記項１７の従来技術）樹脂で形成された先端部本体に内蔵物を固定する際に、セルフタップビスを用いていた。
（付記項１７が解決しようとする課題）樹脂で形成された先端部本体に内蔵物を固定する際に、ビスを用いていたが、先端部本体にあけられたビス穴において数回のビスの締め開けにより、ビス山部が破損してしまい、前記内蔵物の固定ができなくなってしまっていた。また、セルフタップビスを用いたものでは、生産性が悪く、ビスの締め付けトルクの管理ができずに内蔵物の固定が不確実であった。本付記項の目的とするところは、先端部本体への内蔵物固定用のビス穴が破損しにくく、耐久性のあり、かつ安価な内視鏡の提供である。
【００６４】
（付記項１７の課題を解決するための手段）樹脂にて形成された内視鏡の先端部本体に設けられた、内蔵物固定用のビス穴において、ビス山のネジ谷径、ネジ山径の少なくとも一つをビス部材のネジ山径、ネジ谷径よりも小さく形成することにより、ビス固定の耐性をあげ内蔵物を確実に固定することができる。
（付記項１７の効果）内蔵物を確実に固定でき、かつ安価な先端構成部を有す内視鏡の提供。
【００６５】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、先端構成部材における第１の孔部と第２の孔部の後端側の大径部との間の薄肉状の壁部に、第１の孔部と第２の孔部との間を連通させる切り欠き部を設け、第１の孔部に内嵌される流体管路用の管体と切り欠き部との間の境界に沿って接着層を設けたので、挿入部内の流体管路を通過した流体が、流体管路構成用の管体以外の他の内蔵物が内嵌される孔部に流入することを確実に防止することができ、各内蔵物を近づけて配置し、先端部の外径寸法を小さくするうえで有利となる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１の実施の形態の内視鏡のシステム全体の概略構成図。
【図２】第１の実施の形態の内視鏡の要部構成を示すもので、（Ａ）は先端構成部材の横断面図、（Ｂ）は（Ａ）のＡ−Ｂ−Ｃ−Ｄ−Ｅ−Ｆ線断面図、（Ｃ）は（Ａ）のＧ−Ｇ線断面図、（Ｄ）は第１の孔部に内嵌された管体と切り欠き部との境界に沿って形成された接着層を示す斜視図。
【図３】先端構成部材の第１の孔部と第２の孔部との間の仕切り壁を示す要部の縦断面図。
【図４】本発明の第２の実施の形態を示すもので、（Ａ）は先端構成部材の一部を断面にして示す側面図、（Ｂ）は洗浄用ノズルの成形素材を示す縦断面図、（Ｃ）は洗浄用ノズルの成形状態を示す斜視図。
【図５】本発明の第３の実施の形態の要部構成を示す側面図。
【図６】本発明の第４の実施の形態の要部構成を示す縦断面図。
【符号の説明】
１８先端構成部材
１９第１の孔部
２０第２の孔部
２３チャンネルパイプ（流体管路用の管体）
２５大径部
２７薄肉状の壁部
２８切り欠き部
３１接着層[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope having a fluid conduit in an insertion portion that is inserted into a lumen.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Generally, in a video endoscope or a fiber endoscope, for example, a distal end constituting member that constitutes a distal end portion of an elongated insertion portion that is inserted into a lumen such as a body cavity of a human body is extended in the axial direction of the insertion portion. A plurality of holes are formed. Here, the first hole which is at least one hole is internally provided with a pipe functioning as a fluid conduit, and a fluid conduit for ejecting fluid forward from the distal end of the insertion portion is formed. Has been. Furthermore, the second hole portion, which is a hole portion other than the first hole portion, includes at least an observation lens, an illumination lens, or any other built-in component such as another fluid conduit.
Further, the first hole portion and the second hole portion formed in the tip constituent member are partitioned by a thin wall portion of the tip constituent member itself.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in an endoscope having a fluid conduit in an insertion portion to be inserted into a lumen, a fluid conduit constituting tube is generally formed in a hole formed in a distal end constituent member of the endoscope insertion portion. The tip of the body is configured to fit inside. Therefore, the inner diameter dimension of the hole portion formed in the tip constituent part for fitting the pipe body for fluid pipe line configuration is slightly larger than the outer diameter dimension of the pipe body for fluid pipe line configuration. Therefore, there is a gap between the pipe for fluid conduit construction and the hole of the tip constituent member.
[0004]
Therefore, by filling the gap between the pipe for configuring the fluid pipe and the hole of the tip constituent member on the tip side of the pipe for forming the pipe, the pipe for constructing the fluid pipe The fluid that has passed through is prevented from entering the endoscope through the gap between the tube for forming the fluid conduit and the hole of the tip component member.
[0005]
However, in the endoscope having the above-described conventional configuration, a gap for filling the adhesive is provided between the tube for the fluid conduit and the hole of the tip component on the distal end side of the tube for the fluid conduit. And the gap is generally required to be larger than the gap between the pipe for fluid conduit construction and the inner peripheral surface of the hole in which the pipe is fitted. There is a problem that the outer diameter of the tip is increased.
[0006]
Furthermore, since it is difficult to confirm that the adhesive is filled in the gap between the pipe for fluid conduit construction and the hole of the tip constituent member over the entire circumference, there is a risk that the bonding operation will be uncertain. . Therefore, an adhesive operation is performed to fill a gap between the hole of the tip constituent member on the rear end side of the fluid pipe configuration pipe body, and the fluid pipe configuration pipe is configured from the tip side of the fluid pipe configuration pipe body. The fluid that enters the gap between the tube body and the hole of the tip component member is prevented from entering the endoscope.
[0007]
Even in this case, since it is necessary to isolate the hole portion of the tip constituent member into which the pipe for fluid conduit construction is fitted and the hole portion into which another built-in member is fitted, the tip configuration is usually used. The internal fitting hole of each built-in object is isolated by a thin portion formed by the material of the member itself.
[0008]
However, if the isolated built-in objects are too close to each other, the thickness of the material of the tip constituting member itself interposed between the built-in objects becomes thin. The thin part tends to break. As a result, each built-in object cannot be reliably isolated, so that the interval between a plurality of built-in objects cannot be made extremely close, and the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion becomes large. is there.
[0009]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and the purpose thereof is a hole in which a fluid that has passed through the fluid pipe in the insertion portion is fitted with a built-in object other than the pipe for forming the fluid pipe. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope that can be surely prevented from flowing into the portion, and that is advantageous in reducing the outer diameter of the distal end portion by arranging the built-in objects close to each other.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the present invention, a plurality of hole portions extending in the axial direction of the insertion portion are formed in a tip constituent member constituting the tip portion of the insertion portion, and the insertion portion is formed in a first hole portion which is at least one of the hole portions. A fluid conduit for ejecting fluid forward from the tip of the first hole is formed, and at least an observation lens, an illumination lens, or other in the second hole, which is at least one of the holes other than the first hole In the endoscope in which any one of the fluid pipes is formed, a large-diameter portion having a larger diameter than the diameter of the distal end side is provided on the rear end side of the second hole portion of the distal end component member, In the thin wall portion between the first hole portion and the large-diameter portion of the second hole portion in the tip component member, a space between the first hole portion and the second hole portion is provided. Provided with a notch for communication, the pipe for the fluid conduit fitted in the first hole and the notch An endoscope, characterized in that a bonding layer along the boundary between the parts.
[0011]
And between the 1st hole and the 2nd hole in the thin wall part between the 1st hole in a tip component and the large diameter part of the back end side of the 2nd hole By providing a notch for communicating with each other, and providing an adhesive layer along the boundary between the notch and the fluid pipe tube fitted in the first hole, The distal end constituting portion of the endoscope insertion portion can be made thin without damage to the built-in object.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2A to 2D. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of the entire system of the video endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, the endoscope 1 is provided with a flexible elongated insertion portion 2 to be inserted into a body cavity. At the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 2, a hand side operation portion 3 that is held by an inspector is provided.
[0013]
Further, the insertion portion 2 has an elongated flexible tube portion 4 whose base end portion is connected to the operation portion 3 and a bending operation, for example, in the vertical direction and the left-right direction provided at the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 4. A possible bending portion 5 and a distal end configuration portion 6 connected to the distal end portion of the bending portion 5 are provided.
[0014]
The operation unit 3 is provided with a treatment instrument introduction port 7 for introducing forceps and the like, an up / down bending operation knob and a left / right bending operation knob (not shown) for controlling the operation of the bending unit 5, and an air supply / liquid supply function Are provided with an air / liquid feed button that controls the suction, a suction button that controls the suction function, and a switch that remotely performs a video recording function, light amount adjustment, and the like.
[0015]
Further, the base end portion of the universal cord 8 having flexibility is connected to the side surface of the operation portion 3. A first connector 9 is connected to the distal end portion of the universal cord 8. The first connector 9 is detachably connected to the light source device 10.
[0016]
In addition, one end of a signal cable 11 is connected to the first connector 9. The other end of the signal cable 11 is connected to a video processor 13 which is a signal processing device via a second connector 12. Further, a monitor 14 for displaying a video signal, a VTR deck 15 for recording video, a video printer 16 and a video disk 17 are connected to the video processor 13. An observation image obtained by the endoscope 1 is converted into an electrical signal by a solid-state imaging device (not shown) provided at the distal end configuration portion 6 of the endoscope 1, and an output signal from the solid-state imaging device is converted to a signal cable. 11 is sent to a video processor 13 which is a signal processing device. Further, the signal processed by the video processor 13 is sent to the monitor 14, the VTR deck 15, the video printer 16, and the video disk 17, respectively. Then, an image of the observation image by the endoscope 1 is displayed on the monitor 14, and the image is recorded on the VTR deck 15 and the video disc 17 as necessary, and further, the image is printed out by the video printer 16. It has become so.
[0017]
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2A, a hard tip constituent member 18 is provided in the tip constituent portion 6 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 (A) shows the rear end face of the tip constituting member 18 of the present embodiment. The distal end component member 18 is formed with a plurality of holes (first to fourth holes) 19 to 22 extending in the axial direction of the insertion portion 2 in the present embodiment. Here, as shown in FIG. 2 (C), a forceps insertion hole and a channel pipe (fluid conduit tube) 23 functioning as a fluid conduit are fitted in the first hole portion 19, and the insertion portion A fluid conduit for ejecting fluid forward from the tip end of 2 is formed.
[0018]
Furthermore, an observation lens group 24 is fitted in the second hole 20 as shown in FIG. Further, a large-diameter portion 25 having a larger diameter than the diameter of the hole on the tip side is provided on the rear end side of the second hole portion 20 of the tip component member 18. In this case, the small-diameter portion 26 on the distal end side of the second hole portion 20 extends from the distal end surface of the distal end component member 18 to a substantially central position in the axial direction of the distal end component member 18 as shown in FIG. . Furthermore, the central axis of the small diameter portion 26 and the central axis of the large diameter portion 25 of the second hole portion 20 are arranged coaxially. The large-diameter portion 25 of the second hole portion 20 does not necessarily have a circular shape, and may have a different shape other than a circular shape.
[0019]
Further, the first hole portion 19 and the second hole portion 20 are formed in the thin wall portion 27 between the first hole portion 19 and the large diameter portion 25 of the second hole portion 20 in the tip component member 18. The notch part 28 which connects between is formed. When the channel pipe 23 inserted into the first hole portion 19 is fixed to the tip component member 18, as shown in FIG. 2D, the channel pipe 23 and the channel pipe 23 fitted into the first hole portion 19 are cut off. An adhesive 29 is applied in a layered manner along the boundary with the notch 28. Further, the gap 30 between the first hole portion 19 and the channel pipe 23 is closed with an adhesive 29 on the rear end side of the leading end component 18. Thus, the adhesive 29 is applied along the ridgeline on the boundary between the channel pipe 23 and the first hole 19 of the tip component 18 and on the boundary between the channel pipe 23 and the notch 28. An adhesive layer 31 is formed which is applied in layers and prevents the fluid from flowing out from the gap 30 between the channel pipe 23 and the first hole portion 19.
[0020]
In addition, a light guide for guiding illumination light is fitted in the third hole portion 21, and a fluid conduit for flowing the cleaning fluid for the distal end surface of the observation lens group 24 is disposed in the fourth hole portion 22. It is fitted.
[0021]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when it is attempted to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 by bringing the interval between the built-in components disposed in the distal end configuration member 18 closer, the distal end configuration member 18, the thin wall portion 27 that is easily damaged is left between the first hole portion 19 and the large-diameter portion 25 of the second hole portion 20. In this case, even if a watertight means by the adhesive layer 31 is provided between the channel pipe 23 and the tip constituent member 18 on the rear end side of the tip constituent member 18, the tip end when the thin wall portion 27 is broken. The fluid that has passed through the gap 30 between the channel pipe 23 and the first hole portion 19 from the distal end side of the component member 18 enters the endoscope from the damaged portion.
[0022]
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the first wall portion 27 between the first hole portion 19 and the large-diameter portion 25 of the second hole portion 20 on the rear end side of the tip component member 18 is firstly connected. Since the notch portion 28 for communicating between the hole portion 19 and the second hole portion 20 is formed, the thin wall shape between the first hole portion 19 and the large diameter portion 25 of the second hole portion 20 is formed. The wall 27 can be removed. Then, the adhesive 29 is layered on the boundary between the channel pipe 23 and the first hole 19 of the tip component 18 and along the ridge line on the boundary between the channel pipe 23 and the notch 28. Since the adhesive layer 31 that prevents the fluid from flowing out from the gap 30 between the channel pipe 23 and the first hole portion 19 is formed, the fluid that has entered from the distal end side of the distal end component member 18 is removed from the rear end. It can be stopped at the side of the adhesive layer 31 on the side, and fluid can be prevented from entering the endoscope.
[0023]
Therefore, the configuration described above has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, the first hole 19 is formed in the thin wall portion 27 between the first hole portion 19 and the large-diameter portion 25 on the rear end side of the second hole portion 20 in the tip component member 18. A notch portion 28 is provided for communicating between the portion 19 and the second hole portion 20, and bonding is performed along the boundary between the channel pipe 23 fitted in the first hole portion 19 and the notch portion 28. Since the layer 31 is provided, it is possible to reliably prevent the fluid that has passed through the fluid pipe line in the insertion portion 2 from flowing into the holes 20 to 22 in which other built-in objects other than the channel pipe 23 are fitted. Can do. Therefore, the fluid does not enter the endoscope and damage other built-in objects.
[0024]
Further, since the first hole portion 19 and the second hole portion 20 can be disposed close to each other, it is advantageous in reducing the outer diameter of the distal end component member 18, and the endoscope distal end portion is reduced. The diameter can be reduced.
[0025]
In the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a video endoscope is shown, but the present invention is not limited to a video endoscope, and can also be applied to a fiber endoscope.
[0026]
4A to 4C show a second embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the distal end configuration portion 6 of the endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment is changed as follows.
[0027]
That is, in the present embodiment, the distal end surface of the distal end configuration portion 6 is formed with a convex curved surface 31 as shown in FIG. A lens mounting hole 32 and a cleaning nozzle mounting hole 33 are formed in the tip component 6. An observation lens group 34 is mounted in the lens mounting hole 32, and a cleaning nozzle 35 for cleaning the tip surface of the observation lens group 34 is mounted in the cleaning nozzle mounting hole 33.
[0028]
Further, the cleaning nozzle 35 is formed of a tubular member 36 as shown in FIG. The tubular member 36 is made of a plastic material that softens when heated and hardens at room temperature.
[0029]
When the cleaning nozzle 35 is molded, for example, a part of the tube-shaped member 36 made of PTFE is heated and softened, and the tip of the tube-shaped member 36 is connected to the tube-shaped member 36 as shown in FIG. The spout part 37 is formed by bending until it is substantially perpendicular to the central axis. Furthermore, while maintaining the bent shape of the spout portion 37, the spout portion 37 is bent at a substantially right angle from the central axis of the tubular member 36 by cooling and returning to the normal temperature. The bent shape is maintained.
[0030]
Further, when the cleaning nozzle 35 having the bent nozzle portion 37 at the tip is attached to the tip of the tip component portion 6 of the endoscope 1, the tip of the nozzle portion 37 of the cleaning nozzle 35 is attached to the observation lens group 34. The bending angle of the ejection port portion 37 is set to be substantially a right angle so as to face the distal end surface.
[0031]
Therefore, the configuration described above has the following effects. That is, filth hardly adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the PTFE tubular member 36. Therefore, there is an effect that the clogging of the cleaning nozzle 35 hardly occurs.
[0032]
Moreover, since the spout part 37 of the washing nozzle 35 can be formed simply by heating and bending a part of the tubular member 36, the processing is easy. Furthermore, since the outer surface of PTFE is smooth, there is an effect that the cleaning nozzle 35 is not easily caught on the body wall when the insertion portion 2 is inserted.
[0033]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the insertability of the insertion portion 2 and provide the cleaning nozzle 35 that is difficult to clog the ejection port portion 37 of the cleaning nozzle 35 and can be easily processed.
[0034]
FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the distal end configuration portion 6 of the endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment is changed as follows.
[0035]
That is, in the present embodiment, the distal end surface of the distal end configuration portion 6 is formed with a convex curved surface 41 as shown in FIG. An observation lens group 42 and a cleaning nozzle 43 for cleaning the front end surface of the observation lens group 42 are mounted on the convex curved surface 41 of the tip configuration portion 6. Further, the jet nozzle portion 44 of the cleaning nozzle 43 is disposed on the convex curved surface 41 of the tip constituting portion 6. Here, the central axis of the jet nozzle portion 44 of the cleaning nozzle 43 is the nozzle body of the cleaning nozzle 43 so that the normal line of the convex curved surface 41 is parallel to the central axis of the jet nozzle portion 44 of the cleaning nozzle 43. It is arranged at an angle to the axis.
[0036]
Therefore, the configuration described above has the following effects. That is, since the ejection port portion 44 of the cleaning nozzle 43 has a central axis parallel to the normal direction of the convex curved surface 41 of the distal end constituting portion 6 of the endoscope 1, the ejection port portion of the cleaning nozzle 43 44 is smoothly connected to the convex curved surface 41 of the distal end constituting portion 6 of the endoscope 1 and there is an effect that the insertion property of the endoscope 1 is not impaired.
[0037]
FIG. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the distal end configuration portion 6 of the endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment is changed as follows.
[0038]
That is, in the present embodiment, the tip constituent member 51 constituting the tip constituent portion 6 is made of a resin material. Further, the tip component member 51 is provided with a plurality of storage holes 52 for storing a plurality of built-in objects. Each storage hole 52 is provided with a screw hole 53 extending from the inner wall of the storage hole 52 to the outer wall of the tip component member 51 in a direction perpendicular to the central axis direction of the storage hole 52.
[0039]
A fixing screw 54 is screwed into the screw hole 53. Each built-in object stored in each storage hole 52 is fixed to the tip component member 51 by being pressed by a fixing screw 54 screwed into the screw hole 53. Note that D> D ′, where D is the crest diameter of the fixing screw 54, d is the trough diameter of the fixing screw 54, D ′ is the trough diameter of the screw hole 53, and d ′ is the crest diameter of the screw hole 53. ing.
[0040]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. In this embodiment, when the fixing screw 54 is tightened into the screw hole 53, the screw hole 53 is plastically deformed or cut, and the screw threads of the fixing screw 54 and the screw hole 53 are in contact with the entire surface of each screw thread. For this reason, the load does not concentrate locally on a thread having a part of the threaded portion between the screw hole 53 and the fixing screw 54, so that a part of the screwed portion between the screw hole 53 and the fixing screw 54 is not partially concentrated. The screw thread will not be damaged and the screw will not function.
[0041]
In addition, since the thread is caught in a large amount, the thread groove is less likely to be damaged than the conventional screw hole 53 when the thread is worn by repeated attachment and detachment of the fixing screw 54. Furthermore, there is an effect that the screw tightening torque can be managed when fixing the built-in object.
[0042]
Therefore, the configuration described above has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, in the tip constituent member 51 formed of resin, the threaded portion is not easily damaged, and the tip constituent member 51 has good durability. Furthermore, since the tip component member 51 can be formed of resin, the cost can be reduced. Even if d ′> d, the same effect can be obtained.
[0043]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application are appended as follows.
[0044]
Record
(Additional Item 1) In an endoscope provided with at least one fluid conduit for ejecting fluid forward from the distal end portion of the endoscope, at least a part of the fluid conduit is disposed on the distal end constituent member of the endoscope. A stepped first hole having a plurality of diameters so that the diameter of the rear end side is larger than the front end side, and a part of the observation lens, the illumination lens, or another fluid conduit In the thin wall portion between the second hole portion into which the first hole portion is fitted, the first wall portion has a depth from the rear end side to the depth of the maximum diameter portion of the first hole portion. A notch for communicating between the first hole and the second hole, and an adhesive layer is provided along a boundary between the fluid line fitted in the first hole and the notch. Endoscope characterized by that.
[0045]
(Prior Art of Additional Item 1) A hole portion in which a pipe serving as a fluid pipe provided at a tip portion is internally provided and a hole portion in which other built-in objects are provided are partitioned by a thin wall portion.
[0046]
(Problem to be solved by Supplementary Item 1) Generally, in an endoscope having a fluid conduit, the fluid conduit is fitted into a hole provided in a distal end component member of the endoscope. It has become. Therefore, the inner diameter of the hole provided in the tip constituent part for fitting the fluid pipe is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fluid pipe, and the gap between the fluid pipe and the tip constituent member is slightly larger. There is a gap. Therefore, by filling the gap between the fluid conduit and the tip component on the leading end side of the fluid conduit, the fluid that has passed through the fluid conduit is placed between the fluid conduit and the tip component. The inside of the endoscope was prevented from entering through the gap. However, in this method, a gap for filling the adhesive must be provided between the fluid pipe and the tip constituent member on the distal end side of the fluid pipe. Generally, this gap is formed between the fluid pipe and the fluid pipe. Since a larger gap than the inner diameter of the hole that fits the path is required, the distal end of the endoscope becomes larger, or the adhesive spreads over the entire circumference of the gap between the fluid conduit and the distal component. It was difficult to confirm that it was filled, and the bonding operation was uncertain. For this reason, adhesion is performed so as to fill a gap with the tip constituent member at the rear end side of the fluid conduit, and the fluid that enters the gap between the fluid conduit and the tip constituent member from the tip end side of the fluid conduit passes through the endoscope. To prevent intrusion. However, even in such a case, it is necessary that the hole for fitting the fluid pipe line and the hole for fitting another built-in object are separated from each other. Normally, each built-in object fitting hole is isolated by the tip component, but if each built-in object is too close, the tip component member between the built-in members becomes thin and easily damaged. Since the built-in objects could not be isolated with certainty, the built-in objects could not be brought close together. Therefore, the diameter of the distal end portion of the endoscope has been increased.
[0047]
The purpose of this supplementary item is that the fluid that has passed through the fluid conduit does not flow into the hole into which the other built-in product is fitted, and each built-in product is placed close to each other, and the tip has a small diameter. It is to provide an endoscope.
[0048]
(Means for Solving the Problem of Additional Item 1) A thin-walled shape that divides an internal fitting hole of a fluid conduit provided in a distal end body of an endoscope and an internal fitting hole of another built-in object By providing a notch in a part of the wall portion and providing an adhesive layer between the fluid conduit and the notch, the distal end of the endoscope can be moved without causing damage to other built-in components due to the fluid. Can be thinned.
[0049]
(Effects of Supplementary Item 1) Provision of an endoscope that does not allow observation due to a failure even if the scope is reduced in diameter.
(Additional Item 2) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the first hole is separated from the second hole by a fluid conduit.
[0050]
(Additional Item 3) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the fluid conduit is formed of a pipe-shaped member such as metal or hard resin.
(Additional Item 4) The endoscope according to Additional Item 1, wherein the fluid conduit is formed of a flexible tubular member.
[0051]
(Additional Item 5) An endoscope having a cleaning nozzle made of a fluororesin that cleans the observation lens and the surface of the observation lens.
(Prior Art of Additional Item 5) Conventionally, a metal pipe is bent and used as a cleaning nozzle for an observation lens disposed at the distal end portion of an endoscope.
[0052]
(Problem to be solved by the supplementary item 5) In the metal nozzle, there is a problem that filth easily adheres to the inner surface of the pipe and is easily caught during insertion. The purpose of this supplementary item is to provide an endoscope in which dirt is difficult to adhere to the inner surface, the outer surface is smooth, and the insertability can be improved.
[0053]
(Means for Solving the Problem of Additional Item 5) By heating and bending a part of the PTFE tube, it is possible to provide a nozzle with less catching without difficulty in processing, and insertion of an endoscope Can be improved.
[0054]
(Effect of Supplementary Item 5) Improved insertability.
(Additional Item 6) By applying heat to a part of the tube made of fluororesin, a part thereof is softened to form a softened part, and the tip of the tube is directed substantially perpendicular to the axis of the tube. An endoscope having a cleaning nozzle formed by curving the softened portion and then curing the softened portion.
[0055]
(Additional Item 7) The endoscope according to Additional Items 5 and 6, wherein the fluororesin is PTFE.
(Additional Item 8) The endoscope according to Additional Items 5 and 6, wherein the fluororesin is PFA.
(Additional Item 9) The endoscope according to Additional Items 5 and 6, wherein the fluororesin is FEP.
[0056]
(Additional Item 10) The endoscope according to Additional Items 5 and 6, wherein the cleaning nozzle is formed of a soft tube made of a fluororesin.
(Additional Item 11) In an endoscope in which the tip portion is formed as a convex curved surface, the opening of the cleaning nozzle is parallel to the endoscope insertion axis direction when the cleaning nozzle is attached to the endoscope tip portion. The endoscope according to appendix 5, wherein the direction is a height, the vertical direction is a width, and the opening has a deformed circle whose width is smaller than the width.
[0057]
(Additional Item 12) The endoscope according to Additional Item 5, wherein the opening of the cleaning nozzle is an ellipse.
(Additional Item 13) The endoscope according to Additional Item 10, wherein the opening at the tip of the cleaning nozzle is bent at an obtuse angle with respect to the tube axis.
[0058]
(Additional Item 14) The endoscope according to Additional Item 10, wherein the opening at the tip of the cleaning nozzle is bent at an acute angle with respect to the tube axis.
(Additional Item 15) An endoscope according to Additional Item 5, wherein the distal end portion of the cleaning nozzle is bent into a shape smoothly connected to the convex curved surface in an endoscope having a distal end portion formed as a convex curved surface. .
[0059]
(Additional Item 16) An endoscope in which a distal end portion is formed as a convex curved surface, and includes a cleaning nozzle having a normal line of a tangent plane of the convex curved surface as an axis. (Prior Art of Additional Item 16) In an endoscope in which the distal end surface of the distal end portion is formed as a convex curved surface, the cleaning nozzle of the observation lens having an axis parallel to the endoscope insertion axis is formed into the convex curved surface shape. Was arranged.
[0060]
(Problem to be solved by the supplementary item 16) Since the nozzle is smoothly connected to the distal end surface of the endoscope, it is difficult to catch the nozzle on the body wall when the endoscope is inserted, and an endoscope that can be easily inserted is provided.
[0061]
(Means for Solving the Problem of Additional Item 16) Since the distal end surface of the endoscope and the nozzle can be smoothly connected and the catch of the nozzle on the body wall can be suppressed, the insertion property of the endoscope Can be improved.
[0062]
(Effects of Supplementary Note 16) Improved insertability.
(Additional Item 17) Having a tip portion formed of resin, and having a storage hole for storing at least one built-in object at the tip portion, a screw hole penetrating the storage hole, and a screw member for fixing the built-in material. An endoscope according to the endoscope apparatus, wherein at least one of a screw valley diameter and a screw thread diameter of a screw hole is formed smaller than a screw thread diameter and a screw valley diameter of a screw member.
[0063]
(Prior Art of Additional Item 17) A self-tapping screw has been used to fix a built-in object to a tip body formed of resin.
(Problem to be solved by Supplementary Item 17) A screw was used to fix the built-in object to the tip body made of resin. However, several screws were used in the screw hole drilled in the tip body. The screw thread was damaged by the tightening, and the built-in object could not be fixed. Further, in the case of using a self-tapping screw, the productivity is poor, the screw tightening torque cannot be managed, and the built-in object cannot be fixed. The purpose of this supplementary note is to provide an endoscope that is durable and inexpensive, with a screw hole for fixing a built-in object to the distal end main body hardly damaged.
[0064]
(Means for Solving the Problem of Additional Item 17) In a screw hole for fixing a built-in object provided in a distal end body of an endoscope made of resin, a screw thread diameter and a screw thread diameter By forming at least one of these smaller than the screw thread diameter and screw thread diameter of the screw member, it is possible to increase the resistance of screw fixing and to securely fix the built-in object.
(Effects of Supplementary Item 17) An endoscope that can securely fix a built-in object and has an inexpensive tip component.
[0065]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the first hole portion and the second hole are formed in the thin wall portion between the first hole portion and the large-diameter portion on the rear end side of the second hole portion in the tip constituent member. Since a notch for communicating with the part is provided, and an adhesive layer is provided along the boundary between the pipe for the fluid conduit fitted in the first hole and the notch, It is possible to reliably prevent the fluid that has passed through the fluid pipes in the section from flowing into the holes into which other built-in objects other than the pipes for configuring the fluid pipes are fitted, and bring each built-in object closer. To reduce the outer diameter of the tip.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show a configuration of a main part of an endoscope according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a tip constituent member, and FIG. -E-F line sectional view, (C) is a sectional view taken along the line GG of (A), and (D) is formed along the boundary between the tubular body fitted in the first hole and the notch. The perspective view which shows the done contact bonding layer.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a partition wall between a first hole portion and a second hole portion of a tip constituent member.
4A and 4B show a second embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 4A is a side view showing a part of a tip component member in cross section, and FIG. 4B is a vertical cross section showing a molding material for a cleaning nozzle. FIG. 4C is a perspective view showing a state of forming the cleaning nozzle.
FIG. 5 is a side view showing the main configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the main configuration of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
18 Tip component
19 First hole
20 Second hole
23 Channel pipe (pipe for fluid conduit)
25 Large diameter part
27 Thin wall
28 Notch
31 Adhesive layer

Claims

A plurality of hole portions extending in the axial direction of the insertion portion are formed in a tip constituent member constituting the tip portion of the insertion portion, and the tip portion of the insertion portion is formed in the first hole portion which is at least one of the hole portions. A fluid conduit for ejecting fluid forward is formed, and at least an observation lens, an illumination lens, or other fluid conduit is provided in the second hole, which is at least one of the holes other than the first hole. In an endoscope in which any of
A large-diameter portion having a larger hole diameter than the hole diameter on the front end side is provided on the rear end side of the second hole portion of the front end component member,
In the thin wall portion between the first hole portion and the large-diameter portion of the second hole portion in the tip component member, a space between the first hole portion and the second hole portion is provided. In addition to providing a notch for communication,
An endoscope, wherein an adhesive layer is provided along a boundary between the fluid conduit tube fitted in the first hole and the cutout.