JP3780170B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope having a flexible portion and a curved portion on the distal end side of the flexible portion in an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, there are cases where the target organ is filled with a liquid, such as a bladder or kidney, for observation and treatment with an endoscope. In this case, as a method for increasing the perfusion rate of the liquid as much as possible without increasing the outer diameter of the endoscope, a technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-259637 is known. In this technique, in the rigid endoscope, the cross-sectional shape of the channel is made noncircular in order to increase the gap between the channel and the treatment instrument as much as possible.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the technique described above is a technique limited to rigid endoscopes, and it has been difficult to apply the technique to a known flexible endoscope whose tip is curved in two directions. For example, when the channel is non-circular, there is a problem that the directivity is generated in flexibility, the operability is hindered depending on the direction, which is easy to bend depending on the direction, and hard and difficult to bend in a certain direction.
[0004]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to secure the perfusion rate of the liquid while suppressing the outer diameter of the insertion portion, and to reduce the bending force amount of the bending portion, thereby improving operability. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of improving the above.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a channel tube in an insertion portion that has a bending portion that bends only in two opposing directions on the distal end side and a soft portion on the proximal end side of the bending portion. In an endoscope through which a built-in object is inserted, The channel tube is formed in a non-circular shape having a minor axis with respect to the bending direction in the bending portion, is formed in a substantially circular shape in the flexible portion, and is in the vicinity of a connection portion between the bending portion and the flexible portion. Has a transition part that transitions from a non-circular shape to a substantially circular shape, It is characterized by that.
[0006]
By making the channel tube in at least the bending portion of the insertion portion into a non-circular shape having a short diameter with respect to the bending direction, the perfusion flow of the liquid is secured while suppressing the outer diameter of the insertion portion, and the bending portion is easily bent. Operability is improved.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0008]
1 to 3 show a first embodiment, FIG. 1 is a side view of the entire endoscope, FIG. 2 is a transverse sectional view of a bending portion of the insertion portion, and FIG. 3 is a transverse section of a flexible portion of the insertion portion. FIG.
[0009]
As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 is configured by sequentially connecting an insertion section 2, an operation section 3, and an eyepiece section 4 from the distal end side. The insertion part 2 is comprised from the bending part 5 and the soft part 6 from the front end side. The bending portion 5 is bent in the vertical direction by pulling a pair of bending wires, which will be described later, provided in the insertion portion 2 by the turning operation of the bending lever 7 provided in the operation portion 3.
[0010]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in addition to the bending wire 8, the insertion tube 2 has a channel tube 9 for inserting a treatment instrument or sending perfusate, and an image guide fiber for transmitting an endoscopic image. A bundle 10 and a light guide fiber bundle 11 for transmitting illumination light are inserted. As shown in FIG. 1, the base end side of the channel tube 9 is connected to a base 12 provided in the operation unit 3, and opens at a channel opening 13 located on the distal end side of the operation unit 3. The proximal end of the image guide fiber bundle 10 is guided in the eyepiece 4 until just before the eyepiece. The proximal end of the light guide fiber bundle 11 is led to a light guide post 14 provided at a position facing the bending lever 7 of the operation unit 3.
[0011]
As shown in FIG. 2, the bending portion 5 includes a bending tube 16 housed in a protective tube 15 made of, for example, synthetic rubber. The bending tube 16 is formed by connecting a plurality of node rings 17 in the longitudinal direction, and the node rings 17 are pivotally attached to each other by rivets 18 at positions orthogonal to two bending directions. The bending wire 8 is disposed in a direction substantially matching the bending direction. The bending wire 8 is supported by a suitable string guide portion 19 in which a part of the flesh of the node ring 17 protrudes inward. The channel tube 9, the image guide fiber bundle 10, and the light guide fiber bundle 11 are disposed in the space inside the node ring 17. The channel tube 9 is formed into a substantially elliptical shape having a long diameter in the axial direction of the rivet 18 and a short diameter in the bending direction in the cross section in the bending portion 5. In addition, the inner diameter on the short diameter side exceeds the outer diameter of the treatment instrument to be inserted.
[0012]
Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the flexible portion 6 is formed by inserting the aforementioned built-in material into a flexible tube 23 composed of a spiral tube 20 made of a thin metal plate, a mesh tube 21 made of a metal wire, and a resin tube 22. Yes. However, each bending wire 8 is inserted into the coil 24. The coil 24 is fixed to a base provided on the distal end side of the soft portion 6 by, for example, solder or solder. In this cross section, the channel tube 9 is circular. The transition from the ellipse to the circle is disposed on the distal end side of the flexible tube 23.
[0013]
Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.
[0014]
When the bending portion 5 shown in FIG. 2 and the flexible portion 6 shown in FIG. 3 are compared, the bending portion 5 is provided with a built-in object because a space for connecting the node rings 17 is necessary. The cross-sectional area (gap) is small. Further, in the flexible portion 6, the built-in objects including the coil 24 can freely move in the radial direction along with the bending of the insertion portion 2, whereas in the bending portion 5, Since the string guide unit 19 is restricted, there is an adverse condition that the built-in layout is restricted. Therefore, when the outer diameters of the soft portion 6 and the bending portion 5 are substantially equal, the thickness of the built-in object that can be inserted by the cross section of the bending portion 5 is determined.
[0015]
In the present embodiment, the channel tube 9 is deformed and provided in the bending portion 5 in accordance with a shape that is restricted. Since the channel tube 9 is elliptical only in a short section within the curved portion 5, the pressure loss during perfusion is negligible. Further, the elliptical channel tube 9 is soft in the two vertical directions in FIG. 2 and hard in the two left and right directions in FIG. 2 because of the difference in the bending moment in bending rigidity, but the curved tube 16 can only rotate in the vertical direction. The directionality of rigidity does not affect operability.
[0016]
According to this embodiment, since the channel tube 9 is molded with a short diameter with respect to the bending direction and a long diameter with respect to the axis of the rivet 18, the amount of operating force at the bending lever 7 is light and the operability is improved.
[0017]
FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment in which a groove 25 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is provided on the inner peripheral surface or outer peripheral surface of the channel tube 9 in a direction that matches the bending direction of the channel tube 9. By providing the groove 25 in this manner, the groove 25 can be expanded and contracted with a slight force in the longitudinal direction, so that the bending in a state in which the lumen is secured can be reliably performed.
[0018]
In addition, as conventional examples in which the extension direction of the universal cord derived from the operation unit is improved in a flexible endoscope, JP-A-7-163515, JP-A-3-139323, and JP-A-2-193635 are disclosed. Are known.
[0019]
These conventional endoscopes are configured as shown in FIG. The endoscope 71 includes an insertion portion 72, an operation portion 73, a flexible universal cord 74 extending from the operation portion 73, and a connector portion 75 connected to the distal end portion of the universal cord 74. The end 74a is provided with a bend preventing 76 for preventing the universal cord 74 from buckling.
[0020]
FIG. 20 shows a state of use of the endoscope 71. In recent years, endoscopic observation is such that the endoscopic image is projected on the monitor 79, and most cases are observed on the monitor 79. In that case, the operator 78 standing on the right bedside of the patient 77 in the supine position holds the operation unit 73 of the endoscope 71 with the right hand and observes the monitor 79 in a natural posture with the bed sandwiched between them. It will be placed on the opposite side of the operator 78, that is, on the left side bedside of the patient 77.
[0021]
Accordingly, the camera control unit (CCU) / light source 80 is also placed on the cart 81 that is shared with the monitor 79 and is arranged on the left bedside. When the universal cord 74 extends vertically to the left side with respect to the operation portion 73 as shown in FIG. 20, according to this layout, the universal cord 74 extends once in the direction away from the cart 81, and a large loop Will be connected to the cart 81 while drawing.
[0022]
Here, even if the universal cord 74 extends to the right side of the operation unit 73, it similarly occurs for the surgeon who holds the left hand and stands on the left bedside. This large loop has a problem that the operability is poor because it contacts the operator 78 or crosses the abdomen of the patient 77 during the operation.
[0023]
In JP-A-7-163515 and JP-A-3-139323, the universal cord is rotated around the axis of the operation unit so as to extend along a plane perpendicular to the axis in the lateral direction of the operation unit. A structure in which possible members are connected and a universal cord is connected to the rotating member is shown.
[0024]
Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-193635, the universal cord is fixed to the operation portion, and the extension direction of the universal cord is controlled by curving a folding stopper that is externally mounted on the base end portion of the universal cord. A structure that is perpendicular to the axis is shown.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 21, the universal cord 74 has a light guide bundle 82 for transmitting illumination light and a cable 83 for transmitting image signals inserted therein. In JP-A-7-163515 and JP-A-3-139323, the rotating member is rotated, so that the built-in object in the universal cord 74 is twisted. Means are needed.
[0026]
On the other hand, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-193635, the universal cord 74 is fixed to the operation unit 73, so that the built-in components are not twisted. However, an elastic body such as rubber or a plastic is used as the material of the bending prevention 76 that is curved. In the case of an elastic member such as rubber, when the universal cord 74 is pulled strongly during the case, the curved portion is straightened and the function becomes insufficient.
[0027]
FIG. 22 shows a problem that occurs during assembly when plastic that is not elastically deformed is used. The light guide bundle 82 to be inserted has an optical fiber bundle 82a fixed to the base 82b at the end. At this time, at least the length L of the base 82 b corresponds to the hard length of the light guide bundle 82. When the light guide bundle 82 is inserted into the universal cord 74 in the assembling process, if the bending stop 76 is curved on the universal cord 74, the curved length R can pass the hard length L of the light guide bundle 82. Limited in size. Therefore, there is a drawback that a desired size cannot be obtained even if the curvature R is desired to be reduced.
[0028]
The technology disclosed next has been improved by paying attention to the above-described problems, and FIGS. FIG. 5 is a vertical side view of the connecting portion between the base end portion 34 a of the universal cord 34 and the operation portion 33. The operation unit 33 includes a universal cord 34 connected to the operation unit 33, a bend stopper 36 externally mounted on the universal cord 34, a rotating ring 44, a fixed ring 45, and a nut 46 fixed to the operation unit 33. .
[0029]
The operation unit 33 includes an operation unit case 33a, an operation unit main body 33b, an operation unit cover 33c, and an O-ring 33d. The position of the operation unit main body 33b is uniquely determined with respect to the operation unit case 33a. By the screw fitting of the nut 46 and the operation portion main body 33b, the operation portion cover 33c that contacts the flange 46a of the nut 46 is fitted in the operation portion case 33a. An O-ring 33d is fitted between the operation unit case 33a, the operation unit cover 33c, and the nut 46. The universal cord 34 is watertightly bonded to the operation portion main body 33b.
[0030]
The universal cord 34 is preliminarily covered with a folding stop 36, a rotating ring 44, and a fixed ring 45. The folding stop 36 is made of an elastic body such as silicon rubber and is linearly formed in a natural state. Both the rotating ring 44 and the fixed ring 45 are made of metal such as stainless steel, and screw holes are formed on both the proximal end side 44a and the distal end side 44b of the rotating ring 44.
[0031]
A screw hole is also formed in the fixed ring 45. The nut 46 is also made of a metal such as stainless steel, and two slits 46b and 46c are formed on the tip side of the flange 46a. An O-ring 47 is fitted in the slit 46 b of the nut 46. A screw 48 is fixed to the base end side screw hole 44 a of the rotating ring 44, and the tip of the screw 48 is accommodated in the slit 46 b of the nut 46.
[0032]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view when two connection pipes 49 as cover bodies are combined. The connection pipe 49 has a shape obtained by bending and deforming a hollow metal pipe made of stainless steel or the like at a substantially right angle and vertically dividing it into a plane including the central axis. The inner diameter of the pipe constituting the connection pipe 49 is equal to the outer diameter of the tip side 44b of the rotating ring 44 and the fixed ring 45, and the hole 49a is located at the screw hole formed in the tip side 44b and the fixed ring 45, respectively. is open.
[0033]
Next, the operation of disclosed example 1 will be described.
[0034]
The light guide bundle 42 and the cable 43 are inserted into the universal cord 34. Since the universal cord 34 is a soft body, and the rotating ring 44, the fixed ring 45, and the folding stop 36 are not formed in a curved shape, the base 42b of the light guide bundle 42 is smoothly and smoothly inserted into the universal cord 34. Insertion is possible. After the insertion, the two connecting pipes 49 are arranged so as to sandwich the universal cord 34 and are disposed between the rotating ring 44 and the fixed ring 45. The screw holes provided in the both ends of the connection pipe 49 are aligned with the screw holes provided in the distal end side screw hole 44b and the fixed ring 45 of the rotary ring 44, and the rotary ring 44, the fixed ring 45, the two connection pipes 49 and Is integrated. The integrated state is shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. By integrating the rotating ring 44, the fixed ring 45, and the two connection pipes 49, the universal cord 34 can be curved with a desired radius R ′. After integration, an antifriction agent is applied to the outer surface of the connection pipe 49 to slide the anti-bending 36 and finally fit to the tip 44b of the rotating ring 44 as shown in FIG.
[0035]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotating ring 44 is mounted so as to cover the slits 46 b and 46 c of the nut 46. At the time of mounting, the O-ring 47 is mounted on the slit 46b on the base end side, and the screw 48 is tightened and fixed to the screw hole 44a on the base end side of the rotating ring 44 so that the tip end of the screw 48 fits in the slit 46c on the front end side. To do. Since the tip of the screw 48 is accommodated in the tip side slit 46c of the nut 46, the rotary ring 44 is engaged with the nut 46 in the axial direction and is rotatable in the circumferential direction. Since the O-ring 47 generates a sliding resistance between the rotating ring 44 and the nut 46 at the time of rotation, the bending prevention 36 that is curved can be fixed to a desired angle to some extent.
[0036]
According to the present disclosure example, when the folding stopper 36 is put on the connection pipe 49, workability is improved because the resistance of the joint surface between the two is small.
[0037]
9 to 11 show a second disclosure example, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the connection pipe 51 as a cover body, and FIG. 10 is a top view of the connection pipe 51. The connection pipe 51 is formed by slightly bending a metal hollow pipe such as stainless steel, and the angle formed by the axes of the proximal end side opening 51a and the distal end side opening 51b is θ as shown in FIG. It is shaped as follows. The distal end side opening 51b has a material pipe that is uniformly expanded in the entire circumferential direction, and has a size that allows the proximal end side opening 51a to be fitted. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, a screw hole 51c is provided in the vicinity of the proximal end opening 51a, and the same positional relationship as that of the screw hole 51c of the proximal end opening 51a is provided in the vicinity of the distal end opening 51b. The hole 51d is provided so as to be.
[0038]
FIG. 11 shows a state in which a plurality of connection pipes 51 are connected by screws 52 and the bend preventing portion 36 is curved.
[0039]
Other configurations are the same as those of the first disclosure.
[0040]
According to the disclosure example 2, unlike the disclosure example 1, when the light guide bundle 42 and the cable 43 are inserted into the universal cord 34, not only the folding stop 36, the rotation ring 44, and the fixed ring 45, but also a plurality of The individual connection pipes 51 are also externally mounted on the universal cord 34 in advance. As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of connection pipes 51 are connected to form a bend preventing 36 having a desired bending angle, so that the connection pipe 51 alone has a short overall length. Therefore, if the connection pipes 51 are not connected and each of the connection pipes 51 is externally mounted on the universal cord 34, the base 42b of the light guide bundle 42 is externally connected to the connection pipe 51. Even in the site, the universal cord 34 can be passed without resistance. After penetrating the light guide bundle 42 into the universal cord 34, each connection pipe 51 is connected with a screw 52 to form a desired curved shape, and the folding stop 36 is attached as in the first disclosed example.
[0041]
According to the disclosed example 2, since the total length of each connection pipe 51 is short, the workability is improved.
[0042]
12 to 14 show a third disclosure example, and FIG. 12 shows a configuration diagram of the insertion unit 32 and the operation unit 33. The insertion part 32 is comprised from the front-end | tip part 32a, the curved part 32b, and the snake tube part 32c. A channel 53 is inserted over the entire length of the insertion portion 32, the opening portion 53 a is provided at the distal end portion 32 a, and the opening portion 53 b is provided on the operation portion 33 at the other end. In general, in the field of urology and obstetrics and gynecology, observation is performed by filling the body cavity with a perfusate and inflating it. The perfusate water supply system is connected to the opening 53b on the operation unit 33 side. The outer diameter D1 of the curved portion 32b is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the serpentine tube portion 32c.
[0043]
Next, the operation of disclosed example 3 will be described.
[0044]
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state during normal observation. The perfusate injected from the opening 53b on the proximal side flows through the channel 53 and is injected into the uterus 54 from the opening 53a on the distal end side. Normally, since the cervical canal 54a is smaller than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 32, the cervical canal 54a is expanded when the insertion portion 32 is inserted. When the pressure in the uterus 54 increases, the cervical canal 54a is further expanded by the water pressure, a slight clearance is generated between the insertion portion 32 and the cervical canal 54a, and excess perfusate leaks from the clearance. Since the outer diameter D1 of the curved portion 32b is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the serpentine tube portion 32c, the curved portion 32b is constricted in the cervical canal 54a. In the state of FIG. 13, the amount of leakage is small. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14, in the state where the insertion portion 32 is inserted deeply into the uterus 54, the serpentine portion 32c is constricted by the cervical canal 54a, so that the amount of leakage increases.
[0045]
According to the third disclosure example, the amount of the perfusate discharged can be adjusted by changing the amount of insertion of the insertion portion 32 into the body cavity. The perfusate can be replaced without removing the endoscope from the body cavity.
[0046]
15 shows a comparative example of disclosed example 4, FIG. 16 shows disclosed example 4, (a) is a front view of the distal end portion of the endoscope, and (b) is a longitudinal side view. As shown in FIG. 15, as a configuration of an endoscope that performs high-frequency treatment in the field using perfusate, a metal body 55 is exposed on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 32 a, and an annular insulator 56 is disposed around the metal body 55. The structure to install is known.
[0047]
That is, at the distal end portion 32a, a hole 55a having a diameter for housing the illumination lens 57 is formed in the metal body 55, and the illumination lens 57 is fitted into the hole 55a. The metal body 55 is in contact with the entire circumference of the illumination lens 57, and the insulator 56 and the illumination lens 57 are separated by the metal body 55.
[0048]
In contrast, in the present disclosure example, as shown in FIG. 16, a hole 60 in which the illumination lens 57 is accommodated is formed on the boundary line between the metal body 58 and the insulator 59 at the distal end portion 32a. A lens 57 is fitted in the hole 60. The illumination lens 57, the metal body 58, and the insulator 59 are in contact with each other.
[0049]
Therefore, it is difficult to process when the edge portion 55b located between the insulator 56 of the metal body 55 and the illumination lens 57 is thin, but the edge portion 55b is cut to form the flat surface 58a. By making the shape of the metal body 58 and the shape of the insulator 59 in which the built-up portion 59a is formed, the processing can be performed. Further, since the exposed area of the metal body 58 can still be ensured at the distal end portion 32a, the distal end portion 32a is not destroyed by the high frequency current during high frequency treatment.
[0050]
FIG. 17 shows a comparative example of the disclosed example 5, and FIG. 18 shows the disclosed example 5, and is a sectional view of a part of the distal end portion of the endoscope. As shown in FIG. 17, a metal body 61 is exposed at the distal end surface of the distal end constituting portion 32a of the endoscope, and an annular insulator 62 having a thickness T1 is provided around the metal body 61. The outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 62a of the insulator 62 is subjected to R processing, the radius thereof is R1, and the R processing center O1 is located at a distance L1 from the distal end surface 61a. And between R1, L1, and T1,
R1 = L1 = T1
There is a relationship.
[0051]
In contrast to this comparative example, in disclosed example 5 shown in FIG. 18, the tip 63a of the insulator 63 having a thickness T1 is subjected to R processing in the same manner as the insulator 62, but its radius is R2, The distance from the tip surface 61a of the R processing center O2 is L2,
R2> L2 = T1
There is a relationship.
[0052]
Therefore, according to the disclosed example 5, since the radius of the R processing can be increased, the insertion property is improved when the endoscope is inserted into a stenosis portion such as the urethra and the cervix.
[0053]
According to the embodiment and the disclosed example, the following configuration is obtained.
[0054]
(Supplementary note 1) An internal portion including a channel tube is inserted into an insertion portion having a bending portion which is curved only in two opposing directions on the distal end side and a flexible portion on the proximal end side of the bending portion. In the endoscope, the endoscope is characterized in that at least the channel tube in the bending portion is formed into a noncircular shape having a minor axis with respect to the bending direction.
[0055]
(Supplementary note 2) The endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein the channel tube in the bending portion has a substantially elliptical shape with a minor axis with respect to the bending direction.
[0056]
(Supplementary Note 3) An operation unit, an insertion unit connected to the operation unit and inserted into a body cavity, a flexible tube having a connector connected to the operation unit and connected to an external optical power source at the distal end An optical fiber bundle inserted from the connector to the distal end of the insertion portion through the flexible tube and the operation portion, and a cover attached to the outside of the flexible tube at the proximal end portion of the flexible tube on the operation portion side In the endoscope comprising a body, the cover body is composed of an assembly of a plurality of rigid members having a curved shape, and the cover body and the operation unit are fitted on the assembly by a cylindrical elastic member. An endoscope characterized in that the connecting part is configured so that the cover body is rotatable around the axis of the cover body.
[0057]
(Additional remark 4) The said cover body is a cylindrical member deform | transformed into the curved shape, It is divided | segmented into two or more bodies by the surface containing the axis | shaft of this cylindrical member, Each division body is joined and formed, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. The endoscope according to appendix 3.
[0058]
(Additional remark 5) The said cover body is a both-ends opening, The opening edge connects several node rings which mutually make an angle with respect to an axial center, and makes a desired curved shape, The additional description 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Endoscope.
[0059]
(Additional remark 6) The said cover body has the curvature curvature which cannot insert the hard part of an optical fiber bundle end part in a flexible tube in an assembly state, The additional description 3-5 characterized by the above-mentioned. Endoscope.
[0060]
According to Appendices 1 and 2, the channel tube having a non-circular shape with different bending rigidity depending on the direction in which the bending portion is bent is accommodated in the bending portion, and the circular portion of the channel tube is accommodated in the flexible portion. The perfusion rate can be secured while suppressing the outer diameter of the insertion portion.
[0061]
As a result, the perfusion fluid can be quickly supplied / drained, and the operation time can be shortened. Moreover, even if there is a relatively large amount of bleeding from the lesion, drainage can be performed quickly, so that a visual field can be secured. Further, as a secondary effect, since the base end side of the channel tube has a circular shape, the connection with the base is easy.
[0062]
According to the supplementary notes 3 to 6, since the rigid member formed in a desired curved shape is fitted inside the elastic member, the elastic member is also deformed into the same shape and is strong by the fitted rigid member. Even if an external force is applied, the curved shape is maintained and it rotates. A built-in object having a hard part at the end is inserted into the flexible tube. However, since the curved rigid member is assembled after the built-in object is inserted, whether or not the hard part can pass through the flexible tube. However, it does not depend on the size of the curve.
[0063]
Therefore, after inserting the rigid portion of the optical fiber bundle into the flexible tube, bending the flexible tube bends the curved portion extending vertically to the side of the operation portion substantially at a right angle, and the load is applied. However, it can be rotated while maintaining its curved shape, and the curvature R can be kept small.
[0064]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the channel tube in at least the bending portion of the insertion portion is formed into a noncircular shape having a short diameter with respect to the bending direction, so that the irrigation of the liquid is suppressed while suppressing the outer diameter of the insertion portion. There is an effect that the flow rate is ensured, the bending force amount of the bending portion is reduced, and the operability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall side view of an endoscope showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a bending portion of the insertion portion according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a soft part of the insertion part of the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a channel tube according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal side view of a connection portion between an operation portion of an endoscope and a universal cord showing a disclosure example 1;
6 is a perspective view of a connection pipe according to disclosure example 1. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a vertical side view of a fold-preventing portion, showing a disclosure example 2.
8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a connection pipe showing a second disclosure example.
10 is a top view of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a longitudinal side view of a fold-preventing portion, showing a third disclosure example.
FIG. 12 is a side view of an insertion portion of an endoscope according to a fourth disclosure example.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of the disclosure example 4;
FIG. 14 is an operation explanatory diagram of Disclosure Example 4;
FIGS. 15A and 15B show a comparative example of disclosed example 5, wherein FIG. 15A is a front view of a distal end portion of an endoscope, and FIG.
16A and 16B show a fifth disclosure example, in which FIG. 16A is a front view of a distal end portion of an endoscope, and FIG.
17 is a longitudinal side view of a distal end portion of an endoscope showing a comparative example of disclosure example 6. FIG.
18 is a longitudinal side view of a distal end portion of an endoscope, showing a disclosure example 6. FIG.
FIG. 19 is a side view showing the overall configuration of a conventional endoscope.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a use state of a conventional endoscope.
FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a folding preventing portion of a conventional endoscope.
FIG. 22 is a longitudinal side view of a universal cord of a conventional endoscope.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Endoscope
2 ... Insertion section
5 ... Curved part
6 ... Soft part
9 ... Channel tube

Claims (1)

In an endoscope in which a built-in object including a channel tube is inserted into an insertion portion having a bending portion that curves only in two opposing directions on the distal end side and a flexible portion on the proximal end side of the bending portion,
The channel tube is
In the bending portion is formed in a non-circular shape having a short diameter with respect to the bending direction,
In the soft part is formed in a substantially circular shape,
In the vicinity of the connection portion between the curved portion and the flexible portion, it has a transition portion that transitions from a non-circular shape to a substantially circular shape,
An endoscope characterized by that.

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