JP3834487B2 - Endoscope system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope capable of detecting an insertion shape of an insertion portion with a shape detection monitor in a state of being inserted into a body cavity of a living body.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A shape detection endoscope in which a shape detection probe is incorporated in an insertion portion of an endoscope so that an operator or an assistant can confirm the curved shape of the insertion portion inserted into a body cavity of a living body is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-1993. No. 111969.
[0003]
In this endoscope for shape detection, a plurality of magnetic field generating coils are arranged at intervals in the axial direction at an insertion portion of the endoscope, and a shape is detected by detecting a magnetic field generated from each magnetic field generating coil. The endoscope can be inserted and operated while confirming the curved shape of the insertion part inserted into the body cavity of the living body by the operator and assistant using the monitor.
[0004]
The specific configuration of the shape detection endoscope will be described as shown in FIGS. 15 (a) and 15 (b). That is, the endoscope insertion portion 1 includes a flexible tube portion 2, a bending tube portion 3, and a distal end configuration portion 4. The shape detection probe 5 has a plurality of magnetic field generating coils 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d,... Arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the core wire 6 made of a synthetic resin material. This is a structure in which a fixing pin 8 is provided.
[0005]
The shape detection probe 5 is inserted in the axial direction of the insertion portion 1 of the endoscope. Further, a fixing hole 10 into which the fixing pin 8 is inserted is provided in the hard part 9 as the tip metal part of the tip component part 4. Is fixed to the hard portion 9.
[0006]
Therefore, the plurality of magnetic field generating coils 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d,... Of the shape detection probe 5 built in the insertion section 1 of the endoscope are at fixed positions in the insertion section 1, and each magnetic field generation coil By detecting the magnetic field generated from 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d... And displaying it on the shape detection monitor, the curved shape of the insertion portion 1 inserted into the body cavity can be confirmed.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there are a plurality of types of endoscopes such as a gastric endoscope, a duodenum endoscope, and a large intestine endoscope. The four hard portions 9 have different outer diameters and axial lengths.
[0008]
Therefore, as described above, when the fixing pin 8 is inserted into the fixing hole 10 of the hard portion 9 and the fixing pin 8 is fixed by the screw 11, the tip of the tip component portion 4 depends on the axial length of the hard portion 9. The distance L between 4a and the foremost magnetic field generating coil 7a is different.
[0009]
FIG. 15 shows an endoscope insertion portion 1 of different types, (a) is an endoscope in which the length of the hard portion 9 in the axial direction is long, and (b) is the length of the hard portion 9 in the axial direction. Is a short endoscope. In the case of (a), the distance L1 between the most distal end 4a of the tip constituting portion 4 and the foremost magnetic field generating coil 7a, and in the case of (b), the leading end 4a of the tip constituting portion 4 and the foremost magnetic field generation. As a result, the curved shape of the insertion portion 1 displayed on the shape detection monitor differs depending on the endoscope model, and the curved shape of the insertion portion 1 cannot be accurately grasped.
[0010]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 16, the flexible tube portion 12 of the insertion portion 1 has a metal mesh member 14 stacked on the outside of the spiral tube 13 and a rubber or resin coating layer 15 provided on the outside thereof. It has a three-layer structure. The bending tube portion 16 has a three-layer structure in which a metal mesh member 18 is layered on the outside of the bending piece 17 and a rubber or resin coating layer 19 is provided on the outside.
[0011]
Then, while connecting the connection cap 20 to the bending piece 17 at the rearmost end of the bending tube portion 16, the spiral tube 13 and the mesh member 14 of the flexible tube portion 12 are fixed with solder, and the portion S fixed with this solder is fixed. The connection base 20 is connected.
[0012]
Therefore, since the connection portion between the flexible tube portion 12 and the bending tube portion 17 has a structure covered with a plurality of metal members, for example, the magnetic field generating coil 7d located at this connection portion is covered with the metal member, Another problem is that the magnetic field generated by the generating coil 7d is attenuated and the display accuracy is lowered.
[0013]
Further, among the shape detection probes 5 built in the insertion portion 1 of the endoscope, even if one magnetic field generating coil fails, the curved shape of the insertion portion 1 cannot be accurately grasped, so that the shape detection probe 5 is used. However, conventionally, a means has been employed in which the endoscope is disassembled and the shape detection probe 5 is replaced with a new one, or the entire insertion portion 1 is replaced with a new one. . Therefore, the repair cost is high, and a lot of time and labor are required for the repair.
[0014]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and the purpose thereof is to make the position of the magnetic field generating coil or the magnetic field detecting coil of the shape detecting probe constant even if the endoscope model is different. Another object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can accurately display an insertion shape of an insertion portion on a monitor.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above purpose, In the endoscope system comprising a plurality of types of endoscopes having different insertion portions according to the present invention, The insertion portion is a shape detection that can be arranged in common for a plurality of models, in which at least one of the magnetic field generating coil and the detection coil is provided at intervals in the axial direction of the insertion portion. The distance between the probe, the distal end surface of the insertion portion, and the coil on the most distal end side of the shape detection probe is constant. Tip surface A fixing means for fixing the shape detection probe at a position spaced apart from a predetermined distance, and a distal end constituting portion constituting the distal end portion of the insertion portion.
Also, In the endoscope system comprising a plurality of types of endoscopes having different insertion portions according to the present invention, The insertion portion is a shape detection that can be arranged in common for a plurality of models, in which at least one of the magnetic field generating coil and the detection coil is provided at intervals in the axial direction of the insertion portion. The distance between the probe, the distal end surface of the insertion portion, and the coil on the most distal end side of the shape detection probe is constant. Tip surface A hole portion into which the shape detection probe is inserted and abutted at a predetermined distance from the distal end of the insertion portion, and the shape detection probe is fixed to the hole portion. And a fixing member.
[0016]
According to the above configuration, the position of the magnetic field generating coil or magnetic field detecting coil of the shape detecting probe can be made constant even when the endoscope models are different, and the insertion shape of the insertion portion can be accurately detected. Since it can be displayed on the monitor, the insertion operability can be improved.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
1 to 5 show a first embodiment and are schematic configuration diagrams of an entire endoscope apparatus. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 21 denotes an endoscope. The endoscope 21 includes an operation unit 22, an insertion unit 23 connected to the operation unit 22, and a universal cord 24. The insertion portion 23 includes a flexible tube portion 25, a bending tube portion 26, and a tip configuration portion 27.
[0019]
A connector 28 is provided at the tip of the universal cord 24, and this connector 28 is connected to a light source device 29. The connector 28 is connected via a video processor 30 to a monitor 31 that displays an endoscopic observation image. Furthermore, one end of a shape detection cable 32 is connected to the connector 28 via a shape detection connector 33, and the other end is connected to a shape detection control device 34.
[0020]
An antenna 35 and a shape detection monitor 36 are connected to the shape detection control device 34. The shape detection monitor 36 displays the insertion shape of the insertion portion 23 of the endoscope 21.
[0021]
As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the endoscope 21 incorporates a shape detection probe 38 that detects the curved shape of the insertion portion 23. 2A is a longitudinal side view and a side view showing the relative positional relationship between the bending tube portion and the shape detection probe, FIG. 2B is an enlarged sectional view of the X portion, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal side view of a connection portion between the bending tube portion and the flexible tube portion.
[0022]
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the shape detection probe 38 has a plurality of magnetic field generating coils 40a to 40d (hereinafter simply referred to as “synthetic resin material”) at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the core wire 39 made of a synthetic resin material. Coil). These coils 40a to 40d are concentrically fitted to the core wire 39, one end of which is fixed to the core wire 39 by an adhesive 41, and the other end is fixed to the core wire 39 by an adhesive 41 through a substrate 42. ing. Two lead wires 43 are connected to the substrate 42, and the periphery of the connecting portion is covered with an adhesive 41 ′. The lead wires 43 of the coils 40 a to 40 d... Are connected to the shape detection control device 34. ing. Further, each of the coils 40 a to 40 d... Including the core wire 39 is covered with a synthetic resin tube 44.
[0023]
A fixed pin 45 protruding in the distal direction in a state of being fitted to the core wire 39 is fixed to the distal end portion of the shape detection probe 38, and the foremost coil 40a is located in the vicinity of the fixed pin 45. However, a plurality of coils are arranged at intervals over substantially the entire length of the insertion portion 23 in the axial direction so that the rearmost coil is positioned in the vicinity of the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 23.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, a hard portion 46 made of metal or the like is provided on the tip constituting portion 27, and the outer periphery of the hard portion 46 is covered with an insulating cover 47. A through hole 48 penetrating in the axial direction is provided in a part of the hard portion 46, and an objective lens system 49 and a solid-state imaging device 50 are provided in the through hole 48.
[0025]
Further, the hard portion 46 is provided with a fixing hole 51 having a bottom portion from the rear end to the front end, and a screw hole 52 is formed from the side of the hard portion 46 at a right angle to the fixing hole 51. . A fixing pin 45 of the shape detection probe 38 is inserted into the fixing hole 51, and the fixing pin 45 is fixed to the hard portion 46 by a screw 53 screwed into the screw hole 52 from the side.
[0026]
Here, A indicates the distance between the leading edge of the tip component 27 and the foremost coil 40a, B indicates the distance between the tip of the tip component 27 and the tip of the fixing pin 45, and C indicates the tip component. 27 indicates the distance between the most distal end of 27 and the rear end face of the hard portion 46, and D indicates the distance between the most distal end of the distal end constituting portion 27 and the foremost end pin of the bending tube portion 26.
[0027]
The flexible tube portion 25 and the curved tube portion 26 are configured as shown in FIG. That is, the flexible tube portion 25 has a three-layer structure in which a metal mesh member 55 is layered on the outside of the spiral tube 54 and a rubber or resin coating layer 56 is provided on the outside. The bending tube portion 26 has a three-layer structure in which a metal mesh member 58 is layered on the outside of the bending piece 57 and a rubber or resin coating layer 59 is provided on the outside.
[0028]
A connection cap 60 is fixed to the bending piece 57 at the rearmost end of the bending tube portion 26. On the other hand, the spiral tube 54 and the mesh member 55 in the connection region E with the curved tube portion 26 at the distal end of the flexible tube portion 25 are fixed with solder, and this connection region E, that is, the portion fixed with solder is connected. It is connected to the base 60.
[0029]
Therefore, the shape detection probe 38 is inserted into the flexible tube portion 25, the bent tube portion 26, and the connection region E configured as described above, but the foremost coil 40a is located in the vicinity of the distal end configuration portion 27. The second and third coils 40b and 40c are located in the bending tube portion 26, and the fourth coil 40d avoids the connection region E between the flexible tube portion 25 and the bending tube portion 26, and is a flexible tube. They are arranged so as to be biased toward the portion 25 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).
[0030]
That is, since the connection region E between the flexible tube portion 25 and the bending tube portion 26 is covered with a plurality of metal members, when the coil 40d is positioned in the connection region E, the coil 40d is covered with the metal member. In order to solve the problem that the display accuracy is deteriorated due to the attenuation of the magnetic field generated, the connection region E is avoided, and the magnetic field is biased toward the flexible tube portion 25 side.
[0031]
FIG. 5 shows the distal end component 27 in a plurality of endoscopes 21 of different types. In the present embodiment, the distance C between the most distal end of the distal end component 27 and the rear end surface of the hard portion 46 and the distal end component 27 are shown. FIG. 5 (a) shows the shortest distances C and D, and FIG. 5 (b), (c) and (d) show the distances in this order. The case where C and D are long is shown.
[0032]
The shape detection probes 38 provided in each endoscope 21 are the same, and the lengths of the fixing pins 45 are also the same. Therefore, by adjusting the depth F of the fixing hole 51 provided in the rigid portion 46 in the distal end configuration portion 27 of each endoscope 21, the forefront and foremost ends of the distal end configuration portion 27 in the endoscopes 21 of a plurality of models. The distance A to the coil 40a is the same, and the position of each coil in the insertion section from the endoscope tip is the same regardless of the model.
[0033]
That is, the depth of the fixing hole 51 in FIG. 5A is F1, the depth of the fixing hole 51 in FIG. 5B is F2, the depth of the fixing hole 51 in FIG. 5C is F3, FIG. The depth of the fixing hole 51 in d) is F4, which is in the relationship of F1 <F2 <F3 <F4. In FIG. 5D, a counterbore 51a is formed on the rear end surface of the hard portion 46 and fixed. The depth F4 of the hole 51 is set.
[0034]
In this way, by adjusting the depth F of the fixing hole 51 into which the fixing pin 45 of the shape detection probe 38 is inserted, depending on the model of the endoscope 21, the leading edge of the distal end component portion 27 and the rear end surface of the hard portion 46. Even if the distance C is different, the distance A between the foremost end portion 27 and the foremost end coil 40a can be made the same.
[0035]
Therefore, even if the type of the endoscope 21 is different, the positions of the magnetic field generating coils 40a to 40d... Of the shape detection probe 38 can be made constant, and the insertion shape of the insertion portion 23 can be accurately measured. 36, the insertion operability can be improved. Further, the same shape detection probe 38 can be used in common even if the models are different.
[0036]
6 to 11 show a second embodiment, and the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0037]
FIG. 6 shows the overall configuration of the endoscope 21, and FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of the G portion of FIG. In the present embodiment, when the old shape detection probe 38 built in the endoscope 21 breaks down, when replacing with the new shape detection probe 38 ′, the disassembly portion of the endoscope 21 can be replaced with a minimum. It is a thing.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 7, the bending piece 57 at the foremost end in the bending tube portion 26 of the endoscope 21 and the hard portion 46 of the distal end constituting portion 27 are separated to expose the old shape detection probe 38. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, the old shape detection probe 38 is exposed by separating the operation portion 22 and the flexible tube portion 25 of the insertion portion 23. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the universal cord 24 and the connector 28 are separated to expose the old shape detection probe 38.
[0039]
In this state, as shown in FIG. 7, the screw 53 is loosened, the fixing pin 45 of the old shape detection probe 38 is extracted from the fixing hole 51, and the fixing pin 45 and the dummy tube 61 are connected by the connection tube 62. As shown in FIG. 10, the dummy tube 61 is formed with a flexible tube such as a synthetic resin material so as to have a diameter smaller than that of the shape detection probe 38, and a base end portion of the dummy tube 61 has a retaining collar portion 63a. The member 63 is fixed.
[0040]
Therefore, one end of the connection tube 62 is connected to the old shape detection probe 38 in a state in which the connection tube 62 is fitted to the fixing pin 45, and the other end is subjected to, for example, thermal contraction in a state in which the flange 63a of the connection member 63 is enclosed. Connecting.
[0041]
With the old shape detection probe 38 and the dummy tube 61 connected in this way, as shown in FIG. 8, when the old shape detection probe 38 is pulled in the direction of the operation portion 22, the old shape detection probe 38 comes out of the insertion portion 23. Instead, the dummy tube 61 is drawn into the insertion portion 23.
[0042]
After pulling the dummy tube 61 to the operation unit 22, as shown in FIG. 9, when the old shape detection probe 38 is pulled toward the connector 28 at the end of the universal cord 24, the old shape detection probe 38 is removed from the universal cord 24. The dummy tube 61 is pulled into the universal cord 24 instead.
[0043]
After the dummy tube 61 is drawn from the insertion portion 23 to the universal cord 24 through the operation portion 22 as described above, the old shape detection probe 38 is connected to the connection tube 62 at the end of the universal cord 24 as shown in FIG. Instead, the new shape detection probe 38 ′ is connected to the connection tube 62 instead.
[0044]
In this state, when the dummy tube 61 is pulled in the direction of the operation unit 22 in the operation unit 22 contrary to the above, the dummy tube 61 is detached from the universal cord 24, and the new shape detection probe 38 ′ is pulled into the universal cord 24 instead. .
[0045]
Next, when the dummy tube 61 is pulled in the direction of the distal end configuration portion 27 at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 23, the dummy tube 61 is removed from the insertion portion 23, and instead, the new shape detection probe 38 ′ is drawn into the insertion portion 23.
[0046]
By using the dummy tube 61 in this way, the old and old shape detection probe 38 can be easily removed and replaced with the new shape detection probe 38 ′ even in the thin and long insertion portion 23 and the universal cord 24. As described above, it is not necessary to disassemble the entire endoscope or replace the entire insertion portion, and it is possible to reduce repair costs and repair time.
[0047]
FIG. 12 shows a third embodiment, and the same components as those of the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. This embodiment is basically the same as the second embodiment, but after separating the universal cord 24 and the connector 28 to expose the old shape detection probe 38, the new shape detection probe 38a is connected to the connection tube 62. Connect by.
[0048]
Then, when the old shape detection probe 38 is pulled in the direction of the operation unit 22, the old shape detection probe 38 comes out of the universal cord 24, and the new shape detection probe 38 ′ is drawn into the universal cord 24 instead.
[0049]
Next, when the old shape detection probe 38 is pulled toward the tip constituting portion 27 at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 23, the old shape detection probe 38 comes out of the insertion portion 23, and instead, the new shape detection probe 38 ′ is inserted into the insertion portion 23. Be drawn into.
[0050]
Thus, without using the dummy tube 61, after the old shape detection probe 38 and the new shape detection probe 38 'are connected, the old shape detection probe 38 is pulled out, so that it can be easily replaced with the new shape detection probe 38'. Thus, it is not necessary to disassemble the entire endoscope or replace the entire insertion portion as in the prior art, and it is possible to reduce the repair cost and shorten the repair time.
[0051]
FIG. 13 shows a fourth embodiment and is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire endoscope apparatus.
[0052]
The configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment except that a loop antenna 101 is connected to the shape detection apparatus 100 via a cable 102 instead of the antenna 35 of the first embodiment. Although not shown, a shape detection probe 38 is built in the insertion portion 23, and a plurality of coils 40 a ′ to 40 d ′... Are spaced over the entire length of the insertion portion 23 in the axial direction. Exist.
[0053]
The shape detection apparatus 100 uses a lead wire 43 to detect a signal generated by a circuit (not shown) that supplies a high-frequency current to the loop antenna 101 via a cable 102 and a plurality of magnetic field detection coils 40a ′ to 40d ′. And a signal processing circuit (not shown) for performing image processing by detecting via the cable 32 and displaying on the shape detection monitor 36.
[0054]
Next, the operation of the fourth embodiment will be described.
[0055]
When the shape detection apparatus 100 supplies a high-frequency current to the loop antenna 101 via the cable 102, the loop antenna 101 generates a magnetic field. The plurality of magnetic field detection coils 40a ′ to 40d ′... Arranged in the shape detection probe 38 generate an induced electromotive voltage by receiving the magnetic field generated from the loop antenna 101, and the generated voltage signal is read. The signal is input to the shape detection apparatus 100 via the line 43 and the shape detection cable 32. The shape detection apparatus 100 estimates the shape of the insertion portion 23 of the endoscope 21 and displays it on the shape detection monitor 36 by detecting the positions of the magnetic field detection coils 40a ′ to 40d ′. Other operations are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0056]
According to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the first embodiment, there are the following effects.
[0057]
In the first embodiment, when a high frequency current flows through the lead wire 43, some electromagnetic waves are generated. Since many built-in objects are arranged inside the endoscope 21 and a sufficient electromagnetic shield cannot be provided due to space, this electromagnetic wave is emitted to the outside of the endoscope 21, received by the antenna 35, and inserted. This has been a factor of reducing the shape detection accuracy of the portion 21. However, according to the fourth embodiment, since it is easy to apply electromagnetic shielding to the cable 102, electromagnetic waves can be received only from the loop antenna 101, and the shape detection accuracy of the insertion portion 23 can be increased. Become.
[0058]
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the bending tube portion 26 of the insertion portion 23 in which the shape detection probe 38 is incorporated, showing a disclosed example. On the outer peripheral side, four wire guide members 65a to 65d fixed to the bending piece 57 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Light guide fibers 66a and 66b are arranged between the wire guide members 65a and 65b and between the wire guide members 65a and 65d, respectively. Further, a forceps channel 67 is disposed between the wire guide members 65b and 65c.
[0059]
In addition, a shape detection probe 38 is disposed between the wire guide members 65a and 65d, and a signal cable 68 connected to a solid-state imaging device (not shown) in the vicinity of the shape detection probe 38 and near the axis and an air supply A water supply channel 69 is arranged.
[0060]
Since the bending tube portion 26 of the insertion portion 23 is bent in the vertical and horizontal directions by the operation of the operation knob of the operation portion 22, the built-in object inserted through the bending tube portion 26 along with the bending moves in the axial direction and has a diameter. Move also in the direction. Therefore, it is inevitable that the built-in objects interfere with each other during the bending operation, but the shape detection probe 38 is moved away from the hardest forceps channel 67 among the built-in objects, and the relatively soft signal cable 68 and air / water supply By arranging it close to the channel 69, the failure of the shape detection probe 38 can be reduced.
[0061]
According to each embodiment mentioned above, the following composition is obtained.
[0062]
(Additional remark 1) In the endoscope which consists of an operation part, the insertion part connected to this operation part, and the front-end | tip structure part provided in the front-end | tip part of this insertion part, several coils for magnetic field generation or a detection are provided. A shape detection probe provided with an interval in the axial direction is inserted along at least a part of the insertion portion along the axial direction, and the distance between the foremost end of the tip configuration portion and the coil at the foremost end of the model is determined. An endoscope characterized in that the same is applied to a plurality of different endoscopes.
[0063]
(Supplementary note 2) The endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein the magnetic field generating coil or the magnetic field detection coil is disposed so as to avoid a portion where the attenuation of the magnetic field is large in the insertion portion.
[0064]
(Additional remark 3) The said shape detection probe is arrange | positioned so that isolation | separation from an endoscope main body is possible, The endoscope of Additional remark 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.
[0065]
(Supplementary note 4) The shape detection probe is connected to a dummy tube and can be extracted from the endoscope body and replaced with a new shape detection probe. The dummy tube is smaller in diameter than the shape detection probe. The endoscope according to appendix 1.
[0066]
(Additional remark 5) The said shape detection probe is connectable with a new shape detection probe, is extracted from an endoscope main body, a new shape detection probe is drawn into an endoscope main body, and it can replace | exchange. Endoscope.
[0067]
(Supplementary note 6) The endoscope according to supplementary note 1, wherein the shape detection probe is disposed away from a hard built-in object in the bending tube portion of the insertion portion.
[0068]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the shape detecting probe in which a plurality of magnetic field generating or detecting coils are provided with an interval in the axial direction is inserted along the axial direction of the insertion portion, and the tip component portion The distance between the leading edge and the foremost coil is the same in a plurality of endoscopes of different models.
[0069]
Therefore, even if the endoscope model is different, the magnetic field generation of the shape detection probe or the position of the detection coil can be made constant, and the insertion shape of the insertion portion can be accurately displayed on the shape detection monitor. There is an effect that operability can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire endoscope apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
2A is a longitudinal side view and a side view showing a relative positional relationship between a bending tube portion and a shape detection probe, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an X portion.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal side view of a tip constituent portion showing the same embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal side view of a connecting portion between the bending tube portion and the flexible tube portion of the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal side view showing the mounting state of the shape detection probe in different types of endoscopes according to the embodiment;
FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state where the bending tube portion and the distal end configuration portion of the endoscope are separated and the old shape detection probe is exposed, showing the embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a side view of the state in which the old shape detection probe is exposed by separating the operation portion and the insertion portion according to the embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a side view showing the embodiment, in which the universal cord and the connector are separated and the old shape detection probe is exposed.
FIG. 10 is a longitudinal side view showing the connection state between the dummy tube and the shape detection probe in an enlarged manner according to the embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a side view showing a state in which the dummy tube and the new shape detection probe are connected to each other, showing the embodiment.
FIG. 12 is a side view showing a third embodiment of the present invention in a state where an old shape detection probe and a new shape detection probe are connected.
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of an entire endoscope apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a bending tube portion of an endoscope showing a disclosed example.
15A and 15B are schematic configuration diagrams of endoscopes of different conventional models.
FIG. 16 is a longitudinal side view of a connecting portion between a conventional flexible tube portion and a bending tube portion.
[Explanation of symbols]
21 ... Endoscope
22 ... operation part
23 ... Insertion section
27. Tip component
38 ... Shape detection probe
40a to 40d ... Magnetic field generating coil

Claims (2)

In an endoscope system consisting of multiple types of endoscopes each having a different insertion part ,
The insertion part is
A shape detection probe that can be arranged in common for a plurality of models, in which at least one of the magnetic field generating coil and the detection coil is provided in the axial direction of the insertion portion with a plurality of gaps therebetween, and
Fixing means for fixing the shape detection probe at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the distal end surface of the insertion portion, wherein a distance between the distal end surface of the insertion portion and the coil on the most distal end side of the shape detection probe is constant. An endoscope system comprising: a distal end constituting portion that constitutes a distal end portion of the insertion portion. In an endoscope system consisting of multiple types of endoscopes each having a different insertion part ,
The insertion part is
A shape detection probe that can be arranged in common for a plurality of models, in which at least one of the magnetic field generating coil and the detection coil is provided in the axial direction of the insertion portion with a plurality of gaps therebetween, and
The shape detection probe is inserted and abutted at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the distal end surface of the insertion portion where the distance between the distal end surface of the insertion portion and the coil on the most distal end side of the shape detection probe is constant. A distal end constituting portion that constitutes the distal end portion of the insertion portion,
An endoscope system comprising: a fixing member that fixes the shape detection probe to the hole.

Images