JP4681752B2

JP4681752B2 - Endoscope bending stiffness adjuster

Info

Publication number: JP4681752B2
Application number: JP2001137692A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 喜則藤井; 弘之桂田; 章杉山; 充市川
Original assignee: Hoya Corp
Current assignee: Hoya Corp
Priority date: 2001-05-08
Filing date: 2001-05-08
Publication date: 2011-05-11
Anticipated expiration: 2021-05-08
Also published as: JP2002330927A

Description

【０００１】
【技術分野】
本発明は、内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性を変化させる曲げ剛性調整具に関する。
【０００２】
【従来技術及びその問題点】
医療用や工業用の内視鏡は、屈曲した経路の観察対象内へ挿入可能にするべく挿入部に可撓性を有する可撓管部を設けているが、さらに挿入作業性を良くするために、この可撓管部の可撓性（曲げ硬度）を可変とさせるタイプの内視鏡が提案されている。このタイプの内視鏡は、例えば、大腸への挿入時においてＳ字結腸部分を通すときは可撓管部を硬化させ、Ｓ字結腸の通過後に可撓管部を軟化させるといった態様で使用される。
【０００３】
可撓管部の可撓性を変化させるための手段としては、例えば、直線筒状のコイルが軸線方向への伸縮によって曲げ剛性（軸線直交方向への硬度）を変化させるという特性を利用したものが知られている。すなわち、この種のコイルは、圧縮すれば曲がりにくくなり、伸ばせば曲がりやすくなるので、該コイルを外部から伸縮操作可能な状態で可撓管内に設けることで、可撓管部の可撓性を可変にすることができる。コイルを伸縮操作するための手段としては、該コイルの中心部にワイヤを挿通させてコイル先端部付近に固定し、このワイヤを外部からの操作によって牽引、弛緩させる構造が知られている。すなわち、ワイヤを牽引すればコイルが圧縮され、ワイヤを弛緩させればコイルの圧縮が解除されて自由状態に戻る。
【０００４】
ところで、従来の可撓性可変タイプの内視鏡では、可撓性調整用のコイルを操作するための操作部が内視鏡から離れて位置するものがあった。こうした可撓性可変装置では、内視鏡の使用時に内視鏡操作者が自ら可撓管部の可撓性を調整することができず、可撓性調整のために介助者の補助を必要としていた。
【０００５】
【発明の目的】
本発明は、簡単な構造で、内視鏡操作者が容易に可撓管部の可撓性を調整可能な内視鏡の曲げ剛性調整具を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【発明の概要】
本発明は、可撓管部内に配した処置具挿通用管路と、この処置具挿通用管路の入口部に連通させて設けられ外方に突出する筒状の処置具挿入口突起とを有する内視鏡とは別部材からなり、可撓管部に挿入されてその曲げ剛性を変化させる曲げ剛性調整具に関するものである。本発明の曲げ剛性調整具は、自由状態で直線状をなし軸線方向への伸縮により曲げ剛性を変化させる、処置具挿入口突起を介して処置具挿通用管路に対し挿脱可能な曲げ剛性可変体と、この曲げ剛性可変体の基部に設けられ、該曲げ剛性可変体を伸縮させて曲げ剛性を変化させるための操作機構部と、曲げ剛性可変体を処置具挿通用管路に挿入した状態で操作機構部を処置具挿入口突起に対し着脱可能とする曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構とを備える。そして操作機構部は、正逆方向の回動操作によって、曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構を介して操作機構部を処置具挿入口突起に対して固定または取り外しさせる着脱操作環と、着脱操作環と略共通の回動中心による正逆方向の回動操作によって、曲げ剛性可変体を硬化または軟化させる可撓性調整操作環とを備え、着脱操作環による操作機構部固定用の回動方向と、可撓性調整操作環による曲げ剛性可変体の硬化用の回動方向が同じであることを特徴とする。
【０００７】
曲げ剛性可変体は、例えば、自由状態で直線状をなす筒状のコイル体から構成することが可能である。この場合、曲げ剛性調整具にさらに、該コイル体の中心部に挿入され、一端部が該コイルの先端部に対し圧縮操作可能な態様で接続し、他端部が操作機構部に移動可能に設けたワイヤ牽引部材に対し固定されたコイル牽引ワイヤを設け、ワイヤ牽引部材を介してコイル牽引ワイヤを牽引または弛緩させることによりコイル体を伸縮させることができる。
【０００８】
曲げ剛性調整具を内視鏡側の処置具挿入口突起に着脱させる構造としては、例えば、以下の形態が好ましい。可撓管部内の処置具挿通用管路に連通する処置具挿入口を有し、該処置具挿入口の内面を、処置具挿入口突起の突出端部方向に進むにつれて徐々に内径サイズを大きくする円錐状のテーパ内周面とした内面テーパ筒状部と、該内面テーパ筒状部の外面から径方向に突出するフランジ突起とを内視鏡側の処置具挿入口突起に設ける。一方、曲げ剛性調整具側の着脱機構として、先端側に進むにつれて徐々に外径サイズを小さくする円錐状のテーパ外周面を有する外面テーパ突起と、該外面テーパ突起を囲む筒状囲繞壁の内周面に形成した、フランジ突起が螺合可能な内面ねじ溝とを操作機構部に設ける。この構造では、フランジ突起を内面ねじ溝に螺合させることによって、外面テーパ突起が内面テーパ筒状部の処置具挿入口内に挿入されてテーパ外周面とテーパ内周面が密着し、操作機構部を処置具挿入口突起に固定させることができる。
【０００９】
この形態の着脱構造では、内面テーパ筒状部の径方向の対向位置に一対のフランジ突起を設け、内面ねじ溝は、該一対のフランジ突起が係合可能な二条ねじとして形成することが好ましい。
【００１０】
また、この形態の着脱構造では、外面テーパ突起は、その先端部に、曲げ剛性可変体の端部が嵌まる凹部を有していることが好ましい。さらに、曲げ剛性可変体を自由状態で直線状をなすコイル体とし、このコイルの中心部にコイル牽引ワイヤの一部を挿通した形態とし、外面テーパ突起には、該コイル牽引ワイヤを操作機構部内において案内する貫通孔を上記の凹部に連通して設けることが好ましい。
【００１３】
本発明の曲げ剛性調整具の操作機構部では、着脱操作環の内周面に前述した内面ねじ溝が形成されていることが好ましい。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
図１ないし図７を参照して、本発明による曲げ剛性調整具と、この曲げ剛性調整具によって可撓管部の曲げ剛性が調整される内視鏡の一実施形態を説明する。図１に示す電子内視鏡１０は医療用の内視鏡であり、体腔内に挿入される挿入部１１とその基部側に接続された操作部１２を有している。挿入部１１は、先端側から順に先端部１３、湾曲部１４及び可撓管部１５を有しており、さらに可撓管部１５が連結部１６を介して操作部１２に接続している。
【００１６】
先端部１３は、硬性部材からなる先端部本体（不図示）を有し、この先端部本体に、対物レンズ保持孔、配光レンズ保持孔、送気送水チャンネル出口、処置具挿通チャンネル出口１８（図２）等が形成されている。対物レンズ保持孔と配光レンズ保持孔には、結像用の対物レンズと照明用の配光レンズが保持されている。
【００１７】
湾曲部１４内には、相対回動可能に連結された複数の節輪（湾曲駒）が、その長手方向に並べて設けられている。操作部１２に設けた湾曲操作ノブ２０Ａ、２０Ｂを回動操作することによって、不図示の複数の湾曲操作ワイヤが牽引または弛緩されて、複数の節輪を相対回動させる。すると、湾曲部１４が湾曲される。具体的には、湾曲操作ノブ２０Ａを正逆方向に回動操作すると、一対の湾曲操作ワイヤを介して湾曲部１４が左右方向に湾曲し、湾曲操作ノブ２０Ｂを正逆方向に回動操作すると、別の一対の湾曲操作ワイヤを介して湾曲部１４は上下方向に湾曲する。さらに、湾曲部１４の湾曲状態は、ロックノブ２１Ａやロックレバー２１Ｂを操作することによって固定させることが可能である。
【００１８】
操作部１２からはユニバーサルチューブ２５が延出されており、該ユニバーサルチューブ２５の端部には、不図示のプロセッサに接続するコネクタ部２６が設けられている。コネクタ部２６には、不図示の信号伝送用ケーブルやライトガイドの端部、送気チューブや送水チューブの入口部等が設けられており、コネクタ部２６をプロセッサに接続することによって、これらの各部は、プロセッサ側の画像処理装置、光源及び送気送水源に接続される。
【００１９】
先端部１３内には、対物レンズの背後にＣＣＤが設けられており、対物レンズから該ＣＣＤの受光面に入った観察対象の像は光電変換され、ＣＣＤからユニバーサルチューブ２５のコネクタ部２６まで配設された前述の信号伝送用ケーブルを介して、電子画像としてプロセッサに送られる。プロセッサでは、電子画像をモニタに表示したり画像記録媒体に記録することができる。操作部１２には、画像処理関連の遠隔操作を行うための複数のリモート操作ボタンスイッチ２７が設けられている。また、配光レンズには、ユニバーサルチューブ２５のコネクタ部２６から先端部１３まで配設された前述のライトガイドを介して、プロセッサに設けた光源からの照明光が与えられる。
【００２０】
操作部１２には、リモート操作ボタンスイッチ２７の近傍位置に送気送水ボタン２８が設けられており、送気送水ボタン２８を押圧すると、プロセッサ側の送気源または送水源から前述の送気チューブや送水チューブに送り込まれた空気や液体が、先端部１３の送気送水チャンネル出口から噴射される。
【００２１】
電子内視鏡１０の連結部１６には、鉗子や高周波焼灼処置具といった処置具挿入用の処置具挿入口突起３０が設けられており、該処置具挿入口突起３０から内視鏡内方に向けて、処置具挿通硬性管３１（図２）が延設されている。この処置具挿通硬性管３１には処置具挿通軟性管３２が接続しており、処置具挿通硬性管３１と処置具挿通軟性管３２によって処置具挿通チャンネル（処置具挿通用管路）が構成されている。処置具挿通軟性管３２の先端部は、先端部１３に形成した前述の処置具挿通チャンネル出口１８に臨んでいる。図２に示すように、処置具挿通硬性管３１は連結部１６内に位置し、処置具挿通軟性管３２は、連結部１６の一部と、可撓管部１５と湾曲部１４の全体を連通して配設されている。なお、処置具挿通チャンネルには、図示しない吸引チューブが接続しており、この吸引チューブは、電子内視鏡１０の外部に設けた図示されない負圧源（吸引源）に接続されている。よって、処置具挿通チャンネルに対しては、処置具挿入口突起３０を介して鉗子や高周波焼灼処置具等の処置具を挿入することと、吸引チューブを介して負圧源から負圧をかけることが可能である。処置具挿通チャンネルを処置具の挿通管路として使用する場合は、処置具挿入口突起３０を介して挿入された処置具は、処置具挿通チャンネル出口１８から突出される。一方、処置具挿通チャンネルを吸引用の管路として使用するときには、操作部１２に設けた吸引ボタン２９を押圧する。すると、負圧源側の管路と処置具挿通チャンネルが連通されて、負圧が処置具挿通チャンネルに作用し、処置具挿通チャンネル出口１８から体液等の流体を吸引することができる。
【００２２】
前述のように、湾曲部１４は湾曲操作ノブ２０Ａ、２０Ｂの操作によって任意に曲げることができ、可撓管部１５も可撓性を有しているが、この可撓管部１５と湾曲部１４を連通する一連の処置具挿通軟性管３２は、湾曲操作部１４の湾曲操作や可撓管部１５の変形に対応するように可撓性を有している。
【００２３】
図３に示すように、処置具挿入口突起３０にはルアー口金部（内面テーパ筒状部）３５が設けられている。ルアー口金部３５は処置具挿通硬性管３１に連通する処置具挿入口３４を有する筒状をなし、該処置具挿入口３４の内面として、処置具挿入口突起３０の突出端部方向（内視鏡外方）へ進むにつれて徐々に内径サイズを大きくするテーパ内周面３６（図６）が形成されている。また、ルアー口金部３５の先端付近の外周面には、径方向外方に向けて突出する一対のフランジ突起３７が形成されている。一対のフランジ突起３７は、ルアー口金部３５の軸線を挟んだ径方向の対向位置に設けられている。このルアー口金部３５に対しては、前述した処置具を着脱可能である。処置具挿入口突起３０には、非使用時にルアー口金部３５を覆う鉗子栓３８が付属している。
【００２４】
以上の電子内視鏡１０のルアー口金部３５に対して、鉗子や高周波焼灼処置具等の処置具以外に、可撓管部１５の可撓性を変化させるための曲げ剛性調整具４０を着脱可能である。曲げ剛性調整具４０は、大きく分けて、処置具挿入口突起３０の外側に位置する操作機構部４１と、処置具挿通チャンネル（処置具挿通硬性管３１及び処置具挿通軟性管３２）に対して挿入される曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２からなっている。
【００２５】
図６に示すように、操作機構部４１内には内側ベース筒４３が設けられ、該内側ベース筒４３には、外面テーパ突起４４、細密雄ねじ４５、スライダ移動空間４６が形成されている。外面テーパ突起４４の外周面は、外面テーパ突起４４の先端側に進むにつれて徐々に外径サイズを小さくする円錐状のテーパ外周面４７として形成されており、該外面テーパ突起４４の内部にはコイル収納孔（凹部）４８が形成されている。内側ベース筒４３の外周に設けた細密雄ねじ４５には、着脱操作環５０の内周面に形成した細密雌ねじ４９が螺合しており、この細密雌ねじ４９と細密雄ねじ４５の関係によって、着脱操作環５０を内側ベース筒４３に対して回転させることができる。細密ねじ４５、４９は、着脱操作環５０を実質的に回転のみさせるように、すなわち内側ベース筒４３に対する着脱操作環５０の軸線方向位置が大きく変化しないように、ねじの傾斜等が設定されている。なお、内側ベース筒４３の外側には、該内側ベース筒４３に対して固定された外側ベース筒５１が固定されており、この外側ベース筒５１の外周面にも一連の細密雄ねじ４５が形成されている。着脱操作環５０にはさらに、外面テーパ突起４４と略同心の筒状囲繞壁５２が形成されており、該筒状囲繞壁５２の内面には、外面テーパ突起４４のテーパ外周面４７を囲む態様で、ルアー口金部４０の一対のフランジ突起３７が螺合可能な二条ねじ（内面ねじ溝）５３が形成されている。この二条ねじ５３を含む筒状囲繞壁５２と外面テーパ突起４４は、処置具挿入口突起３０のルアー口金部３５に対して着脱可能なルアー口金受け部（曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構）５４を構成している。
【００２６】
外面テーパ突起４４に形成したコイル収納孔４８には、曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２を構成するコイル（曲げ剛性可変体、コイル体）５５が挿入され、該コイル５５の端面がコイル収納孔４８の底面に当接している。コイル５５は、自由状態で直線状をなす筒状コイルであり、その軸線方向に伸縮可能である。コイル５５の中心部にはコイル牽引ワイヤ５６が挿通されており、このコイル牽引ワイヤ５６は、コイル収納孔４８に連通させて外面テーパ突起４４（内側ベース筒４３）内に形成した貫通孔５７を通ってスライダ移動空間４６内に延出されて、スライダ軸５８に固定されている。スライダ軸５８の外周には、固定ねじ５９によってスライダ６０が固定されている。スライダ移動空間４６の内側面は非円形断面をなしており、スライダ６０は、この非円形断面の内側面に係合する非円形の外面形状を有している。よって、スライダ６０とスライダ軸５８の結合体（ワイヤ牽引部材）は、スライダ移動空間４６を、回転せずにコイル牽引ワイヤ５６の延設方向（図６の左右方向）に移動することができる。
【００２７】
スライダ軸５８の端部には雄ねじ６１が設けられ、該雄ねじ６１は、外側ベース筒５１の内側に設けた回転体６２の雌ねじ６３に螺合している。回転体６２の外周面には細密雄ねじ６４が形成されており、該細密雄ねじ６４は、可撓性調整操作環６５の細密雌ねじ６６と螺合している。細密ねじ６４、６６は、可撓性調整操作環６５を実質的に回転のみさせるように、すなわち外側ベース筒５１（内側ベース筒４３）に対する可撓性調整操作環６５の軸線方向位置が大きく変化しないように、ねじの傾斜等が設定されている。可撓性調整操作環６５は、着脱操作環５０と略共通の回動中心によって回動される。
【００２８】
図７は、曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２の先端部付近を示している。コイル牽引ワイヤ５６の先端部は、コイル５５の先端部よりも若干突出しており、該ワイヤ先端部に、コイル５５の外径と同程度の径の先端キャップ６７が取り付けられている。先端キャップ６７はコイル５５の先端部に係合しており、該先端キャップ６７を介して、コイル牽引ワイヤ５６の先端部に対するコイル５５の先端位置が規制される。先端キャップ６７、コイル牽引ワイヤ５６及びコイル５５は、半田６８によって固着されている。コイル牽引ワイヤ５６は、この先端部以外の箇所ではコイル５５に対して固定されていない。
【００２９】
以上の曲げ剛性調整具４０の着脱及び使用の態様を説明する。曲げ剛性調整具４０を処置具挿入口突起３０に対して装着する際には、図３のように鉗子栓３８を開けた状態で、筒状をなすルアー口金部３５の処置具挿入口３４内に曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２を挿入する。ルアー口金部３５の開口は処置具挿通硬性管３１に通じており、処置具挿通硬性管３１は処置具挿通軟性管３２に通じているため、挿入を続けると、曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２が、処置具挿通軟性管３２内まで挿入される。曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２がある程度挿入されると、曲げ剛性調整具４０の操作機構部４１を構成するルアー口金受け部５４（外面テーパ突起４４、筒状囲繞壁５２及び二条ねじ５３）が、処置具挿入口突起３０のルアー口金部３５に接近する。
【００３０】
ここで、ルアー口金部３５の一対のフランジ突起３７を二条ねじ５３にねじ込ませる方向に着脱操作環５０を回転させる。すると、一対のフランジ突起３７が二条ねじ５３に螺合して案内され、ルアー口金受け部５４がルアー口金部３５へ接近する方向に移動する。その結果、ルアー口金受け部５４側の外面テーパ突起４４がルアー口金部３５の処置具挿入口３４内に挿入され、そのテーパ外周面４７がルアー口金部３５のテーパ内周面３６に押し付けられて両テーパ面が密着する。つまり、一対のフランジ突起３７を二条ねじ５３に螺合させることによって、ルアー口金部３５に対してルアー口金受け部５４が圧入状態で結合され、図４に示すように、内視鏡１０に対して曲げ剛性調整具４０が装着される。曲げ剛性調整具４０を取り外す際には、着脱操作環５０を装着時と反対方向に回転させればよい。すると、ルアー口金部３５とルアー口金受部５４は二条ねじ５３と一対のフランジ突起３７に従って互いの離間方向に案内され、テーパ内周面３６とテーパ外周面４７の密着状態が解除される。
【００３１】
図２に示すように、曲げ剛性調整具４０を装着した状態では、処置具挿通軟性管３２に挿入された曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２は、その先端部が可撓管部１５の先端部付近（湾曲部１４の近傍）に位置している。ここで、可撓性調整操作環６５を回動させることによって、可撓管部１５の可撓性を変化させることが可能である。具体的には、次のような態様で可撓管部１５の可撓性が変化する。
【００３２】
可撓性調整操作環６５が回動すると、該可撓性調整操作環６５と共に回転体６２が回転する。すると、回転体６２に形成した雌ねじ６３と雄ねじ６１の関係によって、スライダ軸５８に軸線方向の移動力が付与される。ここで、スライダ軸５８は、内側ベース筒４３に対して回り止めされたスライダ６０に固定されているため、スライダ軸５８は回転することなく軸線方向にのみ移動する。スライダ軸５８が移動すると、該スライダ軸５８に固定されたコイル牽引ワイヤ５６が押し引きされ、その結果コイル５５が伸縮する。例えば、図６中の右方向にスライダ軸５８が移動すると、コイル５５に対して固定されたコイル牽引ワイヤ５６の先端部が、該コイル５５を縮める方向に移動する。コイル５５は、圧縮されると曲がりにくく（硬く）なり、伸ばされると（圧縮を解除すると）曲がりやすく（柔らかく）なる特性を有しているため、圧縮されたコイル５５は、自由状態に比して曲げ剛性が増して曲がりにくくなる。よって、コイル５５を内部に位置させている可撓管部１５の曲げ硬度も増す。コイル５５の曲げ剛性、すなわち可撓管部１５の硬化の程度は、可撓性調整操作環６５の回動操作量によって調整することができる。なお、曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２は、湾曲部１４内までは達していないため、可撓管部１５の可撓性が変化しても湾曲部１４の硬さ、すなわち湾曲操作性には影響しない。
【００３３】
可撓管部１５の硬化状態を解除して軟化させるには、硬化操作時と逆方向に可撓性調整操作環６５を回動させる。すると、コイル５５の先端部に対する圧縮方向への力が解除または減少されるので、その分だけコイル５５が伸びて曲げ剛性が低下する。コイル５５が自由状態になるまで可撓性調整操作環６５を操作すると、可撓管部１５は最も柔軟になる。
【００３４】
なお、曲げ剛性調整具４０では、着脱操作環５０と可撓性調整操作環６５は略共通の回動中心で回動可能であるが、可撓性調整操作環６５による可撓管部１５の硬化用の回動操作方向と、前述した着脱操作環５０による曲げ剛性調整具４０の装着用の回動操作方向が同じになるように設定されている。すなわち、図４において着脱操作環５０をＡ方向に回動させたときに、前述したルアー口金の結合（ルアーロック）が生じる場合には、可撓性調整操作環６５の同Ａ方向の回動ではコイル５５の圧縮が生じるように、操作機構部４１内のねじ方向等が設定されている。このように、各操作環５０、６５における曲げ剛性調整具４０の装着操作方向と可撓管部１５の硬化操作方向を同じにすることで、硬化操作時にルアーロックが緩んでしまうおそれがなくなり、好ましい。もちろん、着脱操作環５０のＢ方向への回動で曲げ剛性調整具４０が固定されるようにし、可撓性調整操作環６５の同Ｂ方向の回動でコイル５５が硬化されるようにしてもよい。
【００３５】
以上のように、本実施形態では、電子内視鏡１０の可撓管部１５の可撓性を調整するための曲げ剛性調整具４０を、処置具挿入口突起３０に対して装着することで可撓性可変状態になるので、鉗子等の処置具を扱う場合と同様に、内視鏡の操作者が単独で可撓性の調整を行うことが可能であり、操作性が良い。また、曲げ剛性調整具４０は内視鏡１０とは別部材であるため、可撓性調整用の複雑な機構を新規に内視鏡内に配設する必要がなく、構造が簡略で汎用性が高い。特に、本実施形態の曲げ剛性調整具４０は、処置具挿入口突起に処置具着脱用の口金構造を備えたタイプの内視鏡に対しては、内視鏡側に特別な改造や変更を加えることなく装着することができる。
【００３６】
なお、内視鏡による検査時には、挿入可能な範囲において最奥部まで挿入部を挿入し、挿入部を抜き方向に移動させながら観察、処置を行うのが一般的である。一方、挿入部（可撓管部）を硬化させる主たる目的は、挿入時の作業性を向上させるためである。そのため、挿入時には曲げ剛性調整具４０を装着して可撓管部１５の可撓性を適宜調整し、最奥まで挿入されたら曲げ剛性調整具４０を取り外して、処置具挿通硬性管３１や処置具挿通軟性管３２に鉗子や高周波焼灼処置具等を挿入したり、処置具挿通軟性管３２を介して吸引操作を行うといった使用形態が可能である。つまり、曲げ剛性調整具４０は、その使用時には処置具挿通硬性管３１や処置具挿通軟性管３２を塞ぐものであるが、観察、処置の段階では取り外すことができるので、内視鏡１０に関して実用上の問題はない。
【００３７】
以上、図示実施形態を参照して本発明による内視鏡の曲げ剛性調整具を説明したが、本発明は図示実施形態に限定されるものではない。例えば、実施形態では、曲げ剛性調整具４０の曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２は、吸引用と処置具挿通用の兼用管路に挿入されるものとしたが、処置具挿入用の機能のみを備える管路に対して曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２を挿入してもよい。
【００３８】
【発明の効果】
以上から明らかなように、本発明によれば、簡単な構造で、内視鏡操作者が容易に可撓管部の可撓性を調整できる内視鏡の曲げ剛性調整具が得られる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】内視鏡システムを構成する内視鏡の全体図である。
【図２】図１の内視鏡内部の処置具挿通用管路の概略を示す図である。
【図３】図１の内視鏡の処置具挿入口突起付近の拡大図である。
【図４】図１の内視鏡に、本発明を適用した曲げ剛性調整具を装着した状態の外観図である。
【図５】曲げ剛性調整具の全体外観図である。
【図６】内視鏡側の処置具挿入口突起付近と曲げ剛性調整具の断面図である。
【図７】曲げ剛性可変コイル部の先端部付近の拡大図である。
【符号の説明】
１０電子内視鏡
１１挿入部
１２操作部
１３先端部
１４湾曲部
１５可撓管部
１６連結部
１８処置具挿通チャンネル出口
２０Ａ２０Ｂ湾曲操作ノブ
２１Ａロックノブ
２１Ｂロックレバー
２５ユニバーサルチューブ
２６コネクタ部
２７リモート操作ボタンスイッチ
２８送気送水ボタン
２９吸引ボタン
３０処置具挿入口突起
３１処置具挿通硬性管（処置具挿通用管路）
３２処置具挿通軟性管（処置具挿通用管路）
３４処置具挿入口
３５ルアー口金部（内面テーパ筒状部）
３６テーパ内周面
３７フランジ突起
３８鉗子栓
４０曲げ剛性調整具
４１操作機構部
４２曲げ剛性可変コイル部
４３内側ベース筒
４４外面テーパ突起
４５細密雄ねじ
４６スライダ移動空間
４７テーパ外周面
４８コイル収納孔（凹部）
４９細密雌ねじ
５０着脱操作環
５１外側ベース筒
５２筒状囲繞壁
５３二条ねじ（内面ねじ溝）
５４ルアー口金受け部（曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構）
５５コイル（曲げ剛性可変体、コイル体）
５６コイル牽引ワイヤ
５７貫通孔
５８スライダ軸
５９固定ねじ
６０スライダ
６１雄ねじ
６２回転体
６３雌ねじ
６４細密雄ねじ
６５可撓性調整操作環
６６細密雌ねじ
６７先端キャップ
６８半田[0001]
【Technical field】
The present invention relates to a bending stiffness adjuster that changes the flexibility of a flexible tube portion of an endoscope.
[0002]
[Prior art and its problems]
Medical and industrial endoscopes are provided with a flexible tube portion having flexibility in the insertion portion so that the endoscope can be inserted into an observation target of a bent path. In addition, an endoscope of a type in which the flexibility (bending hardness) of the flexible tube portion is variable has been proposed. This type of endoscope is used, for example, in such a manner that the flexible tube portion is hardened when passing through the sigmoid colon portion during insertion into the large intestine, and the flexible tube portion is softened after passing through the sigmoid colon. The
[0003]
As a means for changing the flexibility of the flexible tube portion, for example, a method using a characteristic that a linear cylindrical coil changes bending rigidity (hardness in the direction orthogonal to the axis) by expansion and contraction in the axis direction. It has been known. In other words, this type of coil becomes difficult to bend when compressed, and easily bent when extended, so that the flexibility of the flexible tube portion can be increased by providing the coil in a flexible tube in a state where it can be extended and contracted from the outside. Can be variable. As a means for extending and retracting the coil, a structure is known in which a wire is inserted through the center of the coil and fixed near the tip of the coil, and this wire is pulled and relaxed by an external operation. That is, if the wire is pulled, the coil is compressed, and if the wire is relaxed, the coil is released from compression and returns to the free state.
[0004]
By the way, in a conventional flexible variable type endoscope, there is an endoscope in which an operation unit for operating a coil for adjusting flexibility is located away from the endoscope. In such a variable flexibility device, the endoscope operator cannot adjust the flexibility of the flexible tube part himself / herself when using the endoscope, and assistance of an assistant is necessary for the flexibility adjustment. I was trying.
[0005]
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope bending rigidity adjusting tool having a simple structure and capable of easily adjusting the flexibility of a flexible tube portion by an endoscope operator.
[0006]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a treatment instrument insertion conduit arranged in the flexible tube portion, and a cylindrical treatment instrument insertion port projection projecting outwardly provided in communication with the inlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion duct The present invention relates to a bending stiffness adjuster that is made of a member different from the endoscope that has it and is inserted into a flexible tube portion to change its bending stiffness. The bending stiffness adjusting device of the present invention is a bending stiffness that is linear in a free state and changes bending stiffness by expansion and contraction in the axial direction, and is detachable with respect to the treatment instrument insertion pipe line through the treatment instrument insertion port projection. A variable body , an operation mechanism for changing the bending rigidity by extending and contracting the bending rigidity variable body, and a bending rigidity variable body inserted into the treatment instrument insertion conduit are provided at the base of the bending rigidity variable body. A bending rigidity adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism that enables the operation mechanism portion to be attached to and detached from the treatment tool insertion port protrusion in a state . The operation mechanism section is abbreviated as an attachment / detachment operation ring that fixes or removes the operation mechanism section with respect to the treatment instrument insertion port protrusion via a bending stiffness adjuster attachment / detachment mechanism by a forward / reverse rotation operation. A flexible adjustment operation ring that hardens or softens the bending stiffness variable body by a forward / reverse rotation operation using a common rotation center, and a rotation direction for fixing the operation mechanism unit by the detachable operation ring, and The rotation direction for curing the bending stiffness variable body by the flexibility adjusting operation ring is the same .
[0007]
The bending stiffness variable body can be constituted by, for example, a cylindrical coil body that is linear in a free state. In this case, the bending stiffness adjuster is further inserted into the central portion of the coil body, and one end portion is connected to the distal end portion of the coil in a manner allowing compression operation, and the other end portion is movable to the operation mechanism portion. The coil body can be expanded and contracted by providing a coil pulling wire fixed to the provided wire pulling member and pulling or relaxing the coil pulling wire via the wire pulling member.
[0008]
As the structure for attaching and detaching the bending rigidity adjusting tool to the treatment instrument insertion port projection on the endoscope side, for example, the following modes are preferable. It has a treatment instrument insertion port communicating with the treatment instrument insertion conduit of the flexible tube portion, the inner surface of the treatment instrument insertion port, increasing the inner diameter gradually size as one proceeds to the projecting end direction of the treatment instrument insertion opening projection An inner taper cylindrical portion having a conical tapered inner peripheral surface and a flange projection protruding radially from the outer surface of the inner taper cylindrical portion are provided on the treatment instrument insertion port projection on the endoscope side. On the other hand, as an attachment / detachment mechanism on the side of the bending stiffness adjuster, an outer surface taper protrusion having a conical taper outer peripheral surface that gradually decreases in outer diameter size as it advances toward the tip side, and an inner wall of a cylindrical surrounding wall surrounding the outer surface taper protrusion An inner surface thread groove formed on the peripheral surface and capable of screwing the flange protrusion is provided in the operation mechanism portion. In this structure, by engaging the flange protrusion with the inner thread groove, the outer taper protrusion is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion port of the inner tapered cylindrical portion, and the tapered outer peripheral surface and the tapered inner peripheral surface are in close contact with each other. Can be fixed to the projection of the treatment instrument insertion port.
[0009]
In the attachment / detachment structure of this embodiment, it is preferable that a pair of flange protrusions are provided at the radially opposed positions of the inner tapered cylindrical portion, and the inner thread groove is formed as a double thread that can be engaged with the pair of flange protrusions.
[0010]
Moreover, in the attachment / detachment structure of this embodiment, it is preferable that the outer surface taper protrusion has a concave portion in which the end portion of the bending rigidity variable body is fitted at the tip portion. Furthermore, the bending rigidity variable body is a coil body that is linear in a free state, and a part of the coil pulling wire is inserted through the center of the coil. It is preferable to provide a through-hole for guiding in the above-described recess.
[0013]
In the operation mechanism portion of the bending stiffness adjuster of the present invention, it is preferable that the inner thread groove described above is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the detachable operation ring.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1 to 7, an embodiment of a bending rigidity adjusting tool according to the present invention and an endoscope in which the bending rigidity of a flexible tube portion is adjusted by the bending rigidity adjusting tool will be described. An electronic endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a medical endoscope, and includes an insertion portion 11 to be inserted into a body cavity and an operation portion 12 connected to the base side thereof. The insertion portion 11 has a distal end portion 13, a bending portion 14, and a flexible tube portion 15 in order from the distal end side, and the flexible tube portion 15 is connected to the operation portion 12 via a connecting portion 16.
[0016]
The distal end portion 13 has a distal end portion main body (not shown) made of a rigid member. The distal end portion main body includes an objective lens holding hole, a light distribution lens holding hole, an air / water supply channel outlet, and a treatment instrument insertion channel outlet 18 ( 2) and the like are formed. The objective lens holding hole and the light distribution lens holding hole hold an imaging objective lens and an illumination light distribution lens.
[0017]
In the bending portion 14, a plurality of node rings (curving pieces) connected so as to be relatively rotatable are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction. By rotating the bending operation knobs 20A and 20B provided in the operation unit 12, a plurality of bending operation wires (not shown) are pulled or relaxed, and the plurality of node rings are relatively rotated. Then, the bending portion 14 is bent. Specifically, when the bending operation knob 20A is rotated in the forward / reverse direction, the bending portion 14 is bent in the left / right direction via the pair of bending operation wires, and when the bending operation knob 20B is rotated in the forward / reverse direction. The bending portion 14 bends in the vertical direction via another pair of bending operation wires. Furthermore, the bending state of the bending portion 14 can be fixed by operating the lock knob 21A and the lock lever 21B.
[0018]
A universal tube 25 extends from the operation unit 12, and a connector unit 26 connected to a processor (not shown) is provided at the end of the universal tube 25. The connector portion 26 is provided with a signal transmission cable (not shown), an end portion of a light guide, an inlet portion of an air supply tube or a water supply tube, and the like. By connecting the connector portion 26 to a processor, each of these portions is provided. Are connected to an image processing device, a light source and an air / water supply source on the processor side.
[0019]
In the distal end portion 13, a CCD is provided behind the objective lens, and the image of the observation object that enters the light receiving surface of the CCD from the objective lens is photoelectrically converted and arranged from the CCD to the connector portion 26 of the universal tube 25. It is sent to the processor as an electronic image through the above-described signal transmission cable. The processor can display an electronic image on a monitor or record it on an image recording medium. The operation unit 12 is provided with a plurality of remote operation button switches 27 for performing remote operations related to image processing. Further, illumination light from a light source provided in the processor is given to the light distribution lens through the above-described light guide disposed from the connector portion 26 to the distal end portion 13 of the universal tube 25.
[0020]
The operation unit 12 is provided with an air / water supply button 28 in the vicinity of the remote operation button switch 27. When the air / water supply button 28 is pressed, the above-mentioned air supply tube from the air supply source or the water supply source on the processor side is provided. Or air or liquid fed into the water supply tube is ejected from the outlet of the air / water supply channel of the tip portion 13.
[0021]
The connecting portion 16 of the electronic endoscope 10 is provided with a treatment tool insertion port protrusion 30 for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps or a high-frequency cautery treatment tool, and the treatment tool insertion port protrusion 30 extends inward of the endoscope. The treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31 (FIG. 2) is extended. A treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 is connected to the treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31, and the treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31 and the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 constitute a treatment instrument insertion channel (treatment instrument insertion conduit). ing. The distal end portion of the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 faces the aforementioned treatment instrument insertion channel outlet 18 formed at the distal end portion 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31 is located in the connecting portion 16, and the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 includes a part of the connection portion 16, the flexible tube portion 15, and the entire bending portion 14. They are arranged in communication. Note that a suction tube (not shown) is connected to the treatment instrument insertion channel, and this suction tube is connected to a negative pressure source (suction source) (not shown) provided outside the electronic endoscope 10. Therefore, a treatment instrument such as forceps or a high-frequency ablation treatment instrument is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion channel via the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30, and a negative pressure is applied from a negative pressure source via the suction tube. Is possible. When the treatment instrument insertion channel is used as the treatment instrument insertion conduit, the treatment instrument inserted through the treatment instrument insertion port protrusion 30 is projected from the treatment instrument insertion channel outlet 18. On the other hand, when the treatment instrument insertion channel is used as a suction conduit, the suction button 29 provided on the operation unit 12 is pressed. Then, the conduit on the negative pressure source side and the treatment instrument insertion channel are communicated with each other so that negative pressure acts on the treatment instrument insertion channel and fluid such as body fluid can be sucked from the treatment instrument insertion channel outlet 18.
[0022]
As described above, the bending portion 14 can be arbitrarily bent by operating the bending operation knobs 20A and 20B, and the flexible tube portion 15 is also flexible. A series of treatment instrument insertion flexible tubes 32 that communicate with each other has flexibility so as to correspond to the bending operation of the bending operation portion 14 and the deformation of the flexible tube portion 15.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 3, the treatment instrument insertion port protrusion 30 is provided with a luer base part (inner surface tapered cylindrical part) 35. The luer mouthpiece 35 has a cylindrical shape having a treatment instrument insertion port 34 communicating with the treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31, and serves as an inner surface of the treatment instrument insertion port 34 in the protruding end portion direction (internal view) of the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30. A tapered inner peripheral surface 36 (FIG. 6) is formed which gradually increases the inner diameter size as it proceeds to the outer side of the mirror. In addition, a pair of flange protrusions 37 protruding outward in the radial direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface near the tip of the luer base 35. The pair of flange protrusions 37 are provided at opposing positions in the radial direction across the axis of the luer base 35. The treatment tool described above can be attached to and detached from the luer base 35. The treatment instrument insertion port protrusion 30 is provided with a forceps plug 38 that covers the luer base 35 when not in use.
[0024]
A bending stiffness adjusting tool 40 for changing the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 is attached to and detached from the luer mouthpiece portion 35 of the electronic endoscope 10 in addition to the treatment tools such as forceps and high-frequency cautery treatment tools. Is possible. The bending stiffness adjuster 40 is roughly divided into an operation mechanism portion 41 located outside the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30 and a treatment instrument insertion channel (the treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31 and the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32). It consists of a bending stiffness variable coil portion 42 to be inserted.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 6, an inner base cylinder 43 is provided in the operation mechanism portion 41, and an outer surface taper protrusion 44, a fine male screw 45, and a slider moving space 46 are formed in the inner base cylinder 43. The outer peripheral surface of the outer surface taper protrusion 44 is formed as a conical taper outer surface 47 that gradually decreases in outer diameter as it advances toward the tip side of the outer surface taper protrusion 44. A storage hole (concave portion) 48 is formed. The fine male screw 45 provided on the outer periphery of the inner base cylinder 43 is screwed with a fine female screw 49 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the attachment / detachment operation ring 50. The ring 50 can be rotated with respect to the inner base cylinder 43. The fine screws 45 and 49 are set to have an inclination of the screw so that the attaching / detaching operation ring 50 only substantially rotates, that is, the axial position of the attaching / detaching operation ring 50 with respect to the inner base cylinder 43 is not significantly changed. Yes. An outer base cylinder 51 fixed to the inner base cylinder 43 is fixed to the outer side of the inner base cylinder 43, and a series of fine male screws 45 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer base cylinder 51. ing. The attachment / detachment operation ring 50 further includes a cylindrical surrounding wall 52 substantially concentric with the outer surface taper protrusion 44, and the inner surface of the cylindrical surrounding wall 52 surrounds the tapered outer peripheral surface 47 of the outer surface taper protrusion 44. Thus, a double thread (inner surface thread groove) 53 to which the pair of flange protrusions 37 of the luer base 40 can be screwed is formed. The cylindrical surrounding wall 52 including the double thread 53 and the outer taper protrusion 44 constitute a luer base receiving part (bending rigidity adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism) 54 that can be attached to and detached from the luer base part 35 of the treatment instrument insertion port protrusion 30. is doing.
[0026]
A coil (variable bending stiffness body, coil body) 55 constituting the bending stiffness variable coil portion 42 is inserted into the coil accommodation hole 48 formed in the outer taper protrusion 44, and the end surface of the coil 55 is the bottom surface of the coil accommodation hole 48. Abut. The coil 55 is a cylindrical coil that is linear in a free state, and can be expanded and contracted in the axial direction thereof. A coil pulling wire 56 is inserted through the central portion of the coil 55, and this coil pulling wire 56 communicates with the coil housing hole 48 and has a through hole 57 formed in the outer surface taper projection 44 (inner base tube 43). It passes through the slider moving space 46 and is fixed to the slider shaft 58. A slider 60 is fixed to the outer periphery of the slider shaft 58 by a fixing screw 59. The inner surface of the slider moving space 46 has a non-circular cross section, and the slider 60 has a non-circular outer surface shape that engages with the inner surface of the non-circular cross section. Therefore, the combined body (wire pulling member) of the slider 60 and the slider shaft 58 can move in the extending direction of the coil pulling wire 56 (left and right direction in FIG. 6) without rotating in the slider moving space 46.
[0027]
A male screw 61 is provided at the end of the slider shaft 58, and the male screw 61 is screwed into a female screw 63 of a rotating body 62 provided inside the outer base cylinder 51. A fine male screw 64 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 62, and the fine male screw 64 is screwed into a fine female screw 66 of the flexibility adjusting operation ring 65. The fine screws 64 and 66 are configured to substantially rotate the flexibility adjusting operation ring 65, that is, the axial position of the flexibility adjusting operation ring 65 with respect to the outer base cylinder 51 (inner base cylinder 43) is greatly changed. The inclination of the screw is set so that it does not occur. The flexibility adjusting operation ring 65 is rotated by a rotation center substantially common to the attachment / detachment operation ring 50.
[0028]
FIG. 7 shows the vicinity of the distal end portion of the bending stiffness variable coil portion 42. The distal end portion of the coil pulling wire 56 protrudes slightly from the distal end portion of the coil 55, and a distal end cap 67 having a diameter similar to the outer diameter of the coil 55 is attached to the wire distal end portion. The distal end cap 67 is engaged with the distal end portion of the coil 55, and the distal end position of the coil 55 with respect to the distal end portion of the coil pulling wire 56 is regulated via the distal end cap 67. The tip cap 67, the coil pulling wire 56, and the coil 55 are fixed by solder 68. The coil pulling wire 56 is not fixed to the coil 55 at locations other than the tip.
[0029]
The manner of attaching and detaching and using the bending stiffness adjuster 40 will be described. When the bending stiffness adjuster 40 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30, the inside of the treatment instrument insertion port 34 of the tubular luer mouthpiece 35 with the forceps plug 38 opened as shown in FIG. The bending stiffness variable coil section 42 is inserted into the. Since the opening of the luer base portion 35 communicates with the treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31, and the treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31 communicates with the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32, when the insertion is continued, the bending stiffness variable coil portion 42 is The treatment instrument is inserted into the flexible tube 32. When the bending stiffness variable coil portion 42 is inserted to some extent, the luer base receiving portion 54 (the outer surface taper protrusion 44, the cylindrical surrounding wall 52 and the double threaded screw 53) constituting the operation mechanism portion 41 of the bending stiffness adjuster 40 is treated. The luer mouthpiece portion 35 of the tool insertion port projection 30 is approached.
[0030]
Here, the attaching / detaching operation ring 50 is rotated in a direction in which the pair of flange protrusions 37 of the luer base portion 35 are screwed into the double threaded screw 53. Then, the pair of flange protrusions 37 are guided by being screwed into the double threaded screw 53, and the luer base receiving part 54 moves in a direction approaching the luer base part 35. As a result, the outer surface taper protrusion 44 on the luer base receiving part 54 side is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion port 34 of the luer base part 35, and the tapered outer peripheral surface 47 is pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 36 of the luer base part 35. Both tapered surfaces are in close contact. In other words, by screwing the pair of flange protrusions 37 with the double threaded screw 53, the luer base receiving part 54 is coupled with the luer base part 35 in a press-fit state, and as shown in FIG. Then, the bending stiffness adjuster 40 is attached. When removing the bending stiffness adjuster 40, the attaching / detaching operation ring 50 may be rotated in the direction opposite to that at the time of attachment. Then, the luer mouthpiece portion 35 and the luer mouthpiece receiving portion 54 are guided in the mutually separating directions according to the double thread 53 and the pair of flange protrusions 37, and the contact state between the tapered inner peripheral surface 36 and the tapered outer peripheral surface 47 is released.
[0031]
As shown in FIG. 2, in a state where the bending stiffness adjusting tool 40 is attached, the distal end portion of the bending stiffness variable coil portion 42 inserted into the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 is near the distal end portion of the flexible tube portion 15 ( It is located in the vicinity of the bending portion 14). Here, the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 can be changed by rotating the flexibility adjusting operation ring 65. Specifically, the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 changes in the following manner.
[0032]
When the flexibility adjusting operation ring 65 rotates, the rotating body 62 rotates together with the flexibility adjusting operation ring 65. Then, a moving force in the axial direction is applied to the slider shaft 58 due to the relationship between the female screw 63 and the male screw 61 formed on the rotating body 62. Here, since the slider shaft 58 is fixed to the slider 60 that is prevented from rotating with respect to the inner base cylinder 43, the slider shaft 58 moves only in the axial direction without rotating. When the slider shaft 58 moves, the coil pulling wire 56 fixed to the slider shaft 58 is pushed and pulled, and as a result, the coil 55 expands and contracts. For example, when the slider shaft 58 moves in the right direction in FIG. 6, the tip end portion of the coil pulling wire 56 fixed to the coil 55 moves in a direction in which the coil 55 is contracted. The coil 55 has a characteristic that it is difficult to bend (hard) when compressed, and is easy to bend (soft) when stretched (released), so the compressed coil 55 is more flexible than the free state. This increases bending rigidity and makes it difficult to bend. Therefore, the bending hardness of the flexible tube portion 15 in which the coil 55 is positioned is also increased. The bending rigidity of the coil 55, that is, the degree of hardening of the flexible tube portion 15 can be adjusted by the amount of rotation operation of the flexibility adjusting operation ring 65. Since the bending stiffness variable coil portion 42 does not reach the inside of the bending portion 14, even if the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 changes, the hardness of the bending portion 14, that is, the bending operability is not affected. .
[0033]
In order to release the softened state of the flexible tube portion 15 and soften it, the flexibility adjusting operation ring 65 is rotated in the direction opposite to that during the hardening operation. Then, since the force in the compression direction with respect to the distal end portion of the coil 55 is released or reduced, the coil 55 is extended correspondingly and the bending rigidity is lowered. When the flexibility adjusting operation ring 65 is operated until the coil 55 is in a free state, the flexible tube portion 15 becomes the most flexible.
[0034]
In the bending stiffness adjuster 40, the attachment / detachment operation ring 50 and the flexibility adjustment operation ring 65 can be rotated around a substantially common rotation center. The rotation operation direction for curing is set to be the same as the rotation operation direction for mounting the bending stiffness adjuster 40 by the above-described attachment / detachment operation ring 50. That is, when the above-described coupling of the luer base (luer lock) occurs when the attaching / detaching operation ring 50 is rotated in the A direction in FIG. 4, the flexible adjustment operation ring 65 is rotated in the A direction. Then, the screw direction in the operation mechanism 41 is set so that the coil 55 is compressed. Thus, by making the mounting operation direction of the bending stiffness adjuster 40 in each operation ring 50, 65 the same as the curing operation direction of the flexible tube portion 15, there is no possibility that the luer lock will loosen during the curing operation, preferable. Of course, the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 is fixed by rotating the attaching / detaching operation ring 50 in the B direction, and the coil 55 is cured by rotating the flexible adjusting operation ring 65 in the B direction. Also good.
[0035]
As described above, in this embodiment , the bending stiffness adjuster 40 for adjusting the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 of the electronic endoscope 10 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion port protrusion 30. Since the flexibility is changed, the operator of the endoscope can adjust the flexibility independently as in the case of handling a treatment tool such as forceps, and the operability is good. Further, since the bending stiffness adjuster 40 is a separate member from the endoscope 10, it is not necessary to newly arrange a complicated mechanism for flexibility adjustment in the endoscope, and the structure is simple and versatile. Is expensive. In particular, the bending stiffness adjusting tool 40 of the present embodiment is specially modified or changed on the endoscope side for an endoscope of a type in which a treatment tool insertion port projection is provided with a base structure for attaching / detaching a treatment tool. Can be installed without adding.
[0036]
In an inspection using an endoscope, it is common to perform observation and treatment while inserting the insertion portion to the innermost portion within the insertable range and moving the insertion portion in the pulling direction. On the other hand, the main purpose of curing the insertion portion (flexible tube portion) is to improve workability during insertion. Therefore, the bending stiffness adjusting tool 40 is attached at the time of insertion to adjust the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 as appropriate, and when inserted to the innermost position, the bending stiffness adjusting tool 40 is removed to remove the treatment tool insertion rigid tube 31 and the treatment. A use form such as inserting a forceps or a high-frequency cautery treatment tool into the instrument insertion soft tube 32 or performing a suction operation through the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 is possible. That is, the bending stiffness adjuster 40 closes the treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31 and the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 at the time of use, but can be removed at the stage of observation and treatment. There is no problem above.
[0037]
The endoscope bending rigidity adjusting tool according to the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, in the embodiment, the bending stiffness variable coil portion 42 of the bending stiffness adjuster 40 is inserted into a combined conduit for suction and treatment instrument insertion, but a tube having only a function for inserting a treatment instrument is used. The bending stiffness variable coil portion 42 may be inserted into the road.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As can be seen from the above, according to the present invention, an endoscope bending stiffness adjuster can be obtained with a simple structure that allows the endoscope operator to easily adjust the flexibility of the flexible tube portion.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall view of an endoscope constituting an endoscope system.
2 is a diagram showing an outline of a treatment instrument insertion conduit inside the endoscope of FIG. 1. FIG.
3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a treatment instrument insertion port protrusion of the endoscope of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is an external view of a state in which a bending rigidity adjusting tool to which the present invention is applied is attached to the endoscope of FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an overall external view of a bending stiffness adjuster.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a treatment instrument insertion port projection on the endoscope side and a bending rigidity adjusting tool.
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the distal end portion of the bending rigidity variable coil portion.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Electronic endoscope 11 Insertion part 12 Operation part 13 Tip part 14 Bending part 15 Flexible pipe part 16 Connection part 18 Treatment instrument insertion channel exit 20A 20B Bending operation knob 21A Lock knob 21B Lock lever 25 Universal tube 26 Connector part 27 Remote operation Button switch 28 Air supply / water supply button 29 Suction button 30 Treatment instrument insertion port projection 31 Treatment instrument insertion rigid tube (treatment instrument insertion conduit)
32 Treatment instrument insertion flexible tube (Treatment instrument insertion conduit)
34 Treatment instrument insertion port 35 Luer base (inner taper cylindrical part)
36 Tapered inner peripheral surface 37 Flange protrusion 38 Forceps plug 40 Bending rigidity adjusting tool 41 Operation mechanism section 42 Bending rigidity variable coil section 43 Inner base tube 44 Outer surface taper protrusion 45 Fine male screw 46 Slider moving space 47 Taper outer surface 48 Coil housing hole ( Recess)
49 Fine female screw 50 Removable operation ring 51 Outer base cylinder 52 Cylindrical surrounding wall 53 Double thread (inner thread groove)
54 Luer base receiving part (Bending rigidity adjustment tool attaching / detaching mechanism)
55 Coil (Bending stiffness variable body, Coil body)
56 Coil pulling wire 57 Through hole 58 Slider shaft 59 Fixing screw 60 Slider 61 Male screw 62 Rotating body 63 Female screw 64 Fine male screw 65 Flexible adjusting operation ring 66 Fine female screw 67 Tip cap 68 Solder

Claims

An endoscope having a treatment instrument insertion conduit arranged in the flexible tube portion, and a cylindrical treatment instrument insertion port projection projecting outwardly provided in communication with the inlet portion of the treatment instrument insertion duct In a bending stiffness adjuster that is made of a different member and is inserted into the flexible tube portion and changes its bending stiffness,
A bending stiffness variable body that is linear in a free state and changes bending stiffness by expansion and contraction in the axial direction, and is detachable from the treatment instrument insertion conduit through the treatment instrument insertion port projection;
An operating mechanism provided at the base of the bending stiffness variable body for changing the bending stiffness by expanding and contracting the bending stiffness variable body; and the bending rigidity variable body inserted in the treatment instrument insertion conduit. A bending rigidity adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism that makes the operating mechanism part attachable / detachable with respect to the treatment tool insertion port projection;
The operation mechanism unit includes:
An attachment / detachment operation ring that fixes or removes the operation mechanism portion with respect to the treatment instrument insertion port protrusion via the bending stiffness adjusting tool attachment / detachment mechanism by a forward / reverse rotation operation; and
A flexible adjustment operation ring for hardening or softening the bending stiffness variable body by a rotation operation in the forward and reverse directions with a rotation center substantially common to the attachment / detachment operation ring;
With
Bending stiffness of the endoscope, characterized in that the rotation direction of the detachable operation ring by the operating mechanism unit for fixing the rotational direction of the curing of the variable stiffness member bent by the flexible adjustment operation ring is the same Adjustment tool .

The endoscope bending rigidity adjuster according to claim 1,
A cylindrical coil body which forms the bending rigidity variable body and is linear in a free state ; and
Is inserted into the center portion of the coil body, one end is connected with the compression operation possible embodiment with respect to the tip end portion of the coil body and the other end fixed to the wire pulling member movable in the operating mechanism Coil puller wire ;
Have
A bending stiffness adjuster for an endoscope in which the coil body is expanded and contracted by pulling or relaxing a coil pulling wire via the wire pulling member.

3. The endoscope bending stiffness adjuster according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the endoscope treatment instrument insertion port projection is
Has a treatment instrument insertion port communicating with the treatment instrument insertion duct, the inner surface of the treatment instrument insertion opening, the treatment instrument insertion port projections gradually increase the inner diameter size conical as projecting end portion proceeds in the direction of An inner taper tubular portion having a tapered inner peripheral surface; and a flange protrusion projecting radially from the outer surface of the inner taper tubular portion;
Has, the flexural rigidity adjuster wearing disengaging mechanism is
An outer taper protrusion having a conical tapered outer peripheral surface, which is provided in the operation mechanism portion and gradually decreases in outer diameter size as it advances toward the tip; and formed on an inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical surrounding wall surrounding the outer surface taper protrusion An internal thread groove into which the flange protrusion can be screwed;
Have
By screwing the flange protrusion into the inner surface thread groove, the outer surface tapered protrusion is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion port of the inner surface tapered cylindrical portion, and the tapered outer peripheral surface and the tapered inner peripheral surface are brought into close contact with each other. Endoscopic bending stiffness adjuster whose part is fixed to the treatment instrument insertion port projection.

The bending rigidity adjusting tool for an endoscope according to claim 3, wherein a pair of flange protrusions of the treatment instrument insertion port protrusion of the endoscope is provided at a radially opposing position of the inner surface tapered tubular portion,
The internally threaded groove of the bending stiffness adjuster detachable mechanism, the bending rigidity adjusting device of an endoscope to which the pair of flanges projecting consists engageable double thread.

In flexural rigidity adjuster according to claim 3 or 4 endoscope, wherein said outer surface taper protrusions, at its distal end, the bending of the endoscope has a full recess end fitting of the bending stiffness varying body Stiffness adjuster .

The bending stiffness adjuster for an endoscope according to claim 2 ,
The treatment tool insertion port projection of the endoscope is
A treatment tool insertion port that communicates with the treatment instrument insertion conduit, and the inner diameter of the treatment tool insertion port is gradually increased toward the protruding end of the treatment tool insertion port projection. An inner tapered cylindrical portion as a tapered inner peripheral surface; and
A flange protrusion protruding radially from the outer surface of the inner tapered tubular portion;
Have
The bending stiffness adjuster attaching / detaching mechanism is
An outer surface taper protrusion provided on the operation mechanism portion, having a conical tapered outer peripheral surface that gradually decreases in outer diameter size as it advances toward the tip side; and
An inner surface thread groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical surrounding wall surrounding the outer surface taper protrusion, to which the flange protrusion can be screwed;
Have
By screwing the flange protrusion into the inner surface thread groove, the outer surface tapered protrusion is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion port of the inner surface tapered cylindrical portion, and the tapered outer peripheral surface and the tapered inner peripheral surface are brought into close contact with each other. The part is fixed to the treatment tool insertion port projection,
Further, the outer surface taper protrusion has a concave portion into which the end of the coil body is fitted, and the coil puller wire is formed in the operation mechanism portion formed in the outer surface taper protrusion and communicating with the concave portion. flexural rigidity adjusting device of an endoscope having a transmural hole you guided to the wire pulling member.

In flexural rigidity adjuster of an endoscope according to any one of claims 3 to 6, the bending rigidity adjusting device of an endoscope in which the inner surface screw groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the detachable operation ring.