JP6071603B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus including an outer cylinder having a polarizing member attached to a distal end of an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject of an endoscope.

  In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field. Endoscopes used in the medical field observe an organ in a body cavity by inserting a long and thin insertion portion into a body cavity as a subject, and insert a channel for a treatment tool provided in the endoscope as necessary Various treatments can be performed using the treatment tool inserted in the inside.

  In addition, in the case of a direct-view endoscope, observation of a region to be examined in a subject is performed from an illumination light emitting portion provided at the distal end surface of the insertion portion in the longitudinal axis direction (hereinafter simply referred to as the distal end). This is performed by forming an image on the objective optical system provided on the distal end surface in a state where the illumination light is emitted to the test site.

  Here, in the observation of the test site, the polarization of the light emitted from the illumination light emitting unit to the test site and the polarization of the light incident on the objective optical system, that is, the polarization transmission axes are the same or By differentiating, it is considered to perform polarization observation such as known parallel observation for observing the tissue surface (hereinafter referred to as the surface layer) of the site to be examined and known crossed Nicol observation for observing the lower layer of the surface layer.

  Specifically, among the emitted light having a plurality of directions of polarization emitted from the illumination light emitting unit, for example, only the polarized light in the horizontal direction is irradiated to the test site, and the polarization is provided in a plurality of directions from the test site. If only the polarized light in the same horizontal direction as the emitted light is incident on the objective optical system, the reflected light from the surface is easily reflected in the same direction as the incident light. I know I can. In addition, if only the vertical polarized light orthogonal to the polarized light of the incident light is incident on the objective optical system, the same horizontal polarized light as the incident light reflected from the surface is removed. It is known that Nicole observation can be performed.

  In order to perform such polarization observation, the polarization transmission axes of the light emitted from the illumination light emitting part to the test site and the light incident on the objective optical system are the same inside the insertion part. However, there is a problem that not only the structure in the insertion portion becomes complicated but also the diameter of the insertion portion becomes large.

  In view of such a problem, a configuration in which polarization observation is performed by attaching an outer cylinder provided with a polarizing member at the distal end of the insertion portion is also well known.

  Specifically, in order to perform parallel observation, the polarization transmission axes of the polarized light of the light emitted from the illumination light emitting part and the polarized light of the light incident on the objective optical system are the same at the distal end of the insertion part. In order to perform crossed Nicols observation with a parallel observation outer cylinder having a polarizing member, the polarization of the light emitted from the illumination light emitting part to the test site and the objective optical system are incident on the distal end of the insertion part A configuration in which parallel observation or crossed Nicol observation can be selectively performed by selectively attaching a crossed Nicol observation outer cylinder having a polarizing member that orthogonally crosses the polarization transmission axis with the polarization of light is well known.

  However, in this configuration, when switching from parallel observation to crossed Nicol observation, or when switching from crossed Nicol observation to parallel observation, each outer cylinder must be replaced with respect to the distal end of the insertion portion, and the replacement work is complicated. There was a problem.

  In view of these problems, in Patent Document 1, in the outer cylinder that rotatably covers the outer periphery of the insertion portion and the distal end surface of the insertion portion, the outer tube is positioned at a position facing the illumination light emitting portion of the portion facing the distal end surface of the outer cylinder. In addition, an illuminating polarizing member that transmits only one direction of polarized light emitted from the illumination light emitting unit and irradiates the region to be examined is provided, and at a position facing the objective optical system, A configuration is disclosed in which a polarizing member for observation is provided that transmits only polarized light in one direction out of reflected light having polarized light in a plurality of directions from a region to be examined and enters the objective optical system.

  According to such a configuration, the operator can rotate the outer cylinder and perform parallel observation if the polarization transmission axes of the polarized light transmitted through the illumination polarizing member and the polarized light transmitted through the observation polarizing member coincide with each other. Further, the operator can rotate the outer cylinder by 90 ° from the case of performing the parallel observation, and transmit the polarized light by the polarized light that transmits the illumination polarizing member and the polarized light that transmits the observation polarizing member. If the axes are orthogonal, crossed Nicols observation can be performed.

  That is, it is possible to switch between crossed Nicols observation and parallel observation only by rotating the outer cylinder without changing the outer cylinder with respect to the distal end of the insertion portion.

JP-A-6-169880

  However, in the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operator rotates the outer cylinder while viewing the observation image so that the polarization transmission axes that pass through the illumination polarization member and the observation polarization member coincide with each other. Or, since they are orthogonal, there is a problem that adjustment of the rotation angle is complicated and difficult, and an appropriate parallel observation image or crossed Nicol observation image cannot be easily obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope apparatus having a configuration capable of easily and reliably performing at least one of parallel observation and crossed Nicol observation.

  In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes an insertion portion provided in an endoscope and inserted into a subject, and a distal end surface of a distal end in a longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion. An objective optical system provided at a part including the central axis of the insertion part, and an illumination light emitting part for emitting illumination light provided at a part different from the part where the objective optical system is provided on the distal end surface; The outer cylinder is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion and covers the outer periphery of the distal end and the distal end surface, and the distal end surface of the outer cylinder is covered when the outer cylinder is attached to the distal end. A polarizing member provided in a part, and a first polarizing part that transmits only the first polarized light of the illumination light emitted from the illumination light emitting part and facing the illumination light emitting part in the polarizing member And the polarizing member A second polarization part facing the objective optical system and transmitting at least one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light orthogonal to the first polarized light to the objective optical system, and at least the outer A first state in which light transmitted through the first polarization portion and the second polarization portion is the same polarization, and the first polarization portion and the second polarization portion are provided in a cylinder; The first state or the second state and the first state and the second state are mixed so as to be switchable between the second state in which the transmitted light is orthogonally polarized light. The outer cylinder is pivotable at the tip so as to be switchable between the third state and the third state, and is rotated to a position where the first state, the second state, and the third state are reached. A rotating mechanism that defines a moving position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus having a configuration capable of easily and reliably performing at least one of parallel observation and crossed Nicol observation.

The fragmentary sectional view which shows the outline of a structure of the endoscope apparatus of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 1 is a view of the distal end surface of the insertion portion of FIG. 1 as viewed from the II direction in FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the 1st outer cylinder of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view which shows the 2nd outer cylinder of FIG. Sectional view of the outer cylinder along line V-V in Fig. 1 The figure which shows the front end surface of the outer cylinder of FIG. 1 in cross Nicol observation The figure which shows the front end surface of the outer cylinder of FIG. 1 in parallel observation The fragmentary sectional view which shows the outline of a structure of the endoscope apparatus of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows the front end surface of the outer cylinder of FIG. 8 in cross Nicol observation The figure which shows the front end surface of the outer cylinder of FIG. 8 in parallel observation FIG. 8 is a view of the distal end surface of the insertion portion in FIG. 8 viewed from the XI direction in FIG. The figure which shows the modification of the shape of the illumination light emission part in the front end surface of the insertion part of FIG. The fragmentary sectional view which shows the outline of a structure of the endoscope apparatus of 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 13 is a view of the tip surface of the outer cylinder in FIG. 13 as viewed from the XIV direction in FIG. The figure which shows the state by which the cross Nicol observation image was displayed on the monitor of the endoscope apparatus The fragmentary sectional view of the endoscope apparatus which shows the state which rotated the outer cylinder of FIG. 13 180 degrees The figure which looked at the front end surface of the outer cylinder of FIG. 16 from the XVII direction in FIG. The figure which shows the state by which the composite image of a cross Nicol observation image and a parallel observation image was displayed on the monitor of the endoscope apparatus FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating how a tissue is seen in each observation image of a composite image in a state where the composite image of FIG. 18 is displayed on a monitor. Partial sectional drawing which shows the outline of a structure of the endoscope apparatus of 4th Embodiment in the state by which the insertion part was inserted by the 1st attachment part of the outer cylinder. FIG. 20 is a view of the distal end surface of the outer cylinder in FIG. The figure which shows the cross section of an outer cylinder along the IIXII-IIXII line | wire in FIG. 20 with the front end surface of an insertion part. The fragmentary sectional view of the endoscope apparatus which shows the state which rotated the outer cylinder 180 degrees in the state which inserted the insertion part in the 1st attachment part of the outer cylinder of FIG. The fragmentary sectional view of the endoscope apparatus which shows the state which rotated the insertion part 180 degrees in the state which inserted the insertion part in the 1st attachment part of the outer cylinder of FIG. The fragmentary sectional view of the endoscope apparatus which shows the state by which the insertion part was inserted by the 2nd attachment part of FIG. The fragmentary sectional view of the endoscope apparatus which shows the state which rotated the insertion part 180 degrees in the state which inserted the insertion part in the 2nd attachment part of the outer cylinder of FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope apparatus showing a state in which the outer cylinder is rotated by 180 ° in a state where the insertion portion is fitted in the second attachment portion of the outer cylinder in FIG. The figure which shows the front end surface of the insertion part in the endoscope apparatus of this modification The figure which shows the front end surface of the outer cylinder coat | covered with the outer periphery and front end surface of the front-end | tip of the insertion part of FIG. 29 is a view of the outer cylinder of FIG. 29 viewed from the IIIX direction in FIG. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the outer cylinder and the tip of the insertion section taken along line IIIXI-IIIXI in FIG. The figure which shows the modification of the rotation member of FIG.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a view of the distal end surface of the insertion portion of FIG. 1 as viewed from the II direction in FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the first outer cylinder of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view showing the second outer cylinder of FIG.

  5 is a cross-sectional view of the outer cylinder taken along the line VV in FIG. 1, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the front end surface of the outer cylinder in FIG. 1 in crossed Nicol observation, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the front end surface of an outer cylinder.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 is attached to an insertion portion 2 of an endoscope to be inserted into a subject and the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and after the attachment, the outer periphery of the distal end and the insertion portion The main part is comprised including the outer cylinder 10 which covers 2 tip surface 2s.

  The insertion unit 2 includes an objective optical system 5 having a circular shape when viewed inside the subject at a portion including the central axis P of the insertion unit 2 on the distal end surface 2s. And the central axis P are provided to coincide with each other.

  In addition, an illumination light emitting unit 6 that emits illumination light into the subject is provided in a portion different from the portion where the objective optical system 5 is provided on the distal end surface 2s. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the illumination light emitting portion 6 is formed in a ring shape so as to cover the outer periphery of the objective optical system 5.

  The outer cylinder 10 is configured in a cap shape from a portion covering the outer periphery of the tip and a portion covering the tip surface 2s.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the outer cylinder 10 includes a first outer cylinder 11 that covers the outer circumference of the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and the distal end surface 2 s, and the outer circumference and the first outer circumference of the first outer cylinder 11. And a second outer cylinder 12 that covers a portion that covers the front end surface 2s of the outer cylinder 11 (hereinafter referred to as a front end surface of the first outer cylinder 11).

  The first outer cylinder 11 is fitted with an elastic force to the outer peripheral surface 2g at the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and the second outer cylinder 12 is an outer peripheral surface 11g of the first outer cylinder 11. On the other hand, it fits in the state which four convex parts 12d (refer FIG. 5) mentioned later contacted.

  The first outer cylinder 11 has a central axis that coincides with the central axis P, and the second outer cylinder 12 has a central axis that coincides with the first outer cylinder 11. Further, the second outer cylinder 12 is formed with respect to the first outer cylinder 11, or the first outer cylinder 11 is formed with respect to the second outer cylinder 12, and four convex portions 12d described later are formed on the outer peripheral surface 11g. In the contacted state, it can be freely rotated by a rotation mechanism 150 (see FIG. 5) described later.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a portion of the distal end surface of the first outer cylinder 11 that includes the central axis P and that opposes the objective optical system 5 is positioned in front of the insertion portion 2 in the longitudinal axis direction S (hereinafter referred to as “a”) , Which is simply referred to as the front), and a cylindrical protruding portion 11t whose central axis coincides with, for example, the central axis P is provided.

  Further, the distal end surface of the first outer cylinder 11 is penetrated along the longitudinal axis direction S in a region facing the illumination light emitting portion 6 in the outer peripheral area of the protruding portion 11 t on the distal end surface of the first outer cylinder 11. At the same time, a through hole 11h through which the illumination light emitted from the illumination light emitting portion 6 passes is formed.

  The through hole 11h is not formed in the entire portion except for the protruding portion 11t on the front end surface of the first outer cylinder 11, but is formed in only a part thereof. There is a portion where no through-hole is formed on the tip surface of the first, and the portion constitutes a connecting portion 11r that connects the protruding portion 11t and the outer peripheral edge of the tip surface of the first outer cylinder 11. ing. That is, the protruding portion 11t is held on the inner peripheral surface of the first outer cylinder 11 by the connecting portion 11r.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the second outer cylinder 12 is opposed to the protruding portion 11 t at a portion covering the front end surface of the first outer cylinder 11 (hereinafter referred to as the front end surface of the second outer cylinder 12). A through hole 12h that penetrates the tip surface of the second outer cylinder 12 along the longitudinal axis direction S is formed in the region to be formed, and the protruding portion 11t is inserted into the through hole 12h as shown in FIG. ing.

  Here, the polarizing member 100 is provided at a portion covering the front end surface 2 s of the outer cylinder 10. Specifically, the second polarizing member 21 that constitutes the polarizing member 100 is provided on the tip surface of the first outer cylinder 11 in a portion facing the objective optical system 5, that is, in the tip of the protruding portion 11t. In addition, the first polarizing member 20 constituting the polarizing member 100 is provided on the tip surface of the second outer cylinder 12 at a portion facing the illumination light emitting portion 6, that is, at a portion facing the through hole 11 h. It has been.

  In the present embodiment, regardless of the relative rotation of the first outer cylinder 11 and the second outer cylinder 12, the first polarizing member 20 faces the illumination light emitting section 6, The second polarizing member 21 faces the objective optical system 5.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the first polarizing member 20 is opposed to the illumination light emitting unit 6 and the first of the illumination lights having a plurality of directions of polarization emitted from the illumination light emitting unit 6. For example, a first polarization site A that transmits only the polarized light in the horizontal direction or in the vertical direction orthogonal to the horizontal direction and emits the polarized light to the test site is configured.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the second polarizing member 21 faces the objective optical system 5 and includes the first polarized light and the first polarized light out of the reflected light having polarized light in a plurality of directions from the test site. A second polarization portion B that transmits only one of the second polarized light orthogonal to the first polarized light to the objective optical system 5 is configured.

  Specifically, when the first polarized light is horizontal or vertical polarized light, the second polarizing portion B transmits only horizontal polarized light or vertical polarized light.

  As described above, the first polarizing part A is configured in the first polarizing member 20 and the second polarizing part B is configured in the second polarizing member 21. In a form, the 1st polarization part A and the 2nd polarization part B are constituted by a different polarization member, respectively.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first polarizing member 20 is formed in a shape that allows only the first polarized light to pass through among the illumination light having polarized light in a plurality of directions emitted from the illumination light emitting unit 6. The second polarizing member 21 is formed in a shape that allows the objective optical system 5 to transmit only one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light orthogonal to the first polarized light.

  That is, as described above, since the second outer cylinder 12 and the first outer cylinder 11 are relatively rotatable, the first polarizing member 20 is configured as shown in FIG. A rotation position for orthogonality in which the polarization transmission axes of the first polarized light transmitted through one polarized light part A and the second polarized light transmitted through the second polarized light part B formed in the second polarizing member 21 are orthogonal to each other. As shown in FIG. 7, the first polarization part A transmitted through the first polarization part A configured in the first polarization member 20 and the second polarization part B configured in the second polarization member 21. The first outer cylinder 11 and the second outer cylinder 12 can be positioned at a parallel rotation position in which the polarization transmission axis of the second polarized light that is transmitted through is parallel.

  More specifically, from the orthogonal rotation position to the parallel rotation position, either the first outer cylinder 11 or the second outer cylinder 12 is rotated 90 ° from the orthogonal rotation position. It can be changed only by being moved. From the parallel rotation position to the orthogonal rotation position, either the first outer cylinder 11 or the second outer cylinder 12 is 90 from the parallel rotation position. ° It can be changed only by turning.

  The parallel rotation position and the orthogonal rotation position are defined by the rotation mechanism 150. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 150 is a locking portion provided at four intervals of 90 ° on the outer peripheral surface 11 g of the first outer cylinder 11. The main part is composed of a certain concave portion 11d and a convex portion 12d which is a locking portion detachably engageable with four concave portions 11d provided every 90 ° on the inner peripheral surface 12n of the second outer cylinder 12. Yes.

  The rotation mechanism 150 includes a first state in which the polarization transmission axes of the light transmitted through the first polarization part A and the second polarization part B are the same polarization, and the first polarization part A and the second polarization part. The outer cylinder 10 is made rotatable at the distal end of the insertion portion 2 so as to be switchable between the second state where the polarized light transmission axis of the light transmitted through the portion B is polarized light orthogonal to the first portion. In this state, the rotation position to be the second state is defined.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 150 uses the latching of the convex portion 12d that moves while contacting the outer peripheral surface 11g with respect to the concave portion 11d, to the first outer cylinder 11. Each time the second outer cylinder 12 is rotated by 90 °, or every time the first outer cylinder 11 is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the second outer cylinder 12, the first state shown in FIG. The rotation angle is fixed to the parallel rotation position or the orthogonal rotation position that is the second state shown in FIG.

  That is, the operator rotates the first outer cylinder 11 or the second outer cylinder 12 by 90 ° from the state where the convex portion 12d is locked to the concave portion 11d until the convex portion 12d is next locked to the concave portion 11d. Then, it is possible to switch from the first state shown in FIG. 7 to the second state shown in FIG. 6 or from the second state shown in FIG. 6 to the first state shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, this rotation is manually performed by an operator in a state where the endoscope apparatus 1 is removed from the subject.

  Further, in the state where the convex portion 12d is locked to the concave portion 11d, the rotation position is prevented from being changed unexpectedly without the operator's intention. That is, it is prevented that the robot is unexpectedly moved from the parallel rotation position in the first state shown in FIG. 7 and the orthogonal rotation position in the second state shown in FIG.

  At this time, the orthogonal rotation position that is in the second state shown in FIG. 6 and the parallel rotation position that is in the first state shown in FIG. 7 are positional accuracy due to the locking of the convex portion 12d to the concave portion 11d. Well defined. For this reason, the operator only needs to confirm the locking of the convex portion 12d to the concave portion 11d associated with the rotation by the click feeling associated with the locking, or the second state or the second state. It can be easily recognized that the state has switched to the first state.

  Note that, in the parallel rotation position that is in the first state shown in FIG. 7, the first polarizing member 20 in the horizontal direction of the illumination light having a plurality of directions of polarization emitted from the illumination light emitting unit 6. Only the first polarized light that is the first polarized light is transmitted, and the second polarized light member 21 is the first polarized light that is polarized in the same horizontal direction as the outgoing light among the reflected light having polarized light in a plurality of directions from the test site. Since only the objective optical system 5 is transmitted, the operator can perform parallel observation for observing the surface layer of the test site.

  In addition, in the orthogonal rotation position that is in the second state shown in FIG. 6, the first polarizing member 20 is the vertical direction of the illumination light having a plurality of directions of polarization emitted from the illumination light emitting unit 6. The second polarization member 21 is the second polarization that is orthogonal to the polarization of the incident light among the reflected light having polarization in a plurality of directions from the test site. Since only polarized light in the horizontal direction is transmitted, the polarized light in the vertical direction that is the same as the incident light reflected from the surface of the test site is removed by the second polarizing member 21. Cross Nicol observation for observing the lower layer of the surface layer can be performed.

  That is, the operator can perform parallel observation in the first state, and can perform crossed Nicols observation in the second state.

  Therefore, the operator can easily switch between the parallel observation and the crossed Nicol observation only by rotating the first outer cylinder 11 or the second outer cylinder 12 every 90 until the convex portion 12d is locked to the concave portion 11d. be able to.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the outer cylinder 10 includes the first outer cylinder 11 that covers the outer periphery of the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and the distal end surface 2s, and the outer periphery and the distal end surface of the first outer cylinder 11. Of the illumination light emitted from the illumination light emitting part 6 at a portion facing the illumination light emitting part 6 on the front end surface of the second outer cylinder 12. A first polarizing member having a first polarizing portion that transmits only the first polarized light is provided, and a portion facing the objective optical system 5 on the distal end surface of the first outer cylinder 11 It has been shown that a second polarizing member having a second polarizing portion that transmits only the first polarized light or the second polarized light is provided.

  Further, the first outer cylinder 11 and the second outer cylinder 12 are relatively rotatable, and either the first outer cylinder 11 or the second outer cylinder 12 is placed on the outer peripheral surface 11g. The first polarizing member 20 is simply rotated every 90 ° so that the four convex portions 12d provided at every 90 ° are engaged with the concave portion 11d provided every four ° at 90 °. 7 and the second polarization member 21 are transmitted through the parallel rotation position shown in FIG. 7 where the light transmitted through the first polarization member 21 and the second polarization member 21 are in the first state where the same polarization is transmitted. It is shown that the light to be switched can be switched to the orthogonal rotation position shown in FIG. 6 which is the second state where the polarized light is orthogonal, that is, the parallel observation and the crossed Nicol observation can be switched.

  Further, due to the locking of the convex portion 12d to the concave portion 11d, the movement is unexpectedly moved from the parallel rotation position that becomes the first state shown in FIG. 7 and the orthogonal rotation position that becomes the second state shown in FIG. It was shown that it was prevented.

  According to this, the operator locks the first outer cylinder 11 or the second outer cylinder 12 from the state in which the convex portion 12d is locked to the concave portion 11d, and then the convex portion 12d is locked to the concave portion 11d. Thus, it is possible to easily switch between the crossed Nicols observation and the parallel observation without rotating the angle by simply rotating it every 90 ° until a click feeling is obtained.

  Further, the positions where the convex portion 12d is locked to the concave portion 11d are the parallel rotation position shown in FIG. 7 in the first state and the orthogonal rotation position shown in FIG. 6 in the second state. Therefore, if the operator locks the convex portion 12d in the concave portion 11d after the start of rotation, the first outer cylinder 11 or the second outer cylinder 12 does not require angle adjustment and is accurate and reliable. 90 °.

  From the above, it is possible to provide the endoscope apparatus 1 having a configuration capable of selectively performing parallel observation and crossed Nicol observation easily and reliably.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an outline of the configuration of the endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment, FIG. 9 is a view showing the front end surface of the outer cylinder of FIG. 8 in crossed Nicol observation, and FIG. 10 is in parallel observation. 8 is a view showing the distal end surface of the outer cylinder in FIG. 8, FIG. 11 is a view of the distal end surface of the insertion portion in FIG. 8 as viewed from the XI direction in FIG. 8, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of the shape of a light-projection part.

  The configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the second embodiment is different from that of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. The position of the system and the illumination light emitting portion is different from the covering position of the second outer cylinder with respect to the first outer cylinder.

  Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8, 11, and 12, the objective optical system 5 for observing the inside of the subject on the distal end surface 2 s of the insertion portion includes a central axis P of the insertion portion 2. The central axis Q of the objective optical system 5 is provided at a position shifted from the central axis P in parallel to the direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction S.

  In addition, an illumination light emitting unit 6 that emits illumination light into the subject is provided in a portion different from the portion where the objective optical system 5 is provided on the distal end surface 2s. As shown in FIG. 11, the illumination light emitting section 6 may have a crescent-like shape in plan view on the tip surface 2s, and the plan view shape is circular as shown in FIG. There may be a plurality of these.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the endoscope apparatus 1 is attached to the insertion portion 2 and the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and after the attachment, a cap-like outer cylinder 30 that covers the outer periphery of the distal end and the distal end surface 2s. The main part is composed of

  The outer cylinder 30 covers the outer periphery of the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and the distal end surface 2s, and the first outer cylinder 31 whose first axis 31a, which will be described later, coincides with the central axis P, and the first outer cylinder 31 The main part is composed of a second outer cylinder 32 that covers the outer periphery of a second portion 31b, which will be described later, of the cylinder 31 and whose central axis coincides with the central axis Q.

  The first outer cylinder 31 is fitted with an elastic force to the outer periphery of the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and the second outer cylinder 32 is a second later-described second outer cylinder 31. The groove 31bf of the part 31b is fitted in a state where four convex portions (not shown) which are described later are in contact with each other.

  The first outer cylinder 31 includes an objective optical system 5 in a substantially cylindrical first portion 31a that covers the outer periphery of the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and the distal end surface 2s and a portion that covers the distal end surface 2s of the first portion 31a. And a cylindrical second portion 31b that covers the outer periphery of the objective optical system 5 and is connected to the first portion 31a. Note that the central axis of the second portion 31b coincides with the central axis Q.

  The second outer cylinder 32 is rotatably fitted to the outer periphery of the second portion 31b. In other words, the first outer cylinder 31 is rotatably fitted to the second outer cylinder 32.

  Specifically, the outward flange portion 31bd provided at the tip of the outer peripheral surface 31bg of the second portion 31b is rotatably locked in the groove 32f provided in the inner peripheral surface 32n of the second outer cylinder 32. Further, an inward flange 32d formed at the base end in the longitudinal axis direction S (hereinafter simply referred to as the base end) of the inner peripheral surface 32n of the second outer cylinder 32 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 31bg of the second portion 31b. The second outer cylinder 32 and the first outer cylinder 31 are relatively rotatable by being locked in the provided groove 31bf.

  Further, in the first portion 31a of the first outer cylinder 31, the first polarizing member 20 in which the first polarization portion A is configured is provided at a portion facing the illumination light emitting portion 6, A second polarizing member 21 having a second polarizing part B is provided at a part of the second outer cylinder 32 facing the objective optical system 5.

  As described above, the first polarizing part A is configured in the first polarizing member 20 and the second polarizing part B is configured in the second polarizing member 21. Also in the form, the first polarizing part A and the second polarizing part B are configured as different polarizing members, respectively.

  Therefore, also in the present embodiment, the first polarizing member 20 is formed in a shape that allows only the first polarized light to pass through among the illumination light having polarized light in a plurality of directions emitted from the illumination light emitting unit 6. The second polarizing member 21 is formed in a shape that allows the objective optical system 5 to transmit only one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light orthogonal to the first polarized light.

  That is, also in the present embodiment, the second outer cylinder 32 and the first outer cylinder 31 are relatively rotatable so that the first polarizing member 20 is configured as shown in FIG. The polarization transmission axes of the first polarized light transmitted through the first polarized light part A and the second polarized light transmitted through the second polarized light part B formed in the second polarizing member 21 are orthogonal to each other. As shown in FIG. 10, the first and second polarization members 21 are configured to transmit the first polarization portion A that is configured in the first polarization member 20. The first outer cylinder 31 and the second outer cylinder 32 are located at the parallel rotation position where the polarization transmission axis of the second polarized light portion B transmitted through the second polarized light portion B is parallel to the first state. And can be located.

  Also in the present embodiment, the rotational movement from the orthogonal rotation position to the parallel rotation position described above is performed from the orthogonal rotation position to the first outer cylinder 31 and the second outer cylinder 32. Can be changed by only rotating 90 °, and the rotation from the parallel rotation position to the orthogonal rotation position is performed from the parallel rotation position by the first outer cylinder 31 and the second rotation. Any one of the outer cylinders 32 can be changed only by turning 90 °.

  The parallel rotation position and the orthogonal rotation position are also defined by the rotation mechanism 150 in the present embodiment.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 150 is 90 ° in the groove 31bf in the outer peripheral surface 31bg of the second portion 31b, as in FIG. 5 described in the first embodiment. In the recesses, which are four locking portions every time, and the inward flange portion 32d on the inner peripheral surface 12n of the second outer cylinder 12, the latches that can be freely engaged and disengaged in the four concave portions provided every 90 ° The main part is comprised from the convex part which is a part. In addition, since the structure and function of the rotation mechanism 150 are the same as 1st Embodiment shown in FIG. 5 mentioned above, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Also in the present embodiment, the operator moves the first outer cylinder 31 or the second outer cylinder 32 from the state in which the convex portion is locked to the concave portion until the convex portion is next locked to the concave portion. When rotated, it can be switched from the first state shown in FIG. 10 to the second state shown in FIG. 9 or from the second state shown in FIG. 9 to the first state shown in FIG.

  That is, as in the first embodiment described above, the operator simply rotates the first outer cylinder 31 or the second outer cylinder 32 every 90 until the convex portion is locked to the concave portion, thereby adjusting the angle. Therefore, it is possible to easily switch between parallel observation and crossed Nicol observation.

  Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
13 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 14 is a view of the distal end surface of the outer cylinder in FIG. 13 as viewed from the XIV direction in FIG. 13, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state by which the cross Nicol observation image was displayed on the monitor of an endoscope apparatus.

  16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope apparatus showing a state in which the outer cylinder of FIG. 13 is rotated by 180 °, and FIG. 17 shows the distal end surface of the outer cylinder of FIG. 16 in the XVII direction in FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which a composite image of a crossed Nicol observation image and a parallel observation image is displayed on the monitor of the endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 19 is a diagram in which the composite image of FIG. 18 is displayed on the monitor. It is a figure which shows roughly the appearance of the structure | tissue in each observation image of the composite image in the state which was covered.

  The configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 and the second embodiment shown in FIGS. Compared to the endoscope apparatus, the outer cylinder is different from the endoscope apparatus.

  Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the first and second embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the endoscope apparatus 1 is attached to the insertion portion 2 and the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and after the attachment, the endoscope apparatus 1 is arranged to cover the outer periphery of the distal end and the distal end surface 2 s of the insertion portion 2. The main part is comprised including the cylinder 40.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, the objective optical system 5 for observing the inside of the subject on the distal end surface 2s of the insertion portion is similar to the second embodiment described above. The portion including the central axis P of the insertion portion 2 is provided at a position where the central axis Q of the objective optical system 5 is shifted from the central axis P in parallel to the direction Y.

  In addition, an illumination light emitting unit 6 that emits illumination light into the subject is provided in a portion different from the portion where the objective optical system 5 is provided on the distal end surface 2s. In the present embodiment as well, the illumination light emitting portion 6 is provided with a crescent-like shape in plan view on the distal end surface 2s, as shown in FIG. 11, as in the second embodiment described above. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of circular shapes in plan view may be provided.

  The outer cylinder 40 is configured in a cap shape from a portion covering the outer periphery of the tip and a portion covering the tip surface 2s.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the portion covering the distal end of the insertion portion 2 of the outer cylinder 40 is fitted with an elastic force to the outer periphery of the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and the outer cylinder 40 is The outer peripheral surface 2g of the insertion portion 2 is fitted with two convex portions (not shown) in contact with each other.

  Further, the outer cylinder 40 has a central axis that coincides with the central axis P. The outer cylinder 40 is connected to the insertion portion 2 or the insertion portion 2 is connected to the outer cylinder 40 in a state in which two convex portions of the outer cylinder 40 (not shown) are in contact with the outer peripheral surface 2g of the insertion portion 2. The moving mechanism 150 is rotatable.

  Here, the first polarizing member 20 and the second polarizing member 21 constituting the polarizing member 100 are provided on the front end surface that is a part covering the front end surface 2 s of the outer cylinder 40.

  In the present embodiment, when the outer cylinder 40 is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and the rotation position is defined by the rotation mechanism 150 described later, the following two cases are conceivable.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first polarizing member 20 includes the first polarizing portion A, and the second polarizing member 21 includes the second polarizing portion B. It may be the case.

  In this case, the second state in the first and second embodiments described above is the same, and the operator can perform crossed Nicols observation, that is, as shown in FIG. 15, an endoscope apparatus. One monitor 90 displays a crossed Nicol observation image.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the outer cylinder 40 is rotated 180 ° with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14, specifically facing the illumination light emitting portion 6 of the second polarizing member 21. The first polarizing part A is configured in the part to be operated, the second polarizing part B is configured in the part facing the objective optical system 5 of the second polarizing member 21, and the first polarizing member 20 includes the first polarizing part B. A case where two polarization sites B are configured is conceivable.

  In this case, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the second polarizing member 21, the light transmitted through the first polarizing portion A and the second polarizing portion B in the second polarizing member 21 are changed. In the first state where the transmitted light is the same polarization, in the second polarizing member 21, the light transmitted through the first polarizing part A and the second polarizing part B transmitted through the first polarizing member 20 The third state is a mixture of the second state in which the light to be polarized is the orthogonal polarization.

  That is, in the third state, the objective optical system 5 transmits the polarized light that has passed through the second polarizing part B of the second polarizing member 21 and the first polarizing part A of the first polarizing member 20. Therefore, the operator can perform cross-Nicol observation and parallel observation simultaneously with one monitor.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 18, the parallel observation image and the crossed Nicol observation image, which are two images of the test site having different polarizations, are simultaneously displayed on the monitor 90. In other words, a composite image of the parallel observation image and the crossed Nicol observation image is displayed.

  In parallel observation, it is easier to observe the surface layer, but it is difficult to observe the lower layer than the surface layer. In crossed Nicol observation, it is easier to observe the lower layer than the surface layer, but it is difficult to observe the surface layer. .

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, when observing the surface layer, for example, when observing a tissue such as a blood vessel running under the membrane, the crossed Nicols observation image as shown in the α line in FIG. Although it is easy to see, as shown by the dotted line ε in FIG. 19, it can be seen that in the parallel observation image, the membrane-like tissue is covered on the blood vessel and it becomes difficult to see. In this case, it is difficult to perform the detachment treatment of the membrane-like tissue on the blood vessel under the parallel observation image observation.

  Further, for example, when observing a tissue such as a blood vessel traveling on the surface layer of the membrane, it is difficult to see in crossed Nicols observation as shown by the dotted line β in FIG. 19, but in parallel observation as shown in the γ straight line in FIG. It ’s easier to see.

  Therefore, when the crossed Nicol observation image and the parallel observation image are displayed on the monitor 90 at the same time, it becomes easy to recognize the existence of the tissue from the contrast of the boundary between the crossed Nicol observation image and the parallel observation image.

  In addition, since the simultaneous observation can be performed, the advantage of the parallel observation image and the advantage of the crossed Nicol observation image can be used on a single screen, so that there is no oversight of the tissue and the border of the lesion is easy to see. Occurs.

  From the above, in the present embodiment, when the outer cylinder 40 is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion 2, the second state shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and the third state shown in FIGS. These two states are defined by the rotation mechanism 150 described later.

  That is, as described above, since the insertion portion 2 and the outer cylinder 40 are relatively rotatable, the second state shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and the third state shown in FIGS. In addition, the insertion portion 2 and the outer cylinder 40 can be positioned.

  More specifically, the insertion position from the second state to the rotation position shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 in the third state is changed from the rotation position shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 to the second state. 2 or the outer cylinder 40 can be changed only by being rotated 180 °, and the third state shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 is changed to the second state and FIGS. 13 and 14 are changed to the second state. The rotation position shown in FIG. 6 can be changed from the third state only by rotating either the insertion portion 2 or the outer cylinder 40 by 180 °.

  Note that the respective rotation positions in the second state and the third state are defined by the rotation mechanism 150. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 150 includes the recesses that are two locking portions provided every 180 ° on the outer peripheral surface 2 g of the insertion portion 2, and the inner periphery of the outer cylinder 40. In the surface 40n, a main part is constituted by a convex part which is a locking part that can be freely engaged and disengaged with two concave parts provided every 180 °.

  The rotation mechanism 150 allows the outer cylinder 40 to rotate at the distal end of the insertion portion 2 so as to be switchable between the second state and the third state, and the second state and the third state. This defines the rotation position that is in the state.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 150 uses an engagement of the convex portion that moves while contacting the outer peripheral surface 2g of the insertion portion 2 with respect to the concave portion, and thus the outer cylinder with respect to the insertion portion 2. Each time the position 40 is rotated by 1800 °, or every time the insertion portion 2 is rotated by 180 ° with respect to the outer cylinder 40, the rotation position that becomes the second state shown in FIGS. The rotation angle is fixed to the rotation position in the third state shown in FIG.

  That is, when the operator rotates the insertion portion 2 or the outer cylinder 40 by 180 ° from the state in which the convex portion is locked to the concave portion until the convex portion is next locked to the concave portion, FIG. 13 and FIG. It is possible to switch from the second state to the third state shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 or from the third state shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 to the second state shown in FIGS. In this embodiment, this rotation is also manually performed by the operator in a state where the endoscope apparatus 1 is removed from the subject.

  In addition, in a state where the convex portion is locked to the concave portion, it is possible to prevent the rotation position from changing unexpectedly without the operator's intention. In other words, it is prevented that the robot is unexpectedly moved from the rotation position that is in the second state shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 and the rotation position that is in the third state shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. .

  At this time, the rotational position in the second state shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 and the rotational position in the third state shown in FIG. 16 and FIG. Well defined. For this reason, the operator only confirms the locking of the convex part to the concave part accompanying the rotation by the click feeling accompanying the locking, and from the second state to the third state or from the third state. It can be easily recognized that the state has been switched to the second state.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the operator simply rotates the insertion portion 2 or the outer cylinder 40 every 180 until the convex portion is locked to the concave portion, and does not require angle adjustment and can easily perform cross Nicol observation. Can be switched between a state in which parallel observation and crossed Nicol observation are possible at the same time. Note that the same effects as in the present embodiment can be obtained even if the outer cylinder 40 is separately attached to the position shown in FIG. 13 and the position shown in FIG. Can be obtained.

  Other effects are the same as those of the first and second embodiments described above.

  From the above, it is possible to provide the endoscope apparatus 1 having a configuration capable of easily and reliably performing either crossed Nicols observation or combined observation.

(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the outline of the configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the present embodiment in a state where the insertion portion is inserted into the first attachment portion of the outer cylinder, and FIG. 21 is the outer cylinder of FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a cross section of the outer cylinder along the IIXII-IIXII line in FIG. 20 together with the distal end surface of the insertion portion.

  FIG. 23 is a partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope apparatus showing a state in which the outer cylinder is rotated by 180 ° in a state where the insertion portion is inserted into the first attachment portion of the outer cylinder in FIG. 20, and FIG. FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope apparatus showing a state in which the insertion portion is rotated by 180 ° in a state where the insertion portion is fitted into the first attachment portion of the outer cylinder of FIG. 20.

  25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope apparatus showing a state in which the insertion portion is inserted into the second attachment portion in FIG. 20, and FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the insertion portion in the second attachment portion of the outer cylinder in FIG. FIG. 27 is a partial cross-sectional view of the endoscope apparatus showing a state where the insertion portion is rotated 180 ° in the inserted state, and FIG. 27 is a state where the insertion portion is inserted into the second attachment portion of the outer cylinder of FIG. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the endoscope apparatus which shows the state which rotated the outer cylinder 180 degrees.

  The configuration of the endoscope apparatus according to the fourth embodiment is such that two insertion portions are attached to the outer cylinder as compared with the endoscope apparatus according to the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 to 19 described above. The difference is that the portion is provided and the two second polarizing members are provided on the outer cylinder. Therefore, only this difference will be described, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those in the third embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the present embodiment, the endoscope apparatus 1 is attached to the insertion portion 2 and the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and after the attachment, the outer periphery of the distal end and the distal end surface of the insertion portion 2. The main part is comprised including the outer cylinder 50 which covers 2s.

  In the present embodiment as well, the illumination light emitting portion 6 has a crescent-like shape in plan view on the distal end surface 2s, as shown in FIG. 11, as in the second and third embodiments described above. As shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of circular shapes in plan view may be provided.

  The outer cylinder 50 is configured in a cap shape from a portion covering the outer periphery of the tip and a portion covering the tip surface 2s.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the outer cylinder 50 has a central axis R that is parallel to the central axis P of the insertion portion 2 in the direction Y orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction S. The outer cylinder 50 has a central axis V parallel to the central axis R in the direction Y, and a first mounting space 50a that is a first mounting part into which the insertion portion 2 can be fitted, and a central axis in the direction Y. A second attachment space 50b, which is a second attachment portion having a central axis W parallel to R and capable of receiving the insertion portion 2 and communicating with the first attachment space 50a in the direction Y, is formed.

  When the insertion portion 2 is fitted in the first mounting space 50a, the central axis R of the outer cylinder 50 coincides with the central axis Q of the objective optical system 5.

  The insertion portion 2 is movable in the direction Y between the first attachment space 50a and the second attachment space 50b.

  The part which covers the front-end | tip of the insertion part 2 of the 1st attachment space 50a and the 2nd attachment space 50b can be freely fitted with an elastic force with respect to the outer periphery of the front-end | tip of the insertion part 2, and the 1st attachment space 50a. And the 2nd attachment space 50b is fitted in the state which two convex parts which are not mentioned later contacted with respect to the outer peripheral surface 2g of the insertion part 2 inserted.

  Further, two outer cylinders 50 (not shown) provided in the first attachment space 50a and the second attachment space 50b, respectively, with respect to the insertion portion 2 or the insertion portion 2 with respect to the outer cylinder 50. The two convex portions provided in any one of the convex portions are in contact with the outer peripheral surface 2g of the insertion portion 2 and can be rotated by a rotation mechanism 150 described later.

  Here, the first polarizing member 20 and the second polarizing member 21 constituting the polarizing member 100 are provided on the front end surface that is a portion covering the front end surface 2 s of the outer cylinder 50.

  In the present embodiment, the second polarizing member 21 is provided so that the central axis thereof coincides with the central axis R of the outer cylinder 50 on the front end surface of the outer cylinder 50. When the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the first mounting space 50a, the central axis R of the outer cylinder 50 coincides with the central axis Q of the objective optical system 5, and therefore the second polarizing member 21 The central axis also coincides with the central axis Q of the objective optical system 5.

  The first polarizing member 20 includes a third polarizing member 20a and a fourth polarizing member 20b each having a partial arc shape in plan view, and the third polarizing member 20a and the fourth polarizing member 20b. The polarizing member 20b is formed in the same shape on the front end surface of the outer cylinder 50 at a position that is symmetric with respect to the second polarizing member 21 in the direction Y.

  Further, one of the third polarizing member 20 a and the fourth polarizing member 20 b is positioned to face the illumination light emitting unit 6. That is, when the third polarizing member 20a is opposed to the illumination light emitting portion 6, the fourth polarizing member 20b is not opposed, and the fourth polarizing member 20b is opposed to the illumination light emitting portion 6. The third polarizing member 20a does not oppose.

  Further, the third polarizing member 20a and the fourth polarizing member 20b are formed such that the transmission direction of polarized light, that is, the polarization transmission axis is different by 90 °.

  That is, when the third polarizing member 20a transmits only horizontal polarized light, the fourth polarizing member 20b transmits only vertical polarized light, and the third polarizing member 20a transmits only vertical polarized light. In the case where the fourth polarizing member 20b is used, the fourth polarizing member 20b functions to transmit only the polarized light in the horizontal direction.

  Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the third polarizing member 20a transmits only the polarized light that is orthogonal to the polarized light transmitted through the second polarizing member 21, and the fourth polarizing member 20b is the second polarizing member 21. It is assumed that it functions so as to transmit only polarized light that is parallel to the polarized light that transmits light.

  In the present embodiment, when the distal end of the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the first mounting space 50a of the outer cylinder 50 and the rotation position is defined by the rotation mechanism 150 described later, the following three cases may occur. Conceivable.

  First, as shown in FIG. 20, the third polarizing member 20 a that faces the illumination light emitting portion 6 includes the first polarizing portion A, and the second polarizing member 20 a that faces the objective optical system 5. It is conceivable that the polarizing member 21 includes the second polarizing part B.

  In this case, the second state in the first and second embodiments described above is the same, and the operator can perform crossed Nicols observation. That is, the monitor of the endoscope apparatus 1 has a cross A Nicol observation image is displayed.

  Second, as shown in FIG. 23, in the state where the outer cylinder 50 is rotated 180 ° from FIG. 20, the fourth polarizing member 20b facing the illumination light emitting portion 6 has a first polarizing portion A. The second polarization member B may be formed on the second polarization member 21 facing the objective optical system 5.

  In this case, the first state in the first and second embodiments described above is the same, and the operator can perform parallel observation. That is, the monitor of the endoscope apparatus 1 has parallel observation. An image is displayed.

  Third, as shown in FIG. 24, in a state where the insertion portion 2 is rotated 180 ° from FIG. 20, the second polarizing portion B is formed on the third polarizing member 20 a facing the objective optical system 5. The first polarizing part A is configured at a part of the second polarizing member 21 that faces the illumination light emitting portion 6, and the second polarizing part at the part that faces the objective optical system 5. B is configured.

  In this case, the state is the same as the third state in the third embodiment described above, and the parallel observation image and the crossed Nicol observation image are simultaneously displayed on the monitor of the endoscope apparatus 1. In other words, a composite image of the parallel observation image and the crossed Nicol observation image is displayed on the monitor.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the distal end of the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the second mounting space 50b of the outer cylinder 50, specifically, the insertion portion 2 is moved from the state shown in FIG. When the mounting position is shifted from the mounting space 50a to the second mounting space 50b and the rotation position is defined by the rotation mechanism 150 described later, the following three cases can be considered.

  First, as shown in FIG. 25, the fourth polarizing member 20 b facing the objective optical system 5 is configured with a second polarizing portion B, and the illumination light emitting portion of the second polarizing member 21. It is conceivable that the first polarizing part A is configured at the part facing 6 and the second polarizing part B is configured at the part facing the objective optical system 5.

  In this case, similarly to FIG. 24, the third state in the third embodiment described above is the same, and the parallel observation image and the crossed Nicol observation image are displayed simultaneously on the monitor of the endoscope apparatus 1. The In other words, a composite image of the parallel observation image and the crossed Nicol observation image is displayed on the monitor.

  Second, as shown in FIG. 26, in the state where the insertion portion 2 is rotated 180 ° from FIG. 25, the fourth polarizing member 20b facing the illumination light emitting portion 6 is similar to FIG. It is conceivable that the first polarizing part A is configured and the second polarizing part B is configured on the second polarizing member 21 facing the objective optical system 5.

  In this case, the first state in the first and second embodiments described above is the same, and the operator can perform parallel observation. That is, the monitor of the endoscope apparatus 1 has parallel observation. An image is displayed.

  Third, as shown in FIG. 27, in the state where the outer cylinder 50 is rotated 180 ° from FIG. 26, the third polarizing member 20 a facing the illumination light emitting portion 6 is similar to FIG. It is conceivable that the first polarizing part A is configured and the second polarizing part B is configured on the second polarizing member 21 facing the objective optical system 5.

  In this case, the second state in the first and second embodiments described above is the same, and the operator can perform crossed Nicols observation. That is, the monitor of the endoscope apparatus 1 has a cross A Nicol observation image is displayed.

  From the above, in the present embodiment, when the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the first mounting space 50a of the outer cylinder 50, the first state shown in FIG. 23 and the second state shown in FIG. The two states, or the first state shown in FIG. 23 or the second state shown in FIG. 20 and the third state shown in FIG. 24, are defined by the rotation mechanism 150 described later. The

  Moreover, when the insertion part 2 is inserted in the second attachment space 50b of the outer cylinder 50, two states, a first state shown in FIG. 26 and a second state shown in FIG. The two states of the first state shown in FIG. 26 or the second state shown in FIG. 27 and the third state shown in FIG. 25 are defined by the rotation mechanism 150 described later.

  Specifically, it is possible to change from the rotation position in the second state shown in FIG. 20 to the rotation position in the first state shown in FIG. 23 only by rotating the outer cylinder 50 by 180 °. 20 can be changed from the rotation position in the second state shown in FIG. 20 to the rotation position in the third state shown in FIG. 24 only by rotating the insertion portion 2 by 180 °. The rotation position in the first state shown in FIG. 23 can be changed to the rotation position in the third state shown in FIG. 24 only by rotating the insertion portion 2 by 180 °.

  27 can be changed from the rotation position in the second state shown in FIG. 27 to the rotation position in the first state shown in FIG. 26 only by rotating the outer cylinder 50 by 180 °. 27 can be changed from the rotation position in the second state shown in FIG. 27 to the rotation position in the third state shown in FIG. 25 only by rotating the insertion portion 2 180 degrees. It is possible to change from the rotation position that becomes the first state shown in FIG. 25 to the rotation position that becomes the third state shown in FIG.

  It should be noted that the rotation positions of the first state, the second state, and the third state are defined by the rotation mechanism 150. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 150 includes a recess that is two locking portions provided every 180 ° on the outer peripheral surface 2 g of the insertion portion 2, and the first of the outer cylinder 50. On the inner peripheral surface of the mounting space 50a, a convex portion that is a locking portion that can be freely engaged with and disengaged from two concave portions provided every 180 °, and an inner peripheral surface of the second mounting space 50b of the outer cylinder 50, A main part is composed of a convex part which is a locking part which can be freely engaged and disengaged with two concave parts provided every 180 °.

  The rotation mechanism 150 can be switched between the first state and the second state, between the first state and the third state, between the second state and the third state. Thus, the outer cylinder 50 can be freely rotated at the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and the rotation positions in the first state, the second state, and the third state are defined.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 150 moves while contacting the outer peripheral surface 2g of the insertion portion 2 with respect to the recess when the insertion portion 2 is fitted in the first mounting space 50a. Every time the outer cylinder 50 is rotated 180 ° with respect to the insertion portion 2 or the insertion portion 2 is rotated 180 ° with respect to the outer cylinder 50 by using the locking of the convex portion of the first mounting space 50a. Each of the rotation positions is the rotation position that is the first state shown in FIG. 23, the rotation position that is the second state shown in FIG. 20, and the rotation position that is the third state shown in FIG. The angle is fixed.

  Further, when the insertion portion 2 is fitted in the second attachment space 50b, the rotation mechanism 150 is a convex portion of the second attachment space 50b that moves while contacting the outer peripheral surface 2g of the insertion portion 2 with respect to the concave portion. 26, each time the outer cylinder 50 is rotated by 180 ° with respect to the insertion portion 2 or every time the insertion portion 2 is rotated by 180 ° with respect to the outer cylinder 50. The rotation angle is fixed at the rotation position in the first state, the rotation position in the second state shown in FIG. 27, and the rotation position in the third state shown in FIG.

  That is, when the operator rotates the insertion portion 2 or the outer cylinder 50 by 180 ° from the state in which the convex portion is locked to the concave portion until the convex portion is next locked to the concave portion, the operator is shown in FIGS. It is possible to switch to the rotation position that is the first state, the rotation position that is the second state shown in FIGS. 20 and 27, and the rotation position that is the third state shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. In this embodiment, this rotation is also manually performed by the operator in a state where the endoscope apparatus 1 is removed from the subject.

  In addition, in a state where the convex portion is locked to the concave portion, it is possible to prevent the rotation position from changing unexpectedly without the operator's intention. That is, the turning position that is unexpectedly shown in FIGS. 23 and 26, the turning position that is the second state shown in FIGS. 20 and 27, and the third state shown in FIGS. It is prevented from moving from the rotation position.

  At this time, the rotation position in the first state shown in FIGS. 23 and 26, the rotation position in the second state shown in FIGS. 20 and 27, and the third state shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 are obtained. The rotational position is defined with high positional accuracy by locking the convex portion to the concave portion.

  For this reason, the operator only needs to confirm the locking of the convex portion to the concave portion accompanying the rotation with the click feeling accompanying the locking, from the first state to the second state, from the third state. It can be easily recognized that the second state is switched from the first state to the second state.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the operator simply rotates the insertion portion 2 or the outer cylinder 50 every 180 until the convex portion is locked to the concave portion, and does not require angle adjustment and can easily perform cross Nicol observation. Alternatively, it is possible to switch between a state where parallel observation is possible and a state where parallel observation and crossed Nicols observation are possible simultaneously.

  Note that the outer cylinder 50 is not limited to the rotation, and the outer cylinder 50 is positioned at the positions shown in FIGS. 23 and 26, the positions shown in FIGS. 20 and 27, and the positions shown in FIGS. In addition, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained even if it is separately attached.

  Furthermore, from the state in which the insertion part is fitted in the first attachment space 50a shown in FIG. 20, the insertion part 2 is moved and inserted in the direction Y in the second attachment space 50b shown in FIG. The state can be switched between the second state and the third state, and is inserted into the second mounting space 50b shown in FIG. 26 from the state where the insertion portion is fitted in the first mounting space 50a shown in FIG. The third state and the first state can be switched only by moving the part 2 in the direction Y and inserting it.

  Other effects are the same as those of the third embodiment described above.

  From the above, it is possible to provide the endoscope apparatus 1 having a configuration capable of easily and reliably performing at least one of parallel observation and crossed Nicol observation.

  Hereinafter, modified examples will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 is a view showing the distal end surface of the insertion portion in the endoscope apparatus of the present modification, and FIG. 29 is a view showing the outer periphery of the distal end of the insertion portion in FIG. 28 and the distal end surface of the outer cylinder covered with the distal end surface. It is.

  30 is a view of the outer cylinder of FIG. 29 as viewed from the IIIX direction in FIG. 29, and FIG. 31 is a sectional view of the outer cylinder and the distal end of the insertion portion taken along the line IIIXI-IIIXI in FIG.

  In the first to fourth embodiments described above, it has been shown that the rotation of the outer cylinder is performed in a state where the endoscope apparatus 1 is removed from the subject.

  However, the rotation of the outer cylinder may be performed in a state where the endoscope apparatus 1 is inserted into the subject. Hereinafter, a configuration in which the outer cylinder can be rotated even when the endoscope apparatus 1 is inserted into the subject will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 to 31.

  As shown in FIG. 28, the objective optical system 5 for observing the inside of the subject on the distal end surface 2s of the insertion portion is a part including the central axis P of the insertion portion 2, and the central axis Q of the objective optical system 5 is the central axis Q. It is provided at a position shifted in parallel from the central axis P.

  In addition, an illumination light emitting unit 6 that emits illumination light into the subject is provided in a portion different from the portion where the objective optical system 5 is provided on the distal end surface 2s.

  As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the endoscope apparatus 1 is attached to the insertion portion 2 and the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and after the attachment, a cap-shaped outer covering the outer periphery of the distal end and the distal end surface 2s. The main part is composed of the tube 60.

  The outer cylinder 60 covers the outer periphery of the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and the distal end surface 2s, and the first outer cylinder 61 in which a central axis of a first portion 61a described later coincides with the central axis P, and the first outer cylinder 60 The main part is composed of a second outer cylinder 62 that covers the outer periphery of a second portion 61b (described later) of the cylinder 61 and whose central axis coincides with the central axis Q.

  The first outer cylinder 61 is fitted with an elastic force to the outer periphery of the distal end of the insertion portion 2, and the second outer cylinder 62 is a second outer cylinder 61 described later of the first outer cylinder 61. The groove 61bf of the part 61b is fitted in a state where four convex portions (not shown) which are described later are in contact with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the first outer cylinder 61 covers a substantially cylindrical first portion 61a that covers the outer periphery of the distal end of the insertion portion 2 and the distal end surface 2s, and the distal end surface 2s of the first portion 61a. In the part, a cylindrical second part 61b that covers the outer periphery of the objective optical system 5 and is connected to the first part 61a is provided at a position facing the objective optical system 5. Note that the central axis of the second part 61b coincides with the central axis Q.

  The second outer cylinder 62 is rotatably fitted to the outer periphery of the second portion 61b. In other words, the first outer cylinder 61 is rotatably fitted to the second outer cylinder 62.

  Specifically, the outward flange portion 61bd provided at the tip of the outer peripheral surface 61bg of the second portion 61b is rotatably locked in the groove 62f provided in the inner peripheral surface 62n of the second outer cylinder 62. Further, an inward flange 62d formed at the base end of the inner peripheral surface 62n of the second outer cylinder 62 is rotatably locked in a groove 61bf provided in the outer peripheral surface 61bg of the second portion 61b. Thus, the second outer cylinder 62 and the first outer cylinder 61 are relatively rotatable.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 29 and 31, in the first part 61 a of the first outer cylinder 61, the first polarization part A is configured at the part facing the illumination light emitting unit 6. A polarizing member 20 is provided, and an opening 60 h is formed at a position facing the distal end opening of the treatment instrument insertion conduit 8, and the second outer cylinder 62 is opposed to the objective optical system 5. The second polarizing member 21 in which the second polarizing portion B is configured is provided.

  That is, this modification has a configuration substantially similar to that of the second embodiment described above.

  In this modification, as shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the outer peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder 62 is formed with irregularities 62 t formed by, for example, knurling.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 31, a distal end opening of the treatment instrument insertion conduit 8 formed in the insertion portion 2 is formed on the distal end surface 2s. From the distal end opening and the opening 60h, 30 and FIG. 31, a rotating mechanism in which a head 82 having knurled unevenness that can mesh with the unevenness 62 t on the outer peripheral surface is provided at the tip of an elongated shaft member 81 along the longitudinal axis direction S. The tip end side of a certain rotating member 80 can protrude forward.

  According to such a configuration, even when the endoscope apparatus 1 is inserted into the subject, the rotating member 80 is inserted from the outside of the subject into the treatment instrument insertion conduit 8 and provided on the distal end surface 2s. The head 82 is protruded forward from the distal end opening and the opening 60h of the treatment instrument insertion conduit 8, and the unevenness of the head 82 is engaged with the unevenness 62t provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second outer cylinder 62. By merely manually rotating the base end of the shaft member 81 outside the subject, the unevenness 62t that meshes with the unevenness of the head 82 is rotated, so that the second outer cylinder 62 can be easily rotated. .

  In addition, the structure which can rotate an outer cylinder in the state which inserted the other endoscope apparatus 1 in the subject is shown using FIG. FIG. 32 is a view showing a modification of the rotating member of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 32, four grooves 82m are formed every 90 ° on the outer peripheral surface of the base end of the head 82, and a cross-shaped engagement that can be freely engaged with and disengaged from each groove 82m is formed at the tip of the shaft member 81. A portion 81d may be provided.

  According to such a configuration, the base end of the shaft member 81 is only manually rotated every 90 ° or 180 ° outside the subject while the locking portion 81d is locked in the four grooves 82m. Since the head 82 rotates 90 ° or 180 °, the second outer cylinder 62 whose outer peripheral surface contacts the head 82 with frictional force can be easily rotated.

  In the above configuration, the configuration in which the outer cylinder is manually rotated is shown. However, the configuration is not limited to manual operation, and the shaft device 81 is used together with the shaft member 81 using the motor in a state where the endoscope apparatus 1 is inserted into the subject. The head 82 may be automatically rotated, or the second outer cylinder 62 may be automatically rotated in a non-contact manner using an ultrasonic motor fixed to the tip of the shaft member 81.

  Further, the configuration of the modified example in which the outer cylinder is rotated in a state where the endoscope apparatus 1 is inserted into the subject described above is not limited to the configuration of the second embodiment, but the first, third, and third configurations. The present invention can also be applied to the configuration of the fourth embodiment.

  Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments and the modifications described above, switching between 90 ° and 180 ° is substantially substantially accurate switching between 90 ° and 180 °, or switching is possible. Even if there is a slight rotational deviation due to manufacturing tolerances and a slight rotational deviation when manually rotating, if substantially 90 °, 180 ° rotation is made, Of course, these shall be included.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope apparatus 2 ... Insertion part 2s ... Tip surface 5 ... Objective optical system 6 ... Illumination light emission part 10 ... Outer cylinder 11 ... 1st outer cylinder 11d ... Recessed part (locking part)
12 ... 1st outer cylinder 12d ... Convex part (locking part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... 1st polarizing member 20a ... 3rd polarizing member 20b ... 4th polarizing member 21 ... 2nd polarizing member 30 ... Outer cylinder 31 ... 1st outer cylinder 31a ... 1st site | part 31b ... 2nd Part 32 ... 2nd outer cylinder 40 ... Outer cylinder 50 ... Outer cylinder 50a ... 1st attachment space (attachment part)
50b ... 2nd attachment space (attachment part)
60 ... outer cylinder 61 ... first outer cylinder 61a ... first part 61b ... second part 62 ... second outer cylinder 100 ... polarizing member 150 ... rotating mechanism A ... first polarizing part B ... second Polarization site of Q ... center axis R ... center axis S ... longitudinal axis direction V ... center axis W ... center axis

Claims (14)

An insertion portion provided in the endoscope and inserted into the subject;
An objective optical system provided at a portion including the central axis of the insertion portion in the distal end surface of the distal end in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion;
An illumination light emitting part for emitting illumination light, provided at a part different from the part where the objective optical system is provided on the tip surface;
An outer cylinder that is attached to the distal end of the insertion portion and covers the outer periphery of the distal end and the distal end surface after being attached;
When the outer cylinder is attached to the tip, a polarizing member provided at a portion covering the tip surface of the outer cylinder;
In the polarizing member, a first polarization portion that faces the illumination light emitting portion and transmits only the first polarized light in the illumination light emitted from the illumination light emitting portion;
A second polarization portion that faces the objective optical system and transmits at least one of the first polarized light and the second polarized light orthogonal to the first polarized light to the objective optical system in the polarizing member; ,
A first state in which light transmitted through at least the first polarization part and the second polarization part provided in at least the outer cylinder is the same polarization; the first polarization part and the second polarization; The first state or the second state and the first state and the second state can be switched between the second state in which the light transmitted through the region is orthogonally polarized light. The outer cylinder is pivotable at the tip so as to be switchable between the third states in which the states are mixed, and the first state, the second state, and the third state are achieved. A rotation mechanism that defines a rotation position at a position;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: The first polarizing part and the second polarizing part are respectively configured in different polarizing members provided in a part covering the tip surface of the outer cylinder when the outer cylinder is attached to the tip. And
The first polarizing portion is configured as a first polarizing member that faces the illumination light emitting portion when the outer cylinder is attached to the tip.
2. The internal view according to claim 1, wherein the second polarizing portion is configured as a second polarizing member that faces the objective optical system when the outer cylinder is attached to the tip. Mirror device. The outer cylinder includes a first outer cylinder that covers the outer periphery of the tip and a second outer cylinder that covers the outer periphery of the first outer cylinder, and the objective optical system of the first outer cylinder. The second polarizing member is provided at a portion facing the first outer cylindrical member, and the first polarizing member is provided at a portion facing the illumination light emitting portion of the second outer cylinder,
The rotating mechanism allows the second outer cylinder, whose central axis coincides with the first outer cylinder, to rotate with respect to the first outer cylinder, or with respect to the second outer cylinder The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first outer cylinder is rotatable.   The rotating mechanism rotates the second outer cylinder by 90 ° with respect to the first outer cylinder, provided on the outer periphery of the first outer cylinder and the inner periphery of the second outer cylinder. 4. A locking portion for fixing a rotation angle each time the first outer cylinder is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the second outer cylinder. Endoscope device. The outer cylinder includes a first outer portion that includes a first portion that covers the outer periphery of the distal end, and a second portion that covers the outer periphery of the objective optical system at the distal end surface connected to the first portion. A tube and a second outer cylinder that covers an outer periphery of the second portion, and the first outer portion of the first portion of the first portion is opposed to the illumination light emitting portion. A polarizing member is provided, and the second polarizing member is provided at a portion facing the objective optical system of the second outer cylinder,
The rotating mechanism allows the second outer cylinder whose central axis coincides with the second part to be rotatable, or allows the second outer cylinder to rotate with respect to the second outer cylinder. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein one outer cylinder is rotatable.   The rotation mechanism is provided on the outer periphery of the second part and the inner periphery of the second outer cylinder, and rotates the second outer cylinder by 90 ° with respect to the second part. The inner portion according to claim 5, further comprising a locking portion that fixes a rotation angle every time the first outer cylinder is rotated by 90 ° with respect to the second outer cylinder. Endoscopic device. When the outer cylinder is attached to the tip, the different polarizing member provided in a portion covering the tip surface of the outer cylinder, in the second state, the illumination light emitting portion is connected to the first polarizing member. The first polarization part opposite to the objective optical system is configured on the second polarization member, or the second polarization part opposite to the objective optical system is configured,
In the third state, the first polarizing member is configured with the second polarizing portion facing the objective optical system, and the second polarizing member is opposed to the illumination light emitting unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the polarization part and the second polarization part facing the objective optical system are configured. When a rotation position is defined at a position where the second state is achieved by the rotation mechanism, the first polarization portion configured in the first polarization member is opposed to the illumination light emitting portion, The second polarizing part configured in the second polarizing member is opposed to the objective optical system,
When the rotation position is defined at the position where the third state is achieved by the rotation mechanism, the second polarization portion formed in the first polarization member faces the objective optical system and the The second polarizing part configured on the second polarizing member is opposed to the illumination light emitting unit, and the first polarizing part configured on the second polarizing member is opposed to the illumination light emitting unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 7. The first polarizing member includes a third polarizing member and a fourth polarizing member, and the transmission direction of the polarized light is 90 ° between the third polarizing member and the fourth polarizing member. Is different,
When the rotation position is defined at the position where the first state is achieved by the rotation mechanism, the second polarizing member is opposed to the objective optical system, and the illumination light emitting portion is The fourth polarizing member in which the transmitted light is the same polarized light and the polarizing member of
When the rotation position is defined at the position where the second state is achieved by the rotation mechanism, the second polarizing member faces the objective optical system, and the illumination light emitting unit has the second position. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the third polarizing member that is polarized light that is orthogonal to the transmitted light is opposed to the polarizing member. The first polarizing member includes a third polarizing member and a fourth polarizing member, and the transmission direction of the polarized light is 90 ° between the third polarizing member and the fourth polarizing member. Is different,
When the rotation position is defined at the position where the second state is achieved by the rotation mechanism, the second polarizing member faces the objective optical system, and the illumination light emitting unit has the second position. The third polarizing member is opposite to the polarizing member, and the transmitted light is orthogonally polarized,
When a rotation position is defined at a position where the third state is established by the rotation mechanism, the second polarization part formed on the third polarization member faces the objective optical system and the The second polarizing part configured on the second polarizing member is opposed to the illumination light emitting unit, and the first polarizing part configured on the second polarizing member is opposed to the illumination light emitting unit. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 7.   The rotation mechanism is provided on an outer periphery of the insertion portion and an inner periphery of the outer cylinder, and is configured to rotate the outer cylinder by 180 ° relative to the insertion portion or the insertion portion with respect to the outer cylinder. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 10, further comprising a locking portion that fixes a rotation angle each time the lens is rotated 180 degrees. The endoscope is configured such that the second polarizing member configured to be the first polarizing member facing the objective optical system when a rotation position is defined at a position where the endoscope is in the third state by the rotation mechanism. Light transmitted through the polarization part and the second polarization part formed on the second polarizing member facing the objective optical system are orthogonal to each other, and each of the lights forms an image on the objective optical system. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein two images of subjects having different polarizations are acquired simultaneously. The endoscope is configured such that the second polarizing member configured to be the third polarizing member facing the objective optical system when a rotation position is defined at a position where the endoscope is in the third state by the rotation mechanism. Light beams transmitted through the polarized light part and the second polarized light part formed on the second polarizing member are orthogonal to each other, and the respective lights are imaged on the objective optical system, so that subjects having different polarizations are obtained. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the two images are acquired simultaneously.   The said outer cylinder is equipped with the some attachment part which each has a central axis parallel to the central axis of the said outer cylinder, which attaches to the said front-end | tip of the said insertion part. Endoscopic device.

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