JP6850937B2

JP6850937B2 - Endoscope device

Info

Publication number: JP6850937B2
Application number: JP2020500972A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 佐藤　洋一; 洋一佐藤; 康隆福家; 昌則藤岡
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Power Ltd
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Power Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-20
Filing date: 2019-02-19
Publication date: 2021-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-19
Also published as: WO2019163787A1; JPWO2019163787A1

Description

本開示は、内視鏡装置に関する。 The present disclosure relates to an endoscopic apparatus.

作業員が直接目視できない機器類の内部の点検や検査を視覚的に検査可能にするために、ボアスコープと呼ばれる工業用内視鏡装置が用いられる。ボアスコープは、細長いシース管に内蔵され、先端にＣＣＤなどの撮影素子を含む観察ユニットが搭載される。そして、シース管を機器類の内部に挿入し、観察ユニットで視認することで点検や検査を行う。 An industrial endoscope device called a borescope is used to visually inspect the inside of equipment that cannot be directly seen by workers. The borescope is built in an elongated sheath tube, and an observation unit including a photographing element such as a CCD is mounted at the tip. Then, the sheath tube is inserted into the equipment and visually inspected by the observation unit for inspection and inspection.

特許文献１には、シース管が複数本の可撓性を有する管に分割形成され、可撓管にボアスコープを挿通した状態で可撓管同士を直列に接続して使用する内視鏡装置が開示されている。特許文献２には、ガスタービンや蒸気タービン等の高温機器に用いる場合に、ボアスコープを内蔵するシース管を備え、ボアスコープと管内面との間に冷却空気を供給して耐熱性を付与するようにした内視鏡装置が開示されている。 In Patent Document 1, an endoscope device is used in which a sheath tube is divided into a plurality of flexible tubes, and the flexible tubes are connected in series with a borescope inserted through the flexible tube. Is disclosed. Patent Document 2 includes a sheath tube having a built-in borescope when used in high-temperature equipment such as a gas turbine or a steam turbine, and supplies cooling air between the borescope and the inner surface of the tube to impart heat resistance. Such an endoscopic device is disclosed.

特開昭４−２０３２３号公報Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-20323 特開２０１７−１３８５８４号公報JP-A-2017-138584

ボアスコープがオペレータが視認できない被検査機器の内部に挿入されたとき、観察ユニットの位置や向きを把握できないと、被検査機器のどの部位を検査しているのか特定できないという問題がある。特許文献１及び２にはこの解決策は開示されておらず、特に、特許文献１に記載された内視鏡装置のように、シース管が可撓性の管であると、重力で下方へ垂れてしまい、観察ユニットを所望に位置や向きに制御できない。 When the borescope is inserted into the device to be inspected, which cannot be seen by the operator, there is a problem that it is not possible to identify which part of the device to be inspected unless the position and orientation of the observation unit can be grasped. Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not disclose this solution, and in particular, when the sheath tube is a flexible tube as in the endoscope device described in Patent Document 1, the sheath tube is gravitationally downward. It hangs down and the observation unit cannot be controlled to the desired position and orientation.

本開示に係る一実施形態は、被検査機器の内部で観察ユニットが視認する検査対象部位を特定可能にすることを目的とする。 One embodiment according to the present disclosure aims to make it possible to identify an inspection target site visually recognized by an observation unit inside an apparatus to be inspected.

（１）一実施形態に係る内視鏡装置は、
被検査機器の内部を検査するための内視鏡装置であって、
先端に観察ユニットが搭載されたボアスコープ、及び該ボアスコープが収納されるシース管を含む検査部と、
内部に前記検査部が挿入される挿入管と、
前記挿入管を前記被検査機器の内部に挿入又は退出可能な送り機構部と、
前記被検査機器の内部に挿入された前記挿入管を軸中心に回転させることが可能な旋回機構部と、
を備える。(1) The endoscope device according to the embodiment is
An endoscopic device for inspecting the inside of the equipment to be inspected.
A borescope with an observation unit mounted on the tip, an inspection unit including a sheath tube in which the borescope is housed, and an inspection unit.
An insertion tube into which the inspection unit is inserted and
A feed mechanism unit capable of inserting or exiting the insertion tube into the device to be inspected,
A swivel mechanism unit capable of rotating the insertion tube inserted inside the device to be inspected about the axis, and a swivel mechanism unit.
To be equipped.

上記（１）の構成によれば、上記挿入管の先端から露出させた観察ユニットによって被検査機器の内部を観察する場合に、上記送り機構部による挿入管の送り量及び上記旋回機構部により挿入管の軸中心の回転量（回転角度）を把握することで、観察ユニットが視認する検査対象部位を特定できる。 According to the configuration of (1) above, when observing the inside of the device to be inspected by the observation unit exposed from the tip of the insertion tube, the feed amount of the insertion tube by the feed mechanism and the insertion by the swivel mechanism are inserted. By grasping the amount of rotation (rotation angle) at the center of the axis of the pipe, it is possible to identify the inspection target part visually recognized by the observation unit.

（２）一実施形態では、前記（１）の構成において、
前記送り機構部と、前記旋回機構部とは、前記挿入管の軸方向において異なる位置に設けられ、
前記旋回機構部によって発生される回転力により、前記挿入管と一体となって前記送り機構部が回転するように構成される。
上記（２）の構成によれば、送り機構部及び旋回機構部は、挿入管の軸方向において異なる位置に設けられるため、両機構部の各々において挿入管に駆動力を伝達する駆動力伝達部を他機構部の配置に制約を受けずに挿入管に隣接配置できる。そのため、両機構部の駆動力伝達部の構成を簡素化できる。(2) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (1) above,
The feed mechanism portion and the swivel mechanism portion are provided at different positions in the axial direction of the insertion pipe.
The feed mechanism unit is configured to rotate integrally with the intubation tube by the rotational force generated by the swivel mechanism unit.
According to the configuration of (2) above, since the feed mechanism unit and the swivel mechanism unit are provided at different positions in the axial direction of the intubation tube, the drive force transmission unit that transmits the driving force to the intubation tube in each of the two mechanism units. Can be placed adjacent to the intubation tube without being restricted by the placement of other mechanical parts. Therefore, the configuration of the driving force transmission unit of both mechanism units can be simplified.

（３）一実施形態では、前記（２）の構成において、
前記旋回機構部は、
静止された構造物に支持された静止部と、
前記静止部に回転可能に支持された回転部であって、前記旋回機構部によって発生される前記回転力が伝達されるように構成された回転部と、を含み、
前記送り機構部は、前記回転力が伝達されるように前記回転部と連結され、前記送り機構部に伝達された前記回転力が前記挿入管に伝達されるように構成される。
上記（３）の構成によれば、上記回転部に伝達された回転力は送り機構部を介して挿入管に伝達されるので、送り機構部と挿入管とは一緒に挿入管の軸回りに回転する。従って、旋回機構部による挿入管の回転と送り機構部による挿入管の送りとが同時に可能になる。(3) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (2) above,
The swivel mechanism unit
A stationary part supported by a stationary structure and
A rotating portion rotatably supported by the stationary portion, including a rotating portion configured to transmit the rotational force generated by the swivel mechanism portion.
The feed mechanism unit is connected to the rotary unit so that the rotational force is transmitted, and the rotational force transmitted to the feed mechanism unit is transmitted to the intubation tube.
According to the configuration of (3) above, the rotational force transmitted to the rotating portion is transmitted to the intubation tube via the feed mechanism portion, so that the feed mechanism portion and the insertion tube are together around the axis of the insertion tube. Rotate. Therefore, the rotation of the insertion pipe by the swivel mechanism and the feed of the insertion pipe by the feed mechanism can be performed at the same time.

（４）一実施形態では、前記（３）の構成において、
前記送り機構部は、前記挿入管の外周面に軸方向に沿って設けられたラックと噛合うピニオンを含み、
前記回転力は、前記ラックと前記ピニオンとが噛合う噛合い部を介して前記送り機構部に伝達されるように構成される。
上記（４）の構成によれば、挿入管の外周面に設けられたラックとピニオンとが噛合う噛合い部を介して、挿入管を軸方向へ送る送り力と挿入管を周方向へ回転させる回転力とを伝達できるため、送り力及び回転力の伝達機構を簡素化できる。(4) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (3) above,
The feed mechanism includes a pinion that meshes with a rack provided along the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube.
The rotational force is configured to be transmitted to the feed mechanism portion via a meshing portion in which the rack and the pinion mesh with each other.
According to the configuration of (4) above, the feed force for sending the intubation in the axial direction and the intubation for rotating in the circumferential direction are provided through the meshing portion where the rack and the pinion are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the intubation. Since it is possible to transmit the rotational force to be caused, the transmission mechanism of the feed force and the rotational force can be simplified.

（５）一実施形態では、前記（２）〜（４）の何れかの構成において、
前記挿入管の外周面に形成された軸方向溝部に車輪の一部が挿入されるローラ部をさらに備え、
前記ローラ部は、前記送り機構部と一体となって回転するように構成され、
前記送り機構部に伝達された前記回転力が、前記ローラ部を介して前記挿入管に伝達されるように構成される。
上記（５）の構成によれば、上記ローラ部は、挿入管を軸方向へ送るときのガイド機能と、送り機構部から挿入管へ回転力を伝達する機能とを兼用できる。(5) In one embodiment, in any of the configurations (2) to (4) above,
A roller portion into which a part of the wheel is inserted is further provided in the axial groove portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion pipe.
The roller portion is configured to rotate integrally with the feed mechanism portion.
The rotational force transmitted to the feed mechanism portion is configured to be transmitted to the insertion pipe via the roller portion.
According to the configuration of (5) above, the roller portion can have both a guide function when feeding the insertion tube in the axial direction and a function of transmitting a rotational force from the feed mechanism portion to the insertion tube.

（６）一実施形態では、前記（１）〜（５）の何れかの構成において、
前記検査部は前記挿入管の先端側で前記挿入管に結合されると共に、
前記挿入管の基端側に設けられた、前記検査部を前記挿入管に供回りさせる供回り部をさらに備える。
挿入管内で線状の検査部が捩れると、観察ユニットが意図しない方向へ湾曲し、目当てとする検査部位に視野を向けることができなくなるおそれがある。上記（６）の構成によれば、検査部を挿入管に供回りさせることができるので、挿入管内での検査部の捩れ発生を抑制できる。(6) In one embodiment, in any of the configurations (1) to (5) above,
The inspection unit is connected to the intubation tube on the tip side of the intubation tube, and is also connected to the intubation tube.
Further provided is provided on the base end side of the insertion tube, and a rotating portion for rotating the inspection portion around the insertion tube.
If the linear inspection section is twisted in the insertion tube, the observation unit may bend in an unintended direction, making it impossible to direct the field of view to the inspection site to be targeted. According to the configuration of (6) above, since the inspection part can be rotated around the insertion tube, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of twisting of the inspection part in the insertion tube.

（７）一実施形態では、前記（６）の構成において、
前記供回り部は、
前記挿入管の基端部から半径方向外側に向かって延在するプレート部と、
前記プレート部と前記検査部とを固定する継手部と、
を含む。
上記（７）の構成によれば、検査部は、挿入管の先端側で挿入管に結合され、かつ挿入管の基端側にある上記継手部で挿入管と供回りする上記プレート部で固定されるため、挿入管に供回りさせることができる。また、供回り部を低コスト化できる。(7) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (6) above,
The surrounding part
A plate portion extending radially outward from the base end portion of the intubation tube,
A joint portion for fixing the plate portion and the inspection portion, and
including.
According to the configuration of (7) above, the inspection portion is connected to the intubation tube on the tip end side of the intubation tube, and is fixed by the plate portion that is connected to the intubation tube at the joint portion on the proximal end side of the intubation tube. Therefore, it can be rotated around the intubation tube. In addition, the cost of the accompanying part can be reduced.

（８）一実施形態では、前記（１）〜（７）の何れかの構成において、
前記シース管は、前記ボアスコープの外径よりも大きな内径を有し、
前記ボアスコープと前記シース管との間に冷却空気が導入されるように構成される。
上記（８）の構成によれば、ボアスコープとシース管との間に導入される冷却空気によって、ボアスコープの先端に設けられた観察ユニットを冷却できる。これによって、被検査機器内の高温雰囲気によって観察ユニットが損傷するのを防止できる。(8) In one embodiment, in any of the configurations (1) to (7) above,
The sheath tube has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the borescope.
Cooling air is introduced between the borescope and the sheath tube.
According to the configuration (8) above, the observation unit provided at the tip of the borescope can be cooled by the cooling air introduced between the borescope and the sheath tube. This makes it possible to prevent the observation unit from being damaged by the high temperature atmosphere in the device to be inspected.

（９）一実施形態では、前記（１）〜（８）の何れかの構成において、
前記挿入管は、
前記検査部が先端から突出した状態で前記検査部を支持する第１挿入管と、
前記第１挿入管の後端側に接続される第２挿入管と、
を含む。
上記（９）の構成によれば、挿入管が軸方向に沿って複数に分割された挿入管で構成されるため、挿入管が１本の長い管で構成される場合より、検査現場での取り扱いが容易である。即ち、検査部の送り量に合わせて必要に応じ組み立てる挿入管の数を調整することで、被検査機器への取付けが容易になると共に、狭いスペースでも検査が可能になる。(9) In one embodiment, in any of the configurations (1) to (8) above,
The intubation tube
A first insertion tube that supports the inspection section with the inspection section protruding from the tip,
The second insertion tube connected to the rear end side of the first insertion tube,
including.
According to the configuration of (9) above, since the intubation tube is composed of a plurality of insertion tubes divided along the axial direction, the insertion tube is more likely to be formed at the inspection site than the case where the insertion tube is composed of one long tube. Easy to handle. That is, by adjusting the number of insertion tubes to be assembled as needed according to the feed amount of the inspection unit, it becomes easy to attach to the device to be inspected and inspection can be performed even in a narrow space.

（１０）一実施形態では、前記（９）の構成において、
前記第１挿入管は外周面に軸方向溝部を有し、前記第２挿入管は、前記軸方向溝部と連なる周方向位置に軸方向に設けられたラックを備える。
上記（１０）の構成によれば、送り機構部と旋回機構部を含む機器本体の被検査機器への据付けと、第１挿入管と第２挿入管との接続とを別個にかつ同時並行して行い、接続した第１挿入管及び第２挿入管を機器本体に形成された入口から被検査機器の内部に挿入できるので、検査現場における内視鏡装置の組立てが短時間でできると共に、同一検査時間での検査範囲を拡大できる。また、第１挿入管及び第２挿入管の組立てと、送り機構部及び旋回機構部の組立とを、事前組立てしておくこともでき、現場組立て時間が短縮できる。(10) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (9) above,
The first insertion tube has an axial groove on the outer peripheral surface, and the second insertion tube includes a rack provided in the axial direction at a circumferential position connected to the axial groove.
According to the configuration of (10) above, the installation of the main body of the device including the feed mechanism and the swivel mechanism on the device to be inspected and the connection between the first insertion tube and the second insertion tube are performed separately and simultaneously in parallel. Since the connected first insertion tube and second insertion tube can be inserted into the inside of the device to be inspected from the inlet formed in the main body of the device, the endoscope device can be assembled in a short time at the inspection site and is the same. The inspection range can be expanded during the inspection time. Further, the assembly of the first insertion pipe and the second insertion pipe and the assembly of the feed mechanism portion and the swivel mechanism portion can be pre-assembled, and the on-site assembly time can be shortened.

（１１）一実施形態では、前記（９）又は（１０）の構成において、
前記第１挿入管及び前記第２挿入管の少なくとも何れか一方は、周方向に分割された２つの分割管を含む。
上記（１１）の構成によれば、分割管を周方向に分割された２つの分割管で構成するため、シース管が挿入されて検査に供されている挿入管の後端への接続が容易になる。(11) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (9) or (10) above,
At least one of the first insertion tube and the second insertion tube includes two divided tubes divided in the circumferential direction.
According to the configuration of (11) above, since the split pipe is composed of two split pipes divided in the circumferential direction, it is easy to connect the sheath pipe to the rear end of the insert pipe used for inspection. become.

（１２）一実施形態では、前記（１）〜（１１）の何れかの構成において、
前記ボアスコープは、前記挿入管の先端より露出した領域に湾曲操作時に湾曲される可動区間を有すると共に、前記シース管は、前記可動区間の湾曲に追従して湾曲可能な可動領域を有し、
前記シース管の前記可動領域よりも先端側の内周面に、前記シース管の軸方向に移動不能に設けられ、前記可動区間よりも先端側の部位を把持する第１支持部を備える。
上記（１２）の構成によれば、シース管とボアスコープとが、上記第１支持部によって軸方向の相対位置を固定されるため、シース管の先端部を湾曲させても、ボアスコープの先端とシース管の先端との軸方向のずれを防止できる。これによって、ボアスコープの先端に設けられた観察ユニットがシース管から過度に突出して被検査機器内の熱で過熱されるおそれがなく、かつ逆にシース管が観察ユニットの視野に入って検査領域が狭められるのを防止できる。(12) In one embodiment, in any of the configurations (1) to (11) above,
The borescope has a movable section that is curved during a bending operation in a region exposed from the tip of the insertion tube, and the sheath tube has a movable region that can be curved following the curvature of the movable section.
The inner peripheral surface of the sheath tube on the tip side of the movable region is provided with a first support portion that is immovably provided in the axial direction of the sheath tube and grips a portion on the tip side of the movable section.
According to the configuration of (12) above, the sheath tube and the borescope are fixed in axial relative positions by the first support portion, so that even if the tip of the sheath tube is curved, the tip of the borescope And the tip of the sheath tube can be prevented from shifting in the axial direction. As a result, there is no possibility that the observation unit provided at the tip of the borescope protrudes excessively from the sheath tube and is overheated by the heat inside the device to be inspected, and conversely, the sheath tube enters the field of view of the observation unit and the inspection area. Can be prevented from being narrowed.

（１３）一実施形態では、前記（１２）の構成において、
前記シース管の前記可動領域よりも後端側の内周面に設けられ、前記ボアスコープの前記可動区間よりも後端側の部位を把持する第２支持部をさらに備える。
上記（１３）の構成によれば、上記第２支持部によって、ボアスコープの湾曲可能な可動区間よりも後端側の部位をシース管の可動領域よりも後端側で把持するので、ボアスコープに対して後端側から作用する外力等の影響がボアスコープの先端側に及ぶのを抑制できる。また、第１支持部と第２支持部の２か所でボアスコープを支持するので、シース管に対してボアスコープの先端部を安定して固定できると共に、シース管の可動領域の湾曲がボアスコープの可動区間の湾曲に追従し易くなるので、ボアスコープの先端部の向きを変更し易くなる。(13) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (12) above,
A second support portion is further provided on the inner peripheral surface of the sheath tube on the rear end side of the movable region and grips a portion of the borescope on the rear end side of the movable section.
According to the configuration of (13) above, the second support portion grips the portion on the rear end side of the bendable movable section of the borescope on the rear end side of the movable region of the sheath tube, so that the borescope On the other hand, it is possible to suppress the influence of an external force acting from the rear end side on the front end side of the borescope. Further, since the borescope is supported at two places, the first support portion and the second support portion, the tip portion of the borescope can be stably fixed to the sheath tube, and the curvature of the movable region of the sheath tube is bored. Since it becomes easy to follow the curvature of the movable section of the scope, it becomes easy to change the direction of the tip portion of the bore scope.

（１４）一実施形態では、前記（１３）の構成において、
前記シース管は、前記第２支持部より後端側の領域の少なくとも一部で屈曲可能に構成される。
上記（１４）の構成によれば、シース管が第２支持部より後端側の領域の少なくとも一部で屈曲可能に構成されるため、被検査機器内部の狭隘部にシース管を挿入して検査するときなどにおいて、シース管の取り扱いが容易になる。(14) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (13) above,
The sheath tube is configured to be bendable in at least a part of a region on the rear end side of the second support portion.
According to the configuration of (14) above, since the sheath tube is configured to be bendable in at least a part of the region on the rear end side of the second support portion, the sheath tube is inserted into the narrow portion inside the device to be inspected. The sheath tube can be easily handled when inspecting.

（１５）一実施形態では、前記（１２）〜（１４）の何れかの構成において、
前記挿入管は曲りに対する剛性を有し、かつ、前記可動領域が先端から突出した状態で前記シース管を前記可動領域よりも後端側で支持するように構成される。
ここで「曲りに対する剛性」とは、自重によって曲りが発生せずに、製造時の形状を保持できるような剛性を言い、以下「曲り剛性」とも言う。
上記（１５）の構成によれば、剛性をもつ挿入管がシース管を可動領域より後端側で支持するため、挿入管によるシース管の支持と、シース管の可動領域がもつ湾曲性とによって、観察ユニットを所望位置へ位置決めできる。(15) In one embodiment, in any of the configurations (12) to (14) above,
The insertion tube has rigidity against bending, and is configured to support the sheath tube on the rear end side of the movable area in a state where the movable region protrudes from the tip.
Here, "rigidity against bending" means rigidity that can maintain the shape at the time of manufacture without bending due to its own weight, and is also referred to as "bending rigidity" below.
According to the configuration of (15) above, since the rigid insertion tube supports the sheath tube on the rear end side of the movable region, the support of the sheath tube by the insertion tube and the curvature of the movable region of the sheath tube are used. , The observation unit can be positioned at the desired position.

（１６）一実施形態では、前記（１２）〜（１５）の何れかの構成において、
前記第１支持部は、
前記ボアスコープを囲むように形成された環状部と、
前記環状部から前記シース管の内面に接するように前記シース管の径方向に沿って延在する少なくとも２つの脚部と、
を含む。
上記（１６）の構成によれば、第１支持部が上記環状部及び上記脚部を有するために、ボアスコープの先端部をシース管の中心に安定支持でき、これによって、観察ユニットの周囲に冷却空気が通る空間を確保できる。また、第１支持部をコンパクト化できる。(16) In one embodiment, in any of the configurations (12) to (15) above,
The first support portion is
An annular portion formed so as to surround the borescope and
At least two legs extending along the radial direction of the sheath tube so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the sheath tube from the annular portion.
including.
According to the configuration of (16) above, since the first support portion has the annular portion and the leg portion, the tip portion of the borescope can be stably supported at the center of the sheath tube, thereby surrounding the observation unit. A space for cooling air can be secured. In addition, the first support portion can be made compact.

（１７）一実施形態では、前記（１６）の構成において、
前記第１支持部は、前記第１支持部の周方向の少なくとも２ヵ所で分割された少なくとも２つの分割片を含み、
前記２つの分割片の各々は、前記環状部が前記ボアスコープを囲むように配置されたとき、互いに当接可能であってかつ第１結合具によって結合可能なフランジ部を有する。
上記（１７）の構成によれば、第１支持部が少なくとも２つの分割片を含み、かつ上記フランジ部で結合可能であるため、ボアスコープへの着脱が容易になる。(17) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (16) above,
The first support portion includes at least two divided pieces divided at at least two locations in the circumferential direction of the first support portion.
Each of the two divided pieces has a flange portion that can be brought into contact with each other and can be joined by the first binder when the annular portion is arranged so as to surround the borescope.
According to the configuration (17), since the first support portion includes at least two divided pieces and can be connected by the flange portion, it can be easily attached to and detached from the borescope.

（１８）一実施形態では、前記（１６）又は（１７）の構成において、
前記２つの脚部は、前記シース管に第２結合具によって結合可能に構成される。
上記（１８）の構成によれば、上記２つの脚部は第２結合具によってシース管に結合され、シース管の軸方向に移動不能に設けられるため、ボアスコープの可動区間を湾曲させてもボアスコープの先端部とシース管の先端部との軸方向ずれを防止できる。従って、検査部の先端部が湾曲したときでも観察ユニットを確実に冷却できると共に、シース管が観察ユニットの視野を狭める虞はなくなる。(18) In one embodiment, in the configuration of (16) or (17) above,
The two legs are configured to be connectable to the sheath tube by a second binder.
According to the configuration of (18) above, the two legs are connected to the sheath tube by the second coupling tool and are provided so as not to be movable in the axial direction of the sheath tube, so that even if the movable section of the borescope is curved. Axial deviation between the tip of the borescope and the tip of the sheath tube can be prevented. Therefore, the observation unit can be reliably cooled even when the tip of the inspection unit is curved, and there is no possibility that the sheath tube narrows the field of view of the observation unit.

幾つかの実施形態によれば、送り機構部による挿入管の送り量と旋回機構部による挿入管の回転量とを把握することで、被検査機器の内部で観察ユニットが視認する検査対象部位を特定できる。 According to some embodiments, by grasping the feed amount of the intubation tube by the feed mechanism unit and the rotation amount of the intubation tube by the swivel mechanism unit, the inspection target part visually recognized by the observation unit inside the device to be inspected can be determined. Can be identified.

一実施形態に係る内視鏡装置の全体構成を一部を省いて示す縦断面図である。It is a vertical cross-sectional view which shows the whole structure of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment omitting a part. 図１中のＡ部拡大図である。It is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 上記内視鏡装置の機器本体の縦断面図である。It is a vertical sectional view of the apparatus main body of the above-mentioned endoscope apparatus. 上記内視鏡装置の機器本体の平面図である。It is a top view of the apparatus main body of the endoscope apparatus. 図１中のＢ−Ｂ線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the line BB in FIG. 図１中のＣ−Ｃ線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the CC line in FIG. 図１中のＤ−Ｄ線に沿う断面図である。It is sectional drawing which follows the DD line in FIG. 上記内視鏡装置の基端側上方から視た斜視図である。It is a perspective view seen from above the proximal end side of the endoscope apparatus. 上記内視鏡装置の基端側下方から視た斜視図である。It is a perspective view seen from the lower side of the proximal end side of the endoscope apparatus. 一実施形態に係る内視鏡装置の挿入管の先端部を示す縦断面図である。It is a vertical cross-sectional view which shows the tip part of the insertion tube of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る挿入部を被検査機器に挿入するときの説明図である。It is explanatory drawing when the insertion part which concerns on one Embodiment is inserted into the device to be inspected. 一実施形態に係る挿入部を被検査機器に挿入するときの説明図である。It is explanatory drawing when the insertion part which concerns on one Embodiment is inserted into the device to be inspected. 一実施形態に係る挿入部の正面図である。It is a front view of the insertion part which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る挿入管の接手部を示す縦断面図である。It is a vertical cross-sectional view which shows the joint part of the insertion tube which concerns on one Embodiment. 図１２中のＥ―Ｅ線に沿う横断面図である。It is a cross-sectional view along the line EE in FIG. 一実施形態に係る挿入部の先端部を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view which shows the tip part of the insertion part which concerns on one Embodiment. 一実施形態に係る検査部の先端部を示す横断面図である。It is a cross-sectional view which shows the tip part of the inspection part which concerns on one Embodiment. 内視鏡装置をガスタービン燃焼器の検査に適用した概略図である。It is the schematic which applied the endoscope apparatus to the inspection of a gas turbine combustor.

以下、添付図面を参照して本発明の幾つかの実施形態について説明する。ただし、実施形態として記載されている又は図面に示されている構成部品の寸法、材質、形状、その相対的配置等は、本発明の範囲をこれに限定する趣旨ではなく、単なる説明例にすぎない。
例えば、「ある方向に」、「ある方向に沿って」、「平行」、「直交」、「中心」、「同心」或いは「同軸」等の相対的或いは絶対的な配置を表す表現は、厳密にそのような配置を表すのみならず、公差、若しくは、同じ機能が得られる程度の角度や距離をもって相対的に変位している状態も表すものとする。
また例えば、四角形状や円筒形状等の形状を表す表現は、幾何学的に厳密な意味での四角形状や円筒形状等の形状を表すのみならず、同じ効果が得られる範囲で、凹凸部や面取り部等を含む形状も表すものとする。
一方、一の構成要素を「備える」、「具える」、「具備する」、「含む」、又は、「有する」という表現は、他の構成要素の存在を除外する排他的な表現ではない。Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described as embodiments or shown in the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to this, but are merely explanatory examples. Absent.
For example, expressions that represent relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction", "along a certain direction", "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "concentric" or "coaxial" are exact. Not only does it represent such an arrangement, but it also represents a state of relative displacement with tolerances or angles and distances to the extent that the same function can be obtained.
Further, for example, an expression representing a shape such as a quadrangular shape or a cylindrical shape not only represents a shape such as a quadrangular shape or a cylindrical shape in a geometrically strict sense, but also includes a concavo-convex portion or a concavo-convex portion within a range in which the same effect can be obtained. The shape including the chamfered portion and the like shall also be represented.
On the other hand, the expressions "equipped", "equipped", "equipped", "included", or "have" one component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the existence of other components.

図１〜図９は、一実施形態に係る内視鏡装置１０を示す。図１は、内視鏡装置１０の全体構成を示す縦断面図であり、図２は、図１中のＡ部拡大図である。図１に示すように、内視鏡装置１０は、検査部１２と、検査部１２が内部に挿入されるシース管１６とで、被検査機器の内部に挿入される挿入部を構成する。図２に示すように、検査部１２は、ボアスコープ１４とボアスコープ１４が収納されたシース管１６とで構成され、ボアスコープ１４の先端にはシース管１６の先端から露出した位置に観察ユニット１８が搭載されている。観察ユニット１８は、例えばＣＣＤなどの撮影素子を含み、ボアスコープ１４は観察ユニット１８で得られた検出信号を後端側へ送る信号ラインが内蔵されている。 1 to 9 show the endoscope device 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the endoscope device 10, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope device 10 comprises an inspection unit 12 and a sheath tube 16 into which the inspection unit 12 is inserted, and constitutes an insertion portion to be inserted inside the device to be inspected. As shown in FIG. 2, the inspection unit 12 is composed of a borescope 14 and a sheath tube 16 in which the borescope 14 is housed, and an observation unit at a position where the tip of the borescope 14 is exposed from the tip of the sheath tube 16. 18 is installed. The observation unit 18 includes a photographing element such as a CCD, and the borescope 14 has a built-in signal line for sending the detection signal obtained by the observation unit 18 to the rear end side.

検査時に、挿入管２０は被検査機器の入口壁２００ａに形成された開口から被検査機器の内部に挿入され、観察ユニット１８で被検査機器の内部を視認することで点検や検査を行う。入口壁２００ａに、送り機構部２４及び旋回機構部２６を含む機器本体２２が取り付けられる。送り機構部２４は、挿入管２０を被検査機器の内部に送り又は被検査機器から退出させることが可能であり、旋回機構部２６は、挿入管２０を軸中心に回転させることが可能に構成されている。 At the time of inspection, the insertion tube 20 is inserted into the inside of the equipment to be inspected through an opening formed in the inlet wall 200a of the equipment to be inspected, and the inspection and inspection are performed by visually observing the inside of the equipment to be inspected by the observation unit 18. The device main body 22 including the feed mechanism unit 24 and the swivel mechanism unit 26 is attached to the inlet wall 200a. The feed mechanism unit 24 can feed the insertion tube 20 into the device to be inspected or retract it from the device to be inspected, and the swivel mechanism unit 26 can rotate the insertion tube 20 about the axis. Has been done.

上記構成によれば、送り機構部２４による挿入管２０の送り量及び旋回機構部２６により挿入管２０の軸中心の回転量（回転角度）を把握することで、観察ユニット１８が被検査機器のどの部位を視認しているかを把握できる。
一実施形態では、送り機構部２４には挿入管２０の送り量を計測するエンコーダ２５が設けられ、旋回機構部２６には挿入管２０の軸中心の回転量を計測するエンコーダ２７が設けられている。これらのエンコーダによって観察ユニット１８の位置及び向きを把握できる。一実施形態では、挿入管２０は曲り剛性を有することで、観察ユニット１８の位置を正確に推定できる。According to the above configuration, the observation unit 18 is the device to be inspected by grasping the feed amount of the intubation 20 by the feed mechanism unit 24 and the rotation amount (rotation angle) of the axis center of the intubation tube 20 by the swivel mechanism unit 26. You can grasp which part you are visually recognizing.
In one embodiment, the feed mechanism unit 24 is provided with an encoder 25 for measuring the feed amount of the intubation tube 20, and the swivel mechanism unit 26 is provided with an encoder 27 for measuring the rotation amount of the center of the axis of the intubation tube 20. There is. The position and orientation of the observation unit 18 can be grasped by these encoders. In one embodiment, the insertion tube 20 has bending rigidity, so that the position of the observation unit 18 can be accurately estimated.

一実施形態では、図１に示すように、検査部１２の先端部は挿入管２０の先端から露出し、湾曲可能な材料で構成される。そして、観察ユニット１８を含む検査部１２の先端部は、ボアスコープ１４に内蔵された操作線（不図示）を操作することで、任意の方向へ湾曲可能に構成される。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the tip of the inspection section 12 is exposed from the tip of the intubation tube 20 and is made of a bendable material. The tip of the inspection unit 12 including the observation unit 18 is configured to be bendable in an arbitrary direction by operating an operation line (not shown) built in the bore scope 14.

図１７に示すように、被検査機器２００は、例えば、ガスタービンにおいて、車室壁２０４によって形成された車室２０２の内部に設けられた燃焼器である。内視鏡装置１０の機器本体２２が該燃焼器の入口壁２００ａに固定され、挿入管２０が入口壁２００ａに形成された狭い孔から内部に挿入される。挿入管２０は送り機構部２４によって矢印ｂ方向に直線状に移動可能であり、かつ旋回機構部２６によって軸中心に回転可能であるため、観察ユニット１８の視野を所望の検査対象部位に向けることができる。 As shown in FIG. 17, the device 200 to be inspected is, for example, a combustor provided inside the vehicle interior 202 formed by the vehicle interior wall 204 in a gas turbine. The device main body 22 of the endoscope device 10 is fixed to the inlet wall 200a of the combustor, and the insertion tube 20 is inserted into the inside through a narrow hole formed in the inlet wall 200a. Since the intubation tube 20 can be linearly moved in the direction of arrow b by the feed mechanism unit 24 and can be rotated about the axis by the swivel mechanism unit 26, the field of view of the observation unit 18 is directed to the desired inspection target portion. Can be done.

一実施形態では、図３及び図４に示すように、送り機構部２４及び旋回機構部２６は、挿入管２０の軸方向において異なる位置に設けられ、旋回機構部２６によって発生する回転力により、挿入管２０と一体となって送り機構部２４が回転するように構成される。送り機構部２４及び旋回機構部２６は、挿入管２０の軸方向で異なる位置に設けられるため、両機構部とも夫々挿入管２０に駆動力を伝達する駆動力伝達部を挿入管２０に隣接して配置できる。そのため、両機構部の駆動力伝達部の構成を簡素化できる。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the feed mechanism unit 24 and the swivel mechanism unit 26 are provided at different positions in the axial direction of the intubation tube 20, and the rotational force generated by the swivel mechanism unit 26 causes the feed mechanism unit 24 and the swivel mechanism unit 26 to be provided at different positions. The feed mechanism unit 24 is configured to rotate integrally with the intubation tube 20. Since the feed mechanism unit 24 and the swivel mechanism unit 26 are provided at different positions in the axial direction of the intubation pipe 20, both mechanism units have a driving force transmission unit that transmits a driving force to the intubation pipe 20 adjacent to the intubation pipe 20. Can be placed. Therefore, the configuration of the driving force transmission unit of both mechanism units can be simplified.

一実施形態では、旋回機構部２６は、静止された構造物２８に支持された静止部３０と、静止部３０に回転可能に支持された回転部３２とを有する。回転部３２は、旋回機構部２６によって発生する回転力が伝達されるように構成され、送り機構部２４に伝達された回転力が挿入管２０に伝達されるように構成される。これによって、送り機構部２４と挿入管２０とは一体となって挿入管２０の軸回りに回転するため、回転する送り機構部２４によって、旋回機構部２６による挿入管２０の回転と送り機構部２４による挿入管２０の送りとが同時に可能になる。 In one embodiment, the swivel mechanism portion 26 has a stationary portion 30 supported by a stationary structure 28 and a rotating portion 32 rotatably supported by the stationary portion 30. The rotating unit 32 is configured to transmit the rotational force generated by the swivel mechanism unit 26, and is configured to transmit the rotational force transmitted to the feed mechanism unit 24 to the intubation tube 20. As a result, the feed mechanism unit 24 and the intubation tube 20 are integrally rotated around the axis of the intubation tube 20, so that the rotating feed mechanism unit 24 rotates the insertion tube 20 by the swivel mechanism unit 26 and the intubation mechanism unit. The insertion tube 20 can be fed by 24 at the same time.

一実施形態では、静止構造物２８は、静止部３０と共にボルト３４によって入口壁２００ａに結合されるフランジで構成される。例えば、被検査機器がガスタービンであって、運転停止後時間が経っていないために高温状態にあるとき、この高熱により機器本体２２が損傷するおそれがあるときは、該フランジと静止部３０との間に断熱材３６を介装する。また、静止構造物２８は、機器本体２２が入口壁２００ａに固定されるとき、被検査機器の内部に挿入されるガイドチューブ３８を有する。ガイドチューブ３８は、挿入管２０の外径より大きい内径を有する。挿入管２０は機器本体２２の中心部に形成された空間からガイドチューブ３８に挿入され、検査位置に位置決めされる。 In one embodiment, the stationary structure 28 is composed of a flange that is joined to the inlet wall 200a by a bolt 34 together with the stationary portion 30. For example, when the equipment to be inspected is a gas turbine and the equipment is in a high temperature state because the time has not passed since the operation was stopped, and the equipment main body 22 may be damaged by this high heat, the flange and the stationary portion 30 are used. A heat insulating material 36 is interposed between the two. Further, the stationary structure 28 has a guide tube 38 that is inserted into the device to be inspected when the device body 22 is fixed to the inlet wall 200a. The guide tube 38 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the intubation tube 20. The insertion tube 20 is inserted into the guide tube 38 from the space formed in the central portion of the device main body 22, and is positioned at the inspection position.

一実施形態では、挿入管２０の外周面に軸方向に沿って設けられたラック４０が形成され、送り機構部２４は、ラック４０と噛合うピニオン４２を備える。旋回機構部２６で発生する回転力は、ラック４０とピニオン４２とが噛合う噛合い部を介して送り機構部２４に伝達され、さらに送り機構部２４から挿入管２０に伝達されるように構成される。これによって、上記噛合い部を介して、挿入管２０を軸方向へ送る送り力と挿入管２０を周方向へ回転させる回転力とを伝達できるため、送り力及び回転力の伝達機構を簡素化できる。
一実施形態では、ラック４０及びピニオン４２は、挿入管２０の軸方向（送り方向）に対して斜めの方向に延在する歯形を有する。これによって、ピニオン４２が挿入管２０の周方向に回転するとき、ラック４０とピニオン４２との噛合い部は、挿入管２０を軸中心に回転させる回転力を挿入管２０に付与できる。In one embodiment, a rack 40 provided along the axial direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intubation tube 20, and the feed mechanism portion 24 includes a pinion 42 that meshes with the rack 40. The rotational force generated by the swivel mechanism unit 26 is transmitted to the feed mechanism unit 24 via the meshing portion where the rack 40 and the pinion 42 mesh with each other, and is further transmitted from the feed mechanism unit 24 to the intubation tube 20. Will be done. As a result, the feed force for sending the insertion tube 20 in the axial direction and the rotational force for rotating the insertion tube 20 in the circumferential direction can be transmitted through the meshing portion, so that the transmission force and the rotational force transmission mechanism are simplified. it can.
In one embodiment, the rack 40 and the pinion 42 have a tooth profile that extends in a direction oblique to the axial direction (feeding direction) of the intubation tube 20. As a result, when the pinion 42 rotates in the circumferential direction of the intubation tube 20, the meshing portion between the rack 40 and the pinion 42 can apply a rotational force to rotate the intubation tube 20 about the axis.

一実施形態では、送り機構部２４は、ピニオン４２を回転させて挿入管２０を被検査機器の内部に送り又は退出させるためのハンドル４４を備え、旋回機構部２６は挿入管２０を軸中心に回転させるためのハンドル５０を備える。ハンドル４４の回転で発生する駆動力は動力伝達部４５を介してピニオン４２に伝達する。ハンドル５０で発生する回転力は、回転力は動力伝達部４６を介して回転部３２及び送り機構部２４に伝達する。 In one embodiment, the feed mechanism 24 includes a handle 44 for rotating the pinion 42 to feed or retract the intubation 20 into or out of the device under test, and the swivel mechanism 26 is axially centered on the intubation 20. A handle 50 for rotating is provided. The driving force generated by the rotation of the handle 44 is transmitted to the pinion 42 via the power transmission unit 45. As for the rotational force generated by the handle 50, the rotational force is transmitted to the rotating unit 32 and the feed mechanism unit 24 via the power transmission unit 46.

一実施形態では、静止部３０はガイドチューブ３８に挿入された挿入管２０を囲繞する円筒部３１を有し、回転部３２は、円筒部３１と挿入管２０との間に配置される円筒部３３を有する。円筒部３１と円筒部３３との間にころ４８が改装されることで、静止した円筒部３１と回転する円筒部３３との間の摩擦を軽減している。 In one embodiment, the stationary portion 30 has a cylindrical portion 31 that surrounds the insertion tube 20 inserted into the guide tube 38, and the rotating portion 32 is a cylindrical portion that is arranged between the cylindrical portion 31 and the insertion tube 20. It has 33. By remodeling the roller 48 between the cylindrical portion 31 and the cylindrical portion 33, the friction between the stationary cylindrical portion 31 and the rotating cylindrical portion 33 is reduced.

一実施形態では、図５及び図６に示すように、挿入管２０の外周面に軸方向溝部５２が形成され、図７〜図９に示すように、車輪５６の一部が軸方向溝部５２に挿入されたローラ部５４を備える。送り機構部２４によって挿入管２０が軸方向に送られるとき、挿入管２０は車輪５６にガイドされる。ローラ部５４は、旋回機構部２６から伝達される回転力によって送り機構部２４と一体となって回転するように構成され、かつ旋回機構部２６から送り機構部２４に伝達された回転力は、ローラ部５４を介して挿入管２０に伝達されるように構成されている。これによって、挿入管２０はローラ部５４を介して送り機構部２４と一体となって回転する。こうして、ローラ部５４は、軸方向に沿って送られる挿入管２０をガイドする機能と、送り機構部２４の回転力を挿入管２０に伝達する機能とを有する。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, an axial groove 52 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intubation pipe 20, and as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a part of the wheel 56 is an axial groove 52. A roller portion 54 inserted into the vehicle is provided. When the insertion tube 20 is sent in the axial direction by the feed mechanism unit 24, the insertion tube 20 is guided by the wheels 56. The roller unit 54 is configured to rotate integrally with the feed mechanism unit 24 by the rotational force transmitted from the swivel mechanism unit 26, and the rotational force transmitted from the swivel mechanism unit 26 to the feed mechanism unit 24 is It is configured to be transmitted to the insertion tube 20 via the roller portion 54. As a result, the insertion tube 20 rotates integrally with the feed mechanism portion 24 via the roller portion 54. In this way, the roller portion 54 has a function of guiding the insertion pipe 20 to be fed along the axial direction and a function of transmitting the rotational force of the feed mechanism portion 24 to the insertion pipe 20.

図８において、矢印は挿入管２０を被検査機器の内部に送る送り方向を示し、図９においては紙面奥側が上記送り方向である。 In FIG. 8, the arrow indicates the feeding direction in which the insertion tube 20 is sent to the inside of the device to be inspected, and in FIG. 9, the back side of the paper surface is the feeding direction.

一実施形態では、図９に示すように、ローラ部５４は車輪５６を支持する支持台５８を備え、支持台５８は送り機構部２４のケーシングに接続されている。
一実施形態では、図７及び図９に示すように、軸方向溝部５２にガイドレール６０が設けられ、車輪５６はガイドレール６０に接し、ガイドレール６０を介して挿入管２０をガイドする。In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the roller portion 54 includes a support base 58 that supports the wheels 56, and the support base 58 is connected to the casing of the feed mechanism portion 24.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, a guide rail 60 is provided in the axial groove portion 52, the wheel 56 is in contact with the guide rail 60, and the insertion pipe 20 is guided via the guide rail 60.

一実施形態では、図２及び図５に示すように、検査部１２は、挿入管２０の先端側で挿入管２０に結合される。また、図１及び図３に示すように、挿入管２０の基端側に、検査部１２を挿入管２０に供回りさせる供回り部６２を備える。これによって、検査部１２を挿入管２０に供回りさせることができる。検査部１２が挿入管２０と供回りしないと、検査部１２が捩れて検査部１２の先端が意図しない方向へ湾曲し、観察ユニット１８が目当てとする検査部位に指向しないおそれがある。本実施形態によれば、検査部１２を挿入管２０に供回りさせることで、検査部１２に捩れが発生するのを抑制できる。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the inspection unit 12 is coupled to the intubation 20 on the distal end side of the intubation 20. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a rotation portion 62 for rotating the inspection portion 12 around the insertion pipe 20 is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion tube 20. As a result, the inspection unit 12 can be rotated around the intubation tube 20. If the inspection unit 12 does not rotate with the intubation tube 20, the inspection unit 12 may be twisted and the tip of the inspection unit 12 may be curved in an unintended direction, and the observation unit 18 may not be oriented at the target inspection site. According to the present embodiment, by rotating the inspection unit 12 around the intubation tube 20, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of twisting in the inspection unit 12.

一実施形態では、図２及び図５に示すように、挿入管２０の先端に、検査部１２を挿入管２０に結合するためのキャップ７０を備える。キャップ７０に外周側から中心に向けて延在する複数のネジ孔が形成され、キャップ７０の軸方向中心に形成された孔に検査部１２が挿入される。キャップ７０を構成する外周部７０ａと内側部７０ｂとは該ネジ孔に挿入される複数の皿ボルト７２で互いに結合される。シース管１６の内部に挿入されたボアスコープ１４は、キャップ７０の外周側からボアスコープ１４に向けて延在する複数のピン７４で、後述する冷却通路（空間ｓ１）が確保されつつキャップ７０に固定される。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, a cap 70 for connecting the inspection unit 12 to the intubation tube 20 is provided at the tip of the intubation tube 20. A plurality of screw holes extending from the outer peripheral side toward the center are formed in the cap 70, and the inspection unit 12 is inserted into the holes formed in the axial center of the cap 70. The outer peripheral portion 70a and the inner portion 70b constituting the cap 70 are connected to each other by a plurality of countersunk bolts 72 inserted into the screw holes. The bore scope 14 inserted into the sheath tube 16 is a plurality of pins 74 extending from the outer peripheral side of the cap 70 toward the bore scope 14, and the cap 70 is provided with a cooling passage (space s1) described later. It is fixed.

一実施形態では、図３に示すように、供回り部６２は、挿入管２０の基端部から半径方向外側に向かって延在するプレート部６４と、プレート部６４と検査部１２とを固定する継手部６６と、を有する。この実施形態によれば、継手部６６でプレート部６４と検査部１２とが固定されるため、検査部１２を挿入管２０に供回りさせることができる。また、供回り部６２の構成を簡素化かつ低コスト化できる。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the peripheral portion 62 fixes the plate portion 64 extending radially outward from the base end portion of the intubation tube 20, the plate portion 64, and the inspection portion 12. It has a joint portion 66 and a joint portion 66 to be formed. According to this embodiment, since the plate portion 64 and the inspection portion 12 are fixed by the joint portion 66, the inspection portion 12 can be rotated around the intubation pipe 20. In addition, the configuration of the rotating portion 62 can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

一実施形態では、継手部６６にエアチューブ６８が接続される。エアチューブ６８から冷却空気ａがボアスコープ１４とシース管１６との間に形成された空間ｓ１（図１０参照）に供給される。冷却空気ａは検査部１２の先端部に達し、観察ユニット１８を冷却できる。これによって、被検査機器内が高温雰囲気であるとき、観察ユニット１８の損傷を防止できる。 In one embodiment, the air tube 68 is connected to the joint 66. Cooling air a is supplied from the air tube 68 to the space s1 (see FIG. 10) formed between the bore scope 14 and the sheath tube 16. The cooling air a reaches the tip of the inspection unit 12 and can cool the observation unit 18. As a result, damage to the observation unit 18 can be prevented when the inside of the device to be inspected is in a high temperature atmosphere.

一実施形態では、図３に示すように、旋回機構部２６を覆うように保護カバー２９が設けられる。そして、図示されたエアチューブ６８の上流側でエアチューブ６８から分岐した分岐チューブが保護カバー２９に接続され、該分岐チューブから保護カバー２９の内部に冷却空気が供給される。これによって、検査中被検査機器から伝わる熱による加熱から旋回機構部２６を保護できる。
一実施形態では、図５〜図７に示すように、挿入管２０は軸方向に全長に亘り軸方向溝部５２が形成されているため、挿入管２０の全長に亘りローラ部５４によってガイドされる。In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a protective cover 29 is provided so as to cover the swivel mechanism portion 26. Then, a branch tube branched from the air tube 68 on the upstream side of the illustrated air tube 68 is connected to the protective cover 29, and cooling air is supplied from the branch tube to the inside of the protective cover 29. As a result, the swivel mechanism portion 26 can be protected from heating due to heat transferred from the device to be inspected during the inspection.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, since the intubation tube 20 has an axial groove portion 52 formed over the entire length in the axial direction, the insertion tube 20 is guided by the roller portion 54 over the entire length of the insertion tube 20. ..

一実施形態では、シース管１６は、ボアスコープ１４の外径よりも大きな内径を有し、ボアスコープ１４の外周面とシース管１６の内面との間に冷却空気ａが流れる空間ｓ１が形成される。機器本体２２側から空間ｓ１に導入される冷却空気ａによって、ボアスコープ１４の先端に設けられた観察ユニット１８を冷却でき、被検査機器内の高温雰囲気によって観察ユニット１８が損傷するのを防止できる。
一実施形態では、図１０に示すように、先端部８２の先端には空間ｓ１に供給された冷却空気ａが放出される空気放出孔８２ａが形成される。In one embodiment, the sheath tube 16 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the bore scope 14, and a space s1 through which cooling air a flows is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the bore scope 14 and the inner surface of the sheath tube 16. To. The cooling air a introduced into the space s1 from the device main body 22 side can cool the observation unit 18 provided at the tip of the borescope 14, and can prevent the observation unit 18 from being damaged by the high temperature atmosphere in the device to be inspected. ..
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, an air discharge hole 82a through which the cooling air a supplied to the space s1 is discharged is formed at the tip of the tip portion 82.

一実施形態では、図１に示すように、挿入管２０は軸方向に沿って分割された複数本の挿入管で構成される。図１には、４本の挿入管２０（２０ａ、２０ｂ、２０ｃ、２０ｄ）で構成された例が示されている。このように、挿入管２０が軸方向に沿って分割された複数本の挿入管２０（２０ａ〜２０ｄ）で構成されるため、挿入管２０が１本の長い管で構成される場合より、検査現場での取り扱いが容易になる。即ち、検査部１２の送り量に合わせて組み立てる分割管の数を調整することで、スペースを取らず機器本体２２への取付けが容易になる。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the insertion tube 20 is composed of a plurality of insertion tubes divided along the axial direction. FIG. 1 shows an example composed of four intubation tubes 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d). In this way, since the intubation tube 20 is composed of a plurality of intubation tubes 20 (20a to 20d) divided along the axial direction, the inspection is performed as compared with the case where the intubation tube 20 is composed of one long tube. Easy to handle in the field. That is, by adjusting the number of divided pipes to be assembled according to the feed amount of the inspection unit 12, it is easy to attach to the device main body 22 without taking up space.

一実施形態では、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）は、図５及び図６に示すように、外周面に軸方向溝部５２を有し、第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）は、図７に示すように、軸方向溝部５２と連なる周方向位置に軸方向に設けられたラック４０を備える。第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）にはラック４０は設けられていない。この実施形態における挿入管２０の被検査機器の入口壁２００ａへの組立て手順を説明する。
まず、旋回機構部２６及び送り機構部２４を含む機器本体２２を入口壁２００ａに取り付ける。一方、ラック４０が形成されていない第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）の後端にラック４０が形成されている第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）を直列に接続する。接続された第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）及び第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）を、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）を先にして機器本体２２の入口側から機器本体２２の中央に形成された空間に挿入する。第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）は、ラック４０が送り機構部２４に設けられたピニオン４２と噛合う位置に軸方向溝部５２が形成されているので、ピニオン４２と干渉しない。第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）がガイドチューブ３８の先端から突出するまで挿入された後、送り機構部２４で第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）を被検査機器の内部へ送る。In one embodiment, the first insertion tube 20 (20a) has an axial groove 52 on the outer peripheral surface as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the second insertion tube 20 (20b) is shown in FIG. As described above, a rack 40 provided in the axial direction at a circumferential position connected to the axial groove portion 52 is provided. The rack 40 is not provided on the first insertion tube 20 (20a). The procedure for assembling the intubation tube 20 to the inlet wall 200a of the device to be inspected in this embodiment will be described.
First, the device main body 22 including the swivel mechanism unit 26 and the feed mechanism unit 24 is attached to the inlet wall 200a. On the other hand, the second insertion tube 20 (20b) in which the rack 40 is formed is connected in series to the rear end of the first insertion tube 20 (20a) in which the rack 40 is not formed. The connected first insertion tube 20 (20a) and second insertion tube 20 (20b) were formed in the center of the device main body 22 from the inlet side of the device main body 22 with the first insertion tube 20 (20a) first. Insert into space. The first insertion tube 20 (20a) does not interfere with the pinion 42 because the axial groove 52 is formed at a position where the rack 40 meshes with the pinion 42 provided in the feed mechanism portion 24. After the first insertion tube 20 (20a) is inserted until it protrudes from the tip of the guide tube 38, the feed mechanism portion 24 feeds the second insertion tube 20 (20b) into the device to be inspected.

この組立て手順によれば、送り機構部２４と旋回機構部２６を含む機器本体２２の被検査機器の入口壁２００ａへの据付けと、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）と第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）との接続とを別個にかつ同時並行して行うことができるので、組立て時間を短縮できると共に、同一検査時間での検査範囲を拡大できる。また、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）及び第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）の組立てと、送り機構部２４及び旋回機構部２６の組立とを事前組立てしておくこともでき、現場組立て時間が短縮できる。さらに、機器本体２２を入口壁２００ａに据え付けた後で、次の挿入管２０を前側の挿入管２０に順々に接続していけばよいので、狭いスペースでも被検査機器への挿入管２０の挿入が容易になる。
図１に示す実施形態では、挿入管２０は４本の挿入管２０（２０ａ〜２０ｄ）で構成され、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）を除き、第２〜第４挿入管２０（２０ｂ〜２０ｄ）にラック４０が形成されている。従って、送り機構部２４で第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）を送りながら、必要に応じて第３挿入管２０（２０ｃ）及び第４挿入管２０（２０ｄ）を第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）の後端に直列に接続し、さらに、第３挿入管２０（２０ｃ）及び第４挿入管２０（２０ｄ）を順々に送り機構部２４で送っていけばよい。
なお、図５〜図７に示すように、ガイドレール６０は第２〜第４挿入管２０（２０ｂ〜２０ｄ）に設けられ、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）には設けられていない。第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）は、ローラ部５４と噛合う位置に軸方向溝部５２が設けられているため、ローラ部５４と干渉しない。本実施形態ではローラ部５４と噛合う位置に２本の軸方向溝部５２が設けているが、ローラ部５４の個数に合わせて、適宜軸方向溝部５２の本数を増減することができる。According to this assembly procedure, the equipment main body 22 including the feed mechanism portion 24 and the swivel mechanism portion 26 is installed on the inlet wall 200a of the equipment to be inspected, and the first insertion pipe 20 (20a) and the second insertion pipe 20 (20b) are installed. ) Can be connected separately and in parallel, so that the assembly time can be shortened and the inspection range can be expanded in the same inspection time. Further, the assembly of the first insertion pipe 20 (20a) and the second insertion pipe 20 (20b) and the assembly of the feed mechanism portion 24 and the swivel mechanism portion 26 can be pre-assembled, and the on-site assembly time can be shortened. it can. Further, after the device main body 22 is installed on the inlet wall 200a, the next insertion tube 20 may be connected to the front insertion tube 20 in order, so that the insertion tube 20 to the device to be inspected can be connected even in a narrow space. Easy to insert.
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the insertion tube 20 is composed of four insertion tubes 20 (20a to 20d), and the second to fourth insertion tubes 20 (20b to 20d) are excluded except for the first insertion tube 20 (20a). ), The rack 40 is formed. Therefore, while feeding the second insertion tube 20 (20b) by the feed mechanism unit 24, the third insertion tube 20 (20c) and the fourth insertion tube 20 (20d) are connected to the second insertion tube 20 (20b) as needed. It may be connected in series to the rear end, and the third insertion tube 20 (20c) and the fourth insertion tube 20 (20d) may be sequentially fed by the feed mechanism unit 24.
As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the guide rail 60 is provided in the second to fourth insertion pipes 20 (20b to 20d), and is not provided in the first insertion pipe 20 (20a). The first insertion tube 20 (20a) does not interfere with the roller portion 54 because the axial groove portion 52 is provided at a position where it meshes with the roller portion 54. In the present embodiment, the two axial groove portions 52 are provided at the positions where they mesh with the roller portions 54, but the number of the axial groove portions 52 can be appropriately increased or decreased according to the number of the roller portions 54.

一実施形態では、図１０に示すように、ボアスコープ１４は、挿入管２０の先端より露出した領域が湾曲操作時に湾曲可能なように可動区間１４ａを有する。例えば、可動区間１４ａは信号ラインを被覆する被覆層を湾曲可能な材料で構成する。シース管１６は、可動区間１４ａが湾曲したとき可動区間１４ａの湾曲に追従して湾曲可能な可動領域１６ａを有する。そして、可動領域１６ａより先端側のシース管１６の内周面に、可動区間１４ａより先端側のボアスコープ１４の部位を把持する第１支持部８０を備える。第１支持部８０は、シース管１６の軸方向に移動不能に設けられる。
また、一実施形態では、第１支持部８０は、ボアスコープ１４の可動区間１４ａよりも先端側の部位を把持可能に構成される。In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the borescope 14 has a movable section 14a so that a region exposed from the tip of the intubation tube 20 can be curved during a bending operation. For example, in the movable section 14a, the coating layer covering the signal line is made of a bendable material. The sheath tube 16 has a movable region 16a that can be curved following the curvature of the movable section 14a when the movable section 14a is curved. Then, a first support portion 80 for gripping the portion of the borescope 14 on the distal end side of the movable section 14a is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the sheath tube 16 on the distal end side of the movable region 16a. The first support portion 80 is provided so as not to be movable in the axial direction of the sheath tube 16.
Further, in one embodiment, the first support portion 80 is configured to be able to grip a portion on the tip side of the movable section 14a of the borescope 14.

ここで上記「移動不能」とは、後述するように、第１支持部８０がボルトなどの結合具又は溶接等の方法でシース管１６に固定されることを意味する。また、上記「把持」とは、ボアスコープ１４が第１支持部８０によって保持された状態を意味する。従って、ボアスコープ１４はシース管１６に対して軸方向に大きくズレることなく第１支持部８０によって支持される。従って、挿入管２０の先端から露出した検査部１２の先端部８２が湾曲したとき、ボアスコープ１４の先端部の冷却不足又は検査不良を抑制できる。 Here, the above-mentioned "immovable" means that the first support portion 80 is fixed to the sheath pipe 16 by a binder such as a bolt or a method such as welding, as will be described later. Further, the above-mentioned "grasping" means a state in which the bore scope 14 is held by the first support portion 80. Therefore, the borescope 14 is supported by the first support portion 80 without being significantly displaced in the axial direction with respect to the sheath tube 16. Therefore, when the tip portion 82 of the inspection portion 12 exposed from the tip end of the intubation tube 20 is curved, insufficient cooling of the tip portion of the bore scope 14 or inspection failure can be suppressed.

上記構成によれば、第１支持部８０によってボアスコープ１４の可動区間１４ａよりも先端側の部位が把持されるため、検査部１２の先端部８２を湾曲させても、ボアスコープ１４と第１支持部８０との間に作用する摩擦力によってボアスコープ１４の先端とシース管１６の先端との軸方向ずれを防止できる。これによって、ボアスコープ１４の先端部を安定して冷却できると共に、シース管１６が観察ユニット１８の視野に入って視界が狭められるのを防止できる。 According to the above configuration, since the portion on the tip side of the movable section 14a of the borescope 14 is gripped by the first support portion 80, even if the tip portion 82 of the inspection portion 12 is curved, the borescope 14 and the first portion The frictional force acting between the support portion 80 and the tip of the borescope 14 and the tip of the sheath tube 16 can be prevented from being displaced in the axial direction. As a result, the tip end portion of the borescope 14 can be stably cooled, and the sheath tube 16 can be prevented from entering the field of view of the observation unit 18 and narrowing the field of view.

一実施形態では、ボアスコープ１４の可動区間１４ａとシース管１６の可動領域１６ａとは、シース管１６の軸方向でほぼ重複する領域に配置される。これによって、ボアスコープ１４の任意な方向への湾曲が容易になる。なお、シース管１６がボアスコープ１４の湾曲に追従して湾曲できる範囲内であれば、可動区間１４ａと可動領域１６ａとは、軸方向で重複しない領域があってもよい。 In one embodiment, the movable section 14a of the borescope 14 and the movable region 16a of the sheath pipe 16 are arranged in regions that substantially overlap in the axial direction of the sheath pipe 16. This facilitates bending of the borescope 14 in any direction. As long as the sheath tube 16 can bend following the curvature of the borescope 14, the movable section 14a and the movable region 16a may have regions that do not overlap in the axial direction.

一実施形態では、図１０に示すように、シース管１６の可動領域１６ａよりも後端側のシース管１６の内周面に設けられた第２支持部８４を備える。第２支持部８４は、ボアスコープ１４の可動区間１４ａよりも後端側の部位を支持する。
この実施形態によれば、第２支持部８４よって、後端側からボアスコープ１４に作用する外力等の影響が、第２支持部８４より先端側のボアスコープ１４に及ぶことを抑制できる。また、第１支持部８０と第２支持部８４の２か所でボアスコープ１４を支持するので、観察ユニット１８を含むボアスコープ１４の先端部を、シース管１６に対して安定的に固定できる。これによって、ボアスコープ１４の先端部のぐらつきを抑制できるため、観察ユニット１８の操向性を向上できる。また、第２支持部８４によってボアスコープ１４とシース管１６との間に空間ｓ１を形成できるので、ボアスコープ１４がシース管１６の内面に接触するのを抑制でき、これによって、周囲の熱がシース管１６を介してボアスコープ１４に伝わるのを抑制できる。さらに、可動領域１６ａが可動区間１４ａの湾曲に追従し易くなるので、ボアスコープ１４の先端部の向きを制御し易くなる。In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a second support portion 84 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the sheath tube 16 on the rear end side of the movable region 16a of the sheath tube 16 is provided. The second support portion 84 supports a portion on the rear end side of the movable section 14a of the borescope 14.
According to this embodiment, the second support portion 84 can prevent the influence of an external force or the like acting on the borescope 14 from the rear end side on the borescope 14 on the front end side of the second support portion 84. Further, since the borescope 14 is supported at two places, the first support portion 80 and the second support portion 84, the tip portion of the borescope 14 including the observation unit 18 can be stably fixed to the sheath tube 16. .. As a result, the wobbling of the tip of the borescope 14 can be suppressed, so that the maneuverability of the observation unit 18 can be improved. Further, since the space s1 can be formed between the borescope 14 and the sheath tube 16 by the second support portion 84, it is possible to prevent the borescope 14 from coming into contact with the inner surface of the sheath tube 16, thereby dissipating ambient heat. It is possible to suppress transmission to the borescope 14 via the sheath tube 16. Further, since the movable region 16a easily follows the curvature of the movable section 14a, it becomes easy to control the direction of the tip end portion of the borescope 14.

一実施形態では、ボアスコープ１４とシース管１６との軸方向の熱伸び差を考慮し、第２支持部８４をボアスコープ１４及びシース管１６に固着せず、これらに対して軸方向への相対移動が可能なように取り付ける。これによって、ボアスコープ１４とシース管１６との熱伸び差を許容できる。あるいは、第２支持部８４をボアスコープ１４又はシース管１６の一方のみに固着することで、これらの軸方向の熱伸び差を許容できる。 In one embodiment, considering the difference in thermal elongation between the borescope 14 and the sheath tube 16 in the axial direction, the second support portion 84 is not fixed to the borescope 14 and the sheath tube 16 in the axial direction. Install so that it can be moved relative to each other. Thereby, the thermal expansion difference between the bore scope 14 and the sheath tube 16 can be tolerated. Alternatively, by fixing the second support portion 84 to only one of the bore scope 14 and the sheath tube 16, it is possible to allow these axial thermal expansion differences.

一実施形態では、シース管１６は、第２支持部８４より後端側の領域の少なくとも一部で屈曲可能に構成される。例えば、シース管１６に可撓性又は弾力性をもたせることで、屈曲性をもたせることができる。これによって、シース管１６の取り扱いが容易になり、検査対象機器の狭隘部でもシース管１６を挿入しやすくなる。
図１１Ａは、シース管１６が屈曲性を有するときの実施形態であり、シース管１６が屈曲性を有するため、取り扱いが容易になると共に、被検査機器２００の入口から被検査機器２００の内部へ挿入するのが容易になる。In one embodiment, the sheath tube 16 is configured to be bendable in at least a portion of the region posterior to the second support 84. For example, the sheath tube 16 can be made flexible or elastic so that it can be made flexible. As a result, the sheath tube 16 can be easily handled, and the sheath tube 16 can be easily inserted even in a narrow portion of the device to be inspected.
FIG. 11A shows an embodiment when the sheath tube 16 has flexibility. Since the sheath tube 16 has flexibility, it is easy to handle and from the entrance of the device to be inspected 200 to the inside of the device to be inspected 200. Easy to insert.

一実施形態では、図１０に示すように、シース管１６の可動領域１６ａより後端側に挿入管２０の先端部が配置される。挿入管２０は、内部にシース管１６が挿入され、即ち、シース管１６の外周側に配置される。挿入管２０は曲り剛性を有し、シース管１６の可動領域１６ａが挿入管２０の先端から突出した状態でシース管１６を可動領域１６ａよりも後端側で支持する。
この実施形態によれば、挿入管２０によりシース管１６を可動領域１６ａより後端側で支持するために、先端部８２の湾曲を妨げることなくシース管１６を支持できる。また、挿入管２０は曲り剛性を有するので、観察ユニット１８を検査対象の所望の箇所に位置決めできる。In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the tip end portion of the intubation tube 20 is arranged on the rear end side of the movable region 16a of the sheath tube 16. The sheath tube 16 is inserted into the insertion tube 20, that is, the insertion tube 20 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the sheath tube 16. The insertion tube 20 has bending rigidity, and supports the sheath tube 16 on the rear end side of the movable area 16a in a state where the movable region 16a of the sheath tube 16 projects from the tip of the insertion tube 20.
According to this embodiment, since the sheath tube 16 is supported by the insertion tube 20 on the rear end side of the movable region 16a, the sheath tube 16 can be supported without hindering the curvature of the tip portion 82. Further, since the intubation tube 20 has bending rigidity, the observation unit 18 can be positioned at a desired position to be inspected.

一実施形態では、シース管１６及び挿入管２０は、例えばステンレス鋼などの金属材料で構成される。また、一実施形態では、可動区間１４ａ及び可動領域１６ａは、ステンレス鋼などの金属材料からなる線材をメッシュ状に織り、このメッシュに耐熱性を有するゴム製のライナを被覆した積層体で構成される。 In one embodiment, the sheath tube 16 and the intubation tube 20 are made of a metal material such as stainless steel. Further, in one embodiment, the movable section 14a and the movable region 16a are composed of a laminated body in which a wire rod made of a metal material such as stainless steel is woven in a mesh shape and the mesh is coated with a heat-resistant rubber liner. Ru.

一実施形態では、図１０に示すように、挿入管２０は、シース管１６の可動領域１６ａより後端側でシース管１６の外周側に設けられる。この実施形態によれば、挿入管２０がシース管１６の外周側に設けられるため、シース管１６を外周側から大きな支持強度で支持できる。また、挿入管２０によってシース管１６を外周側から支持することで、逆にシース管１６に屈曲性をもたせることができ、これによって、シース管１６の取り扱いが容易になる。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the insertion tube 20 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the sheath tube 16 on the rear end side of the movable region 16a of the sheath tube 16. According to this embodiment, since the insertion tube 20 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the sheath tube 16, the sheath tube 16 can be supported from the outer peripheral side with a large supporting strength. Further, by supporting the sheath tube 16 from the outer peripheral side by the insertion tube 20, on the contrary, the sheath tube 16 can be made flexible, which facilitates the handling of the sheath tube 16.

一実施形態では、図１０に示すように、シース管１６の外周面と挿入管２０の内周面との間に空間ｓ２が形成され、空間ｓ２に弾性体８６が圧入される。この弾性体８６の摩擦力によってシース管１６と挿入管２０との軸方向の相対移動を抑制できると共に、シース管１６と挿入管２０との軸方向の熱伸び差による軸方向の若干の移動を許容可能に構成される。
一実施形態では、挿入管２０の先端側端部に空間ｓ２を閉じるリング状円盤８８が挿入管本体と一体に形成される。そして、リング状円盤８８に当接するように四角形断面を有する弾性体８６が空間ｓ２に圧入される。これによって、シース管１６及び挿入管２０に対する弾性体８６の摩擦力を増大できる。挿入管２０の後端側においても、弾性体８６を備える同様の構成を採用してもよい。In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a space s2 is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the sheath tube 16 and the inner peripheral surface of the insertion tube 20, and the elastic body 86 is press-fitted into the space s2. The frictional force of the elastic body 86 can suppress the relative movement of the sheath tube 16 and the insertion tube 20 in the axial direction, and the frictional force of the elastic body 86 causes a slight axial movement of the sheath tube 16 and the insertion tube 20 due to the difference in thermal elongation in the axial direction. Configured tolerable.
In one embodiment, a ring-shaped disk 88 that closes the space s2 is formed integrally with the insertion tube main body at the distal end side of the insertion tube 20. Then, the elastic body 86 having a quadrangular cross section is press-fitted into the space s2 so as to abut the ring-shaped disk 88. Thereby, the frictional force of the elastic body 86 with respect to the sheath tube 16 and the insertion tube 20 can be increased. A similar configuration including the elastic body 86 may be adopted on the rear end side of the insertion tube 20.

一実施形態では、図１２に示すように、挿入管２０は、少なくとも可動領域１６ａが先端から突出した状態でシース管１６を可動領域１６ａよりも後端側の外周で支持する第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）と、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）の後端側に接続される第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）と、を有する。検査対象箇所の周囲に障害物が多かったり、検査対象箇所の周囲が狭かったりする場合等に、挿入管が１本の長い管で構成される場合、取り回しが困難になる。
この実施形態によれば、挿入管２０を少なくとも第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）と第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）とに分割できるため、挿入管２０を第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）と第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）とに分割した状態で現場に持ち込み、現場でこれらを接続して１本の長い挿入管とすることで、挿入管２０の取り扱いが容易になる。In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the insertion tube 20 is a first insertion tube 20 that supports the sheath tube 16 on the outer periphery on the rear end side of the movable region 16a with at least the movable region 16a protruding from the tip. It has (20a) and a second insertion tube 20 (20b) connected to the rear end side of the first insertion tube 20 (20a). When there are many obstacles around the inspection target location or the circumference of the inspection target location is narrow, and the insertion tube is composed of one long tube, it becomes difficult to handle.
According to this embodiment, since the insertion tube 20 can be divided into at least the first insertion tube 20 (20a) and the second insertion tube 20 (20b), the insertion tube 20 can be divided into the first insertion tube 20 (20a) and the second insertion tube 20 (20a). The insertion tube 20 can be easily handled by bringing it to the site in a state of being divided into the insertion tube 20 (20b) and connecting these to form one long insertion tube at the site.

図１２に示す実施形態では、挿入管２０は、分割された３個の第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）、第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）及び第３挿入管２０（２０ｃ）を有する。挿入管２０を軸方向に沿って３個に分割することで、狭い空間での挿入管２０の取り扱いが容易になる。 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the insertion tube 20 has three divided first insertion tubes 20 (20a), a second insertion tube 20 (20b), and a third insertion tube 20 (20c). By dividing the intubation tube 20 into three pieces along the axial direction, the intubation tube 20 can be easily handled in a narrow space.

一実施形態では、図１３に示すように、分割された挿入管同士の結合構造は、一方の挿入管の端部９０と他方の挿入管の端部に形成された縮径部９２を突き合わせて嵌合し、両者をボルトなどの結合具９４で結合する。 In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the divided insertion tube coupling structure is such that the end 90 of one insertion tube and the reduced diameter portion 92 formed at the end of the other insertion tube are butted against each other. They are fitted and the two are joined by a binder 94 such as a bolt.

一実施形態では、図１４に示すように、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）及び第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）の少なくとも一方は、周方向に分割された２つの分割管２１（２１ａ、２１ｂ）を含む。
この実施形態によれば、図１１Ｂに示すように、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）及び第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）を夫々２つに分割した状態で現場に持ち込むことができるので、取り扱いが容易であり、かつ挿入管同士の接続が容易になる。即ち、被検査機器の内部への挿入の初期段階では、検査部１２と先端側の第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）とを組み合わせて挿入し、挿入管２０の長さが足りなくなったら、第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）を構成する２つの分割管２１（２１ａ、２１ｂ）を組み立てて第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）を形成し、形成した第２挿入管２０（２０ｂ）を第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）の後端に接続するようにする。In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, at least one of the first insertion tube 20 (20a) and the second insertion tube 20 (20b) is two split tubes 21 (21a, 21b) divided in the circumferential direction. including.
According to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11B, the first insertion tube 20 (20a) and the second insertion tube 20 (20b) can be brought to the site in a state of being divided into two, so that the handling can be performed. It is easy and the connection between the intubation tubes becomes easy. That is, in the initial stage of insertion into the inside of the device to be inspected, the inspection unit 12 and the first insertion tube 20 (20a) on the tip side are inserted in combination, and when the length of the insertion tube 20 becomes insufficient, the second insertion tube 20 is inserted. The two split tubes 21 (21a, 21b) constituting the insertion tube 20 (20b) are assembled to form the second insertion tube 20 (20b), and the formed second insertion tube 20 (20b) is used as the first insertion tube 20. Connect to the rear end of (20a).

一実施形態では、分割管２１（２１ａ、２１ｂ）の各々は、シース管１６を囲むように配置される。
なお、図１１Ｂにおいて、第１挿入管２０（２０ａ）は、一体管であってもよいし、周方向に沿って２つに分割された分割管２１（２１ａ、２１ｂ）で構成されていてもよい。In one embodiment, each of the split tubes 21 (21a, 21b) is arranged so as to surround the sheath tube 16.
In addition, in FIG. 11B, the first insertion tube 20 (20a) may be an integral tube, or may be composed of a split tube 21 (21a, 21b) divided into two along the circumferential direction. Good.

一実施形態では、図１５及び図１６に示すように、第１支持部８０は、シース管１６を囲むように形成された環状部９６と、少なくとも２つの脚部９８（９８ａ、９８ｂ）と、を有し、２つの脚部９８（９８ａ、９８ｂ）は夫々環状部９６からシース管１６の内面に接するようにシース管１６の径方向に沿って延在する。
この実施形態によれば、第１支持部８０が環状部９６及び脚部９８（９８ａ、９８ｂ）を有するために、ボアスコープ１４をシース管１６内の中心部に安定支持でき、これによって、コンパクトな構成でボアスコープ１４の周囲に冷却空気ａが通る空間ｓ１を確保できる。In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the first support 80 comprises an annular portion 96 formed to surround the sheath tube 16 and at least two legs 98 (98a, 98b). The two leg portions 98 (98a, 98b) extend from the annular portion 96 along the radial direction of the sheath tube 16 so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the sheath tube 16.
According to this embodiment, since the first support portion 80 has the annular portion 96 and the leg portions 98 (98a, 98b), the borescope 14 can be stably supported in the central portion in the sheath tube 16, thereby making it compact. With such a configuration, a space s1 through which the cooling air a passes can be secured around the bore scope 14.

一実施形態では、第１支持部８０は、第１支持部８０の周方向の少なくとも２ヵ所で分割された少なくとも２つの分割片１００（１００ａ、１００ｂ）を含む。２つの分割片１００（１００ａ、１００ｂ）は、夫々環状部９６がボアスコープ１４を囲むように配置されたとき、互いに当接可能であって、かつ結合具１０２（第１結合具）によって結合可能なフランジ部１０４を有する。２つの分割片１００（１００ａ、１００ｂ）をボアスコープ１４の周囲に配置し、フランジ部１０４を結合具１０２で結合することで、第１支持部８０を簡易に組み立てることができる。
この実施形態によれば、第１支持部８０が少なくとも２つの分割片１００（１００ａ、１００ｂ）を有し、かつフランジ部１０４で互いに結合可能であるため、ボアスコープ１４への着脱が容易になる。In one embodiment, the first support portion 80 includes at least two divided pieces 100 (100a, 100b) divided at at least two locations in the circumferential direction of the first support portion 80. The two divided pieces 100 (100a, 100b) can be brought into contact with each other when the annular portion 96 is arranged so as to surround the borescope 14, and can be joined by the binder 102 (first binder). Has a flange portion 104. The first support portion 80 can be easily assembled by arranging the two divided pieces 100 (100a, 100b) around the borescope 14 and connecting the flange portions 104 with the coupling tool 102.
According to this embodiment, since the first support portion 80 has at least two divided pieces 100 (100a, 100b) and can be coupled to each other by the flange portion 104, the attachment / detachment to / from the borescope 14 becomes easy. ..

一実施形態では、２つの脚部９８（９８ａ、９８ｂ）は、シース管１６にボルトなどの結合具１０６（第２結合具）によって結合可能に構成される。これによって、２つの脚部９８（９８ａ、９８ｂ）は結合具１０６によってシース管１６の軸方向に移動不能に設けられるため、ボアスコープ１４の可動区間１４ａを湾曲させてもボアスコープ１４の先端とシース管１６の先端との軸方向ずれを防止できる。従って、ボアスコープ１４を安定して冷却できると共に、シース管１６が観察ユニット１８の視野を妨げることを防止できる。
一実施形態では、図１５及び図１６に示すように、シース管１６にボルト孔１０６ａが形成され、ボルト孔１０６ａに結合具１０６としてボルトを螺合させることで、第１支持部８０を組み立てる。In one embodiment, the two legs 98 (98a, 98b) are configured to be connectable to the sheath tube 16 by a binder 106 (second connector) such as a bolt. As a result, the two legs 98 (98a, 98b) are provided by the coupling tool 106 so as not to be movable in the axial direction of the sheath tube 16, so that even if the movable section 14a of the borescope 14 is curved, the tip of the borescope 14 and the tip of the borescope 14 Axial deviation from the tip of the sheath tube 16 can be prevented. Therefore, the bore scope 14 can be stably cooled, and the sheath tube 16 can be prevented from obstructing the field of view of the observation unit 18.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a bolt hole 106a is formed in the sheath tube 16, and a bolt is screwed into the bolt hole 106a as a binder 106 to assemble the first support portion 80.

一実施形態では、図１０に示す第２支持部８４も第１支持部８０と同様の構成とすることができる。但し、第２支持部８４は、ボアスコープ１４とシース管１６との軸方向の熱伸び差を考慮し、これらの熱伸び差を許容可能にするために、シース管１６の軸方向への若干の移動が可能なように設けられてもよい。例えば、図１６に示す構成において、結合具１０６によるシース管１６への結合をしない構成とする。 In one embodiment, the second support portion 84 shown in FIG. 10 can have the same configuration as the first support portion 80. However, the second support portion 84 takes into consideration the difference in thermal elongation between the borescope 14 and the sheath tube 16 in the axial direction, and in order to allow these thermal elongation differences, the sheath tube 16 is slightly axially extended. It may be provided so that it can be moved. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the connector 106 does not connect to the sheath tube 16.

幾つかの実施形態によれば、被検査機器の内部で検査対象となる部位を特定可能な内視鏡装置を実現できる。 According to some embodiments, it is possible to realize an endoscope device capable of identifying a part to be inspected inside the device to be inspected.

１０内視鏡装置
１２検査部
１２ａ可動区間
１４ボアスコープ
１６シース管
１６ａ可動領域
１８観察ユニット
２０（２０ａ、２０ｂ、２０ｃ、２０ｄ）挿入管
２０（２０ａ）第１挿入管
２０（２０ｂ）第２挿入管
２０（２０ｃ）第３挿入管
２０（２０ｄ）第４挿入管
２１（２１ａ、２１ｂ）分割管
２２機器本体
２４送り機構部
２５、２７エンコーダ
２６旋回機構部
２８静止構造物
２９保護カバー
３０静止部
３１、３３円筒部
３２回転部
３４、９４、１０２、１０６結合具
１０６ａボルト孔
３６断熱材
３８ガイドチューブ
４０ラック
４２ピニオン
４４、５０ハンドル
４５、４６動力伝達部
４８ころ
５２軸方向溝部
５４ローラ部
５６車輪
５８支持台
６０ガイドレール
６２供回り部
６４プレート部
６６継手部
６８エアチューブ
７０キャップ
７２皿ボルト
７４ピン
８０第１支持部
８２先端部
８４第２支持部
８６弾性体
８８リング状円盤
９０端部
９２縮径部
９６環状部
９８（９８ａ、９８ｂ）脚部
１００（１００ａ、１００ｂ）分割片
１０４フランジ部
２００被検査機器
２００ａ入口壁
２０２車室壁
２０４車室
ａ冷却空気
ｓ１、ｓ２空間10 Endoscope device 12 Inspection unit 12a Movable section 14 Bolt scope 16 Sheath tube 16a Movable area 18 Observation unit 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, 20d) Insert tube 20 (20a) First insertion tube 20 (20b) Second insertion Pipe 20 (20c) Third insertion pipe 20 (20d) Fourth insertion pipe 21 (21a, 21b) Split pipe 22 Equipment body 24 Feed mechanism 25, 27 Encoder 26 Swivel mechanism 28 Static structure 29 Protective cover 30 Static 31, 33 Cylindrical part 32 Rotating part 34, 94, 102, 106 Fittings 106a Bolt hole 36 Insulation 38 Guide tube 40 Rack 42 Pinion 44, 50 Handle 45, 46 Power transmission part 48 Roller 52 Axial groove part 54 Roller part 56 Wheels 58 Support base 60 Guide rail 62 Around part 64 Plate part 66 Joint part 68 Air tube 70 Cap 72 Flat head bolt 74 Pin 80 1st support part 82 Tip part 84 2nd support part 86 Elastic body 88 Ring-shaped disk 90 End part 92 Reduced diameter part 96 Ring part 98 (98a, 98b) Leg part 100 (100a, 100b) Divided piece 104 Flange part 200 Equipment to be inspected 200a Entrance wall 202 Car room wall 204 Car room a Cooling air s1, s2 Space

Claims

An endoscopic device for inspecting the inside of the equipment to be inspected.
A borescope with an observation unit mounted on the tip, an inspection unit including a sheath tube in which the borescope is housed, and an inspection unit.
An insertion tube into which the inspection unit is inserted and
A feed mechanism unit capable of inserting or exiting the insertion tube into the device to be inspected,
A swivel mechanism unit capable of rotating the insertion tube inserted inside the device to be inspected about the axis, and a swivel mechanism unit.
Equipped with a,
The feed mechanism portion and the swivel mechanism portion are provided at different positions in the axial direction of the insertion pipe.
Wherein the rotational force generated by the rotation mechanism portion, the endoscope apparatus in which the feed mechanism together with the insertion tube is characterized Rukoto is configured to rotate.

The swivel mechanism unit
A stationary part supported by a stationary structure and
A rotating portion rotatably supported by the stationary portion, including a rotating portion configured to transmit the rotational force generated by the swivel mechanism portion.
The feed mechanism unit is connected to the rotary unit so that the rotational force is transmitted, and the rotational force transmitted to the feed mechanism unit is transmitted to the intubation tube. The endoscopic device according to claim 1.

The feed mechanism includes a pinion that meshes with a rack provided along the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion tube.
The endoscope device according to claim 2 , wherein the rotational force is transmitted to the feed mechanism portion via a meshing portion in which the rack and the pinion mesh with each other.

A roller portion into which a part of the wheel is inserted is further provided in the axial groove portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion pipe.
The roller portion is configured to rotate integrally with the feed mechanism portion.
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the rotational force transmitted to the feed mechanism portion is transmitted to the insertion tube via the roller portion. Endoscopic device.

The inspection unit is coupled to the intubation tube on the tip side of the intubation tube and
The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising a rotating portion provided on the proximal end side of the insertion tube to allow the inspection portion to rotate around the insertion tube. apparatus.

The surrounding part
A plate portion extending radially outward from the base end portion of the intubation tube,
A joint portion for fixing the plate portion and the inspection portion, and
The endoscopic apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the endoscope device comprises.

The sheath tube has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the borescope.
The endoscope device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein cooling air is introduced between the bore scope and the sheath tube.

The intubation tube
A first insertion tube that supports the inspection section with the inspection section protruding from the tip,
The second insertion tube connected to the rear end side of the first insertion tube,
The endoscopic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the endoscope device comprises.

Having said first insertion tube axial groove on the outer peripheral surface, the second insertion tube according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises a rack provided in the axial direction in the circumferential direction position continuous to the axial direction groove The endoscopic device described in.

The endoscope device according to claim 8 or 9 , wherein at least one of the first insertion tube and the second insertion tube includes two divided tubes divided in the circumferential direction.

The borescope has a movable section that is curved during a bending operation in a region exposed from the tip of the insertion tube, and the sheath tube has a movable region that can be curved following the curvature of the movable section.
A first support portion that is immovably provided in the axial direction of the sheath tube and grips a portion on the tip side of the movable section is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the sheath tube on the tip side of the movable region. The endoscopic apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

A claim comprising a second support portion provided on an inner peripheral surface of the sheath tube on the rear end side of the movable region and gripping a portion of the borescope on the rear end side of the movable section. Item 11. The endoscopic apparatus according to item 11.

The endoscope device according to claim 12 , wherein the sheath tube is configured to be bendable in at least a part of a region on the rear end side of the second support portion.

The present invention is characterized in that the insertion tube has rigidity against bending and is configured to support the sheath tube on the rear end side of the movable area in a state where the movable region protrudes from the tip end. The endoscopic device according to any one of 11 to 13.

The first support portion is
An annular portion formed so as to surround the borescope and
At least two legs extending along the radial direction of the sheath tube so as to be in contact with the inner surface of the sheath tube from the annular portion.
The endoscopic apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the endoscope device comprises.

The first support portion includes at least two divided pieces divided at at least two locations in the circumferential direction of the first support portion.
Each of the two divided pieces has a flange portion that can be brought into contact with each other and can be connected by the first coupling tool when the annular portion is arranged so as to surround the borescope. The endoscope device according to claim 15.

The endoscope device according to claim 15 or 16 , wherein the two legs are configured to be connectable to the sheath tube by a second coupling tool.