JPH06343595A - Cover type endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the cover type endoscope which can obtain a satisfactory observation visual field by eliminating a variation of optical performance generated by a fact that an interval between a lens cover and an objective optical system end face becomes wider than an interval between the lens cover and an illuminating optical system end face. CONSTITUTION:In an inserting cover part 3a, a lens cover 14 in which an objective optical system window 14a and an illuminating optical system window 14b are formed integrally is disposed, and the tip face of an objective optical system 45 of the cover endoscope 4 is disposed by protruding it from the tip face of an illuminating optical system 46. Therefore, as for an interval between the tip face of the objective optical system 45 and the lens cover 14, a relation of an interval X extending from the objective optical system window 14a of the lens cover 14 to the tip face of the objective optical system and an interval Y extending from the illuminating optical system window 14b to the tip face of the illuminating optical system becomes a relation of X<Y, and a satisfactory observation visual field can be obtained without generating a variation in optical performance of an observation system.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cover type endoscope in which a cover endoscope is inserted into an endoscope cover for use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in industrial fields, medical fields, and the like. Particularly, in an endoscope used in the medical field, body fluid or the like adheres to an insertion portion or a distal end portion when inserted into a body cavity of a patient. For this reason, it is necessary to surely prevent infections and the like by cleaning and sterilizing an endoscope once used for a patient.

Recently, the endoscope itself is covered with a cover (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope cover) to be inserted into the body cavity, while the endoscope cover is exchanged / discarded for each floor example, so that the endoscope after use can be used. A so-called cover-type endoscope is used, which simplifies cleaning and disinfection of the mirror.

In this cover type endoscope, a distal end opening portion and each duct opening into the body cavity of a patient are provided on the endoscope cover side,
An observation means and an illumination means that do not need to be opened in the body cavity of the patient are provided on the endoscope side for the cover.

That is, when performing an endoscopic examination, the inside of a body cavity is inspected while the cover endoscope is inserted into the endoscope cover.
Since treatment is performed, body fluid etc. will not adhere to the endoscope during the inspection / treatment, and the endoscope cover will be discarded after the inspection / treatment is completed, or cleaning for each case, or
It is possible to greatly reduce the time required for disinfection and improve the use efficiency.

Then, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 193023/1993
In the cover type endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-359218 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-359218, the end surface of the objective optical system and the end surface of the illumination optical system of the observation system of the cover endoscope inserted in the endoscope cover are substantially in the same plane. It was shaped to fit. Therefore, when the cover endoscope is arranged on the endoscope cover, the distance between the objective optical system end surface and the cover glass and the distance between the illumination optical system end surface and the cover glass are in a state of being in close contact with each other or the same. It was set to have intervals.

[0007]

However, it is very difficult to form the end face of the objective optical system and the end face of the illumination optical system of the observation system in substantially the same plane in the process of manufacturing the endoscope for a cover. Since this is a work, the positional relationship between the end surface of the objective optical system and the end surface of the illumination optical system has varied.

Similarly, in the process of manufacturing the endoscope cover, it was a very difficult task to set the inner surface of the cover glass corresponding to the objective optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope on the same plane.

On the other hand, since the relationship between the inner surface of the cover glass of the endoscope cover and the end face of the objective optical system and the end face of the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope is not taken into consideration, the cover endoscope and the inside of the cover endoscope are not considered. The distance between the cover glass and the end surface of the objective optical system may become wider than the distance between the cover glass and the end surface of the illumination optical system depending on how to combine with the endoscope cover.

Since the distance between the cover glass and the end surface of the objective optical system becomes wider than the distance between the cover glass and the end surface of the illumination optical system, the field of view of the objective optical system changes and uneven light distribution occurs. There is a problem that the optical performance of the observing system varies remarkably due to the occurrence, and a good observation visual field cannot be obtained.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the optical performance is generated when the distance between the cover glass and the end surface of the objective optical system becomes wider than the distance between the cover glass and the end surface of the illumination optical system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover-type endoscope that can obtain a good observation visual field by eliminating the variation of

[0012]

A cover-type endoscope of the present invention has a cover endoscope including an objective optical system and an illumination optical system of an observation system inserted into an endoscope cover including a cover glass. A cover-type endoscope used integrally as a cover glass, wherein when the cover endoscope is inserted into the endoscope cover, the distance from the inner surface of the cover glass to the front end surface of the objective optical system is the cover glass. It is formed to be narrower than the distance from the inner side surface to the front end surface of the illumination optical system.

[0013]

With this configuration, when the cover endoscope is inserted into the endoscope cover, the distance from the end surface of the objective optical system of the cover endoscope to the cover glass of the endoscope cover is set to the interval of the cover endoscope. It is arranged narrower than the distance from the end face of the illumination optical system to the cover glass of the endoscope cover.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus using a cover type endoscope, and FIG. 2 is an insertion portion cover of an endoscope cover. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover endoscope is attached to a portion, FIG. 3 is a front view of an endoscope cover in which the cover endoscope is inserted, and FIG. 4 is attached to an insertion portion cover portion of the endoscope cover. It is sectional drawing which shows the positional relationship of the objective optical system and illumination optical system of the endoscope for a cover. In this embodiment, the cover endoscope is an electronic endoscope, and the endoscope cover has a channel.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 is an apparatus including a cover type endoscope 2, and this cover type endoscope 2 is used.
Is composed of an endoscope cover 3 and a cover endoscope 4 that is inserted into and removed from the endoscope cover 3.

The cover endoscope 4 includes an insertion portion cover portion 3a for covering the sterilized endoscope insertion portion 41, an operation portion cover portion 3b for covering the endoscope operation portion 4b, and an endoscope. It is adapted to be covered by the endoscope cover 3 for preventing contamination which is constituted by the universal cord cover portion 3c which covers the universal cord 4c extending from the operation portion 4b. Further, the endoscope device 1 includes a cart 5 in which various peripheral devices connected to the cover-type endoscope 2 are installed, and a cover holder 6 that holds the cover-type endoscope 2.
And are provided.

The cart 5 includes, for example, a light source device 7 for supplying illumination light to the cover endoscope 4 and the cover endoscope 4.
A video processor 8 for driving an image pickup means built in the camera and processing a signal output from the image pickup means, converting the signal into a standard video signal and outputting the standard video signal to a monitor 8a, an air supply conduit 9a, a water supply conduit 9b, and a suction pipe. A fluid control device 9 for supplying air, water, and suction through the passage 9c and the like, and an endoscope cover extender used when inserting the cover endoscope 4 and the like into the endoscope cover 3 (hereinafter, extender 10) and the like are stored. An expansion tube 10a for sending air into the endoscope cover 3 extends from the expansion device 10 and is connected to an expansion tube mouth body described later.

Further, the cover holder 6 is a mouthpiece for fixing an endoscope operation portion, which is a base end portion of the insertion portion cover portion 3a when the cover endoscope 4 is inserted into and removed from the endoscope cover 3. The portion (hereinafter referred to as the fixing mouth portion) 11 is held by the cover holding portion 6a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion portion 41 of the cover endoscope 4 is inserted into the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3. As shown in the figure, the insertion portion cover portion 3a is a cover outer skin 13 in which a fixing mouth portion portion 11 arranged on the hand side and a tip forming portion 12 arranged on the tip end side are formed of a flexible material. Airtightly connected.

An endoscope insertion through hole 4 for inserting the insertion portion 41 of the cover endoscope 4 into the fixing mouth portion 11 is provided.
2, a forceps channel 43 that also serves as a suction conduit, an air / water feeding channel 44, and the like are inserted. An endoscope cover 3 into which the objective optical system 45 of the observation system of the cover endoscope 4 and a distal end portion in which an illumination optical system (not shown) is arranged are inserted.
As shown in FIG. 3, a cover glass 14 and an air / water supply nozzle 15 are provided in the tip forming portion 11 of a.

The fixing mouth 11 is provided with a forceps insertion mouth 46 and an expansion tube mouth 47.

As shown in FIG. 4, a cover glass 14 in which an objective optical system window 14a and an illumination optical system window 14b are integrally formed is arranged in the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3. I have set up. In addition, this cover crow 14
The objective optical system window 14a and the illumination optical system window 14b are formed on the same plane.

On the other hand, the objective optical system 45 disposed inside the cover endoscope 4 includes an objective lens group 45a in which a flare diaphragm, a spacing tube and a plurality of lenses are combined, a solid-state image pickup device, and an electric circuit board. And the signal cable bundle 45c and the like.

Further, the illumination optical system 46 includes an illumination lens 46.
a, a light guide fiber bundle 46b.

The tip end surface of the objective optical system 45 of the cover endoscope 4 is disposed so as to protrude from the tip end surface of the illumination optical system 46. Therefore, the distance between the tip surface of the objective optical system 45 and the cover glass 14 becomes X = 0 by bringing the objective optical system 45 and the cover glass 14 into close contact with each other, and the distance between the tip surface of the illumination optical system and the cover glass 14 becomes large. The interval is Y1,
Only Y2 will be formed.

The operation of the cover type endoscope 2 configured as described above will be described. The insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3 is attached to the cover holder 6, the extension tube 10a is connected to the extension tube mouth 47, and air is fed into the endoscope insertion channel while the cover endoscope 4 is attached. Insertion part 41
The front end surface of the objective optical system 45 arranged in
Insert it until it comes into contact with the cover glass 14 arranged in a. Then, the objective optical system window 14 of the cover glass 14
The front end surface of the objective optical system 45 of the cover endoscope 4 comes into close contact with a, and the illumination optical system 46 of the cover endoscope 4 is inserted into the illumination optical system window 14b at the interval Y (Y1, Y2). It

That is, the relationship between the distance X from the objective optical system window 14a of the cover glass 14 to the objective optical system tip surface and the distance Y from the illumination optical system window 14b to the illumination optical system tip surface is X (= 0) <Y.

After inserting the cover endoscope 4 into the insert portion cover portion 3a, the insert portion cover portion 3a and the cover endoscope 4 are fixed by a locking means (not shown), and the endoscope operating portion is inserted. 4b is covered with the operation portion cover 3b, the universal cord 4c is covered with the universal cord cover 3c, and inspection / treatment is performed. After the inspection / treatment is completed, the endoscope cover 3 is removed in the reverse order of the mounting procedure. Discard.

As described above, the tip end surface of the objective optical system disposed in the cover endoscope is projected within the predetermined size range from the tip end surface of the illumination optical system, and the cover glass on the same plane is disposed. The cover endoscope is attached to the endoscope cover, and the relationship between the distance X from the objective optical system window to the objective optical system tip surface and the distance Y from the illumination optical system window to the illumination optical system tip surface is expressed as X. By setting <Y, the spread of light rays incident on the objective optical system of the cover endoscope due to refraction in the air layer is eliminated (X = 0 in the present embodiment), and therefore the objective optical system of the endoscope cover glass. The field of view can be narrowed by making the outer shape of the system window slightly larger than the outer shape of the front end surface of the objective optical system.
A good observation visual field can be obtained without causing variations in the optical performance of the observation system due to uneven light distribution.

Further, since the outer shape of the objective optical system window of the endoscope cover glass need only be slightly larger than the outer shape of the front end surface of the objective optical system, the outer shape of the endoscope cover can be reduced. .

From the experimental results, it is known that a good observation field of view can be obtained by setting the distance between the illumination optical system window and the illumination optical system front end surface as X <Y≈0.3 mm.

Now, the structure and operation of the cover glass 14 used in the first embodiment will be described. 3 and 5
As shown in (a), the tip forming portion 1 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a.
The cover glass 14 arranged in 2 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape with the same thickness d, and the objective optical system window 14a and the illumination optical system window adjacent to both sides of the objective optical system window 14a. The flare due to illumination light is prevented by partitioning 14b and 14b with a thin metal shading plate 14c (having a thickness of 0.1 mm or less).

As shown in FIG. 5B, for example,
When using a rectangular parallelepiped cover glass 14 ',
By forming a notch 14d for the objective optical system 14'a in the center while leaving the illumination optical system window 14'b and fitting the objective optical system window 14'a, the objective optical system 14'a is cut off. The thickness of the cover glass 14 'integrally provided with the system window 14'a and the illumination optical system window 14'b can be changed to d1> d2. The illumination optical system window portion 14'a
Light-shielding members 14c are provided on both sides of and are fitted in the notches 14d to prevent flare due to illumination light.

As described above, by integrally forming the cover glass with the objective optical system window, the illumination optical system window and the light shielding member, the objective optical system window and the illumination optical system are provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope cover. It is not necessary to form the mounting holes for the system window at a predetermined interval, and by disposing the cover glass formed by disposing the thin light shielding member in one mounting hole, the endoscope cover The outer shape of the tip forming portion can be downsized.

By using a black adhesive as the light shielding member, the shape of the boundary surface between the objective optical system window and the illumination optical system window can be set arbitrarily, so that the cover formed integrally. The shape of the glass is not limited to the substantially semicircular shape or the rectangular parallelepiped shape, and can be set freely.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the abutting surface 21 is formed on the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3, and the abutting portion 51 that abuts the abutting surface 21 is formed on the cover endoscope 4. . In addition, the objective optical system 45 of the cover endoscope 4
And the front end surface of the illumination optical system 46 is projected from the front end surface of the cover endoscope 4, and the objective lens group 45a of the objective optical system 45 is provided.
While the lens frame 52 covers the entire circumference of the above, the light shielding agent 53 is applied to the entire circumference around the protruding portion of the illumination optical system 46.

The lens frame 52 is formed of a thin metal ring whose inner surface is light-shielded, and is arranged so as to project, for example, 0.1 mm from the front end surface of the objective optical system 45.

When the abutting portion 51 of the cover endoscope 4 comes into contact with the abutting surface 21 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a (the state shown in the figure), the lens frame 52 is provided with the lens frame 52.
Has a positional relationship in which it does not contact the cover glass 14a.

Further, the distance X (X) from the objective optical system window 14a of the cover glass 14 to the front end surface of the objective optical system 45.
<0.1), and from the illumination optical system window 14b to the illumination optical system 4
The relationship with the distance Y to the tip surface of 6 (= 0.2) is X <Y
It is configured so that

The other structure and operation are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, when the cover endoscope is inserted into the endoscope cover, the abutting portion formed on the cover endoscope is brought into contact with the abutting surface formed on the endoscope cover. By determining the position, the objective lens of the cover endoscope can be arranged at a desired position without contacting the tip surface of the objective optical system of the cover endoscope with the cover glass of the endoscope cover. It is possible to prevent damage to the lens of the optical system.

At this time, the window for the objective optical system and the front end surface of the objective optical system are formed by the lens frame projecting from the objective lens group and the light shielding agent covering the entire circumference of the projection surface of the illumination optical system. Even if a gap X is formed between them, it is possible to prevent the illumination light emitted from the illumination lens from jumping in.

It should be noted that instead of the lens frame covering the entire circumference of the objective lens group, the surface of the entire circumference of the objective lens group is black with 0.0
Similar effects can be obtained by applying a flare beam formed of a ring-shaped metal of about 3 mm or by applying a light shielding agent on the surface of the objective lens group. Other effects are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the projections of the front end surface of the objective optical system 45 and the front end surface of the illumination optical system 46 provided in the cover endoscope 4 are formed to have the same height, and the insertion section cover is formed. The illumination optical system cover glass 14b having the same thickness D disposed in the portion 3a is replaced with the objective optical system cover glass 14a.
On the other hand, the illumination optical system cover glass 14b is disposed so as to protrude from the endoscope cover front end surface with respect to the objective optical system cover glass 14a.

That is, the objective glass cover glass 14
It is configured such that the relationship between the distance X from a to the front end surface of the objective optical system (X <0.1) and the distance Y from the illumination optical system cover glass 14b to the front end surface of the illumination optical system is X <Y. is there.

When forming the projection amounts of the objective optical system cover glass 14a and the illumination optical system cover glass 14b from the front end surface of the endoscope cover to be the same, the thickness of the illumination optical system cover glass is set to the objective. It is sufficient to use a cover glass that is thinner than the thickness of the optical system cover glass. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

A modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the drawing, in this embodiment, the tip end surface of the illumination optical system 46 provided in the cover endoscope 4 projects from the tip end surface of the objective optical system 45. However, in this case, since the thickness D1 of the illumination optical system cover glass 14b is formed thinner than the thickness D2 of the objective optical system cover glass 14a, the distance from the objective optical system cover glass 14a to the front end surface of the objective optical system 45 is reduced. And the distance Y from the illumination optical system cover glass 14b to the front end surface of the illumination optical system 46 are configured so that X <Y. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, the objective optical system 45
The front end surface of the objective optical system 45 is brought into close contact with the cover glass 14a for the objective optical system.
Instead of being brought into contact with a and being in a close contact state, the insertion side is determined by abutting the inner side surface 3A of the endoscope cover and the front end surface 4A of the cover endoscope.

An application example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a rear perspective view 1 suitable for insertion into the duodenum and cannulation from Ferter's papilla or the like.
The present invention is applied to a so-called side-view type endoscope having a visual field center of 5 degrees or the like.

As shown in the figure, the objective optical system 4 of the cover endoscope 4 is provided on the side of the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3.
5 and the illumination optical system 46, an objective optical system cover glass 14a and an illumination optical system cover glass 14b having the same thickness are provided. Further, an abutting surface portion 90 for positioning the insertion position of the cover endoscope 4 is provided on the inner surface portion 91 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a.

On the other hand, the cover endoscope 4 is provided with an abutting portion 92 for determining the insertion position of the cover endoscope 4. In addition, an objective lens group 45b provided with a prism 93 that tilts the optical axis to the side as an objective optical system 45 and an image pickup device section (not shown) are provided inside the cover endoscope 4, and an illumination optical system 46 is provided. As a result, a light guide fiber bundle 46b and an illumination lens 46a, which are curved in a J shape so as to incline the central axis to the side, are provided. further,
A distance X from the side of the cover endoscope 4 to the tip surface of the objective optical system 45 and the tip surface of the illumination optical system 46 from the objective optical system cover glass 14a to the tip surface of the objective optical system 45.
From the illumination optical system cover glass 14b to the illumination optical system 4
The objective optical system is arranged so as to protrude from the illumination optical system so that the relationship with the distance Y to the tip surface of 6 is X <Y.
Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment. The cover glass for the objective optical system and the tip of the objective optical system are provided by applying a light shielding agent to the entire circumference of the protrusion of the tip of the objective optical system lens and the entire circumference of the protrusion of the tip of the illumination optical system lens. Even if a gap X is formed between the surface and
It is possible to prevent jumping of illumination light emitted from the illumination lens.

By the way, the endoscope cover into which the cover endoscope is inserted is discarded once used. Therefore, it is desirable that the endoscope cover be manufactured as inexpensively as possible. However, it is difficult to provide an inexpensive endoscope cover because the work of disposing the cover glass on the distal end constituent portion of the insertion portion cover portion is complicated. Therefore, by constructing the insertion portion cover portion of the endoscope cover into which the insertion portion of the cover endoscope is inserted, the assembling property is improved and an inexpensive endoscope cover is provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, the tip forming portion 12 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the present embodiment has a tip cover member 101 provided with a cover glass 14 formed on the tip forming portion 12 for insertion of the tip cover member. It is formed by being fitted into the through hole 102.

Further, a through hole 103 for inserting a cover endoscope through which the cover endoscope 4 is inserted is formed in the front cover member 101, and an objective optical system window and an illumination are provided at the front end portion of the front cover member 101. An observation window 140 formed of a single thin (about 0.5 mm thick) cover glass is provided without partitioning the optical system window with a partition member, while the outer periphery of the tip cover member and the tip cover member are inserted. A seal member such as an O-ring 104 that secures water with the through hole 103 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the side surface of the tip cover member. Further, a fixing screw 105 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the side surface of the tip cover member, and the through hole 10 for inserting the endoscope for a cover of the tip cover member 101 is provided.
The endoscope 4 for the cover inserted into the cover 3 can be fixed. In the cover endoscope 4, the objective optical system 45 is formed so as to protrude from the illumination optical system 46. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, the same members are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the cover type endoscope 2 using the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3 configured as described above will be described. The insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3 is attached to the cover holder 6, the extension tube 10a is connected to the extension tube mouth 47, and air is supplied into the endoscope insertion channel to cover the endoscope. Insert the mirror 4. Then, the tip of the insertion portion of the cover endoscope 4 projects from the opening of the tip cover member insertion through hole 103 formed in the insertion portion cover portion 3a. In this state, the tip end of the cover endoscope 4 is covered with the tip cover member 101. At this time, the objective optical system 4 of the cover endoscope 4 is attached to the cover glass 140.
By arranging 5 so as to be in close contact, the illumination optical system 4
6 are exposed at a predetermined interval Y.

Here, the cover endoscope 4 is fixed to the distal end cover member 101 by the fixing screw 105, and the distal end cover member 101 is fitted into a predetermined position of the insertion portion cover portion 3a, so that the cover glass and the objective optical system. The relationship between the distance X to the front surface of the system and the distance Y to the front surface of the illumination optical system is X (= 0) <Y.

Then, the operation section cover (not shown) is covered with the operation section cover, and the universal cord is covered with the universal code cover for inspection / treatment. After the inspection / treatment is completed, the procedure is the reverse of the mounting procedure. Remove the cover and discard.

As described above, the tip cover member provided with the thin cover glass without the partition member is formed by another member fitted into the tip forming portion, and the objective optical system of the cover endoscope is used as the cover glass. Since they are used in close contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the flare of illumination light, and to solve the problems of optical performance due to the visibility and uneven distribution of light.

Further, since the cover endoscope can be reliably positioned and fixed to the tip cover member fitted to the endoscope cover with the screw, the cover endoscope can be operated when the bending portion is bent. It can be inspected without moving in the cover.

By the way, in the cover type endoscope, the cover endoscope inserted into the insertion portion cover portion has the cover endoscope inserted through the through hole for insertion of the cover endoscope. The tip was inserted and fixed.

Therefore, when the cover-type endoscope is fixed by a loose fit, the distal end of the cover endoscope attached to the endoscope cover moves axially when the cover-type endoscope is bent. It has been a factor that deteriorates the optical performance such as shading and uneven light distribution.

Further, in the case where the friction member is provided and the frictional force is utilized for stable fixing, a considerable amount of force is required at the time of insertion due to the provision of the friction member. Since the cover endoscope cannot be mounted at a predetermined position, it has been a factor that reduces the optical performance such as the visibility and uneven light distribution.

Therefore, by constructing the endoscope cover as follows, the mountability is excellent, and when the cover type endoscope is bent, the mounting portion of the cover endoscope is mounted in the axial direction. You can eliminate movement.

As shown in FIG. 11 (a), the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3 of this embodiment includes an endoscope insertion lumen 111 and, for example, one conduit channel lumen 1.
And a sealing member 113 for airtightly sealing the channel channel 112a and its surroundings at the proximal end of the channel channel lumen 112.
And an air supply mouthpiece 11 to which pressurizing means such as a syringe can be connected
4 is provided, and a seal member 115 and an expansion tube mouth member 116 are provided at the proximal end of the endoscope insertion lumen 111.

Further, the endoscope insertion lumen 111 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a formed of the double lumen tube.
Interface part 120 between the lumen 112 for the pipe channel and
Is formed thinner than other components so that it can be deformed by air pressure, or is formed of an elastic member.

As shown in (b) of the figure, a space is provided between the endoscope insertion lumen 111 and the cover endoscope 4 to seal the proximal end of the endoscope insertion lumen 111. The structure may be such that the member 115 and the expansion tube mouth member 116 are not provided. In addition, a multi-lumen tube may be used for the insertion portion cover portion 3a to provide a plurality of conduit channels.

Insert section cover section 3a constructed as described above
The operation of the cover-type endoscope 2 provided with will be described. First, insertion / removal of the cover endoscope 4 into / from the insertion portion cover portion 3a will be described. As shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 12 (a), when the cover endoscope 4 is inserted / removed, for example, air is supplied from the expansion tube mouth 116 into the endoscope insertion lumen to clean the inside. Pressurization is performed by forming a gap between the endoscope insertion lumen 111 and the cover endoscope 4. In addition, since the gap between the endoscope insertion lumen 111 and the cover endoscope 4 is provided from the beginning in the insert cover portion 3a shown in FIG. 11B, the cover endoscope is in a normal state. 4 can be inserted and removed.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 11B and 12B, when the cover endoscope 4 is inserted to a predetermined position of the insertion portion cover portion 3a, the cover endoscope 4 is positioned. For fixing, a pressure means 121 is connected to the air supply cap 114 to supply air into the lumen for the channel. Then, the boundary surface portion 120 is deformed by the air that has been fed, and the cover endoscope 4 is brought into close contact with the endoscope insertion lumen 111.

As described above, the endoscope cover is formed of a multi-lumen tube having a plurality of lumens, and
Since the boundary surface portion with each lumen is configured to be deformable by air pressure, insertion and removal of the cover endoscope into and from the endoscope cover can be performed easily and reliably, and the boundary of the endoscope cover It is possible to eliminate axial movement of the cover endoscope at the time of inspection by bringing the cover endoscope, which is inserted by deforming the surface portion by air pressure, into close contact with the endoscope insertion lumen.

Further, since the insertion portion cover portion and the cover endoscope are brought into close contact with and integrated with each other during the inspection, the bending operation can be performed smoothly, so that the insertion portion can be bent or twisted downward. It can be easily inserted into and removed from the digestive tract.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a lumen 111 for inserting an endoscope and a lumen 11 for two conduit channels are provided.
By forming the insertion-portion cover portion 3a with a multi-lumen tube provided with 2a, 112b and a pressure-applying lumen 122 having a deformable interface 120, the interface 120 of the pressure-applying lumen 122 is formed by a chain double-dashed line. The cover endoscope 4 is inserted and removed at a position, air is supplied to deform the boundary surface portion 120 to the position of the solid line, and the cover endoscope 4 is fixed, so that the same as in the double lumen tube of the above-described embodiment. The action and effect can be obtained.

[0072]

According to the present invention, variations in optical performance caused by the gap between the cover glass and the end face of the objective optical system becoming wider than the gap between the cover glass and the end face of the illumination optical system are eliminated. It is possible to provide a cover-type endoscope that can obtain a good observation visual field.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus using a cover-type endoscope.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover endoscope is attached to an insertion portion cover portion of the endoscope cover.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an endoscope cover with a cover endoscope inserted.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the objective optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope mounted on the insertion portion cover portion of the endoscope cover.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a cover glass.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the objective optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope mounted on the insertion-portion cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the objective optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope mounted on the insertion-portion cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a positional relationship between an objective optical system and an illumination optical system of a cover endoscope mounted on an insertion section cover section according to a modification of the third example of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the objective optical system and the illumination optical system when the side-view endoscope according to the application example of the present invention is mounted on the insertion-portion cover.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the insertion section cover section.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an insertion portion cover portion formed of a double lumen tube.

12 is a sectional view taken along the line AA and a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an insertion portion cover portion formed of a multi-lumen tube.

[Explanation of symbols]

3 ... Endoscope cover 14 ... Cover glass 45 ... Objective optical system 46 ... Illumination optical system X ... Distance from objective optical system of cover endoscope to cover glass Y ... Cover optical system from illumination optical system Distance to glass

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] December 13, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Document name] Statement

[Title of Invention] Cover-type endoscope

[Claims]

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cover type endoscope in which a cover endoscope is inserted into an endoscope cover for use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in industrial fields, medical fields, and the like. Particularly, in an endoscope used in the medical field, body fluid or the like adheres to an insertion portion or a distal end portion when inserted into a body cavity of a patient. For this reason, it is necessary to surely prevent infections and the like by cleaning and sterilizing an endoscope once used for a patient.

Recently, the endoscope itself is covered with a cover (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope cover) to be inserted into the body cavity, while the endoscope cover is exchanged / discarded for each floor example, so that the endoscope after use can be used. A so-called cover-type endoscope is used, which simplifies cleaning and disinfection of the mirror.

In this cover type endoscope, a distal end opening portion and each duct opening into the body cavity of a patient are provided on the endoscope cover side,
An observation means and an illumination means that do not need to be opened in the body cavity of the patient are provided on the endoscope side for the cover.

That is, when performing an endoscopic examination, the inside of a body cavity is inspected while the cover endoscope is inserted into the endoscope cover.
Since treatment is performed, body fluid etc. will not adhere to the endoscope during the inspection / treatment, and the endoscope cover will be discarded after the inspection / treatment is completed, or cleaning for each case, or
It is possible to greatly reduce the time required for disinfection and improve the use efficiency.

Then, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 193023/1993
In the cover type endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-359218 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-359218, the end surface of the objective optical system and the end surface of the illumination optical system of the observation system of the cover endoscope inserted in the endoscope cover are substantially in the same plane. It was shaped to fit. Therefore, when the cover endoscope is arranged on the endoscope cover, the distance between the objective optical system end face and the lens cover and the distance between the illumination optical system end face and the lens cover are in a state of being in close contact with each other or the same. It was set to have intervals.

[0007]

However, it is very difficult to form the end face of the objective optical system and the end face of the illumination optical system of the observation system in substantially the same plane in the process of manufacturing the endoscope for a cover. Since this is a work, the positional relationship between the end surface of the objective optical system and the end surface of the illumination optical system has varied.

Similarly, in the process of manufacturing the endoscope cover, it was a very difficult task to set the inner surface of the lens cover corresponding to the objective optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope to the same plane.

On the other hand, since the relationship between the inner surface of the lens cover of the endoscope cover and the end surface of the objective optical system and the end surface of the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope is not taken into consideration, the cover endoscope and the internal surface of the cover endoscope are not considered. The distance between the lens cover and the end surface of the objective optical system may become wider than the distance between the lens cover and the end surface of the illumination optical system depending on how to combine with the endoscope cover.

The distance between the lens cover and the end surface of the objective optical system becomes wider than the distance between the lens cover and the end surface of the illumination optical system, so that the visual field range of the objective optical system changes and uneven light distribution occurs. There is a problem that the optical performance of the observing system varies remarkably due to the occurrence, and a good observation visual field cannot be obtained.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the optical performance is generated when the distance between the lens cover and the end surface of the objective optical system becomes wider than the distance between the lens cover and the end surface of the illumination optical system. It is an object of the present invention to provide a cover-type endoscope that can obtain a good observation visual field by eliminating the variation of

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A cover-type endoscope according to the present invention is a cover-type endoscope including an objective optical system and an illuminating optical system of an observation system in an endoscope cover having a transparent lens cover. A cover-type endoscope which is inserted and used integrally, wherein when a cover endoscope is inserted into the endoscope cover, the distance from the inner surface of the lens cover to the front end surface of the objective optical system is The distance between the inner surface of the lens cover and the end surface of the illumination optical system is narrower.

[0013]

With this configuration, when the cover endoscope is inserted into the endoscope cover, the distance from the end surface of the objective optical system of the cover endoscope to the lens cover of the endoscope cover is equal to that of the cover endoscope. It is arranged narrower than the distance from the end surface of the illumination optical system to the lens cover of the endoscope cover.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus using a cover type endoscope, and FIG. 2 is an insertion portion cover of an endoscope cover. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover endoscope is attached to a portion, FIG. 3 is a front view of an endoscope cover in which the cover endoscope is inserted, and FIG. 4 is attached to an insertion portion cover portion of the endoscope cover. It is sectional drawing which shows the positional relationship of the objective optical system and illumination optical system of the endoscope for a cover. In this embodiment, the cover endoscope is an electronic endoscope, and the endoscope cover has a channel.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 is an apparatus including a cover type endoscope 2, and this cover type endoscope 2 is used.
Is composed of an endoscope cover 3 and a cover endoscope 4 that is inserted into and removed from the endoscope cover 3.

The cover endoscope 4 includes an insertion portion cover portion 3a for covering the sterilized endoscope insertion portion 41, an operation portion cover portion 3b for covering the endoscope operation portion 4b, and an endoscope. It is adapted to be covered by the endoscope cover 3 for preventing contamination which is constituted by the universal cord cover portion 3c which covers the universal cord 4c extending from the operation portion 4b. Further, the endoscope device 1 includes a cart 5 in which various peripheral devices connected to the cover-type endoscope 2 are installed, and a cover holder 6 that holds the cover-type endoscope 2.
And are provided.

The cart 5 includes, for example, a light source device 7 for supplying illumination light to the cover endoscope 4 and the cover endoscope 4.
A video processor 8 for driving an image pickup means built in the camera and processing a signal output from the image pickup means, converting the signal into a standard video signal and outputting the standard video signal to a monitor 8a, an air supply conduit 9a, a water supply conduit 9b, and a suction pipe. A fluid control device 9 for supplying air, water, and suction through the passage 9c and the like, and an endoscope cover extender used when inserting the cover endoscope 4 and the like into the endoscope cover 3 (hereinafter, extender 10) and the like are stored. An expansion tube 10a for sending air into the endoscope cover 3 extends from the expansion device 10 and is connected to an expansion tube mouth body described later.

Further, the cover holder 6 is a mouthpiece for fixing an endoscope operation portion, which is a base end portion of the insertion portion cover portion 3a when the cover endoscope 4 is inserted into and removed from the endoscope cover 3. The portion (hereinafter referred to as the fixing mouth portion) 11 is held by the cover holding portion 6a.

As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion portion 41 of the cover endoscope 4 is inserted into the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3. As shown in the figure, the insertion portion cover portion 3a is a cover outer skin 13 in which a fixing mouth portion portion 11 arranged on the hand side and a tip forming portion 12 arranged on the tip end side are formed of a flexible material. Airtightly connected.

An endoscope insertion through hole 4 for inserting the insertion portion 41 of the cover endoscope 4 into the fixing mouth portion 11 is provided.
2, a forceps channel 43 that also serves as a suction conduit, an air / water feeding channel 44, and the like are inserted. An endoscope cover 3 into which the objective optical system 45 of the observation system of the cover endoscope 4 and a distal end portion in which an illumination optical system (not shown) is arranged are inserted.
As shown in FIG. 3, a lens cover 14 and an air / water supply nozzle 15 are provided in the tip forming portion 11 of a.

The fixing mouth 11 is provided with a forceps insertion mouth 43a and an expansion tube mouth 47.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the cover portion 3a of the insertion portion of the endoscope cover 3, for example, a transparent lens cover 14 in which an objective optical system window 14a and an illumination optical system window 14b are integrally formed. Are installed. In addition, this cover crow 1
4 is formed so that the objective optical system window 14a and the illumination optical system window 14b are on the same plane.

On the other hand, the objective optical system 45 disposed inside the cover endoscope 4 includes an objective lens group 45a in which a flare diaphragm, a spacing tube and a plurality of lenses are combined, a solid-state image pickup device, and an electric circuit board. And the signal cable bundle 45c and the like.

Further, the illumination optical system 46 includes an illumination lens 46.
a, a light guide fiber bundle 46b.

The tip end surface of the objective optical system 45 of the cover endoscope 4 is disposed so as to protrude from the tip end surface of the illumination optical system 46. Therefore, the distance between the front end surface of the objective optical system 45 and the lens cover 14 becomes X = 0 by bringing the objective optical system 45 and the lens cover 14 into close contact with each other, and the distance between the front end surface of the illumination optical system and the lens cover 14 becomes large. The interval is Y1,
Only Y2 will be formed.

The operation of the cover type endoscope 2 configured as described above will be described. The insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3 is attached to the cover holder 6, the extension tube 10a is connected to the extension tube mouth 47, and air is fed into the endoscope insertion channel while the cover endoscope 4 is attached. Insertion part 41
The front end surface of the objective optical system 45 arranged in
Insert the lens cover 14 until it comes into contact with the lens cover 14 arranged in a. Then, the objective optical system window 14 of the lens cover 14
The front end surface of the objective optical system 45 of the cover endoscope 4 comes into close contact with a, and the illumination optical system 46 of the cover endoscope 4 is inserted into the illumination optical system window 14b at the interval Y (Y1, Y2). It

That is, the relationship between the distance X from the objective optical system window 14a of the lens cover 14 to the objective optical system tip surface and the distance Y from the illumination optical system window 14b to the illumination optical system tip surface is X (= 0) <Y.

After inserting the cover endoscope 4 into the insert portion cover portion 3a, the insert portion cover portion 3a and the cover endoscope 4 are fixed by a locking means (not shown), and the endoscope operating portion is inserted. 4b is covered with the operation portion cover 3b, the universal cord 4c is covered with the universal cord cover 3c, and inspection / treatment is performed. After the inspection / treatment is completed, the endoscope cover 3 is removed in the reverse order of the mounting procedure. Discard.

As described above, the tip end surface of the objective optical system provided in the cover endoscope is projected from the tip end surface of the illumination optical system within a predetermined size range, and the lens cover of the same plane is provided. The cover endoscope is attached to the endoscope cover, and the relationship between the distance X from the objective optical system window to the objective optical system tip surface and the distance Y from the illumination optical system window to the illumination optical system tip surface is expressed as X. By setting <Y, the spread of light rays incident on the objective optical system of the cover endoscope by refraction in the air layer is eliminated (X = 0 in the present embodiment), so that the objective optical system of the endoscope lens cover is eliminated. The field of view can be narrowed by making the outer shape of the system window slightly larger than the outer shape of the front end surface of the objective optical system.
A good observation visual field can be obtained without causing variations in the optical performance of the observation system due to uneven light distribution.

Since the outer shape of the objective optical system window of the endoscope lens cover need only be slightly larger than the outer shape of the front end surface of the objective optical system, the outer shape of the endoscope cover can be reduced. .

From the experimental results, it is known that a good observation field of view can be obtained by setting the distance between the illumination optical system window and the illumination optical system front end surface as X <Y≈0.3 mm.

Now, the structure and operation of the lens cover 14 used in the first embodiment will be described. 3 and 5
As shown in (a), the tip forming portion 1 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a.
The lens cover 14 disposed in No. 2 is formed in a substantially semicircular shape with the same thickness d, and has an objective optical system window 14a and an illumination optical system window adjacent to both sides of the objective optical system window 14a. The flare due to illumination light is prevented by partitioning 14b and 14b with a thin metal shading plate 14c (having a thickness of 0.1 mm or less).

As shown in FIG. 5B, for example,
When using the rectangular lens cover 14 ',
By forming a notch 14d for the objective optical system 14'a in the center while leaving the illumination optical system window 14'b and fitting the objective optical system window 14'a, the objective optical system 14'a is cut off. The thickness of the lens cover 14 'integrally provided with the system window portion 14'a and the illumination optical system window portion 14'b can be changed to d1> d2. The illumination optical system window portion 14'a
Light-shielding members 14c are provided on both sides of and are fitted in the notches 14d to prevent flare due to illumination light.

As described above, by integrally forming the lens cover with the objective optical system window, the illumination optical system window and the light shielding member, the objective optical system window and the illumination optical system are provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope cover. It is not necessary to form the mounting holes for the system window at a predetermined interval, and by disposing the lens cover formed by disposing the thin light shielding member in one mounting hole, The outer shape of the tip forming portion can be downsized.

By using a black adhesive for the light shielding member, the shape of the boundary surface between the objective optical system window and the illumination optical system window can be set arbitrarily, so that the lens formed integrally. The shape of the cover is not limited to a substantially semicircular shape or a rectangular parallelepiped, and can be set freely. Further, the window for the objective optical system and the window for the illumination optical system may have the same shape, such as a rectangle and a diamond. The material of the lens cover may be a resin material such as polycarbonate or methacrylic resin, or glass such as BSL7. or,
The surface may be an antireflection coat, or may be surface-treated so as to block ultraviolet rays, infrared rays, laser light, or the like. The objective optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope are not necessarily lens-shaped such as concave or convex, and may be flat plates or fiber bundle ends.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the abutting surface 21 is formed on the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3, and the abutting portion 51 that abuts the abutting surface 21 is formed on the cover endoscope 4. . In addition, the objective optical system 45 of the cover endoscope 4
And the front end surface of the illumination optical system 46 is projected from the front end surface of the cover endoscope 4, and the objective lens group 45a of the objective optical system 45 is provided.
While the lens frame 52 covers the entire circumference of the above, the light shielding agent 53 is applied to the entire circumference around the protruding portion of the illumination optical system 46.

The lens frame 52 is formed of a thin metal ring whose inner surface is light-shielded, and is arranged so as to project, for example, 0.1 mm from the front end surface of the objective optical system 45.

When the abutting portion 51 of the cover endoscope 4 comes into contact with the abutting surface 21 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a (the state shown in the figure), the lens frame 52 is provided with the lens frame 52.
Has a positional relationship in which it does not contact the lens cover 14a.

Further, the distance X (X) from the objective optical system window 14a of the lens cover 14 to the front end surface of the objective optical system 45.
<0.1), and from the illumination optical system window 14b to the illumination optical system 4
The relationship with the distance Y to the tip surface of 6 (= 0.2) is X <Y
It is configured so that

The other structure and operation are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, when the cover endoscope is inserted into the endoscope cover, the abutting portion formed on the cover endoscope is brought into contact with the abutting surface formed on the endoscope cover. By deciding the position, the objective surface of the cover endoscope can be arranged at a desired position without contacting the front end surface of the objective optical system of the cover endoscope with the lens cover of the endoscope cover. It is possible to prevent damage to the lens of the optical system.

At this time, the window for the objective optical system and the front end surface of the objective optical system are formed by the lens frame projecting from the objective lens group and the light shielding agent covering the entire circumference of the projection surface of the illumination optical system. Even if a gap X is formed between them, it is possible to prevent the illumination light emitted from the illumination lens from jumping in.

It should be noted that instead of the lens frame covering the entire circumference of the objective lens group, the surface of the entire circumference of the objective lens group is black with 0.0
Similar effects can be obtained by applying a flare beam formed of a ring-shaped metal of about 3 mm or by applying a light shielding agent on the surface of the objective lens group. Other effects are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the projections of the front end surface of the objective optical system 45 and the front end surface of the illumination optical system 46 provided in the cover endoscope 4 are formed to have the same height, and the insertion section cover is formed. The illumination optical system lens cover 14b having the same thickness D disposed in the portion 3a is replaced with the objective optical system lens cover 14a.
On the other hand, the illumination optical system lens cover 14b is disposed so as to protrude from the endoscope cover front end surface with respect to the objective optical system lens cover 14a.

That is, the objective optical system lens cover 14
The distance X from a to the front end surface of the objective optical system (X <0.1) and the distance Y from the illumination optical system lens cover 14b to the front end surface of the illumination optical system are configured so that X <Y. is there.

When forming the projection amounts of the objective optical system lens cover 14a and the illumination optical system lens cover 14b from the front end surface of the endoscope cover to be the same, the thickness of the illumination optical system lens cover is set to the objective. A lens cover formed to be thinner than the thickness of the optical system lens cover may be used. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

A modification of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the drawing, in this embodiment, the tip end surface of the illumination optical system 46 provided in the cover endoscope 4 projects from the tip end surface of the objective optical system 45. However, in this case, since the thickness D1 of the illumination optical system lens cover 14b is made thinner than the thickness D2 of the objective optical system lens cover 14a, the distance from the objective optical system lens cover 14a to the front end surface of the objective optical system 45 is increased. And the distance Y from the illumination optical system lens cover 14b to the tip end surface of the illumination optical system 46 are X <Y. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

In this embodiment, the objective optical system 45
The front end surface of the objective optical system 45 is closely attached to the lens cover 14a.
Instead of being brought into contact with a and being in a close contact state, the insertion side is determined by abutting the inner side surface 3A of the endoscope cover and the front end surface 4A of the cover endoscope.

An application example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is a rear perspective view 1 suitable for insertion into the duodenum and cannulation from Ferter's papilla or the like.
The present invention is applied to a so-called side-view type endoscope having a visual field center of 5 degrees or the like.

As shown in the figure, the objective optical system 4 of the cover endoscope 4 is provided on the side of the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3.
5 and the illumination optical system 46, an objective optical system lens cover 14a and an illumination optical system lens cover 14b having the same thickness are provided. Further, an abutting surface portion 90 for positioning the insertion position of the cover endoscope 4 is provided on the inner surface portion 91 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a.

On the other hand, the cover endoscope 4 is provided with an abutting portion 92 for determining the insertion position of the cover endoscope 4. In addition, an objective lens group 45b provided with a prism 93 that tilts the optical axis to the side as an objective optical system 45 and an image pickup device section (not shown) are provided inside the cover endoscope 4, and an illumination optical system 46 is provided. As a result, a light guide fiber bundle 46b and an illumination lens 46a, which are curved in a J shape so as to incline the central axis to the side, are provided. further,
A distance X from the side of the cover endoscope 4 to the tip surface of the objective optical system 45 and the tip surface of the illumination optical system 46 from the objective optical system lens cover 14a to the tip surface of the objective optical system 45.
And the illumination optical system 4 from the illumination optical system lens cover 14b.
The objective optical system is arranged so as to protrude from the illumination optical system so that the relationship with the distance Y to the tip surface of 6 is X <Y.
Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those in the above-mentioned embodiment. The objective optical system lens cover and the objective optical system tip are provided by applying a light-shielding agent to the entire circumference of the protrusion of the objective optical system lens group and the entire circumference of the illumination optical system lens tip. Even if a gap X is formed between the surface and
It is possible to prevent jumping of illumination light emitted from the illumination lens.

By the way, the endoscope cover into which the cover endoscope is inserted is discarded once used. Therefore, it is desirable that the endoscope cover be manufactured as inexpensively as possible. However, it is difficult to provide an inexpensive endoscope cover because the work of disposing the lens cover on the distal end constituent portion of the insertion portion cover portion is complicated. Therefore, by constructing the insertion portion cover portion of the endoscope cover into which the insertion portion of the cover endoscope is inserted, the assembling property is improved and an inexpensive endoscope cover is provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, the distal end constituting portion 12 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a of this embodiment has a distal end cover member 101 provided with a lens cover 14 formed on the distal end constituting portion 12 for insertion of the distal end cover member. It is formed by being fitted into the through hole 102.

Further, a through hole 103 for inserting a cover endoscope through which the cover endoscope 4 is inserted is formed in the front cover member 101, and an objective optical system window and an illumination are provided at the front end portion of the front cover member 101. An observation window 140 formed by a single thin-walled lens cover (thickness of about 0.5 mm) is provided without partitioning the optical system window with a partition member, while the outer periphery of the tip cover member and the tip cover member are inserted. A seal member such as an O-ring 104 for ensuring water tightness with the through hole 103 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the side surface of the tip cover member. Further, a fixing screw 105 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the side surface of the tip cover member, and the through hole 10 for inserting the endoscope for a cover of the tip cover member 101 is provided.
The endoscope 4 for the cover inserted into the cover 3 can be fixed. In the cover endoscope 4, the objective optical system 45 is formed so as to protrude from the illumination optical system 46. Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, the same members are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the cover type endoscope 2 using the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3 configured as described above will be described. The insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3 is attached to the cover holder 6, the extension tube 10a is connected to the extension tube mouth 47, and air is supplied into the endoscope insertion channel to cover the endoscope. Insert the mirror 4. Then, the tip of the insertion portion of the cover endoscope 4 projects from the opening of the tip cover member insertion through hole 103 formed in the insertion portion cover portion 3a. In this state, the tip end of the cover endoscope 4 is covered with the tip cover member 101. At this time, the objective optical system 4 of the cover endoscope 4 is attached to the lens cover 140.
By arranging 5 so as to be in close contact, the illumination optical system 4
6 are exposed at a predetermined interval Y.

Here, the cover endoscope 4 is fixed to the distal end cover member 101 by the fixing screw 105, and the distal end cover member 101 is fitted into a predetermined position of the insertion portion cover portion 3a, so that the lens cover and the objective optical system. The relationship between the distance X to the front surface of the system and the distance Y to the front surface of the illumination optical system is X (= 0) <Y.

Then, the operation section cover (not shown) is covered with the operation section cover, and the universal cord is covered with the universal code cover for inspection / treatment. After the inspection / treatment is completed, the procedure is the reverse of the mounting procedure. Remove the cover and discard.

As described above, the tip cover member provided with the thin lens cover without the partition member is formed by another member to be fitted into the tip constituting portion, and the objective optical system of the cover endoscope is used as the lens cover. Since they are used in close contact with each other, it is possible to prevent the flare of illumination light, and to solve the problems of optical performance due to the visibility and uneven distribution of light.

Further, since the cover endoscope can be reliably positioned and fixed to the tip cover member fitted to the endoscope cover with the screw, the cover endoscope can be operated when the bending portion is bent. It can be inspected without moving in the cover.

By the way, in the cover type endoscope, the cover endoscope inserted into the insertion portion cover portion has the cover endoscope inserted through the through hole for insertion of the cover endoscope. The tip was inserted and fixed.

Therefore, when the cover-type endoscope is fixed by a loose fit, the distal end of the cover endoscope attached to the endoscope cover moves axially when the cover-type endoscope is bent. It has been a factor that deteriorates the optical performance such as shading and uneven light distribution.

Further, in the case where the friction member is provided and the frictional force is utilized for stable fixing, a considerable amount of force is required at the time of insertion due to the provision of the friction member. Since the cover endoscope cannot be mounted at a predetermined position, it has been a factor that reduces the optical performance such as the visibility and uneven light distribution.

Therefore, by constructing the endoscope cover as follows, the mountability is excellent, and when the cover type endoscope is bent, the mounting portion of the cover endoscope is mounted in the axial direction. You can eliminate movement.

As shown in FIG. 11 (a), the insertion portion cover portion 3a of the endoscope cover 3 of this embodiment includes an endoscope insertion lumen 111 and, for example, one conduit channel lumen 1.
And a sealing member 113 for airtightly sealing the channel channel 112a and its surroundings at the proximal end of the channel channel lumen 112.
And an air supply mouthpiece 11 to which pressurizing means such as a syringe can be connected
4 is provided, and a seal member 115 and an expansion tube mouth member 116 are provided at the proximal end of the endoscope insertion lumen 111.

Further, the endoscope insertion lumen 111 of the insertion portion cover portion 3a formed of the double lumen tube.
Interface part 120 between the lumen 112 for the pipe channel and
Is formed thinner than other components so that it can be deformed by air pressure, or is formed of an elastic member.

As shown in (b) of the figure, a space is provided between the endoscope insertion lumen 111 and the cover endoscope 4 to seal the proximal end of the endoscope insertion lumen 111. The structure may be such that the member 115 and the expansion tube mouth member 116 are not provided. In addition, a multi-lumen tube may be used for the insertion portion cover portion 3a to provide a plurality of conduit channels.

Insert section cover section 3a constructed as described above
The operation of the cover-type endoscope 2 provided with will be described. First, insertion / removal of the cover endoscope 4 into / from the insertion portion cover portion 3a will be described. As shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 12 (a), when the cover endoscope 4 is inserted / removed, for example, air is supplied from the expansion tube mouth 116 into the endoscope insertion lumen to clean the inside. Pressurization is performed by forming a gap between the endoscope insertion lumen 111 and the cover endoscope 4. In addition, since the gap between the endoscope insertion lumen 111 and the cover endoscope 4 is provided from the beginning in the insert cover portion 3a shown in FIG. 11B, the cover endoscope is in a normal state. 4 can be inserted and removed.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 11B and 12B, when the cover endoscope 4 is inserted to a predetermined position of the insertion portion cover portion 3a, the cover endoscope 4 is positioned. For fixing, a pressure means 121 is connected to the air supply cap 114 to supply air into the lumen for the channel. Then, the boundary surface portion 120 is deformed by the air that has been fed, and the cover endoscope 4 is brought into close contact with the endoscope insertion lumen 111.

As described above, the endoscope cover is formed of a multi-lumen tube having a plurality of lumens, and
Since the boundary surface portion with each lumen is configured to be deformable by air pressure, insertion and removal of the cover endoscope into and from the endoscope cover can be performed easily and reliably, and the boundary of the endoscope cover It is possible to eliminate axial movement of the cover endoscope at the time of inspection by bringing the cover endoscope, which is inserted by deforming the surface portion by air pressure, into close contact with the endoscope insertion lumen.

Further, since the insertion portion cover portion and the cover endoscope are brought into close contact with and integrated with each other during the inspection, the bending operation can be performed smoothly, so that the insertion portion can be bent or twisted downward. It can be easily inserted into and removed from the digestive tract.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a lumen 111 for inserting an endoscope and a lumen 11 for two conduit channels are provided.
By forming the insertion-portion cover portion 3a with a multi-lumen tube provided with 2a, 112b and a pressure-applying lumen 122 having a deformable interface 120, the interface 120 of the pressure-applying lumen 122 is formed by a chain double-dashed line. The cover endoscope 4 is inserted and removed at a position, air is supplied to deform the boundary surface portion 120 to the position of the solid line, and the cover endoscope 4 is fixed, so that the same as in the double lumen tube of the above-described embodiment. The action and effect can be obtained.

[0072]

According to the present invention, variations in optical performance caused by the gap between the lens cover and the end surface of the objective optical system becoming wider than the gap between the lens cover and the end surface of the illumination optical system are eliminated. It is possible to provide a cover-type endoscope that can obtain a good observation visual field.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus using a cover-type endoscope.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a cover endoscope is attached to an insertion portion cover portion of the endoscope cover.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an endoscope cover with a cover endoscope inserted.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the objective optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope mounted on the insertion portion cover portion of the endoscope cover.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a lens cover.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the objective optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope mounted on the insertion-portion cover according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the objective optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope mounted on the insertion-portion cover according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a positional relationship between an objective optical system and an illumination optical system of a cover endoscope mounted on an insertion section cover section according to a modification of the third example of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the objective optical system and the illumination optical system when the side-view endoscope according to the application example of the present invention is mounted on the insertion-portion cover.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another configuration example of the insertion section cover section.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing an insertion portion cover portion formed of a double lumen tube.

12 is a sectional view taken along the line AA and a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing an insertion portion cover portion formed of a multi-lumen tube.

[Explanation of Codes] 3 ... Endoscope cover 14 ... Lens cover 45 ... Objective optical system 46 ... Illumination optical system X ... Distance from objective optical system of cover endoscope to lens cover Y ... Cover endoscope Distance from illumination optics to lens cover

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Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A cover-type endoscope in which an endoscope for cover having an objective optical system and an illumination optical system as an observation system is inserted into an endoscope cover having a cover glass and used integrally. The cover-type inside is characterized in that the distance from the objective optical system of the cover endoscope inserted into the endoscope cover to the cover glass is narrower than the distance from the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope to the cover glass. Endoscope.