JPH0664601U - Endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] An endoscope apparatus in which a coverless endoscope and an endoscope for a cover can be detachably connected can be operated and observed without feeling uncomfortable like an endoscope without a cover. (EN) Provided is an endoscopic device which is excellent in operability. [Structure] A cover 3 is attachable, and an endoscope 4 for a cover, which is used by covering the outer surface with the cover 3, and an endoscope 49 without a cover, which is used as it is without attaching the cover, are detachably provided. In the endoscope apparatus, an image obtained by the cover endoscope 4 and an image obtained by the coverless endoscope 49 have substantially the same screen configuration.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus in which a cover endoscope capable of preventing contamination of an endoscope and a coverless endoscope are detachably connected to each other so that a subject can be observed.

[0002]

[Prior art]

 It is necessary to use a clean endoscope that has been thoroughly washed and disinfected before the examination.

After the endoscope is used in the body cavity of a patient, the endoscope is cleaned and disinfected, but this cleaning and disinfection takes a very long time. Therefore, in recent years, when performing an endoscopic examination, a disposable endoscope cover type endoscope has been proposed instead of the conventional reusable endoscope.

The endoscope of the endoscope cover system is composed of a combination of an endoscope cover that covers the outer periphery of the endoscope insertion portion and the like, and a cover endoscope that is inserted into the endoscope cover. . Examples of endoscopes of the endoscope cover system include those described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-54734 and USP 3,162,190.

In the cover endoscope to which the endoscope cover is attached, generally, an imaging system or an observation optical system and a light guide fiber are provided in the insertion portion.

Here, the treatment instrument channel, the air supply / water supply pipe, and the like may be contaminated with body fluid and the like, and since they are elongated, they are difficult to clean and disinfect. In view of this, some endoscope covers are equipped with a treatment tool channel, open-ended pipes such as an air / water supply pipe.

The insertion portion of the endoscope for the endoscope is cleaned and sterilized in advance. Then, with the endoscope cover covering the insertion part of the endoscope, etc., insert the endoscope into the body cavity of the patient, and after use, remove the endoscope cover and discard it. . In this way, by disposing the endoscope cover for each patient, the endoscope does not need to be washed and disinfected, which is very hygienic. Further, the endoscope can be continuously used without re-cleaning and re-disinfecting.

By the way, an endoscope apparatus using an endoscope cover has a configuration different from that of an endoscope without a cover currently used (that is, an endoscope used nakedly), and observation can be performed by that. The image, shape of the operating part, operability, etc. were not considered to be related to the endoscope without a cover.

Skilled operation of the endoscope is required, and unskilled operation techniques may transmit unnecessary strong force to the body cavity. As described above, if the operation technique is inadequate, the body wall may be damaged or the patient may be overly distressed.

On the other hand, even an operator who is proficient in operating techniques must be accustomed to the sensation of an endoscopic device having different operating sensations, visual fields, and the like. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the operator will be overly distressed during the period until the operator gets used to it.

Therefore, it is desirable that even the recently-covered endoscope for a cover can be used with a feeling similar to that of a conventional endoscope without a cover.

Further, in the endoscope apparatus using the endoscope cover, it is necessary to cover the tip portion as well, and the cover lens is provided at a position corresponding to the observation optical system and the illumination optical system of the cover endoscope. There must be.

Therefore, the viewing angle becomes narrower by the thickness of the cover glass. If the field of view becomes narrower, not only will the operation feel different, but the blind spots will increase and the pain area may be overlooked.

[0014]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 As described above, it is desirable that an endoscope apparatus to which a cover endoscope is connected can be used with the same feeling as a conventional endoscope apparatus without a cover.

Then, there is a possibility that the subject may be overly distressed due to an improper insertion due to a difference in impression caused by a difference in screen configuration from the conventional device and an uncomfortable feeling in operation. In addition, there is a possibility that the lesion may be overlooked due to the difference from the familiar screen configuration.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is an endoscope apparatus without a cover and an endoscope apparatus capable of detachably connecting the endoscope for a cover, and is the same as the endoscope without a cover. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope device which is excellent in operability and can be operated and observed without feeling uncomfortable.

[0017]

[Means and Actions for Solving the Problems]

 According to the present invention, a cover is attachable, and an endoscope for a cover, which is used by covering the outer surface with the cover, and an endoscope without a cover, which is used as it is without attaching the cover, are detachably provided. In the endoscope apparatus, an image obtained by the cover endoscope and an image obtained by the coverless endoscope have substantially the same screen configuration.

[0018]

【Example】

 An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 19 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an overall external view of an endoscope apparatus to which a cover endoscope is connected, and FIG. 2 is an inside view to which a coverless endoscope is connected. 3 is an external view of the cover endoscope, FIG. 4 is an external view of the cover endoscope and the coverless endoscope, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the cover-type endoscope. FIG. 6 is a side sectional view, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the distal end side of the cover endoscope, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the distal end side of the insertion portion cover portion, FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of the operation portion cover portion, and FIG. 9 is a universal cord. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a cover portion, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram relating to vignetting of the viewing angle of the endoscope, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an optical system and a field range of the cover type endoscope, and FIG. 12 is an objective optical system of the cover type endoscope. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the system and the configuration of the monitor display. Fig. 13 is a block diagram of signal processing in the simultaneous imaging type cover endoscope. FIG. 15 is a block diagram of signal processing in a cover-less endoscope of a temporal imaging method, FIG. 15 is a block diagram of signal processing in a cover-side endoscope of a frame-sequential imaging method, and FIG. A block diagram of the signal processing, and FIGS. 17 to 19 are explanatory views related to the storage of the covers.

An endoscope apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is configured such that a channel-covered endoscope cover type endoscope (hereinafter, abbreviated as a cover-type endoscope) 2 and a channelless endoscope described later are detachable. It is a device that can be connected.

The cover-type endoscope 2 includes an endoscope cover with a channel (hereinafter abbreviated as a cover) 3, and an endoscope for an endoscope cover with a channel (hereinafter abbreviated as a cover endoscope) 4 It consists of a combination with. The cover endoscope 2 is of an electronic type.

Further, the cover 3 covers the insertion portion of the cover endoscope 4 and the like, and does not require cleaning and disinfection of the endoscope after the inspection.

The endoscope apparatus 1 includes the cover-type endoscope 2, a cart 5 in which various peripheral devices to which the cover-type endoscope 2 is connected are installed, and the cover-type endoscope 2 And a cover holder 6 for holding.

The cart 5 accommodating the peripheral devices shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, a light source device 7, a video processor 8, a fluid control device 9, and an endoscope cover extender with a channel (hereinafter abbreviated as an extender). 10 are stored. A monitor 11 is mounted on the top plate of the cart 5.

The light source device 7 supplies illumination light to the cover endoscope 4 of the cover-type endoscope 2. The video processor 8 is connected to the electronic cover endoscope 4, converts an electric signal from the endoscope into a standard video signal, and outputs the standard video signal to the monitor 11. The monitor 11 receives the video signal and displays an endoscopic image.

Further, the fluid control device 9 performs air supply, water supply, etc. through a pipe line described later provided in the cover 3. For this reason, the fluid control device 9 is provided with a water supply source, an air supply source not shown, and the like, and the pipes connected to the air supply source and the water supply source are controlled to be opened and closed by a solenoid valve. ing.

Further, the expander 10 is for blowing air into the cover 3 to expand the cover 3. Due to this expansion, the cover 3 makes it easy to mount or remove the cover endoscope 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the cover endoscope 4 includes an operating portion 12, a universal cord 13 extending from a side portion of the operating portion 12, and an insertion portion connected to the operating portion 12. It is composed of an inlet 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the insertion portion 14 of the cover endoscope 4 has a flexible tube portion 15 and a bendable bending portion 16 in that order from the proximal end side of the operation portion 12 toward the distal end. It is composed of a hard tip portion 17.

The insertion portion 14 of the cover endoscope 4 has a small diameter and is formed in a cylindrical shape in cross section. Further, as shown in FIG. 6, illumination optical systems 41a and 41b and an objective optical system 42 are arranged at the distal end portion 17 of the cover endoscope 4. The insertion portion 14 of the endoscope 4 may have a D-shaped cross section.

An emission end of a light guide fiber (not shown) is arranged at the rear ends of the illumination optical systems 41a and 41b, and the light guide fiber passes through the insertion portion 14, the operation portion 12 and the universal cord 13. It has been inserted.

A connector 19 is provided at the end of the universal cord 13, and the connector 19 is detachably connected to the light source device 7. Then, the illumination light is supplied from the light source device 7 to the incident end of the light guide fiber.

As shown in FIG. 5, at the rear end of the objective optical system 42, a solid-state image pickup device 20 for converting an incident optical image into an electric signal is arranged. The electric signal output from the solid-state image sensor 20 is input to the video processor 8 via a signal code 21 extending from the side of the connector 19 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, a grip portion 12a is provided on the proximal end side of the operation portion 12, and the operation portion main body 12b connected to the upper portion of the grip portion 12a has an angle knob 45, an air supply / water supply portion. A control switch 46, a suction control switch 47, and a function switch 48 for taking photographs are provided.

The angle knob 45 is detachably attached to the operation section body 12b. The operation unit 12 is configured so that the same operation feeling as that of the endoscope without a cover, which will be described later, can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 3 which covers the cover endoscope 4 is composed of an insertion portion cover portion 22, an operation portion cover portion 23, and a universal cord cover portion 24. The insertion portion cover portion 22 of the cover 3 covers the insertion portion 14 of the cover endoscope 4. Further, the operation portion cover portion 23 of the cover 3 covers the operation portion 12 of the cover endoscope 4 and three pipe lines described later. Further, the universal cord cover part 24 of the cover 3 covers the universal cord 13 of the cover endoscope 4 and three pipe lines described later. Then, the cover endoscope 4 is used for the inspection in a state where the cover 3 is entirely attached and is covered in a watertight manner.

In the cover holder 6 shown in FIG. 1, when the insertion portion cover portion 22 is attached to the cover endoscope 4, the holding groove described later of the insertion portion cover portion 22 is set by the arm 6a. It is designed to hold. As a result, the endoscope 4 can be held without touching the cover 3 by hand, which is hygienic. In addition, the operation becomes easy.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view showing a state in which the cover portion 22 of the cover 3 is inserted into the cover endoscope 4.

The insertion portion cover portion 22 is for separating the insertion portion 14 of the cover endoscope 4 from the external environment. The insertion portion cover portion 22 is formed in an elongated shape, and a mouth portion for fixing the endoscope operation portion (hereinafter, abbreviated as a mouth portion) 22a and a tip portion 22b on the near side are made of a hard material, for example, It is made of resin. Further, the space between the mouth 22a and the tip 22b of the insert cover 22 is covered with an insert cover skin 22c made of a flexible material. The insertion portion cover outer cover 22c is formed with a wall thickness of about 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

Further, the insertion portion cover portion 22 has an endoscope insertion channel 25 through which the insertion portion 14 can be inserted, an air supply pipe 26, a water supply pipe 27, and a suction pipe 28 formed therein. There is.

On the proximal end side of the endoscope insertion channel 25, an opening portion 25a for inserting the insertion portion 14 is formed in the mouth portion 22a. Further, in the mouth 22a, an airtight fitting portion 25b is formed at the back of the opening 25a of the endoscope insertion channel 25 described above. The opening 25a of the endoscope insertion channel 25 is adapted to be fitted to the proximal end side of the endoscope operation section 12. The airtight fitting portion 25b is formed to have a diameter that makes close contact with the endoscope insertion portion 14. Further, the endoscope insertion channel 25 is closed at the distal end portion 22b, and the insertion portion 14 of the cover endoscope 4 is hermetically separated from the external environment.

As shown in FIG. 7, transparent windows 43a, 43b, 44 are provided at the front end portion 22b of the insertion portion cover portion 22 at the front end of the endoscope insertion channel 25. The windows 43a, 43b and 44 are arranged at positions facing the illumination optical systems 41a and 41b and the objective optical system 42 of the cover endoscope 4, respectively.

Further, the tip portion 22 b of the insertion portion cover portion 22 is provided with an air supply (or water supply) nozzle 30 that opens toward the window 44 and an opening 31. The air supply (or water supply) nozzle 30 is connected to and connected to the air supply pipe 26 (or the water supply pipe 27). Further, the opening 31 communicates with and is connected to the suction pipe 28.

Further, the air supply pipe 26, the water supply pipe 27, and the suction pipe 28 extend further from the mouth portion 22a toward the proximal side, and their ends are open. As shown in FIG. 1, the air supply pipe 26 is connected to and connected to an air supply source (not shown) of the fluid control device 9. The water supply pipe 27 is adapted to communicate with and be connected to the air supply source via a water supply tank 33 which is a water supply source. Further, the suction pipe 28 is connected to and connected to a suction bottle (not shown) and a suction source (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 5, a treatment tool insertion port 34 and an expansion tube mouth 35 are projected from the side of the mouth 22a. The expansion tube mouth 35 has an internal conduit communicating with the endoscope insertion channel 25. An expansion tube 36 connected to the expansion device 10 is detachably connected to the expansion tube mouth 35.

The treatment instrument insertion opening 34 projects axially rearward of the insertion portion cover portion 22. The internal conduit of the treatment instrument insertion port 34 is open at the projecting end and communicates with the suction conduit 28 at the other end. That is, the suction conduit 28 also serves as a conduit for the treatment instrument channel on the distal end side thereof.

Further, a holding groove 22d that fits into the arm 6a of the cover holder 6 when holding the insertion portion cover portion 22 is formed on the outer periphery of the side portion of the mouth portion 22a.

On the other hand, the endoscope apparatus of the endoscope without the cover is configured as follows. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the endoscope device 37 in the state where the endoscope without a cover is connected.

The coverless endoscope 49 shown in FIG. 2 has an operation section 50, an insertion section 51, and a universal cord 52. The operation part 50 is provided with a grip part 50a, and the operation part body 50b connected to the upper part of the grip part 50a has an angle knob 53, an air / water / suction control switch 54, and a function switch for taking a picture. 55 is provided.

The operation section 50, in which the insertion section 51 is connected to the proximal end side, extends the universal cord 52 on the side section. The insertion portion 51 is composed of a flexible tube portion 56, a bending portion 57, and a tip portion 58 in order from the base end side of the operation portion 50 toward the tip.

A connector 59 is provided at the end of the universal cord 52. The connector 59 is detachably connected to the light source device 60, and is also connected to a video processor (VP) 62 via a cable 61 extending from a side portion thereof. Further, the connector 59 is connected to a connection pipe 64 that connects a fluid control device 63 to a conduit (not shown) in the endoscope 49 without a cover.

A monitor 65 is electrically connected to the video processor 63. The monitor 65 is adapted to display an image obtained by the image pickup device 66 shown in FIG. 12 provided inside the endoscope distal end portion 58. An objective optical system 67 is arranged on the tip side of the image sensor 66.

Next, the similarities in structure between the operation unit 12 of the cover endoscope 4 and the operation unit 50 of the coverless endoscope 49 will be described.

The operating portion 12 of the cover endoscope 4 is formed in a shape very similar to that of the operating portion 50 of the coverless endoscope 49. An example thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4. The shape of the grip portion 12a of the cover endoscope 4 is formed so that the size and shape of the grip portion 50a of the coverless endoscope 49 are substantially the same when the operation portion cover portion 23 is covered. ing.

Further, the angle knob 45 has substantially the same size and shape as the angle knob 53 of the coverless endoscope 49. The mounting position of the angle knob 45 is as follows. The shift amount s of the angle knob 45 with respect to the central axis of the grip portion 12a shown in FIG. 4 (a) is 0 mm to 20 mm. Further, the mounting position of the operation portion main body 12b is about 20 mm to 40 mm as a distance r from the boundary portion with the grip portion 12a. That is, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), it is attached in substantially the same manner as the angle knob 53 of the endoscope without cover 49.

With the above configuration, the operation section 12 of the cover endoscope 4 has the same operation feeling as the coverless endoscope.

Next, of the cover 3, the operation portion cover portion 23 and the universal cord cover portion 24 are configured as follows. The operation portion cover portion 23 shown in FIG. 8 is formed by forming a soft resin having a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 2 mm into a sheet shape.

The operation section cover section 23 covers the cover main body 23 a that covers the operation section 12, the cord connection section cover 23 b that covers the connection end of the universal cord 13, and the head section of the operation section 12 that includes the switch 48 and the like. It is composed of a switch cover 23c.

The cover body 23a has an angled shaft insertion opening 23d formed at the center thereof to which the angle knob 45 is connected. Further, the cover body 23 has a connection end 23e at the end of the insertion section cover on the mouth 22a side.

An adhesive section 23 f is provided on the edge of the operation section cover section 23 for easy mounting workability.

The universal cord cover portion 24 shown in FIG. 9 is formed of a soft resin having an elongated sheet shape and a wall thickness of about 0.1 mm to 2 mm. The cover 24 is slightly longer than the universal cord 13 so that there is no exposed portion.

Next, the optical system of the cover type endoscope will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

In the case of an endoscope using a cover, as shown in FIG. 10, generally, the field of view is narrowed by the thickness of the tip portion 201 of the cover 200, and the viewing angle is narrowed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same field of view as that of the endoscope without a cover, which is conventionally used, can be obtained, and the operator can use the endoscope without being aware of the endoscope for a cover. The window 44 of the insertion section cover 22 is made larger than the outer diameter of the objective optical system 42 of the endoscope, and the obtained angle of view Q1 shown in FIG. The angle of view Q2 shown in FIG.

Further, the windows 43a and 43b are formed larger than the illumination optical systems 41a and 41b so that sufficient light distribution characteristics can be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 12A, in the tip lens 42a of the objective optical system 42, the maximum ray height of the first surface 42b of the tip lens 42a is (h = D2 / 2), and the half angle of view is ω. And

Further, the thickness of the window 44 is t, and its outer diameter is D. Further, the gap between the first surface 42b of the tip lens 42a and the window 44 is g.

Further, assuming that the refractive index of the window 44 is n, the required minimum diameter D1 of the window 44 is expressed by the following equation. First, the optical distance of the cover glass of the window 44 can be converted into an air layer having a distance of t / n. Therefore, the distance from the first surface 42b to the outer surface of the window 44 can be assumed to be a distance (t / n + g) as shown in FIG.

Therefore, the required minimum outer diameter D1 of the window 44 shown in FIG. 12A is expressed by the following equation. D1 = 2 × tanω · (t / n + g) + 2h = 2 {tanω · (t / n + g) + h} That is, when D1 ≧ 2 {tanω · (t / n + g) + h}, the cover 3 is attached. However, the angle of view of the cover endoscope 4 alone can be secured.

For example, when the cover 3 is attached to the endoscope 4 having the angle of view of 100 ° and the maximum ray height h of the first surface 42b of 1 mm, the gap g between the first surface 42b and the window 44 is 0.5 mm. When the wall thickness t of the window 44 is 0.5 mm and the refractive index n is 1.51633, the minimum lens outer diameter D1 of the window 44 is as follows. D1 ≧ 2 {tan ω · (t / n + g) + h} D1 ≧ 2 {tan100 / 2 · (0.5 / 1.51633 + 0.5 + 1) D1 ≧ 6.34, and the window 44 needs to have an outer diameter of 6.34 mm or more.

The above relational expression is similarly established even in the case of the endoscope apparatus having the angle of view unique to the cover endoscope.

Further, in the case of the illumination windows 43a and 43b, a sufficient light distribution can be obtained by calculating with the half angle of view ω plus an angle α, for example, 1 ° to 10 °. That is, if the ray height on the first surface of the illumination lens is hL, the thickness of each of the illumination windows 43a and 43b is tL, the refractive index is nL, and the gap between the windows 43a and 43b and the first surface is gL, The outer diameter DL of the windows 43a and 43b is represented by DL = 2 {tan (ω + α) · (tL / n + gL) + hL}.

According to the above relational expression, the endoscope for a cover and the endoscope without a cover can obtain almost the same observation image.

Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the same screen configuration can be obtained for the cover endoscope and the cover-less endoscope. As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12D, the monitor image 71 of the cover endoscope obtained on each of the monitors 11 and 65 and the monitor image 72 of the endoscope apparatus without the cover are almost the same. It is displayed as an image and is configured so that it does not feel visually uncomfortable.

When the image area of the image pickup device is made equal between the endoscope for a cover and the endoscope without a cover, the tip of the endoscope for a cover has a large diameter by the amount of the window 44 required. turn into. Therefore, it is effective that the height of the light beam on the first incident surface of the objective optical system of the endoscope for a cover is smaller than that of the objective optical system without the cover.

Next, the image processing in each video processor of the endoscope apparatus with and without the cover will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16.

FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of a simultaneous imaging type coverless electronic endoscope apparatus. A video processor 62 is connected to the coverless electronic endoscope.

On the front surface of the image pickup device 65 of the endoscope, a color mosaic filter (not shown) is arranged. The subject image formed by the objective optical system 67 of the endoscope without a cover is received by the image pickup element 65 and converted into an electric signal.

The electric signal obtained by the image pickup device 65 is image-processed by the process 73 of the video processor 62 and then sent to the blanking circuit 74. The blanking circuit 74 masks the output signal of the process circuit 73 with the mask signal from the mask signal generation circuit 75. The monitor 65 displays the masked endoscopic image and the character information superimposed by a superimposing circuit (not shown). For example, as shown in FIG. 12 (d), it is displayed on the monitor 65. In other words, on the screen, the endoscopic image is not displayed in full, but is displayed partially on one side while displaying textual information such as patient information in the open space.

On the other hand, FIG. 13 is a schematic configuration diagram of a simultaneous imaging type electronic endoscope apparatus for a cover. The video processor 8 is connected to the cover electronic endoscope.

A color mosaic filter (not shown) is arranged on the front surface of the image pickup device 20 of the endoscope. The subject image formed by the objective lens 67 of the cover endoscope is received by the image pickup element 65 and converted into an electric signal.

Since the field of view of the cover endoscope may be eclipsed by the window of the cover, it is necessary to make the window 44 large, but if the window 44 is made large, the diameter of the tip portion becomes very large. .

Therefore, in this embodiment, an endoscope having a smaller diameter than the objective optical system 67 of the endoscope and the image pickup device 66 is used. That is, the objective optical system 42 of the cover endoscope has a smaller diameter than the objective optical system 67. A small-diameter image pickup device 20 is arranged behind the objective optical system 42.

Further, the electric signal obtained by the image pickup device 20 is image-processed by the process circuit 73 of the video processor 8 and then sent to the blanking circuit 74. The blanking circuit 74 performs a masking process on the output signal of the process circuit 73 using the mask signal from the mask signal generation circuit 75.

The endoscopic image masked by the blanking circuit 74 and the text information superimposed by the superimposing circuit (not shown) are displayed on the monitor 11. These processes are the same as those of the coverless endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. Then, the mask signal generation circuit 78 generates and outputs a mask signal for obtaining the same mask shape as the one without the cover. On the monitor 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 12B, the same display as that without the cover is displayed.

As described above, the images obtained by the cover endoscope and the cover-less endoscope are substantially the same. In other words, the information obtained from the eyes of the endoscope device without a cover and the endoscope device for an endoscope cover, that is, the angle of view, the screen shape, the mask, and the like are configured to be substantially the same. If there is a superimposition, the arrangement and shape of the endoscopic image and the character information are also the same.

Although the objective optical system 67 and the objective optical system 42 and the image pickup device 66 and the image pickup device 20 are not common, it is needless to say that the common ones may be used.

Further, in the illustrated example, the endoscope apparatus for a cover and the endoscope apparatus without a cover are shown as having different configurations, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a peripheral apparatus may have a common configuration. You may use it. For example, the cover endoscope device 1 is provided with a light source device 7, a video processor 8, a fluid control device 9, etc., but an endoscope 49 without a cover is detachably connected to the device 1. Is also possible. In other words, it is possible to configure all the peripheral devices to be the same for the cover endoscope and the coverless endoscope.

Alternatively, some of these peripheral devices may be commonly used by the cover endoscope and the cover-less endoscope.

The configurations shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 relate to a field-sequential endoscope apparatus.

The device shown in FIG. 15 has an endoscope for a cover, while the device shown in FIG. 16 has an endoscope without a cover. The image processing of the endoscope with the cover and the image processing of the endoscope without the cover are configured to perform almost the same processing. In both devices, the light source device emits field-sequential illumination light.

The electric signals corresponding to R (red), G (green), and B (blue) obtained by the image pickup device 66 of the endoscope without a cover pass through the process circuit 76 A and are stored in the R, G, B memory. By 79, it is synchronized. The operations of the blanking circuit 77A and the mask signal generation circuit 78A are similar to those of the simultaneous system.

On the other hand, the electric signals corresponding to R (red), G (green), and B (blue) obtained by the image pickup device 20 of the cover endoscope are passed through the process circuit 73 A and then passed through R, G, and B. It is synchronized by the memory for use 80. The operations of the blanking circuit 74A and the mask signal generation circuit 75A are similar to those of the simultaneous system.

Here, the masking process is common to both, but a switching device for processing so as to convert the image differently may be added separately. Alternatively, a full screen display in which the observation image is displayed on the entire monitor may be used.

Next, a method of attaching the cover will be described. Two workers, a worker A who is in charge of mounting the clean part and a worker B who is in charge of the work in the contaminated area, are required for the mounting work.

Hereinafter, the mounting procedure will be described. First, the worker A wears a sterilized glove, holds the insertion portion cover portion 22, and engages the holding groove 22d with the arm 6a of the holding tool 6. Next, the worker B connects the extension tube 36 to the extension tube mouth 35 and turns on the switch of the dilator 10. Further, the worker B inserts the insertion portion 14 of the cover endoscope 4 through the opening 25a of the endoscope insertion channel 25 and fits the base end portion of the operation portion 12 into the mouth portion 22a. Furthermore, the worker B holds the air supply conduit 26, the water supply conduit 27, and the suction conduit 28 extending from the mouth 22a along the universal code 13. In this state, the worker A aligns the angled shaft insertion opening 23d of the operation portion cover portion 23 with the center of the axis of the angle knob 45, winds the connection end 23e around the mouth portion 22a, and fixes it with the adhesive portion 23f. .

Next, the grip portion 12a is wrapped and covered with the cover portion 23. Further, the switch cover 23c of the cover 23 and the cord connecting part cover 23b are wound around the operating part 12, and the operating part cover 23 is fixed by using the adhesive part 23f. Conventionally, since the operation section cover section 23 is not provided with a fixing means such as an adhesive member or a tape, it is necessary to cover the operation section 12 with the operation section cover section and then wind the tape to fix the operation section 12. In the present embodiment, they are unnecessary. That is, since the adhesive portion 23f is provided at each end of the operation portion cover portion 23, the operation portion cover portion 23 can be easily attached to the operation portion 12.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4D, the worker A attaches the angle knob 45 to the shaft protruding from the operation portion main body 12b. Further, after aligning the universal cord cover portion 24 with the cord connecting portion cover 23b, the universal cord cover portion 24 is wound around the universal cord 13 and fixed to the connector 19 with a covering tape.

The worker B connects the air supply conduit 26, the water supply conduit 27, and the suction conduit 28 to the fluid control device 9. With this, the preparation of the cover endoscope is completed, and the operator detaches the cover endoscope 4 from the holder 6 and starts the inspection.

Before use, the cover 3 and other accessories used in the cover endoscope apparatus 1 are packed as follows.

FIG. 17 shows a packing material. The package 81 of the cover shown in FIG. 17 is made of a material having air permeability, but has a hole of 0.2 μm or less so that bacteria cannot pass through. The package 81 is configured to include the insertion section cover section 22, the operation section cover section 23, the universal cord cover section 24, the angle knob 45, and the mouse piece 82. The package 81 stores the covers and then puts it in a sterilizer for sterilization. By this sterilization process, all covers used in one case can be supplied and stored in a sterilized state. Moreover, since all the parts used in one case are stored, there is no need to run out of necessary cover members or forget to attach any of the covers.

The package 81 may be configured as follows in order to prevent a mistake in storage on the manufacturer side. That is, it is possible to store the components in the package 81 after the storage space 83a for each member shown in FIG.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, each cover may be housed in a small package 84, and they may be housed in one package 81.

With the above structure, it is possible to prevent the covers used in one case from being insufficiently inspected due to an arrangement error or the like, or it is possible to prevent forgetting to attach a necessary cover or the like. Moreover, the package 81 is provided as a packaging material that can be surely sterilized.

As described above, the information obtained from the eyes of the endoscope device without the cover and the endoscope device for the endoscope cover, that is, the angle of view, the screen shape, the mask, and the like are configured to be substantially the same. I am doing it. In other words, in this embodiment, since the monitor images of the endoscope without a cover and the endoscope for a cover are configured to be substantially the same, the information obtained from the eyes does not feel uncomfortable and does not require any particular habituation. . The operation of the endoscope is performed while looking at the monitor display, but in the present embodiment, the screen configuration is common to that without the cover, and the operation feeling is also the same. Therefore, in this embodiment, the safety can be secured without any undue operation or erroneous operation due to the difference in operation feeling. In addition, in this embodiment, there is no possibility of overlooking a lesion part due to a difference in screen configuration.

Further, in this embodiment, the operation system of the operation section (shape of the grip section, position of the knob, angle between the universal cord and the operation section body, etc.) is adjusted to the shape of the operation section without the cover. Since the operation feeling is the same, there is no need to get used to it, and you can perform safe inspection immediately.

20 to 23 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an overall external view of an endoscope apparatus to which a cover endoscope is connected, and FIG. 21 is a cover endoscope. 22 is an external view, FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of the operation portion cover portion, and FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of the observation mask.

The second embodiment is provided with an optical fiber endoscope instead of the electronic endoscope of the first embodiment. Other configurations and operations similar to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

The endoscope device 85 shown in FIG. 20 has a cover-type endoscope 2A including a cover 3A and a cover endoscope 4A. A cover endoscope 4A is detachably connected to the endoscope device 85, and a cover-less endoscope is also detachably connectable.

Peripheral devices are stored in the cart 5A, for example, the light source device 7, the fluid control device 9, the dilator 10 and the like are stored. The cover endoscope 4A is detachably connected to the light source device 7. The cover endoscope 4A is fitted with a cover 3A that covers the cover endoscope 4A. The cover 3A includes the insertion section cover section 22, the operation section cover section 23A, and the universal cord cover section 24.

As shown in FIG. 21, the insertion portion 14 and the universal cord 13 are connected to the operation portion 12A of the cover endoscope 4A. The proximal end side of the operation portion 12A is the grip portion 12a, and above the grip portion 12a, an angle knob 45 provided in the operation portion main body 12b, an air / water supply control switch 46, and a suction control switch 47. Is provided. Further, an eyepiece 86 is projectingly provided at an end portion of the operation portion main body 12b on the proximal side. At the eyepiece 86, an image obtained through an objective optical system and an image guide (not shown) can be observed.

The angle knob 45 is detachably attached to the operation section body 12b.

The insertion section cover section 22 and the universal cord cover section 24 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The operation section cover section 23A is constructed in substantially the same manner as the operation section cover section 23 of the first embodiment. The operation portion cover portion 23A is different from that of the first embodiment in that an eyepiece insertion hole 23g for exposing the eyepiece portion 86 is formed as shown in FIG. As with the first embodiment, an adhesive portion 23f is provided on the edge of the operation portion cover portion 23A for simplifying the mounting workability.

The mounting of the covers and the like on the cover endoscope 4A is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore its description is omitted.

FIG. 23A shows an observation image seen from the eyepiece unit 86. Reference numeral 87 in the drawing is a mask that can be observed when looking through the eyepiece 86.

In this embodiment, since the observation optical system of the endoscope without a cover looks similar to the observation optical system of the endoscope without a cover, as shown in FIG. An observation image similar to that of the mask 88 of the endoscope is obtained.

Other functions and effects are the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the present invention, the cover is not limited to the one with the above-mentioned channel, but may be one without a channel.

[0117]

[Effect of device]

 According to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to provide an endoscope apparatus which can be operated and observed without feeling uncomfortable like an endoscope without a cover and which is excellent in operability.

[Submission date] June 4, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0003

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

After the endoscope is used in the body cavity of a patient, the endoscope is cleaned and disinfected, but this cleaning and disinfection takes a very long time. Therefore, in recent years, when performing an endoscopic examination, a disposable endoscope cover type endoscope has been proposed in place of the conventional repeatedly used endoscope.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Therefore, the viewing angle becomes narrower by the thickness of the cover glass. When the field of view becomes narrow, not only does the operation feel different, but the blind spots increase, and there is a risk that the lesion may be overlooked.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0031

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As shown in FIG. 5, at the rear end of the objective optical system 42, a solid-state image sensor 20 for converting an incident optical image into an electric signal is arranged. The electric signal output from the solid-state image pickup device 20 is input to the video processor 8 via a signal code 21 extending from the side portion of the connector 19 shown in FIG.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0039

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

On the proximal end side of the endoscope insertion channel 25, an opening portion 25a for inserting the insertion portion 14 is formed in the mouth portion 22a. Further, in the mouth 22a, an airtight fitting portion 25b is formed at the back of the opening 25a of the endoscope insertion channel 25 described above. The opening 25a of the endoscope insertion channel 25 is adapted to be fitted to the proximal end side of the endoscope operation section 12. The airtight fitting portion 25b is formed to have a diameter that makes close contact with the endoscope insertion portion 14. Further, the endoscope insertion channel 25 is closed at the distal end portion 22b, so that the insertion portion 14 of the cover endoscope 4 is airtightly isolated from the external environment.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0063

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As shown in FIG . 11A, in the tip lens 42a of the objective optical system 42, the maximum ray height of the first surface 42b of the tip lens 42a is (h = D2 / 2) and the half angle of view is ω. And

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0075

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

A color mosaic filter (not shown) is arranged on the front surface of the image pickup device 66 of the endoscope. The subject image formed by the objective optical system 67 of the endoscope without a cover is received by the image pickup element 66 and converted into an electric signal.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0076

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0076] Electrical signals obtained by the imaging element 66 after being image processed by process circuit 76 of the video processor 62 and sent to the blanking circuit 77. Blanking circuit 77, the mask signal from the mask signal generating circuit 78, a masking process is performed on an output signal of the process circuit 76. Then, on the monitor 65, the masked endoscopic image and the character information superimposed by a superimposing circuit (not shown) are displayed. For example, as shown in FIG. 12D, it is displayed on the monitor 65. In other words, on the screen, the endoscopic image is not displayed in full, but is displayed partially on one side, while text information such as patient information is displayed in the open space.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0078

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

A color mosaic filter (not shown) is arranged on the front surface of the image pickup device 20 of the endoscope. The subject image formed by the objective optical system 42 of the cover endoscope is received by the image pickup element 20 and converted into an electric signal.

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0082

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

The endoscopic image masked by the blanking circuit 74 and the text information superimposed by the superimposing circuit (not shown) are displayed on the monitor 11. These processes are the same as those of the coverless endoscope apparatus shown in FIG. Then, the mask signal generation circuit 75 generates and outputs a mask signal for obtaining the same mask shape as the one without the cover. On the monitor 11, for example, as shown in FIG. 12B, the same display as that without the cover is displayed.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 to 19 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an overall external view of an endoscope apparatus to which a cover endoscope is connected.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope device to which an endoscope without a cover is connected.

FIG. 3 is an external view of a cover endoscope.

FIG. 4 is an external view of an endoscope for a cover and an endoscope without a cover.

FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of the front end side of the cover-type endoscope.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the distal end side of the cover endoscope.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the distal end side of the insertion section cover section.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of an operation unit cover unit.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a universal cord cover part.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram regarding vignetting of the viewing angle of the endoscope.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an optical system and a visual field range of the cover-type endoscope.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram related to a configuration of an objective optical system and a monitor display of the cover-type endoscope.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of signal processing in the simultaneous imaging type cover endoscope.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of signal processing in a simultaneous imaging type coverless endoscope.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of signal processing in a cover endoscope of a frame sequential imaging system.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of signal processing in a coverless endoscope of a frame sequential imaging system.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram regarding storage of covers and the like.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram related to storage of covers and the like.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram related to storage of covers and the like.

20 to 23 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is an overall external view of an endoscope apparatus to which a cover endoscope is connected.

FIG. 21 is an external view of a cover endoscope.

FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram of an operation unit cover unit.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of an observation mask.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope device 2 ... Cover-type endoscope 3 ... Cover 44 ... Window 4 ... Cover endoscope 42 ... Objective optical system 42a ... Tip lens 42b ... First surface 11 ... Monitor 37 ... Endoscope device 49 … Endoscope without cover 65… Monitor h… Maximum ray height ω… Half angle of view g… Gap n… Refractive index D1… Minimum required outer diameter

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Hideo Ito 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Yoshihiro Iida 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshio Tashiro 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Osamu Mizuta 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Olympus Optical Industry Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. An endoscope for an endoscope (hereinafter, referred to as a cover endoscope) which can be attached with an endoscope cover (hereinafter abbreviated as “cover”) and whose outer surface is covered with the cover. And a coverless endoscope that is used as it is without attaching the cover, and an image obtained by the cover endoscope and the coverless endoscope. An endoscopic device characterized by being configured so that an image obtained by an endoscope has substantially the same screen configuration.