JPH0824208A - Combination type endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce running cost reusing an expensive part after easily washing and disinfection and to also make a relatively inexpensive part disposable and to obtain a good endoscopic image excellent in noise measure. CONSTITUTION:An imaging unit 2 is made freely detachable with respect to an insertion part 3 and the signal wire 59 integrally constituted along with the imaging unit 2 is axially extended along the insertion part 3 over the extension length equal to the length from the position of the extension end on the side of the unit 2 to the connector receiver 61 of the operation part 4 connected to the insertion part 3 and the generation of noise is prevented from becoming much by reducing an electrical relay place or because of no wireless system. Further, by detaching the imaging unit 2 and the operation part 4 from the insertion part 3, washing disinfection becomes easy and, by the reutilization of the imaging unit 2 and the operation part 4, running cost can be reduced.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a combination endoscope in which an image pickup means and an operation portion are detachably attached to an insertion portion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope used for endoscopy must prevent infection by using a clean endoscope for each examination. Therefore, after cleaning and disinfecting, it is used in the next case.

However, cleaning and disinfecting for cleaning the endoscope is time-consuming and requires one hour or more. In order to save this time, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-54734 proposes an exchange-type cover with a conduit for covering the endoscope.

In this cover type endoscope, since a gap is formed between the most distal end surface of the endoscope objective lens and the lens cover on the cover side, flare / ghost due to illumination light occurs, or temperature changes. There is a problem that the inner surface of the lens cover becomes cloudy. When such a phenomenon occurs, the observation ability, which is an important function of the endoscope, is impaired.

On the other hand, PCT WO93 / 15648A1
The publication discloses a structure in which the imaging unit on the distal end side and the operation unit unit on the proximal side are detachable from the insertion section. With this configuration, only the insertion part that is difficult to clean is made disposable, and the part that is relatively easy to clean is reused after disinfection to reduce the running cost.

Further, in the above-mentioned publication, the signal of the image pickup means is separately controlled via an output terminal provided in the image pickup unit (casing) and a signal line in the insertion portion connected to the output terminal. The configuration transmitted to the device is shown.
Further, the publication discloses means for wirelessly transmitting the output of the image pickup unit to the video control device.

[0007]

Problems to be Solved by the Invention PCT WO93 / 1
In the 5648A1 publication, since there is no cover that covers the objective surface, it is possible to provide an image free from flare ghosts and cloudiness.

However, the signal transmission path is easily affected by noise and the like, and considering the system as a whole, a good image cannot be provided. When transmitting signals wirelessly, there are restrictions that it is necessary to suppress oscillation energy so as not to cause malfunction of other medical devices, and that a small transmitter must be mounted due to the request for a smaller tip diameter. is there. Due to the above restrictions, the capability of the mounted transmitter cannot be increased unnecessarily, and noise is apt to occur and the image is apt to be disturbed due to the low signal level. That is, the S / N ratio cannot be improved.

Further, in the case of the structure in which the signal is transmitted through the terminal provided in the image pickup unit, noise is easily picked up when the signal is transmitted and received between the terminals. At the tip of the insertion portion, it is desired to reduce the diameter in order to reduce the pain of the patient, and there is no space for providing sufficient noise countermeasures. In this respect as well, a sufficient effect for noise countermeasures cannot be expected. Also, PCT WO93
In the / 15648A1 publication, since the insertion portion is disposable, connection terminals are required at least at two positions before and after the insertion portion, and since the number of relay points of the terminal increases, noise is easily picked up, which is a disadvantageous configuration.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The expensive part can be easily washed and sterilized and then reused to reduce the running cost, and the relatively inexpensive part is made disposable. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a combination endoscope capable of providing a good endoscopic image with excellent noise countermeasures.

[0011]

According to the present invention, there is provided an observation and image pickup unit section having an insertion section provided with at least one conduit, an objective optical system and an image pickup means for picking up a subject image formed by the objective optical system. And an operation unit having operation instruction means,
In the combination endoscope having the above, engaging means for detachably holding the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the observation and imaging unit portion are mutually provided, and the proximal end portion of the insertion portion is provided. Engaging means for mutually holding the distal end portion of the operation portion in a detachable manner are provided to transmit a signal output from the image pickup means of the observation image pickup unit portion,
The observation image pickup unit has a signal line extending from the observation image pickup unit section and provided with a connector at an end thereof, and the signal line has the observation image pickup unit attached to the distal end portion of the insertion section. The extension length is equal to or longer than the length from the position of the end portion extending from the unit to the tip end portion of the operation portion engaged and held by the insertion portion, and the signal line of the signal line is detachably attached. A storage means capable of storing at least a part is provided in the insertion portion along the axial direction of the insertion portion.

[0012]

In the structure of the present invention, the observation / imaging unit is detachably attached to the insertion portion, and the signal line integrally formed with the observation / imaging unit is axially arranged along the insertion portion from the position of the extension end thereof. The extension length is equal to or longer than the length to the tip of the operation part connected to the insertion part.By reducing the number of electrical relay points and not using the wireless system, noise is often generated. To prevent it from becoming.

Further, in the above structure, each component can be easily washed and disinfected by removing the observation image pickup unit and the operation part from the insertion part. Furthermore, in the above configuration, the observation and imaging unit and the operation unit can be reused after disinfection, so that the running cost of each inspection can be reduced. On the other hand, the insert can be disposable.

Further, in the above structure, since the connector receiver to be connected to the signal line connector can be provided not at the insertion portion having a large size restriction but at a portion having a relatively large degree of freedom, noise is reduced. It is easy to make a structure that is hard to stick to.

[0015]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 (a) is an overall configuration diagram of FIG. 1, FIG. 1 (b) is a perspective view of a distal end of an insertion portion, and FIG. 2 (a) is FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA, FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG.
1A is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 1A, FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing another configuration, FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of an operation portion including an operation knob, and FIG. 5 is an imaging unit. Is a longitudinal sectional view of the connector, FIG. 6 is a cutaway view showing the inside of the connector receiver, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the connector.

In the combined endoscope of the first embodiment, the image pickup means and the operating portion are detachably attached to the insertion portion.

A combination type endoscope (hereinafter referred to as an endoscope) 1 shown in FIG. 1 (a) is an image pickup unit 2 serving as an image pickup means, and the image pickup unit 2 is detachably attached to a body cavity. It has an insertion part 3 to be inserted and an operation part 4 which is detachable from the insertion part 3. The insertion portion 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and the operation portion 4 has an L shape and a shape in which the cylinder is partially cut out along the axial direction.

The image pickup unit 2 has a main body 57 on which a solid-state image pickup element, which will be described later, is mounted, a signal line 58 extending from a position of the main body 57 different from the image pickup surface side of the solid-state image pickup element, and a signal line. Connector 59 provided at the end of 58
And have.

The endoscope insertion portion 3 is provided with an opening 5 having a step portion 5a formed at the tip end side for mounting the image pickup unit 2, an illumination window 6 for emitting illumination light, an air / water supply nozzle 7, and a suction. And a channel opening 8. At the distal end portion 9 of the endoscope insertion portion 3 provided with these, in the proximal direction, a bendable portion 10, a flexible tube 11 having flexibility, and a proximal mouth portion 12 are provided. Are sequentially connected. Further, the insertion portion 3 is provided inside the distal end portion 9, the bending portion 10 and the flexible tube 11,
Light guide 13, air supply line 14, and water supply line 15
And the suction conduit 16 and two sets of curved traction members 17, both ends of which are fixed to the frontmost node ring of the bending portion 10 composed of a plurality of node rings and which are paired by folding back, and these curved traction members 1
It is inserted through the traction material guide 18 that covers 7 (see FIG. 3).
(See (a)). The emission end of the light guide 13 faces the illumination window 6, the air supply pipe line 14 and the water supply pipe line 15 communicate with the air supply / water supply nozzle 7, and the suction pipe line 16 communicates with the suction channel opening 8.

The two sets of bending traction members 17 each have a loop portion that is folded back at the hand side, and the bending portion 10 is bent in the vertical and horizontal directions by pulling and loosening each set. Each loop portion of the curved traction member 17 is provided with a tooth pattern such as a timing belt.

The operating portion 4 is provided with two loops of the curved traction member 17, two gears 19 each meshing with a tooth pattern such as a timing belt, and a gear for transmitting a rotational force to the gears 19, which will be described later. A bending operation knob 20, which is connected to the internal mechanism, an image control instruction switch 21, and a fluid control instruction switch 22 are provided in a protruding manner. Further, the operation unit 4 is
A flexible universal cord 23 is extended to the side portion thereof, and a connector 25 provided at an end portion of the universal cord 23 is connected to an image control device 24 described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation section 4 includes a bending operation knob 20 capable of up / down / left / right operations.
The two gears 19 are covered with a casing 27 that accommodates two sets of gear trains 26 that transmit the amount of rotation according to the amount of operating force.

The air supply conduit 14 extending from the insertion portion 3 communicates with an air supply pump (not shown) incorporated in a fluid control device 29 described later through an electromagnetic valve (not shown).
It can be attached to and detached from the connection port body A31 of 0. Similarly, the water supply pipe line 15 extending out can be attached to and detached from a connection port B34 of an air supply tube 33 communicating with an electromagnetic valve (not shown) of the air supply pump built in the fluid control device 29 and a water supply tank 32. is there. Further, the suction line 16 is connected to the fluid control device 29.
Connection port body C3 of a suction tube 38 attached to a solenoid valve 35 provided in the
9, removable.

The light guide connector 40 at the end of the light guide 13 can be connected to a receiving body 42 of a light source device 41 described later.

The endoscope apparatus includes an image controller 24 for processing a signal output from the image pickup unit 2, a fluid controller 29 for controlling fluid through each conduit, and a light guide 13.
It is composed of a light source device 41 for supplying illumination light via a monitor, a monitor 43 for displaying the output of the image control device 24, and the endoscope 1.

The image control device 24 and the light source device 41, the image control device 24 and the fluid control device 29, and the image control device 24 and the monitor 43 can send and receive signals through the connection cords 44, respectively.

The proximal mouth 12 of the endoscope insertion portion 3 is provided with a treatment instrument insertion opening 45 which communicates with the suction conduit 16 and has a cross slit valve element.

The engagement projection A46 provided as an engagement means provided on the casing 27 of the operation portion 4 is detachably engaged with an engagement groove (not shown) provided as an engagement means provided on the inner surface of the proximal side mouth body portion 12. It is possible to attach and detach by snap-fitting.

On the other hand, the locking projection B47 as an engaging means provided on the image pickup unit 2 is detachably engaged with a locking groove as an engaging means (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the opening 5 and is a snap-fit type. It is designed to be removable.

The air supply line 14 and the water supply line 15 are shown in FIG.
As shown in (b), they merge at the tip 9 and communicate with the air / water nozzle 7. Air supply line 14 at the junction
And the water supply conduit 15 merge at an acute angle, and the cross-sectional area of the merged conduit 48 after the merge is larger than the cross-sectional areas of the air supply conduit 14 and the water supply conduit 15.

As shown in the longitudinal section of FIG. 6, the image pickup unit 2
The first objective lens 50 is watertightly fixed to one end of the casing 49 of the main body 57, and the objective lens 50 is mounted inside the casing 49 together with the first objective lens 50 on the same optical axis. A constituent lens group 51 and a solid-state image pickup element 52 such as a CCD facing the lens group 51.
And have. Further, the image pickup unit 2 has a pin 53 made of solder or the like on the same line as the pin 53 of the solid-state image pickup element 52.
A substrate 54 fixed to the substrate 54 and a circuit component 55 of an electric circuit related to the solid-state image pickup device 52 disposed on the substrate 54 are provided.

A lid 56 is watertightly fixed to one end of the casing 49, and a circuit component 55 is provided from the lid 56.
The signal line 58 in which a plurality of lead wires 60 connected to the bundle is bundled is extended.

The signal line 58 has substantially the same length as the insertion portion 3, and the connector 59 is detachably connectable to a connector receiver 61 provided in the casing 27. A signal line (not shown) is connected to the connector receiver 61 for connecting the connector 59, and this signal line is connected to the connector 25 of the universal cord 23 via the operation unit 4. With the above configuration, the image pickup unit 2 can transmit the output of the solid-state image pickup element 52 to the image control device 24.

The bending portion 10 of the insertion portion 3 and the flexible tube 11
The outer cover 11a has a structure shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), a guide groove 62 capable of accommodating and holding the signal line 58 of the image pickup unit 2 is provided in the axial direction. The guide groove 62 shown in FIG. 3A is formed such that its width is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the signal line 58, and the outer cover 1
The elasticity of 1a holds the signal line 58.

Incidentally, FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing another structure of the guide groove 62. Each of the guide grooves 62 is provided with a projection 63 for preventing the signal line from falling off at the opening end of the groove.
The cross section of the groove 62 is different from that of FIG. 3A and has a circular shape substantially the same as that of the signal line 58.
It plays the role of retaining 8 pieces.

As shown in FIG. 6, the connector receiver 61 has a plurality of, for example, three plate-shaped contacts A fixed to the bottom in a space of a bottomed substantially rectangular parallelepiped opening at the end face of the operating portion 4.
64, a plurality of, for example, three plate-shaped contacts B66 provided on one surface of a plate 65, one side of which is fixed and located in the middle, an insulating plate 67 provided on the upper portion in parallel with the plate 65, and this insulation It has a plate spring 68 for urging the plate 67 toward the plate 65.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG.
The connector 59 has a main body 69 of a size that can be mounted in the connector receiver 61.
64, a plurality of tapered terminals 70 corresponding to the contacts B66 are provided in a protruding manner. These terminals 70 are connected to the lead wires 60, respectively, and are in contact with the contact points A64 and B66.

In the above structure, the image pickup unit 2, the insertion section 3, and the operation section 4 are assembled before the inspection. First, the insertion part 4
Is pushed into the hand side mouth body portion 12, the locking projection A46 is locked in the locking groove of the hand side mouth body portion 12, and the operation portion 4 is fixed to the hand side mouth body portion 12. Main body 57 of the imaging unit 2
The locking projection B47 by pushing in from the tip side of the tip 9.
And the locking groove on the side of the opening 5 are locked, and the main body 57 is attached to the tip 9
Fixed to. At this time, the signal line 58 is guided along the guide groove 62, and then the connector 59 is inserted into the connector receiver 61. Since the terminal 70 of the connector 59 is tapered, it is easily guided to a predetermined position, that is, the contact A64 and the contact B66. Further, in the natural state, the terminal 70 of the connector 59 is thicker than the widths of the gap between the contact A64 and the plate 65 and the gap between the plate 65 and the insulator 67. Therefore, when the terminal 70 is inserted, the leaf spring 68 is deformed. Then, the terminal 70 is biased to each contact to fix the connector 59 to the connector receiver 61. At this time, since the plate 65 is fixed on one side, the plate spring 68
Energizes all the terminals 70 in two stages (two rows).

Next, the loop portions of the two sets of curved traction members 17 are meshed with the two gears 19, respectively. Air line 14,
The water supply pipe line 15 and the suction pipe line 16 are connected to the connection port body A31, the connection port body B34, and the connection port body C39, respectively. Then, the light guide connector 40 is attached to the receiving body 4 of the light source device 41.
Connect to 2. Universal cord 23 connector 25
Is connected to the image control device 24. This completes the preparation before the inspection.

After the endoscopic inspection, the connector 59 is removed from the connector receiver 61. Next, insert a remover for a divider into the step portion 5a on the tip side of the opening 5 of the insertion portion 3,
When the tip end portion 9 is expanded laterally, the engagement between the engagement protrusion B47 and the engagement groove of the tip end portion 9 is released, so that the imaging unit 2 is moved to the tip end portion 9
Can be removed from.

Air supply line 14, water supply line 15, suction line 1
After disconnecting 6 and the light guide connector 40,
The two sets of curved traction members 17 are removed from the two gears 19.

When the insertion portion 3 is pulled in the axial direction with respect to the operation portion 4, the engagement protrusion A46 and the engagement groove of the proximal side mouth body 12 are disengaged from each other, so that the insertion portion 3 is removed from the operation portion 4. It can be removed. Then, the connector 25 of the universal cord 23 is disconnected from the image control device 24.

The insertion section 3 is discarded, and the image pickup unit 2 and the operation section 4 are washed and disinfected for reuse.

In this embodiment, since the first objective lens 50 is not covered with the cover, flare, ghost, and cloud are not generated, and the observation ability is not deteriorated or lost.

In this embodiment, the signal line 59 formed integrally with the observation and image pickup unit 2 is arranged along the insertion portion 3 in the axial direction,
From the position of the extended end, the operation portion 4 connected to the insertion portion 3
Is extended with the same extension length as the tip connector receiver 61 of
Since the wireless system is not used by reducing the number of electrical relay points, it is possible to prevent noise from increasing.

In this embodiment, the connector receiver 6 is provided on the operation unit 4.
Since the connector 70 can be formed relatively large, the terminal 70 of the connector 59 contacts the contact A64 and the contact B66 in a sufficiently wide area, and is pressed by the leaf spring 68 with a sufficiently large force to make contact resistance. Can be made small and noise is less likely to get over, and a good image can be obtained.

In this embodiment, since the insertion portion including the pipe line, which is troublesome to clean, is disposable, the cleaning is easy in total.

In this embodiment, since the expensive image pickup unit and the operation section are repeatedly used, the running cost per inspection can be kept low.

In the present embodiment, the signal line 58 has a length substantially the same as the length of the insertion portion and is shorter than the type in which it is directly connected to the image control device 24, so that it is easy to handle during cleaning and disinfection.

Further, in this embodiment, since the merging portion 48 of the air supply pipe and the water supply pipe is made larger than the cross-sectional area of each pipe,
Backflow between the air and water supply lines is unlikely to occur. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the air supply conduit joins the water supply conduit at an acute angle rather than at a right angle, so a large flow rate can be obtained with little energy loss.

The snap-fit type attachment / detachment structure by the locking projection B47 and the locking groove of the image pickup unit 2 can be configured as shown in FIG. 1 (b), for example. A step portion 9b is provided on the front side of the locking groove 9a, and a feed groove 9c is formed on the front side of the locking groove 9a up to the end of the opening 5 to guide the locking protrusion A46 of the casing 27. Has been done. The locking protrusion A46 passes through the feeding groove 9c, crosses the step 9b, and is housed and retained in the locking groove 9a. This allows
It does not fall off in the axial direction of the insertion part. Further, a projection (not shown) is provided on the side opposite to the locking projection B47 provided on the image pickup unit 2 in parallel with the axial direction, and the locking groove 9d shown in FIG.
It does not come off in the radial direction by engaging with.

The structure of the snap-fit type attachment / detachment is not limited to the illustrated example, and the image pickup unit 2 may be attached to the opening 5 in the radial direction so as not to come off. Moreover, if the material of the constituent member of the tip portion 9 is formed by a member that can be elastically deformed even a little, it is only necessary to provide one locking groove 9a without taking the structure shown in FIG. Further, if the locking groove 9a is formed at a position where the outer peripheral end portion does not open, the imaging unit 2 does not fall off in the radial direction.

Besides, instead of using the leaf spring 68 of the air supply conduit 14 to urge the terminal 70 of the connector 59, each terminal 70
By providing a separate leaf spring 68 for each, the terminal 70 and the contact A64 and the contact B66 can be more surely brought into contact with each other, the bias is more reliable, the generation of noise is excellent, and a good image is obtained. can get.

In the present embodiment, if an operating section cover for covering the operating section 4 is also used and the operating section cover is mounted for inspection, it is not necessary to wash the operating section and labor can be saved. For greater care, the controls may be sterilized or disinfected. The operation cover should be either disposable or reused after cleaning and disinfecting.

8 to 14 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side view of a partial cross section showing the configuration of an endoscope, FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a connector and a connector receiver of an image pickup unit,
10 is a side sectional view showing the bending drive mechanism, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the sliding tube, FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a part of the sliding tube, FIG. 13 is a lateral sectional view of the sliding tube, and FIG. (C) is a transverse cross-sectional view which concerns on another structure of a sliding tube.

In the endoscope 1'of the second embodiment, the signal line of the image pickup unit is arranged to be exposed along the groove provided in the axial direction of the insertion section in the first embodiment. , Except that the groove is removed and the signal line is inserted into the insertion portion. Other configurations and operations similar to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

A signal line conduit 71 for accommodating the signal line 58 of the image pickup unit 2 shown in FIG. 8 is arranged in the distal end portion 9, the bending portion 10 and the flexible tube 11 of the insertion portion 3 and is on the near side. The mouth 12 is open on the proximal side and communicates with the opening 5 provided in the tip 9.

As shown in FIG. 9, the connector 59 'of the image pickup unit 2 has a shape in which a side surface of a cylinder having an outer diameter substantially equal to that of the signal line 58 is axially cut out.
A plurality of terminals 70 project from the cutout surface 72. On the other hand, the casing 27 of the operation portion 4 is provided with a connector receiver 61 ′ having a terminal for connecting the terminal 70, and a U-shaped groove 73 for accommodating the cylindrical portion of the signal line 58 and the connector 59 is provided with the connector receiver 61 ′. It is provided on the tip side of.

As shown in FIG. 10, the two gears 19 are provided with two electric motors 74 such as an electromagnetic motor, an ultrasonic motor and an electrostatic motor provided inside the casing 27, and two sets of gear groups 75. And are rotatably engaged and connected.

A bending instruction switch 76 including a two-dimensional joystick for instructing the operation of the electric motor 74 is provided in the operation section 4, and a control circuit (not shown) for controlling the electric motor 74 according to the operation of the bending instruction switch 76. Is provided. The bending instruction switch 76 is provided in place of the bending operation knob 20 of the first embodiment.

When the endoscope 1'is used for a large intestine examination, a sliding tube 77 as an endoscope insertion assisting tool shown in FIG. 11 is used. The tube 77 is for inserting the endoscope 1 ′ into the inside of the tube 77 to reach a target site. The sliding tube 77 includes an elastic tube 78 made of urethane resin, fluororesin, silicon resin, or the like, a hollow, large-diameter holding portion 79 connected to one end of the elastic tube 78, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the elastic tube 78 has, inside the elastic tube 78, four rod bodies 80 formed of a single wire or a stranded wire made of stainless steel or the like extending in the axial direction of the elastic tube 78. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 13, the four rods 80 are
They are arranged at intervals of approximately 90 degrees in the circumferential direction.

The elastic tube 78 may have a non-circular cross section such as an ellipse as shown in FIG. 14 (a). Alternatively, the rod 80 may be made of a pipe material as shown in FIG. 14B, and may be fixed to a groove 81 provided on the outer circumference of the elastic tube 78 by adhesion or by melting and melting a part of the elastic tube 78. In addition, as shown in FIG.
The rod body 80 may be a pair of plate materials, and may be fixed to the groove 81 provided on the inner peripheral side of the elastic tube 78.

In the above structure, in order to mount the image pickup unit 2 in the insertion portion 3, the connector 59 'and the signal line 58 are provided.
Through the opening 5 side of the insertion portion 3 into the signal line conduit 71,
The main body 57 of the image pickup unit 2 is attached to the tip portion 9. Then, the connector 59 'extending from the opening of the signal line conduit 71 on the proximal side mouth body 12 side is connected to the connector receiver 61'. After the operation unit 4 is mounted on the proximal mouth unit 12 of the insertion unit 3, the curved traction member 17 is engaged with the gear 19.

In this embodiment, the signal line 5 of the image pickup unit 2
Since 8 is accommodated in the signal line conduit 71 inserted into the insertion portion 3, the signal line 58 is even more unlikely to come off during the inspection than in the first embodiment.

A signal line 5 is provided on the outer circumference of the bending portion 10 and the flexible tube 11.
Since there is no groove for housing 8, the bending portion 10 and the flexible tube 11
Can be formed into a completely cylindrical shape, and the bending portion 10 and the flexible tube 11 can be formed.
Since it has no bending elastic piece, it can be inserted into the body cavity well.

Since the sliding tube 77 is basically formed of an elastic tube, its cross-sectional shape can be easily changed. Therefore, even if the cross section of the endoscope insertion section is non-circular, even if the cross section of the endoscope insertion section changes in the axial direction, the elastic tube is deformed so as to follow. Therefore, by using the sliding tube selected according to the outer peripheral length of the endoscope insertion portion, it is possible to prevent the patient's pain and the involvement of the mucous membrane from the end surface of the sliding tube.

Further, the sliding tube 77 includes
Since the rod 80 is arranged in the axial direction, it is easy to maintain the straightness and easily deform the cross-sectional shape.

15 to 18 relate to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an image pickup unit, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an insertion portion, and FIG. 17 is an overall external view of an endoscope apparatus. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a node ring.

Unlike the first embodiment, the combined endoscope of this embodiment is provided with a bending portion in the image pickup unit. Other configurations and operations similar to those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, description thereof will be omitted, and only different points will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15, the image pickup unit 92 of this embodiment has a curved portion 93. The imaging unit 92 has a semi-cylindrical tip portion 9a on the tip side as a main body, and a cylindrical bending portion 93 at the proximal end of the tip portion 9a.
Are linked. A signal line 58 having the connector 59 at the end extends from the proximal end of the curved portion 93.

The internal structure of the bending portion 93 is, as shown in an example in FIG. 18, a tip side tongue piece 83 and a hand side tongue piece 84 of each of a plurality of node rings 82 rotatably combined. It forms the rotor and stator of the ultrasonic motor.
The detailed structure and control method are disclosed in JP-A-61-106126.
It is the same as that described in the publication. By the drive control of the rotor and the stator, the angles of the node rings 82 are changed so that a predetermined bending angle can be obtained in the node rings 82 as a whole. These node rings 82 are made of fluororubber or the like on the inner and outer surfaces.
It is covered with a curved outer skin 85 shown in FIG. By adopting such a configuration, the curved traction member is unnecessary.

A plurality of node rings 8 covered with the curved outer skin 85.
2 has a hollow lumen 86 inside, and the tip 9
A locking portion 87 made of a shape memory alloy or a shape memory resin is provided at a so as to project. The locking portion 87 is curved at a diameter capable of urging the pipe group accommodating distal end tube, which will be described later, and is provided at both ends of the flat surface portion of the distal end portion 9a, and opens outward when the temperature reaches 50 degrees or more. Is set to.

The insertion portion 94 does not have a curved portion, and as shown in FIG. 16, a semi-cylindrical conduit group housing distal end portion 88 that can be inserted into the lumen 86 projects from the distal end side of the flexible tube 11. There is. Further, the flexible tube 11 is provided with a signal line conduit 95 through which the signal line 58 is inserted so as to penetrate in the axial direction.

The signal line 58 is formed to be 1 to 2 m longer than the length of the flexible tube 11. The signal line 58 includes a signal line for driving control of the bending portion and opening the locking portion 87, in addition to the signal line related to the solid-state image sensor.

As shown in FIG. 17, the signal line 58 of the image pickup unit 92 attached to the insertion portion 94 is inserted through the signal line tube 95, and the image processing device 96 is inserted through the connector 59.
Is electrically connected to The image control device 96 is the first
In addition to the function of the image control device 24 of the embodiment, the bending portion 93
A drive control circuit and an energization control circuit for opening the locking portion 87 are incorporated (both not shown).

With the above construction, the signal line 58 is inserted into the signal line conduit 95 of the flexible tube 11, while the conduit group housing distal end portion 88 is inserted into the lumen 86. Then, the pipe line group accommodation tip portion 88 is fixed by the urging force of the locking portion 87. The connector 59 of the image pickup unit 92 is connected to a connector receiver provided in the image control device 96. When removing the image pickup unit 92 from the insertion section 94, the image pickup unit 2 is heated and then the locking section 87 is opened.
And the insertion part 3 are separated.

In this embodiment, the signal line between the solid-state image pickup device and the image control device is connected to only one place near the image control device, and noise can be reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the bending portion is built in the image pickup unit, the cost of the disposable insertion portion 94 can be reduced and the running cost per examination can be reduced.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the cord and the conduit extending from the endoscope are shown as separated, but they may be handled easily as follows. That is,
The light guide 13, the air supply line 14, the water supply line 15,
Suction line 16, universal cord 23 and signal line 58
Are bundled so that they can be operated easily during inspection.

As another structure, a groove extending in the axial direction is provided in the universal cord 23, and the light guide 13, the air supply pipe line 14, the water supply pipe line 15, the suction pipe line 16 and the signal line 58 are arranged in this groove. To do. After being arranged in the groove, the conduits and cords are bundled for each universal cord 23.

[Appendix] As described in detail above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the following configuration can be obtained.
That is, [Supplementary Note 1] an insertion portion provided with at least one conduit,
A combination type endoscope having an observation image pickup unit section having an objective optical system and an image pickup means for picking up a subject image formed by the objective optical system, and an operation section having an operation instructing means, Engaging means for detachably holding the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the observation and imaging unit portion are mutually provided, and the proximal end portion of the insertion portion and the distal end portion of the operation portion are detachably held. Are provided for engaging with each other and transmit a signal output from the image pickup means of the observation image pickup unit section, and extend from the observation image pickup unit section and have a connector provided at an end thereof. And a signal line that engages with the insertion section from a position of an end extending from the observation and imaging unit with the observation and imaging unit attached to the distal end of the insertion section. Of the operation unit held A storage means having an extension length equal to or longer than the length to the end portion and capable of detachably storing at least a part of the signal line is provided in the insertion portion along the axial direction of the insertion portion. ing.

[Appendix 1-1] An insertion section provided with at least one conduit, an observation optical unit having an objective optical system and an image pickup means for picking up a subject image formed by the objective optical system, and an operation instruction. A combination type endoscope having an operation section having means, and a mutual engagement means for detachably holding the distal end portion of the insertion section and the observation and imaging unit section, Engaging means for detachably holding the proximal end of the insertion section and the distal end of the operation section are mutually provided, and the signal output from the imaging means of the observation and imaging unit section is transmitted. And has a signal line extending from the observation and imaging unit section and provided with a connector at its end, and the signal line has an extension length equal to or greater than the length of the insertion section. , The signal line can be detachably stored The storage means is provided in the insertion portion along the axial direction of the insertion portion.

In the structure described in appendix 1-1, the observation / imaging unit is detachably attached to the insertion portion, and the signal line integrally formed with the observation / imaging unit is arranged at the proximal end of the insertion portion in the axial direction along the insertion portion. It extends to a position beyond the section.

Further, in the above structure, the observation / imaging unit and the operation section can be easily washed and disinfected by removing them from the insertion section. Furthermore, after disinfecting the observation and imaging unit and the operating section,
Since it can be reused, the running cost of each test can be reduced. Transmission and reception between the terminals of the signal line are provided not in the insertion portion having a large size restriction but in a portion having a relatively large degree of freedom, so that it is easy to make a structure in which noise is less likely to occur.

[Supplementary Note 1-2] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the observation and imaging unit exposes the surface of the objective optical system even when mounted in the insertion section. Are arranged.

In the structure described in appendix 1-2, the operation section is attachable to and detachable from the insertion section, and the objective surface of the observation and imaging unit is not covered with a cover or the like, so that problems such as flare, ghost, and clouding do not occur. .

[Supplementary Note 2] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the operation portion is provided with a connector receiver that is detachably electrically connected to the connector of the signal line. A connector provided on the operation section engaged / held with the insertion section from a position of an end extending from the observation / imaging unit with the observation / imaging unit attached to the distal end of the insertion section The extension length is equivalent to the length up to the position where the receiver is arranged.

[Supplementary Note 3] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the signal line extends from the observation / imaging unit with the observation / imaging unit attached to the distal end of the insertion section. The length from the position of the end portion to the position of the connector is equal to or longer than the length of the insertion portion.

[Supplementary Note 4] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the output of the image pickup means of the observation image pickup unit is signal-processed by a connector receiver detachably electrically connected to the connector of the signal line. The signal line extends longer than the proximal end of the insertion portion so as to reach the connector receiver.

[Supplementary Note 5] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the operation section is a connector which is detachably attached to and electrically connected to a connector of a signal line extending from the observation and imaging unit. I have a receiver.

[Supplementary Note 6] The combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the connector receiver is a contact member that is detachable from the connector of the signal line and that contacts the electrical contact member of the connector. And a biasing means for biasing the static contact member side.

[Supplementary Note 7] An insertion section provided with at least one conduit, an observation optical pickup unit section having an objective optical system and an image pickup means for picking up a subject image formed by the objective optical system, and an operation instruction means. In a combination endoscope having a manipulation part provided with the insertion part, the insertion part is made of an elastic member, and at least one elongated hard body is arranged in an axial direction of the elastic member.

[Supplementary Note 8] An insert portion provided with a bendable bending portion and a driving force transmitting means for transmitting a driving force for bending the bending portion, and an operation portion provided with a driving means for generating the driving force. In a combination endoscope having an objective optical system and an observation image pickup unit section having an image pickup means for picking up a subject image formed by the objective optical system, a distal end portion of the insertion section and the observation image pickup unit. And an engaging means for removably holding the insertion portion and the distal end portion of the operating portion. The driving force transmitting means of the insertion portion is detachably engaged with the second driving force transmitting means for transmitting the driving force of the driving means to the driving force transmitting means.

[Supplementary Note 8-1] In the combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 8, the drive means is a bending operation knob that is provided in the operation portion and is rotatably operated to generate a drive force.

[Supplementary Note 8-2] In the combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 8, the driving means is an electric motor controlled by an operation instructing means provided in the operation section.

[Supplementary Note 8-3] The combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 8, wherein the driving force transmitting means is provided in a curved portion of the insertion portion and is rotatable. A wire whose both ends are fixed to the most advanced node ring and which is folded back in a loop shape on the proximal side, wherein the second driving force transmitting means engages with the loop portion of the wire to drive the driving means. The gear that transmits the driving force of.

[Supplementary Note 9] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, the accommodating means is provided on the outer surface or inside of the insertion section along the axial direction of the insertion section.

[Supplementary Note 10] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 9, wherein the accommodating means is provided inside the insertion portion, and is a conduit for inserting the signal line.

[Supplementary Note 11] In the combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 9, the accommodating means is a groove provided on the outer surface of the insertion portion and into which the signal line is fitted.

[Supplementary Note 12] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 11, wherein the groove is provided with means for preventing the signal line from falling off.

[Supplementary Note 13] The combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 12, wherein the preventing means is provided at both ends of the groove, and the distance between the both ends is smaller than the diameter of the signal line. It is a protrusion formed so that.

[Supplementary Note 14-1] In the combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, a connector receiver electrically connected to the connector of the signal line is provided in the operation portion.

[Supplementary Note 14-2] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the connector provided at the end of the signal line processes the output of the image pickup means of the observation image pickup unit. It has a length that allows direct electrical connection with a connector receiver provided on the side.

[Supplementary Note 14-3] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 14-2, wherein the signal line is configured to be insertable into the insertion portion, and further in the hand side direction from the insertion portion. The length can be extended.

[Supplementary Note 14-4] In the combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 14-2, the signal line is disposed in a groove provided on the outer periphery of the insertion section, and further from the insertion section toward the proximal side. The length can be extended to.

[Supplementary Note 14-5] In the combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 14-2, a part of the signal line is arranged in parallel with the flexible tube forming the insertion portion. Has become.

[Supplementary Note 15] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 14-1, wherein the output of the image pickup means of the observation image pickup unit provided at the end of the flexible tube extending from the operation section is processed. A flexible tube-side connector that is electrically connected to a connector receiver that is provided on the operating means side, and an operating portion that connects the connector receptacle and the flexible tube-side connector provided in the operating portion. Side signal lines are provided in the operation section and the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 16] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 15, wherein the signal wire on the operating portion side is arranged inside the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 17] In the combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 15, the operation section side signal line is disposed in a groove provided on the outer circumference of the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 18] In the combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 15, the operation section side signal line is provided in parallel with the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 19] The combined endoscope according to Supplementary Note 18, which has means for bundling the operation section side signal line and the flexible tube.

[Supplementary Note 20] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the observation / image pickup unit is provided with a bending driving electric motor so as to be bent, and a driving signal is sent to the bending driving electric motor. A signal line having a connector at an end for detachably electrically connecting to a motor drive source for supplying the electric field.

[Supplementary Note 21] An observation image pickup unit section which has an image pickup means for picking up an object image formed by the optical system and the objective optical system and which is provided with a bendable bending portion driving force transmitting means, and at least A combination type endoscope having an insertion section provided with one conduit and an operation section having at least operation instruction means including means for giving an instruction for a bending operation of the bending section, wherein: Engaging means for detachably holding the distal end portion of the insertion portion and the observation and imaging unit portion are mutually provided, and the proximal end portion of the insertion portion and the distal end portion of the operation portion are detachably held. And a plurality of node rings rotatably associated with each other are provided in the curved portion, and tongues of the node rings that are rotatably associated with each other are vibrators. It constitutes the rotor and stator of the motor. A signal line for transmitting a signal for driving and controlling the rotor and the stator extends from the image pickup unit toward the hand side.

[Supplementary Note 22] The combination endoscope according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the operation instructing means of the operation section performs image control for the output of the image pickup means or a fluid which is provided through a conduit of the insertion section. It is an instruction switch for instructing control of endoscope-related functions including at least one of the controls.

[Supplementary Note 23] A hollow or flexible tubular body having both ends opened, and a tubular body extending in the axial direction of the tubular body and housed in the tubular body and having rigidity higher than that of the tubular body. An endoscope insertion aid having a rod made of a certain member.

[Supplementary Note 24] In the endoscope insertion assisting tool according to Supplementary Note 23, a hollow holding portion is connected to one end of the tubular body.

[Supplementary Note 25] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, which can be sterilized by autoclaving.

[Supplementary Note 26] In the endoscope insertion assisting instrument according to Supplementary Note 25, the cylindrical body is made of a silicon-based material.

[Supplementary Note 27] The endoscope insertion assisting instrument according to Supplementary Note 25, wherein the rod is made of a stainless steel material.

[Supplementary Note 28] The endoscope insertion assisting instrument according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the rod body is fully configured.

[Supplementary Note 29] The endoscope insertion aid according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the rod is hollow.

[Supplementary Note 30] The endoscope insertion assisting tool according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein a plurality of rods are provided.

[Supplementary Note 31] The endoscope insertion assisting tool according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the rod is a plate.

[Supplementary Note 32] In the endoscope insertion assisting tool according to Supplementary Note 23, the rod body is embedded inside the tubular body.

[Supplementary Note 33] In the endoscope insertion assisting tool according to Supplementary Note 23, the rod is fixed inside so as to be exposed in the hollow of the cylindrical body.

[Supplementary Note 34] The endoscope insertion assisting tool according to Supplementary Note 23, wherein the rod is fixed to the outside of the cylindrical body.

[Supplementary Note 35] The endoscope insertion assisting tool according to Supplementary Note 33 or Supplementary Note 34, wherein the rod body is fixed to a groove provided in the tubular body.

[Supplementary Note 36] The endoscope insertion assisting tool according to Supplementary Note 33 or Supplementary Note 34, wherein the fixing is performed by adhesion.

[Supplementary Note 37] The endoscope insertion assisting tool according to Supplementary Note 33 or Supplementary Note 34, wherein the fixing is performed by welding by melting a part of the cylindrical body.

Although the above-mentioned modes are conceivable, the present invention is not limited to this.

[0130]

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances. The expensive part can be easily washed and disinfected and then reused to reduce the running cost.
The relatively inexpensive part can be disposable, and there is an effect that a good endoscopic image can be obtained with excellent measures against noise.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 to 7 relate to a first embodiment, and FIG.
FIG. 1A is an overall configuration diagram of FIG. 1B, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the tip of the insertion portion.

2A is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2B is a sectional view taken along line CC of FIG. 2A.

3A is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 1A, and FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing another structure.

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an operation unit including an operation knob.

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the image pickup unit.

FIG. 6 is a cutaway view showing the inside of the connector receiver.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a connector.

8 to 14 relate to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing the configuration of the endoscope.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of a connector and a connector receiver of the imaging unit.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view showing a bending drive mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a sliding tube.

FIG. 12 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a part of a sliding tube.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding tube.

14A to 14C are cross-sectional views of another structure of the sliding tube.

15 to 18 relate to the third embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an image pickup unit.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an insertion portion.

FIG. 17 is an overall external view of the endoscope device.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a node ring.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Combination endoscope 2 ... Imaging unit 47 ... Locking protrusion B 58 ... Signal line 3 ... Insertion part 5 ... Opening 17 ... Curved traction material 62 ... Guide groove 4 ... Operation part 20 ... Operation knob 46 ... Locking protrusion A 61 ... Connector receiving 23 ... Universal cord

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An insertion section having at least one conduit, an observation image pickup unit section having an objective optical system and an image pickup means for picking up a subject image formed by this objective optical system, and an operation instruction means. In a combination endoscope having an operation section, engaging means for detachably holding the distal end section of the insertion section and the observation and imaging unit section are mutually provided, and the insertion section is at hand. Engaging means for mutually detachably holding the side end portion and the tip end portion of the operation portion are provided to transmit a signal output from the image pickup means of the observation image pickup unit portion, The observation / imaging unit has a signal line extending from the observation / imaging unit section and provided with a connector at an end thereof, and the signal line has the observation / imaging unit attached to the distal end of the insertion section. End extending from Has a extension length equal to or longer than the length from the position to the tip of the operation portion engaged / held with the insertion portion, and at least a part of the signal line can be detachably accommodated. A combination type endoscope characterized in that storage means is provided in the insertion portion along the axial direction of the insertion portion.