JPH10127571A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope having a bending part air tightly fixed with a bent cover simply at a low cost without making the outside diameter dimension of the endoscope larger. SOLUTION: A bending part 10 of this endoscope 2 is mainly constituted of plural rotatably connected bending pieces 20, a net pipe 21, and a cover tube 22 consisting of an elastomer such as resin. An insulating tip end cover 23 is fixed on the tip end constituting part 9. On the outer periphery face not covered by the tip end cover 23 at the tip end constituting part 9, a fixing member 24 formed with an elastomer such as resin is water-tightly fixed so as to prevent liquid to penetrate into. On the other hand, on a notch part 11a of outer cover resin to constitute the flexible part 11, also a fixing member 24 is water-tightly fixed. The inner periphery face at the end part of the outer cover tube 22 and the fixing member 24 are aggregated to be securely and tightly fixed to each other.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope having a curved portion in an insertion portion, and more particularly to an endoscope in which the outermost periphery of the curved portion is covered with an outer tube.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a slender insertion portion has been inserted into a body cavity to observe and inspect the inside of a body cavity in a tube of a medical endoscope, a machine or a chemical plant, or in a machine. Endoscopes are widely used.

[0003] When observation is performed using these endoscopes, generally, a naked eye observation is performed from an eyepiece by a fiber scope, or an observation image is captured by an electronic endoscope provided with an image pickup device, and a TV monitor or the like is generally used. Or an imaging device equipped with a camera is mounted on an endoscope to take a photograph of an observed image, and the photographed film is projected.

[0004] For example, the electronic endoscope has an elongated insertion section, an operation section is provided on the base end side of the insertion section, and a universal cord extends from a side of the operation section. The insertion portion includes an elongated flexible portion, a curved portion connected to the distal end of the flexible portion, and a rigid distal portion connected to the distal end of the curved portion. The insertion section is provided with an image pickup section, a signal processing circuit section, and the like that constitute an image pickup section.

[0005] The bending portion connects a plurality of bending pieces so as to be rotatable with each other about an axis, connects the bending piece disposed at the foremost end of the bending piece to the front end, and is disposed at the rearmost end. The bending piece is connected to the flexible portion through a connecting pipe, and the outer circumference of the bending piece is covered with a mesh pipe, and the outer circumference of the mesh pipe is further covered with a curved rubber as an outer tube constituting the outermost circumference of the bending section. ing.

[0006] As one method of fixing the curved rubber to the distal end portion or the flexible portion, after winding a thread from outside the curved rubber,
There is known a method in which an adhesive is applied and an adhesive layer is provided to bond and fix in a watertight manner. However, in this fixing method, a step of covering both ends of the curved rubber on the tip and the flexible part, a step of winding a thread on each end, a step of applying an adhesive to the thread winding part, and drying the adhesive to form an adhesive layer Process is time-consuming and time-consuming, and in the process of applying the adhesive, the thickness of the adhesive layer changes depending on the skill of the worker, so the manufacture and repair of uniform and stable products Was difficult.

[0007] For this reason, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-8444 discloses an endoscope in which a simple and inexpensive outer tube is securely fixed. As shown in FIG.
Is composed of a curved tube 102, a mesh tube 103, and a curved outer skin 104 as an outer tube. The tip of an angle operation wire 105 is fixed to a wire fixing portion 106 by brazing or the like at the foremost bending piece of the curved tube 102. I have. The bending section 1
01 is the distal end component 107 and the proximal end is the connecting pipe 10.
8 to the flexible portion 109.

The curved outer skin 104 is formed of an elastic member such as rubber, and has a protruding portion 104a as a fitting attachment fixing portion which protrudes in a convex shape on an inner surface on a distal end side and an inner surface on a proximal end side. It is formed integrally.

On the other hand, the projecting portion 10 and the connecting tube 108 are respectively provided at portions corresponding to the projecting portions 104a provided on the curved outer cover 104.
Locking recesses 107a and 108a into which 4a are fitted are formed.

[0010] By fitting the protruding portion 104a formed on the curved outer cover 104 into each of the locking concave portions 107a and 108a of the distal end forming portion 107 and the connecting tube 108, parts for fixing the bobbin and time and effort are not required. Then, the curved outer skin 104 is fixed to the flexible portion 109 via the distal end configuration portion 107 and the connection tube 108.

[0011]

However, in the endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-8444, a fitting-fixing portion protruding in a convex shape provided on a curved outer cover is provided.
Since the corresponding concave fitting recesses, which are to be mounted, are fitted and fixed, it is difficult to form these fitting portions in a liquid-tight manner. There is a possibility that dust or the like may enter to impair the water tightness, or the fitting portion may be displaced during use, and liquid such as body fluid may enter the insertion portion from the fitting portion and adversely affect the internal components.

Further, in the endoscope, since it is desired to reduce the outer dimensions of the insertion portion, the thickness of the curved outer skin is set to about 0.5 mm. For this reason, if it is attempted to provide a projection having a sufficient engagement width and thickness in order to fix the curved outer cover with a sufficient amount of locking force, the thickness of the curved outer cover is increased, and as a result, the outer dimensions of the insertion portion are reduced. There is a problem that the diameter becomes large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a simple and inexpensive method in which a curved outer skin is hermetically fixed without increasing the outer dimensions of an insertion portion of an endoscope. It is an object to provide an endoscope having a section.

[0014]

The endoscope according to the present invention is an endoscope having a curved portion having at least the outermost periphery covered with an outer tube at a part of a flexible insertion portion. A fixing member having a property of coagulating and fixing to the outer tube covering the outermost periphery of the curved portion is disposed so as to correspond to at least one end of the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube.

According to this configuration, by covering the outer tube with the fixing member, the outer tube and the fixing member are attracted and fixed by intermolecular force.

[0016]

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

1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus to which the endoscope of the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is an endoscope. FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of the insertion portion, and FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a connection state between the outer tube and the flexible portion.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an endoscope apparatus 1 having an endoscope applied to the present invention has a built-in image pickup device (not shown) for obtaining, for example, an observation image of a test site. Endoscope 2 and light source device 3 for supplying illumination light to endoscope 2
A video processor 4 for controlling the endoscope 2 and performing signal processing on an image signal obtained by the endoscope 2, and a monitor 5 for receiving a video signal output from the video processor 4 and displaying an observation image And VTR for recording observation images
It is provided with a deck 6 and a video disk 7, and a video printer 8 for printing out observation images.

The endoscope 2 includes a distal end component 9 which forms a hard distal end on which an illumination optical system, an observation optical system, and the like are disposed.
For example, it has an elongated insertion portion 12 composed of a bending portion 10 that can be bent in the up, down, left, and right directions, and a flexible portion 11 having flexibility, and is located at a base end side of the insertion portion 12. A universal cord 14 in which a light guide, a signal line, and the like are inserted extends from a side portion of the operation unit 13.

The endoscope 2 is detachably connected to the light source device 3 via a light guide connector 14a provided at the end of the universal cord 14. Electrical connector 15a provided at the end of the signal cable 15 extending from the connector
And is detachably connected to the video processor 4 via the.

The illumination light of the lamp 16 in the light source device 3 passes through the condenser lens 17 and is connected to the light guide connector 14.
The light is condensed on the end face of the light guide base 18 protruding from a, and is guided to the distal end component 9 of the insertion section 12 through the light guide that penetrates the universal cord 14 and the endoscope 2 and is directed toward the portion to be inspected. Irradiated.

The image of the test site illuminated by the illumination light is formed on a solid-state image pickup device (not shown) provided at the distal end component section 9, converted into an electric signal, and transmitted to the video processor 4. The processor 4 converts the video signal into a video signal and displays an endoscope image on the monitor 5.

An operation unit 13 also serving as a holding unit of the endoscope 2
The vertical bending operation knob 19a for controlling the bending operation of the bending section 10, the left and right bending operation knob 19c, the air / liquid supply button 19e for controlling the air / liquid supply function, the suction button 19f for controlling the suction function, A switch 1 for remotely controlling a video recording function of the video processor 4 and a light amount adjustment of the light source device 3.
9 g are provided. Reference numeral 19b is an up-down bending braking lever, and reference numeral 19d is a left-right bending braking lever.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bending portion 10 of the endoscope 2 has a plurality of bending pieces 20, 20,.
And a mesh tube 21 formed by knitting a strand of, for example, a polymer material or metal into a circular tube, and a highly extensible outer tube 22 made of a rubber member or an elastomer such as urethane resin. . The net tube 21 is provided in close contact with the bending pieces 20, 20,..., And the outer tube 22 is provided in close contact with the net tube 21 and provided. In addition, the bending piece 20 located at the forefront is connected and fixed to the leading end component 9, and the bending piece 20 located at the rearmost end is connected and fixed to the flexible part 11.

The flexible portion 11 includes a spiral tube 27 formed by spirally winding a band-like plate member made of metal or the like, and a wire made of a polymer material or metal or the like to be sheathed on the spiral tube 27. It is composed of a tubular braided wire 26 and an outer cover resin 28 coated on the outer periphery of the braided wire 26.

The front end component 9 has a cap-shaped front cover 2 made of an insulating member such as a resin member.
3 is fixed.

Further, the outer periphery of the distal end portion 9
The tip component 9 on the bending portion 10 side of the tip cover 23
A liquid such as a bodily fluid enters the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 22 such that a fixing member 24 formed of a rubber member or an elastomer such as urethane resin in a ring shape, for example, corresponds to the inner peripheral surface on the distal end side of the outer tube 22. It is fixed watertight so as to prevent that.

On the other hand, the outer peripheral surface of the cutout portion 11a formed by cutting out the outer peripheral side of the curved portion 10 of the outer cover resin 28 constituting the flexible portion 11 has the inside of the rear end side of the curved portion 10 formed therein. The fixing member 24 is fixed in a water-tight manner so as to prevent liquid such as body fluid from entering the corresponding peripheral surface. In this embodiment, the fixing member 24 is used.
As shown in FIG. 4, the outer resin 28 may be water-tightly fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the cutout portion 11b formed by cutting out the inner peripheral side on the curved portion 10 side.

An outer tube 2 constituting the bending portion 10
Each of the end portions 2 is disposed so as to cover the fixing member 24 fixed to the distal end component 9 and the fixing member 24 fixed to the outer cover resin 28. At this time, since the fixing member 24 is formed of an elastomer or rubber member such as a urethane resin, and the outer tube 22 is formed of the same member such as an elastomer or a rubber member like the fixing member 24, A cohesive force acts on the inner peripheral surface of the end portion of the outer tube 22 and the fixing member 24, and the fixing member 24
And the outer tube 22 are securely adhered to each other.

The operation of the endoscope 2 configured as described above will be described. For example, when the insertion section 12 of the endoscope 2 is inserted into a body cavity, the insertion section 12 of the endoscope 2 comes into contact with a body fluid or the like. At this time, since the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 24 and the inner peripheral surfaces at both ends of the outer tube 22 are cohered and fixed over the entire circumference, the fixing member 24 and the outer tube 22 that are fixed to the distal end constituting portion 9 are connected. Liquid such as bodily fluid is prevented from entering from the fixing portion between the fixing member 24 fixed to the fixing portion and the flexible portion 11 and the outer tube 22. Also, even if a liquid intrudes from the fixing portion, the fixing member 24 is
And because it is water-tightly fixed to the outer cover resin 28,
Fixing part of fixing member 24 and tip component 9 and fixing member 2
Liquids such as body fluids are also prevented from entering from a fixed portion between the flexible portion 4 and the flexible portion 11, and watertightness inside the curved portion 10 is ensured.

An operation unit 1 also serving as a holding unit for the endoscope 2
By operating the up / down bending operation knob 19a or the right / left bending operation knob 19c provided on the third unit 3, the bending operation wire (not shown) is pulled, and the bending piece 20 is rotated about the connection pin 20a as a fulcrum. When bending the portion 10 in a desired direction, the outer tube 22 is formed of a member having high extensibility, so that the rotation of the bending piece 20 is smoothly bent without being hindered.

As described above, when the outer tube forming the curved portion is fixed to the distal end forming portion and the flexible portion, the outer tube is cohered and fixed through the fixing member formed of the same elastomer or rubber member as the outer tube. Thereby, the outer tube is easily covered with the fixing member fixed to the distal end portion and the fixing member fixed to the flexible portion, without making the outer dimensions of the insertion portion of the endoscope large, and easily. It can be fixedly arranged. Thus, when a defect occurs in the outer tube, the outer tube can be easily replaced.

As described above, the fixing member 24 is formed by cohering and fixing the distal end cover 23 and the outer tube 22 or by cohering and fixing the outer resin 28 and the outer tube 22 without the interposition of the fixing member 24 as described above. Becomes unnecessary, and it can be manufactured at low cost. In addition, by forming the surface of the fixing member in contact with the outer tube as a smooth surface without fine irregularities, the contact area is increased, the range of aggregation is widened, and the fixing is more stable.

FIGS. 5 and 6 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating another configuration of the insertion portion, and FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration of a connecting portion between the distal end cover and the outer tube. FIG. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the present embodiment, the end on the side of the distal end component 9, which is one end of the outer tube 22, is externally attached to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end cover 23 in advance and integrally fixed. .

That is, after covering the outer tube 22 with the distal end cover 23 and winding the thread member 29 around the outer periphery of the outer tube 22 within the range covered with the distal cover 23, the outer periphery of the thread member 29 is further removed. An adhesive is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the front cover 23 to provide an adhesive layer 30 at the connection portion, and the front cover 23 is so formed as to prevent liquid from entering from the connection portion.
And the outer tube 22 are integrated into an integral cover tube in advance.

For this reason, when the end cover 23 and the outer tube 22 are arranged to form an integral cover tube to form the outermost periphery of the curved portion 10, the outer tube 2
2 is covered with the distal end component 9 and the bending piece 20, and the distal end cover 23 is disposed in contact with the distal end component 9.
And the inner peripheral surface of the other end portion of the outer tube 22 is cohered and fixed to the fixing member 24 to form the bending portion 10.

It should be noted that, as shown in FIG.
3 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end component 9 to which the distal end cover 23 is externally fitted, so that the liquid can be prevented from entering the curved portion 10 from the distal end side of the distal end component 9. An elastic member 31 for maintaining water tightness
Are arranged. The distal end surface of the distal end cover 23 where the outer tube 22 is not covered is provided with an engagement hole corresponding to a step portion described later provided in the distal end component 9.
Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the outer cover tube is integrally fixed to the distal end cover which covers the distal end forming portion in advance, and the distal end cover and the outer cover tube are integrated into a cover tube, so that the distal end cover has the distal end cover. After the outer tube is externally fitted to the portion, the outer tube is disposed at a predetermined position to form a curved portion by simply cohering the other end of the outer tube to the fixing member. Thereby, the assembling work of the outer tube is further simplified, and the working efficiency is improved. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining another configuration of the insertion portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, a coating portion 32 is provided on an outer peripheral surface of an end portion of the flexible portion 11 on the curved portion 10 side. The coating portion 32 is formed by applying a separated elastomer to a solvent.

By covering the end of the outer tube 22 so as to cover the coating portion 32 provided at the end of the flexible portion 11, the inner peripheral surface of the end of the outer tube 22 and the flexible portion 11 are covered. The coating part 32 is cohered and fixed.
Note that the coating portion 32 may be formed using a polymer material. Other configurations and actions are described in the second section above.
This is the same as the embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description is omitted.

As described above, by forming a coating portion by applying an elastomer or the like to the outer peripheral surface of the bending portion side end portion of the flexible portion, the bending portion can be simplified without providing a fixing member on the flexible portion. Can be configured. Further, when the outer tube is replaced, the repair can be easily performed by forming the coating portion again on the flexible portion. Other effects are similar to those of the above-described embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 9 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic view for explaining another structure of the insertion portion, and FIG. 9 shows details of a connecting portion between the outer tube and the fixing tube. It is an enlarged view explaining. As shown in FIG. 8, in the present embodiment, the outer tube 22 constituting the outermost periphery of the bending portion 10
A fixing tube 33 formed of the same member as the fixing member 24 is disposed at an end of the side opposite to the front end cover 23.

That is, the end of the outer tube 22 on the side opposite the distal end cover 23 and the step on the curved portion 10 side of the fixing tube 33 formed of the same member as the fixing member 24 made of an elastomer such as urethane resin or rubber. Are connected via a connecting pipe 34 made of a hard tubular member.

As shown in FIG. 9, after connecting the end of the outer tube 22 and the other end of the fixed tube 33 whose one end is cohesively fixed to the fixing member 24 to the connecting pipe 34, the outer tube 22 and the The thread member 29 is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the fixing tube 33, and an adhesive is applied to the outer layer of the thread member 29 to provide an adhesive layer 30. The fixing tube 33 is integrally connected.

The connecting pipe 34 is formed with an inner diameter larger than the maximum outer diameter of the bending piece 20 and the mesh pipe 21 constituting the bending section 10 so that it can be easily inserted into the bending section 10. I have. When the respective tubes are pulled in opposite directions around the connecting portion between the outer tube 22 and the fixing tube 33 at both ends of the connecting tube 34, the outer tube 22 and the fixing tube 33 are caught and easily connected. In order to prevent the portion from being broken, a convex portion 34a having a large outer diameter at both ends of the connecting pipe 34 is provided.

Also, the fixing tube 33 is
Even if the outer tube 22 is made of a material having extensibility, even if the outer tube 22 is made of a material having a hardness or elongation that does not match the bending shape and the bending force, the bending shape and bending of the bending portion 10 can be obtained. Does not affect competence. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second embodiment and the third embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, by connecting the fixing tube and the fixing tube formed of the same member to the end of the outer tube on the side opposite to the front end cover via the hard connecting pipe, the fixing tube can be used without considering the fixing strength. Because the outer tube can be selected with the highest priority on ease of use and usability, the degree of freedom in selecting the outer tube is greatly expanded. Further, by forming the fixing tube as a fixing tube connected to the outer tube with a material having a large energy which is cohesively fixed to the fixing member, the fixing strength with the fixing member can be greatly increased. Other effects are the same as those of the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining still another configuration of the insertion portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the portion covered with the outer periphery of the fixing member 24 at the end of the outer tube 22 on the side opposite to the front end cover 23 is set to the fixing member 2.
4 is provided with a small-diameter portion 22a formed to be smaller than the outer dimensions of the fourth portion.

That is, the flexible portion 11 of the outer tube 22
The relationship of D> d is established between the inner diameter d of the small diameter portion 22a provided at the side end and the outer diameter D of the fixing member 24. Specifically, the inner diameter d of the small diameter portion 22a is d. Is the external dimension D
Is set in the range of 60% to 100%. The width L in the longitudinal direction of the small diameter portion 22a of the outer tube 22 is also set.
1 and the width dimension L2 of the fixing member 24 have a relationship of L1> L2.

For this reason, the outer sheath tube 22 having the inner diameter d is used.
By covering the fixing member 24 with the small diameter portion 22a of
Due to the elastic force of the outer tube 22, the small diameter portion 22a of the outer tube 22 is fixed so as to tighten the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 24.

The outer tube 22 may be formed to have an inner diameter d over the entire length. As shown in FIG. 11, a small-diameter portion 3 similar to the present configuration is provided at an end of the fixing tube 33 on the flexible portion 11 side connected to the outer tube 22 shown in FIG.
By providing 3a, the small diameter portion 33a is fixed by the elastic force of the fixing tube 33 so as to tighten the outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 24. Further, in the third embodiment, the present configuration may be applied to the inner diameter of the outer tube 22 with respect to the outer diameter of the coating portion 32 on the side opposite to the distal end cover 23. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described second, third, and fourth embodiments, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the distance D> d between the inner diameter d of the flexible tube side end of the outer tube and the outer diameter D of the fixing member.
And the inner diameter d is 6
When it is set in the range of 0% to 100%, when the outer tube or the fixing tube is covered with the fixing member, the tightening force due to the elastic force of the outer tube and the fixing tube and the intermolecular force work to operate the outer tube. Alternatively, the fixing tube and the fixing member can be securely fixed.
As a result, the outer tube or the fixing tube and the fixing member are securely fixed by the intermolecular force between the members and the elastic force of the outer tube and the fixing tube, and the fixing strength between the outer tube or the fixing tube and the fixing member is reduced. Increase significantly.

Further, by applying the tightening force due to the elastic force of the outer tube and the fixing tube, a uniform tightening force is generated over the entire periphery of the fixing member, and the outer tube or the fixing tube is connected to the entire periphery of the fixing member. Aggregation and fixation can be performed without unevenness. This is the same for the coating part of the third embodiment. Other effects are the same as those of the second, third, and fourth embodiments.

FIGS. 12 and 13 relate to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 shows one of the misalignment preventing grooves provided on the fixing member.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing an example, and FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing another example of a misalignment preventing groove provided in a fixing member.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the present embodiment, even when an external force in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope is applied to the connecting portion between the outer tube 22 and the outer resin 28, the outer tube 22 is shifted with respect to the fixing member 24. In order to prevent the occurrence of the problem, the concave portion 35 serving as a misalignment preventing groove is provided around the entire circumference of the fixing member 24.
Is formed. Then, the concave portion 35 of the fixing member 24
The fixing member 2 is attached to the outer tube 22 so as to correspond to
A projection 36 is formed to engage with the recess 35 of the fourth.

The protrusion 36 formed on the outer tube 22 does not need to be provided over the entire inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 22, but may be provided partially. Further, the shape of the concave portion 35 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 12, and the wavy portion 37 formed over the entire outer peripheral surface of the fixing member 24 as shown in FIG. It may be a corrugated portion 37 provided on the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 22 that engages with 37, or any other shape that engages with each other to prevent displacement. Further, the convex portion 36 and the corrugated portion 37 may be formed not on the outer tube 22 but on the outer resin 28 side. Further, the convex portion 36 and the corrugated portion 37 may be provided on the fixing tube 33 instead of the outer tube 22. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second, fourth, and fifth embodiments, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the outer tube and the fixing member are cohered and fixed, and the concave or convex portion provided on the fixing member and the convex or concave portion provided on the outer tube are engaged with each other and assembled. In addition, it is possible to eliminate the positional displacement of the outer cover resin with respect to the fixing member in the longitudinal direction, thereby reliably maintaining the state of cohesion and fixing. Other effects are the same as in the second, fourth, and fifth embodiments.

FIGS. 14 and 15 relate to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing still another configuration of the insertion section, and FIG. 15 is an enlarged view showing details of the connection section. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 15, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the outer cover resin 28 constituting the flexible portion 11 on the operation portion 13 side from the fixing member 24 or on the operation portion 13 side from the coating portion 32 is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope. A concave portion 35 similar to that shown in FIG.

Then, the outer cover resin 2 having the concave portion 35 is provided.
8, a convex portion 36 engaging with the concave portion 35 is provided in the outer resin 22. When the concave portion 35 and the convex portion 36 are engaged, the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 22 is
8 so that it does not protrude significantly from the outer peripheral surface.
The outer diameter of the outer cover resin 28 is formed to be smaller by a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of the outer cover tube 22.

Instead of forming the recess 35 in the outer cover resin 28, a corrugated portion 37 similar to that shown in FIG. 13 may be formed. Other configurations and operations are the same as those of the second to sixth embodiments, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the concave portion for preventing displacement in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope is formed in the outer cover resin, and the convex portion of the outer cover resin is engaged with the concave portion and assembled, whereby the outer tube is hardened. The attachment surface is formed as a flat surface, and a cohesion surface with the fixing member can be reliably secured. This allows
The cohesive fixing force is not affected by the variation in the processing shape of the part.

When a perforation occurs in the outer tube constituting the curved portion of the endoscope shown in the first to seventh embodiments described above, water, body fluids, and the like enter from the outside into the outer tube through the perforation. There is a possibility that the intrusion may occur and adversely affect the solid-state imaging device and the like provided inside the insertion portion. For this reason, there is a demand for an endoscope that prevents liquid from entering the insertion section even when water tightness is impaired due to breakage of the outer tube or the like.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view illustrating an endoscope in which a waterproof breathable tube is provided on the inner surface of an outer tube according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the bending portion 10 of the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment is provided with a gaseous gas so as to be in close contact with the outer circumference of the bending pieces 20, 20,... Which are rotatably connected by the connection pins 20a. Penetration is good, and a large water contact angle does not cause a capillary phenomenon, so that expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene (EPTF) having high water repellency is obtained.
E) is covered with a waterproof breathable tube 38 formed in a tubular shape.

That is, one end of the waterproof and breathable tube 38 is extrapolated to the distal end portion 9, a thread member 29 is wound around the outer periphery of the waterproof and breathable tube 38, and an adhesive is formed by applying an adhesive. The other end portion is extrapolated to the flexible portion 11 near the connecting portion between the bending portion 10 and the flexible portion 11 and is watertightly fixed to the distal end component portion 9 in the same manner as the watertight fixation. It is fixed. The distal cover 23 and the outer cover tube 22 cover the integral cover tube with the distal end component 9 and the waterproof gas permeable tube 38, so that the waterproof gas permeable tube 38 is disposed in the curved portion as an inner layer tube, The outermost periphery of the curved portion 10 is constituted by the outer tube 22.

At this time, the position where the waterproof breathable tube 38 is fixed to the distal end component 9 and the flexible portion 11 is provided at a position different from the position where the outer tube 22 is fixed to the distal end cover 23 and the flexible portion 11. The fixing position of the waterproof breathable tube 38 and the tip component 9 is determined by the outer tube 22
The position is shifted to the bending portion 10 side from the fixed position between the front end cover 23 and the fixed position. On the other hand, the waterproof breathable tube 38
The fixed position between the flexible tube 11 and the flexible portion 11 is shifted to the curved portion 10 side from the fixed position between the outer tube 22 and the flexible portion 11.

As for the means for fixing the waterproof breathable tube 38 to the distal end portion 9 and the flexible portion 11, the surface of the waterproof breathable tube 38 is deteriorated by a chemical solution, and an adhesive is applied to the deteriorated portion. A method of applying, or a method of applying and bonding an adhesive into the holes may be used.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the above-described endoscope is provided in an endoscope provided with a distal end portion 9a in which the viewing direction of the endoscope is, for example, orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the flexible portion 11. A configuration may be used. Other configurations are the same as those in the second to seventh embodiments, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The operation of the endoscope configured as described above will be described. If the outer tube 22 is punctured during use of the endoscope, a liquid such as body fluid or water enters through the hole. However, since the waterproof breathable tube 38 disposed inside the outer tube 22 has high water repellency, the intrusion of the liquid into the inside of the curved portion 10 is prevented.
Can be prevented by

For example, when the deteriorated outer tube 22 is replaced, the watertightness of the curved portion 10 is ensured by the waterproof and breathable tube 38 even when the outer tube 22 is removed.

Further, when a small perforation occurs in the outer tube 22, since the waterproof breathable tube 38 has air permeability, the inside of the bending portion 10 is pressurized with air and the bending portion 10 is put in water. By immersing, the perforated portion of the outer tube 22 can be easily confirmed.

Further, since the waterproof breathable tube 38 has a small surface frictional resistance, when the bending portion 10 is bent, the contact resistance with the outer tube 22 is small and the contact resistance with the bending piece 20 is small. Therefore, the amount of force applied to the bending is small.

Also, when the outer tube 22 is replaced, even if the end portion is scratched with a blade or the like in order to easily remove the outer tube 22, the fixing position of the waterproof breathable tube 38 and the distal end component 9 can be reduced. Since the fixing positions of the waterproof breathable tube 38 and the flexible portion 11 are located closer to the curved portion than the position where the outer tube is fixed, the waterproof breathable tube 38 is mistakenly damaged when the outer tube is damaged.
Will not hurt. Other operations are the same as those of the second to seventh embodiments.

As described above, by arranging the waterproof and breathable tube on the inner surface of the outer tube constituting the outermost periphery of the curved portion, even if the outer tube is damaged, the waterproof tube is disposed inside the curved portion of the endoscope. It is possible to prevent a liquid such as water from intruding, and it is possible to easily confirm a damaged portion of the outer tube.

Further, even if the aggregated portion of the outer tube 22 or the fixing tube 33 and the fixing member 24 is deteriorated, it is possible to prevent the liquid from entering the inside of the curved portion of the endoscope.

Further, even when the outer tube is removed from the bending portion and replaced, the bending portion is covered with the waterproof and breathable tube, so that the inside of the endoscope can be protected from unexpected water leakage or the like. Other effects are the same as those of the second to seventh embodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the distal end cover 23 of the endoscope 2 shown in the second to eighth embodiments is shown.
Is provided on the distal end portion 9 for forming an observation image on a solid-state image sensor or an image guide fiber (not shown) provided on the distal end portion 9 on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 23. An observation lens 40, an illumination lens 41 for irradiating illumination light, and a step portion 45 in which a forceps opening 42 for guiding a treatment instrument introduced through a forceps introduction port 13 a provided in the operation section 13 is engaged. An engagement hole 44 is formed, and when the observation lens 40 is contaminated, the nozzle 39 for performing liquid supply or water supply toward the observation lens 40 is connected to the air supply / liquid supply port 43 of the distal end component 9.
It is provided so as to face.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, in the endoscope 2 of the ninth embodiment, not only the nozzle 39 but also the forceps opening A forceps insertion hole 42 a facing the portion 42, an observation lens cover 47 facing the observation lens 40, and an illumination lens cover 48 facing the illumination lens 41 are provided.

The outer dimensions of the observation lens cover 47 and the illumination lens cover 48 are formed to be larger than the outer dimensions of the observation lens 40 and the illumination lens 41 opposed to the respective lens covers. The image incident on the observation lens 40 is blocked by the illumination lens 47, and the illumination light emitted from the illumination lens 41 is
So that they are not obstructed.

When attaching the distal end cover 23 to the distal end component 9, the distal end cover 23 shown in FIG. 20 can be easily positioned and arranged at a predetermined position. An engaging hole 44 into which a step 45 in which the observation lens 40 and the illumination lens 41 provided on the front cover 45 are disposed is formed, and the tip cover 23 shown in FIG.
In the figure, an engaging hole 44 is formed in which a step 45 provided with the forceps opening 42 provided in the distal end component 9 is engaged.

As described above, by providing the observation lens cover and the illumination lens cover on the distal end cover, the nozzle, the observation lens cover, and the illumination lens cover can be easily repaired and replaced when the outer tube is replaced.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 31, the operation section 113 of the endoscope 110 has conventionally been formed of a molded product such as a resin.
4a, an operation section main body 116 in which an up / down bending brake lever 114b, a left / right bending operation knob 115a, and a left / right bending braking lever 115b are assembled. An eyepiece 118 for obtaining an observation image is provided at an end of the operation unit main body 116 on the side where the gripping member 117 is not connected. Reference numeral 11 denotes a flexible portion, reference numeral 14 denotes a universal code, reference numeral 19e denotes an air / liquid supply button for controlling an air / liquid supply function, and reference numeral 19f denotes a suction button for controlling a suction function. It is.

As shown in FIG. 32, the operating portion main body 116 serves as a connection portion between the gripping main body 116 and the gripping member 117, and a fitting portion 119 into which the gripping member 117 fits.
Are integrally formed. As shown in FIG. 33, a groove is formed in the fitting portion 119 over the entire circumference, and an elastic ring 120 is attached to the groove. A base 121 to which a bending mechanism (not shown) is assembled is integrally fixed to the operation unit main body 116 with screws or the like.

As shown in FIG. 31, a screwing portion 122 made of a rigid hard member having a cylindrical shape and provided with an external thread on the outer peripheral surface is connected to the base 121 on the side opposite to the operation portion main body 116. The gripping member 117 has one end thereof abutted against the fitting portion 119 to be fitted therein, and the other end thereof is engaged with the screwing portion 122.
And is assembled by being clamped by a fixing ring 123 screwed into the fixing member. A locking member 124 is screwed and assembled to the screwing portion 122 protruding from the fixing ring 123.

Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 34, the holding member 117 has a thin rectangular cross section. As described above, since the gripping member 117 is thin, when a large torsion force is applied between the operation unit main body 116 and the gripping member 117, as shown in FIG.
17, a watertightness was impaired by this space.

In particular, the eyepiece 1 as shown in FIG.
In the case of the fiberscope having the camera 18, an adapter for connecting a camera or the like is attached to the eyepiece 118.
It is anticipated that the tilting force received between 16 and 16 will increase. For this reason, the operation unit main body 116 and the gripping member 117
And the fixing ring 1 so as to press with a relatively large force.
23 was screwed.

However, when the operation unit 113 is configured in this manner, a resin material that can be used for forming the gripping member 117 is specified, and chemical resistance and the like are added to the selection factor of the resin material. And there was a possibility that the usable resin could be lost.

For this reason, in the present embodiment, in consideration of the above-described problem, a plurality of ribs 125 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the holding member 117 as shown in FIG. Instead of the arresting member 124 being provided, the gripping member 1
17 is provided with a thick portion 117a.

As described above, by providing a plurality of ribs on the inner peripheral surface of the gripping member, the strength of the gripping member can be increased without increasing the outer shape. Further, by providing the grip member with the thick portion, the strength of the entire grip member is increased, and the mechanical strength against tightening of the fixing ring can be increased. Further, by providing the thick portion, the strength against deformation of the gripping member is increased, and even if the fastening force of the fixing ring is reduced, water tightness at the connection portion can be ensured. This increases the degree of freedom in selecting a resin material that can be used when molding the operation unit main body and the gripping member that constitute the operation unit of the endoscope.

Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 36, when a tilting force is applied between the operating portion main body 116 and the gripping member 117, the gripping member 117 floats from the fitting portion 119, and the cross-sectional shape is increased. Is a circular elastic ring 120
In some cases, watertightness was not ensured.

For this reason, as shown in FIG. 24, the fitting distance of the fitting portion 119 provided on the operating portion main body 116 is made long, and the fitting portion 119 has an elliptical cross section that is elongated in the longitudinal direction. The deformed elastic ring 120a having a shape is arranged so that even if the gripping member 117 floats, the inner peripheral surface of the gripping member 117 and the deformed elastic ring 120a are always in contact with each other to ensure watertightness. At this time, it is not necessary to change the shape of the holding member 117.

As described above, by disposing the deformed elastic ring having an elongated elliptical cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction at the fitting portion provided on the operation portion main body, even if the gripping member is in a floating state. Even so, the inner peripheral surface of the gripping member and the deformed elastic ring are always in contact with each other, so that watertightness can be maintained.

Further, by increasing the fitting length of the fitting portion, the floating amount due to the tilt of the gripping member can be reduced.

With reference to FIG. 25, another example of the configuration of the operation section main body and the gripping member forming the operation section will be described. FIG.
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
At the position where the fitting portion 119 is provided.
A wall-shaped annular wall 131 protruding in the same direction as the direction in which the fitting portion 119 protrudes is integrally formed at a position at a uniform distance from the entire outer circumference of the 19. A groove 132, which is a groove-shaped space, is provided between the annular wall 131 and the fitting portion 119, and the grip member 117 is attached to the fitting portion 119.
When it is fitted into the groove 132, the convex portion 117b provided on the holding member 117 is fitted into the groove 132.

As described above, when the gripping member is fitted into the fitting portion and the convex portion is fitted into the groove portion, when the tilting force is applied between the gripping member and the operation portion main body portion, the annular wall is formed. Can press and hold the convex portion to prevent the gripping member from rising to the fitting portion. Other effects are similar to those of the above-described embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 26 to 28, still another configuration example of the operation section main body and the gripping member forming the operation section will be described. As shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, in the present embodiment, the operation section side male screw section 141 is integrally attached to the end side of the operation section main body section 116 connected to the holding member 117 by a method such as bonding or insert molding. While the gripping member 11
The grip portion side male screw portion 142 is integrally provided on the end portion side connected to the operation portion main body portion 116 by bonding, insert molding, or the like.

Either the operation part side male screw part 141 or the grip part side male screw part 142 is formed as a reverse screw. The screw diameter and the pitch are the same.

The operating portion main body 116 and the gripping member 117 are connected to a fixing ring 143 having a female screw threadedly engaged with the operating portion side external thread 141 and the gripping side external thread 142. Connected via. In other words, by rotating the fixing ring 143, the operation part side male screw part 141 and the grip part part male screw part 142 are simultaneously screwed.

When connecting the operation section main body 116 and the gripping member 117 via the fixing ring 143,
Since the packing 144 formed of an elastic body or the like is disposed between the operation unit main body 116 and the fixing ring 143 and between the gripping member 117 and the fixing ring 143, the watertightness of the connection portion is ensured. .

As described above, the operation section main body and the holding member are
By screw-connecting the operation part side male screw part provided in the operation part main body and the grip part side male screw part provided in the grip part via a fixing ring, the screw part receives stress such as twist and tilt, Excessive stress can be prevented from being applied to the gripping member and the operation unit main body. Other effects are similar to those of the above-described embodiment.

By the way, in the conventional endoscope, as shown in FIG. 37, the camera 150 is directly connected to the eyepiece 118 provided on the operation unit 113 via an adapter.
Since the tilting force applied between the gripping member 117 and the operation unit main body 116 increases, it is difficult to attach a heavy and large photographing device. Therefore, when a large and heavy imaging device is attached, the tilting force generated between the operation section main body 116 and the holding member 117 is reduced, and the stress applied to the operation section main body 116 and the holding member 117 is reduced. An endoscope was desired.

As shown in FIG. 29, in the endoscope of this embodiment, the eyepiece 118 can be connected to the endoscope 118,
An imaging device adapter 15 including an optical prism 151 for guiding the observation image obtained at 18 to a camera 150 as an imaging device and a relay optical system 152 including a plurality of lenses.
3 are provided.

The imaging device adapter 153 is
The camera 150 has a plate 154 made of a flat plate that is detachably fixed to the camera 150 with fixing screws 155. Further, the plate 154 is provided with two fixed arms 156 which are held by the gripping members 117.

The fixed arm 156 for holding the holding member 117 is not formed by two arms.
For example, it may be formed in a mouth shape or a U shape. Further, an elastic body or the like may be fixed to a surface of the fixed arm 156 which is in contact with the holding member 117.

With the configuration described above, the camera 150 is connected to the gripping member 117 via the fixing screw 155, the plate 154, and the fixing arm 156, and is arranged on the imaging device adapter 153. As a result, the observation image from the eyepiece section 118 is
The image is guided to the camera 150 by the optical prism 151 and the relay optical system 152 in the camera 53 and photographed.

Since the camera 150 is connected to the holding member 117, the tilting force between the operation section main body 116 and the holding member 117 is reduced.

As described above, when attaching a large and heavy photographing device to the eyepiece of the endoscope, the camera is fixedly held by the grasping member and connected to the photographing device adapter. Reduce the swing force between
The stress applied to the operation unit main body and the gripping member can be reduced. Thus, the degree of freedom in selecting a resin material that can be used for the operation unit main body and the gripping member can be further increased.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be variously modified without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Appendix] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention as described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

1. In an endoscope having a curved portion in which at least the outermost periphery is covered with an outer tube at a part of a flexible insertion portion, fixation having a property of cohering and fixing to an outer tube covering the outermost periphery of the curved portion. An endoscope in which a member is disposed so as to correspond to at least one end of an inner peripheral surface of the outer tube.

[0111] 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is disposed with respect to a base end of the outer tube.

[0112] 3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is a coating portion provided on an outer surface of the flexible portion.

4. The fixing member is a ring-shaped member,
2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope is tightly fixed to the distal end portion or the flexible portion. This ensures watertightness between the outer tube and the fixing member.

[0114] 5. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member has a surface in contact with the outer tube having a predetermined surface roughness.
Thus, by smoothing the surface of the fixing member, the contact area with the outer tube is increased, the range of aggregation is widened, and the fixing is more reliable.

6. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the outer tube is made of a highly extensible elastomer.

7. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member and the outer tube are formed of the same member.

8. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is formed of the same series of elastomer as the outer tube.

9. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein an inner diameter of at least a portion of the outer tube covered with the fixing member is formed in a range of 60% to 100% of an outer dimension of the fixing member. With this, when the outer tube is covered with the fixing member, the inner tube can be expanded in inner diameter,
A force for tightening the fixing member is generated, and the outer tube and the fixing member come into close contact with each other, so that cohesion becomes more reliable.

10. The attachment member according to claim 1, wherein at least one or more projections are provided on a part of the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube, and recesses into which the projections engage are provided on the fixing member according to the number of the projections. Endoscope. As a result, by engaging the convex portion provided on the outer tube with the concave portion provided on the fixing member, it is not necessary to receive external force such as tension or compression applied to the outer tube only on the cohesive fixing surface. This increases the strength of the outer tube attached to the endoscope.

(11) The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the projection is formed of a material having a property of cohesion and fixation with the fixing member.

12. In an endoscope in which the outermost periphery of the curved portion is covered with an outer tube, an inner tube formed of a water-impermeable and air-permeable member on the inner surface side of the outer tube is provided near both base ends of the curved portion. An endoscope fixed in a watertight manner. Thereby, when the watertightness of the outer skin tube is impaired by the water-impermeable and air-permeable inner layer tube disposed between the outer skin tube and the curved portion, the watertightness of the endoscope is secured. . Further, when checking whether the outer tube is damaged or not, it is possible to identify the damaged portion by pressurizing the inside of the endoscope insertion portion and immersing the tube in water.

13. 13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein the insertion tube is formed of expanded porous polytetrafluoroethylene.

14. 13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein the inner tube is formed integrally with the outer tube.

15. 13. The endoscope according to supplementary note 12, wherein the inner tube is fixed in a state where the inner tube is pulled in a longitudinal direction of the curved portion.

16. 13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein a fixed position of an end of the outer tube and a fixed position of an end of the inner tube have different positional relationships. Thus, when the end of the outer tube is scratched to replace the outer tube, the fixed portion of the inner tube is not damaged, so that the tube can be easily replaced with a new outer tube.

17. 13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein an inner diameter of the inner tube is substantially the same as an outer diameter of a curved portion.

18. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a distal end cover, which is locked to a distal end component of the endoscope, is integrally provided at an end of the endoscope on the distal end side of the endoscope.

19. 19. The endoscope according to claim 18, wherein at least a part of the distal end component is provided on the distal end cover.

20. A part of the distal end component is a nozzle for supplying air and liquid to the observation lens surface.
The endoscope as described.

21. 20. The endoscope according to attachment 19, wherein the part of the distal end component is a part of an observation lens group.

22. 20. The endoscope according to claim 19, wherein the part of the distal end component is a part of an illumination lens group.

23. 20. The endoscope according to claim 19, wherein the part of the distal end component is an opening through which a treatment tool or the like is led out.

[0133]

As described above, according to the present invention, a curved portion in which a curved outer skin is air-tightly fixed simply and inexpensively without increasing the outer dimensions of an insertion portion of an endoscope. Can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus to which the endoscope of the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of an endoscope.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an insertion unit.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of a connection state between an outer tube and a flexible portion.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating another configuration of the insertion portion.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view for explaining a configuration of a connecting portion between the distal end cover and the outer tube.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating another configuration of the insertion portion according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another configuration of the insertion portion.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view for explaining details of a connection portion between the outer tube and the fixed tube.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating still another configuration of the insertion portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an insertion portion when the configuration of the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is used in a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 relate to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing an example of a misregistration preventing groove provided in a fixing member.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory view showing another example of the misregistration preventing groove provided in the fixing member.

14 and 15 relate to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is an explanatory view showing still another configuration of the insertion portion.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged view showing details of a connecting portion.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an endoscope in which a waterproof breathable tube is provided on an inner surface of an outer tube according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a side-view type endoscope provided with a breathable tube.

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are second to eighth embodiments.
It is a diagram showing a distal end cover of the endoscope shown in the embodiment,
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a state in which the tip cover is attached to the tip component.

FIG. 19 is a view for explaining the relationship between the tip cover and the tip component.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of the tip cover.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing another configuration of the tip cover.

22 to 29 relate to a configuration of an operation unit of the endoscope, and FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a configuration of an operation unit main body forming the operation unit and a gripping member.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing another example of the configuration of the operation section main body and the gripping member forming the operation section.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory view showing another example of the configuration of the operation unit main body forming the operation unit and the gripping member;

FIG. 25 is an explanatory view showing another example of the configuration of the operation section main body and the gripping member forming the operation section.

FIGS. 26 to 28 are explanatory views showing still another configuration of an operation section main body and a gripping member forming an operation section.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a gripping member.

FIG. 28 is a view showing a cross section of the gripping member of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the camera is attached to the eyepiece.

30 to FIG. 38 relate to a conventional example, and FIG.
Is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the outer tube constituting the outermost periphery of the curved portion

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an operation unit of the endoscope.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an operation unit main body and a gripping member.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between a fitting portion of the operation unit main body and a gripping member.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view illustrating the structure of a gripping member.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a state in which a gap is formed between the gripping member and the fitting member.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a state in which the gripping member is floating from the elastic ring of the fitting member.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing a state in which a camera is attached to an eyepiece of an operation unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Bending part 12 ... Insertion part 24 ... Fixing member 22 ... Skin tube

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having, at a part of a flexible insertion portion, a curved portion having at least the outermost periphery covered by an outer tube, wherein the endoscope has an agglomeration with the outer tube covering the outermost periphery of the curved portion. An endoscope, wherein a fixing member having a fixing property is arranged so as to correspond to an end portion of at least one inner peripheral surface of the outer tube.