JPH11306A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arrange a stomach rear wall in the center of a visual field range, and easily observe the stomach rear wall by inclining the observing visual field direction of an observing lens to the inserting directional right side of an inserting part. SOLUTION: An observing visual field direction adjusting means 35 to adjust the observing visual field direction of an observing lens group 29 in a condition of being inclined to the inserting directional right side of an inserting part, is provided in an endoscope. The observing lens group 29 is all formed in the symmetry to the common single central axis O1 . The central axis O1 of the observing lens group 29 is also arranged in its slant attitude to the central axis O2 of the inserting part of the endoscope. Here, the central axis O1 of the observing lens group 29 is inclined to the right side to the inserting direction of the inserting part of the endoscope. The observing visual field direction of the observing lens group 29 is adjusted in a condition of being inclined in the inserting directional right side of the inserting part by arrangement of this observing lens group 29.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope for forward observation in which an observation field of view of an observation lens is set substantially in front of an insertion direction of an insertion portion.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an endoscope is provided with an observation lens for observing the inside of a body cavity at a distal end of an elongated insertion portion inserted into the body cavity. And, in the endoscope for front observation in which the observation field of view of the observation lens is set to be substantially forward with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion portion, conventionally, with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope, The observation viewing directions are arranged in parallel. In this case, the angle of view of the observation field of view of the endoscope is substantially symmetric with respect to the central axis of the insertion section.

[0003]

When the insertion portion of the endoscope is orally inserted into the patient's stomach, the right side of the insertion direction of the insertion portion of the endoscope is behind the stomach. It will face the wall. At this time, in the forward observation endoscope of the conventional configuration, the observation direction of the observation lens is parallel to the insertion direction of the insertion section of the endoscope, and the angle of view of the observation field is set to the central axis of the insertion section. Since it was almost symmetrical, the posterior wall of the stomach would be captured around the viewing field of the observation lens. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to observe the rear wall portion of the stomach with an endoscope for forward observation.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to allow the posterior wall of the stomach to be placed at the center of the visual field range when inserted into the stomach, and to observe the posterior wall of the stomach. An endoscope that can be easily provided.

[0005]

According to the present invention, an observation lens for observing the inside of a body cavity is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion inserted into a body cavity, and the observation field of view of the observation lens is such that the insertion portion is inserted into the insertion portion. An endoscope set in a state of being directed substantially forward with respect to a direction, wherein an observation visual field direction of the observation lens is inclined rightward in an insertion direction of the insertion section. Then, by tilting the observation viewing direction of the observation lens to the right side with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion portion to enlarge the right viewing range, when the endoscope is inserted into the stomach, the back wall of the stomach can be viewed. At the center of the stomach to facilitate observation of the posterior wall of the stomach.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5A and 5B. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an entire system of a video endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment. Here, the endoscope 1 is provided with a soft elongated insertion portion 2 inserted into a body cavity.
The proximal end of the insertion section 2 is provided with an operation section 3 on the hand side which is held by the examiner.

The insertion portion 2 has an elongated flexible tube portion 4 having a base end connected to the operation portion 3 and, for example, vertically and horizontally arranged at the distal end of the flexible tube portion 4. A bending portion 5 that can be bent and a distal end portion 6 connected to the distal end of the bending portion 5 are provided.

The operating section 3 is provided with a forceps introduction port 7 for introducing a treatment tool and the like, and also includes an up / down bending operation knob and a left / right bending operation knob (not shown) for controlling the operation of the bending section 5; An air supply / liquid supply button for controlling the liquid supply function, a suction button for controlling the suction function, and a switch for remotely controlling the image recording function, the light amount, and the like are provided.

Further, a base end of a flexible universal cord 8 is connected to a side surface of the operation unit 3. A first connector 9 is provided at the tip of the universal cord 8.
Are connected. The first connector 9 is connected to the light source device 1
0 is detachably connected.

[0010] One end of a signal cable 11 is connected to the first connector 9. This signal cable 11
Is connected via a second connector 12 to a video processor 13 which is a signal processing device. further,
The video processor 13 has a monitor 1 for displaying a video signal.
4, a VTR deck 15 for recording video, a video printer 16, and a video disk 17 are connected to each other. The image observed by the endoscope 1 is
After being converted into an electric signal by a solid-state image sensor or the like (not shown) provided in the leading end configuration unit 6, an output signal from the solid-state image sensor is sent to a video processor 13 as a signal processing device via a signal cable 11. It has become. Further, the signals processed by the video processor 13 are transmitted to the monitor 14, the VTR deck 15, the video printer 1
6, and sent to the video disk 17, respectively. Then, an image of the image observed by the endoscope 1 is displayed on the monitor 14, and the image is recorded on the VTR deck 15 and the video disk 17 as necessary.
Further, the video is printed out by the video printer 16.

In the bending portion 5 of the present embodiment, a plurality of substantially ring-shaped bending pieces 18 are sequentially arranged in the axial direction of the insertion portion 2 as shown in FIG. Here, the bending portion 5
A first bending piece 18a that is fitted and fixed to the distal end component 6 that is the distal end side of the insertion section 2 is disposed at the front end of the first bending piece 18a. Further, at the rear end of the curved portion 5, a final piece (not shown) fitted and fixed to the flexible tube portion 4 is provided.

As described above, a plurality of bending pieces 18 are sequentially arranged between the first bending piece 18a and the last piece. Here, each of the bending pieces 18 constituting the bending portion includes the first bending piece 18a, the second bending piece 18b,
.. Are referred to as third bending pieces 18c. And the first bending piece 1
At the front end of each bending piece 18 other than 8a, front end connecting portions 19 projecting forward are formed at two opposing portions in the circumferential direction. Further, at the rear end of each curved piece 18 other than the last piece, rear end connecting portions 20 protruding rearward are formed at two opposing portions in the circumferential direction.

A pin 21 is used between each front end connecting portion 19 of each bending piece 18 and the last piece adjacent to the front and rear, and each rear end connecting portion 20 of the first bending piece 18a and each bending piece 18. The joint part 22 is formed so as to be freely rotatable. Here, a first joint 22a between the first bending piece 18a and the second bending piece 18b, and a second joint 22b between the second bending piece 18b and the third bending piece 18c.
Are arranged so as to bend only in the vertical direction. Further, the third joint portion 22c between the third bending piece 18c and the fourth bending piece 18d is arranged to bend only in the left-right direction.

Further, the joint portion 22 which is curved only in the vertical direction.
And the joint portion 22 that bends only in the left and right directions
8 are displaced by 90 ° in the circumferential direction. In the bending portion 5 of the present embodiment, a plurality of joint portions 22 that bend only in the vertical direction and a plurality of joint portions 22 that bend only in the left and right direction are arranged in an appropriate arrangement order. 5 as a whole in the vertical and horizontal directions
It is possible to bend in the direction.

The bending portion 5 is covered with a protection member 23 for protecting each bending piece 18. The protection member 23 is formed of, for example, a braid made of a metal fiber, a silicon tube, or the like.

Further, a step lower portion 24 having a diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface on the front end side is provided on the outer peripheral surface on the rear end side of the second bending piece 18b.
Are formed. The tip of the protection member 23 is fixed to the lower step 24 of the second bending piece 18b.

The insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is provided in the bending portion 5.
The two vertical bending operation wires 25 for bending the bending portion 5 upward and downward with respect to the insertion direction of the endoscope 1 and the bending portion 5 for the insertion direction of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1. Two right and left bending operation wires 26 that bend right and left
And are arranged. Here, the distal ends of the two vertical bending operation wires 25 are fixed to the first bending piece 18a, which is the most advanced bending piece. These two vertical bending operation wires 25 are arranged at positions 180 ° apart in the circumferential direction.

Further, in the present embodiment, the distal end portions of the two left and right bending operation wires 26 are locked by a third bending piece 18c located two hands closer to the first bending piece 18a than the first bending piece 18a. I have. Here, two left-right bending operation wires 2
Numeral 6 is disposed at a position 180 ° apart in the circumferential direction, and is connected to the two vertical bending operation wires 25 by 9 in the circumferential direction.
It is arranged at a position separated by 0 °. Further, a tubular fixing member 27 is fixed to a distal end portion of each of the left and right bending operation wires 26.

A wire guide 28 having an insertion hole through which the left-right bending operation wire 26 is inserted is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the third bending piece 18c. The inner diameter of the insertion hole of this wire guide 28 is
Is formed smaller in diameter than the fixing member 27. for that reason,
When the left / right bending operation wire 26 is pulled toward the user, the pulling force from the fixing member 27 is transmitted to the third bending piece 18c via the wire guide 28, and the bending portion 5 is bent in the left / right direction. Has become.

Also, two vertical bending operation wires 25 are provided.
And the proximal ends of the two left-right bending operation wires 26 extend to the operation unit 3. The operation unit 3 is provided with an up / down bending operation knob and a left / right bending operation knob (not shown). When operating the up / down bending operation knob and the left / right bending operation knob on the hand side, the up / down bending operation wire 25 or the left / right bending operation wire 26 is used.
At least one of the sides is towed.

Here, when the vertical bending operation wire 25 is towed, the fixing portion of the first bending piece 18a is pulled toward the hand, thereby bending the bending portion 5 in the vertical direction. Have been. Further, when the left-right bending operation wire 26 is pulled, the third bending piece 18c is fixed by the fixing member 27 of the third bending piece 18c.
By pulling the wire guide 28 of the
The bending section 5 is configured to bend in the left-right direction. The first bending piece 18a and the second bending piece 18b
And the second joint 22b between the second bending piece 18b and the third bending piece 18c are arranged to bend only in the vertical direction. When the part 5 is bent in the left-right direction, the first joint part 22a and the second joint part 22b are held in an uncurved state.

When one of the up / down bending operation knob and the left / right bending operation knob is operated, the bending section 5 bends in either the up / down direction or the left / right direction. By combining the operations of the left and right bending operation knobs, the bending portion 5 can be bent in any desired direction.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the front end portion 6 of the endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment has a front side for observing the front side of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1. An observation lens group 29 for observation is provided. The observation lens group 29 includes a plurality of lenses. Each constituent lens of the observation lens group 29 is incorporated in a lens frame 30 for protecting and fixing the lens group 29.

Further, a solid-state image sensor 31 for converting light passing through the observation lens group 29 into an electric signal is connected to the rear end of the observation lens group 29. As shown in FIG. 3A, the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 1 has, in addition to the observation lens group 29, the distal end face of the first lens 29a disposed at the forefront of the observation lens group 29. A cleaning nozzle 32 for cleaning the endoscope, a forceps channel 33 for inserting a treatment tool, and an illumination lens 34 for illuminating the front of the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1 are arranged.

Further, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment is provided with an observation visual field direction adjusting means 35 for adjusting the observation visual field direction of the observation lens group 29 so as to be inclined rightward in the insertion direction of the insertion section 2. I have. The viewing direction adjusting means 35 is configured as follows. That is, are formed symmetrically with respect to FIG. 3 all observation lens group 29 as shown in (B) is a common single central axis of (the optical axis) O _1. Further, the central axis O ₁ of the observation lens group 29 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the central axis O ₂ of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1. Here, the central axis O ₁ of the observation lens group 29 is inclined rightward with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 as shown in FIG. Then, by the arrangement of the observation lens group 29, the observation visual field direction of the observation lens group 29 is adjusted to be inclined rightward in the insertion direction of the insertion section 2.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a mouthpiece 36 which is an insertion aid for the endoscope 1 used when inserting the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 through the oral cavity of a patient into the body. 1 is mounted on the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1.

This mouthpiece 36 is made of polysulfone,
It is made of a resin material such as polyacetal, modified PPO, hard polyethylene, and liquid crystal polymer. Further, an opening 36 a through which the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted is formed at the center of the mouthpiece 36.

A cutout 38 communicating with the opening 36a is formed in the side wall 37 of the mouthpiece 36 over the entire area of the mouthpiece 36 in the central axis direction. The notch 38 is opened with a width substantially equal to the outer diameter of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
First, when inserting the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment into the body through the oral cavity of the patient, the mouthpiece 36 is inserted into the oral cavity of the patient as shown in FIG. An insertion path for the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is secured.

When the mouthpiece 36 is attached to the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1, the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the opening 36 a through the cutout 38 of the mouthpiece 36, so that the endoscope can be viewed. A mouthpiece 36 is inserted into the insertion portion 2 of the mirror 1.
Attach. Here, since the mouthpiece 36 is made of a resin material such as polysulfone, polyacetal, modified PPO, hard polyethylene, or liquid crystal polymer, the notch 38 as described above is provided on the side wall 37 of the mouthpiece 36. Also, the opening 36a is not deformed.

FIG. 5A shows a state in which the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the stomach H of the patient, and FIG.
3A shows a state in which the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is viewed from the direction of the arrow in FIG. Here, the observation lens group 29
Since being formed as an axial symmetry with respect to the center axis O _1, with respect to the center axis O ₁ of the observation lens group 29, the observation field range has a symmetrical size. Further, since the central axis O ₁ of the observation lens group 29 is disposed to be inclined to the right side with respect to the central axis O ₂ of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1, the observation range of the observation lens group 29 is endoscope. Insertion part 2 of mirror 1
Right visual field range is large relative to the central axis O ₂ of.

When the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the stomach H, as shown in FIG. Will face the posterior wall H ₁ of the stomach H. In this case, since the observation direction of the observation lens group 29 of the endoscope 1 is inclined rightward with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1, the right portion of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is used. Are arranged near the center of the visual field of the observation lens group 29. Therefore, the wall H ₁ after gastric H located on the right side of the insertion portion 2 endoscope 1 is easily observed by the observation lens group 29.

Therefore, the present embodiment having the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, each constituent lens of the observation lens group 29 of the endoscope 1 is replaced with the observation lens group 2.
9 while forming the axially symmetrical with respect to the central axis O ₁ of, by arranging tilting the center axis O ₁ of the observation lens 29 with respect to the central axis O ₂ of the insertion portion 2 endoscope 1, Since the observation visual field direction adjusting means 35 for adjusting the observation visual field direction of the observation lens group 29 to be inclined rightward in the insertion direction of the insertion section 2 is provided, the right side portion of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is used as the observation lens. It can be located near the center of the field of view of group 29. Therefore, the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 when inserted into the gastric H, easily observed by the observation lens group 29 wall H ₁ after gastric H located on the right side of the insertion portion 2 endoscope 1 it can be, it is possible to improve the viewing performance of the wall H ₁ portion after gastric H as compared with the prior art.

Further, since the constituent lenses of the observation lens group 29 are axially symmetric, the processing is easy, and the distortion of the image observed by the observation lens group 29 is also axially symmetric. .

Further, since the angle of inclination of the observation lens group 29 with respect to the center axis O ₂ of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is relatively small (about several degrees), the front of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is provided. Can also be captured in the field of view, and there is no risk of impairing the insertability of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1.

Further, since the protection member 23 for protecting the bending portion 5 is fixed to the step lower portion 24 of the second bending piece 18b of the bending portion 5, the bending portion 24 is formed by the step lower portion 24 of the second bending piece 18b. The thickness of the fixing portion of the protective member 23 of No. 5 can be absorbed. Therefore, the fixing of the protection member 23 of the curved portion 5 is performed by general soldering or an adhesive, and the outer diameter of the fixing portion of the protection member 23 is increased by the amount of the solder or the adhesive. Even in this case, the outer diameter of the fixing portion of the protection member 23 of the bending portion 5 can be made smaller than before, so that the outer diameter of the bending portion 5 can be made smaller.

Further, in the present embodiment, the distal end portions of the two left-right bending operation wires 26 are locked to the third bending piece 18c which is located at a position closer to the hand by two frames than the first bending piece 18a. Therefore, the first bending piece 18a which is the most advanced bending piece
It is not necessary to fix the distal ends of the two left-right bending operation wires 26 and provide a space for insertion. Therefore, the diameter of the first bending piece 18a can be reduced.

The first joint 22a between the first bending piece 18a and the second bending piece 18b and the second bending piece 1
Joint part 22b between the second bending piece 18b and the third bending piece 18c
Are arranged so as to bend only in the up-down direction, so that when the bending portion 5 is bent in the left-right direction, the first joint portion 22a and the second joint portion 22b are held in an uncurved state. You. Therefore, even when the first bending piece 18a has a small diameter, the bending performance of the bending portion 5 does not deteriorate.

In this embodiment, the mouthpiece 36
Since the notch 38 communicating with the opening 36a is provided in the side wall 37 of the endoscope 1, the mouthpiece 36 is temporarily inserted into the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1.
Even when the user inserts the distal end of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 into the mouth of the patient while forgetting to insert the endoscope 1 into the insertion section of the endoscope 1 through the notch 38 of the side wall 37 of the mouthpiece 36. 2 can be inserted into the opening 36 a of the mouthpiece 36.

When inspecting the upper digestive tract, usually, first, the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is passed through the opening 36a of the mouthpiece 36, and the mouthpiece 36 is inserted into the insertion section of the endoscope 1. Attach to 2. Thereafter, the mouthpiece 36 is fixed to the mouth of the patient while inserting the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 into the mouth of the patient. Here, if a conventional mouthpiece 36 having no notch 38 communicating with the opening 36a is used, the conventional mouthpiece 36 is connected to the endoscope 1.
When the distal end of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is about to be inserted into the patient's mouth in a state in which the user has forgotten to attach the insertion section 2 to the insertion section 2, the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is once pulled out from the patient's mouth to the distal end. After that, the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is again inserted into the mouthpiece 36.
It is necessary to perform a troublesome work of re-passing through the opening 36a.

On the other hand, in the mouthpiece 36 of the present embodiment, the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is moved during the operation of inserting the tip of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 into the mouth of the patient. Since there is no need to perform a troublesome operation of pulling out the entire tip to the outside of the patient, there is an effect that the work of attaching the mouthpiece 36 to the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 can be facilitated.

In this embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a video endoscope has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to a video endoscope, but can be applied to a fiber endoscope. It is.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show the second embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the observation visual field direction adjusting means 35 of the first embodiment is changed as follows.

That is, in the observation visual field direction adjusting means 40 according to the present embodiment, the center axis parallel to the center axis O ₂ of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is provided at the distal end constituting section 6 of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1. An observation lens group 41 having O ₃ is provided. The observation lens group 41 includes a plurality of lenses. Each constituent lens of the observation lens group 41 is the lens group 4
1 is incorporated in a lens frame 42 for protecting and fixing the lens 1.

Further, at the rear end of the observation lens group 41,
A solid-state imaging device 43 that converts light passing through the inside of the observation lens group 41 into an electric signal is connected. Also,
The inclined surface 44a the distal end surface of the first lens 44 is not parallel to the plane perpendicular to the central axis O ₃ of the observation lens group 41 as shown in FIG. 6 (B) is at the forefront of the observation lens group 41 Is formed by In this case, the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 1 has a distal end surface formed by a convex curved surface 45. When the observation lens group 41 is fixed to the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1, the frontmost surface of the observation lens group 41, that is, the inclined surface 44 at the distal end of the first lens 44.
The end portion a is fixed so as to be connected on substantially the same plane as the convex curved surface 45 of the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 1. At this time, the inclined surface 44a at the tip of the first lens 44 is formed at an angle that smoothly connects to the convex curved surface 45.

The central axis O ₃ of the observation lens group 41
Is closer to the center axis O of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 than the protruding top 45a of the convex curved surface 45 of the distal end surface of the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 1.
It is arranged on the left side with respect to the direction ₂ (insertion direction).
Here, as in the present embodiment, the distal end surface of the first lens 44 is formed by a flat inclined surface 44a, and the observation lens group 41 is formed.
The center axis O ₃ of the endoscope 1 with respect to the center axis O ₂ of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 as described above.
Than the projection top portion 45a of, when placed on the left side of the insertion direction, normal to the inclined surface 44a of the tip of the first lens 44 facing the left side of the central axis O ₂ of the insertion portion 2 endoscope 1 Will be.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
In the present embodiment, light passing through the central axis O ₃ of each constituent lens behind the first lens 44 in the observation lens group 41 is
The light enters the central portion of the solid-state imaging device 43. Here, the central portion of the solid-state imaging device 43 is connected to the monitor 14 for displaying images.
(See FIG. 1). The direction in which the light that becomes the center of the image is incident is the viewing direction.

The light enters the first lens 44 of the observation lens group 41 from the front of the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1, passes through the central axis O ₃ of the observation lens group 41, and passes through the center of the solid-state imaging device 43. Consider the light incident on the site. Here, the light incident on the first lens 44 of the observation lens group 41 from the right front of the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1 is transmitted to the rear of the first lens 44 on the inclined surface 44 a at the distal end of the first lens 44. It is bent parallel to the central axis O ₃ of each constituent lens.

Thereafter, the light passes through the central axis O ₃ of the lens group 41 and is incident on the central portion of the solid-state image sensor 43. Therefore, the observation field of view direction of the observation lens 41 of this embodiment is the front right of the central axis O ₂ with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion portion 2 endoscope 1.

In general, the central axis O ₃ of the observation lens group 41
Is tilted from a direction parallel to the central axis O ₂ of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1, the space required for fixing the observation lens group 41 increases, and the distal end configuration section 6 of the endoscope 1 becomes large. Since the main body of the endoscope 1 becomes large, the entire insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 becomes thick.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the central axis O ₃ of the observation lens group 41 is parallel to the direction (insertion direction) of the central axis O ₂ of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1. Endoscope 1
The observation lens group 41 can be fixed to the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1 without particularly increasing the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1, and the viewing direction of the observation lens group 41 is set such that the endoscope 1 is inserted. It is adjusted so as to be inclined rightward toward the insertion direction of the insertion section ₂ with respect to the direction of the central axis O2 of the section 2. At this time, the normal direction of the first lens 44 of the observation lens group 41 is directed obliquely leftward with respect to the direction of the center axis O ₂ of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 in the insertion direction of the insertion section 2. By tilting the observation lens group 41 by about 0 to 10 degrees, the viewing direction of the observation lens group 41 is also inclined to the right by about 0 to 10 degrees.

If the angle of inclination of the observation lens group 41 in the visual field direction is about 0 to 10 degrees, the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1
The right side of the insertion direction of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 can be widely viewed within the field of view of the observation lens group 41 while the front of the insertion direction of the endoscope 1 is within the field of view of the observation lens group 41. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the observability of the observation lens group 41 can be improved without impairing the insertability of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1.

Therefore, the present embodiment having the above configuration has the following effects. That is, since the observation lens group 41 in this embodiment having a central axis O ₂ parallel to the central axis O ₃ of the insertion portion 2 endoscope 1 is provided, the central axis O ₃ of the observation lens group 41 there is no risk of increased space required to secure the observation lens group 41 as in the case of inclined from the endoscope 1 of the insertion portion 2 central axis O ₂ direction parallel. Therefore, the diameter of the main body of the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 1 can be reduced, so that the entire insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 can be reduced in diameter.

The first lens 4 of the observation lens group 41
By inclining the normal of the inclined surface 44a at the tip of the end 4 to the upper left with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1, the viewing direction of the observation lens group 41 is inclined to the lower right, so that the endoscope is used. 1 of the insertion portion 2 when inserted into the stomach H, it is possible to easily observe the observation lens group 41 the wall H ₁ after gastric H located on the right side of the insertion portion 2 endoscope 1 In addition, there is also an effect that the large curvature portion of the stomach H located below the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1 is easily observed.

The first lens 4 of the observation lens group 41
By inclining the normal of the inclined surface 44a at the tip of the end 4 to the lower left with respect to the insertion direction of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1, the viewing direction of the observation lens group 41 is also inclined to the upper right. the insertion portion 2 when inserted into the gastric H, it is possible to easily observe the observation lens group 41 the wall H ₁ after gastric H located on the right side of the insertion portion 2 endoscope 1, The small curvature of the stomach H located above the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1 can be easily observed.

At this time, the normal of the first lens 44 of the observation lens group 41 is 0 to 0 from the insertion direction of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1.
If the inclination is set to about 10 degrees, there is an effect that the observation capability of the observation lens group 41 can be enhanced without impairing the insertability of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1.

FIG. 7 shows a modification of the first embodiment. In the present modified example, the configuration of the fixing portions of the two left-right bending operation wires 26 of the bending portion 5 of the first embodiment is changed as follows.

That is, in this modification, small pieces 51 are fixed to the tips of the two left-right bending operation wires 26 by soldering or bonding. Then, the small piece 51 is engaged with the wire guide 28 on the inner peripheral surface of the third bending piece 18c, and regulates the movement of the left-right bending operation wire 26.

In FIG. 7, L ₁ is the rear end of the small piece 51,
This is the horizontal distance between the rear end of the third bending piece 18c to which the left / right bending operation wire 26 is fixed and the rotation axis 53 of the joint 52 at the rear end. Further, L ₂ is for fixing the piece 51 in the lateral direction bending operation wire 26 to the inner peripheral surface of the third bending piece 18c, it is white protrusion of solder or adhesive. In this modification, L ₁ > L ₂ is set.

Therefore, in the present modification, since L ₁ > L ₂ is set, even if the joint 52 rotates, the left-right bending operation wire 26 hardened with solder or adhesive is used.
Is not bent. Therefore, the wire element of the left / right bending operation wire 26 can be prevented from being broken, and thus the resistance of the left / right bending operation wire 26 can be improved.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Next, other characteristic technical matters of the present application will be additionally described as follows.

(Additional Item 1) In an endoscope having an observation lens for observing the inside of a body cavity at a distal end portion of the endoscope and having a visual field substantially in front of the endoscope,
An endoscope characterized in that an observation field of view is tilted to the right in an endoscope insertion direction.

(Prior Art of Appendix 1) In a conventional endoscope for forward observation in the insertion direction of the endoscope, the observation field of view is parallel to the insertion direction of the endoscope, and the observation field of view is endoscope. It was symmetric about the mirror axis.

(Problem to be Solved by Additional Item 1) In the conventional endoscope, the observation direction is parallel to the insertion direction of the endoscope, and the angle of view is substantially symmetric with respect to the insertion axis. When this endoscope is inserted into the stomach, the right side of the endoscope insertion direction is opposed to the posterior wall of the stomach. It was difficult to observe this part.

(Means for Solving the Problem in Additional Item 1)
Tilt the viewing field direction to the right with respect to the endoscope insertion direction,
Increasing the right field of view makes it easier to observe the posterior wall of the stomach at the center of the field when the endoscope is inserted into the stomach.

(Effect of Additional Item 1) By tilting the observation field of view to the right from the insertion direction of the endoscope, when the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity, the rear wall of the stomach is positioned near the center of the observation range. This makes it easier to observe the site and improves the observability.

(Appendix 2) With respect to the insertion direction of the endoscope,
An endoscope whose observation field of view is larger on the right than on the left. (Additional Item 3) The end of the endoscope is formed as a convex curved surface,
2. The endoscope according to claim 1, further comprising an observation lens having a distal end surface smoothly connected to the convex curved surface.

(Additional Item 4) The endoscope according to Additional Item 3, wherein the endoscope has an axially symmetric observation lens group, and the axis of the observation lens group is inclined rightward from the endoscope insertion direction. (Additional Item 5) The endoscope according to Additional Item 3, wherein the distal end surface of the observation lens is a flat surface smoothly connected to the distal end surface of the endoscope.

(Additional Item 6) The endoscope according to additional items 1 and 3, wherein the distal end surface of the first lens located at the distal end of the observation lens is a plane that is not perpendicular to the optical axis in the lens. . (Additional Item 7) The endoscope according to Additional Item 6, wherein a normal line direction of the first lens is inclined leftward in the endoscope insertion direction.

(Additional Item 8) The endoscope according to Additional Item 6, wherein the normal direction of the first lens is inclined to the lower left side in the endoscope insertion direction. (Additional Item 9) The endoscope according to Additional Item 6, wherein the normal line direction of the first lens is inclined to the upper left side in the endoscope insertion direction.

(Supplementary Note 10) A bending portion formed by a plurality of node ring-shaped pieces that bends by operating an operation portion located closer to the hand than the distal end portion is provided. An endoscope covered with a protection member, wherein the protection member is fixed to a part other than the both ends of the pieces constituting the curved portion.

(Prior Art of Appendix 10) A protective member for protecting the bending portion of the endoscope is provided with a distal end side of the protective member being a bending piece located at the forefront of the bending pieces constituting the bending portion, and a rear end side thereof. Is fixed to the rearmost piece of the curved portion.

(Problem to be solved by Additional Item 10)
In an endoscope in which a protective member is covered on the outer surface of a curved tube,
The protection member is half-attached to the largest outer diameter portion of the first and last pieces of the curved tube, and the outer diameter of this portion has increased.

(Means for Solving the Problem of Supplementary Item 10) A bending piece other than the bending pieces located at both ends of the bending portion is
By fixing the protection member for protecting the curved portion, the outer diameter of the portion where the protection member is fixed is reduced.

(Effect of Additional Item 10) Of the bending pieces of the bending portion constituting the endoscope bending portion, the bending portion is protected in the second and subsequent frames whose outer diameter is smaller than the first frame located at the forefront. By fixing the protection member, the maximum outer diameter of the curved portion is reduced.

(Supplementary Note 11) A small-diameter portion smaller in diameter than the both-end pieces is provided on each of the pieces other than the both-end pieces, and a protection member for protecting the curved tube is fixed to the small-diameter portion. The endoscope according to attachment 10, wherein

(Additional Item 12) The endoscope according to Additional Item 11, wherein the protection member is fixed to the second frame from the distal end side. (Additional Item 13) The endoscope according to Additional Item 11, wherein a protective member is fixed to a second frame at the rear end from the leading end of one frame from the last frame.

(Supplementary Item 14) In an endoscope in which a bending portion is bent by a plurality of pairs of wires, the fixed position on the distal end side of one or more wires is different from the other pair of wires. An endoscope characterized by being shifted in the insertion direction and fixed.

(Prior Art of Appendix 14) The distal ends of four wires for bending the distal end portion of the endoscope in four directions are attached to the inner wall of a piece located at the forefront of the bending portion in the endoscope insertion direction. Was fixed at almost the same position.

(Problem to be Solved by Additional Item 14)
Since a space for fixing all four wires was necessary, a space was made in the bending piece by expanding a part of the bending piece. For this reason, the maximum outer diameter of the curved portion has been increased.

(Means for Solving the Problem of Supplementary Item 14) Wires for bending the bending portion in the right and left directions with respect to the insertion direction of the endoscope are connected to the leading end of the bending piece constituting the bending portion. By fixing to the curved pieces other than the first piece located at the position (1), the inner diameter of the first piece is reduced.

(Effect of Supplementary Item 14) A wire that bends the bending portion of the endoscope right and left with respect to the insertion direction of the endoscope by operating the operator's hand side constitutes the bending portion. The diameter of the first piece is reduced by fixing it to the second and subsequent pieces located on the rear end side of the first piece located at the foremost end of the curved pieces.

(Additional Item 15) With four wires,
In an endoscope having a bending portion composed of a plurality of pieces that can be bent in four directions, ends of a pair of wires that bend right and left with respect to the insertion direction of the endoscope are connected to a tip piece of the bending portion. An endoscope characterized by being fixed to a side other than the side.

(Additional Item 16) The first joint formed between the first frame and the second frame can bend only up and down, and the endoscope of the additional item 15 in which wires for bending right and left are fixed to the second frame. mirror. (Additional Item 17) The endoscope according to Additional Item 15, in which the first joint and the second joint can be bent only up and down, and wires for bending right and left in the third frame are fixed.

(Additional Item 18) In an endoscope in which a bending portion is bent by a wire, a small piece attached to the distal end side of the wire is engaged with a wire skeleton provided on an inner wall of a bending piece and having an insertion hole through which the wire is inserted. An endoscope wherein the wire is fixed.

(Appendix 19) A small piece is soldered or glued to the tip of the wire, and the margin of the solder or adhesive that has oozed to the rear end side from the small piece is connected to the joint and wire locking part on the rear end side from the wire locking part. 18. The endoscope according to claim 18, wherein the endoscope is shorter than the distance from the endoscope.

(Supplementary item 20) A cylindrical opening through which the endoscope insertion portion is inserted is fixed to the entrance of the patient's mouth, and the endoscope insertion portion is brought into contact with a patient's teeth and the like during an endoscopic examination. A mouthpiece for assisting insertion of an endoscope, wherein the mouthpiece for assisting insertion of an endoscope is provided with a cutout portion which communicates with the opening and is provided over the entire area in the insertion direction. .

(Prior Art of Supplementary Item 20) In the conventional technique, a cylindrical mouthpiece having an inner and outer diameter adapted to the shape of a patient's mouth was used at the time of insertion of an endoscope. (Problem to be solved by supplementary item 20) Since the mouthpiece for assisting insertion of the endoscope has a hole closed in a cylindrical shape, the mouthpiece is not attached to the endoscope without being attached to the endoscope. If the patient began to insert the mouthpiece into the mouth, the endoscope had to be withdrawn once completely from the patient's mouth to the tip in order to attach the mouthpiece.

(Means for Solving the Problem of Supplementary Item 20) A notch formed in the side wall of the opening of the mouthpiece for assisting insertion of the endoscope over the entire area in the insertion direction communicating with the opening. By providing the part, the mouthpiece can be attached to the endoscope from the side of the endoscope insertion part.

(Effect of Supplementary Item 20) By providing a cutout provided on the entire side of the mouthpiece in the insertion direction communicating with the opening of the mouthpiece, the insertion portion of the endoscope is provided. The mouthpiece can be attached to the endoscope from the side.

[0091]

According to the present invention, the observation field direction of the observation lens is tilted to the right in the insertion direction of the insertion portion, so that when the insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted into the stomach, the posterior wall of the stomach is moved. Can be placed in the center of the field of view, making it easier to observe the posterior wall of the stomach
Observation ability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire system of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a bending portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment.

3A and 3B show a distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 3A is a front view of the distal end portion, and FIG. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining how to use a mouthpiece for assisting an operation of inserting the endoscope according to the first embodiment into a human body, wherein FIG. FIG. 3B is a perspective view showing a state before the camera, and FIG.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a use state of the endoscope according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a state in which an insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted into a stomach of a patient, and FIG. The schematic block diagram which shows the observation visual field by the endoscope inserted in the stomach of a patient.

FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
(A) is a front view showing the distal end of the insertion section of the endoscope, (B)
FIG. 3 is a side view showing a part of a tip portion as a cross section.

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fixing portion of a bending operation wire according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Insertion section 6 Tip configuration section 29, 41 Observation lens group 35, 40 Observation view direction adjusting means

Claims (1)

[Claims] An observation lens for observing the inside of a body cavity is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion inserted into a body cavity, and an observation field of view of the observation lens is substantially forward with respect to an insertion direction of the insertion portion. An endoscope set in an oriented state, wherein an observation viewing direction of the observation lens is inclined rightward in an insertion direction of the insertion section.