JPH1156763A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable the tip end part of an inserting part of an endoscope to be rightly directed, by setting the rigidity of a specific range in the axis direction of a bent part with tendency of curving in a direction different from the direction of a purpose higher than that of other ranges of the bent part. SOLUTION: On the outer periphery face of a bent hollow tube 18, a bent braid 19 formed of a net tube 19 made by braiding an element wire 19a made of stainless steel into a mesh is covered and an outer crust 20 is comprising rubber, etc., is covered on the outside. The bent braid 19 is constituted of a first braid formation 19A to the tip end part side of the bent part 5 and a second braid formation 19B to the rear end part side. Pitches P1 , P2 between neighboring element wires 19a of each net tube 19b composing both braid formations 19A, 19B are set to be P1 <P2 , and the rigidity of the first braid formation 19A is set lower than that of the second braid formation 19B. By this constitution, the bend resistance of the bent part 5 against bending in a direction different from the aimed direction is increased to be rightly bent.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope in which a bending portion for performing a bending deformation operation is disposed on a distal end side of an elongated insertion portion inserted into a body cavity.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an endoscope is provided with a bending portion which is operated to bend and deform on the distal end side of an elongated insertion portion inserted into a body cavity. The bending portion covers a bending tube in which a plurality of bending pieces arranged side by side in the axial direction of the insertion portion are rotatably and pivotally connected to each other, a bending blade for fitting the bending tube, and the bending blade. It is composed of an outer skin.

In addition, a plurality of internal components for observing and treating the inside of a body cavity, such as an air / water channel, a forceps channel, a light guide fiber, an image guide fiber, or Built-in components such as an imaging cable are provided. Here, each built-in component disposed inside the insertion section of the endoscope has a different material, rigidity, size, and arrangement in the insertion section when the type of endoscope is different.

In Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-4002, a bending portion of an endoscope is provided with a first bending portion and a second bending portion, and a protection net (bending blade) covering the first and second bending portions is provided. By changing the inclination angle of the element wire with respect to the axis of the curved portion so as to be smaller at the proximal end side than at the distal end side, the tension is adjusted between the first curved portion and the second curved portion before and after the curved portion. A technique is disclosed in which the required followability of the second curved portion is maintained and the structure is made sufficiently flexible.

[0005]

Generally, when the bending section is operated to bend while the endoscope is being used, external forces are generated by the internal components disposed inside the insertion section. Here, since the internal components of the insertion portion of the endoscope are different in type, type, and type of endoscope, material, rigidity, size, and arrangement in the insertion portion are different, the bending portion is bent. In this case, the bending shape of the bending portion is also affected by the external force due to the built-in component, and various tendencies of the bending shape appear for each type or model of the endoscope.

That is, the direction in which the surgeon intends the curved portion,
For example, when the operator performs the bending operation of the bending portion in order to turn the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope toward the operation portion side close to the hand, as shown in FIG. The distal end component c on the distal end side of the curved portion b in the insertion portion a of the endoscope may be directed in an unintended direction, or the base end side of the curved portion b may be directed in an unintended direction as shown in FIG. There is.

As shown in FIG. 13 (C), the surgeon places the distal end component c on the distal end side of the insertion portion a of the endoscope upward by about 9 degrees.
Bending part b for directing in the direction of bending by 0 °
13B, the proximal end side of the bending portion b performs a bending operation different from the intended operation as shown in FIG. 13D, and the distal end component c may be directed in a direction not intended by the operator. . In this case, there is a possibility that the distal end side of the bending portion b similarly performs a bending operation different from the intended purpose, and the distal end portion of the insertion portion a of the endoscope may be directed in an unintended direction.

For this reason, in the above-mentioned conventional configuration, when the bending portion b is operated to bend in an arbitrary direction, the bending portion b bends in a direction different from the target direction due to the effect of the built-in member in the bending tube. There is a possibility that the distal end component c on the distal end side of the insertion portion a is directionally operated in a direction not intended by the operator.

Further, in the prior art of Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-4002, the arrangement of the built-in components constituting the bending portion in the state where the bending portion is assembled, the built-in protection member for protecting the same, the arrangement of the bending pieces, and the combination thereof. There is a possibility that the bending portion may be bent in a direction different from the normal bending direction on the distal end side, the center side, or the proximal end side. Therefore, this actual fairness 7-
Even in the related art disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4002, there is a possibility that the bending section may bend in an unintended direction during the bending operation, and thus there is a problem that a bending section having an accurate bending shape cannot be configured.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve the structure of a bending portion so as to bend the bending portion into an accurate bending shape as operated by an operator. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope capable of correctly pointing the distal end portion of an insertion portion in a direction intended by a user.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, there is provided a bending device in which a plurality of built-in components are disposed inside an elongated insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, and a bending operation is performed on the distal end side of the insertion portion. Portion is disposed, the bending portion, a bending tube rotatably pivotally connected to a plurality of bending pieces arranged side by side in the axial direction of the insertion portion, a bending blade to fit this bending tube, ,
In an endoscope comprising an outer skin covering the curved blade, the curved portion has a strong tendency to bend in a direction different from the intended direction when the curved portion is curved and deformed in a specific section in the axial direction of the curved portion. An endoscope wherein the rigidity of a part is set higher than the rigidity of another part other than the specific section in the axial direction of the bending part. When the bending portion of the endoscope is bent, the bending portion fits the bending tube of the bending portion in a specific section in the axial direction of the bending portion, which tends to bend in a direction different from the target direction. The bending blade is bent in a direction different from the target direction by changing the stiffness of the bending portion along the axial direction of the bending portion while setting the stiffness of the bending portion higher than the stiffness of other portions other than the specific section in the axial direction. Suppress the tip to point in the direction not intended by the operator, make the bending part bend in the intended direction, and observe the tip in the direction intended by the operator. Is made possible.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A and 2B.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an entire system of an electronic 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 section 2 has an elongated flexible flexible tube 4 having a base end connected to the operating section 3 and, for example, an upper and lower member disposed at the distal end of the flexible tube 4. A bending portion 5 that can be bent in the direction and the left-right direction, respectively, and a hard distal portion 6 connected to a distal portion of the bending portion 5 are provided.

The operating section 3 is provided with a treatment instrument introduction port 7 for introducing forceps 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. Then, by bending the bending portion 5 with the upper, lower, left and right bending operation knobs (not shown) of the operation portion 3,
By changing the direction of the distal end component 6, it is possible to observe the observation target site at a desired position.

Further, a base end of a flexible universal cord 8 is connected to a side surface of the operation section 3. A first connector 9 is provided at the tip of the universal cord 8.
Are connected.

The light source device 10 has a connector receiver 10.
a is provided. The first connector 9 of the endoscope 1 is detachably connected to the connector receiver 10a of the light source device 10. Thereby, the illumination light generated by the light source lamp of the light source device 10 can be guided to the distal end component 6 of the electronic endoscope 1 via the light guide provided in the universal cord 8.

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 signal processing circuit and a video processor 13 which is a signal processing device incorporating a drive circuit. The video processor 13 further includes a monitor 14 for displaying video signals, a VTR deck 15 for recording video, a video printer 16,
Peripheral devices such as a video disk 17 are connected.

An image observed by the endoscope 1 is converted into an electric signal by a solid-state imaging device (not shown) provided at the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 1, and then the output signal from the solid-state imaging device is converted. Is sent to the video processor 13 via the signal cable 11. Further, the signal processed by the video processor 13 is transmitted to the monitor 1
4, and are sent to the VTR deck 15, the video printer 16, and the video disk 17, respectively. Then, an image of the image observed by the endoscope 1 is displayed on the monitor 14, the image is recorded on the VTR deck 15 and the video disk 17 as necessary, and the image is printed out by the video printer 16. It has become so.

Further, the bending portion 5 of the present embodiment is similar to that of FIG.
As shown in (B), a curved blade 19 formed by a mesh tube 19b braided in a mesh shape with a stainless steel wire 19a on the outer peripheral surface of a hollow curved tube 18 as shown in FIG.
And the outer side thereof is covered with a skin 20 made of rubber or a synthetic resin material.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, a plurality of bending pieces, that is, a plurality of upper and lower bending pieces 21 rotatable in the vertical direction, are provided in the bending tube 18 along the axial direction of the insertion portion 2. A plurality of left and right bending pieces 22 rotatable in the left and right direction are juxtaposed so as to be pivotally connected to each other. Here, the plurality of upper and lower bending pieces 21 and the plurality of left and right bending pieces 22 of the bending tube 18 are arranged in a combined state so that the entire bending tube 18 can bend in four directions, up, down, left and right. I have.

That is, the front and rear ends of the upper and lower bending pieces 21 other than the rearmost end of the first bending piece 28 at the frontmost position and the frontmost position of the first bending piece 28 provided at the rear end of the main body of the front end component. A pair of planar connecting portions 23 in the circumferential direction.
° It is provided in parallel at a distance.

Each of the left and right bending pieces 22 is provided with a pair of front and rear rotating elements 22a and 22b, respectively. The upper and lower bending pieces 21 are provided at the front end of the front rotating element 22a.
Flat connecting portion 2 overlapping with the flat connecting portion 23 at the rear end
3. A vertical bending piece 2 is provided at the rear end of the rear rotating element 22b.
The planar connecting portions 23 that overlap with the planar connecting portion 23 at the front end of each one are formed. The bending pieces 21 and 22 are connected by a rivet 24 so as to be rotatable vertically in a state where a pair of planar connecting portions 23 are overlapped.

Further, a pair of planar connecting portions 23 are separated from each other by 180 ° in the circumferential direction at the rear end of the front turning element 22a and the front end of the rear turning element 22b of each left and right bending piece 22. It is provided in parallel with the position. The pair of planar connecting portions 23 are overlapped with the rivets 24 between the front and rear rotating elements 22a and 22b of each left and right bending piece 22.
Are pivotally connected to each other so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction.

The planar connecting portion 23 is provided with a pair of mating planes so that the front and rear bending pieces 21 and 22 and the front and rear turning elements 22a and 22b of the left and right bending pieces 22 can be overlapped and turned. A flat portion having an area enough to rotate without interfering with the shape connecting portion 23 is provided.

The curved blade 19 includes a first blade structure 19A that covers the distal end of the curved portion 5 and a curved portion 5A.
And a second blade structure 19B that covers the rear end side of the blade. Here, the first blade component 19A and the second blade component 19B are formed of mesh pipes having different rigidities. That is, in the present embodiment, for example, the first blade structure 19A on the distal end portion side has a pitch P ₁ between a pair of adjacent wires 19a of the mesh tube 19b.
Is the net pipe 19 of the second blade structure 19B on the rear end side.
b smaller than the pitch P ₂ between the adjacent pair of wires 19a of (P ₁ <P ₂₎ are set so as. For this reason, the rigidity of the first blade component 19A on the tip end side is higher than the rigidity of the second blade component 19B on the rear end portion.

Further, a highly rigid first blade structure 1
9A and the low rigidity second blade structure 19B are connected by a connecting portion 25. Here, the connecting portion 25 between the first blade component 19A and the second blade component 19B overlaps the end surfaces of both blade components 19A and 19B or the end surfaces of both blade components 19A and 19B. In addition, it is fixed so that it will not be frayed by soldering all over the circumference or adhesive.

Each part corresponding to the vertical bending direction of the inner peripheral surface of the vertical bending piece 21 and each part corresponding to the horizontal bending direction of the inner peripheral surface of the left and right bending piece 22 are hollow. A wire guide 26 is provided. Further, a bending operation wire 27 is inserted through each set of wire guides 26 corresponding to the four bending directions of up, down, left and right of the bending portion 5.

The distal ends of these four bending operation wires 27 form part of the inner peripheral surface of a first bending piece 28 provided at the rear end of the distal end component main body (not shown) of the distal end component 6. It is brazed and fixed to a protruding portion 29 which is cut and raised inward and protrudes. Further, the base end sides of the four bending operation wires 27 are inserted through the flexible tube portion 4 of the insertion portion 2, and the operation portion 3
Has been extended inside.

The operating unit 3 applies the operating force of an up / down bending operation knob and a left / right bending operation knob (not shown) to a pair of up / down bending operation wires 27 and a pair of up / down bending left / right bending operations for up / down bending. An operation force transmission mechanism for transmitting the operation force to each wire 27 is built in. By operating the up / down bending operation knob, one of the pair of up / down bending operation wires 27 for up / down bending is pulled, and the other is relaxed, so that the entire bending section 5 can be remotely bent in the up / down direction. ing. Similarly, by operating the left / right bending operation knob, one of the pair of left / right bending operation wires 27 for left / right bending is pulled, the other is relaxed, and the entire bending section 5 can be remotely bent in the left / right direction. Has become. Further, by operating the up / down bending operation knob and the left / right bending operation knob, the bending operation can be remotely performed in an arbitrary intermediate direction combining the up / down direction and the left / right direction.

Further, the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 1 is provided with an objective optical system (not shown) for observing an observation site and an imaging unit (not shown). Here, a plurality of lenses are incorporated in the objective optical system. Furthermore, the imaging unit is arranged at an image forming position of a lens of the objective optical system,
An imaging unit that photoelectrically converts an optical image formed on an imaging surface into an electric signal is provided.

In the bending tube 18 of the bending portion 5, FIG.
As shown in (B), a transmission cable 30 for transmitting an electric signal of an optical image photoelectrically converted by the imaging unit, and a light guide fiber 3 for guiding a light source amount into a body cavity.
1, a forceps channel 32 for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps for diagnosing and treating the inside of a body cavity, and a built-in air supply / water supply channel 33 for removing dirt on the objective lens surface of the distal end component 6. It is arranged.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
In the present embodiment, when the endoscope 1 is used, after inserting the endoscope insertion section 2 into the body cavity, at least one of the up / down bending operation knob and the left / right bending operation knob of the operation section 3 on the hand side is operated. Thus, the bending section 5 of the insertion section 2 is caused to bend, and the lens of the objective optical system in the distal end section 6 of the endoscope is directed toward the observation target in a desired direction for observation.

Here, for example, the curved portion 5 is connected to the upper, lower, left and right 4
When bending upward in the directions, first,
Operate the up / down bending operation knob upward. In this case, the upper wire 27 of the pair of vertical bending operation wires 27 for vertical bending is pulled by the operation of the vertical bending operation knob, and the lower wire 27 is relaxed. Therefore, the upper side of the vertical bending operation wire 27 is
The leading end component 6 is pulled upward through the projection 29 of the upper end. As a result, the bending tube 18 bends upward together with the bending blade 19 and the outer cover 20, and the distal end component 6 is directed upward.

When the bending portion 5 of the insertion portion 2 is to bend downward, the up / down bending operation knob is operated downward and the lower side of the pair of up / down bending operation wires 27 for up / down bending is operated. By pulling the wire 27 and relaxing the upper wire 27, the operation is performed in the same manner as in the above-described upward bending operation.

Further, when bending the bending portion 5 of the insertion portion 2 leftward or rightward, the left / right bending operation knob is operated leftward or rightward, and a pair of left / right bending operations for left / right bending is performed. Of the wires 27, the left wire 27 or the right wire 27 is pulled, and the wire 27 on the side opposite to the side on which the bending operation is performed is relaxed, thereby performing the above-described bending operation in the upward direction.

Various internal components are provided in the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1, and an external force acts on the bending section 5 depending on the material, rigidity, size, arrangement, etc. of each. In addition, there is a possibility that the bending section 5 may perform a bending operation in a direction different from the target direction (the intended direction).

Here, one example of conditions for bending in a direction different from the target direction in the three regions of the distal portion, the central portion, and the proximal portion of the bending portion 5 is as follows. For example, the internal components in the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 are covered with a protective member for protecting the internal components having different lengths, for example, a silicon tube or an EPTFE tube. The rigidity and size of the built-in component change in the axial direction of the insertion section 2.

Further, the easily breakable built-in member is hardly damaged, for example, a position that does not interfere with the wire guide 26 provided in the bending tube 18, or is protected by another built-in member or the bending piece 21. , 22 so that the arrangement in the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 changes in the axial direction of the insertion section 2 by moving the endoscope 1 to a substantially central portion in the insertion section 2 so as not to interfere with the inner peripheral surface. I have.

That is, the protection member of the built-in member is
When it is removed inside and only the built-in object is
Since the balance in the bending portion 5 with respect to the axial direction is lost, the bending operation of the bending portion 5 tends to be performed in a direction different from the target direction at the time of the bending operation. In addition, in a curved portion where the arrangement changes when the easily breakable built-in object is moved to a position that is hardly damaged, the movement of the built-in object in the axial direction changes, so that the bending direction of the bending portion 5 is different from the target direction. It tends to bend in a direction.

On the other hand, in order to obtain a desired bending angle and a desired bending shape, the bending portion 5 is constituted by a plurality of sets of upper and lower and left and right bending pieces 21 and 22 which are alternately connected. Here, for example, the upper and lower bending pieces 21 are configured to bend in two directions, up and down, and the left and right bending pieces 22 are configured to perform bending operations in four directions of the front and rear ends in the vertical direction and the central portion in the left and right directions. I have.
And the bending part where many left and right bending pieces 22 are arranged,
It is more susceptible to the built-in object than the curved portion where the vertical bending pieces 21 are arranged, and tends to bend in a direction different from the target direction when the bending portion 5 is operated to bend.

Therefore, the built-in protection member, the arrangement of the built-in components,
Depending on various conditions such as the arrangement of the bending pieces 21 and 22 and their combination, there are various parts that bend in a direction different from the target direction when bending the bending portion 5.

Further, for example, in the bending portion 5 having a structure in which the protection member of the built-in member is covered only on the distal end portion of the bending portion 5 and only the built-in member is formed on the base end portion, the bending portion 5 is operated at the time of bending operation. There is a tendency that only the distal end portion of the bending portion 5 bends in a direction different from the target direction. The same applies to the case where the bending operation of the bending portion 5 in the direction different from the target direction is performed at the center portion and the proximal end portion of the bending portion 5 during the bending operation of the bending portion 5.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, a high-rigidity first blade component 19A is provided at the distal end portion of the curved portion 5 and a low-rigidity second blade component 19B is disposed at the proximal end portion. Of the first blade member 19A is set to be higher than the rigidity of the second blade member 19B on the rear end side. Therefore, when the bending portion 5 bends in a direction different from the target direction at the distal end portion, and the distal end configuration portion 6 attempts to point in a direction not intended by the operator (see FIG. 13A), Since the bending resistance of the distal end portion of the bending portion 5 that is to bend in a direction different from the target direction can be increased, it is possible to suppress the bending portion 5 from operating in a direction different from the target direction.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the distal end configuration portion 6 from being directed in a direction not intended by the operator during the bending operation of the bending portion 5 and to perform a directivity operation in the direction intended by the operator. It is to be noted that the same operation and effect can be obtained even when the bending portion 5 is bent in the downward direction and the left and right direction.

Further, since the bending blade 19 for changing the rigidity of the bending portion 5 is formed from substantially the same strand outer diameter,
Even when the rigidity of the bending portion 5 is changed along the axial direction of the insertion portion 2, the outer diameter of the bending portion 5 can be maintained at substantially the same outer diameter. Therefore, the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1
Since the entire outer diameter can be maintained at substantially the same outer diameter, when the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the body cavity of the patient, a part of the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is used. It can be inserted smoothly without being caught by irregularities such as the body wall, and the pain of the patient can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the bending portion 5
Although the bending portion 5 which shows a tendency to bend in a direction different from the target direction in the tip side portion of the above has been described,
Contrary to the present embodiment, low rigidity is applied to the distal end portion of the bending portion 5 for the bending portion 5 that tends to bend in the direction different from the target direction. Second
The first blade component 19A having high rigidity may be disposed on the blade component 19B and the proximal portion to increase the rigidity of the proximal portion.

Further, for the bending portion 5 in which the central portion of the bending portion 5 tends to bend in a direction different from the target direction, the rigidity of the central portion of the bending portion 5 is set to be more distal and proximal. What is necessary is just to make it higher than a side part.

Further, only a part of the insertion portion 2 in the axial direction, not any one of the three regions of the distal end portion, the proximal end portion, and the center portion of the bending portion 5, locally bends in a direction different from the target direction. With respect to the bending portion 5 that tends to be bent, the stiffness of the bending blade 19 at the portion where the bending operation is to be performed in a direction different from the target direction may be locally increased as compared with other portions. The portion having high rigidity is not limited to one location in the axial direction of the insertion portion 2 and may be a plurality of locations at two or more locations.

FIG. 3A shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In general, various internal components are disposed in the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1, and an external force acts on the bending section 5 depending on the material, rigidity, size, arrangement, etc. of the bending section. At the time of the bending operation of 5, the bending operation is performed in a direction different from the target direction, and the distal end configuration section 6 is directed in a direction not intended by the operator.

This embodiment is applied to the endoscope 1 in which the influence of the built-in object tends to increase as it goes to the distal end side of the bending portion 5. That is, in the present embodiment, the influence of the external force from the built-in component acting on the bending portion 5 has a relationship of the distal end portion> intermediate portion> base end portion of the bending portion 5, and differs from the target direction according to this relationship. There is a tendency to bend in a direction.

Further, the bending tube 1 of the bending portion 5 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG.
A curved blade 41 is provided in which three types of blade components 41A, 41B, and 41C having different pitch intervals between a pair of adjacent wires 41a of FIG. b are connected via connecting portions 42A and 42B, respectively. Here, the mesh pipe 41 of the first blade structure 41A arranged at the tip of the bending portion 5
The element wire pitch of b is Pa, the second
The element wire pitch interval of the mesh tube 41b of the blade structure 41B is Pb, and the third blade structure 4 disposed at the rear end portion
If the element wire pitch interval of the net pipe 41b of 1C is Pc, P
a <Pb <Pc. That is, in the curved blade 41 of the present embodiment, the element wire pitch intervals of the stainless steel blade components 41A, 41B, 41C are sequentially set in multiple stages from the distal end side to the base end side, and in this embodiment, in three stages. It is formed in an enlarged state.

The other parts of the configuration are the same as those of the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2A and 2B). 2 (A),
The same parts as those in (B) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
In the present embodiment, the bending operation of the bending portion 5 in a direction different from the target direction is performed by the balance of the internal components disposed in the insertion portion 2, and the distal end configuration portion 6 moves in a direction not intended by the operator. Curved blade 41 of curved portion 5 that tends to be oriented
Uses a plurality of rigid bending blades 41 formed so as to increase the bending resistance in proportion to the size of the bending portion 5 operating in a direction different from the target direction during the bending operation. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively suppress the bending operation of the bending portion 5 in a direction different from the operator's target direction at the time of the bending operation of the bending portion 5, so that the distal end configuration portion 6 can change the direction not intended by the operator. Prevents pointing and makes the tip component 6
Can be correctly oriented in the direction intended by the operator.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, the wire pitch intervals of the mesh tube 41b are different from the curved blade 41, respectively.
Three types of blade structures 41A having different rigidities,
Since the bending portions 41B and 41C are provided, the bending portion 5 that attempts to bend in a direction different from the target direction when performing the bending operation of the bending portion 5
Can be finely suppressed. Thus, the distal end component 6 of the insertion section 2 can be correctly oriented in the direction intended by the operator.

In the present embodiment, the bending portion 5
Although the bending portion 5 that shows a tendency to perform a bending operation in a direction not intended by the operator at the distal end side portion has been described,
For the bending portion 5 in which the proximal portion of the bending portion 5 tends to bend in a different direction, the element wire pitch interval P of the third blade structure 41C in the proximal portion of the bending portion 5
It is sufficient to make c smaller than the element wire pitch interval Pa of the first blade constituting body 41A at the distal end portion, and to increase the rigidity of the proximal end portion of the curved portion 5.

Further, a portion other than the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the bending portion 5 differs from the target direction with respect to the bending portion 5 which bends in a direction different from the target direction at the time of the bending operation of the bending portion 5. What is necessary is just to make the rigidity of the bending blade 41 of the bending part which bends in the direction higher than other bending parts. For example, for the bending portion 5 in which the center portion of the bending portion 5 tends to bend in a direction different from the target direction, the rigidity of the center portion may be higher than that of the distal portion and the proximal portion.

Further, the curved blade 41 shown in FIG. 3A has a structure in which three types of blade members 41A, 41B, and 41C having different intervals between wire pitches of the mesh tube 41b are connected. The body may be more than three kinds, and without providing the connecting portions 42A and 42B, the number of the wires of the mesh tube 41b is reduced toward the base end portion to continuously reduce the wire pitch. Is also good.

FIG. 3B shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the influence of the built-in object in the insertion portion 2 becomes greater toward the distal end side of the bending portion 5, and the bending operation tends to bend in a direction different from the target direction at the time of the bending operation of the bending portion 5. This is applied to the unit 5.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, the bending pipe 18 of the bending portion 5 of the present embodiment has the largest diameter wire of the wire 51a of the stainless steel mesh tube 51b. 51A formed by the first blade 51A
And a net pipe 51b than the first blade component 51A.
The second blade component 51B formed by the element wire 51a having a small element diameter of the element wire 51a, and the thinnest element wire of the element 51a of the mesh tube 51b smaller than the second blade element 51B. Curved blade 51 comprising a third blade structure 51C formed by a large diameter wire 51a.
Is provided. Then, the first blade component 51
A is disposed at the distal end portion of the curved portion 5, the second blade component 51B is disposed at the central portion of the curved portion 5, and the third blade component 51C is disposed at the rear end portion of the curved portion 5. I have.
Furthermore, between the first blade component 51A and the second blade component 51B, and between the first blade component 51A and the second blade component 51B.
Between B and the third blade component 51C, the diameter of the wire forming the curved blade 51 is continuously and smoothly changed so as to gradually decrease.

The configuration of the other parts is the same as that of the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2A and 2B). 2 (A),
The same parts as those in (B) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
In the present embodiment, the distal end side portion of the curved portion 5 on which the first blade component 51A having a large wire diameter is disposed is a second blade component 51B and a third blade having a smaller wire diameter. Since the rigidity is higher than the central portion and the rear end portion of the bending portion 5 where the constituent body 51C is arranged, the bending resistance increases at the distal end portion of the bending portion 5 during the bending operation of the bending portion 5. .

For this reason, even when external force acts on the bending portion 5 due to the balance of the internal components in the insertion portion 2 and the bending operation of the bending portion 5 tends to be performed in a direction different from the target direction, the bending is performed. Since it is possible to effectively suppress that the bending portion 5 bends in a direction different from the target direction of the operator at the distal end side portion of the portion 5, the distal end configuration portion 6 points in a direction not intended by the operator. , The tip component 6 can be correctly oriented in the direction intended by the operator.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, the wire diameter of the wire 51a of the mesh tube 51b forming the curved blade 51 is gradually reduced in the order of the first blade component 51A, the second blade component 51B, and the third blade component 51C. By changing, the curved portion 5 having no step can be formed.

Further, since there is no need to provide a connecting portion between the first blade component 51A, the second blade component 51B, and the third blade component 51C of the curved blade 51, it is easy to assemble. As shown in FIG. 2 (A), the first blade component 51 like the connecting portion 25 connecting the first blade component 19A and the second blade component 19B.
A, since there is no hard portion between the second blade component 51B and the third blade component 51C, the curved shape of the curved portion 5 can be made smooth. Accordingly, when the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into a body cavity of a patient, the insertion section 2 can be inserted without being caught by irregularities such as a body wall, so that the patient's pain can be reduced.

For the bending portion 5 in which the proximal portion of the bending portion 5 tends to bend in a direction different from the target direction during the bending operation of the bending portion 5, the distal portion is shifted from the proximal portion to the proximal portion. It is preferable to use a curved blade in which the wire diameter of the wire 51a of the mesh tube 51b gradually increases toward the portion.

In the case of the bending portion 5 in which a portion other than the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the bending portion 5 tends to bend in a direction different from the target direction at the time of the bending operation of the bending portion 5, It is preferable to use a bending blade in which a bending portion that bends in a direction different from the target direction at the time of the bending operation of the bending portion 5 has a larger wire diameter than the other portions.

FIG. 4A shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the influence of the built-in object in the insertion portion 2 becomes greater toward the distal end side of the bending portion 5, and the bending operation tends to bend in a direction different from the target direction at the time of the bending operation of the bending portion 5. This is applied to the unit 5.

That is, in the bending tube 18 of the bending portion 5 of the present embodiment, the bending blade 61 is attached to the distal end portion of the bending portion 5.
Are overlapped, and a thick blade overlapping portion 62 is provided. In addition, a curved blade 6 is provided at a base end portion of the curved portion 5.
A single blade portion 63 is provided in which the single blade 1 is fitted in a single state.

Since the configuration of the other parts is the same as that of the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2A and 2B), FIGS. 2 (A),
The same parts as those in (B) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
In the present embodiment, in a state in which the uniform bending blade 61 is used, the bending operation of the bending portion 5 is performed in a direction different from the target direction at the time of the bending operation, and the tip component 6 tends to be directed in a direction not intended by the operator. A thick blade overlap portion 62 is provided at the curved portion (the distal end portion of the curved portion 5).
Here, the thick blade overlapping portion 62 has a lower bending resistance during the bending operation of the bending portion 5 than other portions of the bending portion 5 (for example, a portion where the single blade portion 63 having a small thickness is covered). Will increase.

Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress an external force acting on the bending portion 5 due to a balance between the internal components in the insertion portion 2 and performing a bending operation in a direction different from a target direction at the time of the bending operation of the bending portion 5. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the distal end component 6 from pointing in a direction not intended by the operator, and to correctly direct the distal end component 6 in the direction intended by the operator.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, since the thick blade overlapping portion 62 in which the curved blades 61 are double-laid on the distal end side portion of the curved portion 5 in the curved tube 18 is provided, the curved blade 61 is manufactured when the curved portion 5 is manufactured. By simply superposing the blades twice, it is possible to form the thick blade overlapping portion 62 having high rigidity. Therefore, the work of connecting the curved blades 61 having different specifications is not required, and the assembling property is improved.

Further, it is possible to prevent the connecting portion between the thick blade overlapping portion 62 having a large rigidity and the single blade portion 63 having a small thickness from becoming hard, so that the insertion portion of the endoscope 1 can be prevented. When inserting 2 into a body cavity of a patient, it does not get caught on unevenness such as a body wall. Therefore, the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 can be smoothly inserted into the body cavity of the patient, so that the pain of the patient can be reduced.

In the bending operation of the bending portion 5, when the bending portion 5 has a tendency to bend in a direction different from the target direction, the bending portion 5 has a base portion. It is preferable to use the blade overlapping portion 62 which is thicker than the tip side portion.

In addition, for the bending portion 5 which tends to bend in a direction different from the target direction during the bending operation of the bending portion 5, It is preferable to use a thick blade overlapping portion 62 in a curved portion that bends in a direction different from the direction.

FIG. 4B shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, of the distal side portion, the central portion, and the proximal side portion of the bending portion 5, a portion that bends in a direction different from the target direction at the time of the bending operation of the bending portion 5, for example, the bending blade 71 with respect to the distal portion A high-rigidity blade structure 72 having increased rigidity is provided, and a low-rigidity blade structure 73 is provided at a central portion of the bending portion 5 where the bending operation is most performed.

The other parts of the configuration are the same as those of the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2A and 2B). 2 (A),
The same parts as those in (B) are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
In the present embodiment, the bending resistance at the time when the bending portion 5 performs the bending operation is reduced by lowering the rigidity of the central portion of the bending portion 5 that is most bent during the bending operation of the bending portion 5 as compared with the other portions. be able to. Therefore, the first bending piece 28
The bending operation wire 27 brazed and fixed to the
It is possible to relax and reduce the amount of turning power of the bending operation knob provided on the operation unit 3 for performing the bending operation of the bending unit 5.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, it is possible to reduce the amount of power required for the operator to turn the bending operation knob when performing the bending operation on the bending portion 5. Thereby, the bending operability can be improved and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

FIGS. 5A to 5D show the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows a connecting portion between a bending portion 82 and a flexible tube portion 83 provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 81 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment.

Here, the bending portion 82 of the present embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), a curved blade 85 formed by a mesh tube braided in a mesh shape with a stainless steel wire is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of a hollow curved tube 84, and rubber or rubber is further coated on the outside thereof. It is configured by covering an outer tube 86 made of a synthetic resin material such as an elastomer.

Further, the bending tube 84 has a plurality of bending pieces along the axial direction of the insertion portion 81, that is, a plurality of up and down bending pieces 87 rotatable in the vertical direction, and a plurality of bending pieces 87 rotatable in the left and right direction. The left and right bending pieces 88 are arranged side by side so as to be pivotally connected to each other. Here, the plurality of up-down bending pieces 87 of the bending tube 84 and the plurality of left-right bending pieces 88 are formed to have substantially the same inner diameter, and the entire bending pipe 84 can freely bend in four directions, up, down, left, and right. Thus, they are arranged in a combined state.

Further, inside the bending tube 84, the vertical bending piece 8
7, hollow wire guides 89 are provided on each of the portions corresponding to the vertical bending direction on the inner peripheral surface of the inner peripheral surface 7 and the respective portions on the inner peripheral surface of the left and right bending piece 88 corresponding to the horizontal bending direction. ing.

Further, a bending operation wire 90 is inserted through each set of wire guides 89 corresponding to each direction. The distal ends of these four bending operation wires 90 are attached to the inner peripheral surface of the rear end of the first bending piece 28 (see FIG. 2A) at the most distal end provided at the rear end of the distal end component main body. It is fixed by brazing.

The flexible tube portion 83 is provided with a spiral tube 91 formed by spirally winding a stainless steel band.
The spiral tube 91 is set to have substantially the same inner diameter as the upper and lower bending pieces 87 and the left and right bending pieces 88. Further, as shown in FIG. 5D, the outer peripheral surface of the spiral tube 91 is covered with a blade 92 formed of a stainless wire, and the outer peripheral surface is further covered with a flexible resin tube 93 formed by extrusion. ing.

As shown in FIG. 5 (A), the tip of the spiral tube 91 is soldered and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the rear end of the connection base 94. Further, the rear end of the spiral tube 91 is soldered to a fixing member (not shown) provided on the operation unit 3 (see FIG. 1) side.

The tip of the connection base 94 is connected to the curved portion 8.
2 is fitted and fixed in an inserted state to the inner peripheral surface on the rear end side of the final bending piece 95 arranged at the rearmost position of the second. Further, on the inner peripheral surface of the connection base 94, 4
The outer peripheral surfaces of the tip portions of the two wire protection coils 96 are respectively fixed by solder.

Each wire protection coil 96 is connected to the wire guide 8
9 is formed with substantially the same diameter. Then, a bending operation wire 90 is inserted into each wire protection coil 96, respectively.
Each bending operation wire 90 is individually protected.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 5B to 5D, the image transmission cable 9 is provided in the bending portion 82 and the flexible tube portion 83.
7, a light guide fiber 98, a forceps channel 99, and built-in components such as an air / water channel 100 are provided. 5B to 5D show cross-sectional shapes of the internal components such as the image transmission cable 97, the light guide fiber 98, the forceps channel 99, and the air / water supply channel 100. Here, as shown in FIG. 5B, the total filling rate of the built-in object and the wire guide 89 occupying the curved portion 82 and the built-in object occupying the flexible tube portion 83 as shown in FIG. And wire protection coil 9
The total filling rate of No. 6 is set to be substantially the same.

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, FIG.
As shown in (C) and (D), the inner diameters of the curved portion 82 and the flexible tube portion 83 are substantially the same, and the wire guide 89 and the wire protection coil 96 have substantially the same diameter.
The filling rates of the built-in components in the insertion portion 81 are substantially the same in the inside and the flexible tube portion 83, respectively. Therefore, when the bending portion 82 is bent, the movement of each built-in object becomes uniform in the axial direction, so that each built-in object operates smoothly without meandering in the bending portion 82. As a result, an external force such that the bending resistance is locally different only at a part of the bending portion is applied to the bending portion 8.
Since it does not act within 2, the bending portion 82 can be suppressed from bending in a direction different from the intended direction. Therefore,
The distal end component 6 (see FIG. 1) of the insertion portion 81 can be prevented from being directed in a direction not intended by the operator, and can be correctly pointed in the direction intended by the operator, while suppressing damage to the internal components. can do.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the inner diameters of the curved portion 82 and the flexible tube portion 83 are substantially the same, the outer diameters of the insertion portion 81 are substantially the same by making the thickness and outer skin substantially the same. Can be set to Accordingly, when the insertion section 81 of the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity of the patient, the insertion section 81 can be inserted without being caught by irregularities such as a body wall, so that the pain of the patient can be reduced.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bending section 112 in the insertion section 111 of the endoscope of the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flexible tube section 113. In general, various built-in components are provided in the insertion section 111 of the endoscope, and a protective member is attached to each of the built-in components. For example, since the light guide fiber and the image transmission cable are covered and protected with a protective tube made of silicon or EPTFE, the insertion portion 11
The outer diameter of the built-in object differs in the axial direction.

The bending section 112 is composed of a plurality of bending pieces 114 having different bending piece inner diameters. here,
A wire guide 116 for guiding the bending operation wire 115 is brazed and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the bending piece 114.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bending portion 112
And silicon or EPT inside the flexible tube portion 113.
A soft protection tube 117 made of FE is provided. Here, as shown in FIG. 6, the protective tube 117 of the bending portion 112 has a filling rate occupied by each built-in material in all the bending pieces in a portion other than the fixing portion of the wire guide 116 on the inner peripheral surface of the bending piece 114. Are arranged in a state where the wall thickness is adjusted so that they are substantially the same. In this case, the thickness of the protective tube 117 is determined by, for example, the bending piece 11 which is one of the factors that determine the filling rate.
The thickness is set to be proportional to the inner diameter of No. 4.

Further, the protection tube 117 of the flexible tube portion 113 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of a spiral tube 118 provided in the flexible tube portion 113 as shown in FIG. The thickness of the protective tube 117 is set so that the filling rate in the curved portion 112 and the filling ratio in the flexible tube portion 113 are substantially the same. The configuration of the other parts is the same as that of the sixth embodiment (FIG. 5A).
(D)).

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, the bending portion 112
In addition, since the soft protective tube 117 is provided inside the flexible tube portion 113, the filling rates of the curved portion 112 and the flexible tube portion 113 become substantially the same. Therefore, when the bending portion 112 is bent, the movement of each built-in component becomes uniform in the axial direction, and the component operates smoothly.

Therefore, when the bending portion 112 is bent, no external force is applied to only a part of the bending portion so that the bending resistance is different, so that the bending portion 112 can be prevented from bending in a direction different from the intended direction. The component 6 (see FIG. 1) can be prevented from pointing in a direction not intended by the operator, and the tip component 6 can be correctly pointed in the direction intended by the operator.

Further, since the flexible protective tube 117 is provided in the bending tube 84 (see FIG. 5A), each built-in material is
4 can be prevented from interfering with the inner peripheral surface or the wire guide 116 or being broken by being interposed between the adjacent bending pieces 87 and 88 (see FIG. 5A).

Further, at the time of assembling the bending portion 112, after the respective internal components are connected to the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope, the internal components are inserted into the bending portion 112 and the flexible tube portion 113 for assembly. At this time, since each built-in component can be inserted by the flexible protective tube 117 without being caught in the curved portion 112 and the flexible tube portion 113, assembly is easy and the built-in component is not damaged during assembly. .

In this embodiment, the bending portion 1
Protective tubes 117 are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the 12 bending pieces 114 and the inner peripheral surface of the helical tube 118 of the flexible tube portion 113, respectively, but are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connection base 94 (see FIG. 5A). A protective tube 117 may be provided, and the filling ratio of all portions between the curved portion 112 and the flexible tube portion 113 may be substantially the same.

FIG. 8 shows an eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a bending tube 121 having a different configuration from the bending tube 84 of the sixth embodiment (see FIGS. 5A to 5D) is provided.

That is, the bending tube 121 of the present embodiment has a plurality of vertically bending pieces 122 which are rotatable in the vertical direction so as to be able to bend in the four directions of up, down, left and right, and is movable in the left and right directions. A plurality of left and right bending pieces 123 are combined and arranged in a state where they are juxtaposed in the axial direction of the bending tube 121.
Each of the left and right bending pieces 123 has a pair of front and rear rotating elements 12.
3a and 123b are provided respectively.

Further, the bending tube 121 of the present embodiment is
The inner diameter D of the plurality of bending pieces 122 and 123 arranged in the axial direction of the bending tube 121 is gradually increased from the distal end component 6 (see FIG. 1) toward the proximal end. Have been. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner diameter of each of the bending pieces 122 and 123 arranged in order from the distal end side is set to D ₁ <D ₂ <D ₃ <D ₄ .

The flexible tube portion 124 is provided with a spiral tube 125 formed by spirally winding a stainless steel band. The outer peripheral surface of the spiral tube 125 is covered with a braid 126 made of a mesh tube made of stainless wire, and the outer peripheral surface is further covered with a flexible resin tube 127 formed by extrusion molding.

Further, the rear end of the connection base 128 is connected to the front end of the spiral tube 125. This connection base 12
A helical tube connecting portion 128a having substantially the same diameter as the outer diameter of the helical tube 125 is formed at the rear end of the helical tube 8. Then, in a state where the tip of the spiral tube 125 is inserted into the spiral tube connecting portion 128a of the connection base 128, it is soldered to the inner peripheral surface of the spiral tube connecting portion 128a of the connection base 128. The rear end of the spiral tube 125 is soldered to a fixing member (not shown) provided on the operation unit 3 (see FIG. 1).

A connecting piece 128b is provided at the tip of the connecting cap 128. This connection base 128
A final bending piece 129 disposed at the rearmost position of the bending tube 121 is fitted and fixed to the bending piece connecting portion 128b.
Here, the bending piece connecting portion 128b of the connecting mouthpiece 128 is formed to have an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the tip end side of the final bending piece 129. Then, in a state where the bending piece connecting portion 128a of the connecting mouthpiece 128 is fitted into the rear end of the final bending piece 129, the connecting mouthpiece 128 is fitted to the final bending piece 129, and the bending tube 121 and the flexible tube portion 124 Are connected and fixed. Note that other configurations are the same as those of the sixth embodiment (FIG.
(D)).

Therefore, the above configuration has the following effects. That is, in the present embodiment, the bending tube 121
Since the filling rate of the flexible tube portion 124 decreases toward the rear end side, when the bending tube 121 is bent,
Each built-in component smoothly moves into the flexible tube portion 124 without meandering in the curved tube 121, and the motion of each built-in component becomes uniform in the axial direction, so that the component operates smoothly.

Therefore, when the bending tube 121 is bent, no external force is applied to only a part of the bending portion so that the bending resistance is different. Therefore, the bending operation of the bending tube 121 in a direction different from the intended direction can be suppressed. The component 6 (see FIG. 1) can be prevented from pointing in a direction not intended by the operator, and the tip component 6 can be correctly pointed in the direction intended by the operator, while suppressing damage to the internal components. can do.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bending tube 121
And the inner diameter of the flexible tube portion 124 is set so as to gradually increase toward the rear end side.
After each of the internal components is connected to the distal end component 6 of the endoscope, the bending tube 121 and the flexible tube 1 connected to the bending tube 121 are connected.
When the built-in components are inserted into the assembly 24 and assembled, each built-in component can be inserted without being caught in the curved tube 121 and the flexible tube portion 124. Therefore, it is easy to assemble, and the built-in components are not damaged during assembling.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bending piece on the distal end side of the bending tube 121 is also made thin, but in order to achieve the purpose of smoothing the movement of the built-in member, at least the center of the bending portion is required. The inner diameter of the rear end portion of the curved portion may be made larger than that of the curved portion to lower the filling rate of the built-in material.
The inner diameter of the front end side of the first part may be larger than that of the central part of the curved part.

As a modification of the present embodiment, as the protection member for protecting the built-in components moves toward the rear end,
A configuration may be adopted in which the filling rate is made substantially the same by increasing (thickening).

FIG. 9A shows the internal configuration of the distal end component 6 of the electronic endoscope 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9A, an objective optical system 131 for arranging a plurality of lenses on the distal end component 6 of the electronic endoscope 1 to observe an observation site, and forming an image of the objective optical system 131 An imaging unit, which is arranged at a position and includes an imaging unit 132 that photoelectrically converts an optical image formed on an imaging surface into an electric signal, is provided.

Further, the objective optical system 131 includes a first observation lens group 134 accommodated in the first observation lens frame 133 and a second observation lens group 1 accommodated in the second observation lens frame 135.
36, and an insulating frame 137 which is fitted to the outer peripheral surface of the second observation lens frame 135 and fitted to the first observation lens frame 133. Here, the first observation lens group 134 and the second observation lens group 136 include the first observation lens frame 133 and the second observation lens group 133.
The observation lens frames 135 are respectively adhered and fixed by an adhesive. The first observation lens frame 133 and the second observation lens frame 135 are bonded and fixed with an adhesive via an insulating frame 137.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, a notch 138 is provided on the inner peripheral surface on the distal end side of the first observation lens frame 133 at a substantially point-symmetric position with respect to the lens center. Have been. Then, at the time of assembling the objective optical system 131, after the cover glass 139 constituting the first observation lens group 134 is interposed in the first observation lens frame 133, for example, the epoxy adhesive 14 is inserted into the notch 138.
0 is applied to fix the cover glass 139.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9A, the distal end component 6 is provided with a substantially cylindrical distal end component 141. A tip cover 142 made of insulating plastic is fitted over the tip of the tip component 141, and is fixed with an adhesive.

Further, an illumination through hole (not shown) is formed in the distal end member 141. A light distribution lens for irradiating illumination light from a light source device to a portion to be observed is fixed to the light distribution lens frame inserted and fixed in the illumination through hole.
The light distribution lens is in contact with the tip of the light guide.

Further, a through hole 143 for forceps is formed in the distal end member 141. The tip of the forceps pipe 144 is inserted and fixed in the forceps through hole 143. The insertion portion 2 (see FIG. 1) is provided at the base end of the forceps pipe 144.
The distal end of the forceps channel 145 disposed therein is connected. Further, the proximal end of the forceps channel 145 is inserted into the forceps insertion port 7 (see FIG.
Reference). Then, the forceps inserted into the insertion opening 7 are the forceps channel 145 and the forceps pipe 14.
4 and project from the distal end component 6.

Further, an observation through hole 146 in which the first observation lens frame 133 is interposed is formed in the distal end constituent member 141. Then, the observation site is observed through the observation through hole 146. Further, a nozzle (not shown) for air supply and water supply which is directed to the cover lens 139 is provided at the distal end component 6. Then, by operating an operation switch provided in the operation unit 3, air and water are supplied to the cover lens 139 via the nozzle,
The surface of the cover lens 139 can be removed from dirt and fogging.

The first observation lens frame 133 is fixed to the observation through hole 146 by a fixing screw (not shown). Further, an O-ring 147 is interposed between the observation through hole 146 and the first observation lens frame 133. The watertight state in the observation through hole 146 is held by the O-ring 147.

The first bending piece 14 of the bending tube forming the bending portion 5 (see FIG. 1) is provided on the base end side of the distal end component 141.
8 are fitted and fixed by fixing screws (not shown). The outer skin 1 is provided on the outer periphery of the tip component 141.
49 covers the flexible tube portion 4 (see FIG. 1).

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
If the cover lens 139 is broken or cracked, it is necessary to replace the cover lens 139. At the time of replacement work of the cover lens 139, FIG.
As shown in (D), the adhesive 1 placed on the notch 138 between the cover lens 139 and the first observation lens frame 133
Then, the lens fixing jig 150 is inserted and fixed in the notch 138 to fix both ends of the cover lens 139. In this state, the substantially central portion of the cover lens 139 is split by the lens split rod 151 as shown in FIG. At this time, since the cover lens 139 is fixed,
When the cover lens 139 is broken, no unstable inclination occurs.
The lens split rod 151 can be vertically pressed against the cover lens 139, and the cover lens 139 can be split with the minimum necessary force.

As a result, the lens split rod 151 is
Only the cover lens 139 can be split and replaced without damaging the lenses other than the cover lens 139 of the observation lens group 134. Therefore, the above configuration has an effect that only the cover lens 139 can be stably replaced without damaging the lenses other than the cover lens 139.

FIG. 10 shows the forceps pipe 16 attached to the distal end member 161 of the distal end portion 6 of the electronic endoscope 1 shown in FIG.
2 shows a mounting structure for mounting the same. In the mounting structure of FIG. 10, a screw hole 163 for a forceps pipe is formed in the distal end constituent member 161.

The forceps pipe 162 has a large-diameter portion 162a at the front end and a small-diameter portion 162b at the rear end. Further, a male screw portion 164 that is screwed into the forceps pipe screw hole 163 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 162a. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the external thread portion 164 of the forceps pipe 162 is screwed and fixed to the forceps pipe screw hole 163 of the tip component member 161. In addition,
The inner diameter of the forceps pipe 162 is the through-hole 16 for the forceps pipe of the tip cover 165 covering the outer peripheral surface of the tip component 161.
6 is set to substantially the same diameter.

[0124] The tip of the forceps pipe 162 has
Two or four rotating grooves 167 are provided at positions substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line of the forceps pipe 162. Further, for example, a silicone adhesive 168 is applied between the forceps pipe 162 and the periphery of the rear end side opening of the forceps screw hole 163. The adhesive 168 prevents water from entering through a gap between the forceps pipe 162 and the forceps screw hole 163, thereby ensuring watertightness.

The distal end of a tube 169 for a forceps channel disposed in the insertion portion 2 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the small diameter portion 162b on the rear end side of the forceps pipe 162.

Therefore, in the above configuration, with the distal end cover 165 being detached from the distal end component member 161, the distal end of a rotating jig (not shown) is inserted into the rotating groove 167 of the forceps pipe 162. By rotating the jig, the forceps pipe 162 screwed and fixed to the distal end component member 161 can be removed. Therefore, there is an effect that the repairability of the forceps pipe 162 can be improved.

FIG. 11 shows another configuration example of the bending portion 5 of the electronic endoscope 1 shown in FIG. In the configuration example of the bending portion 5 in FIG. 11, a bending piece 171 configuring a bending tube includes:
A wire guide 172 for guiding the bending operation wire 27 (see FIG. 2) is brazed and fixed on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis of the bending piece 171.

In the bending piece 171, built-in components such as an image transmission cable 173, a light guide fiber 174, a forceps channel 175, and an air / water channel 176 are provided. Here, a notch 177 is formed in a built-in object that interferes with the wire guide 172, for example, a forceps channel 175 so as not to interfere with the wire guide 172.
Are formed.

Therefore, in the above configuration, the wire guide 172 is placed on the horizontal and vertical axes of the inner peripheral surface of the bending piece 171.
Is provided, when the bending operation wire 27 is pulled and relaxed, a force for pulling and relaxing only in the horizontal and vertical directions acts on the bending tube. Therefore, there is an effect that the bending portion 5 bends in a target direction, and the distal end configuration portion 6 (see FIG. 1) can be directed in a direction intended by the operator.

FIG. 12 shows a modification of FIG. In this modified example, when the forceps channel 175 interferes with a plurality of wire guides 172, a plurality of cutout portions 177 are provided at two positions in this modified example.

Although the notch 177 is provided in the forceps channel 175 in the configuration example of the bending portion 5 in FIG. 11, the notch is formed in the image transmission cable 173 and the light guide fiber 174 so as not to interfere with the wire guide 172. 17
7 may be formed. In addition, the notch 177 may be formed by additionally processing only a necessary portion after the tube is formed, or may be formed by forming the tube in an irregular shape over the entire length.

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. (Supplementary note 1) A built-in body composed of a plurality of channels for observing and treating the inside of a body cavity, a curved tube in which a plurality of curved pieces are pivotally connected to each other, and a curved blade for fitting the curved tube. And, in the endoscope having a curved portion formed of an outer skin that covers the curved blade, the rigidity of a curved portion in which the curved portion bends in a direction different from the intended direction is higher than the rigidity of other portions in the axial direction. An endoscope having a curved portion.

The present invention relates to a curved portion having an accurate curved shape as operated by an operator. The endoscope is provided with internal components such as an air supply / water supply channel, a forceps channel, a light guide fiber, an image guide fiber, and an imaging cable for observing and processing the inside of a body cavity. Each of these built-in objects has different materials, rigidity,
The size and placement within the insert also vary. Therefore, when the bending portion is bent, an external force is generated by the built-in object.
The curved shape is also various, the direction the surgeon intends the curved part,
For example, when the operator performs the bending operation of the bending portion upward in order to invert the distal end portion toward the base end side where the operation portion is located,
In some cases, the distal end of the curved portion is directed in an unintended direction as shown in FIG. 13A, and the proximal end of the curved portion is directed in an unintended direction as shown in FIG. 13B. In addition, as shown in FIG.
When a bending operation is performed for pointing, the bending portion
As shown in (D), the base end side of the bending portion may perform a bending operation different from the intended purpose, and the distal end portion may be directed in an unintended direction. Of course, although not shown, the distal end side of the bending portion may perform a bending operation different from the intended purpose, and the distal end portion may be directed in an unintended direction. Conventionally, as shown in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 7-4002, in a curved blade of a curved portion, a wire constituting a base end side from a distal end side has a small inclination angle with respect to an axis of the curved portion. A technique has been disclosed in which the tension in the front and rear portions of the curved portion is adjusted to provide the followability and flexibility of the proximal-side curved portion. However, this technology cannot form a curved portion having an accurate curved shape. Was.

(Problem to be Solved by Supplementary Item 1) When the bending portion is operated in an arbitrary direction, the bending portion bends in a direction different from the intended direction due to the effect of the built-in object in the bending tube, and the distal end of the insertion portion. Was pointing in a direction not intended by the surgeon.

(Object of Supplementary Item 1) The present invention relates to an endoscope having a curved portion that can direct the distal end portion of the insertion portion in a direction intended by an operator by improving the structure of the curved portion. To provide.

(Means and Actions for Solving the Problem of Supplementary Item 1) The present invention relates to a bending pipe in which a plurality of bending pieces are pivotally connected to each other so as to be rotatable, and a bending blade for fitting the bending pipe. An endoscope having an outer skin for covering the curved blade includes a curved portion in which the rigidity of the curved blade for fitting the curved tube is changed along the axial direction. According to this configuration, the endoscope insertion portion is inserted into a body cavity or the like, the bending tube in which a plurality of bending pieces are pivotably connected to each other is bent, and the distal end is directed in a direction intended by the operator. Observation. Here, since the rigidity of the curving blade for fitting the curving tube of the curving part is changed along the axial direction, the curving part bends in a direction different from the intended direction, and the tip part is intended by the operator. It is possible to suppress the pointing in the direction not to be performed, to perform the bending operation of the bending portion in the target direction without fail, and to direct the distal end portion for observation. That is, by increasing the rigidity of the specific portion of the bending portion where the bending portion performs a bending operation different from the intended purpose, it is possible to suppress the distal end portion of the insertion portion from pointing in a direction not intended by the operator.

(Additional Item 2) In the additional item 1, the bending portion in which the rigidity of the bending blade at the curved portion where the bending portion bends in a direction different from the intended direction is higher than the rigidity of the other portion in the axial direction. An endoscope comprising:

(Additional Item 3) In Additional Items 1 and 2, the pitch of the strands constituting the bending blade of the bending portion where the bending portion bends in a direction different from the intended direction is changed in the axial direction, and An endoscope having a curved portion higher than the rigidity of a part.

(Additional Item 4) In Additional Items 1 and 2, the element diameter of the bending blade at the curved portion where the bending portion bends in a direction different from the intended direction is changed in the axial direction, and the rigidity of the other portion is changed. An endoscope having a higher curved portion.

(Additional Item 5) In the additional item 1 or 2, the thickness of the bending blade at the curved portion where the bending portion bends in a direction different from the intended direction may be changed in the axial direction so as to be higher than the rigidity of the other portions. An endoscope having a curved portion.

(Additional Item 6) Additional Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity of the curved portion is higher on the base end side than on the distal end side. (Additional Item 7) An endoscope according to Additional Items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, wherein the rigidity of the curved portion is higher on the distal side than on the proximal side.

(Additional Item 8) Additional Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity of the most curved portion of the bending portion is lower than that of the other portions. (Additional Item 9) An endoscope according to Additional Items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, wherein the rigidity of the most curved portion of the bending portion is higher than that of the other portions.

(Additional Item 10) Additional Items 1, 2, 3, 4,
5. The endoscope according to 5, wherein the rigidity of the curved portion of the curved portion is reduced as compared with the other portions. (Additional Item 11) In Additional Items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,
An endoscope, wherein the rigidity of a substantially central portion of the curved portion is higher than the rigidity of the distal end side and the proximal end side.

(Additional Item 12) Additional Items 1, 2, 3, 4,
5. The endoscope according to 5, wherein the rigidity of the substantially central portion of the curved portion is lower than the rigidity of the distal end side and the proximal end side. (Supplementary Item 13) A built-in body composed of a plurality of channels for observing and treating the inside of a body cavity, a curved portion composed of a curved tube in which a plurality of curved pieces are pivotally connected to each other, and the curved portion is curved. A wire guide that guides a bending operation wire to be operated, a flexible tube that connects an operation unit and the bending unit,
In the endoscope having a wire protection coil for guiding the bending operation wire in the flexible tube, a filling ratio of a built-in member and a wire guide total occupying in the bending tube, and a total filling ratio of the built-in member and the wire protection coil occupying in the flexible tube An endoscope characterized in that the filling rate of the components is substantially the same.

(Prior Art in Additional Item 13) The present invention relates to a curved portion having a precise curved shape intended by an operator. Conventionally, as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-86753, there is disclosed a technique in which the inner diameter of a bending piece is gradually reduced toward a connecting portion with a flexible tube. Since the filling rate in the curved tube gradually increases, the connection portion with the flexible tube becomes highest. Therefore, the built-in object cannot move smoothly, and the curved part where the movement of the built-in object is bad increases the bending resistance, the external force acts in a direction not intended by the operator, the bending operation is performed, and the built-in object is damaged. Would.

(Problem to be Solved by Additional Item 13)
When operating the bending section in any direction, the bending section bends in a direction different from the intended direction (the intended direction) due to the effects of the internal components in the bending tube, and the tip of the insertion section points in a direction not intended by the operator. Was being operated. In addition, since the movement of the built-in object in the insertion portion is not smooth, there is a possibility that the built-in object may be damaged when the bending portion is operated to bend.

(Object of Supplementary Item 13) The present invention provides an endoscope having a curved portion capable of directing the distal end portion of the insertion portion in a direction intended by the operator and suppressing damage to the internal components. Is to provide a mirror.

(Means and Action for Solving the Problem of Supplementary Item 13) In the endoscope of the present invention, the inner diameter of the bending piece and the inner diameter of the flexible tube constituting the bending portion of the insertion portion are substantially the same. The filling rate in the flexible tube is substantially the same. Here, the filling rate is a value obtained by dividing (dividing) the total outer diameter (cross-sectional area of the built-in member) of the built-in member in the bent tube including the wire guide by the inner diameter of the bent tube in the bent portion. In the case of a flexible tube, this is a value obtained by dividing (dividing) the total outer diameter of the internal components inside the flexible tube distal end including the wire protection coil by the inner diameter of the flexible tube distal end. Further, in a bending portion composed of a bending piece having a plurality of inner diameters, the filling rate in the bending portion and the inside of the flexible tube are made substantially the same by disposing a protective tube on the inner circumference of the bending piece. Alternatively, the inside diameter of the bending piece constituting the bending portion is gradually increased from the center of the bending portion to the base end of the bending portion, and the filling rate in the bending portion is changed so as to gradually decrease.

According to this configuration, the endoscope insertion portion is inserted into a body cavity or the like, and a bending portion formed by a bending tube in which a plurality of bending pieces are pivotally connected to each other so as to be rotatably connected to each other. Observation can be performed by pointing in the intended direction. That is, the filling ratio in the curved portion of the insertion portion and the flexible tube is substantially the same,
Alternatively, by lowering the filling rate at the proximal end portion than at the distal end portion of the curved tube, the movement of the built-in member can be smoothed, so that the bending resistance of the built-in member to the bending section in a direction different from the intended direction is reduced. This makes it possible to reliably perform the bending operation of the bending portion in a target direction, to direct the distal end portion for observation, and to suppress breakage of the built-in component.

(Additional Item 14) An endoscope according to Additional Item 13, wherein the inner diameters of the plurality of bending pieces near the center of the bending portion and the inner diameter of the flexible tube are substantially the same. (Additional Item 15) In Additional Item 13, a protective tube is provided on the inner periphery of the plurality of bending pieces, and a total filling ratio including the protective tube is substantially the same for the curved portion and the flexible tube. Endoscope.

(Additional Item 16) A bending portion comprising a bending tube in which a plurality of bending pieces are pivotally connected to each other so as to be rotatable, and a flexible tube connecting the operation portion for bending the bending portion and the bending portion. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a filling rate of a total internal component in the base portion of the curved portion or the flexible tube is lower than that in a central portion of the curved portion. (Additional Item 17) An endoscope according to Additional Item 16, wherein the inner diameter of the bending piece is gradually increased from the center of the bending portion toward the base end.

[0152]

According to the present invention, the rigidity of a curved portion in a specific section in the axial direction of the bending portion where the bending portion tends to bend in a direction different from the intended direction at the time of bending deformation of the bending portion is determined by the axial direction of the bending portion. Since the rigidity of other parts other than the specific section is set higher than that of the specific section, by improving the structure of the bending part, the bending part is bent to the correct bending shape as operated by the operator and the direction intended by the operator The tip of the insertion section can be pointed at the end.

[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. 2A is a half cross-sectional view of the endoscope of the first embodiment with the outer skin of a curved portion removed, and FIG. 2B is BB of FIG.
Line sectional view.

FIG. 3A is a side view showing a bending blade of a bending tube of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a side view of the endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The half sectional view which removed the outer skin of the bending part.

FIG. 4A is a half cross-sectional view of the endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention from which the outer skin of a curved portion is removed, and FIG. 4B is an endoscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; The side view which shows the bending state of the bending part of FIG.

FIG. 5 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
(A) is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part, (B) is a sectional view taken along line BB of (A), (C) is a sectional view taken along line CC of (A), and (D) is D of (A). -D sectional drawing.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a curved portion according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible tube according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

9A is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part of a distal end component of an endoscope, FIG. 9B is a longitudinal sectional view of an objective lens unit, and FIG. 9C is a cut of a first observation lens frame of the objective lens unit. FIG. 4D is a front view showing a cutout portion, and FIG. 4D is an explanatory diagram for explaining a fixing operation of both ends of the cover lens by a lens fixing jig;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of dividing a substantially central portion of a cover lens with a lens split rod.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view of a main part showing a state in which a forceps pipe is screwed and fixed to a forceps screw hole of a distal end component member.

FIG. 11 is a longitudinal sectional view of a curved portion.

FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of a bending portion showing a modification of FIG. 11;

13A and 13B show a conventional example, in which FIG. 13A is a side view of a main part of an endoscope showing a state in which a distal end side of a bending portion is directed in an unintended direction, and FIG. Side view of a main part of the endoscope showing a state in which the end portion is oriented in a direction in which the end portion is not bent; FIG. (D) is an endoscope showing a state in which the proximal end side of the bending portion performs a bending operation different from the intended one and the distal end portion is directed in a direction not intended by the operator. The front view of the principal part of a mirror.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Insertion part 5 Bending part 18 Bending tube 19 Bending blade 19A First bending blade (bending part of specific section) 19B Second bending blade 20 Outer skin 21 Vertical bending piece 22 Left and right bending piece 30 Transmission cable (built-in object) 31 Light Guide fiber (built-in) 32 Forceps channel (built-in) 33 Air / water channel (built-in)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takeshi Urasaki 2-43-2 Hatagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Inside Olympus Optical Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of internal components are disposed inside an elongated insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity, and a bending portion for performing a bending deformation operation is disposed on a distal end side of the insertion portion, and the bending portion is provided. A curved pipe in which a plurality of bending pieces arranged in parallel in the axial direction of the insertion section are rotatably connected to each other, a curved blade for fitting the curved pipe, and an outer cover for covering the curved blade In the endoscope, the bending portion has a strong tendency to perform a bending operation in a direction different from a target at the time of bending deformation of the bending portion. An endoscope wherein the rigidity is set to be higher than the rigidity of other parts other than the specific section in the axial direction of the part.