JPS59118128A - Endoscope apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an endoscope device capable of measuring the insertion depth of an endoscope insertion portion and displaying the measured value.

Generally, when inserting an insertion section of an endoscope into a body cavity, it is necessary to quickly and easily know the insertion depth from the viewpoint of accurate diagnosis and safety.

Conventionally, as a means for measuring and displaying the insertion depth of the insertion portion, a structure as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has been used.

As shown in Fig. 1, an endoscope generally consists of an operating section 1 for performing various operations at hand, and a flexible long insertion section 2 that is inserted into the body cavity of a subject. , control section].
An eyepiece section 3, a bending operation knob 4, etc. are arranged. The insertion section 2 also includes a circular bendable long flexible tube 5 connected to the above-mentioned operation section, an illumination window, an observation window, a forceps port, and an air/water supply port (all of which are not shown). ) etc. are disposed, and the flexible tube 5 is connected between the flexible tube 5 and the tip component 7,
It is composed of a circular bending/curving tube 6 that allows the distal end component 7 to be displaced in any direction using a bending operation knob 4. Many built-in members, such as light transmission members such as image guide fibers and light guide fibers, are inserted into the flexible tube 5 and the curved tube 6.

The insertion section 2 is configured to be inserted into the body cavity of the human body a via the reading device 8 in order to observe the inside of the body cavity while measuring its insertion depth. The reading device 8 is equipped with a through hole 9 through which the insertion section 2 is inserted, and the length of the insertion section 2 passing through the through hole 9, that is, the depth of insertion into the body cavity is determined by the following means. and is displayed on a display device located near the observer.

That is, a mark 11 made of an electrically resistive material is provided on the outer periphery of the surface of the insertion portion 2 over the entire length in the axial direction, as shown in the second recessed hole. On the other hand, the reading device 8 is provided with an electrical contact 12 arranged so as to be in contact with the mark 11 of the insertion section 2 passing through the through hole 9. Mark 11 located at the edge
The parts are connected to each other by a wire 14 with a power source 13 and a display device 10 interposed therebetween.

It is. And, with the measuring means configured as above,
The current change based on the change in resistance corresponding to the insertion depth of the insertion portion 2 is detected, and this is subjected to arithmetic processing in the display device 10 to display the insertion depth.

However, this method of measuring and displaying the insertion depth by changing the resistance based on the length of the mark 11 has the following drawbacks. That is, since the mark 11 is made of an electrical resistor and is provided over the entire length of the insertion section, when performing electrical transendoscopic treatment such as high-frequency ablation treatment on a subject, the mark 11 is There is a risk of electrical leakage, which is extremely dangerous to the subject and the operator. In addition, since the mark 11 is provided on the surface of the insertion portion 2 which is in direct contact with the electrical contact 12 and is constantly rubbed and is frequently bent, the mark 11 has the disadvantage that it is easily worn out or peeled off. There is also.

In addition, as another means for measuring and displaying the insertion length of the insertion section 2, as shown in FIG. 2(B), on the surface of the insertion section 2,
Band-shaped marks 15 having a different light reflection coefficient from that of the insertion part 2 and whose width gradually changes toward the rear end are arranged at regular intervals, and on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 9 of the reading device 8. A light source 6 that illuminates the surface of the insertion portion 20 and a photoelectric element 17 that receives the reflected light are provided, and the photoelectric element 17 measures changes in the intensity of the reflected light of the mark 15 to display the insertion depth. Although a method has been proposed, this method has a complicated structure, and since the light source 16 and the photoelectric element 17 are arranged close to each other, the irradiation light easily enters the photoelectric element 17 directly, resulting in poor reliability. There are drawbacks such as.

The present invention was made in order to eliminate the drawbacks of the conventional endoscope apparatus equipped with the above-mentioned insertion depth measuring and display means, and includes forming the outer skin of the endoscope insertion portion with a pressure-sensitive conductive layer and an insulating layer. This insertion section is configured to be inserted through a reading device equipped with a conductive suppressing member, and while maintaining the electrical insulation of the insertion section inserted into the body cavity, it can be easily and accurately read by a simple small-sized reading device. It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope device that measures and displays the insertion depth and allows accurate diagnosis.

The present invention will be described in detail below based on Examples.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the main parts of an embodiment of an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, 2] is a flexible tube that constitutes the endoscope insertion section, and the flexible tube 2] is a spiral tube-shaped flex 22 formed by spirally winding a band-shaped thin metal plate that serves as its base. , a blade 23 made of a metal mesh pipe fitted around the outer periphery of this flex 22, and this blade 2.
3 and an outer skin 24 covering the outer circumferential surface of the main body 3.

The outer skin 24 includes a pressure-sensitive conductive layer 25 made of pressure-sensitive conductive rubber that covers the entire length of the surface of the blade 23, and is further arranged at regular intervals so as to cover the entire circumference of the surface of the pressure-sensitive layer 25. Exposed portions 25' of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 25 are formed at regular intervals on the surface of the outer skin.

Pressure-sensitive conductive rubber is a synthetic rubber such as silicone rubber with a uniformly dispersed conductive filler such as fine nickel particles or graphite particles, and usually exhibits a high electrical resistance of 108Ω・m or more. However, by applying a pressure of about IK2/d, only the vicinity of the pressure point instantly becomes low resistance of several Ω·σ, and exhibits conductivity.

In order to measure the insertion depth of the flexible tube 21 of the insertion section configured as described above, a reading device 27 having a through hole 27' is arranged as in the conventional one.
, the electrical contact 28 is connected to the through hole 27 by the spring 29.
' is attached so as to press against the surface of the flexible tube 21 inserted into the tube. Then, this electrical contact 28 and the operating section (
A flex 22 or a blade 23 at the end of the flexible tube 21 (not shown) is connected with a lead wire 32 via a power source 30 and a display device 31.

When the flexible tube 21 serving as the insertion section is inserted into the body cavity of the subject through the reading device 27 for observation inside the body cavity, the electrical contacts 28 of the reading device 27 press against the surface of the flexible tube 21, Due to the suppression, the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 25 becomes partially conductive. However, in the portion covered with the insulating layer 26, the electrical contact 2
8 and the electrically conductive pressure-sensitive conductive layer are not electrically connected, and only when the exposed portion 25' of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 25 is pressed against the electrical contact 28, the electrical contact 28 and the electrically conductive pressure-sensitive conductive layer are connected to each other. becomes electrically conductive. Therefore, the pressure sensitive conductive layer 25
The blade 23 and flex 22 in contact with the
Since it is made of metal, which is an electrical conductor, when the exposed portion 25' of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 25 is pressed by the electrical contact 28, it is connected to the display circuit through the blade 23 or flex 22 and the lead wire 32. Flow an electric current.

Therefore, when the flexible tube 21 is inserted through the reading device 27 and inserted into the body cavity, the exposed portions 25' of the insulating layer 26 and the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 25, which are disposed at regular intervals on the surface of the flexible tube, Current will flow intermittently through the display circuit.

The display device 31 is configured to count the number of intermittent ports of the intermittent current and display the corresponding insertion depth of the insertion portion.

In the above embodiment, the pressure-sensitive conductive layer 25 is arranged in the radial direction of the flexible tube 2.
4 (5), (2))
shows another example.

In the structure shown in FIG. 4 (5), a cheap pressure-sensitive conductive layer 33 made of pressure-sensitive conductive rubber and a cheap insulating layer 34 made of synthetic rubber or synthetic resin are arranged in the axial direction of the flexible tube. 1 at equal intervals and alternately. A flexible tube is constructed by coating the blade 23 with a plurality of pieces to form an outer skin 35''. When a flexible tube having such a configuration is inserted into a reading device having a configuration similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIG. It can be passed to the display circuit.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4 (B+), a plurality of band-shaped insulating layers 36 are disposed intermittently on the blade 22 at regular intervals, and are integrally formed on the surface of the band-shaped insulating layer 36 and continuous in the axial direction of the flexible tube. Even when the outer skin 38 is formed by laminating the pressure-sensitive conductive layers 37, the pressure-sensitive conductive layers 37 and the blades 23 are formed at regular intervals.
When the direct contact portion 37' with passes through the electrical contact,
The pressure causes the blade to become conductive so that an intermittent current can be supplied to the display circuit, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

In addition, in each of the above embodiments, if an adhesive layer made of a conductive adhesive is interposed on the contact surface between the blade and the outer skin made of the pressure-sensitive conductive layer and the insulating layer, the fixation between them can be made stronger. I can do it.

Furthermore, although each of the above embodiments shows the configuration of a flexible tube of an endoscope insertion section, it is natural that the configuration shown in each of the above embodiments can also be applied to a curved tube with a similar configuration. I can do it. - As explained in detail based on the above embodiments, the present invention forms the outer skin of the endoscope insertion part by a combination of a pressure-sensitive conductive layer and an insulating layer, and the insertion part is equipped with a reader equipped with a suppressing member. The insertion depth of the insertion portion is electrically measured and displayed by inserting the insertion portion into the device, so that the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The pressure-sensitive conductive layer that forms part of the outer skin of the endoscope insertion section functions as an electrical insulator, except for the small areas pressed by electrical contacts, so there is electrical leakage during electrical treatments such as radiofrequency ablation. And electric shock accidents can be completely prevented.

(2) When the pressure-sensitive conductive layer is pressed by an electric contact, only a small suppressed portion thereof becomes energized and responds instantaneously. Therefore, the distance between the insulating layers can be made sufficiently narrow, and measurement information is obtained as an intermittent current caused by opening and closing of the circuit, so that the insertion depth can be displayed quickly and precisely.

(3) The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber and synthetic rubber that form the pressure-sensitive conductive layer and insulating layer, which are the components of the outer skin, are extremely elastic, so they can flexibly follow any bending motion of the insertion section without hindering it. However, peeling from the blade hardly occurs.

(4) Since the reading device is only equipped with electrical contacts that press the surface of the insertion part and energize it, the structure is extremely simple, failures are rare, and the entire device can be miniaturized. can.

(5) When the outer skin is formed by providing an insulating layer on the blade at regular intervals and then covering the entire length with a pressure-sensitive conductive layer, the entire surface of the insertion part is covered with the pressure-sensitive conductive layer, Since the insulating layer is protected inside, there is no fear that the insulating layer will peel off from the worn blade, and it can be used for a long time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example of the configuration of an endoscope apparatus equipped with a conventional insertion depth measurement and display means, and FIG.
FIG. 2 (13) is an enlarged view of the main part of another conventional example, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the main part of an embodiment of the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. Figures (A) and (Bl) are partially sectional plan views of flexible tubes of other embodiments of the present invention. In the figures, 21 is a flexible tube, 22 is a flex, 23 is a blade, and 24 is an outer skin. , 25 is a pressure-sensitive conductive layer, 26 is an insulating layer, 27 is a reading device, 28 is an electric contact, 29 is a spring, 31 is a display device, 33 is a tubular pressure-sensitive conductive layer, 3
4 is a chive-shaped insulating layer, 36 is an insulating layer, and 37 is a pressure-sensitive conductive layer. Patent Applicant Olympus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. Representative Patent Attorney Kenji Mogami '-゛・, (11, Pa. Figure 1. Figure 2. Figure 3. Figure 4. Procedural Amendments. June 1982, f.) Patent Mr. Kazuo Wakasugi, Commissioner of the Agency ■ Display of the case Patent Application No. 226678 of 1982 Title of the invention Endoscope device 3 Relationship with the person making the amendment Patent applicant 4, attorney 6 Inventions increased by amendment Number None 7. Subject of amendment Detailed explanation of the invention in the specification column 8. Contents of the amendment (1) On page 8, line 6 of the specification, "flexible tube" was replaced with "flexible tube 21". (2) On page 9, line 8 of the same page, replace “Blade 22” with 1.
Blade 23”.

Claims (1)

[Claims] An electrically conductive pressing means that has an insertion portion whose surface is covered with a skin made of a pressure-sensitive conductive layer and an insulating layer, and a through hole through which the insertion portion passes, and presses the surface of the insertion portion. and a display means for displaying the insertion length of the insertion portion that has passed through the reading device based on the output from the reading device, and the insulating layer and the pressure-sensitive conductive layer in the outer skin are The endoscope is characterized in that the blade is disposed so as to intermittently establish electrical continuity between the blade and the conductive suppressing member at regular intervals via the pressed pressure-sensitive conductive layer when the blade passes through the reading device. Mirror device.