WO2006075530A1

WO2006075530A1 - Insertion section for endoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2006075530A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/024124
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takashi Otawara
Original assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
Priority date: 2005-01-11
Filing date: 2005-12-28
Publication date: 2006-07-20
Also published as: JP4414897B2; JP2006191987A

Abstract

An insertion section for an endoscope, in which, when the insertion section is inserted into a body cavity, the amount of illumination light sufficient to observe the inside of the body cavity can be obtained without complex operation, and thereby smoother observation can be performed, wherein, in the insertion, the top-bottom direction of a curvature of a curved section of the endoscope is aligned with the top-bottom direction, which is the up-down direction in the vertical direction, of a monitor screen. An insertion section for an endoscope, according to the first mode of the invention, is provided with an insertion section having a tip and a curved section that is capable of being bent in a first direction substantially matching the top-bottom direction of an endoscope image displayed on the monitor; two imaging sections each having an imaging element for obtaining the endoscope image; at least two observation optical systems arranged at the tip and individually collecting light that is incident in the at least two imaging sections; and an illumination optical system provided at the tip and emitting light that is supplied from an illumination section. The illumination optical system is positioned relative to the at least two observation optical systems such that the center of the illumination optical system is positioned above, in the first direction, an end section in the bottom direction of either of the observation optical systems in which the end section in the bottom direction is positioned below the other observation optical system.

Description

Specification

Endoscope insertion section

Technical field

The present invention relates to an endoscope insertion portion that is inserted into a body cavity.

Background art

[0002] Conventionally, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the like. An endoscope, for example, observes an organ or the like in a body cavity by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity, or performs various treatments using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument permeation channel as necessary. You can A bending portion is provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and the observation direction of the observation window at the distal end portion can be changed by operating the operation portion of the endoscope.

[0003] As an endoscope as described above, for example, an endoscope described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-154155 has been proposed. Specifically, the endoscope described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-154155 includes a first objective optical system and a second objective optical system as observation optical systems, and a light source device as an illumination unit. The illumination optical system that emits the supplied illumination light to the subject has an illumination optical system at the distal end of the insertion section, and the imaging positions of the first objective optical system and the second objective optical system include A solid-state imaging device is provided as an imaging device corresponding to each objective optical system.

[0004] Generally, a user does not check an endoscopic image displayed on a monitor or the like as a display unit so that the vertical direction of the bending portion of the endoscope is aligned with the vertical direction. Therefore, the insertion part of the endoscope is inserted deep into the body cavity. In such a case, depending on the arrangement of the illumination optical system with respect to the observation optical system at the distal end portion of the endoscope, for example, the illumination optical system is hidden by folds in the intestine, and the field of view of the observation optical system is secured. In order to ensure sufficient illumination light intensity when the image sensor performs imaging, the user must shift the vertical bending force of the bending portion of the endoscope in the vertical direction. For example

In some cases, it is necessary to perform observation while rotating the insertion portion. As a result, for example, in a conventional endoscope as proposed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-154155, a user may feel troublesome when performing observation inside a body cavity. [0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and inserts an endoscope in such a manner that the bending vertical direction of the bending portion of the endoscope is set to the vertical direction of the monitor screen in the vertical direction. For endoscopes that can secure a sufficient amount of illumination light for observation in the body cavity without performing complicated operations when inserting the part into the body cavity. For the purpose of providing an insertion part!

Disclosure of the invention

Means for solving the problem

[0006] The endoscope insertion portion according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a distal end portion, and a bending portion that can be bent in a first direction that substantially matches the vertical direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor. And at least two imaging units each provided with an imaging device for obtaining the endoscopic image, and condensing light incident on the at least two imaging units, respectively. At least two observation optical systems, and an illumination optical system that is provided at the distal end and emits illumination light supplied from the illumination unit. The illumination optical system includes the at least two observation optical systems. Among these, in the first direction, the center is located above the lower end of one observation optical system arranged such that the lower end is lower than the other observation optical system. Arranged to be.

[0007] The endoscope insertion portion according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a distal end portion and a bending portion that can be bent in a first direction that substantially matches the vertical direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor. An insertion unit having a first imaging unit for obtaining a first observation image that can be partially enlarged on the display unit, and a second imaging unit for obtaining a second observation image An endoscope insertion portion having a first observation optical system that is disposed at the distal end portion and collects light incident on the first imaging portion, and is disposed at the distal end portion. A second observation optical system that collects light incident on the second imaging unit; an illumination optical system that is provided at the tip and emits illumination light supplied from the illumination unit; and Substantially aligned on a straight line connecting the centers of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system on the distal end surface, and the tip Axial force in the first direction passing through substantially the center of the end face The outer surfaces of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system from the jet outlet arranged on the tip face so as to be separated by a predetermined distance The direction of gas or liquid ejected against the first direction is relative to the first direction. An air / water supply unit having a first angle, and the illumination optical system includes the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system in the first direction. It is arranged so that the center is located above the lower end of one observation optical system arranged so that the downward end is lower than the other observation optical system.

[0008] The endoscope insertion portion according to the third aspect of the present invention has a distal end portion and a bending portion that can be bent in a direction substantially matching the vertical direction of the monitor screen on which the endoscope image is displayed. An insertion portion, a first optical member provided on the distal end surface of the distal end portion, for entering light of an object force, and a first optical member provided on the distal end surface in the downward direction of the first optical member A second optical member that is arranged so that the second end portion in the downward direction is positioned below the first end portion and for entering light from the subject; and at least the second end portion A third optical member for emitting illumination light, which is disposed on the distal end surface so that the center is positioned above the second end of the optical member.

[0009] The endoscope insertion portion according to the fourth aspect of the present invention has a distal end portion and a bending portion that can be bent in a direction substantially coinciding with the vertical direction of the monitor screen on which the endoscope image is displayed. An insertion portion for insertion into a body cavity, an air / water supply portion disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and ejecting gas or liquid in a predetermined direction, and the air / water supply at the distal end portion A first observation window disposed on the predetermined direction side with respect to the portion, and at the tip, on the predetermined direction side with respect to the first observation window, from the air / water supply unit Is a position farther than the first observation window, and below the first end portion in the lower direction of the first observation window, the second end portion in the lower direction. And a second observation window having an outer diameter smaller than that of the first observation window, at least in front of Said second center above the end of the second observation window is disposed at the distal end to be located, it comprises a third observation window for emitting illumination light.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an endoscope system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a distal end cover of the endoscope of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view different from FIG. 2 and showing a distal end cover of the endoscope of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the distal end cover of the endoscope of FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end portion and a curved portion cut along line AA in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tip section cut along the line BB in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a branched portion of the air / water supply conduit of the endoscope of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the tip section cut along the line CC in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tip section cut along the line DD in FIG.

10 is a cross-sectional view of the tip section cut along the line EE of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a curved portion cut along line FF in FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is a plan view different from FIG. 4, in which the front end force of the endoscope front cover of FIG. 1 is also viewed.

FIG. 13 is a plan view different from FIGS. 4 and 12, in which the distal end cover of the endoscope of FIG. 1 is viewed from the front.

FIG. 14 is a plan view different from FIGS. 4, 12, and 13 when the front end cover of the endoscope of FIG. 1 is viewed from the front.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the configuration of the endoscope system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of the endoscope system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment includes an endoscope 2 capable of performing normal light observation and fluorescence observation in this embodiment. A light source device 3 for supplying illumination light to the endoscope 2, a processor 4 as a signal processing device for performing signal processing on the endoscope 2 having an endoscope insertion portion, and output from the processor 4. When the video signal is input, each endoscopic image for normal observation or fluorescence observation is displayed. The monitor 5 as a display unit, the air / water supply device 6 for air / water supply, and the forward water supply are displayed. The forward water supply device 6a is provided.

The endoscope 2 includes an elongated insertion portion 11 that can be easily inserted into a body cavity as a subject, an operation portion 12 connected to the proximal end of the insertion portion 11, and a side of the operation portion 12 The cable also has a universal cable 13 that extends. The connector 14 provided at the end of the universal cable 13 is detachably connected to the light source device 3.

[0014] The insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 2 has a configuration as an insertion portion for an endoscope, and is formed at the tip thereof. A rigid distal end 15 formed, a curved portion 16 formed at the proximal end of the distal end portion 15, and a flexibility formed from the proximal end of the curved portion 16 to the operation portion 12. Flexible tube portion 17.

A light guide 21 that transmits illumination light is inserted into the insertion portion 11. The light guide 21 is inserted into the universal cable 13 through the operation portion 12, and the base end portion 22 is connected to a light guide connector (not shown) that also projects the connector 14 force.

In addition, the tip portion of the light guide 21 is fixed in the tip portion 15. Note that an illumination lens 25 of an illumination unit, which will be described later, which is an illumination optical system, is disposed at the distal end portion of the distal end portion 15, and illumination light is emitted from the light guide 21 via the illumination lens 25. A tip cover 24 is provided on the tip surface of the tip portion 15.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the light guide 21 is branched, for example, in the operation unit 12, and is inserted into the insertion unit 11 as being divided into two. Then, the front end surface of each light guide 21 divided into two is disposed in the vicinity of the back surface of the two illumination lenses 25 provided on the front end cover 24.

[0018] In addition, a treatment instrument channel (also referred to as a forceps channel), which is a first conduit that allows a treatment instrument such as forceps to pass through, is provided in the force insertion portion 11 that is omitted in FIG. It has been. The distal end of the treatment instrument channel is open at the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24.

This treatment instrument channel branches off in the vicinity of the proximal end of the insertion portion 11. Then, one of the treatment instrument channels is passed through to a treatment instrument insertion port (not shown) disposed in the operation unit 12. The other of the treatment instrument channels communicates with the suction channel through the insertion portion 11 and the universal cable 13, and the base end thereof is connected to a suction means (not shown) via the connector 14.

[0020] Two imaging units are disposed inside the tip portion 15. In the present embodiment, a normal light observation imaging unit (hereinafter referred to as a normal light imaging unit) 31A which is a first imaging unit for normal light observation and a second imaging for special light observation. And an imaging unit for fluorescence observation (hereinafter referred to as a fluorescence imaging unit) 31B.

In the present embodiment, the second imaging unit can perform fluorescence observation, which is special light observation. However, the imaging unit for night vision observation, the imaging unit for infrared observation, and the like are not particularly limited to those for fluorescence observation.

[0022] One end of each of signal cables 38a and 38b is connected to the normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B, respectively. The other ends of the signal cables 38a and 38b are passed through the operation unit 12 and the universal cable 13, and are connected to a common signal cable 43 in a switchable manner on a relay board 42 provided in the connector 14.

This common signal cable 43 is connected to the processor 4 through the scope cable 44 connected to the connector 14.

[0023] In the processor 4, outputs are respectively output from the two image pickup devices via the drive circuits 45a and 45b for driving the image pickup devices of the normal light image pickup unit 31A and the fluorescence image pickup unit 31B, and the relay board 42, respectively. A signal processing circuit 46 that performs signal processing on the captured image signal and a control circuit 47 that controls the operation state of the signal processing circuit 46 and the like are provided.

[0024] The operation unit 12 of the endoscope 2 includes control switches 48a and 48b, an air / water supply button 63, a not-shown! Bending operation knob, and a tele Z zoom of the normal light imaging unit 31A. A switch (not shown) for performing the operation (also referred to as a tele Z zoom button), a front water supply button (not shown), the above-not shown!

These control switches 48a and 48b are connected to the control circuit 47 of the processor 4 via signal lines 49a and 49b, respectively. In the present embodiment, for example, the control switch 48a generates a signal instructing switching, and the control switch 48b generates, for example, a freeze instruction signal.

[0026] The relay board 42 is, for example, in a state in which one of the signal cables 38a and 38b connected to each image sensor is connected to the common signal cable 43 in accordance with the operation of the control switch 48a. Therefore, the switching operation is performed so that the other signal cable is connected to the signal cable 43.

[0027] Specifically, for example, when the control switch 48a is operated, the switching signal is relayed via the switching signal line 49c that is inserted into the scope cable 44 and electrically connected to the control circuit 47. Output to the substrate 42. The relay circuit board 42 to which the switching signal line 49c is connected has a signal input from the control circuit 47 that is normally at the L (LOW) level. In this state, the switching control terminal is pulled down, and in this state, the signal cable 38a of the normal optical imaging unit 31A is connected to the common signal cable 43. Even in the start-up state, the switching control terminal is set to L level. That is, the switching control terminal of the relay board 42 is set for normal light observation unless a switching instruction is performed.

[0028] In this state, when the control switch 48a is operated by the user, a signal of 47 power is applied to the input terminal of the relay board 42 via the switching signal line 49c. At the same time, the switching control terminal of the relay board 42 is pulled up. In this state, the signal cable 38b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B and the common signal cable 43 are connected.

[0029] Further, when the user operates the control switch 48a in the above-described state, a control signal that causes the signal from the control circuit 47 to be at the L level is applied to the input terminal of the relay board 42 via the switching signal line 49c. The switching control terminal is pulled down. In this state, the signal cable 38a of the normal optical imaging unit 31A and the common signal cable 43 are connected.

In addition, in accordance with the operation of the control switch 48a, the control circuit 47 also outputs a control signal to the control circuit 58 in the light source device 3 via the control signal line 49d in the scope cable 44. . Then, the control circuit 58 controls each part of the light source device 3 so that the normal observation light or the excitation light for fluorescence observation can be generated according to the control signal output from the control circuit 47. Furthermore, the control circuit 47 controls the operation state of the signal processing circuit 46 to perform an operation corresponding to each imaging element of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B.

[0031] The light source device 3 as an illuminating unit includes a lamp 51 that generates white light including the wavelength of excitation light, a collimator lens 52 that converts the light from the lamp 51 into a parallel light beam, and an optical path of the collimator lens 52. For example, rotation with RGB filters that pass light in the R (RED), G (GREEN), and B (BLUE) wavelength bands in the visible wavelength band (380ηπ! To 780nm), respectively. The filter 53 and a condensing lens 54 that condenses the light transmitted through the rotary filter 53 and emits the light to the base end portion 22 of the light guide 21. In addition, the rotary filter 53 provided with the RGB filter is provided with a filter for excitation light that passes excitation light in a wavelength band shorter than the wavelength band of visible light outside the circumferential direction. The rotary filter 53 is rotationally driven by a motor 55. Further, the motor 55 is attached to a rack 56, and a geared motor 57 that meshes with the rack 56 can move in a direction perpendicular to the illumination optical axis as indicated by an arrow! .

The geared motor 57 is controlled by a control circuit 58. The control circuit 58 is connected to the control circuit 47 of the processor 4 via the control signal line 49d, and performs a corresponding control operation by operating the control switch 48a.

[0034] In addition, the distal end portion 15 is sprayed on the outer surface of each objective lens (hereinafter also referred to as an observation lens) of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B disposed on the distal end cover 24. An air / water supply nozzle 60, which is an air / water supply section, is arranged so that the outlet faces.

[0035] As will be described later, the air / water supply nozzle 60 is branched into two pipes of the air supply pipe 6 la and the water supply pipe 61b on the proximal end side, and the two pipes on the distal end side. It is connected to the air / water supply pipe 61 having a structure in which the pipes merge to form one pipe.

[0036] The air supply conduit 61a and the water supply conduit 61b communicating with the air supply / water supply nozzle 60 are connected to the connector 14 of the universal cable 13, and an air supply incorporating a pump (not shown) for supplying and supplying air. Connected to water supply device 6.

[0037] The air / water supply line 61a and the water / air supply line 61b are provided with an air / water supply button 63 in the operation section 12 in the middle thereof. Then, by operating the air / water supply button 63 described above, air and water are supplied.

[0038] Thereby, the air / water nozzle 60 sprays a gas such as air or a liquid such as distilled water on the outer surface of each objective lens of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B arranged in the ejection direction. Remove and wash body fluids, deposits, etc. to ensure a clean imaging and observation field of view.

[0039] Further, in the force insertion portion 11 which is omitted in FIG. 1, a forward water supply channel which is a second pipe for supplying a liquid such as distilled water to a test site in the body cavity is provided. It is provided. The tip of this front water supply channel is placed on the tip surface of the tip cover 24. Open.

[0040] The forward water supply channel is connected to the forward water supply device 6a, and a front water supply button (not shown) disposed in the operation unit 12 is interposed. When this forward water supply button is operated, liquid such as distilled water is sprayed in the direction of insertion into the body cavity of the distal end surface force of the insertion portion 11. As a result, the body fluid adhering to the test site in the body cavity can be washed. As shown in FIG. 1, a foot switch 6b is connected to a cable extending from the forward water feeding device 6a. By operating the foot switch 6b, the user can apply force to the distal end surface force body cavity of the insertion portion 11. Spray with a liquid such as distilled water in the direction of insertion.

[0041] As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the tip cover 24 disposed at the tip 15 of the insertion portion 11 includes the first objective optical system of the normal light imaging unit 31A. An observation lens 31a as an optical member and a first observation window; a second optical member and an observation lens 31b as a second observation window that constitute the second objective optical system of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B; and a third Two illumination lenses 25a and 25b as the optical member and the third observation window, an opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel, and an opening 27 of the front water supply channel are arranged. As described above, the air supply / water supply nozzle 60 is arranged in the tip cover 24 so that the jet outlet 60a faces the observation lenses 31a and 31b constituting the observation optical system.

The observation lens 31a disposed on the distal end cover 24 of the distal end portion 15 condenses the light incident on the normal optical imaging unit 31A. In addition, the observation lens 31b disposed on the distal end cover 24 of the distal end portion 15 condenses the light incident on the normal light imaging unit 31B.

2 and 3 are perspective views showing the distal end cover portion of the endoscope of FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the distal end cover of the endoscope shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the front. The two observation lenses 31a and 31b are optical members.

[0043] Specifically, an observation lens 31a is disposed substantially at the center of the tip surface of the tip cover 24 having a substantially circular shape when the tip force of the tip portion 15 is also viewed, and sandwiches the observation lens 3la. In FIG. 4, an illumination lens 25a and an illumination lens 25b are provided on the left and right as viewed from the paper surface. Furthermore, on the front end surface of the front end cover 24, the front water channel opening 27 on the right upper side of the observation lens 31a, the air supply / water supply nozzle 60 on the upper left side, and the lower right side on the front end surface of the front end cover 24. The observation lens 31b and the opening 26 of the air / water channel are arranged below the left side.

It should be noted that the arrangement of the observation lenses 31a and 31b, the openings 26 and 27, and the air / water supply nozzle 60 disposed on the tip cover 24 in the present embodiment will be described in detail later.

Next, the internal configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 5 to 11. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion and the curved portion cut along the line AA in FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tip section cut along line BB in FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a branched portion of the air / water supply conduit of the endoscope of FIG. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tip section cut along the line CC in FIG. FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tip section cut along the line DD in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the tip section cut along the line EE in FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the curved portion cut along the line FF in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of annular bending pieces 7 are connected to the bending portion 16 of the endoscope 2 so as to rotate. Each bending piece 7 has four wire guards 7a fixed to the inner peripheral surface thereof by means such as welding. As shown in FIG. 10, the four wire guards 7a are fixed to the inner peripheral surface of one bending piece 7 at positions shifted about 90 ° around the insertion axis.

[0047] Further, the plurality of bending pieces 7 are covered with a bending blade 9 in which a thin wire or the like is knitted in a cylindrical shape so as to cover the outer periphery of the plurality of bending pieces 7 and the watertightness on the bending blade 9 is maintained. The skin 10 is covered. A bending portion 16 is formed by the bending piece 7, the bending blade 9 and the outer skin 10 having the above-described configuration.

[0048] The outer skin 10 covers the distal end portion 15, the bending portion 16, and the flexible tube portion 17 so as to be united over the distal end portions, and the outer peripheral portion of the distal end is formed at the distal end portion 15. It is fixed by the bobbin adhering part 10a.

Further, four bending operation wires 8 which are bending operation means extending from the bending portion 16 toward the proximal end are passed through the insertion portion 11. These four bending operation wires 8 include four fixed portions 18a (the fixed ring 18 provided with the distal end portion of the bending operation wire 8 in the distal end portion 15 ( See Figure 11. In FIG. 5, only one is shown), each of which is held and fixed at approximately 90 ° around the insertion axis, and the base end portion is connected to each wire provided on the bending piece 7. Each of the guards 7a is provided to be communicated.

[0050] In the state where the insertion axis of the bending portion 16 is substantially straight, the wire guards 7a of the bending pieces 7 are held and fixed by the fixing portions 18a of the fixing ring 18 provided at the distal end portion 15. The distal end portion 15 and each bending piece 7 are connected so that each bending operation wire 8 inserted through the wire is substantially straight.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the bending operation wire 8 includes a bending operation mechanism (not shown) in which the proximal end portion of the bending operation wire 8 is provided in the operation unit 12 and connected to the bending operation knob. Connected to each other and alternately pulled or relaxed.

[0052] The four bending operation wires 8 are each pulled and loosened by a predetermined operation of the bending operation knob, whereby the bending portion 16 is bent in four directions. Note that the four directions are directions that substantially coincide with the four directions of the endoscope image displayed on the monitor 5 photographed by the imaging units 31A and 31B, as will be described later.

[0053] Also, two bending operation wires 8 that are first bending operation means for operating the bending portion 16 in the up-down direction and second bending operation means for operating the bending portion 16 in the left-right direction. Two bending operation wires 8 are paired with each other. That is, the two bending operation wires 8 respectively inserted and held in the two wire guards 7a in the direction corresponding to the vertical direction in the bending piece 7 in the bending portion 16 are the first bending operation means, and the bending portion The two bending operation wires 8 inserted and held in the two wire guards 7a in the direction corresponding to the left-right direction in the bending piece 7 in 16 are the second bending operation means.

[0054] In the distal end portion 15, a cylindrical member 15a made of a hard metal and formed with a plurality of, in this embodiment, seven hole portions, and a base end side outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical member 15a are externally fitted. An annular reinforcing ring 15b is disposed. Further, the fixed ring 18 having the four fixed portions 18a described above is inserted into the inner peripheral side of the reinforcing ring 15b of the distal end portion 15. Further, the reinforcing ring 15b is connected to the cutting edge piece 7 at the base end.

[0055] Of the seven holes formed in the cylindrical member 15a in the distal end portion 15, two hole portions form the distal end portions of the treatment instrument channel 19 and the forward water supply channel 20, and the remaining five hole portions The above-mentioned normal light imaging unit 31A, fluorescent imaging unit 3IB and air / water supply nozzle 60, and two illumination lens units to be described later are arranged.

[0056] Of the seven holes of the cylindrical member 15a in the tip portion 15, one hole is fixed by a first fixing member such as a screw or an adhesive, for example. This constitutes a first objective optical system arrangement means in which a normal light observation unit 31A including an observation lens 31a constituting the system is arranged. Further, in the other hole, for example, a fluorescence observation unit 31B including an observation lens 31b constituting a second objective optical system fixed by a second fixing member such as a screw or an adhesive is disposed. This constitutes the objective optical system arrangement means. In addition, two illumination lens units each having the respective illumination lenses 25 that are the first and second illumination optical systems are fixed by the first and second illumination optical system fixing means such as screws and adhesives, respectively. One of the other two holes arranged is the first illumination optical arrangement means and the other constitutes the second illumination optical arrangement means.

[0057] Of the seven holes, the hole where the air / water supply nozzle 60, which is an air / water supply unit, is disposed, for example, by a first air / water supply fixing means such as a screw or an adhesive. An air / water arrangement means for fixedly arranging the air nozzle 60 is constructed. Further, of the seven holes, the hole in which the treatment instrument channel 19 that is the first endoscope channel is arranged constitutes a first endoscope channel arrangement means, and the second endoscope The hole portion in which the forward water supply channel 20 that is an endoscope channel is arranged constitutes a second endoscope channel arrangement means. The treatment instrument channel 19 is fixedly disposed in one of the seven holes by, for example, a first endoscope conduit fixing means such as a screw or an adhesive, and the front water supply channel 20 is For example, the second endoscope pipe fixing means such as a screw or an adhesive is fixedly arranged in the other one hole.

[0058] The treatment instrument channel 19 has a substantially cylindrical shape that is inserted into the opening 26 opened in the distal end cover 24 provided on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 15 and the hole of the columnar member 15a of the distal end portion 15. The tube member 19a has a distal end portion covering the proximal end portion of the tube member 19a, and a treatment instrument conduit 19b having a flexible tube force that is connected and fixed by thread winding.

[0059] The treatment instrument pipe line 19b passes through the insertion portion 11, and the proximal end of the treatment device conduit 19b is illustrated in FIG. Open through the material entrance.

[0060] Further, the front water supply channel 20 having the opening 27 in the tip cover 24 is also provided at the tip portion. 15 cylindrical member 15a having a substantially cylindrical tube member 20a inserted into a hole, and a front water supply conduit 20b that covers the base end portion of the tube member 20a and is connected and fixed by a thread winding. Configured.

[0061] This forward water supply conduit 20b passes through the insertion portion 11, the operation portion 12, and the universal cable 13 to the connector 14, and is connected to the forward water supply device 6a. As described above, the front water supply pipe 20b, which is the front water supply channel 20, is provided with a front water supply button, not shown, in the operation unit 12.

As shown in FIG. 6, the air / water supply nozzle 60 is a tubular member bent into a substantially L shape, and the opening 60a on the distal end side faces the outer surface of each observation lens 31a, 31b. As described above, the base end portion is inserted into the hole of the cylindrical member 15 a of the tip end portion 15.

[0063] On the proximal end side of the hole of the cylindrical member 15a corresponding to the air / water feeding nozzle 60, the distal end portion of the tube member 62 is inserted, and the proximal end portion of the tube member 62 is supplied with air. Water pipeline 61 is connected. The pipe member 62 and the air / water supply pipe 61 are connected and fixed by thread winding.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 7, the air supply / water supply pipeline 61 has a base end portion connected to the branch pipe 50, and the branch ends of the branch pipe 50 have the air supply pipeline 61a and the water supply pipeline 61b. Are connected to the tip of each. Thereby, the air / water supply pipeline 61 communicates with the air / water supply pipeline 61a and the water supply pipeline 61b. The pipes 61, 61a, 61b and the branch pipe 50 are connected and fixed by thread winding, and an adhesive or the like is applied around the respective connection parts and the entire branch pipe 50 so that each connection part is airtight. (Watertight) Retained.

[0065] In addition, the illumination lens unit 23 is inserted into two of the seven holes formed in the cylindrical member 15a of the distal end portion 15, and the distal end of the light guide 21 is inserted into the proximal end portion. Each part is inserted. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the illumination lens unit 23 includes a plurality of illumination lenses 25 and a holding frame 23 a that holds the illumination lenses 25. Note that the two illumination lens units 23 in the present embodiment have illumination lenses 25a and 25b that are the front ends of the illumination lenses 25, respectively.

[0066] The light guide 21 is covered with an outer skin 29 in which a tip end portion is covered with a cylindrical member 21a and a plurality of fiber fibers are bundled. The base end portion of the cylindrical member 21a is connected and fixed to a tube 28 whose tip portion is fixed with a spool, and the light member covered with the outer skin 29 is fixed. Id 21 passes through tube 28! /

Returning to FIG. 6, the normal light imaging unit 31 A includes a lens unit 32, an imaging device 33 such as a CCD or a CMOS, and a circuit board 34.

[0068] The lens unit 32 includes first to fourth lens groups 32A to 32D and first to fourth lens frames 32a to 32d. In the present embodiment, the first lens group 32A composed of four objective lenses including the observation lens 31a is held by the first lens frame 32a, and the second lens 32B composed of one objective lens is the second lens. The third lens group 32C that is held by the frame 32b and also has two objective lens forces is held by the third lens frame 32c, and the fourth lens group 32D that is made of three objective lenses is held by the fourth lens frame 32d.

[0069] The second lens frame 32b that holds the second lens 32B is a movable frame that can be moved back and forth with respect to the direction of the photographing optical axis for zooming. The second lens frame 32b is provided in the normal optical imaging unit 31A when a zooming operation lever (not shown) provided in the operation unit 12 is operated by a user. For example, a motor or an actuator (not shown) is provided. The driving means such as the above and the like moves forward and backward with respect to the photographing optical axis direction. By having the configuration like the endoscope 2 force, the normal light imaging unit 31A can enlarge and display a part of the endoscope image obtained in the field of view of the observation lens 3 la on the monitor 5, for example. It is out.

Note that the driving means for moving the second lens frame 32b forward and backward in the imaging optical axis direction is supplied with a driving Z stop signal by a signal line 38c shown in FIG. The signal line 38c is inserted from the normal optical imaging unit 31A through the insertion section 11 to the operation section 12.

[0071] In the image pickup device 33, a cover lens 33a provided in parallel with the base end side of the objective lens at the most base end of the fourth lens frame 32d is provided on the light receiving surface side, and an electric circuit corresponding to the optical image is provided on the circuit board 34. Output a signal. The circuit board 34 has electrical components and wiring patterns, performs photoelectric conversion of the optical image from the image sensor 33 into an electrical image signal, and outputs the image signal to the signal cable 38a. A plurality of signal lines of the signal cable 38a are connected to the circuit board 34 by means such as soldering.

[0072] The outer peripheral portions of the cover lens 33a, the image pickup device 33, the circuit board 34, and the signal cable 38a are integrally covered with insulating sealing grease, and the reinforcing annular portion 35a. And an insulating tube 35b.

[0073] Further, the signal cable 38a receives the image signal acquired by the imaging device 33 and the circuit board 34 of the normal optical imaging unit 31A via the relay board 42 and the signal cable 43 of the connector 14 shown in FIG. The signal is transmitted to the signal processing circuit 46 of the processor 4.

On the other hand, the fluorescence imaging unit 31B includes a lens unit 32, an imaging element 38 such as a CCD or a CMOS, and a circuit board 39, like the normal light imaging unit 31A.

The lens unit 36 includes first and second lens groups 36A and 36B, and first and second lens frames 32a and 32b. In the present embodiment, the first lens group 36A having seven objective lens forces including the observation lens 31b is held by the first lens frame 36a, and the second lens 36B is held by the second lens frame 36b! RU

In the image sensor 38, a cover lens 40 arranged in parallel with the base end side of the objective lens at the most base end of the second lens frame 36b is provided on the light receiving surface side, and an electric signal of an optical image is provided on the circuit board 39. Is output. The circuit board 39 has electrical components and wiring patterns in the same manner as the circuit board 34 of the normal optical imaging unit 31A, and a plurality of signal lines included in the signal cable 38a are connected by means such as soldering. The circuit board 39 photoelectrically converts the optical image from the image sensor 38 into an electrical image signal, and outputs the image signal to the signal cable 38b.

[0077] The tip portions of the cover lens 40, the image sensor 33, the circuit board 34, and the signal cable 38a are

Each outer peripheral portion is integrally covered with an insulating sealing resin or the like, and is covered with a reinforcing annular portion 35a and an insulating tube 35b.

Further, the signal cable 38b is an image signal acquired by the imaging device 38 and the circuit board 39 of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B, and the relay board 42 and the signal cable of the connector 14 shown in FIG.

The signal is transmitted to the signal processing circuit 46 of the processor 4 through 43.

[0079] The normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B described above are respectively inserted into predetermined holes provided in the columnar member 15a of the distal end portion 15, and are used together with a fixing member such as a screw as an adhesive. For example, it is firmly fixed.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the observation lens 31a disposed at the tip of the normal light imaging unit 31A is replaced with the observation lens 31b disposed at the tip of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B. It has a larger lens diameter (outer diameter)!

In addition, in each of the imaging units 31A and 31B, the light receiving surfaces of the two imaging elements 33 and 38 are orthogonal to the insertion axis of the insertion portion 11, and the charge transfer directions of the two imaging elements 33 and 38 are as follows. The installation direction in the tip portion 15 is determined so that the horizontal transfer direction and the vertical transfer direction coincide with each other.

[0082] Further, the force at which the subject image captured by each imaging unit 31A, 31B is displayed on the monitor 5 shown in FIG. 1 indicates that the vertical direction of the monitor 5 is the CCD element or CMOS element of each imaging element 33, 38. The horizontal transfer direction coincides with the horizontal transfer direction of the CCD elements or CMOS elements of the image pickup devices 33 and 38. That is, the up / down / left / right directions of the endoscopic images photographed by the imaging units 31A and 31B coincide with the up / down / left / right directions of the monitor 5.

[0083] The vertical and horizontal directions of the bending portion 16 of the insertion portion 11 are determined so as to correspond to the vertical and horizontal directions of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5. That is, as described above, the four bending operation wires 8 that pass through the bending portion 16 are pulled and loosened by a predetermined operation of the bending operation knob provided in the operation portion 12, and the bending portion 16 is displayed on the monitor 5. The endoscope image can be bent in four directions, up, down, left, and right, corresponding to the up, down, left, and right directions.

That is, each of the imaging units 31 A and 31 B allows the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5 to always be in the bending operation direction of the bending portion 16 even when observation with normal light and fluorescence observation are switched. The installation direction in the distal end portion 15 is determined so that the vertical and horizontal directions are equal, and the horizontal transfer direction and the vertical transfer direction of the image pickup devices 33 and 38 are respectively matched.

[0085] Thereby, the user receives an uncomfortable feeling in the vertical and horizontal directions of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5 when the endoscopic image is switched to the observation image with normal light and the observation image with fluorescence. Therefore, the bending operation of the bending portion 16 in the vertical and horizontal directions can be performed.

In the following description, the vertical direction as the first direction is the vertical direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5 and the direction substantially coincident with the vertical direction in which the bending portion 16 is bent. To explain. Further, in general, the monitor 5 is installed so that the vertical direction thereof substantially coincides with the vertical vertical direction. Further, in the left-right direction, which is the second direction substantially orthogonal to the up-down direction, the left-right direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5 and the bending portion 16 are curved. A description will be given assuming that the direction substantially coincides with the operated left-right direction.

Here, the operation of the endoscope system 1 described above will be described.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 1, the user connects the connector 14 of the endoscope 2 to the light source device 3, and further connects one end of the scope cable 44 to the connector 14 to connect the other end of the scope cable 44. Connect the end to processor 4. In addition, the user connects the air supply pipe 61a and the water supply pipe 61b to the air / water supply device 6.

[0089] Then, the user turns on the power switch of the light source device 3 or the like, and sets each to the operating state. At this time, the control circuits 47 and 58 of the processor 4 and the light source device 3 are ready to transmit and receive control signals and the like.

In the state immediately after the start of activation, the relay board 42 is set so that the normal optical imaging unit 31A side is selected. Further, the control circuit 47 performs a control operation for setting the normal light observation state. That is, the control circuit 47 sends a control signal to the control circuit 58 of the light source device 3 to set the illumination light supply state for normal light observation.

Further, the control circuit 47 controls the CCD drive circuit 45a to be driven, and sets the operation state of the signal processing circuit 46 to the normal light observation mode.

The user inserts the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 2 into the body cavity and sets so that the affected part or the like to be diagnosed can be observed.

The light source device 3 is in the illumination light supply state for normal light observation as described above. In this state, the rotary filter 53 is rotationally driven by the motor 55 in a state where the RGB filter is disposed in the illumination optical path. The light guide 21 is supplied with RGB illumination light as frame sequential light. In synchronization with this, the CCD drive circuit 45a outputs a CCD drive signal, and illuminates the affected area in the patient's body cavity through the illumination lenses 25a and 25b.

The illuminated subject such as an affected part passes through the lens unit 32 of the normal light imaging unit 31A, forms an image on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 33, and is subjected to photoelectric conversion. The image sensor 33 outputs a photoelectrically converted signal by applying a drive signal. This signal is input to the signal processing circuit 46 via the signal cable 38a and the common signal cable 43 selected by the relay board 42.

[0094] The signal input into the signal processing circuit 46 is internally AZD converted, Temporarily stored in R, G, B memory.

[0095] After that, the signals stored in the R, G, B memory were simultaneously read out and synchronized

It becomes R, G, B signals, further DZA converted to analog R, G, B signals and displayed in color on monitor 5.

[0096] Then, the user performs fluorescence observation on the affected part that has been observed by normal light observation.

If it is desired to examine the affected area in more detail, the control switch 48a is turned on. Then, the control circuit 47 receives the switching instruction signal output from the control switch 48a, performs switching control of the relay board 42, and also controls the light source device 3 via the control circuit 58 for excitation light for fluorescence observation. Set to supply state.

In addition, the control circuit 47 controls the drive circuit 45b to the operating state and sets the signal processing circuit 46 to the processing mode for fluorescence observation.

In this case, the control circuit 58 in the light source device 3 is connected to the motor 5 by the geared motor 57.

Along with 5, the rotary filter 53 is moved in a direction orthogonal to the illumination optical path so that the excitation light filter is arranged in the illumination optical path.

In this state, the light from the lamp 51 passes through the excitation light filter, and is supplied to the light guide 21 as excitation light having a wavelength band near 400 to 450 nm, for example. And this excitation light is irradiated to the affected part etc. in a body cavity through the illumination lenses 25a and 25b.

[0099] When the affected area or the like irradiated with the excitation light is a cancer tissue, it absorbs the excitation light and emits fluorescence that is stronger than that in a normal tissue. The light of the part that emits fluorescence passes through the lens unit 36 of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B, forms an image on the light receiving surface of the imaging element 38, and is photoelectrically converted.

[0100] Then, the image sensor 38 outputs a signal that has been subjected to photoelectric conversion and amplification in response to application of a drive signal from the drive circuit 45b. This signal is input to the signal processing circuit 46 via the common signal cable 43 selected by the signal cable 38b and the relay board 42.

[0101] The signal input into the signal processing circuit 46 is internally AZD-converted and then stored in, for example, the R, G, B memory simultaneously. [0102] After that, the signals stored in the R, G, B memory were simultaneously read and synchronized

It becomes R, G, B signals, and is further DZA converted to analog R, G, B signals and displayed on monitor 5 in monochrome.

Note that the level of the signal input in the signal processing circuit 46 may be compared with a plurality of threshold values, and the color to be assigned may be changed according to the comparison result to display a pseudo color.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, normal light observation can be performed and fluorescence observation can be performed, so that it is easier to diagnose than an endoscope only for normal light observation. A scope can be realized. Further, according to the present embodiment, since the imaging units 31A and 31B are respectively provided, the normal light observation image as the first observation image and the special light observation image as the second observation image, that is, A fluorescence observation image can be obtained. That is, the imaging unit 31A, which is the first imaging unit, is based on the light collected by the observation lens 31a disposed on the distal end cover 24 of the distal end portion 15, and the normal light observation image as the first observation image. Can be obtained. In addition, the imaging unit 31B, which is the second imaging unit, performs special light observation as a second observation image based on the light collected by the observation lens 3 lb disposed on the tip cover 24 of the tip 15. An image can be obtained.

[0105] In particular, when fluorescence observation is performed, an image with weak light is often captured as compared to normal observation. Therefore, it is desirable to use an image sensor with a high SZN for fluorescence observation. When an image sensor for normal observation is also used as an image sensor for fluorescence observation, an image having a low SZN is likely to be obtained. However, in the present embodiment, since a dedicated image sensor 38 suitable for fluorescence observation is adopted, a fluorescent image with good SZN can be obtained.

[0106] Further, by providing the switching relay board 42 so that only one of the two imaging units 31A and 31B is connected to the processor 4, the two imaging units 31 A are always connected. 3 The IB must be driven and signal processed, so that the endoscope system 1 having a compact configuration can be formed as compared with the case.

[0107] Also, according to the present embodiment, a single air / water supply nozzle 60 sprays gas and liquid on the outer surfaces of both observation lenses 31a and 31b to set them in a clean state, thereby providing a good observation field of view. The Since the insertion portion 11 can be reduced in diameter, the pain given to the patient during insertion can be reduced and the applicable range of insertion can be expanded.

In addition, the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment has the same external structure as an existing endoscope including only an imaging unit for normal light observation, and normal light observation is performed via a scope cable 44. Used to drive and perform signal processing for an existing endoscope equipped only with an imaging unit for use, and can be used as an ordinary light observation endoscope as well as existing endoscopes by connecting to a processor. You can also That is, the endoscope 2 can be used by being connected to an existing processor while maintaining the same compatibility as an existing endoscope having only an imaging unit for normal light observation.

[0109] Here, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment has various features (effects) due to the structure described below.

[0110] First, with reference to FIG. 12, the arrangement of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 and the observation lenses 31a and 31b arranged in the tip cover 24 will be described in detail.

[0111] FIG. 12 is a front view showing the distal end surface of the distal end cover. In the following description, the center of the front end cover 24 is O, and the center of the observation lens 31a of the normal optical imaging unit 31A is O.

The center of the observation lens 31b of 0 1 and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B is defined as O. In addition, the following two

2

The centers of the illumination lenses 25a and 25b are O and O, respectively.

3 4

The center of 6 is O, and the center of the opening 27 of the forward water supply channel 20 is O. In addition,

5 6

It passes through the center O of the tip surface of the tip cover 24, and the curved vertical line of the curved part 16 is a vertical line.

0

Let X be the horizontal line Y. In the following description, the vertical line X in the present embodiment is the same as the vertical line U and the line.

[0112] As described above, the air / water supply nozzle 60 is located on the upper left side of the front end surface of the front end cover 24 as viewed toward the paper surface of FIG. 12 so that the jet outlet 60a faces the observation lens 31a. It is arranged. The air / water supply nozzle 60 may be disposed on the upper right side of the front end surface of the front end cover 24 as viewed toward the paper surface of FIG. 12 so that the jet outlet 60a faces the observation lens 31a side. At this time, the air / water supply nozzle 60 and the observation lenses 3 la and 31 b are arranged so as to be substantially aligned with the front end surface of the front end force bar 24.

[0113] In the present embodiment, distilled water is ejected from the ejection port 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60. Alternatively, the air / water supply nozzle 60 is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 so that gas and liquid such as air are ejected in the direction of the arrow line AR in the figure. The air / water supply nozzle 60 is jetted into the gas / liquid jet range A so as to diffuse gas / liquid such as distilled water or air from the jet outlet 60a. The arrow line AR is a line that is substantially perpendicular to the tip surface of the air / water supply nozzle 60 having the jet outlet 60a and passes through the center of the hole surface of the jet outlet 60a.

[0114] The installation direction around the axis of the air / water supply nozzle 60, that is, the direction in which the jet outlet 60a faces so as to intersect the observation optical axis passing through the center O of the observation lens 31a on the line of the arrow line AR described above. The direction is decided. In other words, the jet outlet of the air / water feed nozzle 60 is such that the arrow line AR, which is the jet direction of gas and liquid such as distilled water or air, has a predetermined angle θ 1 that is the first angle with respect to the vertical line X. The direction that 60a faces is decided.

[0115] On the other hand, the observation lens 3 lb of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B has a surface on which the outer surface has at least a portion that intersects with the arrow line AR when the tip cover 24 is viewed from the tip. It is disposed below the right side of the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 that is directed. The observation lens 31b has a distal end cover 2 so that its center O is positioned below the line segment indicated by the arrow line AR.

2

4 is arranged on the front end surface.

[0116] As described above, the air / water supply nozzle 60 and the two observation lenses 3la and 31b are arranged in parallel on the front end surface of the front end cover 24 in a substantially straight line! /

More specifically, a line a connecting the center O of the observation lens 31a of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the center O of the observation lens 31b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B is a predetermined angle with respect to the arrow line AR.

2

It has 0 2 and is slightly displaced downward when the tip cover 24 is viewed from the tip side. In other words, the center of the hole surface of the outlet 60a of the air / water supply nozzle 60 and the center of the observation lens 31b O

The line b connecting 2 has a predetermined angle 0 3 with respect to the arrow line AR, and is slightly shifted upward when the tip cover 24 is viewed on the tip surface side force.

[0118] As a result, the positions of the observation lenses 31a and 31b arranged on the tip cover 24 are determined, and the direction of the outlet 60a of the air / water supply nozzle 60 (the direction of the arrow line AR) is accordingly adjusted. It has been decided. Further, the angles Θ 2 and Θ 3 are set to a range in which the entire outer surface of the observation lens 3 lb is included in the range of the gas / liquid ejection range A from the air / water feeding nozzle 60. [0119] The gas / liquid ejection range A of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 is set so as to include the entire outer surface of the observation lens 3la of the normal optical imaging unit 31A when the front end side force of the front end cover 24 is also seen. It has been done.

[0120] In addition, the observation lens 31a having a lens diameter larger than the outer diameter of the observation lens 3 lb (the outer diameter) is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 so as to be close to the air / water feeding nozzle 60. It has been.

That is, the distal end cover 24 has a curved vertical direction of the bending portion 16 with respect to the direction in which the distal end surface side force is also seen, that is, the imaging elements 33 and 38 included in the imaging units 31A and 31B. An air / water supply nozzle 60 is provided at a position above the horizontal line Y that bisects the vertical direction of the vertical transfer direction to be processed. In other words, the air / water supply nozzle 60 is disposed in the tip cover 24 away from the horizontal line Y in the direction opposite to the ejection direction (arrow line AR direction).

[0122] Furthermore, the distal end cover 24 has a left-right direction with respect to the direction seen from the distal end surface side (which is opposite to the curved left-right direction of the bending portion 16), that is, each imaging unit 31A, 31B has. On the vertical line X that bisects the left-right direction of the vertical transfer direction processed by the image sensors 33 and 38, the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 (axis parallel to the insertion direction) It has an air / water nozzle 60 arranged so that no cross section exists!

[0123] In the present embodiment, the air / water supply nozzle 60 and the jet outlet 60a have their tips spaced apart from the vertical line X to the left by a predetermined distance when viewed from the tip surface side force of the tip cover 24. The cover 24 is disposed at the position of the front end surface. That is, the air / water supply nozzle 60 has a longitudinal axis that is above the horizontal line Y that divides the tip cover 24 into two equal parts when the tip side force of the tip force bar 24 is also seen, and the tip cover. Vertical line that divides 24 into left and right halves X force Arranged so that it exists at a position shifted to the left.

[0124] As described above, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment has the air / water supply nozzle 60, the observation lens 3la of the normal light imaging unit 31A, and the fluorescence imaging at the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24. The observation lens 31b of the unit 31B is arranged on a substantially straight line. As a result, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment is configured so that gas and liquid are blown from the single air / water supply nozzle 60 to the outer surfaces of the observation lenses 31a and 31b. Set the surface clean. And ensure that a good field of view can be secured.

[0125] In addition, the air / water nozzle 60 has a longitudinal axis that is above the horizontal line Y that divides the tip cover 24 into two equal parts, and divides the tip cover 24 into two equal parts to the left and right. It is placed at a position deviated from the vertical line X by a predetermined distance. Therefore, the air / water supply conduit 61 communicating with the air / water supply nozzle 60 has four fixed portions 18a and a curved portion of the fixed ring 18 disposed in the distal end portion 15 when the insertion portion 11 is in a substantially straight state. Without being in contact with the four wire guards 7 a provided in each bending piece 7 disposed in the portion 16, the bending piece 7 is passed through the tip portion 15 and the bending portion 16 almost straight.

[0126] Further, due to the arrangement of the air / water supply nozzle 60 described above, the air / water supply conduit 61 is held in communication with the four wire guards 7a of the bending pieces 7 in the bending portion 16, respectively. Since contact with the four bending operation wires 8 is prevented, the movement of the bending operation wires 8 due to pulling and loosening can be prevented, and deterioration due to abrasion of the bending operation wires 8 can be prevented.

[0127] As a result of the above, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment can reduce the diameter of the insertion portion 11, in particular, the distal end portion 15 and the bending portion 16, and can reduce the pain given to the patient during insertion. At the same time, the applicable range of the body cavity that can be inserted can be expanded.

[0128] In general, the endoscope 2 is used by the user by aligning the bending vertical direction of the bending portion 16 with the vertical direction. For this reason, liquids such as distilled water ejected from the ejection port 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 flow down downward from the ejection port 60a due to the influence of gravity.

[0129] Furthermore, when a gas / liquid such as distilled water or air is ejected from the outlet 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 and suction is performed by the treatment instrument channel 19, the treatment instrument provided below the tip cover 24 Due to the suction force from the opening 26 of the channel 19, the liquid or the gas receives a force drawn toward the opening 26, and the flow changes to the curved lower side.

[0130] Due to such circumstances, in the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, the observation lens 31b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B is located at the center O and the normal light imaging unit 31 on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24.

2

Curved portion 16 is curved with respect to the arrow line AR, which is the direction in which a liquid such as distilled water is ejected from the outlet 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60. It is shifted downward by a predetermined angle Θ2.

[0131] Therefore, the observation lens 31b located farther than the observation lens 31a from the air / water supply nozzle 60 on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 has flowed down to the curved lower side than the ejection direction due to the influence of gravity. Distilled water and other liquids are efficiently sprayed and cleaned to ensure a good field of view. Furthermore, the observation lens 31b is also efficiently sprayed in a liquid such as distilled water or air whose flow changes to the lower side of the curve due to the suction, and is washed in a clean state, so that good observation is possible. A field of view is secured.

[0132] In the endoscope 2 inserted into the body cavity of the patient, dirt or the like is attached to the insertion portion 11.

In particular, the front end surface of the front end cover 24 is a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction, and therefore, dirt and the like are easily attached thereto. In particular, it is desirable that the observation lens 3 la of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the observation lens 31b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B are reliably cleaned of attached dirt and the like in order to secure their respective observation fields of view.

In general, in observation using the endoscope 2, the frequency of performing normal light observation is higher than the frequency of performing fluorescence observation. Therefore, in normal light observation, it is desirable to secure a good observation field and a sufficient amount of received light. The normal optical imaging unit 31A in the present embodiment is disposed near the approximate center of the distal end surface of the distal end portion 15, and includes an observation lens 3 lb that guides incident light to the fluorescent imaging unit 31B for imaging. By providing the observation lens 3 la having a lens diameter (outer diameter) larger than the lens diameter (outer diameter), a good observation field and sufficient amount of received light are ensured in normal light observation. Is realized.

[0134] In particular, the endoscope of the present embodiment has a magnifying function, and it is necessary to provide a plurality of lens groups 32A to 32D in order to suppress aberration during tele Z zooming. The lens diameter (outer diameter) increases as the optical beam height increases.

In other words, the observation lens 3 la has a larger lens diameter (outer diameter) than the observation lens 3 lb, that is, a normal optical imaging provided on the image forming side of incident light with a wider outer surface area. The incident light is focused on the image sensor 33 of the unit 31A.

[0136] Note that, unlike the endoscope 2 in the description of the present embodiment, there is an endoscope that does not have an enlargement function in an imaging unit that performs normal light observation. In such an endoscope, An observation lens having the largest lens diameter (outer diameter) may correspond to an imaging unit that performs special observation.

[0137] In addition, gas liquid such as distilled water or air ejected from the ejection port 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 is ejected as the ejection power nearer to the ejection port 60a becomes farther in the ejection direction. As well as the density due to diffusion.

Due to such circumstances, as shown in FIG. 11, the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment has a lens diameter (outer diameter) that is larger than the lens diameter (the outer diameter) of the observation lens 31b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B. The observation lens 31a of the normal optical imaging unit 31A having a large outer diameter is disposed at the position of the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 close to the air / water feeding nozzle 60. As described above, the entire outer surface of the observation lens 31a is included in the ejection range A of gas / liquid such as distilled water or air ejected from the ejection port 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60.

[0139] From this point, the endoscope 2 is easy to adhere to body fluids, dirt, etc., and the observation lens 31a with a large lens diameter (outer diameter) is close to the air / water supply nozzle 60. Detergency is improved without being affected by the lowering of the jet power and density of gas-liquid such as distilled water or air jetted from the outlet 60a.

Note that, as described above, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment includes the air / water feeding nozzle 60, the observation lens 3la of the normal light imaging unit 31A, and the observation lens 3lb of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B. The front end cover 24 shown in FIG. In addition, other components are arranged on the tip surface of the tip cover 24 on the arrow line AR, which is the jet direction of gas liquid such as distilled water or air jetted from the jet outlet 60a of the air / water feed nozzle 60. Wow! /

That is, on the arrow line AR, no other component is disposed on the distal end surface of the front end cover 24 from the observation lens 3 lb of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B.

[0142] With such a configuration, the gas / liquid after cleaning the dirt and the like adhering to each observation lens 31a, 3 lb covers the tip cover that is directed in the direction of the arrow AR, which is the direction of ejection that does not flow to other components. Flows to 24 outer edges. As a result, the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 of the endoscope 2 is reliably cleaned when a gas or liquid such as distilled water or air is ejected from the air / water feeding nozzle 60.

Next, referring to FIG. 12, FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, two illumination levels disposed on the tip cover 24 are displayed. The arrangement of the openings 25a and 25b, the opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel 19 and the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 will be described in detail.

[0144] As described above, the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 is curved so as to sandwich the observation lens 3la of the normal optical imaging unit 31A in which the two illumination lenses 25a and 25b are disposed substantially in the center. It is arranged in the left-right direction. Further, on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24, the opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel 19 is located at the lower left position of the observation lens 3 la, and the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 is located at the upper right position of the observation lens 31a. It is arranged!

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the center of the illumination lens 25a and the illumination lens 25b

Three

The center O is the lower end of the observation lens 31b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B.

Four

It is located above all second ends L2. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, the first end L 1 as the lower end of the observation lens 3 1a is more than the second end L2 as the lower end of the observation lens 3 lb. Located above.

[0146] The two illumination lenses 25a and 25b provided on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 ensure the field of view of the observation lens 3 la of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the observation lens 3 lb of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B. In the state, the normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B can secure a sufficient amount of illumination light for observation in the body cavity in order to ensure a sufficient amount of illumination light when imaging. For example, the position needs to be arranged so as not to be hidden behind a fold in the intestine.

The illumination lens 25a and the illumination lens 25b are arranged in the positional relationship as described above with respect to the observation lens 31a and the observation lens 31b. Therefore, the illumination lens 25a and the illumination lens 25b are used when the distal end portion 15 of the insertion portion 11 is inserted into a body cavity while maintaining the vertical positional relationship as shown in FIG. It is inserted into the body cavity so that the curved vertical direction of the curved portion 16 formed at the end is aligned with the vertical direction of the monitor screen of the monitor 5 as the vertical direction, and the normal optical imaging unit 31 A When the field of view of the observation lens 3 la and the observation lens 3B of the fluorescent imaging unit 31B is secured, the normal optical imaging unit 31A and the fluorescent imaging unit 31B are not hidden by folds in the intestine. Illumination light with a sufficient amount of light for observation during imaging can be emitted. Therefore, the user can bend the bending part of the endoscope. When inserting the insertion part of the endoscope into the body cavity so that the vertical direction is the vertical direction and the vertical direction of the monitor screen, sufficient illumination is provided for observation inside the body cavity without complicated operations. The amount of light can be secured, and the body cavity can be observed more smoothly.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel 19 and the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 have distilled water from the jet outlet 60a of the air / water supply nozzle 60. Alternatively, it is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 outside the area of the gas / liquid ejection range A, which is a range in which gas / liquid such as air is ejected so as to diffuse.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel 19 is an arrow line indicating the direction of ejection of gas / liquid such as distilled water or air from the outlet 60a of the air / water supply nozzle 60. It is an area on the lower side of the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 that is divided into two along the AR, and is disposed in an area B on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 that does not include the gas-liquid ejection range A.

[0150] Further, the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 is an area on the upper side of the front end surface of the front end cover 24 that is divided into two along the arrow line AR, and does not include the gas-liquid ejection range A. The tip force bar 24 is arranged in the region C on the tip surface.

[0151] In other words, each of the openings 26 and 27 is disposed on the tip surface of the tip cover 24 at a position that is substantially symmetric with respect to an arrow line AR that indicates a jet direction of gas liquid such as distilled water or air. Yes. That is, the openings 26 and 27 are disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 at positions where the center O of the opening 26 and the center O of the opening 27 are separated by a predetermined distance.

5 6

[0152] As described above, in the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, the opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel 19 and the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 are provided on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24. It is disposed outside the area of the gas-liquid ejection range A by the nozzle 60. Therefore, the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment can prevent gas liquid such as distilled water or air ejected from the air / water feeding nozzle 60 from flowing into the openings 26 and 27.

[0153] Thereby, gas liquid such as distilled water or air ejected from the air / water feeding nozzle 60 is surely sprayed to the observation lens 3 lb of the far-side fluorescent imaging unit 31B. As a result, the observation lens 3 lb of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B is reliably and efficiently sprayed with gas and liquid, cleaned to a clean state, and a good observation field is ensured. [0154] Further, the openings 26 and 27 have their centers O and O separated by a predetermined distance.

5 6

As shown, the tip cover 24 is disposed on the tip surface. As a result, the endoscope 2 performs a suction operation at the opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel 19, and when a liquid such as distilled water is ejected from the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20, the suction force to the opening 26 is reduced. The liquid can be ejected toward the affected part in the body cavity without being affected by this. That is, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment is configured such that the ejection direction of the liquid ejected from the opening 27 is not disturbed by the suction from the opening 26.

[0155] The endoscope 2 of the present embodiment having the various features (effects) described above has an air supply / water supply nozzle 60 and an observation lens 3 la of the normal optical imaging unit 31A on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24. The observation lens 31b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B is arranged on a substantially straight line. For this reason, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment is set to a clean state by spraying gas and liquid on the outer surface of each observation lens 31a, 31b with one air / water supply nozzle 60, and has a good observation field of view. Is ensured.

[0156] The special light observation described above has an enlargement factor (preferably an enlargement factor of 100 times or more) at the histological observation level including cells and glandular structures that can be obtained only by fluorescence observation. The optical system may be a magnified observation that obtains a magnified observation image as a special light observation image that can be magnified at a higher magnification than a normal light observation image.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0158] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-4575, filed in Japan on January 11, 2005, on the basis of priority claim. It shall be cited in the scope of the drawing.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] An insertion portion having a distal end portion and a bending portion that can be bent in a first direction that substantially matches the vertical direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor;

At least two imaging units each provided with an imaging device for obtaining the endoscopic image; and at least two observations that are provided at the distal end and collect light incident on the at least two imaging units, respectively. Optical system,

An illumination optical system that emits illumination light that is provided at the tip and that is supplied with illumination force; and

The illumination optical system is one of the at least two observation optical systems, wherein one of the at least two observation optical systems is arranged such that an end in the lower direction is located below the other observation optical system in the first direction. An endoscope insertion portion, wherein the insertion portion is arranged so that the center is located above the lower end of the system.

[2] The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the at least two imaging units include a first imaging unit that performs normal light observation and a second imaging unit that performs special light observation. Insertion part.

[3] The endoscope insertion portion according to [2], wherein the special light observation is fluorescence observation.

[4] An insertion portion having a distal end portion and a bending portion that can be bent in a first direction that substantially matches the vertical direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor;

For an endoscope having a first imaging unit for obtaining a first observation image that can be partially enlarged on the display unit, and a second imaging unit for obtaining a second observation image An insertion part,

A first observation optical system that is disposed at the tip and collects light incident on the first imaging unit;

A second observation optical system that is disposed at the tip and collects light incident on the second imaging unit;

An illumination optical system that is provided at the distal end and emits illumination light supplied by the illumination unit, and the centers of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system at the distal end surface of the distal end. Substantially aligned on a connecting straight line and passing through the approximate center of the tip surface. Axial force in the direction of 1 Gas that is ejected from the ejection port disposed on the tip surface to the outer surfaces of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system so as to be separated by a predetermined distance Or an air / water supply section in which the liquid ejection direction has a first angle with respect to the first direction;

Comprising

The illumination optical system is arranged such that, of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system, the lower end portion is below the other observation optical system in the first direction. An endoscope insertion portion, wherein the insertion portion is arranged such that a center is positioned above an end portion in the lower direction of the one observation optical system.

5. The endoscope for endoscope according to claim 1, wherein one of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system is a magnifying optical system having a higher magnification than the other. Insertion section.

6. The endoscope for endoscope according to claim 2, wherein one of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system is a magnification optical system having a higher magnification than the other. Insertion section.

7. The endoscope for endoscope according to claim 3, wherein one of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system is a magnification optical system having a higher magnification than the other. Insertion section.

8. The endoscope for endoscope according to claim 4, wherein one of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system is an enlargement optical system having a higher enlargement magnification than the other. Insertion section.

[9] An insertion portion having a distal end portion and a curved portion that can be bent in a direction substantially coinciding with a vertical direction of a monitor screen on which an endoscopic image is displayed;

A first optical member that is provided on a distal end surface of the distal end portion and for receiving light of an object force;

A subject provided on the distal end surface and arranged such that a second end in the downward direction is positioned below a first end in the downward direction of the first optical member. A second optical member for incident light,

A third optical member for emitting illumination light, which is disposed on the tip surface so that the center is positioned above at least the second end of the second optical member;

An endoscope insertion portion characterized by comprising:

[10] The bay extends in a direction that approximately matches the top and bottom of the monitor screen on which the endoscopic image is displayed. An insertion portion for insertion into a body cavity, an air supply / water supply portion that is disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and ejects gas or liquid in a predetermined direction;

In the front end portion, a second portion disposed on the predetermined direction side with respect to the air / water supply portion

1 observation window,

The tip portion is on the predetermined direction side with respect to the first observation window, the distance from the air / water supply section is a position farther than the first observation window, and the first observation window The first observation window is disposed below the first end in the lower direction so that the second end in the lower direction is located, and has a smaller outer diameter than the first observation window. 2 observation windows,

A third observation window for emitting illumination light, disposed at the tip so that the center is positioned at least above the second end of the second observation window;

An endoscope insertion portion comprising the endoscope.