WO2006098073A1

WO2006098073A1 - Insertion section for endoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2006098073A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/300099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Takashi Otawara
Original assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
Priority date: 2005-03-15
Filing date: 2006-01-06
Publication date: 2006-09-21
Also published as: JP4451333B2; JP2006255001A

Abstract

An insertion section for an endoscope has a distal section integrally having imaging portions for obtaining an endoscope image; a bend portion provided at a base end of the distal section and bendable in the direction substantially coincides with the up-down direction of a monitor screen on which the endoscope image is displayed; an insertion portion having at its head the distal section and the bend portion; and a tube path having at its head an opening and ejecting liquid toward an affected site in a body cavity. Because the opening is provided in the distal section so as to be able to eject the liquid within a observation field of view obtained by the imaging portions, operability for a user is improved so that the user can eject liquid from the opening of a forward water supply channel toward a desired affected site and that the distal section can be reduced in diameter.

Description

Specification

Endoscope insertion section

Technical field

The present invention relates to an endoscope insertion portion of an endoscope having a plurality of observation optical systems.

Background art

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 a long and thin insertion portion into a body cavity, and performs various treatments using a treatment tool inserted into a treatment device perforation channel as necessary. can do. A bending portion is provided at the distal end of the insertion portion, and the observation direction of the observation window at the distal end can be changed by operating the operation portion of the endoscope.

[0003] In general, the outer surface of the objective optical system of an endoscope may interfere with observation when it is inserted into a body cavity, which may interfere with observation. Establish. The outer surface of the objective optical system of the endoscope can secure a clean observation field by spraying cleaning liquid from the air / water supply nozzle or blowing air. For example, as described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-154155, an endoscope having a plurality of objective optical systems has been proposed. This endoscope has a plurality of imaging units, and is arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion so that the plurality of object optical systems and the openings of the air / water supply nozzles are arranged on a substantially straight line.

[0004] In addition, recently used endoscopes have a pipeline (hereinafter referred to as a treatment instrument channel) through which various forceps are inserted and body fluids, dirt, and the like in a body cavity are sucked. In order to wash the mucous membrane and the like adhering to the affected area, which is the test site, it has a pipe line (hereinafter referred to as a forward water supply channel) for spraying a washing liquid toward the affected area. Each opening of the treatment instrument channel and the front water supply channel is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end portion.

[0005] The forward water supply channel formed in the distal end portion has a predetermined angle so that the liquid ejection direction faces the axial extension direction of the distal end portion on the subject side so as to surely enter the observation field of view of the imaging unit. May be formed. In this case, the front end portion is enlarged in the outer diameter direction by the front water supply channel formed so that the front end portion has a predetermined angle. End up.

[0006] Furthermore, in an endoscope having a plurality of imaging units, for example, at least one imaging unit capable of imaging with normal light is often provided. In such an endoscope, an imaging unit for observation with normal light is frequently used, and if there is an abnormality in an affected part in a body cavity, for example, an imaging unit for special observation such as fluorescence observation is further increased. Details, V, can observe the affected area.

That is, in an endoscope having a plurality of imaging units, liquid is reliably ejected from the opening of the front water supply channel toward the user's desired affected area during observation with normal light that is frequently used. It is desirable that

[0008] Therefore, the endoscope of the present invention is made in view of the above-described circumstances. In an endoscope having a plurality of imaging units, the user can move the front water supply channel toward a desired affected area. The purpose of this invention is to realize an insertion portion for an endoscope which improves the operability of ejecting liquid from the opening and can make a small diameter at the tip.

Disclosure of the invention

Means for solving the problem

[0009] The endoscope insertion portion of the present invention that achieves the above-mentioned object is arranged at a distal end portion in which a plurality of imaging portions for obtaining an endoscopic image are incorporated, and at a proximal end of the distal end portion. A bending portion that can be bent in a direction substantially matching the vertical direction of the monitor screen on which the endoscopic image is displayed, the leading end portion, an insertion portion having the bending at the leading end portion, and the leading end portion. And a conduit that ejects liquid toward the affected area in the body cavity, and the opening is configured to eject the liquid into an observation field of view by the plurality of imaging units. It is arranged in the part.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an endoscope system.

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

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a distal end cover of an endoscope.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the front end cover when the front force is also seen.

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 pipeline.

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 of the front end cover when the frontal force is also viewed.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of the front end cover when the front force is also viewed.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the tip cover as seen from the front.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the distal end portion cut along the line GG of FIG.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the distal end portion of the distal end section cut along the line HH in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the visual field range of each imaging unit and the action of liquid ejection from the front water channel opening.

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the visual field range of each imaging unit and the action of liquid ejection from the front water channel opening.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end portion and a bending portion according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tip portion of the tip portion provided with the tip cover of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a view for explaining the field of view of each imaging unit and the action of liquid ejection from the front water channel opening.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the field-of-view range of each imaging unit and the action of liquid ejection from the front water supply channel opening.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First embodiment)

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

First, the configuration of the endoscope system according to the present 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 first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an endoscope 2 that can perform normal light observation and fluorescence observation, and a light source device 3 that supplies illumination light to the endoscope 2. And a processor 4 as a signal processing device that performs signal processing on the endoscope 2 and a video signal output from the processor 4, thereby allowing each endoscope for normal observation or fluorescence observation to be input. A monitor 5 that displays a mirror image, an air / water supply device 6 that performs air / water supply, and a front water supply device 6a that performs forward water supply are provided.

The endoscope 2 includes an elongated endoscope insertion portion (hereinafter simply referred to as an insertion portion) 11 so as to be easily inserted into a body cavity, and an operation portion 12 connected to the proximal end of the insertion portion 11. And a universal cable 13 extending from the side of the operation unit 12. The connector 14 provided at the end of the universal cable 13 is detachably connected to the light source device 3.

The insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 2 is operated from the rigid distal end portion 15 formed at the distal end thereof, the bending portion 16 formed at the proximal end of the distal end portion 15, and the proximal end of the bending portion 16. And a flexible tube portion 17 having flexibility formed up to the portion 12.

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.

Further, 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.

In the present embodiment, the light guide 21 is branched, for example, in the operation unit 12, and is divided into two parts and inserted through the insertion unit 11. The front end surface of each of the light guides 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, respectively.

[0016] In addition, a treatment instrument channel (also referred to as a forceps channel), which is a first conduit, is provided in the insertion portion 11 so that a treatment instrument such as forceps can be passed through (not shown in FIG. 1). The distal end of the treatment device channel is open at the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24.

This treatment instrument channel branches off near the proximal end of the insertion portion 11, and one of them is arranged in the operation portion 12. It penetrates to a treatment tool tub entrance (not shown). In addition, the other of the treatment instrument channel communicates with the suction channel through the insertion portion 11 and the universal cable 13, and the base end of the treatment tool channel is not shown in the drawing as a suction arch I means through the connector 14! Connected to.

[0017] Two imaging units are arranged inside the distal end portion 15. In the present embodiment, a normal light observation imaging unit (hereinafter referred to as a normal light imaging unit) 31A, which constitutes the first imaging means for normal light observation and is the first imaging unit, An imaging unit for fluorescence observation (hereinafter referred to as a fluorescence imaging unit) 31B, which constitutes a second imaging means for observation and is a second imaging unit, is built in.

[0018] In the present embodiment, the second imaging unit constituting the second imaging unit is a fluorescence observation imaging unit capable of performing fluorescence observation, which is a special observation. An imaging unit, an infrared observation imaging unit, or the like is not particularly limited.

[0019] One end of each of the signal cables 38a and 38b is connected to the normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B. The other ends of these signal cables 38a and 38b are passed through the operation unit 12 and the universal cable 13, and are connected to the 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.

In the processor 4, drive circuits 45 a and 45 b that respectively drive the imaging elements of the normal light imaging unit 31 A and the fluorescence imaging unit 3 IB, and the two imaging elements via the relay substrate 42, respectively. A signal processing circuit 46 that performs signal processing on the output imaging signal and a control circuit 47 that controls the operation state of the signal processing circuit 46 and the like are provided. Further, the operation switch 12 of the endoscope 2 performs control switches 48a and 48b, an air / water supply button 63, a not-shown! Bending operation knob, and a tele Z zoom operation of the normal light imaging unit 31A. A switch (not shown) (also referred to as a tele-Z zoom button), a front water supply button (not shown), and the above-described treatment instrument hole (not shown) are provided.

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 is Then, a signal instructing switching is generated, and the control switch 48b generates, for example, a freeze instruction signal.

[0021] For example, the relay board 42 is configured so that 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. Then, the switching operation is performed so that the other signal cable is connected to the signal cable 43.

Specifically, for example, when the control switch 48 a is operated, the control cable 48 is inserted into the scope cable 44 and electrically connected to the control circuit 47 through the switching signal line 49 c. A switching signal is output to the array board 42. In the relay board 42 to which the switching signal line 49c is connected, the input terminal of the signal from the control circuit 47 is normally in the L (LOW) level state, and the switching control terminal is pulled down. 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. In other words, the normal light observation state is set when the switching instruction operation is not performed.

In this state, when the user operates the control switch 48a, a control signal that causes the signal from the control circuit 47 to be at the H (HIGH) level is applied to the input terminal of the relay board 42 via the switching signal line 49c. The relay board 42 pulls up the switching control terminal, and in this state, the signal cable 38b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B is connected to the common signal cable 43.

[0023] Further, when the control switch 48a is operated, an L level signal is supplied to the switching control terminal, and the signal cable 38a of the normal optical imaging unit 31A is connected to the common signal cable 43. ing.

In addition, in accordance with the operation of the control switch 48a, the control circuit 47 also sends 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 to generate normal observation light or excitation light for fluorescence observation according to the control signal. Further, the control circuit 47 controls the operation state of the signal processing circuit 46 so as to operate corresponding to the respective imaging elements of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B. The light source device 3 is disposed in the optical path of the lamp 51 that generates white light including the wavelength of the excitation light, the collimator lens 52 that converts the light from the lamp 51 into a parallel light beam, and is visible, for example, A rotary filter 53 with an RGB filter in the circumferential direction that passes light in the R (RED), G (GREE N), and Β (BLUE) wavelength bands in the optical wavelength band (380ηπ! To 780nm), and this rotary filter And a condensing lens 54 that condenses the transmitted light 53 and emits the light to the proximal end portion 22 of the light guide 21.

In addition, the rotary filter 53 provided with the RGB filter is provided with an excitation light filter 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

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.

Further, at the distal end portion 15, the jet outlets face the outer surfaces of the objective lenses (hereinafter also referred to as observation lenses) of the normal light imaging unit 31 A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31 B arranged on the distal end cover 24. In this way, an air / water supply nozzle 60, which constitutes an air / water supply means and is an air / water supply section, is arranged.

As will be described later, the air / water supply nozzle 60 is connected to an air / water supply pipe 61 that is joined at the leading end, and the proximal end of the air / water supply pipe 61 is connected to the air / air supply pipe 61a. It branches off to the water transmission line 61b.

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

[0026] The air / water supply line 61a and the water / air supply line 61b are provided with the above-mentioned air / water supply button 63 in the middle of the operation unit 12, and the air / water supply button 63 is operated. Thus, air supply and water supply are performed.

[0027] Thereby, the air / water supply nozzle 60 ejects a gas such as air or a liquid such as distilled water. Sprayed on the outer surface of each objective lens of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B arranged in the direction to remove and wash body fluids, deposits, etc., and image and observe in a clean state The field of view can be secured.

[0028] Further, in the insertion portion 11, a forward water supply channel (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided as a second conduit for supplying a liquid such as distilled water to a test site in the body cavity. It is. The front end of the front water supply channel is open at the front end surface of the front end cover 24. This forward water supply channel is connected to the forward water supply device 6a, and is not shown in the drawing shown in the operation unit 12 and is provided with a forward water supply button. 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 supply device 6a, and the user inserts the insertion portion 11 into the body cavity by operating the foot switch 6b. It is also possible to spray liquids such as distilled water by force in the direction.

[0029] Further, the treatment instrument channel and the forward water supply channel described above constitute the endoscope channel in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the distal end cover 24 disposed at the distal end portion 15 of the insertion portion 11 has an observation lens 31a that is a first observation window of the normal light imaging unit 31A, and a fluorescent light. An observation lens 31b that is the second observation window of the imaging unit 31B, two illumination lenses 25a and 25b, an opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel, and an opening 27 of the front water supply channel are disposed. . Further, as described above, the air supply / water supply nozzle 60 is arranged on the tip cover 24 so that the jet port 60a faces the observation lenses 31a and 31b.

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

Specifically, when the tip force of the tip portion 15 is also seen, an observation lens 31a is disposed at the substantially center of the tip surface of the substantially circular tip cover 24. Then, an illumination lens 25a and an illumination lens 25b are arranged on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 so as to sandwich the observation lens 31a. Furthermore, the tip surface of the tip cover 24 is 4 toward the paper surface, the opening 27 of the front water channel on the upper right side of the observation lens 31a, the air / water supply nozzle 60 on the upper left side, the observation lens 31b on the lower right side, and the opening 26 of the air / water supply channel on the lower left side 26 Is arranged.

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 tip portion and the curved portion cut along the line AA in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion cut along the line BB in FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the branching portion of the air / water supply pipeline, FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tip section cut along the CC line in FIG. 4, and FIG. 9 is cut along the DD line in FIG. FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the tip section cut along the line EE in FIG. 5, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the curved section cut along the line FF in FIG. is there.

As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of annular bending pieces 7 are continuously provided on 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. The four wire guards 7a are fixed to the inner peripheral surface of one bending piece 7 at positions shifted by approximately 90 ° around the insertion axis (see FIG. 10).

The plurality of bending pieces 7 are covered with a bending blade 9 in which a thin wire or the like is knitted into a cylindrical shape so as to cover the outer periphery thereof. A curved portion 16 is formed by covering the curved blade 9 with the outer skin 10 so as to keep watertight.

The outer skin 10 covers the entire length of the insertion portion 11 including the distal end portion 15, the bending portion 16, and the flexible tube portion 17, and the outer peripheral portion of the distal end is the distal end portion 15. In FIG. 4, the thread is bonded by the bobbin adhering portion 10a.

In addition, four bending operation wires 8 that are bending operation means extending from the bending portion 16 toward the proximal end are passed through the insertion portion 11 in the insertion portion 11. These four bending operation wires 8 are provided by four fixing portions 18a (see FIG. 11; only one is shown in FIG. 5) of the fixing ring 18 provided at the tip portion within the tip portion 15. Each about 90 around the insertion axis ° Holds and is fixed. The bending operation wires 8 are provided so that the base end side portions thereof pass through the wire guards 7 a provided on the curved piece 7.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Further, the bending operation wire 8 has a proximal end portion provided in the operation unit 12 (see Fig. 1) and is connected to a bending operation mechanism (not shown) connected to a curve operation knob. They are alternately pulled or relaxed.

[0039] The four bending operation wires 8 are pulled and loosened by predetermined operations of the bending operation knob, respectively, so that the bending portion 16 is bent in four directions. As will be described later, these four directions are the four directions of the endoscope image displayed on the monitor 5 photographed by the respective imaging units 31A and 31B.

[0040] Further, the first bending operation means that operates the bending portion 16 in the up-down direction and the two bending operation wires 8 that are the first curve operation members, and the bending portion 16 in the left-right direction are provided. Two bending operation wires 8 that constitute the second bending operation means to be operated and are the second bending operation members are paired with each other. That is, the two bending operation wires 8 that are respectively held by the two wire guards 7a in the direction corresponding to the vertical direction of the bending piece 7 in the bending portion 16 are the first bending operation members, and are bent. The two bending operation wires 8 that are respectively held by the two wire guards 7a in the direction corresponding to the left-right direction in the bending piece 7 in the portion 16 are the second bending operation members.

[0041] 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 is inserted into the inner peripheral side of the reinforcing ring 15b of the distal end portion 15. Furthermore, the reinforcing ring 15b has a base end portion connected to the cutting edge bending piece 7.

[0042] Of the seven holes formed in the cylindrical member 15a in the distal end portion 15, two holes form the distal end portions of the treatment instrument channel 19 and the forward water supply channel 20. 5 remaining The normal light imaging unit 31A, the fluorescence imaging unit 31B, the air / water feeding nozzle 60, and the two illumination lens units described later are arranged in the holes.

[0043] The treatment instrument channel 19 includes a substantially cylindrical shape that is inserted into an opening 26 that is open in the distal end cover 24 provided on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 15 and a hole of the columnar member 15a of the distal end portion 15. And a treatment instrument pipe line 19b formed of a flexible tube cover whose tip portion covers the base end portion of the pipe member 19a and is connected and fixed by thread winding. The treatment instrument pipe line 19b passes through the insertion section 11, and the proximal end of the treatment instrument pipe line 19b is located at the operation section 12. As described above, the treatment instrument passage 19b (shown in FIG. )) And open.

Similarly, the front water supply channel 20 having the opening 27 in the tip cover 24 includes a substantially cylindrical tube member 20a inserted into the hole of the columnar member 15a of the tip portion 15, and a base of the tube member 20a. A front water supply pipe line 20b that covers the end portion and is connected and fixed by a bobbin winder.

This forward water supply conduit 20b passes through the insertion portion 11, the operation portion 12, and the universal cable 13 to reach the connector 14, and is connected to the forward water supply device 6a. As described above, the forward water supply pipe 20b, which is the forward water supply channel 20, is provided with a forward 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 jet port 60a on the tip side faces the outer surface side 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.

[0046] The distal end portion of the tube member 62 is inserted into the proximal end side of the hole of the cylindrical member 15a corresponding to the air / water supply nozzle 60, and the air supply / feed portion is inserted into the proximal end portion of the tube member 62. Water pipeline 61 is connected. The pipe member 62 and the air / water supply pipe 61 are connected and fixed by thread winding.

As shown in FIG. 7, the air / water supply pipeline 61 has a base end portion connected to the branch pipe 50. The branch end portions of the branch pipe 50 are connected to the tip portions of the air supply pipe line 61a and the water supply pipe line 61b, respectively. Thereby, the air / water supply conduit 61 communicates with the air / air supply conduit 61a and the water supply conduit 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 to the respective connection portions and the entire circumference of the branch pipe 50 so that each connection is made. The part is kept airtight (watertight). [0048] In addition, the illumination lens unit 23 is inserted and fitted into two of the seven holes formed in the cylindrical member 15a of the distal end portion 15, respectively. The distal end portions of the light guide 21 are inserted into the base end portions of these two holes, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the illumination lens unit 23 includes a plurality of illumination lenses 25 and a holding frame 23a 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 most advanced of the illumination lenses 25, respectively.

[0050] The light guide 21 is covered with an outer skin 29 in which a cylindrical member 21a is covered at a tip portion 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 thread, and the light guide 21 covered with the outer skin 29 passes through the tube 28! /.

[0051] Of the seven hole portions of the cylindrical member 15a described above, one hole portion is a first observation optical system fixing means that is a first observation optical system fixing means such as a screw or an adhesive. A normal light observation unit 31A including an observation lens 31a which is a first observation optical system fixed by a member is disposed. This hole portion constitutes a first observation optical system arrangement portion serving as a first observation optical system arrangement means.

In addition, the other one hole is an observation lens that is a second observation optical system by a second observation optical system fixing member that is a second observation optical system fixing means such as a screw or an adhesive. A fluorescence observation unit 31B including 3 lb is arranged. This hole portion constitutes a second observation optical system arrangement section which is a second observation optical system arrangement means.

[0053] Further, two illumination lens units each including the illumination lenses 25 that are the first and second illumination optical systems are fixed to the first and second illumination optical systems such as screws and adhesives, for example. One of the other two holes fixedly arranged by the first means is a first illumination optical arrangement section that becomes the first illumination optical arrangement means, and the other one becomes the second illumination optical arrangement means. Configure the 2 illumination optics arrangement!

[0054] Of the seven holes, the hole where the air / water supply part is arranged is fixedly arranged with the air / water supply nozzle 60 by a first air / water supply fixing part such as a screw or an adhesive. An air / water supply arrangement section which is an air / water supply arrangement means is configured. [0055] Further, of the seven holes, the hole in which the treatment instrument channel 19 that is the first endoscope channel is arranged is the first endoscope channel arrangement means. It constitutes the endoscope duct arrangement part.

[0056] In addition, the hole portion in which the front water supply channel 20 which is the second endoscope conduit is disposed is a second endoscope conduit disposing portion serving as the second endoscope conduit disposing means. It is composed. The treatment instrument channel 19 is formed of one of the seven holes by a first endoscope pipe fixing member that serves as a first endoscope pipe fixing means such as a screw or an adhesive. Fixed to the part. Further, the front water supply channel 20 is fixedly disposed in the other one hole by a second endoscope channel fixing member that serves as a second endoscope channel fixing means such as a screw or an adhesive. The

[0057] Referring back to FIG. 6, the normal light imaging unit 31A includes a lens unit 32, an imaging device 33 such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a MOS (and Omplementary Metal—uxide Semiconductor), a circuit board 34, and the like. have.

[0058] 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 having four objective lens forces including the observation lens 31a is held by the first lens frame 32a. The second lens 32B made up of one objective lens is held by the second lens frame 32b. Further, the third lens group 32C composed of two objective lenses is held by the third lens frame 32c. Furthermore, the fourth lens group 32D having three objective lens forces is held by the fourth lens frame 32d.

By the way, the second lens frame 32b holding the second lens 32B is a movable frame that can be moved back and forth with respect to the photographing optical axis direction for zooming. The second lens frame 32b has a zooming operation lever (not shown) provided in the operation unit 12 that is operated by the user, so that the second lens frame 32b is provided with a normal optical imaging unit 31A (not shown) such as a motor or a finisher. The drive unit serving as the drive means moves forward and backward with respect to the photographing optical axis direction.

In addition, the drive unit that moves the second lens frame 32b forward and backward with respect to the photographing optical axis direction is supplied with a drive Z stop signal through 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.

[0061] The image sensor 33 is arranged in parallel on the base end side of the objective lens at the most base end of the fourth lens frame 32d. A cover lens 33a is provided on the light receiving surface side and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the optical image to the circuit board 34. The circuit board 34 has electrical components and a wiring pattern, 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. The circuit board 34 is connected to a plurality of signal lines of the signal cable 38a by means such as a solder joint.

[0062] The front end portions of the cover lens 33a, the image sensor 33, the circuit board 34, and the signal cable 38a are each integrally covered with an insulating sealing grease or the like, and the reinforcing annular portion 35a, and It is covered with an insulating tube 35b.

[0063] Further, the signal cable 38a is an image signal acquired by the imaging device 33 and the circuit board 34 of the normal optical imaging unit 31A, 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.

[0064] On the other hand, the fluorescence imaging unit 31B has 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.

[0065] 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. !

[0066] In the image sensor 38, a cover lens 40 arranged in parallel to 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. The image sensor 38 outputs an electrical signal of an optical image to the circuit board 39.

[0067] The circuit board 39 includes electrical components and a wiring pattern in the same manner as the circuit board 34 of the normal optical imaging unit 31A. A plurality of signal lines of the signal cable 38a are connected to the circuit board 39 by means such as soldering. The circuit board 39 performs photoelectric conversion of the optical image from the image sensor 38 into an electrical image signal, and outputs the image signal to the signal cable 38 b.

[0068] The outer peripheral portions of the cover lens 40, the image sensor 33, the circuit board 34, and the signal cable 38a are integrally covered with an insulating sealing resin, and the reinforcing annular portion 35a, and It is covered with an insulating tube 35b. [0069] Further, the signal cable 38b is connected to the imaging device 38 of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B and the circuit board 3.

The image signal acquired in 9 is transmitted to the signal processing circuit 46 of the processor 4 through the relay board 42 and the signal cable 43 of the connector 14 shown in FIG.

[0070] The normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B described above have the tip 1

5 are respectively inserted into predetermined holes provided in the cylindrical member 15a, and are firmly fixed together with a fixing member such as a screw by an adhesive or the like.

In the present embodiment, the observation lens 3 la that the normal light imaging unit 31 A has at the tip has a lens diameter (an outer diameter) at the tip of the fluorescence imaging unit 31 B. It is arranged and has a diameter larger than the lens diameter (outer diameter) of the observation lens 3 lb.

[0072] Further, in each of the image pickup units 31A and 31B, the light receiving surfaces of the two image pickup devices 33 and 38 are orthogonal to the insertion axis of the insertion portion 11, and the horizontal transfer direction of the two image pickup devices 33 and 38, The installation direction in the tip 15 is determined so that the vertical transfer directions coincide with each other.

[0073] In addition, subject images captured by the imaging units 31A and 31B are displayed on the monitor 5 (see FIG. 1). The vertical direction in the monitor 5 coincides with the vertical transfer direction of the CCD elements or CMOS elements of the image sensors 33 and 38, and the horizontal direction in the monitor 5 is the CCD element or CMOS of the image sensors 33 and 38. It corresponds to the horizontal transfer direction of the element. That is, the up / down / left / right directions of the endoscopic images taken by the imaging units 31A and 31B coincide with the up / down / left / right directions of the monitor 5.

[0074] 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. It can be bent in four directions, up, down, left and right, corresponding to the up, down, left, and right directions of the image.

That is, even when the observation with the normal light and the fluorescence observation are switched, the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5 is always equal in the up / down / left / right direction of the bending operation direction of the bending portion 16. In each of the imaging units 31A and 31B, the installation direction in the distal end portion 15 is determined so that the horizontal transfer direction and the vertical transfer direction of the respective image pickup devices 33 and 38 coincide with each other. [0076] 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. The bending portion 16 can be bent vertically and horizontally.

In the following description, the up and down direction, which is the first direction, will be described as the up and down direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5 and the up and down direction in which the bending portion 16 is bent. Normally, the monitor 5 is installed so that its vertical direction is substantially coincident with the vertical vertical direction. Further, the left-right direction, which is the second direction substantially orthogonal to the up-down direction, is equal to the left-right direction of the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 5 and the left-right direction in which the bending portion 16 is bent.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the user connects the connector 14 of the endoscope 2 to the light source device 3, connects one end of the scope cable 44 to the connector 14, and connects the other end of the scope cable 44 to the processor 4. Connect to. In addition, the air supply line 61a and the water supply line 6 lb are connected to the air / water supply apparatus 6.

Then, the user turns on a power switch such as the light source device 3 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 activated state, the relay board 42 is set so that the normal optical imaging unit 31A side is selected. 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.

Furthermore, the control circuit 47 controls the 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 part 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 receives RGB illumination light in the field sequential order. Supplied. In synchronization with this, the drive circuit 45a outputs a drive signal, and illuminates the affected area in the body cavity of the patient via the illumination lenses 25a and 25b.

[0080] An 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.

The signal input into the signal processing circuit 46 is internally stored in R, G, and B memories after AZD conversion.

After that, the signals stored in the R, G, B memory are simultaneously read out and synchronized into R, G, B signals, and further DZA converted into analog R, G, B signals. Is displayed in color.

[0081] Then, when the user wants to examine the affected area in more detail by fluorescence observation in addition to normal light observation, the user turns on the control switch 48a. Then, the control circuit 47 receives this switching instruction signal, performs switching control of the relay board 42, and sets the light source device 3 to a supply state of excitation light for fluorescence observation via the control circuit 58.

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 moves the rotating filter 53 in the direction orthogonal to the illumination optical path together with the motor 55 by the geared motor 57, and the excitation light filter is arranged in the illumination optical path. So that

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

[0082] When the affected area or the like irradiated with the excitation light is an abnormal site such as a cancer tissue, the excitation light is absorbed and emits stronger fluorescence 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 image sensor 38, and is photoelectrically converted. The image sensor 38 outputs a photoelectrically converted signal by applying a drive signal from the drive circuit 45b. In this case, the signal is amplified inside the image sensor 38 and output from the image sensor 38. This signal is input to the signal processing circuit 46 through the signal cable 38b and the common signal cable 43 selected by the relay board 42.

The signal input into the signal processing circuit 46 is internally AZD converted and then stored in the R, G, B memory, for example, simultaneously.

[0083] After that, the signals stored in the R, G, B memory are simultaneously read out and synchronized into R, G, B signals, and further DZA converted into analog R, G, B signals. The monitor 5 will be displayed in monochrome.

Note that the level of the signal input into 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, since normal light observation and fluorescence observation can be performed, it is possible to realize an endoscope that can be more easily diagnosed than an endoscope that performs normal light observation alone. In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the respective imaging units 31A and 31B are provided, good normal light observation images and fluorescence observation images can be obtained.

[0084] Specifically, particularly when fluorescent imaging is performed, it is necessary to capture weak light as compared with the case of normal observation, and a light having a high SZN is desired. In this embodiment, an image having a low SZN is likely to be obtained. However, in the present embodiment, the image pickup device 38 having a high sensitivity to light is adopted for the image pickup device 33 for normal observation suitable for fluorescence imaging. A fluorescent image with good SZN can be obtained.

In addition, by providing a switching relay board 42 and only one of the two imaging units 31A and 31B is connected to the processor 4, the two imaging units 31A and 31B are always driven. In addition, the endoscope system 1 having a compact configuration can be formed as compared with the case where signal processing is required.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to ensure a good observation field of view by setting a clean state by blowing gas and liquid on the outer surfaces of both observation lenses 31a and 31b with one air / water supply nozzle 60. Therefore, the insertion part 11 can be narrowed and the pain given to the patient during insertion can be reduced. In addition to being able to reduce, the applicable range of insertion can be expanded.

In addition, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment has the same external structure as an existing endoscope that includes only an imaging unit for normal light observation, and normal light observation is performed via a scope cable 44. By connecting to an unillustrated processor that performs driving and signal processing for an existing endoscope that has only an image pickup unit for use, it can be used as an endoscope for normal light observation as well as an existing endoscope You can also That is, the endoscope 2 can be used by connecting to an existing processor while maintaining the same compatibility as an existing endoscope having only an imaging unit for normal light observation.

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

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.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the tip surface of the tip 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.

0 1

And O is the center of the observation lens 31b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B. Also described later 2

2

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

3 4

The center of the part 26 is O, and the center of the opening 27 of the forward water supply channel 20 is O. More

5 6

, Passing through the center O of the tip surface of the tip cover 24 and perpendicular to the curved vertical line of the curved portion 16

0

Let line X be the horizontal line Y. In the following description, the vertical line X in the present embodiment is a line such as a vertical line.

[0088] As described above, the air / water feeding 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 31a and 31b are arranged so as to be substantially aligned with the front end surface of the front end cover 24.

[0089] In the present embodiment, the air / water supply nozzle 60 is arranged such that gas or liquid such as distilled water or air injected from the outlet 60a of the air / water supply nozzle 60 is ejected in the direction of the arrow line AR in the figure. tip The cover 24 is disposed on the front end surface. 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 passing through the center of the hole surface of the jet port 60a in a direction substantially orthogonal to the tip surface of the air / water supply nozzle 60 having the jet port 60a.

[0090] The installation direction around the air / water supply nozzle 60, that is, 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 arrow line AR described above. The direction is decided. In other words, the air supply / water supply nozzle 60 jets so that the arrow line AR, which is the jet direction of gas / 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 in which the exit 60a faces is determined.

[0091] On the other hand, the observation lens 3 lb of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B has an outer surface on the paper surface of FIG. 10 so that it has at least a portion that intersects 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.

As described above, the air / water supply nozzle 60 and the two observation lenses 31a 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.

[0093] Thereby, the positions of the observation lenses 31a, 31b are determined in the tip cover 24, and the direction of the outlet 60a of the air / water supply nozzle 60 (arrow line AR direction) is accordingly adjusted. It has been decided. Further, the angles Θ 2 and Θ 3 are set in such a range that 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.

The gas / liquid ejection range A of the air / water supply nozzle 60 is determined when the tip side force of the tip cover 24 is also viewed. In addition, it is set so as to include the entire outer surface of the observation lens 3 la of the normal light imaging unit 31 A.

An 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. Yes.

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).

Furthermore, the front end cover 24 has a left-right direction with respect to the direction viewed from the front end surface side (the direction is opposite to the curved left-right direction of the bending portion 16), that is, each of the imaging units 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 (the axis parallel to the insertion direction) The air / water nozzle 60 is arranged so that there is no cross section.

Note that, according to the present embodiment, the air / water feeding nozzle 60 is separated from the vertical line X by a predetermined distance in the left direction when viewed from the front end surface side of the front end cover 24. It is arranged at the position of the front end surface. In other words, the air / water supply nozzle 60 has a longitudinal axis above the horizontal line Y that divides the tip cover 24 into two equal parts when the tip side force of the tip cover 24 is also seen, and the tip cover 24 It is arranged so that it exists at a position shifted to the left side from the vertical line X that divides 24 into left and right halves.

As a result of the above, in the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, the air / water supply nozzle 60 provided on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24, the observation lens 3la of the normal light imaging unit 31A, and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B When the observation lens 31b is arranged on a substantially straight line, a single air / water supply nozzle 60 blows gas and liquid on the outer surface of each observation lens 31a, 31b to ensure a clean observation field. I can do it.

[0098] The longitudinal axis of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 is water that divides the tip cover 24 into two equal parts. It is above the flat line Y and is displaced by a predetermined distance from the vertical line X that bisects the tip cover 24 to the left and right. Therefore, the air / water supply conduit 61 communicating with the air / water supply nozzle 60 has four fixed portions 18a of the fixed ring 18 disposed in the distal end portion 15 and the curved portion when the insertion portion 11 is substantially straight. Without being in contact with the four wire guards 7 a provided in each bending piece 7 provided in the portion 16, the bending piece 7 is inserted substantially straight into the distal end portion 15 and the bending portion 16.

Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the air / water supply nozzle 60 described above, the air / water supply pipeline 61 is held in communication with the four wire guards 7 a of the bending pieces 7 in the bending portion 16. Since the contact with the four bending operation wires 8 is prevented, the movement of the bending operation wires 8 due to the pulling / relaxation is not obstructed, and deterioration due to the abrasion of the bending operation wires 8 can be prevented.

[0100] 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 pain given to the patient during insertion. The applicable range of body cavities that can be inserted can be expanded.

[0101] 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.

[0102] Further, when a gas / liquid such as distilled water or air is ejected from the ejection port 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 and suction is performed by the treatment instrument channel 19, a treatment provided below the tip cover 24. Due to the suction force from the opening 26 of the material channel 19, the liquid or the gas receives a force drawn toward the opening 26, and the flow changes to the curved lower side.

[0103] Due to such circumstances, in the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, the observation lens 31b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B is arranged on the center O and the normal light imaging unit 31A on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24.

2

The line a connecting the center O of the observation lens 31a is a predetermined value below the curved portion 16 of the curved portion 16 with respect to the arrow line AR, which is the ejection direction of liquid such as distilled water ejected from the outlet 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60. The angle is shifted by Θ2.

[0104] For this reason, 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 is curved below the ejection direction due to the influence of gravity. A liquid such as distilled water that has flowed down to the side is efficiently sprayed and washed to a clean state, ensuring a good field of view. Furthermore, the observation lens 31b is similarly sprayed efficiently in the case of distilled water or air-liquid such as air whose flow changes to the lower side of the curve due to the suction, and the observation lens 31b is washed in a clean state. Good viewing field is ensured

[0105] Further, in the endoscope 2 inserted into the body cavity of the patient, dirt or the like is attached to the insertion portion 11.

By the way, the front end surface of the front end cover 24 is a surface that is substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction, and dirt and the like are likely to adhere thereto. In particular, the observation lens 3 la of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the observation lens 3 lb of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B need to be surely cleaned of attached dirt and the like in order to secure their respective observation fields.

[0106] In particular, the endoscope 2 is more suitable for normal light observation than for observation of tissue color by fluorescence observation, in which the frequency of observation of the body cavity of a patient with normal light is higher than that of fluorescence observation. On the other hand, it is necessary to ensure a good observation field. In other words, it is better for the endoscope to have a large amount of light for photographing during normal light observation. Therefore, the normal light imaging unit 31A is arranged near the center of the distal end surface of the distal end portion 15, and the lens diameter (outer diameter) of the observation lens 3 lb that guides the incident light to the fluorescence imaging unit 31B for imaging. Light for imaging is taken in from an observation lens 3 la having a lens diameter (outer diameter) larger than the diameter.

[0107] In addition, the gas or liquid such as distilled water or air ejected from the ejection port 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 increases as the jet power on the side closer to the ejection port 60a becomes farther in the ejection direction. As the jet power decreases, the density due to diffusion decreases.

Due to such circumstances, as shown in FIG. 11, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment has a lens diameter (external diameter) 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.

[0109] From this point, the endoscope 2 has a lens diameter (outer diameter) that is easy to adhere to body fluids and dirt. Since the large observation lens 31a is close to the air / water feeding nozzle 60, the cleaning performance is not affected by the jet power of gas / liquid such as distilled water or air jetted from the jet outlet 60a and the decrease in density. Be improved.

[0110] In the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, as described above, the air / water feeding nozzle 60, the observation lens 31a of the normal light imaging unit 31A, and the observation lens 31b of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B are shown in FIG. The front end cover 24 shown is arranged in a substantially straight line on the front end surface. In addition, other components are arranged on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 on the arrow line AR, which is the ejection direction of distilled water ejected from the ejection outlet 60a of the air / water feeding nozzle 60 or gas / liquid such as air. Not set up. 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.

[0111] With such a configuration, the gas / liquid after cleaning the dirt and the like adhering to each observation lens 31a, 3 lb has a 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 washed 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 and FIG. 13, the two illumination lenses 25a and 25b disposed in the distal end cover 24, the opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel 19, and the opening of the front water supply channel 20 The arrangement of 27 will be described in detail.

As described above, the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 is curved in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the observation lens 3 la of the normal light imaging unit 31 A in which the two illumination lenses 25a and 25b are disposed substantially in the center. In this position, the opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel 19 is disposed at a position below the left side of the observation lens 31a, and the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 is disposed at a position above the right side of the observation lens 31a.

[0113] 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 are all steamed from the jet outlet 60a of the air / water supply nozzle 60. It is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 outside the region of the gas / liquid ejection range A, which is a range in which gas / liquid such as retained water or air is ejected so as to diffuse.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the opening 26 of the treatment instrument channel 19 has an air / water supply node. The area below the tip end face of the tip cover 24 that divides into two along the arrow line AR indicating the direction of gas-liquid ejection, such as distilled water or air, from the jet outlet 60a of the nozzle 60, and the gas-liquid ejection range A The tip cover 24 does not contain the tip cover 24 and is disposed in the region B on the tip surface.

[0115] Further, the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 is a region on the upper side of the tip surface of the tip force bar 24 that bisects along the arrow line AR, and does not include the gas-liquid ejection range A. The cover 24 is disposed in the region C on the front end surface.

[0116] In other words, the openings 26 and 27 are respectively disposed on the front end surface of the front end cover 24 at positions that are substantially symmetric with respect to the arrow line AR that indicates the ejection direction of gas-liquid such as distilled water or air. ing. That is, the center O of the opening 26 and the center O of the opening 27 are separated by a predetermined distance.

5 6

The openings 26 and 27 are disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 so that they are positioned at the same position.

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. Since it is located outside the area A of the gas / liquid ejection range A by the water supply nozzle 60, distilled water or air / liquid such as air injected from the air / water supply nozzle 60 flows into the openings 26 and 27. Can be prevented.

[0118] Thereby, gas-liquid such as distilled water or air ejected from the air / water feeding nozzle 60 is surely sprayed to 3 lb of the observation lens 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, washed in a clean state, and a good observation field is ensured.

[0119] Further, the openings 26, 27 are arranged such that the respective centers O, O are separated by a predetermined distance.

5 6

Further, the tip cover 24 is disposed on the tip surface. As a result, the endoscope 2 sucks into the opening 26 when a liquid such as distilled water is ejected from the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 while performing a suction operation from the opening 26 through the treatment instrument channel 19. Liquid can be ejected toward the affected area in the body cavity that is affected by force. That is, the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the ejection direction of the liquid ejected from the opening 27 is not disturbed by the suction from the opening 26! /.

[0120] Next, the observation range of each of the imaging units 31A and 31B, the arrangement position of the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 on the tip surface of the tip cover 24, and the operation will be described in more detail. 14 to 18 will be described.

14 is a front view of the tip cover as viewed from the tip side, FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the tip portion of the tip section cut along the line G-G in FIG. 14, and FIG. FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are diagrams for explaining the visual field range of each imaging unit and the action of the ejection of liquid from the front water channel opening, taken along the line.

[0121] In the present embodiment, the opening 27 of the forward water supply channel 20 is perpendicular to the front end surface of the front end cover 24 that bisects the vertical direction of the curved portion 16 when viewed from the plane of FIG. It is arranged on the right side so as to be separated from the line X by a predetermined distance.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the opening 27 of the forward water supply channel 20 of the present embodiment is formed by a horizontal line Y that bisects the curved vertical direction of the curved portion 16 at the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24. Is arranged at an upper position, and its center O is located in each of the observation lenses 31a and 31b.

6

It is located between lines XI and X2 which pass through the hearts O and O and are parallel to the vertical line X.

1 2

[0123] Furthermore, the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 is observed on the normal light imaging unit 3 1 A located above the top surface of the front cover 24 with respect to the vertical direction in which the curved portion 16 curves. It is arranged on the upper side of the lens 3 la. In other words, the opening 27 is arranged on the upper end side of the front end surface of the front end cover 24 with respect to the vertical direction in which the bending portion 16 bends, with respect to the closest observation lens 3 la.

That is, the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 is provided on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 so as to be positioned above the observation lenses 31a and 31b.

[0124] Further, the opening 27 is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24 so that the direction of the liquid to be ejected enters the visual field range of each of the imaging units 31A and 31B.

Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the opening 27 is formed on the object-side observation surface S at the focal distance of the imaging units 31A and 31B, and the visual field range VI and fluorescence of the normal light imaging unit 31A. It is arranged at the position of the front end surface of the front end cover 24 that includes the liquid ejection range HJ that is ejected into the common visual field range V3 that overlaps the visual field range V2 of the imaging unit 31B.

[0125] Note that the reference symbol V3 shown in Figs. 15 to 18 indicates that the visual field range VI of the normal optical imaging unit 31A and the visual field range V2 of the fluorescent imaging unit 31B share the image captured on the observation surface S on the subject side. It is an area. In addition, the symbol L1 in FIGS. 15 and 16 indicates the normal light imaging unit 31A. The reference numeral L2 indicates an optical axis incident on the fluorescence imaging unit 31B.

[0126] In the present embodiment, each of the imaging units 31A and 31B has an angle of view of, for example, 140 °, and is set so that the distances to the respective focal points on the subject side coincide. That is, the observation surface S is a range that is included in the angle of view of each of the imaging units 31A and 31B and includes the focal point of each of the imaging units 31A and 31B. Further, the imaging units 31 A and 31 B have a depth of field including the observation surface S in a predetermined distance range in the predetermined optical axes LI and L2.

[0127] As a result of the above, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment is configured so that the liquid ejected from the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 falls within the observation field of view of each imaging unit 31A, 31B. The opening 27 is disposed on the front end surface of the front end cover 24 so as to enter each depth of field. As a result, the operability of ejecting liquid from the opening 27 of the forward water supply channel 20 is improved in the endoscope 2 during observation with normal light or fluorescence.

[0128] Further, the liquid from the opening 27 is ejected while falling downward toward the affected part in the body cavity under the influence of gravity. The endoscope 2 has the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 disposed above the observation lens 31a, 31b of each imaging unit 31A, 31B on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24, so that the liquid The jetting direction is set so as to surely enter the observation field of view by the imaging units 31A and 31B.

[0129] Thus, the endoscope 2 has the front water supply channel 20 formed in a substantially straight pipeline without changing the liquid ejection direction in the distal end portion 15. Don't get bigger in the direction. That is, it is not necessary to angle the axis of the front water supply channel 20 on the tip end side, so that the tip portion 15 can be narrowed.

The endoscope 2 of the present embodiment having the above various features (effects) includes an air / water feeding nozzle 60 provided on the distal end surface of the distal end cover 24, an observation lens 31a of the normal light imaging unit 31A, and a fluorescence When the observation lens 31b of the image pickup unit 31B is arranged on a substantially straight line, a single air / water supply nozzle 60 blows gas and liquid on the outer surface of each observation lens 31a, 31b to set it in a clean state for good observation. The field of view can be secured.

[0131] In particular, the liquid from the opening 27 by the forward water supply channel 20 causes the normal optical imaging unit 3 1A and the fluorescence imaging unit 31B are ejected into the observation field of view. Therefore, the user can easily confirm the liquid to be ejected by the monitor 5 under the observation of either normal light or fluorescence, so that the liquid can be reliably ejected to a desired affected part in the body cavity. Furthermore, since the endoscope 2 can make the front water supply channel 20 in the distal end portion 15 into a substantially straight pipe shape, the distal end portion 15 can be narrowed in particular, and can be used for a patient during insertion. In addition to reducing pain, the range of applicable body cavities can be expanded.

[0132] (Second Embodiment)

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, the description thereof is omitted, and only different configurations, operations, and effects are described. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the endoscope 2 according to the embodiment is configured so that a liquid such as distilled water ejected from the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 is approximately at the center of the observation surface of the normal optical imaging unit 31A. The hole axis of the forward water supply channel 20 in the tip cover 24 provided with the opening 27 is tilted so as to be blown out. FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the distal end portion and the bending portion according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 20 is an enlarged sectional view of the distal end portion of the distal end portion provided with the distal end cover of FIG.

More specifically, in the normal light imaging unit 31A, a predetermined focal length is set on the subject side at the position of the point P through which the photographing optical axis LX passes. Further, the normal light imaging unit 31A can obtain a range of a predetermined viewing angle (for example, 140 °) as a captured image with respect to the observation surface F1 where the point P at the focal length on the subject side exists. This observation plane F1 is a plane substantially orthogonal to the photographing optical axis LX.

Further, the normal light imaging unit 31A has a depth of field d in the range from the observation surface F2 to the observation surface F3 with respect to the observation surface F1 at the focal length on the subject side. The depth of field d is set to a distance of about 3 to: LOOmm, for example.

That is, the normal light imaging unit 31 A focuses on the affected part in the body cavity, which is the subject included in the viewing angle, at the position corresponding to the observation plane F1, and the observation plane F2 to the observation plane. It is set to be able to shoot the F3 range!

[0136] In contrast, in the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment, the liquid ejected from the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 is the subject that the normal light imaging unit 31A obtains on the observation surface F1. The direction of the jet directed toward the point P is set at the approximate center of the image.

[0137] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the tip cover 24 of the distal end portion 15 is a hole serving as the distal end portion of the forward water supply channel 20 formed from the opening 27 of the forward water supply channel 20 toward the proximal end. The axis of the portion 27a is inclined toward the observation lens 3la side with a predetermined angle Θ4 with respect to the central axis Q in the longitudinal direction of the forward water supply channel in the distal end portion 15 on the proximal end side. Note that the axis of the hole 27a is an arrow line AD indicating the ejection direction of the liquid ejected from the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20.

In other words, the arrow line AD indicating the ejection direction of the liquid ejected from the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 has the predetermined angle Θ 4 in a direction approaching the photographing optical axis LX. That is, the central axis Q and the photographing optical axis LX are parallel axes. In addition, the arrow line AD, which is the direction of ejection of the liquid ejected from the opening 27 of the forward water supply channel 20, is a line passing through the point P on the observation surface F1.

Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the liquid ejection category from the opening 27 is a substantially central portion of the field-of-view range VI of the normal light imaging unit 31A on the observation plane F1, Further, it is included in the visual field range V2 of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B. That is, the ejection range J is the same as the field of view VI of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the field of view V2 of the fluorescence imaging unit 31B described in the first embodiment on the observation surface F1 of the present embodiment on the subject side. V is included in the common visual field range V3, which is a common area of images captured.

Fig. 21 is a diagram showing the field of view of each imaging unit and the range of liquid ejection from the front water supply channel opening, and Fig. 22 is the field of view of each imaging unit and liquid ejection from the front water feeding channel opening. It is the figure which showed the range.

[0139] Also in the present embodiment, the fluorescence imaging unit 31B has an angle of view of, for example, 140 °, and the focal length on the subject side coincides with the focal length on the subject side of the normal light imaging unit 31A. Is set to Further, each of the imaging units 31A and 31B has a portion where the respective visual field ranges VI and V2 overlap on the observation plane F1. Fluorescence imaging unit The visual field range V2 on the observation surface Fl of 31B is set so as to include a point P that is approximately the center of the visual field range VI on the observation surface Fl of the normal optical imaging unit 31A.

[0140] That is, the range of the liquid ejection from the opening 27 is based on the viewing range VI of the normal light imaging unit 31A and the fluorescence imaging on the observation plane F1 at the object side focal length of each imaging unit 31A, 31B. It is included in the common viewing range V3, which is within the overlapping range of the viewing range V2 of unit 31B.

As a result of the above, the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment is also configured such that the liquid ejected from the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 falls within the observation field of view of each imaging unit 31A, 31B. Yes. As a result, the operability of ejecting liquid from the opening 27 of the forward water supply channel 20 is improved in the endoscope 2 during observation with normal light or fluorescence.

[0141] Furthermore, in addition to the effects described in the first embodiment, the endoscope 2 allows the liquid from the opening 27 of the front water supply channel 20 to flow on the observation surface F1 at the focal distance on the subject side. Normally, the optical imaging unit 31A is ejected approximately at the center of the visual field range VI. Accordingly, the operability of ejecting liquid from the opening 27 of the forward water supply channel 20 is improved particularly in the endoscope 2 during normal light observation that is frequently used.

[0142] The special light observation described in the first embodiment and the second embodiment is an enlargement magnification of a histological observation level including a cell and a gland structure that can be obtained only by fluorescence observation ( Desirably, a magnifying optical system having an enlargement ratio of 100 times or more! /.

Further, 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.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A distal end portion including a plurality of imaging units for obtaining an endoscopic image;

A bending portion disposed at a proximal end of the distal end portion and capable of being bent in a direction substantially coinciding with a vertical direction of a monitor screen on which an endoscopic image is displayed;

The distal end portion, and an insertion portion having the curvature at the distal end portion;

An opening at the tip, and a conduit for ejecting liquid toward the affected area in the body cavity,

The insertion portion for an endoscope, wherein the opening is disposed at the distal end so that the liquid can be ejected into an observation field of view by the plurality of imaging units.

[2] The opening is located on the tip surface of the tip part, so as to be positioned in the upward direction where the bending part bends than the respective observation windows of the plurality of imaging parts. 2. The endoscope insertion portion according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope insertion portion is disposed at the distal end portion.

[3] The opening is substantially perpendicular to the substantially matching direction in which the bending portion bends at the distal end surface of the distal end portion, and above the line passing through the center of the distal end surface. The endoscope insertion portion according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope insertion portion is disposed at the distal end portion so as to be positioned at a portion.

[4] The opening is substantially perpendicular to the substantially coincident direction in which the bending portion bends at the distal end surface of the distal end and is above the line passing through the center of the distal end. The endoscope insertion portion according to claim 2, wherein the endoscope insertion portion is disposed at the distal end portion so as to be located at a portion to be formed.

[5] The distal end portion of the pipe line has a liquid ejection direction close to the incident optical axis so that the liquid from the opening is ejected into an observation field of view by the plurality of imaging units. The endoscope insertion portion according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope insertion portion is inclined with a predetermined angle in a direction in contact with the endoscope.

[6] The distal end portion of the conduit has the predetermined angle such that the ejection direction passes through the approximate center of the imaging range obtained by one of the plurality of imaging units. 6. The endoscope insertion portion according to claim 5, wherein the insertion portion is inclined.

[7] Of the plurality of imaging units, one is a first imaging unit that performs normal light observation, and the other is The endoscope insertion section according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and claim 6, wherein the endoscope insertion section is a second imaging section that performs special observation.

[8] The plurality of imaging units according to claim 5, wherein one of the plurality of imaging units is a first imaging unit that performs normal light observation, and the other is a second imaging unit that performs special observation. The endoscope insertion part described.

[9] The endoscope insertion portion according to [7], wherein the special observation is fluorescence observation.

10. The endoscope insertion section according to claim 8, wherein the special observation is fluorescence observation.

[11] The insertion for endoscope according to claim 7, wherein one of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit includes an optical system having a higher magnification than the other. Department.

[12] The shift according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein one of the first imaging unit and the second imaging unit includes an optical system having a higher magnification than the other. Endoscope insertion part according to the above.