WO2006129359A1

WO2006129359A1 - Rotary self-traveling endoscope instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2006129359A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/010162
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yasuhito Kura; Shigeki Matsuo
Original assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
Priority date: 2005-06-02
Filing date: 2005-06-02
Publication date: 2006-12-07
Also published as: JP4584997B2; JPWO2006129359A1

Abstract

A rotary self-traveling endoscope instrument, comprising a long insertion part (2) having an electric element (22) and an electric part (23) and a tip part (11) to which a ground cable (11b) is connected, a tubular driving force generating means (12) having the outer surface of the insertion part at least formed of a conductive member and rotatable about the axis of the insertion part, a first contact part (18a) disposed at the base end portion of the tip part and formed of a conductive member electrically conducting the tip part to the driving force generating means, a rotating force generating means (3) connected to the insertion part, incorporating various types of electrical devices and a casing earth, and rotating the driving force generating means, and a second contact part (18b) disposed in the rotating force generating means and formed of a conductive material electrically conducting the rotating force generating means to the driving force generating means.

Description

Specification

Rotating self-propelled endoscope device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a rotating self-propelled endoscope apparatus that self-propels in a body cavity by rotation of a rotating cylinder.

Background art

[0002] As is well known, endoscopes are widely used in various fields such as medical care and industry for the purpose of observing a site that cannot be directly visually observed, such as in a tube, and are generally inserted into a test site. It is configured with an elongated insertion portion.

[0003] Various types of endoscopes are known as such endoscopes. For example, in an endoscope in which the insertion part is inserted into the large intestine by the transanus, a rotating cylindrical body that is rotatable around an axis having a spiral part is provided on the outer periphery of the insertion part, and the rotation is performed. By rotating the cylinder with a motor or the like, the insertion of the insertion portion into the large intestine can be automatically performed by the screw action using the friction generated between the spiral-shaped portion and the intestinal wall. A rotating self-propelled endoscope device is known.

As described above, a technique for inserting a medical device such as an endoscope into a body cavity using friction between the rotating member and tissue in the body cavity is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-113396.ヽ.

[0004] There are various types of such endoscopes. For example, in an endoscope that is designed to be inserted into the large intestine by the transanus, on the outer peripheral side of the insertion portion, A rotating self-propelled interior that is provided with a flexible rotating cylinder that can rotate around an axis, and that can be automatically inserted into a body cavity by rotating the rotating cylinder. There is a scope.

[0005] This rotary self-propelled endoscope incorporates an electric device such as the above-described motor for rotating a rotating cylinder as a propulsive force generating means around a predetermined axis, and is connected to an insertion portion. It has a rotating device. In addition, the distal end portion of the rotating self-propelled endoscope incorporates an imaging device for taking an image of the body cavity and a lighting device for the body cavity without natural light.

[0006] In addition, the rotating cylindrical body is long for insertion into a body cavity, and its material has a rotational transmission property. Good metal is used. The rotating cylinder is passed through a flexible non-metallic tube, and is rotatable about the axis of the tube.

[0007] In this rotating cylinder, there is a possibility that static electricity is generated due to friction between the body cavity wall and the tube body by rotation. This static electricity can be charged in the rotating cylinder, causing dust in the treatment room to be attracted to the rotating cylinder. For this reason, the rotation of the rotating cylinder may be impaired due to adhesion of dust or the like. In addition, static electricity may discharge from the rotating cylinder to the tip, causing electrical interference to the imaging device and lighting device, which are electrical equipment in the tip, and in particular, noise may be generated in the endoscopic image. .

[0008] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is electrically responsive to the operation of various electrical devices in the distal end without hindering the rotation of the rotating cylinder, which is a rotating thrust generating means. It aims at providing the rotation self-propelled endoscope apparatus which does not give interference.

Disclosure of the invention

Means for solving the problem

[0009] The rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes an electrical element and an electrical component, and forms a long insertion portion having a distal end portion to which a ground wire is connected and an outer surface of the insertion portion. And at least the outer surface is formed of a conductive member, and is disposed at a proximal end portion of the distal end portion, and is provided with a tubular propulsion force generating means rotatable around an axis with respect to the insertion portion, A first contact portion made of a conductive member that electrically connects the propulsive force generating means and the insertion portion, and incorporates various electric devices and a housing ground, and rotates the propulsive force generating means. A rotating power generating means to be moved, and a second contact portion made of a conductive member disposed in the rotating power generating means and electrically conducting the rotating power generating means and the propulsive force generating means; It comprises.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rotary self-propelled endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the distal end portion and the distal end side of the insertion portion.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the entire insertion portion.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the rotation drive unit. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection state of each part of the rotary self-propelled endoscope.

6 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection state of each part of the rotary self-propelled endoscope showing a modification of FIG. 5. FIG.

7 is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion portion cut along the line V-V in FIG.

8 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the rotary drive section cut along the line VI-VI in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the first and second conductive panels.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a distal end portion of an insertion portion of a rotary self-propelled endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the middle part of the front holder in the rotary drive unit.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the first and second conductive rollers.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion showing a modification of the rotating cylinder.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the insertion portion showing a modification.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

1 to 3 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rotary self-propelled endoscope device, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a distal end portion and a distal end side of an insertion portion in an insertion axis direction. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the entire insertion portion.

As shown in FIG. 1, a rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 includes an elongated insertion portion 2 to be inserted into a body cavity, and a rotational force generating means provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2 Rotation drive part 3 and operation part 4 which are the universal cable 5 extended from this operation part 4 force, universal connector 6 provided on the distal end side of this universal cable 5, and from this universal connector 6 The extended control cable 7, the control device 8 to which the control cable 7 is detachably attached, the foot switch 9 detachably connected to the control device 8, and the universal connector 6 are connected. A patient monitoring device 10.

The insertion portion 2 is configured to include a distal end portion 11 and a rotating cylindrical body 12 that is a propulsion force generating means that is connected to the proximal end side of the distal end portion 11. The configuration of the insertion portion 2 having the distal end portion 11 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, an objective optical system 21 is disposed on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11. An image pickup unit 22 which is an image pickup unit composed of, for example, a CCD, a CMOS, or the like is disposed on the image forming surface of the objective optical system 21. Further, the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11 is an illumination light source for illuminating a subject to be imaged by the objective optical system 21 and the image sensor 22, and is provided with an LED 23 that is an electrical component. A signal line 22 a extending from the image sensor 22 and a signal line 23 a serving as a power line extending from the LED 23 are combined together in the middle and extended to the base end side as a signal cable 26.

[0015] In addition, the tip surface of the tip portion 11 is supplied with water for cleaning the objective optical system 21, and is supplied with air for wiping off water droplets adhering to the objective optical system 21. Air supply nozzle 24a is provided. The air / water supply nozzle 24a is connected to an air / water supply tube 24 which is a fluid line, and the air / water supply tube 24 is extended to the base end side.

Further, an opening 25a of a channel 25 that is a fluid system conduit used for suction or the like is exposed on the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11, and the channel 25 is extended to the proximal end side.

[0016] Further, a rigid member for abutting the distal end side of the rotating cylinder 12 is provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 11, for example, an abutting portion 11a which is a metal thrust receiving portion. Yes. That is, as will be described later, the entire insertion portion 2 including the distal end portion 11 advances in the depth direction of the body cavity by contacting the distal end portion of the rotating cylindrical body 12 where the propulsive force is generated against the abutting portion 11a. To do. A ground wire l ib that is a ground wire is connected to the base end of the abutting portion 11a, and this ground wire 1 lb extends to the base end side.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the rotating cylinder 12 has excellent panel characteristics and improves rotation transmission, so that the metal strand is wound in a spiral shape, and a spiral convex portion (or alternatively on the outer peripheral surface). A spiral-shaped concave portion, or a spiral-shaped portion that forms a convex portion protruding so as to be continuously provided along the spiral, or the like.

[0018] Specifically, the rotating cylinder 12 is a spiral tube that allows for insertion into a body cavity. For example, the rotating cylinder 12 is made of stainless steel and spirally wound in a single layer with a predetermined diameter. It is formed so as to have flexibility. In addition, the metal wire may be wound in multiple lines (for example, 2, 3, 4, etc.), not limited to one layer. Furthermore, the rotating cylinder 12 has a metal wire spirally wound. As you go, you can increase the degree of adhesion between the metal strands and set various spiral angles.

The rotary cylinder 12 is configured to be rotatable around an axis in the insertion direction. Then, when the rotating cylinder 12 rotates, the spiral-shaped portion on the outer peripheral surface comes into contact with the body cavity inner wall of the subject to generate thrust, and the rotating cylinder 12 itself tends to advance in the insertion direction. At this time, the distal end portion of the rotating cylinder 12 abuts against the abutting portion 11a and presses the distal end portion 11, and the entire insertion portion 2 including the distal end portion 11 advances toward the deep portion in the body cavity. Propulsive force to be applied.

[0020] Further, the rotating cylinder 12 has a base 12a at the tip. Between the base 12a and the abutting portion 1 lb, a first conduction panel 18a which is a contact portion described later is interposed.

[0021] On the inner peripheral surface side of the rotating cylinder 12, a flexible tube 27 made of a non-metallic material such as synthetic resin is disposed. The tube 27 is configured such that the air / water supply tube 24, the channel 25, the signal cable 26, and the ground wire l ib are passed through and protected inside, and on the outer peripheral surface side thereof. The rotation of the rotating cylinder 12 is not hindered. Further, the tube 27 has a distal end portion connected to the base end of the abutting portion 11a, and a fixed tube 17 that is a rigid fixing portion is connected to the base end portion.

The tube 27 includes an air / water supply tube 24, a channel 25, and a signal cable that remove the ground wire ib from the fixed tube 17 that is connected to the base end whose longitudinal length is longer than that of the rotating cylinder 12. Bull 26 extends. The air / water supply tube 24, the channel 25 and the signal cable 26 passed through the insertion section 2 are passed through the rotary drive section 3 and then externally again from the rotary drive section 3 (see FIG. 1). It is extended to.

[0023] An air / water connection 24b is provided at the end of the air / water supply tube 24, a suction connection 25b is provided at the end of the channel 25, and a signal connection 26b is provided at the end of the signal cable 26. These are connected to a connection portion 31 (see FIG. 1) provided on the side surface of the operation portion 4.

Returning again to the description of FIG. 1, the insertion portion 2 is connected to a rotation transmission portion 14 provided in the rotation drive portion 3, and this connection causes the inside of the rotation drive portion 3. The driving force of a motor provided later is transmitted to the rotating cylinder 12 so that the rotating cylinder 12 is rotated. The rotation transmitting unit 14 is connected to the front retaining member 13 as described later. The insertion portion 2 is detachable by screwing.

[0025] The operation unit 4 is provided with a grip part 4a for gripping by hand, and an air supply / water supply button 4b for operating air supply and water supply via the air supply / water supply tube 24, and Various operation buttons are provided, such as the arch I button 4c for operating the arch I through channel 25.

[0026] In the universal cable 5 extended from the operation unit 4, an air / water supply line connected to the air / water supply tube 24, a suction line connected to the channel 25, or a signal cable 26 is connected. Signal wires, grounding aluminum sheaths, etc. are provided.

[0027] The universal connector 6 provided on the distal end side of the universal cable 5 receives the image signal from the connection part to the air supply device, the connection part to the water supply tank, the connection part to the suction pump, and the image sensor 22. A connection portion to the connection terminal portion 10c of the patient monitor device 10 having a video processor for processing is provided.

In the control cable 7 extending from the universal connector 6, a signal line to the rotation drive unit 3 and a signal line to the LED 23 arranged in the distal end part 11 are arranged.

[0028] The control device 8 to which the control cable 7 is connected is for controlling a motor disposed in the rotation drive unit 3 or for controlling the light emission state of the LED 23. A power switch and various volume dials are provided.

The foot switch 9 is for controlling the motor of the rotation drive unit 3. However, this foot switch 9 may be used to control the light emission state of the LED 23.

[0030] The patient monitor device 10 includes a monitor unit 10a that displays an endoscopic image, a display unit 10b that displays a patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and the like in a waveform or numerical value, and the connection terminal unit 10c described above. The rotating self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 can be grounded from the casing by a current caused by a short circuit of various electrical devices.

[0031] Note that, in the configuration as described above, portions other than the insertion portion 2, that is, the rotation drive portion 3, the operation portion 4, the universal cable 5, the universal connector 6, the control cable 7, the control device 8, and the foot The switch 9 constitutes a fluid supply device. Sarako, fluid The supply device may include an air supply device, a water supply tank, a suction pump, and the like, and may further include a patient monitor device 10. Therefore, the rotary self-propelled endoscope device 1 includes at least a part of the fluid supply device and the insertion portion 2.

In addition, a plurality of leg portions 15 that are used when the rotation drive unit 3 is placed are provided on the lower surface of the rotation drive unit 3.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the internal configuration of the rotation drive unit 3 in a state in which the base end portion of the insertion unit 2 that can be detached is inserted will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the rotation drive unit 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation driving unit 3 includes a case 3a that forms an exterior. In this case 3a, two holes are provided at the front and rear (the direction in which the insertion portion 2 extends is the front) so that the insertion portion 2 can be inserted.

[0034] In the hole on the front side of the case 3a, a substantially cylindrical front holder 33 having an outward flange formed in the middle is disposed. The front holder 33 is inserted into the hole until the outward flange comes into contact with the inner surface near the hole on the front side of the case 3a, and the portion protruding forward from the case 3a is screwed with the front holder retaining ring 35. Therefore, it is fixed to case 3a.

[0035] Also, a substantially cylindrical rear holder 34 having an outward flange formed at one end is disposed in the hole on the rear side of the case 3a. The rear holder 34 is inserted into the hole until the outward flange comes into contact with the inner surface near the hole on the rear side of the case 3a, and the portion protruding rearward from the case 3a is screwed with the rear holder retaining ring 36. Therefore, it is fixed to case 3a.

[0036] Each of these holders 33 and 34 is formed with a total of three peripheral grooves, one at a position where it abuts against the inner peripheral surface of each hole of the case 3a and two on the inner peripheral surface in the vicinity thereof. In addition, waterproof O-rings 33a and 34a are provided in each circumferential groove.

[0037] In each of the holders 33 and 34, a rotating pipe 37 is passed through the holders 33 and 34. The rotary pipe 37 is pivotally held by two bearings 39 provided on a frame 38 that fixes the front holder 33, and the opening force of the front holder 33 projects forward. In addition, a second conduction panel 18b, which is a contact portion described later, is interposed between the rotary pipe 37 and the front holder 33.

[0038] In the middle of the proximal end of the rotary pipe 37 (between the bearing 39 and the rear holder 34), there is a fixing screw 4 The pipe side pulley 41 is fixed by la. The pipe-side pulley 41 is rotated via the pulley belt 42 by the rotation of the motor-side pulley 46 of the motor 45 provided on the frame 38. Thereby, the rotating pipe 37 to which the pipe-side pulley 41 is fixed is rotated as the pipe-side pulley 41 is rotated. Note that the inside of the case 3a of the rotation drive unit 3 is watertight from the outside by the O-rings 33a and 34a disposed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the holders 33 and 34, even when the rotary pipe 37 is rotated. Is held.

[0039] Inside the rotating pipe 37, a fixed pipe 47 having a rear end 48 connected as a connecting means at the rear end is threaded. The rear cap 48 is formed with a hole through which the fixed tube 17 connected to the tube 27 of the insertion portion 2 is inserted in the central axis. Further, a screw 50 to be engaged with a notch 34b forming a space formed in the rear holder 34 is screwed to the rear base 48 from the outer peripheral direction.

[0040] The screw 50 is formed with a hole through which the screw 51 passes through the central axis. The screw 51 is screwed to the rear cap 48 and also presses and fixes the fixed tube 17 inserted through the rear cap 48 at the end face. Further, a substantially annular rear slip-off preventing member 49 is screwed to the rear end portion of the rear holder 34 so as to cover the cut end of the notch 34b.

[0041] Therefore, in the insertion portion 2 that passes through each bent portion in the body cavity, the rear base 48, the fixed tube 17 and the tube 27 are configured as described above, so that rotation around the axis is restricted. At the same time, it can easily move back and forth in the axial direction. That is, the screw 50 to be screwed to the rear cap 48 connects a direction perpendicular to the axial direction in the space formed by the notch 34b of the rear holder 34 and the rear removal prevention member 49 (the front and rear of the rotation drive unit 3). The rotation around the axial direction (that is, the insertion axis direction of the insertion portion 2) is restricted, and it can be moved back and forth of the rotation drive portion 3.

With such a configuration, the tube 27 is restricted from rotating around the axis without following the rotation of the rotating cylinder 12. As a result, the air / water tube 24, the channel 25, the signal cable 26, and the ground wire l ib inserted through the tube 27 are prevented from being damaged by twisting.

[0043] Further, in the air / water supply tube 24, the channel 25, and the signal cable 26, for example, the tube 27 moves forward and backward in the insertion axis direction with respect to the rotating cylinder 12 in accordance with the curved state of the insertion portion 2. Generation of unreasonable loads such as traction / relaxation that occurs in the event of an accident is prevented. [0044] In the rotating pipe 37, the rotation transmitting portion 14 is fixed to a portion protruding forward by a screw 14b. As a result, the rotation transmission unit 14 rotates together with the rotary pipe 37. The rotation transmitting portion 14 is formed with an engaging groove 14a along the axial direction from the end force on the front side.

[0045] A front cap 16 of the insertion portion 2 is engaged with the rotation transmitting portion 14, and the insertion portion 2 is connected by screwing the front retaining member 13 into place. At this time, the engaging projection 16a formed on the front cap 16 is

Then, it engages with the engaging groove 14a of the rotation transmitting portion 14. As a result, the rotational force of the rotary pipe 37 is reliably transmitted to the insertion portion 2 via the rotation transmission portion 14.

[0046] Specifically, the engagement convex portion 16a of the front cap 16 has a side surface with respect to the axial direction of the rotation transmitting portion 1

4 abuts against the side surface of the engagement groove 14a in the axial direction. For this reason, the front cap 16 is restricted from pivoting in the axial direction with respect to the pivot transfer portion 14.

Accordingly, the rotational force of the rotation transmitting unit 14 is reliably transmitted to the front cap 16. As a result, the rotational force of the rotation transmitting portion 14 is reliably transmitted to the rotating cylinder 12 of the insertion portion 2 via the front cap 16.

[0047] Further, the fixed pipe 47 whose rotation is restricted has a tip portion protruding forward to the rotation transmitting portion 14, and a sliding ring 47a is disposed on the tip surface. The sliding ring 47a is a member for reducing frictional resistance due to contact with the base end surface of the front cap 16 on which the front end surface of the fixed pipe 47 rotates.

[0048] It should be noted that the rotation drive unit 3 of the present embodiment is provided with a protective device grounding unit (housing ground) (not shown). Further, the ground wire l ib passing through the tube 27 of the insertion portion 2 is electrically connected to the fixed tube 17. This ground wire l ib is connected to the above-mentioned housing ground (not shown) via the fixed tube 17, the rear cap 48, the rear holder 34, the case 3a, etc. in a state where the insertion portion 2 is assembled to the rotation drive portion 3. Electrically connected).

[0049] The rotating cylinder 12 is electrically connected to the metal base front cap 16, the rotation transmitting portion 14, and the rotating pipe 37 at the base end, and the second conductive panel 18b and the front holder are described later. 33, electrically connected to the above-mentioned chassis ground (not shown) via the case 3a.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 5, the housing ground of the rotary drive unit 3 is provided with an aluminum sheath 5a disposed in the universal cable 5, and a universal connector 6 connected to the aluminum sheath 5a. Via, the image sensor 22 of the distal end portion 11 provided in the patient monitor device 10 and the electric circuit 10A for supplying driving power to the LED 23 are electrically connected to the outside.

That is, the distal end portion 11, the rotation driving portion 3, the universal cable 5, and the electric circuit 10A are in an electrically connected state and are at the same potential. This electric potential is grounded via the housing of the patient monitor device 10.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the casing ground of the rotation driving unit 3 is not directly connected to the outside via the casing of the patient monitor device 10 but directly via the casing 10 of the patient monitor device 10. It may be configured to be grounded. In this state, the tip 11, the rotation drive unit 3, the universal cable 5, and the patient monitor device 10 have the same potential and are grounded. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical connection state of each part of the rotary self-propelled endoscope 1. FIG. 6 is an electrical diagram of each part of the rotary self-propelled endoscope 1 showing a modification of FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a proper connection state.

Next, referring to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9, the first conduction spring provided in the abutting portion 11a of the tip end portion 11 and the second conduction conduction provided in the fixed pipe in the rotation drive portion 3 Explain in detail about the panel. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the insertion portion 2 cut along the line V-V in FIG. 2, and FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of the rotary drive portion 3 cut along the line VI-VI in FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the first and second contact portions.

As shown in FIG. 7, a plurality of the abutting portions 11a of the distal end portion 11 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end portion, and in the present embodiment, the three first conduction panels 18a that are contact portions are substantially provided. Welded at equal intervals. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of rotating pipes 37 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating pipe 37 at a position where the rotating pipe 37 is overlapped with the front holder 33, and in this embodiment, three second conductive panels which are contact portions. 18b are welded at substantially equal intervals.

[0055] These conductive panels 18a and 18b are formed of a metal plate or the like, and are abutting portions llb or a welding portion 18A welded to the rotating pipe 37, and a base disposed at the tip of the rotating cylinder 12. 12a, or a plate panel member having an arc portion 18B which is a pressing portion having a substantially semicircular cross section so as to contact the front holder 33.

[0056] The arc portion 18B is set so as to always contact the inner peripheral surface of the base 12a or the front holder 33 between the abutting portion l lb or the rotary pipe 37 and the base 12a or the front holder 33. It is. Specifically, the conduction panels 18a and 18b are such that the circular arc part 18B is elastically deformed more than the gap in the gap formed by the abutting part l lb or the rotary knob 37 and the base 12a or the front holder 33. A large semi-circular shape is set, and the inner surface of the base 12a or the front holder 33 is always pressed and contacted! Speak.

Accordingly, at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2, the abutting portion 11a of the distal end portion 11 and the rotary cylinder 12 are electrically connected via the base 12a and the first conductive panel 18a (see FIG. 2). . Therefore, even if the rotating cylindrical body 12 generates static electricity due to friction with the body cavity wall and the tube 27 of the insertion portion 2 due to its rotation, the rotating cylindrical body 12 does not charge and is struck through the base 12a and the first conductive panel 18a. Static electricity flows through section 11a. And then. This static electricity travels along the ground wire l ib connected to the abutting portion 11a and is dropped to the housing ground in the rotation drive unit 3. Since the ground wire l ib is connected to the fixed tube 17 (see FIG. 3) as described above, static electricity is dropped to the chassis ground via the rear cap 48, the rear holder 34, the case 3a, and the like. It is.

[0058] In addition, in the rotation driving unit 3, the rotary pipe 37 and the front holder 33 are electrically connected via the second conductive panel 18b. Therefore, the rotating cylinder 12 is not charged even when static electricity is generated as described above, and the front holder 33 is not charged through the front cap 16, the rotation transmitting portion 14, the rotating pipe 37, and the second conductive panel 18a. Static electricity flows through And then. This static electricity is dropped from the front holder 33 to the housing ground in the rotary drive unit 3 through the case 3a and the like.

[0059] The static electricity dropped on the casing ground of the rotary drive unit 3 as described above passes through the aluminum sheath 5a of the universal cable 5 and the universal connector 6 as shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. Thus, the patient monitor device 10 is grounded to the outside. That is, the rotating cylinder 12 is maintained in an electrical connection state with the abutting portion l la of the tip end portion 11 and the rotating pipe 37 of the rotation driving portion 3. Then, the static electricity generated in the rotating cylinder 12 is dropped by the conductive panels 18a and 18b to the casing ground of the rotary drive unit 3 via the abutting portion lla and the ground wire llb or the rotating pipe 37. The patient monitor device 10 is grounded to the outside through the aluminum sheath 5a of the universal cable 5 and the universal connector 6.

As a result of the above, the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which, even if static electricity is generated in the rotating cylinder 12, the static electricity is prevented from being charged in the rotating cylinder 12. It has become. Therefore, the rotating cylinder 12 loses its ability to rotate without adsorbing dust in the treatment room. It is prevented. In addition, the rotating self-propelled endoscope device 1 discharges static electricity from the rotating cylinder 12 to the tip portion 11 and causes electric interference to the image pickup device 22 and the LED 23 which are electrical devices in the tip portion 11. This prevents the generation of noise in the endoscopic image due to static electricity.

[0061] (Second embodiment)

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the same components as those of the rotary self-propelled endoscope device 1 already described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted, and different configurations and operations are performed. Only the effects will be explained.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2, FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the middle portion of the front holder in the rotation drive portion, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing the first and second conductive rollers.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is replaced with the first and second conductive panels 18a and 18b of the first embodiment. The first and second conductive rollers 19a and 19b, which are roller members serving as contact portions, are provided.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 12, the first and second conductive rollers 19a and 19b are formed of a welded portion 19A in which a metal wire is formed in a substantially U shape, and a metallic property through which the welded portion 19A is inserted. And a rotatable roller body 19B. The welding portion 19A is welded to the abutting portion l lb or the rotating pipe 37. In this state, the first and second conductive rollers 19a and 19b are configured such that the roller body 19B always contacts the base 12a or the inner peripheral surface of the front holder 33. Therefore, even if the rotating pipe 37 and the rotating cylinder 12 are rotated, the roller body 19B contacts the base 12a or the inner peripheral surface of the front holder 33 while rotating.

As a result, the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment rotates by providing the first and second conductive rollers 19a and 19b in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. The pipe 37 and the rotating cylinder 12 can be smoothly rotated.

It should be noted that the rotary self-propelled endoscope device 1 in the first and second embodiments has the second conduction panel 18b or the second conduction panel which is a contact portion provided in the rotation drive unit 3. The roller 19b may not be provided, and the bearing 39 for rotating and holding the rotating pipe 37 may be made of metal so that the casing ground and the rotating cylinder 12 are electrically connected to each other. [0066] Further, when the rotary cylinder 12 is formed of a non-conductive material, it is preferable to use a conductive member as a part thereof in order to prevent electrostatic charging. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the rotating cylindrical body 12 of the insertion portion 2 has a spiral-shaped portion formed on the outer periphery, and a convex portion 12b that also serves as a metal member is spirally spaced at a predetermined interval. The projecting portion 12b has a configuration in which the front end is electrically connected to the base 12a and the base end is electrically connected to the front base 16 (not shown in FIG. 13).

[0067] From this, static electricity generated by friction between the rotating cylinder 12 and the body cavity wall and the tube 27 of the insertion portion 2 is transmitted along the convex portion 12b that is not charged to the rotating cylinder 12, and the base 12a. Then, it is transmitted to the front cap 16 and is connected to the ground of the rotary drive unit 3 through the conductive panels 18a, 18b, the conductive rollers 19al9b, or the bearings 39, and flows to and grounded to each member. The

[0068] Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, a conductive substance 20 such as grease is applied between the base 12a and the abutting portion 11a of the rotating cylinder 12 at the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2. Thus, the continuity between the rotating cylinder 12 and the abutting portion 11a may be maintained. The conductive material 20 may be applied to the outer peripheral surface of the rotary pipe 37 in the rotary drive unit 3 so that the rotary cylinder 12 can maintain continuity to the housing ground.

[0069] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of V and the scope of the invention.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] a long insertion portion having a tip portion including an electric element and an electric component and having a ground wire connected thereto;

A tubular thrust generating means that forms an outer surface of the insertion portion, at least the outer surface is formed of a conductive member, and is rotatable about an axis with respect to the insertion portion;

A first contact portion that is disposed at a proximal end portion of the distal end portion and is made of a conductive member that electrically connects the distal end portion and the propulsive force generating means;

Rotation power generating means coupled to the insertion portion, incorporating various electric devices and housing grounds, and rotating the propulsive force generating means;

A second contact portion made of a conductive member disposed in the rotating power generating means and electrically conducting the rotating power generating means and the propulsive force generating means;

A rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus comprising:

[2] The rotation according to claim 1, wherein the first contact portion and the second contact portion are metal plate panel members that are in sliding contact with the propulsive force generating means. Self-propelled endoscope device.

[3] The plate panel member according to claim 2, wherein the plate panel member has a pressing portion that presses the thrust generation means so as to maintain electrical continuity with the thrust generation means. The rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus described.

[4] The first contact portion and the second contact portion are metal roller members that are in contact with each other while rotating as the propulsive force generating means rotates. The rotation self-propelled endoscope device according to the description.

[5] The rotational force generating means includes a rotating pipe to which a rotational force from the electric device is applied, and a bearing for rotating and holding the rotating pipe,

2. The rotary self-propelled endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bearing serves as the second contact portion to electrically connect the rotational force generating means and the propulsive force generating means. apparatus.