WO2007057963A1

WO2007057963A1 - Rotary self-propelled endoscope device

Info

Publication number: WO2007057963A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/021157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Toshihiro Hadano; Ryuhei Fujimoto
Original assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
Priority date: 2005-11-17
Filing date: 2005-11-17
Publication date: 2007-05-24
Also published as: JP4625088B2; JPWO2007057963A1

Abstract

A rotary self-propelled endoscope device (1) having an elongated insertion section (2) that has a distal end section (11) with an imaging means (22) on its distal end side and is inserted into a subject; a propulsion force generation section (12) that has a contacting section (12a) at its distal end, forms the outer peripheral surface of the insertion section, and is rotatable relative to the distal end section about the longitudinal axis; a rotation device (3) that rotates the propulsion force generation section; a propulsion force receiving section (11a) that is provided at the proximal end of the distal end section and has a contacted section (11b) with which the contacting section of the propulsion force generation section is in contact; and a reception section (16) that receives both the contacting section of the propulsion force generation section and the contacted section of the propulsion force receiving section.

Description

Specification

Rotating self-propelled endoscope device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus that advances to a deep part of a body cavity.

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] By the way, in recent years, the proximal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope is made detachable to the operation portion, and the insertion portion is made disposable, for example, so that the trouble of washing after use can be saved and more hygienic. Various medical endoscopes have been proposed! Speak.

[0004] 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 cylinder that is rotatable around an axis having a disposable spiral part is provided on the outer periphery of the insertion part, By rotating the rotating cylinder with a motor or the like, the insertion of the insertion portion into the large intestine is automatically performed by a screw action using the friction generated between the spiral-shaped portion and the intestinal wall. A self-propelled endoscope 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.

However, in the medical device propulsion device disclosed in JP-A-10-113396, for example, when the rotation member of the propulsion device passes through the bent portion of the lumen, only a part of the rotation member is injured. It may be in contact with the inner wall of the lumen. In this case, the propulsive force may not be obtained due to insufficient contact with the inner wall of the lumen.

[0006] Further, when the rotating member is inserted into the lumen, for example, the distal end portion of the rotating member is caught by an intestinal fold or a small dent, which prevents smooth advancement. There is also.

Under such circumstances, it is necessary to always advance smoothly in the body cavity and to reliably guide the insertion portion of the endoscope to a desired site.

By the way, in recent years, an endoscope in which the insertion portion side is made detachable to the operation portion side, for example, the insertion portion side is made disposable so that washing after use is eliminated and safety is further improved. Has been proposed. There are various types of such endoscopes. For example, in an endoscope that is inserted into the large intestine by the transanus, a spiral-shaped portion is provided on the outer peripheral side of the insertion portion. Provided with a flexible rotating cylinder that can be rotated around the provided shaft, and rotating the rotating cylinder so that it can be automatically inserted into a body cavity, and the insertion portion There is a rotating self-propelled endoscope with a side-spathable type.

[0008] In the insertion portion of such a rotary self-propelled endoscope, the distal end surface of the rotating cylindrical body in which the propulsive force is generated comes into contact with the proximal end surface of the distal end portion provided on the distal end side. While following, advance toward the deep part of the body cavity. At this time, in the bent part of the large intestine having a complicated and complicated lumen, the insertion part and the rotating cylinder are passively bent along the bent part due to its flexibility. In this state, if the boundary between the distal end portion and the rotating cylinder is excessively bent or buckled, the rotating cylinder does not reliably contact the distal end portion, and the propulsive force advances toward the deep portion in the body cavity. It is conceivable that the insertion part does not move forward smoothly without being efficiently transmitted to the tip part.

[0009] Further, in order that the rotating cylinder does not lose flexibility in response to the passive bending of the insertion portion, the length in the insertion axis direction is slightly shorter than the length of the insertion portion, that is, a predetermined length. Play is set. Therefore, the rotating cylinder slides back and forth with respect to the insertion portion in the long axis direction. At this time, if foreign matter such as dirt in the body cavity is interposed between the distal end surface and the proximal end surface of the distal end portion of the rotating cylinder, it affects the contact of the distal end portion with the proximal end surface, and the deep portion in the body cavity. In some cases, the propulsive force that moves forward toward the forward direction cannot be efficiently transmitted to the tip, and the propulsive force cannot be reliably applied to the insertion portion.

[0010] Further, in order to make the movement of the rotating cylinder smooth, a slight gap is provided between the insertion portion and the rotating cylinder. As a result, there is no filth in the body cavity between the insertion portion and the rotating cylinder. It is conceivable that any foreign object enters with the movement of the rotating cylinder and adversely affects the rotation of the rotating cylinder.

[0011] As described above, unless any measures are taken on the insertion portion and the rotating cylinder, the insertion property of the insertion portion is deteriorated, and thus countermeasures are required.

Furthermore, foreign matter such as dirt entering between the insertion portion and the rotating cylinder may reach the vicinity of the operator's hand and be scattered in the treatment room. For this reason, medical personnel need time and effort to clean and disinfect the operation unit side of the rotary self-propelled endoscope device and the treatment room after the operation, and sufficient hygiene is required.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the rotating cylinder reliably imparts a propulsive force to the insertion portion to improve the insertability, and the operation portion of the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus. The objective is to provide a rotating self-propelled endoscope device that can ensure proper hygiene and side management.

Disclosure of the invention

Means for solving the problem

[0013] The rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a distal end portion having an imaging means on the distal end side, a long insertion portion for insertion into a subject, A propulsive force generating portion that is rotatable relative to the tip portion around a long axis that forms an outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion, a rotating device that rotates the propulsive force generating portion, A propulsion force receiving portion provided at a base end of the distal end portion and having a contacted portion with which the abutting portion of the propulsive force generating portion abuts; and the abutting portion of the propulsive force generating portion and the propulsion And an accommodating portion for accommodating the abutted portion of the force receiving portion.

Brief Description of Drawings

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

FIG. 2 is a 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.

3 is a cross-sectional view of the insertion section taken along line III-III in FIG.

4 is an enlarged view of a portion surrounded by a circle A in the insertion portion of FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the distal end portion 11 and the insertion portion 2 according to a first modification.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the distal end portion 11 and the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 according to a second modification.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the distal end portion 11 and the insertion portion 2 according to a third modification.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the insertion portion cut along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.

FIG. 9 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 of the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing a configuration of the distal end portion and the distal end side of the insertion portion, showing a modification of the abutting portion of the distal end portion according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 11 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 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 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 according to the fourth embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

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

[0016] (First embodiment)

1 to 4 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a rotary self-propelled endoscope device, and FIG. 2 is an insertion showing a configuration of a distal end portion and an insertion portion distal end side. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view along the axial direction, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the insertion section cut along line III in FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the portion surrounded by circle A in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 includes an elongated insertion portion 2 that is inserted into a body cavity, and a rotation drive portion 3 that is provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2. And the operation unit 4, the universal cable 5 extending from the operation unit 4 force, the universal connector 6 provided on the distal end side of the universal cable 5, the control cable 7 extending from the universal connector 6, For example, the control cable 7 includes a control device 8 that is detachably connected, and a foot switch 9 that is detachably connected to the control device 8. The insertion portion 2 is provided on the distal end portion 11, the rotating cylinder 12 that is a propulsive force generating portion connected to the proximal end side of the distal end portion 11, and the proximal end side of the rotating tubular body 12. And a connecting portion 13 formed. The configuration of the insertion portion 2 provided with 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, and the imaging surface of the objective optical system 21 is configured by, for example, CCD or CMOS. An imaging element 22 as means is provided. Further, the distal end surface of the distal end portion 11 is provided with an LED 23 that is an illumination light source for illuminating a subject to be imaged by the objective optical system 21 and the image sensor 22. A signal line 22a extending from the image sensor 22 and a signal line 23a, which is a power line extending from the LED 23, are gathered together on the way and extended to the base end side as a signal cable 26.

[0020] Further, the tip surface of the tip portion 11 is supplied with water for cleaning the objective optical system 21 and with air supply 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.

[0021] Furthermore, an opening 25a of a channel 25, which is a fluid line 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. Yes.

[0022] 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. As shown in FIG. 3, the abutting portion 11a is provided with a cover body 16 which is a cylindrical accommodating portion covering the outer periphery.

[0023] The abutting portion 11a is, as will be described later, a contacted portion l ib to which a contact portion 12a serving as a front end surface of the rotating cylindrical body 12 to which the propulsive force generated by the rotating cylindrical body 12 is transmitted contacts. have. The cover body 16 will be described in detail later. Further, in the present embodiment, the distal end portion 11 of the rotary self-propelled endoscope device 1 includes an abutting portion 11 a and a cover body 16.

[0024] In the present embodiment, the rotating cylinder 12 is formed by winding a metal strand in a spiral shape, It is a member in which a spiral convex portion (or a spiral concave portion, or a convex portion protruding so as to be continuously provided along the spiral) is formed on the surface. Specifically, the rotating cylinder 12 is a spiral tube considering insertion into a body cavity. For example, a metal element wire 12b made of stainless steel and having a predetermined diameter is spirally wound in one layer to form a predetermined tube. It is formed to have flexibility. Further, the metal wire 12b may be wound in multiple lines (for example, 2, 3, 4, etc.) not limited to one layer.

[0025] When the metal strand 12b is spirally wound, the degree of adhesion between the metal strands can be increased, and various angles of the spiral can be set. Accordingly, the outer surface of the rotating cylinder 12 is provided with a spiral-shaped portion 12c formed by the surface of the metal strand 12b. In the present embodiment, the rotating cylindrical body 12 in which the metal strand 12b is wound and the spiral-shaped portion 12c is formed on the outer peripheral surface is taken as an example. However, for example, a flexible tube is used. A rotating cylinder having a spiral-shaped part with a spiral groove formed on the outer surface may be used.

[0026] The rotating cylinder 12 is configured to be rotatable around an axis in the insertion direction. When the rotating cylinder 12 rotates, the spiral-shaped portion 12c on the outer peripheral surface comes into contact with the inner wall of the body cavity of the subject to generate thrust, and the rotating cylinder 12 itself tends to advance in the insertion direction. . At this time, the abutting portion 12a of the rotating cylindrical body 12 abuts against the abutted portion l ib of the abutting portion 11a to press the leading end portion 11, and the entire insertion portion 2 including the leading end portion 11 is Propulsive force is applied to move deeper into the body cavity.

In addition, a tube 27 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the rotary cylinder 12. The tube 27 is provided with the air / water supply tube 24, the channel 25, and the signal cable 26 as described above to be inserted and protected! The rotation of the cylinder 12 is not hindered. Further, the tube 27 has a distal end portion connected to a proximal end of the abutting portion 11a.

[0028] Returning to the description of FIG. 1 again, the connecting portion 13 is connected to the rotating cylinder connecting portion 14 provided in the rotation driving portion 3, and this connection allows the rotation driving portion to be connected. Although not shown in the drawing, the driving force of the motor is transmitted to the rotating cylinder 12 so that the rotating cylinder 12 is rotated. In addition, a plurality of legs 15 serving as installation direction defining means used for placing the rotation drive unit 3 are provided on the lower surface of the rotation drive unit 3. The rotation drive unit 3 is placed with the lower surface provided with the leg 15 on the lower side in the vertical direction. Accordingly, the leg portion 15 also functions as an index indicating the lower side in the vertical direction.

[0029] Further, the air / water supply tube 24, the channel 25, and the signal cable 26 passed through the insertion section 2 are again passed from the rotary drive section 3 after being passed through the rotary drive section 3. It extends outside.

[0030] 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 part 31 provided on the side surface of the operation part 4.

[0031] The operation unit 4 is provided with a grip part 4a for gripping by hand, and further, an air / water supply button 4b for operating air / water supply via the air / water supply tube 24, Various operation buttons are provided, such as the arch I button 4c for operating the arch I through channel 25.

[0032] In the universal cable 5 extended from the operation unit 4, the air / water supply pipe connected to the air / water supply tube 24, the suction pipe connected to the channel 25, or the signal cable 26 is connected. Signal lines to be connected are arranged! /

[0033] 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 to a video processor for processing is provided.

[0034] In the control cable 7 extended 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 portion 11 are arranged. ing.

[0035] The control device 8 to which the control cable 7 is connected is for controlling the 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. Absent.

[0037] It should be noted 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. Furthermore, the fluid supply device may include an air supply device, a water supply tank, a suction pump, and the like, or may additionally include a video processor. Therefore, the rotary self-propelled endoscope device 1 includes at least a part of the fluid supply device and the insertion portion 2.

Here, the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cover body 16 disposed on the outer periphery of the abutting portion 11a is set to have an outer diameter such as the outer diameter of the distal end portion 11 so as not to cause a difference from the distal end portion 11. It is a hard cylindrical member that can be used with metal. As a result, the distal end portion of the rotating cylindrical body 12 is stabilized, and the outer surface applied to the cover body 16 by the front end portion 11 force is also a smooth surface, and good insertability at the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 is maintained. . In addition, the cover body 16 is set to have a thin enough thickness to maintain a predetermined rigidity in consideration of (preventing) an increase in diameter of the distal end portion 11 of the insertion portion 2 in the outer diameter direction.

[0039] Further, the cover body 16 has an inner peripheral portion covering the abutting portion 11a fixed to the outer surface of the abutting portion 11a with an adhesive or the like, and a base end portion is the outermost portion of the abutting portion 11a. It has a predetermined extension length that extends beyond the base end. The base end portion of the cover body 16 constitutes a covering portion 16a that covers the distal end portion of the rotating cylinder 12.

[0040] Incidentally, the rotating cylinder 12 is set to a length slightly shorter than the length of the insertion portion 2 on the proximal end side from the abutted portion l ib of the abutting portion 11a. In other words, the rotating cylinder 12 has a predetermined long-axis direction in order to provide play so as not to impede its rotation when the insertion part 2 is inserted into a body cavity, for example, a large intestine having an intricate bending part. The length of is set. Accordingly, the rotary cylinder 12 slides back and forth in the axial direction of the insertion portion 2.

In the present embodiment, the length in the insertion axis direction of the covering portion 16a of the cover body 16 is set to a radius of about 1Z2 with respect to the diameter of the rotating cylindrical body 12, for example. As a result, even when the insertion portion 2 is curved, the distal end portion of the rotary cylinder 12 always has a force. It will be in the state accommodated in the coating | coated part 16a of the bar body 16. FIG. Therefore, the rotating cylinder 12 is not detached from the covering portion 16a of the cover body 16 even when the insertion portion 2, particularly the vicinity of the distal end portion 11, is bent.

As a result, the contact portion 12a of the rotating cylinder 12 reliably contacts the contacted portion l ib of the abutting portion 11a efficiently. The length of the covering portion 16a may be set longer than the moving length in which the above-described rotating cylinder 12 can slide back and forth in the axial direction of the insertion portion 2.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, a gap of a predetermined distance 11 is provided between the rotating cylinder 12 and the covering portion 16a of the cover body 16 in consideration of the rotation of the rotating cylinder 12. ing. That is, the inner diameter of the cover body 16 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the rotary cylinder 12.

The predetermined distance 11 is set to about 0.1 mm, for example. The inner peripheral surface of the covering portion 16a is processed with a fluorine-based coating, Teflon (registered trademark), or the like so as to reduce the friction of the rotating cylindrical body 12 that comes into contact with the inner surface of the covering portion 16a and to prevent the rotation from being hindered. Also good. Further, for example, silicon-based fats and oils may be filled between the covered portion 16a and the rotating cylinder 12.

In addition, a gap of a predetermined distance 12 is provided between the tube 27 and the rotating cylinder 12 in consideration of the rotation of the rotating cylinder 12. That is, the inner diameter of the rotating cylinder 12 is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tube 27.

[0046] For example, if the covering portion 16a of the cover body 16 that covers the distal end side of the rotating cylinder 12 is not provided, the contact portion 12a of the rotating cylinder 12 and the contact portion l of the abutting portion 11a Foreign matter such as filth in the body cavity may enter the gap between the tube 27 and the rotating cylinder 12 from between the ib and the ib. These foreign matters such as filth in the body cavity increase the friction between the tube 27 and the rotary cylinder 12 and inhibit the good rotation of the rotary cylinder 12.

[0047] At the same time, if foreign matter such as filth in the body cavity is interposed between the abutting portion 12a of the rotating cylinder 12 and the abutted portion l ib of the abutting portion 11a, the propulsive force of the rotating cylinder 12 is increased. If the contact force of the contact part 12a that abuts against the contacted part 1 lb for transmission is affected, and the propulsion force that the rotary cylinder 12 advances toward the deep part in the body cavity cannot be efficiently transmitted to the tip part 11 There is.

[0048] Further, foreign matter such as dirt in the body cavity flows into the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2 through the gap as the rotating cylinder 12 rotates, and is driven to rotate by the operator. It may reach part 3 and scatter from the proximal end of insertion part 2 to the treatment room. Therefore, medical personnel It may take time to clean and disinfect the insertion part 2 and the rotary drive part 3 after the endoscopy and to clean the treatment room.

[0049] In the insertion portion 2 of the rotary self-propelled endoscope device 1 of the present embodiment that solves the above-described circumstances, the distal end side of the rotary cylinder 12 is in the covering portion 16a of the cover body 16. Since it is accommodated, foreign matter such as filth in the body cavity can be prevented from entering the insertion portion 2 that is a gap between the tube 27 and the rotating cylinder 12.

As a result, the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment efficiently transmits the propulsive force that the rotary cylinder 12 advances toward the deep portion in the body cavity to the distal end portion 11 for insertion. It is configured to ensure that propulsion is given to part 2 as a whole. In addition, the rotating self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 can prevent foreign matters such as filth from entering the insertion portion 2, thereby preventing foreign matters such as filth from reaching the rotation drive portion 3. Since scattering to the treatment room can be prevented, it is possible to ensure appropriate hygiene management for medical personnel.

[0051] The cover body 16 described above is not limited to a hard member. For example, the cover body 16 is formed from a flexible grease member, an elastic member, or the like that has a force such as biocompatible silicone or rubber. A cylindrical member may be used. By providing flexibility to the cover body 16, the distal end portion of the insertion portion 2 is inserted in a passively curved state corresponding to the bending of the body cavity, so that the insertion property of the insertion portion 2 is improved. At the same time, it is possible to prevent the rotating cylinder 12 from being worn.

[0052] Further, the cover body 16 can be set to a desired flexibility by changing the wall thickness. For example, the flexibility of the cover body 16 is set to about half that of the insertion portion 2 covered by the soft rotating cylinder 12. As a result, the insertion portion 2 can prevent crumble due to a sudden change between hard and soft from the insertion direction side at the boundary portion between the distal end portion 11 including the abutting portion 11a and the rotating cylindrical body 12.

[0053] Furthermore, the cover body 16 may be formed of a translucent resin or a transparent material such as acrylic. Thereby, the medical staff can grasp the entry state of foreign matters such as dirt into the insertion portion 2 after removal from the body cavity.

Note that the cover body 16 disposed so as to cover the outer periphery of the abutting portion 11a at the distal end portion 11 of the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is shown in FIG. To as shown in Figure 8 You may have a structure.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the distal end side of the distal end portion 11 and the insertion portion 2 according to the first modification, and FIG. 6 is the distal end portion according to the second modification example. 11 and a partial cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the leading end side of the insertion portion 2, FIG. 7 is an insertion shaft showing the configuration of the leading end portion 11 and the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 according to the third modification. FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the insertion section cut along the line VIII-VIII in FIG.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 5, the cover body 16 according to the first modified example has spiral convex portions 18a and concave portions 18b formed along the inner peripheral surface of the covering portion 16a. It has a sweep-out portion 18 which is a spiral groove formed by the recess 18b.

The convex portion 18a of the sweep-out portion 18 is such that the wall surface forming the concave portion 18b has a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation direction of the rotary cylinder 12 (arrow a in the figure). It is inclined toward the base end. As a result, foreign matter such as filth in the body cavity attached to the spiral-shaped portion 12c of the rotating cylinder 12 moves along the wall surface (concave portion 18b) of the convex portion 18a along with the rotation of the rotating cylindrical body 12 with the arrow in the figure. The base end opening force of the covering portion 16a of the cover body 16 in the b direction is also swept out.

As a result, the cover body 16 according to the first modification is configured to further prevent foreign matters such as dirt from entering the insertion portion 2.

Next, a cover body 16 according to a second modification will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cover portion 16a of the cover body 16 has a plurality of convex portions 19a and concave portions 19b formed on the inner peripheral surface of the base end opening portion, and a spiral formed by these convex portions 19a and concave portions 19b. It has a sweep-out part 19 which is a groove.

[0059] The convex portions 19a and the concave portions 19b are formed in parallel on the inner peripheral surface of the base end of the covering portion 16a so as to have a predetermined angle with respect to the insertion axis of the insertion portion 2. As a result, in the same manner as in the first modified example described above, foreign matter such as filth in the body cavity is moved along with the rotation of the rotating cylinder 12.

Then, it is swept out from the base end opening of the covering portion 16a along the wall surface of the convex portion 19a (the concave portion 19b).

As a result, the cover body 16 according to the second modification can obtain the same effect as that of the first modification. Next, the cover body 16 according to the third modification will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the covering portion 16a of the cover body 16 has a base 16a. A plurality of, in this case, four cutouts 16b are formed from the end to the midway in the axial direction. The cover body 16 configured in this manner prevents the rotary cylinder 12 from being detached from the covering portion 16a even when the rotary cylinder 12 is bent in the insertion portion 2, particularly in the vicinity of the tip portion 11. The structure is such that foreign matter such as filth in the body cavity can be easily discharged from the cutout portion 16b.

Furthermore, the medical staff can visually confirm the entry state of foreign matters such as filth from the notch 16b of the covering portion 16a into the insertion portion 2 after the endoscopic examination. Further, since the rotating cylinder 12 has a small area in contact with the covering portion 16a due to the notch portion 16b, the friction is reduced and the rotation property is improved.

[0062] (Second Embodiment)

Next, the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as the configurations according to the first embodiment, and descriptions of the operations and effects of the configurations are omitted.

FIGS. 9 and 10 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the distal end portion 11 and the insertion portion 2, and FIG. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing a configuration of the distal end portion of the distal end portion 11 and the insertion portion 2 showing a modification of the abutting portion 1 la of the distal end portion 11 according to the embodiment.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is formed at the base end of the abutting portion 11a in place of the cover body 16 in the first embodiment. And a covering portion 17 that constitutes a housing portion that is a hole. The covering portion 17 has an axial length that is the length from the abutted portion l ib of the abutting portion 11a to which the abutting portion 12a of the rotating cylinder 12 transmits a propulsive force to the proximal end of the abutting portion 11a. However, similarly to the first embodiment, the rotary cylinder 12 is set to be longer than the moving length in which the rotary cylinder 12 can slide back and forth in the axial direction of the insertion portion 2 to cover the tip portion of the rotary cylinder 12.

Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the rotating cylinder 12 is prevented from being detached from the covering portion 17a of the cover body 16 even when the insertion portion 2, particularly the vicinity of the distal end portion 11, is bent. It surely and efficiently abuts against the abutted portion l ib of the abutting portion 11a.

[0064] As a result, the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment eliminates the need for the cover body 16 in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, reduces the number of parts, and improves the assemblability. . In addition, it is possible to realize a small diameter of the distal end portion 11 including the abutting portion 11a, and the insertion property of the insertion portion 2 is improved.

Note that the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 of the second embodiment may have a deformed configuration as shown in FIG.

Specifically, a taper surface (first taper surface) 17a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the covering portion 17 of the abutting portion 11a so that the tip force also spreads toward the base end. Further, a cap body 20 having a substantially annular metal force is fitted to the tip of the rotating cylinder 12.

This cap body 20 has a tapered surface (second taper surface) 20b having substantially the same shape as the tapered surface 17a of the covering portion 17 on the outer peripheral surface. Further, the tip of the cap body 20 becomes a contact portion 20a that contacts the contact portion l ib of the abutting portion 11a. The taper surfaces 17a and 20b have a fluorine-based coating force to reduce the frictional resistance generated when the cap body 20 rotates integrally with the rotating rotating cylinder 12 and comes into contact with each of the tapered surfaces 17a and 20b. There are Teflon (registered trademark) processing.

[0067] Thereby, the propulsive force in the deep direction in the body cavity of the rotating cylinder 12 is transmitted to the abutting portion 11a via the cap body 20. As a result, the insertion portion 2 generates a propulsive force that advances in the depth direction in the body cavity.

[0068] In addition to the above-described effects, the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 configured as described above has a contact between the tapered surface 17a of the covering portion 17 and the tapered surface 20b of the cap body 20, so that the inside of the insertion portion 2 It becomes a configuration that can reliably prevent entry of foreign matter such as filth in the body cavity.

[0069] (Third embodiment)

Next, with reference to FIG. 11, a rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as the configurations according to the first and second embodiments, and descriptions of the operations and effects of the configurations are omitted.

FIG. 11 relates to the third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view along the insertion axis direction showing the configuration of the distal end portion 11 and the distal end side of the insertion portion 2. As shown in FIG. 11, the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment has an annular member 28 made of metal fitted on the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the rotary cylinder 12. Yes. The annular member 28 has a covering portion 28a that extends to the front end side of the contact portion 12a of the rotating cylinder 12 and covers the outer peripheral surface of the base end side of the abutting portion 11a.

[0071] The diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the covering portion 28a is set so that a gap of approximately 0.1 mm is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the abutting portion 11a. Further, the covering portion 28a has a length in a direction extending from the contact portion 12a of the rotating cylinder 12 greater than a moving length in which the rotating cylinder 12 can slide back and forth in the axial direction of the insertion portion 2. It is set long and covers the base end of the abutting part 11a.

[0072] Further, an annular foreign matter entry preventing member 28b for filling a gap is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the front end of the covering portion 28a so as to fill a gap formed between the outer peripheral surface of the abutting portion 11a. The foreign matter intrusion preventing member 28b is formed with Teflon (registered trademark) or the like on the surface so that the rotating property of the rotating annular member 28 is not obstructed even if it contacts the outer peripheral surface of the abutting portion 11a. Being sung.

Therefore, the foreign matter intrusion preventing member 28b prevents foreign matter such as filth in the distal direction force from entering the stomach portion 28a of the annular member 28.

[0074] With this configuration, the rotary self-propelled endoscope device 1 of the present embodiment has a circle including the covering portion 28a in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments. By disposing the ring member 28 integrally on the rotatable cylindrical body 12 that is disposable, the cleaning and disinfection of the insertion portion 2 after use is improved. Further, the annular member 28 that rotates integrally with the rotating cylinder 12 is different from the first and second embodiments described above in that the inner peripheral surface of the covering portion 28a and the irregularities are formed. The frictional resistance with the base end outer peripheral surface of the smooth abutting portion 11a is smaller than the frictional resistance with the helically shaped portion 12c of the roller body 12. That is, the frictional resistance between the inner peripheral surface of the covering portion 28a and the spiral-shaped portion 12c of the rotating cylinder 12 is larger than the frictional resistance between the base end outer peripheral surface of the abutting portion 11a. As a result, the rotational performance of the rotating cylinder 12 is improved.

[0075] (Fourth embodiment)

Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same configurations as the configurations according to the first to third embodiments, and descriptions of the operations and effects of the configurations are omitted. As shown in FIG. 12, in the rotary self-propelled endoscope device 1 of the present embodiment, the distal end portion 11 and the abutting portion 11a are connected to a predetermined portion by a cover body 16 having flexibility. A space 29a is formed so as to be separated by a distance, and a soft portion 29 utilizing the flexibility of the cover body 16 is provided.

[0077] In order to form the soft portion 29, the cover body 16 is formed of an elastic member such as, for example, bio-compatible fluorocarbon resin, natural rubber, urethane, NBR (acrylonitrile butadiene rubber), or silicon. It has been.

In the rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, in addition to the effects of the first to third embodiments, a flexible portion 29 is provided at the distal end portion 11. As a result, the flexible portion 29 is passively bent when passing through the bent portion of the body cavity, so that the insertability of the insertion portion 2 is improved.

[0079] Further, by forming the cover body 16 with an elastic member, the flexibility of the covering portion 16a is increased, and the rotating cylinder 12 is formed by the covering portion 16a from the base end of the abutting portion 11a in the insertion portion 2. The portion covered with the tip end portion of the is easily curved. Further, the portion where the distal end portion of the rotating cylinder 12 is covered by the covering portion 16a from the base end of the abutting portion 11a in the insertion portion 2 does not become hard due to the flexibility of the covering portion 16a. Therefore, since the covering portion 16a can be increased in the axial direction, it is possible to further prevent foreign matters such as dirt from entering the insertion portion 2.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made within the scope without departing from the gist of the invention.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A distal end portion having an imaging means on the distal end side, and a long insertion portion for insertion into a subject;

A propulsive force generating portion that is provided with a contact portion at the distal end and is rotatable relative to the distal end portion around a long axis that forms the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion;

A rotating device for rotating the propulsive force generating unit;

A propulsive force receiving portion provided at a base end of the distal end portion and provided with a contact portion with which the abutting portion of the propulsive force generating portion abuts;

A cover ring for accommodating the abutting portion of the propulsive force generating portion and the abutted portion of the propulsive force receiving portion;

A rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus comprising:

2. The rotating self-propelled endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover ring has a covering portion that covers at least a part of a tip portion of the propulsive force generating portion! .

[3] The covering portion covers the entire tip portion of the propulsive force generating portion.

2. A rotary self-propelled endoscope device according to 2.

[4] The rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus according to [2] or [3], wherein the covering portion is formed by a hard member.

5. The rotating self-propelled endoscope device according to claim 2, wherein the covering portion has flexibility.

6. The concave and convex surface having a predetermined angle with respect to the rotation axis of the propulsive force generating portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the covering portion. A rotating self-propelled endoscope device described in any one of the above.

7. The rotating self-propelled endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein a first tapered surface is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the covering portion.

[8] The rotary self-propelled inner portion according to [7], wherein the abutting portion of the propulsive force generating portion has a second tapered surface in contact with the first tapered surface. Endoscopic device.

[9] The rotary self-propelled endoscope device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the cover ring is integrated with the propulsive force receiving portion.

10. The rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cover ring is integrally fixed to a tip portion of the propulsive force generating unit.

11. The rotating self-propelled endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the distal end portion has a flexible portion that can be freely bent.

[12] The soft part is formed by a part of the cover ring formed by an elastic member.

The rotary self-propelled endoscope apparatus according to claim 11, wherein V is V.

[13] The rotating self-propelled internal view according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the propulsive force generating portion has a spiral-shaped portion having a spiral unevenness formed on an outer surface thereof. Mirror device.