WO2013132684A1

WO2013132684A1 - Endoscope

Info

Publication number: WO2013132684A1
Application number: PCT/JP2012/073828
Authority: WO
Inventors: 智幸飯塚
Original assignee: オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社
Priority date: 2012-03-08
Filing date: 2012-09-18
Publication date: 2013-09-12

Abstract

The endoscope (1) of an embodiment has a protrusion (12) which is located on a distal end hard member (13) at the boundary where a surface (T1) which surrounds an objective lens and a surface (S1) which surrounds an illumination lens are in contact, the surface (T1) having an objective lens mounting hole (13a) provided therein, the surface (S1) having an illumination lens mounting hole (13b) provided therein. When the distal end hard member (13) is viewed from the top surface side parallel to the axis (O), the protrusion (12) protrudes from the surface (S1) surrounding the illumination lens and is formed in a region including the intersecting point (X) with the line (P2b) which connects the axis (PS) of at least the objective lens (10) and the center (P2a) of the outlet of a nozzle hole (11a).

Description

Endoscope

The present invention relates to an endoscope including a nozzle that supplies air or supplies water toward an observation window provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion.

Conventionally, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical field and the like. An endoscope can observe various organs in a body cavity by inserting a long and thin insertion portion into a body cavity, and can perform various treatments using a treatment instrument inserted into a treatment instrument insertion channel as necessary. it can.

In such an endoscope, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-123285, an observation lens made of an objective lens, a cover glass, or the like for observing a subject is provided on the side surface of the distal end of the insertion portion. There is a side-view type endoscope having an illumination window made up of a window and an illumination lens for illuminating a subject, a cover glass, or the like. The tip of the side-view type endoscope is provided with a nozzle for supplying or supplying air toward the observation window and the illumination window. When observing or treating an organ or the like in the body cavity, the nozzle faces the surface of the observation window. In addition, by supplying air or water toward the surface of the illumination window, the surface of the observation window and the dirt attached to the surface of the illumination window are cleaned so as to obtain a clearer endoscope image. Some of them are

Usually, when cleaning the observation window and the illumination window at the time of insertion into the body cavity of the insertion portion, the endoscope removes the dirt and the like attached to the surface of the observation window and the illumination window from the nozzle, Air is supplied from the nozzle to the observation window and the illumination window, and water droplets remaining on the surface of the observation window are blown off toward the air supply direction, thereby removing water droplets remaining on the surface of the observation window. .

In the endoscope described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 05-123285, the tip, the nozzle, the observation window, and the illumination window are arranged in the order of the nozzle, the observation window, and the illumination window from the distal end side to the proximal end side of the distal end portion. The illumination window is provided at a position higher than the observation window in the side surface direction of the tip portion, that is, in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the tip portion (insertion portion), and between the observation window and the illumination window. Has a stepped portion formed in the mounting frame of the observation window and the illumination window. The surface of the observation window is inclined with a predetermined angle toward the step portion with respect to the surface of the mounting frame around the observation window, that is, the bottom surface of the step portion. Further, the surface of the illumination window is inclined with a predetermined angle toward the step portion with respect to the surface of the mounting frame around the front window.

However, in such a configuration, when water adhering to the surface of the observation window is blown off by air supply after water is supplied from the nozzle, there is a step between the observation window and the illumination window. Since the surface is inclined toward the stepped portion, the blown-off water tends to accumulate in a portion (bottom surface of the stepped portion) on the opposite side of the nozzle with the flat observation window provided with the observation window of the mounting frame as a boundary. In addition, even if the surface of the lighting window is passed over the step, the air flow to the lighting window is reduced by the step, and the surface of the lighting window is inclined toward the step. The water that could not be completely blown off on the surface of the water returned to the bottom surface of the stepped portion after the air supply and tends to stay. And since the surface of the observation window is inclined toward the stepped portion, the water staying on the bottom surface of the stepped portion after air feeding may be on the surface of the observation window depending on the angle of the tip when observing or treating. It is easy to return, and the returned water stays on the surface of the observation window, and there is a problem that the observation performance deteriorates due to the influence of the water.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and with a simple configuration, it is difficult to return water blown off by air supply from the nozzle to the observation window, thereby reducing adhesion of water on the observation window and improving observation performance. It is an object to provide an endoscope that can be used.

An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes an observation window fixed directly or via an intermediate member to an observation window hole of a distal end member provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, and an illumination window hole of the distal end member. An illumination window fixed directly or via an intermediate member, and a nozzle having a nozzle hole for supplying air and water toward the observation window and the illumination window, the order of the nozzle, the observation window, and the illumination window The endoscope is arranged on the distal end member of the insertion portion on a substantially straight line, wherein the distal end member is provided with an observation window peripheral surface provided with the observation window hole and the illumination window hole. The illumination window peripheral surface is provided with a predetermined angle so as to form a convex toward the outside of the tip member, and at the boundary portion formed by the observation window peripheral surface and the illumination window peripheral surface, Center axis of observation window and outlet center of nozzle hole A plane including the said boundary, intersection region including at least a, provided a convex portion formed to protrude from the illumination window peripheral surface.

An endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention includes an observation window fixed to an observation window hole of a distal end member provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion directly or via an intermediate member, and an illumination window for the distal end member An illumination window fixed to the hole directly or through an intermediate member, and a nozzle having a nozzle hole for supplying air and water toward the observation window and the illumination window, the nozzle, the observation window, and the illumination window The endoscope is disposed on the distal end member of the insertion portion on a substantially straight line in the order of: an observation window peripheral surface provided with the observation window hole and the illumination window hole provided on the distal end member. A region including at least an intersection of a plane including a central axis of the observation window and an outlet center of the nozzle hole at a boundary portion with the peripheral surface of the illumination window, and from the peripheral surface of the illumination window. Protrusions formed to protrude were provided.

The perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the endoscope which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. Top view of the tip shown in FIG. Front view of the tip shown in FIG. AA line sectional view of FIG. The enlarged perspective view for demonstrating the specific structure of the convex part shown in FIG. 1, and a peripheral part. A perspective view of the distal end portion for explaining the operation at the distal end portion of the endoscope having no convex portion 12 Top view of the distal end portion for explaining the action at the distal end portion of the endoscope that does not have the convex portion 12 The perspective view of the front-end | tip part for demonstrating the effect | action of the front-end | tip part of the endoscope of this embodiment Top view of the distal end portion for explaining the action of the distal end portion of the endoscope of the present embodiment BB sectional view of FIG. The top view of the front-end | tip part for demonstrating the structure of the convex part of the front-end | tip part which concerns on the modification 1. CC sectional view of FIG. The top view of the front-end | tip part for demonstrating the structure of the convex part of the front-end | tip part which concerns on the modification 2. DD sectional view of FIG. The top view of the front-end | tip part for demonstrating the structure of the convex part of the front-end | tip part which concerns on the modification 3. EE sectional view of FIG. The top view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the endoscope which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FF sectional view of FIG.

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

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a distal end portion of an endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
An endoscope 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a side-view type endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity and observes and treats an observation site, for example, and includes an insertion portion 2 and an operation portion (not shown). The operation unit is connected to a universal cord with a light guide fiber or the like.

The insertion portion 2 is configured by connecting a distal end portion 3, a bending portion 4, and a flexible tube portion (not shown) in order from the distal end.
On the upper side surface of the distal end portion 3, which is a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the distal end portion 3 (insertion portion 2) and orthogonal to the insertion direction of the insertion portion 2, an observation window arrangement portion 5 and a channel opening portion are provided. 6 are provided.
The observation window arrangement unit 5 is provided with an illumination lens 9 constituting an illumination window, an objective lens 10 constituting an observation window, and a nozzle 11. In this case, the illumination lens 9, the objective lens 10, and the nozzle 11 are arranged on a substantially straight line in the order of the nozzle 11, the objective lens 10, and the illumination lens 9 from the proximal end side of the distal end portion 3 toward the distal end direction. Is done. In addition, the further detailed structure of the observation window arrangement | positioning part 5 is mentioned later.

The channel opening 6 is disposed at the distal end portion 3 so as to be adjacent to the observation window arrangement portion 5, and a treatment instrument raising base 7, a forceps opening (not shown), and the like are arranged in the channel opening 6. It is installed. A forceps port (not shown) is an opening of a treatment tool channel (not shown) provided in the insertion portion 2, and the treatment tool 8 inserted into the treatment tool channel is led out from the forceps port.

Further, the treatment instrument elevator base 7 is rotatably disposed on the distal end hard member 13 described later in the channel opening 6. That is, although not shown in the figure, an operation of pulling or pushing a single raising wire connected to the treatment instrument raising base 7 by the raising operation lever of the operation unit and moving the raising wire in the axial direction is performed. By doing so, the treatment instrument raising base 7 that is in contact with the side surface of the treatment instrument 8 protruding from the channel opening 6 of the distal end portion 3 is rotated to change the protruding direction of the treatment instrument 8 from the channel opening 6. It can be made. Thus, the surgeon can perform treatment with the treatment tool 8 while viewing the endoscopic image.

Next, specific configurations of the distal end portion 3 and the observation window arrangement portion 5 which are main portions of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
2 is a top view of the tip shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a front view of the tip shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3, and FIG. It is an expansion perspective view for demonstrating the specific structure of a convex part and a peripheral part.

As shown in FIG. 4, the tip 3 has a tip hard member 13 as a tip member. The tip hard member 13 has an objective lens mounting hole 13a, an illumination lens mounting hole 13b, and a nozzle mounting. A hole 13c is provided.

The objective lens frame 14 as an intermediate member is attached to the objective lens mounting hole 13a, and the objective lens 10 constituting the observation window is fixed to the objective lens frame 14. The objective lens 10 may be directly fixed to the objective lens mounting hole 13a of the hard end member 13 without the objective lens frame 14.

The objective lens 10 is connected to a solid-state imaging device such as a CCD or CMOS (here, a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) 16) via an optical lens group 15. The CCD 16 is connected to a connection cable 17, and the connection cable 17 is electrically connected to the video processor through the insertion portion 2 and the universal cord (not shown).

Also, the illumination lens 9 constituting the illumination window is fixed in the illumination lens mounting hole 13b. The illumination lens 9 may be fixed not via the illumination lens mounting hole 13b of the distal end hard member 13 but via an illumination lens frame which is an intermediate member mounted in the illumination lens mounting hole 13b. .

The light guide 18 is connected to the illumination lens 9. Although not shown, the light guide 18 is connected to the light source device through the insertion portion 2 and a universal cord (not shown).

Therefore, the light guided from the light source device via the light guide 18 is emitted from the illumination lens 9 toward the object to be observed, and the image of the object to be observed is the objective lens 10 and the optical lens group 15. The image is formed on the CCD 16 via the, and the image formed on the CCD 16 is displayed on an external monitor (not shown).

Further, a nozzle 11 for supplying air or water toward the objective lens 10 and the illumination lens 9 is fixed in the nozzle mounting hole 13c of the distal end hard member 13. An air / water supply tube 20 is connected to the proximal end side of the nozzle 11 via an air / water supply conduit 19, and the air / water supply tube 20 is connected to an air / water supply device (not shown).

The nozzle 11 is provided with a central axis P2 of the nozzle hole 11a, which is an opening of the nozzle 11, facing the surface of the objective lens 10 in order to efficiently supply air or water to the objective lens 10 in particular. That is, the central axis P2 of the nozzle hole 11a is disposed at a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to a plane orthogonal to the central axis PS of the objective lens 10, and when the surface of the objective lens 10 is a plane, the objective The central axis P2 of the nozzle hole 11a is disposed with a predetermined angle θ2 with respect to the surface of the lens 10. Note that the angle θ2 of the central axis P2 of the nozzle hole 11a may be changed as appropriate.

Therefore, when the objective lens 10 is cleaned when the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the body cavity, the filth attached to the objective lens 10 by removing water from the nozzle hole 11a to the objective lens 10 is cleaned. By blowing air droplets remaining on the objective lens 10 from the nozzle hole 11a to the illumination lens 9 side (the tip side of the distal end portion 3), water droplets remaining on the objective lens 10 are blown off. Can be removed.
The distal end hard member 13 having such a configuration is configured such that the outer periphery excluding the observation window arrangement portion 5 and the channel opening 6 is covered with a cover member 21.

In the present embodiment, the objective lens 10 tilts the central axis PS of the objective lens 10 by a predetermined angle θ1 in the proximal direction of the distal end portion 3 with respect to the plane P0 orthogonal to the central axis O of the distal end portion 3. It is being fixed to the front-end | tip hard member 13 so that it may be in a state.

An objective lens peripheral surface T1 (see FIGS. 4 and 5), which is one plane (surface) of the distal end hard member 13 around the objective lens mounting hole 13a provided with the objective lens mounting hole 13a, is an objective lens. It is substantially orthogonal to the ten central axes PS. That is, when the surface of the objective lens 10 is a flat surface, the surface of the objective lens 10 and the objective lens peripheral surface T1 are disposed substantially in parallel. The surface of the objective lens 10 is the same or slightly protruded from the objective lens peripheral surface T1. In the present embodiment, the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the central axis PS of the objective lens 10 are substantially orthogonal to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The central axis PS may be inclined to the nozzle 11 side from the right angle with respect to the objective lens peripheral surface T1.

Further, the illumination lens surrounding surface S1 (FIG. 4, FIG. 4) is a flat surface (surface) of the distal end hard member 13 around the objective lens surrounding surface T1 and the illumination lens mounting hole 13b provided with the illumination lens mounting hole 13b. 5), the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 is not coplanar and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 has a predetermined angle θ3 with respect to the objective lens peripheral surface T1, as shown in FIG. Is provided. In the present embodiment, the objective lens 10, the objective lens peripheral surface T1, and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are arranged so that θ1 = θ3. However, the angles may be different.

That is, the treatment instrument 8 when the objective lens 10 is raised by the treatment instrument raising base 7 by inclining the objective lens 10 by a predetermined angle θ1 in the proximal direction with respect to the plane P0 orthogonal to the central axis O of the distal end portion 3. The visual field direction is sufficiently secured so that the above state can be observed satisfactorily.

In addition, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment has an optical characteristic in which the illumination lens 9 has a wide-angle light emission range, and the objective lens 10 is disposed closer to the proximal end side of the distal end portion 3 than the illumination lens 9. Is also configured so that the field of view of the objective lens 10 can be sufficiently illuminated.

In the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the distal end hard member 13 has an objective lens peripheral surface T 1 in the cross section of the distal end hard member 13 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis O of the distal end hard member 13. And the objective lens peripheral surface T1 with respect to the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 at a predetermined angle such that a boundary portion where the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 contacts is convex toward the outer diameter direction of the distal end hard member 13. As shown in FIG. 5, the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the objective lens peripheral surface T1 are formed such that the boundary line between the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 and the objective lens peripheral surface T1 forms a ridge line S2. The illumination lens peripheral surface S1 is formed to have a predetermined angle θ3.

That is, in the distal end hard member 13, the objective lens peripheral surface T1 provided with the objective lens mounting hole 13a and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 provided with the illumination lens mounting hole 13b are outside the distal end hard member 13. A predetermined angle θ3 is provided so as to form an upward convex.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the distal end hard member 13 is located at the boundary between the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 from the illumination lens peripheral surface S1. It has the convex part 12 which protruded toward the outer-diameter direction. As shown in FIG. 2, the convex portion 12 has at least the central axis PS of the objective lens 10 and the outlet center P2a of the nozzle hole 11a when the distal end hard member 13 is viewed from the upper side orthogonal to the central axis O. Is formed in a region including the intersection X with the straight line P2b connecting the two.

That is, as shown in FIG. 4, a virtual plane P2c including the central axis PS of the objective lens 10 and the exit center P2a of the nozzle hole 11a at the boundary formed by the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1. Convex portions 12 that protrude from the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are provided in a region that includes at least the intersection X between the AA cross section of FIG. 3 and the cross section of FIG. Furthermore, at least a convex portion 12 is provided in a region of the boundary portion where the virtual plane that is parallel to the virtual plane P2c and intersects the objective lens 10 intersects the boundary portion.

That is, the boundary portion where the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are in contact is composed of the ridge line S2 and the convex portion 12.
In this case, the convex portion 12 is formed so as not to protrude from the objective lens peripheral surface T1, as shown in FIG. 4, in the cross section of the distal end hard member 13 in the direction orthogonal to the central axis O of the distal end hard member 13. Yes.

The specific shape of the convex portion 12 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the convex portion 12 has, for example, a central axis P3 of a virtual cylinder 21 having an arc line 12c as a part of a circle at the edge of the cross section. Is provided on a virtual plane P2c (cross section AA in FIG. 3, cross section in FIG. 4) including the central axis PS of the objective lens 10 and the outlet center P2a of the nozzle hole 11a, and the direction of the central axis P3 is set to the objective lens. In the state in which the virtual cylinder 21 is arranged so as to coincide with the direction of the central axis PS (see FIG. 4), that is, the central axis P3 and the central axis PS are parallel to each other, It has a shape of a part of the virtual cylinder 21 formed when cut from the side surface along T1. In the present embodiment, the central axis P3 and the central axis PS are parallel to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the central axis P3 is inclined with respect to the central axis PS on the virtual plane P2c. Also good.

In other words, the convex portion 12 includes a flat portion 12d that is the same plane as the objective lens peripheral surface T1, and a step in which the peripheral surface of the virtual cylinder 21 extends from the arc line 12c at the edge of the flat portion 12d toward the illumination lens peripheral surface S1. Part 12b. As will be described later, the stepped portion 12b constitutes a partition wall portion for preventing water accumulated on the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 side (illumination lens 9 side) from returning to the surface of the objective lens 10. The shape of the stepped portion 12b is substantially a crescent shape when the tip portion 3 is viewed from above (see FIG. 2).

Accordingly, such a convex portion 12 is configured such that the portion of the intersection point X described above projects most with respect to the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 on the arc line 12c, and the projection amount decreases as the distance from the intersection point X increases. .

In addition, by increasing the diameter of the virtual cylinder 21, the areas of the stepped portion 12b and the planar portion 12d of the convex portion 12 are expanded, and the ridgeline S2 between the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 and the objective lens peripheral surface T1 (see FIG. 5). ) May be eliminated. In this case, the boundary portion is only the convex portion 12. Or, conversely, by reducing the diameter of the virtual cylinder 21, the areas of the stepped portion 12b and the planar portion 12d of the convex portion 12 are reduced, and the length of the ridgeline S2 (see FIG. 5) is increased. You may comprise so that it may do. However, in order to effectively prevent the water accumulated on the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 side (illumination lens 9 side) from returning to the surface of the objective lens 10, the width of the convex portion 12 at the boundary is made as wide as possible. It is desirable that the length of the ridge line S2 is shortened or eliminated.
Further, in the above example, the stepped portion 12b of the convex portion 12 has a part of the outer peripheral shape of the virtual cylinder 21, but is not limited to the virtual cylinder, for example, a cone, a square, etc. The step portion 12b of the convex portion 12 may be formed so as to have a part of the outer peripheral shape of a virtual body such as a polygon.

Next, the operation of the endoscope having such a convex portion 12 will be described with reference to FIGS.
6 is a perspective view of the distal end portion for explaining the operation at the distal end portion of the endoscope that does not have the convex portion 12, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view at the distal end portion of the endoscope that does not have the convex portion 12. FIG. 8 is a top view of the distal end portion for explaining the action, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the distal end portion for explaining the action of the distal end portion of the endoscope of the present embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 9.

Now, when the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the body cavity, the objective lens 10 and the illumination lens 9 are cleaned by an operation by the operator.
At this time, the surgeon first removes dirt and the like attached to the objective lens 10 and the illumination lens 9 by supplying water from the nozzle 11 to the objective lens 10 and the illumination lens 9 by operating the water supply button or the like by the operation unit. . Then, after cleaning the objective lens 10 and the illumination lens 9, the surgeon feeds air from the nozzle 11 to the objective lens 10 and the illumination lens 9 by operating an air supply button or the like by an operation unit to at least the objective lens 10. Blow off remaining water droplets, etc. in the air supply direction.

In this case, in the conventional tip part 30 shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 where the convex part 12 is not provided, the tip part 30 is, for example, in the direction of gravity depending on the angle of the tip part 30 when observing or treating. On the other hand, if it is slightly upward, the air supplied by the nozzle 11 is ejected toward the objective lens 10 as indicated by an arrow A1 shown in FIG. The adhering water is blown off toward the illumination lens 9 (toward the distal end side). However, especially after the air supply, the blown-off water returns to the objective lens 10 as shown by an arrow A2 in FIG. 7 depending on the angle of the distal end portion 30 at the time of observation or treatment. Observation performance deteriorates due to the influence.
On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a convex portion 12 between the illumination lens 9 and the objective lens 10 at the distal end portion 3.

For this reason, as indicated by an arrow A1 shown in FIG. 9, the air supplied by the nozzle 11 is ejected to the objective lens 10, and the water adhering to the objective lens 10 by this air supply is removed from the illumination lens 9 side (front end). Blow away in the direction of the tip of the part 3).
Thereafter, even if the blown-off water returns in the direction toward the objective lens 10 as shown by an arrow A2 in FIG. 9 depending on the angle of the distal end portion 30 at the time of observation or treatment, for example, It abuts on the step portion 12b of the convex portion 12 and flows to both sides of the convex portion 12 as indicated by an arrow A3 in FIG. Thereby, it is possible to prevent water accumulated on the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 side (illumination lens 9 side) from returning to the surface of the objective lens 10.
That is, since the return water after being blown away by air supply does not adhere to the surface of the objective lens 10, the return water does not affect the objective lens 10, and the observation performance is not deteriorated.

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, with a simple configuration, the water blown off by the air supply of the nozzle 11 is prevented from returning to the objective lens 10 to prevent the adhesion of water on the objective lens 10 and improve the observation performance. be able to.

Further, by providing the stepped portion 12b of the convex portion 12 on the illumination lens 9 side and on the distal end side of the insertion portion 2 with respect to the objective lens 10, for example, a solid foreign object is present on the illumination lens 9 side from the distal end side. 10 can be reduced, and an effect of reducing breakage of the objective lens 10 such as cracking of the objective lens 10 can be obtained.

In the present embodiment, the configurations of the convex portion 12, the illumination lens surrounding surface S1, and the objective lens surrounding surface T1 are not limited to the configurations shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, but are shown in FIGS. You may comprise as shown in the modifications 1-3. Such configurations in Modifications 1 to 3 will be described in comparison with a cross-sectional view of the tip portion of the first embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG.

(Modification 1)
FIG. 11 is a top view of the tip portion for explaining the configuration of the convex portion of the tip portion according to Modification 1, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different portions are described.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the distal end hard member 13 of the distal end portion 3 according to Modification 1 is formed at the boundary between the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 as in the first embodiment. The objective lens peripheral surface T1 is provided with an angle θ3 with respect to the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 so as to have the convex portion 12 that protrudes from the peripheral surface S1 of the illumination lens toward the outer diameter direction of the distal end hard member 13. However, the objective lens peripheral surface T 1 is formed to be parallel to the central axis O of the distal end hard member 13. That is, the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 is configured to be inclined toward the central axis O direction by an angle θ3 with respect to the objective lens peripheral surface T1.

The distal end hard member 13 has a convex portion 12A. The convex portion 12A enlarges the area of the stepped portion 12b and the flat surface portion 12d of the convex portion 12 by increasing the diameter of the virtual cylinder 21 shown in FIG. 5, and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 and the objective lens peripheral surface T1. The ridgeline S2 (see FIG. 5) is eliminated.
Further, the convex portion 12A has the center axis P3 of the virtual cylinder 21 shown in FIG. 5 centered on the virtual axis P3c on the virtual plane P2c including the center axis PS of the objective lens 10 and the outlet center P2a of the nozzle hole 11a. By inclining with respect to the axis PS, the angle of the stepped portion 12b with respect to the objective lens peripheral surface T1 is not a right angle but an obtuse angle equal to or greater than a right angle.

Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the endoscope 1 of Modification 1 having such a configuration, the objective lens peripheral surface T1 is parallel to the central axis O of the distal end hard member 13, and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 is at an angle θ3 with respect to the objective lens peripheral surface T1. For example, when the distal end portion 3 is arranged so that the central axis O of the distal end portion 3 is in the horizontal direction in the patient's body, the distal end portion 3 is particularly blown away by water supply. Water can be made difficult to return. Even if the angle of the tip portion 3 changes, the convex portion 12A of the stepped portion 12b having a large area is provided, so that the return of water to the objective lens 10 can be prevented as in the first embodiment. it can.

Therefore, according to the first modification, when the orientation of the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 is changed, even when the area of the step portion 12b of the convex portion 12 is configured to be large at that time, the first embodiment is described. The same effect can be obtained.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 13 is a top view of the tip portion for explaining the configuration of the convex portion of the tip portion according to Modification 2, and FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line DD in FIG. In FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different portions are described.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the distal end hard member 13 of the distal end portion 3 according to the modified example 2 has substantially the same configuration as the first modified example, but the shape of the convex portion 12B is different.
As shown in FIG. 13, the convex portion 12 B is formed so that the stepped portion 12 b is perpendicular to the central axis O of the distal end portion 3 when the distal end hard member 13 is viewed from the upper side orthogonal to the central axis O. It is comprised so that it may become a linear shape in the whole width | variety of the front-end | tip hard member 13 along.

That is, the step portion 12b of the convex portion 12B is different from the step portion 12b along the virtual cylinder P2c in the first modified example, and the entire boundary portion where the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are in contact with each other. In FIG. 5, the projection is formed in a linear shape so as to have a uniform protruding amount with respect to the illumination lens peripheral surface S1.
Other configurations are the same as those of the first modification.

The endoscope 1 of the modified example 2 having such a configuration operates in the same manner as the modified example 1, and the tip portion 12b of the convex portion 12B extends along the direction perpendicular to the central axis O (see FIG. 4). Since the entire width of the hard member 13 is configured to be a linear shape, the height of the stepped portion 12b can be made uniform over the entire direction orthogonal to the central axis O.
Thereby, since the area of the stepped portion 12b can be made larger than that in the first modification, it is possible to prevent the blown-off water from entering the objective lens 10 side as compared with the first modification.

In this modification, the convex portion 12B is provided in the entire boundary portion where the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are in contact with each other. The boundary where the virtual plane intersecting the objective lens 10 is parallel to the virtual plane P2c including the PS and the outlet center P2a of the nozzle hole 11a (the DD cross section of FIG. 13, the cross section of FIG. 14). At least the convex part 12B is provided in the area of the part, and the other boundary part may be a ridge line (boundary line) where the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are in contact.
Therefore, also in Modification 2, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

(Modification 3)
FIG. 15 is a top view of the tip portion for explaining the configuration of the convex portion of the tip portion according to Modification 3, and FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE of FIG. In FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different portions are described.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the distal end hard member 13 of the distal end portion 3 according to the modified example 3 has substantially the same configuration as that of the second modified example, but the shape of the convex portion 12C is different.
As shown in FIG. 15, when the distal end hard member 13 is viewed from the upper side orthogonal to the central axis O, the convex portion 12 C is formed so that the stepped portion 12 b of Modification 2 is the central axis PS of the objective lens 10. When the tip hard member 13 is viewed from the top, it is formed in a straight line shape toward the nozzle 11 as it goes from the straight line P2b (EE line) connecting the nozzle hole 11a to the center P2a of the nozzle hole 11a. Furthermore, it is comprised so that it may become a substantially square shape.
Other configurations are the same as those of the second modification.

The endoscope 1 of the modified example 3 having such a configuration operates in the same manner as the modified example 2, and the stepped part 12b of the convex part 12C has the central axis PS of the objective lens 10 and the center P2 of the nozzle hole 11a. It is formed in a linear shape so as to go toward the nozzle 11 as it goes from the EE line, which is a connecting line, toward the both outer sides, and when it is viewed from the top surface, the distal end hard member 13 has a substantially square shape. Therefore, the returning water can be efficiently guided to both sides of the distal end hard member 13.

In this modification, the convex portion 12C is provided in the entire boundary portion where the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are in contact with each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the central axis of the objective lens 10 The boundary where the virtual plane intersecting the objective lens 10 is parallel to the virtual plane P2c (the EE cross section of FIG. 15, the cross section of FIG. 16) including the PS and the outlet center P2a of the nozzle hole 11a. At least the convex part 12C is provided in the region of the part, and the other boundary part may be a ridge line (boundary line) where the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are in contact.
Therefore, also in Modification 3, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the first to third modified examples, as shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 16, the angle of each stepped portion 12b of the convex portions 12A to 12C with respect to the objective lens peripheral surface T1 is an obtuse angle equal to or greater than a right angle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured to have a right angle or an acute angle as in the first embodiment.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 17 is a top view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. In FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and only different portions are described.

The endoscope 1 of the present embodiment is different in the configuration of the convex portion 12 and the objective lens surrounding surface T1 in the endoscope of the first embodiment.

That is, in the endoscope 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the objective lens peripheral surface T1, which is a plane provided with the objective lens mounting hole 13a, is provided with the illumination lens mounting hole 13b. It is provided with an angle θ3 with respect to the illumination lens peripheral surface S1, which is a flat surface.

On the other hand, in the endoscope of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are provided in parallel without having an angle. The objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are parallel to the central axis O (see FIG. 4) of the distal end hard member 13.

In the present embodiment, the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are the same surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are parallel to the central axis O. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may have an angle.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 12D is provided on the same plane so as to be disposed between the illumination lens 9 and the objective lens 10. In this case, when the convex portion 12D is viewed from the upper surface of the distal end hard member 13, the upper surface portion 12a and the flat surface portion 12d are arranged in an arc shape, and the stepped portion 12b is located with respect to the illumination lens peripheral surface S1. Are formed so as to be substantially perpendicular. That is, as shown in FIG. 18, the convex portion 12 D is configured such that its cross section has a trapezoidal shape.

The shape of the convex portion 12D is not limited to the trapezoidal shape as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 18, and the cross-sectional shape may be a triangular shape or another polygonal shape. Moreover, you may form so that the angle of the level | step-difference part 12b with respect to illumination lens surrounding surface S1 may become an obtuse angle or an acute angle instead of a right angle.
Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

In the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment, even if the objective lens peripheral surface T1 is formed so as to be flush with the illumination lens peripheral surface S1, a convex portion is provided between the objective lens 10 and the illumination lens 9. Since 12D is provided, it operates in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

That is, even if the water blown off by the air supply returns in the direction toward the objective lens 10 depending on the angle of the distal end portion 3 at the time of observation or treatment, the water comes into contact with the stepped portion 12b of the convex portion 12D, and the convex portion It flows to both sides of the part 12D. Thereby, the return of water to the objective lens 10 is prevented. For this reason, since the return water sent to the objective lens 10 does not adhere, there is no influence on the objective lens 10 by the return water, and the observation performance is not deteriorated.
Therefore, according to the second embodiment, even if the objective lens peripheral surface T1 is formed so as to be flush with the illumination lens peripheral surface S1, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, the endoscope 1 is a side-view type endoscope having the treatment instrument raising base 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the side view type without the treatment instrument raising base is provided. Such as a so-called direct view type endoscope having an illumination window, an observation window and a nozzle as an observation window arrangement portion on the distal end surface of the insertion portion. If the endoscope has the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment, the objective lens peripheral surface, the illumination lens peripheral surface, and the convex portion in the above-described embodiment are provided.

As described above, according to the endoscope of each of the above-described embodiments, the water blown off by the air supply of the nozzle is difficult to return to the observation window with a simple configuration, and the adhesion of water on the observation window is reduced, and the observation performance Can be improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, the objective lens peripheral surface T1 and the illumination lens peripheral surface S1 are flat surfaces. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a curved curved surface or may have irregularities on the surface within a range that does not change the gist of the present invention. good.

This application is filed on the basis of the priority claim of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-52250 filed in Japan on March 8, 2012. The above disclosure is included in the present specification and claims. Shall be quoted.

Claims

An observation window fixed directly or via an intermediate member to the observation window hole of the tip member provided at the tip of the insertion portion;
An illumination window fixed directly or via an intermediate member to the illumination window hole of the tip member;
A nozzle having a nozzle hole for supplying air and water toward the observation window and the illumination window,
An endoscope disposed on the distal end member of the insertion portion on a substantially straight line in the order of the nozzle, the observation window, and the illumination window,
In the tip member, an observation window peripheral surface provided with the observation window hole and an illumination window peripheral surface provided with the illumination window hole are predetermined so as to form a convex toward the outside of the tip member. With an angle of
A region including at least an intersection of a plane including a central axis of the observation window and an outlet center of the nozzle hole in a boundary portion formed by the observation window peripheral surface and the illumination window peripheral surface, and the boundary portion. Further, the endoscope is provided with a convex portion that is formed so as to protrude from the peripheral surface of the illumination window.
The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the convex portion is configured not to protrude with respect to the peripheral surface of the observation window.
The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a central axis of the nozzle hole is disposed at an angle with respect to a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the observation window.
The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the convex portion includes a flat portion that is flush with the observation window peripheral surface and a step portion that is an edge portion of the flat portion.
The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the stepped portion has a crescent shape.
The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the step portion has a linear shape.
The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the stepped portion has a U-shape.
An observation window fixed directly or via an intermediate member to the observation window hole of the tip member provided at the tip of the insertion portion;
An illumination window fixed directly or via an intermediate member to the illumination window hole of the tip member;
A nozzle having a nozzle hole for supplying air and water toward the observation window and the illumination window,
An endoscope disposed on the distal end member of the insertion portion on a substantially straight line in the order of the nozzle, the observation window, and the illumination window,
In the tip member, the central axis of the observation window and the nozzle hole at the boundary between the observation window peripheral surface provided with the observation window hole and the illumination window peripheral surface provided with the illumination window hole. An endoscope characterized in that a convex portion that is formed so as to protrude from the peripheral surface of the illumination window is provided in a region that includes at least an intersection of a plane including an exit center and the boundary portion.
The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the observation window peripheral surface and the illumination window peripheral surface are parallel to each other.
The endoscope according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the convex portion has an arc shape.