WO2015198641A1

WO2015198641A1 - Endoscopic system

Info

Publication number: WO2015198641A1
Application number: PCT/JP2015/056319
Authority: WO
Inventors: 浩之金子
Original assignee: オリンパス株式会社
Priority date: 2014-06-24
Filing date: 2015-03-04
Publication date: 2015-12-30
Also published as: CN205181288U

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an endoscopic system comprising a flexible endoscope and a rigid sheath, wherein the height difference between the tip of the rigid sheath and the tip of the endoscope inserted into same is eliminated, ensuring smooth insertion of the endoscope at all times. In order to achieve this purpose, the endoscopic system comprises: an endoscope 10 that includes a long insertion section 11 provided with a distal end rigid section 15 and a bending section 16 connected to the proximal side of the distal end rigid section; a flexible sheath 2 that includes a tubular section 3 in which an insertion section can be inserted and has a length that allows the distal end rigid section to be projected into the distal side of the tubular section; and a seal region provided between the distal end rigid section and the distal end section of the tubular section.

Description

Endoscope system

The present invention relates to an endoscope system including a flexible endoscope having a flexible insertion portion and a rigid sheath having a tubular portion through which the insertion portion of the flexible endoscope can be inserted. .

Conventionally, there is a technique for guiding an elongated insertion portion of an endoscope into a kidney through a ureter and observing or treating the inside of the kidney with the endoscope. In the renal ureteroscope, which is an endoscope for observing the inside of the kidney, the insertion portion is configured to be rigid, and the insertion portion is configured to be flexible by providing a bending portion and a flexible tube portion. There is.

A rigid endoscope having a rigid insertion portion has an advantage that after the insertion portion is inserted into the ureter, the insertion portion can be smoothly guided into the kidney. On the other hand, since it does not have a bending function, for example, there is a problem that it cannot reach the lower kidney cup. On the other hand, a flexible endoscope having a flexible insertion portion has a problem that it is difficult to guide the insertion portion from the ureter into the kidney, and it takes time to acquire the technique. On the other hand, since it has a bending function, there is an advantage that it can reach the lower renal cup, for example.

Therefore, for example, a proposal for an endoscope system including a flexible endoscope having a flexible insertion portion and a tubular member (rigid sheath) that can be inserted through the insertion portion of the flexible endoscope is, for example, Various disclosures are made in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-14558.

An endoscope system disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-14558 and the like includes an endoscope having a flexible insertion portion, and a tubular member (guide sheath) that houses the endoscope insertion portion. The tubular member (guide sheath) can be changed from a straight tubular shape to a bent state that is bent at a desired bending angle while the endoscope is inserted.

On the other hand, in a conventional endoscope system of this type, for example, when a flexible endoscope is inserted through a straight tubular rigid sheath and the distal curved portion of the insertion portion of the flexible endoscope is covered with the straight tubular rigid sheath, While it can be used as an endoscope, it can be used as a flexible endoscope by causing the distal end bending portion of the insertion portion of the flexible endoscope to protrude from the distal end portion of the straight tubular rigid sheath. There is something configured. By adopting such a configuration, for example, when guiding the distal end portion of the endoscope from the ureter into the kidney, the distal end of the endoscope guided into the kidney while ensuring insertability as a rigid endoscope When the part is further guided to, for example, the lower renal cup, the insertion property as a flexible endoscope can be used.

However, in the conventional configuration disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-14558 and the like, the distal side inner peripheral surface of the tubular member (guide sheath) and the endoscope inserted through the tubular member (guide sheath) Since a step is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the front end of the mirror, there is a possibility that troubles such as hindering a smooth insertion operation at the time of use or interposing the surface portion of the object to be observed may occur. .

Therefore, in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-157487, for example, in an endoscope system constituted by an endoscope and a tubular member through which the endoscope is inserted, a convex portion is formed on the distal end portion of the tubular member toward the inside. The elastic member is provided, and the elastic member is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the endoscope, thereby preventing the surface portion of the object to be observed during use from being caught.

However, in the configuration disclosed in the above Japanese Patent Publication No. 2000-157487, unnecessary pieces such as tissue pieces accumulate between the distal end surface of the endoscope and the front surface of the endoscope during use. May obstruct endoscopic observation.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and an object of the present invention is to insert a flexible endoscope having a flexible insertion portion and the insertion portion of the flexible endoscope. In an endoscope system comprising a rigid sheath with a tubular portion capable of eliminating a step between the distal inner peripheral surface of the rigid sheath and the distal outer peripheral surface of the endoscope inserted through the rigid sheath. Another object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope system that can always ensure smooth insertion.

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope system according to an aspect of the present invention includes an elongated insertion portion including a distal end hard portion and a curved portion connected to the proximal side of the distal end hard portion. A mirror, a rigid sheath having a tubular portion through which the insertion portion can be inserted, and having a length capable of projecting the distal end hard portion toward the distal end side of the tubular portion; the distal end rigid portion and the distal end portion of the tubular portion; And a sealing region provided between the two.

According to the present invention, in an endoscope system including a flexible endoscope having a flexible insertion portion and a rigid sheath having a tubular portion through which the insertion portion of the flexible endoscope can be inserted. To provide an endoscope system that eliminates a step between an inner peripheral surface of a distal end of a rigid sheath and an outer peripheral surface of the distal end of an endoscope inserted through the rigid sheath, and can always ensure smooth insertion. Can do.

1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing a part of the hard sheath in the endoscope system of FIG. 1 in section, FIG. 2A is a front view including a partial cross-sectional view, and FIG. 2B is an arrow in FIG. Side view including a partial cross-sectional view when viewed from the Y2B direction The principal part expanded sectional view which expands and shows the cross section of the front-end | tip part vicinity in the use condition which equipped the endoscope with the rigid sheath in the endoscope system of FIG. The figure which shows the other modification about arrangement | positioning of a sealing member (O-ring) in the endoscope system of FIG. The figure which shows another modification about a sealing member in the endoscope system of FIG. It is a figure explaining the effect | action (attachment procedure to the endoscope of a rigid sheath) of the endoscope system of FIG. 1, Comprising: The principal part enlarged view which expands and shows the connection part of an endoscope and a rigid sheath. The figure which shows the state which mounted | wore the endoscope with the rigid sheath in the endoscope system of FIG. 1 (side view of FIG. 6). The figure explaining the effect | action of a stopper member in the endoscope system of FIG.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to illustrated embodiments. In each drawing used for the following description, each component may be shown with a different scale so that each component has a size that can be recognized on the drawing. Therefore, according to the present invention, the number of constituent elements, the shape of the constituent elements, the ratio of the constituent element sizes, and the relative positional relationship of the constituent elements described in these drawings are limited to the illustrated embodiments. It is not a thing.

First, a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment includes a rigid sheath 2 and an endoscope 10.

The endoscope 10 applied in the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment is, for example, a nephroscope. The endoscope 10 is mainly configured by an insertion unit 11, an operation unit 12, an eyepiece unit 13, and the like.

The eyepiece unit 13 is an observation optical system that includes an eyepiece optical system for observing an optical endoscopic image. The eyepiece 13 is provided on the proximal end side of the operation unit 12.

A light guide connection port (not shown) is provided on the side of the operation unit 12. A connection connector 14c is detachably provided at the light guide connection port. A light guide 14 extends from the connection connector 14c.

The operation unit 12 is provided with a water leakage detection base 19, a treatment instrument insertion port 20, a bending operation lever 21, and the like. The bending operation lever 21 is pivotally supported with respect to the operation unit 12 so as to be rotatable. The bending operation lever 21 is an operation member for performing a bending operation on a bending portion 16 described later.

The insertion portion 11 includes a distal end hard portion 15 made of a rigid member in order from the distal end side, a bending portion 16 configured to bend in the vertical direction, and a flexible tube portion 17 that is a tube body having flexibility. Are arranged in series. In other words, it can be said that the endoscope 10 includes the long insertion portion 11 including the distal end hard portion 15 and the bending portion 16 connected to the proximal side of the distal end hard portion 15. .

The flexible tube portion 17 is an elongated tube-like member. On the base end side of the flexible tube portion 17, a bend preventing portion 18 having a predetermined elastic force is provided. The bend preventing portion 18 is provided so as to cover the proximal end portion of the flexible tube portion 17 to prevent buckling of the flexible tube portion 17, and between the flexible tube portion 17 and the distal end side of the operation portion 12. It is fixed with watertightness.

The bending portion 16 is configured to bend in two directions up and down according to the turning operation of the bending operation lever 21. For this purpose, a bending operation wire (not shown) is inserted from the inside of the operation unit 12 into the flexible tube portion 17 and the bending portion 16, and one end of the bending operation wire is connected to the bending operation lever 21. The other end is connected to the bending portion 16. When the bending operation lever 21 is turned, the bending operation wire is pulled and loosened, whereby the bending operation of the bending portion 16 can be realized.

The distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 15 of the insertion portion 11 is provided with an unillustrated observation window, illumination window, treatment instrument opening, and the like. In the insertion portion 11, an illumination bundle (light guide 14) that transmits illumination light to the illumination window 14a (see FIG. 3), an observation bundle that transmits an observation image observed through the observation window, and the treatment tool A treatment instrument channel tube that communicates the opening and the treatment instrument insertion port 20, an up / down bending operation wire, and the like are inserted and arranged.

Moreover, in FIG. 1, the site | part shown with the code | symbol 22 is a passive bending part. The passive bending portion 22 is configured to be easily bent by receiving an external force, for example.

Further, although the endoscope 10 of the present embodiment is exemplified as a nephroscope as described above, the form of the endoscope to which the present invention can be applied is not limited to this. For example, as long as the insertion portion 11 is configured as an endoscope having a flexible insertion portion including the bending portion 16 and the flexible tube portion 17, the same applies to other uses. The present invention can be applied to.

Next, the rigid sheath 2 includes a sheath body 3 that is formed into a hollow substantially tubular shape (substantially tubular shape) by a hard member made of stainless steel that is a metal member, for example, and an endoscope 10 that is connected to the sheath body 3. And an endoscope mounting portion 4 formed so as to be mountable.

Here, the rigid sheath 2 has a sheath main body 3 that is a tubular portion through which the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 can be inserted, and the distal hard portion 15 of the endoscope 10 is connected to the sheath main body 3 (tubular portion). It is formed to have a length that can protrude from the tip side.

The endoscope mounting portion 4 includes a knob portion 5, a contact member 6, a fixing member 7 as a second knob portion, a stopper member 8, and the like. The knob portion 5 and the contact member 6 are formed integrally. The fixing member 7 (second knob portion) is detachable from the stopper member 8.

The schematic configuration of the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment is as described above. Next, a detailed configuration of the rigid sheath 2 in the endoscope system 1 will be described below mainly using FIG. FIG. 2 is a view showing a part of the rigid sheath in the endoscope system of the present embodiment in cross section. Among these, FIG. 2A is a front view including a partial cross-sectional view. FIG. 2B is a side view including a partial cross-sectional view when viewed from the direction of the arrow Y2B in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sheath body 3 is formed with a first tubular tube having an insertion portion insertion hole 3h (see FIG. 2B) that is a through hole (straight hole) in the direction along the long axis a. It is a member. The sheath body 3 is a straight pipe member having a constant diameter and inner diameter. The insertion portion insertion hole 3h of the sheath body 3 is an insertion hole through which the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 is inserted. The insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 is configured to be freely inserted into and removed from the insertion portion insertion hole 3 h of the sheath body 3. When the insertion portion 11 is inserted through the insertion portion insertion hole 3h, the sheath body 3 is disposed so as to cover the distal end portion of the endoscope.

The endoscope mounting portion 4 is a second tubular member having a stepped shape on the proximal end side and having a through hole 4 h that penetrates in the longitudinal axis direction and communicates with the insertion portion insertion hole 3 h of the sheath body 3. . In the present embodiment, the endoscope mounting portion 4 is integrated with a main body pipe portion 4A and a sheath length adjustment pipe portion (hereinafter abbreviated as a sheath length adjustment portion) 4B by a connecting means such as adhesion or bonding. Fixed and configured. Here, the endoscope mounting portion 4 is not limited to one configured by integrally fixing a plurality of members, and may be configured by one pipe member.

The main body pipe portion 4A includes an operation portion disposing portion 4c, a bend preventing disposing portion 4d, and a connecting portion 4e. The connecting portion 4e has a fitting hole 4f on the opening side, and one end of a sheath length adjusting portion 4B formed in a straight pipe shape is fitted inside the fitting hole 4f. It is fixed. Here, the inner surface of the fixed sheath length adjusting portion 4B and the inner surface of the connecting portion 4e form substantially the same surface, and are formed as the inner surface of the small diameter straight hole 4h1 of the through hole 4h in the longitudinal axis direction.

The folding stop disposing portion 4d is configured by providing a tapered surface portion 4g and a folding stop contact portion 4i. The anti-bending contact portion 4i is an intersection of the inner surface of the tapered surface portion 4g and the inner surface of the connecting portion 4e, and is pressed against the anti-bending portion 18 when the rigid sheath 2 is disposed in the endoscope 10. It is a part.

In addition, the taper angle of the taper surface portion 4g is set to be larger than the taper angle of the anti-bending portion 18. Further, the inner diameter of the inner surface of the connecting portion 4e is set to a diameter dimension at a predetermined intermediate portion in the folding preventing portion 18.

The operation portion arranging portion 4c is configured by providing a bend preventing covering portion 4j and a base arranging portion 4k. A portion of the anti-bending portion 4j and the tapered surface portion 4g covers the periphery of the anti-fold portion 18. The base disposing part 4k is disposed so as to cover the vicinity of the water leakage detecting base 19 of the operation part 12. An engagement groove 4m (see FIG. 2A) that constitutes a substantially L-shaped (mirror image) engagement portion is provided in the base arrangement portion 4k. The engagement groove 4m is engaged with the shaft portion 19a (see FIG. 7 described later) of the water leakage detection base 19.

The through-hole 4h mainly includes a small-diameter straight hole 4h1, an anti-bending cover hole 4h2, and an operation part cover hole 4h3.

The through hole of the sheath length adjusting portion 4B is the small diameter straight hole 4h1. A contact member 6 and a stopper member 8 are slidably disposed inside the small diameter straight hole 4h1. As shown in FIG. 2A, a movement range setting hole 4Bh1 and a positioning hole 4Bh2 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sheath length adjusting portion 4B.

The moving range setting hole 4Bh1 is a long hole formed along the long axis direction a through the small diameter straight hole 4h1 of the through hole 4h. The movement range setting hole 4Bh1 sets a movement range of the contact member 6 in the longitudinal axis direction.

The positioning hole 4Bh2 is a through hole that communicates with the small-diameter straight hole 4h1, and is a long hole along the long axis direction a in the present embodiment. The positioning hole 4Bh2 is a long hole that sets a movement range of the stopper member 8 in the longitudinal axis direction. In other words, the positioning hole 4Bh2 is provided for restricting the movement range of the stopper member 8 and positioning the leading edge side of the stopper member 8 (details will be described later).

One end of the movement range setting hole 4Bh1 (hereinafter referred to as an end portion on the base end side) is formed at a position separated from the base end side of the endoscope mounting portion 4 by a predetermined distance, thereby setting the movement range. The other end of the hole 4Bh1 (hereinafter referred to as the end portion on the front end side) is formed at a position separated from the one end of the movement range setting hole 4Bh1 by a predetermined distance.

On the other hand, one end of the positioning hole 4Bh2 is formed at a position separated from the other end of the movement range setting hole 4Bh1 by a predetermined distance, and the other end of the positioning hole 4Bh2 is separated from one end of the positioning hole 4Bh2 by a predetermined distance. Formed in position. The positioning hole 4Bh2 is provided in a portion near the other end of the endoscope mounting portion 4.

The contact member 6 slidably disposed inside the small-diameter straight hole 4h1 has a cylindrical shape and includes an axial through hole 6h and a female screw portion 6d. An axial hole 6a and an introduction hole 6b are provided in the axial through hole 6h.

The introduction hole 6b is a hole provided with a tapered surface 6c that opens to one end side. The taper surface 6c is a guide surface for smoothly guiding the distal end hard portion 15 of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 to the insertion portion insertion hole 3h of the sheath body 3, and the diameter dimension increases as the distance from the opening side increases. It is comprised so that it may become a small diameter continuously.

The axial hole portion 6a is a straight hole having openings at both ends, and the proximal end portion of the sheath body 3 is fitted and disposed on the distal end side. Here, the base end portion of the sheath body 3 is integrally fixed to the axial hole portion 6a by, for example, adhesion. As a result, the sheath body 3 is provided so as to protrude forward from the distal end side of the contact member 6. In this state, the insertion portion insertion hole 3h and the introduction hole portion 6b of the sheath body 3 communicate with each other.

The female screw portion 6d is a screw hole that penetrates the side surface of the contact member 6 and has a female screw formed on the inner surface. The axis of the female screw portion 6d is formed along a direction orthogonal to the axis of the axial through hole 6h.

The male screw portion 5a of the knob portion 5 is screwed to the female screw portion 6d. That is, the male screw portion 5a of the knob portion 5 is screwed into the female screw portion 6d of the contact member 6 through the movement range setting hole 4Bh1 of the endoscope mounting portion 4. As a result, the knob portion 5 is configured integrally with the contact member 6. At this time, by adjusting the screwed state of the male screw portion 5a and the female screw portion 6d, the state of the contact member 6 with respect to the endoscope mounting portion 4 can be set to a fixed state or a slidable state. it can. That is, when the screwed state of the male screw portion 5a and the female screw portion 6d is tightened, the pressing surface 5b of the knob portion 5 is pressed against the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4. As a result, the contact member 6 is fixed to the endoscope mounting portion 4. On the other hand, when the screwed state of the male screw portion 5a and the female screw portion 6d is loosened, a gap is generated between the pressing surface 5b of the knob portion 5 and the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4. As a result, the contact member 6 is in a state in which it can advance and retreat within the small-diameter straight hole 4h1. That is, as a result, the knob portion 5 and the abutting member 6 can be moved back and forth in the direction along the long axis a of the endoscope mounting portion 4 while being integrated. At the same time, the sheath body 3 can be moved forward and backward integrally as the contact member 6 moves forward and backward. That is, at this time, the sheath body 3 is slidable in the direction along the long axis a inside the endoscope mounting portion 4.

When the knob portion 5 and the abutting member 6 are moved in the movement range setting hole 4Bh1 so as to abut on the proximal end side, the distal end surface (not shown in FIG. 2) of the sheath body 3 is inward. It is arranged at a position closest to the distal end surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4. On the other hand, when the knob portion 5 and the contact member 6 are moved in the movement range setting hole 4Bh1 and brought into contact with the distal end side, the distal end surface (not shown in FIG. 2) of the sheath body 3 is It is arranged at a position farthest from the distal end surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4.

The stopper member 8 slidably disposed in the small-diameter straight hole 4h1 has a cylindrical shape and has a holding hole 8h that is an axial through hole and a female screw portion 8a.

The holding hole 8h is a through hole that holds the sheath body 3 so as to be able to advance and retract, and the sheath body 3 protruding from the distal end side of the contact member 6 is inserted therethrough. The end surface on the proximal end side of the stopper member 8 is a contact surface with which the contact surface 6e which is the end surface on the distal end side of the contact member 6 contacts.

The female screw portion 8a is a screw hole that penetrates the side surface of the stopper member 8 and has a female screw formed on the inner surface. The axis of the female screw portion 8a is formed along a direction orthogonal to the axis of the holding hole 8h. For this reason, the opening of the female screw portion 8a opens in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the holding hole 8h.

The male screw portion 8a of the second knob portion 7 which is a positioning fixing member is screwed to the female screw portion 8a. That is, the male screw portion 7 a of the second knob portion 7 is screwed into the female screw portion 8 a of the stopper member 8 through the positioning hole 4 Bh 2 of the endoscope mounting portion 4. Accordingly, the second knob portion 7 is configured integrally with the stopper member 8. At this time, by adjusting the screwed state of the male screw portion 7a and the female screw portion 8a, the state of the stopper member 8 with respect to the endoscope mounting portion 4 can be fixed or slidable. . That is, when the screwed state of the male screw portion 7 a and the female screw portion 8 a is tightened, the pressing surface 7 b of the second knob portion 7 is pressed against the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4. As a result, the stopper member 8 is fixed to the endoscope mounting portion 4. On the other hand, when the screwed state of the male screw portion 7 a and the female screw portion 8 a is loosened, a gap is generated between the pressing surface 7 b of the second knob portion 7 and the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4. As a result, the stopper member 8 can move forward and backward in the direction along the long axis a of the endoscope mounting portion 4 inside the holding hole 8h. That is, as a result, the second knob portion 7 and the stopper member 8 can be moved forward and backward in the direction along the long axis a of the endoscope mounting portion 4 while being integrated. Then, by moving the stopper member 8 in the direction along the long axis a, the contact position of the stopper member 8 with the proximal end surface, that is, the contact surface 6e of the contact member 6 can be changed. This means that the distance of the distal end surface of the sheath body 3 from the distal end surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4 can be adjusted by adjusting the arrangement position of the stopper member 8 on the long axis a. .

Further, an O-ring 8b, which is a biasing member, is disposed at the tip side in the holding hole 8h of the stopper member 8. The O-ring 8b is a sliding resistance member, and is in close contact with the outer surface of the sheath body 3 inserted into the holding hole 8h in a state where the O-ring 8b is deformed by a predetermined amount, thereby providing a desired sliding resistance. 3 is given.

In a state where a sliding resistance force is applied to the sheath body 3 by the O-ring 8b, the contact member 6 can move forward and backward in the direction along the long axis a of the endoscope mounting portion 4 ( That is, even if the screwed state of the male threaded part 5a of the knob part 5 and the female threaded part 6d of the abutting member 6 is loosened), the sheath body 3 is, for example, its own weight relative to the endoscope mounting part 4. It is suppressed that it moves by etc.

As shown in FIG. 2B, a tapered surface 8c is formed on the proximal end side of the holding hole 8h. The tapered surface 8c is formed such that the diameter thereof continuously decreases as the distance from the proximal end opening toward the distal end increases in the same manner as the tapered surface 6c of the contact member 6. Thereby, the taper surface 8c in the holding hole 8h functions as a guide surface for smoothly guiding the distal end portion of the sheath body 3 into the holding hole 8h.

On the other hand, the rigid sheath 2 and the vicinity of the distal end portion of the endoscope 10 are configured as shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part showing an enlarged cross section in the vicinity of the distal end portion in a use state in which the endoscope 10 is attached to the rigid sheath 2 in the present endoscope system 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the most distal portion of the insertion portion insertion hole 3h of the rigid sheath 2 is an O-shaped sealing member (ring-shaped sealing portion) formed by an elastic member such as rubber. A ring 26 is disposed along the inner peripheral wall surface of the tip. Here, the O-ring 26 is fixed to the hard sheath 2 by means such as adhesion.

The O-ring 26 has an outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 when the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 is inserted through the insertion portion insertion hole 3h of the rigid sheath 2. It arrange | positions so that it may press-contact with the predetermined site | part on the top.

As described above, when the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 is inserted into the rigid sheath 2, the distal end rigid portion 15 is positioned with respect to the rigid sheath 2 by positioning the second knob portion 7 and the stopper member 8. Set by

In this case, the distal end position of the rigid sheath 2 is set so as to be within the range in the long axis a direction of the distal rigid portion 15 of the endoscope 10 attached (combined) to the rigid sheath 2. The endoscope 10 combined with the rigid sheath 2 is such that the diameter of the portion where the distal end hard portion 15 is disposed is the largest in the range from the proximal end to the distal end of the insertion portion 11. It is configured (the part indicated by the symbol F in FIG. 3).

Therefore, when the distal end hard portion 15 is positioned with respect to the rigid sheath 2, the O-ring 26 is set so as to be in pressure contact with the largest diameter portion of the distal end hard portion 15. At this time, the O-ring 26 is brought into pressure contact with the large-diameter portion of the distal end hard portion 15, thereby watertight between the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion insertion hole 3 h of the rigid sheath 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 11. Ensure sex.

Further, at this time, a step D is formed between the rigid sheath 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 11, but as described above, an O-ring 26 is disposed between the rigid sheath 2 and the insertion portion 11. It is installed. Here, the O-ring 26 is disposed so as to protrude slightly forward from the distal end surface of the rigid sheath 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end portion of the rigid sheath 2 is formed with an inclined surface (taper surface) 3a in which the outer diameter of the rigid sheath 2 gradually decreases toward the front. . When the O-ring 26 is brought into a pressure contact state between the inner peripheral surface of the rigid sheath 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 11, the O-ring 26 is disposed at a position along the inclined surface 3a. In other words, the O-ring 26 (ring-shaped seal portion) has an enlarged diameter portion whose outer diameter increases from the distal end side to the proximal end side, and the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the rigid sheath 2. Can be said to be formed following the outer peripheral shape of the enlarged diameter portion of the O-ring 26.

By adopting such a configuration, the O-ring 26 is disposed so as to eliminate the step D. This secures a smooth insertion property in a state where the endoscope 10 is attached to the rigid sheath 2 and contributes to an improvement in the insertion property. Further, by providing the O-ring 26 at this site, the O-ring 26 protects the edge portion formed by the inclined surface 3a on the distal end surface of the rigid sheath 2.

In addition, arrangement | positioning of the O-ring 26 which is the said sealing member is not restricted to the structure shown in FIG. 3 mentioned above. For example, FIG. 4 shows another modification of the arrangement of the sealing member (O-ring 26). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the O-ring 26 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion insertion hole 3 h so as not to protrude from the distal end surface of the rigid sheath 2. When the endoscope 10 is attached to the rigid sheath 2, the O-ring 26 is disposed so as to be in pressure contact with the vicinity of the large diameter portion of the distal end hard portion 15 of the endoscope 10. Further, at this time, the outer shape of the O-ring 26 is formed so that the R portion of the outer line of the O-ring 26 continues smoothly to the inclined surface 3a. Even with such a configuration, similarly to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to secure the watertightness between the rigid sheath 2 and the insertion portion 11 while eliminating the step D and ensuring smooth insertion. it can.

3 and 4, the O-ring 26 is fixed to the sheath body 3 side of the rigid sheath 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the O-ring 26 is attached to the distal end of the endoscope 10. It is good also as a structure fixed on the outer peripheral surface of the hard part 15. FIG.

For example, FIG. 5 shows another modification of the sealing member. In the example shown in FIG. 5, instead of the O-ring 26 shown in each of the above-described examples, an example in which a rubber member that covers the distal end hard portion 15 of the endoscope 10 is used as a sealing member is shown.

In the form of this other modified example, when the endoscope 10 is attached to the rigid sheath 2, the diameter of the portion 15a having the largest diameter of the distal end rigid portion 15 is the insertion portion insertion hole 3h of the sheath body 3A of the rigid sheath 2. It is formed so as to be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the distal end portion of the. And as above-mentioned, the outer surface of the curved part 16 and the front-end | tip hard part 15 is coat | covered with the flexible tube member formed, for example with elastic members, such as a rubber-like member. The tube member covers the proximal end portion of the distal end hard portion 15. Thereby, the said part comprises the form replaced with the said O-ring 26 (ring-shaped sealing member).

Therefore, when the endoscope 10 is attached to the rigid sheath 2, the large-diameter portion 15a of the distal end rigid portion 15 is sealed against the inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the insertion portion insertion hole 3h of the sheath body 3A of the rigid sheath 2. As shown in FIG. At this time, the outer shape of the large-diameter portion 15a is formed so that the R portion in the outer shape line of the large-diameter portion 15a smoothly continues to the distal end surface of the sheath body 3A of the rigid sheath 2. Even with such a configuration, as in the configuration shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the water level between the rigid sheath 2 and the insertion portion 11 is ensured while eliminating the step D and ensuring smooth insertion. can do.

The procedure for positioning the rigid sheath 2 in the endoscope system 1 configured as described above will be briefly described below.

First, the endoscope 10 and the rigid sheath 2 are prepared. Then, the endoscope 10 is mounted in a form inserted through the rigid sheath 2. Next, the stopper member 8 is moved to the foremost side, and the pressing surface 7b of the second knob portion 7 is pressed and arranged on the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4 (see FIG. 2A). Further, the contact surface 6 e of the contact member 6 is brought into contact with the contact surface on the proximal end side of the stopper member 8, and the pressing surface 5 b of the knob portion 5 is pressed against the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4. It arrange | positions (refer the broken line of FIG.2 (B)).

After this state, the user (user) makes the distal end hard portion 15 of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 the operation portion covering hole 4h3 having the proximal end side opening of the rigid sheath 2 (see FIG. 2B). And inserted into the insertion portion insertion hole 3h of the sheath body 3 through the. Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the operation portion disposing portion 4 c of the main body pipe portion 4 </ b> A of the rigid sheath 2 approaches the shaft portion 19 a of the water leak detection base 19 of the operation portion 12. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for attaching the rigid sheath to the endoscope in the operation of the endoscope system according to the present embodiment. The connection portion between the endoscope 10 and the rigid sheath 2 is enlarged. It is a principal part enlarged view shown.

Here, as shown in FIG. 6B, the user (user) adjusts the position so that the opening of the engagement groove 4m is engaged with the shaft portion 19a of the water leakage detection base 19, and the main body The pipe portion 4 </ b> A is brought closer to the shaft portion 19 a of the water leakage detection base 19. Then, the folding contact portion 4i contacts the folding portion 18 of the endoscope 10 inside the main body pipe portion 4A.

Next, the user (user) moves the main body pipe portion 4A against the elastic force of the anti-bending portion 18, and as shown in FIG. It pushes and moves so that 19 shaft parts 19a may be arranged. At this time, the bend preventing portion 18 is gradually elastically deformed with the movement of the main body pipe portion 4A.

Next, the user (user) twists the main body pipe portion 4A, and as shown in FIG. 6 (D), the shaft portion of the water leakage detection base 19 is placed in the deep portion of the groove spaced from the opening of the engagement groove 4m. 19a is arranged. Then, as shown in FIGS. 6D and 7, the engagement groove 4 m is engaged with the shaft portion 19 a of the water leak detection base 19, and the mounting of the rigid sheath 2 to the endoscope 10 is completed. FIG. 7 is a side view showing a state where the rigid sheath 2 is attached to the endoscope 10.

At this time, the engagement groove 4m is constantly urged toward the distal end side of the insertion portion 11 by the elastic force of the folding stop portion 18, and is securely and stably fixed to the shaft portion 19a.

In the present embodiment, the operation portion disposing portion 4c is provided with a bend preventing covering portion 4j and a base disposing portion 4k, the base disposing portion 4k is provided with an engaging groove 4m, and the engaging groove 4m is leaked. The rigid sheath 2 is configured to be attached to the endoscope 10 by being engaged with the shaft portion 19a of the detection base 19.

However, the attachment of the rigid sheath 2 to the endoscope 10 is not limited to the form as described above, that is, the form of engagement of the engagement groove 4m with the shaft portion 19a of the water leakage detection base 19. For example, as a portion that replaces the shaft portion 19a of the water leakage detection base 19, a base other than the water leakage detection base 19 or a base that constitutes the treatment instrument insertion port 20 or the like is used as long as it is a convex portion protruding from the operation unit 12. Then, it may be configured to engage with the engaging groove 4m.

That is, for example, when the engagement groove is engaged with the shaft portion of the base of the treatment instrument insertion port 20, the operation portion disposing portion 4c is provided with the anti-bending covering portion 4j and the insertion base disposing portion, and the insertion base disposing An engaging groove may be provided in the part, and the rigid sheath 2 may be attached to the endoscope 10.

Subsequently, the user (user) checks whether or not the distal end surface of the sheath body 3 constituting the rigid sheath 2 is disposed at a predetermined position on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end rigid portion 15 of the insertion portion 11. .

Here, FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the action of the stopper member. As shown in FIG. 8A, when the distal end surface of the sheath body 3 is disposed within a predetermined region 15A on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end rigid portion 15, the user (user) completes the mounting operation. . The region 15 </ b> A is a region where the O-ring 26 provided at the distal end portion of the rigid sheath 2 is disposed so as to be in pressure contact with the large diameter portion of the distal end hard portion 15. This region is referred to as a seal region, for example.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the distal end hard portion 15 is disposed in the sheath body 3, the user (user) moves the stopper member 8 toward the bending portion 16 of the insertion portion 11. (See the broken line in FIG. 8B). At that time, the user (user) adjusts the screwing state of the knob portion 5 to provide a gap between the pressing surface 5 b and the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4, and the second knob portion 7. The screwed state is adjusted to provide a gap between the pressing surface 7b and the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4. In this state, the user (user) moves the second knob portion 7 in the direction of the broken line arrow as shown by the broken line in FIG. The arrangement position is adjusted so that the distal end surface is located within a predetermined seal region 15A on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end rigid portion 15.

After adjusting the arrangement position, the user (user) adjusts the screwing state of the knob portion 5 to press and place the pressing surface 5b on the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4, and also screws the second knob portion 7. The fitting state is adjusted and the pressing surface 7b is pressed and arranged on the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4 to complete the mounting operation.

Finally, the user (user) adjusts the screwing state of the knob portion 5 so that a gap is provided between the pressing surface 5 b and the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4, and the contact member 6. Is moved backward to check whether the bending portion 16 and the passive bending portion 22 are completely exposed.

In addition, when the bending portion 16 and the passive bending portion 22 are completely exposed before the knob portion 5 reaches one end of the movement range setting hole 4Bh1, the user (user) sets the position to the user (user). In order to notify, for example, a notification member is stuck on the outer surface of the sheath length adjusting portion 4B.

Then, after confirming whether or not the bending portion 16 is completely exposed, the user (user) brings the contact surface 6e of the contact member 6 into contact with the contact portion of the stopper member 8 again. After that, the pressing surface 5b of the knob portion 5 is pressed and arranged on the outer surface of the endoscope mounting portion 4, and the mounting operation is completed.

Thereafter, the user (user) uses the endoscope system 1 to move the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 to which the sheath body 3 of the rigid sheath 2 is attached, for example, in order to observe the inside of the kidney. It is inserted into the ureter and introduced into the kidney. At this time, since the soft insertion portion 11 is covered with the sheath body 3 and hardened, the distal end hard portion 15 of the insertion portion 11 is smoothly introduced into the kidney.

If it is confirmed that the distal end hard portion 15 has been introduced into the kidney through the eyepiece 13, the user (user) adjusts the screwing state of the knob portion 5 to adjust the pressing surface 5 b and the endoscope mounting portion 4. The abutting member 6 is moved backward so that the bending portion 16 and the passive bending portion 22 are completely exposed.

Thereafter, the user (user) appropriately operates the bending operation lever 21 to perform the bending operation of the bending portion 16 to perform observation or treatment in the kidney. After the observation or treatment is completed, the user (user) removes the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 to which the rigid sheath 2 is attached from the ureter and ends the endoscopic procedure.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, a sealing region is formed by providing the O-ring 26 which is a sealing member made of an elastic member on the inner peripheral side of the distal end portion of the rigid sheath 2, and this O-ring. 26 eliminates a step portion that may be generated between the hard sheath 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end hard portion 15 of the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10 that is inserted and disposed inside the hard sheath 2. A watertight structure is formed.

Thereby, in the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment, if it is applied as, for example, a nephroscope, the operability equivalent to that of a conventional rigid endoscope can be obtained until reaching the kidney. After reaching the kidney, it is possible to obtain operability equivalent to that of a conventional flexible endoscope.

In addition, since the watertight structure is provided in the seal region between the distal end hard portion 15 of the endoscope 10 and the distal end portion of the rigid sheath 2, the distal end hard portion of the endoscope 10 with respect to the distal end portion of the rigid sheath 2. Thus, the outer peripheral surface of 15 is securely gripped. Therefore, by this, when a push-pull operation or a rotation operation on the proximal side of the rigid sheath 2 is performed, the distal end side of the endoscope 10 can be made to act reliably according to the performed operation, When used as a rigid endoscope in which the rigid sheath 2 and the endoscope 10 are integrated, it is possible to obtain the same usability as a conventional rigid endoscope.

Further, the O-ring 26 disposed in the seal region is pressed between the inner peripheral surface of the rigid sheath 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end hard portion 15 of the endoscope 10 to be elastically deformed. Can be made to function as a sealing member that seals water tightly. At the same time, the O-ring 26 can function as a protective member that covers and protects the edge portion formed on the distal end surface of the rigid sheath 2 while elastically deforming to eliminate the step between them.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if several constituent requirements are deleted from all the constituent requirements shown in the above-described embodiment, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effect of the invention can be obtained, this constituent requirement is deleted. The configured structure can be extracted as an invention. Furthermore, constituent elements over different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-129640 filed in Japan on June 24, 2014 as the basis for claiming priority.

The contents disclosed by the above basic application are cited in the specification, claims and drawings of the present application.

The present invention can be applied not only to an endoscope control device in the medical field but also to an endoscope control device in the industrial field.

Claims

An endoscope having a long insertion portion including a distal end rigid portion and a curved portion connected to the proximal side of the distal end rigid portion;
A rigid sheath having a tubular portion through which the insertion portion can be inserted, and a length capable of projecting the distal end hard portion toward the distal end side of the tubular portion;
A sealing region provided between the distal end hard portion and the distal end portion of the tubular portion;
An endoscope system comprising:
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the seal region is a sealing member that ensures water tightness between the distal end hard portion and the distal end portion of the tubular portion.
2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the seal region is a ring-shaped seal member, and is an O-ring disposed on the inner peripheral side of the most distal portion of the rigid sheath.
2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the seal region is a ring-shaped seal portion and constitutes a maximum outer diameter portion in the insertion portion.
The hard sheath includes a proximal end contact portion that comes into contact with the endoscope when the insertion portion is inserted into the tubular portion, and a distal end portion that is disposed at the position of the ring-shaped seal portion at the time of contact. And
The endoscope system according to claim 3, wherein the ring-shaped seal portion and the tip portion are in watertight contact.
The proximal end side contact portion of the rigid sheath is movable in the long axis direction of the tubular portion, and has a contact position adjusting portion that can be fixed at a desired position. Endoscope system.
The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the bending portion is covered with a flexible tube member, and the tube member covers the proximal end portion of the distal end hard portion to constitute the ring-shaped seal portion. system.
The ring-shaped seal portion has an enlarged diameter portion whose outer diameter increases from the distal end portion to the proximal end side, and the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the rigid sheath is formed following the outer peripheral shape of the enlarged diameter portion. The endoscope system according to claim 3.
The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the seal region is provided on an inner peripheral surface of a distal end portion of the tubular portion.
9. The internal view according to claim 8, wherein the seal region is formed by a ring-shaped seal portion formed in a convex shape from the outer peripheral surface in the vicinity of the distal end portion of the tubular portion toward the inner periphery. Mirror system.