WO2016185797A1

WO2016185797A1 - Auxiliary tool, and insertion system

Info

Publication number: WO2016185797A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/059685
Authority: WO
Inventors: 陽亮佐藤
Original assignee: オリンパス株式会社
Priority date: 2015-05-20
Filing date: 2016-03-25
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Also published as: JPWO2016185797A1

Abstract

This insertion system is provided with: an insertion part; an auxiliary tool having an identification element provided thereto; a detection unit; and an identification unit. The auxiliary tool is detachably attached to the insertion part, and is operated while in a state of being attached to the insertion part to exert, on the insertion part, a propulsive force which causes movement along the longitudinal axis. The detection unit detects a change in a physical quantity attributable to the identification element of the auxiliary tool, and/or information attributable to the identification element. The identification unit identifies the auxiliary tool on the basis of the detection results from the detection unit.

Description

Auxiliary tool and insertion system

The present invention provides an insertion portion that extends along a longitudinal axis in an insertion device and a detachable attachment to the insertion portion that is actuated to cause a propulsive force that moves along the longitudinal axis to act on the insertion portion. And an insertion device. Moreover, it is related with the auxiliary tool used with the insertion apparatus in the insertion system.

Japanese Patent No. 5326049 discloses an endoscope apparatus (insertion) including an insertion portion extending along the longitudinal axis and an auxiliary tool (spiral unit) attached to the insertion portion so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis. Apparatus). In this endoscope apparatus, the motor (drive source) attached to the endoscope holding part (operation part) is driven to attach to the insertion part via a shaft or the like extending inside the insertion part. The driving force generated from the motor is transmitted to the auxiliary tool. By transmitting the driving force, the auxiliary tool rotates about the longitudinal axis with respect to the insertion portion. On the outer peripheral surface of the auxiliary tool, a fin extending in a spiral shape with the longitudinal axis as the center is provided. When the auxiliary tool rotates around the longitudinal axis while the fin is pressed by the lumen wall or the like, a propulsive force acts on one side in the direction along the longitudinal axis on the insertion portion and the auxiliary tool. That is, a propulsive force that moves the insertion portion along the longitudinal axis acts on the insertion portion.

In an insertion device such as Japanese Patent No. 5326049, a specific type of auxiliary tool is attached to an insertion portion of an insertion device, and observation in a lumen is performed. However, depending on the insertion portion, it is possible to attach an auxiliary tool of a type different from the specific type of auxiliary tool, for example, a diameter and a shape different from the specific type of auxiliary tool. When the assisting device of a type different from the specific type is operated in a state where it is attached to the insertion portion, there is a possibility that a malfunction occurs in the insertion device or observation in the lumen is not properly performed.

The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to operate in a state where an auxiliary tool of a type different from a specific type is attached to the insertion portion (a state of being erroneously attached). It is an object to provide an auxiliary tool and an insertion system that are effectively prevented.

In order to achieve the above object, an aspect of the present invention is detachably attached to an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis in an insertion device and operated in a state attached to the insertion portion. Thus, the driving force is applied to the insertion portion along the longitudinal axis, and is an auxiliary tool used together with the insertion device, which is an identification element, a change in physical quantity caused by the identification element, and the An identification element that makes the auxiliary tool identifiable by at least one of information resulting from the identification element is provided.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an endoscope apparatus in which the endoscope according to the first embodiment is used. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a detection circuit that outputs a detection signal from the identification unit in a state where the spiral unit according to the first embodiment is removed from the insertion unit. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a detection circuit that outputs a detection signal from the identification unit in a state where the spiral unit according to the first embodiment is attached to the insertion unit at a specific position. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing in the drive control unit when driving the motor according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a detection circuit that outputs a detection signal from the identification unit in a state where the spiral unit according to the first modification is attached to the insertion unit at a specific position. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration in the vicinity of the rotating body of the endoscope apparatus according to the second modification. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration in the vicinity of the rotating body of the endoscope apparatus according to the third modification.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an endoscope apparatus (endoscope system) 1 that is an insertion system in which an endoscope 2 that is an insertion device of the present embodiment is used.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 2 as an insertion device has a longitudinal axis C. Here, a direction along the longitudinal axis C (parallel to the longitudinal axis C) is defined as a longitudinal axis direction. One side in the longitudinal axis direction is the distal end side (arrow C1 side in FIG. 1), and the side opposite to the distal end side is the proximal end side (arrow C2 side in FIG. 1). The endoscope 2 includes an insertion portion (endoscope insertion portion) 3 extending along the longitudinal axis C, an operation portion (endoscope operation portion) 5 provided on the proximal side from the insertion portion 3, Is provided. When the endoscope apparatus 1 is used, the insertion portion 3 is inserted into the lumen, for example, and the lumen is observed.

一端 One end of a universal cord 6 is connected to the operation unit 5. A connector 7 is provided at the other end of the universal cord 6, and the universal cord 6 is connected to a peripheral unit (external device) 10 via the connector 7. In the endoscope apparatus 1 as an insertion system, as a peripheral unit 10 of the endoscope 2, an image processing unit 11 such as an image processor, a light source unit 12 including a light source such as a lamp, a display unit 13 such as a monitor, Is provided. In the present embodiment, the connector 7 of the universal cord 6 is connected to the light source unit 12.

In the endoscope 2, the imaging cables 15 A and 15 B and the light guide 16 are extended through the inside of the insertion portion 3, the inside of the operation portion 5, and the inside of the universal cord 6. An imaging element 17 such as a CCD is provided inside the distal end portion of the insertion portion 3. The imaging element 17 images a subject through an observation window 18 provided on the distal end surface of the insertion portion 3. Then, the imaging signal is transmitted to the image processing unit 11 via the

imaging cables

15A and 15B, and the image processing unit 11 performs image processing. As a result, a subject image is generated by the image processing unit 11, and the generated subject image is displayed on the display unit 13. Further, the light emitted from the light source unit 12 is guided through the light guide 16. Then, the guided light is irradiated to the subject from the illumination window 19 provided on the distal end surface of the insertion portion 3.

The spiral unit 20 is detachably attached to the insertion portion 3 so as to cover the outer periphery of the insertion portion 3. In the present embodiment, the spiral unit 20 is a specific type of auxiliary tool attached to the insertion portion 3. The spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3 in a state where the insertion portion 3 is inserted through the spiral unit 20. The spiral unit 20 includes a tube main body 21 and fins 22 that protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the tube main body 21 toward the outer peripheral side. The fins 22 extend in a spiral shape around the longitudinal axis C on the outer peripheral surface of the tube body 21.

Further, a cylindrical rotating body 23 is attached to the insertion portion 3 in a state where the insertion portion 3 is inserted. The spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3 while being fixed to the rotating body 23 from the outer peripheral side of the rotating body 23. For this reason, the spiral unit 20 can rotate around the longitudinal axis C with respect to the insertion portion 3 together with the rotating body 23 corresponding to the rotation of the rotating body 23.

A motor 25 as a drive source is attached to the operation unit (holding unit) 5. The motor 25 is rotationally driven by supplying driving power (electric power). When the motor 25 is driven, a driving force for rotating the spiral unit 20 and the rotating body 23 is generated. That is, the driving force for operating the spiral unit (auxiliary tool) 20 is generated by driving the motor 25. Inside the insertion portion 3, a shaft 26 extends along the longitudinal axis direction. The driving force generated by the motor 25 is transmitted to the spiral unit 20 via the shaft 26 and the rotating body 23. When the driving force is transmitted, the spiral unit 20 rotates with respect to the insertion portion 3 together with the rotating body 23.

When the spiral unit 20 is rotated in a state where the fin 22 is pressed to the inner peripheral side by a lumen wall or the like, a propulsive force toward the distal end side or the proximal end side acts on the insertion portion 3 and the spiral unit 20. That is, when the spiral unit (auxiliary tool) 20 is operated in a state of being attached to the insertion portion 3, a driving force for moving the insertion portion 3 along the longitudinal axis C acts. The propulsive force toward the distal end improves the mobility (insertability) of the insertion portion 3 in the lumen or the like toward the distal end, and the propulsive force toward the proximal end causes the insertion portion 3 to move toward the proximal end in the lumen or the like. Mobility (extractability) is improved.

The peripheral unit 10 is an operation input unit 28 such as a foot switch to which an operation for rotating (actuating) the spiral unit 20 is input, and a control for controlling the driving state of the motor 25 based on the operation input from the operation input unit 28. And a drive control unit 30 which is a device. The drive control unit 30 includes a power supply unit 31 that outputs power supplied to the motor 25, and a control unit 32 that controls the power supply unit 31 based on operation input from the operation input unit 28.

Electrical wirings

33A and 33B are extended inside the operation unit 5 and the universal cord 6. The power supply unit 31 is connected to the motor 25 via

electrical wirings

33A and 33B. The power supply unit 31 includes a power source and a conversion circuit that converts power from the power source into driving power supplied to the motor 25. The drive power output from the power supply unit 31 is supplied to the motor 25 through the

electrical wirings

33A and 33B, whereby the motor 25 is driven. The control unit 32 includes a processor including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), and a storage unit such as a memory. The control unit 32 may be formed from one processor or a plurality of processors.

The drive control unit 30 includes an identification unit 35. The identification unit 35 is formed of, for example, an electronic circuit (integrated circuit) of a processor provided in the control unit 32 or an electronic circuit (integrated circuit) separate from the processor provided in the control unit 32. The identification unit 35 identifies whether the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 is of a specific type (spiral unit 20). Further, the identification unit 35 identifies whether or not the spiral unit 20 (a specific type of auxiliary tool) attached to the insertion unit 3 is located at a specific position (appropriate position) with respect to the insertion unit 3. . The control unit 32 controls the output state (supply state) of the driving power from the power supply unit 31 based on the identification result in the identification unit 35 in addition to the operation input in the operation input unit 28. The drive control unit 30 may be provided integrally with the image processing unit 11 that performs image processing, for example.

The insertion unit 3 includes a first electrical contact 36A and a second electrical contact 36B. In the present embodiment, the first electrical contact 36 A and the second electrical contact 36 B are exposed on the outer surface of the insertion portion 3, and are located on the proximal side from the rotating body 23. Electric path portions 37 A and 37 B are extended inside the insertion portion 3, the operation portion 5, and the universal cord 6. The first electrical contact 36A is connected to the identification unit 35 via an electrical path part (first electrical path part) 37A. Further, the second electrical contact 36B is connected to the identification unit 35 via an electrical path part (second electrical path part) 37B. The identification unit 35 outputs power as a detection signal through the

electrical path units

37A and 37B. For this reason, the first electrical contact 37 A and the second electrical contact 37 B, which are detection units, can receive the detection signal (power) output from the identification unit 35.

2 and 3 are diagrams showing the configuration of the detection circuit K from which the detection signal is output from the identification unit 35. FIG. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the spiral unit 20 that is a specific type of auxiliary tool is removed from the insertion portion 3, and FIG. 3 shows the spiral unit 20 in the insertion portion 3 at a specific position (appropriate position). The attached state is shown. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the spiral unit 20 is provided with, for example, a cylindrical conductive portion 38 as an identification element. When the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3 at a specific position (appropriate position), the conducting portion 38 is connected to the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B. Electrical contact from the side. When the conducting portion 38 is in contact with the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B, the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are electrically connected through the conducting portion 38. The The conducting portion 38 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the tube main body 21, for example.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spiral unit 20 may be removed from the insertion unit 3, and an auxiliary tool of a different type (unintentional auxiliary tool) from the spiral unit 20 may be attached to the insertion unit 3. This different type of auxiliary tool (unintentional auxiliary tool) does not include the conducting portion 38 included in the spiral unit 20 or is provided at a position different from the spiral unit 20. For this reason, the conduction portion 38 does not contact the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B, and the second electrical contact 36B is electrically insulated from the first electrical contact 36A. For this reason, even if a detection signal is output from the identification unit 35, no current flows between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact. Even when the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3, the conductive portion 38 is not connected to the first electrical contact 36 A and the second electrical contact 38 in a state where the spiral unit 20 is not located at a specific position with respect to the insertion portion 3. There is no electrical contact with the electrical contact 36B. For this reason, in a state where the spiral unit 20 is not located at a specific position with respect to the insertion portion 3, the second electrical contact 36B is electrically insulated from the first electrical contact 36A.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, the spiral unit 20, which is a specific type of auxiliary tool, is attached to the insertion portion 3 at a specific position (appropriate position). The electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are electrically connected. Thus, when a detection signal is output from the identification unit 35, a current flows through the conduction unit 38 between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact. That is, when the spiral unit 20 that is a specific type of auxiliary tool is attached to the insertion portion 3 at a specific position (appropriate position), the detection unit (the first electric contact 36A and the second electric contact 36B). ) And the identification element (conduction unit 38) form a detection circuit (electric circuit) K, and a predetermined current flows through the detection circuit K by a detection signal from the identification unit 35. In the present embodiment, the spiral unit 20 is positioned at a specific position (appropriate position) by positioning the conducting portion 38 at substantially the same position as the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B in the longitudinal axis direction. ) To be attached to the insertion portion 3.

In the present embodiment, the first electrical contact 36 A and the second electrical contact 36 A correspond to whether or not the spiral unit 20, which is a specific type of auxiliary tool, is attached to the insertion portion 3 at a specific position (appropriate position). Whether or not current flows between the electrical contact 36B and the electrical contact 36B changes. That is, when the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3 at a specific position (appropriate position), the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are caused by the conduction portion 38 that is an identification element. The current (physical quantity) flowing between the two changes. Then, by providing the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B as the detection unit in the insertion portion 3, a conduction portion 38 for a current flowing between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B. Changes caused by are detected. Based on the detection result of the current (physical quantity) that changes due to the conduction part (identification element) 38, the identification part 35 is a spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) attached to the insertion part 3. Whether it is 20 or not is determined. That is, the type of the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion portion 3 is identified based on the detection result of the current flowing between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B. Therefore, the identification unit 35 identifies that the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) 20 is attached to the insertion unit 3 by detecting a predetermined current flowing through the detection circuit (electric circuit) K.

Further, the identification unit 35 determines that the spiral unit 20 attached to the insertion unit 3 is connected to the insertion unit 3 based on the detection result of the current flowing between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B. To determine whether it is located at a specific position. The control is performed only when the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 is the spiral unit 20 (specific type) and the identification unit 35 determines that the spiral unit 20 is located at a specific position with respect to the insertion unit 3. The unit 32 controls the power supply unit 31 to enable driving power to be supplied to the motor (driving source) 25.

Next, the operation and effect of the endoscope 2 that is the insertion device of this embodiment and the endoscope apparatus (endoscope system) 1 that is the insertion system will be described. When observing a lumen using the endoscope apparatus 1, a spiral unit 20 that is a specific type of auxiliary tool is attached to the insertion portion 3, and the insertion portion 3 and the spiral unit 20 are inserted into the lumen. Then, the spiral unit 20 is operated based on the operation input in the operation input unit 28 and the identification result in the identification unit 35. When the spiral unit 20 is operated, the spiral unit 20 and the rotating body 23 rotate about the longitudinal axis C with respect to the insertion portion 3. When the spiral unit 20 rotates while the fins 22 are pressed by the lumen wall, a propulsive force acts on the insertion portion 3 and the spiral unit 20 toward one side in the longitudinal axis direction. The mobility of the insertion portion 3 in the lumen is improved by the driving force.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing in the drive control unit 30 when driving the motor 25 as a drive source (when the spiral unit 20 is operated). As shown in FIG. 4, when the motor 25 is driven, the identification unit 35 first outputs a detection signal to the detection circuit K (step S101). Then, the detection circuit K detects a current flowing between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B. Then, the identification unit 35 electrically connects the first electrical contact 36A to the second electrical contact 36B based on the detection result of the current flowing between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B. It is determined whether it is connected (step S102).

When the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 is a spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) 20 and the spiral unit 20 is located at a specific position with respect to the insertion unit 3, a conduction unit (identification) The first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are electrically connected through the element 38). Therefore, the identifying unit 35 determines that the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are electrically connected (step S102—Yes). Then, the identification unit 35 determines that the spiral unit 20 that is a specific type of auxiliary tool is attached to the insertion unit 3 based on the determination result of Step S102 (Step S103), and the spiral unit 20 is inserted into the insertion unit. 3 is determined to be located at a specific position (step S104).

When an operation input is performed by the operation input unit 28 by determining as in steps S103 and S104 (step S105-Yes), the control unit 32 controls the power supply unit 31 and the motor ( Drive power is supplied to the drive source) 25 (step S106). As long as the operation input is continuously performed (No in Step S107), the driving power is continuously supplied to the motor 25. By supplying driving power to the motor 25, the driving force generated by the motor 25 is transmitted to the spiral unit 20, and the spiral unit 20 is operated. Thereby, as described above, a propulsive force acts on the insertion portion 3 and the spiral unit 20 toward one side in the longitudinal axis direction. When the operation input in the operation input unit 28 is stopped (step S107—Yes), the supply of drive power to the motor 25 is stopped (step S108), and the operation (rotation) of the spiral unit 20 is stopped.

When the spiral unit 20 is removed from the insertion part, such as when the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 is a different type of auxiliary tool from the spiral unit (specific type of auxiliary tool) 20, The first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are electrically insulated. For this reason, the identification unit 35 determines that the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are not electrically connected (No in step S102). Then, based on the determination result of step S102, the identification unit 35 has an auxiliary tool of a type different from the spiral unit 20 that is a specific type of auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 (a specific type of auxiliary tool). It is determined that the spiral unit 20 is not attached (step S109). Even when the spiral unit 20 attached to the insertion portion 3 is not located at a specific position (appropriate position), the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are electrically insulated. The For this reason, the identification unit 35 determines that the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are not electrically connected (No in step S102). Therefore, in step S109, it may be determined that the spiral unit 20 is located at a position different from the specific position with respect to the insertion portion 3. That is, in step S109, it may be determined (identified) that the spiral unit (specific type of auxiliary tool) 20 is in a state different from the state in which the spiral unit (specific type of auxiliary tool) 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3 at a specific position.

By determining as in step S 109, the control unit 32 controls the power supply unit 31 regardless of whether there is an operation input in the operation input unit 28, and the power supply unit 31 supplies the motor (drive source) 25. The supply stop of the driving power is maintained (step S110). For this reason, even if an operation input is performed, the motor 25 is not driven, and the assisting tool is not operated even when an assisting tool of a different type from the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion. Even when the spiral unit 20 attached to the insertion portion 3 is not located at a specific position (appropriate position), the spiral unit 20 is not operated.

Note that a warning unit such as a lamp, buzzer, or display may be provided in the peripheral unit 10. In this case, in step S110, instead of maintaining the supply stop of the drive power to the motor 25, or in addition to maintaining the supply stop of the drive power to the motor 25, a warning by the warning unit may be performed. Good.

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the conduction unit 38 is provided in the spiral unit 20 that is a specific type of auxiliary tool corresponding to the insertion unit 3, the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion unit 3. The current (physical quantity) flowing between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B changes. For this reason, the type of the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 is appropriately identified by the identification unit 35. That is, the identification unit 35 appropriately determines whether or not the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 is the spiral unit 20 (specific type). Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent the operation of the auxiliary tool in a state where an auxiliary tool of a different type from the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3 (a state of being erroneously attached).

Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 32 controls the power supply unit 31 so that the driving power to the motor 25 is reduced in a state where an auxiliary tool different in type from the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion unit 3. Supply is stopped. For this reason, the motor 25 is not driven, and the driving force is not transmitted to the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion portion 3. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the operation of the auxiliary tool in a state in which an auxiliary tool different in type from the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3.

In the present embodiment, the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3 at a specific position (appropriate position), so that the conduction portion is between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B. The electric current (physical quantity) flowing between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B changes. For this reason, the identification unit 35 appropriately determines whether or not the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion unit 3 at a specific position. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the operation of the spiral unit 20 in a state where the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3 at a position different from an appropriate position.

(Modification)
In the first modification shown in FIG. 5, in the first embodiment, the conducting portion 38 of the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) 20 has an electric resistance 41 in a predetermined range ΔRref. In this modification, the type of the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion portion 3 is identified based on the resistance value R between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B.

Specifically, in step S102 of FIG. 4, the identification unit 35 determines whether or not the resistance value R between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B is within a predetermined range ΔRref. To do. If the resistance value R is within the predetermined range ΔRref, it is determined in step S103 that the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) is attached to the insertion portion 3.

In this modification, the resistance value between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B is provided by providing the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B as the detection unit in the insertion unit 3. Changes due to the R conduction portion 38 are detected. Based on the detection result of the resistance value (physical quantity) R that changes due to the conduction part (identification element) 38, the identification part 35 has an auxiliary tool attached to the insertion part 3 as a spiral unit (a specific type of assistance). G) It is judged whether it is 20. That is, the type of the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion portion 3 is identified based on the detection result of the resistance value R between the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B.

Further, a conductive portion is provided in an auxiliary tool of a different type from the spiral unit 20, and the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are electrically connected via the conductive portion of the auxiliary tool. Sometimes. As described above, in this modification, the conduction portion 38 of the spiral unit 20 has the electric resistance 41 in the predetermined range ΔR. Therefore, even if the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B are electrically connected, the first electrical contact 36A and the second electrical contact 36B have a predetermined range ΔR. Otherwise, it is appropriately determined that an auxiliary tool having a different type from the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion portion 3. That is, even if different types of auxiliary tools (unintentional auxiliary tools) have the conductive portion 38 at the same position as the conductive portion 38 of the spiral unit 20, whether or not the identification unit 35 detects a predetermined current, Determine the current detection result. Thereby, it is determined whether the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) 20 is attached or whether a different type of auxiliary tool (unintentional auxiliary tool) is attached to the insertion portion 3. Note that the identification unit 35 can determine the type of the auxiliary tool based on the electrical resistance 41 attached to the insertion unit 3.

Further, in the second modification shown in FIG. 6, a pressure detection unit 42 such as a pressure sensor is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit 3. The pressure detection unit 42 is electrically connected to the identification unit 35 via the

electrical wirings

43A and 43B. Further, the spiral unit 20 that is a specific type of auxiliary tool is provided with a protrusion (pressing portion) 45 protruding toward the inner peripheral side as an identification element. In this modification, the protrusion 45 presses the pressure detection unit 42 by attaching the spiral unit 20 to the insertion unit 3 at a specific position (appropriate position). As a result, a predetermined range of pressure acts on the pressure detector 42. The pressure detection unit 42 transmits an electrical signal (output signal) indicating the pressure detection result to the identification unit 35 through the

electrical wirings

43A and 43B. The identification unit 35 identifies the type of the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 based on the electrical signal from the pressure detection unit 42.

Specifically, in step S102 in FIG. 4, the identification unit 35 determines whether or not the pressure acting on the pressure detection unit 42 is within a predetermined range. If the pressure is within the predetermined range, it is determined in step S103 that the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) is attached to the insertion portion 3.

In the present modification, by providing the pressure detection unit 42 as the detection unit in the insertion unit 3, a change caused by the pressure protrusion (pressing unit) 45 acting on the pressure detection unit 42 is detected. Then, an electrical signal indicating the detection result of the pressure (physical quantity) that changes due to the protrusion (identification element) 45 is transmitted to the identification unit 35. Based on the detection result of the pressure (physical quantity) that changes due to the protrusion (identification element) 45 (using the detection result indicated by the electrical signal from the pressure detection unit 42), the identification unit 35 is attached to the insertion unit 3. It is determined whether or not the assisting tool is a spiral unit (a specific type of assisting tool) 20. That is, the type of the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 is identified based on the detection result of the pressure acting on the pressure detection unit 42.

Further, in the third modification shown in FIG. 7, a storage unit 46 that is a storage medium (recording medium) formed of an IC tag or the like is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the spiral unit 20 as an identification element. The storage unit 46 stores specific information (for example, an identification number) regarding the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool). A reading unit 47 formed of an IC tag or the like is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit 3 as a detection unit. The reading unit 47 is electrically connected to the identification unit 35 via

electric wirings

48A and 48B. In this modification, the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion unit 3 at a specific position (appropriate position), so that the reading unit 47 can store specific information stored in the storage unit 46 by a signal such as radio waves or light. Read. The information read by the reading unit 47 is transmitted as an electric signal (output signal) to the identification unit 35 through the

electric wirings

48A and 48B. The identification unit 35 identifies the type of the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 based on the information read by the reading unit 47. In addition, specific information can be written (recorded) in the storage unit 46 by the reading unit 47. For example, when the number of times the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion unit 3 is set as information to be written (recorded) in the storage unit 46, the information is stored in the storage unit 46 every time the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion unit 3. The number of wearing times stored is added only once. When the number of times the spiral unit 20 is mounted (number of times of use) stored in the storage unit 46 exceeds a predetermined number of times (one time for the disposable spiral unit 20, the number of times set for the reusable spiral unit 20), The supply of drive power to the motor 25 may be stopped, the spiral unit 20 may be disabled, and a warning by the warning unit may be performed as described above. In addition, when the reading unit (detection unit) 47 can read information from the storage unit (identification element) 46 and can write information to the storage unit 46, a predetermined value is set between the reading unit 47 and the storage unit 46. The identification unit 35 may identify that the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) is attached to the insertion unit 3 on the basis of the mutual communication (transmission / reception) of information.

Specifically, in step S102 of FIG. 4, the identification unit 35 determines whether the information read by the reading unit 47 is specific information. When the reading unit 47 reads specific information regarding the spiral unit 20, it is determined in step S103 that the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) is attached to the insertion unit 3.

In this modification, information (that is, specific information) caused by the storage unit (identification element) 46 is detected by providing the insertion unit 3 with the reading unit 47 as a detection unit. Based on the detection result of the information caused by the storage unit (identification element) 46, the identification unit 35 determines whether the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 is the spiral unit (a specific type of auxiliary tool) 20. Judging. That is, the type of the auxiliary tool attached to the insertion unit 3 is identified based on the information read result by the reading unit 47.

In the third modified example, the reading unit 47 is provided in the insertion unit 3. However, in a certain modified example, the reading unit 47 is provided in an inspection tool (for example, a barcode reader) separate from the endoscope 2. It may be provided. In this case, the information read by the reading unit 47 is transmitted to the identification unit 35 by wire or wireless. Also in this modification, the identification unit 35 identifies the type of the assisting device based on whether the information read by the reading unit 47 is specific information regarding the spiral unit (specific type of assisting device) 20 or not. . In this modification, specific information can be read by the reading unit 47 of the inspection tool in a state where the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion unit 3 and before the spiral unit 20 is attached to the insertion unit 3. Also, the specific information stored in the storage unit 46 can be read.

In a certain modification, the first embodiment and the third modification described above may be combined. In this case, the identification unit (35) identifies the type of the auxiliary tool based on both the change in physical quantity caused by the identification element (38; 45) of the auxiliary tool (20) and the information caused by the identification element (46). To do. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the identification unit 35 is provided in the drive control unit 30 that constitutes the peripheral unit (external device) 10 to which the endoscope (insertion device) 2 is connected. It is not a thing. In a modification, a processor including a CPU or ASIC or the like may be provided in the operation unit 5 or the universal code 6, and the identification unit 35 may be provided in the processor. In this case, the identification unit 35 is provided in the endoscope 2 that is an insertion device.

In the above-described embodiment, the spiral unit (20) is described as an example of the specific type of auxiliary tool. However, the specific type of auxiliary tool is not limited to the spiral unit (20). The auxiliary tool is detachably attached to the insertion section (3), and is operated in a state of being attached to the insertion section (3), whereby a propulsive force that moves along the longitudinal axis (C) is inserted into the insertion section (3). ).

In the above-described embodiment, the endoscope (2) is described as an example of the insertion device, but the insertion device is not limited to the endoscope (2). For example, the above-described configuration may be applied to an insertion system (surgical system) in which a manipulator is used as an insertion device.

In the above-described embodiment and the like, the insertion device (1) includes an insertion portion (3) extending along the longitudinal axis (C), and an auxiliary tool (20) including an identification element (38; 45; 46). . The auxiliary tool (20) is detachably attached to the insertion section (3), and the auxiliary tool (20) is actuated in a state of being attached to the insertion section (3), whereby the auxiliary tool (20) is moved along the longitudinal axis (C). The propulsive force to move acts on the insertion part (3). A detection part (36A, 36B; 42; 47) detects at least one of the change of the physical quantity resulting from the said identification element (38; 45) of an auxiliary tool (20), and the information resulting from an identification element (46). And an identification part (35) identifies the classification of an auxiliary tool based on the detection result in a detection part (36A, 36B; 42; 47).

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

Claims

The insertion device is detachably attached to an insertion portion that extends along the longitudinal axis, and is operated while attached to the insertion portion, thereby moving the insertion portion along the longitudinal axis. Auxiliary tool that works with the insertion device by applying a propulsive force,
An assisting device, comprising: an identification element that enables the assisting device to be identified by at least one of a change in a physical quantity attributed to the identification element and information resulting from the identification element.
An auxiliary tool according to claim 1;
The auxiliary device is detachably attached, and an insertion device including an insertion portion extending along the longitudinal axis;
A detection unit that detects at least one of the change in the physical quantity caused by the identification element and the information caused by the identification element;
An identification unit for identifying the auxiliary tool based on a detection result in the detection unit;
An insertion system comprising:
The detection unit can receive an electrical signal from the identification unit,
The detection unit and the identification element form an electric circuit through which a predetermined current flows by attaching the auxiliary tool to the insertion unit.
The insertion system of claim 2.
The insertion system according to claim 3, wherein the identification unit identifies that the auxiliary tool is attached to the insertion unit by detecting the predetermined current flowing in the electric circuit.
The detection unit includes: a first electrical contact; and a second electrical contact that is electrically insulated from the first electrical contact in a state where the auxiliary tool is removed from the insertion unit. Prepared,
The identification element is a conduction part that electrically connects the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact by attaching the auxiliary tool to the insertion part.
The insertion system of claim 2.
[Claim 6] The insertion system according to claim 5, wherein the conduction portion of the auxiliary tool has a predetermined range of electrical resistance.
The detection unit transmits an electrical signal used in identification by the identification unit as the detection result by the detection unit to the identification unit,
The identification unit identifies the type of the auxiliary tool based on the electrical signal from the detection unit,
The insertion system of claim 2.
The detection unit detects pressure and transmits a pressure detection result to the identification unit as the electrical signal;
The identification element is configured to apply a predetermined pressure to the detection unit by attaching the auxiliary tool to the insertion unit.
The insertion system of claim 7.
The identification element stores specific information;
The detection unit reads the specific information of the identification element when the auxiliary tool is attached to the insertion unit, and transmits the specific information as the electrical signal to the identification unit.
The insertion system of claim 7.
The identification element comprises a recording medium on which information is stored,
The detection unit can read specific information recorded in the identification element and write information to the identification element by attaching the auxiliary tool to the insertion unit.
The insertion system of claim 2.
The said identification part identifies that the said auxiliary tool is attached to the said insertion part based on the predetermined information mutually communicating between the said identification element and the said detection part. Insertion system.
The insertion system according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit is provided in the insertion unit.
The insertion system according to claim 2, wherein the identification unit is provided in the insertion device or an external device connected to the insertion device.
A driving source that generates a driving force for operating the auxiliary tool by being driven by the supply of electric power;
A power supply unit for supplying the power to the drive source;
A control unit that controls the power supply unit such that the power can be supplied to the drive source only when the identification unit determines that the auxiliary tool is attached to the insertion unit;
The insertion system of claim 2 further comprising:
The said identification part judges whether the said auxiliary tool attached to the said insertion part is located in a specific position with respect to the said insertion part based on the said detection result in the said detection part. 2 insertion system.