WO2016185830A1 - Endoscope and endoscope system - Google Patents

Abstract

An endoscope 2 has: an insertion section 4; a single cleaning nozzle 17 provided to the insertion section 4 and discharging fluid in two different directions at the same time; and two side observation windows 13A, 13B provided to the portions of the insertion section 4, against which the fluid is discharged from the single cleaning nozzle 17, and obtaining images of different regions of a subject.

Description

Endoscope and endoscope system

The present invention relates to an endoscope and an endoscope system, and more particularly to an endoscope and an endoscope system having a nozzle at a distal end portion of an insertion portion.

Conventionally, endoscopes that image the inside of an observation object have been widely used in the medical field, the industrial field, and the like. A user of an endoscope system, for example, an operator, can insert an endoscope insertion portion into a subject to perform observation, treatment, and the like in the subject.

Also, some endoscopes can observe a subject with a wide field of view, as disclosed in, for example, International Publication No. WO2012 / 077116, in order to prevent oversight of a lesion or the like. An observation window is provided for each field of view in order to obtain a field image in a plurality of directions at the distal end of the elongated insertion portion of the endoscope from which an endoscope image with a wide field of view can be obtained.

However, in the case of an endoscope capable of observing a subject with a wide field of view as disclosed in, for example, International Publication No. WO2012 / 077116, the tip of the insertion portion is used to clean the surface of each observation window. A cleaning nozzle is required for each observation window. Therefore, in the case of an endoscope having a wide field of view, not only there are many cleaning nozzles provided at the distal end portion, but also there are many tubes for supplying water and air for cleaning the observation window, resulting in the insertion portion being There exists a problem that the outer diameter of a front-end | tip part becomes large.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope and an endoscope system in which the number of nozzles for cleaning a plurality of observation windows is reduced and the enlargement of the tip portion is suppressed.

An endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention includes an insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, a nozzle that is provided in the insertion portion and that simultaneously sprays fluids in a plurality of different directions, and includes 1 in the insertion portion. A plurality of subject image acquisition units each acquiring the subject images of different regions of the subject, each of which is provided at a position where the two nozzles spray the fluid.

In the endoscope system according to one aspect of the present invention, the endoscope 2 of the present invention and an image based on a plurality of images of the subject obtained by the plurality of subject image acquisition units are arranged at adjacent positions. An image signal generation unit that generates the image signals arranged in such a manner, and a display unit that displays the image signal generated by the image signal generation unit.

It is a figure showing composition of an endoscope system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the monitor 35 which displays the image based on the some subject image acquired through the some observation window based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows several monitor 35A based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part of the insertion part of the endoscope based on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a distal end portion 6 taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 of the endoscope of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the distal end portion 6 taken along line VV in FIG. 4. The nozzle of the cleaning nozzle for cleaning the side observation window according to the first modification of the second embodiment of the present invention opens in a predetermined angular direction with respect to the central axis O direction of the insertion portion 4. It is a perspective view of the tip part. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 of the endoscope which concerns on the modification 2 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the washing nozzle 22 which shows two jet nozzles 22aa and 22ab formed in the washing nozzle 22 based on the modification 2 of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 of the endoscope of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 of the endoscope 2 which has the washing nozzle which does not have the long extension part 38c regarding the modification of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 of the endoscope of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the distal end portion 6 taken along line XII-XII in FIG. 11. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 of the endoscope which concerns on the modification 1 of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 of the endoscope which concerns on the modification 2 of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 of the endoscope which concerns on the modification 3 of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. It is a perspective view of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 to which the unit for side observation was attached. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the front-end | tip part 6 of the insertion part 4 of a stereoscopic observation endoscope. It is a figure which shows the monitor 35 which displays the image based on the two subject images acquired through the two front observation windows 12x and 12y which concern on a stereoscopic observation endoscope.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In each drawing used for the following description, the scale is different for each component in order to make each component large enough to be recognized on the drawing. It is not limited only to the quantity of the component described in the drawing, the shape of the component, the ratio of the size of the component, and the relative positional relationship of each component.

(First embodiment)
The present embodiment relates to an endoscope and an endoscope system capable of cleaning two side observation windows with one cleaning nozzle.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2 that images an inside (subject) of a subject that is an observation target and outputs an imaging signal, and illumination light for illuminating the subject. A light source device 31 to supply, a video processor 32 that is an image processing device that generates and outputs a video signal corresponding to an imaging signal, and a monitor 35 that displays an observation image that is an endoscopic image corresponding to the video signal. Have.

The endoscope 2 includes an operation unit 3 that is held and operated by an operator, an elongated insertion unit 4 that is formed on the distal end side of the operation unit 3 and is inserted into a body cavity that is a subject, and the operation unit 3. And a universal cord 5 provided with one end portion so as to extend from the side portion.

The endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment is a wide-angle endoscope capable of observing a field of view of 180 degrees or more by displaying a plurality of field images. In the body cavity, particularly in the large intestine, the back of the eyelid or the boundary of the organ Thus, it is possible to prevent oversight of a lesion that is difficult to see only by anterior observation. When inserting the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2 into the large intestine, operations such as temporary fixing by twisting the insertion portion 4, reciprocating movement, and hooking the intestinal wall are generated as in the case of a normal large intestine endoscope. To do.

The insertion portion 4 to be inserted into the subject includes a hard distal end portion 6 provided at the most distal end side, a bendable bending portion 7 provided at the rear end of the distal end portion 6, and a rear portion of the bending portion 7. And a long and flexible flexible tube portion 8 provided at the end. Further, the bending portion 7 performs a bending operation according to the operation of the bending operation lever 9 provided in the operation portion 3.
As shown in FIG. 1, the operation unit 3 includes an air / liquid feeding operation button 24a for cleaning the front observation window 12 (FIG. 2) and side observation windows 13A and 13B (FIG. 2). The air / liquid feeding operation button 24b is provided, and the air feeding / liquid feeding can be switched by pressing the air / liquid feeding operation buttons 24a and 24b. In the present embodiment, a plurality of air / liquid feeding operation buttons are provided so as to correspond to the respective nozzle portions. For example, the front observation window cleaning nozzle 16 is operated by operating one air / liquid feeding operation button. Alternatively, a fluid such as a liquid or a gas may be ejected from both the side observation window cleaning nozzle 17 (FIG. 2).

A plurality of scope switches 25 are provided at the top of the operation unit 3 and assign functions for each switch so as to output signals corresponding to various descriptions of ON or OFF that can be used in the endoscope 2. It has a configuration that can. Specifically, the scope switch 25 has a function of outputting signals corresponding to, for example, start and stop of forward water supply, execution and release of freeze for still image shooting, and notification of the use state of the treatment instrument. Can be assigned as a function for each switch.

Further, the operation unit 3 has a suction operation button 26 capable of giving an instruction to a suction unit or the like (not shown) for sucking and collecting mucus or the like in the body cavity through a tip opening (not shown). It is arranged.

The treatment instrument insertion port 27 communicates with a treatment instrument channel (not shown) in the insertion portion 4 and is formed as an opening into which a treatment instrument (not shown) can be inserted. That is, the surgeon can perform a treatment using the treatment instrument by inserting the treatment instrument from the treatment instrument insertion port 27 and projecting the distal end side of the treatment instrument from the distal end opening (not shown).
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a connector 29 that can be connected to the light source device 31 is provided at the other end of the universal cord 5.

The tip of the connector 29 is provided with a base (not shown) serving as a connection end of the fluid conduit and a light guide base (not shown) serving as an illumination light supply end.
Further, an electrical contact portion (not shown) capable of connecting one end of the connection cable 33 is provided on the side surface of the connector 29. Furthermore, a connector for electrically connecting the endoscope 2 and the video processor 32 is provided at the other end of the connection cable 33.

The universal cord 5 includes a plurality of signal lines for transmitting various electrical signals and a light guide for transmitting illumination light supplied from the light source device 31 in a bundled state.

The light guide built in from the insertion portion 4 to the universal cord 5 has a light emission side end portion branched into a plurality of portions near the insertion portion 4, and the light emission end surface of each branched tip portion is an illumination for the front observation window 12. The window 14 and the illumination windows 15A and 15B for the side observation windows 13A and 13B are arranged (FIG. 2).
Further, the light guide has a configuration in which the light incident side end portion is disposed on the light guide base of the connector 29.

The video processor 32 which is an image processing device and an image signal generation device outputs a drive signal for driving an image sensor (not shown) provided at the distal end portion 6 of the endoscope 2.
Then, as will be described later, the video processor 32 generates image signals (video signals) based on the subject images respectively acquired by the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13A, and according to the use state of the endoscope 2 Then, signal processing (cutting out a predetermined area) is performed on the image pickup signal output from the image pickup device, and the result is output to the monitor 35.

On the monitor 35, images based on a plurality of subject images acquired through a plurality of observation windows are displayed side by side as shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a monitor 35 that displays images based on a plurality of subject images acquired through a plurality of observation windows.

Peripheral devices such as the light source device 31, the video processor 32, and the monitor 35 are arranged on a gantry 36 together with a keyboard 34 for inputting patient information and the like.
The light source device 31 includes a lamp. Light emitted from the lamp is guided to the connector portion to which the connector 29 of the universal cord 5 is connected via the light guide, and the light source device 31 supplies illumination light to the light guide in the universal cord 5. To do.

As in this embodiment, the illumination light supplied from the light source device 31 is transmitted to the illumination window 14 and the illumination windows 15A and 15B (FIG. 2) via the universal cord 5 and the light guide built in the insertion portion 4. It is not limited to the structure to transmit.
For example, inside the illumination window 14 for the front observation window 12 and the illumination windows 15A and 15B for the side observation windows 13A and 13B, a light emitting element such as an LED (light emitting diode) is incorporated, and a lamp as a light source device. A light source power supply unit that supplies illumination power without incorporating the light source may be used.
In this case, electrodes are arranged in the connector 29 and electric wiring is built in from the insertion portion 4 to the universal cord 5, and the power from the light source power supply portion is supplied to the electrode of the connector 29, the universal cord 5, and the insertion portion 4. By being supplied to the light emitting elements disposed inside the illumination windows 14, 15A, and 15B via the light, the light emitting elements emit light, and the illumination light is emitted from the illumination windows 14, 15A, and 15B.

As described above, the endoscope system 1 includes the image signals arranged so that the images based on the images of the plurality of subjects obtained by the endoscope 2 and the plurality of observation windows are arranged at adjacent positions. A video processor 32 as an image signal generation unit to be generated and a monitor 35 as a display unit for displaying a plurality of image signals generated by the video processor 32 are provided.

Here, images based on a plurality of subject images are displayed on one screen of the monitor 35, but a plurality of monitors 35A may be provided so that one monitor corresponds to each subject image.
FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a plurality of monitors 35A. In FIG. 1B, three monitors 35A arranged side by side are shown, and an image signal from the video processor 32 is supplied to each monitor 35A. For example, the central monitor 35A displays an image signal of the subject image in the front field of view based on the subject image acquired in the front observation window 12, and the left and right monitors 35A have the side observation window 13A, The image signals of the subject images in the left and right side fields based on the subject image acquired in 13B are displayed.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope.
In FIG. 2, only one front observation window 12, two side observation windows 13A and 13B, a plurality of illumination windows 14, 15A and 15B, two washing nozzles 16 and 17, and pipe lines 18 and 19 only. The other components such as the treatment instrument opening are not shown and are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 2, a front observation window 12 is provided on the tip surface of the cylindrical tip portion 6 of the insertion portion 4, and side observation windows 13 </ b> A and 13 </ b> B are provided on the side surface of the tip portion 6. Yes. Imaging units 12a, 13a, and 13b are disposed on the back side of each of the front observation window 12 and the side observation windows 13A and 13B.

The imaging elements of the imaging units 12 a, 13 a, and 13 b corresponding to the observation windows are electrically connected to the video processor 32 and controlled by the video processor 32 to output an imaging signal to the video processor 32. Each of the imaging units 12a, 13a, and 13b is an imaging unit that photoelectrically converts a subject image.

The front observation window 12 is disposed on the distal end surface 6 a of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4. Two illumination windows 14 are arranged on the distal end surface 6 a so as to sandwich the front observation window 12.

The side observation windows 13A and 13B are arranged on the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 toward the outer diameter direction of the insertion portion 4 at substantially equal angles in the circumferential direction of the distal end portion 6, and are opposite to each other. Arranged to observe the direction. Two illumination windows 15A are arranged parallel to the direction of the central axis O of the insertion portion 4 on the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6 so as to sandwich the side observation window 13A.
Similarly, two illumination windows 15B are arranged on the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6 in parallel with the direction of the central axis O of the insertion portion 4 so as to sandwich the side observation window 13B.

That is, the side observation windows 13A and 13B each have a plurality of object images (in this case, respectively) that are provided in the insertion portion 4 where the single cleaning nozzle 17 sprays fluid, respectively, in different regions of the object. Two) subject image acquisition units are configured.

More specifically, the side observation window 13 </ b> A is provided at the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4, provided in the insertion portion 4 at a point where the cleaning nozzle 17 sprays fluid on one side, and the subject is taken from a region where the subject is present. An object image acquiring unit that acquires an image is configured, and the side observation window 13B is provided at a position different from the side observation window 13A at the tip of the insertion unit 4 where the cleaning nozzle 17 blows fluid to the other side. The side observation window 13A constitutes a subject image acquisition unit that acquires a subject image from a different region of the subject that is different from the region where the subject is acquired.

The region of the subject from which the front observation window 12 obtains the subject image is a region including the front of the insertion portion 4 substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4, and each side observation window 13A, 13B is covered by the subject. The region of the subject from which the specimen image is acquired is a region including the side of the insertion portion 4 that is a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4 such as substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4.
That is, the region of the subject from which the front observation window 12 obtains the subject image, the region of the subject from which the side observation window 13A obtains the subject image, and the subject from which the side observation window 13B obtains the subject image. The optical axis differs from the specimen region.

The cleaning nozzle 16 for cleaning the surface of the front observation window 12 has a tip so that a jet outlet 16a for ejecting a fluid such as a gas such as air and a liquid such as water and a cleaning liquid faces the front observation window 12. It is arranged on the tip surface 6 a of the part 6.

The cleaning nozzle 17 for cleaning the two surfaces of the side observation windows 13A and 13B has two jet ports 17a and 17b for jetting fluid.

The two jet nozzles 17a and 17b included in one cleaning nozzle 17 are formed so as to spray a fluid simultaneously in a plurality of (two in this embodiment) different directions.
In this embodiment, the two jet nozzles 17a and 17b are formed in the washing nozzle 17 so as to face in opposite directions. In the cleaning nozzle 17, the jet port 17 a faces the side observation window 13 </ b> A in the circumferential direction of the side surface 6 b of the tip portion 6, and the jet port 17 b faces the side observation window 13 </ b> B in the circumferential direction of the side surface 6 b of the tip portion 6. The tip 6 is disposed on the side surface 6b.

More specifically, as shown by the two-dot chain line arrow A1 in FIG. 2, the jet outlet 17a is directed to the side observation window 13A along the outer peripheral surface of the tip 6 in the circumferential direction of the side surface 6b. The cleaning nozzle 17 is formed so as to proceed in the direction. Here, the jet outlet 17a moves laterally along the circumferential direction which is a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4 such as orthogonal to the axis of the insertion portion 4 in FIG. The cleaning nozzle 17 is formed so as to flow on the surface of the window 13A.

As shown by an alternate long and two short dashes line arrow A2 in FIG. 2, the jet outlet 17b causes the jetted fluid to advance toward the side observation window 13B along the outer peripheral surface of the tip 6 in the circumferential direction of the side surface 6b. The cleaning nozzle 17 is formed. Here, the ejection port 17b is in a direction that is opposite to the ejection direction of the fluid ejected from the ejection port 17a and intersects the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4 such as perpendicular to the central axis O of the insertion portion 4 in FIG. The cleaning nozzle 17 is formed so that the ejected fluid moves along a certain circumferential direction and flows on the surface of the side observation window 13B.

The cleaning nozzle 16 is connected to an air supply / water supply conduit 18, and the cleaning nozzle 17 is connected to an air supply / water supply conduit 19. An instruction for air supply or water supply to the pipes 18 and 19 is performed by operating air supply / liquid supply operation buttons 24 a and 24 b provided on the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 2. When the air / liquid feeding operation button 24a is operated, the fluid for cleaning the front observation window 12 is ejected from the front observation window cleaning nozzle 16, and when the air / liquid feeding operation button 24b is operated, the side A fluid for cleaning the side observation windows 13A and 13B is ejected from the cleaning nozzle 17 for the side observation window.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the distal end portion 6 along the line III-III in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the distal end portion 6 in a direction orthogonal to the central axis O of the insertion portion 4. In FIG. 3, only the two side observation windows 13A and 13B, the cleaning nozzle 17, and the pipes 18 and 19 are shown, and other components are not shown and are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the side observation window 13 </ b> A, the side observation window 13 </ b> B, and the cleaning nozzle 17 are provided on a plane that is virtually defined in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4.
The cleaning nozzle 17 has an introduction port 17c that is one opening to which the pipe line 19 is connected, and two jet ports 17a and 17b. As shown in FIG. 3, the ejection ports 17 a and 17 b of the cleaning nozzle 17 pass through the center of the cleaning nozzle 17 in the direction in which the fluid ejected from the respective ejection ports 17 a and 17 b is orthogonal to the central axis O of the insertion portion 4. The cleaning nozzle 17 is formed so as to be ejected in an angle direction lower than the tangential direction CL.

(Function)
With reference to FIG. 3, the cleaning action of the observation window of the endoscope by the cleaning nozzle of the present embodiment will be described.

The front observation window 12 is washed by the user operating the air / liquid feeding operation button 24 a to eject the fluid from the washing nozzle 16.
On the other hand, the side observation windows 13A and 13B are cleaned by the user operating the air / liquid feeding operation button 24b to eject the fluid ejected from the cleaning nozzle 17.

Specifically, the fluid ejected from the ejection ports 17 a and 17 b is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 17 through the pipe line 19. The fluid that has flowed into the introduction port 17 c of the cleaning nozzle 17 connected to the pipe line 19 is ejected from the two ejection ports 17 a and 17 b through the two flow paths branched in the cleaning nozzle 17.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 17a flows along the side surface 6b of the tip 6 along the circumferential direction, reaches the surface of the side observation window 13A, and ejects the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 17b. Flows along the side surface 6b of the tip 6 along the circumferential direction and reaches the surface of the side observation window 13B.
That is, the side observation windows 13A and 13B, which are a plurality of subject image acquisition units for acquiring subject images in different regions of the subject, are respectively provided at the destination where the single cleaning nozzle 17 sprays the fluid F at the same time. Will be provided. In other words, the cleaning nozzle 17 is provided in the insertion portion 4 and sprays fluid in a plurality of different directions at the same time.

According to the present embodiment, since the two cleaning nozzles 16 and 17 are used for the three jet nozzles 16a, 17a and 17b, the number of cleaning nozzles is smaller than the number of jet nozzles. An endoscope in which the outer diameter of the portion 6 does not increase can be provided.

Moreover, since only the two pipe lines 18 and 19 are used according to the two washing nozzles 16 and 17, the diameter of the tip portion 6 can be further reduced. Since the number of pipes in the insertion portion 4 is reduced, the fluid ejection pressure can be stabilized.

(Second Embodiment)
The present embodiment relates to an endoscope and an endoscope system that can clean one front observation window and one side observation window with one cleaning nozzle.

The configuration of the endoscope system to which the endoscope of the present embodiment is applied is the same as that of the endoscope system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, in the endoscope according to the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and different configurations are mainly described.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B are washed with one washing nozzle.
As shown in FIG. 4, the cleaning nozzle 21 is provided at the boundary between the distal end surface 6 a and the side surface 6 b of the distal end portion 6. The cleaning nozzle 21 is a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the surfaces of both the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B having different optical axes. The cleaning nozzle 21 has two jet nozzles 21a and 21b and an inlet 21c that is one opening to which the pipe line 18 is connected. The cleaning nozzle 21 has a bent portion in an L shape, and an outlet 21a is formed at one end of the bent portion, and an outlet 21b is formed at the other end of the bent portion.

That is, the insertion portion 4 is provided on the distal end surface 6a in the longitudinal direction to be inserted into the subject, the distal end surface 6a having the front observation window 12, and the lateral observation window 13B is provided in the circumferential direction in the longitudinal direction. The cleaning nozzle 21 is provided at the boundary between the distal end surface 6 a of the insertion portion 4 and the side surface 6 b of the distal end surface of the insertion portion 4.

The cleaning nozzle 21 is arranged at the boundary between the tip surface 6a and the side surface 6b of the tip portion 6 so that the jet port 21a faces the front observation window 12 and the jet port 21b faces the side observation window 13B. Is done. Here, the two jet nozzles 21a and 21b are formed in the cleaning nozzle 21 so that the jet direction of the fluid is at an angle of approximately 90 degrees.
A cleaning nozzle (not shown) for cleaning the surface of the side observation window 13 </ b> A is disposed on the side surface 6 b of the distal end portion 6.

More specifically, when the cleaning nozzle 21 is disposed at the boundary between the distal end surface 6a and the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6, the fluid ejected from the ejection port 21a extends along the distal end surface 6a along the front observation window 12. The jet nozzle 21 a is formed in the cleaning nozzle 21 so as to go to. Here, the jet nozzle 21a is formed in the cleaning nozzle 21 so that the fluid moves along the tip surface 6a orthogonal to the central axis O of the insertion portion 4 in FIG. 4 and flows on the surface of the front observation window 12. Has been.

When the cleaning nozzle 21 is disposed at the boundary between the distal end surface 6a and the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6, the fluid ejected from the ejection port 21b travels on the side surface 6b along the direction of the central axis O of the insertion portion 4. The jet nozzle 21b is formed in the washing nozzle 21 so as to go to the side observation window 13B. Here, the spout 21b is parallel to the central axis O of the insertion portion 4 in FIG. 4 so that the fluid moves toward the base end direction of the insertion portion 4 and flows on the surface of the side observation window 13B. A cleaning nozzle 21 is formed.

In other words, one cleaning nozzle 21 ejects fluid to the ejection direction of the ejection port 21 a that ejects fluid to the distal end surface 6 a of the insertion portion 4 and the side surface 6 b that is the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 4. In the plane virtually defined so that the ejection direction of 21b passes through the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B, the fluid is directed toward the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B simultaneously. Is provided.

The cleaning nozzle 21 is connected to an air supply / water supply pipeline 18, and the cleaning nozzle 22 is connected to an air supply / water supply pipeline 19. An instruction for air supply or water supply to the pipes 18 and 19 is performed by operating air supply / liquid supply operation buttons 24 a and 24 b provided on the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 2. When the air / liquid feeding operation button 24a is operated, the fluid for cleaning the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B is ejected from the cleaning nozzle 21, and when the air / liquid feeding operation button 24b is operated, A fluid for cleaning the side observation window 13A is ejected from a cleaning nozzle (not shown) for the side observation window.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the distal end portion 6 along the line VV in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the distal end portion 6 in the direction along the central axis O of the insertion portion 4.
The cleaning nozzle 21 has an introduction port 21c that is one opening to which the pipe line 19 is connected, and two ejection ports 21a and 21b. As shown in FIG. 5, the ejection port 21 a of the cleaning nozzle 21 has an angle direction in which the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 21 a is not parallel to the distal end surface 6 a of the distal end portion 6 but is lower than the plane parallel to the distal end surface 6 a. It is formed in the cleaning nozzle 21 so as to be ejected. The spout 21b of the cleaning nozzle 21 is cleaned so that the fluid F ejected from the spout 21b is not parallel to the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6 but at a lower angle than the direction of the central axis O of the insertion portion 4. The nozzle 21 is formed.
That is, subject images of different regions of the subject are respectively acquired at the point where one washing nozzle 21 simultaneously sprays the fluid F in two different directions from the two ejection ports 21a and 21b, and the optical axes are different from each other. A front observation window 12 and a side observation window 13B, which are a plurality (two) of subject image acquisition units, are respectively provided.

(Function)
The cleaning action of the observation window of the endoscope by the cleaning nozzle of the present embodiment will be described.

The front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B are washed by the user operating the air / liquid feeding operation button 24a to eject the fluid from the washing nozzle 21.
Specifically, the fluid ejected from the ejection ports 21 a and 21 b is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 21 through the pipe line 18. The fluid that has flowed into the introduction port 21 c of the cleaning nozzle 21 connected to the pipe line 18 is ejected from the two ejection ports 21 a and 21 b through the two flow paths branched in the cleaning nozzle 21.

As shown by a two-dot chain line arrow A11 in FIG. 5, the fluid ejected from the ejection port 21a flows along the distal end surface 6a of the distal end portion 6, cleans the surface of the front observation window 12, and ejects from the ejection port 21b. As shown by the two-dot chain line arrow A12, the fluid F that has flowed in the proximal direction along the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6 cleans the surface of the side observation window 13B.

That is, the front observation window 12 is provided in the insertion unit 4 and constitutes a first subject image acquisition unit that acquires a subject image from a certain region of the subject, and the side observation window 13B is provided in front of the insertion unit 4. A second subject image acquisition unit is provided that is provided at a position different from the observation window 12 and acquires a subject image from a different region different from a region where the subject is acquired by the front observation window 12.
The cleaning nozzle 21 is one nozzle that sprays fluid simultaneously on the first subject image acquisition unit and the second subject image acquisition unit.

On the other hand, for cleaning the side observation window 13A, the user operates the air / liquid feeding operation button 24b, and the surface of the side observation window 13A is cleaned by the fluid discharged from a cleaning nozzle (not shown).

According to the present embodiment, since one cleaning nozzle 21 has two jet nozzles 21a and 21b and the number of cleaning nozzles is smaller than the number of jet nozzles, the outer diameter of the tip portion 6 is large. It is possible to provide an endoscope that does not become.

Moreover, since only one pipe line 18 is used for the cleaning nozzle 21 having the two jet nozzles 21a and 21b, the diameter of the distal end portion 6 can be further reduced. Since the number of pipes in the insertion portion 4 is reduced, the fluid ejection pressure can be stabilized.

Furthermore, since the ejection port 21b of the cleaning nozzle 21 ejects fluid in the proximal direction, which is the direction opposite to the distal end surface 6a, the adhering matter adhering to the side observation window 13B wraps around the distal end surface 6a together with the fluid. There is no possibility that the surface of the front observation window 12 is soiled.

(Modification 1)
In 2nd Embodiment mentioned above, although the jet nozzle 21b of the washing nozzle 21 is opening toward the base end direction along the center axis | shaft O direction of the insertion part 4, the jet nozzle 21b is inserted in the insertion part 4. FIG. You may make it open toward the direction of a predetermined angle with respect to the direction of the central axis O.

FIG. 6 shows the nozzle of the cleaning nozzle for cleaning the side observation window according to the first modification of the present embodiment, which opens in a predetermined angular direction with respect to the central axis O direction of the insertion portion 4. It is a perspective view of the tip part.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cleaning nozzle 21 </ b> A provided at the boundary between the distal end surface 6 a and the side surface of the distal end portion 6 is configured such that the fluid is not in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the insertion portion 4. The ejection port 21b is formed so as to be ejected obliquely rearward at a predetermined angular direction with respect to the direction and to flow on the surface of the side observation window 13B.

In FIG. 6, as indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow A <b> 21, the fluid ejected from the ejection port 21 a flows along the distal end surface 6 a of the distal end portion 6, reaches the front observation window 12, and passes therethrough. As indicated by the arrow A22, the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 21b flows in the proximal direction along the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6, and reaches and passes through the surface of the side observation window 13B.

That is, also in this modification, one cleaning nozzle 21 is fluid to the ejection direction of the ejection port 21 a that ejects fluid to the distal end surface 6 a of the insertion portion 4 and the side surface 6 b that is the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 4. In the plane virtually defined so that the ejection direction of the ejection port 21b that ejects the gas passes through the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B, respectively, the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B It is provided to head.

According to such a configuration, there is an effect that when the insertion portion 4 is removed from the subject, the ejection port 21b is not easily caught on the inner wall of the subject.

(Modification 2)
The jet nozzle of one washing nozzle may be expanded so that two observation windows can be washed by one jet.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope according to the second modification of the second embodiment. In addition, the outer peripheral part of the front-end | tip part 6 is a taper surface here by chamfering.

The cleaning nozzle 22 is provided on the side surface 6b, and the jet nozzle 22a of the cleaning nozzle 22 opens over a range including both the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B.
More specifically, one jet port 22a has a slit-like opening shape, and is formed over a range including a direction toward the front observation window 12 and a direction toward the side observation window 13B.

As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 7, the fluid ejected from the ejection port 22a flows on the surfaces of the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B having different optical axes.
In the case of FIG. 7, the number of the jet outlets 22 a is one, but the vicinity of the outlet of the jet outlet 22 a may be divided into two to form two jet outlets 22 aa and 22 ab in one jet outlet 22 a. . FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cleaning nozzle 22 showing the two ejection ports 22aa and 22ab formed in the cleaning nozzle 22. FIG.

(Third embodiment)
The present embodiment relates to an endoscope and an endoscope system that can clean one front observation window and two side observation windows with one cleaning nozzle.

The configuration of the endoscope system to which the endoscope of the present embodiment is applied is the same as that of the endoscope system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, in the endoscope according to the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and different configurations are mainly described.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, one front observation window 12 and two side observation windows 13A and 13B having different optical axes are cleaned simultaneously by one cleaning nozzle.

As shown in FIG. 9, the cleaning nozzle 37 is provided on the side surface 6 b of the tip portion 6. The cleaning nozzle 37 has three jet outlets 37a, 37b, and 37c. The cleaning nozzle 37 has three extending portions 38a, 38b, and 38c. The extending portions 38 a and 38 b are extending portions extending in opposite directions along the circumferential direction of the side surface of the insertion portion 4. The extending portion 38a extends toward the side observation window 13A along the circumferential direction of the side surface of the insertion portion 4, and the extending portion 38b extends to the side observation window 13B along the circumferential direction of the side surface of the insertion portion 4. It is the extension part extended toward. The extending portion 38 c is an extending portion that extends toward the distal end surface 6 a along a direction parallel to the central axis O of the insertion portion 4.

The two nozzles 37a and 37b for jetting fluid for cleaning the two surfaces of the side observation windows 13A and 13B are formed in the cleaning nozzle 37 so as to face in opposite directions. The cleaning nozzle 37 has a jet nozzle 37b facing the side observation window 13A in the circumferential direction of the side surface 6b of the tip end portion 6, and a side observation window 13B in the circumferential direction of the side face 6b of the tip end portion 6. It arrange | positions at the side surface 6b of the front-end | tip part 6 so that it may face in this direction.

Also here, the outlets 37a and 37b of the cleaning nozzle 37 are in a direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4 such that the fluid ejected from the respective outlets 37a and 37b is orthogonal to the central axis O of the insertion portion 4. The cleaning nozzle 37 is formed so as to be ejected in an angle direction lower than the tangential direction CL passing through the center of the cleaning nozzle 37.

More specifically, the ejection port 37a is formed in the washing nozzle 37 so that the ejected fluid proceeds toward the side observation window 13A along the outer circumferential surface of the distal end portion 6 in the circumferential direction of the side surface 6b. . Here, the ejection port 37a is moved laterally along the circumferential direction, which is a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4, such as perpendicular to the central axis O of the insertion portion 4, and the side observation window. The cleaning nozzle 37 is formed so as to hit 13A.

The ejection port 37b is formed in the washing nozzle 37 so that the ejected fluid advances toward the side observation window 13B along the outer peripheral surface of the tip 6 in the circumferential direction of the side surface 6b. Here, the jet outlet 37b is in a direction opposite to the jet direction of the fluid jetted from the jet outlet 37a and perpendicular to the central axis O of the insertion section 4, and is a circumferential direction that intersects the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 4. Is formed in the washing nozzle 37 so that the ejected fluid moves and hits the side observation window 13B.

A jet port 37 c that jets a fluid for cleaning the surface of the front observation window 12 is formed at the tip of the extension portion 32.
Specifically, the extending part 38c constitutes a duct extending in the distal direction from the nozzle body part 39 between the two jet outlets 37a and 37b opened in opposite directions. The extending portion 38 c has a curved portion 40 that is bent in an L shape at the distal end, and a spout 37 c is formed at the distal end of the curved portion 40. Therefore, the cleaning nozzle 37 has an introduction port 37d, which is one opening to which the pipe 18A is connected, and three ejection ports 37a, 37b, 37c communicating with the introduction port 37d.

The cleaning nozzle 37 is arranged on the side surface 6b of the tip 6 so that the jet outlet 37c faces the front observation window 12.

That is, at the point where one washing nozzle 37 sprays fluid from three jet outlets 37a, 37b, and 37c at the same time in three different directions, subject images of different regions of the subject are acquired, respectively, A front observation window 12, a side observation window 13A, and a side observation window 13B, which are a plurality (three) of subject image acquisition units with different values, are provided.

(Function)
The cleaning action of the observation window of the endoscope by the cleaning nozzle of the present embodiment will be described.

A pipe 18A for air supply and water supply is connected to the cleaning nozzle 37. An instruction for air supply or water supply to the pipe line 18A is performed by operating an air supply / liquid supply operation button 24a or 24b provided in the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 2. For example, when the air / liquid feeding operation button 24a is operated, a fluid for washing the front observation window 12 and the two side observation windows 13A and 13B is ejected from the washing nozzle 37.

The front observation window 12 and the side observation windows 13A and 13B are washed by the user operating the air / liquid feeding operation button 24a to eject the fluid from the washing nozzle 37.
Specifically, the fluid is supplied to the cleaning nozzle 37 through the pipe line 18A. The fluid that has flowed into the introduction port 37d of the cleaning nozzle 37 to which the pipe line 18A is connected is ejected from the three ejection ports 37a, 37b, and 37c through the three flow paths branched in the cleaning nozzle 37.

As shown by the two-dot chain line arrow A31 in FIG. 9, the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 37a flows along the side surface 6b of the tip 6 and cleans the surface of the side observation window 13A. As shown by a two-dot chain line arrow A32 in FIG. 9, the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 37b flows along the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6 and cleans the surface of the side observation window 13B. In FIG. 9, as indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow A <b> 33, the fluid ejected from the ejection port 37 c flows along the distal end surface 6 a of the distal end portion 6 and cleans the front observation window 12.

That is, the front observation window 12 is provided in the insertion unit 4 and constitutes a first subject image acquisition unit that acquires a subject image from a certain region of the subject. A second subject image acquisition unit is provided that is provided at a position different from the observation window 12 and acquires a subject image from a different region different from a region where the subject is acquired by the front observation window 12. The observation window 13B is provided at a position different from the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13A in the insertion portion 4, and is different from the region where the subject is acquired by the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13A. A third subject image acquisition unit that acquires a subject image from the region of the first region, and the cleaning nozzle 37 includes a first subject image acquisition unit, the second subject image acquisition unit, and the third subject image acquisition unit. One nozzle that sprays fluid simultaneously on the specimen image acquisition unit .

According to the present embodiment, since only one cleaning nozzle 37 is used for the three outlets 37a, 37b, and 37c, the number of cleaning nozzles is smaller than the number of outlets, so that the tip portion An endoscope in which the outer diameter of 6 does not increase can be provided.

Moreover, since only one pipe line 18A is used according to one cleaning nozzle 37, the diameter of the tip 6 can be further reduced. Since the number of pipes in the insertion portion 4 is reduced, the fluid ejection pressure can be stabilized.

(Modification)
In the above-described embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 37 has the extending portion 38c that extends longer than the extending portions 38a and 38b toward the tip surface 6a, but does not have the long extending portion 38c. You may do it.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 2 having a cleaning nozzle that does not have the long extending portion 38c according to a modification of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, the cleaning nozzle 37 </ b> A is provided at the boundary between the tip surface 6 a and the side surface 6 b of the tip portion 6. The cleaning nozzle 37A is a cleaning nozzle for cleaning the surfaces of one front observation window 12 and two side observation windows 13A and 13B.

The cleaning nozzle 37A has two extending portions 38aA and 38bA extending obliquely backward. Outlet portions 37a and 37b are provided at the distal ends of the extending portions 38aA and 38bA, respectively. The extending portion 38aA extends toward the side observation window 13A along the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6. The extending portion 38aB extends toward the side observation window 13B along the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6.

The cleaning nozzle 37A has an extending portion 38cA bent in an L shape, and a jet port 37c is formed at the tip of the extending portion 38cA.

Instructing air supply or water supply to the pipe line 18A is performed by operating an air supply / liquid supply operation button 24a or 24b provided in the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 2. For example, when the air / liquid feeding operation button 24a is operated, a fluid for washing the front observation window 12 and the two side observation windows 13A and 13B is ejected from the washing nozzle 37A.

The side observation windows 13A and 13B are cleaned by ejecting fluid from the ejection ports 37a and 37b, respectively. Cleaning of the front observation window 12 is performed by ejecting fluid from the ejection port 37c of the cleaning nozzle 37A.

As shown by the two-dot chain line arrow A41 in FIG. 10, the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 37a is ejected obliquely backward, flows along the side surface 6b of the tip 6 and the surface of the side observation window 13A. Wash. As indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow A42 in FIG. 10, the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 37b is also ejected obliquely rearward and flows along the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6, and the surface of the side observation window 13B. Wash. 10, the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 37c flows along the distal end surface 6a of the distal end portion 6 and cleans the front observation window 12 as indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow A43.

As described above, according to the present embodiment and the modification, only one cleaning nozzle is used for the three ejection ports 37a, 37b, and 37c, so the number of cleaning nozzles is more than the number of ejection ports. Therefore, it is possible to provide an endoscope in which the outer diameter of the distal end portion 6 does not increase.

Further, since only one pipe line 18A is used for the cleaning nozzle 37 having the three ejection ports 37a, 37b, and 37c, the diameter of the distal end portion 6 can be further reduced. Since the number of pipes in the insertion portion 4 is reduced, the fluid ejection pressure can be stabilized.

(Fourth embodiment)
In the first embodiment, one washing nozzle has two jet nozzles corresponding to two side observation windows, and in the second embodiment, one washing nozzle has one front observation window and one There are two outlets corresponding to one side observation window, and in the third embodiment, one washing nozzle corresponds to three observation windows, that is, one front observation window and two side observation windows. In this embodiment, one front observation window and one side observation window can be cleaned simultaneously by one of the two outlets of one cleaning nozzle. I am doing so.

The configuration of the endoscope system to which the endoscope of the present embodiment is applied is the same as that of the endoscope system 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Therefore, in the endoscope according to the present embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and different configurations are mainly described.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope according to the present embodiment. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the distal end portion 6 taken along the line XII-XII in FIG. FIG. 12 shows a cross section of the distal end portion 6 in the direction along the central axis O of the insertion portion 4. In the present embodiment, one front observation window 12 and one side observation window 13B, each having a different optical axis, are washed at one jet outlet of one washing nozzle. The other side observation window 13A is cleaned at the other jet port of the same cleaning nozzle.

As shown in FIG. 11, the cleaning nozzle 41 is provided on the distal end surface 6 a of the distal end portion 6. One washing nozzle 41 has one ejection port 41a and another ejection port 41b.
The outer peripheral portion of the distal end surface 6a of the distal end portion 6 is chamfered to form a tapered surface 6c that is an inclined portion. As shown by a two-dot chain line arrow A51 in FIG. 11, the washing nozzle 41 is arranged on the tip surface 6a so that the fluid ejected from the ejection port 41a faces the front observation window 12.

In addition, although the outer peripheral part of the front-end | tip part 6 is a taper surface by chamfering here, you may round a corner | angular so that it may become a curved surface which curves gradually from the front-end | tip surface 6a toward the side surface 6b. That is, the inclined portion may be a tapered surface that is a chamfered corner or a curved surface that is a round chamfer.

Further, the fluid ejected from the ejection port 41a passes after flowing through the surface of the front observation window 12, and is provided on the side surface 6b through the tapered surface 6c as shown by two-dot chain arrows A52 and A53 in FIG. The cleaning nozzle 41 is disposed on the distal end surface 6a so as to face the side observation window 13B.

Similarly, the side observation window 13B provided on the side surface 6b through the tapered surface 6c as shown by two-dot chain arrows A54 and A55 after the fluid ejected from the ejection port 41b flows through the tip surface 6a. The cleaning nozzle 41 is disposed on the tip surface 6a so as to face the side observation window 13A provided on the opposite side.

Furthermore, although the taper surface 6c is formed in the whole outer peripheral part of the front end surface 6a here, the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B which are at least a part of the outer peripheral part of the front end surface 6a, side You may form only in the part containing the virtual line on the surface of the front-end | tip part 6 which connects the direction observation window 13A. That is, the tapered surface 6c may be formed only in the path portion where the fluid ejected from the ejection port 41a is directed from the front observation window 12 toward the side observation window 13B and the side observation window 13A.

(Function)
The cleaning action of the observation window of the endoscope by the cleaning nozzle of the present embodiment will be described.

A pipe 18A for air supply and water supply is connected to the cleaning nozzle 41. An instruction for air supply or water supply to the pipe line 18A is performed by operating an air supply / liquid supply operation button 24a or 24b provided in the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 2. For example, when the air / liquid feeding operation button 24a is operated, a fluid for washing the front observation window 12, the side observation window 13B, and the side observation window 13A is ejected from the washing nozzle 41.

The front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B are washed by the user operating the air / liquid feeding operation button 24a to eject the fluid from the washing nozzle 41.
11 and 12, the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 41a is washed from the front end surface 6a of the front end portion 6 after cleaning the surface of the front observation window 12, as indicated by two-dot chain arrows A51, A52, A53. It flows along the side surface 6b through the tapered surface 6c and cleans the surface of the side observation window 13B.
Similarly, the fluid F ejected from the ejection port 41b passes through the tip surface 6a, then flows along the side surface 6b through the tapered surface 6c, and cleans the surface of the side observation window 13A.
That is, the cleaning nozzle 41 is one nozzle that sprays fluid simultaneously on the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B.

As described above, the insertion portion 4 is an outer peripheral surface provided on the distal end surface 6a in the longitudinal direction to be inserted into the subject and having the front end surface 6a having the front observation window 12 and the side observation windows 13A and 13B. A chamfered portion that is chamfered is provided at a boundary portion between the distal end surface 6 a of the insertion portion 4 and the side surface 6 b that is the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 4. In particular, with respect to the front observation window 12, the cleaning nozzle 41 ejects fluid in a direction that connects the front observation window 12 and the side observation window 13B in the shortest direction with the chamfered portion interposed therebetween.

Similarly, after the fluid ejected from the ejection port 41b flows through the distal end surface 6a, the fluid passes through the tapered surface 6c toward the side observation window 13A provided on the side opposite to the side observation window 13B provided on the side surface 6b. As described above, the cleaning nozzle 41 is disposed on the distal end surface 6a.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the number of cleaning nozzles is less than the number of ejection ports to prevent the outer diameter of the tip portion 6 from expanding, the fluid ejected from the cleaning nozzle flows along the inclined portion. Since it becomes easy, the endoscope which can make the fluid for washing | cleaning several observation windows reach each observation window efficiently can be provided.

Next, a modification of the above-described fourth embodiment will be described.

(Modification 1)
In the above-described fourth embodiment, the cleaning nozzle 41 is provided on the tip surface 6a, but may be provided on a side surface (outer peripheral surface) 6b.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment. In the first modification, one front observation window 12 and one side observation window 13B are washed by one washing nozzle, but the washing nozzle 51 is provided on the side surface 6b of the distal end portion 6.

Specifically, as indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow A61 in FIG. 13, the cleaning nozzle 51 is disposed on the side surface 6b so that the fluid ejected from the ejection port 51a of the cleaning nozzle 51 is directed to the side observation window 13B. Has been placed.

Further, as shown by two-dot chain arrows A62 and A63 in FIG. 13, the fluid ejected from the ejection nozzle 51b of the washing nozzle 51 passes through the tapered surface 6c toward the front observation window 12 provided on the distal end surface 6a. Thus, the cleaning nozzle 51 is disposed on the side surface 6b.

The endoscope of the first modification also produces the same effect as the endoscope of the fourth embodiment described above.

(Modification 2)
A linear concave portion or convex portion for controlling the flow of the fluid ejected from the cleaning nozzle may be provided at the distal end portion 6.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope according to the second modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a partial sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. In the second modification, a plurality of grooves 61 are formed in a part of a region through which the fluid ejected from one cleaning nozzle 41 passes on the surface of the distal end portion 6.

Here, an example of an endoscope in which the cleaning nozzle 41 is provided on the distal end surface 6a will be described. However, as shown in FIG. 13, the endoscope in which the cleaning nozzle 51 is provided on the side surface 6b is also illustrated. The second modification is applicable.

As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of grooves 61 are formed along the path through which the fluid ejected from the cleaning nozzle 41 passes.
Since such a plurality of grooves 61 are provided along the path through which the fluid passes, the flow of the fluid is rectified and becomes smoother, so that a lot of fluid flows reliably on the surface of the observation window. Can do.

Instead of the groove 61, a linear protrusion may be used. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, instead of the groove 61, a convex portion 62 is formed linearly on the surface of the tip portion 6 along the path through which the fluid ejected from the cleaning nozzle 41 passes.
Also with such a plurality of convex portions 62, like the plurality of grooves 61, the flow of fluid is rectified and becomes smoother, and a large amount of fluid can be reliably flowed on the surface of the observation window.

In other words, at least the region including the tapered surface 6c is provided with a linear groove 61 or convex portion 62 as a flow path through which fluid flows along the surface.
Furthermore, although the above-mentioned linear groove 61 or the convex part 62 is formed in multiple numbers on the surface of the front-end | tip part 6, one may be sufficient.

(Modification 3)
A duct for controlling the flow of the fluid ejected from the cleaning nozzle may be provided at the distal end portion 6.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope according to the third modification of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line XVIII-XVIII in FIG. In the third modification, a duct 71 through which fluid ejected from one cleaning nozzle 41 passes is fixed on the surface of the tip 6 by an adhesive or the like.

As shown in FIG. 17, the duct 71 is provided in the middle of the flow path in which the fluid ejected from the cleaning nozzle 41 moves along the tip surface 6a, the tapered surface 6c, and the side surface 6b. As shown in FIG. 18, the duct 71 has a U-shaped cross section, and when the duct 71 is attached to the distal end portion 6 so as to cover the tapered surface 6 c, the space 71 a inside the duct 71 is formed. It becomes a fluid flow path.

Since such a duct 71 is provided along the path through which the fluid passes, the flow of the fluid is regulated, and the fluid becomes smoother, and a lot of fluid can flow on the surface of the observation window.

As described above, according to each embodiment and each modification described above, an endoscope and an endoscope in which the number of cleaning nozzles for cleaning a plurality of observation windows is reduced and the enlargement of the distal end portion is suppressed. A mirror system can be provided.

Since the number of nozzles arranged at the tip can be reduced, as a result, the cost reduction effect, the improvement of assemblability, and the improvement of repairability are also achieved.
When the number of pipes or the number of branches increases, there is a problem that the flow of fluid becomes unstable. However, in each embodiment and each modification, the number of pipes and the like decrease, so that the fluid ejection pressure is stabilized. There is also an effect of being able to plan.

In the embodiment and each modification described above, the mechanism for illuminating and observing the side is incorporated in the insertion unit 4 together with the mechanism for illuminating and observing the front. The mechanism for illuminating and observing the side may be a separate body that can be attached to and detached from the insertion portion 4.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 to which a side observation unit is attached. The distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 has a front vision unit 600. The side view unit 500 has a structure that is detachable from the front view unit 600.

The side viewing unit 500 includes two side observation windows 13A and 13B for acquiring images in the left-right direction and two illumination windows 15A and 15B for illuminating the left-right direction.
As shown in FIG. 19, the above-described embodiments and modifications can be applied to the distal end portion 6 in which the front vision unit and the side vision unit are separate.

An endoscope having a plurality of subject image acquisition units that acquire subject images in different regions of the subject, that is, observe with different optical axes, based on the above-described embodiments and modifications. Thus, each of the above-described embodiments and modifications can be applied to an endoscope that observes a subject with parallax based on different optical axes.
That is, the above embodiments and modifications can be applied to a stereoscopic observation endoscope different from the above-described wide angle endoscope.
In this case, a single cleaning nozzle is configured to spray fluid simultaneously to two observation windows arranged in a plurality of different directions, that is, not aligned with the cleaning nozzle.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4 of the stereoscopic observation endoscope.

As shown in FIG. 20, front observation windows 12x and 12y having different optical axes, that is, having parallax, are provided on the distal end surface of the columnar distal end portion 6 of the insertion portion 4, respectively. An imaging unit (not shown) that acquires subject images from the front observation windows 12x and 12y is disposed on the back side of the front observation windows 12x and 12y.
Two illumination windows 14 are arranged in the vicinity of the front observation windows 12x and 12y on the distal end surface 6a.
The imaging device of the imaging unit is electrically connected to the video processor 32 and controlled by the video processor 32 to output an imaging signal to the video processor 32.
The video processor 32 performs signal processing (cuts out a predetermined area) on the imaging signal output from the imaging device according to the usage state of the endoscope 2, and outputs it to the monitor 35.
On the monitor 35, images based on two subject images having parallax acquired through the two front observation windows 12x and 12y are displayed side by side as shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a monitor 35 that displays images based on two subject images acquired through the two front observation windows 12x and 12y according to the stereoscopic observation endoscope.
As shown in FIG. 20, the cleaning nozzle 81 for cleaning the surfaces of the front observation windows 12x and 12y has two jet outlets 81a and 81b for ejecting fluid facing the front observation windows 12x and 12y, respectively. The tip 6 is disposed on the tip surface 6 a of the tip 6.

By the same operation method as in the first embodiment, fluid for cleaning the front observation windows 12x and 12y is simultaneously ejected from the ejection ports 81a and 81b of the cleaning nozzle 41 as indicated by a two-dot chain line.
The front observation windows 12x and 12y for acquiring subject images of regions having parallax with respect to each other in the subject are respectively provided at the point where one washing nozzle 81 sprays fluid simultaneously.

As described above, since one cleaning nozzle 81 is used for two ejection ports 81a and 81b based on each embodiment and each modification, the number of cleaning nozzles is smaller than the number of ejection ports. Thus, it is possible to provide a stereoscopic observation endoscope in which the outer diameter of the distal end portion 6 does not increase.

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

This application is filed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-103880 filed in Japan on May 21, 2015 as a basis for claiming priority, and the above disclosure is included in the present specification and claims. Shall be quoted.

Claims (14)

1. An insertion part to be inserted into the subject;
   A nozzle that is provided in the insertion portion and sprays fluids simultaneously in a plurality of different directions by one;
   A plurality of subject image acquisition units for acquiring subject images of different regions of the subject, each provided at one of the nozzles at which the nozzle blows the fluid;
   The endoscope characterized by having.
2. The plurality of subject image acquisition units include:
   A first object image acquiring unit configured to acquire the first object image from the first region of the object;
   In the insertion part, the nozzle is provided at a position different from the first object acquisition part at a point where the fluid is sprayed to the other, and the second region of the subject is different from the first region to the second region. A second subject image acquisition unit for acquiring a subject image of
   The endoscope according to claim 1, comprising:
3. The first region is a region including the front of the insertion portion substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion,
   The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the second region is a region including a side of the insertion portion which is a direction intersecting with a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion.
4. The insertion portion is provided at a distal end surface in a longitudinal direction to be inserted into the subject, provided at a distal end surface having the first subject image acquisition unit, and in a circumferential direction in the longitudinal direction, An outer peripheral surface having a subject image acquisition unit,
   The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the one nozzle is provided at a boundary portion between a distal end surface of the insertion portion and an outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion.
5. The one nozzle is an ejection direction of a first ejection port that ejects the fluid to the distal end surface of the insertion portion, and an ejection of a second ejection port that ejects the fluid to the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion. The first object image acquisition unit and the first object image acquisition unit in a plane that is virtually defined to pass through the first object image acquisition unit and the second object image acquisition unit, respectively. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the endoscope is provided so as to face the second subject image acquisition unit.
6. The insertion portion includes a distal end surface provided on the distal end surface in the longitudinal direction to be inserted into the subject and having the first subject image acquisition portion, and an outer peripheral surface having the second subject image acquisition portion. Have
   A chamfered portion is provided at the boundary between the distal end surface of the insertion portion and the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion,
   The one nozzle ejects the fluid in a direction connecting the first subject image acquisition unit and the second subject image acquisition unit in the shortest direction with the chamfered portion interposed therebetween. The endoscope according to claim 3.
7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the chamfered portion is provided with a flow path through which the fluid flows along the surface.
8. The first region is a region including the side of the insertion portion that is a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion,
   The said 2nd area | region is an area | region different from a said 1st area | region among the area | regions including the insertion part side which is the direction which cross | intersects the longitudinal direction of the said insertion part, The said 1st area | region is characterized by the above-mentioned. Endoscope.
9. The insertion unit includes a distal end surface provided on a distal end surface in a longitudinal direction to be inserted into the subject, the first subject image acquisition unit, and the second subject image provided in a circumferential direction in the longitudinal direction. An outer peripheral surface having acquisition parts in different parts,
   The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein the one nozzle is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion and sprays the fluid simultaneously on separate sides in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion.
10. The first subject image acquisition unit, the second subject image acquisition unit, and the one nozzle are provided on a plane that is virtually defined in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the insertion unit. The endoscope according to claim 3.
11. An endoscope according to claim 1;
    An image signal generation unit that generates an image signal arranged so that images based on the plurality of subject images obtained by the plurality of subject image acquisition units are arranged at adjacent positions;
    A display unit for displaying the image signal generated by the image signal generation unit;
    An endoscope system comprising:
12. The plurality of subject image acquisition units include:
    A first object image acquiring unit configured to acquire the first object image from the first region of the object;
    In the insertion part, the nozzle is provided at a position different from the first object acquisition part at a point where the fluid is sprayed to the other, and the second region of the subject is different from the first region to the second region. A second subject image acquisition unit for acquiring a subject image of
    Have
    The image signal generation unit generates an image signal arranged so that the first subject image and the second subject image are arranged at adjacent positions;
    12. The display unit according to claim 11, wherein the display unit displays an image signal based on the first subject image generated by the image signal generation unit and an image signal based on the second subject image. The endoscope system described.
13. A plurality of the display units arranged side by side;
    One of the display units displays an image signal based on the first subject image, and the other display unit displays an image signal based on the second subject image. Item 15. The endoscope system according to Item 12.
14. The first subject image acquisition unit includes a first imaging unit that photoelectrically converts the first subject image,
    13. The second subject image acquisition unit includes a second imaging unit that is different from the first imaging unit that photoelectrically converts the second subject image. Endoscope system.

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