WO2019003613A1

WO2019003613A1 - Endoscope device, endoscope system, light projection device, and fluid treatment device

Info

Publication number: WO2019003613A1
Application number: PCT/JP2018/016797
Authority: WO
Inventors: 真澄前川; 仁志青木; 和則盛田; 森　淳; 忠彦佐藤
Original assignee: シャープ株式会社
Priority date: 2017-06-30
Filing date: 2018-04-25
Publication date: 2019-01-03
Also published as: JP6818142B2; JPWO2019003613A1

Abstract

Provided is an endoscope device which can be easily anchored. An endoscope device (1) is provided with a columnar case (11) which is equipped with an imaging unit (13) for capturing an image of the inside of a body and which is inserted into the body from an end on the side equipped with the imaging unit (13), wherein a position adjustment tool (12), the position of which can be changed along the insertion direction in which the case (11) is inserted into the body, is provided on the case (11).

Description

Endoscope apparatus, endoscope system, light projecting apparatus, and fluid processing apparatus

The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus and the like which are inserted into an observation target space and imaged.

In recent years, in order to reduce the invasiveness to the patient, a trocker which guides the endoscope for observation of the operation area and the treatment tool to the treatment site without being open is punctured into the abdominal wall of the patient, and the treatment tool is Laparoscopic surgery has been performed to treat while observing the treatment site. An endoscope used in this laparoscopic surgery is generally referred to as a rigid endoscope, and includes a main body and an insertion portion extending in the distal direction from the main body.

In addition, a small-diameter endoscope with a diameter of several millimeters has been realized by the development of ultra-small solid-state imaging devices of about 1 mm square and the realization of high-performance optical fibers. By using such a narrow-diameter endoscope, the inside of a narrow portion such as a blood vessel or a joint can be observed. For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a medical device in which an axially movable endoscope is inserted into the lumen of a puncture needle to be punctured in a body wall. Since the preferable outer diameter of the endoscope main body is 0.5 to 2.0 mm, it can be said that the endoscope is a narrow diameter endoscope.

On the other hand, in the case of laparoscopic surgery, it is difficult to observe the entire treatment site in the abdominal cavity widely because the range of the field of view that can actually be observed with an endoscope is relatively narrow, and the position of the treatment tool and the organ There is a problem that it is difficult to accurately grasp the relationship etc.

As one of the methods for solving this problem, for example, Patent Document 2 below discloses, in addition to a rigid endoscope, a technique using a camera for looking over a wide range so as to eliminate blind spots of the rigid endoscope. From the viewpoint of improving the safety of laparoscopic surgery, it is useful to set up a secondary endoscope separately from the rigid scope that observes the operation field, but from the viewpoint of dull pain reduction and early recovery, the increase of wounds is preferable Absent. In particular, when a rigid endoscope with an outer diameter of about 5 mm is used as it is, the degree of invasiveness is high, and it is therefore necessary to close the hole by performing a suture procedure after the insertion part is removed from the body cavity. In that respect, using the technique of Patent Document 2 produces only a small wound that does not require suturing, so the impact on the patient is minor. However, since the installation work in the body hole which can not be seen directly is needed, handling is somewhat complicated, and the influence on the operation time extension and the burden on the doctor can not be ignored. On the other hand, since the narrow diameter endoscope of Patent Document 1 can be observed only by piercing, it is easy to handle and can be easily installed and used as an auxiliary endoscope.

Japanese Published Patent Publication "JP-A-2012-110469" (published on June 14, 2012) Japanese Patent Publication "Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-307224" (December 25, 2008)

However, the endoscope of Patent Document 1 has a problem that it can not be fixed at a desired position and angle only with the configuration of the endoscope itself after being inserted into the body. For this reason, the endoscope of Patent Document 1 needs to be always supported by hand at the time of use or fixed to an endoscope holder or the like, and the endoscope itself or the finger of an assistant who supports the endoscope And the like may have been a hindrance to surgery and the like. Therefore, one aspect of the present invention is to provide an endoscope device and the like which can be easily fixed.

In addition, the above-mentioned problems are not limited to the endoscope used for surgery etc., but are common problems in various instruments used by inserting and fixing a columnar part in the observation target space. is there. Then, the other aspect of this invention aims at providing the light projection apparatus which is easy to fix. Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a fluid processing apparatus that is easy to fix.

In order to solve the above problems, an endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is an endoscope apparatus for imaging an observation target space, and an imaging unit for imaging the observation target space is provided, and the imaging is performed. A column-shaped casing inserted into the observation target space from the first end on the side where the unit is provided, and the housing is placed on the housing along the insertion direction in which the casing is inserted into the observation target space Thus, the position adjustment tool capable of changing the position on the housing is provided.

In order to solve the above problems, a light projecting device according to the present invention is a light projecting device which is inserted into a target space and projected onto the target space, and includes a columnar body having a light emitting portion, and the columnar body The position adjustment tool capable of changing the position on the columnar body is provided on the upper side along the insertion direction in which the columnar body is inserted into the target space.

In order to solve the above problems, a fluid processing apparatus according to the present invention is a fluid processing apparatus which inserts a nozzle into a target space and sucks or discharges fluid, and includes a columnar body having the above-mentioned nozzle. The position adjustment tool capable of changing the position on the columnar body is provided on the columnar body along the insertion direction in which the nozzle portion and the columnar body are inserted into the target space. .

According to one aspect of the present invention, when installing the endoscope apparatus, the endoscope apparatus can be easily installed and fixed.

It is a figure which shows the structure and usage example of the endoscope apparatus which concern on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the function of the variable part which the said endoscope apparatus has. It is a figure explaining the internal structure of the said endoscope apparatus. It is a figure which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus provided with the expansion-contraction mechanism. It is a figure which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus provided with the other expansion-contraction mechanism. It is a figure which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus provided with the variable part to expand-contract. It is a figure which shows the structure and usage example of the endoscope apparatus which concern on Embodiment 3 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus in which the position adjustment tool was provided via the mantle. It is a figure explaining the composition of the above-mentioned coat part. It is a figure which shows the structure and usage example of an endoscope apparatus provided with the variable part which can be cut | disconnected. It is a figure which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 6 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the position adjustment tool with which the said endoscope apparatus is provided. It is a figure which shows the structure of the position adjustment tool provided with the position fixing mechanism which permits the movement to one direction, and prevents the movement to the other direction. It is a figure which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 7 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the position adjustment tool provided with the position fixing mechanism which permits the movement to one direction, and prevents the movement to the other direction. It is a figure which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 8 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the imaging part provided with the hemispherical lens. It is a figure which shows the example of the imaging part provided with two or more hemispherical lenses. It is a figure which shows the example of the puncture part which equipped the side with the observation window, and the example of the imaging part arrange | positioned to the inside. It is a figure which shows the example of the puncture part which provided the observation window in the blade surface, and the imaging part arrange | positioned to the inside. FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of use of the endoscope apparatus described in the second embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example which installed the endoscope apparatus via the trocar. It is a figure which shows the structure of the light projector which concerns on Embodiment 11 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the fluid processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 12 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the endoscope apparatus provided with the illumination function, and the endoscope apparatus provided with the fluid processing function.

Embodiment 1
An endoscope apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. FIG. 1 is a view showing a configuration and an example of use of the endoscope apparatus 1. The endoscope apparatus 1 is an instrument for observing a body cavity or a visceral lumen. In the present embodiment, an example in which the endoscope apparatus 1 is used to observe the abdominal cavity will be described, but the observation target is not particularly limited. The endoscope apparatus 1 can be used to observe an arbitrary observation target space.

As shown in (a) of FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus 1 includes an end portion 10, a housing 11, a position adjustment tool 12, and an imaging unit 13. Further, the end 10 side of the housing 11 is a variable portion 111, and the imaging portion 13 side is a puncturing portion 112. Furthermore, the communication unit 14 is disposed inside the end portion 10.

The end portion 10 is a structure provided at one end of the housing 11, and as described above, the communication unit 14 and the power supply unit (not shown) are disposed therein. The inner cavity of the end 10 is in communication with the inner cavity of the housing 11, and a wire (not shown) extending from the imaging unit 13 is connected to the communication unit 14 through the communication portion. The shape and size of the end 10 are not particularly limited, but the end 10 functions as a stopper for preventing the position adjustment tool 12 from falling off by making the size larger than the diameter of the housing 11 as in the illustrated example. It is preferable to The communication unit 14 and the power supply unit may be provided inside the housing 11 and the position adjustment tool 12.

The housing 11 is a columnar housing that is inserted into the observation target space. The casing 11 is provided with an imaging unit 13 for imaging the observation target space, and is inserted into the observation target space from the end on the side where the imaging unit 13 is provided. As described above, the observation target space in the present embodiment is the abdominal cavity. The housing 11 includes a puncturing unit 112 provided with the imaging unit 13 and a variable unit 111 to which the end unit 10 is connected.

The variable portion 111 is a columnar member that constitutes a portion on the end 10 side of the housing 11. Although the details will be described later, the variable portion 111 is deformed by an external force, and the shape after the deformation is maintained even after the external force is removed.

The puncturing unit 112 is a columnar member that constitutes a portion of the housing 11 on the imaging unit 13 side. The puncturing portion 112 is slightly thinner in the vicinity of the tip where the imaging unit 13 is provided than in the variable portion 111 side. More specifically, the puncture portion 112 has a needle-like outer shape that narrows toward the tip. Thereby, the abdominal cavity can be punctured by the puncturing part 112, and the inside of the abdominal cavity can be photographed.

The position adjustment tool 12 is provided on the housing 11 and is a member capable of changing the position on the housing 11 along the insertion direction in which the housing 11 is inserted into the body. The position adjustment tool 12 of the present embodiment is configured to slide and move the surface of the housing 11 along the insertion direction of the housing 11, and within the range R shown in (a) of FIG. The position can be changed.

The range R is a range from the upper end of the variable portion 111 to the vicinity of the upper end of the puncture portion 112. The portion of the housing 11 closer to the imaging unit 13 than the position adjustment tool 12 is inserted into the observation area (in the present embodiment, the abdominal cavity), so the extent to which the range R is to be determined is within the observation area. It may be determined according to how far the housing 11 is inserted and the endoscope apparatus 1 is used. With the configuration in which the position adjustment tool 12 does not move out of the range R, the position adjustment tool 12 can be prevented from falling off the housing 11. The position adjuster 12 is a fulcrum of the endoscope apparatus 1 inserted into the abdominal wall, and thus has a width (a width in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction) that can stably support the endoscope apparatus 1. Is preferred.

The manner in which the position adjustment tool 12 and the housing 11 are connected is not particularly limited. For example, the position adjustment tool 12 may be wrapped around the housing 11 by sandwiching the case 11 with the position adjustment tool 12. It may be connected. However, about the connection of the position adjustment tool 12 and the housing | casing 11, the aspect connected by penetrating the housing | casing 11 in the penetration part provided in the position adjustment tool 12 is preferable. Details of this will be described later.

Further, the position adjustment tool 12 is provided with a switching unit 121. The switching unit 121 is a member for switching between a state in which the position fixing mechanism functions and a state in which the position fixing mechanism does not function. Preferably, the switching unit 121 can be easily operated with one hand. Details of the switching unit 121 will be described later.

The imaging unit 13 is a module for capturing an image. The image captured by the imaging unit 13 may be a moving image or a still image. The imaging unit 13 is disposed such that the imaging lens is positioned at or near the tip of the housing 11. Therefore, by puncturing the puncturing portion 112 of the housing 11 in the observation area, the imaging unit 13 can pick up an image in the observation area.

The communication unit 14 transmits the image captured by the imaging unit 13 to the outside of the endoscope apparatus 1. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the communication unit 14 communicates with a predetermined transmission destination (for example, a terminal device such as a computer including a display device for displaying the image) by wireless communication. Although not illustrated, the endoscope apparatus 1 may include a recording unit that records an image captured by the imaging unit 13. Note that transmission of the image captured by the imaging unit 13 to the outside of the endoscope apparatus 1 may be performed by wired communication, and in this case, the output signal line and the power supply line of the imaging unit 13 The communication unit 14 and the power supply unit may be omitted.

When the endoscope apparatus 1 is used for observation in the abdominal cavity, as shown in (b) of FIG. 1, the puncture section 112 is punctured at a desired position on the abdominal wall. Then, as shown to (c) of the figure, an insertion range (depth) is adjusted so that the imaging part 13 may become a desired position in the abdominal cavity. Then, when the insertion range is determined, as shown in (d) of the figure, the position adjustment tool 12 is moved to a position in contact with the body surface as the position fixing mechanism does not function by operating the switching unit 121. . In this state, the switching unit 121 is operated to function the position fixing mechanism, and the positional relationship between the position adjusting tool 12 and the housing 11 is fixed. Thereby, since the endoscope apparatus 1 is fixed to the abdomen with the position adjustment tool 12 as a fulcrum, after that, even if the hand is released from the endoscope apparatus 1, the inside of the abdominal cavity is stably imaged by the imaging unit 13 it can.

[Function of variable part]
The function of the variable unit 111 will be described based on FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the function of the variable unit 111. As shown in FIG. As shown to (a) of the figure, the variable part 111 deform | transforms by applying external force. More specifically, the variable part 111 bends by applying an external force of a certain size or more. Thereby, the variable part 111 and the end part 10 which protruded to the body surface can be prevented from becoming obstructive for surgery etc. In addition, the endoscope apparatus 1 can be held more stably on the body surface.

Specifically, as shown in (b) of FIG. 2, the puncture portion 112 is pierced at a desired position on the abdominal wall, and after fixing the positional relationship between the position adjustment tool 12 and the housing 11, the same figure. As shown to (c) of, the variable part 111 is bent along an abdominal wall. At this time, the user can bend the variable portion 111 with the position adjustment tool 12 as a fulcrum while using the position adjustment tool 12 as a handle portion, whereby the variable portion 111 can be easily directly above the position adjustment tool 12 Can be bent.

Further, at the time of bending, it is also possible to adjust the direction of the puncture portion 112 by adjusting the angle at which the bending is performed, thereby adjusting the observation direction. For example, by bending so that the position adjustment tool 12 is bent by about 90 °, the viewing direction of the endoscope apparatus 1 takes a slightly inclined posture directly below or in the direction opposite to the bending direction of the variable portion 111. Become. Moreover, the end part 10 can also be made into the shape which presses an abdominal wall by making the variable part 111 whole bend in U shape. By further bending the variable part 111 from this shape, it is possible to change the viewing direction of the endoscope apparatus 1 to a desired direction while the end 10 presses the abdominal wall. In order to improve workability such as surgery, the user's operation required for deformation is preferably several steps or less, and deformation does not require a large force (for example, a force that requires a combination of other instruments). Is preferred. By being able to be deformed by a simple operation, it is also possible to deform simultaneously with the position adjustment of the position adjustment tool 12.

Here, it is preferable that the variable portion 111 be made of a material that holds the deformed shape. As a result, as shown in (d) of the figure, even after the application of external force to the variable portion 111 is finished, the variable portion 111 can be bent along the abdominal wall. For example, the variable portion 111 may be made of a resin material or a metal material that is deformed by an external force and the shape after deformation is maintained. Also, for example, the variable portion 111 may be made of a material whose hardness changes with heat or a material whose hardness changes with light. Furthermore, for example, the variable portion 111 may be bendable by forming a bellows structure.

Note that (a), (c) and (d) in FIG. 2 show an example in which the variable part 111 is bent near the end on the side of the puncture part 112, but the bending position of the variable part 111 is arbitrary. For example, as shown in (e) of the figure, when the punctured part 112 is deeply punctured and the position adjustment tool 12 is fixed near the central part of the variable part 111, the variable part 111 is near the central part in its longitudinal direction It may be bent by the upper part of position adjustment tool 12).

Further, the variable part 111 may be fixed in a bent state using a fixing aid. FIG. 2F shows an example in which the variable part 111 in a bent state is fixed by using the fixing aid 2. The fixing aid 2 is, for example, a planar body in which the surface in contact with the variable portion 111 is an adhesive surface. As described above, by fixing and fixing the bent variable portion 111 from the upper side toward the abdominal wall with the fixing aid 2, the variable portion 111 and the end portion 10 protruding to the body surface interfere with surgery and the like. It can be avoided. In addition, the endoscope apparatus 1 can be held more stably on the body surface. The fixing aid 2 may be made of, for example, a thick tape or a plate having a certain degree of rigidity. Further, the adhesive surface can be made of an adhesive or the like.

[Internal structure of endoscope apparatus]
The internal structure of the endoscope apparatus 1 will be described based on FIG. FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the internal structure of the endoscope apparatus 1. FIG. 3 (b) shows an XX ′ cross section of the endoscope apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 (a). In addition, illustration of wiring etc. is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 3, the inside of the variable part 111 and the puncture part 112 is partially hollow. The puncture portion 112 is preferably formed of a rigid material (rigid body) so as to facilitate puncture of the abdominal wall.

In addition, the imaging unit 13 is disposed at the lower end in the puncture unit 112. The imaging unit 13 includes an imaging lens 131 and an imaging element 132, and the light entering the imaging lens 131 forms an image on the imaging element 132. The imaging unit 13 can also be expressed as an imaging unit including an imaging optical system and an imaging element. The imaging lens 131 is disposed perpendicularly to the extending direction of the puncture part 112 so as to close the opening at the lower end of the puncture part 112. According to the imaging unit 13, an image in the extension direction of the puncture unit 112 can be taken.

The shape of the end of the puncturing portion 112 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in (c) of FIG. By making the end of the puncture part 112 a blade surface, it is easy to puncture the abdominal wall or the like. Even when the end of the puncturing portion 112 is a blade surface, the imaging unit 13 can be disposed in the same manner as (a) and (b) in the same figure, and an image in the extending direction of the puncturing portion 112 can be captured. The imaging direction of the imaging unit 13 is not limited to this example. For example, the imaging unit 13 may pick up a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the puncturing part 112 or may pick up another direction, and picks up a plurality of directions simultaneously. It may be one.

Second Embodiment
Another embodiment of the present invention will be described based on FIG. 4 to FIG. The endoscope apparatus of the present embodiment includes an expansion and contraction mechanism that expands and contracts the housing along the insertion direction. In addition, about the member which has the same function as the member demonstrated in the said embodiment for convenience of explanation, the same code | symbol is appended and the description is abbreviate | omitted. The same applies to the third and subsequent embodiments.

An endoscope apparatus 1B of the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus 1B provided with a telescopic mechanism. The endoscope apparatus 1B includes a housing 11B instead of the housing 11 of the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. The housing 11B includes a variable part 111B and a puncture part 112B. The variable part 111 B and the puncture part 112 B constitute an expansion and contraction mechanism. The variable portion 111B does not have to be flexible.

As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 4, the variable section 111B intrudes into the inside of the puncture section 112B. That is, in terms of appearance, in the endoscope device 1B, the variable part 111B expands and contracts. Thus, after fixing the positional relationship between the position adjustment tool 12 and the housing 11B, all or part of the variable portion 111B protruding to the body surface is accommodated inside the puncture portion 112B, and the variable portion 111B and the end 10 Can be prevented from getting in the way of surgery and the like. In addition, the endoscope apparatus 1B can be held more stably on the body surface.

The variable part 111B and the puncturing part 112B are connected by a screw structure as shown in the cross-sectional views of (c) and (d) of FIG. More specifically, the variable portion 111B is spirally threaded on the outer surface thereof to form an external thread, and the puncture portion 112B has a thread formed on the inner surface thereof to be engaged with the threaded groove. Is a female screw. By this screw mechanism, the end 10 and the variable part 111B can be rotated to enlarge or reduce the exposed part of the variable part 111B from the puncture part 112B. In addition, it is preferable to provide a detachment prevention mechanism (not shown) so that the variable part 111B and the puncture part 112B are not separated even if the exposed part from the puncture part 112B is rotated too large. The retaining mechanism is, for example, a mechanism that rotates the variable portion 111B and the puncturing portion 112B, and at the stage where they are in a predetermined positional relationship, the screw idles even if it is further rotated in the same direction. It may be

[Other Example 1]
FIG. 5 is a view showing the configuration of an endoscope apparatus provided with another extension and contraction mechanism. As shown in the cross-sectional views of (a) and (b) of FIG. 5, the endoscope apparatus 1C includes a variable part 111C and a puncturing part 112C. The upper end of the puncture portion 112C is bent inward in a key shape. On the other hand, the lower end of the variable portion 111C is bent outward in a key shape. The hooked portion of the puncture portion 112C and the hooked portion of the variable portion 111C are engaged with each other, so that the variable portion 111C and the punctured portion 112C are not separated, and variable to a position where these hooked portions abut. The portion 111C can be extended. In addition, since the tip of the key-like portion of the variable portion 111C is in contact with the inner surface of the puncture portion 112C, the positional relationship between the variable portion 111C and the puncture portion 112C can be maintained by frictional force. The endoscope apparatus 1 C may be provided with a lock mechanism (not shown) that switches between an expandable state and an unexpandable state.

[Other Example 2]
Further, the variable part 111 itself may be extended and contracted. An example of expanding and contracting the variable portion 111 will be described based on FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus provided with a variable part that can expand and contract. An endoscope apparatus 1D illustrated in FIG. 6 includes a housing 11D instead of the housing 11 of the endoscope apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. The housing 11D includes a variable part 111D and a puncturing part 112D. As shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. 6, the length of the variable portion 111D expands and contracts.

As shown in the cross-sectional views of (c) and (d) of FIG. 6, the variable portion 111D connects the three cylinders of the first cylinder 1111D, the second cylinder 1112D, and the third cylinder 1113D in this order. Configuration. These cylinders are an expansion and contraction mechanism.

The variable portion 111D is configured by combining these cylinders so that the second cylinder 1112D is accommodated inside the first cylinder 1111D, and the outer diameter of the third cylinder 1113D is accommodated inside the second cylinder 1112D. is there. And the end part of each cylinder becomes a key shape for preventing a connection with another cylinder from falling off. As described above, by adopting a node structure in which members having different diameters are connected in a staggered manner, it is possible to realize an expandable variable portion 111D. A locking mechanism (not shown) may be further provided to prevent the variable portion 111D from expanding and contracting so that it does not expand and contract unintentionally at the time of piercing or the like of the endoscope device 1D. In addition, the number of the cylinders which comprise variable part 111D is not limited to three.

Third Embodiment
In this embodiment, another example of the bending variable part will be described based on FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration and an example of use of the endoscope apparatus 1E according to the present embodiment. The endoscope apparatus 1E includes an end 10E and a variable unit 111E. The variable portion 111 E is formed of a material that bends in the same manner as the variable portion 111 of the first embodiment. As shown to (a) of FIG. 7, the V-shaped cut part 101E is provided in the top part of the edge part 10E. Further, a tearing portion 102E is formed from the lowermost end of the cut portion 101E toward the variable portion 111E. The fractured portion 102E is also formed on the variable portion 111E.

Similarly to the above-described endoscope apparatus 1 and the like, as shown in FIG. 7B, the endoscope apparatus 1E pierces the abdominal wall to fix the positional relationship between the position adjustment tool 12 and the housing 11 Do. Here, when using the endoscope apparatus 1E, the user pinches and pulls the end 10E with a finger or the like to divide the variable portion 111E into two along the tearing portion 102E from the incision 101E. Then, as shown in (c) and (d) of FIG. 7, the user fixes the variable portion 111 E bent by splitting along the abdominal wall. The variable portion 111 E can bend and fix the split portions in different directions, so that more stable fixing than the variable portion 111 is possible. Further, in (d) of FIG. 7, the viewing direction of the endoscope apparatus 1E is in the vicinity immediately below since the bending state of the divided parts is the same, but the bending states of the divided parts should be different from each other. Therefore, it is also possible to tilt the viewing direction in directions other than directly below. In addition, as shown to (e) of FIG. 7, you may fix with the fixing aid 2 similarly to the example of FIG. 2 also about the endoscope apparatus 1E.

Embodiment 4
The position adjuster does not have to be disposed directly on the housing, but may be disposed on the housing via another member. This will be described based on FIG. FIG. 8 is a view showing the configuration of an endoscope apparatus 1F provided with a position adjustment tool via an outer sheath. The side surface of the endoscope apparatus 1F is shown to (a) of the figure, the upper surface to (b), and the lower surface to (c). Further, (d) shows a cross section of the position adjusting tool 12 in the non-holding state, and (e) shows a cross section of the position adjusting tool 12 in the holding state.

As shown to (a) of FIG. 8, the endoscope apparatus 1F is provided with the outer collar part 14 which covers the outer periphery of the variable part 111. As shown to (a) of FIG. In the endoscope apparatus 1F, the position adjustment tool 12 is disposed on the mantle portion 14. A penetrating portion (not shown) is provided in the vicinity of the center of the position adjustment tool 12, and the variable portion covered by the outer collar portion 14 is inserted through the penetrating portion. As shown in (a) to (c) of the figure, the outer collar portion 14 has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. Moreover, the position adjustment tool 12 is also a rectangular parallelepiped external shape similarly. In addition, these external shapes are an example, for example, cylindrical shape, polygonal columnar shape, etc. may be sufficient.

As shown in (d) of FIG. 8, when the switching portion 121 is pulled out toward the outside of the position adjustment tool 12, the inner wall of the position adjustment tool 12 and the outer wall of the outer collar portion 14 are separated. In this state, the position fixing by the position adjustment tool 12 and the switching unit 121 does not function, and the position of the position adjustment tool 12 on the outer collar portion 14 can be changed.

On the other hand, as shown to (e) of the figure, by pushing the switching part 121 toward the inside of the position adjustment tool 12, the inner wall of the position adjustment tool 12 and the outer wall of the outer collar part 14 contact | abut. In this state, the position fixing by the position adjusting tool 12 and the switching unit 121 functions, and the position of the position adjusting tool 12 on the outer collar 14 is fixed. Therefore, the positional relationship between the variable portion 111 held in the outer collar portion 14 and the position adjustment tool 12 is also fixed.

As described above, the position fixing mechanism in the present embodiment is a mechanism having the switching portion 121 and the position adjusting tool 12 as components, and a part (inner wall portion) of the position adjusting tool 12 can be changed via the outer collar portion 14 By pressing on the portion 111, the movement of the position adjustment tool 12 is impeded. Then, the switching unit 121 switches between a state in which the position adjustment tool 12 is pressed against the variable unit 111 and a state in which the pressing is released. As a result, the position fixing and fixing release of the position adjusting tool 12 can be realized with a simple configuration, and switching between position fixing and fixing release can be performed by a simple operation of pushing and pulling the switching unit 121.

Subsequently, a more detailed configuration of the mantle portion 14 will be described based on FIG. FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the configuration of the mantle portion 14. (A) of the figure is a top view of the mantle portion 14, (b) is a cross-sectional view, and (c) is a side view. Further, (d) is a side view of the mantle portion 14 in a state where the variable portion 111 is bent.

As shown to (d) of FIG. 9, the mantle part 14 is comprised by connecting the connection body 141 in multiple steps | stages. Although four stages are connected in the illustrated example, the number of connection stages may be an arbitrary number of stages that does not prevent the bending of the variable portion 111.

Further, as shown in (a) to (d) of the same figure, two coupling bodies 141 are arranged in each stage, and a casing support cylinder 142 is sandwiched between the coupling bodies 141. The housing support cylinder 142 is a cylindrical body having a through portion 145 through which the housing 11 is inserted. And the connection receiving part 143 is provided in the upper surface of the connection body 141 as shown to (a) of the figure, and the connection convex part is shown on the lower surface of the connection body 141 as shown to (c) of the same figure. The part 144 is provided. The connection receiving portion 143 is a recess that fits with the connection protrusion 144. As shown in (d) of the same figure, the coupling body 141 of each stage is fitted with the coupling receiving portion 143 in the coupling body 141 of that stage and the coupling convex portion 144 in the coupling body 141 of the upper stage thereof. It is connected. The connection receiving portion 143 and the connection convex portion 144 can maintain the connection state even if the connection receiving portion 143 and the connection convex portion 144 are separated to some extent so that bending as shown in (d) of the same figure is possible. It shall be. Thereby, the variable part 111 covered by the mantle part 14 can be bent.

Fifth Embodiment
In the present embodiment, an example in which the variable part can be cut off halfway will be described based on FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration and an example of use of an endoscope apparatus 1G provided with a severable variable part. As shown to (a) of the figure, the endoscope apparatus 1G is provided with the variable part 111G. The variable portion 111G is configured to be cut off halfway as shown in FIG. Therefore, when using the endoscope apparatus 1G, after the puncture device is inserted into the abdominal wall to fix the positional relationship between the position adjustment tool 12 and the housing 11, a variable portion 111G which protrudes above the position adjustment tool 12 Is cut, and the portion above the cutting position is cut out together with the end 10. As a result, the variable portion 111G and the end 10 protruding to the body surface can be prevented from interfering with surgery and the like.

In order to cut the variable portion 111G, for example, as shown in the enlarged cross-sectional view of (c) in the same figure, the cutting portion 1111G for cutting the variable portion 111G in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction is changed to the variable portion 111G. You may provide. The cutting portion 1111G is a notch provided along the outer periphery of the variable portion 111G. By providing a plurality of such cutting portions 1111G along the longitudinal direction of the variable portion 111G, the variable portion 111G can be easily cut at a desired position along the longitudinal direction of the variable portion 111G. That is, as shown in (d) of the same figure, by applying a force of a certain level or more in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the variable portion 111G, the end of the variable portion 111G at the end where the force is applied The part on the part 10 side can be broken off together with the end 10.

In the endoscope apparatus 1G, since the end portion 10 is cut off, the output of the image is maintained even after the cut-out by providing the communication unit 14 inside the puncturing portion 112 or by using wired communication. It is desirable to

Sixth Embodiment
In this embodiment, a configuration example of the position adjustment tool will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus 1H according to the present embodiment. (A) of the figure is a side view of the endoscope apparatus 1H, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ', and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB'. Further, (d) and (e) are enlarged views in the vicinity of the connecting portion of the variable portion 111H and the puncturing portion 112H.

The endoscope apparatus 1H includes a variable unit 111H and a puncturing unit 112H, and includes a position adjustment tool 12H. As shown in (b) of FIG. 11, the variable portion 111H has a cross-sectional shape in which a part of a circle is cut away at a straight line. On the other hand, the puncturing portion 112H has a circular cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. However, as shown in (d) of the figure, the upper end portion of the puncture portion 112H has a cross-sectional shape in which a part of a circle is cut away in a straight line, as in the variable portion 111H.

Although the details will be described later based on FIG. 12, the position adjustment tool 12H has a penetrating portion having a shape in which a part of a circle is cut out in a straight line in order to insert the variable portion 111H. For this reason, the position adjustment tool 12H can be moved to any position on the variable portion 111H. On the other hand, the cross-sectional shape of the puncturing portion 112H changes in the vicinity of the upper end, and therefore, as shown in (d) of the figure, a step is generated in the vicinity of the upper end. Therefore, as shown to (e) of the same figure, the position adjustment tool 12H is caught on this level | step difference, and does not move downward further. As described above, by providing the movement range restricting portion for restricting the downward movement of the position adjustment tool 12H, the position adjustment tool 12H does not fall off from the distal end side (the imaging unit 13 side) of the puncture section 112H.

In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the variable part 111H and the puncture part 112H is not restricted to said example. For example, the cross section of the variable portion 111H may have an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape, or may have a shape in which a part of the shape is cut away. The same applies to the puncture section 112H. However, the puncture portion 112H preferably has a smooth surface shape so as not to damage the abdominal wall when puncturing the abdominal cavity, in which case the cross section becomes circular or substantially circular.

In the above example, a step is provided on the puncture portion 112H, but the shapes of these surfaces are adjusted so that a step is generated between the upper surface of the puncture portion 112H and the lower surface of the variable portion 111H. It is also good. Also, the downward movement of the position adjustment tool 12H can be restricted by providing a projection as the movement range restricting part on the puncture part 112H or the variable part 111H instead of providing the step.

Subsequently, the configuration of the position adjustment tool 12H will be described based on FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of the position adjustment tool 12H. (A) of the figure is a top view of the position adjustment tool 12H, (b) and (c) of the figure are X-X 'sectional views of the figure (a). As shown to (a) of the same figure, the position adjustment tool 12H is square shape by top view, and the penetration part 145 is formed in the center vicinity. In addition, an anti-slip member 122H is provided along the outer edge of the penetrating portion 145. The penetrating portion 145 is a hole for inserting the variable portion 111H, and preferably has the same shape as the cross section of the variable portion 111H.

As shown in (b) of the figure, the non-slip member 122H is provided along the outer edge of the through portion 145 so as to abut on the variable portion 111H inserted into the through portion 145. In the example of FIG. 12, the anti-slip members 122H are disposed at two positions near the upper end and the lower end of the position adjustment tool 12H.

As shown in (b) of the figure, in the state where the switching portion 121 is pulled out to the outside of the position adjustment tool 12H, the anti-slip member 122H abuts from both sides of the variable portion 111H, and a frictional force works therebetween. In this state, the position adjustment tool 12H is at rest if no force is applied, but the position adjustment tool 12H is either above or below (b) on the variable portion 111H by applying a certain force or more. Also move in the direction. That is, the anti-slip member 122H functions as a holding mechanism that holds the position of the position adjustment tool 12H in a state where the position fixing mechanism that prevents movement of the position adjustment tool 12H along the insertion direction is not functioning.

Here, as shown in (c) of the same figure, when the switching portion 121 is pushed into the inside of the position adjustment tool 12H, the variable portion 111H is strongly pressed against the anti-slip member 122H. As a result, it becomes more difficult for the position adjustment tool 12H to move on the variable portion 111H than in the state of FIG. That is, the position fixing mechanism including the switching portion 121 and the anti-slip member 122H as components functions. Note that the switching unit 121 and the position adjustment tool 12H may be connected by a screw mechanism in which the switching unit 121 is a male screw and the position adjustment tool 12H is a female screw so as to be held in a pushed-in state.
In addition, an angle changing unit may be provided to change the angle at which the position adjusting tool 12H and the variable unit 111H intersect. It is possible to change the viewing direction of the endoscope apparatus 1H by changing the angle at which the position adjustment tool 12H and the variable unit 111H intersect by the angle changer. The angle changing unit may be configured to accompany the switching unit 121. For example, a convex portion for changing the angle at which the position adjustment tool 12H intersects the variable portion 111H may be provided as the angle change portion on the surface of the switching portion 121 in contact with the variable portion 111H. The angle changer may be a mechanism incorporated in the position adjustment tool 12H.

In addition, the shape of the position adjustment tool 12H is not limited to a square shape in top view, and may be a circle, a substantially circle, a polygon, or the like. Moreover, since it is a member in contact with the position adjustment tool 12H and a human body, a structure without a corner is desirable. The same applies to the structure of a position adjustment tool according to another embodiment.

[Restriction of movement direction]
Next, a position adjusting tool 12Ha which is deformed so that the moving direction of the position adjusting tool 12H on the variable portion 111H is limited to one direction will be described based on FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a position adjustment tool 12Ha provided with a position fixing mechanism that allows movement in one direction and prevents movement in the other direction. (A) of the figure is a partially transparent top view of the position adjustment tool 12Ha, and (b) and (c) of the figure are XX 'cross-sectional views.

As shown to (a) and (b) of the figure, the switch part 121 is connected to position adjustment tool 12Ha. In addition, two ratchets 122Ha, a first support 123Ha, a second support 124Ha, a third support 125Ha, and an elastic member 126Ha are accommodated in the position adjustment tool 12Ha. A position fixing mechanism is realized by the internal configuration of the switching unit 121 and the position adjustment tool 12Ha.

The ratchet 122Ha is a gear provided with a claw, and the claw allows rotation of the gear in one direction and prevents rotation in the other direction. The ratchet 122Ha is disposed so as to sandwich the variable portion 111H from both sides, as shown in FIG. More specifically, as shown in (b) of the figure, the ratchet 122Ha is arranged such that the tooth portion meshes with the variable portion 111H.

The illustrated left ratchet 122Ha is counterclockwise rotatable, and the right ratchet 122Ha is rotatable clockwise. Thus, the position adjuster 12H can move downward on the variable part 111H in the same figure while rotating the ratchet 122Ha. On the other hand, it is difficult to move the position adjuster 12H to the upper side in the figure because each ratchet 122Ha does not rotate in the opposite direction to the above.

Thus, although the position adjustment tool 12H moves downward on the variable portion 111H, it does not easily move upward. That is, the position fixing mechanism of the position adjustment tool 12Ha allows the downward movement of the position adjustment tool 12Ha, but prevents the upward movement. Here, when the position adjustment tool 12Ha is moved upward, the length of the puncture part 112H inserted into the body cavity becomes long. That is, according to the above configuration that prevents the upward movement of the position adjustment tool 12H, it is possible to prevent occurrence of a situation such as damaging the body cavity by unintentionally puncturing the puncture portion 112H unintentionally. .

The first support portion 123Ha is a member for supporting and moving the ratchet 122Ha. The first support portion 123Ha is directly connected to the ratchet 122Ha on the side far from the switching portion 121, and is connected to the ratchet 122Ha on the side closer to the switching portion 121 via the third support portion 125Ha. As shown in (b) of FIG. 13, the first support portion 123Ha is L-shaped in side view, one end of the L-shape is connected to the switching portion 121, and the corner portion of the L-shape is an elastic member The other end of the L-shape is in contact with the ratchet 122Ha on the side far from the switching unit 121.

The second support portion 124Ha is a member serving as a rotation axis for rotating the third support portion 125Ha, extends in the rotation axis direction of the ratchet 122Ha, and is disposed at a middle position of the third support portion 125Ha. It is connected with 125Ha.

The third support portion 125Ha is a member for supporting and moving the ratchet 122Ha on the side closer to the switching portion 121. One end of the third support portion 125Ha is connected to the first support portion 123Ha, and the other end is connected to the ratchet 122Ha closer to the switching portion 121. Further, as described above, the third support 125Ha is also connected to the second support 124Ha.

The elastic member 126Ha is a member that applies an elastic force to the first support portion 123Ha. As described above, the elastic member 126Ha is in contact with the L-shaped corner of the first support 123Ha.

In the position adjuster 12Ha having the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the switching unit 121 is pushed leftward, the first support part 123Ha moves leftward. Further, along with this, the ratchet 122Ha far from the switching unit 121 moves leftward and separates from the variable unit 111H. At this time, the elastic member 126Ha pressed by the first support portion 123Ha is compressed.

In addition, when the first support 123Ha moves in the left direction, the end of the third support 125Ha connected to the first support 123Ha also moves in the left direction. As a result, the third support portion 125Ha rotates counterclockwise about the second support portion 124Ha, and the ratchet 122Ha moves in the right direction and separates from the variable portion 111H.

As described above, by pushing the switching portion 121 into the position adjustment tool 12Ha, the two ratchets 122Ha and the variable portion 111H can be separated to make the position fixing mechanism in a non-functioning state. Thus, the position adjustment tool 12Ha can be moved in any direction up and down on the variable portion 111H. Also in this case, as in the position adjusting tool 1H of FIG. 12, the switching unit 121 and the position adjusting tool 12Ha may be connected by a screw mechanism so as to hold the pushed-in state.

In addition, when moving the switching part 121 in the direction pulled out from position adjustment tool 12Ha, 1st support part 123Ha returns to the position shown to (b) of FIG. 13 with the elastic force of elastic member 126Ha. As a result, the two ratchets 122Ha also return to a position where they abut on the variable part 111H.

Seventh Embodiment
In the present embodiment, another example of the position adjustment tool will be described. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus 1J according to the present embodiment. (A) of the figure is a side view of the endoscope apparatus 1J. As illustrated, the endoscope apparatus 1J includes a variable part 111J and a puncturing part 112J, and includes a position adjustment tool 12J. The configurations of the variable part 111J and the puncture part 112J are the same as those of the variable part 111H and the puncture part 112H of the sixth embodiment, respectively.

The top view and the side sectional view of the position adjustment tool 12J and the switching unit 121J are shown in (b) of the same figure. As shown, a penetrating portion 145 is formed in the vicinity of the center of the position adjustment tool 12J, and a non-slip member 122J is provided along the outer edge of the penetrating portion 145. Moreover, the space by which the opening part which inserts the switching part 121J in the side was formed is provided in the inside of the position adjustment tool 12J. An elastic member 123J is disposed at an end of the space opposite to the opening so as to abut on the switching portion 121J inserted from the opening.

In addition, a penetrating portion 146 is formed in the vicinity of the center of the switching portion 121J. The penetration part 146 is formed in the position and shape which overlap with the penetration part 145 in the state which inserted the switching part 121J in the space inside the position adjustment tool 12J. Thereby, as shown in (c) and (d) of FIG. 14, in the state in which the switching portion 121J is inserted into the space inside the position adjustment tool 12J, the variable portion 111J is inserted into both the penetrating portion 145 and the penetrating portion 146 can do. Note that the size of the through portion 146 may be larger than that of the through portion 145.

In the state where the switching portion 121J is inserted into the space inside the position adjustment tool 12J, when the variable portion 111J is inserted into both the penetrating portion 145 and the penetrating portion 146, the switching portion 121J is pushed out of the space by the elastic member 123J. It is urged to. And as shown to (c) of FIG. 14, the variable part 111J is also urged | biased by the switching part 121J in the direction extruded from the said space, and is pressed on the non-slip member 122J of the position adjustment tool 12J. As a result, the position fixing mechanism including the anti-slip member 122J and the switching portion 121J functions, and the position adjuster 12J is prevented from moving in the upper or lower direction in the figure on the variable portion 111J. .

On the other hand, as shown in (d) of FIG. 14, when the switching portion 121J is pushed toward the inside of the position adjustment tool 12J, the variable portion 111J is released from the biasing force from the switching portion 121J. As a result, the position fixing mechanism does not function, and the variable portion 111J is held only by the frictional force with the anti-slip member 122J in contact with the variable portion 111J. This state is a state in which the position adjuster 12J can be moved on the variable portion 111J in any of the upper and lower directions in the figure by applying a fixed force or more to the position adjuster 12J. That is, the anti-slip member 122J functions as a holding mechanism that holds the position of the position adjustment tool 12J in a state where the position fixing mechanism that prevents movement of the position adjustment tool 12J along the insertion direction is not functioning.

When the switching unit 121J is released from being pushed, the switching unit 121J moves in the direction of being pushed out of the space inside the position adjustment tool 12J by the elastic force of the elastic member 123J, and returns to the state of (c) in FIG.

[Restriction of movement direction]
Next, a position adjuster 12Ja deformed so that the moving direction of the position adjuster 12J on the variable portion 111J is limited to one direction will be described based on FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a configuration of a position adjustment tool 12Ja having a position fixing mechanism that allows movement in one direction and prevents movement in the other direction.

The top view and the side sectional view of the position adjustment tool 12 Ja and the switching unit 121 Ja are shown in FIG. The main difference between the position adjuster 12 Ja and the position adjuster 12 J is that the position adjuster 12 Ja does not have the anti-slip member 122 J. Further, the main difference between the switching unit 121Ja and the switching unit 121J is that the ratchet 122Ja is disposed inside the switching unit 121Ja. The ratchet 122 Ja is disposed on the back side of the penetration portion 146 (at the back side when the switching portion 121 Ja is inserted into the position adjustment tool 12 Ja) so that the end of the tooth protrudes to the penetration portion 146. A position fixing mechanism is realized by the switching unit 121 Ja and each configuration inside the position adjusting tool 12 Ja.

When the variable portion 111J is inserted through both the penetrating portion 145 and the penetrating portion 146 in a state where the switching portion 121Ja is inserted into the space inside the position adjustment tool 12Ja, the switching portion 121Ja is pushed out of the space by the elastic member 123J. It is urged to. As a result, as shown in (b) of FIG. 15, the ratchet 122Ja is pressed against the variable portion 111J, and the teeth of the ratchet 122Ja mesh with the variable portion 111J. In this state, the position fixing mechanism is functioning.

Since the ratchet 122Ja is arranged in a direction that rotates counterclockwise in the figure and does not rotate clockwise, the position adjuster 12Ja moves downward on the variable part 111J in the figure. , Difficult to move upwards. That is, the position fixing mechanism of the position adjustment tool 12Ja allows the downward movement of the position adjustment tool 12Ja but prevents the upward movement. Therefore, it is possible to prevent in advance occurrence of a situation in which the puncture section 112J is punctured deeply without intention and the body cavity is damaged.

The method of switching to the state where the position fixing mechanism does not function is the same as the example of FIG. 14 and, as shown in (c) of FIG. 15, the switching unit 121Ja is pushed toward the inside of the position adjustment tool 12Ja. As a result, the ratchet 122 Ja separates from the variable part 111 J, and the position adjustment tool 12 Ja can be moved on the variable part 111 J in either the upper or lower direction in FIG. Further, in this state, when the switching unit 121Ja is released from being pushed, the switching unit 121Ja moves in a direction of being pushed out of the space inside the position adjustment tool 12Ja by the elastic force of the elastic member 123J, as shown in FIG. Return to the state.

[Embodiment 8]
In the present embodiment, still another example of the position adjustment tool will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of an endoscope apparatus 1K according to the present embodiment. (A) of the figure is a side view of the endoscope apparatus 1K. As illustrated, the endoscope apparatus 1K includes an end 10K and a variable portion 111K, and includes a position adjustment tool 12K. In order to output an image by wire, the endoscope apparatus 1K has a wire 15 connected to the imaging unit 13 extending from the end 10K to the outside of the endoscope apparatus 1K.

The variable unit 111K can have the same configuration as the variable unit of each of the above embodiments. However, as for variable part 111K, it is preferred that unevenness as shown in (e) and (f) of Drawing 16 is formed in the outside surface. In addition, the endoscope apparatus 1K may include a puncture part (for example, the puncture part 112H in FIG. 11 having a step) having a configuration for preventing the position adjustment tool 12K from falling off, instead of the puncture part 112. In addition, the endoscope apparatus 1K may perform wireless communication, and in this case, the communication unit 14 may be provided inside the end portion 10 or the like.

The configuration of the position adjustment tool 12K will be described based on (b) to (f) of FIG. (B) and (c) of the figure are side views of the position adjustment tool 12K, (d) is a top view, and (e) and (f) are cross-sectional views taken along the line X-X 'of FIG. As shown to (d) and (e) of the figure, the variable part 111K is penetrated by the penetration part 145 provided in the position adjustment tool 12K.

As shown in (b) and (c) of the figure, the position adjustment tool 12K includes the first portion 121K and the second portion 122K, and the first marker 123K is on the surface of the first portion 121K, and the second portion Second markers 124K are drawn on the surface of 122K. The lower end of the first portion 121K is a threaded portion 1211K which is a male screw, and the upper end of the second portion 122K is a threaded portion 1221K which is a female screw.

As shown in (b) to (d) of FIG. 16, the first portion 121K can be screwed into the second portion 122K by rotating in a direction in which the first marker 123K and the second marker 124K are aligned. Is configured. Hereinafter, a state in which the first portion 121K is screwed into the second portion 122K (state of (c) in the same drawing) is referred to as a fastening state.

By setting it in the fastening state, the position fixing mechanism functions, and the position on the variable portion 111K of the position adjusting tool 12K is fixed. That is, the first portion 121K and the second portion 122 function as a switching unit that switches from the non-engaged state in which the position fixing mechanism is not functioning to the engaged state in which the position fixing mechanism functions.

In addition, in the state before setting it as a fastening state, the position of the position adjustment tool 12K is hold | maintained by the frictional force between the non-slip member 128K provided along the inner periphery of the penetration part 145 and the variable part 111K. In this state, the position adjustment tool 12K can be moved on the variable portion 111K by applying a predetermined force or more to the position adjustment tool 12K. That is, the non-slip member 128K functions as a holding mechanism that holds the position of the position adjustment tool 12K when the position fixing mechanism is not functioning.

As shown in FIG. 16E, the position adjustment tool 12K includes a protrusion 126K, a carrying mechanism 127K, and a non-slip member 128K. The convex portion 126 K presses the holding mechanism 127 K against the variable portion 111 K in the fastening state, and is provided on the inner surface of the first portion 121 K. The carrying mechanism 127K is a member that deforms so as to sandwich the variable portion 111K by application of an external force, thereby carrying the variable portion 111K. That is, the carrying mechanism 127K is an element of the position fixing mechanism that prevents the movement of the position adjustment tool 12K. One end of the carrying mechanism 127K is fixed to the inner wall of the second portion 122K. Further, the other end portion of the carrying mechanism 127K is disposed at a position where it is sandwiched between the convex portion 126K and the variable portion 111K in the fastening state.

As shown in (e) of FIG. 16, the carrying mechanism 127K is pressed by the convex portion 126K and falls to the variable portion 111K side by being in the fastening state. Then, the end of the carrying mechanism 127K on the side pressed by the convex part 126K and pressed against the variable part 111K is deformed so as to engage with the unevenness formed on the outer surface of the variable part 111K. Thereby, the position on the variable part 111K of the position adjustment tool 12K is fixed.

[Embodiment 9]
In the present embodiment, a configuration example of an imaging unit further provided with an optical system in which the observation region in the observation target space is semispherical or totally spherical will be described. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an imaging unit provided with a hemispherical lens. In addition, illustration of wiring etc. is abbreviate | omitted. The same applies to FIGS. 18 to 20.

FIG. 17A shows a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit 13A. The imaging unit 13A is different from the imaging unit 13 of FIG. 3 in that a hemispherical lens 133 is provided on the outer side of the imaging lens 131 (the tip of the puncturing unit 112). The hemispherical lens 133 is, as the name suggests, a lens in the shape of a hemisphere. By providing the hemispherical lens 133, it is possible to image a wide range of hemispheric spheres.

In addition, the hemispherical lens 133 may be provided on the side of the puncture part as shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. (B) of FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit 13B in which the hemispherical lens 133 is provided on the side of the puncture part 112L, and (c) of the same figure is a cross section along XX 'of (b) of the same figure. FIG. The puncturing portion 112 L is different from the puncturing portion 112 in that the tip end is a blade surface that is cut up obliquely and that the puncturing portion 112 L has an opening on the side.

As shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 17, the hemispherical lens 133 is disposed on the outer surface of the puncture portion 112L so as to cover the opening of the puncture portion 112L. Further, the imaging lens 131 is provided in parallel with the opening so as to condense the light incident from the opening, and the imaging element 132 is disposed at a position where the light condensed by the imaging lens 131 is imaged. It is done.

Also, a plurality of hemispherical lenses 133 may be provided. This will be described based on FIG. FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of an imaging unit provided with a plurality of hemispherical lenses 133. As shown in FIG. (A) of the figure is a cross-sectional view of the imaging unit 13C provided with two hemispherical lenses 133, and (b) of the figure is a cross-sectional view of X-X 'of (a) of the figure. The puncture section 112M provided with the imaging unit 13C has an opening similar to the puncture section 112L of (b) in FIG. 17 and faces the opening as shown in (b) of the same figure. It also has an opening at the position where The hemispherical lens 133 of the imaging unit 13C is disposed on the outer surface of the puncturing unit 112M so as to cover these openings.

The imaging unit 13C includes two sets of the imaging lens 131 and the imaging device 132 in combination. Each set corresponds to one hemispherical lens 133, respectively. That is, the light collected by the hemispherical lens 133 located on the left side in FIG. 18 passes through the imaging lens 131 located on the left side and forms an image on the imaging element 132 located on the left side. The same applies to the hemispherical lens 133, the imaging lens 131, and the imaging element 132 located on the right side in the same figure. According to the imaging unit 13C, it is possible to capture a left hemispheric image and a right hemispheric image. In other words, it is possible to capture an all-sky spherical image in all directions around the imaging unit 13C.

Here, when a spherical image is taken using the hemispherical lens 133, the taken image is distorted as it approaches the end. Therefore, as shown in (c) of FIG. 18, it may be configured to be able to pick up both an image through the hemispherical lens 133 and an image without the hemispherical lens 133. The puncture section 112N shown in (c) of FIG. 18 has two openings on the side similarly to the puncture section 112M shown in FIG. 17, and also has an opening at the tip. The imaging unit 13D shown in (c) of FIG. 18 includes two sets of the imaging lens 131 and the imaging element 132 facing sideward as in the case of the imaging unit 13C shown in (a) of FIG. And a set of an imaging lens 131 and an imaging element 132 facing the tip end side of the puncture part 112N. According to the imaging unit 13D, it is possible to capture an omnidirectional spherical image in all directions around the imaging unit 13D, and at the same time, it is possible to capture an image without distortion in the extending direction of the puncturing unit 112N.

Of course, without using the hemispherical lens 133, it is also possible to observe the side of the puncture part. FIG. 19 is a view showing an example of a puncture unit provided with an observation window on the side, and an example of an imaging unit disposed in the inside thereof. (A) of the same figure is a cross-sectional view of the puncturing section 112P and the imaging unit 13E provided with the observation window 113, and (b) of the same figure is a cross-sectional view of XX 'of (a) of the same figure. . An observation window 113 formed of a translucent material is provided on the side surface of the puncture portion 112P. The imaging lens 131 and the imaging element 132 are disposed toward the observation window 113. According to the imaging unit 13E, an image in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the puncture unit 112P can be taken.

Further, as shown in (c) of FIG. 19, by using an optical system that changes the traveling direction of light, the light entering from the observation window 113 is imaged on the imaging element 132 via the imaging lens 131. You can also. The imaging unit 13F illustrated in (c) of FIG. 19 includes a reflecting mirror 134. In the imaging unit 13F, light entering in the right direction in the figure from the observation window 113 is reflected by the reflecting mirror 134, travels upward in the figure, and enters the imaging lens 131 located above the reflecting mirror 134. The light incident on the imaging lens 131 forms an image on the imaging element 132 located further above the imaging lens 131. The image pickup unit 13F can also pick up an image similar to the image pickup unit 13E shown in (a) and (b) of FIG.

The position at which the observation window 113 is provided is not particularly limited, and may be provided, for example, on the blade surface. This will be described based on FIG. FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of a puncturing portion 112Q provided with an observation window 113 on a blade surface, and an imaging unit 13G disposed inside thereof. (A) of the figure is a cross-sectional view of the puncturing section 112Q and the imaging section 13G provided with the observation window 113 on the blade surface, and (b) of the figure is a bottom view of the puncturing section 112Q. The tip end of the puncturing portion 112Q is a blade surface which is obliquely cut up, and the observation window 113 is provided on the blade surface. The imaging unit 13G is disposed such that the imaging lens 131 and the imaging element 132 face the observation window 113. According to the imaging unit 13G, an image in a direction perpendicular to the blade surface can be captured.

Further, as shown in (c) of FIG. 20, by using an optical system that changes the traveling direction of light, the light entering from the observation window 113 is imaged on the imaging element 132 via the imaging lens 131. You can also. An imaging unit 13H illustrated in (c) of FIG. 20 includes an optical element 135. In the imaging unit 13H, light entering from the observation window 113 toward the upper right direction in the figure is refracted by the optical element 135, travels upward in the figure, and enters the imaging lens 131 located above the optical element 135 . The light incident on the imaging lens 131 forms an image on the imaging element 132 located further above the imaging lens 131. Also by the imaging unit 13H, an image similar to that of the imaging unit 13G shown in (a) and (b) of FIG.

The optical system of the imaging unit of the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention may be any suitable one according to the object to be observed, the mode of use, etc., and is not limited to the above examples.

[Embodiment 10]
In this embodiment, a usage example of the endoscope apparatus will be described based on FIG. FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of use of the endoscope apparatus 1B described in the second embodiment. In addition, the endoscope apparatus which concerns on other embodiment can be used similarly. In (a) of the figure, the example which performs surgery using one endoscope apparatus 1B is shown.

As illustrated, the endoscope apparatus 1B is punctured by adjusting the position on the abdominal wall and the puncture angle so that the surgical site falls within the imaging range. The length of the part to be punctured is adjusted according to the thickness of the abdominal wall and the like. This adjustment is performed by the position adjustment tool 12 as described above. Thus, the endoscope apparatus 1B can be quickly fixed in two simple steps of puncturing and adjusting the position of the position adjustment tool 12.

In addition, after adjustment by the position adjustment tool 12 is completed, the length of the portion of the endoscope apparatus 1B that protrudes outside the body can be shortened by housing the variable part 111B inside the puncture part 112B. . As a result, the interference between the endoscope apparatus 1B and the instrument such as the trocar or the forceps used for the operation is minimized, and the endoscope apparatus 1B is unlikely to interfere with the operation.

As described above, since the endoscope apparatus 1B is less likely to interfere with the operation, as shown in (b) of FIG. In the illustrated example, six endoscopic devices 1B are punctured so as to surround the surgical site. This makes it possible to observe the surgical site in detail from various angles. In addition, even if the surgical site is extensive, it is possible to observe the whole. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the image captured by each of the endoscope devices 1B is transmitted to the image processing device 3. The image processing device 3 is a device that combines and outputs the received image. According to such an endoscope joint system including a plurality of endoscope apparatuses and an image processing apparatus, a user (surgeon or the like) can observe an observation target space imaged by the plurality of endoscope apparatuses 1B (this example The entire abdominal cavity can be viewed as a single image.

In addition, the endoscope apparatus which concerns on the above-mentioned each embodiment can also be pierced and installed in an abdominal wall etc. directly, and can also be installed via another instrument. This will be described based on FIG. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example in which the endoscope apparatus 1B is installed via a trocker. In this example, the imaging unit 13 of the endoscope apparatus 1B is inserted into the abdominal wall by piercing the trocker in the abdominal wall and inserting the endoscope apparatus 1B through the trocker.

Also in this case, by accommodating the variable part 111B on the inner side of the puncture part 112B, the length of the part protruding to the outside (outside the body) of the trocker can be shortened, so the endoscopic device 1B is used for surgery It is hard to get in the way. The device that enables the imaging unit 13 to be inserted into the observation site may be a tubular device, and may be, for example, a sheath or the like.

Although the endoscope apparatus according to the other embodiment can be used in the same manner, the

endoscope apparatus

1B, 1C, 1D according to the second embodiment, or the endoscope apparatus 1G according to the fifth embodiment capable of cutting the variable part It is suitable for this usage aspect. Further, in the case of the usage mode as in the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to puncture, it is not necessary to form the tip of the housing 11 with a rigid body or to make the outer shape into a needle shape. That is, the housing 11 having no puncturing portion can be employed.

[Embodiment 11]
The technique of the present invention is not limited to an endoscope apparatus, and can be applied to various instruments used by inserting and fixing a columnar part in an observation target space. For example, the present invention can be applied to a light projecting device which is inserted into a target space and emits light to the target space. A light projecting device to which the technology of the present invention is applied will be described based on FIG.

FIG. 23 is a view showing the configuration of a light projecting device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in (a) of FIG. 23, the light projecting device 4 includes an end 40, a housing 41, a position adjustment tool 42, a switching unit 421, and a light emitting unit 43. Further, the end 40 side of the housing 41 is a variable portion 411, and the light emitting portion 43 side is a puncturing portion 412. The light emitting unit 43 is provided at the tip end 4121 of the puncture unit 412. As the end portion 40, the housing 41, the position adjustment tool 42, and the switching portion 421, the same members as the members having the same name in the endoscope apparatus described in the above embodiments can be used.

(B) of FIG. 23 shows an X-X 'cross section of the light projecting device 4 shown in (a) of FIG. As shown, a power supply 44 is disposed inside the end 40. The power supply unit 44 is connected to the light emitting unit 43 by the power supply line 45, and supplies power to the light emitting unit 43 via the power supply line 45. By supplying power from the power supply unit 44, the light emitting element 431 included in the light emitting unit 43 emits light, and this light is emitted from the tip of the puncture unit 412. The light emitting element 431 may be any as long as it emits light by energization, and may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). The light emitting unit of the light projecting device 4 may be configured to guide light emitted from the light source by a light guiding unit (for example, an optical fiber) and emit the light from the vicinity of the end of the puncturing unit 412. Although the power supply unit 44 is provided in the end 40 in the illustrated example, the power supply unit 44 may be provided inside the housing 41 or inside the position adjustment tool 42. Also, power may be supplied to the light emitting unit 43 from an external power source, and in this case, the power source unit 44 can be omitted.

As described above, the light projecting device 4 includes the columnar body (the housing 41) having the light emitting unit 43. Further, on the columnar body, a position adjustment tool 42 capable of changing the position on the columnar body is provided along the insertion direction in which the columnar body is inserted into the target space. According to this light projection device 4, the position of the light projection device 4 can be fixed by a simple user operation of inserting the columnar body into the target space and changing the position of the position adjustment tool 42. In addition, it is possible to prevent the work from being disturbed by deforming the variable portion 411 which is out of the target space.

The target space may be, for example, the abdominal cavity, as in the above embodiments. In this case, the light projecting device 4 is referred to as a lighting device for projecting light into the abdominal cavity. By using such an illumination device and the endoscope device of each of the above embodiments in combination, these devices can be fixed on the abdominal wall with a simple operation, and imaging can be performed while illuminating the inside of the abdominal cavity.

[Embodiment 12]
In addition, the technology of the present invention can also be applied to, for example, a fluid processing apparatus provided with a nozzle for sucking or discharging a fluid. A fluid processing apparatus to which the technology of the present invention is applied will be described based on FIG. The fluid may be liquid or gas. For example, the gas may be carbon dioxide which is an insufflation gas. Also, for example, the liquid may be a cleaning solution for removing dirt on the tip of the endoscope.

FIG. 24 is a view showing the configuration of a fluid processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in (a) of FIG. 24, the fluid processing device 5 includes an end portion 50, a housing 51, a position adjustment tool 52, a switching portion 521, and a nozzle portion 53. Further, the end 50 side of the housing 51 is a variable portion 511, and the nozzle portion 53 side is a puncturing portion 512. The nozzle unit 53 is provided at the distal end 5121 of the puncturing unit 512. The fluid processing device 5 sucks or discharges the fluid in a state where the nozzle portion 53 and the puncturing portion 512 are inserted into the target space. In addition, as the end 50, the housing 51, the position adjustment tool 52, and the switching unit 521, the same members as the members having the same names in the endoscope apparatus described in the above embodiments can be used.

In (b) of FIG. 24, the X-X 'cross section of the fluid processing apparatus 5 shown to (a) of the same figure is shown. As illustrated, a fluid control unit 54 that controls fluid discharge and / or suction is disposed inside the end 50. The fluid control unit 54 is connected to the nozzle unit 53 by a flow passage 55, and supplies the fluid to the nozzle unit 53 via the flow passage 55 or suctions the fluid from the nozzle unit 53. When the fluid is supplied to the nozzle portion 53, the fluid is discharged from the nozzle port 531. Further, when suction is performed, the fluid in the vicinity of the nozzle port 531 flows into the nozzle portion 53.

Although the fluid control unit 54 is provided inside the end 40 in the illustrated example, it may be provided inside the housing 51 or inside the position adjustment tool 52. Further, the flow path 55 may be extended to the outside of the fluid processing device 5, and the discharge and / or suction of the fluid may be controlled by an external device of the fluid processing device 5. In this case, the fluid control unit 54 can be omitted. is there. The fluid processing device 5 may also include a plurality of flow channels 55.

According to the fluid processing apparatus 5 having the above configuration, the simple user of inserting the columnar body (puncture portion 512) and the nozzle portion 53 into the target space and changing the position of the position adjustment tool 52 on the columnar body The position of the fluid processing device 5 can be fixed by the operation. In addition, it is possible to prevent the work from being disturbed by deforming the variable portion 511 which is out of the target space.

The fluid processing device 5 can be used for surgery or the like in the abdominal cavity, as in the endoscope device of each of the above embodiments. At this time, the light projecting device 4 of Embodiment 11 can also be used in combination. As described above, when the imaging, illumination, and fluid processing functions are provided to individual devices, the outer diameter of the columnar body (housing) of each device can be reduced, and less invasive surgery can be performed. it can.

[Embodiment 13]
The endoscope apparatus of each of the above embodiments may further include an illumination function for projecting light to the observation target space, and a function for suctioning a fluid in the observation target space or discharging a fluid to the observation target space . As a result, imaging can be performed while illuminating the observation target space, or suction or discharge of fluid can be performed according to the captured image to perform surgery or treatment.

FIG. 25 is a view showing the configuration of an endoscope apparatus having an illumination function and an endoscope apparatus having a fluid processing function. The cross-sectional view of the endoscope apparatus 6 provided with the illumination function is shown in (a) of the figure, and the cross-sectional view of the endoscope apparatus 7 provided with the fluid processing function is shown in (b) of the same figure. ing. In addition, illustration of wiring etc. is abbreviate | omitted. Further, although not shown, the position adjuster described in each of the above embodiments is provided on the housings of the endoscope apparatuses 6 and 7. The appearance of the endoscope apparatuses 6 and 7 is the same as that of the endoscope apparatus of each of the above embodiments.

The endoscope apparatus 6 includes an end portion 60 and a housing 61 including a variable portion 611 and a puncture portion 612. The endoscope device 6 also includes an imaging unit 13 including an imaging lens 131 and an imaging element 132. As the end portion 60, the housing 61, and the imaging unit 13, the same members as the members having the same names in the endoscope apparatus described in the above embodiments can be used.

Furthermore, the endoscope apparatus 6 includes a light emitting unit 62. The light projecting unit 62 includes a light source unit 621 and a light guiding unit 622, guides light emitted from the light source unit 621 by the light guiding unit 622, and emits the light from the vicinity of the end of the puncture unit 612. The light guide 622 may be, for example, an optical fiber. For example, as in the example of FIG. 23, the light projector 62 may emit light to emit light from the light emitting element.

According to the endoscope apparatus 6, while projecting light in the extending direction of the puncturing unit 612 by the light emitting unit 62, an image of the direction can be captured by the imaging unit 13. Although the light source 621 is provided inside the end 60 in the illustrated example, the light source 621 may be provided inside the housing 61 or inside a position adjustment tool not shown. Alternatively, the light guide 622 may be extended to the outside of the endoscope 6, and light from a light source outside the endoscope 6 may be emitted from the vicinity of the end of the puncturing unit 612. In this case, the light source 621 can be omitted.

The endoscope device 7 includes an end portion 70 and a housing 71 including a variable portion 711 and a puncture portion 712. The endoscope device 7 also includes an imaging unit 13 including an imaging lens 131 and an imaging element 132. As the end portion 70, the housing 71, and the imaging unit 13, the same members as the members having the same names in the endoscope apparatus described in the above embodiments can be used.

The endoscope device 7 further includes a fluid processing unit 72. The fluid processing unit 72 includes a fluid control unit 721, a flow passage 722, and a nozzle unit 723. Under the control of the fluid control unit 721, the fluid processing unit 72 supplies a fluid to the nozzle unit 723 via the flow passage 722, or Aspirate fluid from the

According to the endoscope device 7, while the fluid processing unit 72 sucks the fluid near the tip of the puncturing unit 712 or discharges the fluid near the tip, the imaging unit 13 can capture an image of the direction. . In the illustrated example, the fluid control unit 721 is provided inside the end portion 70. However, the fluid control unit 721 may be provided inside the casing 71 or inside a position adjustment tool (not shown). In addition, the flow path 722 may be extended to the outside of the endoscope apparatus 7, and the discharge and / or suction of the fluid may be controlled by the device outside the endoscope apparatus 7. In this case, the fluid control unit 721 is omitted. It is possible. The fluid processing unit 72 may also include a plurality of flow channels 722. Although not shown, the endoscope apparatus may be provided with both the light emitting unit and the fluid processing unit. The configuration of each part is as described above.

[Summary]
An endoscope apparatus according to aspect 1 of the present invention is an endoscope apparatus for imaging an observation target space, and an imaging unit for imaging the observation target space is provided, and a side provided with the imaging unit A columnar housing inserted into the observation target space from the first end of the housing, and the housing is mounted on the housing along the insertion direction in which the housing is inserted into the observation target space. The position adjustment tool which can change the position in is provided.

According to the above configuration, the position adjustment tool capable of changing the position along the insertion direction of the housing is provided on the housing. Since the position adjuster is provided on the housing, the diameter is larger than that of the housing, and therefore, the position adjuster comes in contact with the entrance portion of the observation target space, and the contact brings the entire endoscope apparatus including the housing The position of the object relative to the observation target space is fixed. Therefore, according to the above configuration, when the endoscope apparatus is used, the housing is inserted into the observation target space, and the position of the position adjustment tool is changed by a simple user operation of the user. The effect is that the position can be fixed.

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above aspect 1, the position fixing mechanism that prevents the movement of the position adjusting tool along the insertion direction, and the state in which the position fixing mechanism does not function. It is good also as composition provided with the switching part which switches to. According to this configuration, after moving the position adjusting tool to a desired position in a state where the position fixing mechanism does not function, the position of the position adjusting tool is fixed by switching to a state where the position fixing mechanism functions by the switching unit. be able to.

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 3 of the present invention, in the above aspect 2, the position fixing mechanism allows movement of the position adjustment tool toward the first end, and It may be configured to prevent movement toward the opposite second end. According to this configuration, since the movement toward the first end side of the position adjustment tool is permitted, the position adjustment tool is moved toward the first end side even when the position fixing mechanism functions, and the position adjustment is performed. The position of the tool can be adjusted. When the position adjustment tool is moved to the first end side, the length of the housing portion inserted into the observation target space becomes short, so that the tip of the housing may damage the inside of the observation target space by this movement, etc. Nothing happens. In addition, since the movement of the position adjustment tool to the second end side, which increases the length of the housing portion inserted into the observation target space, is impeded, the movement of the position adjustment tool to the second end side There is no situation where the tip of the body damages the observation target space. Therefore, according to the above configuration, it is possible to move the position adjusting tool even in a state in which the position fixing mechanism is functioning, while securing safety.

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 4 of the present invention, in the

aspect

2 or 3, the position fixing mechanism is a mechanism that prevents the movement of the position adjusting tool by pressing a part of the position adjusting tool against the housing. The switching unit may switch between the state in which the position adjustment tool is pressed against the housing and the state in which the pressing is released. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the movement of the position adjustment tool by a simple mechanism of pressing a part of the position adjustment tool onto the housing, thereby fixing the position of the position adjustment tool on the housing. In addition, the switching unit can also be a simple mechanism that switches between the pressing state and the state in which the pressing is released.

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in any one of the aspects 1 to 4, the position adjustment tool can change the position within a predetermined range along the insertion direction on the housing. It is good also as composition. According to this configuration, the range in which the position of the position adjustment tool can be changed is limited to the predetermined range. As a result, the position adjustment tool may come off from the case, or the case portion on the first end side of the position adjustment tool may become too long and the tip of the case may damage the observation target space. Absent.

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in any one of the aspects 1 to 5, the position fixing mechanism for preventing the movement of the position adjusting tool along the insertion direction is not functioning, It is good also as composition provided with the retention mechanism which holds the position of the above-mentioned position adjustment implement. According to this configuration, since the position of the position adjustment tool is held in a state where the position fixing mechanism is not functioning, the position adjustment tool is prevented from moving at a timing unintended by the user, and the endoscope can be more safely It becomes possible to use the device.

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 7 of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects 1 to 6, the housing may be inserted into a through portion provided in the position adjustment tool. According to this configuration, the position adjustment tool can be disposed on the housing with a simple configuration in which the housing is inserted into the penetration portion of the position adjustment tool. Moreover, according to the above configuration, the structure is stable because the position adjustment tool and the case can not be separated if the position adjustment tool does not come off the case.

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 8 of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects 1 to 7, the first end of the housing has rigidity, and at least a part of the housing Alternatively, the variable portion may be deformed by an external force, and may be configured as a variable portion that maintains the shape after the external force is removed. According to this configuration, since the first end of the housing has rigidity, the puncture is stabilized when the endoscope apparatus is used by piercing the wall covering the observation target space. Can be done. Further, according to the above configuration, since the housing is provided with the variable portion, by deforming the deformation portion, the housing portion outside the observation target space can be prevented from interfering with the user's work. .

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 9 of the present invention, in the above-mentioned aspect 8, the variable portion may be configured to be bent by an external force and to maintain the shape after bending even after removing the external force. According to this configuration, since the variable part is bent by an external force, the variable part can be bent so that the housing portion outside the observation target space does not interfere with the work of the user. In addition, the variable part can be bent along, for example, a wall covering the observation target space, whereby the endoscope apparatus can be more stably fixed by the position adjustment tool and the bent deformation part. can do. In addition, by adjusting the bending direction of the variable part, it is also possible to adjust the viewing direction of the imaging part.

The endoscope apparatus according to aspect 10 of the present invention may be configured to include an expansion and contraction mechanism for expanding and contracting the housing along the insertion direction in any one of the above-described aspects 1 to 7. According to this configuration, since the housing can be expanded and contracted, the length of the housing portion outside the observation target space can be shortened so that this portion does not interfere with the work of the user.

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 11 of the present invention, in any one of the aspects 1 to 7, the housing may be configured to have a cutting unit for cutting the housing. According to this configuration, since the housing can be cut from the cutting portion, the housing portion outside the observation target space is cut from the cutting portion so that this portion does not disturb the user's work. Can.

In the endoscope apparatus according to aspect 12 of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects 1 to 11, the first end may have a needle-like outer shape that is tapered toward the tip. According to this configuration, it is possible to observe the inside of the observation object space by puncturing the wall part covering the observation object space by the first end.

The endoscope apparatus according to aspect 13 of the present invention is also configured as having the optical system according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the observation area in the observation target space is semispherical or wholly spherical. Good. According to this configuration, a wide range of the observation target space can be observed.

An endoscope system according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the endoscope apparatus according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, and the endoscope apparatus transmitted via a communication unit included in the endoscope apparatus. An endoscope system including an image processing apparatus for receiving the captured image, wherein the image processing apparatus combines and outputs the images received from the plurality of endoscope apparatuses for capturing the observation target space Do. According to this configuration, it is possible to present the user with images imaged using a plurality of endoscope apparatuses as one image indicating one observation target space.

A light projecting device according to aspect 15 of the present invention is a light projecting device which is inserted into a target space and emits light to the target space, and includes a columnar body having a light emitting portion, and the columnar body is provided on the columnar body. It is the structure provided with the position adjustment tool which can change the position on the said columnar body along the insertion direction in which a body is inserted in the said object space.

According to the above configuration, the position of the light projecting device is fixed by a simple user operation of inserting the columnar body into the target space and changing the position of the position adjusting tool when using the light projecting device. The effect of being able to

A fluid processing apparatus according to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a fluid processing apparatus which inserts a nozzle into a target space and sucks or discharges a fluid, and includes a columnar body having the nozzle, and Is a configuration provided with a position adjuster that can change the position on the columnar body along the insertion direction in which the nozzle unit and the columnar body are inserted into the target space.

According to the above configuration, when using the fluid processing device, the position of the fluid processing device is inserted by inserting the columnar body having the nozzle portion into the target space and changing the position of the position adjustment tool. The effect is that it is possible to fix the

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Is also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment.

1, 1B to 1K, 6, 7

Endoscope device

11, 11B, 11D, 61, 71

Case

111, 111B to 111K, 611, 711 Variable part

1111G Cutting part

12, 12H, 12Ha, 12J, 12Ja, 12K

position Adjustment tool

121, 121J, 121Ja switching unit 121K first part (switching unit)
122K second part (switching part)
13, 13A to 13H Imaging Unit 145 Penetration Part 3 Image Processing Device 4 Light Projection Device 41 Housing (Column Body)
411 Variable part 412 Puncture part 42 Position adjustment tool 421 Switching part 43 Light emitting part 5 Fluid processing device 51 Casing (columnar body)
511 Variable part 512 Puncture part 52 Position adjustment tool 521 Switch part 53 Nozzle part

Claims

An endoscope apparatus for imaging an observation target space, comprising:
An imaging unit for imaging the observation target space is provided, and a columnar case inserted into the observation target space from the first end on the side where the imaging unit is provided,
A position adjustment tool capable of changing the position on the housing is provided on the housing along the insertion direction in which the housing is inserted into the observation target space. Mirror device.
A position fixing mechanism that prevents the movement of the position adjuster along the insertion direction;
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching unit configured to switch from a state in which the position fixing mechanism does not function to a state in which the position fixing mechanism functions.
The position fixing mechanism allows movement of the position adjustment tool toward the first end, and prevents movement of the position adjustment tool toward the second end opposite to the first end. The endoscope apparatus according to Item 2.
The position fixing mechanism is a mechanism that prevents the movement of the position adjustment tool by pressing a part of the position adjustment tool against the housing,
The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the switching unit switches between a state in which the position adjustment tool is pressed against the housing and a state in which the pressing is released.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the position adjustment tool can change the position within a predetermined range along the insertion direction on the housing.
6. A holding mechanism for holding the position of the position adjusting device in a state where the position fixing mechanism that prevents the movement of the position adjusting device along the insertion direction is not functioning is provided. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of the above.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the housing is inserted into a through portion provided in the position adjustment tool.
The first end of the housing is rigid;
The at least one part of the said housing | casing is a variable part which deform | transforms by external force and the shape after deformation | transformation is maintained even after removing external force, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Endoscope apparatus as described.
9. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the variable portion is bent by an external force, and the shape after bending is maintained even after removing the external force.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising an expansion and contraction mechanism that expands and contracts the housing along the insertion direction.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the housing has a cutting unit for cutting the housing.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first end portion has a needle-like outer shape that narrows toward the tip.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an optical system which makes the observation region in the observation target space a semispherical or a totally spherical shape.
The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, an image processing apparatus that receives an image captured by the endoscope apparatus transmitted via a communication unit included in the endoscope apparatus, and An endoscope system including:
The endoscope system, wherein the image processing apparatus combines and outputs images received from a plurality of the endoscope apparatuses for imaging the observation target space.
It is a light projector which inserts in object space and projects light in said object space, and
A columnar body having a light emitting portion;
A light projecting device characterized in that a position adjuster capable of changing a position on the columnar body is provided on the columnar body along an insertion direction in which the columnar body is inserted into the target space. .
A fluid processing apparatus which inserts a nozzle portion into a target space and sucks or discharges fluid.
A columnar body having the nozzle portion,
The columnar body is characterized in that a position adjuster capable of changing the position on the columnar body is provided along the insertion direction in which the nozzle portion and the columnar body are inserted into the target space. Fluid processing equipment.