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JP3776812B2 - Endoscope device - Google Patents

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JP3776812B2
JP3776812B2 JP2002031424A JP2002031424A JP3776812B2 JP 3776812 B2 JP3776812 B2 JP 3776812B2 JP 2002031424 A JP2002031424 A JP 2002031424A JP 2002031424 A JP2002031424 A JP 2002031424A JP 3776812 B2 JP3776812 B2 JP 3776812B2
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endoscope
lens
cover
tip
distal end
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JP2002301026A (en
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康太 石引
清士 三宅
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Olympus Corp
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Olympus Corp
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Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、医療用または工業用として用いられ、カバーを被覆することなく観察を行う内視鏡、またはカバーを被覆して観察するカバー式の内視鏡の少なくとも一方を備える内視鏡装置に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
近年、観察部位を内視鏡に配設した固体撮像素子で撮像し、モニタで観察するようにした内視鏡装置が利用されている。前記内視鏡装置では一般に内視鏡の先端面に観察窓と照明窓とが設けられている。また、前記内視鏡の先端面には前記観察窓に向けて送水及び送気を行って観察窓表面の洗浄を行えるようにしたノズルが設けられている。
【０００３】
前記ノズルを観察窓に近付けることにより、コンパクト化が可能になって内視鏡挿入部の外径を小さくするばかりでなく、ノズルから観察窓に向かって送水される力が大きくなって洗浄力が向上すると共に、ノズルから観察窓に向かって送気される力が大きくなって水切り性が向上する。
【０００４】
しかし、観察窓にノズルを近付けすぎてしまうと、このノズルが観察視野内に入ってしまい、観察に悪影響を及ぼすので、観察窓とノズルとの距離を近づけることが難しかった。
【０００５】
この不具合を解決するため、例えば特願平６−４２８５７号及び特開平６−３８９２６号公報には内視鏡挿入部の先端部に対物レンズと固体撮像素子とを設け、この固体撮像素子からの電気信号に基づいて観察視野像をモニタに表示すると共に、前記対物レンズの観察窓に向けて１つの送気・送水ノズルを設けた内視鏡において、前記固体撮像素子の受光エリアまたは表示視野範囲の形状が角形であり、その角形の辺に対向する対応位置に前記ノズルを設置し、視野内にノズルが入ることなく、ノズルを観察窓に極力近付けるようにした内視鏡が提案されている。また、送気ノズルと送水ノズルとの２つのノズルを有する内視鏡については特願平６−４２８５７号に、送気ノズルを固体撮像素子の受光エリアの対辺側に配置して観察窓に近付け、送水ノズルを受光エリアの対角側に設けたものが示されている。さらに、特開平６−３８９２６号公報には送気ノズルと送水ノズルとを光学的有効領域の対辺側に２つ並べて配置したものが示されている。
【０００６】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、前記特願平６−４２８５７号に示された内視鏡では、送水ノズルに連結した液体を移送するための送水管路が細い場合、あるいは長くなる場合、送水能力が低下し、送水ノズルを対角側に設けて観察窓との距離が遠い構成の場合には著しく送水能力が低下して対物レンズ面の洗浄を十分に行えず、観察が困難になる場合がある。また、特開平６−３８９２６号公報に示された内視鏡では、光学有効領域の対辺側にノズルを２つ並べて配置しているため、各ノズルの開口部幅が小さくなり、このノズルから噴出される液体の流れ幅が小さく規制されて、光学有効領域の広範囲に送気、送水することが困難になるはかりでなく、送気・送水の能力が低下して対物レンズ面の洗浄及び水滴の除去を十分に行えず、観察が困難になる場合がある。
【０００７】
本発明は上記事情に鑑みてなされたもので、内視鏡先端部に設けられている観察窓の洗浄能力と、この観察窓からの水滴の除去能力が良く、且つ、先端部の外径が細径で患者に苦痛を与えないようにした内視鏡装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１に記載の内視鏡装置の発明は、内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、前記先端部に設けられた対物レンズ、および非円形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに非円形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、前記受光範囲の縁を形成する輪郭のうち、前記対物レンズの中心に対して近い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物レンズに向かって開口した送水ノズルと、前記対物レンズの中心に対して遠い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物レンズに向かって開口した送気ノズルと、前記対物レンズに隣接して開口され、接続される吸引源によって前記対物レンズ上の水滴を吸引可能な吸引管路とを具備することを特徴とする。
【０００９】
請求項２に記載の内視鏡装置の発明は、内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、前記先端部に設けられ、前記先端部表面に露出される先端側レンズを備えた対物光学系、および非円形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに非円形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、前記受光範囲の縁を形成する輪郭のうち、前記先端側レンズの中心に対して近い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物光学系の先端側レンズに向かって開口した送水ノズルと、前記先端側レンズの中心に対して遠い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物光学系の先端側レンズに向かって開口した送気ノズルと、前記先端側レンズに隣接して開口され、接続される吸引源によって前記先端側レンズ上の水滴を吸引可能な吸引管路とを具備することを特徴とする。
また、請求項３に記載の内視鏡装置の発明は、内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、前記先端部に設けられ、前記先端部表面に露出される先端側レンズを備えた対物光学系、および角形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに角形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、角形の前記受光範囲の辺部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物光学系の先端側レンズに向かって開口した送水ノズルと、角形の前記受光範囲の角部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物光学系の先端側レンズに向かって開口した送気ノズルと、前記先端側レンズに隣接して開口され、接続される吸引源によって前記先端側レンズ上の水滴を吸引可能な吸引管路とを具備することを特徴とする。
【００１０】
また、請求項４に記載の内視鏡装置の発明は、内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、前記先端部に設けられた対物レンズ、および非円形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに非円形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、前記受光範囲の縁を形成する輪郭のうち、前記対物レンズの中心に対して近い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記対物レンズの表面に対して斜め方向から送水可能な送水ノズルと、前記対物レンズの中心に対して遠い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記対物レンズの表面に対して平行に送気可能な送気ノズルとを具備することを特徴とする。
さらに、請求項５に記載の内視鏡装置の発明は、内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、前記先端部に設けられ、前記先端部表面に露出される先端側レンズを備えた対物光学系、および非円形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに非円形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、前記受光範囲の縁を形成する輪郭のうち、前記先端側レンズの中心に対して近い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記先端側レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記先端側レンズの表面に対して斜め方向から送水可能な送水ノズルと、前記先端側レンズの中心に対して遠い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記先端側レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記先端側レンズの表面に対して平行に送気可能な送気ノズルとを具備することを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また、請求項６に記載の内視鏡装置の発明は、内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、前記先端部に設けられ、前記先端部表面に露出される先端側レンズを備えた対物光学系、および角形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに角形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、角形の前記受光範囲の辺部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記先端側レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記先端側レンズの表面に対して斜め方向から送水可能な送水ノズルと、角形の前記受光範囲の角部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記先端側レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記先端側レンズの表面に対して平行に送気可能な送気ノズルとを具備することを特徴とする。
そして、前記請求項１〜６のいずれかの内視鏡装置において、挿入部の先端部に対物レンズと固体撮像素子とを備えたカバー用内視鏡と、前記カバー用内視鏡に着脱自在に外装される内視鏡カバーと、前記内視鏡カバーの先端部に、前記対物レンズの先端側に配置される前記先端側レンズとしての対物レンズカバーと、前記送水ノズルと、前記送気ノズルとを設けたことを特徴とし、また、前記固体撮像素子の受光範囲またはモニタへの視野の表示範囲は、円形の一部が切り欠かれた形状であることを特徴とする。
【００１２】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。
図１ないし図１１は本発明の第１の実施の形態に係る内視鏡であり、図１はカバー式内視鏡の概略構成を示す斜視図、図２はカバー式内視鏡の先端部の構成を示す断面図、図３は先端カバー部材の基端面側を示す説明図、図４は先端構成部の先端面を示す説明図、図５は遮光部と遮光溝との関係を説明する断面図、図６は先端構成部への対物レンズ枠の取付けを説明する断面図、図７は照明レンズカバーと先端カバー部材との関係を説明する断面図、図８は先端カバー部材に照明レンズカバーを配設した状態を示す断面図、図９は先端カバー部材に形成した照明レンズカバー受け部を示す説明図、図１０は先端カバー部材と先端構成部との係止部及び処置具挿通路である鉗子挿通チャンネルの配置構成を説明する断面図、図１１は図１０のＩ―Ｉ断面図である。尚、内視鏡を、まずカバー式内視鏡で説明する。
【００１３】
図１に示すように本実施の形態のカバー式内視鏡１は、内視鏡カバー（以下カバーと略記）２と、このカバー２に装着される内視鏡カバー用内視鏡（以下カバー用内視鏡と略記）３との組み合わせからなっている。
【００１４】
このカバー式内視鏡１を用いて内視鏡検査を行う際は、滅菌処理済みの清潔なカバー２によってカバー用内視鏡３の挿入部などを覆い、検査終了後にはカバー用内視鏡３の挿入部などを覆っていたカバー２を廃棄する一方、前記カバー用内視鏡３を新しい滅菌処理済みの清潔なカバー２で再び覆い、繰り返し使用されることが特徴となる。このことにより、検査後における内視鏡側の洗浄、消毒を不要とするものである。
【００１５】
前記カバー用内視鏡３は、細長の挿入部４の基端側に把持部を兼ねた操作部５を連設している。また、前記挿入部４の先端側には先端構成部６が設けられている。
【００１６】
一方、前記カバー２は、前記カバー用内視鏡３の挿入部４を覆い被す軟性の外皮７を有しており、この外皮７の基端側には処置具挿通路となる鉗子挿入口８ａを有する口体部８が設けられている。この口体部８は、前記操作部５の先端側外周を包み覆うように接続される。前記外皮７の先端側には前記カバー用内視鏡３の先端構成部６の外周面に着脱自在に係合固定可能で、この先端構成部６を被覆する先端カバー部材９が設けられている。
【００１７】
なお、前記カバー用内視鏡３の先端構成部６の基端側には湾曲部１０が連接している。また、操作部５の側面部からは図示しない光源装置に向かってユニバーサルコード１１が延出している。符号１４は送水用管路を形成する送水チューブであり、符号１２は送気用管路を形成する送気チューブであり、符号１３は吸引管路を形成する吸引チューブである。
【００１８】
図２に示すように前記カバー用内視鏡３の先端構成部６には観察対象物を撮像するため、対物レンズ枠１５に保持された対物レンズ系１６とこの対物レンズ系１６の結像位置に配置されて観察視野像を電気信号に変換する固体撮像素子１７及び撮像回路部１８とが設けられている。この撮像回路部１８の基端側からは画像信号を図示しない画像コントロールユニットへ伝達する信号ケーブル１９が延出している。
【００１９】
前記カバー２の先端カバー部材９には前記対物レンズ系１６の最先端部に設けた先端側レンズ１６ａに対向する位置に、透明な光学部材からなる対物レンズカバー２１が対物レンズカバー枠２２に嵌合して接着などにより固定されている。この対物レンズカバー枠２２には前記対物レンズカバー２１を保持するための対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａが設けられている。この対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａは、強度を確保するため厚さ寸法ａが少なくとも０．１〜１ｍｍの範囲の厚みとなるように形成されている。
【００２０】
前記対物レンズ枠１５の先端面と先端側レンズ１６ａの先端面とは略同一面になるよう位置決め固定されている。また、前記対物レンズ枠１５及び先端側レンズ１６ａは先端構成部６の先端面より、前記対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａの厚さａと同量だけ突出して先端構成部６に位置決め固定されている。
【００２１】
前記先端構成部６の先端面は、図３に示す先端カバー部材９の基端側の突き当て面３１に当接して固定されるようになっている。また、前記突き当て面３１には凸形状の遮光部３２が形成されている。一方、図４に示すように前記付き当て面３１に対向する先端構成部６の先端面には前記遮光部３２に対向する位置に凹状の遮光溝４１が形成してある。
【００２２】
すなわち、前記先端構成部６の先端面が先端カバー部材９の基端側の突き当て面３１に当接して固定されるとき、前記遮光部３２が遮光溝４１に嵌合する。このため、図示しない光源装置からライトガイド２４を介して伝達されて照明レンズ２４ａ及び先端カバー部材９に配設した照明レンズカバー２３を介して体腔内に向かって照明光を照射するとき、先端カバー部材９や照明レンズカバー２３の内面に反射して反射光が発生しても、この反射光は遮光部３２によって光路を妨げられて先端側レンズ１６ａへ入射しない。
【００２３】
なお、図５に示すように、前記遮光部３２の突出量ｂと、前記遮光溝４１の深さｃとの間にはｂ≦ｃの関係が成り立ている。このため、遮光部３２が遮光溝４１の底面に突き当たらないので、先端構成部６の先端面と先端カバー部材９の突き当て面３１とが確実に突き当たる。このことから、先端側レンズ１６ａと対物レンズカバー２１との間隙及び照明レンズ２４ａと照明レンズカバー２３との間隙を確実に微少にすることができる。また、前記遮光部３２及び遮光溝４１の配置位置関係は、前記先端構成部６に設けられた先端側レンズ１６ａと照明レンズ２４ａとの干渉を避けるため、先端構成部６の先端側レンズ１６ａと照明レンズ２４ａとの間に遮光溝４１を設ける一方、前記先端カバー部材９に設けられた対物レンズカバー２１と照明レンズカバー２３との干渉を避けるため、先端カバー部材９の対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａと照明レンズカバー受け部３３ａとの間に遮光部３２が位置するように設けられている。
【００２４】
図６に示すように対物レンズ枠１５を先端構成部６へ位置決め固定する際、すなわち、対物レンズ枠１５を先端構成部６へ組み付けるとき面出し治具５０を用いる。
図６（Ａ）に示すように組みつけ時まず、先端構成部６の先端面６ａを面出し治具５０の先端構成部突き当て面５１に突き当てた状態で、予め先端側レンズ１６ａが固定されている対物レンズ枠１５を先端構成部６に挿入していく。
【００２５】
次に、図６（ｂ）に示すように対物レンズ枠１５及び先端側レンズ１６ａの先端面１６ｂを面出し治具５０の先端構成部突き当て面５１からａ寸法だけ凹んで形成されている対物レンズ突き当て面５２に当接させる。そして、この状態で固定ネジ５３を先端構成部６に設けたネジ部４２に螺合させて、この固定ネジ５３で対物レンズ枠１５を先端構成部６に押し付けて一体的に組みつける。
【００２６】
上述のように対物レンズ枠１５を先端構成部６に固定ネジ５３で一体的に組み付けることによって、対物レンズカバー２１と先端側レンズ１６ａとの間隙を、対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａの厚み寸法の製品ごとのバラツキ及び先端側レンズ１６ａの先端構成部６からの突出量の製品ごとのバラツキを考慮しても０〜０．１ｍｍの範囲に構成することが可能なので、先端側レンズ１６ａと対物レンズカバー２１とが離れすぎてしまうことによって観察視野内に対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａ入ることのない良好な観察視野を確保することができる。
【００２７】
また、前記対物レンズ枠１５及び先端側レンズ１６ａの先端面を同一面に形成し、前記対物レンズ枠１５ごと先端構成部６より所定寸法だけ突出させる構成であるため、先端側レンズ１６ａを装着時に破損させることがない。
【００２８】
さらに、面出し治具５０を使用して組みつけることによって、製造時の製品ごとのバラツキを相殺して対物レンズカバー２１と先端側レンズ１６ａとの間隙を微少にできるので、どのようなカバー用内視鏡３とカバー２との組み合わせにおいても良好な観察視野を確保することが可能になる。
【００２９】
又、前記照明レンズ２４ａは、照明レンズ２４ａの先端面と先端構成部６の先端面とが略同一面となるよう先端構成部６に位置決め固定される。すなわち、図７に示すように先端カバー部材９には、照明レンズカバー２３を保持するための照明レンズカバー受け部３３ａと照明レンズカバー枠部３３ｂとが形成されている。この照明レンズカバー受け部３３ａは、強度を確保するため厚さ寸法ｄが少なくとも０．１〜１ｍｍの範囲の厚みで形成されている。
【００３０】
一方、前記照明レンズカバー２３は、前記照明レンズカバー枠部３３ｂに嵌合してこの照明レンズカバー枠部３３ｂに接着などによって固定される大径部２３ａと前記照明レンズカバー受け部３３ａの内周部に緩く嵌合される小径部２３ｂとで形成される。そして、前記小径部２３ｂの厚みを、前記照明レンズカバー受け部３３ａの厚みｄと略同一に形成することにより、図８に示すように照明レンズ２４ａと照明レンズカバー２３との間隙を微少にして、照明レンズ２４ａから出射された照明光の大部分を、照明レンズカバー２３に導光することができるようになっている。このため、照明レンズカバー２３から体腔内に出射される光量が多く、小径部２３ｂに遮られることがないため配光が良く、照明レンズカバー２３の面積を比較的小さくすることできる。
【００３１】
このことにより、前記先端カバー部材９の外径を細くすることが可能になる。また、照明レンズ２４ａが先端構成部６より突出しない構成であるため、前記照明レンズ２４ａを装着時に破損させることがない。
【００３２】
図９に示すように前記先端カバー部材９の対物レンズカバー枠部２２は略四角形の形状を有し、４隅が半径ｒ1 のＲ形状に形成されている。また、前記対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａの内周側は、この対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａの４つの辺を各々の長さｅ、例えば０．１〜０．５ｍｍ程度内側に突出させて、その４隅にｒ1 −ｅ（＜ｒ2 ）なる寸法である半径ｒ2 のＲ形状で形成されている。
【００３３】
すなわち、対物レンズカバー２１は、対物レンズカバー枠部２２に嵌合するため、対物レンズカバー２１の外側寸法を対物レンズカバー枠部２２の内側寸法よりも小さくする必要がある。このため、４隅においては対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａで受ける面積が小さくなる。しかし、上述の構成であれば、対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａの４隅の内側への突出量を大きくしているため、対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａで受ける面積を大きくすることができ、確実に対物レンズカバー２１を保持することができる。また、対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａを、対物レンズカバー２１との接合面とする場合には接合代を大きくとることができるため、十分な接合強度が得られ、対物レンズカバー２１が対物レンズカバー枠部２２から脱落することがなくなり安全性が向上する。さらに、照明レンズカバー受け部３３ａと照明レンズカバー枠部３３ｂとの間も上述と同様の関係で形成されているため照明レンズ２３が十分な接合強度で接合される。
【００３４】
なお、前記カバー２を装着しない状態でのカバー用内視鏡３の対物レンズ系１６の単体での視野角を、例えば０°〜９０°とし、カバー２を装着した状態のとき、視野角を例えば１２０°〜１８０°となるように対物レンズカバー２１に視野角を拡大する光学レンズを用いるようにすることにより、先端側レンズ１６ａと対物レンズカバー２１との間隙がある程度離れても、対物レンズカバー受け部２２ａが視野内に入ることがなく、且つ、大きな視野角を確保することができる。
【００３５】
図１０及び図１１を参照して先端カバー部材９と先端構成部６との係止部及び処置具挿通路である鉗子挿通チャンネル６１の配置構成を説明する。
図１０に示すように鉗子挿通チャンネル６１は、カバー２の外皮７の内部をカバー用内視鏡３の挿入部４に沿って並行に配設されている。前記鉗子挿通チャンネル６１の先端部は、前記先端カバー部材９に設けられた処置具突出口６２の近傍のチャンネル接続部６３に接着などの手段によって、前記処置具突出口６２に連通するように固定されている。
【００３６】
一方、鉗子挿通チャンネル６１の基端部は、前記口体部８の鉗子挿入口８ａに連通しており、この鉗子挿入口８ａより挿入された鉗子などの処置具が処置具突出口６２にガイドされ、この処置具突出口６２より体腔内に突出して病変部の切除などの処置を行うことができるようになっている。また、鉗子挿通チャンネル６１は図示しない流体制御装置に接続されている吸引管路を形成する吸引チューブ１３に連通している。この吸引チューブ１３は口体部８より内視鏡外部に延出してユニバーサルコード１１に沿って流体制御装置まで延出されている。
【００３７】
前記鉗子挿通チャンネル６１は、ＰＴＦＥ，ＰＦＡなどの柔軟な材質よりなる管状部材で形成される。また、前記鉗子挿通チャンネル６１は、カバー用内視鏡３の湾曲部近傍で、湾曲部湾曲時に座屈することなく、滑らかに湾曲するように蛇腹部６１ａが設けてある。この蛇腹部６１ａは、他の部分と同様の内径を確保しつつ、湾曲し易いように挿入部の長手方向の断面形状を波状に形成しているため、他の部分よりも外径が太径になる構成となっている。
【００３８】
前記カバー２の先端カバー部材９とカバー用内視鏡３の先端構成部６とを一体的に接続するため、先端カバー部材９に形成した嵌合穴部３３に嵌合したカバー用内視鏡３の先端構成部６に係止爪６５を係合させて係止部を形成して一体的に固定している。そして、前記先端カバー部材９の外周に外挿されている円筒状部材６６を、前記係止部を形成する係止爪６５に外嵌させて係止爪６５を長手方向の中心軸側に押圧している。
【００３９】
前記先端構成部６の基端部６ｂは、複数の関節駒を連接した湾曲部１０の最先端に位置する第一関節駒１０ａ及びこの第一関節駒１０ａを含む関節駒の外周部を被覆する細径の金属線材で編まれた管状の金網部６７及びこの金網部６７の外周を被覆するエラストマーなど軟性の弾性部材からなる管状の弾性外皮部６８を接続するための接続部７０となっている。
【００４０】
このため、この先端構成部６の基端部６ｂは、第一関節駒１０ａ，金網部６７及び弾性外皮部６８のそれぞれの厚み分と、これらを固定する接着剤などの接着部７１の厚み分だけ、他の部分よりも太径な太径部７２を形成している。
【００４１】
なお、送気管路を形成する送気チューブ１２及び送水管路を形成する送水チューブ１４は、カバー２の外皮７の内部を鉗子挿通チャンネル６１同様、カバー用内視鏡３の挿入部４に沿って並行に配設されている。そして、図１２に示す前記送気チューブ１２及び送水チューブ１４の先端部を、先端カバー部材９に形成されている管路接続部６３ａにそれぞれ接着などの手段によって接続固定して、先端カバー部材９の先端面に設けられる送気ノズル３５及び送水ノズル３６にそれぞれ連通している。
【００４２】
一方、送気チューブ１２及び送水チューブ１４の基端部は前記口体部８より外部へ延出し、前記吸引チューブ１３と同様にユニバーサルコード１１に沿って図示しない流体制御装置に延出されている。そして、前記送気ノズルから送気チューブ１２を介して空気やＣＯ2 ガスなどの気体が対物レンズカバー２１に向かって噴出される一方、送水ノズルからは送水チューブ１４を介して生理食塩水などの液体が対物レンズカバー２１に向かって噴出されるようになっている。
【００４３】
一般的に、前記送気チューブ１２及び送水チューブ１４は、鉗子挿通チャンネル６１に比較して細径であり、挿入部４の長手方向の同じ長さに対する外表面の面積は鉗子挿通チャンネル６１に比較して非常に小さくなっている。このため、先端カバー部材９との接続部分では管路接続部６３ａに嵌合する部分の外表面が接続代となるため、鉗子挿通チャンネル６１と同等の接続強度を得ようとすると鉗子挿通チャンネル６１に比較して接続部分の嵌合長を長くする必要があり、可能な限り接続代を長くして大きくすることが望ましい。
【００４４】
また、前記嵌合部３３の挿入部長手方向の長さは、この嵌合部３３に嵌合される先端構成部６のガタつきを少なくするため及び先端構成部６を先端カバー部材９に一体的に固定する係止爪６５などの固定手段を配設するスペースを確保するため、可能な範囲で長くすることが望ましいが、先端部分を細径化することを考慮すると、前記太径部７２が嵌合部３３に嵌合されないようにすることが望ましい。
【００４５】
このため、前記先端カバー部材９の基端を、前記先端構成部６の太径部７２より先端側に位置するように構成している。このため、前記チャンネル接続部６３は先端部分を細径化するため、可能な限り嵌合部側に近付けて形成する。また、先端カバー部材９への接着強度を高めるため先端側を可能な限り処置具突出口６２に近付けるように設けている。さらに、長手軸方向に並行で、この先端カバー部材９の基端側からチャンネル接続部６３の基端側に至る、細長で外周面側に開口７６ａを有する切欠部７６を形成して、この切欠部７６に挿通される鉗子挿通チャンネル６１の外周と先端カバー部材９との間に空間部７７を設けている。
【００４６】
このため、鉗子挿通チャンネル６１は、前記カバー用内視鏡３の太径部７２に隣合って並設される位置では、チャンネル接続部６３の位置に対して径外側方向に位置する。また、湾曲部１０に並設される位置では外径の太い蛇腹部６１ａの部分において前記太径部７２同様、チャンネル接続部６３の位置に対して径外側方向に位置する。
【００４７】
一方、前記鉗子挿通チャンネル６１は、先端カバー部材９に形成した切欠部７６に配設されているので、先端カバー部材９に接続固定されているチャンネル接続部６３の基端から太径部７２近傍までの間で、径外側方向に緩やかに変位して、太径部７２に並設すると共に、蛇腹部６１ａが湾曲部１０に並設するように変位する。
【００４８】
また、カバー用内視鏡３とカバー２とを装着する際、先端構成部６を嵌合部３３に嵌合させた後、円筒状部材６６を先端側に移動させて係止爪６５に外嵌するとき、円筒状部材６６の切欠部７６の外側に位置する部分を手指などで容易に先端側へ移動させることができるようになっている。
【００４９】
このように、先端カバー部材に切欠部を形成し、この切欠部に鉗子挿通チャンネルを配設したことにより、先端カバー部材のチャンネル接続部に接続固定された鉗子挿通チャンネルを、切り欠き部内で緩やかに径外側方向に変位させて太径部に並設するように配設することができる。このことにより、鉗子挿通チャンネルの座屈が無くなると共に、この鉗子挿通チャンネル内に比較的大きな処置具を挿通した場合でも処置具がチャンネルに引っ掛かること無くスムーズに挿通されて、処置具挿脱の際の力量を軽減することができる。
【００５０】
また、先端カバー部材に切欠部を形成することによって鉗子挿通チャンネルを緩やかに変位させることができることから、カバー用内視鏡の太径部を比較的太径に構成することが可能となる。このことにより、太径部に断面積の大きい撮像回路部あるいは太径のライトガイドを内蔵して、高性能・高機能の撮像回路部や明るい照明光を供給して観察性能が向上した内視鏡を提供することができる。
【００５１】
さらに、先端カバー部材に切欠部を形成したことにより、カバー用内視鏡とカバーとを装着した際、切り欠き部分に位置する円筒状部材を押すことによって、容易に先端側へ移動させることができるので、カバー用内視鏡とカバーとの装着性が大幅に向上する。
【００５２】
ところで近年、観察部位を内視鏡に配設した固体撮像素子で撮像し、モニタで観察するようにした内視鏡装置が利用されている。前記内視鏡装置では一般に内視鏡の先端面に観察窓と照明窓とが設けられている。また、前記内視鏡の先端面には前記観察窓に向けて送水及び送気を行って観察窓表面の洗浄を行えるようにしたノズルが設けられている。
【００５３】
前記ノズルを観察窓に近付けることにより、コンパクト化が可能になって内視鏡挿入部の外径を小さくするばかりでなく、ノズルから観察窓に向かって送水される力が大きくなって洗浄力が向上すると共に、ノズルから観察窓に向かって送気される力が大きくなって水切り性が向上する。
【００５４】
しかし、観察窓にノズルを近付けすぎてしまうと、このノズルが観察視野内に入ってしまい、観察に悪影響を及ぼすので、観察窓とノズルとの距離を近づけることが難しかった。
【００５５】
この不具合を解決するため、例えば特願平６−４２８５７号及び特開平６−３８９２６号公報には内視鏡挿入部の先端部に対物レンズと固体撮像素子とを設け、この固体撮像素子からの電気信号に基づいて観察視野像をモニタに表示すると共に、前記対物レンズの観察窓に向けて１つの送気・送水ノズルを設けた内視鏡において、前記固体撮像素子の受光エリアまたは表示視野範囲の形状が角形であり、その角形の辺に対向する対応位置に前記ノズルを設置し、視野内にノズルが入ることなく、ノズルを観察窓に極力近付けるようにした内視鏡が提案されている。また、送気ノズルと送水ノズルとの２つのノズルを有する内視鏡については特願平６−４２８５７号に、送気ノズルを固体撮像素子の受光エリアの対辺側に配置して観察窓に近付け、送水ノズルを受光エリアの対角側に設けたものが示されている。さらに、特開平６−３８９２６号公報には送気ノズルと送水ノズルとを光学的有効領域の対辺側に２つ並べて配置したものが示されている。
【００５６】
しかしながら、前記特願平６−４２８５７号に示された内視鏡では、送水ノズルに連結した液体を移送するための送水管路が細い場合、あるいは長くなる場合、送水能力が低下し、送水ノズルを対角側に設けて観察窓との距離が遠い構成の場合には著しく送水能力が低下して対物レンズ面の洗浄を十分に行えず、観察が困難になる場合がある。また、特開平６−３８９２６号公報に示された内視鏡では、光学有効領域の対辺側にノズルを２つ並べて配置しているため、各ノズルの開口部幅が小さくなり、このノズルから噴出される液体の流れ幅が小さく規制されて、光学有効領域の広範囲に送気、送水することが困難になるはかりでなく、送気・送水の能力が低下して対物レンズ面の洗浄及び水滴の除去を十分に行えず、観察が困難になる場合がある。
【００５７】
このため、観察窓の洗浄能力と水滴の除去能力が良く、且つ、先端部の外径が細径で患者に苦痛を与えない安価な内視鏡が望まれていた。
【００５８】
図１３に示すようにカバー式内視鏡１に組み合わされて使用される、送気，送水，吸引などの制御を司る流体制御装置１００は、フロントパネル１０１に吸引制御弁１０２，吸引リーク弁１０３，送気制御弁１０４，送気リーク弁１０５，及び送水制御弁１０６などを設けている。これら弁体には前記送気管路，吸引管路や送水管路などを構成する軟性のチューブが挟持されるようになっており、この軟性なチューブを弁体で潰したり、開放したりすることによって流路が開閉操作されて流体が流れるようになっている。すなわち、前記弁体は、いわゆるピンチバルブ方式の電磁弁で構成されている。なお、これら弁体は装置外部に露出するため、弁駆動部に水などの液体が侵入しないように防水性を持たせている。
【００５９】
送気チューブ１２は、送気制御弁１０４に着脱自在に装着され、この送気制御弁１０４よりも送気ポンプ１０７側に設けられている送水タンクコネクタ１０８の内部で、一端部が開口した送気リーク管路１０９を分岐している。この送気リーク管路１０９は、送水タンクコネクタ１０８より延出し、送気リーク弁１０５に着脱自在に装着されている。なお、前記送気チューブ１２は、送水タンクコネクタ１０８の内部で開口端を、送水タンク１１０に接続した図示しない送水用加圧管路を分岐させた後、基端側を流体制御装置１００に内蔵されている送気ポンプ１０７に接続している。
【００６０】
送水チューブ１４は、前記送水制御弁１０６に着脱自在に装着され、前記送水タンクコネクタ１０８から送水タンク連絡用チューブ１１０ａを介して送水タンク１１０に接続されている。
【００６１】
吸引チューブ１３は、前記吸引制御弁１０２に着脱自在に装着された後、吸引源である図示しない吸引ポンプなどに接続されている。なお、この吸引チューブ１３の吸引制御弁１０２よりも吸引源側で、吸引リーク管路１１１を分岐させて前記吸引リーク弁１０３に着脱自在に装着されている。
【００６２】
前記送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３は、流体制御装置１００のフロントパネル１０１に対してチューブの長手方向を垂直にして配設されるようになっている。すなわち、送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３は、垂直方向の上方側へ向かって延出している。本流体制御装置１００においては各管路及び弁体などを上述のように構成、配置することによって、流体制御装置１００の横幅を小さくして検査室における配置スペースが小さくなるように工夫されている。
【００６３】
また、前記内視鏡３の操作部５から延出するユニバーサルコード１１に沿って配設された送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３とユニバーサルコード１１との図示しない分岐部は流体制御装置１００よりも上方に位置する。このように、分岐部の位置を流体制御装置１００よりも上方に構成することによって、送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３は必然的に上方側に位置する分岐部に向かって延出されて、送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３の座屈を防止することができ、且つ管路の長さを短くして管路内の流体抵抗を減少させて、送気，送水，吸引の性能を向上させている。
【００６４】
図１４に示すように送水タンクコネクタ１０８を流体制御装置１００に接続固定するため、前記送水タンクコネクタ１０８にはフック１１２を設け、流体制御装置１００のフロントパネル１０１にはフック受け部１１３を設けている。このことにより、送水タンクコネクタ１０８に設けたフック１１２をフロントパネル１０１に設けたフック受け部１１３に取り付けることによって流体制御装置１００に着脱自在に接続することができる。
【００６５】
また、送水タンクコネクタ１０８に設けられた口金受け１１４は、カバー式内視鏡のみならず、一般的な内視鏡でも使用される送水タンクの送水タンク口金１１５が接続可能な構成になっており、送水タンク１１０を一般的な内視鏡と共用して使用することができる。
【００６６】
なお、図１３に示すように送水タンク１１０には送水タンクフック１１６が設けられており、この送水タンクフック１１６を流体制御装置１００に設けた送水タンクフック受け部１１７に取り付けることによって、送水タンク１１０を流体制御装置１００に着脱自在に接続することができるようになっている。このため、検査時前記図１に示す操作部５に設けた送気、送水スイッチ５ａや吸引スイッチ５ｂを操作することによって、前記流体制御装置１００の各制御弁を制御し、前記送気チューブ１２を介して送気ノズルから送気、送水チューブ１４を介して送水ノズルから送水、吸引チューブ１３を介して処置具突出口６２より吸引をそれぞれ行うことができるようになっている。
【００６７】
また、検査室の各装置のレイアウトによっては、図示しない光源装置やビデオプロセッサなどの装置と共に、流体制御装置１００を積み重ねて配置することが考えられる。この場合、前記流体制御装置１００は横幅寸法よりも高さ寸法が小さいことが望ましい。このため、前記流体制御装置１００を積み重ねて配置する場合には図１５に示すように各チューブの長手方向を水平方向に向けて流体制御装置１００に配置することができる構成となる。
【００６８】
すなわち、図１３に示すように送水タンク受け部１１７を流体制御装置１００の側面と底面の２ヶ所に設けると共に、流体制御装置本体を支持する足１１８を前記送水タンク受け部１１７同様に、側面及び底面に設けている。
【００６９】
また、吸引リーク弁１０３は、吸引リーク管路１１１の開口が常時垂直方向上向きになるように、図１３の状態で吸引リーク管路１１１の開口が上向きに吸引リーク管路１１１を装着することができる吸引リーク弁１０３と、図１５の状態で開口が上向きに吸引リーク管路１１１を装着することができる吸引リーク弁１０３とを設けている。このため、流体制御装置１００の設置方向によって、吸引リーク管路１１１を選択的に２つの吸引リーク弁１０３のいづれか一方に装着して開口を常時垂直方向上向きにすることができる。
【００７０】
なお、吸引リーク弁１０３は、吸引リーク管路１１１の開口が吸引チューブ１３の最も低い位置よりも高いところに位置するよう設けてあるので、吸引リーク管路１１１の開口から汚物などが吐出することがない。しかし、検査中汚物などによって吸引源に接続されている吸引チューブ１３が万一詰まってしまった場合、重力の影響で吸引チューブ内の汚物は、この吸引チューブ１３の開口である処置具突出口６２または吸引リーク管路１１１の何れか低い方から吐出することになる。このため、吸引リーク管路１１１の開口からの汚物などの吐出を防止するため、吸引管路１１１の開口位置を常時検査時の処置具突出口６２の位置よりも高くなるように流体制御装置１００を設置しておくことが望ましい。
【００７１】
このように、流体制御装置を縦置き及び横置きの構成にすることによって検査室での他の装置のレイアウトに対応させて流体制御装置の設置向きを自在に変更して、検査室のスペースを有効に活用することができる。
【００７２】
図１６に示す管路固定部材１２０は、送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３をユニバーサルコード１１に沿わせて配設するためのものであり、送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３を固定する管路固定部１２１とユニバーサルコード固定部１２２とが形成されている。
【００７３】
前記管路固定部材１２０は、ポリプロピレンなどの樹脂やエラストマー、金属など、弾性を備えた材料によって形成されており、図１６（Ｂ）に示すようにユニバーサルコード固定部１２２の開口部１２３が弾性変形可能で、ユニバーサルコード固定部１２２はユニバーサルコード１１に対して着脱自在になっている。
【００７４】
このため、検査中、術者が内視鏡を体腔内へ挿入するために挿入部４と共に操作部５を数回、挿入部４の長手軸方向に回転させることがある。この動作を術者が２回程行なうと、ユニバーサルコード１１はねじれ形状になってしまう。このとき、このユニバーサルコード１１に沿って配設されている送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３も同様にねじれ形状になって座屈し、送気，送水，吸引が行えなくなることが考えられる。
【００７５】
そこで、図１７に示すように術者は、ユニバーサルコード１１をねじれ形状になってしまったとき、速やかにユニバーサルコード１１からユニバーサルコード固定部１２２を外して、送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３をユニバーサルコード１１から離脱させて、送気チューブ１２，送水チューブ１４及び吸引チューブ１３を容易に元の直線状態に戻すことによってチューブの座屈を未然に防止して、送気、送水、吸引などの作業が確実に行える。
【００７６】
ここで、送気ノズル及び送水ノズルについて説明する。
【００７７】
図１８に示すように本実施の形態のカバー２の先端カバー部材９の先端面には観察窓である対物レンズカバー２１及び照明レンズカバー２３や処置具突出口６２などが設けられている。また、対物レンズカバー２１の表面に開口を向けた送気ノズル３５、送水ノズル３６が設けられている。
【００７８】
前記送気ノズル３５及び送水ノズル３６は、検査中、対物レンズカバー２１に付着した体液や血液などを除去するためのものであり、まず、前記送水ノズル３６から送水をおこなって、対物レンズカバー２１の表面に付着した汚物を洗い流す。続いて、前記送気ノズル３５から送気をおこなって、対物レンズカバー２１の表面についた水滴を吹き飛ばし除去する。
【００７９】
前記図２に示したようにカバー用内視鏡３とカバー２とを装着した際、対物レンズカバー２１の内側に位置するカバー用内視鏡３の対物レンズ系１６の内側に位置する撮像回路部１８には前記対物レンズ系１６の基端側のレンズの結像位置に固体撮像素子１７が設けられている。この固体撮像素子１７は、対物レンズ系１６の観察視野像を電気信号に変換するものである。
【００８０】
図１９及び図２０に示すように光学的有効領域と送気ノズル３５、送水ノズル３６との位置関係は、前記固体撮像素子１７の受光エリアが角形でモニタでの表示形状が角形の場合、図１８に示した対物レンズカバー表面での光学的有効領域１２５が角形となる。また、前記対物レンズカバー２１の先端側の対物レンズカバー表面と平行な平面においても光学的有効領域は角形となり、対物レンズカバー２１の表面から距離ｈでの同一平面における、対辺方向が対角方向よりも狭くなる。
【００８１】
前記先端カバー部材９に設ける送気ノズル３５及び送水ノズル３６の開口を、対物レンズカバー２１に近付けて送気力及び送水力を大きくしようとすると、近付けすぎることによって送気ノズル３５あるいは送水ノズル３６が観察視野内に入ってしまうおそれがある。
【００８２】
そこで、本実施の形態においては前記送水ノズル３６を、角形の光学的有効領域１２５の対辺方向、つまり角形の光学的有効領域１２５の辺に対向する位置に配置させることにより、光学的有効領域１２５に入ることなく、且つ対物レンズカバー２１に対してできるだけ近い位置に開口が位置するように、斜面部３７を長く設けている。
【００８３】
一方、前記送気ノズル３５を、角形の受光エリアの角に対向する位置に配置させることにより、光学的有効領域１２５に入ることなく、且つ対物レンズカバー２１に対してできるだけ近い位置に開口が位置するように、斜面部３７の長さを短く設定している。
【００８４】
このことにより、前記送水ノズル３６は、送気ノズル３５と処置具突出口６２の間に位置する。このとき、送水ノズル３６の開口が対物レンズカバー２１に対向しているため、この送水ノズル３６の開口から噴出した水は照明レンズカバー２３などに当たることなく、直接、対物レンズカバー２１に噴出されるため、噴出する水の勢いに損失がない。
【００８５】
また、図１９に示すように送気ノズル３５の噴出部上面部３８は、噴出される空気の流れを先端方向に発散させることなく、対物レンズカバー２１の表面に向かうようにするため斜面になっている。これに反し、噴出部下面部３９は全ての空気の流れを開口近傍で先端カバー部材９の先端表面に当たって勢いが弱まらないように平面形状にして、先端カバー部材９の先端表面に沿って空気が押し流される構成となっている。
【００８６】
このように、送気ノズル及び送水ノズルを光学的領域を考慮して配設することにより、送気ノズル及び送水ノズルが観察視野に入ることなく、送水ノズル開口を対物レンズカバーに対して十分近い位置に配置させて、送水ノズル開口から勢いを損なうことなく液体を噴出させることができる。また、送水ノズルの開口幅を広くとることができるため、噴出する液体の流れ幅を広くして、面積の広い対物レンズカバーの表面を広く洗浄することができる。一方、送気ノズルは、送水ノズルに比べて対物レンズカバーから離れているが、送気ノズルより噴出される気体の勢いの損失傾向が比較的弱いことと、開口幅を十分広くとることができることから、対物レンズカバーの表面に広く送気することができる。
【００８７】
このことから、洗浄能力が向上すると共に、表面に付着した水滴の除去能力を低下させることなく、観察性能の良く、且つ、送気・送水操作性の良い内視鏡を提供することができる。また、ノズルを対物レンズカバーに対して近づけて配置させることによって先端カバー部材の細径化が図れ、このことにより患者の苦痛を和らげることができる。
【００８８】
なお、対物レンズカバー表面上の水滴の除去は、吸引操作によって処置具突出口より水滴を吸引することでも容易に行うことができるため、対物レンズカバーから送気ノズルが送水ノズルに比べて離れていても不具合は生じない。
【００８９】
図２１を参照して光学的有効領域１２５と送気ノズル３５及び送水ノズル３６との別の位置関係を説明する。
本実施の形態では、前記図１８に示した先端カバー部材９に設けた送気ノズル３５及び送水ノズル３６の形状と先端カバー部材９への配置位置が異なる。その他の構成は図１８に示したものと同様である。
【００９０】
図２１に示すように本実施の形態の送気ノズル３５と送水ノズル３６とはノズルの斜面部３７の長さも同一の形状に形成されている。
【００９１】
前記送水ノズル３６は、角形の光学的有効領域１２５の対辺方向の光学的有効領域１２５に入らない位置で、且つ、できるだけ対物レンズカバー２１に開口を近づけて配置されている。
【００９２】
一方、前記送気ノズル３５は、角形の受光エリアの対角方向の受光エリアに入らない位置で、且つ、できるだけ対物レンズカバー２１に近づけて配置されている。このため、送水ノズル３６の位置が送気ノズル３５に比較して対物レンズカバー側に近付いている。
【００９３】
この構成にしたことにより、組み立て時に送気ノズル３５と送水ノズル３６を取り違えて逆に組みつけることがなくなる。また、送水ノズル３６の取り付け位置が先端カバー部材９の中心側に寄ることにより先端カバー部材９の外径の細径化が図れる。その他の作用は図１８のノズルと同様である。
【００９４】
このように、送気ノズルと送水ノズルとを共通化することによって、送気ノズルと送水ノズルとの誤組みつけを防止することができるばかりでなく、送気ノズル及び送水ノズルを安価に構成・設置することができるので安価な内視鏡を提供することができる。その他の効果は図１８の内視鏡と同様である。
【００９５】
尚、本発明においては、前記実施の形態に限定されず、カバー方式の内視鏡以外の一般的な内視鏡で、ノズルと対物光学系の先端レンズとの位置関係を上述と同様に実施しても良い。また、外科分野などで用いられる送気ノズル、送水ノズルを有する挿入部が硬性な硬性内視鏡に用いても良い。さらに、固体撮像素子の受光エリアとモニタの表示範囲形状は、略正方形でなくとも、略長方形、略三角形、半円形、円形の一部が切り欠いた形状などでも良く、観察窓及び受光エリアないし表示範囲の外周との距離が一部分において他の部分よりも短い部分があれば、この短い部分に送水ノズルを設け、それ以外の部分に送気ノズルを設ける配置であれば良い。又、送気ノズル、送水ノズルは先端カバー部材と別体の部品として構成しても、組み立てを省くため射出成形などによって樹脂で先端カバー部材に一体に形成しても良い。
【００９６】
ところで、特開平３−１９３０２３号公報に示されるように、カバー用内視鏡とカバーとを先端側端部で固定してカバー式内視鏡を構成する際、カバー用内視鏡の先端構成部に溝などの係合部分を形成する一方、前記溝に係合する係止手段をカバーの先端カバー部材に一体的に設け、両者を係合させる構成が知られている。
【００９７】
しかしながら、前記先端構成部に形成した溝に係合する係止手段を、カバー部材に一体的に形成した場合、部品寸法のばらつきなどにより、先端構成部の係合部分に対する係止手段の位置がばらつくことがある。このとき、係合している部分に狭間が生じると、この狭間によって先端構成部が先端カバー部材に対し、その狭間分、長手軸方向に移動してレンズカバー内面と観察窓先端面との距離が変動する。このときの変動幅の大きさによっては、ゴースト、フレア、視野けられなどの光学的不具合が生じる。
【００９８】
このため、係止手段を先端カバー部材に対して別体に構成し、部品寸法のばらつきによるレンズカバーと観察窓との位置関係が変動することを防止し、先端構成部と先端カバー部材とを確実に係止手段で位置決め固定することができると共に、この係止手段を接着固定した場合において、万一係止手段の接着固定部分が剥がれてしまった場合でも観察が不都合な事態を回避する内視鏡が望まれていた。
【００９９】
そこで、先端構成部と先端カバー部材とを一体的に係止する係止手段である係止部材を先端カバー部材とは別体に形成し、この係止部材を先端カバー部材に接着などの手段によって接着固定する。そして、万一接着固定部が剥がれた場合でも係止部材が先端カバー部材から脱落することがないように脱落防止手段を設けて内視鏡を構成する。すなわち、脱落防止手段により、たとえ接着固定部が剥がれた場合でも、係止部材が脱落することなく、観察不能が生じるほどの先端構成部の先端カバー部材からの移動を防止するものである。
【０１００】
図２２に示すように先端カバー部材９の内部には、カバー用内視鏡３の先端構成部６を嵌合するための嵌合部３３が設けられている。前記先端構成部６の外周と先端カバー部材９の外周とは同心円で構成されており、前記先端カバー部材９には係止爪１３１を有する係止部材１３２が前記嵌合部３３の内周面に沿うよう配設されるようになっている。なお、符号１３５は前記係止部材に外嵌する円筒状部材である。
【０１０１】
図２３に示すように前記係止部材１３２は、略Ｔ字形状をしており、挿入部長手方向に細長な先端に係止爪１３１を有する係止爪部１３３と、この係止部材１３２が挿入部長手方向に脱落するのを防止する脱落手段となる周方向に細長で円弧状の抜け止め部１３４とで構成されている。なお、前記係止爪１３１の先端側及び基端側ともに傾斜面１３１ａを有して形成されている。
【０１０２】
図２２に示すように前記係止部材１３２は、嵌合部３３の内周に周方向に切り欠いて形成した周方向凹部１４１と、長手軸方向に切り欠いて形成した軸方向凹部１４２とで略Ｔ字状に形成した凹部１４３に配設されるようになっている。すなわち、前記周方向凹部１４１に前記抜け止め部１３４が嵌合し、前記軸方向凹部１４２に前記係止爪部１３３が嵌合している。なお、前記周方向凹部１４１と前記抜け止め部１３４とは略同径で、前記抜け止め部１３４の軸方向の幅寸法は周方向凹部１４１の軸方向の幅寸法に比較して小さく形成して長手軸方向に対して移動自在な構成となっている。
【０１０３】
図２４ないし図２６に示すように前記カバー用内視鏡３の先端構成部６の外周の少なくとも一部には前記係止爪１３１と係合される係止凸部１５１が設けてある。この係止凸部１５１の基端側は、前記係止爪１３１の傾斜面１３１ａと係合するように同様な傾斜面が形成されている。また、前記係止凸部１５１の先端側も先端側に向かって細径となるよう傾斜面１５２が形成してある。そして、前記係止部材１３２に外嵌して、この係止部材１３２を外周側から中心方向に押圧する円筒状部材１３５が係止部材１３２の近傍に設けられている。
【０１０４】
前記先端構成部６の内部には先端側から順に先端側レンズ１６ａ、対物レンズ系１７及び撮像回路部１８が配置されると共に、図示しない照明光学系が配置されている。前記撮像回路部１８には画像信号を図示しない画像コントロールユニットへ伝達する信号ケーブル１９が接続されている。
【０１０５】
前記先端カバー部材９の先端面には前記先端側レンズ１６ａ及び前記照明光学系を覆うように対物レンズカバー２１，照明レンズカバー２３（不図示）が設けられている。
【０１０６】
また、内視鏡カバー２には先端カバー部材９の先端に設けられた処置具突出口６２に連通する鉗子挿通チャンネル６１及び図示しない送気・送水管路を有している。なお、前記送気・送水管路の先端に図示しないノズルが設けられている。
【０１０７】
上述のように構成したカバー式内視鏡の作用を説明する。
前記カバー２とカバー用内視鏡３とを装着する場合、カバー用内視鏡３の挿入部をカバー２に挿入を挿入していくと、先端構成部６が先端カバー部材９の嵌合部３３に嵌合されていく。このとき、図２７に示すように前記先端構成部６の傾斜面１５２が、前記係止部材１３２の係止爪１３１及び係止爪部１３３を先端カバー部材側に押し上げる。そして、先端構成部６をさらに先端側へ挿入させて挿入完了した段階で、係止爪１３１の傾斜面１３１ａが係止凸部１５１の基端側斜面に係合して、内視鏡カバー２とカバー用内視鏡３とを係止する。
【０１０８】
ここで、内視鏡カバー２とカバー用内視鏡３との係合を確実にするため、図２８に示すように係止部材１３２の外周に円筒状部材１３５を外嵌させ、係止部材１３２を中心方向に押圧して外周方向への変形を規制して装着作業が終了する。なお、係止部材１３２と先端カバー部材９とは、凹部１４３と抜け止め部１３４との間で接着あるいは溶着などの固定手段で固定されている。
【０１０９】
上述のように内視鏡カバー２とカバー用内視鏡３とを係止することによって、万一、係止部材１３２に過度の力が加わって接着固定部が剥がれてしまっても、円筒状部材１３５が係止部材１３２の外周に外挿されているので、先端カバー部材９の先端構成部６が挿入された空間に位置する限り、抜け止め部１３４の基端側端部と周方向凹部１４１の基端側端部とが当接することで係止部材１３２の軸方向の脱落を完全に防止することができる。
【０１１０】
すなわち、図２９に示すように長手軸方向には抜け止め部１３４の基端側端部と周方向凹部１４１の基端側端部とが当接することで係止部材１３２の軸方向基端側への移動が規制され、且つ、脱落を防ぐ作用がある。また、前記係止部材１３２を凹部１４３に固定する際、抜け止め部１３４と周方向凹部１４１との間には長手軸方向にクリアランスが設けられているので、抜け止め部１３４は長手軸方向に周方向凹部１４１内で移動可能なので、治具を用いて先端構成部６の係止凸部１５１の基端側斜面に対して係止爪１３１の傾斜面１３１ａをより確実に係合する位置に位置決めを行って接着あるいは溶着などの固定手段により固定することができる。
【０１１１】
このように、係止爪に設けた傾斜面と先端構成部の係止凸部の基端側斜面とが密接状態で係合するよう係止部材を調整して接着固定することができるので、レンズカバーと先端側レンズとの間にガタツキが生じず光学的不具合がない。
【０１１２】
また、脱落防止手段として係止部材に抜け止め部を、また先端カバー部材に抜け止め部に当接する凹部を設けたことで、万一固定部材が外れてしまった場合でも、係止部材が途中で止まり観察不能になるほど先端構成部が長手軸方向に移動することを防止することができる。このことにより、検査が中断されることなく継続して行なわれる。
【０１１３】
さらに、先端構成部と先端カバー部材との外周面が同心円で形成されているため、先端カバー部材の外周の肉厚が均一にでき、先端カバー部材の細径化が可能になる。
【０１１４】
なお、本実施の形態において、前記凹部１４３を先端カバー部材９の外周面に設け係止部材１３２をこの外周面に沿うよう接着固定した場合でも同様の作用効果を得ることができる。また、前記凹部１４３を形成する代わりに抜け止め部１３４の基端側端面に当接する凸部を設けるようにしても良い。
【０１１５】
図３０ないし図３３を参照して脱落防止手段の別の構成を説明する。
図３０に示すように先端カバー部材９はその一端に係止爪１３１を有する係止部材１３２が嵌合部３３の内周面に沿うよう設けられている。
【０１１６】
図３１に示すように脱落防止手段として前記係止部材１３２には嵌合部３３の内周に設けた径方向に貫通する貫通穴１３６に嵌合する凸部１３７が、係止部材１３２の反係止爪側に設けられている。この係止部材１３２は、長手軸方向に移動自在なように凸部１３７の長手軸方向長さを、貫通穴１３６の長手軸方向の長さよりも短く形成しており、係止部材１３２、凸部１３７並びに貫通穴１３６において当接部分が接着固定されるようになっている。
【０１１７】
また、図３２に示すように鉗子挿通チャンネル６１には湾曲部湾曲時に滑らかに湾曲するよう蛇腹部６１ａが設けてある。前記蛇腹部６１ａは、先端構成部６の端部から湾曲部１０を構成する第１関節駒と第２関節駒との間から基端側方向へ鉗子挿通チャンネル６１が湾曲操作時に湾曲する部分に設けられている。
【０１１８】
その他の構成は上述の実施例と同様であり、同部材には同符号を付して説明を省略する。
【０１１９】
上述のように構成することによって、図３３（Ａ）及び図３３（Ｂ）に示すように内視鏡カバー２とカバー用内視鏡３とを装着した状態のとき、係止爪１３１の傾斜面１３１ａが係止凸部１５１の基端側斜面に係合して、内視鏡カバー２とカバー用内視鏡３とが係止される。なお、係止部材１３２の外周に円筒状部材１３５を外嵌させ、係止部材１３２を中心方向に押圧して外周方向への変形が規制されている。
【０１２０】
このため、前記先端構成部６に過度の長手軸方向基端側への力が加わったり、先端カバー部材９に過度の長手軸方向先端側への力が加わることによって係止部材１３２と先端カバー部材９との接着面が剥がれてしまった場合でも、図３４に示すように凸部１３７の基端側端部と貫通穴１３６の基端側端部との面同士が当接することにより係止部材の長手軸方向への移動が規制される。
【０１２１】
また、貫通穴１３６に対して凸部１３７は、長手軸方向において空間的な余裕があるため、治具などを用いて先端構成部６の係止凸部１５１の基端側斜面と係止爪１３１の先端側斜面との位置決めを行い確実に密接した状態で係合するよう接着固定される。
【０１２２】
このように、係止爪の先端側斜面と先端構成部の係止凸部の基端側斜面とが密接状態で係合するよう係止部材を調整して接着することができるため、レンズカバーと先端側レンズとの間のガタツキが生じず光学的不具合がない。
【０１２３】
また、係止部材に凸部を設け、この凸部を先端カバー部材に形成した貫通穴に係合させたことによって、万一接着固定部が外れてしまった場合でも、凸部が貫通穴に当接することにより脱落することが無いので、観察不能になるほど先端構成部が長手軸方向に移動することを防止することができるので、検査を継続して行うことができる。
【０１２４】
さらに、鉗子挿通チャンネル自体で最も太径である蛇腹部を挿入部自体で最も太径となる先端構成部の端部以降に設けたことにより、カバー式内視鏡自体としては細径化できるという効果がある。
【０１２５】
なお、本実施例において、係止部材１３２を先端カバー部材９の外周面に沿うよう配置し、係止部材１３２の内周側面に凸部１３７を設けても同様の作用、効果を得ることができる。また、貫通穴１３６と凸部１３７とをそれぞれ逆に、嵌合部側に凸部を形成し、係止部材側に貫通穴を設ける構成にしても良い。さらに、貫通穴の代わりに凹部を形成し、凸部の径方向長さを凹部の深さよりも短く形成することによっても同様の効果を得られる。
【０１２６】
図３５及び図３６を参照して脱落防止手段の別の構成を説明する。
図３５に示すように先端カバー部材９の外周面に沿うように係止部材１３２を接着固定すると共に、脱落防止手段として係止部材１３２に貫通穴１３８を形成する一方、先端カバー部材９の前記貫通穴１３８に対応する位置に雌ねじ部１６１を設け、外周方向からからビス１６２を貫通穴１３８に挿通して雌ねじ部１６１に螺合して係止部材１３２を先端カバー部材９にビス止めする構成としている。なお、前記貫通穴１３８は、周方向にはビスの頭部の径よりも小さく長手軸方向にはビスに対してクリアランスを有する長手軸方向に縦長の長孔となっている。
【０１２７】
上述のように脱落防止手段を構成することによって、図３６に示すように内視鏡カバー２において貫通穴１３８は長手軸方向に空間的余裕があるため、係止部材１３２を長手軸方向に移動させて係止爪１３１の先端側の傾斜面１３１ａと係止凸部１５１の基端側の斜面とを治具などを用いて密接した状態に係合させた後、接着固定してビス止めを行えることにより、確実に係止部材を位置決めして、先端カバー部材９に先端構成部６を挿入して装着が完了される。
【０１２８】
このため、係止部材１３２に過度の力が加わり、接着固定面が剥がれるほどの剪断力が接着面に働いたとしてもビスで固定していることにより、前記剪断力に抗して、最悪の場合でもビス１６２が貫通穴１３８に当接することで係止部材１３２の移動が規制される。
【０１２９】
このように、係止爪の先端側斜面と先端構成部の係止凸部の基端側斜面とが密接状態で係合するよう係止部材を調整して接着固定することができるため、レンズカバーと先端側レンズとの間にガタツキが生じず光学的不具合がない。
【０１３０】
また、係止部材と先端カバー部材とを、ビス止めして保持することにより、より強度な力量が係止部材に加わった場合でも、係止部材が脱落しにくくなり、最悪ビス止め部分でずれが生じても、貫通穴の先端側にビスが当接して係止部材の脱落が防止でき、観察不能になるほどレンズカバーと先端側レンズとの間の距離が離れないため、検査を継続して行うことができる。
【０１３１】
図３７ないし図３９を参照して脱落防止手段のまた別の構成を説明する。
図３７に示すように先端カバー部材９の外周面に沿うよう係止部材１３２を接着固定するのに加え、脱落防止手段として係止部材１３２の外周面に周方向溝部１３９を形成し、前記先端カバー部材９の外周面には、係止爪１３１が係止凸部１５１に係合するように係止部材１３２を接着固定した際、係止部材１３２の溝部の延長線上に溝部１３９と同様の切り欠き部１７１を設けている。そして、前記溝部１３９と切り欠き部１７１とに嵌合するように、別体で内径が切り欠き部と同径で長手軸方向長さが溝部１３９及び切り欠き部１７１より短い円弧状部材１７２を外部から配置して接着固定している。
【０１３２】
図３８及び図３９に示すように溝部１３９と円弧状部材１７２との長手軸方向には空間的余裕があるため、係止爪１３１の先端側斜面と係止凸部１５１の基端側斜面とを治具などを用いて密接した状態で係合する位置に位置決めした後、係止部材１３２と先端カバー部材９とを接着固定すると共に、前記係止部材１３２の溝部１３９と切り欠き部１７１とに係合するように円弧状部材１７２を取り付けて当接する面で接着固定して内視鏡カバー２とカバー用内視鏡３とが装着される。
【０１３３】
このため、係止部材１３２に過度の力が加わり、接着固定面が剥がれてしまった場合でも溝部１３９と先端側の面と円弧状部材１７２と切り欠き部１７１の基端側の面とが当接することで、係止部材１３２の長手軸方向の移動量は規制される。
【０１３４】
このように、係止爪の先端側斜面と先端構成部の係止凸部の基端側斜面とが密接状態で係合するよう係止部材を調整して接着することができるため、レンズカバーと先端側レンズとの間にガタツキが生じず、光学的不具合がない。
【０１３５】
また、接着固定部分を剥がすような強固な力が係止爪にかかっても円弧状部材が溝部と切り欠き部とに当接することにより係止部材の脱落を防止でき、観察不能になるほどレンズカバーと先端側レンズとに距離が生じないため検査を継続して行うことができる。
【０１３６】
なお、本実施の形態において、図４０に示すように切り欠き部１７１、溝部１３９にそれぞれ係合するようＣリング１７３などを外挿しても同等の作用効果が得られる。また、溝部１３９、切り欠き部１７１の代わりに円弧状部材１７２の基端側と係合するように凸状にしても良い。
【０１３７】
図４１及び図４２を参照して脱落防止手段の又別の構成を説明する。
図４１に示すように先端カバー部材９の内面の嵌合部３３に沿うよう係止部材１３２を接着固定し、脱落防止手段として前記係止部材１３２の接着面以外の外周面に突起１３７ａを設け、その突起１３７ａの基端側と係合するように外皮７の内面に凸状の止め部７ａを設けている。
【０１３８】
上述のように構成することにより、図４２に示すカバー用内視鏡３が内視鏡カバー２に装着した状態のとき、係止部材１３２に過度の力が加わり接着固定面が剥がれた場合でも突起１３７ａと止め部７ａとが係合していることより、係止部材１３２の長手軸方向の移動は規制される。
【０１３９】
このように、突起と止め部とが係合することにより、係止部材の脱落が防止でき、観察不能になることなく、最低限の光学機能を保持して検査を続けることができる。
【０１４０】
上述の実施の形態は、カバー方式の内視鏡について説明したものであるが、本発明はカバー方式の内視鏡に限定されるものではなく、図４３及び図４４に示すようなカバー式以外の一般的な内視鏡であってもよい。
図４３及び図４４は本発明の第２実施の形態に係り、図４３は内視鏡の先端部の構成を説明する断面図、図４４は図４３のＶ―Ｖ断面図である。
図４３及び図４４に示すように内視鏡２００の挿入部４の先端にはステンレス鋼など金属部材で形成された硬質の先端構成部２０１が設けられている。この先端構成部２０１には前記第１実施例と同様に対物レンズ枠１５に保持された対物レンズ系１６，固体撮像素子１７，撮像回路部１８及び図示しない照明レンズ及びライトガイドなどが配設されている。
【０１４１】
また、前記挿入部２０２の内部を挿通する鉗子挿通チャンネル６１の先端は、先端構成部２０１の最先端に設けられた処置具突出口６２の近傍に設けられたチャンネル接続部６３に接着などの手段によって固定されて処置具突出口６２に連通している。一方、前記鉗子挿通チャンネル６１の基端は図示しない操作部に設けられている鉗子挿入口に連通している。
【０１４２】
前記鉗子挿通チャンネル６１は、ＰＴＦＥ，ＰＦＡなどの材質よりなる管状部材より形成されている。そして、前記湾曲部１０の内部に配置される部位においては湾曲部湾曲時に座屈せずに滑らかに曲がるようにコイル巻き部２０３が設けられている。このコイル巻き部２０３では外表面の円周方向に溝２０３ａが設けられており、この溝２０３ａに金属の線材などからなるコイル部材２０３ｂを埋め込んで螺旋状に巻き付けている。このため、このコイル巻き部２０３は、その他の部分よりも外径が太径になっている。
【０１４３】
送気チューブ１２及び送水チューブ１４は、挿入部２０２の内部を鉗子挿通チャンネル６１と同様に配設され、先端を先端構成部２０１に形成した管路接続部に接着などの手段によって接続固定して、先端構成部２０１の先端面に設けられている図示しない送気・送水ノズルに連通している。
【０１４４】
前記チャンネル接続部６３の基端側には第１実施の形態の先端カバー部材９と同様に、先端構成部２０１の基端側の鉗子挿通チャンネル６１近傍部分の外側を切り欠いた切欠部７６が形成されており、この空間部分７７に鉗子挿通チャンネル６１が設けられるようになっている。
【０１４５】
前記先端構成部２０１に連結された第一関節駒１０ａの内部においては撮像回路部１８が最もスペースを多く占有しており、この部分では鉗子挿通チャンネル６１は撮像回路部１８との干渉を避けるようにチャンネル接続部６３での位置に対して径外側方向に位置している。また、コイル巻き部２０３は、鉗子挿通チャンネル６１の他の部分に比較して太径であるため、撮像回路部１８，信号ケーブル１９，送気チューブ１２及び送水チューブ１４などとの干渉を避けるようにチャンネル接続部６３での位置に対して径外側方向に位置している。
【０１４６】
上述のように、切欠部７６を形成したことにより、鉗子挿通チャンネル６１は、先端構成部２０１に固定されたチャンネル接続部６３の基端からこの切欠部７６を介して基端側に向かうとき、径外側方向にゆるやかに変位して撮像回路部１８との干渉を避けて径外側方向に位置を移行させていく。
【０１４７】
このように、鉗子挿通チャンネルを、切欠部で形成した空間部に配設し、ゆるやかにチャンネル接続部から外側に変位させるため、先端構成部の基端部分において座屈をすることがない。また、比較的大きな処置具を挿通した場合でも引っ掛かりなどがなく、スムーズに挿通でき処置具の挿脱の際の力量が軽く、術者に負担を与えることがない。さらに、挿入部を太径とせずに比較的大きく高性能、高機構な撮像回路部を設けられるため、観察性能が良い内視鏡を提供できる。その他の効果は前記第１実施例と同様である。
【０１４８】
尚、本発明においては上述の実施の形態に限定されず、送気管路や送水管路を有することなく、工業分野で使用されてエンジンや工業用配管内などにおいて異物回収を行う回収具などの作業具を挿通するための処置具挿通チャンネルを有する工業用内視鏡にて実施しても良い。
【０１４９】
また、外科分野などで用いられる挿入部の内部に処置具挿通チャンネルを有する挿入部が硬性の硬性内視鏡や、挿入部の先端側に湾曲部が設けられた湾曲部付き硬性内視鏡、さらには前記第１実施例と同様な構成を有する内視鏡カバーを組み合わせて使用されるカバー式の湾曲部付き硬性内視鏡において実施しても良い。この場合、処置具突出口を有し、処置具挿通チャンネルが接続固定される挿入部の先端に設けられた先端構成部において処置具挿通チャンネルが接続固定される部分において処置具挿通チャンネルがゆるやかに変位可能なように先端構成部の基端側に切り欠き部を設け、この切り欠き部よりも先端側にて先端構成部に処置具挿通路を固定し、切り欠き部においては処置具挿通路の外周と先端構成部との間に隙間を有するように構成すれば良い。
【０１５０】
［付記］
１．内視鏡の挿入部の先端側に配置された先端構成部に設けた処置具突出口と、前記内視鏡の挿入部の基端側に配置された操作部の近傍に設けた処置具挿入口とを連通する少なくとも１本の処置具挿通路を挿通する内視鏡を備えた内視鏡装置において、前記処置具挿通路が設けられる先端構成部の処置具挿通路の周囲に、長手軸方向に並行で、前記先端構成部の基端側から先端側に、外周面側に開口を有する切り欠き部を設けた内視鏡装置。
【０１５１】
２．カバー用内視鏡と、このカバー用内視鏡に着脱自在に外装される処置具突出口を設けた先端カバー部材及び処置具挿入口を設けた口体部を有する内視鏡カバーから構成されるカバー式内視鏡を備えた内視鏡装置において、前記処置具挿通路が設けられる先端カバー部材の処置具挿通路の周囲に、長手軸方向に並行で、この先端カバー部材の基端側から先端側に、外周面側に開口を有する切り欠き部を設けた内視鏡装置。
【０１５２】
３．前記処置具挿通路が前記切り欠き部よりも先端側で処置具突出口に連通する付記１及び付記２記載の内視鏡装置。
このように、先端構成部に切り欠き部を設け、この切り欠き部よりも先端側で処置具挿通路を処置具挿入口に固定することによって、前記処置具挿通路は切り欠き部内に自由度を持って配置される。
【０１５３】
４．前記内視鏡が異物回収などを行うための作業具を挿通する処置具挿通路を有する工業用内視鏡である付記１記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１５４】
５．前記内視鏡及びカバー式内視鏡の挿入部の先端側に湾曲部を有する付記１及び付記２記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１５５】
６．前記挿入部の湾曲部以外の部分が軟性である付記５記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１５６】
７．前記挿入部の湾曲部以外の部分が硬性である付記５記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１５７】
８．前記挿入部が硬性である付記１及び付記２記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１５８】
９．カバー先端構成部にカバー用内視鏡の先端構成部を係止する係止部材と、この係止部材に外嵌して係止部材の外側方向への変形を規制する円筒部材とを設けた付記２記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１５９】
１０．前記先端構成部よりも基端側の先端構成部近傍において、先端構成部内よりも内蔵物断面積が大きいことを特徴とする付記１及び付記２記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１６０】
１１．前記カバー先端構成部よりも基端側にカバー用内視鏡の太径部を配置したことを特徴とする付記２記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１６１】
１２．前記内蔵物は固体撮像素子と固体撮像素子からの画像信号を制御する制御基板とを有する撮像回路部であることを特徴とする付記１０記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１６２】
１３．前記太径部は湾曲部である付記１１記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１６３】
１４．前記太径部は内視鏡先端構成部と湾曲部との接続部分である付記１１記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１６４】
１５．前記処置具挿通路が先端構成部の基端側近傍においてその他の部分よりも外径が太い挿通路太径部を有することを特徴とする付記１ないし付記１４記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１６５】
１６．前記挿通路太径部は湾曲可能な挿通路湾曲部である付記１５記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１６６】
１７．内視鏡挿入部の先端に設けられた先端構成部に対物レンズと固体撮像素子を有し、この固体撮像素子の受光範囲またはモニタの表示範囲が非円形で、前記観察窓に対向する送気ノズル、送水ノズルを設けた内視鏡装置において、観察窓に平行な平面内の前記受光範囲もしくは表示範囲が、観察窓から近い位置に送水ノズルを設け、遠い位置に送気ノズルを設けた内視鏡装置。
【０１６７】
１８．内視鏡挿入部の先端に設けられた先端構成部に対物レンズと固体撮像素子を有し、この対物レンズの先端側レンズに向けて送気ノズル、送水ノズルを設けた、前記固体撮像素子からの電気信号に基づいて観察視野像をモニタに表示する内視鏡装置において、前記撮像素子の受光範囲またはモニタへの表示視野が角形で、送水ノズルを前記角形の辺方向に設け、送気ノズルをその角形の対角方向に設けた付記１７記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１６８】
１９．カバー用内視鏡と、カバー用内視鏡に着脱自在に外装される内視鏡カバーから構成され、前記カバー用内視鏡の挿入部の先端に設けられた内視鏡先端構成部に対物レンズと固体撮像素子を設け、この固体撮像素子からの電気信号に基づいて観察視野像をモニタに表示すると共に、前記撮像素子の受光範囲またはモニタへの表示視野が角形で、内視鏡カバーの先端部に送気ノズルと送水ノズルとを設けた内視鏡装置において、前記送水ノズルをその角形の辺方向に設け、送気ノズルをその角形の対角方向に設けた付記１７及び付記１８記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１６９】
２０．前記表示視野が略４角形である付記１８及び付記１９記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１７０】
２１．前記略４角形が略正方形である付記２０記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１７１】
２２．前記略４角形が略長方形である付記２０記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１７２】
２３．前記表示視野が３角形である付記１８及び付記１９記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１７３】
２４．前記受光範囲もしくは表示範囲が半円形である付記１７記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１７４】
２５．前記送水ノズルの開口を送気ノズルの開口よりも観察窓に近付けたことを特徴とする付記１７ないし付記２４記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１７５】
２６．前記先端構成部への前記送水ノズルの取り付け位置を送気ノズルの取り付け位置よりも観察窓に近付けたことを特徴とする付記１７ないし付記２４記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１７６】
２７．送水ノズルと送気ノズルとを共通の部品形状としたことを特徴とする付記２６記載の内視鏡装置。
【０１７７】
２８．先端構成部と先端カバー部材とを係止部材を介して一体的に係止するカバー式内視鏡において、前記係止部材に先端カバー部材からの脱落を防止する脱落防止手段を設けたカバー式内視鏡。
【０１７８】
２９．前記脱落防止手段が係止部材に設けた抜け止め部と先端カバー部材に形成した周方向凹部とで構成される付記２８記載のカバー式内視鏡。
【０１７９】
３０．前記脱落防止手段が係止部材に設けた凸部と先端カバー部材に設けた凹部または穴部とで構成される付記２８記載のカバー式内視鏡。
【０１８０】
３１．前記脱落防止手段が係止部材に設けた凹部ないしは穴部と先端カバー部材に設けた凸部とで構成される付記２８記載のカバー式内視鏡。
【０１８１】
３２．前記脱落防止手段が係止部材に設けた凹部には位置される別部材である付記２８記載のカバー式内視鏡。
【０１８２】
３３．前記脱落防止手段が外皮に形成した凸部と係止部材に形成した凸部とで構成される付記２８記載のカバー式内視鏡。
【０１８３】
３４．前記係止部材が先端側が幅の広い段差形状を有し、段差部分と先端カバー部材に設けた溝部との係合により脱落防止手段となる付記２９記載のカバー式内視鏡。
【０１８４】
３５．前記脱落防止手段が先端カバー部材外周と係止部材に外装される円弧状部材である付記２８記載のカバー式内視鏡。
【０１８５】
３６．前記脱落防止手段が係止部材に形成した貫通穴と、先端カバー部材に形成したネジ部と、前記貫通穴に挿通してネジ部に螺合するビスとで構成される付記２８記載のカバー式内視鏡。
【０１８６】
【発明の効果】
以上説明したように本発明によれば、観察窓などの洗浄能力が向上すると共に、観察窓などの表面に付着した水滴の除去能力を低下させることなく、観察性能が良く、また、ノズルを対物レンズカバーに対して近づけて配置させることによって先端カバー部材の細径化が図れ、このことにより患者の苦痛を和らげることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】図１ないし図１１は本発明の第１実施の形態に係り、図１はカバー式内視鏡の概略構成を示す斜視図
【図２】カバー式内視鏡の先端部の構成を示す断面図
【図３】先端カバー部材の基端面側を示す説明図
【図４】先端構成部の先端面を示す説明図
【図５】遮光部と遮光溝との関係を説明する断面図
【図６】先端構成部への対物レンズ枠の取付けを説明する断面図
【図７】照明レンズカバーと先端カバー部材との関係を説明する断面 図
【図８】先端カバー部材に照明レンズカバーを配設した状態を示す断 面図
【図９】先端カバー部材に形成した照明レンズカバー受け部を示す説 明図
【図１０】先端カバー部材と先端構成部との係止部及び処置具挿通路 である鉗子挿通チャンネルの配置構成を説明する断面図
【図１１】図１０のＩ―Ｉ断面図
【図１２】送気・送水チューブの管路接続部の概略構成を示す断面図
【図１３】流体制御装置を示す説明図
【図１４】送水タンクと流体制御装置との接続関係を示す説明図
【図１５】図１３の流体制御装置を横置きにした図
【図１６】管路固定部材を示す説明図
【図１７】管路こいて部材の作用を示す説明図
【図１８】送気ノズル・送水ノズルの配置位置関係と光学的領域とを 示す説明図
【図１９】対角方向に配設した送気ノズルを示す図
【図２０】対辺方向に配設した送水ノズルを示す図
【図２１】送気ノズル・送水ノズルの別の配置位置関係を示す説明図
【図２２】図２２ないし図２９は脱落防止手段の構成に係り、図２２ はカバー式内視鏡の先端部及び脱落防止手段を説明する断 面図
【図２３】係止部材の構成を示す斜視図
【図２４】カバー式内視鏡の係止状態を示す説明断面図
【図２５】図２４のII―II断面図
【図２６】図２４のIII―III断面図
【図２７】カバー用内視鏡を内視鏡カバーに装着する状態を示す説明 図
【図２８】カバー用内視鏡を内視鏡カバーに装着完了した状態を示す 説明図
【図２９】脱落防止手段の作用を説明する断面図
【図３０】図３０ないし図３３は脱落防止手段の別の構成に係り、図 ３０はカバー式内視鏡の先端部及び脱落防止手段を説明す る断面図
【図３１】係止部材の別の構成を示す斜視図
【図３２】カバー用内視鏡を内視鏡カバーに装着した状態を示す説明 図
【図３３】カバー式内視鏡の係止状態を示す説明断面図
【図３４】脱落防止手段の作用を説明する断面図
【図３５】図３５及び図３６は脱落防止手段の他の構成に係り、図３ ５はカバー式内視鏡の先端部及び脱落防止手段を説明する 断面図
【図３６】カバー式内視鏡の係止状態を示す説明断面図
【図３７】図３７ないし図３９は脱落防止手段のまた別の構成に係り、図３７はカバー式内視鏡の先端部及び脱落防止手段を説明 する断面図
【図３８】カバー式内視鏡の係止状態を示す説明断面図
【図３９】図３８の断面図
【図４０】脱落防止手段にＣリング状部材を用いたカバー式内視鏡の 断面図
【図４１】図４１及び図４２は脱落防止手段の又別の構成に係り、図 ４１はカバー式内視鏡の先端部及び脱落防止手段を説明す る断面図
【図４２】カバー式内視鏡の係止状態を示す説明断面図
【図４３】図４３及び図４４は本発明の第２実施の形態に係り、図４ ３は内視鏡の先端部の構成を説明する断面図
【図４４】図４３のＶ―Ｖ断面図
【符号の説明】
６…先端構成部
９…先端カバー部材
２１…対物レンズカバー
３５…送気ノズル
３６…送水ノズル[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endoscope apparatus that is used for medical use or industrial use and that includes at least one of an endoscope that performs observation without covering a cover or a cover-type endoscope that covers and observes a cover. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an endoscope apparatus has been used in which an observation site is imaged with a solid-state imaging device disposed in an endoscope and observed with a monitor. In the endoscope apparatus, an observation window and an illumination window are generally provided on the distal end surface of the endoscope. In addition, a nozzle is provided on the distal end surface of the endoscope so that the surface of the observation window can be cleaned by supplying water and air toward the observation window.
[0003]
By bringing the nozzle close to the observation window, not only can the size be reduced, the outer diameter of the endoscope insertion portion can be reduced, but also the cleaning force can be increased by increasing the force of water fed from the nozzle toward the observation window. While improving, the force sent from a nozzle toward an observation window becomes large, and the draining property improves.
[0004]
However, if the nozzle is too close to the observation window, this nozzle enters the observation field of view and adversely affects the observation, so it is difficult to reduce the distance between the observation window and the nozzle.
[0005]
In order to solve this problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 6-42857 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-38926 are provided with an objective lens and a solid-state image sensor at the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion. In an endoscope which displays an observation visual field image on a monitor based on an electric signal and has one air / water supply nozzle toward the observation window of the objective lens, the light receiving area or display visual field range of the solid-state imaging device An endoscope has been proposed in which the nozzle is installed at a corresponding position facing the side of the square, and the nozzle is placed as close as possible to the observation window without entering the field of view. . For an endoscope having two nozzles, an air supply nozzle and a water supply nozzle, refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 6-42857, and place the air supply nozzle on the opposite side of the light receiving area of the solid-state image sensor and move it closer to the observation window. The water supply nozzle provided on the diagonal side of the light receiving area is shown. Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-38926 discloses an arrangement in which two air supply nozzles and water supply nozzles are arranged side by side on the opposite side of the optically effective area.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 6-42857, when the water supply pipe for transferring the liquid connected to the water supply nozzle is thin or long, the water supply capacity is reduced, and the water supply nozzle Is provided on the diagonal side and the distance from the observation window is long, the water feeding ability is remarkably lowered, and the objective lens surface cannot be sufficiently cleaned, and observation may be difficult. Further, in the endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-38926, since two nozzles are arranged side by side on the opposite side of the optically effective area, the opening width of each nozzle is reduced, and the nozzle is ejected from the nozzle. The flow width of the generated liquid is restricted to a small scale, making it difficult to supply and supply water over a wide optical effective area. Removal may not be performed sufficiently, and observation may be difficult.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has a good ability to clean an observation window provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope, a capability of removing water droplets from the observation window, and an outer diameter of the distal end portion. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope apparatus that is small in diameter and does not give pain to a patient.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The endoscope apparatus according to claim 1.InventionThe tip of the endoscope insertion partWhen,The objective lens provided at the distal end and a non-circular predetermined light receiving range or a light receiving range corresponding to a display range displayed non-circularly on the monitorSolid-state image sensorWhen,Out of the contours forming the edges of the light receiving range, the contour portion that is close to the center of the objective lens is disposed in a direction in which the contour portion is located and opened toward the objective lens.Water supply nozzleWhen,Arranged in the direction in which the contour portion located far from the center of the objective lens is located and opened toward the objective lensAir supply nozzleWhen,A suction conduit that is opened adjacent to the objective lens and can suck water droplets on the objective lens by a connected suction source;It is characterized by that.
[0009]
  The endoscope apparatus according to claim 2.InventionThe tip of the endoscope insertion partWhen,The objective optical system provided with the tip side lens provided at the tip part and exposed on the tip part surface, and a display range having a non-circular predetermined light receiving range or displayed non-circularly on the monitor Has light reception rangeSolid-state image sensorWhen,Out of the contours forming the edge of the light receiving range, the contour portion that is close to the center of the front end side lens is disposed in the direction in which it is located and opened toward the front end side lens of the objective optical system.Water supply nozzleWhen,Arranged in the direction in which the contour portion located far from the center of the front lens is located, opened toward the front lens of the objective optical systemAir supply nozzleWhen,A suction conduit that is opened adjacent to the front lens and is capable of sucking water droplets on the front lens by a connected suction source.It is characterized by that.
  The invention of the endoscope apparatus according to claim 3,The distal end of the endoscope insertion section and,An objective optical system provided with a tip side lens provided at the tip portion and exposed on the surface of the tip portion, and a light receiving range corresponding to a display range having a predetermined rectangular light receiving range or displayed in a square shape on a monitor A solid-state imaging device having,A water supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a side portion of the rectangular light receiving range is located, and that opens toward a tip side lens of the objective optical system;,An air supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a corner portion of the rectangular light receiving range is located, and that opens toward the tip side lens of the objective optical system;,And a suction conduit that is opened adjacent to the distal lens and is capable of sucking water droplets on the distal lens by a connected suction source..
[0010]
  Also,Claim4The endoscope apparatus described inThe invention of,The distal end of the endoscope insertion section and,The objective lens provided at the distal end and a non-circular predetermined light receiving range or a light receiving range corresponding to a display range displayed non-circularly on the monitorSolid-state image sensorWhen,Among the contours forming the edge of the light receiving range, the contour portion that is close to the center of the objective lens is disposed in the direction in which the contour portion is located and opens toward the objective lens, and on the surface of the objective lens. On the other hand, water can be fed from an oblique direction.Water supply nozzleWhen,It is arranged in a direction in which a contour portion that is far from the center of the objective lens is located, opens toward the objective lens, and can supply air parallel to the surface of the objective lensAir supply nozzleAnd comprisingIt is characterized by that.
  Furthermore, the invention of the endoscope apparatus according to claim 5,The distal end of the endoscope insertion section and,The objective optical system provided with the tip side lens provided at the tip part and exposed on the tip part surface, and a display range having a non-circular predetermined light receiving range or displayed non-circularly on the monitor A solid-state imaging device having a light receiving range;,Of the contour forming the edge of the light receiving range, the contour portion is located in a direction near the center of the distal lens, and is open toward the distal lens, and the distal lens A water supply nozzle capable of supplying water from an oblique direction with respect to the surface of,It is arranged in a direction in which a contour portion that is far from the center of the distal lens is located, opens toward the distal lens, and can feed air in parallel to the surface of the distal lens. And an air nozzle..
[0011]
  The invention of the endoscope apparatus according to claim 6,The distal end of the endoscope insertion section and,An objective optical system provided with a tip side lens provided at the tip portion and exposed on the surface of the tip portion, and a light receiving range corresponding to a display range having a predetermined rectangular light receiving range or displayed in a square shape on a monitor A solid-state imaging device having,A water supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a side portion of the rectangular light receiving range is located, opens toward the front lens, and is capable of supplying water from an oblique direction to the surface of the front lens;,An air supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a corner portion of the rectangular light receiving range is located, opens toward the front lens, and can supply air parallel to the surface of the front lens; It is characterized by.
  And in the endoscope apparatus in any one of the said Claims 1-6, the endoscope for a cover provided with the objective lens and the solid-state image sensor in the front-end | tip part of an insertion part,,An endoscope cover detachably mounted on the cover endoscope;,An objective lens cover serving as the distal lens disposed on the distal end side of the objective lens, the water supply nozzle, and the air supply nozzle are provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope cover. ,SaidThe light receiving range of the solid-state imaging device or the display range of the visual field on the monitor is a shape in which a part of a circle is cut out.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
1 to 11 show an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a cover-type endoscope, and FIG. 2 is a distal end portion of the cover-type endoscope. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing the base end face side of the tip cover member, FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the tip face of the tip constituent portion, and FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the light shielding portion and the light shielding groove. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the attachment of the objective lens frame to the tip structure portion, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the relationship between the illumination lens cover and the tip cover member, and FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an illumination lens cover receiving portion formed on the tip cover member, and FIG. 10 is a latching portion between the tip cover member and the tip constituent portion, and a treatment instrument insertion path. Sectional drawing explaining arrangement | positioning structure of the forceps insertion channel which is FIG. 11, FIG. 11 is I of FIG. I is a cross-sectional view. The endoscope will be described first with a cover-type endoscope.
[0013]
As shown in FIG. 1, a cover-type endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment includes an endoscope cover (hereinafter abbreviated as a cover) 2 and an endoscope cover endoscope (hereinafter referred to as a cover) attached to the cover 2. It is composed of a combination of 3 for the endoscope.
[0014]
When performing an endoscopic inspection using this cover-type endoscope 1, the sterilized clean cover 2 covers the insertion portion of the cover endoscope 3 and the like, and after the inspection, the cover endoscope While the cover 2 covering the insertion portion 3 is discarded, the cover endoscope 3 is covered again with a clean cover 2 that has been sterilized and used repeatedly. This eliminates the need for cleaning and disinfection on the endoscope side after the examination.
[0015]
In the endoscope 3 for a cover, an operation portion 5 that also serves as a gripping portion is provided on the proximal end side of the elongated insertion portion 4. Further, a distal end configuration portion 6 is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 4.
[0016]
On the other hand, the cover 2 has a soft outer skin 7 that covers and covers the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 3 for the cover, and a forceps insertion opening serving as a treatment instrument insertion passage is provided on the base end side of the outer skin 7. A mouth part 8 having 8a is provided. The mouth part 8 is connected so as to wrap around and cover the outer periphery on the front end side of the operation part 5. A distal end cover member 9 is provided on the distal end side of the outer skin 7 so as to be detachably engageable and fixable to the outer peripheral surface of the distal end constituting portion 6 of the cover endoscope 3. .
[0017]
A bending portion 10 is connected to the proximal end side of the distal end configuration portion 6 of the cover endoscope 3. In addition, a universal cord 11 extends from a side surface of the operation unit 5 toward a light source device (not shown). Reference numeral 14 denotes a water supply tube that forms a water supply conduit, reference numeral 12 denotes an air supply tube that forms an air supply conduit, and reference numeral 13 denotes a suction tube that forms a suction conduit.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 2, an objective lens system 16 held by an objective lens frame 15 and an imaging position of the objective lens system 16 are used to capture an image of an observation object on the distal end constituting portion 6 of the cover endoscope 3. And a solid-state imaging device 17 and an imaging circuit unit 18 that convert the observation visual field image into an electrical signal. A signal cable 19 for transmitting an image signal to an image control unit (not shown) extends from the base end side of the imaging circuit unit 18.
[0019]
An objective lens cover 21 made of a transparent optical member is fitted to the objective lens cover frame 22 at a position facing the distal end side lens 16 a provided at the most distal end portion of the objective lens system 16 on the distal end cover member 9 of the cover 2. It is fixed by bonding. The objective lens cover frame 22 is provided with an objective lens cover receiving portion 22a for holding the objective lens cover 21. The objective lens cover receiving portion 22a is formed so that the thickness dimension a is at least in the range of 0.1 to 1 mm in order to ensure strength.
[0020]
The distal end surface of the objective lens frame 15 and the distal end surface of the distal end side lens 16a are positioned and fixed so as to be substantially the same plane. The objective lens frame 15 and the distal lens 16a protrude from the distal surface of the distal component 6 by the same amount as the thickness a of the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a, and are fixed to the distal component 6.
[0021]
The distal end surface of the distal end component portion 6 is fixed in contact with the abutting surface 31 on the proximal end side of the distal end cover member 9 shown in FIG. Further, a convex light shielding portion 32 is formed on the abutting surface 31. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, a concave light shielding groove 41 is formed at a position facing the light shielding portion 32 on the distal end surface of the distal end constituting portion 6 facing the contact surface 31.
[0022]
That is, the light shielding portion 32 is fitted into the light shielding groove 41 when the distal end surface of the distal end constituting portion 6 is fixed in contact with the abutting surface 31 on the proximal end side of the distal end cover member 9. Therefore, when the illumination light is transmitted from the light source device (not shown) through the light guide 24 and irradiated into the body cavity via the illumination lens cover 23 disposed on the illumination lens 24a and the distal end cover member 9, the distal end cover is irradiated. Even if reflected light is generated by being reflected on the inner surface of the member 9 or the illumination lens cover 23, the reflected light is blocked by the light shielding portion 32 and does not enter the front end side lens 16a.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 5, a relationship of b ≦ c is established between the protrusion amount b of the light shielding part 32 and the depth c of the light shielding groove 41. For this reason, since the light shielding portion 32 does not abut against the bottom surface of the light shielding groove 41, the distal end surface of the distal end component portion 6 and the abutting surface 31 of the distal end cover member 9 abut against each other. Thus, the gap between the front lens 16a and the objective lens cover 21 and the gap between the illumination lens 24a and the illumination lens cover 23 can be surely made minute. Further, the arrangement positional relationship between the light shielding portion 32 and the light shielding groove 41 is such that the distal end side lens 16a of the distal end configuration portion 6 and the distal end side lens 16a of the distal end configuration portion 6 are arranged in order to avoid interference between the distal end side lens 16a provided in the distal end configuration portion 6 and the illumination lens 24a. While the light shielding groove 41 is provided between the illumination lens 24a and the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a of the distal end cover member 9 in order to avoid interference between the objective lens cover 21 provided on the distal end cover member 9 and the illumination lens cover 23. And the illumination lens cover receiving portion 33a so that the light shielding portion 32 is positioned.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 6, when the objective lens frame 15 is positioned and fixed to the tip component portion 6, that is, when the objective lens frame 15 is assembled to the tip component portion 6, a surface-exposure jig 50 is used.
As shown in FIG. 6A, first, the tip lens 16a is fixed in advance with the tip surface 6a of the tip component 6 abutting against the tip component abutment surface 51 of the surface jig 50. The objective lens frame 15 is inserted into the distal end constituting portion 6.
[0025]
Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the objective lens frame 15 and the distal end surface 16b of the distal end side lens 16a are recessed from the distal end component abutting surface 51 of the surface jig 50 by an a dimension. The lens is brought into contact with the lens abutting surface 52. In this state, the fixing screw 53 is screwed into the screw portion 42 provided in the tip constituent portion 6, and the objective lens frame 15 is pressed against the tip constituent portion 6 with the fixing screw 53 and assembled integrally.
[0026]
As described above, the objective lens frame 15 is integrally assembled to the distal end constituting portion 6 with the fixing screw 53, so that the gap between the objective lens cover 21 and the distal end side lens 16a is set to a product having a thickness dimension of the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a. Even if the variation for each product and the variation of the protruding amount of the distal end side lens 16a from the distal end constituting portion 6 for each product are taken into consideration, the distal end side lens 16a and the objective lens cover can be configured in the range of 0 to 0.1 mm. As a result of being too far from 21, it is possible to secure a good observation field that does not enter the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a within the observation field.
[0027]
In addition, since the distal end surfaces of the objective lens frame 15 and the distal end side lens 16a are formed on the same plane, and the objective lens frame 15 is protruded from the distal end constituent portion 6 by a predetermined dimension, the distal end side lens 16a is mounted when the distal end side lens 16a is mounted. There is no damage.
[0028]
Further, by assembling using the surface jig 50, the gap between the products at the time of manufacture can be offset and the gap between the objective lens cover 21 and the front lens 16a can be made minute. Even in the combination of the endoscope 3 and the cover 2, it is possible to ensure a good observation field.
[0029]
In addition, the illumination lens 24a is positioned and fixed to the tip component 6 so that the tip surface of the illumination lens 24a and the tip surface of the tip component 6 are substantially flush with each other. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the tip cover member 9 is formed with an illumination lens cover receiving portion 33a for holding the illumination lens cover 23 and an illumination lens cover frame portion 33b. The illumination lens cover receiving portion 33a is formed with a thickness dimension d of at least 0.1 to 1 mm in order to ensure strength.
[0030]
On the other hand, the illumination lens cover 23 is fitted into the illumination lens cover frame portion 33b and fixed to the illumination lens cover frame portion 33b by bonding or the like, and an inner periphery of the illumination lens cover receiving portion 33a. And a small-diameter portion 23b that is loosely fitted to the portion. Then, the gap between the illumination lens 24a and the illumination lens cover 23 is made small as shown in FIG. 8 by forming the thickness of the small diameter portion 23b substantially the same as the thickness d of the illumination lens cover receiving portion 33a. The majority of the illumination light emitted from the illumination lens 24 a can be guided to the illumination lens cover 23. For this reason, a large amount of light is emitted from the illumination lens cover 23 into the body cavity and is not obstructed by the small diameter portion 23b, so that the light distribution is good and the area of the illumination lens cover 23 can be made relatively small.
[0031]
This makes it possible to reduce the outer diameter of the tip cover member 9. In addition, since the illumination lens 24a is configured not to protrude from the tip configuration portion 6, the illumination lens 24a is not damaged at the time of mounting.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 9, the objective lens cover frame portion 22 of the tip cover member 9 has a substantially quadrangular shape, and four corners are formed in an R shape with a radius r1. Further, on the inner peripheral side of the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a, the four sides of the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a are protruded inward by respective lengths e, for example, about 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The corner is formed in an R shape with a radius r2, which is a dimension of r1 -e (<r2).
[0033]
That is, since the objective lens cover 21 is fitted to the objective lens cover frame portion 22, the outer dimension of the objective lens cover 21 needs to be smaller than the inner dimension of the objective lens cover frame portion 22. For this reason, the area received by the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a is reduced at the four corners. However, with the above-described configuration, since the amount of protrusion to the inside of the four corners of the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a is increased, the area received by the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a can be increased, and the object can be reliably received. The lens cover 21 can be held. Further, when the objective lens cover receiving portion 22a is a joint surface with the objective lens cover 21, a large joining margin can be obtained, so that a sufficient joint strength can be obtained, and the objective lens cover 21 is provided with the objective lens cover frame. The safety is improved because it does not fall off from the portion 22. Further, since the illumination lens cover receiving portion 33a and the illumination lens cover frame portion 33b are also formed in the same relationship as described above, the illumination lens 23 is joined with sufficient joining strength.
[0034]
The viewing angle of the objective lens system 16 of the cover endoscope 3 without the cover 2 is set to, for example, 0 ° to 90 °, and when the cover 2 is attached, the viewing angle is changed. For example, by using an optical lens that expands the viewing angle for the objective lens cover 21 so as to be 120 ° to 180 °, even if the gap between the distal lens 16a and the objective lens cover 21 is separated to some extent, the objective lens The cover receiving portion 22a does not enter the field of view, and a large viewing angle can be secured.
[0035]
With reference to FIG.10 and FIG.11, the arrangement | positioning structure of the forceps insertion channel 61 which is a latching | locking part of the front-end | tip cover member 9 and the front-end | tip structure part 6, and a treatment tool insertion path is demonstrated.
As shown in FIG. 10, the forceps insertion channel 61 is disposed in parallel inside the outer skin 7 of the cover 2 along the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 3 for the cover. The distal end portion of the forceps insertion channel 61 is fixed so as to communicate with the treatment instrument protrusion 62 by means such as adhesion to a channel connection portion 63 in the vicinity of the treatment instrument protrusion 62 provided on the distal end cover member 9. Has been.
[0036]
On the other hand, the proximal end portion of the forceps insertion channel 61 communicates with the forceps insertion port 8 a of the mouth portion 8, and a treatment tool such as a forceps inserted from the forceps insertion port 8 a guides the treatment tool protrusion port 62. Then, the treatment tool projecting port 62 projects into the body cavity so that treatment such as excision of the lesioned part can be performed. Further, the forceps insertion channel 61 communicates with the suction tube 13 forming a suction conduit connected to a fluid control device (not shown). The suction tube 13 extends from the mouth portion 8 to the outside of the endoscope and extends along the universal cord 11 to the fluid control device.
[0037]
The forceps insertion channel 61 is formed of a tubular member made of a flexible material such as PTFE or PFA. The forceps insertion channel 61 is provided with a bellows portion 61a in the vicinity of the bending portion of the cover endoscope 3 so as to be smoothly bent without buckling when the bending portion is bent. The bellows portion 61a has an inner diameter that is the same as that of the other portion, and the cross-sectional shape in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion is formed in a wavy shape so that it can be easily bent. It becomes the composition which becomes.
[0038]
The cover endoscope fitted in the fitting hole 33 formed in the tip cover member 9 in order to integrally connect the tip cover member 9 of the cover 2 and the tip constituting portion 6 of the cover endoscope 3. A locking claw 65 is engaged with the three tip constituent parts 6 to form a locking part and are integrally fixed. Then, the cylindrical member 66 that is externally attached to the outer periphery of the tip cover member 9 is externally fitted to the locking claw 65 that forms the locking portion, and the locking claw 65 is pressed toward the central axis in the longitudinal direction. is doing.
[0039]
The base end portion 6b of the distal end constituting portion 6 is a thin portion that covers the first joint piece 10a located at the forefront of the bending portion 10 connecting a plurality of joint pieces and the outer periphery of the joint piece including the first joint piece 10a. A tubular wire mesh portion 67 knitted with a metal wire having a diameter and a connection portion 70 for connecting a tubular elastic skin portion 68 made of a soft elastic member such as an elastomer covering the outer periphery of the wire mesh portion 67 are provided.
[0040]
For this reason, the base end part 6b of this front-end | tip structure part 6 is the thickness part of each joint part 10a, the wire-mesh part 67, and the elastic skin part 68, and the thickness part of the adhesion parts 71, such as an adhesive agent which fixes these. As a result, the large-diameter portion 72 having a larger diameter than other portions is formed.
[0041]
The air supply tube 12 that forms the air supply line and the water supply tube 14 that forms the water supply line pass along the insertion portion 4 of the cover endoscope 3 in the outer skin 7 of the cover 2, like the forceps insertion channel 61. Are arranged in parallel. Then, the distal end portions of the air supply tube 12 and the water supply tube 14 shown in FIG. 12 are connected and fixed to the pipe line connecting portion 63a formed in the distal end cover member 9 by means such as adhesion, respectively, and the distal end cover member 9 Are communicated with an air supply nozzle 35 and a water supply nozzle 36 respectively provided on the front end surface.
[0042]
On the other hand, the base ends of the air supply tube 12 and the water supply tube 14 extend from the mouth portion 8 to the outside, and extend to a fluid control device (not shown) along the universal cord 11 in the same manner as the suction tube 13. . A gas such as air or CO2 gas is ejected from the air supply nozzle through the air supply tube 12 toward the objective lens cover 21, while a liquid such as physiological saline is supplied from the water supply nozzle through the water supply tube 14. Are ejected toward the objective lens cover 21.
[0043]
In general, the air supply tube 12 and the water supply tube 14 are smaller in diameter than the forceps insertion channel 61, and the area of the outer surface with respect to the same length in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 4 is compared with the forceps insertion channel 61. And it is very small. For this reason, since the outer surface of the part fitted to the pipe line connection part 63a serves as a connection allowance in the connection part with the tip cover member 9, when trying to obtain a connection strength equivalent to the forceps insertion channel 61, the forceps insertion channel 61 It is necessary to lengthen the fitting length of the connection portion as compared with the above, and it is desirable to make the connection allowance as long as possible.
[0044]
Further, the length of the fitting portion 33 in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion is designed to reduce backlash of the tip constituting portion 6 fitted to the fitting portion 33 and to integrate the tip constituting portion 6 with the tip cover member 9. In order to secure a space for disposing fixing means such as the locking claw 65 to be fixed, it is desirable to make the length as long as possible. However, considering that the tip portion is reduced in diameter, the large diameter portion 72 is provided. It is desirable not to be fitted into the fitting portion 33.
[0045]
Therefore, the proximal end of the distal end cover member 9 is configured to be positioned on the distal end side with respect to the large diameter portion 72 of the distal end configuration portion 6. Therefore, the channel connecting portion 63 is formed as close to the fitting portion as possible in order to reduce the diameter of the tip portion. Further, in order to increase the adhesive strength to the distal end cover member 9, the distal end side is provided as close as possible to the treatment instrument protruding port 62. Further, in parallel with the longitudinal axis direction, a notch 76 is formed which is elongated and has an opening 76a on the outer peripheral surface side from the proximal end side of the distal end cover member 9 to the proximal end side of the channel connecting portion 63. A space portion 77 is provided between the outer periphery of the forceps insertion channel 61 inserted through the portion 76 and the tip cover member 9.
[0046]
For this reason, the forceps insertion channel 61 is located radially outward with respect to the position of the channel connecting portion 63 at a position adjacent to the large diameter portion 72 of the cover endoscope 3. Further, at the position arranged in parallel with the bending portion 10, the portion of the bellows portion 61 a having a large outer diameter is located in the radially outward direction with respect to the position of the channel connection portion 63 like the large diameter portion 72.
[0047]
On the other hand, since the forceps insertion channel 61 is disposed in a notch 76 formed in the distal end cover member 9, the vicinity of the large diameter portion 72 from the proximal end of the channel connection portion 63 connected and fixed to the distal end cover member 9. In the meantime, it is gradually displaced in the radially outward direction so as to be juxtaposed with the large-diameter part 72, and the bellows part 61a is displaced so as to be juxtaposed with the bending part 10.
[0048]
Further, when the cover endoscope 3 and the cover 2 are mounted, after the distal end constituting portion 6 is fitted to the fitting portion 33, the cylindrical member 66 is moved to the distal end side to be attached to the locking claw 65. When fitted, the part located outside the notch 76 of the cylindrical member 66 can be easily moved to the distal end side with fingers or the like.
[0049]
As described above, the notch portion is formed in the tip cover member, and the forceps insertion channel is disposed in the notch portion, so that the forceps insertion channel connected and fixed to the channel connection portion of the tip cover member can be loosened in the notch portion. It can arrange | position so that it may displace to a diameter outer side and may be arranged in parallel by a large diameter part. This eliminates buckling of the forceps insertion channel, and even when a relatively large treatment tool is inserted into the forceps insertion channel, the treatment tool is smoothly inserted without being caught by the channel, and the treatment tool is inserted and removed. The ability of can be reduced.
[0050]
In addition, since the forceps insertion channel can be gently displaced by forming a notch portion in the distal end cover member, the large diameter portion of the cover endoscope can be configured to have a relatively large diameter. As a result, an imaging circuit unit with a large cross-sectional area or a large-diameter light guide is built in the large-diameter part, and a high-performance, high-functional imaging circuit unit or bright illumination light is supplied to improve the observation performance. A mirror can be provided.
[0051]
Furthermore, by forming the cutout portion in the tip cover member, when the cover endoscope and the cover are mounted, the cylindrical member located in the cutout portion can be pushed to easily move to the tip side. As a result, the ease of attachment between the cover endoscope and the cover is greatly improved.
[0052]
By the way, in recent years, an endoscope apparatus has been used in which an observation site is imaged by a solid-state imaging device arranged in an endoscope and observed by a monitor. In the endoscope apparatus, an observation window and an illumination window are generally provided on the distal end surface of the endoscope. In addition, a nozzle is provided on the distal end surface of the endoscope so that the surface of the observation window can be cleaned by supplying water and air toward the observation window.
[0053]
By bringing the nozzle close to the observation window, not only can the size be reduced, the outer diameter of the endoscope insertion portion can be reduced, but also the cleaning force can be increased by increasing the force of water fed from the nozzle toward the observation window. While improving, the force sent from a nozzle toward an observation window becomes large, and the draining property improves.
[0054]
However, if the nozzle is too close to the observation window, this nozzle enters the observation field of view and adversely affects the observation, so it is difficult to reduce the distance between the observation window and the nozzle.
[0055]
In order to solve this problem, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei 6-42857 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 6-38926 are provided with an objective lens and a solid-state image sensor at the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion. In an endoscope which displays an observation visual field image on a monitor based on an electric signal and has one air / water supply nozzle toward the observation window of the objective lens, the light receiving area or display visual field range of the solid-state imaging device An endoscope has been proposed in which the nozzle is installed at a corresponding position facing the side of the square, and the nozzle is placed as close as possible to the observation window without entering the field of view. . For an endoscope having two nozzles, an air supply nozzle and a water supply nozzle, refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 6-42857, and place the air supply nozzle on the opposite side of the light receiving area of the solid-state image sensor and move it closer to the observation window. The water supply nozzle provided on the diagonal side of the light receiving area is shown. Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-38926 discloses an arrangement in which two air supply nozzles and water supply nozzles are arranged side by side on the opposite side of the optically effective area.
[0056]
However, in the endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 6-42857, when the water supply pipe for transferring the liquid connected to the water supply nozzle is thin or long, the water supply capacity is reduced, and the water supply nozzle Is provided on the diagonal side and the distance from the observation window is long, the water feeding ability is remarkably lowered, and the objective lens surface cannot be sufficiently cleaned, and observation may be difficult. Further, in the endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-38926, since two nozzles are arranged side by side on the opposite side of the optically effective area, the opening width of each nozzle is reduced, and the nozzle is ejected from the nozzle. The flow width of the generated liquid is restricted to a small scale, making it difficult to supply and supply water over a wide optical effective area. Removal may not be performed sufficiently, and observation may be difficult.
[0057]
Therefore, there has been a demand for an inexpensive endoscope that has good observation window cleaning ability and water droplet removal ability, and that has a small outer diameter at the tip and does not cause pain to the patient.
[0058]
As shown in FIG. 13, a fluid control apparatus 100 that controls air supply, water supply, suction, etc. used in combination with the cover endoscope 1 includes a suction control valve 102 and a suction leak valve 103 on the front panel 101. , An air supply control valve 104, an air supply leak valve 105, a water supply control valve 106, and the like are provided. These valve bodies are designed to hold a flexible tube constituting the air supply duct, suction duct, water supply duct, etc., and this soft tube should be crushed or opened by the valve element. Thus, the flow path is opened and closed to allow fluid to flow. That is, the valve body is constituted by a so-called pinch valve type electromagnetic valve. Since these valve bodies are exposed to the outside of the apparatus, they are waterproof so that liquids such as water do not enter the valve drive section.
[0059]
The air supply tube 12 is detachably attached to the air supply control valve 104, and an air supply tube having one end opened inside the water supply tank connector 108 provided closer to the air supply pump 107 than the air supply control valve 104. The air leak pipe 109 is branched. The air supply leak line 109 extends from the water supply tank connector 108 and is detachably attached to the air supply leak valve 105. The air supply tube 12 has an open end inside the water supply tank connector 108 and a water supply pressure line (not shown) connected to the water supply tank 110 is branched, and the base end side is built in the fluid control device 100. Connected to the air supply pump 107.
[0060]
The water supply tube 14 is detachably attached to the water supply control valve 106, and is connected to the water supply tank 110 from the water supply tank connector 108 via a water supply tank communication tube 110a.
[0061]
The suction tube 13 is detachably attached to the suction control valve 102 and then connected to a suction pump (not shown) that is a suction source. A suction leak pipe 111 is branched from the suction control valve 102 of the suction tube 13 so as to be detachably attached to the suction leak valve 103.
[0062]
The air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14, and the suction tube 13 are arranged with the longitudinal direction of the tube perpendicular to the front panel 101 of the fluid control device 100. That is, the air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14 and the suction tube 13 extend upward in the vertical direction. In the fluid control device 100, the pipes and valve bodies are configured and arranged as described above, so that the lateral width of the fluid control device 100 is reduced and the arrangement space in the examination room is reduced. .
[0063]
Further, an air supply tube 12, a water supply tube 14, and a branch portion (not shown) of the universal tube 11 and the universal tube 11 which are arranged along the universal cord 11 extending from the operation portion 5 of the endoscope 3 are fluid control. It is located above the device 100. Thus, by configuring the position of the branch portion above the fluid control device 100, the air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14 and the suction tube 13 inevitably extend toward the branch portion positioned on the upper side. Thus, buckling of the air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14 and the suction tube 13 can be prevented, and the length of the pipe is shortened to reduce the fluid resistance in the pipe, thereby supplying air and water. ， Improving suction performance.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 14, in order to connect and fix the water tank connector 108 to the fluid control apparatus 100, the water tank connector 108 is provided with a hook 112, and the front panel 101 of the fluid control apparatus 100 is provided with a hook receiving portion 113. Yes. Accordingly, the hook 112 provided on the water tank connector 108 can be detachably connected to the fluid control device 100 by attaching the hook 112 to the hook receiving portion 113 provided on the front panel 101.
[0065]
Further, the cap receiver 114 provided in the water tank connector 108 is configured to be connected to a water tank cap 115 of a water tank used not only for a cover type endoscope but also for a general endoscope. The water supply tank 110 can be used in common with a general endoscope.
[0066]
As shown in FIG. 13, the water supply tank 110 is provided with a water supply tank hook 116, and the water supply tank 110 is attached to the water supply tank hook receiving portion 117 provided in the fluid control device 100. Can be detachably connected to the fluid control device 100. For this reason, by operating the air supply / water supply switch 5a and the suction switch 5b provided in the operation unit 5 shown in FIG. 1 at the time of inspection, each control valve of the fluid control device 100 is controlled, and the air supply tube 12 is controlled. Thus, air can be supplied from the air supply nozzle through the water supply tube, water can be supplied from the water supply nozzle through the water supply tube 14, and suction can be performed from the treatment instrument protrusion 62 through the suction tube 13.
[0067]
In addition, depending on the layout of each device in the examination room, it is conceivable that the fluid control device 100 is stacked and arranged together with devices such as a light source device and a video processor (not shown). In this case, it is desirable that the fluid control device 100 has a height dimension smaller than the width dimension. For this reason, when the fluid control device 100 is stacked and disposed, as shown in FIG. 15, the configuration is such that the longitudinal direction of each tube can be disposed in the horizontal direction in the fluid control device 100.
[0068]
That is, as shown in FIG. 13, water tank receivers 117 are provided at two locations on the side surface and bottom surface of the fluid control device 100, and feet 118 that support the fluid control device main body are provided on the side surface and Provided on the bottom.
[0069]
Further, the suction leak valve 103 may be mounted with the suction leak pipe 111 facing upward in the state shown in FIG. 13 so that the opening of the suction leak pipe 111 is always upward in the vertical direction. The suction leak valve 103 that can be attached and the suction leak valve 103 in which the suction leak pipe 111 can be mounted with the opening facing upward in the state of FIG. 15 are provided. Therefore, depending on the installation direction of the fluid control apparatus 100, the suction leak pipe 111 can be selectively attached to one of the two suction leak valves 103 so that the opening is always directed upward in the vertical direction.
[0070]
The suction leak valve 103 is provided so that the opening of the suction leak pipe 111 is located higher than the lowest position of the suction tube 13, so that dirt or the like is discharged from the opening of the suction leak pipe 111. There is no. However, in the unlikely event that the suction tube 13 connected to the suction source is clogged due to filth during the inspection, the filth in the suction tube is affected by gravity, so that the treatment instrument protrusion 62, which is the opening of the suction tube 13, is removed. Or it discharges from the lower one of the suction leak pipeline 111. For this reason, in order to prevent discharge of dirt and the like from the opening of the suction leak pipe 111, the fluid control apparatus 100 is set so that the opening position of the suction pipe 111 is higher than the position of the treatment instrument protrusion 62 at the time of the regular inspection. It is desirable to install.
[0071]
In this way, by arranging the fluid control device vertically and horizontally, the installation direction of the fluid control device can be freely changed in accordance with the layout of other devices in the examination room, and the space in the examination room can be reduced. It can be used effectively.
[0072]
16 is for arranging the air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14 and the suction tube 13 along the universal cord 11, and the air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14 and the suction tube A pipe line fixing part 121 and a universal cord fixing part 122 for fixing the tube 13 are formed.
[0073]
The pipe fixing member 120 is made of an elastic material such as a resin such as polypropylene, an elastomer, or a metal, and the opening 123 of the universal cord fixing part 122 is elastically deformed as shown in FIG. The universal cord fixing part 122 is detachable from the universal cord 11.
[0074]
For this reason, during the examination, the operator may rotate the operation unit 5 together with the insertion unit 4 several times in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion unit 4 in order to insert the endoscope into the body cavity. When the operator performs this operation twice, the universal cord 11 becomes a twisted shape. At this time, it is considered that the air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14 and the suction tube 13 arranged along the universal cord 11 are similarly twisted and buckled, and cannot perform air supply, water supply and suction. It is done.
[0075]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, when the universal cord 11 is twisted, the surgeon quickly removes the universal cord fixing portion 122 from the universal cord 11, and supplies the air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14, and the suction tube. The tube 13 is detached from the universal cord 11, and the air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14 and the suction tube 13 are easily returned to the original linear state to prevent the tube from buckling, and the air supply, water supply, Work such as suction can be performed reliably.
[0076]
Here, the air supply nozzle and the water supply nozzle will be described.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 18, an objective lens cover 21, an illumination lens cover 23, a treatment instrument protrusion 62, and the like, which are observation windows, are provided on the distal end surface of the distal end cover member 9 of the cover 2 of the present embodiment. In addition, an air supply nozzle 35 and a water supply nozzle 36 are provided with the opening facing the surface of the objective lens cover 21.
[0078]
The air supply nozzle 35 and the water supply nozzle 36 are for removing body fluid and blood adhering to the objective lens cover 21 during the inspection. First, the water supply nozzle 36 supplies water to the objective lens cover 21. Wash away the dirt attached to the surface. Subsequently, air is supplied from the air supply nozzle 35, and water droplets attached to the surface of the objective lens cover 21 are blown off and removed.
[0079]
As shown in FIG. 2, when the cover endoscope 3 and the cover 2 are mounted, the imaging circuit located inside the objective lens system 16 of the cover endoscope 3 located inside the objective lens cover 21. The unit 18 is provided with a solid-state imaging device 17 at the imaging position of the lens on the proximal end side of the objective lens system 16. The solid-state imaging device 17 converts an observation field image of the objective lens system 16 into an electric signal.
[0080]
As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the positional relationship between the optically effective area and the air supply nozzle 35 and the water supply nozzle 36 is shown when the light receiving area of the solid-state imaging device 17 is square and the display shape on the monitor is square. The optically effective area 125 on the objective lens cover surface shown in FIG. In addition, the optically effective area is also rectangular in a plane parallel to the objective lens cover surface on the distal end side of the objective lens cover 21, and the opposite side direction in the same plane at a distance h from the surface of the objective lens cover 21 is diagonal. Narrower than.
[0081]
When the opening of the air supply nozzle 35 and the water supply nozzle 36 provided in the tip cover member 9 is brought close to the objective lens cover 21 to increase the air supply force and the water supply force, the air supply nozzle 35 or the water supply nozzle 36 is caused by being too close. There is a risk of entering the observation field.
[0082]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the water supply nozzle 36 is disposed in the opposite side direction of the rectangular optically effective region 125, that is, at a position facing the side of the rectangular optically effective region 125. The inclined surface portion 37 is long so that the opening is positioned as close as possible to the objective lens cover 21 without entering the objective lens cover 21.
[0083]
On the other hand, by arranging the air supply nozzle 35 at a position facing the corner of the rectangular light receiving area, the opening is positioned as close as possible to the objective lens cover 21 without entering the optically effective area 125. Thus, the length of the slope portion 37 is set short.
[0084]
Accordingly, the water supply nozzle 36 is located between the air supply nozzle 35 and the treatment instrument protrusion port 62. At this time, since the opening of the water supply nozzle 36 faces the objective lens cover 21, the water ejected from the opening of the water supply nozzle 36 is directly ejected to the objective lens cover 21 without hitting the illumination lens cover 23 or the like. Therefore, there is no loss in the momentum of the jetted water.
[0085]
Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the upper surface portion 38 of the ejection portion of the air supply nozzle 35 is an inclined surface so that the flow of the ejected air is directed toward the surface of the objective lens cover 21 without diverging in the distal direction. ing. On the other hand, the lower surface portion 39 of the ejection portion is formed in a planar shape so that the entire air flow hits the tip surface of the tip cover member 9 in the vicinity of the opening and the momentum does not weaken, and along the tip surface of the tip cover member 9. The air is forced to flow away.
[0086]
Thus, by arranging the air supply nozzle and the water supply nozzle in consideration of the optical area, the water supply nozzle opening is sufficiently close to the objective lens cover without the air supply nozzle and the water supply nozzle entering the observation field of view. The liquid can be ejected from the water nozzle opening without impairing the momentum. In addition, since the opening width of the water supply nozzle can be widened, the flow width of the ejected liquid can be widened, and the surface of the objective lens cover having a large area can be washed widely. On the other hand, the air supply nozzle is farther from the objective lens cover than the water supply nozzle, but the loss tendency of the momentum of the gas ejected from the air supply nozzle is relatively weak and the opening width can be made sufficiently wide. Therefore, the air can be widely supplied to the surface of the objective lens cover.
[0087]
Accordingly, it is possible to provide an endoscope with improved cleaning performance and good observation performance and good air supply / water supply operability without reducing the ability to remove water droplets attached to the surface. Further, by arranging the nozzle close to the objective lens cover, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the tip cover member, which can relieve the patient's pain.
[0088]
Note that water droplets on the surface of the objective lens cover can be easily removed by sucking water droplets from the treatment instrument protrusion through a suction operation, so that the air supply nozzle is separated from the objective lens cover compared to the water supply nozzle. However, no problem occurs.
[0089]
With reference to FIG. 21, another positional relationship between the optically effective area 125 and the air supply nozzle 35 and the water supply nozzle 36 will be described.
In the present embodiment, the shapes of the air supply nozzle 35 and the water supply nozzle 36 provided on the tip cover member 9 shown in FIG. Other configurations are the same as those shown in FIG.
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 21, the air supply nozzle 35 and the water supply nozzle 36 of the present embodiment are formed in the same shape with respect to the length of the inclined surface portion 37 of the nozzle.
[0091]
The water supply nozzle 36 is disposed at a position that does not enter the optically effective area 125 in the opposite direction of the rectangular optically effective area 125 and with the opening as close to the objective lens cover 21 as possible.
[0092]
On the other hand, the air supply nozzle 35 is arranged at a position that does not enter the diagonal light receiving area of the rectangular light receiving area and as close to the objective lens cover 21 as possible. For this reason, the position of the water supply nozzle 36 is closer to the objective lens cover side than the air supply nozzle 35.
[0093]
By adopting this configuration, the air supply nozzle 35 and the water supply nozzle 36 are not mistakenly assembled at the time of assembly. Further, the outer diameter of the tip cover member 9 can be reduced by the attachment position of the water supply nozzle 36 being closer to the center side of the tip cover member 9. Other operations are the same as those of the nozzle of FIG.
[0094]
Thus, by sharing the air supply nozzle and the water supply nozzle, it is possible not only to prevent erroneous assembly of the air supply nozzle and the water supply nozzle, but also to configure the air supply nozzle and the water supply nozzle at low cost. Since it can be installed, an inexpensive endoscope can be provided. Other effects are the same as those of the endoscope of FIG.
[0095]
In the present invention, the positional relationship between the nozzle and the tip lens of the objective optical system is implemented in the same manner as described above with a general endoscope other than the cover-type endoscope. You may do it. Moreover, you may use for the rigid endoscope in which the insertion part which has an air supply nozzle used in a surgical field etc. and a water supply nozzle is hard. Further, the light receiving area of the solid-state imaging device and the display range shape of the monitor may not be substantially square, but may be substantially rectangular, substantially triangular, semicircular, a shape in which a part of the circle is cut off, etc. If there is a part whose distance from the outer periphery of the display range is partly shorter than the other part, the water supply nozzle may be provided in this short part and the air supply nozzle may be provided in the other part. Further, the air supply nozzle and the water supply nozzle may be formed as separate parts from the tip cover member, or may be integrally formed with the tip cover member by resin by injection molding or the like in order to save assembly.
[0096]
By the way, as shown in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 3-193023, when a cover endoscope is configured by fixing a cover endoscope and a cover at a distal end portion, a distal end configuration of the cover endoscope is configured. There is known a configuration in which an engaging portion such as a groove is formed in the portion, and a locking means that engages with the groove is integrally provided on a front end cover member of the cover, and both are engaged.
[0097]
However, when the locking means that engages with the groove formed in the tip constituent portion is formed integrally with the cover member, the position of the locking means with respect to the engaging portion of the tip constituent portion is caused by variations in component dimensions or the like. May vary. At this time, if a gap occurs in the engaged portion, the tip component moves with respect to the tip cover member by the gap in the longitudinal axis direction, and the distance between the lens cover inner surface and the observation window tip surface. Fluctuates. Depending on the magnitude of the fluctuation range at this time, optical defects such as ghost, flare, and field of vision occur.
[0098]
For this reason, the locking means is configured separately from the tip cover member to prevent the positional relationship between the lens cover and the observation window from fluctuating due to variations in component dimensions. In addition to being able to reliably fix the positioning with the locking means, when this locking means is bonded and fixed, even if the adhesive fixing part of the locking means is peeled off, it is possible to avoid the situation where observation is inconvenient. An endoscope was desired.
[0099]
Therefore, a locking member which is a locking means for locking the tip component portion and the tip cover member integrally is formed separately from the tip cover member, and the locking member is bonded to the tip cover member. Adhere and fix with. Then, even if the adhesive fixing portion is peeled off, the endoscope is configured by providing a dropping prevention means so that the locking member does not drop off from the tip cover member. That is, the drop prevention means prevents the movement of the tip constituent part from the tip cover member to the extent that it becomes impossible to observe without the locking member dropping even if the adhesive fixing part is peeled off.
[0100]
As shown in FIG. 22, a fitting portion 33 for fitting the tip constituting portion 6 of the cover endoscope 3 is provided inside the tip cover member 9. The outer periphery of the tip component portion 6 and the outer periphery of the tip cover member 9 are concentric circles, and a locking member 132 having a locking claw 131 on the tip cover member 9 is an inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 33. It is arranged along the line. Reference numeral 135 denotes a cylindrical member that is externally fitted to the locking member.
[0101]
As shown in FIG. 23, the locking member 132 has a substantially T-shape, and a locking claw portion 133 having a locking claw 131 at an elongated end in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, and the locking member 132 It is composed of an arcuate retaining portion 134 that is elongated in the circumferential direction and serves as a dropping means that prevents the insertion portion from falling off in the longitudinal direction. Note that both the distal end side and the proximal end side of the locking claw 131 are formed to have an inclined surface 131a.
[0102]
As shown in FIG. 22, the locking member 132 includes a circumferential recess 141 formed by notching the inner periphery of the fitting portion 33 in the circumferential direction and an axial recess 142 formed by notching in the longitudinal axis direction. It is arranged in a recess 143 formed in a substantially T shape. That is, the retaining portion 134 is fitted in the circumferential recess 141, and the locking claw 133 is fitted in the axial recess 142. The circumferential recess 141 and the retaining portion 134 have substantially the same diameter, and the axial width dimension of the retaining portion 134 is smaller than the axial width dimension of the circumferential recess 141. It is configured to be movable with respect to the longitudinal axis direction.
[0103]
As shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, at least a part of the outer periphery of the distal end component portion 6 of the cover endoscope 3 is provided with a locking projection 151 that is engaged with the locking claw 131. A similar inclined surface is formed on the proximal end side of the locking projection 151 so as to engage with the inclined surface 131 a of the locking claw 131. In addition, an inclined surface 152 is formed so that the distal end side of the locking projection 151 also has a smaller diameter toward the distal end side. A cylindrical member 135 that is fitted on the locking member 132 and presses the locking member 132 in the central direction from the outer peripheral side is provided in the vicinity of the locking member 132.
[0104]
Inside the tip configuration portion 6, a tip lens 16a, an objective lens system 17, and an imaging circuit unit 18 are arranged in order from the tip side, and an illumination optical system (not shown) is arranged. A signal cable 19 for transmitting an image signal to an image control unit (not shown) is connected to the imaging circuit unit 18.
[0105]
An objective lens cover 21 and an illumination lens cover 23 (not shown) are provided on the distal end surface of the distal end cover member 9 so as to cover the distal end side lens 16a and the illumination optical system.
[0106]
In addition, the endoscope cover 2 has a forceps insertion channel 61 communicating with a treatment instrument protrusion 62 provided at the distal end of the distal end cover member 9 and an air / water supply conduit (not shown). A nozzle (not shown) is provided at the tip of the air / water supply conduit.
[0107]
The operation of the cover-type endoscope configured as described above will be described.
When the cover 2 and the cover endoscope 3 are mounted, when the insertion portion of the cover endoscope 3 is inserted into the cover 2, the distal end component portion 6 becomes the fitting portion of the distal end cover member 9. 33 is fitted. At this time, as shown in FIG. 27, the inclined surface 152 of the distal end constituting portion 6 pushes up the locking claw 131 and the locking claw portion 133 of the locking member 132 toward the distal end cover member. Then, when the distal end component 6 is further inserted into the distal end side and the insertion is completed, the inclined surface 131a of the locking claw 131 engages with the proximal-side inclined surface of the locking convex portion 151, and the endoscope cover 2 And the cover endoscope 3 are locked.
[0108]
Here, in order to ensure the engagement between the endoscope cover 2 and the cover endoscope 3, as shown in FIG. 28, a cylindrical member 135 is fitted on the outer periphery of the locking member 132, and the locking member is fitted. The mounting operation is completed by pressing 132 in the center direction to restrict deformation in the outer circumferential direction. The locking member 132 and the tip cover member 9 are fixed between the concave portion 143 and the retaining portion 134 by a fixing means such as adhesion or welding.
[0109]
By locking the endoscope cover 2 and the cover endoscope 3 as described above, even if an excessive force is applied to the locking member 132 and the adhesive fixing part is peeled off, it is cylindrical. Since the member 135 is extrapolated to the outer periphery of the locking member 132, as long as the distal end component 6 of the distal end cover member 9 is located in the inserted space, the proximal end of the retaining portion 134 and the circumferential recess The contact of the base end side 141 of the 141 makes it possible to completely prevent the locking member 132 from coming off in the axial direction.
[0110]
That is, as shown in FIG. 29, the base end side end of the retaining portion 134 and the base end side end of the circumferential recess 141 come into contact with each other in the longitudinal direction so that the base end side of the locking member 132 in the axial direction. The movement to the side is restricted, and there is an effect of preventing the dropout. Further, when the locking member 132 is fixed to the concave portion 143, a clearance is provided in the longitudinal axis direction between the retaining portion 134 and the circumferential concave portion 141. Therefore, the retaining portion 134 is disposed in the longitudinal axis direction. Since it can move within the circumferential recessed portion 141, it can be moved to a position where the inclined surface 131a of the locking claw 131 is more reliably engaged with the base-side inclined surface of the locking convex portion 151 of the distal end constituting portion 6 using a jig. It can be positioned and fixed by fixing means such as adhesion or welding.
[0111]
In this way, the locking member can be adjusted and bonded and fixed so that the inclined surface provided on the locking claw and the base side slope of the locking convex portion of the tip component portion are engaged in close contact, There is no backlash between the lens cover and the front lens, and there is no optical failure.
[0112]
In addition, by providing the locking member with a retaining portion as a drop-off prevention means and a recessed portion that contacts the retaining portion at the tip cover member, even if the fixing member is removed, It is possible to prevent the tip constituent portion from moving in the longitudinal axis direction so that the observation stops and the observation becomes impossible. Thus, the inspection is continuously performed without being interrupted.
[0113]
Furthermore, since the outer peripheral surfaces of the tip constituent portion and the tip cover member are formed concentrically, the thickness of the outer periphery of the tip cover member can be made uniform, and the tip cover member can be reduced in diameter.
[0114]
In the present embodiment, even when the concave portion 143 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip cover member 9 and the locking member 132 is bonded and fixed along the outer peripheral surface, the same effect can be obtained. Further, instead of forming the concave portion 143, a convex portion that abuts against the proximal end surface of the retaining portion 134 may be provided.
[0115]
With reference to FIGS. 30 to 33, another configuration of the drop-off preventing means will be described.
As shown in FIG. 30, the tip cover member 9 is provided with a locking member 132 having a locking claw 131 at one end thereof along the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 33.
[0116]
As shown in FIG. 31, the locking member 132 as a drop-off preventing means has a convex portion 137 that fits in a through hole 136 that penetrates in the radial direction provided in the inner periphery of the fitting portion 33, and is opposite to the locking member 132. It is provided on the locking claw side. The locking member 132 is formed such that the length in the longitudinal axis direction of the convex portion 137 is shorter than the length in the longitudinal axis direction of the through hole 136 so that the locking member 132 can move in the longitudinal axis direction. The contact portion is fixedly bonded to the portion 137 and the through hole 136.
[0117]
Further, as shown in FIG. 32, the forceps insertion channel 61 is provided with a bellows portion 61a so as to bend smoothly when the bending portion is bent. The bellows portion 61a is formed in a portion where the forceps insertion channel 61 is bent during the bending operation from the end portion of the distal end configuration portion 6 to the proximal direction from between the first joint piece and the second joint piece constituting the bending portion 10. Is provided.
[0118]
Other configurations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0119]
With the configuration as described above, when the endoscope cover 2 and the cover endoscope 3 are mounted as shown in FIGS. 33 (A) and 33 (B), the locking claws 131 are inclined. The surface 131a engages with the base-side inclined surface of the locking projection 151, and the endoscope cover 2 and the cover endoscope 3 are locked. In addition, the cylindrical member 135 is fitted on the outer periphery of the locking member 132, and the locking member 132 is pressed in the center direction, so that deformation in the outer peripheral direction is restricted.
[0120]
For this reason, the locking member 132 and the distal end cover are applied by applying an excessive force toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal axis direction to the distal end component portion 6 or applying an excessive force toward the distal end side in the longitudinal axis direction to the distal end cover member 9. Even when the adhesive surface with the member 9 is peeled off, the surfaces of the base end side end portion of the convex portion 137 and the base end side end portion of the through hole 136 come into contact with each other as shown in FIG. The movement of the member in the longitudinal axis direction is restricted.
[0121]
Further, since the convex portion 137 has a spatial margin in the longitudinal axis direction with respect to the through hole 136, the base end side inclined surface of the locking convex portion 151 of the distal end constituting portion 6 and the locking claw using a jig or the like. Positioning with the tip side slope of 131 is carried out and it fixes so that it may engage in the state which closely contacted.
[0122]
In this way, the locking member can be adjusted and bonded so that the distal-side slope of the locking claw and the proximal-side slope of the locking projection of the distal component portion are engaged in close contact. There is no backlash between the lens and the front lens and there is no optical failure.
[0123]
Moreover, even if the adhesive fixing part is removed by providing a convex part on the locking member and engaging the convex part with the through hole formed in the tip cover member, the convex part becomes a through hole. Since it does not fall off due to the contact, it is possible to prevent the tip constituent portion from moving in the longitudinal axis direction so that the observation becomes impossible, so that the inspection can be continued.
[0124]
Furthermore, by providing the bellows portion having the largest diameter in the forceps insertion channel itself after the end portion of the distal end configuration portion having the largest diameter in the insertion portion itself, the cover-type endoscope itself can be reduced in diameter. effective.
[0125]
In the present embodiment, the same operation and effect can be obtained even if the locking member 132 is arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the tip cover member 9 and the convex portion 137 is provided on the inner peripheral side surface of the locking member 132. it can. Alternatively, the through hole 136 and the convex portion 137 may be reversed, and a convex portion may be formed on the fitting portion side and a through hole may be provided on the locking member side. Furthermore, the same effect can be obtained by forming a concave portion instead of the through hole and forming the radial length of the convex portion shorter than the depth of the concave portion.
[0126]
With reference to FIG. 35 and FIG. 36, another configuration of the drop-off preventing means will be described.
As shown in FIG. 35, the locking member 132 is adhered and fixed along the outer peripheral surface of the tip cover member 9, and a through hole 138 is formed in the locking member 132 as a drop-off preventing means. A structure in which a female screw part 161 is provided at a position corresponding to the through hole 138, a screw 162 is inserted from the outer peripheral direction into the through hole 138 and screwed into the female screw part 161, and the locking member 132 is screwed to the tip cover member 9 It is said. The through-hole 138 is a long hole that is vertically long in the longitudinal axis direction that is smaller than the diameter of the head of the screw in the circumferential direction and has a clearance with respect to the screw in the longitudinal axis direction.
[0127]
By configuring the drop-off prevention means as described above, as shown in FIG. 36, since the through hole 138 has a space in the longitudinal axis direction in the endoscope cover 2, the locking member 132 is moved in the longitudinal axis direction. After engaging the inclined surface 131a on the distal end side of the locking claw 131 and the inclined surface on the proximal end side of the locking projection 151 in close contact using a jig or the like, the adhesive claw is fixed by screwing. By being able to do so, the locking member is reliably positioned, and the distal end constituting portion 6 is inserted into the distal end cover member 9 to complete the mounting.
[0128]
For this reason, even if an excessive force is applied to the locking member 132 and a shearing force that causes the adhesive fixing surface to peel off acts on the adhesive surface, it is fixed with screws so that the worst against the shearing force. Even in this case, the movement of the locking member 132 is restricted by the screw 162 coming into contact with the through hole 138.
[0129]
In this way, the locking member can be adjusted and bonded and fixed so that the distal-side inclined surface of the locking claw and the proximal-side inclined surface of the locking convex portion of the distal-end component portion are engaged in close contact with each other. There is no backlash between the cover and the front lens, and there is no optical failure.
[0130]
In addition, by holding the locking member and the tip cover member with screws, even when a stronger force is applied to the locking member, the locking member will not easily fall off and will shift at the worst screw-fixed part. Even if this occurs, the screw abuts against the tip side of the through hole to prevent the locking member from falling off, and the distance between the lens cover and the tip side lens is not so great that observation becomes impossible. It can be carried out.
[0131]
With reference to FIGS. 37 to 39, another structure of the drop-off preventing means will be described.
As shown in FIG. 37, in addition to adhesively fixing the locking member 132 along the outer peripheral surface of the tip cover member 9, a circumferential groove 139 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the locking member 132 as a drop-off preventing means, When the locking member 132 is bonded and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the cover member 9 so that the locking claw 131 engages with the locking projection 151, the same as the groove portion 139 is formed on the extension line of the groove portion of the locking member 132. A notch 171 is provided. In order to fit into the groove 139 and the notch 171, a separate arcuate member 172 whose inner diameter is the same as that of the notch and whose length in the longitudinal axis direction is shorter than that of the groove 139 and the notch 171. It is arranged from the outside and fixed by adhesion.
[0132]
As shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, since there is a spatial margin in the longitudinal axis direction of the groove 139 and the arcuate member 172, the distal side slope of the locking claw 131 and the proximal side slope of the locking projection 151 Is positioned at a position where it is closely engaged using a jig or the like, and then the locking member 132 and the tip cover member 9 are bonded and fixed, and the groove 139 and the notch 171 of the locking member 132 are The endoscope cover 2 and the cover endoscope 3 are mounted by attaching and fixing the arc-shaped member 172 so as to be engaged with each other.
[0133]
For this reason, even when an excessive force is applied to the locking member 132 and the adhesive fixing surface is peeled off, the groove portion 139, the distal end surface, the arcuate member 172, and the proximal end surface of the notch portion 171 are in contact with each other. By contacting, the movement amount of the locking member 132 in the longitudinal axis direction is regulated.
[0134]
In this way, the locking member can be adjusted and bonded so that the distal-side slope of the locking claw and the proximal-side slope of the locking projection of the distal component portion are engaged in close contact. There is no backlash between the lens and the front lens, and there is no optical failure.
[0135]
In addition, even when a strong force that peels off the adhesive fixing part is applied to the locking claw, the arc-shaped member abuts against the groove and the notch, so that the locking member can be prevented from falling off, and the lens cover becomes so incapable of observation. Since there is no distance between the lens and the front lens, the inspection can be continued.
[0136]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 40, even if the C ring 173 and the like are extrapolated so as to engage with the notch portion 171 and the groove portion 139, the same effect can be obtained. Moreover, you may make it convex so that it may engage with the base end side of the circular-arc-shaped member 172 instead of the groove part 139 and the notch part 171. FIG.
[0137]
With reference to FIGS. 41 and 42, another configuration of the drop-off preventing means will be described.
As shown in FIG. 41, the locking member 132 is bonded and fixed along the fitting portion 33 on the inner surface of the tip cover member 9, and a protrusion 137a is provided on the outer peripheral surface other than the bonding surface of the locking member 132 as a drop-off preventing means. A convex stopper 7a is provided on the inner surface of the outer skin 7 so as to engage with the base end side of the protrusion 137a.
[0138]
With the configuration described above, even when the cover endoscope 3 shown in FIG. 42 is attached to the endoscope cover 2, even when an excessive force is applied to the locking member 132 and the adhesive fixing surface is peeled off. Since the protrusion 137a and the stopper 7a are engaged, the movement of the locking member 132 in the longitudinal axis direction is restricted.
[0139]
As described above, the engagement between the protrusion and the stopper can prevent the locking member from falling off, and the inspection can be continued while maintaining the minimum optical function without becoming unobservable.
[0140]
Although the above-described embodiment has been described with reference to a cover-type endoscope, the present invention is not limited to a cover-type endoscope, and other than the cover-type endoscope as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44. The general endoscope may be used.
43 and 44 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope, and FIG. 44 is a VV cross-sectional view of FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, the distal end of the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 200 is provided with a hard distal end constituent portion 201 formed of a metal member such as stainless steel. As in the first embodiment, the tip component 201 is provided with an objective lens system 16, a solid-state imaging device 17, an imaging circuit unit 18, an illumination lens and a light guide (not shown) held by the objective lens frame 15. ing.
[0141]
Further, the tip of the forceps insertion channel 61 that passes through the inside of the insertion portion 202 is bonded to a channel connection portion 63 provided in the vicinity of the treatment instrument projection port 62 provided at the forefront of the tip configuration portion 201. And is connected to the treatment instrument protrusion 62. On the other hand, the proximal end of the forceps insertion channel 61 communicates with a forceps insertion opening provided in an operation unit (not shown).
[0142]
The forceps insertion channel 61 is formed of a tubular member made of a material such as PTFE or PFA. And the coil winding part 203 is provided in the site | part arrange | positioned inside the said bending part 10 so that it may bend smoothly, without buckling at the time of bending part bending. In the coil winding portion 203, a groove 203a is provided in the circumferential direction of the outer surface, and a coil member 203b made of a metal wire or the like is embedded in the groove 203a and wound in a spiral shape. For this reason, this coil winding part 203 has a larger outer diameter than the other parts.
[0143]
The air supply tube 12 and the water supply tube 14 are disposed in the insertion portion 202 in the same manner as the forceps insertion channel 61, and the distal end is connected and fixed to a conduit connection portion formed in the distal end configuration portion 201 by means such as adhesion. The air supply / water supply nozzle (not shown) provided on the front end surface of the front end configuration portion 201 is communicated.
[0144]
Similar to the distal end cover member 9 of the first embodiment, a notch 76 is formed on the proximal end side of the channel connecting portion 63 by notching the outer side of the proximal portion of the distal end constituting portion 201 in the vicinity of the forceps insertion channel 61. The forceps insertion channel 61 is provided in the space portion 77.
[0145]
The imaging circuit unit 18 occupies the most space in the first joint piece 10a connected to the distal end component 201, and the forceps insertion channel 61 avoids interference with the imaging circuit unit 18 in this portion. It is located in the radially outward direction with respect to the position at the channel connecting portion 63. In addition, since the coil winding portion 203 has a larger diameter than the other portions of the forceps insertion channel 61, it avoids interference with the imaging circuit portion 18, the signal cable 19, the air supply tube 12, the water supply tube 14, and the like. It is located in the radially outward direction with respect to the position at the channel connecting portion 63.
[0146]
As described above, when the notch 76 is formed, the forceps insertion channel 61 is moved from the proximal end of the channel connecting portion 63 fixed to the distal end constituting portion 201 toward the proximal end via the notched portion 76. The position is gradually shifted in the radially outward direction to avoid interference with the imaging circuit unit 18 and the position is shifted in the radially outward direction.
[0147]
In this way, the forceps insertion channel is disposed in the space formed by the notch and is gradually displaced outward from the channel connection portion, so that the proximal end portion of the distal end constituent portion is not buckled. In addition, even when a relatively large treatment tool is inserted, there is no catch, etc., it can be inserted smoothly, and the amount of force when inserting / removing the treatment tool is light, and there is no burden on the operator. Furthermore, since an imaging circuit unit having a relatively large performance and a high mechanism can be provided without making the insertion portion have a large diameter, an endoscope with good observation performance can be provided. Other effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0148]
In the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is used in the industrial field without having an air supply conduit or a water supply conduit, and a recovery tool for collecting foreign matter in an engine or industrial piping. You may implement with the industrial endoscope which has a treatment tool penetration channel for inserting a working tool.
[0149]
Also, a rigid endoscope with a rigid insertion portion having a treatment instrument insertion channel inside an insertion portion used in the field of surgery or the like, or a rigid endoscope with a bending portion provided with a bending portion on the distal end side of the insertion portion, Further, the present invention may be implemented in a cover-type rigid endoscope with a curved portion used in combination with an endoscope cover having the same configuration as that of the first embodiment. In this case, the treatment instrument insertion channel is loose at the portion where the treatment instrument insertion channel is connected and fixed at the distal end configuration portion provided at the distal end of the insertion section to which the treatment instrument insertion channel is connected and fixed. A notch portion is provided on the proximal end side of the distal end configuration portion so as to be displaceable, and the treatment instrument insertion path is fixed to the distal end configuration portion on the distal end side relative to the notch portion, and the treatment instrument insertion passage is provided at the notch portion. What is necessary is just to comprise so that it may have a clearance gap between the outer periphery and front-end | tip structure part.
[0150]
[Appendix]
1. The treatment instrument insertion provided in the vicinity of the treatment instrument protrusion provided in the distal end configuration part arranged on the distal end side of the insertion part of the endoscope and the operation part arranged in the proximal end side of the insertion part of the endoscope In an endoscope apparatus provided with an endoscope that passes through at least one treatment instrument insertion path that communicates with a mouth, a longitudinal axis is provided around a treatment instrument insertion path of a distal end component portion where the treatment instrument insertion path is provided. An endoscope apparatus provided with a notch having an opening on the outer peripheral surface side from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the distal end configuration portion in parallel with the direction.
[0151]
2. It is composed of a endoscope for a cover, a distal end cover member provided with a treatment instrument projection port detachably mounted on the endoscope for cover, and an endoscope cover having a mouth part portion provided with a treatment instrument insertion port. In the endoscope apparatus provided with the cover type endoscope, the proximal end side of the distal end cover member is arranged in parallel with the longitudinal axis direction around the treatment instrument insertion passage of the distal end cover member provided with the treatment instrument insertion passage. An endoscope apparatus in which a notch portion having an opening on the outer peripheral surface side is provided from the distal end side to the distal end side.
[0152]
3. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1 and appendix 2, wherein the treatment instrument insertion passage communicates with the treatment instrument projecting port on a distal end side with respect to the notch.
As described above, the notch portion is provided in the distal end configuration portion, and the treatment instrument insertion path is fixed to the treatment instrument insertion port on the distal end side with respect to the notch portion, so that the treatment instrument insertion path has a degree of freedom in the notch portion. Is arranged.
[0153]
4). The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the endoscope is an industrial endoscope having a treatment instrument insertion path through which a working tool for collecting foreign matter and the like is inserted.
[0154]
5). The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1 and appendix 2, having a bending portion on a distal end side of an insertion portion of the endoscope and the cover-type endoscope.
[0155]
6). The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 5, wherein a portion other than the bending portion of the insertion portion is soft.
[0156]
7). The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 5, wherein a portion other than the bending portion of the insertion portion is rigid.
[0157]
8). The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1 and appendix 2, wherein the insertion portion is rigid.
[0158]
9. A locking member that locks the distal end configuration portion of the cover endoscope on the cover distal end configuration portion, and a cylindrical member that externally fits on the locking member and restricts deformation of the locking member in the outer direction are provided. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2.
[0159]
10. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1 or appendix 2, wherein a built-in object cross-sectional area is larger in the vicinity of the distal end configuration portion than the distal end configuration portion than in the distal end configuration portion.
[0160]
11. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 2, wherein a thick-diameter portion of the cover endoscope is disposed closer to the base end side than the cover distal end constituent portion.
[0161]
12 The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 10, wherein the built-in object is an imaging circuit unit including a solid-state imaging device and a control board that controls an image signal from the solid-state imaging device.
[0162]
13. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 11, wherein the large diameter portion is a curved portion.
[0163]
14 The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 11, wherein the large-diameter portion is a connection portion between the endoscope distal end constituent portion and the bending portion.
[0164]
15. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 14, wherein the treatment instrument insertion passage has an insertion passage large-diameter portion whose outer diameter is thicker than other portions in the vicinity of the proximal end side of the distal end configuration portion.
[0165]
16. The endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 15, wherein the insertion passage large-diameter portion is a bendable insertion passage bending portion.
[0166]
17. An air-feeding device that has an objective lens and a solid-state imaging device at a distal-end configuration portion provided at the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion, has a non-circular light receiving range or a monitor display range, and faces the observation window In an endoscope apparatus provided with a nozzle and a water supply nozzle, the light receiving range or display range in a plane parallel to the observation window is provided with a water supply nozzle at a position close to the observation window, and an air supply nozzle is provided at a distant position. Endoscopic device.
[0167]
18. From the solid-state imaging device, which has an objective lens and a solid-state imaging device at the distal-end configuration portion provided at the distal end of the endoscope insertion portion, and is provided with an air supply nozzle and a water supply nozzle toward the distal-end side lens of the objective lens In an endoscope apparatus that displays an observation visual field image on a monitor based on an electrical signal of the above, a light receiving range of the image sensor or a display visual field to the monitor is square, and a water supply nozzle is provided in a side direction of the square, 18. An endoscope apparatus according to appendix 17, in which is provided in a diagonal direction of the square.
[0168]
19. The endoscope is composed of a cover endoscope and an endoscope cover that is detachably mounted on the cover endoscope, and an objective is provided at the endoscope distal end configuration portion provided at the distal end of the insertion portion of the cover endoscope. A lens and a solid-state imaging device are provided, and an observation visual field image is displayed on a monitor based on an electrical signal from the solid-state imaging device, and a light receiving range of the imaging device or a display visual field to the monitor is square, Additional remark 17 and remark 18 which provided the air supply nozzle and the water supply nozzle in the front-end | tip part, provided the said water supply nozzle in the square side direction, and provided the air supply nozzle in the diagonal direction of the square. Endoscope device.
[0169]
20. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 18 and appendix 19, wherein the display field is substantially quadrangular.
[0170]
21. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 20, wherein the substantially quadrangular shape is a substantially square shape.
[0171]
22. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 20, wherein the substantially quadrangular shape is a substantially rectangular shape.
[0172]
23. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 18 and appendix 19, wherein the display field is triangular.
[0173]
24. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 17, wherein the light receiving range or the display range is semicircular.
[0174]
25. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 17 to 24, wherein the opening of the water supply nozzle is closer to the observation window than the opening of the air supply nozzle.
[0175]
26. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of supplementary notes 17 to 24, wherein the attachment position of the water supply nozzle to the tip configuration portion is closer to the observation window than the attachment position of the air supply nozzle.
[0176]
27. The endoscope apparatus according to appendix 26, wherein the water supply nozzle and the air supply nozzle have a common part shape.
[0177]
28. In a cover-type endoscope that integrally locks a distal-end component portion and a distal-end cover member via a locking member, a cover-type endoscope in which the locking member is provided with a drop-off preventing means for preventing the falling-off from the distal-end cover member. Endoscope.
[0178]
29. 29. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 28, wherein the drop-off preventing means includes a retaining portion provided on the locking member and a circumferential recess formed on the tip cover member.
[0179]
30. 29. The cover endoscope according to appendix 28, wherein the drop-off prevention means is composed of a convex portion provided on the locking member and a concave portion or a hole portion provided on the tip cover member.
[0180]
31. 29. The cover type endoscope according to appendix 28, wherein the drop-off prevention means includes a concave portion or a hole portion provided in the locking member and a convex portion provided in the tip cover member.
[0181]
32. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 28, wherein the drop-off prevention means is a separate member positioned in a recess provided in the locking member.
[0182]
33. 29. The cover endoscope according to appendix 28, wherein the drop-off prevention means is composed of a convex portion formed on the outer skin and a convex portion formed on the locking member.
[0183]
34. 30. The cover endoscope according to appendix 29, wherein the locking member has a stepped shape having a wide tip end, and serves as a drop-off preventing means by engagement between the stepped portion and a groove provided in the tip cover member.
[0184]
35. 29. The cover-type endoscope according to appendix 28, wherein the drop-off prevention means is an arc-shaped member that is externally mounted on the outer periphery of the tip cover member and the locking member.
[0185]
36. 29. The cover type according to appendix 28, wherein the drop-off prevention means includes a through hole formed in the locking member, a screw portion formed in the tip cover member, and a screw inserted into the through hole and screwed into the screw portion. Endoscope.
[0186]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the cleaning ability of the observation window and the like is improved, the observation performance is good without reducing the ability to remove water droplets adhering to the surface of the observation window, etc. By disposing it close to the lens cover, the diameter of the tip cover member can be reduced, which can relieve the patient's pain.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 to FIG. 11 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a cover-type endoscope.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a distal end portion of a cover-type endoscope
FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a proximal end surface side of a distal end cover member.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a tip surface of a tip constituent part.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship between a light shielding portion and a light shielding groove
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the attachment of the objective lens frame to the tip configuration part
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the relationship between the illumination lens cover and the tip cover member.
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an illumination lens cover is disposed on the tip cover member.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory view showing an illumination lens cover receiving portion formed on the tip cover member.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view for explaining an arrangement configuration of a forceps insertion channel which is a locking portion between a distal end cover member and a distal end configuration portion and a treatment instrument insertion path;
11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II in FIG.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a pipe connection portion of an air / water supply tube
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a fluid control device.
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection relationship between a water supply tank and a fluid control device.
15 is a diagram in which the fluid control device of FIG. 13 is placed horizontally.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory view showing a pipe fixing member.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing the action of a member that is broken through a pipe.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement position relationship between an air supply nozzle and a water supply nozzle and an optical area.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing air supply nozzles arranged in a diagonal direction.
FIG. 20 is a view showing a water supply nozzle arranged in the opposite direction.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing another arrangement positional relationship between the air supply nozzle and the water supply nozzle.
22 to 29 relate to the configuration of the drop-off prevention means, and FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the distal end portion of the cover-type endoscope and the drop-off prevention means.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a locking member.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a locked state of the cover endoscope.
25 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.
26 is a sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory view showing a state where the cover endoscope is attached to the endoscope cover.
FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a state where the cover endoscope is completely attached to the endoscope cover.
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the action of the drop-off preventing means.
30 to 33 relate to another configuration of the drop-off preventing means, and FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the distal end portion of the cover-type endoscope and the drop-off preventing means.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing another configuration of the locking member.
FIG. 32 is an explanatory view showing a state where the cover endoscope is attached to the endoscope cover.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a locked state of the cover endoscope.
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the action of the drop-off preventing means.
35 and 36 relate to another configuration of the drop-off prevention means, and FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the distal end portion of the cover-type endoscope and the drop-off prevention means.
FIG. 36 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the locked state of the cover-type endoscope
FIG. 37 to FIG. 39 relate to another configuration of the drop-off preventing means, and FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the distal end portion of the cover-type endoscope and the drop-off preventing means.
FIG. 38 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the locking state of the cover-type endoscope
39 is a sectional view of FIG. 38.
FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of a cover-type endoscope using a C-ring-shaped member as a drop-off preventing means.
41 and 42 relate to another configuration of the drop-off prevention means, and FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the distal end portion of the cover-type endoscope and the drop-off prevention means.
FIG. 42 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing the locking state of the cover-type endoscope
43 and 44 relate to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the distal end portion of the endoscope.
44 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VV in FIG. 43.
[Explanation of symbols]
6 ... tip component
9: Tip cover member
21 ... Objective lens cover
35 ... Air supply nozzle
36 ... Water nozzle

Claims (8)

内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、
前記先端部に設けられた対物レンズ、および非円形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに非円形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、
前記受光範囲の縁を形成する輪郭のうち、前記対物レンズの中心に対して近い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物レンズに向かって開口した送水ノズルと、
前記対物レンズの中心に対して遠い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物レンズに向かって開口した送気ノズルと、
前記対物レンズに隣接して開口され、接続される吸引源によって前記対物レンズ上の水滴を吸引可能な吸引管路と、
を具備することを特徴とする内視鏡装置。 And the tip portion of the endoscope insertion portion,
And the solid-state image sensor having a light receiving range corresponding to the display range displayed in the non-circular said objective lens provided at the distal portion, and has a predetermined light receiving range of non-circular, or the monitor,
Among the contours forming the edge of the light receiving range, a water supply nozzle that is disposed in a direction in which a contour portion that is close to the center of the objective lens is located and opened toward the objective lens ;
An air supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a contour portion located at a position far from the center of the objective lens is located and opens toward the objective lens ;
A suction line that is opened adjacent to the objective lens and can suck water droplets on the objective lens by a connected suction source ;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: 内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、
前記先端部に設けられ、前記先端部表面に露出される先端側レンズを備えた対物光学系、および非円形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに非円形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、
前記受光範囲の縁を形成する輪郭のうち、前記先端側レンズの中心に対して近い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物光学系の先端側レンズに向かって開口した送水ノズルと、
前記先端側レンズの中心に対して遠い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物光学系の先端側レンズに向かって開口した送気ノズルと、
前記先端側レンズに隣接して開口され、接続される吸引源によって前記先端側レンズ上の水滴を吸引可能な吸引管路と、
を具備することを特徴とする内視鏡装置。 And the tip portion of the endoscope insertion portion,
The objective optical system provided with the tip side lens provided at the tip part and exposed on the tip part surface, and a display range having a non-circular predetermined light receiving range or displayed non-circularly on the monitor and the solid-state image sensor having a light receiving range,
A water supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a contour portion that is close to the center of the front-end side lens is located in a contour that forms an edge of the light-receiving range and that opens toward the front-end lens of the objective optical system And
An air supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a contour portion that is far from the center of the front end side lens is located and opens toward the front end side lens of the objective optical system ;
A suction conduit that is opened adjacent to the front lens and is capable of sucking water droplets on the front lens by a connected suction source ;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: 内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、
前記先端部に設けられ、前記先端部表面に露出される先端側レンズを備えた対物光学系、および角形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに角形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、
角形の前記受光範囲の辺部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物光学系の先端側レンズに向かって開口した送水ノズルと、
角形の前記受光範囲の角部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物光学系の先端側レンズに向かって開口した送気ノズルと、
前記先端側レンズに隣接して開口され、接続される吸引源によって前記先端側レンズ上の水滴を吸引可能な吸引管路と、
を具備することを特徴とする内視鏡装置。 The distal end of the endoscope insertion section;
An objective optical system provided with a tip side lens provided at the tip portion and exposed on the tip portion surface, and a light receiving range corresponding to a display range having a rectangular predetermined light receiving range or displayed in a square shape on a monitor a solid-state imaging device having,
A water-feeding nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a side portion of the rectangular light-receiving range is located, and that opens toward a tip side lens of the objective optical system ;
An air supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a corner portion of the rectangular light receiving range is located, and that opens toward a tip side lens of the objective optical system ;
A suction conduit that is opened adjacent to the front lens and is capable of sucking water droplets on the front lens by a connected suction source ;
An endoscope apparatus comprising: 内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、
前記先端部に設けられた対物レンズ、および非円形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに非円形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、
前記受光範囲の縁を形成する輪郭のうち、前記対物レンズの中心に対して近い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記対物レンズの表面に対して斜め方向から送水可能な送水ノズルと、
前記対物レンズの中心に対して遠い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記対物レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記対物レンズの表面に対して平行に送気可能な送気ノズルと、
を具備することを特徴とする内視鏡装置。 The distal end of the endoscope insertion section ;
And the solid-state image sensor having a light receiving range corresponding to the display range displayed in the non-circular said objective lens provided at the distal portion, and has a predetermined light receiving range of non-circular, or the monitor,
Among the contours forming the edge of the light receiving range, the contour portion that is close to the center of the objective lens is disposed in the direction in which the contour portion is located, opens toward the objective lens, and is on the surface of the objective lens. and water feeding nozzle capable water from an oblique direction against,
An air supply nozzle that is disposed in a direction in which a contour portion that is far from the center of the objective lens is located, opens toward the objective lens, and is capable of supplying air parallel to the surface of the objective lens ; ,
An endoscope apparatus comprising: 内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、
前記先端部に設けられ、前記先端部表面に露出される先端側レンズを備えた対物光学系、および非円形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに非円形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、
前記受光範囲の縁を形成する輪郭のうち、前記先端側レンズの中心に対して近い位置と なる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記先端側レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記先端側レンズの表面に対して斜め方向から送水可能な送水ノズルと、
前記先端側レンズの中心に対して遠い位置となる輪郭部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記先端側レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記先端側レンズの表面に対して平行に送気可能な送気ノズルと、
を具備することを特徴とする内視鏡装置。 The distal end of the endoscope insertion section ;
The objective optical system provided with the tip side lens provided at the tip part and exposed on the tip part surface, and a display range having a non-circular predetermined light receiving range or displayed non-circularly on the monitor A solid-state imaging device having a light receiving range ;
Among the contours forming the edge of the light receiving range, the contour portion is located in a direction close to the center of the distal lens, and opens toward the distal lens, and the distal lens A water supply nozzle capable of supplying water from an oblique direction with respect to the surface of
It is arranged in a direction in which a contour portion that is far from the center of the distal lens is located, opens toward the distal lens, and can feed air in parallel to the surface of the distal lens. Air nozzle ,
An endoscope apparatus comprising: 内視鏡挿入部の先端部と、
前記先端部に設けられ、前記先端部表面に露出される先端側レンズを備えた対物光学系、および角形の所定の受光範囲を有する、もしくはモニタに角形に表示される表示範囲に相当する受光範囲を有する固体撮像素子と、
角形の前記受光範囲の辺部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記先端側レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記先端側レンズの表面に対して斜め方向から送水可能な送水ノズルと、
角形の前記受光範囲の角部分が位置する方向に配置され、前記先端側レンズに向かって開口するとともに、前記先端側レンズの表面に対して平行に送気可能な送気ノズルと、
を具備することを特徴とする内視鏡装置。 The distal end of the endoscope insertion section ;
An objective optical system provided with a tip side lens provided at the tip portion and exposed on the surface of the tip portion, and a light receiving range corresponding to a display range having a predetermined rectangular light receiving range or displayed in a square shape on a monitor A solid-state imaging device having
A water supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a side portion of the rectangular light receiving range is located, opens toward the tip side lens, and can feed water from an oblique direction with respect to the surface of the tip side lens ;
An air supply nozzle that is arranged in a direction in which a corner portion of the rectangular light receiving range is located, opens toward the tip side lens, and can feed air in parallel to the surface of the tip side lens ;
The endoscope device characterized by comprising a. 挿入部の先端部に対物レンズと固体撮像素子とを備えたカバー用内視鏡と、
前記カバー用内視鏡に着脱自在に外装される内視鏡カバーと、
前記内視鏡カバーの先端部に、前記対物レンズの先端側に配置される前記先端側レンズとしての対物レンズカバーと、前記送水ノズルと、前記送気ノズルとを設けたことを特徴とする請求項１乃至請求項６のいずれかに記載の内視鏡装置。 An endoscope for a cover provided with an objective lens and a solid-state image sensor at the distal end of the insertion portion ;
An endoscope cover detachably mounted on the cover endoscope ;
The objective lens cover as the tip side lens disposed on the tip side of the objective lens, the water supply nozzle, and the air supply nozzle are provided at the tip portion of the endoscope cover. The endoscope apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . 前記固体撮像素子の受光範囲またはモニタへの視野の表示範囲は、円形の一部が切り欠かれた形状であることを特徴とする請求項１乃至請求項６のいずれかに記載の内視鏡装置。The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light receiving range of the solid-state imaging device or the display range of the visual field on the monitor is a shape in which a part of a circle is cut out. Equipment .
JP2002031424A 2002-02-07 2002-02-07 Endoscope device Expired - Fee Related JP3776812B2 (en)

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