Endoscope

Abstract

An endoscope capable of preventing misalignment between a contact member and the front-end main body, comprising: an operation unit provided with operation members; an insertion unit provided on the front-end side of the operation unit and inserted into the subject's body; a front-end main body located at the front end of the insertion unit and forming at least a front surface having a treatment instrument outlet and a riser accommodation space communicating with the treatment instrument outlet; a riser configured in the riser accommodation space and rotatable between a collapsed position and an erected position about a rotation axis and having a treatment instrument guiding surface; and a contact member disposed on the front-surface side of the front-end main body and, when the riser is in the erected position, disposed at a position facing the treatment instrument guiding surface, the contact member having a portion to be braked on the rear end surface facing the front-end surface of the front-end main body, the front-end main body having a braking portion engaging with the portion to be braked on the front surface, and the braking portion at least restricting movement of the contact member when the treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument outlet is erected by the riser.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope provided with an upright table for changing the leading direction of a treatment instrument on the front end side of an insertion portion. Background Art

[0002] In an endoscope, various treatment instruments are introduced from a treatment instrument insertion port provided in an operation portion, and the treatment instrument is led out to the outside from a treatment instrument lead-out port opened at the front end portion of an insertion portion for treatment. For example, a guide wire, a contrast medium hose, or the like is used as a treatment instrument in a duodenoscope. A puncture needle or the like is used as a treatment instrument in an ultrasonic endoscope. A forceps, a snare, or the like is used as a treatment instrument in other direct-view endoscopes and side-view endoscopes. In order to treat a desired position in a subject's body, such a treatment instrument needs to change the leading direction at the front end portion. Therefore, an upright table for changing the leading direction of the treatment instrument is provided at the front end portion. Further, a treatment instrument upright mechanism for displacing the posture of the upright table between an upright position and a fallen position is provided in the endoscope.

[0003] The structure of an endoscope having an upright table is disclosed in Patent Document 1. An endoscope having a rigid front end portion main body provided with a contact member made of an insulating material is disclosed in Patent Document 1. By performing an upright operation on the treatment instrument with the upright table, the treatment instrument is pressed and fixed by the upright table and the contact member.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 4970877

[0005] The contact member is stressed via the treatment instrument in accordance with the upright operation of the upright table. In Patent Document 1, when the contact member is stressed, the contact member is curled and deformed in the upright direction of the upright table and moves away from the front end portion main body, so there is a concern that the contact member may be displaced from the front end portion main body. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope capable of preventing deformation of a contact member and suppressing displacement.

[0007] The endoscope according to the first aspect of the present invention includes: an operation unit provided with operation members; an insertion unit provided on the front end side of the operation unit and inserted into the subject's body; a front end unit main body located at the front end of the insertion unit and having a front end face formed with at least a treatment instrument outlet and a riser accommodation space communicating with the treatment instrument outlet; a riser disposed in the riser accommodation space and rotatable between a fallen position and an erected position about a rotation axis, and having a treatment instrument guiding surface; and an abutting member disposed on one side of the front end face of the front end unit main body and, when the riser is in the erected position, disposed at a position facing the treatment instrument guiding surface. The abutting member has a portion to be braked on the rear end face facing the front end face of the front end unit main body, and the front end unit main body has a braking portion engaging with the portion to be braked on the front end face. The braking portion restricts at least the movement of the abutting member when the treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument outlet is erected by the riser. The first aspect prevents deformation of the abutting member and suppresses misalignment between the front end unit main body and the abutting member.

[0008] In the second aspect of the present invention, the braking portion has a restricting surface formed by an inclined surface facing the side of the riser and the side of the rotation axis. The second aspect defines one of the preferred forms of the braking portion.

[0009] In the third aspect of the present invention, the braking portion has a restricting surface formed by a parallel surface facing the side of the riser and the side of the rotation axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis direction of the front end unit main body. The third aspect defines one of the preferred forms of the braking portion.

[0010] In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the braking portion is a recess provided on the front end face, and the portion to be braked is a protrusion provided on the rear end face. The fourth aspect defines one of the preferred forms of the braking portion.

[0011] In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the braking portion is a protrusion provided on the front end face, and the portion to be braked is a recess provided on the rear end face. The fifth aspect defines one of the preferred forms of the braking portion.

[0012] In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the abutting member is detachably mounted on the front end unit main body. The sixth aspect enables replacement of the abutting member.

[0013] The seventh aspect of the present invention includes: a top cover mounted on the front end unit main body and covering the riser accommodation space, and having a wall portion defining an opening window open on the side facing the treatment instrument guiding surface. The top cover and the abutting member are integrally formed. The seventh aspect defines that the abutting member and the top cover are integrally formed.

[0014] In the eighth aspect of the present invention, the top cover is detachably mounted on the front end unit main body. The eighth aspect enables replacement of the abutting member by replacing the top cover.

[0015] In the ninth aspect of the present invention, the front-end body is made of a metal material, and the abutting member is made of a resin material. The ninth aspect specifies the preferred materials for the front-end body and the abutting member.

[0016] In the tenth aspect of the present invention, the abutting member includes: a contact surface including a fulcrum when the treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument outlet is erected by the erection table; and a pressing surface capable of pressing and fixing the treatment instrument in a state where the erection table is in the erected position. The tenth aspect specifies the preferred mode of the abutting member.

[0017] In the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the treatment instrument is pressed and fixed by the treatment instrument guiding surface of the erection table and the pressing surface of the abutting member. In the eleventh aspect, the treatment instrument can be pressed and fixed by the treatment instrument guiding surface and the pressing surface.

[0018] Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the endoscope of the present invention, deformation of the abutting member can be prevented and misalignment between the abutting member and the front-end body can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of an endoscope system including the endoscope according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing an enlarged front end portion.

[0022] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An assembled perspective view of the structure of the front end portion shown.

[0023] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the front-end body observed from the X(+) side.

[0024] Figure 5 It is an assembled perspective view of the front-end body and the erection table.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a main part cross-sectional view showing a state where the treatment instrument is erected by the erection table in the endoscope of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a main part cross-sectional view showing a state where a guide wire is fixed by the erection table in the endoscope of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a main part cross-sectional view showing a state where the treatment instrument is erected by the erection table in the endoscope of the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9This is a main part cross-sectional view showing a state in which a treatment instrument is erected by an erection table in the endoscope of the third embodiment.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a main part cross-sectional view showing a state in which a treatment instrument is erected by an erection table in the endoscope of another embodiment.

[0030] Figure 11 This is an assembled perspective view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the fourth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 12 This is an assembled perspective view showing the structure of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Symbol Explanation

[0033] 10 - Endoscope, 12 - Endoscope system, 14 - Processor device, 16 - Light source device, 18 - Display, 20 - Erection operating lever, 22 - Operation section, 24 - Insertion section, 26 - Flexible section, 28 - Bending section, 30 - Distal end portion, 32 - Distal end portion main body, 34 - Top cover, 34A - Opening window, 34B - Wall portion, 36 - Erection table, 36A - Treatment instrument guide surface, 36B - Opposite surface, 36C - Side surface, 36D - Base end surface, 36E - Upper surface, 37 - Contact member, 37A - Side surface, 37B - Protruding surface, 37B1 - Contact surface, 37B2 - Pressing surface, 37B3 - Upper surface, 37C - Rear end surface, 37D - Braked portion, 37D1 - Inclined surface, 37D2 - Inclined surface, 37D3 - Parallel surface, 38 - Treatment instrument channel, 40 - Wire, 42 - Air and water supply hose, 46 - Operation section main body, 48 - Grasping section, 50 - Anti - kink tube, 52 - General cable, 54 - Light source connector, 56 - Electrical connector, 57 - Air and water supply button, 58 - Air and water supply nozzle, 59 - Suction button, 60 - Treatment instrument outlet, 61 - Front end surface, 62 - Bend angle button, 63 - Braking section, 63A - Inclined surface, 63B - Inclined surface, 63C - Parallel surface, 64 - Treatment instrument inlet, 66 - Erection table accommodation space, 68 - Partition wall, 68A - Upper surface, 70 - Partition wall, 72 - Optical system accommodation chamber, 74 - Lighting window, 76 - Observation window, 78 - Erection rod accommodation chamber, 78A - Side surface, 80 - Erection rod, 80A - Rod portion, 82 - Through - hole, 84 - Through - hole, 86 - Rotation axis, 88 - Hole, 100 - Treatment instrument, 102 - Guide wire, Ax - Longitudinal axis, A - Arrow, B - Arrow, CP - Contact point. Detailed Embodiment

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the endoscope of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0035] (First Embodiment)

[0036] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an endoscope system 12 including an endoscope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope system 12 includes an endoscope 10, a processor device 14, a light source device 16, and a display 18.

[0037] The endoscope 10 includes an operation unit 22 provided with an operation member, i.e., a raising operation lever 20, and an insertion unit 24 provided on the front end side of the operation unit 22 and inserted into a subject's body.

[0038] The insertion unit 24 has a longitudinal axis Ax extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and sequentially includes a flexible unit 26, a bending unit 28, and a distal end unit 30 from the proximal end to the distal end. The detailed structure of the distal end unit 30 will be described later, but first, the schematic structure of the distal end unit 30 will be described.

[0039] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an enlarged distal end unit 30. Here, the endoscope 10 of the embodiment (reference Figure 1 ) is, for example, a side-view endoscope used as a duodenoscope, Figure 2 and the distal end unit 30 has a structure in a side-view endoscope.

[0040] And, Figure 3 This is an assembled perspective view showing the structure of the distal end unit 30 shown in Figure 2 . As shown in Figure 3 , the distal end unit 30 has a distal end unit main body 32 and a top cover 34, and is constituted by mounting the top cover 34 on the distal end unit main body 32. The distal end unit main body 32 is provided on the front end side of the insertion unit 24 (reference Figure 1 ), and a raising table 36 having a treatment instrument guiding surface 36A described later is provided on the distal end unit main body 32. The state where the raising table 36 is in the fallen position is shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0041] And, the various contents disposed inside the insertion unit 24 of the endoscope 10 (reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) are shown in Figure 1 . Specifically, a treatment instrument channel 38 for guiding the distal end of a treatment instrument (not shown) to the distal end unit main body 32, a raising operation wire 40 (hereinafter referred to as a wire 40) for operating to change the guiding direction of the distal end of the treatment instrument led out from the distal end unit main body 32, and a gas / water supply hose 42 are provided. And, although not shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , a bending unit 28 (reference Figure 1Contents such as an angled wire that operates in the bending direction of (), a signal cable that transmits an image signal, and an optical guide that transmits illumination light.

[0042] In addition, in this specification, a three-dimensional rectangular coordinate system of three axial directions (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) is used for explanation. For example, in Figures 1 to 3 , the Z(+) direction refers to the upward direction, and the Z(-) direction refers to the downward direction. Also, the X(+) direction refers to the right direction, and the X(-) direction refers to the left direction. Moreover, the Y(+) direction refers to the front-end side direction of the front end portion 30, and the Y(-) direction refers to the base-end side direction of the front end portion 30. In addition, the Y-axis direction including the Y(+) direction and the Y(-) direction is parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax of the insertion portion 24.

[0043] Returning to Fig. 1, the operation portion 22 is integrally configured in a substantially cylindrical shape. The operation portion 22 has an operation portion main body 46 in which an upright operation lever 20 is rotatably provided and a grip portion 48 connected to the operation portion main body 46. The base end portion of the insertion portion 24 is provided via a kink tube 50 on the front-end side of the grip portion 48. The grip portion 48 is the portion held by a medical practitioner when operating the operation endoscope 10.

[0044] Also, a general cable 52 is provided in the operation portion main body 46. A light source connector 54 is provided on the front-end side of the general cable 52. An electrical connector 56 is branched and provided in the light source connector 54. Moreover, the electrical connector 56 is connected to the processor device 14, and the light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16.

[0045] Also, an air / water supply button 57 and a suction button 59 are provided side by side in the operation portion main body 46. When the air / water supply button 57 is operated, gas and water are supplied to Figure 2 the air / water supply hose 42, so that gas and water can be ejected from the air / water supply nozzle 58 provided in the front-end portion main body 32. Figure 1 The air / water supply button 57 of () is a two-stage operation. By operating in one stage, gas can be supplied to the air / water supply hose 42, and by operating in two stages, water can be supplied to the air / water supply hose 42.

[0046] Also, when Figure 1 the suction button 59 is operated, body fluids such as blood can be suctioned from the suction port of the treatment instrument outlet 60 provided on the front end surface 61 of the front-end portion main body 32 of (), through the treatment instrument passage 38. The front end surface 61 is the surface on which the treatment instrument outlet 60 can be formed in the front-end portion main body 32. Figure 2 The front end surface 61 is the surface on which the treatment instrument outlet 60 can be formed in the front-end portion main body 32.

[0047] As Figure 1As shown, a pair of bending buttons 62, 62 for bending the bending part 28 are arranged on the operation part main body 46. The pair of bending buttons 62, 62 are rotatably arranged coaxially.

[0048] The erecting operation lever 20 is rotatably arranged coaxially with the bending buttons 62, 62. The erecting operation lever 20 is rotated by the hand of a medical practitioner holding the holding part 48. If the erecting operation lever 20 is rotated, the Figure 2 steel wire 40 is pushed and pulled. By operating this steel wire 40, the posture of the erecting table 36 connected to the front end side of the steel wire 40 is Figure 2 changed between the fallen position and the erect position (not shown).

[0049] As Figure 1 shown, a treatment instrument inlet 64 for introducing a treatment instrument is provided in the holding part 48 of the operation part 22. A treatment instrument (not shown) with the front end as the tip is inserted through the treatment instrument inlet 64 and inserted through the Figure 2 treatment instrument channel 38 and is led out to the outside through the treatment instrument outlet 60 provided in the front end part main body 32.

[0050] As Figure 1 shown, the flexible part 26 of the insertion part 24 has a spiral tube (not shown) formed by spirally winding an elastic thin metal strip. The flexible part 26 is formed by covering the outside of the spiral tube with a tubular net body woven with metal wires and covering the outer periphery of the net body with an outer skin made of resin.

[0051] The bending part 28 of the insertion part 24 has a structure formed by rotatably connecting a plurality of corner rings (not shown). The bending part 28 is formed by covering the outer periphery of the structure with a tubular net body woven with metal wires and covering the outer periphery of the net body with a rubber tubular outer skin. For example, four angle steel wires (not shown) are arranged from the bending part 28 thus formed to the bending buttons 62, 62. By rotating the bending buttons 62, 62, these angle steel wires are pushed and pulled, whereby the bending part 28 bends up, down, left, and right.

[0052] The endoscope 10 of the embodiment configured as described above is, for example, a side-view endoscope used as a duodenoscope, and the insertion part 24 is inserted into the subject's body through the oral cavity. The insertion part 24 is inserted from the esophagus through the stomach into the duodenum to perform prescribed examinations or treatments and other procedures.

[0053] In addition, as a treatment instrument used in the endoscope 10 according to the embodiment, treatment instruments such as a biopsy forceps having a cup capable of extracting a living tissue at the distal end portion, a scalpel for EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy), or a contrast hose can be exemplified.

[0054] Next, Figure 2 and Figure 3 the structure of the distal end portion 30 shown will be described in detail.

[0055] Although the description is repetitive, the distal end portion 30 includes a distal end portion main body 32 and a top cover 34 detachably attached to the distal end portion main body 32. The top cover 34 includes a wall portion 34B formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with the distal end side sealed, and a substantially rectangular opening window 34A is defined by the wall portion 34B at a part of its outer peripheral surface. As Figure 2 shown, when the top cover 34 is attached to the distal end portion main body 32, the top cover 34 covers the riser accommodation space 66, and the opening window 34A opens in the first direction Z(+) orthogonal to the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax. Thus, the treatment instrument outlet 60 of the distal end portion main body 32 communicates with the opening window 34A via the riser accommodation space 66.

[0056] The top cover 34 is made of an elastic material such as a rubber material like fluororubber or silicone rubber, and a resin material such as polysulfone or polycarbonate. A ridge engaging portion (not shown) that engages with a groove-shaped engaged portion (not shown) formed in the distal end portion main body 32 is provided on the proximal end side of the top cover 34. By engaging this engaging portion with the engaged portion, the top cover 34 is detachably attached to the distal end portion main body 32.

[0057] The top cover 34 includes a contact member 37 integrally formed with the wall portion 34B. The contact member 37 is made of a resin material. The contact member 37 is disposed in the Z(+) direction with respect to the treatment instrument outlet 60 on one side of the proximal end of the opening window 34A. The contact member 37 protrudes as a whole toward the Y(+) side. When the riser 36 is in the erected position, the contact member 37 is disposed at a position facing the treatment instrument guiding surface 36A. Integral molding means molding the product (top cover 34) while joining the components without using bonding or mechanical joining.

[0058] As Figure 2 shown, the contact member 37 has two side surfaces 37A and a protruding surface 37B located between the two side surfaces 37A. The two side surfaces 37A are located on the X(+) side and the X(-) side with respect to the protruding surface 37B when viewed from the Y(+) direction, and are inclined in a direction extending from the front end of the protruding surface 37B toward the Y(-) side in the X(+) and X(-) directions, respectively.

[0059] The protruding surface 37B faces from the Z(-) side toward the Z(+) side and includes a contact surface 37B1, a pressing surface 37B2, and an upper surface 37B3. The contact surface 37B1 is the surface that includes the fulcrum when the treatment instrument (not shown) exported from the treatment instrument outlet 60 is erected by the erecting table 36. The pressing surface 37B2 is the surface that can press and fix the treatment instrument with the erecting table 36 in the erected position. The upper surface 37B3 is the surface that does not contact the treatment instrument (not shown) erected by the erecting table 36. The pressing surface 37B2 has a quadrangular shape with rounded corners when viewed from the Y(+) direction. The contact surface 37B1 has a shape that is recessed in a curved shape along the shape of the treatment instrument outlet 60. However, the shape of the abutting member 37 is not particularly limited. The abutting member 37 includes a rear end surface 37C that faces the front end surface 61 of the front end portion main body 32, and a braking portion 37D is provided on the rear end surface 37C (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0060] When the treatment of the endoscope 10 is completed, the top cover 34 is detached from the front end portion main body 32 and cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized, or discarded as disposable.

[0061] The front end portion main body 32 is made of a corrosion-resistant metal material. As Figure 3 shown, the front end portion main body 32 has a pair of partition walls 68, 70 that protrude toward the Y(+) side, and these partition walls 68, 70 are arranged opposite to each other in the X-axis direction. And, an erecting table accommodation space 66 for accommodating the erecting table 36 is provided between the partition wall 68 and the partition wall 70. The erecting table accommodation space 66 opens in the first direction orthogonal to the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax, that is, the Z(+) direction and the Z(-) direction.

[0062] If the positional relationship between the partition wall 68 and the erecting table accommodation space 66 is described, the partition wall 68 is arranged adjacent to the erecting table accommodation space 66 in the X-axis direction. Moreover, a lighting window 74 and an observation window 76 are arranged adjacent to each other along the Y-axis direction on the upper surface 68A on the Z(+) side of the partition wall 68. Through the observation window 76, the visual field area in the Z(+) direction where the erecting table accommodation space 66 opens can be observed.

[0063] If the positional relationship between the observation window 76 and the erecting table accommodation space 66 is described, the observation window 76 is arranged adjacent to the erecting table accommodation space 66 in the X-axis direction. The X-axis direction is the second direction orthogonal to the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax and orthogonal to the first direction, that is, the Z(+) direction. In addition, the aforementioned air and water supply nozzle 58 is provided on the front end portion main body 32 toward the observation window 76, whereby the observation window 76 is cleaned by the gas and water sprayed from the air and water supply nozzle 58.

[0064] Inside the adjacent 68, an optical system housing chamber 72 is provided. Inside the optical system housing chamber 72, a lighting unit (not shown) and a photographing unit (not shown) are housed. The lighting unit includes a lighting lens (not shown) disposed on the side of the optical system housing chamber 72 of the lighting window 74 and an optical waveguide (not shown) disposed with its front end face facing the lighting lens. The optical waveguide is disposed in the general cable 52 from the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (reference Figure 1 ) via the operation portion 22, and its base end is connected to the light source connector 54. Thus, when the light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16, the illumination light from the light source device 16 is transmitted to the lighting lens via the optical waveguide and irradiates the field of view region existing in the Z(+) direction from the lighting window 74.

[0065] The aforementioned photographing unit includes a photographing optical system (not shown) disposed inside the observation window 76 and a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type or CCD (charge coupled device) type imaging element (not shown). The front end of a signal cable (not shown) is connected to the imaging element. The signal cable is disposed in the general cable 52 from the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (reference Figure 1 ) via the operation portion 22, and its base end is connected to the electrical connector 56. Thus, when the electrical connector 56 is connected to the processor device 14, the imaging signal of the subject image obtained by the photographing unit is transmitted to the processor device 14 via the signal cable. Moreover, after image processing is performed by the processor device 14, it is displayed as a subject image on the display 18.

[0066] A braking portion 63 is provided on the front end face 61 of the front end portion main body 32. The braking portion 63 engages with a portion to be braked (not shown) provided on the rear end face of the abutting member 37.

[0067] Next, with reference to Figure 4 and Figure 5 the structure of the upright table 36 will be described. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the front end portion main body 32 as viewed from the X(+) side, Figure 5 is an assembled perspective view of the front end portion main body 32 and the upright table 36.

[0068] The upright table 36 is rotatably provided about a rotation axis 86 (reference Figure 5 ) in the upright table housing space 66, and is operated by the upright operation lever 20 (reference Figure 1) is operated to rotate between the standing position and the lying position. When the standing platform 36 is rotated toward the standing position, the treatment tool (not shown) led out from the treatment tool lead-out port 60 to the standing platform storage space 66 abuts against the treatment tool guide surface 36A of the standing platform 36 and moves along the direction toward the top cover 34 ( Figure 2 The treatment instrument guide surface 36A is guided in the direction of the opening window 34A of the vertical stand 36 (reference), and is led out from the opening window 34A opened on the side opposite to the treatment instrument guide surface 36A. The treatment instrument guide surface 36A is formed in an arc shape that curves upward from the base end side to the front end side on the upper surface (Z(+)) side of the vertical stand 36, and is formed in a U-shape in the cross section viewed from the Y(+) side when cut by a plane parallel to the X-axis and the Z-axis. The shape of the treatment instrument guide surface 36A allows the vertical stand 36 to easily guide the treatment instrument.

[0069] A rising rod storage chamber 78 is provided on the side surface of the X(+) side of the front end body 32, and a rising rod 80 is stored in the rising rod storage chamber 78. The rising rod storage chamber 78 is covered and sealed by a protective plate (not shown).

[0070] The upright rod storage chamber 78 is a concave fan-shaped chamber, and a through hole 82 for inserting the wire 40 is provided along the Y-axis direction on the side surface 78A on the Y(-) side. The front end of the wire 40 is inserted through the through hole 82 and fixed to the rod portion 80A of the upright rod 80.

[0071] Furthermore, a through hole 84 is provided in the partition wall 70 along the X-axis direction, penetrating the erection rod storage chamber 78 and the erection platform storage space 66. The rotation shaft 86 of the erection rod 80 is disposed through the through hole 84 and is pivotally supported so as to be rotatable. The front end of the rotation shaft 86 is rotatably engaged with a hole 88 provided at the base end of the erection platform 36. Thus, the erection rod 80 and the erection platform 36 are connected via the rotation shaft 86. Furthermore, if the erection operation rod 20 (see Figure 1 ) pushes and pulls the wire 40, the rotating shaft 86 rotates together with the erecting rod 80, thereby changing the posture of the erecting platform 36 between the lying position and the erecting position (not shown). In addition, an O-ring (not shown) is arranged between the rotating shaft 86 and the through hole 84, and the erecting platform storage space 66 and the erecting rod storage chamber 78 prevent gas and liquid from entering each other.

[0072] The upright platform 36 includes a treatment instrument guide surface 36A, an opposite surface 36B located on the side opposite to the side on which the treatment instrument guide surface 36A is formed, two side surfaces 36C located on the X(+) side and the X(-) side and opposite to each other, a base end surface 36D located at the base end of the hole 88, and an upper surface 36E located on the side opposite to the base end surface 36D.

[0073] Next, each example of the endoscope 10 according to an embodiment that can prevent the contact member from deforming and suppress misalignment will be described. Figure 6 It is a main part cross-sectional view showing a state in which the treatment instrument is erected by the erection table in the endoscope according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 It is a main part cross-sectional view showing a state in which the guide wire is fixed by the erection table in the endoscope according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is a main part cross-sectional view of the distal end portion main body 32 and a side view of the distal end portion main body 32 viewed from the X(+) side.

[0074] As Figure 6 shown, the contact member 37 is disposed on one side of the front end face 61 of the distal end portion main body 32. The contact member 37 has a protruding surface 37B and a rear end face 37C on the opposite side. The rear end face 37C is located at a position facing the front end face 61 of the distal end portion main body 32. A portion to be braked 37D is provided on the rear end face 37C. A braking portion 63 that engages with the portion to be braked 37D is provided on the front end face 61 of the distal end portion main body 32.

[0075] The treatment instrument 100 led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port 60 becomes an erected state by erecting the erection table 36 in the direction of arrow A. The treatment instrument 100 contacts a part of the contact surface 37B1 and becomes an erected state with the contact point CP as a fulcrum. The contact member 37 receives a force in the direction of arrow B from the contact point CP via the treatment instrument 100 along with the operation of the erection table 36. As shown by arrow B, the force becomes a resultant force of a force in the Y(-) direction component and a force in the Z(+) direction component with the contact point CP as a reference. The magnitudes of the force in the Y(-) direction component and the force in the Z(+) direction component vary according to the position of the erection table 36. The force received by the contact member 37 increases in the Y(-) direction component and decreases in the Z(+) direction component as the erection table 36 changes from the fallen state to the erected state.

[0076] The force in the Z(+) direction component causes the contact member 37 to be curled and deformed in the Z(+) direction and causes misalignment with the distal end portion main body 32. In order to prevent misalignment between the contact member 37 and the distal end portion main body 32, it is necessary to ensure that the contact member 37 does not curl and deform even when receiving the force in the Z(+) direction component. In the following embodiments, by engaging with the braking portion 63 that engages with the portion to be braked 37D, the contact member 37 is prevented from curling and deforming, and the generation of misalignment is suppressed.

[0077] In the first embodiment, the portion to be braked 37D has a convex shape that tapers toward the front end in the Y(-) direction when viewed in a cross-section along the X-axis direction. The convex portion includes inclined surfaces 37D1 and 37D2 that are inclined with respect to the Y-axis. The inclined surface 37D1 is composed of an inclined surface that faces the Y(-) direction and the Z(-) direction, and the inclined surface 37D2 is composed of an inclined surface that faces the Y(-) direction and the Z(+) direction.

[0078] On the other hand, the braking portion 63 has a concave shape that widens toward the front end in the Y(+) direction and engages with the portion to be braked 37D. The braking portion 63 includes an inclined surface 63A that faces the side of the upright table 36 and the side of the rotation axis 86, and an inclined surface 63B that faces the side of the upright table 36 and the side of the opening window 34A. The inclined surface 63A is composed of an inclined surface that faces the Y(+) direction and the Z(+) direction. The inclined surface 63B is composed of an inclined surface that faces the Y(+) direction and the Z(-) direction.

[0079] The inclined surface 63A of the braking portion 63 engages with the inclined surface 37D1 of the portion to be braked 37D, and the inclined surface 63B of the braking portion 63 engages with the inclined surface 37D2 of the portion to be braked 37D.

[0080] When the treatment instrument 100 led out from the treatment instrument outlet 60 is erected by the upright table 36, at least the inclined surface 63A of the braking portion 63 bears the force in the Z(+) direction component applied to the abutting member 37. The inclined surface 63A resists the force in the Z(+) direction component, and thus becomes a restricting surface capable of restricting the movement of the abutting member 37. The inclined surface 63A prevents the deformation of the abutting member 37 and suppresses the occurrence of misalignment between the abutting member 37 and the front end portion main body 32.

[0081] Next, a case where a guide wire is used as the treatment instrument will be described. As Figure 7 shown, by erecting the upright table 36 and pressing and fixing the guide wire 102 by the treatment instrument guiding surface 36A of the upright table 36 and the pressing surface 37B2 of the abutting member 37. The force borne by the abutting member 37 is dominated by the force in the Y(-) direction component. The abutting member 37 presses against the front end portion main body 32 by a force substantially parallel to the Y(-) direction. The force in the Z(+) direction component is small, and the inclined surface 63A bears the force in the Z(+) direction component, so the deformation of the abutting member 37 is prevented, and almost no misalignment occurs between the abutting member 37 and the front end portion main body 32.

[0082] The angles in the Y-axis direction with respect to the inclined surface 63A and the inclined surface 63B of the braking portion 63 and the angles in the Y-axis direction with respect to the inclined surface 37D1 and the inclined surface 37D2 of the portion to be braked 37D can be appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0083] (Second Embodiment)

[0084] The endoscope of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the same structures as those of the first embodiment, and the detailed description of the parts thereof will be omitted, and mainly the points different from those of the first embodiment will be described.

[0085] As Figure 8 shown, in the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the top cover 34 includes the contact member 37 formed integrally with the wall portion 34B. On the other hand, the shapes of the braking portion 63 and the portion to be braked 37D in the second embodiment are different from the shapes of the braking portion 63 and the portion to be braked 37D in the first embodiment.

[0086] In the second embodiment, the portion to be braked 37D has a pit shape that widens toward the front end in the Y(-) direction when viewed in a cross-section along the X-axis direction. The pit includes an inclined surface 37D1 and an inclined surface 37D2 that are inclined with respect to the Y-axis. The inclined surface 37D1 is composed of an inclined surface that faces the Y(-) direction and the Z(+) direction, and the inclined surface 37D2 is composed of an inclined surface that faces the Y(-) direction and the Z(-) direction.

[0087] On the other hand, the braking portion 63 has a convex shape that tapers toward the front end in the Y(+) direction and engages with the portion to be braked 37D. The braking portion 63 includes an inclined surface 63A on the side facing the opening window 34A and an inclined surface 63B on the side facing the upright table 36 and the rotation axis 86. The inclined surface 63A is composed of an inclined surface that faces the Y(+) direction and the Z(-) direction, and the inclined surface 63B is composed of an inclined surface that faces the Y(+) direction and the Z(+) direction.

[0088] The inclined surface 63A of the braking portion 63 engages with the inclined surface 37D1 of the portion to be braked 37D, and the inclined surface 63B of the braking portion 63 engages with the inclined surface 37D2 of the portion to be braked 37D.

[0089] When the treatment instrument 100 led out from the treatment instrument outlet 60 is erected by the upright table 36, at least the inclined surface 63B of the braking portion 63 bears the force in the Z(+) direction component applied to the contact member 37. The inclined surface 63B resists the force in the Z(+) direction component, so it becomes a restricting surface capable of restricting the movement of the contact member 37. The inclined surface 63B prevents the deformation of the contact member 37 and suppresses the displacement between the contact member 37 and the front end body 32.

[0090] The protruding surface 37B of the contact member 37 in the second embodiment has the same shape as the protruding surface 37B of the contact member 37 in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, also Figure 7Similarly, by raising the upright table 36, the guide wire 102 is pressed and fixed by the treatment instrument guiding surface 36A of the upright table 36 and the pressing surface 37B2 of the abutting member 37. Also, since the force in the Z(+) direction component is small and the inclined surface 63B bears the force in the Z(+) direction component, deformation of the abutting member 37 is prevented, and almost no displacement occurs between the abutting member 37 and the front end body 32.

[0091] The angles in the Y-axis direction with respect to the inclined surface 63A and the inclined surface 63B of the braking portion 63 and the angles in the Y-axis direction with respect to the inclined surface 37D1 and the inclined surface 37D2 of the braked portion 37D can be appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0092] (Third Embodiment)

[0093] The endoscope of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same structures as those in the first embodiment and the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted, and mainly the points different from those in the other embodiments will be described.

[0094] As Figure 9 shown, in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the top cover 34 includes the abutting member 37 integrally formed with the wall portion 34B. On the other hand, the shapes of the braking portion 63 and the braked portion 37D in the third embodiment are different from the shapes of the braking portion 63 and the braked portion 37D in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0095] In the third embodiment, the braked portion 37D is constituted by a parallel surface 37D3 that extends toward the front end body 32 side when viewed in a cross-section along the X-axis direction, toward the opening window 34A side (Z(+)), and is parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax (Y-axis direction) of the front end body 32.

[0096] On the other hand, in the third embodiment, the braking portion 63 has a restricting surface constituted by a parallel surface 63C that extends toward the upright table 36 side when viewed in a cross-section along the X-axis direction, toward the rotation axis 86 side (Z(-)), and is parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax (Y-axis direction) of the front end body 32.

[0097] The parallel surface 63C of the braking portion 63 engages with the parallel surface 37D3 of the braked portion 37D.

[0098] When the treatment instrument 100 led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port 60 is erected by the erection table 36, at least the parallel surface 63C of the braking part 63 bears the force in the Z(+)-direction component applied to the abutting member 37. The parallel surface 63C resists the force in the Z(+)-direction component, and thus becomes a restricting surface capable of restricting the movement of the abutting member 37. The parallel surface 63C prevents the deformation of the abutting member 37 and suppresses the dislocation between the abutting member 37 and the front-end main body 32.

[0099] The protruding surface 37B of the abutting member 37 in the third embodiment has the same shape as the protruding surface 37B of the abutting member 37 in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, similarly to Figure 7 the same, by erecting the erection table 36, the guide wire 102 is pressed and fixed by the treatment instrument guiding surface 36A of the erection table 36 and the pressing surface 37B2 of the abutting member 37. And the force in the Z(+)-direction component is small, and the parallel surface 63C bears the force in the Z(+)-direction component, so the deformation of the abutting member 37 is prevented, and almost no dislocation occurs between the abutting member 37 and the front-end main body 32.

[0100] The case where the braking part 63 is constituted by the parallel surface 63C parallel to the longitudinal axis Ax is shown, but it can be set as an inclined surface facing the side of the erection table 36 and the side of the rotation axis 86. This inclined surface (not shown) is constituted by an inclined surface facing the Y(+)-direction and the Z(+)-direction.

[0101] Next, an endoscope of another mode will be described. The other mode has a top cover having an abutting member integrally formed with the wall portion in the same manner as the first to third embodiments. On the other hand, a part of the structure of the abutting member is different from that of the first to third embodiments.

[0102] As Figure 10 shown, no braking part is provided on the rear end surface 37C of the abutting member 37. And no braking part is provided on the front end surface 61 of the front-end main body 32. As long as the joint strength when the rear end surface 37C of the abutting member 37 and the front end surface 61 of the front-end main body 32 are installed is of a magnitude resistant to the force in the Z(+)-direction component accompanying the erection operation of the erection table 36, the deformation of the abutting member 37 is prevented, and thus the dislocation between the abutting member 37 and the front-end main body 32 can be prevented. The installation of the front-end main body 32 and the abutting member 37 can apply, for example, chemical bonding such as an adhesive, mechanical bonding such as screw fixing, and combinations thereof.

[0103] In the first to third embodiments and the other mode, when the top cover has an abutting member integrally formed with the wall portion, it is advantageous in the following aspects.

[0104] When the abutting member 37 is provided on the top cover 34, for example, when the top cover 34 is removed from the front end body 32, a part of the abutting member 37 becomes an open space. It becomes easier for the cleaning brush to reach the upright table accommodation space 66, thereby improving the cleanability of the front end body 32.

[0105] When the abutting member 37 has a contact surface 37B1 that contacts the treatment instrument 100, especially if the contact surface 37B1 contacts a metal part, it is likely to be damaged such as scratched. Even when the contact surface 37B1 is damaged, by replacing it with a new top cover 34, the abutting member 37 can be made new.

[0106] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0107] Reference Figure 11 And Figure 12 The endoscope of the fourth embodiment will be described. In addition, the same structures as those of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the detailed description of some of them is omitted, and mainly the points different from those of another embodiment will be described.

[0108] In the fourth embodiment, as Figure 11 shown, the abutting member 37 is different from the first to third embodiments and is provided on the front end surface 61 of the front end body 32 (reference Figure 12 ). The abutting member 37 is arranged in the Z(+) direction on one side of the front end surface 61 with respect to the treatment instrument outlet 60.

[0109] The abutting member 37 protrudes as a whole to the side in the Y(+) direction. When the upright table 36 is in the upright position, the abutting member 37 is provided at a position facing the treatment instrument guide surface 36A.

[0110] As Figure 11 shown, the abutting member 37 has two side surfaces 37A and a protruding surface 37B located between the two side surfaces 37A.

[0111] The protruding surface 37B faces from the Z(-) side to the Z(+) side and includes a contact surface 37B1, a pressing surface 37B2, and an upper surface 37B3. The contact surface 37B1 is a surface including a contact point CP (reference Figure 12 ) that becomes a fulcrum when the treatment instrument (not shown) led out from the treatment instrument outlet 60 is erected by the upright table 36.

[0112] The pressing surface 37B2 is a surface that can press and fix the treatment instrument in a state where the upright table 36 is in the upright position. The upper surface 37B3 is a surface that does not contact the treatment instrument (not shown) erected by the upright table 36. The pressing surface 37B2 has a quadrangular shape with rounded corners when viewed from the Y(+) direction. The contact surface 37B1 has a shape that is recessed in a curved shape along the shape of the treatment instrument outlet 60. However, the shape of the abutting member 37 is not particularly limited.

[0113] The abutting member 37 includes a rear end surface 37C facing the front end surface 61 of the front end portion main body 32 (refer to Figure 12 ). A braking portion 37D is provided on the rear end surface 37C of the abutting member 37.

[0114] As Figure 12 shown, the abutting member 37 is composed of a member different from the top cover 34 and the front end portion main body 32. And, like the top cover 34, the abutting member 37 can be made of a resin material, or can be made of an inexpensive metal material such as MIM (Metal Injection Molding). Or it can be made of a material such as hardened steel that is not easily scratched.

[0115] The abutting member 37 is disposed on one side of the front end surface 61 of the front end portion main body 32. The abutting member 37 has a protruding surface 37B and a rear end surface 37C on the opposite side. The rear end surface 37C is located at a position facing the front end surface 61 of the front end portion main body 32. A braking portion 37D is provided on the rear end surface 37C. A braking portion 63 that engages with the braking portion 37D is provided on the front end surface 61 of the front end portion main body 32.

[0116] In the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the braking portion 37D of the abutting member 37 has a convex shape that tapers toward the front end in the Y(-) direction when viewed from a cross-section in the X-axis direction. The convex includes inclined surfaces 37D1 and 37D2 that are inclined with respect to the Y-axis. The inclined surface 37D1 is composed of an inclined surface facing the Y(-) direction and the Z(-) direction, and the inclined surface 37D2 is composed of an inclined surface facing the Y(-) direction and the Z(+) direction.

[0117] On the other hand, the braking portion 63 on the front end surface 61 has a concave shape that widens toward the front end in the Y(+) direction and engages with the braking portion 37D. The braking portion 63 includes an inclined surface 63A facing the side of the upright table 36 and the side of the rotation axis 86 and an inclined surface 63B facing the side of the opening window 34A on the side of the upright table 36. The inclined surface 63A is composed of an inclined surface facing the Y(+) direction and the Z(+) direction. The inclined surface 63B is composed of an inclined surface facing the Y(+) direction and the Z(-) direction.

[0118] The inclined surface 63A of the braking portion 63 engages with the inclined surface 37D1 of the portion to be braked 37D, and the inclined surface 63B of the braking portion 63 engages with the inclined surface 37D2 of the portion to be braked 37D.

[0119] When the treatment instrument 100 led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port 60 is erected by the erection table 36, at least the inclined surface 63A of the braking portion 63 bears the force in the Z(+) direction component applied to the abutting member 37. The inclined surface 63A resists the force in the Z(+) direction component, and thus becomes a restricting surface capable of restricting the movement of the abutting member 37. The inclined surface 63A prevents deformation of the abutting member 37 and suppresses the occurrence of misalignment between the abutting member 37 and the front-end portion main body 32.

[0120] For example, chemical bonding such as an adhesive, mechanical bonding such as screw fixing, and combinations thereof can be applied to the installation of the front-end portion main body 32 and the abutting member 37. The front-end portion main body 32 and the abutting member 37 are preferably installed so as to be detachable. When the contact surface 37B1 etc. of the abutting member 37 is damaged etc., it can be replaced with a new abutting member 37.

[0121] By performing mechanical bonding such as screw fixing on the front-end portion main body 32 and the abutting member 37, detachable installation can be easily achieved. When performing screw fixing, for example, the screw penetrates the abutting member 37 from one side of the erection table accommodation space 66, reaches the front-end portion main body 32, and installs the front-end portion main body 32 and the abutting member 37. The head of the screw is preferably buried in the abutting member 37. Interference between the screw and the treatment instrument can be prevented.

[0122] In the fourth embodiment, the same portion to be braked 37D and braking portion 63 as in the first embodiment are shown. However, it is not limited to this shape, and the same portion to be braked 37D and braking portion 63 as in the second embodiment and the third embodiment can be applied.

[0123] The present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and of course, various improvements or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope, comprising: An operation unit provided with operation components; An insertion unit provided on the front end side of the operation unit and inserted into the subject's body; A front end portion main body located at the front end of the insertion unit and having at least a front end face formed with a treatment instrument lead-out port and a raised platform accommodation space communicating with the treatment instrument lead-out port; A raised platform disposed in the raised platform accommodation space and rotatable between a fallen position and a raised position about a rotation axis, and having a treatment instrument guiding surface; A top cover mounted on the front end portion main body, covering the raised platform accommodation space, and having a wall portion defining an opening window open on one side facing the treatment instrument guiding surface; And A contact member disposed on one side of the front end face of the front end portion main body and integrally formed with the top cover, and when the raised platform is in the raised position, disposed at a position facing the treatment instrument guiding surface, The contact member has a portion to be braked on the rear end face facing the front end face of the front end portion main body, The front end portion main body has a braking portion on the front end face that engages with the portion to be braked, When the treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port and raised by the raised platform is pressed and fixed to the contact member, the braking portion at least restricts the upward movement of the contact member in the upward direction when the upward direction is the raising direction of the raised platform due to the force received from the treatment instrument.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The braking portion has a restricting surface formed by an inclined surface facing the raised platform and facing the rotation axis side.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The braking portion has a restricting surface formed by a parallel surface facing the raised platform and facing the rotation axis side and parallel to the longitudinal axis direction of the front end portion main body.

4. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein The braking portion is a pit provided on the front end face, and the portion to be braked is a protrusion provided on the rear end face.

5. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein The braking portion is a protrusion provided on the front end face, and the portion to be braked is a pit provided on the rear end face.

6. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The contact member is detachably mounted on the front end portion main body.

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The top cover is detachably mounted on the front end portion main body.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The front end portion main body is made of a metal material, and the contact member is made of a resin material.

9. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The contact member includes: A contact surface including a fulcrum when the treatment instrument led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port is raised by the raised platform; and A pressing surface capable of pressing and fixing the treatment instrument in a state where the raised platform is in the raised position.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein The treatment instrument is pressed and fixed by the treatment instrument guiding surface of the upright table and the pressing surface of the abutting member.

Images