Endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscope capable of suppressing the temperature rise on the surface of the insertion portion. The endoscope includes: a distal end portion having a camera assembly and a lighting portion; and a bending portion having an angulation portion with a plurality of joints connected to the proximal end side of the distal end portion and an angle net covering the outer periphery of the angulation portion and having a distal end connected to the angulation portion, the angulation portion having a cross-sectional area changing portion with a reduced cross-sectional area between the position connected to the distal end portion and the position connected to the angle net.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] The insertion portion of an endoscope inserted into a subject's body is required to have a thinner diameter. Therefore, the contents of the insertion portion are arranged closely to each other. Further, a heat source such as an imaging element and an illumination optical system for illumination is provided at the distal end portion of the endoscope. The insertion portion of the endoscope is a part that directly contacts the inside of a living body such as a human body. Therefore, for safety reasons such as preventing burns, it is required to set the surface temperature of the insertion portion to be below a specified temperature. Further, heat generated by the imaging element and the illumination optical system is conducted to the imaging element, and thus the temperature of the imaging element may rise, resulting in problems such as noise in the endoscope image. In particular, in a narrow space where components are closely arranged, heat generated by the imaging element or the like is likely to be trapped inside, and thus a heat dissipation path needs to be provided.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope device including: an operation unit; an insertion portion extending from the operation unit; a light emission unit provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and configured to emit illumination light; an imaging element provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and configured to capture an object to be observed; a radiator provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and thermally connected to the light emission unit and the imaging element; and a heat transfer mechanism configured to transfer heat generated by the light emission unit and the imaging element to the operation unit via the radiator.

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope including a heat conductive material having a higher thermal conductivity in the longitudinal direction than in the thickness direction and having anisotropy in the heat conduction direction, wherein one end in the longitudinal direction of the heat conductive material is attached to a heat generating portion at the distal end of the insertion portion, and the other end is located on the rear end side of the insertion portion.

[0005] Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a heat dissipation device for a substrate, which is a heat dissipation device attached to the inside of the imaging surface of an imaging element, and includes: a mounting surface facing the inside; a substrate having a back surface which is the inside of the mounting surface; a heat dissipation member buried in the substrate from the back surface to near the mounting surface; a coaxial cable having a shielding member thermally connected to at least the heat dissipation member; and a heat insulating member provided at at least a part between the heat dissipation member and the substrate and configured to reduce the heat transfer rate between the heat dissipation member and the substrate.

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-011612

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-056107

[0008] Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-027431

[0009] However, due to the increase in heat generation resulting from the high pixel density and miniaturization of the imaging element, as well as the decrease in heat capacity accompanying the further miniaturization of the endoscope, there is a problem that simply arranging the heat conductive member in a manner that conducts heat only from the distal end portion toward the proximal end side cannot sufficiently suppress the temperature rise of the endoscope. In particular, due to the temperature rise on the surface of the insertion portion located at a position more proximal than the distal end portion, there is a concern of scalding caused by the insertion portion coming into contact with the same part of the body wall for a long time. Summary of the Invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can eliminate the above-mentioned problems of the prior art and suppress the temperature rise on the surface of the insertion portion.

[0011] To solve the above problems, the present invention has the following structure.

[0012] [1] An endoscope having:

[0013] A distal end portion including a camera assembly and a lighting unit; and

[0014] A bending portion including an angulation portion having a plurality of joints connected to the distal end portion and a corner net covering the outer periphery of the angulation portion and having a distal end connected to the angulation portion,

[0015] The angulation portion has a cross-sectional area change portion where the cross-sectional area becomes smaller between the position connected to the distal end portion and the position connected to the corner net.

[0016] [2] The endoscope according to [1], wherein

[0017] The distal end side end of the corner net is joined to a corner ring located at the most distal end side of the angulation portion,

[0018] The corner ring has an opening on the circumferential surface on the distal end side of the distal end side end of the corner net.

[0019] [3] The endoscope according to [1], wherein

[0020] The position of the distal end side end of the corner net is more proximal than the first joint located at the most distal end side of the angulation portion.

[0021] [4] The endoscope according to [3], wherein

[0022] The bendable angle of the joint of the angulation portion located at a position more distal than the distal end side end of the corner net is less than the average value of the bendable angles of all the joints of the angulation portion.

[0023] [5] The endoscope according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein

[0024] The corner net has the highest heat transfer capacity in the region from the distal end to the proximal end of the corner net.

[0025] [6] The endoscope according to any one of [1] to [5], which has a long member accommodated inside the angled portion and extending at least from inside the bending portion to inside the distal end portion.

[0026] In the region between the distal end and the proximal end of the angular net, the heat transfer ability of the long member is second only to that of the angular net.

[0027] The end portion on the front end side of the long member is directly or indirectly connected to the distal end portion, or is directly or indirectly connected to a position on the front end side of the cross-sectional area changing portion of the angled portion.

[0028] [7] The endoscope according to [6], wherein

[0029] The long member includes a portion where the heat transfer material is formed in a spiral shape.

[0030] [8] The endoscope according to [6] or [7], wherein

[0031] The long member is an angle wire for operating the angled portion.

[0032] [9] The endoscope according to [6], wherein

[0033] The long member has a heat transfer layer and a heat insulation layer covering at least a part of the outer periphery of the heat transfer layer.

[0034]

[10] The endoscope according to [9], wherein

[0035] The long member is a cable electrically connected to the camera assembly.

[0036]

[11] The endoscope according to [9], wherein

[0037] The long member is a forceps tube.

[0038]

[12] The endoscope according to [6] or [7], wherein

[0039] The long member forms the outermost layer of the contents accommodated inside the angled portion.

[0040]

[13] The endoscope according to any one of [6] to [9], wherein

[0041] The end portion on the proximal end side of the long member is located at a position on the front end side of the confluence portion of the air supply tube and the water supply tube that the endoscope has.

[0042] Advantages of the Invention

[0043] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope capable of suppressing the temperature rise on the surface of the distal end portion. Description of the Drawings

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram showing an example of the structure of an endoscope system using an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an insertion portion showing an example of the endoscope shown.

[0046] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a part of the insertion portion of the endoscope shown.

[0047] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an insertion portion of another example of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an insertion portion of another example of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a part of the insertion portion of another example of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 7 It schematically shows Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the insertion portion of the endoscope.

[0051] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the insertion portion of another example of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view of an insertion portion showing an example of a conventional endoscope. Detailed Embodiments

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the endoscope of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0054] The description of the constituent elements given below is based on a representative embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. In the drawings of this specification, the scales of the respective parts are shown with appropriate modifications for easy visual recognition.

[0055] In addition, in this specification, a numerical range represented by "~" means a range including the numerical values described before and after "~" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value.

[0056] [Endoscope]

[0057] The endoscope of the present invention has:

[0058] A front end portion having a camera assembly and a lighting portion; and

[0059] The bending part includes an angular part having a plurality of joints connected to the proximal end side of the distal end part, and an angular net covering the outer periphery of the angular part and having its front end connected to the angular part.

[0060] The angular part has a cross-sectional area changing part with a reduced cross-sectional area between the position connected to the distal end part and the position connected to the angular net.

[0061] In Figure 1 an example of an endoscope system having an endoscope of the present invention is conceptually shown.

[0062] The endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source unit 3, and a processor unit 4. The endoscope 2 has the same structure as a general endoscope except for a part of the insertion part 22 described later.

[0063] The endoscope 2 has an insertion part inserted into the subject's body, an operation part connected to the insertion part, and a universal cord extending from the operation part. The insertion part is composed of a distal end part, a bending part connected to the distal end part, and a flexible part connecting the bending part and the operation part.

[0064] A lighting optical system for emitting illumination light for illuminating the observation site, an imaging device for photographing the observation site, an imaging optical system, etc. are provided at the distal end part. The bending part is configured to be able to bend in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the insertion part, and the bending operation of the bending part is operated by the operation part. And, the flexible part is configured to be relatively soft so as to be deformable following the shape of the insertion path of the insertion part.

[0065] Buttons for operating the imaging operation of the imaging device at the distal end part and a handle for operating the bending operation of the bending part, etc. are provided at the operation part. And, an inlet for introducing a treatment instrument such as an electrosurgical knife is provided at the operation part, and a treatment instrument channel for inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps from the inlet to the distal end part is provided inside the insertion part.

[0066] A connector is provided at the end of the universal cord, and the endoscope 2 is connected to a light source unit 3 that generates illumination light emitted from the lighting optical system at the distal end part and a processor unit 4 that processes the video signal obtained by the imaging device at the distal end part via the connector.

[0067] The processor unit 4 processes the input video signal to generate video data of the observation site, displays the generated video data on a display, and records it. In addition, the processor unit 4 may be composed of a processor such as a PC (personal computer).

[0068] The light source unit 3 generates illumination light such as white light or specific wavelength light composed of three primary colors of light, namely red light (R), green light (G), and blue light (B), in order to obtain an image signal by photographing an observation target site in the body cavity through the imaging device of the endoscope 2, and supplies the illumination light to the endoscope 2. The illumination light is propagated through an optical waveguide or the like inside the endoscope 2 and emitted from the illumination optical system 80 at the front end portion 40 of the insertion portion 22 of the endoscope 2 to illuminate the observation target site in the body cavity.

[0069] An optical waveguide and a wire group (signal cable) are accommodated inside the insertion portion, the operation portion, and the general-purpose cord. The illumination light generated by the light source unit 3 is guided to the illumination optical system at the front end portion via the optical waveguide, and signals and / or power are transmitted between the imaging device at the front end portion and the processor unit 4 via the wire group.

[0070] Furthermore, the endoscope system 1 may further include a water supply tank for storing cleaning water or the like, a suction pump for sucking the aspirated matter in the body cavity (including the supplied cleaning water or the like), and the like. Moreover, it may further include a supply pump or the like for supplying the cleaning water or gas such as external air in the water supply tank to a pipeline (not shown) inside the endoscope.

[0071] In Figure 2 a cross-sectional view showing an example of the insertion portion of the endoscope according to the present invention is shown.

[0072] As Figure 2 shown, the insertion portion 22 is sequentially composed of a front end portion (front rigid portion) 40 formed of a rigid member from the front end side, a bendable bending portion 42 connected to the base end side of the front end portion 40 and formed by connecting a plurality of bending members (angle rings), and a flexible soft portion 44 that is long and slender and connects between the base end side of the bending portion 42 and the front end side of the operation portion.

[0073] The bending portion 42 includes: an angle portion 50 having an angle ring structure in which a plurality of angle rings (section rings), which are formed as annular ring assemblies, are pivotally connected along the axial direction; a plurality of angle wires 54 disposed along the axial direction on the inner peripheral surface of the angle ring; an angle net 52 covering the outer peripheral surface of the angle portion 50; and a flexible bending portion outer skin 43 covering the outer peripheral surface of the angle net 52.

[0074] The base ends of the angle wires 54 are connected to pulleys rotated by a pair of bending knobs provided in the operation portion of the endoscope. Thus, when the pair of bending knobs are rotated to rotate the pulleys, the angle wires 54 are pulled, and the bending portion 42 (angle portion 50) bends in a desired direction. In this way, by operating the pair of bending knobs, the bending portion 42 can be remotely bent so that the front end portion 40 faces a desired direction.

[0075] The corner net 52 is configured such that the contents do not leak to the outside and the outer skin of the bent portion is not caught between the corner rings. The corner net 52 is a net-like member incorporating bare metal wires such as stainless steel and copper, or carbon fiber.

[0076] The distal end portion 40 of the endoscope 2 has a distal end portion main body 41 and a lighting optical system 80, an imaging optical system 86, and an imaging device 90 disposed within the distal end portion main body 41.

[0077] The lighting optical system 80 is an optical system that diffuses the illumination light, has one or more lenses, is disposed on the front end face of the distal end portion main body 41, and is connected to an optical waveguide 98. Therefore, the illumination light generated by the light source unit 3 is guided to the optical waveguide 98 and emitted from the lighting optical system 80 disposed at the distal end portion 40. The lighting optical system 80 corresponds to the lighting unit in the present invention.

[0078] The imaging optical system 86 is an optical system that forms an image of the incident light on the light receiving surface of the imaging element, has one or more lenses, and is disposed on the front end face of the distal end portion main body 41.

[0079] The imaging device 90 is disposed on the proximal end side of the imaging optical system 86. The imaging device 90 has an imaging element that converts the light imaged by the imaging optical system 86 into an electrical signal through photoelectric conversion for imaging, and a circuit board on which the imaging element is mounted, etc. In addition, the imaging device 90 may also have a prism that bends the light incident on the imaging optical system 86 by 90° to change the optical path.

[0080] The imaging element is a conventionally known individual imaging element such as a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary MOS).

[0081] The imaging device 90 and the imaging optical system 86 correspond to the camera assembly in the present invention.

[0082] A signal cable 94 is connected to the imaging device 90. The light is converted into an electrical signal by the imaging element of the imaging device 90, and this electrical signal is transmitted via the signal cable 94. The signal cable 94 is inserted through the insertion portion 22, the operation portion, and the universal cord, etc., and is connected to the processor unit 4.

[0083] Thus, the observation image read by the imaging optical system 86 is formed on the light receiving surface of the imaging element and converted into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is output to the processor unit 4 via the signal cable 94, converted into a video signal, and the observation image is displayed on the display connected to the processor unit 4.

[0084] In addition, although not shown in the drawings, a front cover (a resin member that protects and insulates the front end), a forceps insertion port, a gas supply / water supply nozzle, etc. may also be provided on the front end surface of the front end portion 40.

[0085] Here, in the endoscope of the present invention, the angle portion 50 has a cross-sectional area changing portion 51b with a reduced cross-sectional area between the position connected to the front end portion 40 and the position where the angle net 52 is connected. This will be described with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 for this point. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the insertion portion of the endoscope shown in Figure 2 . The illustration of the bending portion outer skin 43 is omitted in Figure 3 .

[0086] In the examples shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the end portion on the front end side of the angle net 52 is joined to the angle ring 51a (hereinafter referred to as the front end ring) located on the foremost end side of the angle portion 50. The front end ring 51a has an opening portion (cross-sectional area changing portion 51b) on the circumferential surface on the front end side of the angle net 52. This will be described with reference to Figure 3 for this point.

[0087] As shown in Figure 3 , the end portion on the front end side of the angle net 52 is joined to the front end ring 51a on the foremost end side of the angle portion 50. And the front end ring 51a has a slit-shaped opening portion on the circumferential surface.

[0088] By adopting a structure in which the front end ring 51a has the opening portion 51b, the cross-sectional area of the front end ring 51a perpendicular to the long side direction is reduced. This portion is the cross-sectional area changing portion 51b in the present invention. And the angle net 52 is joined at a position more proximal to the base end side than the cross-sectional area changing portion 51b of the front end ring 51a.

[0089] As described above, it is known that due to an increase in heat generation based on the high pixel density and miniaturization of the imaging element and a decrease in heat capacity accompanying the further miniaturization of the endoscope, there is a problem that simply arranging the heat conductive member in a manner that transfers heat only from the front end portion to the base end side cannot sufficiently suppress the temperature rise of the endoscope. In particular, there is a concern of scalding due to the temperature rise on the surface of the insertion portion.

[0090] In the case of a conventional structure that does not have the cross-sectional area changing portion 51b and in which the angle net 152 is arranged near the front end side, as shown in Figure 9 , heat generated by heat sources such as the imaging device 90 and the illumination optical system 80 is transferred to the angle net 152 as indicated by the arrow a. Since the angle net 152 is covered by the bending portion outer skin 43 and arranged near the surface of the bending portion 142, if heat is transferred to the angle net 52, the temperature of the surface of the bending portion 142 (insertion portion 122) will rise.

[0091] In contrast, in the structure of the present invention, the angle portion 50 has a cross-sectional area change portion 51b where the cross-sectional area is reduced between the position where the angle portion 50 is connected to the front end portion 40 and the position where the angle net 52 is connected. Figure 2 As shown by arrow d in the figure, when the heat generated by the heat source such as the imaging device 90 and the illumination optical system 80 is transferred to the angle net 52 via the front ring 51a, it needs to pass through the cross-sectional area change portion 51b of the front ring 51a, so it is difficult to transfer the heat to the angle net 52. Therefore, the heat is transferred to the base end side in the angle wire 54 as shown by arrow d or in the signal cable 94 as shown by arrow b. As a result, the temperature rise of the surface of the curved portion 42 (insertion portion 22) can be suppressed.

[0092] Furthermore, the angle net 52 extends from the base end side, so that Figure 2 As shown by arrow e in the figure, the end of the front end side of the angle net 52 is cooled by heat transfer with the low temperature portion on the base end side. This can also suppress the temperature increase of the surface of the curved portion 42 (insertion portion 22).

[0093] Here, from the viewpoint of appropriately suppressing the heat generated by the heat source from being transferred to the angle net 52 via the front end ring 51a, the cross-sectional area of ​​the cross-sectional area change portion 51b is preferably 90% or less, more preferably 70% or less, and further preferably 50% or less of the cross-sectional area of ​​the front end ring 51a at the position connected to the front end portion 40. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the strength of the angle portion 50, etc., the cross-sectional area of ​​the cross-sectional area change portion 51b is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 30% or more of the cross-sectional area of ​​the front end ring 51a at the position connected to the front end portion 40.

[0094] In addition, the cross-sectional area mentioned here refers to the cross-sectional area of ​​the distal end ring 51a perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0095] Furthermore, the angle net 52 preferably has the highest heat transmission capability in the region from the front end to the base end of the angle net 52 compared with other components (contents accommodated in the angle portion).

[0096] By providing a structure having cross-sectional area variation portion 51 b and suppressing heat transfer from a heat source to angle net 52 having the highest heat transfer capability, angle net 52 can appropriately cool the distal end of angle net 52 by heat transfer with the low temperature portion on the proximal end side.

[0097] In addition, when the thermal conductivity of the component is λ(W / (m×K)), the cross-sectional area is A(m 2 ), the temperature of the side separated by a distance of L(m) is set to T h , set the temperature of the other side to T c When the heat transfer capacity is from the temperature T h One side temperature T cIt is represented by the heat flux Q (W) moving on one side. The heat flux Q is represented by the following formula.

[0098] Q = A × λ × ((T h - T c ) / L)

[0099] And, in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example shown, the cross-sectional area changing portion 51b is provided by forming an opening in the front end ring 51a, but it is not limited thereto.

[0100] For example, as in Figure 4 In the example shown, a recess may be provided at a position on the front end side of the front end ring 51a that is more frontward than the connecting portion 52a with the corner net 52 to form the cross-sectional area changing portion 51b.

[0101] And, as in Figure 5 In the example shown, the cross-sectional area changing portion 51b may also be formed by reducing the outer diameter of the front end ring 51a from a position on the front end side that is more frontward than the connecting portion 52a with the corner net 52 toward the base end side.

[0102] In addition, in Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustration of the bending portion outer skin 43, the illumination optical system 80, the light guide 98, etc. is omitted.

[0103] And the position of the end portion on the front end side of the corner net 52 may also be configured to be more toward the base end side than the first joint located at the most front end side of the angle portion 50, and the portion of the first joint may be set as the cross-sectional area changing portion 51b. This point is illustrated using Figure 6 and Figure 7 to illustrate this point.

[0104] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a part of another example of the insertion portion of the endoscope of the present invention. And, Figure 7 is Figure 6 A schematic cross-sectional view of the insertion portion of the endoscope shown. In Figure 6 the illustration of the bending portion outer skin 43 is omitted. And, in Figure 7 the illustration of the bending portion outer skin 43, the illumination optical system 80, the light guide 98, etc. is omitted.

[0105] As described above, the angle portion 50 has an angle ring structure in which a plurality of angle rings (section rings) are pivotally connected along the axial direction, and the angle rings rotate relative to each other about the pivot axes of the angle rings. That is, the pivot axes of the angle rings become the joint portions. In Figure 6In the example shown, the pivot axis connecting the front end ring 51a at the front end side of the angled portion 50 and the adjacent corner ring 51c is the first joint 53, and the end portion on the front end side of the corner net 52 is joined at a position closer to the base end side than the first joint 53. That is, the structure is such that the corner net 52 does not cover the first joint 53 at the front end side of the angled portion 50. In Figure 6 the example shown, the end portion on the front end side of the corner net 52 is joined to the corner ring 51c.

[0106] In the case of this structure, at the connecting portion of the front end ring 51a and the adjacent corner ring 51c, that is, at the portion of the first joint 53, the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal direction becomes smaller. That is, the portion of the first joint 53 becomes the cross-sectional area changing portion 51b in the present invention.

[0107] Accordingly, Figure 3 in the same manner as in the case of

[0108] when heat generated by a heat source such as the imaging device 90 and the illumination optical system 80 is transferred to the corner net 52 via the angled portion 50, it needs to pass through the portion of the first joint 53 with a small cross-sectional area, so it can be made difficult to transfer heat to the corner net 52.

[0109] In addition, in the case of the structure in which the corner net 52 does not cover the first joint 53 at the front end side of the angled portion 50, when the bent portion 42 is bent, in order to prevent the first joint 53 from being caught in the bent portion outer skin 43, it is preferable to set the bendable angle of the first joint 53 to be smaller than the average value of the bendable angles of all the joints of the angled portion 50.

[0109] Here, in the endoscope of the present invention, there is a long member accommodated inside the angled portion and extending at least from inside the bent portion to inside the front end portion. The long member preferably has a heat transfer ability second only to that of the corner net in the region between the front end and the base end of the corner net. The end portion on the front end side of the long member is directly or indirectly connected to the front end portion, or is directly or indirectly connected to a position closer to the front end side than the cross-sectional area changing portion of the angled portion.

[0110] Figure 8 Fig.

[0111] Figure 8 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an insertion portion of another example of the endoscope of the present invention. Figure 2 The endoscope shown has, in addition to at least one long member 100 extending at least from inside the bent portion 42 to inside the front end portion 40, the same structure as the Figure 2 endoscope shown, so the same reference numerals are given to the same parts. Hereinafter, the description will be mainly focused on the different parts.

[0112] Figure 8 In the endoscope shown, the end portion on the front end side of the long member 100 that extends from inside the bent portion 42 to inside the front end portion 40 is directly connected to the front end portion 41.

[0113] In Figure 8 the example shown, there are two elongated members 100. The end portions on the front end side of the two elongated members 100 are respectively connected to the front end body 41 and extend inside the front end portion 40, the bending portion 42, and the flexible portion 44. Moreover, the end portions on the front end side of the elongated members 100 are connected at positions more on the outer peripheral side than the illumination optical system 80. Further, inside the bending portion 42, the elongated members 100 are disposed between the light guide 98 in the radial direction and the angle portion 50.

[0114] The heat transfer ability of this elongated member 100 is second only to that of the corner net. That is, it has the highest heat transfer ability among the contents accommodated in the angle portion 50.

[0115] In this way, the elongated members 100 are arranged to extend inside the front end portion 40 and the bending portion 42, the end portions on the front end side of the elongated members 100 are directly connected to the front end body 41, and there is a cross-sectional area changing portion 51b. Thus, heat generated by heat sources such as the imaging device 90 and the illumination optical system 80 is difficult to transfer to the corner net 52 side and is easily transferred to the elongated members 100. Therefore, as Figure 8 shown, heat generated by heat sources such as the imaging device 90 and the illumination optical system 80 is transferred to the base end side through the elongated members 100 as indicated by the arrow c. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the surface of the bending portion 42 (insertion portion 22).

[0116] As the material of the elongated member 100, a material with high thermal conductivity is preferred. Specifically, metals or alloys such as copper, aluminum, tungsten, and graphite fibers can be used.

[0117] From the viewpoint of heat transfer, the cross-sectional area of the elongated member 100 perpendicular to the long side direction is preferably a large area, but from the viewpoints of the capacity inside the angle portion and suppressing malfunction of the angle portion, etc., the cross-sectional area of the elongated member 100 perpendicular to the long side direction is preferably 0.05 mm 2 to 3 mm 2 , more preferably 0.2 mm 2 to 2 mm 2 , and further preferably 0.4 mm 2 to 1 mm 2 .

[0118] Moreover, there is no particular limitation on the length of the elongated member 100 as long as it can suppress the temperature rise of the surface of the insertion portion 22. The end portion on the base end side of the elongated member 100 is preferably connected to a metal member more on the base end side than the front end of the flexible portion. Further, in relation to the volume of the contents, the end portion on the base end side of the elongated member 100 is preferably located at a position more on the front end side than the confluence portion of the air supply pipe and the water supply pipe of the endoscope.

[0119] Here, in the above-described embodiment, the long member 100 is configured as an independent member, but it is not limited thereto.

[0120] For example, angle steel wire can also be used as the long member. Further, it can also be configured to have an independent long member and a long member that is angle steel wire. When the angle steel wire is used as the long member, it is only necessary that the heat transfer ability of the angle steel wire is second only to that of the angle net.

[0121] Figure 8 The example shown can be said to be an example in which, in addition to the independent long member 100, the angle steel wire 54 is also used as the long member. And, Figure 2 The example shown can be said to be an example in which the angle steel wire 54 is used as the long member without having an independent long member.

[0122] When the angle steel wire 54 is used as the long member, the end portion on the front end side of the angle steel wire 54 is arranged at a position more on the front end side than the cross-sectional area change portion 51b of the angle portion 50.

[0123] Thereby, as Figure 2 and Figure 8 shown by the arrow d, the heat generated by heat sources such as the imaging device 90 and the illumination optical system 80 is transferred to the angle steel wire 54, and it is difficult to be transferred to the angle net 52. Therefore, the temperature rise on the surface of the bent portion 42 (insertion portion 22) can be suppressed.

[0124] Further, the signal cable 94 connected to the imaging device 90 can also be used as the long member.

[0125] Figure 2 The example shown can be said to be an example in which the signal cable 94 is used as the long member.

[0126] When the signal cable 94 is used as the long member, it is only necessary that the heat transfer ability of the signal cable 94 is second only to that of the angle net. And, the end portion on the front end side of the signal cable 94 is arranged at a position more on the front end side than the cross-sectional area change portion 51b.

[0127] Thereby, as Figure 2 and Figure 8 shown by the arrow b, the heat generated by heat sources such as the imaging device 90 and the illumination optical system 80 is transferred to the signal cable 94, and it is difficult to be transferred to the angle net 52. Therefore, the temperature rise on the surface of the bent portion 42 (insertion portion 22) can be suppressed.

[0128] Alternatively, the forceps tube constituting the tube portion of the forceps opening can also be used as the long member.

[0129] When using the forceps tube as a long member, it is only necessary to set the heat transfer capacity of the forceps tube to be second only to that of the corner net. Moreover, the end portion on the front end side of the forceps tube is disposed at a position more on the front end side than the cross-sectional area change portion 51b.

[0130] Thus, the heat generated by heat sources such as the imaging device 90 and the illumination optical system 80 is transferred to the forceps tube, and it is difficult to transfer the heat to the corner net 52. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the surface of the bent portion 42 (insertion portion 22).

[0131] Here, the long member preferably includes a portion where the heat transfer material is formed in a spiral shape. Thus, even for repeated bending, it will not break or have a wire break, and thus it can withstand the bending action of the angled portion. Examples of the heat transfer material include the materials of the long members such as the aforementioned metals, alloys, and graphite fibers.

[0132] Moreover, the long member is preferably configured to have a structure including a heat transfer layer and a heat insulation layer covering at least a part of the outer periphery of the heat transfer layer. Thus, heat dissipation from the outer peripheral surface of the long member is suppressed, and thus it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the surface of the bent portion 42 (insertion portion 22). The signal cable 94 is composed of a conductive wire and an insulating hose covering the wire. Therefore, when using the signal cable 94 as a long member, the wire functions as a heat transfer layer, and the insulating hose functions as a heat insulation layer. Moreover, when the forceps tube is a hose in which a metal net is covered with an insulating layer, the metal net functions as a heat transfer layer, and the insulating layer functions as a heat insulation layer.

[0133] Moreover, in Figure 8 the example shown, it is configured such that the long member 100 is connected to the front end portion main body, but it is not limited thereto. It may also be a structure in which the long member 100 is connected at a position more on the front end side than the cross-sectional area change portion 50b of the angled portion 50. Alternatively, it may also be a structure in which the long member is not directly connected to the front end portion main body and / or the angled portion. From the viewpoint of appropriately suppressing the temperature rise of the surface of the insertion portion 22, the long member is preferably directly and / or indirectly connected to the front end portion main body and / or the angled portion.

[0134] Moreover, the long member preferably forms the outermost layer of the content accommodated in the angled portion. For example, by being arranged to surround the outer peripheral side of the light guide member and the signal cable, the space efficiency inside the angled portion can be improved.

[0135] As described above, various embodiments have been used to describe the endoscope according to the present invention in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and of course, various improvements or modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0136] Reference Signs

[0137] 1 - Endoscope system, 2 - Endoscope, 3 - Light source unit, 4 - Processor unit, 22, 122 - Insertion section, 40 - Front end section, 41 - Front end section main body, 42, 142 - Bending section, 43 - Bending section outer skin, 44 - Flexible section, 50 - Angle section, 51a - Front end ring, 51b - Cross-sectional area change section, 51c - Angle ring, 52, 152 - Angle mesh, 52a - Angle mesh connection section, 53 - First joint, 54 - Angle wire, 80 - Illumination optical system, 86 - Imaging optical system, 90 - Imaging device, 94 - Signal cable, 98 - Light guide, 100 - Long strip component.

Claims

1. An endoscope, comprising: A front end portion having a camera assembly and a lighting portion; A bending portion having an angulation portion connected to the front end portion and having a plurality of joints, and a corner net covering the outer periphery of the angulation portion and having a front end connected to the angulation portion; and A long member accommodated inside the angulation portion and extending at least from inside the bending portion to inside the front end portion, The angulation portion has a cross-sectional area change portion with a decreasing cross-sectional area between the position connected to the front end portion and the position connected to the corner net, In the region between the front end and the base end of the long member, the heat transfer ability is second only to that of the corner net, The end portion on the front end side of the long member is directly or indirectly connected to the front end portion, or is directly or indirectly connected to a position closer to the front end side than the cross-sectional area change portion of the angulation portion.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, Wherein, The end portion on the front end side of the corner net is joined to a corner ring located at the foremost end side of the angulation portion, The corner ring has an opening on the circumferential surface closer to the front end side than the end portion on the front end side of the corner net.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, Wherein, The position of the end portion on the front end side of the corner net is closer to the base end side than the first joint located at the foremost end side of the angulation portion.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, Wherein, The bendable angle of the joint of the angulation portion located at a position closer to the front end than the end portion on the front end side of the corner net is smaller than the average value of the bendable angles of all the joints of the angulation portion.

5. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Wherein, In the region between the front end and the base end of the corner net, the heat transfer ability is the highest.

6. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Wherein, The long member includes a portion where a heat transfer material is formed in a spiral shape.

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Wherein, The long member is an angle wire for operating the angulation portion.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Wherein, The long member has a heat transfer layer and a heat insulation layer covering at least a part of the outer periphery of the heat transfer layer.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, Wherein, The long member is a cable electrically connected to the camera assembly.

10. The endoscope according to claim 8, Wherein, The long member is a forceps tube.

11. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Wherein, The long member forms the outermost layer of the content accommodated inside the angulation portion.

12. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Wherein, The end portion on the base end side of the long member is located at a position closer to the front end side than the confluence portion of the air supply tube and the water supply tube of the endoscope.

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