Endoscope

Abstract

To ensure flexibility of a tube while preventing deformation and air leakage of the tube. The endoscope has an insertion section and a tube disposed inside the insertion section. The insertion section includes a bending section that can be bent based on an operation, a distal end section connected to a distal end of the bending section, and a flexible tube section that can be bent by an external force independent of the operation. The tube has an inner layer and an outer layer formed outside the inner layer. The inner layer is formed of polytetrafluoroethylene of a solid structure. The outer layer is located at an end portion on a distal end section side, and has a first portion formed of polytetrafluoroethylene of a solid structure and a second portion formed of polytetrafluoroethylene of a porous structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to endoscopes. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopic devices generally have an insertion section for insertion into the patient's body (such as digestive organs). Inside the insertion section are light guides for transmitting light and wires for transmitting electrical signals from the imaging unit. Additionally, the insertion section also contains tubing for supplying water or air, and tubing for inserting and removing treatment devices.

[0003] When connecting such a tube to the tip of an endoscope, it is desirable that the connection does not result in reduced tube strength, changes in shape, or unevenness in the inner surface. Additionally, air leakage due to tube breakage should be avoided. Furthermore, it is desirable that all tubes be flexible and deformable.

[0004] Previous endoscopes have various tubes that are difficult to meet the above requirements. For example, in Patent Document 1, because a structure is used in which the tube is inserted into the catheter component from the outside, the outer diameter of the tube becomes larger at the connection part (end) with the catheter component and the tube deforms, thus causing a problem of reduced physical strength in the deformed part.

[0005] On the other hand, Patent Document 2 also employs a structure in which the tube is inserted into the conduit component from the outside. The tube has a double-layer structure, with the inner layer made of solid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and the outer layer, where the connecting part is made of porous PTFE. Because the end has a porous structure, the insertion of the conduit component can be performed with less force. However, in this structure, changes in the outer diameter of the tube are unavoidable, and the problem of reduced physical strength still exists.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-1630

[0009] Patent Document 2 International Publication No. 2008 / 088087 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide an endoscope that can prevent tube deformation and air leakage while ensuring tube flexibility.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0013] To address the aforementioned problems, the endoscope of the present invention includes an insertion portion and a tube disposed inside the insertion portion. The insertion portion includes a bendable portion that can be bent based on operation, an end portion connected to a front end of the bendable portion, and a flexible tube portion that can be bent by an external force independent of the operation. The tube has an inner layer and an outer layer formed outside the inner layer. The inner layer is formed of solid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and the outer layer, located at the end portion on one side of the front end, has a first portion formed of solid PTFE and a second portion formed of porous PTFE.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] The endoscope according to the present invention can provide an endoscope that prevents tube deformation and air leakage while ensuring tube flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an external view of the endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the front end portion 104 of the endoscope 100.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view that details the cross-sectional structure of the front end 104.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating one example of the structure of the treatment device tube 141 involved in the comparative example.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of the treatment device tube 141 of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of the treatment device tube 141 in the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of the treatment device tube 141 in the third embodiment.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the effects of the third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments described below will be based on the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components with the same function are sometimes represented by the same symbols. Note that the drawings illustrate embodiments and examples that follow the principles of this disclosure, but these are for understanding the disclosure only and not for limiting its interpretation. The descriptions in this specification are exemplary only and do not in any way limit the scope or applicability of the claims of this disclosure.

[0025] In this embodiment, although a thorough and detailed description has been provided of how this disclosure can be implemented by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that other assemblies and implementations are possible, and changes in configuration / structure or substitutions of various elements may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the technical concept of this disclosure. Therefore, the following description should not be construed as being limited thereto.

[0026] [First Implementation Method]

[0027] First, the endoscope system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 1 This is an external view of the endoscope system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the front end portion 104 of the endoscope 100. The endoscope system 1 generally consists of an endoscope 100, a processor 200, a light source device 300, a water and air supply unit 400, a suction unit 500, a display 600, and an input unit 700.

[0028] The endoscope 100 has the following functions: it can be inserted into the body of a subject to take an image of the subject, and transmit the image signal of the captured image to the processor 200. The processor 200 receives the image signal from the endoscope 100 and performs predetermined signal processing.

[0029] The light source device 300 is a structure that can be connected to the processor 200, and has a light source inside that emits illumination light for illuminating the subject. The light from the light source illuminates the subject through the light guide described later. The light source device 300 can also be a separate structure from the processor 200, which can be connected to the processor 200 or embedded inside the processor 200.

[0030] The water and air supply unit 400 is equipped with an air pump and a water pump (not shown) for releasing water or air flow to the subject being tested. The suction unit 500 is equipped with a pump and a tank (not shown) for suctioning liquid and excised material drawn from the subject being tested through the insertion unit 10.

[0031] The display 600 is a display device for displaying data based on, for example, the results of data processing in the processor 200. Additionally, the input unit 700 is a device for inputting instructions from the operator during various measurement operations.

[0032] The endoscope 100 includes an insertion section 10, a probing section 102, a universal cable 105, and a connector section 106. The insertion section 10 also includes a flexible tube section 101, a connecting section 103A, a bending section 103, and a front end section 104.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, the insertion section 10 of the endoscope 100 includes a flexible tube section 101, which is flexible for insertion into the body of the patient. One end of the flexible tube section 101 is connected to the probing operation section 102. The probing operation section 102 includes, for example, a bendable operating knob 102A and an operating section operable by other users, and is used to enable the operator to perform various operations captured by the endoscope system 1. Additionally, the probing operation section 102 is provided with a treatment instrument insertion port 102B for inserting treatment instruments.

[0034] In the flexible tube section 101, the portion near the bending portion 103 is the first flexible tube section 101A, and the portion near the proximal operation portion 102 is the second flexible tube section 101B. The bending portion 103 is actively shape-changeable by the operator operating the bending operation knob 102A. In contrast, the first flexible tube section 101A is passively shape-changeable by external forces unrelated to the operation of the bending operation knob 102A, such as the force generated when the front end 104 or the bending portion 103 encounters the wall of the digestive organ. The second flexible tube section 101B is similar, but its shape change is less than that of the first flexible tube section 101A (larger maximum radius of curvature). Furthermore, in Figure 1 In the example, the flexible tube 101 has two types of flexible tubes, but it is not limited to this. It may also have three or more types of flexible tubes, or it may have only one type.

[0035] A bending section 103 (active bending section) with a bendable structure is provided at the front end of the flexible tube section 101. As described above, the bending section 103 is operated via an operation line that is linked to the rotation of the bending operation knob 102A provided on the proximity operation member 102. Figure 1 (Not shown in the diagram) bends under traction. A bending line W or a connecting part that is not deformed by external force may also be provided between the bending part 103 and the first flexible tube 101A.

[0036] Furthermore, a front end portion 104 equipped with an imaging element (camera unit) is connected to the front end of the bending portion 103. The orientation of the front end portion 104 changes according to the bending action of the bending portion 103 caused by the rotation of the bending operation knob 102A, thereby changing the imaging area of ​​the endoscope 100.

[0037] From the opposite side of the proximity operation section 102, the universal cable 105 extends toward the connector section 106. Like the insertion section 10, the universal cable 105 includes optical guides, various wirings, and various conduits inside.

[0038] The connector section 106 includes various connectors for connecting the endoscope 100 to the processor 200. Furthermore, the connector section 106 also includes a water and air supply pipe 108, which serves as a path for delivering water and air to the insertion section 10.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 The structure of the front end portion 104 of the endoscope 100 is described below. Light-guiding lenses 112A and 112B are disposed at the front end portion 104 of the endoscope 100. Inside the flexible tube portion 101, light guides LGa and LGb extend from the front end portion 104 to the connector portion 106. Light from the light source device 300 is guided by these light guides LGa and LGb and illuminates the subject through the light-guiding lenses 112A and 112B disposed at the front end portion 104.

[0040] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the endoscope 100 has an objective lens 113 and an imaging element 133 at its front end 104. The objective lens 113 located at the front end 104 focuses the scattered or reflected light from the subject, so that the image of the subject is formed on the light-receiving surface of the imaging element 133.

[0041] As an example, the imaging element 133 can be composed of a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS sensor (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Sensor). The imaging element 133 is controlled by signals (gain control signal, exposure control signal, shutter speed control signal, etc.) provided from the processor 200 via wire 138, and the image signal of the captured image is supplied to the processor 200 via wire 138 and an A / D conversion circuit (not shown).

[0042] In addition, an air and water supply port 114, a secondary water supply port 115, and a treatment instrument port 116 are provided on the end face of the front end 104 as the ends or openings of various pipes. The air and water supply port 114 (nozzle) is connected to the air and water supply pipe 121 to introduce water or air flow for cleaning the front end 104.

[0043] Furthermore, the auxiliary water inlet 115 is connected to the auxiliary water supply pipe 122 to introduce auxiliary water for cleaning debris in the field of vision. Pipes 121-122 are configured to extend along the front end 104, the bend 103, the flexible pipe section 101, the close-range operation section 102, and the interior of the universal cable 105.

[0044] In addition to tubes 121-122, a treatment instrument tube 141 is also provided inside the endoscope 100. The treatment instrument tube 141 allows treatment instruments such as forceps to move freely inside it. The front end of the treatment instrument tube 141 forms a treatment instrument port 116 at the front end 104.

[0045] Reference Figure 3The cross-sectional structure of the front end 104 is described in more detail. This cross-sectional view shows the detailed structure of the objective lens 113, the wire 138, the air and water supply pipes 121, and the treatment instrument pipe 141. The structures of the lighting lenses 112A and 112B, and the light guides LGa and LGb are omitted from the illustration. Additionally, the structure of the auxiliary water supply pipe 122 is also omitted from the illustration.

[0046] The front end portion 104 has a rigid front end portion 104M. The rigid front end portion 104M has holes that form the aforementioned air / water supply port 114, auxiliary water supply port 115, and treatment instrument port 116. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the air and water supply pipe 121 and the treatment instrument pipe 141 are inserted into the corresponding holes of the front rigid part 104M.

[0047] The front rigid part 104M also has a hole for embedding and holding the objective lens 113, aperture AP, and lens hood 131. The lens frame 136 is fixed to the hole of the front rigid part 104M by a sealant 137.

[0048] On the other hand, behind the objective lens 113, for example, the light shield 131, glass cover 132, image sensor (CCD) 133, and circuit board 134 are held by a CCD unit frame 135, which is inserted into and fixed to the hole in the front rigid part 104M. The circuit board 134 is connected to wires 138.

[0049] The front end 104 (front rigid part 104M) of the above structure is embedded in the front end of the bent part 103. The bent part 103 is constructed by rotatably connecting the generally cylindrical bent blocks 153 with rivets. The outside of the bent blocks 153 is covered with a mesh tube 152. The mesh tube 152 is joined to the front rigid part 104M at its end by a roller tube 151. In addition, the outside of the mesh tube 152 is covered with an outer rubber tube 155 made of synthetic resin. The outer rubber tube 155 and the front rigid part 104M are fixed at their ends by, for example, a fixing line S1.

[0050] A wire guide groove 154 is provided between multiple bending blocks 153, through which a bending wire W for bending operations passes. The bending wires W are arranged in a flexible tube section 101, for example, four wires spaced approximately evenly in the circumferential direction. One end of each bending wire W is fixed to the foremost bending block 153. The other end of the bending wire W is tensioned or relaxed by operating the bending operation knob 102A, thereby bending the bending section 103.

[0051] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 An example illustrating the structure of the treatment instrument tube 141. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating one example of the structure of the treatment device tube 141 involved in the comparative example. Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the structure of the treatment device tube 141 according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Figure 4 The comparative example of the treatment device tube 141 has a double-layer structure with an inner layer 201 and an outer layer 202. The inner layer 201 is a solid polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material with a structure spanning the entire length (from the front end 204 to the proximal operating part 102), while the outer layer 202 is a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material with a structure spanning the entire length. An aperture with dimensions matching the outer diameter of the treatment device tube 141 is formed on the front rigid part 104M. An adhesive 139 is applied between the outer surface of the treatment device tube 141 and the inner wall of the aperture, and the treatment device tube 141 is fixed to the front rigid part 104M by the adhesive 139.

[0053] When the treatment device tube 141, which has a double structure of solid PTFE and porous PTFE, is inserted into the hole of the rigid front part 104M of the front end 104 and fixed with adhesive 139, the treatment device tube 141 can be fixed without deforming its shape. In addition, since the outer layer 202 is made of porous PTFE along its entire length, the flexibility of the tube can also be ensured.

[0054] However, in Figure 4 In the comparative example structure, if the adhesive 139A is exposed at the end of the treatment instrument tube 141, it is difficult to remove. When the adhesive 139A is exposed, it is sometimes necessary to remove it using a tool. However, during the removal process, the inner layer 201 may be damaged and the outer layer 202 may be exposed. In this case, there is a risk of air leakage from the exposed portion of the outer layer 202.

[0055] exist Figure 4 In this structure, adhesive 139 must be applied to the end of the treatment instrument tube 141 to prevent air leakage from the end of the treatment instrument tube 141. Therefore, it is difficult to avoid exposure of this adhesive 139A.

[0056] On the other hand, the outer layer 202 of the treatment device tube 141 in the first embodiment, like the comparative example, has a two-layer structure of an inner layer 201 and an outer layer 202 on its outer side. In addition, the inner layer 201, like the comparative example, is made of solid PTFE material across its entire length.

[0057] However, unlike the comparative example, the outer layer 202 has a first portion 202A at the end of the treatment device tube 141 made of solid PTFE. The remaining second portion 202B is made of porous PTFE. In other words, at the end of the treatment device tube 141, both the inner layer 201 and the outer layer 202 are made of solid PTFE.

[0058] According to the configuration of the first embodiment, even if the adhesive 139A is exposed, there is no risk of air leakage as in the comparative example. The outer layer 202 and inner layer 201 of the end of the treatment device tube 141 are both made of solid PTFE. Therefore, even if the inner layer 201 at the end is damaged during the process of removing the adhesive 139A, no air leakage will occur because the outer layer 202 is solid PTFE.

[0059] On the other hand, the outer layer 202 (second part 202B), except for the end portion, is made of porous PTFE, just like in the comparative example. When the outer layer 202 is porous PTFE, the flexibility of the treatment device tube 141 can be improved, allowing the flexible tube portion 101 to flexibly deform according to the shape of the digestive organs. In addition, the bonding strength of the adhesive 139 can be improved by utilizing the anchoring effect, thereby enabling a firm connection between the treatment device tube 141 and the front rigid portion 104M.

[0060] As described above, the treatment instrument tube 141 according to the first embodiment can provide an endoscope that can ensure the flexibility of the tube while preventing deformation and air leakage.

[0061] [Second Implementation]

[0062] Next reference Figure 6 This describes the endoscope system according to the second embodiment. The overall structure of the endoscope system in this second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment (…). Figures 1-3 The contents are largely the same, so repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0063] like Figure 6 As shown, the structure of the treatment device tube 141 in the second embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the treatment device tube 141 includes a first portion 202A made of solid PTFE and a second portion 202B made of porous PTFE. However, a third portion 202C (transition portion) is provided between the first portion 202A and the second portion 202B, and its porosity increases as it approaches the second portion 202B. For example, the third portion 202C extends from the interior of the front rigid portion 104M to near the entrance of the hole in the front rigid portion 104M.

[0064] In the third part 202C, the porosity near the first part 202A is approximately zero, but the porosity increases closer to the second part 202B, and the porosity near the second part 202B is approximately the same as that of the second part 202B. Therefore, since at least a portion of the third part 202C has a porous PTFE structure, the adhesive 139 provides an anchoring effect, allowing for a secure connection to the front rigid part 104M.

[0065] This second embodiment can also produce almost the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0066] [Third Implementation Method]

[0067] Next reference Figure 7 This describes the endoscope system according to the third embodiment. The overall structure of the endoscope system in this third embodiment is similar to that in the first embodiment. Figures 1-3 The details are largely the same, so repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the structure of the treatment device tube 141 in this third embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment. Similar to the first embodiment, the outer layer 202 of the treatment device tube 141 has a first portion 202A made of solid PTFE and a second portion 202B2 made of porous PTFE.

[0069] The outer layer 202 located inside the hole of the front rigid portion 104M includes, from the front end 104 side, a first part 202A, a fourth part 202B1 made of porous PTFE, and a fifth part 202D made of solid PTFE. The fifth part 202D is disposed before and after the entrance of the hole of the front rigid portion 104M, and a portion of the fifth part 202D protrudes outward from the hole.

[0070] Note that in Figure 7 In the example shown, a sixth part 202C1 with gradually increasing porosity is also formed between the fifth part 202D and the second part 202B2. The sixth part 202C1 is omitted here, and the fifth part 202D of the solid structure and the second part of the porous structure can be directly connected.

[0071] According to the structure of the third embodiment, by forming the first part 202A with solid PTFE as the material, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Furthermore, by forming the fourth part 202B1 with porous PTFE as the material, the treatment instrument tube 141 can be securely connected to the front rigid part 104M.

[0072] Furthermore, adjacent to the fourth part 202B1, the fifth part 202D, made of solid PTFE, is a structure that protrudes from the hole before and after the entrance of the hole. Accordingly, even if bending stress is applied to the treatment instrument tube 141, the risk of warping can be reduced.

[0073] Furthermore, because the fifth part 202D is positioned before and after the entrance of the orifice, the treatment instrument tube 141 is difficult to bend at the root of the orifice. For example... Figure 8 As shown, if the outer layers 202 before and after the entrance of the hole are made of porous PTFE (second part 202B2), the treatment instrument tube 141 is prone to bending at the root of the hole. If the bent portion comes into contact with the forceps F entering or exiting the treatment instrument tube 141, the inner layer 201 risks breakage. In contrast, in the fifth embodiment, by providing a fifth part 202D before and after the entrance of the hole, the treatment instrument tube 141 is less prone to bending at its root, thus suppressing breakage.

[0074] [other]

[0075] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also includes various modifications. For example, the embodiments described above have been given in detail for ease of understanding, but are not limited to embodiments possessing all the described structures. Furthermore, a portion of the structure of one embodiment can be replaced by the structure of another embodiment, and the structure of one embodiment can be superimposed with the structure of another embodiment. Additionally, other structures can be added, deleted, or replaced in parts of the structures of each embodiment.

[0076] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0077] 1. Endoscopic system

[0078] 100 Endoscopes

[0079] 10 Insertion section

[0080] 101 Flexible tube section

[0081] 101A First Flexible Tube Section

[0082] 101B Second Flexible Tube Section

[0083] 102 Proximity Operation Unit

[0084] 102A Bendable Operating Knob

[0085] 103 Bending section

[0086] 104 Front end

[0087] 104M Front-end Hard Section

[0088] 105 General Purpose Cable

[0089] 106 Connector Section

[0090] 108 Water and gas supply pipes

[0091] 109 Suction Tube

[0092] LGa and LGb optical guides

[0093] 112A and 112B lighting lenses

[0094] 113 Objective lens

[0095] 114 Gas and water supply outlets

[0096] 115 Auxiliary water supply outlet

[0097] 116 Treatment instruments

[0098] 121 Gas and water supply pipes

[0099] 122 Secondary water supply pipe

[0100] 141 Treatment Instrument Tube

[0101] 133 camera element

[0102] 134 Circuit Board

[0103] 135CCD unit frame

[0104] 136 Lens frame

[0105] 137 Sealant

[0106] 138 wire

[0107] 200 processors

[0108] 201 Inner Layer

[0109] 202 Outer Layer

[0110] 300 Light Source Device

[0111] 400 Gas and Water Supply Department

[0112] 500 Attraction Department

[0113] 600 monitor

[0114] 700 Input Section.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising an insertion section and a treatment instrument tube disposed inside the insertion section, characterized in that: the insertion section includes: a bending section that is bendable based on an operation; a front end section connected to a front end of the bending section; a flexible tube section that is bendable by an external force independent of the operation, the treatment instrument tube comprises an inner layer and an outer layer formed outside the inner layer, the inner layer is composed of polytetrafluoroethylene of a solid structure, the outer layer at an end portion on the side of the front end section comprises a first portion formed of polytetrafluoroethylene of a solid structure and a second portion formed of polytetrafluoroethylene of a porous structure, the front end section has a hole section, the treatment instrument tube is inserted into the hole section and is fixed to the front end section by an adhesive, the first portion of the outer layer is fixed to an end portion of the treatment instrument tube on the side of the front end section, the outer layer sequentially comprises the first portion, a fourth portion formed of polytetrafluoroethylene of a porous structure, and a fifth portion formed of polytetrafluoroethylene of a solid structure from the end portion on the side of the front end section, the fifth portion is formed at a position protruding from an entrance of the front end section.

2. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein, the fourth portion is formed at a position in contact with the front end section.

3. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein, the outer layer comprises a sixth portion between the fifth portion and the second portion, and the porosity of the sixth portion becomes larger as it approaches the second portion.

Images