Endoscope and handle operating unit

Abstract

An endoscope includes a handle operating unit. The handle operating unit includes: an outer ring; a cam ring, which is accommodated in the outer ring to rotate according to the rotation of the outer ring around the central axis and has a pair of guide holes; a pair of sliding members, which are accommodated in the corresponding guide holes and fixed to the force transmission member; and a support portion, which has a pair of sliding grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope, and the support portion is accommodated in the cam ring to support the pair of sliding members. The sliding members slide in the corresponding sliding grooves according to the rotation of the outer ring. The field of view of the image capture unit changes according to the sliding of the pair of sliding members.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an endoscope and a handle operation unit configured to change the field of view of the endoscope. Background Art

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an endoscope in which handle bars (left-right bar and up-down bar) are provided in an operation unit. According to this endoscope, a medical worker can adjust the field of view of an image capturing unit provided at the distal end of a rigid tube by operating each handle bar.

[0003] Patent Document 1: JP-A-2015-070953 Summary of the invention

[0004] On the other hand, according to the above-mentioned endoscope, skills are required to appropriately adjust the field of view of the image capturing unit by operations performed on the handle bar, and it is difficult to appropriately adjust the field of view of the image capturing unit by intuitive operations performed on the handle bar. In addition, it is sufficiently assumed that there may be a case where the field of view of the image capturing unit is accidentally changed due to accidental contact with the handle bar. From the above-mentioned viewpoint, there is room for consideration in further improving the usability of the endoscope (especially the handle operation unit of the endoscope).

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an endoscope and a handle operation unit with further improved usability.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an endoscope, which includes: a laparoscope; an image capture unit accommodated in the laparoscope, the image capture unit being configured to capture an image of an object; a handle operation unit being configured to change the field of view of the image capture unit according to the operation of a user; and a force transmission member accommodated in the laparoscope and fixed to the handle operation unit and the laparoscope. The handle operation unit includes: an outer ring configured to be operated by a user; a cam ring accommodated in the outer ring so as to rotate according to the rotation of the outer ring around the central axis of the handle operation unit, the cam ring having a pair of guide holes; a pair of sliding members, each of the pair of sliding members being accommodated in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes and fixed to the force transmission member; and a support portion having a pair of sliding grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope, the support portion being accommodated in the cam ring to support the pair of sliding members. Each of the pair of sliding members can slide in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves. Each of the pair of sliding members slides in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves according to the rotation of the outer ring around the central axis. The field of view of the image capturing unit changes according to the sliding of the pair of sliding members.

[0007] According to the above-mentioned configuration, according to the operation of the user, by the rotation of the outer ring, the pair of sliding members slide in the sliding groove, and as a result, the field of view of the image capture unit is changed. Therefore, the user can relatively easily adjust the field of view of the image capture unit through an intuitive rotation operation performed on the handle operating unit. In addition, since there is no need to provide any field of view adjustment lever or the like for adjusting the field of view of the image capture unit in the handle operating unit, the size of the handle operating unit can be reduced, and it is possible to further simplify and improve the appearance of the handle operating unit. In addition, since the handle operating unit is not provided with any field of view adjustment lever, it is possible to prevent the field of view of the image capture unit from being accidentally changed due to accidental contact with the field of view adjustment lever. Therefore, an endoscope with further improved usability can be provided.

[0008] The laparoscope may include a movable part, which is configured to be tilted relative to an up-down direction or a left-right direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an image capturing unit may be accommodated in the movable part, a force transmitting member may be fixed to the movable part, the movable part may be tilted relative to the up-down direction or the left-right direction according to the sliding of a pair of sliding members, and the field of view of the image capturing unit may be changed according to the tilt of the movable part.

[0009] According to the above configuration, according to the user's operation, by the rotation of the outer ring, the pair of sliding members slide in the sliding grooves, and thereafter, the movable portion accommodating the image capturing unit is tilted relative to the up-down direction or the left-right direction, as a result, the field of view of the image capturing unit is changed. In this way, the field of view of the image capturing unit can be adjusted by an intuitive rotation operation performed on the handle operation unit.

[0010] As the cam ring rotates, one of the pair of sliding members may slide in a first direction in one of the pair of sliding grooves, while the other of the pair of sliding members slides in a second direction opposite to the first direction in the other of the pair of sliding grooves.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the pair of sliding members slide in directions opposite to each other, so that the field of view of the image capturing unit can be changed via the force transmitting member.

[0012] When one of a pair of sliding members slides in a first direction in one of a pair of sliding grooves, a force transmitting member fixed to one of the pair of sliding members can be pulled in the first direction, and when the other of the pair of sliding members slides in a second direction in the other of the pair of sliding grooves, the force transmitting member fixed to the other of the pair of sliding members can be released.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the force transmission member fixed to one of the pair of sliding members is pulled in the first direction, while the force transmission member fixed to the other of the pair of sliding members is released. In this way, it is possible to change the field of view of the image capture unit via the force transmission member fixed to each of the pair of sliding members.

[0014] The pair of guide holes may extend in a direction inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the endoscope.

[0015] According to the above configuration, when the cam ring rotates about the central axis of the handle operating unit, each of the pair of sliding members can smoothly slide in the corresponding sliding groove.

[0016] Each of the pair of sliding members may include: a sliding pin received in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes; and a sliding retainer holding the sliding pin, the sliding retainer being slidable in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves. The sliding retainer may be fixed to the force transfer member.

[0017] According to the above configuration, the sliding pin is accommodated in the guide hole, and the sliding retainer that fixes the sliding pin is fixed to the force transmission member. Therefore, it is possible to change the field of view of the image capture unit by the tension acting on the force transmission member according to the rotation of the cam ring around the central axis of the handle operation unit.

[0018] One of the outer ring and the cam ring may include an engaging protrusion protruding toward the other of the outer ring and the cam ring, and the other of the outer ring and the cam ring may have an engaging recess configured to engage with the engaging protrusion.

[0019] According to the above configuration, since the outer ring and the cam ring are engaged with each other via the engaging protrusions and the engaging recesses, the cam ring can be reliably rotated in accordance with the rotation of the outer ring.

[0020] The image capturing unit may include: an image sensor configured to generate image data of the object; and an optical member optically connected to the image sensor, the image sensor configured to guide light associated with the object to the image sensor.

[0021] The image capturing unit may further include a light emitting unit configured to emit light toward the object. A field of view of the image capturing unit and an emission direction of light emitted from the light emitting unit may be changed according to rotation of the outer ring around the central axis.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the user can relatively easily adjust the field of view of the image capturing unit and the emission direction of light through an intuitive rotation operation performed on the handle operation unit.

[0023] The present disclosure provides an endoscope, which includes: a laparoscope; an image capture unit accommodated in the laparoscope, the image capture unit being configured to capture an image of an object; a handle operation unit being configured to change the field of view of the image capture unit according to the operation of a user; and a force transmission member accommodated in the laparoscope and fixed to the handle operation unit. The handle operation unit includes: an outer ring configured to be operated by a user; a cam ring accommodated in the outer ring so as to rotate according to the rotation of the outer ring around the central axis of the handle operation unit, the cam ring having a pair of guide holes; a pair of sliding members, each of which is accommodated in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes and fixed to the force transmission member; and a support portion having a pair of sliding grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope, the support portion being accommodated in the cam ring to support the pair of sliding members. Each of the pair of sliding members can slide in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves. Each of the pair of sliding members slides in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves according to the rotation of the outer ring around the central axis. The field of view of the image capturing unit changes according to the sliding of the pair of sliding members.

[0024] The present disclosure provides a handle operation unit, which is configured to change the field of view of an endoscope according to the operation of a user, and the handle operation unit includes: an outer ring, which is configured to be operated by a user; a cam ring, which is accommodated in the outer ring so as to rotate according to the rotation of the outer ring around the central axis of the handle operation unit, and the cam ring has a pair of guide holes; a pair of sliding members, each of which is accommodated in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes and fixed to the force transmission member; and a support portion, which has a pair of sliding grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope, and the support portion is accommodated in the cam ring to support the pair of sliding members. Each of the pair of sliding members can slide in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves. Each of the pair of sliding members slides in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves according to the rotation of the outer ring around the central axis. The field of view of the endoscope changes according to the sliding of the pair of sliding members.

[0025] According to the above-mentioned configuration, according to the operation of the user, by the rotation of the outer ring, the pair of sliding members slide in the sliding groove, and as a result, the field of view of the endoscope is changed. Therefore, the user can relatively easily adjust the field of view of the endoscope through the intuitive rotation operation performed on the handle operating unit. In addition, since there is no need to provide any field of view adjustment lever or the like for adjusting the field of view of the endoscope in the handle operating unit, the size of the handle operating unit can be reduced, and it is possible to further simplify and improve the appearance of the handle operating unit. In addition, since the field of view adjustment lever is not provided in the handle operating unit, it is possible to prevent the field of view of the endoscope from being accidentally changed due to accidental contact with the field of view adjustment lever. Therefore, a handle operating unit with further improved usability can be provided.

[0026] According to the present disclosure, an endoscope and a handle operation unit with further improved usability can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is an overall view of an endoscope according to one embodiment;

[0028] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an image capturing unit;

[0029] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the handle operating unit;

[0030] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the handle operation unit taken along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction;

[0031] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the handle operating unit taken along a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction;

[0032] Figure 5 shows a state in which the slide pin moves in the front-rear direction according to the rotation of the cam ring;

[0033] Figure 6 The relationship between the positional relationship between the upper sliding member and the lower sliding member and the inclination angle of the movable portion of the cavity mirror is shown;

[0034] Fig. 7A The movable part of the cavity mirror is shown to be tilted upward according to the counterclockwise rotation of the outer ring; and

[0035] Figure 7B The figure shows a state in which the movable portion of the laparoscope is tilted obliquely downward in accordance with the clockwise rotation of the outer ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, an endoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter simply referred to as "this embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. For convenience of description, the size of each component shown in the drawings may be different from the actual size of each component.

[0037] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, for the convenience of description, the front-back direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction of the endoscope 1 may be mentioned as appropriate. Figure 1 The endoscope 1 is shown in a relative orientation. Figure 1 The left-right direction is not shown in the figure, but the left-right direction is a direction perpendicular to the up-down direction and the front-back direction. It is assumed that any one of the front-back direction, the up-down direction and the left-right direction is orthogonal to the other two directions. The front-back direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the endoscope 1 (specifically, the laparoscope 3 of the endoscope 1). The front-back direction is a direction including a forward direction and a backward direction. The up-down direction is a direction including an upward direction and a downward direction. The left-right direction is a direction including a leftward direction and a rightward direction.

[0038] First, the following will refer to Figure 1 The configuration of the endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment is described. Figure 1 is an overall view showing the endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope 1 includes a laparoscope 3, an image capturing unit 2, and a handle operating unit 5. The endoscope 1 may be a medical endoscope or an industrial endoscope (e.g., an endoscope for observing the interior of a container of a nuclear power plant). In the case where the endoscope 1 is a medical endoscope, a medical worker as a user can observe biological tissue (an example of an object), such as an internal organ of a patient, in real time by inserting the endoscope 1 into the body of the patient. For example, the endoscope 1 may be a rigid endoscope used under laparoscopic surgery.

[0040] In addition, visible light image data and near-infrared image data of the patient's biological tissue can be simultaneously acquired through the endoscope 1. In this regard, under laparoscopic surgery, a fluorescent contrast agent that emits near-infrared light, such as indocyanine green (ICG), is used. When ICG is irradiated with excitation light (laser), ICG emits near-infrared light. The central wavelength λ of the laser used as the excitation light is, for example, in the range of 700nm to 800nm, more specifically, in the range of 785nm to 795nm. After ICG is injected into the patient's vein, medical workers can reliably specify the affected part where ICG remains by visually identifying the near-infrared light image data acquired through the endoscope 1. In this way, medical workers (such as surgeons) can perform surgical treatment (such as resection of the affected part) on the affected part specified by ICG.

[0041] The laparoscope 3 corresponds to the portion of the endoscope 1 inserted into the patient's body. The laparoscope 3 extends in the front-rear direction and is configured as, for example, a rigid tube including a space S. The outer diameter of the laparoscope 3 is, for example, about 10 mm, and the inner diameter of the laparoscope 3 is, for example, about 9 mm. The laparoscope 3 includes a movable portion 30 inclined relative to the up-down direction.

[0042] The movable portion 30 is configured to be tilted obliquely upward or obliquely downward according to the rotation operation performed by the medical worker on the handle operation unit 5 (see Fig. 7A and Figure 7B ).exist Figure 1 In the enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the movable portion 30 shown, the movable portion 30 includes a plurality of movable connecting elements 301 to 304 aligned in the front-rear direction. The movable connecting element 301 is rotatably fixed to the movable connecting element 302 through the movable shaft 123. The movable connecting element 302 is rotatably fixed to the movable connecting element 303 through the movable shaft 124. The movable connecting element 303 is rotatably fixed to the movable connecting element 304 through the movable shaft 125. In this way, when one of the wires 8a and 8b is pulled backward, the movable portion 30 can be tilted relative to the up-down direction by the plurality of movable connecting elements 301 to 304.

[0043] Two wires 8a and 8b (an example of a force transmission member) are housed in the laparoscope 3. The wires 8a and 8b extend from the handle operating unit 5 to the movable part 30 of the laparoscope 3 in the front-to-back direction. The upper wire 8a is fixed to the handle operating unit 5 and is fixed to the movable part 30 by a fixing pin 130. The lower wire 8b is fixed to the handle operating unit 5 and is fixed to the movable part 30 by a fixing pin 132. As described below, in a state where the wire 8a is pulled backward, the movable part 30 is tilted obliquely upward, and in a state where the wire 8b is pulled backward, the movable part 30 is tilted obliquely downward. Although a wire is used as an example of a force transmission member that transmits force to the movable part 30 in the present embodiment, the force transmission member is not limited to a wire. For example, a belt or a cable can also be used as a force transmission member.

[0044] The image capture unit 2 is configured to capture an image of the biological tissue by receiving visible light and near-infrared light associated with the biological tissue of the patient. Specifically, the image capture unit 2 is configured to capture an image of the biological tissue by receiving visible light reflected by the biological tissue of the patient and near-infrared light emitted from a fluorescent contrast agent (ICG, etc.) remaining in the biological tissue. In the present embodiment, the image capture unit 2 is accommodated in a space S of the laparoscope 3. In this regard, the image capture unit 2 is reduced to a degree that the image capture unit 2 can be accommodated in a laparoscope 3 having an inner diameter of approximately 9 mm. In addition, the image capture unit 2 is disposed near the end of the laparoscope 3. In a state where the endoscope 1 is inserted into the patient's body, the end of the laparoscope 3 faces the patient's biological tissue.

[0045] (Specific Configuration of Image Capturing Unit)

[0046] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 The specific configuration of the image capturing unit 2 is described. Figure 2 : is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the left-right direction) showing an example of the image capturing unit 2. Figure 2 As shown, the image capture unit 2 includes a light guide 4, a first support member 9, a second support member 6, and a lens cover 7. The image capture unit 2 also includes a lens unit 20, a first prism 21, a second prism 22, and a visible light reflecting film 27. The image capture unit 2 also includes a first compensation filter 23, an infrared light blocking film 28, a first image sensor 24, and a first circuit board 32. The image capture unit 2 also includes a second compensation filter 25, a visible light blocking film 29, a second image sensor 26, and a second circuit board 33.

[0047] The light guide 4 (an example of a light emitting unit) is configured to guide the visible light emitted from the visible light source (not shown) and the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source (not shown) to the biological tissue of the patient. The light guide 4 includes a large number of optical fibers, through which the visible light and the excitation light are propagated. The light guide 4 is accommodated in the space S of the laparoscope 3 and extends to the visible light source and the excitation light source in the front-to-back direction. The visible light emitted from the light guide 4 is reflected by the biological tissue and then received by the first image sensor 24. In addition, the excitation light emitted from the light guide 4 is applied to the fluorescent contrast agent (such as ICG remaining in the biological tissue). Thereafter, the near-infrared light (fluorescence) emitted from the fluorescent contrast agent by the irradiation of the excitation light is received by the second image sensor 26.

[0048] The first support member 9 is configured to support the lens unit 20, the first prism 21 and the second prism 22 serving as optical members, and is fixed to the lens unit 20, the first prism 21 and the second prism 22 by an adhesive. The second support member 6 is fixed to the first support member 9 and the cavity mirror 3 by an adhesive. In addition, the second support member 6 includes an insertion hole 62 for inserting the light guide 4 therein, an insertion hole 63 for inserting the lens unit 20 therein, and an insertion hole 64 for inserting the lens cover 7 therein. In a state where the light guide 4 is inserted into the insertion hole 62, the light guide 4 is supported by the second support member 6. The insertion hole 63 and the insertion hole 64 are connected to each other. In a state where the lens cover 7 is inserted into the insertion hole 64, the lens cover 7 is fixed and supported by the second support member 6. The front surface 65 of the second support member 6, the front surface 7a of the lens cover 7, and the end surface 4a of the light guide 4 constitute the end surface 1a of the endoscope 1 facing the biological tissue.

[0049] The lens unit 20 is configured to guide visible light and near-infrared light associated with biological tissue toward the first prism 21. In order to widen the sight angle (viewing angle) of the image capturing unit 2 and more effectively acquire visible light and near-infrared light from biological tissue, it is preferred to set the lens unit 20 near the end 3a of the laparoscope 3 or near the end surface 1a of the endoscope 1. The lens unit 20 and the first prism 21 are fixed to each other via the first supporting member 9. At this point, the emission surface 20b of the lens unit 20 and the incident surface 21b of the first prism 21 are in contact with each other.

[0050] The first prism 21 and the second prism 22 are configured as right angle prisms. The first prism 21 and the second prism 22 are each formed of, for example, a transparent glass material or a transparent plastic material. The first prism 21 and the second prism 22 face each other and are fixed to each other by an adhesive. Specifically, in a state where the inclined surface 21a of the first prism 21 and the inclined surface 22a of the second prism 22 face each other, the first prism 21 and the second prism 22 are fixed to each other. The first prism 21 and the second prism 22 fixed to each other form a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0051] The visible light reflecting film 27 is disposed between the inclined surface 21a of the first prism 21 and the inclined surface 22a of the second prism 22. In the present embodiment, after the visible light reflecting film 27 is formed on one of the inclined surface 21a and the inclined surface 22a, the first prism 21 and the second prism 22 are fixed to each other via an adhesive. The visible light reflecting film 27 is configured to separate visible light and near-infrared light from biological tissue. More specifically, the visible light reflecting film 27 is configured to reflect visible light emitted from biological tissue and transmitted through the lens unit 20 and the first prism 21 toward the first compensation filter 23. In addition, the visible light reflecting film 27 is configured to transmit near-infrared light emitted from biological tissue and transmitted through the lens unit 20 and the first prism 21 toward the second compensation filter 25.

[0052] Since the inclined surface 21a of the first prism 21 and the inclined surface 22a of the second prism 22 are each inclined at 45 degrees relative to the front-to-back direction, the visible light reflecting film 27 is also inclined at 45 degrees relative to the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the visible light reflecting film 27 reflects the visible light in a manner that changes the propagation direction of the visible light by 90 degrees, and transmits the near-infrared light in a manner that does not change the propagation direction of the near-infrared light. In this way, the propagation direction of the visible light is converted from the front-to-back direction to the up-and-down direction by the visible light reflecting film 27, while the propagation direction of the near-infrared light propagating in the front-to-back direction is not changed by the visible light reflecting film 27.

[0053] The first compensation filter 23 is fixed to the first prism 21 by an adhesive. The incident surface 23b of the first compensation filter 23 and the emission surface 21c of the first prism 21 are in contact with each other via the adhesive. The first compensation filter 23 is configured to transmit visible light and block near infrared light. The light reflected by the visible light reflecting film 27 and transmitted through the first prism 21 is incident on the first compensation filter 23. The first compensation filter 23 transmits the visible light component of the incident light incident to the first compensation filter 23, and blocks the near infrared light component of the incident light.

[0054] The infrared light blocking film 28 is disposed between the first compensation filter 23 and the first image sensor 24 in the up-down direction. In the present embodiment, after the infrared light blocking film 28 is formed on the emission surface 23a of the first compensation filter 23, the first compensation filter 23 and the first image sensor 24 are fixed to each other via an adhesive. The infrared light blocking film 28 is configured to transmit visible light and block near infrared light and excitation light applied to biological tissue, the center wavelength of which is included in a wavelength band of 700nm to 800nm.

[0055] The first image sensor 24 is mounted on the first circuit board 32 and arranged so that its image capturing surface faces the first compensation filter 23 and the infrared light blocking film 28 in the up-down direction. The first image sensor 24 is fixed to the first compensation filter 23 by an adhesive via the infrared light blocking film 28. The first image sensor 24 is configured to receive visible light transmitted through a visible light channel formed by a combination of the visible light reflecting film 27, the first compensation filter 23, and the infrared light blocking film 28, and convert the received visible light into an electrical signal.

[0056] The second compensation filter 25 is fixed to the second prism 22 by an adhesive. The incident surface 25b of the second compensation filter 25 and the emission surface 22b of the second prism 22 are in contact with each other via the adhesive. The second compensation filter 25 is configured to transmit near-infrared light and block visible light. Light transmitted through the visible light reflecting film 27 and the second prism 22 is incident on the second compensation filter 25. The second compensation filter 25 transmits the near-infrared light component of the incident light incident on the second compensation filter 25, and blocks the visible light component of the incident light.

[0057] The visible light blocking film 29 is disposed between the second compensation filter 25 and the second image sensor 26 in the front-to-back direction. In the present embodiment, after the visible light blocking film 29 is formed on the emission surface 25a of the second compensation filter 25, the second compensation filter 25 and the second image sensor 26 are fixed to each other via an adhesive. The visible light blocking film 29 is configured to transmit near-infrared light and block visible light and excitation light applied to biological tissue, the central wavelength of which is included in the wavelength band of 700nm to 800nm. The visible light blocking film 29 transmits the infrared light component of the incident light (the incident light is transmitted through the second compensation filter 25 and incident on the visible light blocking film 29), and blocks the visible light component of the incident light. In this way, the near-infrared light emitted from the fluorescent contrast agent present in the biological tissue is incident on the second image sensor 26 through the near-infrared light channel formed by the combination of the visible light reflecting film 27, the second compensation filter 25 and the visible light blocking film 29.

[0058] The second image sensor 26 is mounted on the second circuit board 33 and arranged so that its image capturing surface faces the second compensation filter 25 and the visible light blocking film 29 in the front-rear direction. The second image sensor 26 is fixed to the second compensation filter 25 by an adhesive via the visible light blocking film 29. The second image sensor 26 is configured to receive infrared light transmitted through an infrared light channel formed by a combination of the visible light reflecting film 27, the second compensation filter 25 and the visible light blocking film 29, and convert the received infrared light into an electrical signal.

[0059] (Detailed structure of the handle operation unit)

[0060] Next, we will refer to Figures 3 to 4B The specific configuration of the handle operation unit 5 is described. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the handle operation unit 5 . Figure 4A 2 is a cross-sectional view of the handle operation unit 5 taken along a plane perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the handle operation unit 5 taken along a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction. Figure 3 As shown, the handle operation unit 5 includes a body portion 50, an outer ring 52, a cam ring 53, a pair of sliding members 55a and 55b, a support portion 54, a laparoscope support portion 71, and a laparoscope fixing portion 70. The handle operation unit 5 is configured to change the field of view of the image capturing unit 2 according to a rotation operation performed on the outer ring 52 by a medical worker (user).

[0061] The main body 50 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons 156a to 156d. The operation button 156a is an operation button configured to switch on and off the light emitted from the light source. The operation button 156b is an operation button configured to change the state of the display screen displayed on the monitor connected to the endoscope 1. The operation buttons 156c and 156d are operation buttons configured to adjust the intensity of the light emitted from the light source.

[0062] The outer ring 52 is a portion that is rotated and operated by a medical worker when changing the field of view of the image capturing unit 2. Specifically, by making the outer ring 52 surround the central axis Ax (see FIG. 1 ) extending in the front-rear direction of the handle operating unit 5 Figure 5 ) is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the movable portion 30 of the cavity mirror 3 can be tilted relative to the up and down direction. In this way, the field of view of the image capture unit 2 and the emission direction of the light emitted from the light guide 4 can be adjusted according to the rotation of the outer ring 52 around the central axis Ax.

[0063] like Figure 3 and Figure 4B As shown, the outer ring 52 is adjacent to the body portion 50 and the laparoscope fixing portion 70, but is not fixed to the body portion 50 and the laparoscope fixing portion 70. In the assembled state of the handle operation unit 5, the waterproof O-ring 75 is provided between the outer ring 52 and the body portion 50, and the waterproof O-ring 74 is provided between the outer ring 52 and the laparoscope fixing portion 70. The outer ring 52 includes an engaging protrusion 152 protruding toward the cam ring 53.

[0064] like Figure 3 and Figure 4A As shown, the cam ring 53 is accommodated in the outer ring 52 so as to rotate according to the rotation of the outer ring 52 around the central axis Ax. The cam ring 53 is formed, for example, of a flexible resin material (such as a plastic material). The cam ring 53 includes a pair of guide holes 153a and 153b facing each other. Each guide hole 153a and 153b extends in a direction inclined relative to the front-to-back direction. In this regard, the guide holes 153a and 153b extend obliquely relative to the front-to-back direction along the outer circumferential surface of the cam ring 53. Specifically, the guide holes 153a and 153b each extend obliquely in a spiral shape. When the entire circumferential angular range of the cam ring 53 is 360°, the guide holes 153a and 153b can extend within an angular range of 120° along the outer circumferential surface of the cam ring 53. The inclination direction of the guide hole 153a and the inclination direction of the guide hole 153b can be the same.

[0065] The cam ring 53 includes an engagement recess 253 that engages with an engagement protrusion 152 formed on the outer ring 52. Since the outer ring 52 and the cam ring 53 are engaged with each other via the engagement protrusion 152 and the engagement recess 253, the cam ring 53 can be reliably rotated in accordance with the rotation of the outer ring 52. In the present embodiment, the engagement recess may be provided in the outer ring 52, and the engagement protrusion may be provided on the cam ring 53. In this case as well, the outer ring 52 and the cam ring 53 are engaged with each other.

[0066] The support portion 54 is configured to support a pair of slide members 55a and 55b and is accommodated in the cam ring 53 (see Figure 4A ). The support portion 54 is provided with a pair of sliding grooves 154a and 154b extending in the front-rear direction. The sliding member 55a provided on the upper portion of the support portion 54 can slide in the sliding groove 154a. The sliding member 55b provided on the lower portion of the support portion 54 can slide in the sliding groove 154b. The support portion 54 is fixed to each of the laparoscope 3 and the body portion 50.

[0067] The sliding member 55a is accommodated in the guide hole 153a and fixed to the upper wire 8a. The sliding member 55a includes a sliding pin 56a, a sliding retainer 57a and a fixing pin 58a. The sliding pin 56a is inserted into the guide hole 153a. The sliding retainer 57a retains the sliding pin 56a and the fixing pin 58a and can slide in the sliding groove 154a. The wire 8a is fixed to the sliding retainer 57a by the fixing pin 58a.

[0068] The sliding member 55b is accommodated in the guide hole 153b and fixed to the lower wire 8b. The sliding member 55b includes a sliding pin 56b, a sliding retainer 57b and a fixing pin 58b. The sliding pin 56b is inserted into the guide hole 153b. The sliding retainer 57b retains the sliding pin 56b and the fixing pin 58b and can slide in the sliding groove 154b. The wire 8b is fixed to the sliding retainer 57b by the fixing pin 58b.

[0069] The laparoscope support portion 71 is configured to support the laparoscope 3 (see Figure 1 ).like Figure 4B As shown, the laparoscope support part 71 is inserted into the rear end side opening of the laparoscope 3. The cap 76 is fitted into the laparoscope support part 71. A waterproof O-ring 73 is provided between the laparoscope support part 71 and the support part 54. The laparoscope 3 supported by the laparoscope support part 71 is fixed to the support part 54 by the laparoscope fixing part 70.

[0070] Next, the principle of changing the field of view of the image capturing unit 2 according to the rotation of the outer ring 52 will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7B Give a description. Figure 5 A state in which the slide pin 56 a moves in the front-rear direction according to the rotation of the cam ring 53 is shown. Figure 6The relationship between the positional relationship between the upper sliding member 55 a and the lower sliding member 55 b and the tilt angle of the movable portion 30 of the laminoscope 3 is shown. Fig. 7A The movable portion 30 of the laparoscope 3 is shown in a state where it is tilted obliquely upward as the outer ring 52 rotates counterclockwise. Figure 7B The movable portion 30 of the laparoscope 3 is shown in a state where it is tilted obliquely downward as the outer ring 52 rotates clockwise.

[0071] In the present embodiment, when the outer ring 52 rotates around the central axis Ax of the handle operation unit 5 in response to the rotation operation performed by the user on the outer ring 52, the cam ring 53 meshing with the outer ring 52 also rotates around the central axis Ax. Figure 5 As shown, as the cam ring 53 rotates around the center axis Ax, the sliding pin 56a inserted into the guide hole 153a moves in the front-to-back direction. In addition, since the sliding retainer 57a holding the sliding pin 56a slides in the sliding groove 154a in the front-to-back direction, the wire 8a fixed to the sliding retainer 57a is pulled or loosened.

[0072] Similar to the above, when the cam ring 53 rotates around the center axis Ax, the sliding pin 56b inserted into the guide hole 153b moves in the front-rear direction. In addition, since the sliding retainer 57b holding the sliding pin 56b slides in the sliding groove 154b in the front-rear direction, the wire 8b fixed to the sliding retainer 57b is pulled or loosened.

[0073] In this regard, since the cam ring 53 is made of a flexible resin material, the rotational motion of the cam ring 53 can be effectively converted into the linear motion of the slide pins 56a and 56b.

[0074] For example, when the outer ring 52 rotates clockwise, since the front end portion 153f of the guide hole 153a approaches the sliding pin 56a, the sliding pin 56a inserted in the guide hole 153a moves in the forward direction (an example of the first direction). As a result, the wire 8a is loosened. On the other hand, when the outer ring 52 rotates clockwise, since the rear end portion of the guide hole 153b approaches the sliding pin 56b, the sliding pin 56b inserted in the guide hole 153b moves in the backward direction (an example of the second direction) opposite to the forward direction. As a result, the wire 8b is pulled in the backward direction. Although the guide hole 153b is Figure 5 Although not shown in the figure, the guide hole 153b faces the guide hole 153a. In addition, in the top view, the shape of the guide hole 153b overlaps with the shape of the guide hole 153a.

[0075] Furthermore, when the outer ring 52 rotates counterclockwise, the sliding pin 56a inserted into the guide hole 153a moves in the rearward direction because the rear end 153r of the guide hole 153a approaches the sliding pin 56a. As a result, the wire 8a is pulled in the rearward direction. On the other hand, when the outer ring 52 rotates counterclockwise, the sliding pin 56b inserted into the guide hole 153b moves in the forward direction because the front end of the guide hole 153b approaches the sliding pin 56b. As a result, the wire 8b is loosened.

[0076] In this way, when the outer ring 52 rotates clockwise, the wire 8a is loosened and the wire 8b is pulled. On the other hand, when the outer ring 52 rotates counterclockwise, the wire 8a is pulled and the wire 8b is loosened.

[0077] When the outer ring 52 is not rotating, the wires 8a and 8b are not pulled in the rearward direction. Figure 1 As shown, the movable portion 30 of the laparoscope 3 is parallel to the front-rear direction, and the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 faces the front direction. As described above, when one of the wires 8a and 8b is pulled in the rear direction, the movable portion 30 can be tilted relative to the up-down direction by the movable connecting elements 301 to 304 provided on the movable portion 30.

[0078] For example, Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the outer ring 52 rotates counterclockwise, the wire 8a is pulled in the rearward direction, and the wire 8b is loosened. In this case, the rearward tension acts on the fixing pin 130 fixed to the wire 8a, and the tension acts as a rotational moment to tilt the movable part 30 upward. As a result, the movable part 30 is tilted upward by Figure 1 The movable connecting elements 301 to 304 shown are inclined diagonally upward, and the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 accommodated in the movable portion 30 is changed. Specifically, the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 is changed from the front direction to the diagonally upward direction.

[0079] In addition, if Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 1 , when the outer ring 52 rotates clockwise, the wire 8a is loosened and the wire 8b is pulled in the rearward direction. In this case, the rearward tension acts on the fixing pin 132 fixed to the wire 8b, and the tension acts as a rotational moment that tilts the movable portion 30 downward. As a result, the movable portion 30 tilts obliquely downward through the movable connecting elements 301 to 304. In this way, the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 is changed from the forward direction to the oblique downward direction.

[0080] Furthermore, when the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 changes, the emission directions of the visible light and the excitation light emitted from the light guide 4 provided in the image capturing unit 2 also change simultaneously. In this way, it is possible to adjust the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 and the emission direction of the light emitted from the light guide 4 according to the rotation operation of the outer ring 52.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown in the middle part of , when both the sliding member 55a and the sliding member 55b are not sliding, the inclination angle between the front-to-back direction and the movable part 30 is 0°. That is, the movable part 30 is parallel to the front-to-back direction. At this time, the position of the sliding member 55a and the position of the sliding member 55b are consistent with each other in the front-to-back direction. In the following description, when the inclination angle is 0°, the positions of the sliding members 55a and 55b in the front-to-back direction are defined as the origin.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown in the upper part of , when the outer ring 52 is rotated to the maximum in the clockwise direction, the sliding member 55a moves 10 mm from the origin in the forward direction, and the sliding member 55b moves 10 mm from the origin in the backward direction. In this case, the inclination angle between the front-back direction and the movable part 30 is -90°, and the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 is directed in the downward direction. On the other hand, as Figure 6 As shown in the lower part of , when the outer ring 52 is rotated maximally in the counterclockwise direction, the sliding member 55a moves 10 mm from the origin in the rearward direction, and the sliding member 55b moves 10 mm from the origin in the forward direction. In this case, the inclination angle between the front-to-rear direction and the movable part 30 is +90°, and the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 points to the upward direction. In this way, the inclination angle of the movable part 30 can be adjusted within a range of 180° from +90° to -90° according to the rotation operation of the outer ring 52. That is, according to the rotation operation of the outer ring 52, the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 and the emission direction of the light emitted from the light guide 4 can be adjusted within a range of 180° in the up-down direction. In addition, it is possible to finely adjust the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 according to the rotation operation amount of the outer ring 52.

[0083] According to the present embodiment, according to the operation of the user, by the rotation of the outer ring 52, a pair of sliding members 55a and 55b slide in the sliding grooves 154a and 154b. Thereafter, one of the wire 8a fixed to the sliding member 55a and the wire 8b fixed to the sliding member 55b is pulled in the rearward direction. In this way, the movable portion 30 of the laparoscope 3 is tilted relative to the up-down direction by the tension applied to the wires 8a and 8b, and as a result, the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 is changed. Therefore, the user can relatively easily adjust the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 by an intuitive rotation operation performed on the handle operating unit 5. In addition, since it is not necessary to set any field of view adjustment lever or the like for adjusting the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 in the handle operating unit 5, the size of the handle operating unit 5 can be reduced, and it is possible to further simplify and improve the appearance of the handle operating unit 5. In addition, since the field of view adjustment lever is not provided in the handle operating unit 5, it is possible to prevent the field of view F of the image capturing unit 2 from being accidentally changed due to accidental contact with the field of view adjustment lever. Therefore, it is possible to provide the endoscope 1 and the handle operation unit 5 with further improved usability.

[0084] Although the movable part 30 is tilted relative to the up-down direction according to the rotation operation of the outer ring 52 in the present embodiment, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. In this regard, it is also possible to tilt the movable part 30 relative to the left-right direction according to the rotation operation of the outer ring 52. In this case, the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 and the emission direction of light can be adjusted within a range of 180° along the left-right direction according to the inclination of the movable part 30 relative to the left-right direction. For example, in the case where the laparoscope 3 is fixed to the handle operation unit 5 in a state where the laparoscope 3 is rotated 90° around the central axis of the laparoscope 3, the movable part 30 can be tilted relative to the left-right direction according to the rotation operation of the outer ring 52. When the laparoscope 3 is rotated 90° around the central axis, the support part 54 and the cam ring 53 are also rotated 90° around the central axis. In addition, when a medical worker uses the endoscope 1 in a state where the handle operation unit 5 is rotated 90° relative to the central axis, the movable part 30 is tilted relative to the left-right direction, so the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 and the emission direction of light can be tilted relative to the left-right direction.

[0085] Furthermore, although in the present embodiment, the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 housed in the movable portion 30 is changed by pulling one of the wires 8a and 8b in the backward direction, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 may also be changed by tilting an optical component fixed to the wires 8a and 8b relative to the up-down direction. Here, the optical component is a lens or a prism configured to guide light reflected by biological tissue toward the image sensor. In this case, the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 can be changed by tilting the optical component housed in the movable portion 30 by the wires 8a and 8b while the movable portion 30 is not tilted relative to the up-down direction. In this way, it is also possible to change the field of view F of the image capture unit 2 without tilting the entire movable portion 30.

[0086] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is needless to say that the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited by the description of the embodiments. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiment is merely an example, and various modifications may be made to the embodiments within the scope of the invention described in the claims. The technical scope of the present invention should be determined based on the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope of its equivalents.

Claims

1. An endoscope, comprising: Laparoscope; an image capture unit housed in the laparoscope, the image capture unit being configured to capture an image of a subject; a handle operation unit configured to change a field of view of the image capturing unit according to an operation of a user; as well as a force transmission member, the force transmission member being accommodated in the laparoscope and being fixed to the handle operation unit and the laparoscope, The handle operation unit comprises: an outer ring configured to be operated by a user; a cam ring received in the outer ring so as to rotate according to rotation of the outer ring about a central axis of the handle operating unit, the cam ring having a pair of guide holes; a pair of sliding members, each of the pair of sliding members being received in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes and fixed to the force transfer member; and a support portion having a pair of sliding grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope, the support portion being accommodated in the cam ring to support the pair of sliding members, wherein each of the pair of sliding members is slidable in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves, wherein each of the pair of sliding members slides in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves according to the rotation of the outer ring about the central axis, wherein the field of view of the image capturing unit changes according to the sliding of the pair of sliding members, and wherein each of the pair of sliding members comprises: a sliding pin received in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes; and A slide holder holds the slide pin, the slide holder being slidable in a corresponding one of the pair of slide grooves.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, in, The laparoscope includes a movable portion configured to be tilted relative to an up-down direction or a left-right direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein the image capturing unit is accommodated in the movable part, wherein the force transfer member is fixed to the movable part, wherein the movable portion is inclined relative to the up-down direction or the left-right direction according to the sliding of the pair of sliding members, and Wherein, the field of view of the image capture unit changes according to the tilt of the movable part.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, in, As the cam ring rotates, one of the pair of sliding members slides in one of the pair of sliding grooves in a first direction, and the other of the pair of sliding members slides in the other of the pair of sliding grooves in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, in, When one of the pair of sliding members slides in one of the pair of sliding grooves in a first direction, a force transfer member fixed to one of the pair of sliding members is pulled in the first direction, and When the other one of the pair of sliding members slides in the other one of the pair of sliding grooves along the second direction, the force transfer member fixed to the other one of the pair of sliding members is released.

5. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, in, The pair of guide holes extend in a direction inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the endoscope.

6. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, Wherein the sliding retainer is fixed to the force transferring member.

7. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, in, One of the outer ring and the cam ring includes an engaging protrusion that protrudes toward the other of the outer ring and the cam ring, and The other of the outer ring and the cam ring has an engagement recess configured to engage with the engagement protrusion.

8. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, in, The image capturing unit comprises: an image sensor configured to generate image data of the object; and An optical member is optically connected to the image sensor, the optical member being configured to direct light associated with the object to the image sensor.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, in, The image capturing unit further includes a light emitting unit configured to emit light toward the object, and Wherein, the field of view of the image capturing unit and the emission direction of the light emitted from the light emitting unit change according to the rotation of the outer ring around the central axis.

10. An endoscope comprising: Laparoscope; an image capture unit housed in the laparoscope, the image capture unit being configured to capture an image of a subject; a handle operation unit configured to change a field of view of the image capturing unit according to an operation of a user; as well as a force transmission member, the force transmission member being accommodated in the laparoscope and fixed to the handle operation unit, The handle operation unit comprises: an outer ring configured to be operated by a user; a cam ring received in the outer ring so as to rotate according to rotation of the outer ring about a central axis of the handle operating unit, the cam ring having a pair of guide holes; a pair of sliding members, each of the pair of sliding members being received in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes and fixed to the force transfer member; and a support portion having a pair of sliding grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope, the support portion being accommodated in the cam ring to support the pair of sliding members, wherein each of the pair of sliding members is slidable in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves, wherein each of the pair of sliding members slides in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves according to the rotation of the outer ring about the central axis, wherein the field of view of the image capturing unit changes according to the sliding of the pair of sliding members, and wherein each of the pair of sliding members comprises: a sliding pin received in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes; and A slide holder holds the slide pin, the slide holder being slidable in a corresponding one of the pair of slide grooves.

11. A handle operation unit, configured to change the field of view of an endoscope according to a user's operation, the handle operation unit comprising: an outer ring configured to be operated by a user; a cam ring received in the outer ring so as to rotate according to rotation of the outer ring about a central axis of the handle operating unit, the cam ring having a pair of guide holes; a pair of sliding members, each of the pair of sliding members being received in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes and fixed to the force transfer member; as well as a support portion having a pair of sliding grooves extending in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope, the support portion being accommodated in the cam ring to support the pair of sliding members, wherein each of the pair of sliding members is slidable in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves, wherein each of the pair of sliding members slides in a corresponding one of the pair of sliding grooves according to the rotation of the outer ring about the central axis, wherein the field of view of the endoscope changes according to the sliding of the pair of sliding members, and wherein each of the pair of sliding members comprises: a sliding pin received in a corresponding one of the pair of guide holes; as well as A slide holder holds the slide pin, the slide holder being slidable in a corresponding one of the pair of slide grooves.

Images