Endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscope which can prevent the generation of light spots caused by illumination light reflected in a nozzle and obtain a good observation image. The endoscope (10) is provided with an observation window (34), illumination windows (44, 46) arranged around the observation window (34), and a nozzle (40) having a fluid injection port (52) opening toward the observation window (34) on the front end surface (28) of the front end body (30) of the insertion part (12), the nozzle (40) having an irradiated surface irradiated with the illumination light emitted from the illumination window (46), at least a part of the irradiated surface includes a scattering suppression portion (58A) composed of a mirror surface, and the scattering suppression portion (58A) reflects the illumination light in a direction different from that of the observation window (34).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope in which an observation window, an illumination window, and a nozzle for ejecting a fluid are arranged on a front end surface of an insertion portion. Background Art

[0002] An observation window for taking in subject light from the observed part and an illumination window for emitting illumination light to the observed part are arranged on the front end face of the insertion part of the endoscope. In addition, a nozzle (also called a fluid injection nozzle or an air and water supply nozzle) is arranged on the front end face for ejecting fluid (such as water and air) toward the observation window in order to remove attachments such as body fluids attached to the observation window.

[0003] In the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to prevent a part of the illumination light emitted from the illumination window from being reflected on the outer surface of the nozzle and entering the observation window, the outer surface of the nozzle is formed of a color with a low reflectivity of visible light. Specifically, examples are shown in which the outer surface of the nozzle is colored with black paint, or is formed of a material such as black resin, or is subjected to black chrome electroplating. According to this endoscope, the reflection of the illumination light on the outer surface of the nozzle is prevented by the above examples, thereby eliminating the influence on the observation image caused by the reflection.

[0004] Previous technical literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 61-13822 Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues to be solved by the invention

[0008] However, the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 has the following problem. That is, if the endoscope is used continuously, the coating or the like formed on the outer surface of the nozzle is easily peeled off due to degradation. In this case, the reflection of the illumination light on the outer surface of the nozzle cannot be fully prevented, resulting in the reflected light of the illumination window reflected on the outer surface of the nozzle entering the observation window, causing a light spot to appear in the observation image and failing to obtain a good observation image.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of preventing the occurrence of flare caused by illumination light reflected in a nozzle and obtaining a good observation image.

[0010] Means for solving technical problems

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides an endoscope, which has a long strip-shaped insertion portion inserted into a body, and the endoscope has a front end body arranged on the front end side of the insertion portion, the front end body has a front end face, and an observation window, an illumination window arranged around the observation window, and a nozzle having a fluid injection port opening toward the observation window are provided on the front end face, the nozzle has an irradiated surface irradiated with illumination light emitted from the illumination window, at least a portion of the irradiated surface includes a scattering suppression portion formed by a mirror surface, and the scattering suppression portion reflects the illumination light in a direction different from the observation window.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the nozzle has an opening end surface provided around the fluid ejection port, and at least a part of the opening end surface serves as the scattering suppressing portion.

[0013] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the scattering suppression portion is constituted by an inclined surface inclined with respect to the distal end surface, and the scattering suppression portion reflects the illumination light toward the distal end side of the insertion portion, that is, forward.

[0014] One aspect of the present invention preferably includes a plurality of illumination windows, and the illuminated surface is illuminated by illumination light emitted from an illumination window located closest to the nozzle among the plurality of illumination windows.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the nozzle is preferably a metal injection molded product, and has a scattering suppression portion that is mirror-finished on at least a portion of an outer surface of the nozzle.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of flare caused by illumination light reflected in the nozzle and obtain a good observation image. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 This is an overall view of an endoscope according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A perspective view showing the structure of the front end surface of the insertion portion of the endoscope shown.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view of the front end is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 is along Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of the front end portion 22 taken along line IV-IV.

[0022] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the fluid ejection port of the nozzle viewed from the front. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 It is an overall view of the endoscope 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope 10 includes a long insertion portion 12 inserted into a subject, an operation portion 14 provided at the base end of the insertion portion 12, and a universal cable 16 connecting the endoscope 10 to system components such as a light source device, a processor device, and an air and water supply device (not shown).

[0026] The insertion portion 12 has a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis A, and includes a soft portion 18 , a bending portion 20 , and a distal end portion 22 in order from the proximal end toward the distal end.

[0027] The soft portion 18 is flexible and can be bent in any direction along the insertion path of the insertion portion 12. The bending portion 20 is bent in the vertical direction and the left-right direction respectively by operating the angle knobs 24 and 26 rotatably provided on the operation portion 14, and the direction of the front end portion 22 can be changed in any direction. In addition, the front end portion 22 includes a front end portion body 30 (see FIG. 1 ) disposed on the front end side of the insertion portion 12. Figure 2 ), the front end body 30 has a front end face 28.

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an enlarged front end portion 22, Figure 3 From the vertical axis A (reference Figure 1 ) direction, a front view of the front end portion 22 is observed from the front. And, Figure 4 is along Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of the front end portion 22 taken along line IV-IV.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the front end portion 22 includes a front end portion body 30 made of a hard material such as metal and holding various components arranged in the front end portion 22, and a front end cover 32 made of an insulating resin material and covering the front end surface 30A and the front end outer peripheral surface 30B of the front end portion body 30. Figure 4 , as components held by the front end body 30 and the front end cover 32, a lens barrel 38 accommodating an observation window 34 and an optical system 36 constituting an observation portion, and a front end portion 42A of an air and water supply passage 42 connected to a nozzle 40 are shown.

[0030] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the front end face 28 is formed on the front end side of the front end cover 32. The front end face 28 is composed of a substantially circular flat surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. On the front end face 28, the observation window 34, the two lighting windows 44 and 46 arranged around the observation window 34, the treatment tool outlet 48 and the above-mentioned nozzle 40 are arranged at a predetermined position. In addition, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The symbol C shown indicates the center of the front end surface 28 .

[0031] The observation window 34 is a component of the observation unit for acquiring an image of the observed part, and transmits the subject light from the observed part through the observation window. Figure 4 The optical system 36 shown is captured by a solid imaging element or an image conductor (not shown). The image captured by the observation unit is sent to the processor device as an observation image.

[0032] The circular surface 34S of the observation window 34 is formed of a flat surface, for example, and is arranged perpendicular to the optical axis D of the observation portion. The center of the surface 34S is arranged at a position offset from the center C of the front end surface 28 toward the periphery of the front end surface 28. The optical axis D and the longitudinal axis A are substantially parallel.

[0033] The illumination windows 44 and 46 are components of an illumination unit for illuminating the observed region, and illuminate the observed region with illumination light transmitted from the light source device.

[0034] The circular surfaces 44S and 46S of the lighting windows 44 and 46 are, for example, made of flat surfaces and are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Furthermore, the centers of the surfaces 44S and 46S are arranged at positions offset toward the periphery of the front end surface 28 relative to the center C of the front end surface 28 and at positions facing each other across the surface 34S of the observation window 34 .

[0035] The treatment instrument outlet 48 is inserted through the insertion portion 12 (see Figure 1 ) is connected to the treatment instrument introduction port 50 of the operation portion 14. Therefore, the treatment instrument introduced from the treatment instrument introduction port 50 is led out from the treatment instrument lead-out port 48 via the treatment instrument insertion channel.

[0036] Furthermore, a suction channel (not shown) is connected to the treatment instrument insertion channel, and the operation portion 14 (see Figure 1 ) is operated to perform suction from the treatment instrument outlet 48 via the suction channel.

[0037] The nozzle 40 is made of, for example, stainless steel and is a metal powder injection molded product (hereinafter also referred to as a metal injection nozzle) manufactured by metal powder injection molding (MIM). Metal powder injection molding is a manufacturing method of manufacturing a metal product by mixing metal powder and a binder, performing injection molding, and degreasing the binder and then sintering. Figure 4 As shown, the nozzle 40 manufactured by this manufacturing method includes a base end portion 40A and a front end portion 40B, and the shape including the base end portion 40A and the front end portion 40B is configured in an L-shape.

[0038] The base end portion 40A constitutes a connection portion connected to the front end portion 42A of the air and water supply passage 42, and is connected to the above-mentioned air and water supply device via the air and water supply passage 42. In addition, the cross section of the conduit 41A of the base end portion 40A perpendicular to the axis of the conduit 41A is formed into a circle, and the center E of the circle is arranged relative to the center C of the front end surface 28 (reference Figure 3 ) is located at a position biased toward the periphery of the front end surface 28 and is arranged at a position close to the lighting window 46 among the lighting windows 44 and 46.

[0039] The pipe 41B of the front end portion 40B has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the axis of the pipe 41B, and a fluid ejection port 52 opening toward the observation window 34 is formed at the front end of the pipe 41B.

[0040] Figure 5 This is an enlarged view of the fluid ejection port 52 as viewed from the front.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the fluid injection port 52 is connected to the pipeline 41B (refer to Figure 4 ) is similarly formed into a rectangular opening. Also, the nozzle 40 has a frame-shaped opening end face 58 provided around the fluid ejection port 52. In addition, as will be described later, the opening end face 58 is close to the illumination window 46 (refer to Figure 3 )of Figure 5 The end surface of the right half region constitutes the scattering suppression portion 58A, and the end surface 58B of the left half region excluding the scattering suppression portion 58A becomes the base of the nozzle 40, that is, the pear-skin-shaped surface.

[0042] According to the endoscope 10 constructed as above, if the finger lock is formed on the operation portion 14 (refer to Figure 1) is opened through a leak hole (not shown) of the air and water supply button 56 of the nozzle 40, the gas from the air and water supply device is ejected from the fluid ejection port 52 of the nozzle 40 toward the surface 34S of the observation window 34. Furthermore, if the air and water supply button 56 is pressed with a finger that has closed the leak hole, the cleaning liquid from the air and water supply device is ejected from the fluid ejection port 52 toward the surface 34S of the observation window 34. In addition, as a sequence for cleaning the observation window 34, for example, after the cleaning liquid is ejected from the fluid ejection port 52 to remove attachments such as blood or body fluids attached to the surface 34S of the observation window 34, gas is ejected from the fluid ejection port 52 to remove the cleaning liquid remaining on the surface 34S of the observation window 34.

[0043] However, in the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, as the diameter of the front end portion 22 is reduced, the components (observation window 34, nozzle 40, lighting windows 44, 46 and treatment instrument outlet 48) disposed on the front end face 28 are disposed close to each other. If such an arrangement structure is adopted, as the observation field of the observation window 34 is widened or the illumination light distribution of the lighting windows 44, 46 is widened, the illumination light emitted from the lighting windows 44, 46 is easily irradiated to the nozzle 40. In addition, the reflected light of the illumination light reflected in the nozzle 40 is incident on the observation window 34, so that it becomes easy to cause a problem that a light spot is generated in the observation image and a clear observation image cannot be obtained.

[0044] In particular, the nozzle 40 used in the endoscope 10 of the embodiment is a metal injection nozzle, and the outer surface of the nozzle 40 is formed of a pear-skin-like surface. Therefore, if the illumination light emitted from the illumination windows 44 and 46 irradiates the nozzle 40, the reflected light is diffusely reflected due to the outer surface (pear-skin-like surface) of the nozzle 40, and the diffusely reflected reflected light is easily incident on the observation window 34, which further highlights the above-mentioned problem.

[0045] Therefore, in the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, in order to prevent the generation of a light spot in the observation image caused by the reflected light reflected in the nozzle 40, the surface of the outer surface of the nozzle 40 that is irradiated with the illumination light emitted from the illumination windows 44 and 46 (hereinafter referred to as the "irradiated surface") is composed of a scattering suppression portion 58A that has been mirror-finished, and the orientation of the surface (mirror surface) constituting the scattering suppression portion 58A is specified in such a manner that the reflected light of the illumination light reflected in the scattering suppression portion 58A is reflected in a direction different from that of the observation window 34.

[0046] Specifically, in the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 5As shown, in a part of the outer surface of the nozzle 40, namely, the opening end surface 58, a single half area on the side close to the lighting window 46 (hereinafter referred to as the "right half area") becomes an area (illuminated surface) illuminated by the illumination light from the lighting window 46, and a single half area on the other side (hereinafter referred to as the "left half area") becomes an area that will not be illuminated by the illumination light from the lighting windows 44 and 46. Therefore, in the opening end surface 58, the base (pear skin surface) of the nozzle 40 is directly retained with respect to the end surface 58B of the left half area, and the end surface of the right half area which will become the illuminated surface is set as a scattering suppression portion 58A composed of a mirror surface. Furthermore, the reflected light of the illumination light reflected in the scattering suppression portion 58A (mirror surface) is directed toward the insertion portion 12 (reference Figure 1 ), that is, in a forward reflection manner, the opening end face 58 of the nozzle 40 is composed of an inclined surface inclined relative to the front end face 28.

[0047] Here, the opening end surface 58 of the nozzle 40 is described. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, the opening end surface 58 including the scattering suppression portion 58A is configured as an inclined surface inclined at an acute angle of θ° relative to the front end surface 28. As a result, as shown in the direction of arrow F, the reflected light of the illumination light reflected in the scattering suppression portion 58A is directed toward the insertion portion 12 (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 1 ) is reflected from the front end side, i.e., the front, thereby preventing it from entering the observation window 34.

[0048] In this way, according to the endoscope 10 of the embodiment, the irradiated surface of the nozzle 40 is formed by the scattering suppression portion 58A (mirror surface), and the reflected light of the illumination light irradiated to the irradiated surface is reflected in a direction different from the observation window 34, thereby being configured so that the reflected light will not be incident on the observation window 34, thereby preventing the generation of a light spot caused by the illumination light reflected in the nozzle 40 and obtaining a good observation image.

[0049] in addition, Figure 4 The inclination angle (θ°) of the opening end face 58 shown is preferably, for example, 50° or more and 60° or less. By setting it to 60° or less, the reflected light of the illumination light reflected in the scattering suppression portion 58A can be effectively reflected forward. Furthermore, by setting it to 50° or more, the fluid ejected from the fluid ejection port 52 can be effectively ejected toward the observation window 34.

[0050] Furthermore, in the embodiment, in the opening end surface 58, only the right half area is formed by a mirror surface, but it is not limited to this, and the entire surface of the opening end surface 58 (that is, the right half area and the left half area) can be formed by a mirror surface. Furthermore, the scattering suppression portion 58A (mirror surface) is preferably formed on the entire surface of the irradiated surface, but it is not necessarily limited to this, and it can be formed on at least a part of the irradiated surface. For example, in the embodiment, as a preferred mode, a structure in which the scattering suppression portion 58A is formed on the entire right half area is illustrated, but the scattering suppression portion 58A can also be formed only on a part of the right half area. In this case, a good observation image can also be obtained compared with a structure without the scattering suppression portion 58A.

[0051] Furthermore, in the embodiment, as an example, an example in which the present invention is applied when a part (right half area) of the opening end surface 58 of the nozzle 40 becomes the irradiated surface is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied when the other part or all of the opening end surface 58 of the nozzle 40 becomes the irradiated surface or when a part or all of the outer surface other than the opening end surface 58 of the nozzle 40 becomes the irradiated surface. In any case, at least a part of the irradiated surface irradiated with the illumination light is set as the scattering suppression part 58A composed of a mirror surface, and the reflected light of the illumination light is reflected in a direction different from the observation window by the scattering suppression part 58A, thereby preventing the generation of a light spot caused by the illumination light reflected in the nozzle 40 and obtaining a good observation image.

[0052] Furthermore, in the embodiment, the endoscope 10 including the two illumination windows 44 and 46 is exemplified, but the number of illumination windows is not limited to two, and the present invention can be applied to an endoscope including one or three or more illumination windows.

[0053] Furthermore, in the embodiment, a metal injection nozzle manufactured by metal powder injection molding is exemplified as the nozzle 40 , but the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, the present invention can also be applied to a nozzle manufactured by bending a pipe material.

[0054] However, the metal injection nozzle can suppress the amount of protrusion from the front end face 28 to the front compared to the nozzle of the pipe, so it has the advantage of being able to reduce the burden on the subject. On the other hand, the outer surface of the metal injection nozzle has a pear-skin-like surface, so as mentioned above, it has the problem of easily generating light spots caused by diffuse reflection. Therefore, by adopting the present invention in such a metal injection nozzle, in addition to the original effect of being able to reduce the burden on the subject, the effect of the present invention that the light spots caused by the illumination light reflected in the nozzle 40 can be prevented and a good observation image can be obtained.

[0055] In addition, the flare of the present device will also occur when the surface 34S of the observation window 34 is a flat surface, but it is more likely to occur when the surface 34A is a convex lens. Therefore, the present invention is more effective as a measure to counteract the flare of a convex lens.

[0056] As mentioned above, the endoscope according to the present invention has been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and some improvements or modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0057] Explanation of symbols

[0058] 10-endoscope, 12-insertion part, 14-operation part, 16-universal cable, 18-flexible part, 20-bending part, 22-front end part, 24-angle button, 26-angle button, 28-front end surface, 30-front end body, 30A-front end surface, 30B-front end outer peripheral surface, 32-front end cover, 34-observation window, 34S-surface, 36-optical system, 38-lens barrel, 40-nozzle, 40A-base end Points, 40B-front end part, 41A-pipeline, 41B-pipeline, 42-air and water supply channel, 42A-front end part, 44-illumination window, 44S-surface, 46-illumination window, 46S-surface, 48-treatment instrument outlet, 50-treatment instrument inlet, 52-fluid injection port, 54-suction button, 56-air and water supply button, 58-opening end surface, 58A-scattering suppression part, 58B-end surface.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising a long insertion portion inserted into a body, wherein: The endoscope includes a front end body disposed on the front end side of the insertion portion, the front end body having a front end surface. The front end surface is provided with an observation window, an illumination window arranged around the observation window, and a nozzle having a fluid ejection port opening toward the observation window. The nozzle has an irradiated surface which is irradiated with the illuminating light emitted from the illuminating window. At least a portion of the irradiated surface includes a scattering suppression portion formed of a mirror surface, The scattering suppression unit reflects the illumination light in a direction different from the observation window.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle has an opening end surface provided around the fluid ejection port, At least a portion of the opening end surface serves as the scattering suppression portion.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The scattering suppression portion is composed of an inclined surface inclined relative to the front end surface, The scattering suppression portion reflects the illumination light toward the front end side of the insertion portion.

4. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of the lighting windows. The illuminated surface is illuminated by illumination light emitted from an illumination window located closest to the nozzle among the plurality of illumination windows.

5. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The nozzle is a metal powder injection molded product. The scattering suppression portion having a mirror finish is provided on at least a portion of an outer surface of the nozzle.

Images