Endoscope

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can reuse a camera having an expensive solid-state imaging element. The endoscope (100) of the present invention comprises: a shaft (10) for insertion into a body; a handle (20) attached to the base end side of the shaft (10) and having a grip (21) and an operating knob (25, 26); and a camera (30) having a cable tube (35) and a camera head (31) equipped with an imaging element, and the camera can be separated from the handle and the shaft. A camera channel (13) for arranging a camera is formed on the shaft, a camera channel port (23) communicating with the camera channel (13) is provided on the handle, and a camera connector (50) is mounted on the cable tube of the camera, and the camera connector is connected to the camera channel port when the camera is arranged in the camera channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more specifically, to an endoscope having an insertable shaft, an operating handle, and a camera. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, as a small endoscope used in the diagnosis and treatment of bile ducts, pancreatic ducts, etc. via duodenal endoscopy, an endoscope having an insertion shaft, an operating handle, and a camera is known (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0003] The endoscope is equipped with a camera (including a transmission cable) and optical fiber, forming a water delivery channel and a forceps channel.

[0004] The camera, which is mounted on the axis and forms an endoscope, is equipped with a solid-state imaging element (CMOS image sensor).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4764417 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] The small endoscope described in Patent Document 1 above has a camera with an expensive solid-state imaging element. Therefore, it is desirable to reuse such an endoscope.

[0010] However, cleaning a small endoscope is difficult, and there is also the risk of damaging the camera during cleaning. Therefore, the small endoscope described in Patent Document 1 is not designed for reuse and is discarded along with the camera after use.

[0011] This invention was made based on the following circumstances.

[0012] The first objective of this invention is to provide an endoscope that can reuse a camera with an expensive solid-state imaging element.

[0013] A second object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that prevents the shaft from being inserted into a delivery device or body while the camera is protruding from the top surface of the shaft.

[0014] A third objective of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of finely adjusting the top position of a camera relative to the top surface of an axis.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] (1) The endoscope of the present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0017] A shaft for insertion into the body;

[0018] A handle, attached to the base end of the shaft; and

[0019] A camera, consisting of a cable conduit and a camera head housing the image sensor.

[0020] The camera can be detached from the handle and the shaft.

[0021] With this type of endoscope, the camera can be separated from the handle and shaft after use, the camera can be cleaned, and the camera, which is an expensive component of the endoscope, can be reused.

[0022] (2) Preferably, a camera channel for arranging the camera is formed on the axis.

[0023] The handle is provided with a camera channel port that communicates with the camera channel.

[0024] A camera connector is fitted to the cable conduit of the camera, and the camera connector is connected to the camera channel port when the camera is properly configured in the camera channel.

[0025] With this configuration of the endoscope, a camera can be inserted from the camera channel port located on the handle, the camera can be plugged into the camera channel formed on the shaft, and the camera connector of the cable tube assembled with the camera can be connected to the camera channel port, thereby properly positioning the camera in the camera channel.

[0026] (3) In the endoscope of (2) above, preferably, the camera connector has: a camera position adjustment mechanism, which, when connected to the camera channel port, causes the camera to reciprocate by displacing the top end of the camera disposed in the camera channel between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is located on the base end side of the shaft opening through the camera channel, and the second position is located on the top end side of the shaft opening through the camera channel.

[0027] With this configuration, the top position of the camera relative to the top surface of the axis can be finely adjusted between a first position and a second position.

[0028] Furthermore, by inserting the camera into the camera channel after the camera's top end is positioned in the first position by the camera position adjustment mechanism, it is possible to prevent the camera from being inserted into the conveyor or body while it is protruding from the top surface of the shaft.

[0029] (4) In the endoscope described in (3) above, preferably, the distance between the first position and the second position is 2 mm to 100 mm.

[0030] (5) In the endoscope of (3) or (4) above, preferably, the camera position adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that uses a feed screw to move the camera back and forth.

[0031] (6) In the endoscope described in (5) above, preferably, the camera position adjustment mechanism comprises:

[0032] The connector housing is fitted to the camera channel port, and a guide groove extending axially is formed on its inner circumferential surface;

[0033] A sliding member, comprising a shaft and a guide portion, is slidable relative to the connector housing. The shaft extends inside the connector housing, a portion of which extends towards the base end of the housing. An external thread is formed at least at the base end of the shaft. The camera cable is fixed inside the shaft, inserted through it. The guide portion is integrally formed with the shaft, surrounding its top end. A protrusion guided by a guide groove is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide portion.

[0034] A rotary gripper, located at the base end of the connector housing and with its axial movement restricted, has an internal thread that engages with the external thread of the shaft portion of the sliding member.

[0035] Rotating the rotary grip in one direction causes the sliding member to slide from the base position to the top position, thereby moving the top of the camera from the first position to the second position.

[0036] Rotating the rotary grip in another direction causes the sliding member to slide from the top position to the base position, thereby moving the top of the camera from the second position to the first position.

[0037] (7) In the endoscope described in (6) above, it is preferable to have: a connector mounting restriction mechanism that restricts the camera connector from being mounted to the camera channel port when the sliding member of the camera position adjustment mechanism is not in the base position.

[0038] With an endoscope configured in this way, when the sliding member is not in the base position, it is impossible to place the camera in the camera channel (the camera is mounted on the endoscope), thus reliably preventing the shaft from being inserted into the conveyor or body while the camera is protruding from the top surface of the shaft.

[0039] (8) In the endoscope described in (7) above, preferably, the connector mounting restriction mechanism is configured to include: a port-side connector, which is mounted to the camera channel port in a manner between the camera channel port and the camera connector.

[0040] The connector on the port side forms an insertion passage for the cable conduit.

[0041] The endoscope is configured as follows:

[0042] When the sliding member is in the base position, the base portion of the port-side connector can be inserted into the interior of the connector housing to connect the port-side connector and the camera connector; and

[0043] When the sliding member is not located at the base position, even if the base portion of the port-side connector is to be inserted into the interior of the connector housing, the top of the sliding member will interfere and cannot be inserted.

[0044] (9) In the endoscope described in (8) above, it is preferable that a circular through hole is formed on the peripheral wall of the connector housing.

[0045] The top portion of the port-side connector inserts into the interior of the handle from the camera channel port.

[0046] The base portion of the port-side connector includes: an inner tube portion forming an insertion passage for the shaft portion of the sliding member; and an outer tube portion whose outer peripheral shape is formed to match the inner peripheral shape of the connector housing.

[0047] A notch is formed on the peripheral wall of the outer tube to prevent contact with the protruding part of the guide portion when the sliding member slides. A hemispherical protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion that is sandwiched between the notch and exhibits flexibility.

[0048] The endoscope is configured as follows:

[0049] When the sliding member is in the base position, when the base portion of the port-side connector is to be inserted into the connector housing, the peripheral wall portion flexes, and the protrusion retracts inward to prevent it from obstructing insertion. When the base portion of the port-side connector is inserted into the connector housing, the flexed peripheral wall portion returns to its original position, and the protrusion engages within the through hole of the connector housing; and

[0050] When the sliding member is not located at the base end position, even if the base end portion of the port-side connector is to be inserted into the interior of the connector housing, the top end of the sliding member will interfere with the peripheral wall portion, which is bent inward, and thus cannot be inserted.

[0051] (10) In the endoscope described in (3) or (4) above, the camera position adjustment mechanism may also be configured to include: a fixed member, mounted on the camera channel port; and a movable member, wherein the camera cable is fixed in a state of being inserted therein, and the movable member is axially movable relative to the fixed member.

[0052] By pushing the movable member at the base position inward, the movable member is moved to the top position, thereby allowing the top of the camera to move from the first position to the second position.

[0053] Pulling the movable member at the top position back moves it to the base position, thereby allowing the top of the camera to move from the second position to the first position.

[0054] The camera position adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that provides a click sensation in response to the movement of the movable component.

[0055] (11) In the endoscope of (10) above, preferably, the camera position adjustment mechanism has: a locking protrusion formed on the movable member; and a locking protrusion provided on the fixed member and engaging with the locking protrusion.

[0056] (12) In the endoscope of the present invention, it is preferable that the camera is equipped with an optical fiber.

[0057] (13) In the endoscope of the present invention, preferably, the outer diameter of the shaft is 1.1 mm to 7.0 mm, and the diameter of the camera channel is 0.7 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0058] A clamp channel with a diameter of 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm is formed on the shaft.

[0059] Endoscopes constructed in this way can use universal forceps while having a narrow shaft.

[0060] (14) The endoscope of the present invention can be appropriately used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the bile duct or pancreatic duct, bronchus or bladder.

[0061] Beneficial effects

[0062] The endoscope according to the present invention can reuse a camera with an expensive solid-state imaging element.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the endoscope of the present invention having a camera position adjustment mechanism, the top position of the camera relative to the top surface of the axis can be finely adjusted between a first position and a second position.

[0064] Furthermore, by inserting the camera into the camera channel after the camera's top end is positioned in the first position by the camera position adjustment mechanism, it is possible to prevent the camera from being inserted into the conveyor or body while it is protruding from the top surface of the shaft. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of the first embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A magnified view of the tip of the endoscope shown (detailed view of Part II).

[0067] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 III-III view.

[0068] Figure 4A It indicates composition Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the endoscope's camera connector sliding member in the base position.

[0069] Figure 4B It indicates composition Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the endoscope's camera connector sliding member in the top position.

[0070] Figure 5A It indicates composition Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of the endoscope's camera tip being positioned in a first position near the base of the top surface of the axis.

[0071] Figure 5B It indicates composition Figure 1 The image shows a perspective view of the endoscope's camera tip being in a second position on the top side of the top surface of the axis.

[0072] Figure 6 It is Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded perspective view of the components of the camera position adjustment mechanism and connector mounting restriction mechanism in the endoscope.

[0073] Figure 7 It is Figure 1 The diagram shows an exploded perspective view of the components of the camera position adjustment mechanism and connector mounting restriction mechanism in the endoscope.

[0074] Figure 8A It indicates composition Figure 1 A cross-sectional view showing the endoscope's port-side connector connected to the camera connector.

[0075] Figure 8B It indicates composition Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shown shows the endoscope's port-side connector and the camera connector in a restricted state.

[0076] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the main parts of the appearance of the second embodiment of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 10A It indicates composition Figure 9 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the movable component of the endoscope in the base position.

[0078] Figure 10B It indicates composition Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the endoscope with its movable component in the top position.

[0079] Figure 11 It indicates composition Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the fixed and movable components of the endoscope shown.

[0080] Figure 12 It indicates composition Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the fixed and movable components of the endoscope shown. Detailed Implementation

[0081] <First Implementation Method>

[0082] Figure 1 To Figure 8 ( Figure 8A and Figure 8B The endoscope 100 of this embodiment shown is used for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the bile duct or pancreatic duct.

[0083] The endoscope 100 includes: a shaft 10 for insertion into the body; a handle 20 attached to the base of the shaft 10; and a camera 30.

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, a camera channel 13, a water delivery channel 14, and a forceps channel 17 are formed on the axis 10 constituting the endoscope 100.

[0085] The outer diameter of the shaft 10 is preferably 1.1 mm to 7.0 mm, and if a preferred example is shown, it is 3.6 mm.

[0086] The diameter of the camera channel 13 is preferably 0.7 mm to 3.0 mm, and if a preferred example is shown, it is 1.1 mm.

[0087] The diameter of the pliers channel 17 is preferably 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm, and in a preferred example, it is 2.0 mm. By making the diameter of the pliers channel 17 2.0 mm, a general-purpose pliers (1.8 mm diameter) can be used.

[0088] The handle 20 constituting the endoscope 100 has a handle 21 and two operating knobs 25 and 26. The handle 20 is provided with a camera channel port 23, which communicates with the camera channel 13; and a forceps channel port 27, which communicates with the forceps channel 17.

[0089] The camera 30 constituting the endoscope 100 includes: a camera head 31 equipped with a CMOS image sensor 311; and a cable conduit 35 containing a transmission cable for the CMOS image sensor 311. An optical fiber (not shown) is built into the camera 30 in such a way that it surrounds the CMOS image sensor 311.

[0090] The outer diameter of the camera head 31 is preferably 0.6 mm to 2.9 mm, and in a preferred example, it is 1.0 mm. The outer diameter of the cable conduit 35 is substantially the same as that of the camera head 31.

[0091] The camera 30 is mounted on the camera channel 13 of the axis 10. The base of the cable tube 35 extends outward from the camera channel port 23 of the handle 20, and the base of the cable tube is connected to the control device.

[0092] A camera connector 50 is fitted onto the cable conduit 35 of the camera 30.

[0093] The camera connector 50 is connected to the camera channel port 23 of the handle 20 when the camera 30 is properly positioned in the camera channel 13 of the shaft 10.

[0094] That is, by attaching the camera connector 50 to the camera channel port 23, the camera 30 is properly configured in the camera channel 13.

[0095] The mounting position of the camera connector 50 is set at a distance of 300mm to 3000mm from the top of the camera 30. As a preferred example, it is set at a distance of 2100mm from the top of the camera 30.

[0096] In the endoscope 100 of this embodiment, the camera 30 can be separated from the handle 20 and the shaft 10.

[0097] That is, the camera connector 50 can be removed from the camera channel port 23, and the camera 30 and the camera connector 50 of the camera channel 13 configured on the shaft 10 can be pulled out from the camera channel port 23 of the handle 20 together.

[0098] Furthermore, starting from the camera head 31, the temporarily separated camera 30 is inserted into the inside of the handle 20 and the camera channel 13 of the shaft 10 through the camera channel port 23 of the handle 20, and the camera connector 50 is installed at the camera channel port 23, thereby allowing the camera 30 to be re-embedded as a component of the endoscope 100.

[0099] The camera connector 50 includes a camera position adjustment mechanism that, when mounted on the camera channel port 23, causes the camera 30 to reciprocate relative to the camera channel 13, thereby displacing the top end of the camera 30 disposed in the camera channel 13 between a first position and a second position. The first position is located closer to the base end side than the top surface 15 of the shaft 10 through which the camera channel 13 opens (e.g., ...). Figure 5A The second position is located on the top side of the top surface 15 (as shown at the top position of the camera 30). Figure 5B (The top position of the camera 30 shown).

[0100] Here, the distance from the first position to the second position (based on the movement distance of the top of the camera 30 of the position adjustment mechanism) is preferably 2mm to 100mm, and if a preferred example is shown, it is 30mm.

[0101] Furthermore, the distance from the top surface 15 of the shaft 10 to the first position is preferably 1.5mm to 20mm, and the distance from the top surface 15 to the second position is preferably 0.5mm to 80mm.

[0102] In the endoscope 100 of this embodiment, the camera position adjustment mechanism of the camera connector 50 is a mechanism that uses a feed screw to reciprocate the camera 30.

[0103] Specifically, the organization possesses:

[0104] The connector housing 51 is fitted to the camera channel port 23, and has an axially extending guide groove 512 formed on its inner circumferential surface, and an axially extending guide hole 513 formed on its peripheral wall.

[0105] The sliding member 52, composed of a shaft portion 521 and a guide portion 523, is slidable relative to the connector housing 51. The shaft portion 521 extends inside the connector housing 51, with a portion extending towards the base end of the housing. An external thread 522 is formed at the base end of the shaft portion 521. The cable tube 35 of the camera 30 is bonded and fixed inside the shaft portion 521, inserted through it. The guide portion 523 is integrally formed with the shaft portion 521, surrounding its top end. A protrusion 524, guided by a guide groove 512 of the connector housing 51, is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide portion 523. A protrusion 525, guided by a guide hole 513, is also formed on the outer peripheral side of the guide portion 523.

[0106] A rotary handle 53 is located at the base end of the connector housing 51 and its axial movement is restricted. The rotary handle 53 has an internal thread 531 that engages with the external thread 522 of the shaft portion 521 of the sliding member 52.

[0107] Rotating the rotary handle 53 in one direction causes the sliding member 52 to slide from the base position to the top position, thereby causing the top of the camera 30 to move from the first position (e.g., Figure 5A The top position of the camera 30 shown is moved to the second position (as shown). Figure 5B (At the top position of the camera 30 shown), rotate the rotating handle 53 in another direction to slide the sliding member 52 from the top position to the base position, thereby moving the top of the camera 30 from the second position to the first position.

[0108] Here, as Figure 4A As shown, the "base position" is the position where the sliding member 52 cannot move further towards the base end, such as... Figure 4B As shown, the "top position" is the position where the sliding member 52 cannot move further to the top side.

[0109] The camera position adjustment mechanism consists of a connector housing 51, a sliding member 52, and a rotating handle 53.

[0110] The connector housing 51 is a component of the camera connector 50 that is attached to the camera channel port 23 via the port-side connector described later, and is composed of a cylindrical body with an arched portion.

[0111] A guide groove 512 extending axially is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connector housing 51, and a guide hole 513 extending axially is formed on the peripheral wall of the arched portion.

[0112] The sliding member 52 is composed of a shaft portion 521 and a guide portion 523 integrally formed with the shaft portion 521 in a manner that surrounds the top end portion of the shaft portion 521.

[0113] The shaft portion 521 of the sliding member 52 extends inside the connector housing 51, and a portion of the shaft portion 521 extends from the opening formed in the base end face 511 of the connector housing 51 toward the base end side.

[0114] An external threaded portion 522 is formed at the base end of the shaft portion 521.

[0115] like Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, the cable conduit 35 of the camera 30 is glued and fixed inside the shaft portion 521 in a plugged-in state.

[0116] The guide portion 523 of the sliding member 52 has an arched portion that matches the shape of the connector housing 51, and is integrally formed with the shaft portion 521 in such a way that it surrounds the top portion of the shaft portion 521.

[0117] A protruding strip 524 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the guide portion 523, which is guided by the guide groove 512 of the connector housing 51.

[0118] Furthermore, a protrusion 525 is formed on the outer periphery of the arched portion of the guide portion 523, which is guided by the guide hole 513 of the connector housing 51.

[0119] The rotating handle 53 is disposed on the base end side of the connector housing 51.

[0120] An internal thread 531 is formed on the inner circumference of the rotating handle 53, which engages with the external thread 522 of the shaft portion 521 of the sliding member 52.

[0121] For the rotary handle 53, its axial movement relative to the connector housing 51 is restricted, and by rotating the rotary handle 53, the sliding member 52 slides relative to the connector housing 51.

[0122] Furthermore, by rotating the rotary handle 53 to slide the sliding member 52, the cable tube 35, which is bonded and fixed inside the shaft portion 521, also moves axially relative to the connector housing 51.

[0123] According to the camera position adjustment mechanism configured as described above, rotating the rotary handle 53 in one direction causes the sliding member 52 to move from the base position ( Figure 4A Slide to the top position (as shown) Figure 4B (as shown in the image), thereby allowing the top of camera 30 to move from the first position (as shown in the image). Figure 5A The top position of the camera 30 shown is moved to the second position (as shown). Figure 5B (At the top position of the camera 30 shown), the rotating handle 53 is rotated in another direction to slide the sliding member 52 from the top position to the base position, thereby moving the top of the camera 30 from the second position to the first position.

[0124] In the camera position adjustment mechanism described above, when the camera connector 50 is attached to the camera channel port 23 when the sliding member 52 is not in the base position, the top of the camera 30 may protrude from the opening of the camera channel 13 in the top surface 15 of the shaft 10.

[0125] When the shaft 10 is inserted into the body with the tip of the camera 30 extending from the opening of the camera channel 13, the tip of the camera 30 may cause damage to the tissues inside the body, or damage to the channel of the delivery device (e.g., a duodenoscope or other endoscope) used to guide the camera 30 (camera head 31) to the vicinity of the target site, or the camera 30 itself may be damaged.

[0126] Therefore, the endoscope 100 of this embodiment includes a connector mounting restriction mechanism that restricts the camera connector 50 from being mounted to the camera channel port 23 when the sliding member 52 is not in the base position (the top of the camera 30 may extend out from the opening of the camera channel 13).

[0127] The connector mounting restriction mechanism is configured to include: a port-side connector 60, which is mounted to the camera channel port 23 in a manner between the camera channel port 23 and the camera connector 50.

[0128] The top portion 61 of the port-side connector 60 is inserted from the camera channel port 23 into the interior of the handle 20.

[0129] The base portion 62 of the port-side connector 60 includes: an inner tube portion 621 that forms an insertion passage for the shaft portion 521 of the sliding member 52 (to which the cable tube 35 is bonded and fixed); and an outer tube portion 622 whose outer peripheral shape is formed to match the inner peripheral shape of the connector housing 51.

[0130] The outer tube portion 622 has notches 623-626 formed on its peripheral wall to prevent contact with the protrusion 524 formed on the guide portion 523 when the sliding member 52 slides, and a notch 627 formed to prevent contact with the protrusion 525 formed on the guide portion 523. In addition, a hemispherical protrusion 629 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion 628 that is sandwiched between the notches 624 and 625 and exhibits flexibility.

[0131] On the other hand, a circular through hole 515 is formed on the peripheral wall of the connector housing 51 for the protrusion 629 to engage when the base end portion 62 of the port-side connector 60 is inserted into the connector housing 51.

[0132] According to this connector mounting restriction mechanism, when the sliding member 52 is in the base position, when it is desired to insert the base portion 62 of the port-side connector 60 into the connector housing 51 to connect the port-side connector 60 and the camera connector 50, the peripheral wall portion 628 flexes, and the protrusion 629 retracts inward so that the protrusion 629 does not obstruct insertion. Then, when the base portion 62 of the port-side connector 60 is inserted into the connector housing 51, as... Figure 8A As shown, the flexed peripheral wall portion 628 returns to its original posture, and the protrusion 629 fits into the through hole 515 of the connector housing 51. Thus, the port-side connector 60 is connected to the camera connector 50, which is mounted to the camera channel port 23 via the port-side connector 60.

[0133] Even when the sliding member 52 is not in the base position, if it is desired to insert the base portion 62 of the port-side connector 60 into the interior of the connector housing 51, such as Figure 8B As shown, the top of the sliding member 52 will also interfere with the peripheral wall portion 628 which is bent inward and cannot be inserted. Therefore, the camera connector 50 cannot be connected to the port-side connector 60, and the camera connector 50 cannot be installed at the camera channel port 23.

[0134] According to the endoscope 100 of this embodiment, by separating and cleaning the camera 30, which has an expensive solid-state imaging element, from the handle and shaft after using the endoscope 100, the camera 30 can be embedded as a component of the endoscope 100 and reused.

[0135] Furthermore, the camera position adjustment mechanism and the connector mounting restriction mechanism reliably prevent the shaft 10 from being inserted into the conveyor or body while the camera 30 is protruding from the opening of the camera channel 13 in the top surface 15 of the shaft 10.

[0136] Furthermore, by using a camera position adjustment mechanism that reciprocates the camera 30 with a feed screw, the top position of the camera 30 relative to the top surface 15 of the shaft 10 can be finely adjusted.

[0137] <Second embodiment>

[0138] In this embodiment of the endoscope 200, except for the specific mechanism of the camera position adjustment mechanism for moving the tip of the camera 30 between the first and second positions, everything else is the same as in the first embodiment. Figures 9 to 12 In this embodiment shown, the same constituent elements as in the first embodiment are appended with... Figure 1 To Figure 8 ( Figure 8A and Figure 8B For identical symbols, their descriptions are omitted.

[0139] The camera position adjustment mechanism of the endoscope 200 in this embodiment is configured to include: a fixed member 70, which is attached to the camera channel port 23; a movable member 80, which moves axially relative to the fixed member 70; and a structure (a locking protrusion 729 and a locking concave-convex portion 819) between the two and providing a locking feel.

[0140] The top part of the fixing member 70 that constitutes the camera position adjustment mechanism is inserted into the inside of the handle 20 from the camera channel port 23.

[0141] The base portion of the fixing member 70 consists of an inner tube portion 71 that forms an insertion passage for the cable conduit 35 and a cylindrical outer tube portion 72 with an arched portion. Notches 723 to 727 are formed on the peripheral wall of the outer tube portion 72. Furthermore, a locking protrusion 729 is formed on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion 728 that is sandwiched between notches 724 and 725 and exhibits flexibility.

[0142] The movable member 80 constituting the camera position adjustment mechanism is composed of a top portion 81 and a base portion 82 serving as an operating grip. The outer peripheral shape of the top portion 81 is formed in a manner that matches the inner peripheral shape of the outer tube portion 72 of the fixed member 70.

[0143] like Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown, a through hole is formed in the movable member 80 along its central axis, and the cable tube 35 of the camera 30 is glued and fixed to the through hole in an inserted state.

[0144] In the top portion 81 of the movable member 80, a protruding strip 814 is formed on its outer peripheral surface, which is guided by notches 723 to 726 when the movable member 80 is inserted into the fixed member 70, and a protrusion 815 is formed on its outer peripheral side, which is guided by notch 727.

[0145] Furthermore, a locking protrusion 819 that engages with the locking protrusion 729 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the top portion 81 of the movable member 80, which is opposite to the locking protrusion 729 formed on the inner peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion 728 of the fixed member 70.

[0146] According to the camera position adjustment mechanism configured in this way, the movable member 80 located at the base position is pushed in to move the movable member 80 to the top position, thereby moving the top of the camera 30 from the first position to the second position. The movable member 80 located at the top position is pulled back to move the movable member 80 to the base position, thereby moving the top of the camera 30 from the second position to the first position. Furthermore, since a locking sensation generated by the locking protrusion 729 and the locking concave-convex portion 819 can be obtained in response to the movement of the movable member 80, the top position of the camera 30 can be finely adjusted.

[0147] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0148] 100: Endoscope;

[0149] 10: Axis;

[0150] 13: Camera lane;

[0151] 14: Water delivery channel;

[0152] 15: The top surface of the shaft;

[0153] 17: Pliers channel;

[0154] 20: Handle;

[0155] 21: Handle;

[0156] 23: Camera channel port;

[0157] 25, 26: Operation knobs;

[0158] 27: Pliers channel port;

[0159] 30: Camera;

[0160] 31: Camera head;

[0161] 35: Cable conduit;

[0162] 50: Camera connector;

[0163] 51: Connector housing;

[0164] 511: Base end face;

[0165] 512: Guide groove;

[0166] 513: Guide hole;

[0167] 515: Through hole;

[0168] 52: Sliding component;

[0169] 521: Shaft portion;

[0170] 522: External thread section;

[0171] 523: Guiding Department;

[0172] 524: convex strip part;

[0173] 525: Protrusion;

[0174] 53: Rotate and pinch;

[0175] 531: Internal thread section;

[0176] 60: Port-side connector;

[0177] 61: Top part;

[0178] 62: Base portion;

[0179] 621: Internal Management Department;

[0180] 622: Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

[0181] 623-627: Gap;

[0182] 628: Peripheral section;

[0183] 629: A hemispherical protrusion;

[0184] 200: Endoscope;

[0185] 70: Fixed components;

[0186] 71: Internal Affairs Department;

[0187] 72: Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

[0188] 723-727: Gap;

[0189] 728: Peripheral section;

[0190] 729: A locking protrusion;

[0191] 80: Movable components;

[0192] 81: Top part;

[0193] 814: convex strip part;

[0194] 815: Protrusion;

[0195] 819: Engraving and recessed parts for locking;

[0196] 82: Base portion (operated by pinching).

Claims

1. An endoscope, characterized in that: have: A shaft, for insertion into the body; a handle attached to the base end side of the shaft; and A camera having a cable tube and a camera head equipped with an image sensor, The camera is detachable from the handle and the shaft, A camera channel for arranging the camera is formed on the axis, The handle is provided with a camera channel port connected to the camera channel. The cable tube of the camera is equipped with a camera connector, which is connected to the camera channel port when the camera is properly arranged in the camera channel. The camera connector has: a camera position adjustment mechanism, which, when attached to the camera channel port, reciprocates the camera in such a way that the top end of the camera arranged on the camera channel is displaced between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is located closer to the base end side than the top end surface of the axis opened by the camera channel, and the second position is located closer to the top end side than the top end surface of the axis.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that The distance from the first position to the second position is 2 mm to 100 mm.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The camera position adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that reciprocates the camera using a feed screw.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that The camera position adjustment mechanism comprises: A connector housing, attached to the camera channel port, having an inner peripheral surface formed with a guide groove extending along the axial direction; a sliding member, comprising a shaft portion and a guide portion, and being slidable relative to the connector housing, wherein the shaft portion extends inside the connector housing and a portion thereof protrudes toward the base end side of the connector housing, an external thread portion is formed at least at the base end portion of the shaft portion, the cable tube of the camera is fixed in a state of being inserted into the inside of the shaft portion, the guide portion is formed integrally with the shaft portion in a manner of surrounding a top end portion of the shaft portion, and a convex strip portion guided by the guide groove is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the guide portion; and a rotary knob, which is located on the base end side of the connector housing and whose axial movement is restricted, and has an internal thread portion that is threadedly engaged with the external thread portion of the shaft portion of the sliding member, The rotary knob is rotated in one direction to slide the sliding member from a base end position to a top end position, thereby moving the top end of the camera from the first position to the second position. The rotary knob is rotated in the other direction to slide the sliding member from the tip position to the base position, thereby moving the tip of the camera from the second position to the first position.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that have: A connector attachment restriction mechanism restricts attachment of the camera connector to the camera channel port when the sliding member of the camera position adjustment mechanism is not located at the base end position.

6. The endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that The connector attachment restriction mechanism is configured to include: a port-side connector attached to the camera channel port in a manner interposed between the camera channel port and the camera connector; The port side connector is formed with an insertion passage for the cable tube. The endoscope is composed of: When the sliding member is located at the base end position, the base end portion of the port side connector can be inserted into the interior of the connector housing to connect the port side connector and the camera connector; as well as When the sliding member is not located at the base end position, even if the base end portion of the port-side connector is to be inserted into the connector housing, the tip end of the sliding member interferes and the insertion cannot be performed.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that A circular through hole is formed on the peripheral wall of the connector housing. The top end portion of the port side connector is inserted from the camera channel port into the interior of the handle, The base end portion of the port side connector comprises: an inner tube portion forming an insertion passage of the shaft portion of the sliding member; and an outer tube portion whose outer peripheral shape is formed in a manner matching the inner peripheral shape of the connector housing. A notch is formed on the peripheral wall of the outer tube portion for avoiding contact with the convex strip of the guide portion when the sliding member slides, and a hemispherical protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral side of the peripheral wall portion sandwiched by the notch and showing flexibility. The endoscope is composed of: When the sliding member is located at the base end position, when the base end portion of the port side connector is to be inserted into the interior of the connector housing, the peripheral wall portion is bent and the protrusion is retracted inwardly so that the protrusion does not hinder the insertion, and when the base end portion of the port side connector is inserted into the interior of the connector housing, the bent peripheral wall portion returns to its original posture and the protrusion is fitted into the through hole of the connector housing; as well as When the sliding member is not located at the base end position, even if the base end portion of the port-side connector is inserted into the connector housing, the top end of the sliding member interferes with the peripheral wall portion bent inward and cannot be inserted.

8. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The camera position adjustment mechanism is configured to include: a fixed member attached to the camera channel port; and a movable member, in which the cable tube of the camera is fixed in a state of being inserted into the inside thereof, and the movable member moves in the axial direction relative to the fixed member. The movable member at the base end position is pushed in to move the movable member to the tip end position, thereby enabling the tip end of the camera to move from the first position to the second position. The movable member at the tip position is pulled back to move the movable member to the base end position, thereby enabling the tip of the camera to move from the second position to the first position. The camera position adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that provides a locking feeling in response to the movement of the movable member.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that The camera position adjustment mechanism includes: a locking concave-convex portion formed on the movable member; and a locking convex portion provided on the fixed member and engaged with the locking concave-convex portion.

10. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The camera is equipped with an optical fiber.

11. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The outer diameter of the shaft is 1.1 mm to 7.0 mm, and the diameter of the camera channel is 0.7 mm to 3.0 mm. A forceps channel having a diameter of 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm is formed in the shaft.

12. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, which is used for diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the bile duct or pancreatic duct, bronchus or bladder.

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