bending portion of the endoscope, endoscope insertion portion, endoscope

Abstract

A first curved block (21) and a second curved block (22) are formed with holes (21i, 22i), the first curved block (21) has a first groove (21m) formed toward the outside of a radial direction (R) in communication with the hole (21i), the second curved block (22) is disposed adjacent to the first curved block (21) and has a second groove (22m) formed from an outer periphery (22g) of the second curved block (22) toward the hole (22i), and a wire (30u, 30d) is disposed in the first groove (21m) and the second groove (22m).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, an endoscope insertion portion, and an endoscope, wherein the bending portion is bent by pulling a wire, and the endoscope is disposed in the endoscope insertion portion. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical and industrial fields. By inserting a slender endoscope into the body of the patient, it is possible to observe and treat the parts of the body being examined.

[0003] In addition, it is known that there is a structure in which a flexible part that can be bent freely in multiple directions is provided on the front end side of the insertion part of the endoscope.

[0004] In addition to improving the mobility of the insertion part in the bend within the pipeline, the bend also allows the observation direction of the observation optical system located at the front end of the insertion part, which is further forward than the bend, to be variable.

[0005] In addition, the curved portion is composed of, for example, multiple curved blocks, each having a predetermined length along the length axis of the insertion portion and having a cylindrical wall portion.

[0006] As a bending section, it is known that there is a structure in which adjacent bending blocks are connected to each other in the direction of the length axis of the multiple bending blocks (hereinafter referred to as the length axis direction) by a plurality of rotatable rivets that bend the bending section in the vertical direction and a plurality of rotatable rivets that bend the bending section in the horizontal direction, thereby allowing the bending section to bend freely in four directions: vertical, horizontal, and vertical.

[0007] In addition, two pairs, or four, of traction wires (hereinafter referred to as wires) are inserted into the insertion part. These two pairs of traction wires can move freely back and forth in the length axis direction, and their front ends are fixed to the bending block located at the frontmost side among a plurality of bending blocks.

[0008] By pulling any of the four wires through the operating section of the endoscope, the bending section can be bent freely in any direction, up, down, left, or right.

[0009] In addition, the following structure is also known in the bending section: adjacent bending blocks in the length axis direction are connected to each other by a pair of rivets, and can be bent freely in either the up or down direction or the left or right direction by a pair of two lines inserted into the insertion section.

[0010] In the medical field, in endoscopes, such as nephrocystoscopes, where a small diameter insertion portion of 5 mm or 3 mm or less is required, and in structures using rivets as described above, there is a problem that minimizing the diameter of the curved portion becomes difficult due to the use of each rivet.

[0011] In view of such problems, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-7068 disclosed a structure of a bent portion with a rivetless construction in order to achieve a smaller diameter of the bent portion. In this rivetless construction, multiple bent blocks with abutting portions at the ends pointing in the direction of the length axis abutting each other and rotating freely are continuously arranged along the length axis. Four lines pass through the annular wall of each bent block, thereby the annular wall functioning as a line support member.

[0012] In addition, in rivetless constructions, the following structure is known: in order to make the curved part bend in two directions, two lines pass through the annular wall of each curved block.

[0013] However, in the structure of the annular wall portion that runs through each curved block, the wall portion has a specified wall thickness and a structure that protrudes inward from the inner circumference of the curved block in the radial direction of the length axis.

[0014] Therefore, if the diameter of the curved portion is further reduced, the following problem arises: the storage space for the built-in object that can be housed in the curved portion is reduced due to the wall portion, and the performance of the built-in object is limited, for example, the size of the known channel becomes smaller. In view of this problem, if it is desired to ensure that the storage space for the built-in object that can be housed in the curved portion is the same size as before, the problem of the curved portion becoming larger due to the wall portion still exists.

[0015] Therefore, it is considered to form a thinner structure for the walls of each curved block. However, when each curved block is formed from resin, there is a problem that the walls cannot be formed thinner due to molding issues.

[0016] Furthermore, the above problems also exist when the online support component is not integrally formed with the bending block but is separate.

[0017] Furthermore, in any of the riveted structure, rivetless structure, and known structure in which the curved part is made of a cylindrical component of a super-elastic alloy such as nylon, there is a structure in which the through holes of multiple wire support members of each curved block or cylindrical component extend along the entire length of the curved part, allowing one wire to pass through from the front or rear. Therefore, the assembly of the wire takes time, that is, the assemblability of the wire relative to the curved part is poor, and there is also the problem of increased manufacturing cost.

[0018] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an endoscope having a curved portion, an endoscope insertion portion, and an endoscope having the following structure, which can maximize the storage space for the implant while achieving miniaturization, and improve the assembly of the wire. Summary of the Invention

[0019] Methods for solving problems

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, in one embodiment of the present invention, a curved portion of an endoscope is disposed at an endoscope insertion portion. The curved portion is bent by pulling a wire. The curved portion of the endoscope has a cylindrical first curved block and a second curved block, which are one or more in a cylindrical shape. A hole for arranging an endoscope is formed in the first curved block and the second curved block along the length axis of the endoscope insertion portion. The first curved block has a first groove communicating with the hole and formed from the inner periphery of the first curved block toward the radial direction outward from the length axis. The first groove is formed with a width approximately the same as the outer diameter of the wire and a depth above the outer diameter of the wire. The second curved block is disposed adjacent to the first curved block along the length axis. The second curved block has a second groove formed from the outer periphery of the second curved block toward the hole. The second groove is formed with a width approximately the same as the outer diameter of the wire and a depth above the outer diameter of the wire. The wire is disposed in the first groove and the second groove.

[0021] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the endoscope insertion portion is formed as a tube and has a curved portion, which is bent by pulling a wire. The curved portion has one or more cylindrical first and second curved blocks, respectively. The first and second curved blocks have holes for placing an endoscope insert along the length axis of the endoscope insertion portion. The first curved block has a first groove communicating with the hole and formed from the inner periphery of the first curved block toward the radial direction of the length axis. The first groove is formed with a width approximately the same as the outer diameter of the wire and a depth above the outer diameter of the wire. The second curved block is disposed adjacent to the first curved block along the length axis. The second curved block has a second groove formed from the outer periphery of the second curved block toward the hole. The second groove is formed with a width approximately the same as the outer diameter of the wire and a depth above the outer diameter of the wire. The wire is disposed in the first and second grooves.

[0022] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the endoscope has an endoscope insertion portion formed in a tubular shape. The endoscope insertion portion has a curved portion that is bent by pulling a wire. The curved portion has one or more cylindrical first and second curved blocks. The first and second curved blocks have holes for placing an endoscope insert along the length axis of the endoscope insertion portion. The first curved block has a first groove communicating with the hole and formed radially outward from the inner periphery of the first curved block toward the length axis. The first groove is formed with a width approximately the same as the outer diameter of the wire and a depth above the outer diameter of the wire. The second curved block is disposed adjacent to the first curved block along the length axis. The second curved block has a second groove formed from the outer periphery of the second curved block toward the hole. The second groove is formed with a width approximately the same as the outer diameter of the wire and a depth above the outer diameter of the wire. The wire is disposed in the first and second grooves. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of an endoscope having a curved portion of the endoscope in the endoscope insertion section according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 It is to constitute Figure 1 A partial sectional view showing multiple curved blocks of the curved section together with two lines.

[0025] Figure 3 It will be along Figure 2 The diagram shows the cross-section of the first curved block of the curved section of line III-III along with the line.

[0026] Figure 4 It will be along Figure 2 The diagram shows the cross-section of the second curved block of the curved section of line IV-IV along with the line.

[0027] Figure 5 This indicates that the first bent block is relative to... Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the second curved block rotating upwards to its maximum rotation angle.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first curved block is rotated upward relative to the second curved block to the maximum rotation angle in the curved block of the curved portion of the endoscope constituting the second embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 It means Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a modified example of the shape of the second groove of the second curved block.

[0030] Figure 8It means Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a deformed example of the shape of the first groove of the first curved block.

[0031] Figure 9 It means to Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a modified example in which the front ends and base ends of the first groove of the first curved block and the second groove of the second curved block are set as notches.

[0032] Figure 10 It means to Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a modified example in which the front ends and base ends of the first groove of the first curved block and the second groove of the second curved block are set as notches.

[0033] Figure 11 It means to Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a modified example in which the front ends and base ends of the first groove of the first curved block and the second groove of the second curved block are set as notches.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the multiple curved blocks constituting the curved portion of the third embodiment together with two lines.

[0035] Figure 13 It will be along Figure 12 The cross section of the first curved block along line XIII-XIII and along Figure 12 The cross-section of the second curved block of the XIII'-XIII' line is shown side by side and together with the line in the figure.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the curved section of a typical endoscope.

[0037] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the multiple curved blocks that make up the curved portion of this structure.

[0038] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 A three-dimensional view of a curved block.

[0039] Figure 17 yes Figure 15 A three-dimensional view of another curved block.

[0040] Figure 18 This is a partial sectional view of the connection between the active bending section and the passive bending section in the bending part of this structure.

[0041] Figure 19 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the main parts of the schematic structure of the endoscope tip section in the fourth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 20 yes Figure 19A side view of the front end of an endoscope.

[0043] Figure 21 It means in Figure 19 An exploded 3D view of the endoscope with the front cover removed.

[0044] Figure 22 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the main parts of the schematic structure of the endoscope tip in the fifth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 A side view of the front end of an endoscope.

[0046] Figure 24 It means in Figure 22 An exploded 3D view of the endoscope with the front cover removed.

[0047] Figure 25 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the front end of the endoscope in the sixth embodiment.

[0048] Figure 26 This is a side view near the front end of the optical cable, representing one method of application to the front end of the endoscope in the sixth embodiment.

[0049] Figure 27 This is a side view showing the vicinity of the front end of the optical cable in another manner applied to the front end of the endoscope in the sixth embodiment.

[0050] Figure 28 Observing from the direction of arrow "28" Figure 25 A cross-sectional view showing the cut surface indicated by the double-dotted line.

[0051] Figure 29 This is a schematic three-dimensional view showing a portion of the internal structure of the endoscope's operating section.

[0052] Figure 30 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the seventh embodiment where the sleeve at the front end of the line is connected to the front end bending block.

[0053] Figure 31 This is a perspective view showing a structural example of a notch hole provided in the front bending block for inserting a line in the seventh embodiment described above.

[0054] Figure 32 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the first variation of the seventh embodiment described above, in which a sleeve provided at the front end of the line is passed through a notch and thermally fused to the outer skin of the curved portion.

[0055] Figure 33This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the second variation of the seventh embodiment described above, in which a sleeve provided at the front end of the line is pressed into a mounting hole provided in the front end bending block.

[0056] Figure 34 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the third variation of the seventh embodiment described above, in which the movement of the sleeve provided at the front end of the line towards the front end in the direction of the insertion axis is restricted by the restricting member.

[0057] Figure 35 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the eighth embodiment where a rough surface is provided on the surface of the metal front bending block for thermal welding of the outer skin of the bending portion.

[0058] Figure 36 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the eighth embodiment described above, in which a cutting surface is provided on the rear end side of the circumferential protrusion of the front end bending block.

[0059] Figure 37 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the eighth embodiment described above, in which the outer skin of the bent portion is clamped by a connecting pipe and a front bending block.

[0060] Figure 38 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a passively bent portion provided between the bent portion and the flexible tube portion in the ninth embodiment.

[0061] Figure 39 This is a perspective view showing a structural example of the three-layer flexible tube in the ninth embodiment described above.

[0062] Figure 40 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the three-layer flexible tube in the ninth embodiment described above.

[0063] Figure 41 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example in the ninth embodiment described above where a passive bending portion is formed by covering three layers of flexible tube with a passive bending portion outer skin.

[0064] Figure 42 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the ninth embodiment described above, in which the front end of the three-layer flexible tube is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the rear bending block, and the rear end of the three-layer flexible tube is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the front connector of the flexible tube section.

[0065] Figure 43 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the ninth embodiment described above, in which laser welding is used to connect the front end of the three-layer flexible tube to the outer peripheral surface of the rear bending block, and to connect the rear end of the three-layer flexible tube to the outer peripheral surface of the front connector of the flexible tube section.

[0066] Figure 44This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the ninth embodiment described above, in which the front end of the three-layer flexible tube is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the rear bending block, and the rear end of the three-layer flexible tube is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the front connector of the flexible tube section.

[0067] Figure 45 This is a cross-sectional view of a three-layer flexible tube structure in the first variation of the ninth embodiment described above, in which a rear bending block is formed by inserting an insert into a metal tube and a passively bent portion is laser-welded onto the metal tube.

[0068] Figure 46 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which two layers of flexible tubes and heat-shrinkable tubes are used in the passive bending section in the second variation of the ninth embodiment described above.

[0069] Figure 47 This is a side view showing a structural example of the woven fabric with curved sections in the tenth embodiment.

[0070] Figure 48 This is a diagram illustrating a processing example for manufacturing a woven fabric with a curved portion in a modified example of the tenth embodiment described above.

[0071] Figure 49 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in the eleventh embodiment where the flexible tube braid is inserted into the front connector of the flexible tube and the flexible tube braid is secured radially outward by a tapered member.

[0072] Figure 50 This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the eleventh embodiment described above, in which a flexible tube braid is inserted externally into the front connector of the flexible tube and the flexible tube braid is secured radially inward by a resin tube.

[0073] Figure 51 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which the connecting pipe and the braided fabric of the bend are laser welded to the front bending block in the twelfth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0074] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in the embodiments shown below, the endoscope used is a nephrocystoscope as an example.

[0075] (First Implementation)

[0076] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of an endoscope having a curved portion of the endoscope in the endoscope insertion section according to this embodiment.

[0077] like Figure 1As shown, the main parts of the endoscope 1 include: a tubular endoscope insertion part (hereinafter referred to as the insertion part) 2, which is elongated and flexible in the direction along the length axis (hereinafter referred to as the length axis direction) N; an operating part 3, which is disposed at the base end side of the insertion part 2; a universal cable 5, which extends from the operating part 3; and a connector (not shown), which is disposed at the extension end of the universal cable 5 and connected to an image processing device and a light source device (not shown).

[0078] The main parts of the insertion part 2, starting from the front end side, include: a rigid front end portion 10, which has an observation optical system (not shown) inside; a bending portion 11, which is an active bending portion, connected to the base end side of the front end portion 10, and can be actively bent in multiple directions, such as up (U) and down (D); a passive bending portion 12, which is connected to the base end side of the bending portion 11, and can be passively bent in multiple directions; and a flexible tube portion 13, which is connected to the base end side of the passive bending portion 12 and is flexible.

[0079] Furthermore, regarding the bending section 11, with the operation of the bending operation lever 15 described later, lines 30u and 30d (both referred to later) will also be affected. Figure 2 Any one of them is pulled, so that the curved part 11 bends in either the upward or downward direction.

[0080] In addition, the bending part 11 can be a structure that can be bent freely in the two directions of left and right, or it can be a structure that can be bent freely in the four directions of up, down, left and right, and even in the combined directions of up, down, left and right.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure in which the endoscope 1 is provided with a passive bending section 12 is shown as an example, but it is also possible to have a structure in which a flexible tube section 13 is directly connected to the base end side of the bending section 11.

[0082] In addition, the base end of the operation section 3 is provided with: a remote control switch 14 for image control indication such as freezing and releasing; a bending operation lever 15 for bending operation of the bending section 11; a suction button 16 for suction operation; and a suction connector 17 that communicates with a suction channel (not shown) provided in the insertion section 2.

[0083] Furthermore, a treatment tool insertion port 18 for inserting treatment tools such as pliers into the suction channel is provided on the front end side of the operation unit 3, and the pliers bolt 19 can be freely installed and removed relative to the treatment tool insertion port 18.

[0084] Next, use Figures 2-4 This indicates the structure of the curved section 11. Figure 2 It is to constitute Figure 1 A partial sectional view showing multiple curved blocks of the curved section together with two lines. Figure 3It will be along Figure 2 The diagram shows the cross-section of the first curved block of the curved section of line III-III along with the line. Figure 4 It will be along Figure 2 The diagram shows the cross-section of the second curved block of the curved section of line IV-IV along with the line.

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the bending portion 11 is constructed by connecting a plurality of first bending blocks 21 and a plurality of second bending blocks 22 along the length axis direction N.

[0086] Specifically, the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are connected and configured to be adjacent to each other along the length axis direction N.

[0087] More specifically, along the length axis direction N, such as the first bending block 21, the second bending block 22, the first bending block 21, the second bending block 22... are alternately connected and arranged along the length axis direction N.

[0088] In addition, Figure 2 The example shown is the case where there are two first bending blocks 21 and three second bending blocks 22 connected alternately along the length axis N, but the number of first bending blocks 21 and second bending blocks 22 is not limited to this.

[0089] That is, there can be one first bending block 21 and one second bending block 22, or there can be multiple first bending blocks 21 and second bending blocks 22. In addition, the number of first bending blocks 21 and second bending blocks 22 can be the same or different.

[0090] In addition, the outer periphery of the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 is covered with a known woven fabric and a known bending rubber, but... Figure 2 In order to simplify the accompanying drawings, some details have been omitted.

[0091] The first bending block 21 has a predetermined length along the length axis N, and is formed into a cylindrical shape by forming a hole 21i inside which various known built-in objects such as optical guides and camera cables are arranged, passing through along the length axis. In addition, the first bending block 21 is formed of resin, for example.

[0092] Furthermore, the second bending block 22 also has a predetermined length along the length axis direction N, and is formed into a cylindrical shape by forming a hole 22i inside that extends along the length axis direction and accommodates the various known built-in elements described above. Additionally, the second bending block 22 is formed, for example, from resin.

[0093] Furthermore, the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 have the same outer diameter in the radial direction R of the length axis. Additionally, the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 can have the same length or different lengths in the length axis direction N.

[0094] In addition, the first bending block 21 has a pair of semi-circular protrusions 21t at its base end face, which is the end in the length axis direction N. The pair of semi-circular protrusions 21t extend rearward in the length axis direction N and are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the first bending block 21.

[0095] Furthermore, the first bending block 21 has a pair of semi-circular recesses 21h on the front end face of the end in the length axis direction N. The pair of semi-circular recesses 21h are recessed behind the length axis direction N and are symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the first bending block 21.

[0096] In addition, the second bending block 22 has a pair of semi-circular protrusions 22t at its base end face, which is the end in the length axis direction N, extending rearward in the length axis direction N and symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the second bending block 22.

[0097] Furthermore, the second bending block 22 has a pair of semi-circular recesses 22h at its front end face, which is recessed toward the rear of the length axis N and is symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the second bending block 22.

[0098] By alternately arranging the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 along the length axis direction N, a pair of protrusions 22t of the second bending block 22 abuts against a pair of recesses 21h of the first bending block 21, and the pair of protrusions 21t of the first bending block 21 abuts against a pair of recesses 22h of the second bending block 22.

[0099] Furthermore, the contact between the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 is carried out in a state of compression (biting state) in the length axis direction N by the lines 30u and 30d described later.

[0100] Thus, the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are configured such that adjacent bending blocks in the length axis direction N can rotate freely relative to each other.

[0101] Specifically, the first curved block 21 and the second curved block 22, which are adjacent in the length axis direction N, abut against each other in a manner that allows them to rotate freely in the vertical direction UD.

[0102] Therefore, for example, when the line 30u described later is pulled backward, the pair of protrusions 21t that abut against the pair of recesses 22h rotate upward U, and the pair of protrusions 22t that abut against the pair of recesses 21h rotate upward, thereby causing the curved portion 11 to... Figure 2 The upper part of the curve is U-shaped.

[0103] Furthermore, the maximum upward rotation angle U of the pair of protrusions 21t that abut against the pair of recesses 22h is determined by the contact between the shoulder 21b at the base of the first bent block 21 and the shoulder 22a at the front end of the second bent block 22. Additionally, the maximum upward rotation angle U of the pair of protrusions 22t that abut against the pair of recesses 21h is determined by the contact between the shoulder 22b at the base of the second bent block 22 and the shoulder 21a at the front end of the first bent block 21.

[0104] Conversely, when the line 30d described later is pulled backward, the pair of protrusions 21t that abut against the pair of recesses 22h rotate downward, thereby causing the curved portion 11 to... Figure 3 The lower D in the middle is curved.

[0105] Furthermore, the maximum downward rotation angle D of the pair of protrusions 21t that abut against the pair of recesses 22h is determined by the contact between the shoulder 21b at the base of the first bent block 21 and the shoulder 22a at the front end of the second bent block 22. Additionally, the maximum downward rotation angle D of the pair of protrusions 22t that abut against the pair of recesses 21h is determined by the contact between the shoulder 22b at the base of the second bent block 22 and the shoulder 21a at the front end of the first bent block 21.

[0106] That is, the bent portion 11 of this embodiment has a known rivetless structure in which rivets are not used in the mutual connection of the first bent block 21 and the second bent block 22.

[0107] Here, as Figure 4 As shown, on the inner periphery 21n of the first curved block 21, at mutually opposite positions, for example in the vertical direction UD, two first grooves 21m are formed that communicate with the hole 21i and extend from the inner periphery 21n toward the outer side in the radial direction R.

[0108] The first groove 21m has a width H that is approximately the same as the outer diameter K of the lines 30u and 30d described later, and is formed with a depth D greater than the outer diameter K. Furthermore, the first groove 21m is formed along the length axis N from the front end to the base end of the first bent block 21. The first groove 21m is formed with a fixed depth D from the front end to the base end of the first bent block 21. Additionally, along with the formation of the first groove 21m, a wall surface is formed on the first bent block 21 in a direction that rotates approximately 90° from the vertical direction UD from the front end to the base end in the length axis N.

[0109] In addition, lines 30u and 30d can be freely inserted and removed from holes 21i along the radial direction R relative to the first slot 21m.

[0110] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, on the outer periphery 22g of the second curved block 22, two second grooves 22m are formed from the outer periphery 22g toward the hole 22i at mutually opposite positions, for example, in the vertical direction UD.

[0111] The second groove 22m has a width H that is approximately the same as the outer diameter K of the lines 30u and 30d described later, and is formed with a depth D greater than the outer diameter K. Furthermore, the second groove 22m is formed along the length axis N from the front end to the base end of the second bent block 22. The second groove 22m is formed with a fixed depth D from the front end to the base end of the second bent block 22. Additionally, along with the formation of the second groove 22m, a wall surface is formed on the second bent block 22 in a direction that rotates approximately 90° from the vertical direction UD from the front end to the base end in the length axis N.

[0112] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the width H and depth D of the first groove 21m are the same as the width H and depth D of the second groove 22m.

[0113] In addition, lines 30u and 30d can be freely inserted and removed from the outside of the second slot 22m in the radial direction R.

[0114] In addition, two lines 30u and 30d are provided in the first slot 21m and the second slot 22m, which are used to rotate the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 as described above by traction.

[0115] Specifically, in the first slot 21m and the second slot 22m located above U, line 30u is arranged along the length axis direction N, and in the first slot 21m and the second slot 22m located below D, line 30d is arranged along the length axis direction N.

[0116] In addition, the front ends of lines 30u and 30d are connected to the bending block located at the frontmost side of the first bending block 21 and the second bending block connected along the length axis direction N, and the base ends of lines 30u and 30d are connected to pulleys that rotate through the bending operation lever 15.

[0117] In addition, regarding the operation of inserting wires 30u and 30d into the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m, firstly, insert wires 30u and 30d into the holes 21i of the plurality of first bending blocks 21 from the front or rear along the length axis direction N.

[0118] Then, by applying tension to lines 30u and 30d along the length axis direction N, lines 30u and 30d are moved from hole 21i along the radial direction R and embedded into the upper and lower first grooves 21m respectively.

[0119] Finally, in the gap between the first bending blocks 21 along the length axis, the second bending block 22 is positioned from the outside in the radial direction R, and the lines 30u and 30d are embedded in the second groove 22m. In this way, the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are connected and configured without rivets.

[0120] In addition, the structure and assembly method of the other bending parts 11 are the same as those used in conventional rivetless bending part constructions.

[0121] Thus, in this embodiment, it is shown that the lines 30u and 30d can be freely inserted and removed in the radial direction R relative to the first groove 21m of the first bending block 21 and the second groove 22m of the second bending block 22.

[0122] Additionally, it is shown that the bending portion 11 is constructed by connecting the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 along the length axis direction N, wherein the lines 30u and 30d are freely inserted and removed from the inside of the first groove 21m of the first bending block 21 in the radial direction R, and the lines 30u and 30d are freely inserted and removed from the outside of the second groove 22m of the second bending block 22 in the radial direction R.

[0123] Therefore, if the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are alternately connected along the length axis direction N, or if the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are connected at a predetermined interval in the length axis direction N, the second groove 22m can prevent the wires 30u and 30d from falling inward (towards the hole 21i) in the radial direction R, and the first groove 21m can prevent the wires 30u and 30d from falling outward in the radial direction R.

[0124] In addition, since the first groove 21m is connected to the hole 21i, it is not necessary to provide a wall portion with sufficient thickness on the inner periphery 21n side, which has a through hole for the insertion of the wires 30u and 30d. Therefore, the diameter of the first bending block 21 can be reduced accordingly.

[0125] Furthermore, since the second groove 22m is connected to the outside, there is no need to provide a wall portion of sufficient thickness on the outer periphery 22g side with through holes for the insertion of the wires 30u and 30d, so the diameter of the second bending block 22 can be reduced accordingly.

[0126] That is, by reducing the diameter of the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22, the diameter of the bending portion 11 can be reduced. In addition, even if the diameter of the bending portion 11 is reduced, the storage space for the built-in object that can be built into the bending portion 11 will not be reduced due to the shape of the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m as described above, so the performance of the built-in object will not be limited.

[0127] Furthermore, relative to the first groove 21m, the wires 30u and 30d can be easily inserted into the first groove 21m simply by moving from the hole 21i outward in the radial direction R, and relative to the second groove 22m, the wires 30u and 30d can be easily inserted into the second groove 22m simply by moving from the outside in the radial direction R. Therefore, compared to the conventional method of inserting the wire from the front or rear relative to a through hole formed in the wall of a plurality of bent blocks connected along the length axis N, the wires 30u and 30d can be easily assembled in a short time, thus enabling the manufacture of the bent portion 11 at a low cost.

[0128] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a case is shown in which the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are alternately arranged in the length axis direction N.

[0129] Therefore, when the line 30u or line 30d is pulled to bend the bending portion 11 upward U or downward D, the bending force, i.e. the aforementioned rotational force, applied from the line 30u or line 30d to the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 becomes uniform, so the bending shape of the bending portion 11 can be stabilized.

[0130] This is because, for example, if a fixed number or more of the second bending portions 22 are continuously connected along the length axis direction N, when the bending portion 11 is bent in either the upward or downward direction by the traction line 30u or the line 30d, the line 30u or the line 30d will detach from each of the second grooves 22m to the outside of the radial direction R, and it will be impossible to apply sufficient upward rotational force U to the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 connected along the length axis direction N. That is, the bending force applied from the line 30u becomes uneven, and the bending shape of the bending portion 11 becomes unstable.

[0131] In addition, if the first curved portion 21 is continuously connected with a fixed number or more along the length axis direction N, the wires 30u and 30d are likely to fall into the hole 21i.

[0132] In addition, lines 30u and 30d are difficult to move from the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m along the radial direction R, so that the load on the bending rubber covering the outer periphery of the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 caused by the movement to the outside of the radial direction R, and the load on the interior caused by the movement to the inside of the radial direction R, can be minimized.

[0133] Based on the above, it is possible to provide an endoscope with a curved portion 11, an endoscope insertion portion 2, and an endoscope 1, which have a structure that can maximize the storage space for the implant while achieving miniaturization and improving the assemblability of the wire.

[0134] (Second Implementation)

[0135] Figure 2 This indicates that the first bent block is relative to... Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the second curved block rotated upwards to its maximum rotation angle. Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the first curved block of the curved portion constituting the endoscope of this embodiment is rotated upward relative to the second curved block to the maximum rotation angle.

[0136] in addition, Figure 6 It means Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a deformed example of the shape of the second groove of the second curved block. Figure 6 It means Figures 1-4 A cross-sectional view of a deformed example of the shape of the first groove of the first curved block.

[0137] The curved portion, insertion portion, and endoscope structure of this second embodiment are the same as described above. Figures 5-8 The difference between the first embodiment shown and the second embodiment lies in the shape of at least one of the first and second grooves.

[0138] Therefore, only the differences will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used to mark the same structures as in the first embodiment described above, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, to simplify the drawings and explanation, the connection between one first bending block 21 and one second bending block 22 is used as an example for illustration. Additionally, to simplify the drawings, in... Figure 3 In the text, line 30d is omitted.

[0140] like Figure 5 As shown, in the first embodiment described above, the first groove 21m is formed at a fixed depth D from the front end to the base end of the first bending block 21 in the length axis direction N, relative to the first bending block 21.

[0141] In addition, relative to the second bending block 22, the second groove 22m is formed with a fixed depth D in the length axis direction N from the front end to the base end of the second bending block 22.

[0142] However, in this structure, such as Figure 6As shown, for example, when the first bending block 21 rotates upwards by U relative to the second bending block 22 to the maximum rotation angle where the shoulder 22a and shoulder 21b abut, as enclosed by a single-dotted line, a bend T is formed on the line 30u at the abutment of the shoulder 22a and shoulder 21b. Therefore, the following problems exist: the movement of the line 30u in the length axis direction N is hindered, it cannot rotate to the point where the shoulder 22a and shoulder 21b abut, and the desired bending shape and angle cannot be obtained relative to the bending portion 11. Furthermore, the line 30u may be damaged due to the bend T.

[0143] Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, in the first groove 21m, the depth of the front end portion 21ms and the base end portion 21mk in the length axis direction N is formed to be deeper than that of the middle portion 21mc.

[0144] In other words, in the portion of the first curved block 21 where the first groove 21m is formed, the front end portion 21ms and the base end portion 21mk are formed to be thinner than the middle portion 21mc.

[0145] That is, the front end 21ms and the base end 21mk of the bottom surface of the first groove 21m are formed at a position on the outer side of the radial direction R compared to the middle part 21mc, and inclined surfaces are formed between the front end 21ms and the middle part 21mc and between the base end 21mk and the middle part 21mc.

[0146] Furthermore, in the second groove 22m, the depth of the front end portion 22ms and the base end portion 22mk in the length axis direction N is formed to be deeper than that of the middle portion 22mc. In other words, in the portion of the second curved block 22 where the second groove 22m is formed, the wall thickness of the front end portion 22ms and the base end portion 22mk is formed to be thinner than that of the middle portion 22mc.

[0147] That is, the front end 22ms and the base end 22mk of the bottom surface of the second groove 22m are formed at a position inside the radial direction R compared to the middle part 22mc, and inclined surfaces are formed between the front end 22ms and the middle part 22mc and between the base end 22mk and the middle part 22mc.

[0148] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, it is also possible that the second groove 22m is formed with a fixed depth D along the length axis N, while only the first groove 21m is formed with... Figure 8 The same shape can also be like Figure 6 As shown, the first groove 21m is formed with a fixed depth D along the length axis N, while only the second groove 22m is formed with... Figures 6-8 Same shape.

[0149] In addition, the other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

[0150] Based on such a structure, such as Figures 6-8 As shown, for example, via the traction line 30u, the first bending block 21 rotates upward U relative to the second bending block 22 to the maximum rotation angle at which the shoulder 22a and shoulder 21b abut. At this time, at the abutment of the shoulder 22a and shoulder 21b, the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m... Figure 5 The shape shown will not be as Figures 9-11 As shown, a buckling portion T is formed in line 30u. Therefore, it is possible to prevent breakage of line 30u.

[0151] Based on the above, when the curved portion 11 is bent upwards U, the line 30u can move smoothly in the length axis direction N, so it can be easily rotated to the maximum rotation angle until the shoulder 22a and the shoulder 21b abut, so the desired bending shape and bending angle can be obtained relative to the curved portion 11.

[0152] In addition, other effects are the same as those in the first embodiment described above.

[0153] Furthermore, the same situation applies to the first slot 21m and the second slot 22m of the 30d through-wire.

[0154] Additionally, the following uses Figure 9 This indicates a variation. Figure 6 It means to Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a modified example in which the front ends and base ends of the first groove of the first curved block and the second groove of the second curved block are formed as notches.

[0155] in addition, Figure 7 It means to Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a modified example in which the front ends and base ends of the first groove of the first bent block and the second groove of the second bent block are formed as notches. Figure 8 It means to Figures 9-11 A cross-sectional view of a modified example in which the front ends and base ends of the first groove of the first curved block and the second groove of the second curved block are formed as notches.

[0156] like Figures 6-8 As shown, regarding the structure in which the front end 21ms and the base end 21mk of the first groove 21m in the first bending block 21 are deeper than the middle part 21mc, and the structure in which the front end 22ms and the base end 22mk of the second groove 22m in the second bending block 22 are deeper than the middle part 22mc, in addition to the above-mentioned Figure 12In addition to thinning the wall thickness of the portions forming the front ends 21ms, 22ms and the base ends 21mk, 22mk in the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22, as shown, it is also considered to form a structure in which a notch through the radial direction R is formed in the front ends 21ms, 22ms and the base ends 21mk, 22mk.

[0157] With this structure, the same effect as the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0158] (Third Implementation)

[0159] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the multiple curved blocks constituting the curved portion of this embodiment together with two lines. Figure 12 It will be along Figure 12 The cross section of the first curved block along line XIII-XIII and along Figures 1-4 The cross-section of the second curved block of line XIII'-XIII' in the figure is shown side by side with the line.

[0160] The curved portion, endoscope insertion portion, and endoscope structure of the third embodiment are the same as described above. Figures 5-11 The first embodiment shown Figure 13 Compared to the second embodiment shown, the shapes of the first and second grooves are different.

[0161] Therefore, only the differences will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used to mark the same structures as in the first and second embodiments described above, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0162] like Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, when the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are connected in the length axis direction N, the bottom of the outer side of the first groove 21m in the radial direction R is located outside the radial direction R, which is closer to the outer side of the second groove 22m in the radial direction R than the bottom of the inner side of the second groove 22m in the radial direction R.

[0163] At this point, the length Z of the radius R between each bottom is smaller than the outer diameter K of lines 30u and 30d.

[0164] Therefore, when the lines 30u and 30d are inserted in such a way that they abut against the bottom of the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m respectively, the positions of the lines 30u and 30d in the radial direction R in the second groove 22m are located on the outer side of the radial direction R compared to the first groove 21m.

[0165] This is assuming that the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m are formed at a fixed depth D along the length axis N, such as Figure 12The same applies when the front end portion 21ms and the base end portion 21mk in the first groove 21m are formed deeper than the middle portion 21mc, and when the front end portion 22ms and the base end portion 22mk in the second groove 22m are formed deeper than the middle portion 22mc.

[0166] The result is, as Figure 14 As shown, lines 30u and 30d, which are inserted into the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m along the length axis N, meander along the length axis N.

[0167] In addition, the other structures are the same as those in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0168] According to this structure, in the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m, the meandering lines 30u and 30d are to be restored to the shape along the length axis direction N. Therefore, since they are pressed by the bottom of the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m in the radial direction R, they are difficult to move to the outside or inside of the radial direction R compared with the structure of the first and second embodiments.

[0169] In addition, as the lines 30u and 30d meander, the friction with the bottom of the first groove 21m and the second groove 22m increases. Therefore, when the bending part 11 is bent upwards U or downwards D, the bending shape can be easily fixed without using the known shape locking mechanism separately provided in the operation part 3, thus reducing manufacturing costs.

[0170] Furthermore, when using the bending lever 15 to bend the bending section 11, the operator can fix the bending shape of the bending section 11 even if the operator removes the fingers from the bending lever 15. Therefore, it is not necessary to continuously press the bending lever 15 with the fingers, thus reducing the burden on the fingers.

[0171] In addition, other effects are the same as those in the first and second embodiments described above.

[0172] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, a structure is shown in which the bending portion 11 can be bent freely in the vertical direction via lines 30u and 30d, but the bending portion 11 can also be bent freely in the horizontal direction.

[0173] In this case, the first groove 21m is formed at two locations on the circumferential direction of the first curved block 21, corresponding to the left and right directions, relative to the inner periphery 21n of the first curved block 21. The second groove 22m is formed at two locations on the circumferential direction of the second curved block 22, corresponding to the left and right directions, relative to the outer periphery 22g of the second curved block 22.

[0174] Furthermore, the curved part 11 can be bent freely in the up, down, left, and right directions via four lines.

[0175] In this case, the first groove 21m is formed at 4 locations on the circumferential direction of the first curved block 21, corresponding to the positions of the up, down, left and right directions in the circumferential direction of the first curved block 21, at approximately 90° intervals. The second groove 22m is formed at 4 locations on the circumferential direction of the second curved block 22, corresponding to the positions of the up, down, left and right directions in the circumferential direction of the second curved block 22, at approximately 90° intervals.

[0176] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are shown to be made of resin, but they may also be made of metal. However, for example, in order to manufacture the bending portion 11 used in the disposable endoscope 1 cheaply, the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are made of resin, and the structures of the first to third embodiments described above are more efficient when the bending portion 11 is further miniaturized.

[0177] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, a structure is shown in which the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are connected by a rivetless construction. However, this is not the only limitation. The structures of the first to third embodiments described above can also be applied to conventional rivet constructions.

[0178] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, a structure is shown in which the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 are alternately arranged in the length axis direction N. However, this is not a limitation. As long as the bending shape of the bending portion 11 described above does not become unstable, it is not necessary to arrange them alternately.

[0179] For example, they can also be configured along the length axis direction N as such as first bending block 21, first bending block 21, second bending block 22, second bending block 22, first bending block 21...

[0180] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, endoscope 1 was illustrated using a nephroureteroscope as an example, but it is not limited to a nephroureteroscope. It is particularly preferred to apply to endoscopes that require miniaturization and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0181] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the curved section of a typical endoscope.

[0182] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, a structure is shown in which the first groove 21m is formed to extend along the length axis direction N from the front end to the base end of the first bending block 21, and the second groove 22m is also formed to extend along the length axis direction N from the front end to the base end of the second bending block 22.

[0183] like Figure 14As shown, this can also be applied to the through holes 41v and 42v formed on the wire support members of the curved blocks 41 and 42 that constitute the curved portion of a general endoscope.

[0184] That is, through hole 41v is formed on the line support member along the length axis direction N from the front end to the base end of the bending block 41, and through hole 42v is formed on the line support member along the length axis direction N from the front end to the base end of the bending block 42.

[0185] Therefore, the shoulder distance N1 between the curved blocks 41 in the length axis direction N, the shoulder distance N2 between the curved blocks 41 and 42 in the length axis direction N, the shoulder distance N3 between the curved blocks 42 in the length axis direction N, are approximately the same as the gap distance N4 between the through holes 41v in the length axis direction N, the gap distance N5 between the through holes 41v and 42v in the length axis direction N, and the gap distance N6 between the through holes 42v (N1=N4, N2=N5, N3=N6).

[0186] In this structure, compared to a structure in which the first groove 21m, the second groove 22m, and the through holes 41v and 42v are only partially formed in the length axis direction N of the first bending block 21, the second bending block 22, and the bending blocks 41 and 42, it is easier to insert the lines 30u and 30d from the front or rear of the length axis direction N into the first groove 21m and the through holes 41v and 42v.

[0187] In addition, such as Figures 15-17 As shown, if heat shrink tubes 40 are covered around the outer periphery of the bending blocks 41 and 42, it can effectively prevent the bending blocks 41 and 42 from shifting relative to each other in the radial direction R.

[0188] Furthermore, this can also be applied to cases where the outer periphery of the bending blocks 41, 42 is covered with a known woven material, in which case it is sufficient to cover the outer periphery of the woven material with a heat shrink tube 40.

[0189] In addition, this structure can also be applied to the first to third embodiments described above. If the outer periphery of the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 is covered with a heat shrink tube, the first bending block 21 and the second bending block 22 can be effectively prevented from shifting in the radial direction R.

[0190] In addition, the following rivetless connection structure of the curved block is known, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,465,420: In order to bend the curved portion of the endoscope, in the longitudinal axis direction of the endoscope insertion portion, adjacent curved blocks are such that only the semi-circular (fan-shaped) concave portion formed at the end of one curved block abuts against the semi-circular (fan-shaped) convex portion formed at the end of the other curved block.

[0191] However, the bent portion is sometimes subjected to force not only in the direction of the length axis, but also in the direction of the radius of the length axis, or torsional force.

[0192] In this case, among the connected curved blocks, relative to one curved block, another curved block may be offset in the vertical direction of the curved portion in the radial direction of the length axis, resulting in a problem that it is difficult to bend the curved portion into the desired curved shape.

[0193] In view of such problems, it is known that a structure is constructed by covering the outer periphery of multiple connected bending blocks with a known woven material or the like for preventing offset. However, in this structure, there are problems such as increased bending force of the bending portion, reduced torque following of the bending portion relative to the traction force of the thread that bends the bending portion, and difficulty in assembling the bending portion.

[0194] This structure provides a curved section that can prevent the multiple connected curved blocks from shifting or twisting in the up and down directions.

[0195] The following is for reference Figure 15 Describe the implementation method of this structure. Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the multiple curved blocks that make up the curved portion of this structure. Figure 15 yes Figure 17 A three-dimensional diagram of a curved block. Figure 15 yes Figure 15 A three-dimensional view of another curved block.

[0196] In addition, Figure 15 To simplify the accompanying drawings and explanations, the connection of two curved blocks is used as an example.

[0197] like Figure 15 As shown, the bending block 51 has a pair of protrusions 51t extending rearward in the length axis direction N and symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the bending block 51 at its base end face at the end that serves as the insertion part in the length axis direction N. In addition, the protrusions 51t have a semi-circular shape (fan shape).

[0198] Furthermore, the bending block 51 has a pair of recesses 51h at its front end face in the length axis direction N, which are recessed rearward in the length axis direction N and symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the bending block 51. In addition, the recesses 51h have a semi-circular shape (fan shape).

[0199] Furthermore, the bending block 52 has a pair of protrusions 52t at its base end face, which is the end along the length axis N, extending rearward in the length axis N and symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the bending block 52. Additionally, the protrusions 52t have a semi-circular shape (fan shape).

[0200] Furthermore, the bending block 52 has a pair of recesses 52h at its front end face, which is recessed in the length axis direction N and is symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the bending block 52. In addition, the recesses 52h have a semi-circular shape (fan shape).

[0201] By arranging bending blocks 51 and 52 along the length axis direction N, a pair of protrusions 51t of bending block 51 abuts against a pair of recesses 52h of bending block 52.

[0202] Furthermore, the contact between the bending block 51 and the bending block 52 is performed under a state in which they are compressed in the length axis direction N by a line (not shown) that is inserted into the through holes 51v and 52v of the line support members provided in each bending block 51 and 52.

[0203] Thus, the bending blocks 51 and 52 are configured to rotate freely relative to each other. Specifically, the bending blocks 51 and 52 abut each other in a manner that allows them to rotate freely in the vertical direction UD within the radial direction R of the length axis N.

[0204] Therefore, for example, when the line located at the top U is pulled backward, the pair of protrusions 51t that abut against the pair of concave portions 52h rotate upward U, thereby causing the curved portion to... Figure 2 The upper part of the curve is U-shaped.

[0205] Furthermore, the maximum upward rotation angle U of the pair of protrusions 51t that abut against the pair of recesses 52h is determined by the contact between the shoulder 51b at the base end of the first bending block 21 and the shoulder 52a at the front end of the bending block 52.

[0206] Conversely, when the line located at D below is pulled backward, the pair of protrusions 51t that abut against the pair of recesses 52h rotate downward, thereby causing the curved portion 11 to... Figure 15 The lower D in the middle is curved.

[0207] Furthermore, the maximum downward rotation angle D of the pair of protrusions 51t that abut against the pair of concave portions 52h is specified by the contact between the shoulder 51b and the shoulder 52a.

[0208] That is, the curved portion of this structure has a known rivetless construction in which rivets are not used in the mutual connection of the curved blocks 51 and 52.

[0209] Here, in order to prevent the vertical displacement and torsion of the connected bending block 51 and bending block 52, it is preferable that the protrusion 51t bites into and abuts against the concave portion 52h as much as possible.

[0210] However, if the bite is large, it is difficult for the bent block 52 and the bent block 51 to rotate in the vertical direction.

[0211] Therefore, as Figure 15 As shown, in this structure, when the radius of the fan shape of the protrusion 51t of the bending block 51 is set to J, the center point (radius center) 51tc is on the same plane as the shoulder 52a of the bending block 52 in the radial direction R. Furthermore, the center point 51tc is on the same plane as the central axis in the length axis direction of the bending blocks 51 and 52.

[0212] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the radius center of the protrusion 52t of the curved block 52 is also formed in the same way.

[0213] In addition, the above structure can also be applied to a structure in which a protrusion 52t is provided at the front end of the bending block 52 and abuts against the recess 51h provided at the base end of the bending block 51.

[0214] According to this structure, the protrusion 52t will not bite into the recess 51h excessively but will bite into and abut with an appropriate amount of contact, thus reliably preventing the connected bending blocks 51, 52 from shifting or twisting in the vertical direction, and thus not hindering the bending of the bending portion.

[0215] Therefore, it is possible to ensure the torque following of the bending portion relative to the traction force of the line, and to bend the bending portion into the desired bending shape. Furthermore, this structure can also be applied to the first to third embodiments described above.

[0216] In addition, Figure 16 The diagram shows that the convex portion 51t, the concave portion 51h, the convex portion 52t, and the concave portion 52h are formed into a semi-circular shape (fan shape).

[0217] Not limited to this, such as Figure 17 , Figure 18 As shown, the protrusion 51t may also be a cone shape that abuts at an angle, rather than a surface that is approximately perpendicular to the length axis of the bent blocks 51 and 52. The concave part 52h may also be a cone shape that abuts at an angle, with the surface abutting the protrusion 51t matching the shape of the protrusion 51t.

[0218] In addition, in this case, it is preferable that the outer diameter of the concave portions 52h and 51h is larger than the outer diameter of the convex portions 51t and 52t.

[0219] In addition, although not shown in the figure, the convex part 52t and the concave part 51h can also be formed with the same shape as the convex part 51t and the concave part 52h.

[0220] According to this structure, the convex part 51t abuts obliquely relative to the concave part 52h, so the convex part 51t can bite into the concave part 52h more easily, thus effectively suppressing the vertical displacement of the bending blocks 51 and 52.

[0221] In addition, this structure can also be applied to the first to third embodiments described above.

[0222] In addition, the following structure is known in the curved section of the endoscope and is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-174670: an active curved section having an active bending and a passive curved section having a passive bending provided connected to the base end side of the curved section.

[0223] Here, among the multiple bending blocks constituting the active bending section, the wire through hole of the wire support member, which is usually located at the base end side in the length axis direction of the endoscope insertion section and is provided on the base bending block connected to the front end of the passive bending section, is positioned inside the wire through hole of the wire support member of the other bending blocks in the radial direction of the length axis of the insertion section.

[0224] This is because, in order to reduce the diameter of the passively bent section, it is desirable to insert the line as much as possible in the radial direction inside the passively bent section.

[0225] However, if the through hole of the base bend block is located on the inner side of the radial direction compared to the through hole of the bend block preceding the base bend block, then when the line is inserted into the through hole of each bend block, the line meanders significantly between the base bend block and the preceding bend block, and there is a possibility that the line may break.

[0226] As a result, when pulling the line, there are problems such as abnormal noise or increased pulling force on the line.

[0227] In view of the above-mentioned problems, this structure provides a structure for the curved portion of an endoscope, the purpose of which is to reduce the meandering of the line between the curved block located at the base end of the active curved portion and the previous curved block of the curved block.

[0228] The following uses Figure 18 This indicates the structure for solving the above problem. Figure 18 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the connection between the active bending section and the passive bending section in the bending part of this structure.

[0229] like Figures 19-21 As shown, in this structure, the curved part of the endoscope is composed of an active curved part (hereinafter referred to as the curved part) 11 and a passive curved part 12.

[0230] The bending portion 11 is configured to be flexible in two directions, such as up and down, in conjunction with the traction of the lines 30u and 30d. Alternatively, the bending portion 11 can be configured to be flexible in two directions, such as left and right, or it can be flexible in four directions, such as up, down, left, and right.

[0231] Furthermore, the bending portion 11 is constructed by connecting multiple bending blocks 61 along the length axis N of the insertion portion. Additionally, the bending block located at the base of the connected multiple bending blocks is labeled with reference numeral 62.

[0232] The passive bending part 12 is composed of known flexible parts, etc., and is softly constructed in a way that allows it to be passively bent in response to external forces.

[0233] Here, in the bending section 11, through holes 61v and 62v of the wire support members for the insertion of wires 30u and 30d are formed in each bending block 61 and 62.

[0234] In this structure, a wire support member is formed on the front end side of each bending block 61, and a through hole 61v is formed on each wire support member. In addition, a wire support member is also formed on the base end side of each bending block 62, and a through hole 62v is formed on the wire support member.

[0235] According to this structure, since the through hole 62v and the through hole 61v of the first bending block 61 of the bending block 62 are arranged to be significantly separated in the length axis direction N, the meandering of the aforementioned lines 30u and 30d generated between the bending block 62 and the bending block 61 in the length axis direction N can be reduced.

[0236] Furthermore, the above structure can also be applied to the first to third embodiments described above.

[0237] In addition, it can also be applied to a structure in which a known flexible tube is directly connected to the base of the bend without a passive bending section 12 in the endoscope insertion section.

[0238] In conventional endoscopes, various built-in units, such as camera units, illumination units, and treatment instrument channels, are arranged inside the front end of the insertion section. These various built-in units are fixed to predetermined positions of the rigid front end component that constitutes the front end of the endoscope, for example, using adhesive materials.

[0239] Previously, the manufacturing process of the endoscope tip involved using tools or similar instruments to precisely assemble the various components and structural units of these built-in units into their designated positions within the rigid tip component. This assembly process required high precision.

[0240] Specifically, for example, in order to place an illumination unit consisting of an illumination lens and an optical fiber cable at a predetermined position inside a front-end rigid component, firstly, a very small illumination lens is placed at a predetermined position near the front end face of the front-end rigid component. Then, the front end of the optical fiber cable is placed at a predetermined position to abut against the illumination lens already assembled in the front-end rigid component.

[0241] In this case, the relative positional relationship between the illumination lens and the front end of the optical cable is strictly defined. Therefore, high-precision assembly technology is also required for the assembly of the illumination unit.

[0242] As mentioned above, the process of assembling various built-in units with high precision into the rigid front end component of the endoscope is a time-consuming operation, which is the main reason for the increased manufacturing cost of endoscopes.

[0243] In recent years, with the increasing prevalence of disposable endoscopes, there has been a growing demand for reducing manufacturing costs in the field of endoscopes. In particular, there is a desire to reduce manufacturing costs by simplifying assembly processes while ensuring the accuracy of assembly operations.

[0244] In addition, as mentioned above, it is desirable to stably perform the operation of correctly positioning the front end of the optical cable within the specified position inside the front-end rigid component relative to the illumination lens assembled in the front-end rigid component.

[0245] For this purpose, it would be extremely convenient if, for example, the assembly status of each component or unit could be confirmed immediately after the assembly operation is completed or during the operation.

[0246] This structure is made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to provide an endoscope front end having the following structure: it simplifies the operation process of assembling various built-in units disposed inside the endoscope front end to the front rigid component, and can ensure stable assembly accuracy with high precision.

[0247] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this structure provides an endoscope with a rigid front end component comprising a front cover component and a front base component (scaffolding component). The front cover component is generally cylindrical and covers the outer surface of the endoscope's front end. The front base component is inserted into the front cover component while multiple built-in units assembled inside the endoscope's front end are fixed in place. The front base component (scaffolding component) has a notch that exposes a portion of each of the multiple built-in units to the outside when the multiple built-in units are fixed in their respective predetermined positions.

[0248] According to this structure, an endoscope tip with the following configuration can be provided, which simplifies the process of assembling various built-in units disposed inside the endoscope tip onto the front rigid component, and can ensure stable assembly accuracy with high precision.

[0249] (Fourth Implementation)

[0250] Figure 19This is a diagram illustrating the fourth embodiment of this structure. Wherein, Figure 20 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the main parts of the schematic structure of the endoscope tip in this embodiment. Figure 19 yes Figure 21 A side view of the front end of an endoscope. Figure 19 It means in Figures 19-21 An exploded 3D view of the endoscope with the front cover removed.

[0251] like Figure 21 As shown, the endoscope in this structure has a front rigid component 200 as a front frame component at its front end 10. The front frame component houses and fixes various built-in units, such as a camera unit 201, an illumination unit 202, and a treatment instrument channel 203. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front rigid component 200 is configured as a two-in-one structure of a front cover component 10a and a front base component 10b.

[0252] The front cover component 10a is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and is a frame component that covers the outer surface of various built-in units when the front base component 10b is filled inside. For example... Figure 19 As shown, an observation window 10aa, an illumination window 10ab, and a channel opening 10ac are formed on the front end face of the front end cover member 10a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is shown where two illumination windows 10ab are provided. In this case, the two illumination windows 10ab are arranged around the observation window 10aa in a manner that sandwiches the observation window 10aa.

[0253] The front base component 10b is an integral base component that fixes a portion near the front end portion of each of the plurality of built-in units (201, 202, 203) embedded in the front end portion 10. After fixing the plurality of built-in units (201, 202, 203) into an integral state, the front base component 10b is inserted into the inside of the front cover component 10a. Moreover, the front base component 10b is fixed, for example, by adhesive bonding, while inserted into a predetermined position inside the front cover component 10a.

[0254] Here, the camera unit 201 is composed of, for example, a camera element such as a CCD or CMOS, a camera substrate on which a drive circuit for driving the camera element is mounted, and a camera signal cable extending from the camera substrate.

[0255] The illumination unit 202 mainly consists of an illumination lens 202a and an optical fiber cable 202b. The illumination lens 202a is an optical lens configured such that when illumination light guided by a light source device (not shown) via the optical fiber cable 202b is shone towards the front end portion 10, a predetermined light distribution is obtained. The illumination lens 202a is fixed to a predetermined position on the front end base member 10b. Furthermore, when the front end base member 10b is inserted into the front end cover member 10a, the illumination lens 202a is positioned in the illumination window 10ab of the front end cover member 10a. The optical fiber cable 202b is an optical fiber cable used to guide illumination light from a light source device (not shown) to the front end portion 10. The optical fiber cable 202b is fixed to a predetermined position on the front end base member 10b with its front end face positioned opposite the illumination lens 202a.

[0256] The treatment instrument channel 203 is connected at one end to the operating section in the endoscope (in Figures 19-21 A tubular component, not shown in the figure, is inserted into the insertion portion of the endoscope, with one end connected to a treatment instrument insertion port (not shown) and the other end fixed to a predetermined position of the front end base member 10b of the front end portion 10 in the endoscope. Various predetermined treatment instruments inserted through the treatment instrument insertion port are inserted into this treatment instrument channel 203. Furthermore, the front end of the treatment instrument inserted into the treatment instrument channel 203 protrudes forward from the channel opening 10ac on the front surface of the front end cover member 10a of the front end portion 10.

[0257] Furthermore, these multiple built-in units are constructed from structural units with a general structure similar to those used in conventional endoscopes. Therefore, further explanation and illustrations are omitted.

[0258] The front base component 10b has multiple receiving portions (10ba, 10bb, 10bc) for configuring and fixing a portion near the front end of each of the various built-in units (201, 202, 203). Specifically, there is a receiving portion 10ba for configuring the camera unit 201, a receiving portion 10bb for configuring the lighting unit 202, and a receiving portion 10bc for configuring the processing device channel 203. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a structure with two lighting units 202 is adopted, two receiving portions 10bb corresponding to the lighting units 202 are also provided. These two receiving portions 10bb are configured to sandwich the receiving portion 10ba corresponding to the camera unit 201. Moreover, notches are formed in these multiple receiving portions (10ba, 10bb, 10bc) to expose a portion of each built-in unit to the outside when each of the specified built-in units is fixed to the receiving portion (10ba, 10bb, 10bc).

[0259] Furthermore, a wire fixing portion 204 for fixing the front end of the curved line 30 is formed at a predetermined location on the front end base member 10b. In this case, the wire fixing portion 204 is formed to have a groove through which the curved line 30 is inserted and a storage chamber for accommodating the spherical locking member 30a fixedly disposed at the front end of the curved line 30. In addition, in this embodiment, a structural example in which the wire fixing portion 204 is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end base member 10b near the base end is shown.

[0260] Here, the curved line 30 is a traction line used to bend the tip face of the endoscope insertion section in a direction such as left and right, or up and down, or in four directions (up, down, left, and right). Therefore, two or four curved lines 30 are provided. In this embodiment, an example with two curved lines 30 is shown. However, in... Figures 22 to 24 In the diagram, only one curved line 30 is shown; the other line is hidden.

[0261] In addition, the front cover component 10a and the front base component 10b are formed, for example, using an insulating resin material.

[0262] The endoscope front end 10, constructed as described above, is assembled in a manner generally as follows. First, relative to the front base component 10b, various built-in units (201, 202, 203) are assembled in specified positions in a specified manner.

[0263] That is, the camera unit 201 is disposed on the receiving portion 10ba of the front base component 10b and bonded thereto, for example, using an ultraviolet-curing adhesive. At this time, for example, the light-receiving surface of the camera unit 201 is configured to be coplanar with the front end surface of the receiving portion 10ba.

[0264] Similarly, the front ends of each of the two illumination units 202 are disposed on the two receiving portions 10bb of the front-end base component 10b, and bonded, for example, using a UV-curable adhesive. In this case, firstly, the illumination lens 202a is disposed and bonded to the front end portion of each receiving portion 10bb of the front-end base component 10b. At this time, the optical axis (not shown) of the illumination lens 202a is configured to be approximately orthogonal to the front end face of the receiving portion 10bb. Next, the front end face of the optical fiber cable 202b is disposed and bonded to be opposite the illumination lens 202a fixed at a predetermined position on the front-end base component 10b. At this time, the optical axis of the illumination lens 202a is configured to be approximately aligned with the illumination optical axis of the optical fiber cable 202b.

[0265] Similarly, the front end of the treatment device channel 203 is disposed on the bearing portion 10bb of the front base component 10b, and is bonded, for example, using an ultraviolet-curing adhesive.

[0266] When these various built-in units (201, 202, 203) are respectively positioned in the designated bearing portions (10ba, 10bb, 10bc) of the front base component 10b, a portion of each built-in unit (201, 202, 203) is exposed to the outside from the notch. Therefore, the operator can easily confirm during operation whether each built-in unit (201, 202, 203) is positioned in the designated location in the front base component 10b in the designated state.

[0267] In this case, the relative positional relationship between the lighting lens 202a and the optical cable 202b needs to be correctly configured. Therefore, being able to confirm the positional relationship during operation is very convenient in terms of improving work efficiency.

[0268] Therefore, during the process of assembling each built-in unit (201, 202, 203) to the front base component 10b, the operator can check the assembly status while proceeding with the work, thus ensuring that the correct assembly work is always carried out reliably.

[0269] Next, the front base component 10b, which integrates the various built-in units (201, 202, 203), is inserted into a predetermined position inside the front cover component 10a and bonded, for example, using a UV-curable adhesive. Thus, a front rigid component 200 is assembled, in which the front cover component 10a and the front base component 10b are integrated.

[0270] As explained above, according to the fourth embodiment described above, the front rigid component 200 is composed of two components: the front cover component 10a and the front base component 10b. After assembling various built-in units (201, 202, 203) on the front base component 10b in advance, the integrated front base component 10b is assembled onto the front cover component 10a. Therefore, assembly accuracy can be ensured, and complex operations can be simplified, which helps to improve work efficiency.

[0271] Furthermore, during the assembly of various built-in units (201, 202, 203) on the front-end base component 10b, the assembly status of each unit can be checked simultaneously. Therefore, accurate assembly can be reliably ensured at all times, thus maintaining high-precision assembly and contributing to improved yield.

[0272] (Fifth Implementation)

[0273] Figure 22 This is a diagram illustrating the fifth embodiment of this structure. Wherein, Figure 23 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the main parts of the schematic structure of the endoscope tip in this embodiment. Figure 22 yesFigure 24 A side view of the front end of an endoscope. Figure 22 It means in Figures 25-27 An exploded 3D view of the endoscope with the front cover removed.

[0274] The basic structure of this embodiment is largely the same as that of the fourth embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the structure of the front base component 10Ab is configured to be slightly different. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used to denote structures identical to those in the fourth embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted; only the different parts will be described below.

[0275] In the endoscope front end 10 of the fourth embodiment described above, when various built-in units (201, 202, 203) are respectively arranged and fixed to each bearing portion (10ba, 10bb, 10bc) relative to the front end base member 10b, a portion near the front end portion of each built-in unit is fixed.

[0276] In contrast, in the endoscope of this embodiment, the front cover member 10Aa, which constitutes the front rigid member 200A, has a slightly different structure from the cable holding part 10Aba.

[0277] That is, the front cover component 10Aa is formed such that a portion protrudes from the base end face toward the base end side, and a protective wall 10Aaa is provided to cover and protect a portion of the outer peripheral surface. This protective wall 10Aaa is formed to mainly cover the side of the lighting unit 202. Therefore, the protective wall 10Aaa has the function of blocking unwanted light leaking from the optical fiber cable 202b of the lighting unit 202 to the side, etc.

[0278] In addition to the structure that adhesively fixes a portion near the front end of the front base component 10Ab (the same structure as in the fourth embodiment), the front base component 10Ab is also configured to have a cable holding portion 10Aba on the base end side. This cable holding portion 10Aba is a structure that holds various types of cables (e.g., camera signal cable 201a, optical fiber cable 202b, etc.) extending rearward (towards the base end) from various built-in units (201, 202) and the processing device channel 203 in a bundled manner. The cable holding portion 10Aba is integrally formed on the portion of the front base component 10Ab near the base end, for example, in a circular shape.

[0279] Furthermore, a wire fixing portion 204A for fixing the front end of the curved wire 30 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the cable holding portion 10Aba. This wire fixing portion 204A is formed with a groove for the curved wire 30 to pass through and a receiving chamber for receiving the front end ball-shaped locking member 30a of the curved wire 30, which is the same as in the fourth embodiment. The difference in this embodiment is that the wire fixing portion 204A is formed by cutting off a portion of the cable holding portion 10Aba of the front end base member 10Ab, and is configured such that the curved wire 30 and the front end ball-shaped locking member 30a are embedded in the cable holding portion 10Aba. Other structures are the same as in the fourth embodiment described above.

[0280] Furthermore, the assembly sequence of the endoscope tip 10A in this embodiment is roughly the same as that in the fourth embodiment described above.

[0281] In this embodiment, when assembling the various built-in units (201, 202, 203) on the front-end base component 10Ab, firstly, the camera signal cable 201a extending from the camera unit 201, the optical guide cable 202b extending from the illumination unit 202, and the processing device channel 203 are inserted through the cable holding part 10Aba from the base end side toward the front end side. Then, a portion near the front end of each of the various built-in units (201, 202, 203) is glued and fixed. The subsequent assembly steps are the same as in the fourth embodiment described above.

[0282] As explained above, the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment can be obtained according to the fifth embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a protective wall 10Aaa is provided on the front cover member 10Aa, unwanted light leaking from the optical fiber cable 202b can be blocked. Therefore, adverse effects on the image data acquired by the camera unit 201 can be suppressed.

[0283] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a cable holding part 10Aba is provided on the front base component 10Ab, the camera signal cable 201a, the optical fiber cable 202b, and the processing device channel 203 extending rearward from various built-in units can be held in a bundled manner. With this structure, the front ends of various cables (201a, 202b) and the processing device channel 203 are bonded and fixed, while the base ends are held by the cable holding part 10Aba. Therefore, various cables (201a, 202b) and the processing device channel 203 can be fixed to the front base component 10Ab (front rigid component 200A) in a more stable manner.

[0284] Furthermore, the wire fixing part 204A is configured such that the curved wire 30 and the front ball-shaped locking member 30a are embedded relative to the cable holding part 10Aba of the front base member 10Ab, thus suppressing the wire fixing part from protruding radially. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the front rigid member 200A.

[0285] In conventional endoscopes, various built-in units, such as camera units, illumination units, and treatment instrument channels, are arranged inside the front end of the insertion section. These various built-in units are fixed in predetermined positions relative to the front rigid component constituting the front end of the endoscope, for example, using adhesive materials.

[0286] The illumination unit typically consists of an illumination lens and an optical fiber cable. Here, the optical fiber cable extends from the universal cable, passing through the operating section and the endoscope insertion section, and reaches the front end of the endoscope. It is a component that guides the illumination light emitted from the light source device connected to the universal cable connector to the front end of the endoscope. The illumination light guided to the front end of the endoscope is thus configured to exit from the front surface window of the front end of the endoscope towards the front of the endoscope. In this case, a structure that distributes the illumination light over a larger area in front of the endoscope is preferred.

[0287] Therefore, conventional endoscopes are configured such that, in order to diffuse and distribute the illumination light emitted from the front end of the optical cable over a wider area, an optical lens of a predetermined shape (e.g., concave or convex) is provided at the front end of the endoscope, in a position facing the frontmost end of the optical cable, such as the front surface window of the front end of the endoscope.

[0288] However, when optical lenses are used in a manner described above to diffuse illumination light, in addition to the increase in the number of parts, the assembly process becomes more complicated, thus increasing manufacturing costs.

[0289] Therefore, in conventional endoscopes, an endoscope is considered that integrates a portion of the rigid front end component (i.e., the position facing the front end of the optical cable) into an optical lens in a manner that functions as a component for fixing, for example.

[0290] With such a structure, the component that holds the optical fiber cable (the rigid front end component) needs to be made of a transparent material. Therefore, illumination light emitted from the optical fiber cable may enter unwanted directions, such as the imaging surface of the camera unit. In this case, the camera unit cannot obtain a normal image. Therefore, in such conventional endoscopes, for example, light-shielding components are needed to suppress unwanted light from entering the camera unit. Thus, even in this case, the increased number of components leads to increased complexity in the manufacturing process and increased manufacturing costs.

[0291] Therefore, in previous endoscopes, various schemes for structures that distribute illumination light over a wide range by studying the shape of the front end of the optical cable have been proposed, for example, through Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-80324.

[0292] The endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-80324, etc., has multiple optical fibers arranged around the camera unit, and an outward conical surface is provided on the front end face of each optical fiber, thereby obtaining a large illumination angle and realizing a wide range of light distribution.

[0293] In the endoscope disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-80324, the light emitted from the outward conical surface of the front end face of each optical fiber can help to expand the outward light distribution and prevent unwanted light from incident on the light-receiving surface of the camera unit which is surrounded by multiple optical fibers.

[0294] However, sufficient brightness cannot be guaranteed in terms of controlling the amount of illumination light on the object being observed on the front surface of the endoscope (especially the imaging surface (light-receiving surface) of the imaging unit). Therefore, it is possible to consider situations where the image of the object being observed on the imaging surface of the imaging unit cannot be illuminated with sufficient brightness.

[0295] This structure is made in view of the above points, and its purpose is to provide an endoscope front end having the following configuration: capable of illuminating the object to be observed on the front surface of the endoscope with sufficient illumination light, and capable of distributing illumination light to a wider range without increasing the number of components.

[0296] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the endoscope has the following front end portion: a camera unit; a plurality of light guides; and a front rigid component that securely holds the front ends of the camera unit and the light guides, wherein the front ends of the plurality of light guides are shaped as a forward-facing convex spherical shape or a rearward-facing concave shape.

[0297] According to this structure, an endoscope front end can be provided, which has the following configuration: it can irradiate the object to be observed on the front surface of the endoscope with sufficient illumination light, and can distribute the illumination light to a wider range without increasing the number of parts.

[0298] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0299] Figure 25 This is a diagram illustrating the sixth embodiment of this structure. Wherein, Figure 26 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the front end of the endoscope in this embodiment. Figure 27 This is a side view near the front end of the optical cable, representing one method of applying it to the front end of the endoscope in this embodiment. Figure 25 This is a side view showing the vicinity of the front end of an optical cable used in another manner at the front end of the endoscope in this embodiment.

[0300] First, a general description of the structure of the anterior endpiece 10B of this structure will be given. For example... Figure 25 As shown, the front end 10B is provided with a front rigid component 200B as a front frame component. The front rigid component 200B may include various built-in units such as a camera unit 201, an optical fiber cable 202B as an illumination unit, and a processing device channel 203.

[0301] The front-end rigid component 200B is roughly cylindrical in shape and is a frame component with various built-in units inside. For example... Figure 26 As shown, an observation window 10aa, an illumination window 10ab, and a channel opening 10ac are formed on the front end surface of the front rigid component 200B. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example with two illumination windows 10ab is shown. In this case, the two illumination windows 10ab are arranged around the observation window 10aa in a manner that sandwiches the observation window 10aa.

[0302] Furthermore, a camera unit 201 is bonded and fixed inside the observation window 10aa. Furthermore, the front end portion of the optical fiber cable 202B is bonded and fixed inside the illumination window 10ab. Furthermore, the front end portion of the treatment device channel 203 is bonded and fixed inside the channel opening 10ac.

[0303] Here, the camera unit 201 is composed of, for example, a camera element such as a CCD or CMOS, a camera substrate on which a drive circuit for driving the camera element is mounted, and a camera signal cable extending from the camera substrate.

[0304] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lighting unit is constructed using an optical fiber cable 202B. For example... Figure 25As shown, the optical fiber cable 202B is formed with a forward-facing convex spherical shape (hereinafter simply referred to as a convex shape) 202Ba at its front end. In this case, "front" refers to, for example, the front end side (the side closest to the front end) of the insertion portion in an endoscope. The optical fiber cable 202B is used to guide illumination light from a light source device (not shown) to the front end 10B.

[0305] As described above, the front end of the optical fiber cable 202B is formed into a convex shape 202Ba. By setting it to this shape, when illumination light guided through the optical fiber cable 202B by a light source device (not shown) is directed toward the front end 10B, a predetermined distribution of light can be obtained.

[0306] That is, in this embodiment, instead of the illumination lens used for front light distribution in the conventional illumination unit, the specified front surface light distribution can be obtained by forming the front end of the optical guide cable 202B into a convex shape 202Ba.

[0307] The treatment device channel 203 is a tubular component that is inserted into the insertion section of the endoscope, with one end connected to the treatment device insertion port (not shown) of the operating part (not shown) in the endoscope, and the other end fixed to a predetermined position inside the front rigid member 200B of the front end portion 10B in the endoscope. Various predetermined treatment devices inserted through the treatment device insertion port are inserted into the treatment device channel 203. Furthermore, the front end of the treatment device inserted into the treatment device channel 203 protrudes forward from the channel opening 10ac on the front surface of the front rigid member 200B of the front end portion 10B.

[0308] Furthermore, the front end of the optical fiber cable 202B constituting the lighting unit is bonded and fixed at a predetermined position inside the front rigid component 200B. And, in this embodiment, as... Figure 27 As shown, two optical fiber cables 202B are provided. Here, these two optical fiber cables 202B are arranged to sandwich the camera unit 201.

[0309] Therefore, it is believed that unwanted light leaking from the side of the optical fiber cable 202B may potentially strike the light-receiving surface of, for example, the camera unit 201. Therefore, the front-end rigid component 200B of this embodiment is colored (e.g., black) to block such unwanted light leakage. Other structures are the same as those of conventional endoscope front ends.

[0310] As explained above, according to the sixth embodiment, by setting the shape of the front end of the optical guide cable 202B constituting the lighting unit to a convex shape 202Ba, it is possible to construct a lighting unit with the same function, i.e., the desired light distribution characteristics, as in the case where a lighting lens is used, without providing a lighting lens. For example, according to the above structure, a wider range of light distribution can be obtained without using a lighting lens.

[0311] Therefore, the number of components in the optical fiber cable 202B, which serves as a lighting unit, can be reduced, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0312] Furthermore, the shape of the front end of the optical fiber cable 202B is not limited to a convex shape 202Ba as described above. The shape of the front end of the optical fiber cable 202B can be appropriately modified to achieve the desired light distribution. For example, as... Figure 25 As shown, a structural example can also be adopted in which the shape of the front end of the optical cable 202B is a concave shape 202Ba facing rearward. In this case, "rearward" refers to, for example, the base side of the insertion part in an endoscope (the side closer to the operating part). With such a structure, the desired light distribution characteristics can also be obtained.

[0313] Furthermore, in the endoscope front end of the sixth embodiment described above, as described above, various built-in units are arranged inside the front rigid component 200B, such as the camera unit 201, the illumination unit (optical cable 202B), the treatment instrument channel 203, etc. (see reference). Figure 28 wait).

[0314] Figure 25 Observing from the direction of arrow "28" Figure 28 A sectional view of the section shown by the double-dotted line. As shown... Figure 28 As shown, multiple configuration sections (10Baa, 10Bab, 10Bac) with shapes corresponding to various built-in units are formed on the front-end rigid component 200B.

[0315] The part indicated by reference numeral 10Baa among these multiple configuration parts is the configuration part for configuring the camera unit 201. Additionally, the part indicated by reference numeral 10Bab is the configuration part (multiple) for configuring the lighting unit 202. Furthermore, the part indicated by reference numeral 10Bac is the configuration part for configuring the processing device channel 203.

[0316] These multiple configuration parts (10Baa, 10Bab, 10Bac) are connected to the observation window 10aa, illumination window 10ab, and channel opening 10ac on the front end face of the front end rigid component 200B, and are formed as through holes facing rearward (near the base end).

[0317] Therefore, when the camera unit 201 is positioned in the mounting section 10Baa, the outer surface of the camera unit 201 is bonded and fixed to the inner surface of the mounting section 10Baa. Similarly, when the front end portion of the optical fiber cable 202B is positioned in the mounting section 10Bab, the outer surface of the optical fiber cable 202B is bonded and fixed to the inner surface of the mounting section 10Bab. Furthermore, when the front end portion of the treatment device channel 203 is positioned in the mounting section 10Bac, the outer surface of the treatment device channel 203 is bonded and fixed to the inner surface of the mounting section 10Bac. Additionally, the adhesive used in this case is, for example, an ultraviolet-curing adhesive.

[0318] Here, the optical fiber cable 202B and the processing device channel 203 are components formed into an elongated tube shape. Therefore, for example, the inner diameter of the configuration section 10Bab is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the optical fiber cable 202B. And, for example, the inner diameter of the configuration section 10Bac is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the processing device channel 203.

[0319] Furthermore, when these tubular components (202B, 203) are arranged and bonded to their respective configuration parts (10Bab, 10Bac), adhesive is applied between the outer peripheral surface of each tubular component (202B, 203) and the inner surface of each configuration part. However, the gap between the tubular components (202B, 203) and the inner peripheral surfaces of the configuration parts (10Bab, 10Bac) is very small.

[0320] Therefore, in the front rigid component 200B of this structure, as a method to ensure the amount of adhesive applied, such as... Figure 29 As shown, an adhesive storage section 10Bd is formed at the location communicating with the configuration section 10Bab, and an adhesive storage section 10Be is formed at the location communicating with the configuration section 10Bac. Furthermore, these adhesive storage sections 10Bd and 10Be are formed in the shape of grooves communicating from the base end side of the front end rigid member 200B toward the front end side.

[0321] Thus, in the front-end rigid component 200B of this structure, adhesive storage sections 10Bd and 10Be are formed for the specified configuration sections 10Bab and 10Bac, thereby ensuring a greater amount of adhesive application. Therefore, when bonding and fixing various built-in units inside the front-end rigid component 200B, bonding can be performed more firmly and in a shorter time.

[0322] In addition, the operating section of the endoscope contains various components, such as various cables (camera signal cables, optical cables, curved wires, etc.) and various tubular components (suction tubes, air and water supply tubes, etc.) extending from the insertion section. After passing through the operating section, these cables and tubular components extend further into general-purpose cables.

[0323] Furthermore, a treatment device insertion port is provided in the operating section. This treatment device insertion port communicates with the treatment device channel. Various treatment devices inserted through the treatment device insertion port are inserted and arranged in the treatment device channel.

[0324] Thus, since multiple internal components are arranged inside the endoscope's operating section, these components may interfere with each other. However, there is a requirement to minimize interference between the internal components as much as possible.

[0325] Therefore, in the endoscope operating section of this structural example, as a design to avoid interference between the various structural units disposed inside, the following structure is provided.

[0326] Here, Figure 29 This is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the internal structure of the endoscope's operating section. Furthermore, this... Figure 29 The illustrations of various constituent units arranged inside the operating section are omitted; only a portion of the housing unit constituting the operating section is shown.

[0327] In the endoscope operating section 3 shown in this structural example, for example, multiple ribs 3a, 3b, and 3c are provided. These ribs are structures used to ensure the arrangement paths of various cables (camera signal cables, optical cables, etc.; not shown) inserted inside the operating section 3 and to prevent these cables from interfering with other built-in components (not shown). These multiple ribs 3a, 3b, and 3c are thin plate-like sections having one or more sections with generally concave cross-sections. Furthermore, regarding the ribs 3a, 3b, and 3c, as... Figure 29 As shown, different reference numerals are used to indicate the slight differences in shape. However, the structure of the rib is basically as described above, as long as it has a part with a roughly concave cross-section. The number of roughly concave parts and the overall shape of the rib itself can be appropriately set according to the corresponding cable type, etc.

[0328] Furthermore, these multiple ribs 3a, 3b, and 3c are formed, for example, integrally molded with the housing component of the operating part 3. Alternatively, not limited to this structure, the rib 3a may also be formed as a separate component from the operating part 3 and appropriately positioned within a predetermined location of the operating part 3 by means of bonding or the like.

[0329] These multiple ribs 3a are arranged along a prescribed configuration path corresponding to each specified cable type. Specifically, there are cable types that, after passing through the insertion part (not shown) and extending into the interior of the operating part 3, pass through the operating part 3 and further extend into a general cable (not shown). For example, optical cables, etc., extend along the interior of the operating part 3, for example... Figure 29 The attached figure shows the double-dotted-dash configuration of the reference numerals L1 and L2.

[0330] Therefore, multiple ribs 3a are arranged at predetermined intervals along the configuration path of the optical cable. The optical cable is then inserted between the recesses of the ribs 3a, thus ensuring its configuration path. At the same time, the optical cable avoids interference with other built-in components.

[0331] In addition, although the illustrations and explanations are omitted, the same effect can be achieved by arranging ribs in the same manner as the ribs (3a, 3b, 3c) at their respective corresponding positions and arranging each type of cable along the ribs.

[0332] On the other hand, a treatment device (not shown) is inserted into the treatment device insertion port 18. Furthermore, the treatment device inserted from the treatment device insertion port 18 is configured to smoothly and naturally penetrate into the treatment device channel. Additionally, as an example of the arrangement path of the treatment device in this case, a path along... Figure 30 The path shown is marked with a double-dotted line labeled T in the attached figure.

[0333] Therefore, inside the operating unit 3, a guide wall 18a is formed near the treatment device insertion port 18. This guide wall 18a prevents the tip of the treatment device from moving in the treatment device channel towards the L1, L2 directions where optical cables are arranged when the treatment device is inserted from the treatment device insertion port 18 into the treatment device channel, thereby preventing it from pressing against the optical cables. Furthermore, along the guide wall 18a, a plurality of ribs 18b are arranged at predetermined intervals, in a manner substantially the same as the ribs 3a described above.

[0334] According to this structure, when a treatment device inserted from the treatment device insertion port 18 is inserted into the treatment device channel, it passes between the guide wall 18a and the rib 18b, thereby avoiding interference with other built-in objects.

[0335] The technology related to the endoscope 1 of the above embodiment will be further explained.

[0336] (Seventh Implementation)

[0337] Figure 31 and Figure 30 This indicates the seventh implementation method. Figure 31This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the sleeve 102 at the front end of the metal wire 30 connected to the front end bending block 101A. Figure 30 This is a perspective view showing a structural example of a notch 101b provided on the front bending block 101A for the purpose of inserting the line 30.

[0338] In this seventh embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as in the embodiments described above, and the descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Only the differences are described.

[0339] Conventionally, the front end of the wire 30 used to bend the bending section 11 is fixed to the front bending block 101A using adhesives, solder, welding, etc., which increases the assembly time and cost of the bending section 11. Therefore, a structural example that omits the process of fixing the front end of the wire 30 to the front bending block 101A will be described.

[0340] like Figure 31 and Figure 30 As shown, a plurality of bending blocks 101 are connected and disposed within the bending portion 11, and the bending block 101 located at the foremost end is the front bending block 101A. Furthermore, a notch 101b, for example rectangular in shape, is provided in the cylindrical front bending block 101A.

[0341] The rear end side (operation part 3 side) of the wire 30 can be inserted through the notch 101b into the hole 101a of the front bending block 101A. A sleeve 102 is integrally provided on the front end side of the wire 30, for example, by die forging.

[0342] Furthermore, when the sleeve 102 abuts against the outlet end face 101c on the front end side of the hole 101a, the insertion of the wire 30 into the hole 101a ends. At the end of the insertion, the entire sleeve 102 is received within the notch hole 101b.

[0343] The sleeve 102 and the front bending block 101A are not fixed based on adhesives, solder, welding, etc., so the wire 30 can slide in the hole 101a.

[0344] However, as described above, the movement of the wire 30 toward the rear end side in the insertion axis direction is restricted by the contact between the sleeve 102 and the outlet end face 101c of the hole 101a. Furthermore, the movement of the wire 30 toward the front end side in the insertion axis direction is restricted by the contact between the sleeve 102 and the front end face 101d of the notch hole 101b.

[0345] In addition, such as Figure 32 (or as will be discussed later) Figure 32As shown, the radial position of the inner line 30 of the front bending block 101A is closer to the outer diameter side than the radial position of the inner line 30 of the bending block 101 adjacent to the front bending block 101A. With this structure, even without thickening the front end face 101d of the front bending block 101A, the front end face 101d can be located on the moving path of the sleeve 102 in the direction of the insertion axis.

[0346] According to this seventh embodiment, the sleeve 102 can move towards the front end and the rear end via the limiting line 30, thus preventing the sleeve 102 from shifting position and preventing the bending angle from decreasing, bending from locking, etc.

[0347] In addition, since the movement of the wire 30 toward the front end is restricted, the wire 30 will not extend into the front end 10, thus preventing the wire 30 from contacting the built-in part of the front end 10.

[0348] Furthermore, since the process of fixing the sleeve 102 to the front bending block 101A by means of adhesive, solder, welding, etc. is omitted, assembly can be carried out at a low cost.

[0349] Next, Figure 33 The diagram shows a first variation of the seventh embodiment and is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which a sleeve 102 provided at the front end of the line 30 is heat-fused (welded) to the outer skin 103 of the curved portion through the notch 101b.

[0350] The outer periphery of the curved portion 11 is covered by a curved portion skin 103 made of resin (or rubber, etc.).

[0351] The outer skin 103 of the curved portion is fixed to the curved portion 11 by heat-fusion bonding to the circumferential surface of the front curved block 101A. Simultaneously, the outer skin 103 of the curved portion is also heat-fused to the sleeve 102, thereby integrally fixing the sleeve 102 and the front curved block 101A together. In this case, the process of fixing the sleeve 102 and the front curved block 101A using adhesives, solder, welding, etc., can be omitted.

[0352] According to this first variation of the seventh embodiment, when the outer skin 103 of the curved portion is heat-fused to the circumferential surface of the front curved block 101A, it is also heat-fused to the sleeve 102. Therefore, the movement of the sleeve 102 in the insertion axis direction can be more reliably restricted without adding any additional steps.

[0353] Figure 34 The figure shows a second variation of the seventh embodiment and is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which the sleeve 102 provided at the front end of the line 30 is pressed into the mounting hole 101e provided in the front end bending block 101A.

[0354] On the front bending block 101A, a mounting hole 101e is provided on the front end side of the hole 101a of the insertion line 30. The mounting hole 101e communicates coaxially with the hole 101a. Here, the mounting hole 101e is surrounded by the wall of the front bending block 101A, and its diameter is larger than that of the hole 101a (but slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the sleeve 102). The length of the mounting hole 101e in the insertion axis direction is, for example, the same as the length of the sleeve 102 in the insertion axis direction.

[0355] Furthermore, by pressing the sleeve 102 into the mounting hole 101e, the sleeve 102 is fixed to the front bending block 101A (however, the fixing process based on adhesive, solder, welding, etc. is omitted). Thus, even if the wire 30 is stretched or relaxed, the sleeve 102 will not move from the mounting hole 101e.

[0356] According to the second variation of this seventh embodiment, the movement of the sleeve 102 in the insertion axis direction can be more reliably restricted.

[0357] Figure 51 This is a diagram showing a third variation of the seventh embodiment, and a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which the sleeve 102 provided at the front end of the line 30 is restricted to move toward the front end side in the direction of the insertion axis by the restricting member 111.

[0358] A cylindrical limiting member 111 is disposed on the front end side of the sleeve 102. The limiting member 111 is disposed on other components closer to the front end side than the front end bending block 101A, for example, with the front end rigid portion 150 within the front end portion 10 (see reference). Figure 34 They are composed of (etc.) as a whole.

[0359] The limiting member 111 is disposed at a predetermined distance from the front end face of the sleeve 102 to prevent the front end face of the sleeve 102 from contacting the rear end face 111a of the limiting member 111 when the rear end face of the sleeve 102 abuts against the outlet end face 101c.

[0360] Additionally, the front end of the wire 30 protruding from the front end face of the sleeve 102 is housed, for example, inside the cylindrical part of the limiting member 111.

[0361] In addition, Figure 35 The example shown is of a cylindrical shape for the limiting member 111, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be cylindrical or other boss shapes.

[0362] According to this third variation of the seventh embodiment, even when the line 30 is slack, by abutting the front end face of the sleeve 102 against the rear end face 111a of the limiting member 111, it is possible to prevent the sleeve 102 from shifting position relative to the bending portion 11. Since the position shift of the sleeve 102 is prevented, when the line 30 is pulled, the rear end face of the sleeve 102 abuts against the outlet end face 101c of the front bending block 101A, and bending can be performed reliably.

[0363] (Eighth Implementation Method)

[0364] Figure 36 and Figure 35 This refers to the eighth implementation method. Figure 35 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a rough surface 101f provided on the surface of a metal front bending block 101A for heat-sealing the outer skin 103 of the bending portion.

[0365] In this eighth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as in the embodiments described above, and the descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Only the differences are described.

[0366] A wire 30, a light guide 202b, a processing device channel 203, etc. are inserted into the bend 11, and although not shown, a camera cable, etc. are also inserted.

[0367] The front bending block 101A in such a bend 11 needs to have sufficient strength to withstand the pull of the wire 30, therefore, metal is chosen as the raw material instead of resin. On the other hand, the outer skin 103 of the bend is formed of resin (or rubber, etc.). In this case, the adhesive strength between the front bending block 101A and the outer skin 103 of the bend is weakened, and the outer skin 103 of the bend may curl.

[0368] Therefore, as Figure 36 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the front bending block 101A, which is made of metal and contacts the outer skin 103 of the bending portion, is roughened by chemical treatment, mechanical treatment, etc., to form a rough surface 101f. Furthermore, the outer skin 103 of the bending portion is thermally fused to the rough surface 101f of the front bending block 101A. Additionally, a bending portion braid 130 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the outer skin 103, which is further back than the rough surface 101f.

[0369] in addition, Figure 37 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which a cutting surface 101h is provided on the rear end side of the circumferential protrusion 101g of the front bending block 101A. As shown in the figure, the cutting surface 101h is configured, for example, as a chamfered bevel corresponding to the height of the circumferential protrusion 101g, which is a structure for easy and reliable heat welding of the outer skin 103 of the bending portion.

[0370] According to this eighth embodiment, since a rough surface 101f is provided on the front bending block 101A to heat-weld the outer skin 103 of the bent portion, the connection strength of the outer skin 103 of the bent portion relative to the front bending block 101A can be improved. In this way, even if the process of winding and fixing the wire on the front side of the outer skin 103 of the bent portion is omitted, curling of the outer skin 103 of the bent portion can be prevented.

[0371] Figure 37 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the eighth embodiment, and a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which the outer skin 103 of the bent portion is clamped by the connecting pipe 110 and the front bending block 101A.

[0372] exist Figure 51 In the structural example shown, the front end portion 103a of the curved outer skin 103 is sandwiched between the front end curved block 101A on the inner circumferential side and the connecting tube 110 on the outer circumferential side at a position near the front end of the circumferential protrusion 101g. Here, the connecting tube 110 is a cylindrical component, for example, made of metal, that connects the front end curved block 101A to the front end rigid portion 150 within the front end portion 10 (see reference). Figures 38 to 44 wait).

[0373] According to this variation of the eighth embodiment, by inserting the front end 103a of the curved outer skin 103 between the front bending block 101A and the connecting pipe 110, the curling of the curved outer skin 103 can also be reliably prevented.

[0374] (Ninth Implementation)

[0375] Figure 38 This indicates the ninth implementation method. Figure 39 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a passive bending section 12 disposed between the bending section 11 and the flexible tube section 13. Figure 40 This is a perspective view showing a structural example of a 3-layer flexible tube 120. Figure 41 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of a 3-layer flexible tube 120. Figure 42 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a passively bent section 12 constructed by covering three layers of flexible tube 120 with a passively bent outer skin 121. Figure 43 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which the front end of the three-layer flexible tube 120 is connected to the outer peripheral surface 101k of the rear bending block 101B, and the rear end of the three-layer flexible tube 120 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the front connector 115 of the flexible tube section 13. Figure 44 This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the connection between the outer peripheral surfaces 101k of the front end and the rear end bending block 101B of the three-layer flexible tube 120 via laser welding, and the connection between the rear end of the three-layer flexible tube 120 and the outer peripheral surface of the front connector 115 of the flexible tube section 13. Figure 1This is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which the front end of the three-layer flexible tube 120 is connected to the inner circumferential surface 101m of the rear bending block 101B, and the rear end of the three-layer flexible tube 120 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the front connector 115 of the flexible tube section 13.

[0376] In this ninth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as in the embodiments described above, and the descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Only the differences are described.

[0377] like Figure 38 and Figure 39 As shown, a passive bending portion 12 is provided between the bending portion 11 and the flexible tube portion 13. The passive bending portion 12 is a part that will bend passively when subjected to external force.

[0378] Preferably, such a passive bending portion 12 ensures torque following and can be assembled cheaply and easily. Additionally, the passive bending portion 12 requires a small outer diameter. Furthermore, the passive bending portion 12 is preferably a structure that reduces (or does not increase) the force required when bending the bending portion 11 via the bending operating lever 15.

[0379] Therefore, as Figure 40 and Figure 41 As shown, the passive bending section 12 in this embodiment is not composed of a single flexible tube as in the past, but is composed of three flexible tubes 120.

[0380] That is, the three flexible tubes 120 are formed of metal, for example, forming a three-layer structure of an outer flexible tube 120a, a middle flexible tube 120b, and an inner flexible tube 120c. Moreover, the outer flexible tube 120a, the middle flexible tube 120b, and the inner flexible tube 120c are arranged in a right-handed, left-handed, and right-handed sequence, or in a left-handed, right-handed, and left-handed sequence.

[0381] Furthermore, the width and thickness of the outer flexible tube 120a, the middle flexible tube 120b, and the inner flexible tube 120c can be different, as well as the spacing during winding, of the raw material wound into a spiral shape. By appropriately selecting the width, thickness, and spacing of each layer, the bending stress required for the passive bending section 12 can be adjusted to the desired stress. Therefore, by using the adjusted three-layer flexible tube 120, a passive bending section 12 with ideal characteristics corresponding to the application field of the endoscope 1 can be constructed.

[0382] In addition, such as Figures 41-43As shown, a passive bending outer skin 121 made of resin (e.g., PETF) is integrally formed on the outer periphery of the three-layer flexible tube 120. However, the conventional mesh-like braid for torque following is not provided on the outer periphery of the three-layer flexible tube 120. Therefore, the passive bending portion 12 has a non-woven structure.

[0383] Furthermore, the three-layer flexible tube 120 is shaped such that its length in the insertion axis direction is longer than that of the passively bent outer skin 121. As a result, both ends of the three-layer flexible tube 120 extend from both ends of the passively bent outer skin 121, enabling laser welding.

[0384] In addition, Figure 44 In the example shown, the front end (including the cut end) of the three-layer flexible tube 120 is connected to the outer peripheral surface 101k of the rear bending block 101B formed of metal. Here, the rear bending block 101B is the last bending block 101 among a plurality of bending blocks 101 continuously disposed within the bending portion 11.

[0385] Furthermore, the rear end (including the cut end) of the 3-layer flexible tube 120 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the front connector 115 (made of metal) provided on the front end side of the flexible tube section 13.

[0386] To ensure reliable connection, the inner diameter of the three-layer flexible tube 120 unit (the inner diameter of the inner flexible tube 120c) is configured to be smaller than the outer diameter of the outer circumferential surface 101k of the rear bending block 101B and smaller than the outer diameter of the front tube head 115.

[0387] Furthermore, the front end of the 3-layer flexible tube 120 is assembled to the rear bending block 101B after being expanded in diameter. On this basis, the portion including the cut end is connected to the rear bending block 101B, for example, by laser welding.

[0388] Similarly, the rear end of the 3-layer flexible tube 120 is assembled to the front connector 115 after being expanded in diameter, and the portion including the cut end is connected to the front connector 115, for example by laser welding.

[0389] Thus, the three-layer flexible tube 120 is integrated with the rear bending block 101B at the front end and with the front connector 115 at the rear end.

[0390] On the other hand, Figure 45 In the example shown, the front end (including the cut end) of the three-layer flexible tube 120 is connected to the inner circumferential surface 101m of the rear bending block 101B. In addition, the rear end (including the cut end) of the three-layer flexible tube 120 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the front connector 115 provided on the front end side of the flexible tube section 13.

[0391] To ensure a reliable connection, the outer diameter of the three-layer flexible tube 120 unit (the outer diameter of the outer flexible tube 120a) is configured to be larger than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 101m of the rear bending block 101B, and also larger than the inner diameter of the front connector 115.

[0392] Furthermore, the front end of the 3-layer flexible tube 120 is assembled to the rear bending block 101B after the diameter is reduced, and on this basis, the portion including the cut end is connected to the rear bending block 101B, for example by laser welding.

[0393] Similarly, the rear end of the 3-layer flexible tube 120 is assembled to the front connector 115 after the diameter is reduced, and the portion including the cut end is connected to the front connector 115, for example by laser welding.

[0394] Thus, the three-layer flexible tube 120 is integrated with the rear bending block 101B at the front end and with the front connector 115 at the rear end.

[0395] According to this ninth embodiment, since the passive bending section 12 is composed of three layers of flexible tubing 120, torque following is ensured, and the mesh braid at the outer skin 121 of the passive bending section is omitted. Moreover, since the mesh braid is omitted, the price can be reduced, and assembly is easier. Furthermore, by using a non-woven structure, the outer diameter of the passive bending section 12 can be reduced, thereby reducing the bending force exerted by the bending operating rod 15 on the bending section 11.

[0396] Figure 45 The figure shows a first variation of the ninth embodiment and is a cross-sectional view of a structural example of a three-layer flexible tube 120 in which a rear bending block 101B' is inserted into a metal tube 125 and a passive bending portion 12 is laser-welded onto the metal tube 125.

[0397] In order to perform laser welding on the 3-layer flexible tube 120, as described above, there is a method to form the rear bending block 101B from metal. However, the rear bending block 101B has a complex shape, so it is costly to form it from metal.

[0398] Therefore, as Figure 46 As shown, the rear bending block 101B' is formed from resin by insert molding, relative to the metal tube 125. Thus, complex shapes can be formed from resin, as long as the metal tube 125, with its simple shape, is formed from metal.

[0399] Furthermore, by laser welding the front end of the three-layer flexible tube 120, including the cut end, to the inner circumferential surface 125a (or the outer circumferential surface) of the metal tube 125, the three-layer flexible tube 120 becomes integral with the metal tube 125, and then with the rear bending block 101B'.

[0400] According to this first variation of the ninth embodiment, assembly can be simplified and costs reduced, and the cut ends of the three-layer flexible tube 120 can be prevented from detaching from the metal tube 125.

[0401] Alternatively, instead of using the metal tube 125, the rear bending block 101B' can be insert-molded with resin relative to the three-layer flexible tube 120 itself. In this case, costs can be further reduced.

[0402] Figure 46 This is a diagram showing a second variation of the ninth embodiment, and a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which two layers of flexible tube 122 and heat shrink tube 123 are used in the passive bending section 12.

[0403] Other examples of structures that reduce the outer diameter of the passively bent portion 12 include... Figure 47 As shown, two layers of flexible tube 122 and heat shrink tube 123 can also be used.

[0404] The two flexible tubes 122 are formed of metal, for example, forming a two-layer structure of an outer flexible tube 122a and an inner flexible tube 122b. Here, the outer flexible tube 122a and the inner flexible tube 122b are configured in a right-handed and left-handed order, or in a left-handed and right-handed order.

[0405] Furthermore, a heat-shrinkable tube 123 is provided on the outer periphery of the two-layer flexible tube 122 to ensure torque following, and becomes integrated with the two-layer flexible tube 122 by heating.

[0406] According to the second variation of this ninth embodiment, it is also possible to achieve torque following while realizing a non-woven fabric structure, and to reduce the diameter of the passive bending section 12.

[0407] (Tenth Implementation)

[0408] Figure 47 This is a diagram showing the tenth embodiment, and is a side view showing a structural example of the curved braided fabric 130.

[0409] In this tenth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as in the embodiments described above, and the descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Only the differences are described.

[0410] On the outer periphery of the bending block 101 (including the front bending block 101A and the rear bending block 101B or 101B') of the bending portion 11, a bending portion braid 130 is provided to improve the torsional strength of the bending portion 11. The bending portion braid 130 is made of metal mesh, so it requires processes such as soldering to fix it to the bending portion 11, which increases the assembly cost.

[0411] Figure 48The structure shown was completed with this in mind.

[0412] That is, the front end 130f and the rear end 130r of the curved braid 130 contain resin.

[0413] For the curved braided fabric 130 with such a structure, the resin portion of the front end 130f can be fixed to the front end side component by heat fusion, and the resin portion of the rear end 130r can be fixed to the rear end side component by heat fusion.

[0414] Furthermore, the front end portion 130f is preferably located only on the front side between the front bending block 101A and the adjacent bending block 101. Similarly, the rear end portion 130r is preferably located only on the rear side between the rear bending block 101B or 101B' and the adjacent bending block 101. With such a structure, it is possible to suppress the increase in bending force due to the resin.

[0415] According to this tenth embodiment, since the front end 130f and rear end 130r of the curved braid 130 contain resin, the curved braid 130 can be fixed simply by heat-welding the resin. Therefore, a soldering process is unnecessary, the fixing operation becomes easier, and assembly costs are reduced.

[0416] Figure 48 This diagram shows a variation of the tenth embodiment, and this diagram shows a processing example of manufacturing the curved braided fabric 130. Additionally, in Figure 48 The columns show cross-sections of the main parts.

[0417] Figure 48 Column A indicates a first method for manufacturing the curved braided fabric 130. A resin material 131 with the same axial length as the braided fabric 130m is inserted onto the braided fabric raw material 130m, and then laminated by heating to form a curved braided fabric 130 in which the braided fabric raw material 130m and the resin material 131 are integral.

[0418] The curved braid 130 thus formed has a resin layer 130b formed on the resin-containing braid layer 130a.

[0419] in addition, Figure 49 Column B indicates a second method for manufacturing the curved braided fabric 130. A resin material 132, which is longer than the braided raw material 130m in the insertion axis direction, is overlapped on the braided raw material 130m with both ends protruding. The material is then laminated by heating to form a curved braided fabric 130 in which the braided raw material 130m and the resin material 131 are integrated.

[0420] The curved braided fabric 130 thus formed has a resin layer 130b formed on the resin-containing braided layer 130a, and further, a resin portion 130c in which the braided raw material 130m does not enter is formed on the front end side, and a resin portion 130d in which the braided raw material 130m does not enter is formed on the rear end side.

[0421] According to this modified tenth embodiment, the bent portion braid 130 can also be fixed by heat welding, making the fixing operation easier and reducing assembly costs. Furthermore, since the resin layer 130b is integrally formed with the bent portion braid 130, it is not necessary to set the passive bending portion outer skin as another component, which simplifies the manufacturing process.

[0422] In addition, because the resin is laminated, the torque following of the bending portion 11 can be ensured, and the braided fabric 130 of the bending portion is prevented from flying out radially outward.

[0423] (Eleventh Implementation Method)

[0424] Figure 49 The figure shows the eleventh embodiment and is a cross-sectional view of a structural example in which a flexible tube braid 140 is inserted into the front tube head 115 of the flexible tube section 13 and the flexible tube braid 140 is secured radially outward by a tapered member 141.

[0425] In this eleventh embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as in the embodiments described above, and the descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Only the differences are described.

[0426] The flexible tube braid 140, for example, is a three-layer structure with resin sandwiching both sides of the braid.

[0427] When such flexible tubing braid 140 is heat-fused to the inner diameter side of the front tube head 115, sometimes the flexible tubing braid 140 flies out radially inward at the portion of the front tube head 115 where the diameter changes.

[0428] Therefore, as Figure 50 As shown, a tapered component 141 with a tapered surface 141a on the outer periphery is provided, and the flexible tube braid 140 is secured radially outward by the tapered surface 141a.

[0429] Furthermore, when the flexible tube braid 140 is heat-fused to the inner diameter side of the front connector 115, the tapered component 141 is also heat-fused at the same time.

[0430] According to this eleventh embodiment, the flexible tube braid 140 can be prevented from flying out towards the inner diameter side. Therefore, the flexible tube braid 140 does not come into contact with the implant, thus preventing damage to the implant.

[0431] Figure 50This is a diagram showing a modified example of the eleventh embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example in which a flexible tube braid 140 is inserted outside the front tube head 115 of the flexible tube section 13, and the flexible tube braid 140 is secured radially inside by a resin tube.

[0432] When connecting the flexible tube braid 140 to the radially outer side of the front connector 115, sometimes the end of the flexible tube braid 140 flies out radially outward.

[0433] Therefore, by covering the end of the flexible tube braid 140 with the resin tube 142, and by heat-welding or heat-shrinking the resin tube 142, the end of the flexible tube braid 140 is kept from flying out radially.

[0434] Here, the length of the resin tube 142 in the insertion axis direction is at least Lm long enough to cover the front end of the flexible tube braid 140 and a portion of the front connector 115, and at least LM long enough to cover the entire front connector 115.

[0435] Furthermore, in Figure 50 In the structure shown, a resin layer 143 is provided on the outer periphery of the resin tube 142, so that the diameter of the end of the resin tube 142 changes gradually.

[0436] In addition, Figure 51 The diagram shows a structural example in which a bending portion 11 is provided on the front end side of the flexible tube portion 13, while the passive bending portion 12 is omitted. However, it can also be applied to structures that have a passive bending portion 12.

[0437] Alternatively, the same structure can be applied to the curved section woven fabric 130 disposed on the outer periphery of the curved section 11.

[0438] According to this variation of the eleventh embodiment, it is possible to prevent the flexible tube braid 140 (or the curved braid 130) from flying out radially outward.

[0439] (Twelfth Implementation)

[0440] ​ The figure shows the twelfth embodiment and is a cross-sectional view of a structural example in which the connecting tube 110 and the braided fabric 130 of the bending portion are laser-welded to the front bending block 101A.

[0441] In this twelfth embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the parts that are the same as in the embodiments described above, and the descriptions are omitted as appropriate. Only the differences are described.

[0442] The anterior end portion 10 and the curved portion 11 of the endoscope 1 are preferably assembled at the lowest possible cost, and an example of a structure for this purpose will be described.

[0443] The endoscope 1 has a front rigid part 150, an imaging part 151 including an imaging lens and imaging elements, a circuit board 152 electrically connected to the imaging part 151, and a treatment instrument channel 203, etc.

[0444] Furthermore, a metal connecting tube 110 is disposed between the rear end of the outer periphery of the front rigid part 150 and the front end of the outer periphery of the metal front bending block 101A. The rear end 110r of the metal connecting tube 110 is connected to the metal front bending block 101A by laser welding within the insertion axial range RW1.

[0445] Furthermore, when a metal curved braid 130 is provided in the curved section 11, the front end 130g of the curved braid 130 is connected to the metal front curved block 101A within the insertion axis direction range RW2 by laser welding. In this case, by performing laser welding of the connecting tube 110 and the curved braid 130 in the same process, the manufacturing process can be further simplified.

[0446] According to this twelfth embodiment, since the connecting tube 110 and the bending braid 130 are laser welded together to the front bending block 101A, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the assembly cost reduced.

[0447] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate modifications can be made without violating the spirit or concept of the invention as read from the claims, the entire specification, and the drawings.

Claims

1. A curved portion of an endoscope, disposed at an endoscope insertion portion, the curved portion being bent by traction on a suture, characterized in that... The curved section of the endoscope has a cylindrical shape and consists of one or more first curved blocks and second curved blocks. The first curved block has a concave surface at its first end along the length axis of the endoscope insertion portion, and the second curved block adjacent to the first end has a convex surface, with the concave surface contacting the convex surface. The first and second curved blocks have holes for mounting the endoscope along the length axis of the endoscope insertion portion. The first bending block has a first groove communicating with the hole and formed from the inner periphery of the first bending block outward in a radial direction toward the length axis. The first groove is formed with a width equal to the outer diameter of the wire and a depth exceeding the outer diameter of the wire. The second bending block is disposed adjacent to the first bending block along the length axis, and the second bending block has a second groove formed from the outer periphery of the second bending block toward the hole, and the second groove is formed to have a width the same as the outer diameter of the wire and a depth above the outer diameter of the wire. The line is disposed in the first slot and the second slot.

2. The curved portion of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first groove has a front end, a base end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the front end and the base end along the length axis. The front end or the base end is formed to be deeper than the middle portion.

3. The curved portion of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second groove has a front end, a base end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the front end and the base end along the length axis. The front end or the base end is formed to be deeper than the middle portion.

4. The curved portion of the endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first groove and the second groove are formed such that the position of the line in the radial direction is located in the second groove at a position further outward in the radial direction than in the first groove.

5. The curved portion of the endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first groove and the second groove each have a front end, a base end, and a middle portion disposed between the front end and the base end along the length axis. The line is positioned in the radial direction at a position outside the radial direction in the middle of the second groove compared to the middle of the first groove.

6. An endoscope insertion portion, which is formed in a tubular shape, characterized in that, The endoscope insertion section has a curved portion. The curved section is bent by pulling the line. The curved section has a cylindrical shape and consists of one or more first curved blocks and second curved blocks. The first curved block has a concave surface at its first end along the length axis of the endoscope insertion portion, and the second curved block adjacent to the first end has a convex surface, with the concave surface contacting the convex surface. The first and second curved blocks have holes for mounting the endoscope along the length axis of the endoscope insertion portion. The first bending block has a first groove communicating with the hole and formed from the inner periphery of the first bending block outward in a radial direction toward the length axis. The first groove is formed with a width equal to the outer diameter of the wire and a depth exceeding the outer diameter of the wire. The second bending block is disposed adjacent to the first bending block along the length axis, and the second bending block has a second groove formed from the outer periphery of the second bending block toward the hole, and the second groove is formed to have a width the same as the outer diameter of the wire and a depth above the outer diameter of the wire. The line is disposed in the first slot and the second slot.

7. An endoscope, characterized in that, The endoscope has an endoscope insertion section. The endoscope insertion section is formed in a tubular shape. The endoscope insertion section has a curved portion. The curved section is bent by pulling the line. The curved section has a cylindrical shape and consists of one or more first curved blocks and second curved blocks. The first curved block has a concave surface at its first end along the length axis of the endoscope insertion portion, and the second curved block adjacent to the first end has a convex surface, with the concave surface contacting the convex surface. The first and second curved blocks have holes for mounting the endoscope along the length axis of the endoscope insertion portion. The first bending block has a first groove communicating with the hole and formed from the inner periphery of the first bending block outward in a radial direction toward the length axis. The first groove is formed with a width equal to the outer diameter of the wire and a depth exceeding the outer diameter of the wire. The second bending block is disposed adjacent to the first bending block along the length axis, and the second bending block has a second groove formed from the outer periphery of the second bending block toward the hole, and the second groove is formed to have a width the same as the outer diameter of the wire and a depth above the outer diameter of the wire. The line is disposed in the first slot and the second slot.

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