Endoscopy

Abstract

This invention provides an endoscope with a simple structure that prevents the rotation of external cables. A fixing member (110) that rotates integrally with a knob (36) in the axial direction (B) is disposed inside the operating body (22). A portion of the length of a light guide (28) is fixed by a fixing part (112) of the fixing member (110). Inside the operating body (22), a light guide insertion space (70) is formed between the fixing part (112) and the front end opening (78A). The light guide (28B) is inserted into the light guide insertion space (70) so that even when the fixing member 110 rotates in the axial direction (B) via the knob (36), no tension is applied to the light guide (28B) between the fixing part (112) and the front end opening (78A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an endoscope with an insertion portion. Background Technology

[0002] Rigid endoscopes are known as endoscopes used for endoscopic surgery. Furthermore, among these rigid endoscopes, squinting endoscopes are known that have their field of view (observation direction) tilted forward relative to the insertion axis of the insertion part. The squinting endoscope includes an insertion part inserted into the patient and an operating part main body connected to the base of the insertion part. In such squinting endoscopes, Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe squinting endoscopes capable of changing the field of view direction.

[0003] The oblique sight mirror described in Patent Document 1 has a rod (insertion part), a handle (operation part body), and a rotating ring. An object lens is disposed at the distal end of the rod. When changing the direction of the field of view, the rotating ring is maintained, and the rod is rotated about its axis by the handle. As a result, the direction of the field of view of the object lens rotates about the axis of the rod.

[0004] The oblique sight described in Patent Document 2 includes an insertion part, an operating part body, and a rotating operating ring. A front-end optical system is disposed at the front end of the insertion part. When changing the field of view direction, the insertion part is rotated around an axis by rotating the rotating operating ring disposed in the operating part body. As a result, the field of view direction of the front-end optical system rotates about the axis of the insertion part.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-510103

[0006] Patent Document 2: US Patent No. 5,621,830

[0007] In the strabismus described in Patent Document 1, as an operation for changing the direction of the field of view, in order to make the outer tube of the insertion part rotate together with the front optical system (object lens) in the direction of the axis, it is necessary to rotate the main body of the operation part while keeping the rotating ring provided on the front side of the main body of the operation part, which causes operational difficulties.

[0008] On the other hand, the strabismus mirror described in Patent Document 2 employs a structure in which a rotating operating ring, mounted on the main body of the operating section, rotates together with the front-end optical system along an axis by rotating the outer tube of the insertion section. According to this structure, compared to the strabismus mirror described in Patent Document 1, it has the advantage of being easier to operate for changing the direction of the field of view.

[0009] The squinting mirror described in Patent Document 2 employs a structure where, to prevent twisting (rotation) of the optical fiber and external cable when the outer casing is rotated, a rotary joint connects the front-end and base-end optical fibers, allowing them to rotate relative to each other. However, in this structure, the front-end and base-end optical fibers must be uniformly arranged in a ring-like configuration inside the main body of the operating unit, resulting in a complex structure. This, in turn, becomes the main reason for the large size of the main body of the operating unit and its poor operability.

[0010] Therefore, it is desirable to develop a squinting mirror with a simple structure that can prevent the rotation of external cables. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention was made in view of this situation, and its object is to provide an endoscope with a simple structure that can prevent the rotation of external cables.

[0012] An endoscope for achieving the purpose of the present invention comprises: an outer tube constituting an insertion portion; a tubular operating portion body connected to the base end of the outer tube and supporting the outer tube so as to be rotatable about an axis of the insertion portion; an annular rotating operating member fixed to the base end of the outer tube and causing the outer tube to rotate about an axis relative to the operating portion body; an outer cylinder inserted into the outer tube and rotatable integrally with the outer tube; a front-end optical system disposed at the front end of the outer cylinder; a flexible light guide disposed in the space between the outer tube and the outer cylinder and having a light emitting end at the front end of the outer tube; an inner cylinder inserted into the outer cylinder and rotatable relative to the outer cylinder about an axis; and an imaging portion. An external cable is installed at the front end of the inner cylinder to capture light passing through the front optical system; an external cable is connected to the base end of the main body of the operating unit, and a light guide is inserted into the interior through the front opening; and a fixing part is disposed inside the main body of the operating unit and has a fixing part that fixes a portion of the light guide in the length direction, and can be rotated integrally with the rotating operating part in the direction around the axis. Inside the main body of the operating unit, a light guide insertion space is formed between the fixing part and the front opening. In the light guide insertion space, when the fixing part is rotated in the direction around the axis by the rotating operating part, the light guide is inserted and disposed without applying tension to the light guide between the fixing part and the front opening.

[0013] An endoscope for achieving the purpose of the present invention comprises: an outer tube constituting an insertion portion; a tubular operating body connected to the base end of the outer tube and supporting the outer tube so as to be rotatable about an axis of the insertion portion; an annular rotating operating member fixed to the base end of the outer tube and causing the outer tube to rotate about an axis relative to the operating body; an outer cylinder inserted into the outer tube and rotatable integrally with the outer tube; a front-end optical system disposed at the front end of the outer cylinder; a flexible light guide disposed in the space between the outer tube and the outer cylinder and having a light emitting end at the front end of the outer tube; and an inner cylinder inserted into the outer cylinder and rotatable about an axis relative to the outer cylinder. The system rotates relative to the front end of the inner cylinder; a camera unit is provided at the front end of the inner cylinder to capture light passing through the front end optical system; an external cable is connected to the base end of the main body of the operating unit, and a light guide is inserted into the interior through the front end opening; and a fixing part is disposed inside the main body of the operating unit and has a fixing part that fixes a portion of the length direction of the light guide, which can rotate integrally with the rotating operating part in the direction around the axis. Inside the main body of the operating unit, a light guide insertion space is formed between the fixing part and the front end opening, and the light guide inserted in the light guide insertion space has a length longer than the linear distance between the base end of the fixing part and the center of the front end opening.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing component is preferably connected to the base end side of the outer cylinder and is capable of rotating about an axis integrally with the outer cylinder.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing member is preferably composed of an annular member connected to the base end side of the outer cylinder, and has a fixing portion in a circumferential part of the annular member.

[0016] According to one aspect of the invention, a rotation stop is preferably provided that limits the rotational range of the fixed component about an axis.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, the light guide preferably has a length that maintains a flexural state between the fixed portion in the axial direction of the insertion portion and the front end side opening within the rotation range based on the rotation stop.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the rotating operating component is preferably disposed on the front end side of the operating part body, and is composed of an annular component capable of rotating relative to the operating part body in an axial direction.

[0019] According to one aspect of the invention, it is preferable to have a signal cable connected to the camera unit and inserted into the inner cylinder, the signal cable being inserted into the interior of the outer cable from the front end opening.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the signal cable is preferably composed of multiple bare wires, each of which is separate.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, it preferably comprises: a tubular housing connected to the base end side of the outer cylinder inside the main body of the operating part, and disposed at the axial front end side of the insertion part closer to the insertion part than the light guide insertion space; a partition wall disposed inside the housing and perpendicular to the insertion axis of the insertion part; and a magnetic coupling having a first magnet disposed at the axial front end side separated by the partition wall and a second magnet disposed at the axial base end side, the first magnet being connected to the base end side of the inner cylinder, and the magnetic coupling and the housing being able to rotate relative to each other in the axial direction.

[0022] According to one aspect of the invention, preferably the front end of the external cable is connected to the base end of the second magnet via a beam-shaped connecting member extending axially within the light guide insertion space.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, a signal cable is preferably connected to the camera unit and inserted into the inner cylinder. The first magnet and the second magnet are formed in the shape of a disc perpendicular to the insertion axis and each has a through hole for inserting the signal cable.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the fixing member is preferably fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the housing, and the fixing part of the fixing member is disposed on the front end side further axially than the insertion hole formed in the second magnet.

[0025] According to one aspect of the invention, the periphery of the opening at the front end of the external cable is preferably formed in an R-surface shape.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, a base optical system is preferably provided on the front end side of the inner cylinder and guides the light passing through the front optical system to the camera unit. The camera unit has an image sensor that captures the light incident through the base optical system and outputs the image signal to a signal cable. The front optical system is rotatable relative to the base optical system and the image sensor in an axial direction.

[0027] Invention Effects

[0028] The present invention has a simple structure and can prevent the external cable from rotating. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an endoscope system equipped with a squint lens.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front end of the insertion part.

[0031] Figure 3 A sectional view of the main body of the operating section.

[0032] Figure 4 It is a sectional view of the outer cylinder and shell.

[0033] Figure 5 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the shell and cylindrical part.

[0034] Figure 6 The front view of the first and second magnets as seen from the side next to the wall.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a side view of the first and second magnets.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the main body of the operating section of the fixed component.

[0037] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the orientation of the optical guide within the optical guide insertion space.

[0038] Figure 10 This is an explanatory diagram showing the orientation of the optical guide within the optical guide insertion space.

[0039] Figure 11 This is an explanatory diagram showing the orientation of the optical guide within the optical guide insertion space.

[0040] Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram showing the length of the optical guide within the optical guide insertion space.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the rotary stop.

[0042] Symbol Explanation

[0043] 10-Oblique viewer, 12-Endoscope system, 14-Processor unit, 16-Display, 18-Light source unit, 20-Insertion part, 22-Operating unit body, 24-Camera unit, 26-First signal cable, 27-Second signal cable, 28-Light guide, 28A-Light guide component, 28B-Light guide component, 28C-Light emission end, 30-Outer tube, 31-Space, 32-Outer cylinder, 34-Inner cylinder, 36-Knob, 38-Sealing ring, 40-Front-end light Learning system, 42-front end body, 44-front end lens barrel, 45-cylindrical part, 46-cover glass, 48a-objective lens, 48b-prism, 48c-lens, 50-base end optical system, 52-base end lens barrel, 54-bracket, 55-prism, 56-lens, 60-camera unit, 64-camera element, 66-circuit board, 68-connector, 70-light guide insertion space, 72-external cable, 74-housing, 76-cable body, 78- Connecting tube, 78A-front end opening, 77-metal part, 79-O ring, 80-sealed space, 82-airtight connector, 84-connecting part, 90-connecting component, 92-bearing support component, 94-bearing, 96-bearing support component, 96a-base end side, 98-bearing, 100-connecting beam, 100a-ring part, 100b-ring part, 102-magnetic coupling, 103-first magnet, 103a-through hole, 104-first magnet Two magnets, 104a-through hole, 110-fixed component, 111-flange, 112-fixed part, 113-screw, 120-rotation stop, 122-stop slot, 122a-slot, 122b-wall, 122c-wall, 124-stop pin, Ax-insertion shaft, OA-optical shaft, B-axis direction, C-central shaft, D-rotation central shaft, E-length direction, F-counterclockwise direction, G-clockwise direction, L-linear distance. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an endoscope system 12 equipped with a strabismus mirror 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope system 12 includes a squinting mirror 10, a processor device 14, a display 16, and a light source device 18. The squinting mirror 10 is an example of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 1 The strabismus mirror 10 shown is a so-called rigid mirror, comprising an insertion part 20 and an operating part body 22. The insertion part 20 is an example of the insertion part of the present invention. The operating part body 22 is the part held by the surgeon (not shown) when operating the strabismus mirror 10, and is configured in a cylindrical shape. The operating part body 22 is an example of the operating part body of the present invention.

[0046] The insertion part 20 is configured as a generally tubular (generally cylindrical) shape and is inserted into the patient's body. The insertion part 20 has a front end, a base end, and an insertion axis Ax.

[0047] The insertion part 20 includes an outer tube 30 constituting the insertion part 20. The operation part main body 22 supports the outer tube 30 so that it can rotate in the circumferential direction (represented by arrow B of the insertion part 20, hereinafter simply referred to as "circumferential direction B") along the insertion axis Ax. The outer tube 30 is an example of the outer tube of the present invention.

[0048] A ring-shaped knob 36 is fixed to the base end of the outer tube 30. The knob 36 is a component that rotates the outer tube 30 about axis B relative to the operating body 22. By rotating the outer tube 30 using the knob 36, the field of view (observation direction, see reference) of the oblique mirror 10 can be adjusted. Figure 2 The optical axis OA rotates along the axis direction B. Knob 36 is an example of the rotary operation component of the present invention.

[0049] The camera unit 24, described later, is provided at the front end of the insertion part 20. Furthermore, a first signal cable 26 and a light guide 28 are inserted into the inside of the insertion part 20.

[0050] The first signal cable 26, together with the second signal cable 27 (described later), connects the camera unit 24 and the processor device 14. Specifically, the front end of the first signal cable 26 is connected to the camera unit 24, and the base end of the first signal cable 26 is connected to the front end of the second signal cable 27 within the operation unit body 22. The base end of the second signal cable 27 is connected to the processor device 14. The first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are examples of the signal cables of the present invention. Furthermore, in this example, a multi-core cable is shown as the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27, which bundles multiple bare wires (signal wires) together, surrounds them with a shielding conductor, and houses them within a cylindrical outer sheath.

[0051] The light guide 28 has a light emitting end 28C on its front end side (reference). Figure 2 The light emitting end 28C is disposed at the front end of the outer casing 30. Furthermore, the light guide 28 has a light incident end (not shown) at its base end, which is connected to the light source device 18. For example, the light guide 28 employs a structure in which multiple optical fibers are bundled into a single optical cable, and is flexible. The light guide 28 is an example of the light guide of the present invention.

[0052] Detailed descriptions of the main body 22 of the operating unit will follow. It contains an airtight space and a non-airtight space. The base end of the first signal cable 26 and the front end of the second signal cable 27 are connected at the boundary between the two spaces (see reference). Figure 3Thus, the camera unit 24 and the processor device 14 are electrically connected via the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27.

[0053] The processor device 14 generates an observation image (moving image) of the patient's body based on the camera signal input from the camera unit 24 via the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27, and displays the observation image on the display 16.

[0054] The light source device 18 supplies illumination light to the light guide 28. Thus, light emanating from the light guide 28 (reference point 28C) located at the front end of the outer casing 30... Figure 2 ) emits illuminating light.

[0055] Figure 2 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the front end of the insertion part 20. (See attached image.) Figure 2 As shown, the insertion part 20 includes a generally tubular outer tube 30, an outer cylinder 32, and an inner cylinder 34, all parallel to the insertion axis Ax. The outer tube 30 forms the outer peripheral wall of the insertion part 20. The opening at the front end of the outer tube 30 is inclined from a position perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax.

[0056] The outer cylinder 32 is inserted into the outer mounting tube 30. The front optical system 40 of the camera unit 24 is provided on the front end side of the outer cylinder 32. Furthermore, details regarding the base end side of the outer cylinder 32 will be described later; a tubular housing 74 (see reference) is connected inside the operating unit body 22. Figure 3 Furthermore, a space 31 for arranging the light guide 28 is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 32. The light guide 28 is inserted into the space 31 and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 32. The outer cylinder 32 is an example of the outer cylinder of the present invention.

[0057] The inner cylinder 34 is inserted into the outer cylinder 32. A first signal cable 26 is inserted inside the inner cylinder 34. A base optical system 50 and an imaging unit 60 constituting the camera unit 24 are provided at the front end of the inner cylinder 34. Further details regarding the base end of the inner cylinder 34 will be described later. Inside the main body 22 of the operating section, there is a connecting member 90 (see reference). Figure 3 (Connection). The inner cylinder 34 is an example of the inner cylinder of the present invention.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the camera unit 24 includes a front-end optical system 40, a base-end optical system 50, and an image-capturing unit 60. Additionally, the symbol OA in the figure represents the optical axis of the camera unit 24's optical system.

[0059] A front-end optical system 40 is disposed on the front end side of the outer tube 32. The front-end optical system 40 is an oblique-view optical system that refracts light incident from a direction inclined relative to the insertion axis Ax in a direction parallel to the insertion axis Ax and guides it to the base-end optical system 50. The front-end optical system 40 includes a front end body 42 and a front end lens tube 44 disposed on the front end body 42. The front-end optical system 40 is an example of the front-end optical system of the present invention.

[0060] The front end body 42 forms the front end of the insertion part 20 (outer cylinder 32) and is a cover that covers the front end lens barrel 44. Furthermore, the front end body 42 is formed into a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax. Moreover, a cover glass 46 with an inclined posture corresponding to the tilt angle of the object lens 48a inside the front end lens barrel 44 is provided at the opening on the front end side of the front end body 42.

[0061] Furthermore, the front end body 42 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 30. Thus, if the outer tube 30 rotates in the axial direction B, the front optical system 40 and the outer tube 32 rotate integrally with the outer tube 30 in the axial direction B.

[0062] The front lens barrel 44 houses an objective lens 48a, a prism 48b, and a lens 48c. The objective lens 48a is tilted at a position perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax and faces the cover glass 46. The objective lens 48a directs light incident through the cover glass 46 toward the prism 48b. The prism 48b refracts the light incident from the objective lens 48a, i.e., the light incident from a direction tilted relative to the insertion axis Ax, toward a direction parallel to the insertion axis Ax, and then directs it toward the lens 48c. The lens 48c is positioned perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax and directs light incident from the prism 48b toward the lens 56 within the base lens barrel 52 of the base optical system 50.

[0063] Furthermore, the structure of the optical system within the front end lens barrel 44 is not particularly limited as long as it can guide light incident from a direction inclined relative to the insertion axis Ax into the base end lens barrel 52.

[0064] A cylindrical portion 45 extending from its base end is formed on the front end lens barrel 44. The cylindrical portion 45 is externally fitted to the front end of the base end lens barrel 52 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to the front end lens barrel 4 ...

[0065] The base-end optical system 50 is disposed at the front end of the inner cylinder 34 and guides light incident from the front lens barrel 44 to the imaging unit 60. The base-end optical system 50 includes a base-end lens barrel 52, a bracket 54, and a prism 55. The base-end optical system 50 is an example of the base-end optical system of the present invention.

[0066] The base end of the base end tube 52 is fixed to the front end of the inner tube 34 via a bracket 54. Furthermore, as described above, the front end of the base end tube 52 is fitted into the opening at the base end of the cylindrical portion 45 in a manner that allows relative rotation along the axial direction B. Thus, the other end can rotate relative to either the front end tube 44 or the base end tube 52 along the axial direction B. Consequently, the inner tube 34, inserted into the outer tube 32, can rotate relative to the outer tube 32 along the axial direction B.

[0067] Multiple lenses 56 with an optical axis OA parallel to the insertion axis Ax are disposed inside the base lens tube 52. Each lens 56 directs light incident from the front lens tube 44 toward the prism 55.

[0068] The bracket 54 is formed into a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax and is fixed to the front end of the inner cylinder 34. Furthermore, the bracket 54 is externally fitted and fixed to the base end of the base end lens barrel 52. Thus, since the inner cylinder 34 and the base end lens barrel 52 are connected by the bracket 54, the inner cylinder 34, the bracket 54, and the base end lens barrel 52 can rotate integrally relative to the outer cylinder 32 along the axial direction B.

[0069] A prism 55 is held at the opening on the base end side of the bracket 54, and a camera unit 60 is further held via the prism 55. Therefore, the camera unit 60 can rotate relative to the outer cylinder 32 along the axial direction B, integrally with the inner cylinder 34 and the base end lens tube 52, via the bracket 54 and the prism 55.

[0070] Prism 55 refracts light incident through base tube 52 by 90 degrees. Alternatively, a reflector can be used instead of prism 55.

[0071] The camera unit 60 captures light (observation image) that passes through the front-end optical system 40 and the base-end optical system 50 and is reflected by the prism 55. The camera unit 60 includes an image-capturing element 64 and a circuit board 66. The camera unit 60 is an example of the camera unit of the present invention.

[0072] The image sensor 64 is fixed on the prism 55 while being mounted on the circuit board 66, and is mounted on the bracket 54 via the prism 55. The image sensor 64 then captures the light refracted by the prism 55 and outputs an image signal. The image sensor 64 uses a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor. The image sensor 64 is an example of the image sensor of the present invention.

[0073] The circuit board 66 controls the driving of the camera element 64. Furthermore, the front end of the first signal cable 26 is connected to the circuit board 66 via a connector 68. Then, the circuit board 66 outputs the camera signal from the camera element 64 to the first signal cable 26 via the connector 68.

[0074] Figure 3 This is a sectional view of the main body 22 of the operating section. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the main body 22 of the operating part is configured as a tube parallel to the insertion axis Ax.

[0075] An annular knob 36, fixed to the base end of the outer tube 30, is provided at the front end of the operating unit body 22. As an example, the knob 36 is configured to rotate on the outer circumferential surface of the front end of the operating unit body 22 via a sealing ring 38. Thus, the knob 36 is configured as an annular component capable of rotating relative to the operating unit body 22 along the axial direction B. By rotating the operating knob 36 along the axial direction B, the outer tube 30 rotates relative to the operating unit body 22 along the axial direction B, and then the outer tube 32 and the front-end optical system 40 are connected via the outer tube 30 (see reference). Figure 2 The front end body 42 and the front end lens tube 44 rotate in the same direction. This allows the field of view (observation direction) of the oblique mirror 10 to be changed.

[0076] The base ends of the outer cylinder 32 and the inner cylinder 34 are inserted into the interior of the operating unit body 22 through the opening at the front end of the operating unit body 22. Furthermore, the external cable 72, described later, is connected to the base end of the operating unit body 22. Moreover, a light guide insertion space 70, described later, is formed inside the operating unit body 22. A housing 74 is also provided inside the operating unit body 22. The housing 74 is positioned further forward than the light guide insertion space 70.

[0077] Regarding the external cable 72, its front end is connected to the base end of the operating unit body 22, and it is integrally formed with the operating unit body 22. The external cable 72 has a cable body 76 constituting a housing and a connecting tube 78 inserted into the interior of the cable body 76. The external cable 72 is an example of the external cable of the present invention.

[0078] Regarding the connecting tube 78, its front end is formed in a funnel shape, through which the second signal cable 27 and the optical guide 28 are inserted into the interior of the connecting tube 78 via its enlarged front end opening 78A. The periphery of the front end opening 78A is formed in an R-shape to prevent damage to the second signal cable 27 and the optical guide 28 when they come into contact with the front end opening 78A. The front end opening 78A is an example of the front end opening of the present invention.

[0079] A tubular metal part 77 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the front end side of the cable body 76, and a connecting pipe 78 is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the metal part 77 via an O-ring 79. Details about the connecting pipe 78 will be described later; it is connected to the magnetic coupling 102 via a connecting beam 100 and a bearing support member 96. The above describes the structure of the external cable 72, but this structure is only one example. For instance, as another structure of the external cable 72, a structure in which a front end opening 78A is formed on the front end side of the cable body 76 without the connecting pipe 78 can also be used.

[0080] Next, the structure for inserting and configuring the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 inside the main body 22 of the operation section will be described.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 74 is formed as a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax, with a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the operating part body 22, and is housed inside the operating part body 22. The housing 74 is supported within the internal space of the operating part body 22 by the outer cylinder 32 and the external cable 72, etc. The front end of the housing 74 is connected to the base end of the outer cylinder 32. Thus, if the outer tube 30 is rotated relative to the operating part body 22 in the axial direction B, the rotational force is transmitted to the front optical system 40, the outer cylinder 32, and the housing 74. As a result, the housing 74 rotates in the same direction as the outer tube 30. The housing 74 is an example of the housing of the present invention.

[0082] The base end of the inner cylinder 34 and the base end of the first signal cable 26 are disposed inside the housing 74. Furthermore, a partition wall 74a, perpendicular to the insertion shaft Ax, is provided inside the housing 74, for example, within the opening on the base end side of the housing 74. The partition wall 74a blocks the opening on the base end side of the housing 74. The partition wall 74a is an example of the partition wall of the present invention.

[0083] Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 74b parallel to the insertion shaft Ax is provided at the base end of the housing 74. The cylindrical portion 74b can be formed with the same diameter as the housing 74, or it can be formed with a different diameter. The cylindrical portion 74b can also be integrally formed with the housing 74. In this case, the base end of the housing 74 functions as the cylindrical portion 74b. Inside the housing 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b, in addition to a portion of the connecting portion 84 described later, the front end of the second signal cable 27 is also disposed.

[0084] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the outer cylinder 32 and the shell 74. (See attached image.) Figure 4 As shown, a sealed space 80 (airtight space) is formed inside the outer cylinder 32 and the shell 74. The inner cylinder 34 and the camera unit 60 (for reference) are arranged inside the sealed space 80. Figure 2The camera unit 24 includes a front-end optical system 40 and a first signal cable 26. The front end of the sealed space 80 is defined by the front-end optical system 40. The base end of the sealed space 80 is defined by the partition wall 74a. This increases the moisture resistance of the camera unit 24, thereby preventing fogging.

[0085] Figure 5 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the shell 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b. (See attached image.) Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the housing 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b are provided with the described partition 74a, airtight connector 82 and connecting portion 84.

[0086] The airtight connector 82 is configured to rotate relative to the partition wall 74a along the axial direction B, thus penetrating the inside and outside of the sealed space 80. The airtight connector 82 is electrically connected to the base end of the first signal cable 26 inside the housing 74 (inside the sealed space 80) and the front end of the second signal cable 27 inside the cylindrical portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80). Thus, the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are inserted and disposed inside the operating part body 22. Furthermore, if the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 can be twisted and deformed along the axial direction B, for example, if the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are each composed of multiple separate bare wires, the airtight connector 82 can be fixed to the partition wall 74a.

[0087] The connecting portion 84 is disposed inside the housing 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b, and is capable of relative rotation with respect to the housing 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b along the axial direction B. The first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are inserted into the connecting portion 84. With the partition wall 74a in between, the connecting portion 84 connects to the base end of the inner cylinder 34 inside the housing 74 (within the sealed space 80), and to the external cable 72 outside the sealed space 80 (see reference). Figure 3 The front-side magnetic connection (connection) of ).

[0088] The connecting part 84 includes a connecting component 90, a bearing support component 92, and a bearing 94. In addition to the aforementioned components, the connecting part 84 also includes a bearing support component 96, a bearing 98, a connecting beam 100, and a magnetic coupling 102.

[0089] The connecting component 90 and the bearing support component 92 are disposed within the housing 74 (within the sealed space 80) and are formed into a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion shaft Ax. Then, the first signal cable 26 is inserted into the interior of the connecting component 90 and the bearing support component 92.

[0090] The connecting member 90 connects the base end of the inner cylinder 34 and the front end of the bearing support member 92 within the housing 74 (closed space 80). Thus, the front end of the bearing support member 92 is connected to the base end of the inner cylinder 34 via the connecting member 90.

[0091] Regarding the bearing support member 92, its front end is connected to the connecting member 90 as described above, and its base end is fixed to the first magnet 103 of the magnetic coupling 102. Furthermore, a bearing 94, internally connected to the housing 74, is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the bearing support member 92. Thus, the bearing support member 92 and the first magnet 103 are maintained so that they can rotate relative to the housing 74 in the axial direction B within the housing 74. Additionally, various known radial bearings, such as ball bearings and roller bearings, are used as the bearing 94.

[0092] Furthermore, the rolling elements (balls or rollers) that form the bearing 94 are made of non-magnetic materials. Because the rolling elements of the bearing 94 are non-magnetic, the magnetic force of the first magnet 103 can be prevented from acting on them. As a result, the bearing support member 92 and the first magnet 103 can rotate smoothly relative to the housing 74. Examples of non-magnetic materials include ceramics, non-magnetic metals (e.g., stainless steel), and resins. In addition, non-magnetic materials can also be used in other components of the bearing 94 (inner wheel, outer wheel, retainer), not just the rolling elements.

[0093] The bearing support member 96 is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 74b (outside the enclosed space 80). The bearing support member 96 is formed as a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion shaft Ax, and the second signal cable 27 is inserted inside it.

[0094] Regarding the bearing support member 96, its front end is fixed to the second magnet 104 of the magnetic coupling 102 within the cylindrical portion 74b, and its base end is connected to the connecting beam 100. Furthermore, a bearing 98, internally connected to the cylindrical portion 74b, is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the bearing support member 96. Thus, the bearing support member 96 and the second magnet 104 are maintained such that they can rotate relative to the cylindrical portion 74b within the cylindrical portion 74b along the axial direction B. Additionally, various known radial bearings can be used as bearing 98, similar to bearing 94.

[0095] Furthermore, the rolling elements (balls or rollers) that form the bearing 98 can also be made of non-magnetic materials, just like the bearing 94. Since the rolling elements of the bearing 98 are non-magnetic, the magnetic force of the second magnet 104 can be prevented from acting on them. As a result, the bearing support member 96 and the second magnet 104 can rotate smoothly relative to the cylindrical portion 74b. Examples of non-magnetic materials include ceramics, non-magnetic metals (e.g., stainless steel), and resin. In addition, not limited to the rolling elements, other components of the bearing 98 (inner wheel, outer wheel, retainer) can also be made of non-magnetic materials.

[0096] According to the above structure, the oblique mirror 10 of the embodiment includes: an outer cylinder 32, which forms the insertion part 20; a tubular housing 74, which is connected to the base end side of the outer cylinder 32; a front optical system 40, which is disposed at the front end of the outer cylinder 32 and defines the front end side of the sealed space 80 formed inside the outer cylinder 32 and the housing 74; a partition wall 74a, which is disposed inside the housing 74, perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax of the insertion part 20 and defines the base end side of the sealed space 80; and an inner cylinder 34, which is inserted into the interior of the outer cylinder 32 and can be positioned relative to the outer cylinder. The 32 rotates relative to the insertion shaft Ax in the axial direction B; the camera unit 60, located at the front end of the inner cylinder 34, captures light passing through the front optical system 40; and the magnetic coupling 102 has a first magnet 103 disposed within the sealed space 80 separated by a partition wall 74a and a second magnet 104 disposed outside the sealed space 80, with the first magnet 103 connected to the base end of the inner cylinder 34. The oblique mirror 10 has a structure in which the magnetic coupling 102 and the housing 74 can rotate relative to each other in the axial direction B. Then, the first magnet 103 is supported as a rolling element of a bearing 94 that can rotate relative to the housing 74, and the second magnet 104 is supported as a rolling element of a bearing 98 that can rotate relative to the cylindrical portion 74b, both of which are made of non-magnetic materials.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, the connecting beam 100 is configured as a beam extending axially along the insertion axis Ax within the light guide insertion space 70, described later. The connecting beam 100 has a ring portion 100a at its front end and a ring portion 100b at its base end. The ring portion 100a is externally fitted onto the base end end of the bearing support member 96, and the ring portion 100b is externally fitted onto the front end end of the metal part 77. As a result, the base end end of the second magnet 104 via the bearing support member 96 and the front end end of the external cable 72 via the metal part 77 are connected via the connecting beam 100. In other words, the front end end of the external cable 72 is connected to the base end end of the second magnet 104 via the connecting beam 100. The connecting beam 100 is an example of a connecting member of the present invention.

[0098] The magnetic coupling 102 comprises a first magnet 103 disposed within the housing 74 (within the sealed space 80) separated by a partition wall 74a, and a second magnet 104 disposed within the cylindrical portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80). The magnetic coupling 102 is a magnetic connection component that magnetically connects the bearing support member 92 (inner cylinder 34) and the bearing support member 96 (outer cable 72), and is an example of the magnetic coupling of the present invention. Furthermore, the first magnet 103 is an example of the first magnet of the present invention, and the second magnet 104 is an example of the second magnet of the present invention.

[0099] Figure 6 This is a front view of the first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 as seen from the side of the adjacent 74a. Figure 7This is a side view of the first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104. (See attached image.) Figure 6 As shown, the first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 have a disk shape (ring shape) parallel to the partition wall 74a (perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax). A through hole 103a for inserting the first signal cable 26 is formed in the center of the first magnet 103, and a through hole 104a for inserting the second signal cable 27 is formed in the center of the second magnet 104. Furthermore, the first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 are of a so-called single-sided multi-pole type, with multiple sets of N poles and S poles formed at equal angular intervals along the axial direction on the side opposite to the partition wall 74a.

[0100] Furthermore, the first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 are not limited to a single-sided multi-pole type, but can also be a double-sided multi-pole type, and there is no particular limitation as long as the number of poles is 2 or more. In addition, the shape of the first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 is not limited to a disk shape, and can adopt any shape such as a polygonal shape parallel to the adjacent wall 74a.

[0101] like Figure 7 As shown, the first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 are arranged with a partition wall 74a between them, such that the N poles of one magnet are opposite the S poles of the other magnet, and the S poles of one magnet are opposite the N poles of the other magnet. Thus, with the partition wall 74a between them, the first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 are magnetically connected in the thrust direction of the insertion shaft Ax (a direction parallel to the insertion shaft Ax). As a result, the inner cylinder 34 and the outer cable 72 are magnetically connected via the magnetic coupling 102.

[0102] The inner cylinder 34 and the external cable 72 are magnetically connected by the magnetic coupling 102, thereby enabling the transmission of torque (static torque and rotational torque) from the external cable 72 to the inner cylinder 34. Thus, when the surgeon operates the outer tube 30 by rotating the knob 36, the inner cylinder 34 (including the base optical system 50 and the camera unit 60) is prevented from rotating along the axial direction B with the outer cylinder 32; that is, the magnetic coupling 102 maintains the posture of the inner cylinder 34 in the axial direction B.

[0103] Next, the structure for inserting the light guide 28 into the interior of the operation unit body 22 will be described.

[0104] like Figure 3 As shown, a fixing member 110 is disposed inside the main body 22 of the operation unit. The fixing member 110 has a fixing part 112 that fixes a portion of the optical guide 28 in the longitudinal direction.

[0105] Figure 8 This is an internal structural diagram of the main body 22 of the operating section, showing the structure of the fixed component 110. (See diagram below.) Figure 8As shown, the fixing member 110 is constructed as a ring-shaped member and is connected to the outer cylinder 32 (see reference). Figure 3 The fixing member 110 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the housing 74 on the base end side. Thus, the fixing member 110 is connected to the outer cylinder 32 via the housing 74, and rotates integrally with the outer cylinder 32 and the housing 74 in the axial direction B. The fixing member 110 is an example of a fixing member of the present invention.

[0106] The fixing member 110 has a fixing portion 112 on a portion of its circumferential direction. The fixing portion 112 is configured as a tubular member into which the light guide 28 can be inserted, and is fixed by screws 113 to the gap between a pair of flanges 111, 111 protruding on the outer circumferential surface of the fixing member 110. Thus, the central axis C of the fixing portion 112 is configured to be substantially parallel to the insertion axis Ax. By inserting the light guide 28 into the fixing portion 112, a portion of its length direction is fixed by the fixing portion 112. The fixing portion 112 is an example of the fixing portion of the present invention.

[0107] Furthermore, in this example, an annular member is described as the fixing member 110, but the shape of the fixing member 110 is not particularly limited as long as it can be rotated integrally with the outer cylinder 32 in the axial direction B. Similarly, a tubular member is described as the fixing part 112, but the shape of the fixing part 112 is not particularly limited as long as it can fix a portion of the optical guide 28 in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, in this example, a separate structure of the fixing member 110 and the fixing part 112 is described, but the fixing member 110 and the fixing part 112 can also be integrally formed. Furthermore, in this example, a method in which the fixing member 110 is connected to the base end of the outer cylinder 32 via the housing 74 is described, but a method in which the fixing member 110 is directly connected to the base end of the outer cylinder 32 is also possible.

[0108] As shown in this example, if a portion of the light guide 28 is fixed inside the main body 22 by the fixing part 112, the light guide 28 is divided into a light guide 28 disposed toward the front end side (insertion part 20 side) across the fixing part 112 (hereinafter referred to as "light guide 28A") and a light guide 28 disposed toward the base end side (external cable 72 side) across the fixing part 112 (hereinafter referred to as "light guide 28B"). In addition, in this example, a structure in which one light guide 28 is divided into light guide 28A and light guide 28B across the fixing part 112 is illustrated, but the following structure can also be applied: using two light guides 28A and light guide 28B, connecting the base end side of light guide 28A and the front end side of light guide 28B via the fixing part 112.

[0109] Here, since the light guide 28A is fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 32, if the outer tube 30 and the outer cylinder 32 rotate, the outer tube 30 and the outer cylinder 32 will rotate together with the fixing member 110 (fixing part 112). As a result, the light guide 28A does not rub against the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 30 and the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 32 when rotating, thus preventing damage caused by friction.

[0110] On the other hand, the optical guide 28B is inserted into the optical guide insertion space 70 (reference). Figure 3 The light guide insertion space 70 is formed inside the main body 22 between the fixing part 112 and the front end opening 78A. Then, within the light guide insertion space 70, with the fixing part 110 rotated in the axial direction B via the knob 36, the light guide 28B is inserted and configured without applying tension. The insertion configuration of the light guide 28B within the light guide insertion space 70 will be described in detail below.

[0111] Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 These are explanatory diagrams showing the insertion configuration (hereinafter also referred to as "position") of the optical guide 28B within the optical guide insertion space 70. That is, in... Figure 9 The image shows the posture of the light guide 28B when the fixing part 112 is in its central position within the rotation range of the fixing part 110, which will be described later. Figure 10 The image shows the posture of the light guide 28B when the fixing member 110 (fixing part 112) rotates in the left direction (counterclockwise direction) when viewed from the base end side of the operating part body 22. Figure 11 The image shows the posture of the light guide 28B when the fixing member 110 (fixing part 112) rotates in the right direction (clockwise direction) when viewed from the base end side of the operating part body 22.

[0112] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the posture of the light guide 28B in the light guide insertion space 70 varies depending on the rotation position of the fixing part 112, but regardless of the posture of the light guide 28B, it is maintained in a state without tension in the light guide insertion space 70.

[0113] Thus, in order to maintain the flexed state, the light guide 28B has a length within the rotation range of the fixing member 110 that maintains the flexed state between the fixing portion 112 in the insertion axis Ax direction and the front end opening 78A. In other words, as indicated... Figure 12As shown in the explanatory diagram of the length of the light guide 28B within the light guide insertion space 70, the light guide 28B, inserted into the light guide insertion space 70, has a length longer than the straight-line distance L between the base end 112A of the connecting fixing part 112 and the center 78B of the front end side opening 78A. Therefore, within the rotation range of the fixing member 110, the light guide 28B maintains a flexed state within the light guide insertion space 70. Consequently, no twisting of the light guide 28B occurs within the rotation range of the fixing member 110.

[0114] And, as Figures 9 to 11 As shown, the connecting beam 100, disposed together with the light guide 28B within the light guide insertion space 70, is formed in the shape of a beam extending along the insertion axis Ax within the light guide insertion space 70. This reduces the proportion (space) occupied by the connecting beam 100 within the light guide insertion space 70. Consequently, the light guide 28B can change its orientation without being obstructed by the connecting beam 100. Furthermore, it is preferable to have the surface of the connecting beam 100 in an R-shape. This prevents damage to the light guide 28B when it comes into contact with the connecting beam 100.

[0115] Here, "no tension applied" means that the additional tension (maximum tension) applied to the light guide 28B due to the rotation of the fixing member 110 is almost zero. That is, if we define the initial tension generated by the light guide 28B before the rotation of the fixing member 110 (including the tension generated by the weight of the light guide 28B itself) as T0, and the additional tension applied to the light guide 28B after the rotation of the fixing member 110 as T1, then after the rotation of the fixing member 110, the total tension T0 + T1 acts on the light guide 28B. In the oblique mirror 10 of this embodiment, the light guide 28B is housed in a flexed state within the light guide insertion space 70, and the additional tension T1 applied to the light guide 28B after the rotation of the fixing member 110 is almost zero. Therefore, the total tension T0 + T1 generated by the light guide 28B before and after the rotation of the fixing member 110 is almost constant, and excessive tension is not generated on the light guide 28B. Furthermore, the additional tension T1 applied to the light guide 28B after the rotation of the fixed component 110 is not limited to 0 (zero), but can also be an additional tension T1 of a magnitude that does not induce the external cable 72 to rotate together.

[0116] Furthermore, in the oblique mirror 10 of the embodiment, the light guide 28B is accommodated in a flexed state within the light guide insertion space 70, and within the rotation range of the fixing member 110, no excessive torsional force is applied to the light guide 28B when the fixing member 110 rotates. That is, even when the fixing member 110 rotates, no large tension (total tension) or torsional force is applied to the light guide 28B, thereby preventing damage (cutting, etc.) to the light guide 28B.

[0117] In this example, as a way to avoid applying tension to the light guide 28B within the light guide insertion space 70, an example is given of inserting the light guide 28B in a wavy state. However, it is also considered to insert the light guide 28B by winding it into a curved shape within the light guide insertion space 70. However, since the light guide 28 is usually a relatively rigid component, if the light guide 28B is wound into a curved shape, excessive tension will be applied to the light guide 28B, causing it to break. This problem can be solved by increasing the diameter of the ring and reducing the aforementioned tension, but this would make the operating part body 22 larger, which is not preferable. From this point of view, it is preferable to insert the light guide 28B in a wavy state within the light guide insertion space 70. This prevents breakage of the light guide 28B and allows for a smaller diameter of the operating part body 22.

[0118] Furthermore, in the strabismus mirror 10 in this example, as Figure 3 As shown, the fixing portion 112 of the fixing member 110 is positioned further along the front end of the insertion axis Ax direction than the base end side 96a of the bearing support member 96. This allows the length of the light guide 28B within the light guide insertion space 70 to be longer than the length of the second signal cable 27. Consequently, the stress applied to the light guide 28B during rotation of the fixing member 110 can be suppressed. Alternatively, in the case where the second magnet 104 and the connecting beam 100 are connected without using the bearing support member 96, the fixing portion 112 is positioned further than the insertion hole 104a formed in the second magnet 104 (see reference). Figure 5 It can be inserted closer to the front end in the direction of axis Ax. As a result, the same effect as described above is achieved.

[0119] Figures 9 to 11 The fixed component 110 shown rotates integrally with the housing 74 by rotating the knob 36. However, if the fixed component 110 is allowed to rotate freely (indefinitely), the light guide 28B will wrap around the connecting beam 100, which is not preferable. Therefore, the oblique mirror 10 in this example has a rotation stop 120 (see reference) that limits the rotation range of the fixed component 110 about the axial direction B. Figure 3 ).

[0120] Figure 3 The image shows an example of a rotary stop 120. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the rotary stop 120 has a stop groove 122 formed on the side of the operating part body 22 and a stop pin 124 protruding on the side of the knob 36. The rotary stop 120 is an example of the rotary stop of the present invention.

[0121] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rotary stop 120 when viewed from the base end side of the operating part body 22, showing the knob 36. (See diagram below.) Figure 13 As shown, a stopper groove 122 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the front end side of the operating part body 22. The stopper groove 122 has a groove portion 122a, a wall portion 122b formed on one end side of the groove portion 122a, and a wall portion 122c formed on the other end side of the groove portion 122a. The groove portion 122a is formed in an arc shape on a plane perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax, centered on the rotation center axis D of the knob 36 relative to the operating part body 22. Furthermore, the wall portions 122b and 122c are respectively formed as stopper surfaces that protrude in the normal direction relative to the groove portion 122a. On the other hand, the stopper pin 124 protrudes from the inner peripheral surface of the knob 36 toward the aforementioned rotation center axis D and is inserted into the groove portion 122a.

[0122] The following is about Figure 13 The rotary stop 120 (stop pin 124) shown is... Figures 9 to 11 The positional relationship of the fixed member 110 (fixed part 112) shown will be explained, and an example of the rotation range of the fixed member 110 limited by the rotation stop 120 will be explained.

[0123] like Figure 9 As shown, when the fixing part 112 is located at the center of the rotation range of the fixing member 110, as Figure 13 As shown by the solid line, the stop pin 124 is located at the center of the groove 122a along the length direction E. Then, if the operating knob 36 is rotated counterclockwise F, the stop pin 124 moves in the same direction along the groove 122a, and the fixing part 112... Figure 9 Position facing Figure 10 The position rotates counterclockwise. Then, when the stop pin 124 abuts against the wall portion 122b, the fixing portion 112... Figure 10 The stop is at the position. This restricts the counter-clockwise rotation of the fixing member 110. Afterwards, if the operating knob 36 is rotated clockwise G from this state, the stop pin 124 moves in the same direction along the groove 122a, and the fixing part 112 stops at the position. Figure 10 Position facing Figure 11 The position rotates clockwise. Then, when the stop pin 124 abuts against the wall portion 122c, the fixing portion 112... Figure 11The rotation stops at the specified position. This restricts the clockwise rotation of the fixing member 110. As described above, the rotation range of the fixing member 110 is limited (defined) by the rotation stop 120. Thus, by limiting the rotation range of the fixing member 110, problems such as the optical guide 28B winding around the connecting beam 100 can be solved.

[0124] exist Figure 13 In this context, angle θ represents the rotation range of the fixed component 110 restricted by the rotation stop 120. From the viewpoint of preventing the aforementioned entanglement, angle θ is preferably at least 350 degrees or less, but may also be 300 degrees or less or 200 degrees or less. Furthermore, angle θ can be set according to the type of oblique mirror.

[0125] In this example, the rotary stop 120 is described as having a stop groove 122 formed on the side of the operating part body 22 and a stop pin 124 protruding on the knob 36 side. However, any structure that can limit the rotation range of the fixing member 110 can be applied. For example, the rotary stop 120 can have a stop groove 122 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the operating part body 22 and a stop pin 124 protruding on the outer circumferential surface of the housing 74.

[0126] On the other hand, within the rotation range (angle θ) of the fixing member 110, the light guide 28B has a length that maintains a flexed state between the fixing portion 112 in the insertion axis Ax direction and the front end side opening 78A. As an example, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the length of the light guide 28B between the fixing part 112 and the front end opening 78A is preferably 1.2 to 1.5 times the straight-line distance L, where L is the distance between the base end 112A of the fixing part 112 and the center 78B of the front end opening 78A. Thus, within the rotation range (angle θ) of the fixing member 110, the light guide 28B can maintain a wavy shape within the light guide insertion space 70 without applying tension or bending.

[0127] Next, the function of the strabismus mirror 10 in the embodiment will be explained.

[0128] In the strabismus mirror 10 of this embodiment, the surgeon holds the operating unit 22 and inserts the insertion part 20 into the patient's body. Then, to change the direction of the field of vision, the operating knob 36 is rotated along the axial direction B. The outer tube 30 and outer cylinder 32, which rotate integrally with the knob 36, rotate in the same direction, thereby allowing the field of vision to be directed in the desired direction. Furthermore, when the surgeon operates the outer tube 30 by rotating the knob 36, it prevents the inner cylinder 34 (base optical system 50 and camera 60) from rotating along the axial direction B with the outer cylinder 32. That is, since the posture of the inner cylinder 34 in the axial direction B is maintained by the magnetic coupling 102, even when changing the direction of the field of vision, rotation of the observed image on the display 16 can be prevented, thereby improving the operability of the strabismus mirror 10.

[0129] Furthermore, in the squinting mirror 10 of the embodiment, when the operating knob 36 is rotated, the front-end light guide 28A, together with the fixing member 110 (fixing part 112), rotates integrally with the outer tube 30 and the outer cylinder 32 relative to the fixing part 112. On the other hand, even if the fixing member 110 rotates, the light guide 28B on the base end side relative to the fixing part 112 can maintain a flexed state within the light guide insertion space 70. Thus, the light guide 28B can maintain a state from the front-end opening 78A to the interior of the external cable 72 without twisting. As a result, when the surgeon holding the operating unit body 22 rotates the outer tube 30, no reaction force based on twisting is received from the light guide 28B and the external cable 72, thus making it easy to change the direction of the field of vision.

[0130] As described above, since the oblique mirror 10 of the embodiment adopts the following structure, the structure is simple and can prevent the rotation of the external cable 72: a fixing member 110 that rotates integrally with the knob 36 in the axial direction B is arranged inside the operating part body 22, and a portion of the length direction of the light guide 28 is fixed by the fixing part 112 of the fixing member 110. A light guide insertion space 70 is formed inside the operating part body 22, and the light guide 28B is inserted and arranged in the light guide insertion space 70, so that even when the fixing member 110 rotates in the axial direction B by the knob 36, the light guide 28B between the fixing part 112 and the front end side opening 78A is not subjected to tension.

[0131] Furthermore, in the squinting mirror 10 of the embodiment, since the reaction force from the twisting of the light guide 28 and the external cable 72 is not applied to the operating part body 22, it is easy to keep the operating part body 22 in the most suitable observation direction position. As a result, the operability of the squinting mirror 10 is significantly improved.

[0132] [Another implementation method]

[0133] In the above embodiments, the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are exemplified as multi-core cables having multiple bare wires (signal wires), shielding conductors, and outer sheaths, but this is not a limitation. For example, as another embodiment, the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 can also be composed of multiple separate bare wires. Therefore, even if a force (torque) in the torsional direction is applied to the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27, its torque can be reduced, thus preventing breakage of the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27. Furthermore, when the second signal cable 27 is composed of the aforementioned bare wires, sometimes its bare wires and... Figure 3 The peripheral portion of the front end side opening 78A shown is in contact, but since the peripheral portion of the front end side opening 78A is formed in an R-surface shape, it has the advantage of preventing the bare wire from breaking.

[0134] (other)

[0135] In the above-described embodiments, an annular knob 36 is exemplified as a rotary operating component. However, components that are easily accessible to the surgeon's fingers, such as convex or serrated components, can also be used on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 30.

[0136] The above describes examples of endoscopes related to the present invention. However, some modifications or variations can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: The outer tube forms the insertion part; The tubular operating part body is connected to the base end of the outer tube and supports the outer tube so that it can rotate around the axis of the insertion part; A ring-shaped rotating operating component is fixed to the base end of the outer tube, and the outer tube rotates relative to the main body of the operating part along the axis direction. The outer cylinder is inserted into the outer tube and can rotate integrally with the outer tube; A front-end optical system is disposed on the front end side of the outer cylinder; A flexible light guide is disposed in the space between the outer tube and the outer cylinder, and has a light emitting end on the front end side of the outer tube; The inner cylinder is inserted into the outer cylinder and is capable of rotating relative to the outer cylinder along the axial direction; A camera unit is located at the front end of the inner cylinder to capture light passing through the front optical system; An external cable is connected to the base end of the main body of the operating unit, and the light guide is inserted into the interior from the opening on the front end. and A fixing component, disposed inside the main body of the operating part, has a fixing portion that fixes a portion of the optical guide along its length, and is capable of rotating integrally with the rotating operating component along the axial direction. Inside the main body of the operating part, a light guide insertion space is formed between the fixing part and the front end opening. In the light guide insertion space, when the fixing member is rotated along the axis direction by the rotating operating member, the light guide is inserted and arranged without applying tension to the light guide between the fixing part and the front end opening.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein, The fixing component is connected to the base end of the outer cylinder and can rotate integrally with the outer cylinder around the axis.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein, The fixing component is composed of an annular component connected to the base end side of the outer cylinder, and the fixing portion is located on a circumferential portion of the annular component.

4. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, have: A rotation stop restricts the range of rotation of the fixed component around the axis.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein, The light guide has a length that maintains a flexed state between the fixed portion and the front end opening in the axial direction of the insertion portion within the rotation range based on the rotation stop.

6. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The rotating operating component is located at the front end of the main body of the operating part and is composed of an annular component that can rotate relative to the main body of the operating part along the axis direction.

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, have: The signal cable is connected to the camera unit and inserted into the inner cylinder. The signal cable is inserted into the interior of the external cable through the opening on the front side.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein, The signal cable consists of multiple bare wires, each separate from the others.

9. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, have: A tubular housing is connected to the base end of the outer cylinder inside the main body of the operating part, and is positioned at the axial front end of the insertion part, which is closer to the insertion part than the light guide insertion space. A partition wall is disposed inside the housing and perpendicular to the insertion axis of the insertion part; and A magnetic coupling has a first magnet disposed at the front end side of the axial direction, separated by the partition wall, and a second magnet disposed at the base end side of the axial direction, wherein the first magnet is connected to the base end side of the inner cylinder. The magnetic coupling and the housing are capable of rotating relative to each other along the axis.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein, The front end of the external cable is connected to the base end of the second magnet within the light guide insertion space via a beam-shaped connecting member extending along the axial direction.

11. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein, have: The signal cable is connected to the camera unit and inserted into the inner cylinder. The first magnet and the second magnet are formed in the shape of a disk perpendicular to the insertion axis, and each has a through hole for inserting the signal cable.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein, The fixing component is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the housing. The fixing portion of the fixing member is positioned further along the axial front end than the insertion hole formed in the second magnet.

13. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The periphery of the front end opening of the external cable is formed into an R-shaped surface.

14. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, have: A base-end optical system, disposed at the front end of the inner cylinder, guides the light passing through the front-end optical system to the camera unit. The camera unit includes a camera element that captures light incident through the base optical system and outputs the camera signal to a signal cable. The front-end optical system is rotatable relative to the base-end optical system and the camera element along the axis.

15. An endoscope comprising: The outer tube forms the insertion part; The tubular operating part body is connected to the base end of the outer tube and supports the outer tube so that it can rotate around the axis of the insertion part; A ring-shaped rotating operating component is fixed to the base end of the outer tube, and the outer tube rotates relative to the main body of the operating part along the axis direction. The outer cylinder is inserted into the outer tube and can rotate integrally with the outer tube; A front-end optical system is disposed on the front end side of the outer cylinder; A flexible light guide is disposed in the space between the outer tube and the outer cylinder, and has a light emitting end on the front end side of the outer tube; The inner cylinder is inserted into the outer cylinder and is capable of rotating relative to the outer cylinder along the axial direction; A camera unit is located at the front end of the inner cylinder to capture light passing through the front optical system; An external cable is connected to the base end of the main body of the operating unit, and the light guide is inserted into the interior from the opening on the front end. and A fixing component, disposed inside the main body of the operating part, has a fixing portion that fixes a portion of the optical guide along its length, and is capable of rotating integrally with the rotating operating component along the axial direction. Inside the main body of the operating part, a light guide insertion space is formed between the fixing part and the front end opening. The light guide, which is inserted into the light guide insertion space, has a length that is longer than the straight-line distance between the base end connecting the fixing part and the center of the front end side opening.

16. The endoscope according to claim 15, wherein, The fixing component is connected to the base end of the outer cylinder and can rotate integrally with the outer cylinder around the axis.

17. The endoscope according to claim 16, wherein, The fixing component is composed of an annular component connected to the base end side of the outer cylinder, and the fixing portion is located on a circumferential portion of the annular component.

18. The endoscope according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, have: A rotation stop restricts the range of rotation of the fixed component around the axis.

19. The endoscope according to claim 18, wherein, The light guide has a length that maintains a flexed state between the fixed portion and the front end opening in the axial direction of the insertion portion within the rotation range based on the rotation stop.

20. The endoscope according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The rotating operating component is located at the front end of the main body of the operating part and is composed of an annular component that can rotate relative to the main body of the operating part along the axis direction.

21. The endoscope according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, have: The signal cable is connected to the camera unit and inserted into the inner cylinder. The signal cable is inserted into the interior of the external cable through the opening on the front side.

22. The endoscope according to claim 21, wherein, The signal cable consists of multiple bare wires, each separate from the others.

23. The endoscope according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, have: A tubular housing is connected to the base end of the outer cylinder inside the main body of the operating part, and is positioned at the axial front end of the insertion part, which is closer to the insertion part than the light guide insertion space. A partition wall is disposed inside the housing and perpendicular to the insertion axis of the insertion part; and A magnetic coupling has a first magnet disposed at the front end side of the axial direction, separated by the partition wall, and a second magnet disposed at the base end side of the axial direction, wherein the first magnet is connected to the base end side of the inner cylinder. The magnetic coupling and the housing are capable of rotating relative to each other along the axis.

24. The endoscope according to claim 23, wherein, The front end of the external cable is connected to the base end of the second magnet within the light guide insertion space via a beam-shaped connecting member extending along the axial direction.

25. The endoscope according to claim 23, wherein, have: The signal cable is connected to the camera unit and inserted into the inner cylinder. The first magnet and the second magnet are formed in the shape of a disk perpendicular to the insertion axis, and each has a through hole for inserting the signal cable.

26. The endoscope according to claim 25, wherein, The fixing component is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the housing. The fixing portion of the fixing member is positioned further along the axial front end than the insertion hole formed in the second magnet.

27. The endoscope according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, The periphery of the front end opening of the external cable is formed into an R-shaped surface.

28. The endoscope according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein, have: A base-end optical system, disposed at the front end of the inner cylinder, guides the light passing through the front-end optical system to the camera unit. The camera unit includes a camera element that captures light incident through the base optical system and outputs the camera signal to a signal cable. The front-end optical system is rotatable relative to the base-end optical system and the camera element along the axis.

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