Endoscope

Abstract

An endoscope having a convex lens protruding from a tip surface (131) of an insertion part, and an air / water supply nozzle (140) protruding from the tip surface (131) and ejecting a fluid toward the convex lens, the air / water supply nozzle (140) having one or more ejection ports (141), the air / water supply nozzle (140) having one ejection port (141). The jet orifices (141) extend in an intersecting direction intersecting with the protruding direction of the convex lens, at least one of the two edges of the jet orifices (141) facing each other in the protruding direction, which is close to the front end of the gas and water supply nozzle (140), has a protruding shape in the protruding direction, and if the gas and water supply nozzle (140) has a plurality of jet orifices (141), the jet orifices (141) extend in the intersecting direction. The plurality of injection ports (141) are formed along the intersecting direction, and a tangent line that comes in contact with each of the plurality of injection ports (141) from the tip side of the air / water supply nozzle (140) protrudes and bends in the protruding direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope having a convex lens protruding from a front end surface of an insertion portion and a nozzle for spraying a fluid toward the convex lens.

[0002] This application claims the priority based on Japanese application No. 2022-175798 filed on November 1, 2022, and cites all the disclosures described in the Japanese application. Background Art

[0003] In the past, in an endoscope, an observation optical system for photographing a subject is provided at the front end of an insertion portion inserted into a body. The surface of the observation optical system is easily contaminated by dirt such as mucus, blood, and residues. Thus, if dirt and the like are attached to the observation optical system, it is difficult to take a clear image of the subject.

[0004] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope including a convex observation window and a nozzle protruding from the observation window, and the nozzle can spray a fluid toward the top of the observation window for cleaning.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-120701 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, if a convex observation window is provided on the front end face of the insertion portion in order to achieve wide-angle observation, the nozzle needs to be able to spray the fluid within a predetermined range in the protruding direction of the observation window. However, if the fluid is sprayed toward the vertex of the observation window, it is difficult for the fluid to reach the edge of the observation window, which may result in insufficient cleaning. In addition, if the fluid is sprayed toward the edge of the observation window, the fluid is likely to collide with the observation window and be bounced off, resulting in the fluid being unable to reach the vertex of the observation window.

[0010] However, the endoscope in Patent Document 1 does not study or propose a solution to the above-mentioned problem.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of sufficiently and effectively cleaning a convex lens provided on a distal end surface of an insertion portion.

[0012] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0013] The endoscope involved in the present invention is an endoscope having a convex lens protruding from the front end surface of the insertion portion, and a nozzle protruding from the front end surface and spraying fluid toward the convex lens, the nozzle having one or more injection ports, and if the nozzle has one injection port, the injection port extends in an intersecting direction intersecting with the protruding direction of the convex lens, and of the two edges of the injection port opposite to each other in the protruding direction, at least one edge close to the front end of the nozzle is convex in the protruding direction, and if the nozzle has multiple injection ports, the multiple injection ports are formed along the intersecting direction, and tangents from the front end side of the nozzle to each of the multiple injection ports are convex and curved in the protruding direction.

[0014] In the present invention, if the nozzle has one jet port, then of the two edges of the jet port that are opposite to each other in the protruding direction, at least one edge close to the front end of the nozzle is convex in the protruding direction; and when the nozzle has multiple jet ports, the tangent lines that are connected to each of the multiple jet ports from the front end side of the nozzle are convex and curved in the protruding direction. Therefore, when the nozzle sprays air or water, the air or water is sprayed according to the curved surface shape of the surface of the convex lens, so that the convex lens can be fully and effectively cleaned.

[0015] [Effect of the Invention] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope that can fully and effectively clean a convex lens provided on the front end surface of an insertion portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 This is an external view of the endoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an external view of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an air and water supply nozzle of an endoscope according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV.

[0020] Figure 5 is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line VV.

[0021] Figure 6 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a case where the distal end surface of the endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a flat surface.

[0022] Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of an air and water supply nozzle of an endoscope according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of an air and water supply nozzle of an endoscope according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram of an air and water supply nozzle of an endoscope according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a modified example of the air and water supply nozzle.

[0026] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram of an air and water supply nozzle of an endoscope according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a modified example of the air and water supply nozzle.

[0028] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of an air and water supply nozzle of an endoscope according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] (Implementation Method 1)

[0031] Figure 1 1 is an external view of an endoscope 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The endoscope 10 according to this embodiment includes an insertion portion 14, an operation portion 20, a universal cord 25, and a connector portion 24. The operation portion 20 includes a button 201 and a bending knob 21 for receiving a user's operation, and a channel entrance 22 provided on a substantially cylindrical housing 205. A forceps plug 23 having an insertion port for inserting a treatment tool or the like is installed at the channel entrance 22.

[0032] The insertion part 14 is inserted into the body of the subject. The insertion part 14 is formed into an elongated cylindrical shape, and has a front end 13, a bending part 12, and a flexible part 11 in order from one end of the front end. That is, the front end 13, the bending part 12, and the flexible part 11 are located on the same axis. The other end of the insertion part 14 is connected to the operating part 20 via the bending stop 16. The bending part 12 is bent according to the operation of the bending knob 21.

[0033] The universal cord 25 is long and has one end connected to the operation unit 20 and the other end connected to the connector unit 24. The universal cord 25 is flexible. The connector unit 24 is connected to an endoscope processor, a light source device, a display device, and an air and water supply device, etc., which are not shown. By properly operating the operation unit 20, the cleaning fluid (air or water) sent through the connector unit 24 is sent to the front end 13 through the stop bend 16.

[0034] Figure 2 This is an external view of the distal end portion 13 of the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A is a perspective view of the front end portion 13, Figure 2 B is a cross-sectional view of arrow B. The axial direction of the distal end portion 13 (insertion portion 14) is hereinafter referred to as the Z direction. Figure 2 In B, a plane perpendicular to the Z direction (XY plane) is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0035] The front end portion 13 is substantially elliptical when viewed from an axial cross section, i.e., from an X-direction or Y-direction cross section, and its front end protrudes in the Z direction and forms a substantially conical shape. An objective lens 132 (convex lens), an air and water supply nozzle 140, and a channel outlet 18 are provided on a front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13.

[0036] In addition, the front end portion 13 has a cylindrical storage tube 19, in which an imaging element (not shown) is housed, etc., and the imaging element is used to capture the image light of the subject through the objective lens 132 and take an image, and the front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13 is extended from the edge of the storage tube 19. A delivery channel (not shown) for spraying air or water to the objective lens 132 through the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 is formed in the storage tube 19, the curved portion 12, and the flexible portion 11.

[0037] The objective lens 132 is a hemispherical convex lens that can correspond to a wide angle and is protruded in the Z direction at the approximate center of the front end face 131. In addition, an air supply and water supply nozzle 140 and a channel outlet 18 are provided around the objective lens 132 on the front end face 131.

[0038] The front end face 131 of the front end portion 13 is roughly conical in shape. The front end face 131 is an inclined surface extending from the circular edge portion of the objective lens 132 along its tangent direction, and an air supply and water supply nozzle 140 is installed on such an inclined surface (front end face 131), and a channel outlet 18 is formed. That is, the objective lens 132 is protrudingly arranged at the front end of the front end portion 13 along the Z direction, and the front end face 131 forms an inclined surface surrounding the edge portion of the objective lens 132, and the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 and the channel outlet 18 are arranged on the front end face 131 away from the objective lens 132.

[0039] Figure 3FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV is Figure 5 is along Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view taken along the VV line. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13 is shown by a single dotted line. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the figure, the Z direction is indicated by a hollow arrow, and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction (XY plane) is indicated by a double-dashed line.

[0040] The air and water supply nozzle 140 is inserted and fixed in a recess formed on the front end surface 131 and is closer to the operation unit 20 than the objective lens 132 (see Figure 2 The front end of the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 protrudes from the front end surface 131 in the Z direction. The air supply and water supply nozzle 140 sprays air or water toward the objective lens 132 along the front end surface 131 (see Figure 2 B). The air and water supply nozzle 140 is in the intersecting direction intersecting with the protruding direction of the objective lens 132, that is, Figure 2 Air or water is sprayed toward the objective lens 132 within a predetermined range in the direction of the arrow A (Y direction). The air and water supply nozzle 140 sprays air or water toward a range corresponding to the objective lens 132 or a range slightly wider than the range in the intersecting direction.

[0041] As shown above, since the viewing angle of the objective lens 132 is very wide (more than 180 degrees), if the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 is arranged at the same position as the objective lens 132 in the axial direction of the insertion portion 14, the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 will appear in the image captured by the objective lens 132. However, in the endoscope 10 involved in the first embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 is arranged closer to the operating portion 20 side than the objective lens 132, and therefore, the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 will not appear in the image captured by the objective lens 132, so it will not hinder the objective lens 132 from capturing.

[0042] The air supply and water supply nozzle 140 includes a cylinder 147 for air or water to flow, a cover 148 covering an open end of one side of the cylinder 147, an ejection portion 149 formed between the cylinder 147 and the cover 148, and a first guide wall 144 and a second guide wall 145 for guiding air or water from the cylinder 147 to the ejection portion 149. The cover 148, the ejection portion 149, the cylinder 147, the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 are integrally formed. Most of the air supply and water supply nozzle 140, except for the ejection portion 149, the cover 148, the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145, is inserted into the recessed portion of the front end face 131. That is, like the objective lens 132, the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 protrudes from the front end face 131 in the Z direction.

[0043] When viewed from the side of the opening 143 described below, the cover 148 is a deformed plate-shaped portion whose central portion is thinner in the protruding direction than other portions, and is arranged obliquely with respect to the length direction of the cylinder 147. An injection portion 149, a first guide wall 144, and a second guide wall 145 are provided at one end of the cylinder 147 on the side of the cover 148. The cylinder 147 has a connecting pipe portion 142 extending along the length direction of the cylinder 147 on the inner side. The connecting pipe portion 142 has a circular cross section, and transports air or water transported through the connector portion 24 and the stop bend portion 16 to the first guide wall 144, the second guide wall 145, and the injection portion 149. That is, the connecting pipe portion 142 is connected to the injection portion 149.

[0044] The jetting section 149 includes a jetting port 141 for jetting air or water. Air or water flows out from the connecting tube section 142 through the opening 143 on the cover section 148 side of the connecting tube section 142, is guided to the jetting port 141 by the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145, and is jetted toward the objective lens 132 through the jetting port 141.

[0045] When the jetting part 149 jets air or water, the central part of the jetted air or water in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) of the air and water supply nozzle 140 or the objective lens 132 from the front end surface 131 (or XY plane). In addition, hereinafter, the protruding direction of the air and water supply nozzle 140 may also be referred to as the protruding direction.

[0046] In the cylindrical portion 147, the end surface on the opening 143 side is inclined corresponding to the front end surface 131 (see Figure 4 ), a first guide wall 144 and a second guide wall 145 are provided on the end surface of the barrel 147. The first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 surround the opening 143, and only a portion of the objective lens 132 side is open. In addition, the cover 148 covers the opening 143 of the barrel 147 through the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145.

[0047] That is, around the opening 143 of the barrel 147, a cavity is formed by the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145, the cover 148, and the end face of the barrel 147 on the side of the opening 143, and the injection port 141 is formed by the open parts in the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145, the cover 148, and the end face of the barrel 147 on the side of the opening 143.

[0048] The first guide wall 144 is generally U-shaped and is disposed at a position away from the opening 143 in the radial direction of the opening 143. In addition, the second guide wall 145 is connected to both ends of the open side of the first guide wall 144 and extends to the injection port 141. The inner walls of the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 intersect with the end surface of the cylinder 147 on the side of the opening 143. Two inner wall portions of the first guide wall 144 that are opposite to each other are spaced the same distance from the opening 143 in the radial direction.

[0049] In addition, in the direction in which the injection port 141 and the opening 143 are arranged in parallel, the interval L between the two inner wall portions of the first guide wall 144 facing each other (refer to Figure 5 ) is constant. However, the interval L of the second guide wall 145 increases as it approaches the injection port 141. That is, the interval L extends from the boundary between the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 to the injection port 141.

[0050] The jet port 141 opens toward the objective lens 132 and is a substantially oblong shape with the cross direction as the major axis. That is, the jet port 141 extends along the XY plane in a direction intersecting the Z direction (see Figure 3 ). In the jet port 141, one of the two edges facing each other in the protruding direction (Z direction) is closer to the front end of the air and water supply nozzle 140 and is convex in the protruding direction, similar to the objective lens 132. On the other hand, the other edge of the two edges closer to the front end surface 131 is parallel to the XY plane (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0051] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the closer the injection port 141 is to the central portion 141a in the cross direction, the wider its opening width W is. Figure 4 As shown, the opening width W is a dimension from the edge of the one side to the edge of the other side of the injection port 141 .

[0052] In other words, in the Z direction perpendicular to the XY plane, a point on the edge of the ejection port 141 on the other side (refer to Figure 3 The dimension H (refer to the point P in FIG. Figure 4) is larger at the central portion 141a in the cross direction than at other portions. That is, in the cross direction, the injection port 141 is formed so that the closer to the central portion 141a, the larger its size H is.

[0053] Furthermore, in the cross direction, the concave corners of the two ends of the edge of the one side and the concave corners of the two ends of the edge of the other side of the jet port 141 are respectively R-chamfered. This can prevent the fluid from generating turbulence at the concave corners of the jet port 141, which leads to a decrease in the ejection pressure and thus reduces the cleaning effect.

[0054] Due to the above structure, the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to Embodiment 1 can spray air or water according to the shape of the objective lens 132 (convex lens). That is, in the endoscope 10 according to Embodiment 1, as described above, the jet port 141 is formed so that the opening width W in the protruding direction (Z direction) becomes wider as it approaches the central portion 141a, and the size H thereof becomes larger as it approaches the central portion 141a.

[0055] Therefore, when air or water is sprayed from the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 (spray port 141), the central portion of the sprayed air or water in the cross direction is higher than other portions in the protruding direction (Z direction) from the front end face 131 (or XY plane). That is, air or water is sprayed according to the curved surface shape of the surface of the objective lens 132 (convex lens). Therefore, the objective lens 132 can be fully and effectively cleaned.

[0056] The Coanda effect is known in which a fluid flowing near a wall surface is attracted to the wall surface due to the effect of fluid viscosity. Due to this Coanda effect, the air or water ejected from the ejection port 141 flows along the surface (curved surface) of the objective lens 132 .

[0057] In addition, as described above, the endoscope 10 involved in the first embodiment adopts the objective lens 132 (convex lens) to adapt to the wide angle, so the central part of the captured image is magnified. That is, in the captured image, the proportion of the partial image obtained through the central part of the objective lens 132 is greater than the proportion of the partial image obtained through the peripheral part other than the central part. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on cleaning the central part of the objective lens 132.

[0058] In contrast, in the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment, as described above, the closer the jet port 141 is to the central portion 141a, the wider its opening width W is, so that the amount of air or water jetted in the central portion is greater. Therefore, the central portion of the objective lens 132 can be cleaned intensively, and a better captured image can be obtained.

[0059] On the other hand, the air or water flowing out of the opening 143 will diffuse when passing through the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145. However, due to the inevitable generation of R (curved surface) during the manufacturing process, vortices of air or water with vectors in different directions will be formed between the first guide wall 144 and the cover 148, and between the first guide wall 144 and the end surface of the opening 143 side of the cylinder 147. Once the vortex is formed, it will cause loss, resulting in a reduction in the cleaning ability of the air or water.

[0060] In contrast, in the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment, as described above, the interval L between the two inner wall portions facing each other is configured to be constant at the first guide wall 144, but to expand from the boundary between the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 toward the injection port 141. Due to such a structure, in the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment, after the air or water is rectified toward the direction of the objective lens 132 at the boundary between the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145, it flows toward the second guide wall 145 and diffuses. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the formation of eddy currents by the air or water, and prevent the cleaning ability of the air or water from being reduced.

[0061] In the above description, the case where the distal end surface 131 has a substantially conical shape, that is, is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 14 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0062] Figure 6 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a case where the front end surface 131A is a flat surface in the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As shown, when the front end surface 131A is a flat surface, the air and water supply nozzle 140 can of course also achieve the above-mentioned effects.

[0063] (Implementation Method 2)

[0064] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13 is shown by a single dotted line. Figure 7 In the figure, the Z direction is indicated by a hollow arrow, and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction (XY plane) is indicated by a double-dashed line.

[0065] Similar to the first embodiment, the air and water supply nozzle 140 has a barrel 147, a jet portion 149, a cover 148, a first guide wall 144 and a second guide wall 145, and the cover 148, the jet portion 149, the barrel 147, the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 are integrally formed.

[0066] The ejection part 149 is a part including an ejection port 141A for ejecting air or water. When ejecting air or water, the ejection part 149 ejects air or water so that the central part of the ejected air or water in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) of the air and water supply nozzle 140 (or the objective lens 132) from the front end surface 131 (or XY plane).

[0067] The injection unit 149 of the second embodiment has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, but the shape of the injection port 141A is different.

[0068] The jet port 141A opens toward the objective lens 132 and is in a substantially oblong shape extending in the cross direction, forming an inverted V shape. In the jet port 141A, of the two opposite edges in the protruding direction (Z direction), one edge closer to the front end of the air and water supply nozzle 140 is convex in the protruding direction, like the objective lens 132. In addition, the other edge closer to the front end face 131 is also convex in the protruding direction, like the one edge (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 ). The opening width W1 of the injection port 141A in the protruding direction is constant in the intersecting direction.

[0069] Furthermore, in the protruding direction (Z direction) from a point on the other edge of the ejection port 141A (refer to Figure 7 The dimension H1 (refer to Figure 7 The injection port 141A is larger at the central portion 141a in the intersecting direction than at other portions (see dashed arrow in the middle). More specifically, the injection port 141A is formed so that the size H1 thereof increases as it approaches the central portion 141a in the intersecting direction.

[0070] exist Figure 7 In the example, the case where the point (point P) is located closest to the front end surface 131 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0071] With the above configuration, the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the second embodiment can spray air or water in accordance with the curved surface shape of the objective lens 132 (convex lens).

[0072] That is, in the endoscope 10 according to the second embodiment, as described above, the injection port 141A is formed so that the size H1 thereof increases as it approaches the central portion 141 a .

[0073] Therefore, when the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 (injection port 141A) sprays air or water, the air or water sprayed from the central part in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) from the front end face 131 (or XY plane). That is, the air or water is sprayed according to the curved surface shape of the surface of the objective lens 132 (convex lens). Therefore, the objective lens 132 can be fully and effectively cleaned.

[0074] The same parts as those in Implementation 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0075] (Implementation 3)

[0076] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13 is shown by a single dotted line. Figure 8 In the figure, the Z direction is indicated by a hollow arrow, and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction (XY plane) is indicated by a double-dashed line.

[0077] Similar to the first embodiment, the air and water supply nozzle 140 has a barrel 147, a jet portion 149, a cover 148, a first guide wall 144 and a second guide wall 145, and the cover 148, the jet portion 149, the barrel 147, the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 are integrally formed.

[0078] The ejection part 149 is a part including an ejection port 141B for ejecting air or water. When ejecting air or water, the ejection part 149 ejects air or water so that the central part of the ejected air or water in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) of the air and water supply nozzle 140 (or the objective lens 132) from the front end surface 131 (or the XY plane).

[0079] The injection portion 149 of the third embodiment has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, but the shape of the injection port 141B is different.

[0080] The jet port 141B opens toward the objective lens 132 and is in a substantially oblong shape extending in the cross direction, forming an arc shape. In the jet port 141B, of the two opposite edges in the protruding direction (Z direction), one edge closer to the front end of the air and water supply nozzle 140 is the same as the objective lens 132 and is convex in the protruding direction. In addition, the other edge closer to the front end face 131 is also convex in the protruding direction like the one edge (refer to Figure 8 ). The opening width W2 of the ejection port 141B in the protruding direction is constant in the intersecting direction.

[0081] Furthermore, a point on the other edge of the ejection port 141B in the protruding direction (Z direction) of the ejection port 141B (refer to Figure 8 The dimension H2 (refer to Figure 8 The injection port 141B is larger at the central portion 141a in the intersection direction than at other portions (see dashed arrow in the middle). More specifically, the injection port 141B is formed so that the size H2 thereof increases as it approaches the central portion 141a in the intersection direction.

[0082] exist Figure 8 In the example, the case where the point (point P) is located closest to the front end surface 131 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0083] With the above configuration, the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the third embodiment can spray air or water in accordance with the curved surface shape of the objective lens 132 (convex lens).

[0084] That is, in the endoscope 10 according to the third embodiment, as described above, the injection port 141B is formed so that the size H2 thereof increases as it approaches the central portion 141 a .

[0085] Therefore, when the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 (injection port 141B) sprays air or water, the air or water sprayed from the central part in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) from the front end face 131 (or XY plane). That is, the air or water is sprayed according to the curved surface shape of the surface of the objective lens 132 (convex lens). Therefore, the objective lens 132 can be fully and effectively cleaned.

[0086] The same parts as those in Implementation 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0087] (Implementation 4)

[0088] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13 is indicated by a single dotted line. Fig. 9 In the figure, the Z direction is indicated by a hollow arrow, and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction (XY plane) is indicated by a double-dashed line.

[0089] Similar to the first embodiment, the air and water supply nozzle 140 has a barrel 147, a jet portion 149, a cover 148, a first guide wall 144 and a second guide wall 145, and the cover 148, the jet portion 149, the barrel 147, the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 are integrally formed.

[0090] The injection portion 149 has two injection ports 141C for injecting air or water, and is a portion including the two injection ports 141C and a space between the two injection ports 141C.

[0091] When the ejection unit 149 ejects air or water, the ejected air or water is ejected from the central portion in the cross direction higher than other portions in the protruding direction (Z direction) of the air and water supply nozzle 140 (or the objective lens 132) from the front end surface 131 (or the XY plane). The ejection unit 149 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, but is different from it in that it has two ejection ports 141C, and the shape of the ejection ports 141C is also different.

[0092] The two injection ports 141C are arranged in parallel in the intersecting direction. Fig. 9 The solid line T) is convexly curved in the protruding direction in the same manner as the objective lens 132.

[0093] Each jet port 141C opens toward the objective lens 132 and has a substantially oval shape extending in the intersecting direction and forms an arc shape. In addition, the opening width W3 of each jet port 141C in the protruding direction (Z direction) is constant in the intersecting direction.

[0094] Furthermore, each injection port 141C is formed so that the one end portion 141b closer to the other injection port 141C is formed from a point on the edge of the front end surface 131 in the protruding direction (see Fig. 9 The dimension H3 (reference point P) to the opposite side edge Fig. 9 The larger the dashed arrow).

[0095] exist Fig. 9 In the example, the case where the point (point P) is located closest to the front end surface 131 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0096] Furthermore, the two injection ports 141C are arranged on the same arc. That is, the line connecting the middle position of the edge of the cover portion 148 and the edge of the front end surface 131 of each injection port 141C (see Fig. 9 The dotted line (shown in FIG. 14A ) forms an arc whose center is outside the ejection port 141C. In addition, such an arc may also have the same curvature radius as the objective lens 132.

[0097] The air or water ejected from the two ejection ports 141C diffuses in the intersection direction and partially intersects. Due to the wall adhesion effect where the fluid flowing near the wall surface is attracted to the wall surface due to the influence of the fluid viscosity, the air or water ejected from each ejection port 141C flows along the surface (curved surface) of the objective lens 132 after intersecting with each other.

[0098] With the above configuration, the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the fourth embodiment can spray air or water in accordance with the curved surface shape of the objective lens 132 (convex lens).

[0099] That is, in the endoscope 10 according to the fourth embodiment, as described above, each injection port 141C is formed so that the dimension H3 thereof increases as the one end portion 141b on the side of the other injection port 141C becomes closer.

[0100] Therefore, when the two jet ports 141C are jetting air or water, the central portion of the jetted air or water in the cross direction is higher than other portions in the protruding direction (Z direction) from the front end face 131 (or XY plane). That is, the air or water is jetted according to the curved surface shape of the surface of the object lens 132 (convex lens). Therefore, the object lens 132 can be fully and effectively cleaned.

[0101] The same parts as those in Implementation 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0102] (Variation Example)

[0103] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a modified example of the air and water supply nozzle 140. Fig.10 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13 is shown by a single dotted line. Fig.10 In the figure, the Z direction is indicated by a hollow arrow, and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction (XY plane) is indicated by a double-dashed line.

[0104] The injection portion 149 in the air and water supply nozzle 140 according to the present modification has two injection ports 141D for injecting air or water, and is a portion including the two injection ports 141D and a space between the two injection ports 141D.

[0105] When the injection part 149 injects air or water, the central part of the injected air or water in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) of the air and water supply nozzle 140 (or the objective lens 132) from the front end surface 131 (or XY plane).

[0106] The two injection ports 141D are arranged in parallel in the intersecting direction. Fig.10 The solid line T) is convexly curved in the protruding direction (Z direction) in the same manner as the objective lens 132.

[0107] Each jet port 141D opens toward the objective lens 132 and has a substantially arc shape. The jet port 141D has a shape different from the jet port 141C. The closer each jet port 141D is to one end 141b on the side of the other jet port 141D, the wider its opening width W4 in the protruding direction.

[0108] Furthermore, in each of the injection ports 141D, the end portion 141b closer to the other injection ports 141D is formed from a point on the edge of the front end surface 131 in the protruding direction (see Fig.10 Dimension H4 (reference Fig.10 The larger the dashed arrow).

[0109] exist Fig.10 In the example, the case where the point (point P) is located closest to the front end surface 131 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0110] Furthermore, the two injection ports 141D may be arranged on the same arc, and such an arc may have the same curvature radius as the objective lens 132 .

[0111] Due to the above structure, the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 of this modification example is Fig. 9 The air and water supply nozzle 140 is the same, and can spray air or water according to the curved surface shape of the objective lens 132 (convex lens) to achieve the same effect.

[0112] Furthermore, in the air and water supply nozzle 140 involved in this modification, as described above, the opening width W4 of each jet port 141D is wider the closer to one end 141b on the side of the other jet port 141D, so the amount of air or water sprayed in the central portion becomes larger. Therefore, the central portion of the objective lens 132 can be focused on cleaning, and a better captured image can be obtained.

[0113] The same parts as those in Implementation 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0114] (Implementation method 5)

[0115] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13 is shown by a single dotted line. Fig.11 In the figure, the Z direction is indicated by a hollow arrow, and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction (XY plane) is indicated by a double-dashed line.

[0116] Similar to the first embodiment, the air and water supply nozzle 140 has a barrel 147, a jet portion 149, a cover 148, a first guide wall 144 and a second guide wall 145, and the cover 148, the jet portion 149, the barrel 147, the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 are integrally formed.

[0117] The injection unit 149 has three or more injection ports 141E for injecting air or water, and is a portion including the three or more injection ports 141E and spaces between the injection ports 141E.

[0118] When the injection part 149 injects air or water, the central part of the injected air or water in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) of the air and water supply nozzle 140 (or the objective lens 132) from the front end surface 131 (or XY plane).

[0119] The injection unit 149 has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, but is different from the first embodiment in that it has three or more injection ports 141E, and the shape of the injection ports 141E is also different. For convenience of description, the following description will be made by taking the case where there are five injection ports 141E as an example.

[0120] The five injection ports 141E are arranged in parallel in the cross direction. Fig.11 The solid line T) is convexly curved in the protruding direction (Z direction) in the same manner as the objective lens 132.

[0121] Furthermore, each injection port 141E opens toward the objective lens 132 and has a circular shape. Each injection port 141E has the same size.

[0122] In addition, the five injection ports 141E are arranged such that the injection ports 141E closer to the center side in the parallel arrangement direction (cross direction) have a smaller size H5 (see Fig.11 The dimension H5 is a value obtained by measuring the distance from a point on the edge of the front end surface 131 of any one of the injection ports 141E in the protruding direction (Z direction) (see Fig.11 The dimension is from the point P of the nozzle 141 to the edge of the opposite side of each injection port 141E, that is, the edge of the front end side of the air supply and water supply nozzle 140. Fig.11 In the example of FIG. 1 , the size H5 of the injection port 141EC located in the center among the five injection ports 141E is the largest.

[0123] exist Fig.11 In the example, the case where the point (point P) is located closest to the front end surface 131 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0124] Furthermore, the five injection ports 141E are arranged on the same arc. That is, the line connecting the centers of the injection ports 141E (see Fig.11 The dotted line (shown in FIG. 141 ) forms an arc whose center is outside the ejection port 141E. In addition, such an arc may also have the same curvature radius as the objective lens 132.

[0125] In addition, due to the above-mentioned Coanda effect, the air or water ejected from each ejection port 141E will flow along the surface (curved surface) of the objective lens 132 after intersecting with each other.

[0126] With the above configuration, the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the fifth embodiment can spray air or water in accordance with the curved surface shape of the objective lens 132 (convex lens).

[0127] That is, in the endoscope 10 according to the fifth embodiment, as described above, the injection ports 141E are provided so that the size H5 thereof increases as the injection ports 141E are closer to the center side injection port 141E in the parallel arrangement direction.

[0128] Therefore, the central part of the air or water sprayed in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) from the front end face 131 (or XY plane). That is, the air or water is sprayed according to the curved surface shape of the surface of the object lens 132 (convex lens). Therefore, the object lens 132 can be fully and effectively cleaned.

[0129] In the above, the case where there are five injection ports 141E is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of injection ports 141E may be three to four, or six or more.

[0130] The same parts as those in Implementation 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0131] (Variation Example)

[0132] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 A schematic diagram of a modified example of the air and water supply nozzle 140. Fig.12 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13 is indicated by a single dotted line. Fig.12 In the figure, the Z direction is indicated by a hollow arrow, and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction (XY plane) is indicated by a double-dashed line.

[0133] The injection portion 149 of the air and water supply nozzle 140 according to the present modification has five injection ports 141F for injecting air or water, and is a portion including the five injection ports 141F and the spaces between the injection ports 141F.

[0134] When the injection part 149 injects air or water, the central part of the injected air or water in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) of the air and water supply nozzle 140 (or the objective lens 132) from the front end surface 131 (or XY plane).

[0135] The five injection ports 141F are arranged in parallel in the cross direction. Fig.12 The solid line T) is convexly curved in the protruding direction (Z direction) similarly to the objective lens 132. Furthermore, each injection port 141F opens toward the objective lens 132 and has a circular shape.

[0136] In addition, the five injection ports 141F have different sizes. The five injection ports 141F are configured such that the closer the injection port 141F is to the center side, the larger the size is. That is, the closer the five injection ports 141F are to the center side injection port 141F, the larger the radius is. Fig.12 In the example of FIG. 1 , the injection port 141FC located in the center among the five injection ports 141F is the largest.

[0137] Furthermore, the five injection ports 141F are arranged such that the injection ports 141F closer to the center side in the parallel arrangement direction (cross direction) have a smaller size H6 (see Fig.12 The dimension H6 is the value obtained from a point on the edge of the front end surface 131 of any injection port 141F in the protruding direction (Z direction) (see Fig.12 The dimension is from the point P of the nozzle 141 to the edge of the opposite side of each injection port 141F, that is, the edge of the front end side of the air supply and water supply nozzle 140. Fig.12 In the example of FIG. 1 , the size H6 of the injection port 141FC located in the center among the five injection ports 141F is the largest.

[0138] exist Fig.12 In the example, the case where the point (point P) is located closest to the front end surface 131 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0139] In addition, the five injection ports 141F may be arranged on the same arc, and such an arc may have the same curvature radius as the objective lens 132 .

[0140] Due to the above structure, the air supply and water supply nozzle 140 of this modification example is also Fig.11The air and water supply nozzle 140 is the same, and can spray air or water according to the curved surface shape of the objective lens 132 (convex lens) to achieve the same effect.

[0141] Furthermore, in the air and water supply nozzle 140 involved in this modification, as described above, the closer the five jet ports 141F are to the jet ports 141F on the central side, the larger their radius is, so the amount of air or water sprayed in the central portion becomes larger. Therefore, the central portion of the objective lens 132 can be cleaned intensively, and a better captured image can be obtained.

[0142] The same parts as those in Implementation 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0143] (Implementation 6)

[0144] Fig.13 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the air and water supply nozzle 140 of the endoscope 10 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the front end surface 131 of the front end portion 13 is indicated by a single dotted line. Fig.13 In the figure, the Z direction is indicated by a hollow arrow, and the plane perpendicular to the Z direction (XY plane) is indicated by a double-dashed line.

[0145] Similar to the first embodiment, the air and water supply nozzle 140 has a barrel 147, a jet portion 149, a cover 148, a first guide wall 144 and a second guide wall 145, and the cover 148, the jet portion 149, the barrel 147, the first guide wall 144 and the second guide wall 145 are integrally formed.

[0146] The ejection part 149 is a part including an ejection port 141G for ejecting air or water. When ejecting air or water, the ejection part 149 ejects air or water so that the central part of the ejected air or water in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) of the air and water supply nozzle 140 (or the objective lens 132) from the front end surface 131 (or XY plane).

[0147] The injection unit 149 of the sixth embodiment has the same structure as that of the first embodiment, but the shape of the injection port 141G is different.

[0148] The injection port 141G opens toward the objective lens 132 and has a substantially oval shape with the intersecting direction as the major axis. In the injection port 141G, one edge is formed convex in the protruding direction like the objective lens 132, and the other edge is parallel to the XY plane.

[0149] In addition, the closer the injection port 141G is to the center portion 141a in the intersecting direction, the wider its opening width W5 is. The opening width W5 is a dimension from the edge on one side to the edge on the other side of the injection port 141G.

[0150] Furthermore, both ends of the injection port 141G in the intersection direction are formed into a semicircular arc shape. That is, in the injection port 141G, the edges of both ends are bent into a semicircular shape without sharp corners.

[0151] Due to the above structure, in the endoscope 10 involved in Embodiment 6, when air or water is sprayed, the central part of the sprayed air or water in the cross direction is higher than other parts in the protruding direction (Z direction) from the front end surface 131 (or XY plane). That is, the air or water is sprayed according to the curved surface shape of the surface of the objective lens 132 (convex lens). Therefore, the objective lens 132 can be fully and effectively cleaned.

[0152] In the endoscope 10 according to the sixth embodiment, as described above, the two ends of the injection port 141G form a semicircular arc shape, thereby suppressing the loss of ejection pressure caused by turbulence generated at the two ends of the injection port 141G, and effectively ejecting the fluid onto the objective lens 132.

[0153] The same parts as those in Implementation 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0154] The technical features (structural requirements) described in Embodiments 1 to 6 can be combined with each other, and new technical features can be formed by combination.

[0155] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims rather than the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0156] Description of Reference Numerals

[0157] 10: endoscope; 14: insertion part; 131, 131A: front end surface; 132: objective lens; 140: air and water supply nozzle; 141, 141A~141F: injection port; 141a: central part; 141b: one end; 149: injection part; H, H1~H6: size; P: one point; T: tangent; W, W1~W5: opening width.

Claims

1. An endoscope, wherein: The endoscope includes a convex lens protruding from a front end surface of an insertion portion, and a nozzle protruding from the front end surface and spraying a fluid toward the convex lens. The nozzle has one or more injection ports. When the nozzle has one injection port, The injection port extends in a cross direction intersecting with the protruding direction of the convex lens, and of two edges of the injection port opposite to each other in the protruding direction, at least one edge close to the front end of the nozzle is convex in the protruding direction. When the nozzle has a plurality of injection ports, The plurality of injection ports are formed along the intersecting direction, A tangent line from the front end side of the nozzle to each of the plurality of injection ports is curved convexly in the protruding direction.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: When the nozzle has one injection port, A dimension of the injection port from a point on the other edge to the one edge is larger in the central portion in the intersecting direction than in other portions.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The closer the injection port is to the central portion, the wider the opening width of the injection port in the protruding direction.

4. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The other edge of the ejection port is convex in the protruding direction.

5. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The injection port is in an inverted V shape, and the opening width of the injection port in the protruding direction is constant.

6. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The injection port has an arc shape, and an opening width of the injection port in the protruding direction is constant.

7. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle has two injection ports formed along the intersection direction. In each ejection port, the dimension from a point on the edge of the front end surface in the protruding direction to the opposite side edge increases as one end portion is closer to the other ejection ports.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein: The two injection ports are arranged on the same arc.

9. The endoscope according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The closer to the one end portion, the wider the opening width of each injection port in the protruding direction.

10. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The nozzle has three or more injection ports formed along the intersection direction. The dimension from a point on the edge of the front end surface of any one of the ejection ports in the protruding direction to the edge on the front end side of the nozzle of each ejection port is larger as the ejection port is closer to the center.

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein: The three or more injection ports are arranged on the same arc.

12. The endoscope according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The closer the three or more injection ports are to the central injection port, the larger the size of the injection ports.

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