Endoscope

Abstract

An endoscope (9) is provided with a nozzle (10) that efficiently discharges a fluid to a wide range. An endoscope (9) is provided with an observation window (20) and a nozzle (10) at the tip (3A) of an insertion part (3), the nozzle (10) being provided with a flow path (L10) having an opening (O10) through which a fluid is discharged toward the observation window (20), the flow path (L10) including: a first flow path (L10A) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion part (3), a second flow path (L10B) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion part (3), and a third flow path (L10C) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion part (3); and a second flow path (L10B) that communicates with the first flow path (L10A) and is curved in the direction of the opening (O10), an outer inner surface (10S) of the second flow path (L10B) on the outer side in the bending direction has a first surface (10S1), a second surface (10S2), and a ridge section (10S3) that is sandwiched between the end sides of the first surface (10S1) and the second surface (10S2) and that is continuous in the direction in which the first surface (10S1) and the second surface (10S2) extend.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope having a nozzle for ejecting a fluid on a front end surface of an insertion portion. Background Art

[0002] An endoscope widely used in the medical field or the like has an elongated insertion portion that is inserted into a subject. An observation window of an imaging unit is disposed on a distal end surface of the insertion portion.

[0003] If dirt adheres to the observation window, observation will be hindered. Therefore, in order to remove dirt adhered to the observation window, a nozzle for ejecting fluid is provided near the observation window on the front end face. The nozzle bends the flow direction of the fluid supplied from the flow path in the length direction of the insertion part (the direction perpendicular to the front end face) by 90 degrees and ejects it into the observation window.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-244221 discloses a nozzle whose cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path continuously decreases toward an opening and whose upper surface is an inclined arc surface so that the fluid ejected from the nozzle is evenly supplied to the entire observation window.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-244221 Summary of the invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] In recent years, the diameter of the insertion part has been continuously reduced for the purpose of reducing trauma, and the area of ​​the observation window has become larger than the area of ​​the front end surface. However, since the area of ​​the front end surface is small, it is not easy to increase the opening width of the nozzle. Therefore, it is desired that the fluid ejected from the nozzle is wider than the opening width of the nozzle and efficiently flows to the entire surface of the observation window.

[0010] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an endoscope having a nozzle that can efficiently eject a fluid over a wide range.

[0011] Means for solving problems

[0012] An endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with an observation window and a nozzle at the front end of an insertion portion, the nozzle having a flow path with an opening for ejecting fluid toward the observation window, the flow path comprising: a first flow path parallel to the length direction of the insertion portion; and a second flow path connected to the first flow path and bent in the direction of the opening, the outer inner surface of the outer side of the bending direction of the second flow path having a first surface, a second surface and a ridge, the ridge being sandwiched between the respective end edges of the first surface and the second surface and connected along the extension direction.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope having a nozzle that can efficiently eject a fluid over a wide range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of an endoscope system including the endoscope according to the embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a front view of the front end portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5A It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the IVA-IVA line.

[0020] Figure 5B It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the IVB-IVB line.

[0021] Figure 5C It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the IVC-IVC line.

[0022] Figure 5D It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the IVD-IVD line.

[0023] Figure 5E It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the IVE-IVE line.

[0024] Fig. 5F It is along Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of an IVF-IVF line.

[0025] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 It is a front view of a flow path of a nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment.

[0027] Figure 8 It is a top view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to an embodiment.

[0028] Fig. 9 This is a perspective view of a flow path of a nozzle of a conventional endoscope.

[0029] Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example.

[0030] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example.

[0031] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example.

[0032] Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example.

[0033] Description of symbols

[0034] 3: Insertion part;

[0035] 3A: front end;

[0036] 3SA: front face;

[0037] 6: Endoscopic system;

[0038] 9, 9A-9D: endoscope;

[0039] 10, 10A~10D: nozzle;

[0040] 10L: flow path;

[0041] 10S: inner surface;

[0042] 10S1: first side;

[0043] 10S2: second side;

[0044] 10S3: third surface (ridge);

[0045] 10S4: side 4;

[0046] 20: Observation window. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, an endoscope 9 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] In addition, the drawings based on each embodiment are schematic. The relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the thickness of each part, and the relative angle are different from reality. The drawings also include the relationship between the lengths and the parts with different ratios. In addition, the illustration of a part of the components is sometimes omitted. The front end side of the length direction of the insertion portion is referred to as "upper".

[0049] <Endoscope>

[0050] like Figure 1As shown, the endoscope 9 of the embodiment constitutes an endoscope system 6 together with a processor 5A and a monitor 5B.

[0051] The endoscope 9 includes an insertion portion 3, a grip portion 4 disposed at the base end of the insertion portion 3, a universal cable 4B extending from the grip portion 4, and a connector 4C disposed at the base end of the universal cable 4B. The insertion portion 3 includes a front end portion 3A, a bending portion 3B extending from the front end portion 3A, and a soft portion 3C extending from the bending portion 3B. The bending portion 3B for changing the direction of the front end portion 3A is bendable. The grip portion 4 is provided with an angle knob 4A for the operator to operate the bending portion 3B.

[0052] The universal cable 4B is connected to the processor 5A via the connector 4C. The processor 5A controls the entire endoscope system 6, performs signal processing on the imaging signal, and outputs an image signal. The monitor 5B displays the image signal output by the processor 5A as an endoscope image.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the nozzle 10, the observation window 20 and the lighting window 30 are provided on the front end surface 3SA of the front end portion 3A of the endoscope 9. Figure 3 As shown, the front end face of the optical system 20A that converges the subject image is the observation window 20. The optical axis OA of the optical system 20A including a plurality of lenses is located at the center point C20 of the observation window 20. The subject image converged by the optical system 20A is converted into an imaging signal by an imaging element such as a CCD not shown in the figure, and is transmitted to the processor 5A. The nozzle 10 constitutes a flow path L10 having an opening O10 for ejecting a fluid toward the observation window 20. The nozzle 10 ejects a fluid to clean the observation window 20. The fluid is, for example, water or air. The illumination window 30 is the front end face of the illumination optical system that illuminates the observation area.

[0054] The observation window 20 is parallel to the front face 3SA and perpendicular to the optical axis OA. Figure 3 In the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIG. 1 , the Z axis (vertical direction) is the longitudinal direction of the distal end portion 3A of the insertion portion 3. The observation window 20 located in the XY plane is perpendicular to the Z axis. Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view on the XZ plane which is a virtual plane including the center line C10L of the flow path L10 , the center point C10 of the opening O10 , and the center point C20 of the observation window 20 .

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the observation window 20 of the endoscope 9 is located on the same plane as the front end surface 3SA, but the observation window 20 may be surrounded by an annular slope and protrude from the front end surface 3SA. A part of the fluid may be ejected from the nozzle 10 toward the slope surrounding the observation window 20 .

[0056] <Nozzle>

[0057] The nozzle 10 is connected to the air and water supply pipe 15 inserted into the insertion part 3 using a tube 14. The nozzle 10 is made of metal or hard resin. The nozzle 10 is made, for example, by using a metal cylinder as a base material and forming the flow path L10 by cutting. The nozzle 10 can also be made by injection molding or by using a 3D printer. In addition, the nozzle 10 can also be composed of a plurality of parts. The through hole of the front end hard component 31 constituting the front end portion 3A can also be used as a part of the flow path L10 of the nozzle 10. The nozzle 10 can also be formed by making a part of the front end hard component 31 protrude from the front end surface 3SA.

[0058] The flow path L10 includes a first flow path L10A, a second flow path L10B, and a third flow path L10C. The center line C10L of the flow path L10 is a line connecting the center of gravity points G of the plurality of cross sections of the flow path L10.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the first flow path L10A is parallel to the length direction (Z axis) of the insertion portion 3, that is, perpendicular to the front end surface 3SA. The second flow path L10B is connected to the first flow path L10A and is bent 90 degrees in the direction of the opening O10. The third flow path L10C is connected to the second flow path L10B and has an opening O10. The third flow path L10C is perpendicular to the length direction (Z axis) of the insertion portion 3, that is, parallel to the front end surface 3SA. The third flow path L10C can also be inclined in such a way that the inner inner surface and / or the outer inner surface approaches the front end surface 3SA as it moves from the connecting portion connected to the second flow path L10B toward the opening O10.

[0060] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path L10A is circular. FIG. 5B to FIG. 5E As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the second flow path L10B changes continuously. The flow path width WL10 of the flow path L10 is the largest inner dimension in the cross section perpendicular to the center line C10L.

[0061] For example, Figure 5D As shown, the outer inner surface 10S on the outer side of the bending direction of the second flow path L10B has a first surface 10S1, a second surface 10S2, and a third surface 10S3. The first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are flat surfaces.

[0062] The third surface 10S3 is sandwiched between the end sides of the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 and is an elongated ridge portion along the extending direction of the second flow path L10B.

[0063] The third surface 10S3 is a curved surface as a rounded corner area, and the center line 10S3L of the third surface 10S3 (center line of the ridge) is located on the XZ plane (reference Figure 3), the XZ plane is a virtual plane including the center line C10L of the flow path L10, the center point C10 of the opening O10, and the center point C20 of the observation window 20.

[0064] The intersection angle θ between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is Figure 5D The position shown is the minimum value, for example, 120 degrees. Moreover, the intersection angle θ is increased from the position where the intersection angle θ is the minimum ( Figure 5D ) increases continuously toward the opening O10.

[0065] The intersection angle θ is 180 degrees at the connection portion with the third flow path L10C. At the connection portion between the second flow path L10B and the third flow path L10C, the first surface 10S1, the second surface 10S2 and the third surface 10S3 are located in the XY plane, and their cross sections form a straight line.

[0066] like Fig. 5F As shown, the shape of the opening O10 is a racetrack shape, that is, a substantially rectangular shape with a short side being a semicircle. The third flow path L10C is the same racetrack shape as the opening O10. The shape of the opening O10 may also be a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners at the four corners.

[0067] The flow path L10 may not include the third flow path L10C. That is, the second flow path L10B may have the opening O10.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, the position where the intersection angle θ is the smallest ( Figure 5D ) is the middle position of the large bend, that is, the angle θM is greater than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees relative to the front end surface 3SA (refer to Figure 4 ) intersect.

[0069] The intersection angle θ is at its maximum value (180 degrees) near the opening O10. Figure 5D The location of the sharp bend shown is the minimum, such as Figure 5E As shown, the intersection angle θ increases as approaching the opening O10 .

[0070] The minimum value of the intersection angle θ is preferably greater than 60 degrees and less than 150 degrees. When the minimum value of the intersection angle θ is within the above range, the nozzle 10 can efficiently eject the fluid in the width direction of the opening O10 without increasing the outer dimensions.

[0071] In addition, the second flow path L10B cannot be said to have three faces (first face 10S1, second face 10S2, third face 10S3) in the region close to the first flow path L10A. In other words, it is difficult to distinguish the three faces (first face 10S1, second face 10S2, third face 10S3). However, the second flow path L10B has three faces on the outer inner surface 10S outside the bending direction at least from the position where the intersection angle θ is the smallest toward the opening O10.

[0072] In addition, from the position where at least the intersection angle θ of the second flow path L10B is the smallest to the third flow path L10C, the inner inner surface on the inner side of the bending direction, that is, the fourth surface 10S4 is a plane. The first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are connected to the fourth surface 10S4 via the curved surface. The first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 may also include a curved surface as long as they are flat at least near the third surface 10S3.

[0073] The cross-sectional shape of the third flow channel L10C perpendicular to the flow channel center line is the same racetrack shape as the opening O10. That is, the fourth surface 10S4 is a flat surface.

[0074] To be arranged on the narrow front end surface 3SA, the opening O10 of the nozzle 10 has an opening width W10A as small as, for example, 50% of the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20. The opening width W10A is the maximum dimension in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the center line C10L, that is, perpendicular to the XZ plane as an imaginary plane.

[0075] Figures 6 to 8 denoted by φ 10, i.e., the shape of the flow path L10. Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the fluid having passed through the first flow path L10A bends its flow direction by approximately 90 degrees while ascending along the second flow path L10B, and is ejected in a direction approximately parallel to the front end surface 3SA via the third flow path L10C.

[0076] In the endoscope 9 with a small front end surface 3SA, the opening width W10A of the opening O10 of the nozzle 10 is, for example, 50% of the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20. To eject the fluid to the entire surface of the observation window 20, the flow path width WL10 of the second flow path L10B of the nozzle 10 continuously increases toward the opening O10.

[0077] That is, Figure 8As shown, regarding the second flow path L10B, its flow path width WL10 continuously increases from at least the position where the intersection angle θ is the smallest to the connecting portion connected to the third flow path L10C. The flow path width WL10 of the third flow path L10C also continuously increases from the connecting portion connected to the second flow path L10B to the opening O10. In this case, the third flow path L10C is regarded as a part of the second flow path L10B. In other words, the flow path L10 may not include the third flow path L10C.

[0078] Therefore, the fluid ejected from the opening O10 is ejected over a wide range. In order to eject the fluid over a wide range, the opening width W10A is preferably greater than 10% and less than 70% of the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20 .

[0079] Alternatively, the flow channel width WL10 of the third flow channel L10C may be constant. In this case, the fluid is ejected into a narrower range than when the flow channel width WL10 is increased.

[0080] In addition, the cross-sectional shapes of the first flow path L10A, the second flow path L10B, and the third flow path L10C are greatly different, but the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L10 does not increase or decrease significantly. The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L10 is preferably less than 150% of the minimum cross-sectional area, and particularly preferably less than 125%. If the cross-sectional area is less than the above range, the pressure loss of the flow path L10 is small, and the nozzle 10 can efficiently eject the fluid.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the first flow path L10A also continuously increases the flow path width WL10 in the area close to the second flow path L10B. The flow path width WL10 of the nozzle 10 continuously increases toward the opening O10 and becomes the maximum at the opening O10. The flow path width WL10 of the flow path L10 changes smoothly in a curve in all areas. In the previous endoscope, only the flow path width of the flow path near the opening is expanded. In contrast, in the endoscope of this embodiment, since the flow path width increases slowly over a longer distance, it is difficult to generate turbulence.

[0082] In the case where the third surface 10S3 as the ridge portion is not provided, when the fluid is ejected from the opening O10 of the nozzle 10 to a range wider than the opening width W10A, the flow velocity of the ejected fluid becomes faster at the end portion and slower at the center portion.

[0083] However, the outer inner surface 10S of the second flow path L10B of the nozzle 10 outside the bending direction has a slender third surface 10S3 as a ridge. In addition, the outer inner surface 10S of the second flow path L10B protrudes to a position above the upper end surface O10SA of the opening O10. The fluid rising in the flow path 10L generates a rapid flow along the narrow third surface 10S3 located in the central upper part of the flow path L10. This rapid flow reaches the center point C20 of the observation window 20, and can effectively remove dirt attached to the vicinity of the center point C20.

[0084] In addition, the width of the elongated third surface (ridge) 10S3 in the direction orthogonal to the imaginary plane, that is, the XZ plane, i.e., the ridge width WS3, is smaller than the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20, so that the flow is easily concentrated on the third surface 10S3. Furthermore, if the ridge width WS3 is less than 30% of the flow path width WL10 of the second flow path L10B, the flow is more easily concentrated on the third surface 10S3. As long as the ridge width WS3 is less than 30% of the flow path width WL10 of the second flow path L10B, the third surface 10S3 may also be a plane.

[0085] In the nozzle 10, the ridge width WS3 is substantially the same throughout the second flow path L10B, but may also be variable. For example, the ridge width WS3 may also be continuously reduced toward the opening O10 as long as the ridge width WS3 is less than 30% of the flow path width WL10 of the second flow path L10B at least at the position where the intersection angle θ is the smallest.

[0086] Fig. 9 The figure shows the shape of the flow path L110 of the nozzle 110 disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-244221. The upper surface of the cross section of the flow path L110 is arc-shaped, and the flow path width WL110 does not change. The flow path width WL110 is the same as the opening width W110A of the nozzle 110. In the flow path L110, the opening width W110A of the nozzle 110 is relatively large and is the same as the outer diameter of the observation window, so the fluid can be sprayed onto the entire surface of the observation window. However, the nozzle 110 does not have an elongated third surface, so the flow concentration is very small. If the opening width is reduced, the flow concentration will increase, but the fluid cannot be efficiently sprayed to a wide range. In addition, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L110 is greatly reduced, the pressure loss of the nozzle 110 is large.

[0087] On the other hand, the nozzle 10 of the present embodiment has a small pressure loss and can efficiently eject the fluid into a range wider than the opening width W10A.

[0088] <Modification of Implementation>

[0089] Next, endoscopes 9A to 9D according to Modifications 1 to 3 of the embodiment will be described. Similar to the endoscope 9, the endoscopes 9A to 9D have the same effects as the endoscope 9, and therefore the same reference numerals are used for components having the same functions as the endoscope 9, and description thereof will be omitted. Figures 10 to 13 For example, this is a cross-sectional view of the flow channel 10L at a position where the intersection angle θ is the smallest.

[0090] <Variation 1 of the embodiment>

[0091] like Fig.10 As shown, in the endoscope 9A of this modified example, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are planes, and the intersection line of the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is a ridge. Of course, it is an intersection line in industry, but if the intersection is enlarged, it will naturally become a fillet with a width. In this specification, the fillet with a ridge width WS3 less than 0.1 mm is regarded as a line.

[0092] <Variation 2 of the embodiment>

[0093] like Fig.11 As shown, in the endoscope 9B of this modification, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are curved surfaces of the same shape. The curvature (the inverse of the radius of curvature) of the curved surfaces of the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 decreases continuously from the position where the intersection angle θ is the smallest toward the opening O10. The curvature of the third surface 10S3, which is the curved surface sandwiched between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2, is greater than the curvature of the first surface 10S1 (the second surface 10S2).

[0094] <Variation 3 of the embodiment>

[0095] like Fig.12 As shown, in the endoscope 9C of the present modification, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are flat surfaces, and the third surface 10S3 sandwiched between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is a curved surface.

[0096] <Variation 4 of the embodiment>

[0097] like Fig.13 As shown, in the endoscope 9D of the present modification, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are curved surfaces convex downward, and the third surface 10S3 sandwiched between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is a curved surface convex upward.

[0098] In addition, the endoscope 9 may be a rigid endoscope in which the insertion portion 3 is rigid. In addition, the endoscope 9 may be used for medical purposes or industrial purposes. The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without changing the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope, characterized in that: An observation window and a nozzle are provided at the front end of the insertion part. The nozzle forms a flow path having an opening for ejecting fluid toward the observation window, The flow path includes: a first flow path parallel to the length direction of the insertion portion; and a second flow path connected to the first flow path and bent toward the opening. The outer inner surface of the second flow path outside the bending direction has a first surface, a second surface, and a ridge portion, and the ridge portion is sandwiched between the end sides of the first surface and the second surface and along the extending direction of the second flow path.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that The center line of the ridge portion is located on a virtual plane including the center line of the flow path, the center point of the opening, and the center point of the observation window.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that The opening width of the opening exceeds 10% and is less than 70% of the outer diameter of the observation window.

4. The endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: A minimum value of an intersection angle between the first surface and the second surface is greater than 60 degrees and less than 150 degrees.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that The intersection angle increases continuously from a position where the intersection angle is minimum toward the opening.

6. The endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that The flow path width of the second flow path increases continuously from the position where the intersection angle is smallest toward the opening.

7. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ridge is a third surface that is curved or flat, The ridge width of the ridge is smaller than the outer diameter of the observation window.

8. The endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ridge width of the ridge portion is less than 30% of the flow path width of the second flow path.

9. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ridge is an intersection line where the first surface and the second surface intersect.

10. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that The first surface and the second surface are planes.

11. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that: The first surface and the second surface are curved surfaces of the same shape, With respect to the first surface and the second surface, the curvature of the curved surface continuously decreases from a position where the intersection angle is minimum toward the opening.

12. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that In a region of the first flow path close to the second flow path, the flow path width of the flow path continuously increases.

13. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that The opening is in the shape of a racetrack.

14. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that From the position where the intersection angle is the smallest to the opening, the inner surface on the inner side of the curved direction of the flow path is a flat surface.

15. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that The endoscope includes a third flow path communicating with the second flow path, The third flow path has the opening, The cross section of the third flow path orthogonal to the center line is in the shape of a racetrack, The flow path width of the third flow path is constant.

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