Endoscope

Abstract

The invention provides an endoscope capable of ensuring conduction between a front end part main body and a bending part and realizing diameter reduction of a front end part. An endoscope is provided with: a tip main body (40) to which a connecting ring (38) of a curved section (32) is connected; a connection tube (76) extending from the base end of the tip main body and communicating with a treatment tool insertion hole (62) of the tip main body; and a hose (100) connected to the connection tube, the hose having a spiral groove (102), a wound portion (106) around which a coil (104) is wound, and a non-wound portion (110) around which no coil is wound, a protruding portion (140) being provided in a portion of the tip main body connected to the connection ring, the non-wound portion of the hose being connected to the connection tube, and the protruding portion (140) being provided in a direction perpendicular to a direction of an axis (Ax) of the connection tube, the protruding portion (140) being provided in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the axis (Ax) of the connection tube. The position of the front end (104A) of the coil is formed in a virtual region extending the region (B) of the protruding portion in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope used in the medical field. Background Art

[0002] Various endoscopes such as bronchoscopes and ultrasonic endoscopes are used in the medical field. An endoscope includes an operating unit operated by a surgeon and an insertion unit connected to the operating unit and inserted into a subject.

[0003] In this type of endoscope, various treatment instruments are introduced through a treatment instrument inlet provided in the operating section and then removed from a treatment instrument outlet opening at the distal end of the insertion section for external treatment. Furthermore, the insertion section of the endoscope contains a number of internal components, such as a treatment instrument insertion hose (also called a channel) for inserting treatment instruments, a signal cable connected to an imaging element, and a light guide for supplying illumination light.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope including a treatment instrument insertion tube connected to a treatment instrument lead-out passage provided at a distal end rigid portion via a die.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope having a treatment instrument insertion channel in which a hard wire is wound in a spiral groove provided on the outer circumference and is connected to a distal end structure via a hose connection fitting.

[0006] Patent Document 3 discloses an endoscope including a hose for forceps insertion that covers the entire cylindrical inner peripheral surface of a distal end body.

[0007] Patent Document 4 discloses an endoscope including a channel tube for forceps insertion that is connected by screwing a female thread portion into a male thread portion of a protruding portion of a distal end structure portion.

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-229067

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 05-9503

[0010] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-237557

[0011] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 05-49593

[0012] Regarding the distal end portion of the insertion portion of an endoscope, there is a demand for reducing the diameter as much as possible in consideration of insertability. In order to achieve the reduction in the distal end portion and to provide sufficient strength, it is effective to form the distal end portion body from metal.

[0013] However, when the front end body is made of metal, in order to achieve conduction between the front end body and the metal part on its base end side, it is necessary to achieve conduction between the bent portion connected to the base end side of the front end body. Due to this conduction structure, it is sometimes difficult to achieve a thinner diameter of the front end. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope capable of achieving a thinner distal end while ensuring electrical continuity between a distal end body and a bending portion.

[0015] The endoscope involved in the first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a bending portion having a connecting ring on the front end side; a front end body having a treatment instrument insertion hole and connected to the connecting ring; a connecting tube extending from the base end of the front end body and connected to the treatment instrument insertion hole; and a hose connected to the connecting tube, the hose having: a spiral groove formed in at least a portion of the outer surface of the hose; a winding portion having a coil wound on the groove; and a non-winding portion having no coil wound thereon, wherein a protrusion is provided at a portion of the connection portion with the connecting ring in the front end body, and the non-winding portion in the hose is connected to the connecting tube, and when viewed from a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the connecting tube, the position of the front end of the coil in the winding portion is formed within an imaginary area obtained by axially extending the area of ​​the protrusion.

[0016] In the endoscope according to the second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the distal end of the coil is arranged at a position abutting against the proximal end of the connecting tube.

[0017] In the endoscope according to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the outer periphery of the protrusion is in an arc shape.

[0018] In the endoscope according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, a guiding tapered surface capable of guiding connection of the connecting ring to the distal end body is provided at the proximal end portion of the protruding portion.

[0019] The endoscope according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, includes an adhesive layer coated with an adhesive at a position including the distal end of the coil, and the adhesive layer is formed within the virtual region.

[0020] In the endoscope according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth embodiments, the front end body comprises: a flange portion abutting the front end of the connecting ring; and a flat portion arranged on the front end side of the flange portion, and the protrusion is arranged at a position closer to the base end side of the flange portion than the formation position of the flat portion.

[0021] In the endoscope according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the adhesive layer directly faces the inner peripheral surface of the curved portion.

[0022] An endoscope according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the hose includes a groove-unformed portion in which the groove is not formed in at least a part of the non-wound portion.

[0023] The endoscope according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the tube includes an adhesive coating groove portion in which the groove of the non-wound portion is filled with an adhesive.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion while ensuring the conduction between the distal end portion body and the bending portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 This is an overall view of the endoscope according to this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the front end body.

[0028] Figure 3 Yes, remove Figure 2 A perspective view of the front end portion of the bent corner rubber.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a state in which the front end portion with the cover removed from the front end portion body is viewed from the front end side of the insertion portion.

[0030] Figure 5 When viewed from the base end of the insertion portion Figure 4 A perspective view of the front end portion.

[0031] Figure 6 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the distal end portion body as viewed from the proximal end side of the insertion portion.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the distal end portion main body as viewed from the proximal end side of the insertion portion.

[0033] Figure 8 is a side view of the hose.

[0034] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Assembly drawing of the hose shown.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a side view of the front end portion main body when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting pipe.

[0036] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement structure of various components when the distal end body is viewed from the proximal end side.

[0037] Figure 12It is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the first modified example.

[0038] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the second modified example.

[0039] Explanation of symbols:

[0040] 1-Endoscope, 10-Operating portion, 12-Insertion portion, 14-Universal cord, 16-Angled lever, 22-Suction button, 26-Disposal instrument introduction portion, 28-Disposal instrument introduction port, 30-Soft portion, 31-Passive bending portion, 32-Bending portion, 34-Front end portion, 36-Angled rubber, 38-Connecting ring, 38A-Front end, 38B-Arc-shaped portion, 40-Front end portion body, 42-Cap, 44-Opening, 46-Opening, 48-Disposal instrument lead-out port, 50-Front surface portion, 51-Connecting piece portion, 51A-Through hole, 52-Observation window, 54-Lens barrel, 56-Signal cable, 58-Light guide, 60-Illumination window, 62-Disposal instrument insertion hole, 70-Flange portion, 72-Cap mounting portion, 74-Ring connecting portion, 76-Connecting Tube, 76A-base end, 78-flat part, 78A-fixing hole, 80-treatment instrument insertion hose, 82-angle wire, 84-angle pin, 90-hose, 100-hose, 100A-base end surface, 102-groove, 104-coil, 104A-front end, 106-winding part, 108-unwinding part, 110-unwinding part, 112-base end side winding Winding portion, 114-non-winding portion, 120-tube, 122-flange portion, 124-connecting portion, 126-connecting portion, 128-first tube, 130-second tube, 131-adhesive, 132-adhesive layer, 134-space, 136-space, 140-protrusion, 142-conical surface, 144-conical surface, 150-adhesive, 152-adhesive coating groove portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0042] [Overall Structure of Endoscope 1]

[0043] Figure 1 It is an overall view of the endoscope 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 1 The endoscope 1 shown is, for example, a bronchoscope, which is used for observing the trachea, bronchi, lungs and other observation areas and collecting cell tissues.

[0044] Bronchoscopes are required to be smaller in diameter than digestive endoscopes due to their use. For example, even if a treatment instrument insertion hose 80 (see Figure 8 ), a bronchoscope having an outer diameter of the front end portion 34 of 4 mm to 6 mm and an outer diameter of the soft portion 30 of 4 mm to 7 mm is also used.

[0045] The endoscope 1 includes an operation unit 10 held by an operating surgeon to perform various operations, an insertion unit 12 inserted into a body cavity of a subject, and a universal cord 14. The endoscope 1 is connected via the universal cord 14 to a system configuration including a processor device and a light source device (not shown).

[0046] The operating portion 10 is provided with various operating components operated by the operating surgeon, for example, an angled lever 16 and a suction button 22 .

[0047] Furthermore, a treatment instrument introduction portion 26 is provided in the operation portion 10. The treatment instrument introduction portion 26 is provided with a treatment instrument introduction port 28, and a treatment instrument (not shown) is inserted from the treatment instrument introduction port 28 into the treatment instrument insertion hose 80 (see FIG. Figure 8 )middle.

[0048] The base end of the insertion portion 12 is continuous with the front end of the operating portion 10, and is generally thin and elongated. The insertion portion 12 is composed, from the base end toward the front end, of a flexible portion 30, a passive bending portion 31, a bending portion 32, and a front end 34. The passive bending portion 31 is optional and may not be present.

[0049] The soft portion 30 occupies the majority of the insertion portion 12 from the base end side and is composed of, for example, a metal spiral tube (a metal plate wound in a spiral shape) and a mesh (not shown), and is further formed by covering the outer periphery of these with a resin hose. The soft portion 30 has flexibility to bend in any direction and bends along the insertion path into the body cavity when the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the body cavity.

[0050] The passive bending portion 31 is composed of, for example, a metal spiral tube (a metal plate wound in a spiral shape) and a mesh, which are not shown in the figure, and is further formed by using a resin bending angle rubber 36 (see FIG. Figure 2 The passive bending portion 31 is more flexible than the soft portion 30 so as to be able to bend passively in response to external force. When the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the body cavity, it bends along the insertion path into the body cavity in the same manner as the soft portion 30.

[0051] The bending portion 32 is constructed by connecting multiple bending members (not shown) and is an active bending portion that can be actively bent in the vertical direction (direction A2) by rotating the angle lever 16 of the operating unit 10 in the direction A1. By bending the bending portion 32, the distal end portion 34 can be oriented in a desired direction. The bending portion 32 is an example of a bending portion of the present invention.

[0052] <Front End 34>

[0053] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the distal end portion 34 including a portion of the curved portion 32 . Figure 3 Yes, remove Figure 2 FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the front end portion 34 in the state of the corner rubber 36 shown in FIG.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the distal end portion 34 includes a distal end portion body 40, which is an example of a distal end portion body of the present invention, and a cap 42 attached to the distal end surface of the distal end portion body 40. The distal end portion body 40 is made of metal to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion 34. The cap 42 is made of resin or the like.

[0055] in addition, Figure 2 The corner rubber 36 shown extends to the base end side of the cover 42 to cover the front end body 40. The front end of the corner rubber 36 is fixed to the front end body 40 by a wire (not shown) wrapped around it. The wire is fastened to the corner rubber 36 by an adhesive (not shown).

[0056] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a state in which the distal end portion 34 with the cover 42 removed from the distal end portion body 40 is viewed from the distal end side of the insertion portion 12 . Figure 5 The insertion portion 12 is viewed from the proximal end side. Figure 4 A perspective view of the front end portion 34 of FIG.

[0057] exist Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a metal connecting ring 38 connected to the distal end body 40 is also shown. The connecting ring 38 is an example of a connecting ring of the present invention and is provided on the distal end side of the bending portion 32. That is, the bending portion 32 has the connecting ring 38 on the distal end side.

[0058] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the cover 42 is provided with an observation window opening 44, a pair of lighting window openings 46, and a treatment instrument outlet 48. The opening 44, the pair of openings 46, and the treatment instrument outlet 48 are each provided as through-holes in the disc-shaped front surface portion 50 of the cover 42. Furthermore, the treatment instrument outlet 48 occupies the largest area of ​​the front surface portion 50. The opening 44 is located below the treatment instrument outlet 48 in the figure, and the openings 46 are located on both sides of the opening 44.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, an observation optical system including a lens barrel 54 holding an observation window (lens or protective glass) 52 and an imaging unit including an imaging element (not shown) are provided at a position of the distal end body 40 opposite to the opening 44. When the cover 42 is attached to the distal end body 40, the observation window 52 is exposed from the opening 44.

[0060] The camera unit is connected to the signal cable 56 (refer to Figure 6 The imaging unit captures the observation area through the observation optical system and outputs the signal of the observation image to the processor device.

[0061] Figure 6 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the distal end body 40 as viewed from the proximal end side of the insertion portion 12. Figure 6 5 shows a signal cable 56 and a light guide 58 inserted into the insertion portion 12 .

[0062] Return to Figure 4 , light guides 58 are respectively arranged at positions of the front end body 40 opposite to the pair of openings 46 (refer to Figure 6 ) lighting window 60. When the front end body 40 is mounted with the cover 42, the lighting window 60 is exposed from the pair of openings 46. In addition, the light guide 58 is connected to the light source device and supplies the illumination light from the light source device to the lighting window 60.

[0063] A treatment instrument insertion hole 62 is provided at a position of the distal end body 40 opposite to the treatment instrument outlet 48. When the distal end body 40 is fitted with the cap 42, the treatment instrument insertion hole 62 communicates with the treatment instrument outlet 48. Thus, the treatment instrument insertion hose 80 (see FIG. 1 ) is inserted from the treatment instrument introduction port 28 into the treatment instrument insertion hose 80. Figure 8 ) is led out from the treatment tool outlet 48 to the outside through the treatment tool insertion hole 62. In addition, the treatment tool insertion hole 62 is an example of the treatment tool insertion hole of the present invention.

[0064] Return to Figure 1 The universal cord 14 contains the signal cable 56 (reference Figure 6 ) and a light guide 58. A connector is provided at an end (not shown) of the universal cord 14, and the connector is connected to a system component device including a processor device and a light source device.

[0065] Thus, the system component device supplies the endoscope 1 with power, control signals, and illumination light required for its operation. Furthermore, a signal representing an observation image acquired by the observation optical system is transmitted from the endoscope 1 to the system component device (processor device). The signal transmitted to the system component device undergoes image processing, and the observation image of the observation area is displayed on a monitor (not shown). Furthermore, illumination light is supplied from the system component device (light source device) to the light guide 58, irradiating the observation area with the illumination light from the pair of illumination windows 60.

[0066] <Front End Body 40>

[0067] Figure 7This is a perspective view of the distal end body 40 as viewed from the proximal end side of the insertion portion 12 .

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the front end body 40 has a generally cylindrical shape as a whole, and a flange portion 70 is formed on its outer periphery protruding radially outward over the entire circumference. Figure 3 ) abuts against the flange portion 70, thereby connecting the connecting ring 38 to the distal end body 40. In addition, the flange portion 70 is an example of the flange portion of the present invention.

[0069] The flange 70 has a cap attachment portion 72 on its distal end to which the cap 42 is attached, and a ring connection portion 74 on its proximal end to which the connection ring 38 is connected. The cap attachment portion 72 and the ring connection portion 74 have smaller outer diameters than the flange 70.

[0070] Furthermore, a connecting pipe 76 extends from the base end portion of the front end body 40. Figure 6 As shown, the connection tube 76 communicates with the treatment instrument insertion hole 62. The connection tube 76 may be integral with the distal end body 40, or may be separate from the distal end body 40 and subsequently attached to the distal end body 40. The connection tube 76 is an example of the connection tube of the present invention.

[0071] <Disposal Instrument Insertion Hose 80>

[0072] Figure 8 It is a side view of a main part of a treatment instrument insertion hose 80 (hereinafter simply referred to as “hose 80 ”) connected to the connection tube 76 . Figure 9 yes Figure 8 1 is an assembly diagram of the hose 80. The hose 80 is an example of the hose of the present invention.

[0073] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the hose 80 includes a hose 90 on the proximal end side, a hose 100 on the distal end side, and a tube 120 connecting the distal end portion of the hose 90 and the proximal end portion of the hose 100. The proximal end portion of the hose 90 is connected to the treatment instrument introduction port 28, and the distal end portion of the hose 100 is connected to the connecting tube 76.

[0074] The hose 90 and the hose 100 have the same basic structure, so here the hose 100 will be described, and the hose 90 will be denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the hose 100 , and description thereof will be omitted.

[0075] Hose 100 includes a spiral groove 102 formed on its outer surface, a coiled portion 106 with a coil 104 wound around groove 102, and unwound portions 108 and 110 not wound with coil 104. Unwound portion 108 and unwound portion 110 are located at the base and tip of hose 100, respectively. Hose 100 is, for example, a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) hose. Groove 102, coil 104, coiled portion 106, and unwound portions 108 and 110 are examples of the groove, coil, coiled portion, and unwound portion of the present invention, respectively.

[0076] The tube 120 has a flange portion 122 formed in the axial center of the tube 120. A connection portion 124 for the hose 90 and a connection portion 126 for the hose 100 are provided on the proximal and distal ends of the flange portion 122, respectively. Since the connection portions 124 and 126 have the same shape, the connection portion 126 connected to the hose 100 will also be described here. The connection portion 124 will be designated with the same reference numerals as the connection portion 126, and its description will be omitted.

[0077] The connecting portion 126 includes a first tube 128 provided continuously to the flange portion 122, and a second tube 130 provided continuously to the first tube 128. When the outer diameters of the flange portion 122, the first tube 128, and the second tube 130 are respectively set to D1, D2, and D3 (not shown), the relationship among D1, D2, and D3 is D1>D2>D3.

[0078] The first tube 128 and the second tube 130 are connected to the proximal end of the hose 100. Specifically, the proximal end of the hose 100 is attached from the second tube 130 toward the flange 122, and the proximal end surface 100A of the hose 100 abuts against the flange 122, thereby connecting the proximal end of the hose 100 to the connecting portion 126. The proximal end of the hose 100 is then fixed to the flange 122 with an adhesive (not shown).

[0079] Specifically, the proximal end portion of the hose 100 includes a proximal-end wound portion 112 located on the proximal side of the wound portion 106, and a non-wound portion 108 provided continuously with the proximal-end wound portion 112. The non-wound portion 108 is attached to the first tube 128, while the proximal-end wound portion 112 is attached to the second tube 130. Furthermore, the non-wound portion 108 is configured as a groove-free portion without the groove 102, whereas the non-wound portion 110 is configured as a groove-formed portion having the groove 102. To make the non-wound portion 108 a groove-free portion, an adhesive coating groove, described later, may be provided.

[0080] Thus, the hose 100 of this example does not have grooves 102 formed throughout the entire outer surface of the hose 100, but rather has grooves 102 formed in at least a portion of the outer surface (the area of ​​the hose 100 excluding the unwound portion 108). By attaching the thick, unwound portion 108, which does not have grooves 102, to the first tube 128, the base end of the hose 100 can be securely fixed to the tube 120.

[0081] <Connection Structure of Hose 100 and Connecting Pipe 76>

[0082] Figure 10 This is a side view of the front end body 40 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis Ax direction of the connecting pipe 76. Figure 10 FIG. 3 shows the connection structure between the hose 100 and the connecting pipe 76 .

[0083] like Figure 10 As shown, the hose 100 and the connecting pipe 76 are connected by attaching a non-wound portion (groove-forming portion) 110 of the front end portion of the hose 100 to the connecting pipe 76 .

[0084] In this way, by connecting the non-wound portion 110 to the connecting tube 76, the outer diameter (diameter) of the connection portion between the hose 100 and the connecting tube 76 can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the protrusion of the coil 104 radially outward from the groove 102, compared to a structure in which the wound portion 106 on which the coil 104 is wound is connected to the connecting tube 76.

[0085] Furthermore, when the hose 100 is connected to the connecting tube 76, the distal end 104A of the coil 104 is positioned to abut against the proximal end 76A of the connecting tube 76. With this configuration, at least the curved portion (wound portion 106) of the hose 100 that is bent by the bending action of the bending portion 32 is protected by the coil 104, thereby preventing the curved portion from buckling.

[0086] Here, the hose 100 is attached to the connecting tube 76, so the distal end 104A of the coil 104 is not positioned directly against the proximal end 76A of the connecting tube 76. However, for example, if an assembler attaches the distal end portion (unwound portion 110) of the hose 100 to the connecting tube 76, they can confirm by feel that the distal end 104A of the coil 104 is in contact with the proximal end 76A of the connecting tube 76. This allows the distal end 104A of the coil 104 to be positioned so as to contact the proximal end 76A of the connecting tube 76.

[0087] Furthermore, the distal end 104A of the coil 104 is fixed to the hose 100 with an adhesive 131. The adhesive 131 is applied to a portion including the distal end 104A of the coil 104. Furthermore, the adhesive 131 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hose 100 as an adhesive layer 132 having a thickness extending radially outward from the hose 100. The adhesive 131 and adhesive layer 132 are examples of the adhesive and adhesive layer of the present invention.

[0088] By securing the distal end 104A of the coil 104 to the hose 100 with the adhesive 131 in this manner, the distal end 104A of the coil 104 can be prevented from peeling off (curling) from the outer circumferential surface of the hose 100. Furthermore, the adhesive 131 is formed into a thick adhesive layer 132 extending radially outward from the hose 100, thereby enhancing the bonding strength between the distal end 104A of the coil 104 and the hose 100.

[0089] Figure 11 Schematic diagram showing the arrangement of various components when the distal end body 40 is viewed from the proximal end side. Figure 11 , the connecting ring 38, the front end body 40 (ring connecting portion 74), and the connecting pipe 76 are shown. Figure 11 In FIG. 1 , the signal cable 56 and the light guide 58 are indicated by solid lines, and the angle wire 82 and the angle pin 84 are indicated by two-dot chain lines (dashed lines).

[0090] like Figure 11 As shown, the space between the connecting ring 38 and the connecting tube 76 is used as a placement space for the signal cable 56 , the light guide 58 , the angled wire 82 , and the angled pin 84 . However, this placement space becomes very narrow as the diameter of the distal end portion 34 is reduced.

[0091] In the front end portion 34 of this structure, the connecting pipe 76 is arranged so that the central axis C2 of the connecting pipe 76 is oriented in the same direction as the central axis C1 of the front end portion body 40. Figure 11 The position of the left offset. In the spatially most extended Figure 11 Internal components such as the signal cable 56 and the pair of light guides 58 are arranged in the space 134 on the right side of the middle connecting pipe 76 .

[0092] And, as Figure 11 As shown, the spatially expanded Figure 11 The front end 104A of the coil 104 and the adhesive layer 132 are arranged in the space 136 above the middle connecting tube 76. This space 136 is the space in which the two angled wires 82 are arranged, but is expanded by a protrusion 140, described later, provided on the front end body 40, and is therefore effectively used as a space for arranging the thick adhesive layer 132.

[0093] Below, reference Figure 7The protrusion 140 will be described.

[0094] <Protrusion 140>

[0095] like Figure 7 As shown, the distal end body 40 is provided with a protrusion 140 at a portion of the connection portion with the connecting ring 38. This protrusion 140 is provided so as to protrude radially outward from a portion of the outer circumference of the ring connecting portion 74 of the distal end body 40. Furthermore, the outer circumference of the protrusion 140 is formed in an arc shape. The protrusion 140 is an example of the protrusion of the present invention.

[0096] Below, reference Figure 11 The conductive structure between the distal end portion main body 40 and the connecting ring 38 and the reduced diameter structure of the distal end portion 34 will be described.

[0097] <Conduction Structure>

[0098] like Figure 11 As shown, the connecting ring 38 is attached to the ring connecting portion 74 of the front end body 40. In this case, if the connecting ring 38 is attached to the ring connecting portion 74, the arc-shaped portion 38B (refer to FIG. 1 ) of the connecting ring 38 attached to the protruding portion 140 is Figure 11 ) is pressed by protrusion 140 and elastically deforms radially outward in an arcuate shape. Furthermore, the elastically deformed arcuate portion 38B adheres tightly to the arcuate outer circumferential surface of protrusion 140 due to its elastic restoring force. This ensures electrical continuity between the distal end body 40 and the connecting ring 38.

[0099] <Thin-diameter structure>

[0100] To achieve a thinner tip end portion 34, the position of tip end 104A of coil 104 in the circumferential direction of hose 100 becomes important. Specifically, adhesive layer 132 coated with adhesive 131 is formed at a position including tip end 104A. Therefore, depending on the position of adhesive layer 132 in the circumferential direction of hose 100, the tip end portion 34 can be enlarged.

[0101] For example, when the tip 104A of the coil 104 in the circumferential direction of the hose 100 is to be positioned at Figure 11 When the space 134 is enlarged, since the signal cable 56 and a pair of optical guides 58 and other built-in objects are already arranged in the space 134, the space 134 must be further expanded by an amount corresponding to the size of the adhesive layer 132, resulting in an increase in the diameter of the front end portion 34.

[0102] Therefore, in this example, in order to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion 34, a protrusion 140 is provided on a portion of the ring connection portion 74 of the distal end portion body 40. The distal end 104A of the coil 104 is arranged in the space 136 expanded by the protrusion 140, thereby suppressing the increase in the diameter of the distal end portion 34 and achieving a reduced diameter of the distal end portion 34.

[0103] That is, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment has the following structure in order to achieve a reduction in the diameter of the distal end portion 34 while ensuring electrical conduction between the distal end portion main body 40 and the connection ring 38 .

[0104] That is, Figure 10 As shown, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis Ax of the connecting pipe 76 , the position of the front end 104A of the coil 104 in the winding portion 106 is formed in a virtual region D extending the region B of the protruding portion 140 in the axial direction A.

[0105] By adopting this structure, electrical conduction between the distal end body 40 and the connecting ring 38 can be ensured, and the distal end 104A of the coil 104 can be efficiently arranged in the space 136 expanded by the protrusion 140. Therefore, according to the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve a smaller diameter while ensuring electrical conduction between the distal end body 40 and the bending portion 32.

[0106] Furthermore, similarly to the front end 104A, the adhesive layer 132 is also positioned within the imaginary region D. Thus, the adhesive layer 132 can be efficiently arranged in the space 136 expanded by the protrusion 140 .

[0107] Furthermore, a tapered surface 142 is provided at the base end of the protrusion 140 (see Figure 7 The tapered surface 142 is an example of a guiding tapered surface of the present invention and is provided as a guiding tapered surface for guiding the connection of the connecting ring 38 to the front end body 40. Thus, during assembly, the connecting ring 38 is guided by the tapered surface 142 and smoothly connected to the front end body 40 (ring connecting portion 74).

[0108] Furthermore, a tapered surface 144 is also provided at the base end of the ring connecting portion 74. This tapered surface 144 is provided integrally with the tapered surface 142. By providing such a tapered surface 142, the connection between the connecting ring 38 and the distal end body 40 can be smoothly performed.

[0109] Furthermore, no other internal components are provided between the adhesive layer 132 and the connecting ring 38, and the adhesive layer 132 directly faces the inner peripheral surface of the connecting ring 38 of the curved portion 32 (refer to FIG. Figure 11 ). Thus, the expansion amount of the space 136 due to the protrusion 140 can be suppressed to only the expansion amount for effectively arranging the adhesive layer 132. Thus, the increase in the diameter of the front end portion 34 due to the arrangement of the protrusion 140 can be suppressed.

[0110] And, as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the distal end body 40 has a flat portion 78 provided on the distal end side of the flange portion 70. The flat portion 78 is an example of a flat portion of the present invention and is provided on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cap mounting portion 72. Furthermore, the protrusion 140 is provided at a position closer to the proximal end of the flange portion 70 than the position where the flat portion 78 is formed.

[0111] like Figure 4 As shown, flat portions 78 are provided at two locations along the circumference of the cover mounting portion 72. Flat portions 78 are formed as D-cut surfaces on the outer circumference of the cover mounting portion 72. Furthermore, flat portions 78 are formed at locations on the outer circumference of the cover mounting portion 72 that avoid the area where the lens 52 and the emission end 60 are located (the area through which the internal components are inserted).

[0112] Connecting pieces 51 extending from the front surface 50 of the cover 42 toward the proximal end abut against the flat portion 78. The distal end body 40 and the cover 42 are connected by fitting pins 53 inserted through through-holes 51A of the connecting pieces 51 into the fixing holes 78A of the flat portion 78.

[0113] The connecting piece 51 has a D-shaped cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction. When the connecting piece 51 abuts against the flat portion 78, the outer peripheral surface of the connecting piece 51 constitutes a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the cover mounting portion 72. This prevents the cover mounting portion 72 from becoming larger in diameter.

[0114] Several modified examples (first modified example to second modified example) will be described below.

[0115] <First Modification>

[0116] Figure 12 This is a side view of the distal end portion body 40 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis Ax direction of the connecting pipe 76 .

[0117] Figure 12 The first variant shown is the same as Figure 10 The difference in the structure of the embodiment shown is that Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the non-wound portion 110 having the groove 102 is connected to the connecting pipe 76. Figure 12 In the first modified example shown, the non-wound portion 114 in which the groove 102 is not formed is connected to the connecting pipe 76. The other structures are the same.

[0118] like Figure 12As shown in the first modified example, the non-wound portion 114 without the groove 102 is thicker than the non-wound portion 110 with the groove 102, so the connection strength of the hose 100 to the connecting pipe 76 can be improved compared to the embodiment in which the non-wound portion 110 is connected to the connecting pipe 76.

[0119] <Second Modification>

[0120] Figure 13 This is a side view of the distal end portion body 40 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis Ax direction of the connecting pipe 76 .

[0121] Figure 13 The second variant shown is the same as Figure 10 The difference in the structure of the embodiment shown is that Figure 10 In the embodiment shown, the non-wound portion 110 having the groove 102 is connected only to the connecting pipe 76. Figure 13 In the second modified example shown, after the unwound portion 110 having the groove 102 formed therein is connected to the connecting pipe 76, the groove 102 of the unwound portion 110 is filled with adhesive 150. Specifically, the hose 100 in the second modified example includes an adhesive-coated groove portion 152 that fills the groove 102 of the unwound portion 110 with adhesive 150. The remaining structure is the same.

[0122] like Figure 13 As shown in the second modified example, the strength of the adhesive-coated groove portion 152 in which the groove 102 of the non-wound portion 110 is filled with adhesive 150 is higher than the strength of the non-wound portion 110 formed with only the groove 102. Therefore, as in the first modified example, the connection strength of the hose 100 to the connecting pipe 76 can be improved.

[0123] In addition, in the above embodiment, the preferred position of the front end 104A of the coil 104 is determined based on the position when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axis Ax direction of the connecting tube 76, but is not limited to this. For example, as described below, it can also be determined based on the position when viewed from the axis Ax direction of the connecting tube 76 or the circumferential position of the connecting tube 76.

[0124] That is, it can be said that when viewed in the direction of the axis Ax of the connecting tube 76, the position of the front end 104A of the coil 104 is preferably formed within the imaginary region D. Furthermore, it can be said that in the circumferential direction of the connecting tube 76, the position of the front end 104A of the coil 104 is preferably formed at a position equal to the region B of the protrusion 140. The above-mentioned equal position includes a range of positions that are considered to be substantially equal.

[0125] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the hose 80 for inserting a treatment instrument is described as an example of the hose of the present invention. However, the present invention can be applied to various hoses (channels) inserted into the insertion portion 12 .

[0126] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a bronchoscope that particularly requires a thin diameter is used as an example of the endoscope of the present invention. However, the present invention can be applied to various endoscopes having an endoscope tube inserted into various insertion portions, such as ultrasonic endoscopes and digestive endoscopes.

[0127] As mentioned above, the endoscope according to the present embodiment has been described. However, the present invention can be modified or altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: a curved portion having a connecting ring on a front end side; The front end body has a treatment instrument insertion hole and is connected to the connecting ring; a connecting tube extending from the base end portion of the distal end body and communicating with the treatment instrument insertion hole; and A hose connected to the connecting pipe, The hose comprises: a spiral groove formed in at least a portion of an outer surface of the hose; a winding portion on which a coil is wound; and a non-winding portion on which the coil is not wound. In the front end body, a protrusion is provided at a portion of the connection portion with the connection ring. The non-wound portion of the hose is connected to the connecting pipe. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the connecting pipe, the position of the front end of the coil in the winding portion is formed within a virtual region obtained by extending the region of the protruding portion in the axial direction.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The distal end of the coil is arranged at a position abutting against the proximal end of the connecting tube.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The outer periphery of the protrusion is in an arc shape.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein: A guiding tapered surface capable of guiding the connection of the connecting ring to the distal end body is provided at the base end portion of the protruding portion.

5. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein An adhesive layer coated with an adhesive is provided at a position including the front end of the coil, The adhesive layer is formed in the imaginary area.

6. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The front end body has: a flange portion abutting against the front end of the connecting ring; and a flat portion provided on the front end side of the flange portion, The protrusion is provided at a position closer to the base end side than the flange portion where the flat portion is formed.

7. The endoscope according to claim 5, wherein: The adhesive layer directly faces the inner peripheral surface of the bent portion.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The hose includes a groove non-formed portion in which the groove is not formed in at least a portion of the non-wound portion.

9. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The hose includes an adhesive-coated groove portion in which the groove of the non-wound portion is filled with an adhesive.

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