Endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscope capable of reducing the diameter of the tip of an annular member having insulating properties. The endoscope is provided with: a tip member (20) that is connected to the tip side of an insertion part (2) and is made of an electrically conductive material; and an insulating ring (70) attached to the base end side of the tip member (20), the tip member (20) having: a first region (100) in which the observation window (16), the illumination window (18), and the treatment tool outlet (39) are disposed; and a second region (110) which is provided on the base end side of the first region (100) and to which an insulating ring (70) is attached, the maximum outer diameter (D2) of the second region (110) being smaller than the maximum outer diameter (D1) of the first region (100) when the first region (100) and the second region (110) are projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Ax) of the insertion part (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope including an insulating ring-shaped member at a distal end portion of an insertion portion. Background Art

[0002] In an endoscope, various treatment instruments are introduced through a treatment instrument inlet provided in the operating section and then removed from a treatment instrument outlet opened at the distal end of the insertion section to the outside for use in treatment. For example, in a duodenoscope, treatment instruments such as an angiographic tube and a guidewire are used.

[0003] In a duodenoscope, a tip member constituting the distal end portion of the insertion portion is made of a conductive material, and a tip cap made of an insulating material such as resin is attached to the tip member.

[0004] Furthermore, an annular member made of an insulating material such as resin is attached to the distal end of the distal end portion of the duodenoscope, in an area closer to the proximal end than the distal end portion where the distal end cap is attached. Thus, the distal end portion of the duodenoscope has a structure in which the conductive distal end portion is covered by the insulating distal end cap and the annular member.

[0005] Among them, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope in which the outer periphery of a tip member is surrounded by an insulating ring (annular member).

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope in which an annular electrical insulating member is disposed on the outer periphery of a block-shaped distal end structure portion.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses an endoscope in which an insulating ring (ring-shaped member) is provided on the outer periphery of the proximal end portion of the distal end member.

[0008] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2021 / 152659

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-108415

[0010] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2019 / 230076

[0011] In endoscopes, it is desirable to reduce the outer diameter (diameter) of the distal end of the insertion portion. However, in endoscopes with an annular member (insulating ring) attached to the distal end, such as duodenoscopes, the distal end's outer diameter is sometimes dictated by the outer diameter of the annular member. In other words, increasing the outer diameter of the annular member also increases the distal end's outer diameter. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope capable of reducing the diameter of the distal end portion of an annular member having insulating properties.

[0013] The endoscope involved in the first embodiment comprises: a tip component, which is connected to the tip side of the insertion portion and is made of a conductive material; and an insulating annular component, which is installed on the base side of the tip component, and the tip component has: a first area, which is equipped with an observation window, an illumination window and a treatment instrument outlet; and a second area, which is arranged on the base side of the first area and is equipped with the annular component. When the first area and the second area are projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, the maximum outer diameter of the second area is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first area.

[0014] In the endoscope involved in the second embodiment, in the first embodiment, when one of two directions orthogonal to each other on the projection plane is set as the first direction and the other direction is set as the second direction, the outer diameter of the second area in the first direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first area, and the outer diameter of the second area in the second direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first area.

[0015] In the endoscope according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the second area on the projection plane is included in the first area.

[0016] The endoscope according to a fourth aspect is one of the first to third aspects, wherein when the annular member is projected onto the projection plane, the minimum inner diameter of the annular member is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first region.

[0017] The endoscope according to the fifth aspect is one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the annular member has deformable rigidity, and the rigidity satisfies the following condition: even when the annular member is deformed, the minimum inner diameter of the annular member is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first region.

[0018] The endoscope according to a sixth aspect is any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the annular member has a shape that is closed in the circumferential direction when viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0019] In the endoscope involved in the 7th mode, in any one of the 1st to 6th modes, the annular component has an annular component inner circumferential surface and an annular component outer circumferential surface on the side opposite to the annular component inner circumferential surface, the annular component inner circumferential surface has a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the second region, and the annular component outer circumferential surface has: an annular convex portion formed along the circumferential direction; a first outer circumferential surface arranged at a position closer to the base end side than the annular convex portion; and a second outer circumferential surface arranged at a position closer to the tip end side than the annular convex portion.

[0020] In the endoscope involved in the 8th embodiment, in the 7th embodiment, the first outer peripheral surface constitutes an outer skin mounting surface, on which the outer skin of the curved portion arranged on the base end side of the distal end component is mounted, and the annular protrusion has an outer skin abutting surface against which the distal end of the outer skin mounted on the outer skin mounting surface abuts.

[0021] The endoscope according to a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, includes a sheath fixing portion that fixes the sheath attached to the sheath attachment surface.

[0022] The endoscope according to the tenth aspect is configured such that, in the ninth aspect, the outer sheath fixing portion includes a wire winding portion wound around the outer peripheral portion of the outer sheath and an adhesive layer covering the wire winding portion.

[0023] In the endoscope according to the eleventh aspect, in the ninth aspect or the tenth aspect, the outer diameter of the annular convex portion is the same as the outer diameter of the outer skin fixing portion.

[0024] The endoscope involved in the 12th mode is provided with a tip cap in any one of the 7th to 11th modes, which can be freely installed on the tip component, and the second outer peripheral surface has a cap mounting surface, and the cap mounting surface is used for mounting the base end of the tip cap, and the annular protrusion has a cap abutting surface against which the base end of the tip cap mounted on the cap mounting surface abuts.

[0025] The endoscope according to the thirteenth aspect is any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects, wherein the outer diameter of the annular convex portion is the same as the outer diameter of the proximal end portion of the tip cap.

[0026] In the endoscope according to a fourteenth aspect, in any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the tip member has an annular member contact surface with which the tip end of the annular member attached to the second region contacts.

[0027] According to a fifteenth aspect, in the fourteenth aspect, the distal end member includes a flange portion projecting in the radial direction between the first region and the second region, and the annular member contact surface is constituted by a proximal end side end surface of the flange portion.

[0028] The endoscope according to the sixteenth aspect, in the fifteenth aspect, includes a tip cap detachably mounted on the tip member, wherein the tip cap has a first locking portion that is locked with the flange portion.

[0029] The endoscope according to the seventeenth aspect is any one of the fourteenth to sixteenth aspects, wherein the tip member includes a stepped portion between the first region and the second region, and the annular member contact surface is constituted by a proximal end surface of the stepped portion.

[0030] The endoscope according to the eighteenth aspect, in the seventeenth aspect, includes a tip cap detachably mounted on the tip member, wherein the tip cap has a second locking portion that is locked with the step portion.

[0031] The endoscope according to the 19th aspect is any one of the 1st to 18th aspects, wherein the distal end component comprises: a signal cable disposed behind the observation window; a light guide component disposed behind the lighting window; and a treatment instrument insertion passage for inserting the treatment instrument.

[0032] The endoscope according to a 20th aspect is configured so as to include, in any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, a rising platform in the first region.

[0033] Effects of the Invention

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the diameter of the distal end portion of the annular member having insulating properties. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram showing the overall structure of an endoscope.

[0036] Figure 2 This is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion as viewed from the Z(+) direction side.

[0037] Figure 3 Is from Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the tip part with the tip cap removed.

[0038] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tip cap.

[0039] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion when cut along the YZ plane.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the tip member as viewed from the Y(+) direction side.

[0042] Figure 8 It was removed from the front part. Figure 7 A perspective view of the cover shown.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the tip member as viewed from the Y(+) direction side.

[0044] Figure 10 When viewed from the X(+) direction Figure 9 A side view of the tip component is shown.

[0045] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view of the main parts showing the fixing structure of the angular rubber.

[0046] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the fixing structure is shown.

[0047] Explanation of symbols:

[0048] 1-Endoscope, 2-Insertion part, 3-Operation part, 4-Universal cord, 5-Flexible part, 6-Bending part, 7-Tip part, 8-Angle button, 9-Angle button, 10-Air and water supply button, 11-Suction button, 12-Standing operation lever, 13-Disposal instrument introduction port, 14-Air and water supply nozzle, 16-Observation window, 17-Signal cable, 18-Illumination window, 19-Light guide, 20-Tip part, 22 - Stand-up platform accommodating portion, 24 - Opening, 26 - Tip opening, 28 - Base, 28A - Tip wall, 30 - Flange, 30A - End surface, 32 - First wall, 34 - Second wall, 36 - Stand-up platform, 36A - Guide surface, 38 - Treatment instrument insertion channel, 39 - Treatment instrument outlet, 40 - Cover, 42 - Rod, 42A - Rotating axis, 44 - Rod accommodating chamber, 46 - Operating wire, 50-guidewire fixing portion, 50A-tip portion, 60-height difference portion, 70-insulating ring, 70B-insulating ring outer peripheral surface, 70C-insulating ring inner peripheral surface, 72-flange portion, 72A-end surface, 72B-end surface, 74-cap mounting portion, 74A-tip end, 74B-outer peripheral surface, 76-bend portion mounting portion, 76A-outer peripheral surface, 78-flat portion, 80-arc portion, 100-first region, 1 10-second area, 112-cylindrical portion, 112A-outer periphery, 130-angular rubber, 130A-tip, 132-wire, 134-adhesive, 136-wire winding portion, 138-adhesive layer, 200-tip cap, 200A-base end, 202-upper opening, 204-tip end opening, 206-base end opening, 208-engaging groove, 210-flat portion, 212-hook portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] [Overall Structure of Endoscope 1]

[0051] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall structure of the endoscope 1 according to this embodiment.

[0052] like Figure 1As shown, the endoscope 1 includes an insertion portion 2 to be inserted into a subject and an operating portion 3 connected to the proximal end portion of the insertion portion 2 and operated by an operating surgeon. In the embodiment, a side-viewing endoscope used as a duodenoscope is exemplified.

[0053] When describing the structure of each part of the endoscope 1 below, for the sake of convenience, the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system of X, Y, and Z is used for description. The Z direction in the figure refers to the up and down direction, the Z(+) direction side refers to the upper direction, and the Z(-) direction side refers to the lower direction. In addition, the X direction in the figure refers to the direction perpendicular to the Z direction, the X(+) direction side refers to the right direction, and the X(-) direction side refers to the left direction. In addition, the Y direction in the figure refers to the direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the X direction, the Y(+) direction side refers to the tip side direction, and the Y(-) direction side refers to the base side direction. In addition, the above-mentioned directions respectively refer to the directions when the operating physician observes the insertion part 2 from the upper side when the operating physician holds the operating part 3 of the endoscope 1.

[0054] <Insert 2>

[0055] The insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the subject through the oral cavity and further inserted from the esophagus through the stomach into the duodenum.

[0056] Examples of treatment instruments include biopsy forceps having a cup at the distal end thereof for collecting living tissue, EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy) knives, radiographic tubes, and guide wires.

[0057] The insertion portion 2 has a longitudinal axis Ax and has, in order from the base end side toward the distal end side, a flexible portion 5, a bending portion 6, and a distal end portion 7. The longitudinal axis Ax direction is the same as the Y direction.

[0058] The flexible portion 5 is constructed as follows: it occupies most of the insertion portion 2 from the proximal end side and is composed of, for example, a metal spiral tube and mesh (not shown), and is covered with a resin hose. The flexible portion 5 is flexible enough to bend in any direction, and when the insertion portion 2 is inserted into a body cavity, it bends along the insertion path into the body cavity.

[0059] The bending portion 6 is arranged on the distal end side of the soft portion 5 and on the base end side of the distal end part 20 of the distal end portion 7. The bending portion 6 is composed of a cylindrical body in which a plurality of angle rings are connected together so as to be able to swing with each other, and the outer periphery of the cylindrical body is covered with a mesh body woven with metal wires, and the outer periphery is covered with an outer skin, i.e., angle rubber made of rubber. In addition, a plurality of wires extend from the angle buttons 8 and 9 of the operating portion 3 to the bending portion 6, and the distal ends of these wires are fixed to the distal end of the above-mentioned cylindrical body. Thus, the bending portion 6 bends in the up-down direction (Z direction) and the left-right direction (X direction) according to the rotation operation of the angle buttons 8 and 9.

[0060] Regarding the tip 7, Figure 2 The tip portion 7 includes a tip member 20 and a tip cap 200 detachably mounted on the tip member 20 (see FIG. Figure 2 ).

[0061] The tip member 20 is made of a corrosion-resistant conductive material. The tip cap 200 is made of an insulating and elastic material, such as silicone rubber. The tip member 20 is connected to the tip of the insertion portion 2 and is an example of a tip member of the present invention. Furthermore, the tip cap 200 is an example of a tip cap of the present invention.

[0062] <Operation Section 3>

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the operation portion 3 includes angle buttons 8 and 9 for bending the bending portion 6, an air and water supply button 10, a suction button 11, a vertical operation lever 12, and a treatment instrument introduction port 13.

[0064] The air and water supply button 10 is an operation button for: Figure 2 ) Air and water are supplied toward the observation window 16 and the lighting window 18 through an air and water supply channel (not shown) inserted into the interior of the insertion portion 2.

[0065] The suction button 11 is an operation button for inserting the treatment instrument through the insertion channel 38 (see FIG. Figure 6 ) to aspirate body fluids, etc.

[0066] The raising operation rod 12 is used to raise the raising platform 36 (see Figure 2 ) is a rod for performing lifting operations. The upright operation rod 12 is one of the components of the treatment instrument upright mechanism.

[0067] The treatment instrument introduction port 13 is an opening that communicates with the treatment instrument insertion passage 38 and allows the surgeon to introduce treatment instruments, etc. The treatment instruments introduced from the treatment instrument introduction port 13 are guided to the distal end portion 7 through the treatment instrument insertion passage 38 .

[0068] A universal cord 4 is connected to the operating unit 3, and this universal cord 4 is connected to an image processing device and a light source device (not shown). A monitor device (not shown) is connected to the image processing device via a cable. The above is the overall structure of the endoscope 1. Next, the structure of the distal end portion 7 will be described.

[0069] <Structure of the tip portion 7>

[0070] Figure 2 This is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion 7 when viewed from the Z(+) direction side. Figure 2 , a state where the tip cap 200 is mounted on the tip member 20 is shown. Figure 3 It means from Figure 2 A perspective view of a state where the tip cap 200 is removed from the tip component 20.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, when the tip cap 200 is mounted on the tip member 20 , the tip cap 200 has an upper opening 202 that communicates with an opening 24 on the Z(+) direction side of a rising stage accommodating portion 22 described later.

[0072] Next, the structure of the tip cap 200 will be described.

[0073] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tip cap 200 . Figure 4 IVA is a stereoscopic view of the state when the tip cap 200 is installed on the tip component 20 when viewed from the Y(+) direction side, IVB is a stereoscopic view when the tip cap 200 is viewed from the Y(+) direction side, and IVC is a stereoscopic view when the tip cap 200 is viewed from the Y(-) direction side.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the tip cap 200 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape to accommodate the tip member 20. Furthermore, the tip cap 200 has an upper opening 202 that communicates with the opening 24 of the stand accommodating portion 22; a tip end opening 204 that communicates with the tip opening 26 on the Y(+) side of the stand accommodating portion 22; and a base end opening 206 for attaching the tip cap 200 to the tip member 20.

[0075] The upper opening 202 is located on the Z(+) side and is sized to expose, in addition to the stand accommodating portion 22 (opening 24), the tip of the air and water supply nozzle 14, the observation window 16, the illumination window 18, and the guidewire fixing portion 50 (described later). Furthermore, the tip opening 204 is connected to the upper opening 202 and serves as an exhaust opening to prevent the body cavity wall from being sucked by the upper opening 202 during suction operation of the endoscope 1. Furthermore, the base opening 206 is an opening for inserting the tip member 20.

[0076] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap 200 when the tip cap 200 is cut along the YZ plane. Figure 6 Cutting in the YZ plane Figure 2 A sectional view of the tip portion 7 is shown.

[0077] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the tip cap 200 has an engagement groove 208, a flat portion 210, and a hook portion 212 on its inner circumferential surface at the base end. The engagement groove 208 is provided along the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200. The flat portion 210 is provided on the surface of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200 on the Z(+) direction side, and is closer to the base end side (Y(-) direction side) than the engagement groove 208. The surface of the flat portion 210 is, for example, substantially parallel to the XY plane. The hook portion 212 is formed as a protrusion that is on the Z(-) side of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200 and protrudes in the Z(+) direction.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, the tip member 20 includes a flange portion 30 and a stepped portion 60. The flange portion 30 is provided so as to protrude radially from the upper surface (the surface on the Z(+) direction side) of the tip member 20. The stepped portion 60 is provided so as to protrude radially from the lower surface (the surface on the Z(-) direction side) of the tip member 20.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, when the tip cap 200 is mounted on the tip member 20, the engaging groove 208 of the tip cap 200 engages with the flange portion 30 of the tip member 20, and the flat portion 210 abuts against the flat portion 78 provided on the insulating ring 70 described later. Furthermore, the hook portion 212 engages with the step portion 60. Thus, the tip cap 200 is securely mounted on the tip member 20. Furthermore, the flange portion 30 and the engaging groove 208 are examples of the flange portion and the first engaging portion, respectively, of the present invention. Furthermore, the step portion 60 and the hook portion 212 are examples of the step portion and the second engaging portion, respectively, of the present invention.

[0080] Next, the structure of the tip member 20 will be described.

[0081] like Figure 3As shown, the tip member 20 has a first wall portion 32 and a second wall portion 34 that are opposed to each other in the X direction. The base ends of the first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 34 are connected to the base portion 28 of the tip member 20 and extend from the base portion 28 in the Y(+) direction.

[0082] Furthermore, a standing platform accommodating portion 22 for accommodating the standing platform 36 is provided between the first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 34 in the X direction. The standing platform accommodating portion 22 is formed as a slit-shaped space along the Y direction.

[0083] The distal end part 20 is provided with a treatment instrument outlet 39 (see Figure 6 ). Treatment instrument insertion channel 38 (refer to Figure 6 ) is connected to the treatment instrument outlet 39. The treatment instrument insertion channel 38 is inserted from the distal end member 20 to the insertion portion 2 (refer to Figure 1 ) inside, and its base end side is connected to the treatment instrument introduction port 13 of the operation part 3.

[0084] Thus, the treatment instrument introduced from the treatment instrument introduction port 13 is guided to the stand accommodating portion 22 through the treatment instrument insertion passage 38 and the treatment instrument outlet 39. The treatment instrument guided to the stand accommodating portion 22 has its outlet direction changed by the stand 36. The treatment instrument insertion passage 38 and the treatment instrument outlet 39 are examples of the treatment instrument insertion passage and treatment instrument outlet of the present invention.

[0085] Figure 7 It is a perspective view when the tip member 20 is viewed from the Y(+) direction side. Figure 8 After the second wall portion 34 is removed Figure 7 The cover 40 is shown in a perspective view, Figure 8 Also shown in FIG. 2 is an apex cap 200 .

[0086] <First Wall 32>

[0087] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the observation window 16 and the lighting window 18 are provided in the first wall portion 32. Inside the first wall portion 32, an imaging unit and a lighting unit are provided.

[0088] The imaging unit includes a photographic optical system and a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) or CCD (charge coupled device) type imaging element disposed on the rear side (Z(-) direction) of the observation window 16. The imaging element is connected to the first wall portion 32 through a signal cable 17 (see FIG. Figure 3 ) is connected to an image processing device. The imaging signal of the subject image obtained by the imaging unit is input into the image processing device via signal cable 17 and displayed as the subject image on a monitor connected to the image processing device via a cable. Observation window 16 and signal cable 17 are examples of the observation window and signal cable of the present invention.

[0089] The lighting unit includes a lighting lens provided on the rear side (Z(-) direction) of the lighting window 18 and a light guide 19 (refer to FIG. Figure 3 Light guide 19 is inserted through first wall portion 32 into insertion portion 2, and its base end is connected to the light source device. Thus, irradiation light from the light source device is transmitted through light guide 19 and irradiated from illumination window 18. Illumination window 18 and light guide 19 are examples of the illumination window and light guide member of the present invention.

[0090] <Second Wall 34>

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown, a concave rod accommodation chamber 44 for accommodating the rod 42 is provided in the second wall portion 34. The rod accommodation chamber 44 is provided on the wall surface opposite to the wall surface facing the rising table accommodation portion 22, of the two wall surfaces of the second wall portion 34 that face each other in the X direction.

[0092] The rod 42 in the rod storage chamber 44 has a rotation shaft 42A at one end thereof. The rotation shaft 42A penetrates the second wall portion 34 in the X direction and is connected to the stand 36. The other end of the rod 42 is connected to an operation wire 46. The operation wire 46 is inserted through the insertion portion 2 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) is connected to the interior of the operating portion 3 and is used as a standing operating rod 12.

[0093] Therefore, the surgeon pushes and pulls the operating wire 46 by operating the upright operation rod 12, and the rod 42 swings in conjunction with the push-pull operation. As a result, the upright platform 36 swings with the rotation axis 42A as the swing axis, changing its position between the upright position and the lying position. The rod 42 with the rotation axis 42A, the operating wire 46 and the upright operation rod 12 constitute the treatment instrument uprighting mechanism. In addition, the rod storage chamber 44 is connected to the upright position. Figure 7 The cover 40 is shown to provide a seal.

[0094] <Stand 36>

[0095] like Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the erection platform 36 is provided on the distal end member 20 and housed in the erection platform housing 22. Furthermore, the erection platform 36 is swingably mounted on the second wall portion 34 via a rotation axis 42A. The erection platform 36 is driven by the aforementioned treatment instrument erection mechanism to perform an erection operation and a lowering operation. The erection platform 36 is an example of an erection platform of the present invention.

[0096] Furthermore, the rising platform 36 has a guide surface 36A (see Figure 2 When the stand 36 is in the down position, the guide surface 36A is formed on the surface facing the Z(+) direction. The guide surface 36A is used to guide the treatment instrument and is formed in a generally U-shaped shape that is recessed inward from the swing end, i.e., the base end, to the tip end of the stand 36.

[0097] When the treatment instrument erecting mechanism causes the erecting platform 36 to be erected, the treatment instrument guided to the erecting platform accommodating portion 22 is guided by the guide surface 36A of the erecting platform 36 toward the opening 24 of the erecting platform accommodating portion 22 and is then led out to the outside through the upper opening 202 of the tip cap 200. Furthermore, by adjusting the erecting angle of the erecting platform 36 using the treatment instrument erecting mechanism, the direction in which the treatment instrument is led out can be changed.

[0098] <Guidewire Fixing Section 50>

[0099] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , a guide wire fixing portion 50 is provided in the base portion 28 . The guide wire fixing portion 50 is provided so as to protrude from the front end wall portion 28A of the base portion 28 toward the rising platform accommodating portion 22 in the Y(+) direction.

[0100] The guide wire fixing portion 50 is configured as a convex portion that tapers gradually in the Y(+) direction. In other words, the guide wire fixing portion 50 is configured in a substantially trapezoidal cube shape with the distal end wall portion 28A serving as the bottom surface.

[0101] When the raising platform 36 is raised to its maximum raised position, a guide wire (not shown) guided from the treatment instrument insertion passage 38 to the raising platform accommodating portion 22 is secured by being sandwiched between the convex distal end 50A of the guide wire fixing portion 50 and the concave guide surface 36A of the raising platform 36. The guide wire fixing portion 50 is arranged parallel to the air and water supply nozzle 14 in the X direction.

[0102] <First Area 100 and Second Area 110>

[0103] Figure 9 It is a perspective view when the tip member 20 is viewed from the Y(+) direction side. Figure 10 When viewed from the X(+) direction Figure 9 The side view of the front end part 20 is shown. Figure 9and Figure 10 , a state is shown in which the insulating ring 70 is separated from the second region 110 toward the Y(−) direction side.

[0104] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the tip member 20 configured as described above includes a first region 100 and a second region 110. The first region 100 and the second region 110 are examples of the first region and the second region of the present invention, respectively.

[0105] The first region 100 is the region of the distal end portion of the distal member 20 in the longitudinal axis Ax direction. The second region 110 is a region located further proximally than the first region 100 and is located proximally of the distal member 20. The flange portion 30 and the stepped portion 60 are provided between the first and second regions 100 and 110. That is, the distal end portion of the distal member 20 in this example is defined as the first region 100, while the proximal end portion is defined as the second region, with the flange portion 30 and the stepped portion 60 serving as the boundary.

[0106] The first area 100 has an observation window 16, an illumination window 18, a treatment instrument outlet 39, and a stand 36. Figure 10 The maximum outer diameter D1 is shown. The maximum outer diameter D1 is the maximum outer diameter when the first region 100 is projected onto a projection plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax.

[0107] On the other hand, the second region 110 is the region where the insulating ring 70 is mounted, and has a maximum outer diameter (diameter) D2 that is smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100. The maximum outer diameter D2 is the maximum outer diameter when the second region 110 is projected onto a projection plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax.

[0108] That is, Figure 10 As shown, when the first region 100 and the second region 110 are projected onto the aforementioned projection plane (XZ plane), the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110 is configured to be smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100 .

[0109] Furthermore, on the above-mentioned projection plane (XZ plane), in the two mutually orthogonal directions (X direction and Z direction), the outer diameter of the second region 110 in the X direction is configured to be smaller than the outer diameter of the first region 100, and the outer diameter of the second region 110 in the Z direction is configured to be smaller than the outer diameter of the first region 100. The X direction and the Z direction are examples of the first direction and the second direction of the present invention.

[0110] Furthermore, the second region 110 on the above-mentioned projection plane (XZ plane) is included in the first region 100 .

[0111] An insulating ring 70 is attached to the second region 110 thus constructed. When viewed from the longitudinal axis Ax, the insulating ring 70 is formed into a closed ring in the circumferential direction. The insulating ring 70 is an example of an annular member of the present invention. The insulating ring 70 will be described below.

[0112] <Insulating ring 70>

[0113] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the second region 110 has a cylindrical portion 112 extending along the longitudinal axis Ax, and an insulating ring 70 is attached to the outer peripheral portion 112A thereof. The insulating ring 70 is made of an insulating material such as plastic or ceramic.

[0114] like Figure 10 As shown, when the insulating ring 70 is projected onto a projection plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax, the minimum inner diameter D3 of the insulating ring 70 is configured to be smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100. Of course, the minimum inner diameter D3 is configured to be larger than the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110.

[0115] Furthermore, when the insulating ring 70 is formed of a deformable, rigid member such as plastic, its rigidity satisfies the following condition: even when the insulating ring 70 is deformed, the minimum inner diameter D3 becomes smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1. As a result, the insulating ring 70 cannot be inserted through the first region 100, but can be inserted through the second region 110.

[0116] Furthermore, the insulating ring 70 has an insulating ring inner circumferential surface 70C and an insulating ring outer circumferential surface 70B on the opposite side of the insulating ring inner circumferential surface 70C. The insulating ring inner circumferential surface 70C has a shape corresponding to (substantially the same shape or a similar shape to) the outer circumferential portion 112A of the cylindrical portion 112 of the second region 110. The insulating ring inner circumferential surface 70C and the insulating ring outer circumferential surface 70B are examples of the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the insulating member, respectively, of the present invention.

[0117] The insulating ring outer peripheral surface 70B includes a flange portion 72 formed along the circumferential direction, a cap mounting portion 74 provided at a position closer to the distal end than the flange portion 72, and a curved portion mounting portion 76 disposed at a position closer to the proximal end than the flange portion 72. The flange portion 72 is an example of an annular protrusion of the present invention.

[0118] <Cap Mounting Portion 74>

[0119] The cap mounting portion 74 has an outer peripheral surface 74B. The outer peripheral surface 74B has a flat portion 78 and an arc portion 80 and is provided closer to the tip side than the flange portion 72. The outer peripheral surface 74B is an example of a second outer peripheral surface of the present invention.

[0120] Flat portion 78 is provided on the Z(+) side of outer peripheral surface 74B. When insulating ring 70 is mounted in second region 110, flat portion 78 is positioned lower than the upper end of flange portion 30 of tip member 20 (on the Z(-) side). The surface of flat portion 78 is, for example, substantially parallel to the XY plane. Furthermore, arcuate portion 80 is formed on outer peripheral surface 74B at locations other than flat portion 78.

[0121] The outer peripheral surface 74B constitutes a cap mounting surface to which the base end portion of the tip cap 200 is mounted. That is, the outer peripheral surface 74B of the insulating ring 70 has a cap mounting surface.

[0122] When installing the insulating ring 70 in the second region 110, first, the cap mounting portion 74 of the insulating ring 70 is attached from the base end side to the tip end side of the second region 110 (cylindrical portion 112). Then, the tip end 74A of the insulating ring 70 (cap mounting portion 74) is brought into contact with the end surface 30A on the base end side of the flange portion 30.

[0123] Thus, the insulating ring 70 is attached to the second region 110. The end surface 30A on the proximal side of the flange portion 30, against which the distal end 74A of the insulating ring 70 abuts, is an example of an abutting surface of the annular member of the present invention.

[0124] Furthermore, when the insulating ring 70 is mounted in the second region 110, the outer peripheral surface 74B (flat portion 78, i.e., arc portion 80) which is a cap mounting surface is arranged on the base end side of the flange portion 30 (see FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 ).

[0125] Next, when the tip cap 200 is mounted on the tip member 20, the tip cap 200 is attached from the tip side to the base side of the first region 100 (the first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 34), and the base end 200A of the tip cap 200 (see FIG. Figure 8 ) abuts against the end surface 72A on the tip side of the flange portion 72 of the insulating ring 70.

[0126] Therefore, if Figure 6 As shown, the base end portion of the tip cap 200 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 74B of the insulating ring 70. The tip end surface 72A of the flange portion 72, against which the base end 200A of the tip cap 200 abuts, is an example of a cap abutting surface of the present invention.

[0127] And, as Figure 6As shown, when the base end of the tip cap 200 is attached to the outer circumferential surface 74B of the insulating ring 70, the engaging groove 208 of the tip cap 200 engages with the flange 30 of the tip member 20, and the flat portion 210 of the tip cap 200 abuts against the flat portion 78 of the insulating ring 70. Furthermore, the hook portion 212 of the tip cap 200 engages with the stepped portion 60 of the tip member 20. As a result, the metallic tip member 20 is covered by the insulating tip cap 200 and the insulating ring 70.

[0128] With this structure, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment ensures insulation of the tip portion 7 by the tip cap 200 and the insulating ring 70. Furthermore, the engagement between the flange portion 30 and the engagement groove 208, and the engagement between the stepped portion 60 and the hook 212, prevents the tip cap 200 from falling off the tip member 20 in the Y(+) direction. Furthermore, the contact between the flat portion 78 and the flat portion 210 prevents the tip cap 200 from shifting relative to the tip member 20 in the direction around the longitudinal axis Ax.

[0129] <Bending portion mounting portion 76>

[0130] On the other hand, the bent portion mounting portion 76 of the insulating ring 70 is as shown in FIG. Figure 9 and Figure 10 The outer peripheral surface 76A is provided at a position closer to the base end side than the flange portion 72 and constitutes a corner rubber 130 (refer to FIG. Figure 11 ) of the outer skin mounting surface. In addition, the outer peripheral surface 76A is an example of the first outer peripheral surface of the present invention, and the corner rubber 130 is an example of the outer skin of the present invention.

[0131] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a fixing structure of the angle rubber 130 to the curved portion mounting portion 76 . Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part of the fixing structure is shown.

[0132] like Figure 11 As shown, the tip end portion of the corner rubber 130 is mounted in the curved portion mounting portion 76 so that the end surface of the corner rubber 130 on the side of the tip end 130A is adjacent to the end surface 72B on the proximal end side of the flange portion 72. Thus, the corner rubber 130 can be mounted in the curved portion mounting portion 76. Furthermore, when the corner rubber 130 is mounted in the curved portion mounting portion 76, the end surface of the corner rubber 130 on the side of the tip end 130A can be brought into contact with the end surface 72B on the proximal end side of the flange portion 72.

[0133] Then, regarding the corner rubber 130, its tip end is wound with the wire 132 and fixed to the insulating ring 70. Figure 12As shown, the wire 132 is fixed to the horn rubber 130 by an adhesive 134. Furthermore, the distal end of the horn rubber 130 includes a wire winding portion 136 around which the wire 132 is wound, and an adhesive layer 138 covering the wire winding portion 136. The wire winding portion 136 and the adhesive layer 138 are examples of the outer sheath fixing portion of the present invention, and are examples of the wire winding portion and the adhesive layer of the present invention.

[0134] And, as Figure 11 As shown, the outer diameter D4 of the adhesive layer 138 is the same as the outer diameter D5 of the flange portion 72. Thus, the insulating ring 70 and the angle rubber 130 are fixed to each other on their respective outer peripheral surfaces without generating a height difference.

[0135] And, as Figure 11 As shown, the outer diameter D6 of the base end portion of the tip cap 200 is the same as the outer diameter D5 of the flange portion 72. Thus, the tip cap 200 and the insulating ring 70 are fixed to each other on their respective outer peripheral surfaces without generating a height difference.

[0136] Therefore, the tip cap 200 , the insulating ring 70 , and the angle rubber 130 are fixed to each other on their respective outer peripheral surfaces without generating any height difference.

[0137] In addition, the above-mentioned same outer diameter does not mean that these outer diameters are exactly the same. Slight deviations in these outer diameters due to assembly errors during manufacturing or individual differences between components, or height differences of less than 1 mm that are considered to be almost the same, are also included in the range of the same outer diameter.

[0138] As described above, in the endoscope, there is a problem that the outer diameter of the distal end portion becomes larger due to the outer diameter of the insulating ring.

[0139] Among them, in order to reduce the outer diameter of the distal end portion 7, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment is set as follows: the distal end component 20 of the distal end portion 7 is composed of a first region 100 having a maximum outer diameter D1 and a second region 110, the second region 110 is arranged at a position closer to the base end side than the first region 100, and has a maximum outer diameter D2 which is smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1, and an insulating ring 70 is installed in the second region 110.

[0140] Here, a comparative example will be described. For example, if the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110 is larger than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100, the minimum inner diameter of the insulating ring installed in the second region 110 must be larger than the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110. In this case, to ensure the strength of the insulating ring, the outer diameter of the insulating ring must be increased by an amount equal to the increase in the minimum inner diameter, resulting in an increase in the outer diameter of the insulating ring. As a result, the outer diameter (diameter) of the tip portion, which is governed by the outer diameter of the insulating ring, also increases, leading to an increase in the diameter of the tip portion.

[0141] In contrast, in the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100. Therefore, compared to the aforementioned comparative example, there is no need to increase the minimum inner and outer diameters of the insulating ring 70. Consequently, the outer diameter of the distal end portion 7 can be reduced.

[0142] Therefore, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment can achieve a reduction in the diameter of the distal end portion 7 including the insulating ring 70 .

[0143] Furthermore, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment is configured to have a structure (insertion structure) in which the insulating ring 70 is installed in the second region 110 from the base end side of the second region 110. Therefore, for example, the insulating ring is configured to be a C-shaped ring rather than a closed ring in the circumferential direction, and is inserted laterally from the side (X direction) of the second region 110 as a comparative example, which has the advantage of facilitating assembly operations.

[0144] As mentioned above, the endoscope according to the embodiment has been described. However, the present invention may be modified or altered in some manner without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: a tip member connected to the tip side of the insertion portion and made of a conductive material; and An insulating annular member is mounted on the base end side of the tip member. The distal end member comprises: a first region provided with an observation window, an illumination window, and a treatment instrument outlet; and a second region provided on the proximal end side of the first region and having the annular member mounted thereon. When the first region and the second region are projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, the maximum outer diameter of the second region is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first region.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein When one of the two directions orthogonal to each other on the projection plane is set as the first direction and the other direction is set as the second direction, the outer diameter of the second area in the first direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first area, and the outer diameter of the second area in the second direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first area.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The second area on the projection plane is included in the first area.

4. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: When the annular member is projected onto the projection plane, the minimum inner diameter of the annular member is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first region.

5. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The annular component has deformable rigidity, The rigidity is a rigidity that satisfies the condition that, even when the annular member is deformed, the minimum inner diameter of the annular member is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first region.

6. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The annular member has a closed shape in the circumferential direction when viewed from the direction of the longitudinal axis.

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The annular member has an annular member inner circumferential surface and an annular member outer circumferential surface on the side opposite to the annular member inner circumferential surface, and the annular member inner circumferential surface has a shape corresponding to the outer circumferential surface of the second region. The outer peripheral surface of the annular member has: an annular convex portion formed along the circumferential direction; a first outer peripheral surface provided at a position closer to the base end than the annular convex portion; and a second outer peripheral surface provided at a position closer to the tip end than the annular convex portion.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein: The first outer peripheral surface constitutes an outer skin mounting surface, and the outer skin of the curved portion arranged on the base end side of the tip member is mounted on the outer skin mounting surface. The annular convex portion includes an outer skin contact surface against which the leading end of the outer skin mounted on the outer skin mounting surface abuts.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, comprising: The outer skin fixing portion fixes the outer skin mounted on the outer skin mounting surface.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein: The outer sheath fixing portion includes a wire winding portion wound around an outer peripheral portion of the outer sheath and an adhesive layer covering the wire winding portion.

11. The endoscope according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The outer diameter of the annular protrusion is the same as the outer diameter of the outer skin fixing portion.

12. The endoscope according to claim 7, comprising: The tip cap can be detachably mounted on the tip component. The second outer peripheral surface has a cap mounting surface on which the base end portion of the tip cap is mounted. The annular convex portion has a cap abutting surface against which a base end of the tip cap mounted on the cap mounting surface abuts.

13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein: The outer diameter of the annular projection is the same as the outer diameter of the base end portion of the tip cap.

14. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The tip member has an annular member contact surface with which the tip of the annular member attached to the second region contacts.

15. The endoscope according to claim 14, wherein The tip member includes a flange portion, the flange portion protruding in the radial direction between the first region and the second region, The annular member contact surface is formed by an end surface on the base end side of the flange portion.

16. The endoscope according to claim 15, comprising: The tip cap can be detachably mounted on the tip component. The tip cap includes a first locking portion that is locked to the flange portion.

17. The endoscope according to claim 14, wherein: The tip member includes a stepped portion between the first region and the second region, and the annular member contact surface is formed by an end surface on the proximal side of the stepped portion.

18. The endoscope according to claim 17, comprising: The tip cap can be detachably mounted on the tip component. The tip cap includes a second locking portion that is locked with the step portion.

19. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The front end component has: a signal cable, arranged behind the observation window; a light guide component, disposed behind the lighting window; and The disposal instrument insertion passage is for the disposal instrument to be inserted.

20. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first area includes a standing platform.

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