Endoscope

Abstract

The utility model aims to provide an endoscope. An endoscope (1) provided with an insertion part (2) to be inserted into a subject, a first surface (20) disposed on the tip surface (14) of the insertion part (2), a jaw opening (26) disposed on the first surface (20), a second surface (23) protruding from the first surface (20) in the insertion direction of the insertion part, an observation window (30) disposed on the second surface, a nozzle (27) disposed on the first surface and ejecting a fluid from an ejection opening toward the observation window, and an insertion direction (ID) from the first surface in the insertion direction (ID) of the insertion part a protruding third surface (25); and a first illumination window (32) disposed on the third surface. The third surface is positioned between the nozzle and the jaw opening (26), and an end portion (25A) of the third surface in a fluid ejection direction (ED) is positioned closer to the ejection direction than a formation position (P) of the ejection (27A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an endoscope, in particular to an endoscope capable of improving the visibility of an observation window in a front end portion of an insertion portion. Background Art

[0002] An observation window for taking in subject light from the observed part and an illumination window for emitting illumination light toward the observed part are arranged on the front end surface of the front end portion of the insertion part of the endoscope. In addition, a fluid injection nozzle (air and water supply nozzle) for injecting cleaning water (water, etc.) and gas (air, etc.) toward the observation window is arranged on the front end surface.

[0003] When cleaning the observation window, first, cleaning water is ejected from the ejection port of the fluid ejection nozzle to remove the attached matter on the observation window, and then, gas is ejected from the ejection port to remove the cleaning water remaining on the observation window.

[0004] The endoscope of Patent Document 1 has an inclined portion at the peripheral edge of the observation window, and sets the second elevation angle along the second axis orthogonal to the first axial direction to be larger than the first elevation angle along the first axial direction of the injection direction, thereby further improving the cleaning and dehydration properties of the observation window.

[0005] Patent document 1: Patent document with publication number WO2014030385A1.

[0006] However, even if the cleaning water on the entire surface of the observation window is removed by spraying gas from the fluid spray nozzle, sometimes the cleaning water remains in the area adjacent to the nozzle. The cleaning water is drawn out during the air supply operation of the nozzle and moves on the observation window, which may be reflected in the observation image, resulting in poor visibility of the observation window. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present invention is made in view of such a situation, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of suppressing the reflection of washing water and improving the visibility of an observation window.

[0008] The first type of endoscope comprises an insertion portion inserted into a subject, a first surface arranged on the front end surface of the insertion portion, a forceps opening arranged on the first surface, a second surface protruding from the first surface along the insertion direction of the insertion portion, an observation window arranged on the second surface, a nozzle arranged on the first surface and spraying a fluid from the injection port toward the observation window, a third surface protruding from the first surface along the insertion direction of the insertion portion, and a first lighting window arranged on the third surface, the third surface is located between the nozzle and the forceps opening, and the end of the fluid injection direction of the third surface is located closer to the injection direction than the formation position of the injection port.

[0009] In the endoscope according to the second aspect, the third surface includes a protruding region extending in the injection direction and including an end portion between the formation position of the first illumination window and the nozzle.

[0010] In the endoscope according to the third aspect, the third surface tapers from the outer periphery of the distal end surface toward the end in the injection direction along the nozzle.

[0011] In the endoscope according to the fourth aspect, the ridgeline on the nozzle side of the third surface extends along the nozzle.

[0012] In the endoscope according to the fifth aspect, the second lighting window is arranged on the second surface on the side opposite to the nozzle across the observation window.

[0013] The endoscope according to the sixth aspect includes a narrow width portion formed by the second surface and the third surface.

[0014] In the endoscope according to the seventh aspect, a distance between a lower edge of the second surface and a lower edge of the third surface of the narrow width portion is shorter than a distance between the injection port and a lower edge of the second surface.

[0015] Utility Model Effect

[0016] According to the utility model, the reflection of washing water can be suppressed and the visibility of the observation window can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of the front end portion of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the front end portion of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a diagram for explaining another effect of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of a modified example of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of the front end portion of the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of Modification 1 of the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a diagram for explaining the structure of Modification 2 of the second embodiment.

[0025] Fig. 9 It is a diagram for explaining the structure of Modification 3 of the second embodiment.

[0026] Fig.10It is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a distal end portion and a bending portion.

[0027] Fig.11 This is a diagram for explaining a first method of bonding a sealing spring to a PTFE tube.

[0028] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining a second method of bonding a sealing spring to a PTFE tube.

[0029] Fig.13 This is a diagram showing an example of a high-frequency treatment instrument.

[0030] Fig.14 It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the front end portion.

[0031] Explanation of symbols:

[0032] 1- endoscope, 2- insertion part, 3- operation part, 4- universal cord, 5- soft part, 6- bending part, 7- front end part, 8, 9- angle button, 10- air and water supply button, 11- suction button, 12- treatment instrument introduction port, 14- front end surface, 20- first surface, 20A- forceps opening configuration surface, 20B- nozzle configuration surface, 21- flat surface, 22- step part, 23- second surface, 24- step part, 25- third surface, 25A- end, 25B- protruding area, 26- forceps opening, 27- nozzle, 27A- injection port, 28- front water supply nozzle, 29- flat surface, 30- observation window, 32- first lighting window, 34- 2nd lighting window, 40-narrow width portion, 50-front end surface, 52-3rd surface, 52A-end, 53-step portion, 54-flat surface, 100, 102, 104, 106-front end surface, 120-1st surface, 121-flat surface, 122-step portion, 123-2nd surface, 125-3rd surface, 125A-end, 125B-protruding area, 130-4th surface, 131-step portion, 132-flat surface, 140-narrow width portion, 141-flat surface, 142-3rd surface, 142A-end, 143-step portion, 152-3rd surface, 152A-end, 153-step portion, 154-flat surface, 16 0-4th surface, 161-step portion, 162-flat surface, 200-ring, 201-tube, 203-rivet pin, 204-net, 206-pliers tube, 206A-groove, 207-air and water supply pipe, 208-WJ tube, 210-sealing spring, 211-PTFE tube, 212A-adhesive, 212B-adhesive, 215-sealing spring, 215A-sparse winding portion, 215B-sealing portion, 300-treatment instrument body, 301-claw portion, 302-blade, 303-holding component, 304-axis, 305-connecting wire, 306-insulating component, 307-flexible sheath, 400-front end body, 401 -front end cover, 402-lens group, 403-prism, 404-imaging element, 405-main substrate, 406-substrate, 407-signal cable, 408-bare wire 410-pliers tube, 410A-flange, 412-connecting part, 413-metal wire, 414, 415-adhesive, AR-adjacent area, AR1-area surrounding the injection port, ED-injection direction, G, G1-gap, ID-insertion direction, L1, L2-distance, P-formation position, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9-edge, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8, S9-hem. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an endoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The endoscope 1 in the embodiment includes an insertion portion 2 inserted into a subject, an operation portion 3 connected to the base end of the insertion portion 2 and used for holding and operating the endoscope 1, and a universal cord 4 for connecting the endoscope 1 to system components such as a light source device and a processor device (not shown). The endoscope 1 of the present embodiment is an upper endoscope for observing the esophagus, stomach, etc.

[0035] The insertion portion 2 has a front end, a base end and a longitudinal axis, and is composed of a soft portion 5, a bending portion 6 and a front end portion 7 which are sequentially connected from the base end toward the front end. The soft portion 5 is flexible and can be bent in any direction along the insertion path of the insertion portion 2. The operation portion 3 is provided with angle buttons 8, 9, a treatment instrument introduction port 12, an air and water supply button 10 and a suction button 11.

[0036] The bending portion 6 is bent in each direction up and down and left and right by operating the angle knobs 8 and 9. A treatment instrument such as forceps is inserted from the treatment instrument introduction port 12 and is inserted from the forceps channel port 26 (see reference 26) provided in the front end portion 7. Figure 2 ) is derived. In addition, an observation window 30 for photographing the observed part in the body is provided at the front end portion 7 (refer to Figure 2 ) and the first lighting window 32 and the second lighting window 34 for irradiating the observed part with illumination light (reference Figure 2 ).

[0037] The insertion section 2 is inserted into the subject along the insertion direction ID indicated by the arrow, and the angle knobs 8 and 9 of the operation section 3 are rotated to bend the bending section 6 of the insertion section 2 in the up, down, left, and right directions. Thus, the front end 7 of the insertion section 2 can be directed to a desired direction in the body, and an observation image can be obtained through the observation window 30 provided at the front end 7.

[0038] <First embodiment>

[0039] Figure 2 This is a diagram of the front end portion of the first embodiment as viewed from the insertion direction ID. Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of the front end of the first embodiment. Figure 2As shown, the front end portion 7 has a front end surface 14 arranged on the front end side of the insertion direction ID. When viewed from the insertion direction ID, the front end surface 14 is configured as a circle. The front end surface 14 of the first embodiment has a first surface 20, a second surface 23 protruding from the first surface 20 to the insertion direction ID, and a third surface 25 protruding from the first surface 20 to the insertion direction ID. A forceps opening 26 and a nozzle 27 are arranged on the first surface 20. An observation window 30 and a second lighting window 34 are arranged on the second surface 23. The first lighting window 32 is arranged on the third surface 25. In the following, the direction perpendicular to the front end surface 14 (i.e., the insertion direction ID) is defined as the height direction (the same applies to the second embodiment described later). In the first embodiment, the second surface 23 and the third surface 25 are surfaces higher than the first surface 20.

[0040] The observation window 30 is used to obtain an image of the observed part to observe the components in the subject, and to take the subject light from the observed part into the optical system (lens group, etc.) and imaging element of other components as the observation part. The image taken by the observation part is sent as an observation image to the processor device connected via the universal cord 4.

[0041] The first illumination window 32 and the second illumination window 34 are components of the illumination unit installed in the distal end portion 7, and irradiate the observed part with illumination light emitted from the light emitting portion, which is another component of the illumination unit. The illumination light emitted from the light emitting portion is transmitted through a light guide inserted through the interior of the endoscope 1 from a light source device connected by a universal cord 4.

[0042] The first surface 20 is formed of a flat surface perpendicular to the insertion direction ID. The first surface 20 is provided with a clamp opening 26 , a fluid jet nozzle 27 , and a forward water jet (WJ: water jet) jet port 28 .

[0043] The forceps channel 26 is connected to the treatment instrument introduction port 12 via the forceps tube, and the treatment instrument inserted from the treatment instrument introduction port 12 is led out from the forceps channel 26. In addition, the forceps channel 26 is connected to the suction pump (negative pressure source) via the forceps tube. By operating the suction button 11, the cleaning water and attached matter (blood in the subject, etc.) are sucked from the forceps channel 26.

[0044] The nozzle 27 has a jet port 27A for jetting a fluid (liquid or gas), and the jet port 27A faces the observation window 30. The jet port 27A of the nozzle 27 jets the fluid onto the surface of the observation window 30 and its surroundings along the jet direction ED indicated by the arrow, and blows away and removes the washing water attached to the observation window 30 located on the jet direction ED side.

[0045] The front water delivery outlet 28 sprays liquid such as cleaning water or liquid medicine to the observed part. The front water delivery outlet 28 is connected to a water jet pipeline (not shown) provided in the insertion part 2, the operation part 3 and the universal cord 4, and sprays the liquid delivered from the liquid delivery device directly to the observed part.

[0046] The front water supply spout port 28 is arranged at a position adjacent to the clamp port 26 in the first surface 20 .

[0047] The second surface 23 extends from the outer periphery of the distal end surface 14 toward the nozzle 27 and has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the insertion direction ID. The second surface 23 is separated from the forceps opening 26 and the nozzle 27.

[0048] The second surface 23 includes a flat surface 21 formed perpendicular to the insertion direction ID and a step portion 22 connecting the flat surface 21 and the first surface 20. The flat surface 21 is formed by a surface parallel to the first surface 20. The step portion 22 is formed by an inclined surface that increases from the first surface 20 toward the flat surface 21.

[0049] The ridgeline R1 of the intersection of the flat surface 21 and the step portion 22 of the second surface 23 is composed of a curved portion following the shape of the observation window 30 and two substantially straight portions from the curved portion toward the outer periphery of the front end surface 14. The outer periphery of the second surface 23 is a curved shape following the shape of the outer periphery of the front end surface 14. The hem S1 of the intersection of the first surface 20 and the step portion 22 is composed of a curved portion following the shape of the observation window 30 and two substantially straight portions from the curved portion toward the outer periphery of the front end surface 14.

[0050] In the flat surface 21 of the second surface 23 , the observation window 30 is arranged on the nozzle 27 side, and the second lighting window 34 is arranged on the side opposite to the nozzle 27 across the observation window 30 .

[0051] The third surface 25 extends from the outer periphery of the distal end surface 14 toward the second surface 23 when viewed from the insertion direction ID, and is located between the jaw opening 26 and the nozzle 27. The outer periphery of the third surface 25 is a curved shape that follows the shape of the outer periphery of the distal end surface 14.

[0052] The third surface 25 includes a flat surface 29 formed perpendicular to the insertion direction ID and a step portion 24 connecting the flat surface 29 and the first surface 20. The flat surface 29 is formed by a surface parallel to the first surface 20. The step portion 24 is formed by an inclined surface that increases in height from the first surface 20 toward the third surface 25.

[0053] Figure 3The height relationship between the first surface 20, the second surface 23, the third surface 25 and the nozzle 27 is shown. When the first surface 20 is set as the reference position in the height direction (insertion direction ID), the maximum height position of each part increases in the order of the third surface 25, the second surface 23 and the nozzle 27. The first lighting window 32 is arranged on the third surface 25. From the viewpoint of expanding the light distribution area in a wide range toward the insertion direction ID to improve visibility, it is preferred that the height of the third surface 25 is lower than the height of the second surface 23. In addition, when implementing the utility model, the height relationship between the third surface 25 and the second surface 23 is not necessarily limited. For example, the third surface 25 and the second surface 23 can have the same height.

[0054] The structure of the front end surface 14 of the first embodiment, which is a characteristic portion of the present invention, will be described in more detail.

[0055] First, when cleaning the observation window 30, the nozzle 27 sprays cleaning water from the spray port 27A toward the observation window 30 to remove the cleaning water and attachments (blood or body fluids, etc.) attached to the observation window 30. Next, the nozzle 27 sprays gas from the spray port 27A to remove the cleaning water remaining on the observation window 30 or the area adjacent thereto.

[0056] However, there is a case where the washing water is not completely splashed by the fluid from the nozzle 27 and still remains on the first surface 20. In this state, there is a problem that a part of the washing water is drawn out when the nozzle 27 performs the air supply operation (so-called stringing phenomenon), and the washing water moves on the observation window 30, causing the washing water to be reflected in the observation image obtained from the observation window 30, and causing the visibility of the observation window 30 to decrease.

[0057] Therefore, the inventor of the present invention has conducted in-depth research on countermeasures for suppressing the phenomenon of washing water moving on the observation window 30 on the first surface 20. As a result, the inventor has focused on the situation that the washing water remaining in the adjacent area AR adjacent to the nozzle 27 (including the area on the side of the clamp opening 26 of the nozzle 27 including the nozzle side area shown by the oblique line) moves and is reflected in the observation image, and found that it is effective to relatively reduce the adjacent area AR on the first surface 20, especially the nozzle side area, by providing a third surface 25 with a height higher than the first surface 20. The shape of the third surface 25 is described in detail below.

[0058] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the third surface 25 has a substantially isosceles triangle shape when viewed from the insertion direction ID. The ridgeline R2 that is the intersection of the flat surface 29 of the third surface 25 and the step portion 24 includes two straight line portions.

[0059] The two straight line portions of the ridgeline R2 extend from the outer periphery of the front end face 14 to the injection direction ED side and are connected to each other, forming the end portion 25A of the injection direction ED of the third face 25. In addition, the straight line portion of the ridgeline R2 on the nozzle 27 side extends from the outer periphery of the front end face 14 along the nozzle 27. Here, "extending along the nozzle 27" means that the ridgeline R2 is roughly formed along the outer shape of the nozzle 27 (the outer shape on the ridgeline R2 side) at a position adjacent to the nozzle 27, and is not necessarily formed in accordance with the outer shape of the nozzle 27. The hem S2, which is the intersection of the first face 20 and the step portion 24, includes two straight line portions.

[0060] In the first embodiment, when the formation position of the injection port 27A in the injection direction ED is set to P, the end 25A of the third surface 25 is located at a position closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position P of the injection port 27A. In other words, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the front end surface 14 and perpendicular to the injection direction ED, the end 25A of the third surface 25 is located between the injection port 27A and the observation window 30. In addition, at least a part of the end 25A of the third surface 25 is located at a position closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position P of the injection port 27A. That is, the entire area of ​​the end 25A of the third surface 25 does not necessarily have to be located at a position closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position P of the injection port 27A.

[0061] Here, if the planar shape of the third surface 25 when viewed from the insertion direction ID is described, the third surface 25 is a substantially isosceles triangle, and is configured to be tapered toward the injection direction ED (toward the end 25A). That is, the third surface 25 has a protruding area 25B (an area including the end 25A) extending along the injection direction ED. By setting such a tapered shape, even if the area between the jaw 26 and the nozzle 27 (adjacent area AR) is narrow, at least a portion of the end 25A of the third surface 25 (that is, the protruding area 25B including the end 25A) can be arranged at a position closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position P of the injection port 27A. In addition, in the first embodiment, the ridgeline R2 of the third surface 25 includes two straight line portions, and the ridgeline R2 does not follow the shape of the first lighting window 32.

[0062] As described above, in the first embodiment, since the third surface 25 having the above-described structure is disposed on the front end surface 14, the area occupied by the adjacent region AR (especially the nozzle side region) of the nozzle 27 on the first surface 20 can be relatively reduced, and the amount of residual washing water on the front end surface 14 (adjacent region AR) can be suppressed as a whole. As a result, when the nozzle 27 is in the air supply operation, the washing water is not easily drawn, and the washing water is suppressed from being reflected in the observation image, and the visibility of the observation window 30 can be improved.

[0063] Next, the narrow width portion 40 provided between the second surface 23 and the third surface 25 will be described. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second surface 23 and the third surface 25 are arranged separately, and a narrow width portion 40 is formed between the second surface 23 and the third surface 25. When the front end surface 14 is observed from the insertion direction ID, the first surface 20 is composed of two surfaces separated by the narrow width portion 40, one of which is a clamp opening arrangement surface 20A where the clamp opening 26 is arranged, and the other is a nozzle arrangement surface 20B where the nozzle 27 is arranged (refer to Figure 4 ).

[0064] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the width of the narrow width portion 40 (the shortest distance between the second surface 23 and the third surface 25) is configured to be smaller than the shortest distance between the injection port 27A and the second surface 23. Specifically, the distance L1 between the lower edge S1 of the second surface 23 and the lower edge S2 of the third surface 25 in the narrow width portion 40 is configured to be shorter than the distance L2 between the injection port 27A and the lower edge S1 of the second surface 23.

[0065] As described above, according to the structure in which the narrow width portion 40 is provided between the second surface 23 and the third surface 25, even if a highly viscous attachment (blood or body fluid, etc.) remains in the jet port peripheral area AR1 of the nozzle arrangement surface 20B in the first surface 20, the attachment can be accumulated in the residual area, especially the oblique lined area, of the jet port peripheral area AR1, and the negative pressure generated in the jaw opening 26 can be efficiently acted on the attachment in the residual area by the suction operation, and as a result, the attachment can be sucked to the jaw opening 26 along the arrow direction FL. In addition, when implementing the utility model, the width of the narrow width portion 40 is not necessarily smaller than the shortest distance between the jet port 27A and the second surface 23, but from the viewpoint of efficiently causing the negative pressure to act on the attachment remaining in the jet port peripheral area AR1 and sucking the attachment to the jaw opening 26, it is preferably configured so that the width of the narrow width portion 40 is smaller than the shortest distance between the jet port 27A and the second surface 23. In addition, although the suction of the attached matter has been described, when there is residual washing water, it can also be sucked into the forceps channel opening 26 by the suction operation in the same manner as the attached matter.

[0066] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the third surface 25 higher than the first surface 20 is disposed between the jaw opening 26 and the nozzle 27, and the end 25A of the third surface 25 in the injection direction ED is further arranged at a position closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position of the injection port 27A of the nozzle 27, so that the adjacent area AR of the first surface 20 (especially the nozzle side area) is relatively reduced, and the residual amount of washing water on the first surface 20 can be suppressed as a whole. As a result, when the nozzle 27 is performing the air supply operation, the drawing phenomenon of the washing water is not easy to occur, the situation where the washing water is reflected in the observation image is suppressed, and the visibility of the observation window 30 can be improved.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, by providing the narrow width portion 40 between the second surface 23 and the third surface 25, the negative pressure generated in the jaw opening 26 can be effectively applied to the attached matter remaining in the jet port peripheral region AR1 (particularly the residual region) of the first surface 20, and the attached matter can be sucked out through the jaw opening 26. Furthermore, even when washing water remains in the jet port peripheral region AR1 of the first surface 20, the washing water can be sucked into the jaw opening 26 by the suction operation in the same manner as the attached matter.

[0068] <Modification>

[0069] Next, a modification of the front end surface of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining a modified example. Figure 5 In the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those in the first embodiment described above, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0070] About Figure 5 The front end face 50 shown in the figure, when viewed from the insertion direction ID, has a shape of the third face 52 that is different from the shape of the third face 25 of the above-mentioned embodiment, and the third face 52 in the modified example has a substantially rectangular shape. The third face 52 includes a flat face 54 formed perpendicularly to the insertion direction ID and a step portion 53 that is a portion connecting the flat face 54 and the first face 20. The first lighting window 32 is disposed on the flat face 54.

[0071] The flat surface 54 of the third surface 52 and the ridgeline R3 of the step portion 53 include three straight line portions, which are composed of two parallel straight line portions extending from the outer periphery of the front end surface 50 toward the injection direction ED and one straight line portion connecting the two straight line portions at a position closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position P of the injection port 27A. The one straight line portion connecting the two straight line portions constitutes the end portion 52A.

[0072] The hem S3 between the first surface 20 and the step portion 53 includes three straight line portions like the ridge line R3, which is composed of two parallel straight line portions extending from the outer periphery of the front end surface 50 toward the injection direction ED and a straight line portion connecting the two straight line portions at a position closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position P of the injection port 27A.

[0073] By making the third surface 52 substantially rectangular, even when the interval between the jaws 26 and the nozzle 27 is wider than that in the first embodiment, the adjacent area AR (especially the nozzle side area) of the first surface 20 can be more effectively reduced (not shown). Thus, since the washing water is prevented from remaining on the first surface 20, the washing water can be prevented from moving on the observation window 30.

[0074] <Second embodiment>

[0075] Next, the second embodiment is described. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the case where the front end face 14 has the first face 20, the second face 23 protruding from the first face 20 in the insertion direction ID, and the third face 25 protruding from the first face 20 in the insertion direction ID is described. In the second embodiment, the structure of the front end face is different. Hereinafter, the description of the points common to the first embodiment is omitted, and the points different from the first embodiment are described.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2, the front end surface 100 has a first surface 120, a second surface 123 protruding from the first surface 120 in the insertion direction ID, a third surface 125 protruding from the first surface 120 in the insertion direction ID, and a fourth surface 130 protruding from the first surface 120 in the insertion direction ID. In addition, the first surface 120 is provided with a clamp opening 26 and a nozzle 27. In addition, Figure 6 The 6-2 is Figure 6 The second embodiment may be a structure in which the shape of the front end face 100 of 6-1 is reversed. Figure 6 Any of 6-1 and 6-2.

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown in FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2, when viewed from the insertion direction ID, the second surface 123 has a circular shape, and the ridge line R4 and the hem S4 of the second surface 123 are also formed in a circular shape. The second surface 123 includes a flat surface 121 formed perpendicular to the insertion direction ID and a step portion 122 that connects the flat surface 121 and the first surface 120. The observation window 30 is arranged on the flat surface 121.

[0078] The fourth surface 130 is disposed between the forceps opening 26 and the second surface 123. The fourth surface 130 includes a flat surface 132 formed perpendicular to the insertion direction ID and a step portion 131 connecting the flat surface 132 and the first surface 120. The second lighting window 34 is disposed on the flat surface 132.

[0079] The ridgeline R6 of the fourth surface 130 includes two straight line portions extending parallel to the opening 26 and the second surface 123 from the outer periphery of the front end surface 100 and a curved portion connecting the two straight line portions. The flat surface 132 has a shell-like shape as a whole. The curved portion has a shape that follows the shape of the second lighting window 34.

[0080] The hem S6 of the fourth surface 130 includes two straight line portions extending parallel to the jaw opening 26 and the second surface 123 from the outer periphery of the front end surface 100 and a curved portion connecting the two straight line portions. The step portion 131 has a shell-like shape as a whole. The step portion 131 of the fourth surface 130 has an inclined surface inclined toward the flat surface 132.

[0081] The third surface 125 is disposed between the clamp opening 26 and the nozzle 27. The third surface 125 includes a flat surface 121 formed perpendicularly to the insertion direction ID and a step portion 122 which is a portion connecting the flat surface 121 and the first surface 120. The first lighting window 32 is disposed on the flat surface 121, and the front water supply spout 28 is disposed on the step portion 122.

[0082] The ridgeline R5 of the third surface 125 includes two straight line portions extending in parallel from the outer periphery of the front end surface 100 in the direction of the second surface 123 and a curved line portion connecting the two straight line portions. The flat surface 121 has a shell-like shape as a whole.

[0083] Furthermore, the hem S5 of the third surface 125 includes two mutually adjacent straight line portions extending from the outer periphery of the front end surface 100 in the direction of the second surface 123. The step portion 122 has a substantially triangular shape as a whole. The step portion 122 of the third surface 125 has an inclined surface inclined toward the flat surface 121. The inclination angle of the step portion 122 of the third surface 125 is smaller than the inclination angle of the step portion 22 of the third surface 25 of the first embodiment.

[0084] The end 125A of the third surface 125 is formed by the connection of two straight line portions of the lower hem S5 of the third surface 125, and the end 125A is located closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position P of the injection port 27A. In the second embodiment, the protruding region 125B is formed by the step portion 122. The third surface 125 is tapered toward the end 125A along the injection direction ED as a whole.

[0085] Figure 6In the second embodiment shown, in the same manner as the first embodiment, the end 125A of the third surface 125 in the ejection direction ED is located closer to the ejection direction ED than the position where the nozzle 27 is formed, so that the adjacent area AR (especially the nozzle side area) of the first surface 120 can be relatively reduced (both are not shown). As a result, since it is possible to suppress the washing water from remaining on the first surface 120, it is possible to suppress the washing water from moving on the observation window 30. As a result, when the nozzle 27 is performing the air supply operation, the drawing phenomenon of the washing water is not likely to occur, and the situation where the washing water is reflected in the observation image is suppressed, and the visibility of the observation window 30 can be improved.

[0086] Furthermore, a narrow width portion 140 is formed between the second surface 123 and the third surface 125. Through the narrow width portion 140, the negative pressure generated in the jaw opening 26 can act on the attached matter remaining on the jet port peripheral area AR1 (especially the residual area) (not shown) of the first surface 120, and the attached matter can be sucked out through the jaw opening 26. Furthermore, even when washing water remains in the jet port peripheral area AR1 of the first surface 120, the washing water can be sucked into the jaw opening 26 by the suction operation in the same manner as the attached matter.

[0087] <Modification>

[0088] Next, a modification example of the front end surface of the second embodiment will be described. Figures 7 to 9 In the present invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts as those in the above-mentioned second embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] (Variant 1)

[0090] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining Modification Example 1. Figure 7 The shape of the third surface 142 of the front end surface 102 shown in the figure, when viewed from the insertion direction ID, is different from the shape of the third surface 125 of the second embodiment described above. In the first modification, the third surface 142 has a substantially rectangular shape as a whole.

[0091] The third surface 142 includes a flat surface 141 formed perpendicularly to the insertion direction ID and a step portion 143 connecting the flat surface 141 and the first surface 120. The first lighting window 32 is arranged on the flat surface 141. The inclination angle of the step portion 143 is larger than that of the step portion 122 of the second embodiment.

[0092] The flat surface 141 of the third surface 142 and the ridgeline R7 of the step portion 143 include three straight line portions, which are composed of two parallel straight line portions extending from the outer periphery of the front end surface 102 toward the injection direction ED and one straight line portion connecting the two straight line portions. In addition, the hem S7 of the first surface 120 and the step portion 143 also include three straight line portions like the ridgeline R7, which are composed of two parallel straight line portions extending from the outer periphery of the front end surface 102 toward the injection direction ED and one straight line portion connecting the two straight line portions. The one straight line portion connecting the two straight line portions constitutes the end portion 142A, and the end portion 142A is located at a position closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position P of the injection port 27A.

[0093] In the first modification, by making the third surface 142 substantially rectangular, even when the interval between the jaws 26 and the nozzle 27 is wider than that in the second embodiment, the adjacent area AR of the first surface 120 can be relatively reduced. Thus, since the washing water is prevented from remaining on the first surface 120, the washing water can be prevented from moving on the observation window 30.

[0094] Furthermore, since the area of ​​the flat surface 141 is wider than that of the flat surface 121 of the second embodiment, the degree of freedom in arrangement of the first lighting window 32 is increased.

[0095] (Variant 2)

[0096] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining Modification Example 2. Figure 8 The shape of the third surface 152 of the front end surface 104 shown in the figure, when viewed from the insertion direction ID, is different from the shape of the third surface 125 of the second embodiment described above. In the second modification, the third surface 152 has a substantially cannonball shape as a whole.

[0097] The third surface 152 includes a flat surface 154 formed perpendicularly to the insertion direction ID and a step portion 153 which is a portion connecting the flat surface 154 and the first surface 120. The first lighting window 32 is arranged on the flat surface 154. The inclination angle of the step portion 153 is larger than the inclination angle of the step portion 122 of the second embodiment, and smaller than the inclination angle of the step portion 143 of the first modification.

[0098] The ridgeline R8 between the flat surface 154 of the third surface 152 and the step portion 153 is composed of two straight line portions extending in parallel from the outer periphery of the front end surface 104 toward the ejection direction ED and one curved line portion connecting the two straight line portions.

[0099] Furthermore, the first surface 120 and the hem S8 of the step portion 153 are composed of two mutually adjacent straight line portions extending from the outer periphery of the front end surface 104 toward the ejection direction ED and one curved line portion connecting the two straight line portions, similarly to the ridge line R8.

[0100] The curved portion of the skirt S8 constitutes an end portion 152A, and the end portion 152A is located closer to the injection direction ED than the formation position P of the injection port 27A.

[0101] In the second modification, by making the third surface 152 substantially cannonball-shaped, even when the interval between the jaw opening 26 and the nozzle 27 is wider than that in the second embodiment, the nozzle 27 can be brought closer, and the adjacent area AR (especially the nozzle side area) of the first surface 120 can be relatively reduced (both not shown). Thus, since the washing water is prevented from remaining on the first surface 120, the washing water can be prevented from moving on the observation window 30.

[0102] Furthermore, since the area of ​​the flat surface 154 is wider than that of the flat surface 121 of the second embodiment, the degree of freedom in arrangement of the first lighting window 32 is increased.

[0103] (Variant 3)

[0104] Fig. 9 9-1 and 9-2 are diagrams for explaining Modification 3. Fig. 9 9-1 and 9-2 of the front end face 106, when viewed from the insertion direction ID, the shape of the fourth face 160 is different from the shape of the fourth face 130 of the second embodiment described above, and the fourth face 160 in the modification example 3 has a generally triangular shape as a whole. Fig. 9 9-2 is the Fig. 9 The shape of the front end face 106 of 9-1 is reversed, and the modification 3 may be Fig. 9 Any of 9-1 and 9-2.

[0105] like Fig. 9 As shown, the fourth surface 160 is disposed between the forceps opening 26 and the second surface 123. The fourth surface 160 includes a flat surface 162 formed perpendicular to the insertion direction ID and a step portion 161 connecting the flat surface 162 and the first surface 120. The second lighting window 34 is disposed on the flat surface 162.

[0106] The ridgeline R9 of the fourth surface 160 is composed of two straight line portions extending parallel to each other from the outer periphery of the front end surface 106 toward the jaw opening 26 and the second surface 123, and a curved portion connecting the two straight line portions. The flat surface 162 has a substantially cannonball shape as a whole. The curved portion has a shape that follows the shape of the second lighting window 34.

[0107] The lower edge S9 of the fourth surface 160 includes two straight line portions approaching each other from the outer periphery of the front end surface 106 toward the jaw opening 26 and the second surface 123. The step portion 161 has a generally triangular shape. The step portion 161 of the fourth surface 160 has an inclined surface inclined toward the flat surface 162.

[0108] Modification 3 includes the same third surface 125 as the second embodiment, and thus, in the same manner as the second embodiment, the adjacent area AR (especially the nozzle side area) of the first surface 120 is relatively reduced (neither of which is shown in the figure), thereby being able to suppress the movement of the washing water on the observation window 30. Furthermore, through the narrow width portion 140, the negative pressure generated in the jaw opening 26 can act on the attached matter remaining on the jet port peripheral area AR1 (especially the residual area) (neither of which is shown in the figure) of the first surface 120, and the attached matter can be sucked from the jaw opening 26. Furthermore, even when washing water remains in the jet port peripheral area AR1 of the first surface 120, the washing water can be sucked to the jaw opening 26 by the suction operation in the same manner as the attached matter.

[0109] <Disclosure of other utility models>

[0110] Next, Embodiments 1 and 2 of other inventions (hereinafter referred to as other Embodiments 1 and 2) will be described.

[0111] <Other Embodiment 1>

[0112] like Figure 1 As shown, the front end portion 7 is connected to the bending portion 6 , and the front end portion 7 can be directed to a desired direction by operating the angle knobs 8 and 9 .

[0113] Fig.10 2 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of the front end portion 7 and the curved portion 6. Fig.10 As shown, the bending portion 6 includes a plurality of metal rings 200 (also referred to as node rings or pieces) connected along the insertion direction ID, a mesh 204 made of a metal wire braid covering the outer periphery of each ring 200, and a tube 201 covering the mesh 204. The adjacent rings 200 are rotatably connected to each other by rivet pins 203. These rings 200 and rivet pins 203 are made of metal.

[0114] A plurality of angle wires (not shown) are inserted through each ring 200. One end of each angle wire is connected to the front end 7, and the other end is connected to a rotating member (not shown) that is rotated by the angle knobs 8 and 9. Thus, the bending portion 6 is remotely operated (angle operation) by rotating the angle knobs 8 and 9 provided on the operating portion 3.

[0115] In the bending portion 6 , for example, a forceps tube 206 communicating with the forceps channel opening 26 of the distal end portion 7 , an air and water supply tube 207 communicating with the nozzle 27 , and a WJ (water jet) tube 208 communicating with the front water supply outlet 28 are inserted and passed through.

[0116] The air and water supply pipe 207 and the WJ pipe 208 are generally required to have flexibility with respect to bending, air tightness, and chemical resistance, and therefore fluororesin pipes such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) pipes are often used.

[0117] However, if the PTFE tube used in the air and water supply pipe 207 and the WJ tube 208 contacts the rivet pin 203 in the bending portion 6, it becomes a cause of airtight leakage due to the opening of the PTFE tube. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the strength of the PTFE tube relative to the rivet pin 203 by, for example, coating the PTFE tube with a sealing spring made of SUS (Steel Special Use Stainless Steel).

[0118] Fig.11 2 is a diagram for explaining a first method of covering a sealing spring 210 on a PTFE tube 211. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 11-1, an adhesive 212A is applied to one end of the PTFE tube 211. The sealing spring 210 attached to the PTFE tube 211 is moved in the moving direction F (the direction of the adhesive 212A) indicated by the arrow.

[0119] Then, if Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 11 - 2 , the sealing spring 210 is moved to the position of the adhesive 212A, and one end of the sealing spring 210 is bonded to the PTFE tube 211 via the adhesive 212A.

[0120] Then, if Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 11-3 , an adhesive 212B is applied to the PTFE tube 211 at a position away from the other end of the sealing spring 210. This is because the sealing spring 210 is wound without a gap, so the adhesive 212B cannot be applied between the sealing spring 210 and the PTFE tube 211.

[0121] Finally, if Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 11-4, the other end of the sealing spring 210 is stretched to the position of the adhesive 212B, and the sealing spring 210 and the PTFE tube 211 are bonded via the adhesive 212B.

[0122] In the first method, since the sealing spring 210 needs to be stretched for bonding, the sealing spring 210 is not completely sealed and a gap G is generated in the sealing spring 210. The caulking pin 203 enters the gap G and causes a hole to be formed in the PTFE tube 211.

[0123] Therefore, in another embodiment 1, by using a close-fitting spring having a sparsely wound portion at least at the end portion, the caulking pin 203 is prevented from causing a hole in the PTFE tube 211 .

[0124] Fig.12 This is a diagram for explaining a second method of covering the PTFE tube 211 using the close-fitting spring 215 having the sparsely wound portion 215A at the end thereof.

[0125] like Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 12-1 , an adhesive 212A is applied to one end of the PTFE tube 211, and the sealing spring 215 moves to the adhesive 212A side. The sealing spring 215 has a sparsely wound portion 215A at the end, and the sparsely wound portion 215A is wound in a manner that a certain gap G1 is preliminarily separated. On the other hand, the sealing spring 215 has a tightly wound sealing portion 215B in addition to the sparsely wound portion 215A. One end (the sealing portion 215B) of the sealing spring 215 is bonded to the PTFE tube 211 via the adhesive 212A.

[0126] Then, if Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 12 - 2 , the coating device 213 applies the adhesive 212B from above the sparse winding section 215A. Since the sparse winding section 215A has a predetermined gap G1 which is previously separated, the adhesive 212B reaches the PTFE tube 211 .

[0127] Finally, if Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 12-3, the sealing spring 215 and the PTFE tube 211 are bonded together via the adhesive 212B without stretching the sealing spring 215.

[0128] Since the close contact spring 215 of the other embodiment 1 is composed of the close contact portion 215B in which the spring is in close contact except for the sparsely wound portion 215A, it is possible to suppress the caulking pin 203 from coming into contact with the PTFE tube 211 .

[0129] Furthermore, the gap G1 of the sparsely wound portion 215A is filled with adhesive 212B, thereby preventing the rivet pin 203 from contacting the PTFE tube 211. By using a sealing spring 215 having a sparsely wound portion 215A at the end, the strength of the PTFE tube 211 relative to the rivet pin 203 can be increased over the entire range of the sealing spring 215.

[0130] Fig.12 Parts 12-1 to 12-3 in the figure show a sealing spring 215 having a sparsely wound portion 215A at the end, but the structure is not limited to this. The sealing spring 215 may also have a structure in which the sparsely wound portion 215A is provided at both ends and a sealing portion 215B is provided between the two sparsely wound portions 215A. Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 12-4, by providing the sparsely wound portions 215A at both ends, the adhesive 212A and 212B can be applied from above the sparsely wound portions 215A at both ends by the coating device 213 after the sealing spring 215 is attached to the PTFE tube 211. Fig.12 In the sealing spring 215 shown in FIG. 12-4, the strength of the PTFE tube 211 relative to the rivet pin 203 can be improved over the entire range. In addition, the relative positional relationship between the PTFE tube 211 and the sealing spring 215 can be easily determined.

[0131] <Other Embodiment 2>

[0132] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope 1 includes a treatment instrument introduction port 12 in the operation portion 3. Treatment instruments are inserted from the treatment instrument introduction port 12 and are guided out from the forceps channel 26 of the distal end portion 7. The surgeon uses the treatment instruments to perform treatments such as incising or removing living tissue or coagulating and stopping bleeding.

[0133] Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is known as an example of treatment using the endoscope 1. When a lesion such as a tumor is found in the mucosa of the inner wall of a body cavity such as the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or large intestine by endoscopic examination, ESD is a treatment in which a treatment instrument is used to remove the lesioned mucosa.

[0134] As a treatment tool for ESD, a high-frequency treatment tool is known. Fig.13 An example of the structure of the front end portion of the high-frequency treatment device (treatment device body) is shown. Fig.13 As shown, the treatment instrument body 300 includes a pair of claws 301, 301. The pair of claws 301 each includes a plurality of tapered blades 302 on the opposite sides. The pair of claws 301 are supported by a shaft 304 of a holding member 303. Connection wires 305 are connected to the ends of the pair of claws 301, respectively. The claws 301 and the connection wires 305 are electrically connected.

[0135] The holding member 303 is connected to the flexible sheath 307. An operation wire (not shown) connected to the connection wire 305 is inserted through the flexible sheath 307, and the pair of claws 301 can be opened and closed by pulling the operation wire.

[0136] A high frequency is applied to the treatment device body 300, so that Fig.13 As shown in the enlarged view of , the claw portion 301 is covered with an insulating member 306 except for the blade 302, and the claw portion 301 is also covered with an insulating member except for the connection portion between the claw portion 301 and the connection wire 305.

[0137] However, if there is a metal part in the jaw opening 26, when the treatment instrument body 300 is led out of the jaw opening 26 of the distal end portion 7 and the high-frequency treatment instrument is energized, the metal part may generate sparks due to the mixing of body fluids, etc., which may cause damage to the resin part of the distal end portion 7. Therefore, it is preferable to have a structure in the distal end portion 7 to prevent the generation of sparks.

[0138] Therefore, in another embodiment 2, by forming the portion of the distal end portion 7 within the jaw opening 26 with resin, it is possible to prevent sparks from being generated between the treatment device body 300 and the metal portion when the high-frequency treatment device is energized.

[0139] Fig.14 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the front end portion 7. Fig.14 As shown, the front end portion 7 includes a metal front end portion body 400 and an annular resin front end cover 401 installed on the front end side of the front end portion body 400. An observation window 30 is arranged on the front end surface 14 of the front end portion 7. Behind the observation window 30 (on the base end side), a lens group 402, a prism 403, an imaging element 404, a main substrate 405, a sub-substrate 406, and a signal cable 407 are arranged. The imaging element 404 is mounted on the main substrate 405. Parts that cannot be mounted on the main substrate 405 are installed on the sub-substrate 406. As the signal cable 407, a multi-core cable is used. The signal cable 407 includes a plurality of bare wires 408, and the plurality of bare wires 408 are electrically connected to the main substrate 405 and the sub-substrate 406.

[0140] The front end body 400 is provided with a resin forceps channel 410 communicating with the forceps channel 26 at the rear (base end side) of the forceps channel 26. The forceps channel 410 is made of, for example, polysulfone. The forceps channel 410 has a cylindrical shape having openings at the front end side and the base end side. A flange 410A is provided along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the forceps channel 410. The forceps tube 206 is connected to the base end side of the forceps channel 410. The forceps tube 206 is made of, for example, a PTFE tube. A connection portion 412 between the forceps channel 410 and the forceps tube 206 (a portion of the forceps channel 410 covered with the forceps tube 206) is provided inside the front end body 400. That is, the forceps channel 410 does not protrude toward the base end side from the front end body 400.

[0141] A spiral groove 206A is formed in the circumferential direction on the outer circumference of the forceps tube 206. The metal wire 413 is spirally wound along the groove 206A. The metal wire 413 can improve the anti-kink performance of the forceps tube 206.

[0142] A space is formed by the flange 410A and the distal end body 400 , and an adhesive 414 is provided in the space along the flange 410A. Furthermore, an adhesive 415 is provided between the distal end body 400 and the forceps tube 206 on the proximal end side of the distal end body 400 .

[0143] Next, the features of the front end portion 7 according to another second embodiment will be described.

[0144] In the distal end portion 7, the forceps channel 410 is made of resin, so the path (forceps tube 206, forceps channel 410 and front end cover 401) through which the treatment instrument body 300 of the high-frequency treatment instrument passes is entirely made of resin. That is, in the distal end portion 7, the path of the treatment instrument body 300 does not include a metal part, so it is possible to prevent the generation of sparks.

[0145] Furthermore, since the connection portion 412 is disposed inside the distal end portion body 400 , it is possible to suppress damage to the forceps tube 410 made of resin.

[0146] Furthermore, since the forceps tube 410 includes the flange 410A, when the forceps tube 206 is attached to the forceps tube 410, the front end side of the forceps tube 206 contacts the flange 410A. As a result, the forceps tube 410 and the forceps tube 206 can be easily positioned.

[0147] Furthermore, the flange 410A and the distal end body 400 form a space to ensure an area for accumulating the adhesive 414. Furthermore, the adhesive 415 can prevent the forceps tube 206 from swinging at this position and contacting the distal end body 400, thereby suppressing damage to the forceps tube 206.

[0148] As mentioned above, the endoscope related to the present invention has been described in detail, but the present invention may be improved or modified in some way without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: An insertion portion, inserted into the subject; A first surface is disposed on the front end surface of the insertion portion; A clamp opening is arranged on the first surface; a second surface protruding from the first surface along an insertion direction of the insertion portion; An observation window is arranged on the second surface; a nozzle, arranged on the first surface, and spraying fluid from a spray port toward the observation window; a third surface protruding from the first surface along the insertion direction of the insertion portion; and The first lighting window is arranged on the third surface, It is characterized in that The third surface is located between the nozzle and the clamp opening, and an end of the third surface in the ejection direction of the fluid is located closer to the ejection direction than a formation position of the ejection opening.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The third surface includes a protruding region extending in the ejection direction and including the end portion between a position where the first lighting window is formed and the nozzle.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The third surface is tapered from the outer periphery of the front end surface toward the end portion along the nozzle in the ejection direction.

4. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that A ridgeline of the third surface on the nozzle side extends along the nozzle.

5. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that A second lighting window is disposed on the second surface on the side opposite to the nozzle across the observation window.

6. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The endoscope includes a narrow width portion, and the narrow width portion is formed by the second surface and the third surface.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, It is characterized in that A distance between a lower edge of the second surface and a lower edge of the third surface of the narrow width portion is shorter than a distance between the injection port and a lower edge of the second surface.

8. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The fourth surface on which the second lighting window is arranged is provided on the side opposite to the nozzle across the observation window.

9. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The third surface has a substantially rectangular shape.

10. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The third surface is roughly cannonball-shaped.

11. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, It is characterized in that The step portion has an inclined surface that is inclined toward the flat surface.

Images