Endoscope

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of endoscope, it can easily insert front end part to bronchus depth.The endoscope has: insertion part, including front end part and the bending portion of the base end side of above-mentioned front end part;And bending operation part, the bending operation of above-mentioned bending portion can be carried out, above-mentioned bending portion includes the 1st region and the 2nd region between above-mentioned 1st region and above-mentioned front end part, above-mentioned 1st region is bent to 1st curvature radius in one direction according to the operation of above-mentioned bending operation part, above-mentioned 2nd region is bent to 2nd curvature radius smaller than above-mentioned 1st curvature radius in above-mentioned one direction according to the operation of above-mentioned bending operation part, the length of above-mentioned 2nd region in the longitudinal axis direction of above-mentioned insertion part is below the length of above-mentioned 1st region in above-mentioned longitudinal axis direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an endoscope. Background Technology

[0002] Patent documents 1, 3, 5, and 6 describe an endoscope having a curved portion that allows the front end portion to bend more than the base end portion.

[0003] Patent document 2 describes an endoscope having a curved section that can be bent with multiple radii of curvature.

[0004] Patent document 4 describes the following: In the curved section structure of an endoscope formed by connecting multiple segment rings along the axial direction of the insertion section, the spacing between the multiple segment rings connected to form adjacent segment ring bodies gradually becomes larger at the front end side of the curved section than at the base end side of the curved section.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-334050

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-154545

[0007] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 02-271817

[0008] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-342517

[0009] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Implementation License No. 56-124401

[0010] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-155806 Utility Model Content

[0011] In this invention, an endoscope is provided that can be easily inserted into the depth of the bronchus.

[0012] An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an insertion portion including a front end portion and a bending portion disposed at the base end side of the front end portion; and a bending operation portion capable of bending the bending portion, wherein the bending portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the front end portion, the first region bending in one direction with a first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation portion, the second region bending in the same direction with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation portion, and the length of the second region in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion is less than or equal to the length of the first region in the longitudinal direction.

[0013] Utility Model Effect

[0014] According to the technology of this utility model, an endoscope can be provided that can be easily inserted into the depth of the bronchus. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is an overall view of an endoscope 1, which is one aspect of the technology of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the front rigid part 34, which includes a portion of the curved part 32.

[0017] Figure 3 It is to remove Figure 2 The figure shows a perspective view of the front rigid part 34 of the curved rubber 36.

[0018] Figure 4 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 A perspective view of the main part of the curved section 32 of the endoscope 1 shown.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the first movable part 32A shown.

[0020] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the second movable part 32B shown.

[0021] Figure 7 It schematically represents observation along direction X. Figure 4 A diagram showing the state of the curved portion 32.

[0022] Figure 8 It is used to explain from Figure 7 The diagram shows the bending state of the bent portion 32 when the bent rod 16 rotates in the A1 direction.

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of inserting endoscope 1 into the bronchus for use.

[0024] Figure 10 It is used to explain from Figure 8 The diagram shown illustrates the bending state of the bent portion 32 when the rotation angle of the bent rod 16 is increased.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of inserting endoscope 1 into the bronchus for use.

[0026] Figure 12 It is used to explain from Figure 7 The diagram shown is an example of the bending state of the bent portion 32 when the bent rod 16 rotates in the -A1 direction.

[0027] Symbol explanation:

[0028] 1-Endoscope, 10-Operating part, 12-Insertion part, 14-Universal plug rope, 16-Angle rod, 22-Suction button, 24-Disposal instrument inlet, 30-Soft part, 31-Passive bending part, 32-Bending part, 32A-First movable part, 32B, 32Bb-Second movable part, 320-Modible part, 33-Front end side connecting part, 33J, 35J-Axis, 34-Front end rigid part, 35-Base end side connecting part, 36-Angle rubber, 40-Front end body, 42-Cover, 44, 46-Opening, 48-Exit port, 50 - Front surface, 52- Observation window, 60- Illumination window, 62- Treatment device insertion hole, 101- Trachea, 102- Main bronchus, 103- Lung, 104- Upper lobe bronchus, 105, 106- Bronchus, 321- Region 1, 322- Region 2, 322A- Part, 322B- Other parts, 323- Connecting component, 324- Wire guide, 325, 326, 327, 328- Connecting piece, 329- End face, L1, L2, L3, L7- Distance, P1, P2- Position, L4- Spacing, L5, L6- Length. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 This is an overall view of an endoscope 1, which represents one aspect of the technology of this utility model. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 As shown, endoscope 1 is used for the extraction of cells and tissues from lesions (or observation sites, examination sites, and diagnostic sites). In this embodiment, the bronchus is used as an example of a site containing a lesion. For example, it is used for the observation or examination of suspected cancerous sites within the bronchus.

[0030] The endoscope 1 consists of an operating part 10 held by the surgeon for various operations, an insertion part 12 inserted into the patient's body, and a universal plug 14. The endoscope 1 is connected via the universal plug 14 to system components such as a processor device and a light source device (not shown) that constitute the endoscope system.

[0031] The operating unit 10 is equipped with various operating components operated by the surgeon, such as a bend lever 16 and a suction button 22, which are described later for appropriate operation.

[0032] Furthermore, the operation unit 10 is provided with a treatment device inlet 24 for inserting a treatment device into the treatment device passage (not shown) in the insertion unit 12.

[0033] The insertion part 12 extends from the front end of the operation part 10 and is formed as a narrow and elongated strip. The insertion part 12 is composed of a flexible part 30, a passively bending part 31, a bending part 32 and a front rigid part 34 as the front end, arranged sequentially from the base end side toward the front end side.

[0034] The flexible portion 30 occupies most of the area from the base end of the insertion portion 12 and has flexibility to bend in any direction. When the insertion portion 12 is inserted into the body cavity, the flexible portion 30 bends along the insertion path into the body cavity.

[0035] The passive bending section 31 is, for example, composed of a metal spiral tube (a metal plate wound in a spiral shape) and a mesh, and its outer periphery is further reinforced together with the bending section 32 described later by a resin-made corner rubber 36 (see reference). Figure 2 It is constructed by covering. The passive bending part 31 is configured to be more flexible than the soft part 30 so that it can be passively bent according to external force. When the insertion part 12 is inserted into the body cavity, it bends along the insertion path into the body cavity in the same way as the soft part 30.

[0036] By rotating the bending rod 16 of the operating part 10 in the A1 direction and the opposite -A1 direction, the bending part 32 bends in the up and down direction (A2 direction and the opposite -A2 direction). By bending the bending part 32, the front rigid part 34 can be oriented in the desired direction.

[0037] The angle rod 16 is configured as follows: Figure 1 The shown state is a rotation angle of 0°, which can be rotated up to a rotation angle of 45° in the A1 direction. Rotating the bend rod 16 in the A1 direction causes the bending portion 32 to bend in the A2 direction (upward direction). The bend rod 16 is configured to rotate in the -A1 direction to an angle, for example, less than 45° (e.g., 25°). Rotating the bend rod 16 in the -A1 direction causes the bending portion 32 to bend in the -A2 direction (downward direction). The bend rod 16 constitutes a bending operation part capable of performing the bending operation of the bending portion 32. The A2 direction constitutes one direction.

[0038] The front rigid part 34 is equipped with an observation optical system and an illumination optical system for capturing images of the body, and an outlet 48 for discharging the treatment device inserted from the treatment device inlet 24.

[0039] The universal plug cord 14 includes a signal cable connected to the observation optics system of the front rigid part 34 and a light guide connected to the illumination optics system. A connector (not shown) is provided at the end of the universal plug cord 14. This connector connects to a predetermined system component, such as a processor device and a light source device, which constitute the endoscope system. Thus, the system component supplies the endoscope 1 with the power, control signals, and illumination light required for its operation. Conversely, observation image data acquired by the observation optics system is transmitted from the endoscope 1 to the system component. Furthermore, the observation image transmitted to the system component is displayed on a monitor for observation by the surgeon or other personnel.

[0040] Furthermore, the structure of the operation unit 10 is not limited to... Figure 1 As shown. Alternatively, a bend button can be provided instead of bend rod 16, or a pair of bend rods 16 or a pair of bend buttons can be provided. By rotating the pair of bend rods 16 or the pair of bend buttons, the bending part 32 can be bent in the up-down direction (A2 direction and -A2 direction) and the left-right direction orthogonal to it. Furthermore, an air / water supply button can be provided on the operating part 10, and by operating the air / water supply button, air or other gases and cleaning liquids can be supplied to the front rigid part 34.

[0041] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the front rigid part 34, which includes a portion of the curved part 32. Figure 3 It is to remove Figure 2 The figure shows a perspective view of the front rigid part 34 of the curved rubber 36.

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the front rigid part 34 has a front end body 40 and a cover 42 mounted on the front end face of the front end body 40. The front end body 40 is made of metal to achieve a narrow diameter for the front rigid part 34. The cover 42 is made of resin or the like.

[0043] in addition, Figure 2 The curved rubber 36 shown extends to the base end of the cover 42 and covers the front end body 40. The front end of the curved rubber 36 is wrapped with a thread (not shown) and fixed to the front end body 40. The thread is fixed to the curved rubber 36 by an adhesive (not shown).

[0044] exist Figure 3 The diagram also shows a metal front-end connecting member 33 that is connected to the front end body 40. This front-end connecting member 33 is provided on the front end side of the bent portion 32.

[0045] The cover 42 is provided with an observation window opening 44, a pair of illumination window openings 46, and an outlet 48. The opening 44, the pair of openings 46, and the outlet 48 are respectively provided as through holes in the circular plate-shaped front surface portion 50 of the cover 42. In the front surface portion 50, the outlet 48 occupies the largest area, and the opening 44 is arranged on the lower side of the outlet 48, with the openings 46 arranged on both sides through the opening 44.

[0046] An observation optical system consisting of a lens barrel holding an observation window (lens or protective glass) 52 and an imaging unit consisting of an imaging element (not shown) are provided at the front end body 40 opposite to the opening 44. When a cover 42 is installed on the front end body 40, the observation window 52 protrudes from the opening 44.

[0047] Illumination windows (lenses or protective glass) 60, each with a light guide (not shown), are respectively disposed at the position of the front end body 40 opposite to a pair of openings 46. When a cover 42 is installed on the front end body 40, the illumination windows 60 protrude from the pair of openings 46. The light guide is connected to a light source device and supplies illumination light from the light source device to the illumination windows 60.

[0048] A treatment device insertion hole 62 is provided at the front end body 40 opposite to the outlet 48. When the front end body 40 is fitted with a cover 42, the treatment device insertion hole 62 communicates with the outlet 48. Thus, a treatment device inserted from the treatment device inlet 24 is led out to the outside through the treatment device insertion hole 62 from the outlet 48.

[0049] Figure 4 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the main part of the curved section 32 of the endoscope 1. The Z-direction in the figure is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion section 12. The Z-direction constitutes the longitudinal axis direction. The Z(+) direction side, which is one direction of the Z-direction in the figure, is the front end side of the insertion section 12, and the Z(-) direction side is the base end side of the insertion section 12. The Y-direction in the figure is perpendicular to the Z-direction, equivalent to... Figure 1 The A2 direction and the -A2 direction. The Y(+) direction, which is one of the directions of this Y direction, is... Figure 1 The A2 direction, and the Y(-) direction, which is the other direction of the Y direction, are... Figure 1 The -A2 direction. The X direction in the diagram is perpendicular to both the Z and Y directions.

[0050] The bending portion 32 includes: a plurality of movable parts 320 arranged in the Z direction; a base-end side connecting part 35 connecting the movable part 320 closest to the base end (Z(-) direction side) to the flexible part 30; a front-end side connecting part 33 connecting the movable part 320 closest to the front end (Z(+) direction side) to the front rigid part 34; and two steel wires W inserted into the interior of each movable part 320, the base-end side connecting part 35 and the front-end side connecting part 33.

[0051] The bending portion 32 includes a first region 321 and a second region 322 between the first region 321 and the front rigid portion 34. The first region 321 and the second region 322 are configured to be able to bend with different radii of curvature. Specifically, the first region 321 is configured to be able to bend with a first radius of curvature, and the second region 322 is configured to be able to bend with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature. That is, the bending portion 32 is configured to bend less at its base end and bend more at its front end.

[0052] Movable part 320 Figure 4 There are a total of 19 examples. The first region 321 is composed of 12 movable parts 320 arranged from the base end side connecting part 35 of the 19 movable parts 320. The second region 322 is composed of 7 movable parts 320 arranged from the front end side connecting part 33 of the 19 movable parts 320.

[0053] Each of the plurality of movable parts 320 is composed of a cylindrical part having an axis extending along the Z direction. The plurality of movable parts 320 includes a first movable part 32A and a second movable part 32B whose width in the Z direction is smaller than that of the first movable part 32A. Among the 19 movable parts 320, the movable parts 320 counted from the base end connecting part 35 side up to the 10th are the first movable parts 32A, and the movable parts 320 counted from the base end connecting part 35 side onwards are the second movable parts 32B.

[0054] The first region 321 comprises 10 first movable parts 32A and two second movable parts 32B. The second region 322 comprises 7 second movable parts 32B. The first movable part 32A located at the base end of the first region 321 is rotatably connected to a cylindrical base end connecting part 35. The second movable part 32B located at the front end of the second region 322 is rotatably connected to a cylindrical front end connecting part 33.

[0055] Two steel wires W pass through the flexible part 30 and are connected to the bend rod 16. Each movable part 320, the base-side connecting part 35, and the front-side connecting part 33 are made of, for example, metal or resin. The front end of each steel wire W is fixed to the front-side connecting part 33.

[0056] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the first movable part 32A shown. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the second movable part 32B shown.

[0057] The Z(+) direction end face 329 and the Z(-) direction end face 329 of the first movable part 32A are respectively planes perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0058] In the first movable member 32A, a connecting piece 325 is provided at one end in the X direction, protruding from the end face 329 on the Z(+) direction side toward the Z(+) direction, and a connecting piece 326 is provided at one end in the X direction, protruding from the end face 329 on the Z(-) direction side toward the Z(-) direction. Both connecting pieces 325 and 326 are plate-shaped with thickness in the X direction. Connecting holes penetrating along the X direction are provided in both connecting pieces 325 and 326.

[0059] In the first movable member 32A, a connecting piece 327 protruding from the Z(+) direction end face 329 in the Z(+) direction is provided at one end in the X direction, and a connecting piece 328 protruding from the Z(-) direction end face 329 in the Z(-) direction is provided at the other end. The connecting pieces 327 and 328 are plate-shaped with thickness in the X direction. Connecting holes penetrating in the X direction are provided in both the connecting pieces 327 and 328.

[0060] On the inner circumferential surface of the first movable member 32A, a pair of wire guides 324 are provided opposite each other in the Y direction between one end in the X direction and the other end, for the two wires W to be inserted through.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the second movable member 32B has the same structure as the first movable member 32A, except that its width in the Z direction (the distance between the end face 329 on the Z(+) direction side and the end face 329 on the Z(-) direction side) is smaller than that of the first movable member 32A.

[0062] like Figure 4As shown, among all movable parts 320, except for the two closest to the base end and the two closest to the front end, the connecting piece 325 of each movable part 320 is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 326 of its adjacent movable part 320 on its front end side via connecting members 323 such as rivets. The connecting piece 326 of each movable part 320 is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 325 of its adjacent movable part 320 on its base end side via connecting members such as rivets. The connecting piece 327 of each movable part 320 is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 328 of its adjacent movable part 320 on its front end side via connecting members such as rivets. The connecting piece 328 of each movable part 320 is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 327 of its adjacent movable part 320 on its base end side via connecting members such as rivets.

[0063] The movable part 320 located on the base end side of all movable parts 320 is rotatably connected to the base end side connecting part 35 via connecting parts 323 such as rivets on connecting pieces 326 and 328. The movable part 320 located on the front end side of all movable parts 320 is rotatably connected to the front end side connecting part 33 via connecting parts 325 and 327 via connecting parts 323 such as rivets.

[0064] In endoscope 1, the wire W inserted into the wire guide 324 of the movable part 320 on the Y(+) direction side is pulled by the rotation operation of the bend rod 16 in the A1 direction, thereby bending the bend 32 in the Y(+) direction. Figure 1 The wire W inserted in the wire guide 324 of the movable part 320, which is located on the Y(-) direction side, is pulled by the rotation operation of the bend rod 16 in the -A1 direction, thereby bending the bent part 32 in the Y(-) direction. Figure 1 (in the -A2 direction) bending.

[0065] Figure 7 It schematically represents observation along direction X. Figure 4 A diagram showing the state of the curved portion 32. (See diagram below.) Figure 7 As shown, a gap is provided between the end faces 329 of two adjacent first movable members 32A, and the length of this gap in the Z direction is called distance L1. A gap is provided between the end faces 329 of two adjacent second movable members 32B, and the length of this gap in the Z direction is called distance L2. A gap is provided between the end faces 329 of the 10th first movable member 32A counting from the base end side and its adjacent second movable member 32B, and the length of this gap in the Z direction is called distance L3. The spacing L4 in the Z direction between the connecting members 323 that rotatably connect the adjacent movable members 320 is generally uniform.

[0066] Since the interval L4 is uniform, the distance L2 becomes greater than the distance L1 due to the difference in width between the first movable member 32A and the second movable member 32B in the Z direction. The distance L3 becomes the sum of half of the distance L2 and half of the distance L1.

[0067] The length of the gap in the Z direction between the base-end connecting member 35 and its adjacent first movable member 32A is a distance L7. Distance L7 is preferably greater than distance L1. Furthermore, distance L7 is preferably less than distance L2. Distance L7 is preferably the same as, or less than, distance L3. This makes it easier to suppress the length of the first region 321 in the Z direction while increasing the bending angle when the first region 321 bends to its maximum extent.

[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the portion extending from the front end face of the base-side connecting member 35 to the base end face 329 of the 7th second movable member 32B counted from the front end-side connecting member 33 constitutes the first region 321. Furthermore, the portion extending from the base end face of the front end-side connecting member 33 to the base end face 329 of the 7th second movable member 32B counted from the front end-side connecting member 33 constitutes the second region 322. The Z-direction length L5 of the first region 321 is preferably L6 or greater than the Z-direction length L6 of the second region 322.

[0069] When the rotation angle of the bend rod 16 is 0°, such as Figure 7 As shown, the axis 35J of the base-side connecting member 35 and the axis 33J of the front-side connecting member 33 are aligned in a straight line, and the angle between the two axes is 0°. The axis 33J is aligned with the axis of the front rigid part 34. The axis 35J is aligned with the axis of the flexible part 30. If the bend rod 16 is rotated, the axis 33J of the front-side connecting member 33 tilts relative to the axis 35J of the base-side connecting member 35, and the angle between the two axes gradually increases. The angle between the two axes is defined as the bending angle of the bend 32. Figure 4 In this state, the bending angle is 0°.

[0070] The bending angle of the bent portion 32 when the bend rod 16 is rotated to its maximum extent in the A1 direction (when the rotation angle is 45°) is also recorded as the maximum bending angle in the A2 direction. If it is considered that the rigid front end 34 can be easily inserted into the bronchus with fine branches, the maximum bending angle in the A2 direction is preferably set to a range of 165° or more and 195° or less, and more preferably 180°.

[0071] The bending angle of the bent portion 32 when the bend rod 16 is rotated to its maximum extent in the -A1 direction is also recorded as the maximum bending angle in the -A2 direction. Considering the optimization of bronchus shape conformity, operability, and manufacturing cost, the maximum bending angle in the -A2 direction is preferably smaller than the maximum bending angle in the A2 direction. The maximum bending angle in the -A2 direction is preferably set to a range of 90° or more and 150° or less, and more preferably 130°.

[0072] Figure 8 It is used to explain from Figure 7 The diagram shows the bending state of the bent portion 32 when the bent rod 16 rotates in the A1 direction. Figure 8 The Y and Z directions shown are illustrated as the directions of the curved portion 32 when it extends in a straight line in the vertical direction (the curved portion 32 is not curved).

[0073] When the angled rod 16 is rotated in the direction of A1 within the first range (the range where the rotation angle is greater than 0° and less than 25°), such as Figure 8 As shown, in the first region 321 and the second region 322, only the first region 321 bends in the Y(+) direction. On the other hand, the second region 322 remains in a state of extending along the axis 33J (which has the same meaning as the axis of the front rigid part 34).

[0074] Figure 8 This illustrates the state where the bend rod 16 is rotated within the first region described above, resulting in a maximum bending angle (angle θ3) (the rotation angle of the bend rod 16 is 25°). Angle θ3 constitutes the first upper limit value of the bending angle of the first region 321 when it bends in the A2 direction through the operation of the bend rod 16. Until the bend rod 16 reaches a rotation angle of 25°, the gap between the base end connecting member 35 and its adjacent movable member 320, the gap between the movable members 320 included in the first region 321, and the gap between the most front-side movable member 320 in the first region 321 and its adjacent front-side movable member 320 changes in a gradually narrowing direction, and the first region 321 bends in the Y(+) direction.

[0075] On the other hand, during the bending of the first region 321, the gaps between the movable parts 320 included in the second region 322 and the gap between the front end connecting part 33 and its adjacent movable part 320 are maintained. Figure 7 The state shown. In Figure 8 In the example shown, the angle θ3 is set to 90°. Thus, from a bending angle of 0° to 90°, the orientation of the front rigid part 34 can be changed while keeping the second region 322 in a straight line.

[0076] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the state of endoscope 1 being inserted into the bronchus for use. Figure 9 The image shows the subject's trachea 101, the subject's lungs 103, a pair of main bronchi 102 that branch from the trachea 101 to the left and right and downward, and bronchi 105 that branch upward from the main bronchi 102 via the superior lobe branch 104.

[0077] As described above, the endoscope 1 is capable of bending the first region 321 with a large radius of curvature while keeping the second region 322 in a straight line. Figure 9 As shown, by bending the first region 321, the rigid tip 34 can be smoothly inserted along a gentle and relatively long curved path from the trachea 101 to the main bronchus 102. For example, from... Figure 9 In the state shown, while keeping the second region 322 in a straight line, the first region 321 is bent, and the rigid front part 34 is advanced deeper, thereby allowing the rigid front part 34 to be inserted into the bronchus 106 that branches from the upper lobe branch 104 to the depth.

[0078] Additionally, if we consider ensuring smooth insertion of the rigid tip 34 into the bronchus, then Figure 8 The angle θ3 shown is preferably set to 85° or more and 95° or less, and more preferably 90°.

[0079] Figure 10 It is used to explain from Figure 8 The diagram shown illustrates the bending state of the bent portion 32 when the rotation angle of the bent rod 16 is increased. (See diagram for example.) Figure 10 As shown, when the bent rod 16 is rotated in the direction of A1 within a second range (a range where the rotation angle is greater than 25° and less than 45°) beyond the first range, only the second region 322 bends in both the first region 321 and the second region 322. On the other hand, the first region 321 remains unchanged. Figure 8 The bending state shown is the bending state when the rotation angle is 25° (the rotation angle of the end of the second range side in the first range).

[0080] Figure 10 This shows that within the second region described above, the bending rod 16 is rotated to its maximum bending angle (a rotation angle of 45° for the bending rod 16). In this state, the angle θ4 representing the bending angle of the second region 322 (defined as the angle formed by the axis 32J of the first movable member 32A at the base end of the second region 322 and the axis 33J of the front end connecting member 33) becomes 90°. Figure 8 The angle θ3, representing the bending angle of region 321, is 90°, therefore in Figure 10In the state shown, the bending angle of the bent portion 32 is 90° + 90° = 180°. Angle θ4 constitutes the second upper limit value of the bending angle of the second region 322 when it bends in the A2 direction by the operation of the bending rod 16.

[0081] Until the bend rod 16 exceeds a rotation angle of 25° and reaches a rotation angle of 45°, all movable parts 320 included in the second region 322 except for the two on the front end ( Figure 10 The gaps between the five movable parts 320 (excluding those marked with symbol 32Bb) gradually decrease, causing a portion 322A of the second region 322 (the portion closer to the base end than the two movable parts 32Bb) to bend with a smaller radius of curvature than the first region 321. Figure 10 As shown, when the angled rod 16 is rotated at a rotation angle of 45°, the axes of the two movable parts 32Bb are aligned with the axis 33J of the front-end connecting part 33. That is, even when the angled rod 16 is rotated to its maximum extent in the A1 direction, the remaining part 322B in the second region 322, excluding part 322A, remains straight.

[0082] Thus, the other portion 322B of the second region 322 is configured to be unable to undergo bending operations based on the rotation of the bend rod 16. In this configuration, by limiting the rotatable range of the bend rod 16, the other portion 322B will not bend. However, if an external force is applied to the other portion 322B, it can bend in the Y(+) and Y(-) directions with the same radius of curvature as portion 322A, respectively. Because the other portion 322B is in a straight line, the dispensing device can be smoothly discharged from the discharge port 48. Furthermore, the other portion 322B is not essential in the second region 322 and can be omitted.

[0083] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the insertion of endoscope 1 into the bronchus for use. In clinical settings, observation or treatment may sometimes be performed around the bronchus 105, which branches upward from the superior lobe bronchus 104.

[0084] When the rigid tip 34 is inserted into the bronchus 105, the first region 321 can be bent while the rigid tip 34 is smoothly inserted along a gentle and relatively long curved path from the trachea 101 to the superior lobe bronchus 104. Furthermore, since the second region 322 can be bent with a small radius of curvature from the maximally bent state of the first region 321, thus... Figure 11 As shown, the rigid front end 34 can be easily inserted into the depth of the bronchus 105, which branches at an acute angle relative to the path from the trachea 101 to the upper lobe 104.

[0085] Even when the rigid front part 34 is inserted into the bronchioles, the insertion can be performed smoothly because the other parts 322B of the second region 322 are passively able to bend.

[0086] Furthermore, when the second region 322 is bent from the state of maximum bending of the first region 321, the bent state of the first region 321 is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to bend the second region 322 to change the orientation of the front rigid part 34 while stabilizing the first region 321 by contacting the wall of the main bronchus 102, for example. Furthermore, since a passive bending part 31 is provided in the endoscope 1, therefore... Figure 9 or Figure 11 In the shown state, the passively bent portion 31 can be bent by contacting the bronchial wall, thereby allowing for flexible changes in the orientation of the rigid front portion 34. Furthermore, while the bent portion 32 can only move in two directions (up and down), the passively bent portion 31 allows the rigid front portion 34 to freely oriented 360 degrees. This facilitates easy bronchial examination.

[0087] Thus, in order to smoothly insert the rigid anterior portion 34 along the path from the trachea 101 through the main bronchus 102 to the superior lobe bronchus 104, and from the superior lobe bronchus 104 to the superior lateral bronchus 105, Figure 7 The relationship between the length L5 of the first region 321 and the length L6 of the second region 322 shown is important.

[0088] When the length L6 is greater than the length L5, it is not easy to operate the rigid front part 34 from the upper lobe bronchus 104 in the narrow space at the front end. In contrast, by setting the lengths L6 and L5 to be the same, the rigid front part 34 can be easily operated from the upper lobe bronchus 104 in the narrow space at the front end, while the rigid front part 34 can be inserted deep into the bronchus 105.

[0089] Furthermore, if the length L6 is set to be less than the length L5, the rigid front part 34 can be more easily operated from the upper lobe 104 in the narrow space at the front end. However, if the length L6 is too small, it is not easy to insert the rigid front part 34 deep into the bronchus 105. Also, if the length L6 is too small, it is not easy to increase the amount of bending in the second region 322.

[0090] Based on the results of repeated verifications above, it can be seen that by setting the length L6 to be more than 0.5 times and less than 1.0 times the length L5, the operability of the insertion can be improved when the rigid front part 34 is inserted into the bronchus 105.

[0091] Alternatively, as an example, it is preferable to set the length L5 to 34.4 mm, the length L6 to 19.6 mm, the distance L1 to 0.2 mm, the distance L2 to 0.95 mm, the distance L3 to 0.575 mm, the interval L4 to 2.8 mm, the distance L7 to 0.4 mm, the outer diameter of the movable part 320 to 6.0 mm, and the bending R of the second region 322 to R6.

[0092] For proper examination or treatment of the bronchi, it is preferable to... Figure 10 The angle θ4 shown is set to 85° or more and 95° or less. Therefore, as described above, the rigid front portion 34 can be appropriately positioned close to the bronchus branching at an acute angle from the upper lobe branch 104. Preferably, by setting the angle θ3 to an angle θ4 or more, the rigid front portion 34 can be positioned even more appropriately close to the bronchus.

[0093] The maximum bending angle in the A2 direction is set to 180°. Figure 10 In the example, the configuration is such that when the bending angle of the curved portion 32 is 180°, the front end face of the front end rigid portion 34 in the Z direction ( Figure 3 The position P2 of the front surface portion 50 is located further to the front end than the position P1 of the base edge of the first region 321.

[0094] With this configuration, the rigid front section 34 can be more easily operated from the upper lobe 104 in the narrow space at the front end. Furthermore, by configuring the position P2 to be located in the range from the basal edge of the first region 321 to more than 1 / 3 and less than 1 / 4 of the first region 321, the rigid front section 34 can be properly inserted deep into the bronchus.

[0095] Figure 12 It is used to explain from Figure 7 The diagram shown is an example of the bending state of the bent portion 32 when the bent rod 16 rotates in the -A1 direction. Figure 12 The Y and Z directions shown are illustrated as the directions of the curved portion 32 when it extends in a straight line in the vertical direction (the curved portion 32 is not curved).

[0096] like Figure 12 As shown, when the bend rod 16 is rotated in the -A1 direction within the third range (a range where the rotation angle is greater than 0° and less than 25°), only the first region 321 bends in the Y (-) direction, while the second region 322 remains extended along the axis 33J (which has the same meaning as the axis of the front rigid part 34).

[0097] Regarding the bending state of the bending part 32 when the bending rod 16 is rotated in the -A1 direction within the third range, it is the same as when the bending part 32 is rotated in the A1 direction within the first range, except that the bending direction of the bending part 32 is the Y(-) direction. Figure 12 This illustrates the state where the bending rod 16 is rotated within the third range described above, resulting in a maximum bending angle (angle θ5). For example, angle θ5 is 90°. Angle θ5 is preferably the same as angle θ3, but it can also be less than angle θ3.

[0098] For example, if we imagine... Figure 9 As shown, after inserting the rigid tip 34 into the main bronchus 102 and observing the bronchus 105, the rigid tip 34 is returned to the position of the trachea 101. Then, the rigid tip 34 is inserted into the... Figure 9 In the upper lobe bronchus 104, which is located deeper in the right main bronchus 102, and further down in the bronchus, the maximum bending angle in the Y(-) direction is sufficient even if it is smaller than the maximum bending angle in the Y(+) direction.

[0099] Thus, by configuring it to bend sufficiently in the Y(-) direction, waste-free operation corresponding to the desired observation area can be performed. In particular, when inserting the rigid tip 34 into a narrow region such as a bronchus, it is preferable to bend only the amount necessary; from this viewpoint, it is also preferable that the maximum bending angle in the Y(-) direction is smaller than the maximum bending angle in the Y(+) direction. Figure 12 In the example, the maximum bending angle in the Y(-) direction is set to 90°, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can also be configured to... Figure 12 The state shown further causes the second region 322 to bend so that the maximum bending angle in the Y(-) direction becomes, for example, 130°.

[0100] As explained above, at least the following items are described in this instruction manual. (1)

[0102] An endoscope that has the following features:

[0103] The insertion portion includes a front end portion and a curved portion disposed on the base end side of the aforementioned front end portion; and

[0104] The bending operation unit is capable of performing the bending operation described above.

[0105] The aforementioned curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the aforementioned front end portion.

[0106] The first region described above is bent in one direction with a first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation unit described above.

[0107] The second region described above bends in one direction with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature, according to the operation of the bending operation unit described above.

[0108] The length of the second region in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part is less than or equal to the length of the first region in the longitudinal direction. (2)

[0110] According to the endoscope described in (1), wherein,

[0111] The length of the second region in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part is at least 0.5 times the length of the first region in the longitudinal direction. (3)

[0113] According to the endoscope described in (2), wherein,

[0114] The first upper limit of the bending angle of the first region when bending in the aforementioned direction by the operation of the aforementioned bending operation unit is greater than or equal to the second upper limit of the bending angle of the second region when bending in the aforementioned direction by the operation of the aforementioned bending operation unit. (4)

[0116] According to the endoscope described in (3), wherein,

[0117] The first upper limit mentioned above is 85° or higher and 95° or lower. (5)

[0119] According to the endoscope described in (4), wherein,

[0120] The second upper limit mentioned above is 85° or higher and 95° or lower. (6)

[0122] According to the endoscope described in (5), wherein,

[0123] The end portion on the front end side of the second region described above is configured such that bending operations based on the bending operation portion cannot be performed. (7)

[0125] According to the endoscope described in (6), wherein,

[0126] The aforementioned end portion on the front end side of the second region is configured to be able to bend under external force. (8)

[0128] According to any one of (1) to (7) of the endoscope, wherein,

[0129] The aforementioned bending portion can be bent in one direction at a bending angle of at least 180° according to the operation of the aforementioned bending operation unit.

[0130] When the aforementioned curved portion bends 180° in one of the aforementioned directions, the front end face of the aforementioned front end portion is located further to the front end side than the base edge of the aforementioned first region. (9)

[0132] According to the endoscope described in (8), wherein,

[0133] When the aforementioned curved portion bends 180° in one of the aforementioned directions, the front end face of the aforementioned front end portion is located within a range from the base edge of the aforementioned first region to more than 1 / 3 and less than 1 / 4 of the aforementioned first region. (10)

[0135] According to any one of (1) to (9) of the endoscope, wherein,

[0136] When the aforementioned bending operation part is operated within the first range, the first region bends in the aforementioned direction.

[0137] When the bending operation portion is operated within the first range, the second region remains in a state that extends along the axis of the front end portion. (11)

[0139] According to the endoscope described in (10), wherein,

[0140] When the bending operation is operated in a second range that exceeds the first range, at least a portion of the second region bends in one of the aforementioned directions. (12)

[0142] According to the endoscope described in (11), wherein,

[0143] When the bending operation part is operated within the second range, the first region maintains the bending state as when the bending operation part was operated to the end of the second range side of the first range. (13)

[0145] According to any one of (1) to (12) of the endoscope, wherein,

[0146] The insertion portion has: a flexible portion disposed at the base end of the curved portion; and a passively curved portion disposed between the flexible portion and the curved portion. (14)

[0148] An endoscope that has the following features:

[0149] The insertion portion includes a front end portion and a curved portion disposed on the base end side of the aforementioned front end portion; and

[0150] The bending operation unit is capable of performing the bending operation described above.

[0151] The aforementioned curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the aforementioned front end portion.

[0152] The first region described above is bent in one direction with a first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation unit described above.

[0153] The second region described above bends in one direction with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature, according to the operation of the bending operation unit described above.

[0154] The end portion on the front end side of the second region described above is configured such that bending operations based on the bending operation portion cannot be performed. (15)

[0156] According to the endoscope described in (14), wherein,

[0157] The aforementioned end portion on the front end side of the second region is configured to be able to bend under external force. (16)

[0159] An endoscope that has the following features:

[0160] The insertion portion includes a front end portion and a curved portion disposed on the base end side of the aforementioned front end portion; and

[0161] The bending operation unit is capable of performing the bending operation described above.

[0162] The aforementioned curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the aforementioned front end portion.

[0163] The first region described above is bent in one direction with a first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation unit described above.

[0164] The second region described above bends in one direction with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature, according to the operation of the bending operation unit described above.

[0165] The aforementioned bending portion can be bent in one direction at a bending angle of at least 180° according to the operation of the aforementioned bending operation unit.

[0166] When the aforementioned curved portion bends 180° in the aforementioned direction, the front end face of the aforementioned front end portion is located further to the front end side than the base edge of the aforementioned first region. (17)

[0168] According to the endoscope described in (16), wherein,

[0169] When the aforementioned curved portion bends 180° in one of the aforementioned directions, the front end face of the aforementioned front end portion is located within a range from the base edge of the aforementioned first region to more than 1 / 3 and less than 1 / 4 of the aforementioned first region.

Claims

1. An endoscope, characterized in that, It possesses: The insertion portion includes a front end portion and a curved portion disposed on the base end side of the front end portion; and The bending operation unit is capable of performing bending operations on the bending section. The curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the front end portion. The first region bends in one direction with a first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation unit. The second region bends in one direction with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation unit. The length of the second region in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part is less than or equal to the length of the first region in the longitudinal direction.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the second region in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part is more than 0.5 times the length of the first region in the longitudinal direction.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first upper limit of the bending angle of the first region when bending in one direction by the operation of the bending operation unit is greater than or equal to the second upper limit of the bending angle of the second region when bending in one direction by the operation of the bending operation unit.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first upper limit value is above 85° and below 95°.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second upper limit is above 85° and below 95°.

6. The endoscope according to claim 5, characterized in that, The end portion on the front end side of the second region is configured such that bending operations based on the bending operation portion cannot be performed.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end portion on the front end side in the second region is configured to be able to bend under external force.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The bending portion is capable of bending in one direction at a bending angle of at least 180° according to the operation of the bending operation portion. When the curved portion bends 180° in one direction, the front end face of the front end portion is located further to the front end side than the base edge of the first region.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that, When the curved portion bends 180° in one direction, the front end face of the front end portion is located in the range from the base edge of the first region to more than 1 / 3 and less than 1 / 4 of the first region.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the bending operation part is operated within the first range, the first region bends in the one direction. When the bending operation part is operated within the first range, the second region remains in a state extending along the axis of the front end. The first range is a range greater than 0° and less than 25°.

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, characterized in that, When the bending operation is performed within a second range exceeding the first range, at least a portion of the second region bends in the stated direction. The second range is a range greater than 25° and less than 45°.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, characterized in that, When the bending operation part is operated in the second range, the first region maintains the bending state as when the bending operation part is operated to the end of the second range side of the first range.

13. The endoscope according to claim 12, characterized in that, The insertion portion has: a flexible portion disposed at the base end of the curved portion; and a passively curved portion disposed between the flexible portion and the curved portion.

14. An endoscope, characterized in that, It possesses: The insertion portion includes a front end portion and a curved portion disposed on the base end side of the front end portion; and The bending operation unit is capable of performing bending operations on the bending section. The curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the front end portion. The first region bends in one direction with a first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation unit. The second region bends in one direction with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation unit. The end portion on the front end side of the second region is configured such that bending operations based on the bending operation portion cannot be performed.

15. The endoscope according to claim 14, characterized in that, The end portion on the front end side in the second region is configured to be able to bend under external force.

16. An endoscope, characterized in that, It possesses: The insertion portion includes a front end portion and a curved portion disposed on the base end side of the front end portion; and The bending operation unit is capable of performing bending operations on the bending section. The curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the front end portion. The first region bends in one direction with a first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation unit. The second region bends in one direction with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature according to the operation of the bending operation unit. The bending portion is capable of bending in one direction at a bending angle of at least 180° according to the operation of the bending operation portion. When the curved portion bends 180° in one direction, the front end face of the front end portion is located further to the front end side than the base edge of the first region.

17. The endoscope according to claim 16, characterized in that, When the curved portion bends 180° in one direction, the front end face of the front end portion is located in the range from the base edge of the first region to more than 1 / 3 and less than 1 / 4 of the first region.

Images