ENDOSCOPE

Abstract

Endoscope (10) with a lifting element (35) arranged at a distal end of an insertion section (11) which changes a projecting direction of an instrument by pivoting, the endoscope (10) comprising: a main body section (40, 50) which forms the distal end of the insertion section (11), a shaft element (36), wherein an end section (36a) of the shaft element (36) carries the lifting element (35) on one side in a direction along an axis (36x), so that they can rotate in one piece about the axis (36x); a drive element (45) that is located in an intermediate position on the shaft element (36) in the direction along the axis (36x) and that transmits an actuating force to the shaft element (36) which is applied to an action point (PA) that is eccentric to the axis (36x); a first bearing (36b, 42) arranged between the end section (36a) and a perpendicular line extending along the axis (36x) from the point of action (PA), wherein the first bearing (36b, 42) supports the shaft element (36) so that it can rotate about the axis (36x) relative to the main body section (40, 50); and a second bearing (36d, 54) which is arranged on one side opposite the first bearing (36b, 42) relative to the vertical line in the direction along the axis (36x), wherein the second bearing (36d, 54) supports the shaft element (36) such that it is rotatable about the axis (36x) relative to the main body section (40, 50).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, in particular an endoscope comprising an instrument lifting device for changing the projecting direction of an instrument projecting from a distal end of an insertion section. background

[0002] An instrument lifting device of an endoscope generally comprises a lifting element that is axially supported at the distal end of an insertion section, and the lifting element is pivoted (rotated) by remote operations performed via a wire or the like from an operating area.

[0003] A housing recess section for receiving the lifting element is formed in the main body section at the distal end of the insertion section. As an example of a configuration in which the insertion section is axially supported, an endoscope is known in which shafts protrude from both side surfaces of the lifting element, wherein two shaft receiving holes are provided in the housing disassembly section to support the two shafts, and wherein the lifting element is supported by the two shafts and the shaft receiving holes (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, instead of a structure in which an actuating wire is directly connected to the lifting element, this endoscope uses a structure in which a control lever is provided at the distal end of the insertion section. This control lever rotates coaxially with the lifting element, and the actuating wire is connected to the control lever. The control lever is located within a lifting element control area, which is separated from the lifting element housing section by a partition. An external surface opening section of the lifting element control area is closed with a sealing cover. When the cover is closed, no external contaminants such as liquids can enter the lifting element control area, thus preventing contamination of the control lever and the actuating wire.

[0005] From publication WO 2016 / 021231A1, an endoscope with a lifting device is known, which is arranged at a distal end of an insertion section of the endoscope. The lifting device comprises an actuating lever that can be operated by means of an actuating wire to change the direction of an instrument. The lifting device is arranged in a cavity bounded by two opposing side walls. Publication US 6,605,033B1 describes an endoscope with a lifting element that is located at the distal end of an insertion section and is pivotable to change the direction of an instrument. The lifting element is located in a chamber that has an opening covered by a metal plate secured with screws. State of the art document Patent document

[0006] Patent document 1: JP 3527561B Summary of the invention: Technical problem

[0007] As the functionality of endoscopes improves, the diameter of the insertion section is reduced, and the components at the distal end of the insertion section are arranged more densely. Therefore, there is a need to improve space utilization efficiency, including in the structure for the axial support of the lifting element. For example, in a configuration like the one in patent document 1, shaft receiving holes are provided on both sides of the lifting element, thus limiting space utilization efficiency on both sides and posing a risk of increasing the outer diameter of the distal end of the insertion section with increasing component density. However, when using a cantilevered axial support structure, where the lifting element is only axially supported on one side to reduce the space required for axial support, it is difficult to achieve sufficient load-bearing capacity and stability.

[0008] Even in a structure where the outer opening section of the lifting element control area, as in the endoscope described above, is sealed liquid-tight with a cover, an embodiment is known in which the cover is attached to the main body section of the lifting element control area with an adhesive. The adhesive is applied to the circumferential edge of the cover, and the cover is then attached to the main body section, thereby sealing the cover and the main body section (opening section of the outer surface) liquid-tight with the adhesive. With such a sealing structure that uses an adhesive, there is a risk of deterioration of the liquid tightness if the adhesive is applied unevenly or if the adhesive deteriorates over time. This has led to problems in the manufacture and maintenance of endoscopes.

[0009] An objective of the present invention is to provide an endoscope comprising a lifting element for changing the protruding direction of an instrument at the distal end of an insertion section and having a configuration in which the lifting element is axially supported with favorable space utilization efficiency to contribute to a reduction of the diameter of the insertion section, and which can also easily and reliably generate fluid tightness for a drive mechanism that pivots the lift.

[0010] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0011] The following are aspects of an endoscope according to the present invention. (1) Endoscope with a lifting element located at a distal end of an insertion section and which, by pivoting, changes a projecting direction of an instrument comprising the endoscope: a main body section that forms the distal end of the insertion section, a shaft element, wherein an end section of the shaft element carries the lifting element on one side in one direction along an axis, so that they can rotate in one piece around the axis; a drive element that is located in an intermediate position on the shaft element in the direction along the axis and that transmits an actuating force to the shaft element, which is applied to an action point that is eccentric to the axis; a first bearing arranged between the end section and a perpendicular line extending along the axis from the point of action, the first bearing supporting the shaft element so that it can rotate about the axis relative to the main body section; and a second bearing which is arranged on one side opposite the first bearing relative to the vertical line in the direction along the axis, wherein the second bearing supports the shaft element in such a way that it is rotatable about the axis relative to the main body section. (2): Endoscope, comprehensive: a lifting element designed to pivot in such a way that an instrument provided in an insertion section of an endoscope changes a projecting direction; a shaft element configured to rotate about an axis, wherein the lifting element is provided on an end section of the shaft element on one side in an axial direction extending along the axis, wherein the shaft element carries the lifting element on one side in the direction of the axis and the shaft element is configured such that it can rotate integrally with the lifting element about the axis; a drive element that is attached to the shaft element and is designed to transmit a rotational force to the shaft element to rotate the shaft element around the axis; a first bearing and a second bearing that support the shaft element rotatably about the axis with respect to the direction along the axis on both sides of a position in which the shaft element is subjected to the rotational force. (3): The endoscope described in section (2) above, wherein the endoscope further comprises a main body section which forms the distal end of the insertion section, and wherein the shaft element is inserted into a hole in the main body section and is held in the main body section by first bearing and second bearing. (4): The endoscope described in section (1) or (3) above, wherein the main body section has a housing recess section that receives the lifting element, and the end section of the shaft element protrudes from one of two opposing walls of the housing recess section, and wherein another of the two opposite walls is a substantially flat surface facing a front end of the end section. (5): The endoscope described in one of the sections (1), (3), and (4) above, wherein the first bearing consists of a first circular cross-sectional section provided in the shaft element and a first circular cross-sectional hole provided in the main body section, wherein the first circular cross-sectional section is rotatably inserted into the first circular cross-sectional hole, and the second bearing consists of a second circular cross-sectional section provided in the shaft element and a second circular cross-sectional hole provided in the main body section, wherein the second circular cross-sectional section is rotatably inserted into the second circular cross-sectional hole. (6): The endoscope described in section (5) above, which further comprises an annular sealing element that seals a space between the first circular cross-sectional hole and the first circular cross-sectional section in a liquid-tight manner. (7): The endoscope described in section (5) or (6) above, wherein the main body section contains a first element comprising the first circular cross-sectional hole and a second element comprising the second circular cross-sectional hole, wherein the first element comprises an introduction space into which the second element can be inserted, and wherein the second element is inserted into the introduction chamber in a liquid-tight manner, and When the second element is inserted, the first circular cross-sectional hole and the second circular cross-sectional hole are located at positions that are separated from each other along the axis. (8): The endoscope described in one of the sections (5) to (7) above, wherein the wave element comprises a non-circular cross-sectional section at a point between the first circular cross-sectional section and the second circular cross-sectional section in the direction along the axis, and The drive element comprises a non-circular cross-sectional hole into which the non-circular cross-sectional section is inserted. (9): The endoscope described in section (1) or (3) above, wherein the main body section comprises a drive element receiving space which receives the drive element, and a cover insertion space which is connected to the drive element receiving space and which receives the insertion of a cover element to separate the drive element receiving space from an external area outside the main body section, and wherein the second bearing consists of a second circular cross-sectional hole provided in the cover element and a second circular cross-sectional section provided in the shaft element. (10): The endoscope described in section (1) or (3) above, wherein the main body section has a circular cross-sectional hole that has an opening in a wall which delimits the drive element receiving space and forms the first bearing when the shaft element is inserted, wherein the wave element has a second non-circular cross-sectional section to which the wave element is connected, wherein an outer diameter at one end of the second non-circular cross-sectional section on a side corresponding to the opening is larger than an inner diameter at the opening of the circular cross-sectional hole, so that the movement of the shaft element in the direction of the first bearing is restricted. (11): The endoscope described in section (1) or (3) above, wherein the main body section includes a cover element for separating the drive element receiving space from a space outside the main body section, wherein the cover element comprises a small-diameter section and a large-diameter section having different outside diameters, and a stepped section between the small-diameter section and the large-diameter section, wherein the small-diameter section, the stepped section, and the large-diameter section are arranged in that order from a side corresponding to the drive element receiving space, wherein the main body section has a small-diameter hole section that comes into contact with the small-diameter section of the cover element, and has a large-diameter hole section that comes into contact with the large-diameter section of the cover element, and has a step surface between the small-diameter hole section and the large-diameter hole section, and wherein the cover element is designed in such a way that movement of the cover element in the direction of the drive element receiving space is restricted in the axial direction, due to the step section which rests against the step surface. (12) The endoscope described in section (10) above, wherein the main body section includes a cover element for separating the drive element receiving space from a space outside the main body section, wherein the cover element comprises a small-diameter section and a large-diameter section having different outside diameters, and a stepped section between the small-diameter section and the large-diameter section, wherein the small-diameter section, the stepped section, and the large-diameter section are arranged in that order from a side corresponding to the drive element receiving space, wherein the main body section has a small-diameter hole section that comes into contact with the small-diameter section of the cover element, and a large-diameter hole section that comes into contact with the large-diameter section of the cover element, and a step surface between the small-diameter hole section and the large-diameter hole section, and wherein the second non-circular cross-sectional section is arranged between an end face of the small-diameter section of the cover element and an opening of the circular cross-sectional hole when the step section is in contact with the step surface. (13): The endoscope described in one of the sections (1) and (3) to (12) above, wherein the main body section comprises a housing recess section that receives the lifting element, a drive element receiving chamber that receives the drive element and is sealed liquid-tight relative to the housing recess section, a cover insertion chamber that connects the drive element receiving chamber and an external area, and a cover element that can be inserted into the cover insertion chamber and seals the cover insertion chamber liquid-tight when inserted, and wherein the endoscope further comprises a fastening / retaining element which is attached to the cover element inserted into the cover insertion chamber and is attached to the main body section by a mechanical fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening / retaining element makes it difficult to separate the cover element from the cover insertion chamber. [ Advantages of the invention

[0012] As described above, the instrument lifting element is axially supported with advantageous space utilization, making it possible to reduce the diameter of the insertion section. Furthermore, as described above, it is possible to maintain the fluid tightness of the drive mechanism that pivots the lifting element simply and reliably. Brief description of the characters Fig. Figure 1 is a representation showing an example of an overall configuration of an ultrasound endoscope in an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a distal end section of an insertion section of the ultrasound endoscope according to Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 3 is a side view of the distal end section of the insertion section of the ultrasound endoscope. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Fig. 3. Fig. 5A is a cross-sectional view along line VV in Fig. 4. Fig. 5B is a representation showing a change in the protruding direction of tweezers placed on a surface in Fig. The lifting element shown in 5A is arranged. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of an example of a cover element of the ultrasound endoscope in the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the example of the lid element of the ultrasound endoscope in the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fastening / holding element of the ultrasound endoscope in the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the fastening / holding element of the ultrasound endoscope in the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken at a position similar to the position in Fig. 8 was recorded, and shows another aspect of a mechanical fastening mechanism for securing the in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 shown fastening / holding elements. Description of the embodiments

[0013] The following describes an endoscope according to one embodiment with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows the overall structure of an ultrasound endoscope 10 according to one embodiment. Fig. Figures 2 to 12 show the ultrasound endoscope 10 according to a first embodiment and Fig. Figure 13 shows a second embodiment in which part of the structure of the first embodiment has been modified.

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the ultrasound endoscope 10 has a narrow-diameter insertion section 11 for insertion into a patient's body, an operating section 12 connected to a base section of the insertion section 11, and a universal tube 13 extending from the operating section 12. The universal tube 13 includes a video port and an ultrasound signal port, which are not shown in the figures, the video port being for connection to a video processor (not shown) and the ultrasound signal port being for connection to an ultrasound monitoring device (not shown).

[0015] The insertion section 11 is a section for insertion into the patient's body and, viewed from the front in the insertion direction, has a distal end section 15, a bending section 16 which is bent by remote actuation from the control section 12, and a flexible tube 17. The control section 12 includes a bending actuation button 18 for bending the bending section 16, an instrument insertion port 19 for inserting a flexible, wire-like instrument, such as a needle or forceps, a suction control valve 20 for performing aspiration in the distal end section 15, an air / water supply valve 21 for performing air / water supply in the distal end section 15, and several control buttons 22 for inputting commands for performing imaging and the like.

[0016] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, an ultrasound probe 23 is provided at the tip of the distal end section 15 of the insertion section 11. An ultrasound signal cable 23a (see Figure 3) Fig. 6) is connected to the ultrasound probe 23 and is guided from the insertion section 11 via the operating section 12 to the universal tube 13 and is connected to an ultrasound monitoring device via the ultrasound signal port. The ultrasound probe 23 includes an acoustic lens 23b which has a curved convex surface, and when ultrasound echography or treatment is performed, the acoustic lens 23b is brought into contact with a target point, ultrasound waves are emitted and an ultrasound diagram is obtained.

[0017] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, a housing recess section 24 is provided behind the ultrasound probe 23 in the distal end section 15. Furthermore, inclined end surfaces 25, which are inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 11, are formed on the respective sides of the housing recess section 24. A lens window 26, an illumination window 27, and an air / water nozzle 28 are provided on one of the inclined end surfaces 25 of the housing recess section 24. The longitudinal direction is the direction in which the Fig. The insertion section 11 shown extends from the flexible tube 17 to the distal end section 15, i.e. from left to right.

[0018] An objective lens, forming an optical observation system, is arranged in the objective window 26, and an image sensor unit 30 (see Fig. 4) is located behind the optical observation system. The image sensor unit 30 is connected to an image signal cable (not shown). The illumination window 27 is connected to optical fibers (not shown). The image signal cable and the optical fibers are routed from the insertion section 11 via the operating section 12 to the universal tube 13. The image signal cable is connected to a video processor via the video port, and the optical fibers are connected to a light source device that provides illumination. An image of an observation target is obtained through the objective window 26 and the optical observation system. The image sensor unit performs a photoelectric conversion of the obtained image to generate an image signal and transmits the image signal to the video processor via the image signal cable. The video processor displays images on a monitor and / or records images.The illumination light emitted by the light source device is guided by the optical fibers and emitted from the illumination window 27.

[0019] The front end of an air / water supply pipe 31 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 6), which is located within the distal end section 15, is connected to the air / water nozzle 28. The air / water supply tube 31 branches into an air supply tube and a water supply tube within the insertion section 11, and the air supply tube and the water supply tube extend to the operating section 12 and are connected to a cylinder that carries the air / water supply valve 21. Tubes extending from an air source and a water source are connected to the cylinder, and the air / water supply valve 21 can be operated to direct air from the air source to the air / water nozzle 28 and water from the water source to the air / water nozzle 28.The air / water nozzle 28 has an opening facing the lens window 26 and the illumination window 27, and by supplying water and air into the air / water nozzle 28 it is possible to clean the lens window 26 and the illumination window 27 and to remove foreign objects that are attached to the lens window 26 and the illumination window 27.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the front end of an instrument channel 32 is connected to a rear end section of the housing recess section 24. The instrument channel 32 extends to the operating section 12 and is connected to the instrument insertion opening 19. When a flexible, wire-like instrument (e.g., forceps, puncture needle, or contrast tube) is to be used, the flexible, wire-like instrument is inserted through the instrument insertion opening 19 into the instrument channel 32 and protrudes from the housing recess section 24. A lifting element 35 is provided in the housing recess section 24 and can change the protruding direction of the flexible, wire-like instrument. The lifting element 35 has a V-shaped retaining groove 35a, which is deeper in the central section than on the two sides in the transverse direction. As shown in Figure 2, the instrument channel 35 is designed to allow the instrument to be inserted into the housing recess section 24. Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the retaining groove 35a has a bottom side that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 11, and when the flexible wire-like instrument is inserted through the instrument insertion opening 19 and reaches the housing recess section 24, it is then supported by the retaining groove 35a, defining the protruding direction from the housing recess section 24.

[0021] The lifting element 35 is supported by a shaft element 36, which is held within the distal end section 15, and is able to pivot in a direction indicated by a double-headed arrow A1 in Fig. 5A is displayed. An axis 36x of the shaft element 36 extends in a direction that is essentially orthogonal to the ultrasonic scanning plane of the ultrasonic probe 23, and the axis 36x is the center of rotation when the lifting element 35 is pivoted. In Fig. 5A extends the axis 36x in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface. In the state indicated by solid lines in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the lifting element 35 is in an initial angle in which it is lowered on the side of the lower section of the housing recess section 24, and the lifting element 35 can be pivoted from this initial angle into a standing position, which is indicated by dashed and double-dashed lines in Fig. 5A is shown. Fig. Figure 5B is a representation showing a change in the projecting direction of the forceps 100 when the forceps 100 is positioned on the lifting element 35 as the instrument. The projecting direction of the forceps 100 is changed by pivoting the lifting element 35, as shown in Fig. Figure 5 shows the structure of the lifting element 35 and the elements in its perimeter area. The structure of the lifting element 35 and the elements in its perimeter area are described in detail below.

[0022] The distal end section 15 has a main body 40 made of a hard material. The main body 40, together with a cover element 50 described later, is referred to as the main body section and also as the first element forming the main body section. The main body 40 has an approximately cylindrical outer surface centered about an axis extending longitudinally along the insertion section 11. The ultrasound probe 23 is connected to an end face of the cylindrical main body 40, and the inclined end faces 25 are formed at the boundary sections between the end face and the outer circumferential surface of the main body 40.

[0023] The housing recess section 24 is designed as a groove-shaped section that has a predetermined depth in the radial direction from the outer circumferential surface of the main body 40. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, within the housing recess section 24, a first opposing wall 24a and a second opposing wall 24b are formed, which are essentially parallel surfaces facing each other and separated from each other in one direction along the axis 36x of the shaft element 36. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the front section of the housing recess section 24, i.e., the section on the side of the ultrasound probe 23, has a substantially constant width, with the first opposite wall 24a and the second opposite wall 24b extending to the lower section, while a rear section of the housing recess section 24 has a narrow section at an intermediate position in the depth direction from the outer circumferential surface opening of the housing recess section 24 towards the lower section. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first opposing wall 24a has a flat shape extending from the outer circumferential surface of the main body 40 to the lower section of the housing recess section 24, without the shape of the wall surface changing even in the narrow section. The second opposing wall 24b, on the other hand, extends from the outer circumferential surface of the main body 40 to an intermediate position in the depth direction of the housing recess section 24. A step section 24c, extending in a direction approaching the first opposing wall 24a, is formed, extending from the second opposing wall 24b at the intermediate position in the depth direction of the housing recess section 24. Furthermore, a third opposing wall 24d is formed, extending to the lower section of the housing recess section 24 and extending from the step section 24c.The third opposite wall 24d is flat and substantially parallel to the first opposite wall 24a and the second opposite wall 24b, and the narrow constant-width section of the case recess section 24 is formed by the first opposite wall 24a and the third opposite wall 24d.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a joint housing space 41 is formed on one side of the housing recess section 24 in the main body 40, and a shaft retaining hole 42 connects the housing recess section 24 and the joint housing space 41 and is designed to run under the step section 24d. The joint housing space 41 is a region for arranging a joint 45, which is a drive element for pivoting the lifting element 35. The shaft retaining hole 42 is a first circular cross-sectional hole that forms a first bearing for the shaft element 35. The joint housing space 41 is a region that has a predetermined length along the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 11 (see Figure 4). Fig. 6) The main body 40 has, as walls defining the joint housing space 41, a first support wall 41a located on the rear side of the second opposite wall 24b of the housing recess section 24, and a second support wall 41b opposite the first support wall 41a. The shaft retaining hole 42 has a circular cross-sectional shape with a substantially cylindrical inner circumferential surface, has an end opening formed in the third opposite wall 24d of the housing recess section 24, and has a further end opening formed in the first support wall 41a of the joint housing space 41.

[0025] Furthermore, the main body 40 has a cover insertion chamber 43, which connects the joint housing chamber 41 and the outer area (outer chamber) surrounding the insertion section 11, such that it faces the shaft retaining hole 42 via the joint housing chamber 41. The cover insertion chamber 43 has a small-diameter hole section 43a with a smaller opening diameter and a large-diameter hole section 43b with a larger opening diameter. The small-diameter hole section 43a has an opening in the second support wall 41b of the joint housing chamber 41, and the large-diameter hole section 43b has an opening in the outer circumferential surface of the main body 40. The small-diameter hole section 43a and the large-diameter hole section 43b are interconnected.The small-diameter hole section 43a and the large-diameter hole section 43b each have a cylindrical inner circumferential surface and are arranged such that the central axes of the small-diameter hole section 43a and the large-diameter hole section 43b are coaxial to the central axis of the shaft retaining hole 42, which has a circular cross-section.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the shaft element 36 has the axis 36x and comprises a first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a, a first circular cross-sectional section 36b, a second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c, and a second circular cross-sectional section 36d, in that order, extending from one end in one direction along the axis 36x. The first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a forms an end section that supports the lifting element 35, the first circular cross-sectional section 36b forms a first bearing together with the main body 40, and the second circular cross-sectional section 36d forms a second bearing together with the main body 40.In other words, the shaft element 36 has the axis 36x, the lifting element 35 is arranged in an end section on one side in the axial direction along the axis 36x, the lifting element 35 is supported on one side in the direction of the axis 36x, and the shaft element 36 can rotate integrally with the lifting element 35 about the axis 36x. In this arrangement, the lifting element 35 is supported on the main body 40 by the shaft element 36 and not by any other element.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a and the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c each have a quadrilateral cross-sectional shape, with four sides surrounding the axis 36x as outer surfaces (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) The first circular cross-sectional section 36b and the second circular cross-sectional section 36d each have a circular cross-sectional shape with a cylindrical surface centered on the axis 36x as its outer circumferential surface (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) According to one embodiment, two annular grooves 36e are provided in the outer surface of the first circular cross-sectional section 36b, which are designed as rings centered around the axis 36x (see Fig. 4).

[0028] The orientation of the shaft element 36 is defined such that the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a projects into the narrow section located between the first opposite wall 24a and the third opposite wall 24d of the housing recess section 24, and the first circular cross-sectional section 36b is inserted into the shaft retaining hole 42 and held in the main body 40. The outer diameter of the first circular cross-sectional section 36b and the inner diameter of the shaft retaining hole 42 are approximately equal, and the first circular cross-sectional section 36b is mounted in the shaft retaining hole 42 so that it is rotatable about the axis 36x. An O-ring 44 is mounted in each of the two annular grooves 36e.The spaces between the first circular cross-sectional section 36b and the shaft retaining hole 42 are sealed fluid-tight by the compressed O-rings 44, so that no fluids can penetrate through the housing recess section 24 into the joint housing space 41. In other words, the O-rings 44 are annular sealing elements. It should be noted that the O-rings 44 are in . Fig. 4 are represented in an uncompressed and undeformed initial state.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the lifting element 35 has a narrow section 35b that can be inserted into the narrow section between the first opposite wall 24a and the third opposite wall 24d of the housing recess section 24, and a shaft receiving hole 35c is formed in this narrow section 35b. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5A, the shaft receiving hole 35c is a hole with a square shape to allow connection with the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a of the shaft element 36. This connection prevents the lifting element 35 from rotating relative to the shaft element 36, so that it rotates integrally with the shaft element 36 about the axis 36x. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the front end of the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a does not project beyond the side surface of the narrow section 35b, and the front end of the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a is substantially flush with the side surface of the narrow section 35b. For this reason, the first opposite wall 24a of the housing recess section 24 can be a substantially flat surface that does not have a hole or recess for inserting the shaft element 36.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c of the shaft element 36 is arranged within the joint housing space 41. The second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c has a portion that is wider than the first circular cross-sectional section 36b, and the position of the shaft element 36 in the direction along the axis 36x is determined by the side face of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c, which abuts the first support wall 41a of the joint housing space 41. The shaft retaining hole 42 is an opening with a circular cross-section in the first support wall 41a. The outer diameter of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c at the end of the open side is larger than the inner diameter at the opening of the shaft retaining hole 42. This prevents the movement of the shaft element 36 to the left of the axis 36x. Fig. The arrangement position of the shaft element 36 shown in Figure 4 is restricted, i.e., it restricts the movement of the shaft element 36 to the first bearing side.

[0031] The joint 45 is located inside the joint housing space 41. The joint 45 is a drive element for pivoting the lifting element. The joint 45 is a drive element that is attached to the shaft element 36, or more precisely, is located at an intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the shaft element 36 along the axis 36x and transmits an actuating force to the shaft element 36, which is exerted on an action point eccentric to the axis 36x. The joint 45 is designed to transmit a rotational force to the shaft element 36 for rotating the shaft element 36 about the axis 36x. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the joint 45 is provided in a position extending along the first support wall 41a in the joint housing space 41, and a gap is formed between the joint 45 and the second support wall 41b.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the joint 45 has a shaft receiving hole 45a, which is a non-circular cross-sectional hole (e.g., a square hole) that can be connected to the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c of the shaft element 36. This connection prevents the joint 45 from rotating relative to the shaft element 36, so that the joint 45 rotates integrally with the shaft element 36 about the axis 36x. A wire end section 46a, provided at the front end of the actuating wire 46, is connected to a joint section 45b, which is positioned eccentrically to the shaft receiving hole 45a of the joint 45. The actuating wire 46 extends from the insertion section 11 to the operating section 12 and can cause the actuating wire 46 to tighten or loosen when a tilting mechanism (not shown) provided in the operating section 12 is actuated.

[0033] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in the side section of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c of the shaft element 36, the side section opposite the side in contact with the first support wall 41a is essentially flush with the side surface of the joint 45. The second circular cross-sectional section 36d projects from this side surface of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c. The second circular cross-sectional section 36d is connected to the opening of the second support wall 41b of the joint housing space 41 and is located in the cover insertion space 43.

[0034] The cover element 50 is inserted into the cover insertion chamber 43 from the outer circumferential surface of the main body 40. The cover element 50, together with the main body 40, is referred to as the main body section, and the cover element 50 is also referred to as the second element forming the main body section. The cover element 50 is made of a hard material, similar to the main body 40. As shown in the Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the cover element 50 is formed by connecting, side by side and coaxially to each other, a small-diameter section 51, a large-diameter section 52, and a head section 53, each having a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. The outer diameters of the small-diameter section 51, the large-diameter section 52, and the head section 53 increase in this order. The small-diameter section 51 is designed to have a projecting section that extends into the joint housing space 41 and communicates with the cover insertion space 43 when the cover element 50 is inserted into the cover insertion space 43. A shaft retaining hole 54 is formed in the cover element 50. The shaft retaining hole 54 is a second circular cross-sectional hole and, together with the second circular cross-sectional section 36d of the shaft element 36, forms the second bearing.The shaft retaining hole 54 is a hole having a cylindrical inner circumferential surface, an end opening substantially in the middle of the end face of the small-diameter section 51, and another end closed by the head section 53. Two locating grooves 55 are formed in the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter section 51, extending circumferentially around the small-diameter section 51. The two locating grooves 55 are located at positions substantially symmetrical around the shaft retaining hole 54, and their bottom surfaces 55a are planar surfaces substantially parallel to each other (see Figure 5). Fig. 4 and Fig. 7).

[0035] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the cover element 50 is inserted into the cover insertion chamber 43, starting with the side of the small-diameter section 51. The cover element 50 is inserted until the front end of the large-diameter section 52 abuts the stepped section between the small-diameter hole section 43a and the large-diameter hole section 43b of the cover insertion chamber 43. When the cover element 50 is inserted in this way, the outer circumferential surface of the small-diameter section 51 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the small-diameter hole section 43a of the cover insertion chamber 43, and the outer circumferential surface of the head section 33 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter hole section 43b of the cover insertion chamber 43b, thereby limiting the movement of the shaft element 36 in a direction orthogonal to the axis 36x of the shaft element 36.Furthermore, the small-diameter section 51 of the inserted cover element 50 projects from the cover insertion chamber 43 into the joint housing chamber 41, and the end side of the small-diameter section 51 is arranged near the side surface of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c of the shaft element 36.Accordingly, the shaft element 36 and the cover element 50 are designed such that, when the stepped section between the large-diameter section 52 and the small-diameter section 51 of the cover element 50 abuts the stepped surface between the small-diameter section 43a and the large-diameter section 43b of the main body 40, the end face of the small-diameter section 51 lies close to the side wall of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c, and the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c is arranged between the end face of the small-diameter section 51 and the opening of the shaft retaining hole 42 in the first support wall 41a. The term "close" refers to the case where, for example, the distance between the end face of the small-diameter section 51 and the end face of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c is less than or equal to 0.1 mm.This suppresses vibration caused by moving the shaft element 36 in the direction of the axis 36x, allowing the lifting element 35 to pivot without being subject to lateral movement. Furthermore, the stepped section between the small-diameter section 51 and the large-diameter section 52 of the cover element 50 abuts the stepped surface between the small-diameter hole section 43a and the large-diameter hole section 43b, thus restricting the movement of the cover element 50 in the direction of the axis 36x of the shaft element 36. Additionally, the two locating grooves 55 provided in the small-diameter section 51 are located in the joint housing space 41, and the side surfaces of the locating grooves 55 on one side are substantially flush with the second support wall 41b of the joint housing space 41. As shown in the... Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the head section 53 of the cover element 50 has an end face that is curved such that it is substantially flush with the outer circumferential surface of the main body 40 when the large-diameter section 52 of the cover element 50 is inserted into the cover insertion chamber 43. An O-ring 56 is inserted as an annular sealing element between the outer circumferential surface of the large-diameter section 52 of the cover element 50 and the inner circumferential surface of the large-diameter hole section 43b of the cover insertion chamber 43. The O-ring 56 makes the space between the cover element 50 and the cover insertion chamber 43 liquid-tight, seals off the joint housing chamber 41 from the environment outside the cover insertion chamber 43, and prevents the ingress of liquids into the joint housing chamber 41 from the environment outside the cover insertion chamber 43.

[0036] The cover element 50 is attached to the main body 40 in the state in which the shaft element 36 has been inserted into the shaft retaining hole 42 and the joint housing space 41. At this point, the second circular cross-sectional section 36d of the shaft element 36 is inserted into the shaft retaining hole 54 of the cover element 50 (see Fig. 4) The outer diameter of the second circular cross-sectional section 36d and the inner diameter of the shaft retaining hole 54 are approximately equal, and the second circular cross-sectional section 36d is mounted in the shaft retaining hole 54 to be rotatable about the axis 36x. Furthermore, the end face of the smaller diameter section 51 of the cover element 50 is located opposite the side face of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c of the shaft element 36, and the movement of the shaft element 36 towards the cover insertion chamber 43 is limited by the cover element 50.

[0037] The cover element 50 is attached and held in the joint housing space 41 of the main body 40 by the fastening / retaining element 60. As shown in the Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the fastening / retaining element 60 is extended in one direction, and the fastening / retaining element 60 is provided in the wall of the joint housing space 41 such that the extended shape corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 11. The fastening / retaining element 60 has a plate-shaped section 61 with a fitting recess section 62 at a front end and a base section 63 with a greater wall thickness than the plate-shaped section 61. On one side of the fastening / retaining element 60, the side surfaces of the plate-shaped section 61 and the side surface of the base section 63 are substantially flush and form a flat surface 60a.

[0038] The recessed section 62 has two opposing surfaces 62a, which are substantially parallel to each other, and a connecting surface 62b that joins the two opposing surfaces 62a. The base section 63 is provided as a mechanical fastening mechanism with a coil-holding hole 64 extending longitudinally along the fastening / holding element 60 and a threaded hole 65 oriented along the thickness direction of the fastening / holding element 60. The wall surface of the coil-holding hole 64 is formed as a cylindrical inner circumferential surface with an open section on one side, and both ends of the coil-holding hole 64 are open. The inner diameter of the opening at the end face of the coil-holding hole 64 is smaller, and an annular coil-contact surface 64a, facing the interior of the coil-holding hole 64, is formed around this opening.The rear end of the base section 63 has a wide shape with two flanges 66 projecting outwards.

[0039] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the fastening / retaining element 60 is inserted into the joint housing space 41 along the longitudinal direction of the insertion section 11, so that the fitting recess section 62 faces the front end, which is the side of the ultrasound probe 23 (to the right in Fig. 7) is, i.e., from the bending section 16 to the distal end section 15. More precisely, the fastening / retaining element 60 is inserted into the section between the joint 45 and the second support wall 41b in the joint housing space 41, while the flat surface 60a is aligned on the second support wall 41b. This insertion direction of the fastening / retaining element 60 is a different direction than the projecting direction in which the small-diameter section 51, projecting into the joint housing space 41, extends from the cover insertion space 43 of the cover element 50. According to one embodiment, it is advantageous that this insertion direction, as shown in Fig. Figure 7 shows a direction that intersects the projecting direction of the projecting section of the cover element 50. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, it is advantageous if the direction is substantially orthogonal to the projecting direction of the smaller-diameter section 51. When the fastening / retaining element 60 is inserted, the bottom surfaces 55a of the two fitting grooves 55 of the cover element 50 are fused by the opposing surfaces 62a of the fitting recess section 62 (see Figure 7). Fig. 4 and Fig. 7) clamped, and the plate-shaped section 61 is inserted into the locating grooves 55. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the width of the plate-shaped section 61 is essentially equal to the groove width of the locating grooves 55. Accordingly, the plate-shaped section 61 is inserted into the locating grooves 55 without vibration. Because the flat surface 60a of the fastening / retaining element 60 rests against the second support wall 41b of the joint housing space 41, the movement of the fastening / retaining element 60 towards the cover insertion space 43 is also restricted (see Figure 4). Fig. 4) As a result, the cover element 50, when attached to the fastening / retaining element 60, is prevented from detaching from the cover insertion chamber 43 and is connected to the second support wall 41b in the joint housing chamber 41, as shown in Fig. 4 shown.

[0040] The insertion position of the fastening / retaining element 60 in the joint housing space 41 is determined by the flange 66, which rests against the rear end section of the main body 40 (see Fig. 6 and Fig. 7). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, a threaded through-hole 47 is formed in the main body 40 as a mechanical fastening mechanism. In this state, the through-hole 47 is connected to the threaded hole 65 of the fastening / retaining element 60. A shaft section 67a of a fastening screw 67, which is a mechanical fastening mechanism, is inserted into the threaded through-hole 47 and screwed into the threaded hole 65 to fasten and fix the fastening / retaining element 60 to the main body 40. The opening section of the threaded through-hole 47 is a countersunk section 47a, and the head section of the fastening screw 67 has a conical surface 67b to bear against the countersunk section 47a. When, in this configuration, the fastening / retaining element 60 is attached as shown in Figure 8, the screw is secured to the main body 40. Fig. As shown in Figure 8, when the fastening screw is attached, the head section of the fastening screw 67 sinks into the threaded through hole 47.

[0041] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the threaded hole 65 for screwing in the fastening screw 67 is arranged facing inwards with respect to the connecting section 70, which connects the distal end section 15 and the bending section 16. In the connecting section 70, the outer surface of the main body 40 is covered by an insulating cover element 71. Therefore, when the ultrasound endoscope 10 is in its completed state, the threaded through-hole 47 and the fastening screw 67 located therein are not exposed to the outer surface of the insertion section 11, and the fluid tightness and insulation of the fastening section achieved by the fastening screw 67 are maintained by the cover element 71.

[0042] As in the Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, a coil 68 is inserted into the coil retaining hole 64 of the mounting / holding element 60. The front end of the coil 68 is arranged within the insertion section 11, bearing against the coil contact surface 64a, and the actuating wire 46 is inserted into the coil 68. The actuating wire 46 passes through the inwardly facing opening section of the coil contact surface 64a and extends to the front of the mounting / holding element 60, and the wire end section 46a is connected to the joint section 45b of the joint 45. As previously described, the actuating wire 46 extends from the insertion section 11 to the operating section 12 and is connected to a tilting mechanism (not shown) provided in the operating section 12. The coil 68 supports the actuating wire 46 in such a way that it can move forwards and backwards within it.According to this configuration, when the tilting mechanism is actuated, the actuating force is transmitted to the joint 45 via the actuating wire 46. Since the joint housing space 41 has a liquid-tight structure, external contaminants do not adhere to the joint 45, the actuating wire 46, the coil retaining hole 64, and the bridge coil 68, and maintenance of the mechanism can be carried out to drive the lifting element 35 without malfunction.

[0043] The distal end section 15 is assembled as follows. The O-rings 44 are inserted into the ring grooves 36e, and then the shaft element 36 is inserted into the main body 40 through the cover insertion chamber 43, with the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a facing forward. At this stage, the lifting element 35 is provisionally arranged within the housing recess section 24, the joint 45 is provisionally arranged within the joint housing chamber 41, and the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a and the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c of the inserted shaft element 36 are each inserted into the shaft receiving hole 35c of the lifting element 35 and the shaft receiving hole 45a of the joint 45, respectively. Furthermore, the first circular cross-sectional section 36b of the shaft element 36 is rotatably mounted in the shaft retaining hole 42 in the main body 40.The O-ring 56 is then attached to the outside of the larger diameter section 52. The cover element 50 is inserted into the cover insertion chamber 43 with the smaller diameter section 51 facing forward. The second circular cross-sectional section 36d of the shaft element 36 is inserted into the shaft retaining hole 54 of the cover element 50, thus rotatably mounting the shaft element 36 in the shaft retaining hole 54. After the cover element 50 is attached, the fastening / retaining element 60 is then attached. Separation of the cover element 50 is prevented by the plate-shaped section 61, which fits into the locating grooves 55. The fastening / retaining element 60 is secured using the fastening screw 67.When the fastening / retaining element 60 is to be attached, the spool 68 is inserted into the spool retaining hole 64, and the actuating wire 46, which includes the wire end section 46a connected to the joint section 45b of the joint 45, is inserted into the spool 68. Fastening the elements in this way creates a liquid-tight seal in the joint housing space 41, preventing the ingress of liquid from the outside through the O-rings 44 and the O-ring 56, and preventing contaminants from adhering to the joint 45 and its peripheral sections located in the joint housing space 41.

[0044] According to the structure described above, the shaft element 36 is rotatably mounted in the main body 40 about the axis 36x by means of the first bearing, which is located between the narrow section 35b of the lifting element 35 and the joint 45 and consists of the first circular cross-sectional section 36b and the shaft retaining hole 42, and by means of the second bearing, which is located on the side of the joint 45 facing away from the lifting element 35 and consists of the second circular cross-sectional section 36d and the shaft retaining hole 54. More precisely, the first and second bearings, which axially support the shaft element 36, are located on respective sides of a perpendicular line PP (see Fig. 4) provided, extending along the 36x axis from an action point PA (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 6) extends from, onto which an actuating force is transmitted when the lifting element is rotated. In other words, the first bearing and the second bearing hold the shaft element 36 rotatably about the axis with respect to the direction along the axis 36x on either side of a position in which the shaft element 36 is subjected to a rotational force.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first circular cross-sectional section 36b, which forms the first bearing, has a larger diameter than the second circular cross-sectional section 36d, which forms the second bearing. This ensures stiffness while also providing the two annular grooves 36e that support the O-rings 44. Furthermore, the second circular cross-sectional section 36d, which forms the second bearing, is located at the end section on the side opposite the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a, oriented along the axis 36x. This reliably prevents tilting of the shaft element 36 and allows for smooth rotation. Consequently, it is possible to support the lifting element 35 at one end of the shaft element 36, enabling it to rotate with high support force and excellent stability.

[0046] Furthermore, when the actuating wire 46 connected to the position of the action point PA is tensioned or loosened, the joint 45 moves (pivots) within the area indicated by a double arrow A2 in Fig. 6 is displayed, and the lifting element 35, which rotates integrally with the joint 45 by means of shaft element 36, moves accordingly. When the lifting element 35 is at the initial angle indicated by solid lines in the Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B is displayed, joint 45 is located at the point marked by solid lines in Fig. 6 specified point. When the joint 45 is pulled by the actuating wire 46 and rotates into the position indicated by the dashed, double-dashed line in Fig. When 6 is displayed, the lifting element 35 rotates into the standing position, which is indicated by a dashed, double-dashed line in the Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B is displayed. According to one embodiment, it is advantageous that the rotation angle of the lifting element 35 from the initial angle to the standstill state (and the rotation angle of the joint 45, which rotates together with the lifting element 35) is approximately 40 degrees. When the actuating wire 46 is no longer tensioned, the lifting element 35 and the joint 45 both return to the initial angle.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the lifting element 35 is supported by the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a, which is provided at one end of the shaft element 36. The lifting element 35 is rotatably held by the first bearing and the second bearing, and the support is on one side (the right side in Figure 4). Fig. 4) in the direction along the axis 36x relative to the narrow section 35b of the lifting element 35. For this reason, on the opposite side of the lifting element 35 (the left side in Fig. 4) No structure for axial support is provided, such as a shaft receiving hole, and the present embodiment is advantageous with regard to space utilization on the side of the lifting element 35. In particular, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the image sensor unit 30 and the air / water supply pipe 31 are arranged in the area of ​​one side of the lifting element 35 and the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a. Furthermore, although not shown, an illumination light cable (fiber optic bundle) is also provided for emitting light from the distal end section 15. In addition, the ultrasound signal cable 23a is provided below the recessed section 24 for receiving the lifting element 35, as shown in Figure 4. Fig. Figure 6 is shown. For this reason, the arrangement positions of the image sensor unit 30, the air / water supply tube 31, and the fiber optic cable are limited so that the outer diameter of the distal end section 15 is not increased. If the shaft element 36 has a section extending to the left, which is in Fig. 4 extends beyond the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a, unlike the one in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, there is a risk that this extending section of the shaft element 36 or a section of the main body 40 supporting it may obstruct the image sensor unit 30 and the air / water supply pipe 31. If the positions of the image sensor unit 30 and the air / water supply pipe 31 are shifted to avoid interference, the outer diameter of the distal end section 15 increases. In contrast, in the arrangement of the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the positions of the image sensor unit 30 and the air / water supply pipe 31 are not limited, and the lifting element 35 can be supported axially to the main body 40 in order to pivot with the aid of the shaft element 36, while at the same time the diameter of the distal end section 15 is reduced.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the shaft element 35 has a structure in which the lifting element 36 is attached to an end section of the shaft element 35, so that vibration could easily occur when the lifting element 36 is pivoted; however, the shaft element 35 is supported by two bearings, thus preventing the occurrence of vibration. Furthermore, the joint 45 for transmitting the actuating force or the input of the rotational force is provided between the two bearings, so that a smooth transmission of the actuating force or the input of the rotational force with minimal vibration is possible in the section of the shaft element 35 that is subject to the actuating force or the rotational force.

[0049] The shaft element 35 is inserted into support holes of the main body 40 and the cover element 50 and is held by the first bearing and the second bearing in the main body 40 and in the cover element 50, so that the lifting element 36 can be reliably pivoted at a predetermined position in the main body 40.

[0050] The shaft element 36 is configured such that it does not project laterally from either side of the lifting element 35, and therefore the first opposite wall 24a of the housing recess section 24, which faces the front end of the first non-circular cross-sectional section 36a, can have a flat shape without any recesses or protrusions. Contaminants are highly unlikely to adhere to this flat first opposite wall 24a when using the ultrasonic endoscope 10, and even if contaminants do adhere, cleaning can still be carried out without difficulty.

[0051] As described above, the shaft element 36 is rotatably mounted by two bearings located on either side of the joint 45 (vertical line PP), making it possible to achieve a design in which the lifting element 35 is supported at one end of the shaft element 36, while at the same time achieving excellent support force and support stability for the lifting element 35.

[0052] The shaft retaining hole 42 and the shaft retaining hole 54, which form the two bearings, are provided separately in the main body 40 and the cover element 50, so that by inserting the shaft element 36 and the cover element 50 into the main body 40 in this sequence, the structure in which the shaft element 36 is rotatably mounted on both sides of the joint 45 (vertical line PP) can be easily assembled. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, fluid tightness in the joint housing space 41 can be achieved simply and reliably by the O-rings 44 and 56, which are attached to the outer surfaces of the shaft element 36 and the cover element 50, which are inserted into the main body 40 in this sequence. The O-rings 44 prevent external fluids from flowing from the side of the lifting element 35 to the cover element 50 along the shaft element 36, thus preventing the ingress of fluids into the joint housing space 41.The O-ring 56 prevents external fluids from flowing from the side of the cover element 50 to the lifting element 35 along the shaft element 36, thus preventing fluids from entering the joint housing space 41.

[0053] The joint 45 includes the shaft receiving hole 45a, which is a non-circular cross-sectional hole for inserting the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c of the shaft element 36, and thus the joint 45 can transmit actuating force or input torque to the shaft element 36 without loss.

[0054] The second bearing is formed from the cover element 50, which is provided at one end of the main body 40, so that the size of the distal end section 15 can be reduced while at the same time ensuring sufficient installation space for the arrangement of the joint 45.

[0055] The outer diameter of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c of the shaft element 36c at the end of the opening side opposite the shaft retaining hole 42 is larger than the inner diameter of the opening of the shaft retaining hole 42. Therefore, the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c of the shaft element 36 is prevented from moving laterally on the first bearing. For this reason, the lifting element 35, which is attached to the end of the shaft element 36, can pivot while lateral movement along the axis 36x is prevented.

[0056] Fig. Figure 4 shows that when the stepped section between the large-diameter section 52 and the small-diameter section 51 of the cover element 50 abuts the stepped surface between the small-diameter hole section 43a and the large-diameter hole section 43b of the main body 40, the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c is arranged between the end face of the small-diameter section 51 and the opening of the shaft retaining hole 42 in the first support wall 41a. In this arrangement, the end face of the small-diameter section 51 is located near the side wall of the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c. For this reason, the second non-circular cross-sectional section 36c is prevented from moving in both directions along the axis 36x in the joint housing space 41, and it is possible to pivot the lifting element 35 while preventing lateral movement in both directions along the axis 36x.

[0057] Furthermore, by unscrewing the fastening / holding element 60, the cover element 50 and the shaft element 36 can be easily removed, and the ultrasound endoscope 10 is particularly advantageous in terms of ease of maintenance after manufacturing.

[0058] Furthermore, the cover insertion chamber 43, which connects the joint housing chamber 41 to the outside, is sealed liquid-tight from the outside by the cover element 50 with the large-diameter section 52 to which the O-ring 56 is attached, and separation of the cover element 50 from the cover insertion chamber 43 is prevented by the fastening / retaining element 60, which is mechanically attached to the cover element 50. The fastening / retaining element 60 can be easily attached to the main body 40 using the fastening screw 67. According to this configuration, liquid tightness in the joint housing chamber 41 can be achieved without relying on adhesion, and a reduction in liquid tightness is not caused by uneven application of an adhesive or by the degradation of the adhesive.Furthermore, the cover element 50 can be attached to the main body 40 by the fastening / holding element 60 for positioning the shaft element 36 in the main body 40, so that it is possible to easily remove the cover element 50 and the fastening / holding element 60 after the non-stick assembly, and a high level of serviceability is achieved.

[0059] The fastening / retaining element 60 is attached to the cover element 50 by inserting the fastening / retaining element 60 in a direction that differs from the projecting direction of the projecting part of the cover element 50, which in one embodiment is a direction that runs transversely to the projecting direction. In other words, the cover element 50 and the fastening / retaining element 60 can each be easily attached to the main body 40.

[0060] The plate-shaped section 61 of the fastening / retaining element 60 is inserted into the locating grooves 55 of the cover element 50 and rests against the second support wall 41b of the joint housing space 41, so that movement of the cover element 50 in the separation direction can be easily prevented with a simple arrangement. At this point, the side surfaces of the locating grooves 55 are flush with the surface of the second support wall 41b, which surrounds the section of the cover element 50 projecting into the joint housing space 41, and thus the fastening / retaining element 60 can be reliably connected to the second support wall 41b.Furthermore, the section of the cover element 50 which at this time projects into the joint housing space 41 includes two fitting grooves 55a which have bottom surfaces which are substantially parallel, and the plate-shaped section 61 of the fastening / retaining element 60 includes the fitting recess section 62 which has internal surfaces which clamp the bottom surfaces of the 55a of the fitting grooves 55, and therefore the fastening / retaining element 60 can be easily inserted into the fitting grooves 55 by inserting the fastening / retaining element 60 into the joint housing space 41 along the second support wall 41b.

[0061] When the cover element 50 is held in the joint housing space 41 by the fastening / retaining element 60, the outer surface of the cover element 50 is essentially flush with the outer surface of the main body 40 that surrounds the cover element 50, and therefore there are no recessed areas where fluids can accumulate. This prevents a situation in which fluid accumulates in a recessed area and penetrates the joint housing space 41 through a gap between the cover element 50 and the main body 40.

[0062] The fastening / retaining element 60 holds the cover element 50, and by inserting the bridge coil 68 into the coil retaining hole 64, the fastening / retaining element 60 also acts as an element for carrying and guiding the actuating wire 46 in the joint housing space 41. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide a separate element for carrying and guiding the actuating wire 46 in the joint housing space 41, and the arrangement can be simplified by reducing the number of components, which further contributes to a reduction in the size of the distal end section 15.

[0063] A fastening / holding element 160 according to a Fig. In the embodiment shown in 13, the threaded hole 65 of the fastening / retaining element 60 is replaced by a [missing information] according to the [missing information]. Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, a pin insertion hole 75 is provided. The pin insertion hole 75 has a conical inner circumferential surface 75a, according to which the inner diameter gradually decreases as it extends from the side corresponding to the second support wall 41b of the joint housing space 41 to the side of the first support wall 41a. With the exception of the pin insertion hole 75, the fastening / retaining element 160 has the same configuration as the fastening / retaining element 60 and is installed similarly to the one shown in the Fig. 6 and Fig. The fastening / retaining element 60 shown in Figure 7 is inserted into the joint housing space 41. The main body 40 has a pin through-hole 76 which, when inserted into the joint housing space 41, is connected to the pin insertion hole 75 of the fastening / retaining element 160.

[0064] A fixing pin 77, which serves as a mechanical fastening mechanism, is inserted into the pin passage hole 76 and the pin insertion hole 75 in the direction indicated by arrow B. Fig.The locating pin 77 is inserted in the direction specified in section 13. A shaft section 77a of the locating pin 77 has a cylindrical outer circumferential surface with a substantially constant outer diameter. At an intermediate position in the pin insertion hole 75, in the direction from the side of the second support wall 41b, which is the front in the insertion direction of the shaft section 77a, to the side of the first support wall 41a, which is the back, the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 75a becomes smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft section 77a, and the shaft section 77a of the locating pin 77 is pressed into the pin insertion hole 75. The opening section of the pin passage hole 76 is a countersink section 76a, and the head section of the locating pin 77 has a conical surface 77b that corresponds to the shape of the countersink section 76a.When the locking pin 77 is inserted into a position where the conical surface 77b rests against the underside of the countersink section 76a, the locking pin 77 is prevented from moving relative to the main body 40. As a result, the fastening / retaining element 160 is fixed and secured to the main body 40 via the pressed-in locking pin 77. When this fastening / retaining element 160 is secured, the head section of the locking pin 77 sinks into the pin through-hole 76 and does not protrude from the main body 40. It should be noted that, according to one embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the shaft section 77a of the locking pin 77 can preferably be pressed into the pin insertion hole 75, even if, instead of a cylindrical shape with a substantially constant outer diameter, it has a conical shape with a cone angle smaller than the inner circumferential surface 75a of the pin insertion hole 75.

[0065] Although the above description is based on the embodiments shown, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the present invention also applies to an endoscope other than an ultrasound endoscope, provided it has a lifting element, even though the embodiments shown are applied to an ultrasound endoscope.

[0066] As already described, from the point of view of easy assembly and disassembly it is preferable that the shaft retaining hole 54 is provided in the cover element 50, which is separate from the main body 40, but according to one embodiment a configuration is advantageous in which the shaft support holes, which are circular cross-sectional holes forming the first bearing and the second bearing, are provided in one element.

[0067] Furthermore, also from the point of view of simple assembly and disassembly, it is advantageous if the shaft element 36 and the joint 54 are separate elements, as in the illustrated embodiments, but according to one embodiment it is preferable that the actuating wire is connected to a radially outwardly projecting section of the shaft element, i.e. the shaft element 36 and the joint 54 are designed as a single element, and the shaft element itself has the point of action.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiments, the image sensor unit 30 and the air / water supply tube 31 are arranged in the space formed on one side of the lifting element 35, but according to one embodiment, it is advantageous for other elements to be arranged near the side of the lifting element at the distal end of the insertion section. Reference symbol list 10 Ultrasound endoscope 11 Introductory section 12 Operating section 15 distal end section 16 bending section 19 Instrument insertion opening 23 ultrasound probe 24 Housing recess section 24a first opposite wall 24b second opposite wall 24c Step section 24d third opposite wall 26 lens windows 27 lighting windows 28 Air / water nozzle 30 image sensor unit 31 Air / water supply pipe 32 Instrument channel 35 Lifting element 35a Holding groove 35b narrow section 35c shaft mounting hole 36 wave elements 36x axis 36a first non-circular cross-sectional section 36b first circular cross-sectional section 36c second non-circular cross-sectional section 36d second circular cross-sectional section 36e Ring groove 40 main bodies 41 Joint housing space 41a first retaining wall 41b second retaining wall 42 Shaft retaining hole 43 Lid insertion space 43a small diameter hole section 43b diameter hole section 44 O-ring 45 joint 45a Shaft mounting hole 45b Joint section 46 Actuating wire 46a Wire end section 47 Threaded through hole 50 lid element 51 diameter small section 52 diameter section 53 Head section 54 Shaft retaining hole 55 Fitnut 55a floor area 56 O-ring 60, 160 Fastening / holding element 60a flat surface 61 plate-shaped section 62 Fitting recess section 62a opposite area 62b Connecting surface 63 Basic section 64 Spool retaining hole 64a Coil mounting area 65 threaded hole 66 flange 67 Mounting screw 68 Bridge coil 70 Connecting section 71 Cover element 75 pin insertion holes 75a inner circumferential area 76 pin holes 76a Sinking section 77 Fixing pin 77a Wave section 77b conical surface

Claims

[1] Endoscope (10) with a lifting element (35) arranged at a distal end of an insertion section (11) and which changes a projecting direction of an instrument by pivoting, the endoscope (10) comprising: a main body section (40, 50) which forms the distal end of the insertion section (11), a shaft element (36), wherein an end section (36a) of the shaft element (36) carries the lifting element (35) on one side in a direction along an axis (36x), so that they can rotate in one piece about the axis (36x); a drive element (45) that is located in an intermediate position on the shaft element (36) in the direction along the axis (36x) and that transmits an actuating force to the shaft element (36) which is applied to an action point (PA) that is eccentric to the axis (36x); a first bearing (36b, 42) arranged between the end section (36a) and a perpendicular line extending along the axis (36x) from the point of action (PA), wherein the first bearing (36b, 42) supports the shaft element (36) so that it can rotate about the axis (36x) relative to the main body section (40, 50); and a second bearing (36d, 54) which is arranged on one side opposite the first bearing (36b, 42) relative to the vertical line in the direction along the axis (36x), wherein the second bearing (36d, 54) supports the shaft element (36) such that it is rotatable about the axis (36x) relative to the main body section (40, 50). [2] Endoscope (10), comprising: a lifting element (35) which is designed to pivot such that an instrument provided in an insertion section (11) of an endoscope (10) changes a projecting direction; a shaft element (36) configured to rotate about an axis (36x), wherein the lifting element (35) is provided on an end section (36a) of the shaft element (36) on one side in an axial direction extending along the axis (36x), wherein the shaft element (36) carries the lifting element (35) on one side in the direction of the axis (36x) and the shaft element (36) is configured such that it can rotate integrally with the lifting element (35) about the axis (36x); a drive element (45) which is attached to the shaft element (36) and is designed to transmit a rotational force to the shaft element (36) to rotate the shaft element (36) about the axis (36x); a first bearing (36b, 42) and a second bearing (36d, 54) which support the shaft element (36) rotatably about the axis (36x) with respect to the direction along the axis (36x) on both sides of a position in which the shaft element (36) is subject to the rotational force. [3] Endoscope (10) according to claim 2, wherein the endoscope (10) further comprises a main body section (40, 50) which forms the distal end of the insertion section (11), and wherein the shaft element (36) is inserted into a hole of the main body section (40, 50) and is held in the main body section (40, 50) by the first bearing (36b, 42) and the second bearing (36d, 54). [4] Endoscope (10) according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the main body section (40, 50) has a housing recess section (24) which accommodates the lifting element (35), and the end section (36a) of the shaft element (36) projects out of one of two opposing walls (24a, 24b) of the housing recess section (24), and wherein another of the two opposing walls (24a, 24b) is a substantially planar surface opposite a front end of the end section (36a). [5] Endoscope (10) according to one of claims 1, 3 and 4, wherein the first bearing (36b, 42) consists of a first circular cross-sectional section (36b) provided in the shaft element (36) and a first circular cross-sectional hole (42) provided in the main body section (40, 50), wherein the first circular cross-sectional section (36b) is rotatably inserted into the first circular cross-sectional hole (42), and the second bearing (36d, 54) consists of a second circular cross-sectional section (36d) provided in the shaft element (36) and a second circular cross-sectional hole (54) provided in the main body section (40, 50), wherein the second circular cross-sectional section (36d) is rotatably inserted into the second circular cross-sectional hole (54). [6] Endoscope (10) according to claim 5, which further comprises an annular sealing element (56) that seals a space between the first circular cross-sectional hole (42) and the first circular cross-sectional section (36b) in a liquid-tight manner. [7] Endoscope (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the main body section (40,50) includes a first element (40) comprising the first circular cross-sectional hole (42) and a second element (50) comprising the second circular cross-sectional hole (54), wherein the first element (40) comprises an introduction space (43) into which the second element (50) can be inserted, and wherein the second element (50) is inserted into the introduction chamber (43) in a liquid-tight manner, and wherein, when the second element (50) is inserted, the first circular cross-sectional hole (42) and the second circular cross-sectional hole (54) are located at positions that are separated from each other along the axis (36x). [8] Endoscope (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the wave element (36) comprises a non-circular cross-sectional section (36c) at a location between the first circular cross-sectional section (36b) and the second circular cross-sectional section (36d) in the direction along the axis (36), and the drive element (45) comprises a non-circular cross-sectional hole (45a) into which the non-circular cross-sectional section (36c) is inserted. [9] Endoscope (10) according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 8, wherein the main body section (40, 50) comprises a housing recess section (24) that receives the lifting element (35), a drive element receiving chamber (41) that receives the drive element (45) and is sealed liquid-tight relative to the housing recess section (24), a cover insertion chamber (43) that connects the drive element receiving chamber (41) and an external area, and a cover element (50) that can be inserted into the cover insertion chamber (43) and seals the cover insertion chamber (43) liquid-tight when inserted, and wherein the endoscope (10) further comprises a fastening / retaining element (60) which is attached to the cover element (50) inserted into the cover insertion chamber (43) and is attached to the main body section (40, 50) by a mechanical fastening mechanism (63, 64, 65), wherein the fastening / retaining element (60) makes it difficult to separate the cover element (50) from the cover insertion chamber (43).

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