Endoscope

Abstract

To provide an endoscope 9 having a nozzle 10 for efficiently ejecting fluid in a wide range.SOLUTION: An endoscope 9 is provided with an observation window 20 and a nozzle 10 at a tip 3A of an insertion part 3. The nozzle 10 includes a flow channel L10 having an opening O10 for ejecting fluid toward the observation window 20. The flow channel L10 includes a first flow channel L10A parallel to a longitudinal direction of the insertion part 3 and a second flow channel L10B communicated with the first flow channel L10A, which is curved in a direction of the opening O10. An outside inner surface 10S outside in a curve direction of the second flow channel L10B includes a first surface 10S1, a second surface 10S2, and a ridge 10S3 sandwiched by the respective end sides of the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2, which continues along an extending direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope having a nozzle for ejecting a fluid on the distal end surface of an insertion section. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Endoscopes, which are widely used in the medical field and the like, have a long and thin insertion portion that is inserted into a subject. An observation window for an imaging unit is provided on the distal end surface of the insertion portion.

[0003] If dirt adheres to the observation window, observation is hindered. For this reason, a nozzle that sprays fluid is provided near the observation window on the tip face to remove dirt that has adhered to the observation window. The nozzle bends the flow of fluid supplied from a flow path in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part (perpendicular to the tip face) by 90 degrees and sprays it onto the observation window.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 11-244221 discloses a nozzle in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path continuously decreases toward the opening, and the upper surface of the flow path is an inclined arc surface, so that the fluid ejected from the nozzle is supplied evenly to the entire observation window. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-244221 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In recent years, in order to reduce invasiveness, the diameter of the insertion section has been reduced, and the proportion of the area of ​​the observation window to the area of ​​the tip surface has increased. However, since the area of ​​the tip surface is small, it is not easy to increase the nozzle opening width. For this reason, it is desired that the fluid ejected from the nozzle be wider than the nozzle opening width and flow efficiently over the entire surface of the observation window.

[0007] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an endoscope having a nozzle that efficiently ejects fluid over a wide range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with an observation window and a nozzle at the tip of an insertion section, the nozzle having a flow path with an opening for spraying a fluid toward the observation window, the flow path including a first flow path parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion section and a second flow path communicating with the first flow path and curved in the direction of the opening, the second flow path having an outer inner surface on the outer side in the curvature direction that has a first surface, a second surface, and a ridge that is sandwiched between the respective edge edges of the first surface and the second surface and continues along the extending direction. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope having a nozzle that efficiently ejects fluid over a wide range can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope system including an endoscope according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the tip portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVA-IVA in FIG. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB in FIG. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVC-IVC in FIG. 4. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVD-IVD in FIG. [Figure 5E] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVE-IVE in FIG. 4. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVF-IVF in FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view of a flow path of a nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of a flow path of a nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top view of a flow path of a nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flow path in a nozzle of a conventional endoscope. [Figure 10] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example. [Figure 11] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example. [Figure 12] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path of a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an endoscope 9 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The drawings based on each embodiment are schematic. The relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the thickness ratio of each part, and the relative angle are different from the actual ones. The drawings also include parts with different length relationships and ratios. Also, some components may not be shown. The distal end side of the insertion length in the longitudinal direction is referred to as "upper".

[0013] <Endoscope> As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 9 of the embodiment configures an endoscope system 6 together with a processor 5A and a monitor 5B.

[0014] The endoscope 9 includes an insertion section 3, a grip section 4 disposed at the base end of the insertion section 3, a universal cord 4B extending from the grip section 4, and a connector 4C disposed at the base end of the universal cord 4B. The insertion section 3 includes a tip section 3A, a bending section 3B extending from the tip section 3A, and a flexible section 3C extending from the bending section 3B. The bending section 3B for changing the direction of the tip section 3A is freely bendable. The grip section 4 is provided with an angle knob 4A for the surgeon to operate the bending section 3B.

[0015] The universal cord 4B is connected to the processor 5A by a connector 4C. The processor 5A controls the entire endoscope system 6, processes the imaging signal, and outputs an image signal. The monitor 5B displays the image signal output by the processor 5A as an endoscopic image.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, a nozzle 10, an observation window 20, and an illumination window 30 are provided on the distal end surface 3SA of the distal end portion 3A of the endoscope 9. As shown in FIG. 3, the distal end surface of the optical system 20A that focuses an object image is the observation window 20. The optical axis OA of the optical system 20A, which includes a plurality of lenses, is located at the center point C20 of the observation window 20. The object image focused by the optical system 20A is converted into an image signal by an image sensor such as a CCD (not shown) and transmitted to the processor 5A. The nozzle 10 constitutes a flow path L10 having an opening O10 that ejects a fluid toward the observation window 20. The nozzle 10 ejects the fluid to clean the observation window 20. The fluid is, for example, water or air. The illumination window 30 is the distal end surface of an illumination optical system that illuminates an observation site.

[0017] The observation window 20 is parallel to the tip surface 3SA and perpendicular to the optical axis OA. For example, in the XYZ orthogonal coordinate system shown in FIG. 3 etc., the Z axis (vertical direction) is the longitudinal direction of the tip portion 3A of the insertion section 3. The observation window 20 located on the XY plane is perpendicular to the Z axis. Note that FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the XZ plane, which is a virtual plane including the center line C10L of the flow channel L10, the center point C10 of the opening O10, and the center point C20 of the observation window 20.

[0018] 3, the observation window 20 of the endoscope 9 is located on the same plane as the distal end surface 3SA, but the observation window 20 may be surrounded by a ring-shaped inclined surface and protrude from the distal end surface 3SA. A part of the fluid may be ejected from the nozzle 10 toward the inclined surface surrounding the observation window 20.

[0019] <Nozzle> The nozzle 10 is connected to an air / water supply tube 15, which passes through the insertion portion 3, by a pipe 14. The nozzle 10 is made of metal or hard resin. The nozzle 10 is made, for example, by using a metal cylinder as a base material and forming a flow path L10 by cutting. The nozzle 10 may be made by injection molding or by using a 3D printer. The nozzle 10 may also be formed by combining a plurality of members. A through hole of the tip rigid member 31 constituting the tip portion 3A may be used as a part of the flow path L10 of the nozzle 10. The nozzle 10 may be formed by having a part of the tip rigid member 31 protrude from the tip surface 3SA.

[0020] The flow path L10 includes a first flow path L10A, a second flow path L10B, and a third flow path L10C. A center line C10L of the flow path L10 is a line connecting the center points G of the respective cross sections of the flow path L10.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the first flow path L10A is parallel to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis) of the insertion section 3, i.e., perpendicular to the tip surface 3SA. The second flow path L10B communicates with the first flow path L10A and is curved 90 degrees toward the opening O10. The third flow path L10C communicates with the second flow path L10B and has an opening O10. The third flow path L10C is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis) of the insertion section 3, i.e., parallel to the tip surface 3SA. The third flow path L10C may be inclined so that the inner inner surface and / or the outer inner surface approaches the tip surface 3SA from the communicating portion with the second flow path L10B toward the opening O10.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 5A, the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path L10A is a circle. As shown in Fig. 5B to Fig. 5E, the cross-sectional shape of the second flow path L10B changes continuously. The flow path width WL10 of the flow path L10 is the largest inner dimension in a cross section perpendicular to the center line C10L.

[0023] 5D, the second flow path L10B has an outer inner surface 10S on the outer side in the curvature direction, which has a first surface 10S1, a second surface 10S2, and a third surface 10S3. The first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are flat surfaces.

[0024] The third surface 10S3 is sandwiched between the end sides of the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2, and is a thin ridge that extends along the extension direction of the second flow path L10B.

[0025] The third surface 10S3 is a curved surface which is a corner R region, and the center line (center line of the ridge) 10S3L of the third surface 10S3 is located on the XZ plane, which is a virtual plane that includes the center line C10L of the flow path L10, the center point C10 of the opening O10, and the center point C20 of the observation window 20 (see Figure 3).

[0026] The intersection angle θ between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is a minimum value, for example, 120 degrees, at the position shown in Fig. 5D. The intersection angle θ increases continuously from the position where the intersection angle θ is a minimum (Fig. 5D) toward the opening O10.

[0027] The intersection angle θ is 180 degrees at the communicating portion with the third flow path L10C. At the communicating portion between the second flow path L10B and the third flow path L10C, the first surface 10S1, the second surface 10S2, and the third surface 10S3 are located on the XY plane, and their cross sections form a straight line.

[0028] 5F, the shape of the opening O10 is a track shape, that is, a substantially rectangular shape with semicircular short sides. The third flow path L10C has the same track shape as the opening O10. The shape of the opening O10 may be a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners at the four corners of the rectangle.

[0029] The flow path L10 does not necessarily have to include the third flow path L10C. That is, the second flow path L10B may have the opening O10.

[0030] The position where the intersection angle θ is smallest (FIG. 5D) is the intermediate position where the curve is greatly curved as shown in FIG. 4, that is, the position where the angle θM (see FIG. 4) intersects with the tip surface 3SA at an angle greater than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees.

[0031] The intersection angle θ is maximum (180 degrees) in the vicinity of the opening O10, is minimum at the position where it is greatly curved as shown in FIG. 5D, and increases as it approaches the opening O10 as shown in FIG. 5E.

[0032] The minimum value of the intersection angle θ is preferably more than 60 degrees and less than 150 degrees. If the minimum value of the intersection angle θ is within the above range, the nozzle 10 can efficiently eject the fluid in the width direction of the opening O10 without increasing the outer dimensions.

[0033] In addition, the second flow path L10B does not clearly have three surfaces (the first surface 10S1, the second surface 10S2, and the third surface 10S3) in the region close to the first flow path L10A. In other words, it is difficult to distinguish the three surfaces (the first surface 10S1, the second surface 10S2, and the third surface 10S3). However, the second flow path L10B has three surfaces on the outer inner surface 10S on the outer side of the curvature direction at least from the position where the intersection angle θ is smallest toward the opening O10.

[0034] In addition, from at least the position where the intersection angle θ of the second flow path L10B is smallest to the third flow path L10C, the fourth surface 10S4, which is the inner surface on the inner side of the curvature direction, is a flat surface. The first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are connected to the fourth surface 10S4 via a curved surface. The first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 may include a curved surface as long as they are flat surfaces at least in the vicinity of the third surface 10S3.

[0035] The cross-sectional shape of the third flow passage L10C perpendicular to the flow passage center line is the same track shape as the opening O10. That is, the fourth surface 10S4 is a flat surface.

[0036] In order to place the nozzle 10 on the narrow tip surface 3SA, the opening width W10A of the opening O10 of the nozzle 10 is small, for example, 50% of the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20. The opening width W10A is the maximum dimension in the Y-axis direction in a direction perpendicular to the center line C10L, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary XZ plane.

[0037] 6 to 8 show the shape of the internal space of the nozzle 10, i.e., the shape of the flow path L10. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the fluid that has passed through the first flow path L10A ascends along the second flow path L10B, but the flow direction is bent by approximately 90 degrees, and the fluid passes through the third flow path L10C and is ejected in a direction approximately parallel to the tip surface 3SA.

[0038] In an endoscope 9 having a small area of ​​the distal end surface 3SA, the opening width W10A of the opening O10 of the nozzle 10 is, for example, 50% of the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20. To eject the fluid over the entire surface of the observation window 20, the second flow path L10B of the nozzle 10 has a flow path width WL10 that continuously increases toward the opening O10.

[0039] That is, as shown in Fig. 8, the second flow path L10B has a flow path width WL10 that increases continuously at least from the position where the intersection angle θ is minimum to the communication part with the third flow path L10C. The third flow path L10C also has a flow path width WL10 that increases continuously from the communication part with the second flow path L10B to the opening O10. In this case, the third flow path L10C is considered to be a part of the second flow path L10B. In other words, the flow path L10 does not need to include the third flow path L10C.

[0040] Therefore, the fluid ejected from the opening O10 is ejected over a wide range. In order to eject the fluid over a wide range, the opening width W10A is preferably more than 10% and less than 70% of the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20.

[0041] The third flow path L10C may have a constant flow path width WL10. In this case, the fluid is ejected in a narrower range than when the flow path width WL10 is increased.

[0042] Although the cross-sectional shapes of the first flow path L10A, the second flow path L10B, and the third flow path L10C are significantly different, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L10 does not increase or decrease significantly. The largest cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L10 is preferably less than 150% of the smallest cross-sectional area, and more preferably less than 125%. If the cross-sectional area is less than the above range, the flow path L10 has a small pressure loss and the nozzle 10 can efficiently eject the fluid.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the flow path width WL10 of the first flow path L10A also increases continuously in the region close to the second flow path L10B. The flow path width WL10 of the nozzle 10 increases continuously toward the opening O10 and is maximum at the opening O10. The flow path width WL10 of the flow path L10 changes smoothly in a curved shape in all regions. In conventional endoscopes, the flow path width is wide only in the flow paths near the opening. In contrast, in the endoscope of this embodiment, the flow path width increases gradually over a longer distance, making it difficult for turbulence to occur.

[0044] In the absence of third surface 10S3 which is a ridge, when fluid is ejected from opening O10 of nozzle 10 over a range wider than opening width W10A, the flow velocity of the ejected flow is faster at the ends and slower in the center.

[0045] However, the second flow passage L10B of the nozzle 10 has an outer inner surface 10S on the outer side of the curvature direction, which has a long and narrow third surface 10S3 that is a ridge. In addition, the outer inner surface 10S of the second flow passage L10B protrudes upward from the upper end surface O10SA of the opening O10. The fluid that has risen through the flow passage 10L generates a fast flow along the narrow third surface 10S3 located at the upper center of the flow passage L10. This fast flow reaches the center point C20 of the observation window 20, and can efficiently remove dirt that has adhered to the vicinity of the center point C20.

[0046] In addition, the ridge width WS3, which is the width of the elongated third surface (ridge) 10S3 in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary XZ plane, is smaller than the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20, so the flow is likely to concentrate on the third surface 10S3. Furthermore, if the ridge width WS3 is less than 30% of the flow path width WL10 of the second flow path L10B, the flow is more likely to concentrate on the third surface 10S3. The third surface 10S3 may be a flat surface as long as the ridge width WS3 is less than 30% of the flow path width WL10 of the second flow path L10B.

[0047] In the nozzle 10, the ridge width WS3 is substantially the same throughout the entire range of the second flow passage L10B, but may vary. For example, the ridge width WS3 may decrease continuously toward the opening O10, as long as the ridge width WS3 is less than 30% of the flow passage width WL10 of the second flow passage L10B at least at the position where the intersection angle θ is minimum.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows the shape of the flow path L110 of the nozzle 110 disclosed in JP-A-11-244221. The upper surface of the cross section of the flow path L110 is an arc, and the flow path width WL110 does not change. The flow path width WL110 is the same as the opening width W110A of the nozzle 110. In the flow path L110, the opening width W110A of the nozzle 110 is large and is the same as the outer diameter of the observation window, so the fluid can be ejected over the entire surface of the observation window. However, since the nozzle 110 does not have a long and thin third surface, the concentration of the flow is small. If the opening width is made smaller, the concentration of the flow increases, but the fluid cannot be efficiently ejected over a wide range. In addition, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L110 is greatly reduced, the nozzle 110 has a large pressure loss.

[0049] In contrast, the nozzle 10 of the present embodiment has a small pressure loss and can efficiently eject fluid over a range wider than the opening width W10A.

[0050] <Modifications of the embodiment> Next, endoscopes 9A-9D according to modified examples 1-3 of the embodiment will be described. Since the endoscopes 9A-9D are similar to the endoscope 9 and have the same effects as the endoscope 9, components having the same functions as the endoscope 9 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Figures 10-13 are cross-sectional views at the position where the intersection angle θ of the flow path 10L is minimum, for example.

[0051] <First Modification of the Embodiment> As shown in Fig. 10, in the endoscope 9A of this modification, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are flat surfaces, and the intersection line between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is a ridge. Of course, from an industrial perspective, it is an intersection line, but it goes without saying that if the intersection is enlarged, it has a corner R with a certain width. In this specification, a corner R with a ridge width WS3 of less than 0.1 mm is considered to be a line.

[0052] <Modification 2 of the embodiment> As shown in Fig. 11, in the endoscope 9B of this modification, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are curved surfaces of the same shape. The curvature (the reciprocal of the radius of curvature) of the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 continuously decreases from the position where the intersection angle θ is minimum toward the opening O10. The curvature of the third surface 10S3, which is a curved surface sandwiched between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2, is larger than the curvature of the first surface 10S1 (the second surface 10S2).

[0053] <Modification 3 of the embodiment> As shown in FIG. 12, in an endoscope 9C of this modification, a first surface 10S1 and a second surface 10S2 are flat surfaces, and a third surface 10S3 sandwiched between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is a curved surface.

[0054] <Fourth Modification of the Embodiment> As shown in FIG. 13, in this modified endoscope 9D, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are downwardly convex curved surfaces, and the third surface 10S3 sandwiched between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is an upwardly convex curved surface.

[0055] The endoscope 9 may be a rigid scope having a rigid insertion portion 3. The endoscope 9 may be used for medical or industrial purposes. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 3. Insertion section 3A·Tip 3SA・Tip surface 6. Endoscope system 9,9A-9D · Endoscope 10, 10A-10D Nozzle 10L flow path 10S··Inner surface 10S1...1st page 10S2...2nd page 10S3 3rd face (ridge) 10S4...Side 4 20. Observation window

Claims

1. An observation window and a nozzle are provided at the tip of the insertion part, The nozzle forms a flow path having an opening for ejecting a fluid toward the observation window, The flow path includes a first flow path parallel to a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, and a second flow path communicating with the first flow path and curved toward the opening, The second flow path has an outer inner surface on the outside of the curvature direction, the outer inner surface being sandwiched between a first surface, a second surface, and each of the end edges of the first surface and the second surface, and a ridge along the extension direction of the second flow path.

2. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the center line of the ridge is located on an imaginary plane including a center line of the flow channel, a center point of the opening, and a center point of the observation window.

3. 3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the opening width of the opening is more than 10% and less than 70% of the outer diameter of the observation window.

4. 3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein a minimum value of an intersection angle between the first surface and the second surface is greater than 60 degrees and less than 150 degrees.

5. 5. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the intersection angle increases continuously from a position where the intersection angle is minimum toward the opening.

6. The endoscope according to claim 5 , wherein the second flow passage has a flow passage width that increases continuously from the position where the intersection angle is minimum toward the opening.

7. the ridge is a curved or planar third surface; The endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein a width of the ridge is smaller than an outer diameter of the observation window.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein the ridge width is less than 30% of the flow channel width.

9. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the ridge is an intersection line between the first surface and the second surface.

10. The endoscope according to claim 6 , wherein the first surface and the second surface are flat surfaces.

11. the first surface and the second surface are curved surfaces of the same shape, 7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the curvature of the curved surface of the first surface and the second surface decreases continuously from the position where the intersection angle is minimum toward the opening.

12. 7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the flow path width of the first flow path increases continuously in a region adjacent to the second flow path.

13. The endoscope of claim 6, wherein the opening is track-shaped.

14. 7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein an inner surface in a curved direction of the flow channel from the position where the intersection angle is minimum toward the opening is a flat surface.

15. a third flow path communicating with the second flow path; The third flow path has the opening, A cross section of the third flow path perpendicular to the center line is track-shaped, The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the third flow path has a constant flow path width.

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