Endoscope device, and replaceable insertion tube mechanism and catheter used for the same

Abstract

To provide an endoscope device whose insertion tube mechanism is replaceable.SOLUTION: An endoscope device includes a handle mechanism 3 and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4. The handle mechanism 3 includes a handle unit 31, a connection unit 32 having a first connection end part 322 away from the handle unit 31, and a signal connector 35 connected to the handle unit 31 so as to transmit a signal. The replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 includes an insertion tube unit 41 having a second connection end part 412 and an insertion end part 413 and an imaging unit 42 attached to the insertion tube unit 41. The imaging unit 42 includes a signal terminal 422 exposed from the second connection end part 412. The second connection end part 412 of the insertion tube unit 41 is coaxially combined with the first connection end part 322 detachably so that the signal terminal 422 is detachably connected with the signal connector 35 so as to transmit a signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope device, and particularly to an endoscope device in which an insertion tube mechanism can be replaced.

Background Art

[0002] When inserting a catheter such as a nasogastric tube and a feeding tube, since the tube body of such a catheter is too soft and easily bends, a wire for providing a supporting force is inserted in advance when manufacturing the catheter. And during the insertion operation, in order to provide a visual guide, the catheter is inserted together with the endoscope in a state parallel to the endoscope.

[0003] However, the method of inserting the catheter in parallel with the endoscope has a structure in which two tube bodies are combined, resulting in a thicker structure. Therefore, the patient is likely to feel pain during the insertion process, and there is a possibility of damaging the mucosa of the body cavity.

[0004] In a conventional endoscope device such as Patent Document 1, the insertion tube for insertion into the body has a fixed tube diameter and the insertion tube cannot be replaced. Therefore, it is necessary to perform the insertion operation using an endoscope device equipped with an insertion tube having an appropriate tube diameter according to the patient's body type. Thus, it is necessary to prepare a plurality of endoscope devices each having an insertion tube of a different size, which significantly increases the equipment cost of the medical institution.

[0005] In addition, a urinary catheter generally uses a material that is relatively hard and difficult to bend in order to be smoothly inserted and pass through the prostate during the insertion operation.

[0006] However, in many cases, the urinary catheter is inserted without grasping the degree of hypertrophy of the patient's prostate. In such a case, the tip of the urinary catheter often collides with the prostate, causing very strong pain to the patient.

[0007] Also, when the insertion of the urinary catheter does not proceed smoothly and fails to pass through the prostate area, the medical staff (operator) withdraws the urinary catheter once and tries to insert other thinner urinary catheters until the urinary catheter is successfully indwelled. The method of blindly inserting the urinary catheter in this way is very uncomfortable for the patient and is likely to result in waste of instruments such as catheters.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope device, an insertion tube, and a catheter that solve at least one problem of the prior art.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The present invention is an endoscope device suitable for insertion into a catheter having a connection portion and a tube body portion, including a handle mechanism and an exchangeable insertion tube mechanism, wherein the handle mechanism includes a handle unit, a connection unit connected to the handle unit and having a first connection end portion away from the handle unit, and a signal connector connected to the handle unit for signal transmission and exposed from the first connection end portion, the connection unit includes a connection tube in which the first connection end portion is formed, and a first screwed annular body attached to the outside of the first connection end portion so as to be movable along the length direction of the connection tube, The replaceable insertion tube mechanism includes an insertion tube unit having a second connection end portion and an insertion end portion which is the opposite end portion of the second connection end portion, and a photographing unit attached to the insertion tube unit. The insertion tube unit includes an insertion tube in which the second connection end portion and the insertion end portion are formed. The insertion tube is configured to be insertable into the tube main body portion of the catheter such that the insertion end portion is at the opposite end portion to the connection portion of the catheter. The photographing unit has a camera attached to the insertion end portion, and a signal terminal which is connected to the camera so as to be capable of signal transmission and is exposed from the second connection end portion. The second connection end portion of the insertion tube unit is removably coaxially combined with the first connection end portion such that the signal terminal is removably connected to the signal connector so as to be capable of signal transmission. The camera is configured to be capable of photographing in the direction toward the tip of the tube main body portion of the catheter. The first screwed annular body is screwed so as to be removably mounted around the second connection end portion, and the tips of the first connection end portion and the second connection end portion are connected and fixed. The first screwed annular body has a first annular portion screwed so as to be mounted around the second connection end portion, and a second annular portion screwed so as to be mounted around the connection portion. An endoscope device is provided, characterized in that.

[0011] Further, the present invention is an endoscope device suitable for insertion into a catheter having a connection portion and a tube main body portion. It includes a handle mechanism and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism. The handle mechanism includes a handle unit, a connection unit connected to the handle unit and having a first connection end portion away from the handle unit, and a signal connector connected to the handle unit so as to be capable of signal transmission and exposed from the first connection end portion. The connection unit includes a connection pipe in which the first connection end portion is formed. The replaceable insertion tube mechanism includes an insertion tube unit and a photographing unit attached to the insertion tube unit. The insertion tube unit includes an insertion tube in which a second connection end portion and an insertion end portion, which is the opposite end of the second connection end portion, are formed, and a third screwed annular body attached to the outside of the second connection end portion so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the insertion tube. The photographing unit has a camera attached to the insertion end portion and a signal terminal that is connected to the camera so as to be capable of signal transmission and that is exposed from the second connection end portion. The second connection end portion is removably coaxially combined with the first connection end portion so that the signal terminal is removably connected to the signal connector so as to be capable of signal transmission. The insertion tube is configured to be insertable into the tube main body portion of the catheter such that the insertion end portion is at the opposite end to the connection portion of the catheter. The camera is configured to be able to photograph in the direction toward the tip of the tube main body portion of the catheter. The third screwed annular body has a third annular portion that is annularly mounted on the second connection end portion so as to be movable in the direction toward the insertion end portion without leaving the second connection end portion, and a fourth annular portion that is screwed so as to be annularly mounted on the connection portion. An endoscope device is provided, which is characterized by this.

[0012] Further, the present invention is an endoscope device suitable for insertion into a catheter having a connection portion and a tube main body portion. It includes a handle mechanism and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism. The handle mechanism includes a handle unit, a connection unit that is connected to the handle unit and that has a first connection end portion away from the handle unit, and a signal connector that is connected to the handle unit so as to be capable of signal transmission and that is exposed from the first connection end portion. The connection unit includes a connection pipe having the first connection end portion formed thereon, and a first screwed annular body attached to the outside of the first connection end portion so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the connection pipe. The replaceable insertion tube mechanism includes an insertion tube unit having a second connection end portion and an insertion end portion which is the opposite end of the second connection end portion, and an imaging unit attached to the insertion tube unit. The imaging unit has an imaging device attached to the insertion end portion, and a signal terminal which is connected to the imaging device so as to be capable of signal transmission and which is exposed from the second connection end portion. The imaging device is configured to be able to perform imaging in the direction toward the tip of the tube main body portion of the catheter. The insertion tube unit includes an insertion tube having the second connection end portion and the insertion end portion formed thereon, and a third screwed annular body attached to the outside of the second connection end portion so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the insertion tube. The second connection end portion is removably coaxially combined with the first connection end portion so that the signal terminal can be removably connected to the signal connector so as to be capable of signal transmission. The first screwed annular body is screwed so as to be removably mounted around the second connection end portion, and the tips of the first connection end portion and the second connection end portion are connected and fixed. The insertion tube is configured to be insertable into the tube main body portion of the catheter such that the insertion end portion is at the opposite end to the connection portion of the catheter. The third screwed annular body has a third annular portion annularly mounted on the second connection end portion so as to be movable in the direction toward the insertion end portion without leaving the second connection end portion, and a fourth annular portion screwed so as to be annularly mounted on the connection portion, and provides an endoscope device characterized by this.

[0013] Further, the present invention is an endoscope device suitable for insertion into a catheter having a connection portion and a tube main body portion. It includes a handle mechanism and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism, The handle mechanism includes a handle unit, a connection unit connected to the handle unit and having a first connection end away from the handle unit, and a signal connector connected to the handle unit for signal transmission and exposed from the first connection end. The connection unit includes a connection tube in which the first connection end is formed. The replaceable insertion tube mechanism includes an insertion tube unit having a second connection end and an insertion end which is the opposite end of the second connection end, and a photographing unit attached to the insertion tube unit. The photographing unit has a camera attached to the insertion end and a signal terminal connected to the camera for signal transmission and exposed from the second connection end. The camera is configured to be able to photograph in the direction towards the tip of the tube body portion of the catheter. The insertion tube unit includes an insertion tube in which the second connection end and the insertion end are formed, a second screwed annular body attached to the outside of the second connection end so as to be movable along the length direction of the insertion tube, and a third screwed annular body attached to the outside of the second connection end so as to be movable along the length direction of the insertion tube. The second connection end is removably coaxially combined with the first connection end so that the signal terminal can be removably connected to the signal connector for signal transmission. The second screwed annular body is screwed so as to be removably looped around the first connection end, and the tips of the first connection end and the second connection end are connected and fixed. The insertion tube is configured to be insertable into the tube body portion of the catheter such that the insertion end is at the opposite end to the connection portion of the catheter. The third screwed annular body is provided with a third annular portion annularly mounted on the second connecting end so as to be movable in a direction toward the insertion end without leaving the second connecting end, and a fourth annular portion screwed so as to be annularly mounted on the connecting portion. An endoscope apparatus is provided, characterized in that it has the above structure.

[0014] Further, the present invention is a replaceable insertion tube mechanism suitable for being attached to a handle mechanism of an endoscope apparatus and suitable for being inserted into a catheter having a connecting portion and a tube body portion. It includes an insertion tube unit and an imaging unit. The insertion tube unit includes an insertion tube and a third screwed annular body attached to the outside of the second connecting end so as to be movable along the length direction of the insertion tube. The insertion tube has a second connecting end detachably coaxially combined with the handle mechanism and an insertion end which is the opposite end of the second connecting end. The insertion tube is configured to be insertable into the tube body portion of the catheter such that the insertion end is at the opposite end of the connecting portion of the catheter. The third screwed annular body is provided with a third annular portion annularly mounted on the second connecting end so as to be movable in a direction toward the insertion end without leaving the second connecting end, and a fourth annular portion screwed so as to be annularly mounted on the connecting portion. The imaging unit is attached to the insertion tube unit, and has an imaging device attached to the insertion end and a signal terminal connected to the imaging device so as to be capable of signal transmission and exposed from the second connecting end. The imaging device is configured to be able to take images facing the direction toward which the tip of the tube body portion of the catheter faces. The signal terminal is configured to be able to be connected to the handle mechanism so as to be capable of signal transmission when the second connecting end is combined with the handle mechanism. A replaceable insertion tube mechanism is provided, characterized in that it has the above structure.

[0015] The present invention also provides a catheter suitable for attachment to the above endoscopic device provided with the first screwed annular body, which has an integrally formed connecting portion and a tube main body portion, wherein the connecting portion is configured such that the insertion end portion of the insertion tube is inserted therein to surround the insertion tube, and is movable along the insertion tube to the connecting tube, and abuts against the first annular portion of the first screwed annular body or the second connecting end portion of the insertion tube to be positionally restricted, and can be annularly mounted and screwed onto the second annular portion of the first screwed annular body, and the tube main body portion is configured to be able to accommodate the insertion end portion inserted into the connecting portion, and a tip opening for the camera to photograph the outside is open at the opposite end to the connecting portion. A catheter is provided with the above features.

[0016] The present invention also provides a catheter suitable for attachment to the above endoscopic device provided with the third screwed annular body, which has an integrally formed connecting portion and a tube main body portion, wherein the connecting portion is configured such that the insertion end portion of the insertion tube is inserted therein to surround the insertion tube, and is movable along the insertion tube to the connecting tube, and abuts against the third annular portion of the third screwed annular body or the second connecting end portion of the insertion tube to be positionally restricted, and can be annularly mounted and screwed onto the fourth annular portion of the third screwed annular body, and the tube main body portion is configured to be able to accommodate the insertion end portion inserted into the connecting portion, and a tip opening for the camera to photograph the outside is open at the opposite end to the connecting portion. A catheter is provided with the above features.

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] The above handle mechanism and the replaceable insertion tube mechanism are combined in a detachable structure, so that medical staff can adopt and attach a replaceable insertion tube mechanism with a required outer diameter size and length as needed, which can greatly reduce the equipment cost of medical institutions.

[0018] In addition, the first screwed annular body of the handle mechanism or the third screwed annular body of the replaceable insertion tube mechanism can be screwed so as to surround the connection part of the catheter. Therefore, the catheter can be stably attached and connected to the endoscope device, can be interlocked synchronously with the replaceable insertion tube mechanism, and the success rate of insertion and retention can be increased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

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Figure 18

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] In order to more clearly explain the objects, technical means, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, hereinafter, in combination with the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described. It will be apparent that the embodiments to be described are some of the embodiments of the present invention, but not all of the embodiments. Usually, the components of the embodiments of the present invention depicted and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different arrangements. Therefore, hereinafter, the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings does not constitute any limitation to the protection scope of the present invention, but merely shows the selected embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Before describing the present invention in more detail, it should be noted that, where appropriate, reference numerals or the trailing parts of reference numerals are repeated between figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements, and these may optionally have similar characteristics.

[0022] In the description of the present invention, terms indicating orientation and positional relationships such as "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "left", "right", "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", etc. are based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the drawings or the orientation and positional relationships habitually assumed when using the product of the present invention for the purpose of more simply and clearly explaining, and do not teach or imply that the corresponding device or device has a specific orientation, structure or operation in a specific orientation, etc., and is not a limitation on the present invention.

[0023] Also, in the description of the present invention, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are used only for the purpose of distinction and do not teach or imply relative importance.

[0024] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first embodiment of the endoscope device 200 of the present invention can be combined to communicate with a water supply facility (not shown) and a suction facility (not shown), and can also be connected to an image display facility (not shown) so as to be able to transmit signals, and is suitable for being inserted into a catheter (not shown), thereby assisting the insertion operation and indwelling operation of the catheter.

[0025] Examples of the catheter include, but are not limited to, a urinary catheter and a nutrition tube.

[0026] The endoscope device 200 includes a handle mechanism 3 that can be combined with the water supply facility, the suction facility, and the image display facility, and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 for insertion into the body, which is removably combined with the handle mechanism 3.

[0027] The handle mechanism 3 includes a handle unit 31, a connection unit 32 extending externally from the handle unit 31, a first communication pipe 33 attached to the handle unit 31 and the connection unit 32 so as to communicate with the handle unit 31 and the connection unit 32, a second communication pipe 34 attached to the handle unit 31 and the connection unit 32 so as to communicate with the handle unit 31 and the connection unit 32, and a signal connector 35 installed in the connection unit 32 and connected to the handle unit 31 so as to be capable of signal transmission.

[0028] The handle unit 31 includes a handle body 311, a water supply valve 312 attached to the handle body 311, a suction valve 313 attached to the handle body 311, and a communication module 314 attached to the handle body 311.

[0029] The water supply valve 312 is combined with the second communication pipe 34 so as to be able to communicate with the second communication pipe 34, and can be combined with the water supply facility so as to be able to communicate with the water supply facility, and is configured to be opened by being controlled so as to be able to communicate the second communication pipe 34 with the water supply facility.

[0030] The suction valve 313 is combined with the first communication pipe 33 so as to be able to communicate with the first communication pipe 33, and can be combined with the suction facility so as to be able to communicate with the suction facility, and is configured to be opened by being controlled so as to be able to communicate the first communication pipe 33 with the suction facility.

[0031] The communication module 314 is connected to the signal connector 35 so as to be capable of signal transmission, and can be connected to the image display facility so as to be capable of signal transmission, and is configured to be able to connect the signal connector 35 and the image display facility so as to be capable of signal transmission.

[0032] In this embodiment, the communication module 314 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a communication cable that transmits signals through a wired connection. However, in other embodiments, the communication module 314 can use a device that communicates wirelessly with the image display equipment. For example, a Bluetooth (registered trademark) module can be used, but it is not limited to this.

[0033] In this first embodiment, the connection unit 32 includes a connecting pipe 321 that extends outward from the handle body 311 so as to be connected to the handle unit 31, and a first connecting end portion 322 that is separated from the handle body 311 is formed.

[0034] On the end face of the first connecting end portion 322, a connecting groove 323 into which the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 can be inserted is formed to be recessed.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the first communication pipe 33 extends along the connecting pipe 321 and is installed inside the connecting pipe 321. Further, the first communication pipe 33 has a first communication pipe connector 331 that is exposed at the connecting groove 323 while communicating in the coaxial direction with the connecting groove 323.

[0036] The second communication pipe 34 extends along the connecting pipe 321 and is installed inside the connecting pipe 321. And the second communication pipe 34 has a second communication pipe connector 341 that is exposed at the connecting groove 323 while communicating in the coaxial direction with the connecting groove 323.

[0037] The signal connector 35 is exposed at the end face of the first connecting end portion 322 of the connecting pipe 321.

[0038] In this first embodiment, the signal connector 35 is of the socket type and is exposed at the connecting groove 323.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 is detachably attached to the first connecting end portion 322 of the connecting pipe 321. And the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 includes an insertion tube unit 41, a photographing unit 42 attached to the insertion tube unit 41, a first connecting pipe 43 installed in the insertion tube unit 41 so as to penetrate the insertion tube unit 41, and a second connecting pipe 44 installed in the insertion tube unit 41 so as to penetrate the insertion tube unit 41.

[0040] In this first embodiment, the insertion tube unit 41 includes an insertion tube 411 that extends long so as to be capable of being bent and deformed. The insertion tube 411 has a second connecting end portion 412, an insertion end portion 413 that is the opposite end portion of the second connecting end portion 412, and a tube body portion 414 that connects the second connecting end portion 412 and the insertion end portion 413. That is, the insertion tube 411 is formed with a second connecting end portion 412 and an insertion end portion 413 that are opposite end portions to each other.

[0041] The outer diameter of the second connecting end portion 412 is smaller than the outer diameter of the tube body portion 414.

[0042] The first connecting pipe 43 extends along the insertion tube 411 so as to penetrate the second connecting end portion 412 and the insertion end portion 413 and is installed in the insertion tube 411. Further, the first connecting pipe 43 has a first opening 430 that is exposed at the end surface of the insertion end portion 413, and is detachably combined with the first communication pipe connector 331, and has a first connecting pipe connector 431 that protrudes from the end surface of the second connecting end portion 412.

[0043] The second connecting pipe 44 is installed in the insertion tube 411 so as to extend along the insertion tube 411 so as to penetrate the second connecting end portion 412 and the insertion end portion 413. Further, the second connecting pipe 44 has a second opening 440 exposed at the end surface of the insertion end portion 413, and is removably combined with the second communication pipe connector 341, and has a second connection pipe connector 441 protruding from the end surface of the second connecting end portion 412.

[0044] The imaging unit 42 is attached to the insertion end portion 413. The imaging unit 42 includes an imaging device 421 that is exposed at the end surface of the insertion end portion 413 and can perform imaging, and a signal terminal 422 that protrudes so as to be exposed from the end surface of the second connecting end portion 412 and is signal-transmittably connected to the imaging device 421.

[0045] In this first embodiment, the imaging device 421 may use, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD), but is not limited thereto.

[0046] The second connecting end portion 412 is removably coaxially connected to the first connecting end portion 322 so that the signal terminal 422 is removably signal-transmittably connected to the signal connector 35.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, when combining the handle mechanism 3 and the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4, the second connecting end portion 412 of the insertion tube 411 is coaxially inserted into the connecting groove 323 of the connecting pipe 321, so that the first connecting pipe connector 431 of the first connecting pipe 43, the second connecting pipe connector 441 of the second connecting pipe 44, and the signal terminal 422 are inserted into the connecting groove 323, and the first connecting pipe connector 431 is inserted into the first communicating pipe connector 331 so as to communicate with the first communicating pipe connector 331 in an airtight manner, the second connecting pipe connector 441 is inserted into the second communicating pipe connector 341 so as to communicate with the second communicating pipe connector 341 in an airtight manner, and the signal terminal 422 is inserted into the signal connector 35 so as to be capable of signal transmission and electrically connected to the signal connector 35, whereby the combination is completed.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, in practice, according to the sizes such as the tube diameter and length of each catheter, an insertion tube 411 having a tube body portion 414 and an insertion end portion 413 with different outer diameters and lengths can be manufactured. When replacing the insertion tube 411 with different tube diameters and lengths, after removing the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 originally inserted into the connecting pipe 321, it can be replaced with a replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 having the required outer diameter and length and installed, which is highly convenient.

[0049] When using the endoscope device 200 of the present invention to guide the insertion of catheters such as nasogastric tubes, nasojejunal tubes, nasogastric feeding tubes, and naso-enteric tubes, in a situation where a guiding wire (not shown) is not installed in the catheter, based on the inner diameter of the catheter to be used, an insertion tube unit 41 including an insertion tube 411 having an appropriate size (outer diameter and length) is attached to the handle mechanism 3, and the insertion tube 411 is inserted into the catheter, whereby the supporting force of the catheter can be improved by the insertion tube 411 and the catheter can be inserted more easily to advance. Moreover, the camera 421 installed at the insertion end 413 of the insertion tube 411 can approach the opening at the tip of the catheter and take a picture in the direction where the tip is heading, that is, it can take a picture in the advancing direction of the catheter.

[0050] The image taken by the camera 421 is transmitted to the image display facility that is signal-transmittably connected to the communication module 314 by the signal terminal 422 and the signal connector 35 that are signal-transmittably connected to each other.

[0051] Therefore, during the catheter insertion process, medical staff can immediately obtain an image of the body cavity in front of the catheter and can easily adjust the advancing direction and observe the tissues of the body cavity.

[0052] And when performing suction on the body cavity, for example, when sucking liquid or gas, the suction valve 313 is controlled to be opened, and a negative pressure suction force is generated in the corresponding communicating first communication tube 33 and the first connecting tube 43 by the suction facility, so that suction work can be performed on the liquid or gas in the body cavity in front of the insertion end 413.

[0053] When cleaning the body cavity where the insertion operation is being performed, the water supply valve 312 is controlled to open, and liquid such as water provided from the water supply facility can be ejected forward of the insertion end portion 413 through the corresponding second communication pipe 34 and second connection pipe 44 that communicate therewith.

[0054] By inserting the insertion tube 411 of the endoscope device 200 of the present invention into the catheter and inserting or indwelling the catheter, the drawback of inserting a conventional endoscope in a state parallel outside the catheter can be eliminated.

[0055] Similarly, when inserting a urinary catheter, based on the inner diameter of the tube of the urinary catheter to be used, an insertion tube unit 41 provided with an insertion tube 411 having an appropriate outer diameter and length is attached to the handle mechanism 3, and the insertion tube 411 is inserted into the urinary catheter. Thereby, the imaging device 421 installed on the insertion tube 411 can approach the opening at the tip of the urinary catheter and perform imaging in the advancing direction of the urinary catheter.

[0056] By this method, in the process of inserting the urinary catheter, the hypertrophy status of the prostate can be immediately evaluated and known by image monitoring, which is beneficial for medical staff to directly replace the urinary catheter with an appropriate size.

[0057] In addition, when the endoscope device 200 of the present invention is inserted into the urinary catheter with the insertion tube 411, the supporting force of the urinary catheter can be improved with the insertion tube 411, so the tube body of the urinary catheter can be manufactured with a softer material, and the discomfort caused by the hardness of the material of the conventional urinary catheter can be greatly improved.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, in this first embodiment, since the connection tank 323 is formed so as to be recessed in the first connection end portion 322, the first connection end portion 322 and the second connection end portion 412 can be combined so as to be inserted into each other.

[0059] However, as another embodiment, a connecting groove may be formed in the second connecting end portion 412 so as to be recessed, and the first connecting end portion 322 may be inserted into the connecting groove of the second connecting end portion 412 to be combined.

[0060] Further, in this first embodiment, the first communication pipe connector 331, the second communication pipe connector 341, and the signal connector 35 are embedded in the first connecting end portion 322 and exposed in the connecting groove 323. Also, the first connection pipe connector 431, the second connection pipe connector 441, and the signal terminal 422 protrude from the end face of the second connecting end portion 412. Therefore, when the first connecting end portion 322 and the second connecting end portion 412 are connected to each other, the first connection pipe connector 431 is inserted into the first communication pipe connector 331, the second connection pipe connector 441 is inserted into the second communication pipe connector 341, and the signal terminal 422 is inserted into the signal connector 35.

[0061] However, as another embodiment, the first communication pipe connector 331, the second communication pipe connector 341, and the signal connector 35 may be configured to protrude in the connecting groove 323 or from the end face of the first connecting end portion 322. Accordingly, the first connection pipe connector 431, the second connection pipe connector 441, and the signal terminal 422 may be embedded in the second connecting end portion 412 and configured to be exposed at the end face or in the connecting groove of the second connecting end portion 412. With this configuration, when the first connecting end portion 322 and the second connecting end portion 412 are inserted and combined with each other, the first communication pipe connector 331 is inserted into the first connection pipe connector 431, the second communication pipe connector 341 is inserted into the second connection pipe connector 441, and the signal connector 35 is inserted into the signal terminal 422, and the same water supply, suction, and signal transmission can be performed.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 7, in another embodiment of this first embodiment, the signal connector 35 and the signal terminal 422 are not structured to be inserted into each other. Instead, both are configured in a planar shape. When the first connecting end portion 322 and the second connecting end portion 412 are connected, the signal connector 35 and the signal terminal 422 come into contact so as to be electrically connectable to each other, and perform electrical and signal transmission.

[0063] Moreover, there are many ways to combine the first connecting end portion 322 and the second connecting end portion 412. Also, there are many ways to combine the first communicating pipe connector 331 and the first connecting pipe connector 431 so as to communicate with each other, the second communicating pipe connector 341 and the second connecting pipe connector 441 so as to communicate with each other, and the signal connector 35 and the signal terminal 422 so as to be signal - transmissively connected. Therefore, when implementing, it is not limited to the above - mentioned embodiments.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second embodiment of the endoscope apparatus 200 of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment except for the structure in which the connection unit 32 and the insertion tube unit 41 are combined. Hereinafter, the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described.

[0065] In this second embodiment, the connection unit 32 is attached to the outside of the first connecting end portion 322 so as to be movable along the length direction of the connection pipe 321. Specifically, it further has a first screwed annular body 325 that is annularly installed around the first connecting end portion 322. The connecting groove 323 is not formed in the first connecting end portion 322, and the connection pipe 321 further has a contact annular portion 324 that projects radially from the outer peripheral surface of the first connecting end portion 322.

[0066] The first screwed annular body 325 is screwed so as to be removably annularly installed around the second connecting end portion 412, and the tips of the first connecting end portion 322 and the second connecting end portion 412 are connected and fixed.

[0067] That is, the first screwed annular body 325 is screwed so as to be removably annularly mounted on the second connecting end portion 412 such that the tip of the first connecting end portion 322 and the tip of the second connecting end portion 412 are connected and fixed to each other.

[0068] In this second embodiment, when the first screwed annular body 325 is moved to the tip of the first connecting end portion 322 together with the first annular portion 327 described later, it is configured to be able to abut against the abutting annular portion 324 and be position-limited. It has a position-limiting annular portion 326 and a first annular portion 327 that extends coaxially from the position-limiting annular portion 326 so as to protrude beyond the abutting annular portion 324 and beyond the tip of the first connecting end portion 322.

[0069] The first communication pipe connector 331, the second communication pipe connector 341, and the signal connector 35 are exposed from the end face of the first connecting end portion 322.

[0070] A thread 415 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second connecting end portion 412 of the inserted tube 411.

[0071] When combining the handle mechanism 3 and the replaceable inserted tube mechanism 4, the first connection pipe connector 431, the second connection pipe connector 441, and the signal terminal 422 protruding from the second connecting end portion 412 are respectively inserted into the first communication pipe connector 331, the second communication pipe connector 341, and the signal connector 35, and the tips of the first connecting end portion 322 and the second connecting end portion 412 abut against each other. Then, until the position-limiting annular portion 326 abuts against the abutting annular portion 324 and is position-limited, when the first annular portion 327 of the first screwed annular body 325 is screwed onto the thread 415 of the second connecting end portion 412, the combination is completed.

[0072] When replacing it with another replaceable inserted tube mechanism 4, the replaceable inserted tube mechanism 4 can be removed from the handle mechanism 3 only by turning the first screwed annular body 325 and removing it from the second connecting end portion 412.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in this second embodiment, the first screwed annular body 325 is annularly mounted on the connecting pipe 321, and on the outside of the second connecting end portion 412 of the inserted tube 411, a thread 415 for screwing the first screwed annular body 325 is formed.

[0074] However, in other embodiments, the connection structure between the first screwed annular body 325 and the thread 415 can be exchanged. That is, as shown in FIG. 10, without installing the first screwed annular body 325 on the connection unit 32, a thread 329 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the first connection end portion 322 of the connecting pipe 321, and the inserted tube unit 41 is annularly mounted on the second connection end portion 412 of the inserted tube 411 so as to be movable along the length direction of the inserted tube 411, and further includes a second screwed annular body 416 configured to be removably screwed and annularly mounted on the thread 329 of the first connection end portion 322. With this design, the first connection end portion 322 of the connecting pipe 321 and the second connection end portion 412 of the inserted tube 411 can also be connected and fixed so that the tips are combined with each other.

[0075] The third embodiment of the endoscope device 200 of the present invention is similar to the first embodiment except for the structure of the first screwed annular body 325 of the connection unit 32 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0076] This endoscope device 200 of the third embodiment is also suitable for being inserted into the catheter 5. The catheter 5 has a connection portion 51 and a tube main body portion 52. The connection portion 51 and the tube main body portion 52 are integrally formed. Also, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the connection portion 51, and a tip opening 520 is opened at the end of the tube main body portion 52 opposite to the connection portion 51. That is, the connection portion 51 and the end where the tip opening 520 is opened are opposite ends of each other.

[0077] In this third embodiment, the first screwed annular body 325 further has a second annular portion 328 whose inner diameter is larger than that of the first annular portion 327 and extends coaxially in the direction from the first annular portion 327 toward the tube body portion 414 of the inserted tube 411.

[0078] The second annular portion 328 surrounds the tube body portion 414 with a gap therebetween.

[0079] The imaging device 421 is configured to be able to image in the direction towards the tip of the tube main body portion 52 of the catheter 5.

[0080] The insertion tube 411 is configured such that the tube body portion 414 can be inserted into the tube main body portion 52 of the catheter 5 with the insertion end portion 413 being at the opposite end to the connection portion 51 of the catheter 5, and the connection portion 51 of the catheter 5 can be abutted against the second connection end portion 412 in the direction towards the connection tube 321 to be position - restricted.

[0081] When attaching the endoscope device 200 to the catheter 5, the insertion end portion 413 of the insertion tube 411 is inserted into the connection portion 51 of the catheter 5 such that the tube body portion 414 extends into the tube main body portion 52 of the catheter 5 until the connection portion 51 is positioned near the second connection end portion 412 of the insertion tube 411.

[0082] At this time, the insertion end portion 413 of the insertion tube 411 approaches the tip opening 520 of the tube main body portion 52, whereby the imaging device 421 can image the outside through the tip opening 520, and the second connection tube 44 can inject liquid to the outside through the tip opening 520, and the first connection tube 43 can suck liquid or gas through the tip opening 520.

[0083] Then, until the connection portion 51 abuts against the tip of the first annular portion 327 in the direction towards the connection tube 321 to be position - restricted and the position - restricting annular portion 326 abuts against the abutting annular portion 324 in the direction towards the insertion tube 411 to be position - restricted, the first screwed annular body 325 is moved in the direction towards the insertion tube 411 so that the second annular portion 328 is screwed to surround the connection portion 51 of the catheter 5 and the first annular portion 327 is screwed to surround the second connection end portion 412 of the insertion tube 411.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, in this third embodiment, since the second connecting end portion 412 of the insertion tube 411 and the tube body portion 414 are formed in a shape with the same outer diameter, when the catheter 5 is inserted into the tube body portion 414, the outer diameter of the connection portion 51 is larger than the outer diameter of the second connecting end portion 412. Therefore, it is necessary to make the inner diameter of the second annular portion 328 of the first screwed annular body 325 larger than the inner diameter of the first annular portion 327.

[0085] However, in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 13, the outer diameter of the tube body portion 414 of the insertion tube 411 can be made smaller than the outer diameter of the second connecting end portion 412. Thereby, when the catheter 5 is inserted into the tube body portion 414, the connection portion 51 and the second connecting end portion 412 are formed in a shape with the same outer diameter, and the insertion tube 411 is configured to be position-limited by abutting against the second connecting end portion 412 in the direction in which the connection portion 51 faces the connecting tube 321. Thereby, in the first screwed annular body 325, the first annular portion 327 and the second annular portion 328 can be formed in a shape with the same inner diameter.

[0086] Due to the connection structure with the catheter 5 in this third embodiment, the endoscope device 200 of the present invention can be directly connected and fixed to the catheter 5, so that the insertion and retention of the catheter 5 can proceed more easily, the success rate of insertion and retention is increased, and the medical quality is improved.

[0087] Also, in each of the above embodiments, by connecting the first communication pipe 33 and the first connection pipe 43 to each other and connecting the second communication pipe 34 and the second connection pipe 44 to each other, suction and water spraying can be performed respectively.

[0088] However, in other embodiments, without installing the second communication pipe 34 and the second connection pipe 44, the water supply valve 312 and the suction valve 313 can be combined with the first communication pipe 33 so as to communicate with the water supply valve 312 and the suction valve 313. When the first communication pipe 33 and the first connection pipe 43 are combined with each other, the first communication pipe 33 and the first connection pipe 43 have the functions of suction and water spraying. By operating the water supply valve 312 and the suction valve 313 separately, the suction operation and the water spraying operation can be performed in the same pipeline.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a fourth embodiment of the endoscope apparatus 200 of the present invention is similar to the third embodiment except that a first screwed annular body for connecting to the catheter 5 is not installed in the connection unit 32, the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 further includes a third screwed annular body 45 for combining with the catheter 5, and the combination of the first connecting end 322 and the second connecting end 412 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0090] In this fourth embodiment, the second connecting end 412 has a connecting portion 417 and a connecting portion 418 that connects the connecting portion 417 and the tube body portion 414.

[0091] The first connection pipe connector 431 of the first connection pipe 43, the second connection pipe connector 441 of the second connection pipe 44, and the signal terminal 422 protrude from the end face of the connecting portion 417.

[0092] The replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 is combined with the connecting portion 417 of the second connecting end 412 in a manner that the connecting groove 323 of the first connecting end 322 and the connecting portion 417 are removably inserted into each other. As a result, the first connection pipe 43 communicates with the first communication pipe 33, the second connection pipe 44 communicates with the second communication pipe 34, and the signal terminal 422 is connected to the signal connector 35 in a signal-transmittable manner. Since this combination method is the same as that in the first embodiment, detailed description is omitted.

[0093] The insertion tube unit 41 further includes a third screwed annular body 45 attached to the outside of the connecting portion 418 of the second connecting end portion 412 so as to be movable along the length direction of the insertion tube 411.

[0094] The third screwed annular body 45 includes a third annular portion 451 annularly mounted on the connecting portion 418 of the second connecting end portion 412 so as to be movable and rotatable in the direction toward the insertion end portion 413 without leaving the second connecting end portion 412, and a fourth annular portion 452 having a diameter expanded with respect to the third annular portion 451 and extending in the direction toward the insertion end portion 413.

[0095] When combining the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 with the catheter 5, the insertion end portion 413 of the insertion tube 411 is inserted into the connection portion 51 of the catheter 5 so that the tube body portion 414 extends into the tube main body portion 52 of the catheter 5 until the connection portion 51 is located near the second connecting end portion 412 of the insertion tube 411.

[0096] Then, the third screwed annular body 45 is rotated so as to move in the direction toward the catheter 5, and the fourth annular portion 452 is screwed so as to be annularly mounted on the connection portion 51 of the catheter 5 until the connection portion 51 abuts against the third annular portion 451 in the direction toward the connection unit 32 and is position-limited. Thereby, the catheter 5 is fixed to the outside of the insertion tube 411.

[0097] That is, the third annular portion 451 is configured such that the connection portion 51 of the catheter 5 can abut against the third annular portion 451 in the direction toward the connection unit 32 and be position-limited.

[0098] However, in other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 16, when the outer diameter of the tube body portion 414 of the insertion tube 411 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second connection end portion 412, the connection portion 51 and the second connection end portion 412 can be formed in a shape with the same outer diameter. When the catheter 5 is inserted into the insertion tube 411, the connection portion 51 abuts against the connecting portion 418 of the second connection end portion 412 in the direction toward the connection unit 32 and is position-limited. Therefore, in the third screwed annular body 45, the third annular portion 451 and the fourth annular portion 452 can be formed in a shape with the same outer diameter and can be screwed so as to be annularly mounted on the connection portion 51.

[0099] The fifth embodiment of the endoscope apparatus 200 of the present invention is similar to the fourth embodiment except for the structure combining the connection unit 32 and the insertion tube unit 41 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0100] In this fifth embodiment, the structure combining the connection unit 32 and the insertion tube unit 41 is the same as that of the second embodiment.

[0101] That is, the connection structure of the third screwed annular body 45 and the catheter 5 in the fourth embodiment is combined with the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The connection unit 32 of the handle mechanism 3 and the insertion tube unit 41 of the exchangeable insertion tube mechanism 4 can be combined by the first screwed annular body 325 or the second screwed annular body 416, and the insertion tube unit 41 and the catheter 5 can be combined by the third screwed annular body 45.

[0102] According to the above content, due to the detachable combined structure of the handle mechanism 3 and the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4, medical staff can select a replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 with a required outer diameter or length and attach it to the handle mechanism 3 as needed. That is, for one handle mechanism 3, a plurality of replaceable insertion tube mechanisms 4 each having an insertion tube 411 with a different outer diameter or length can be selectively combined and used. Moreover, when the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 in use in the endoscope device 200 is damaged, only the damaged replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 needs to be replaced, and there is no need to replace the entire endoscope device 200, which can greatly reduce the equipment cost of medical institutions.

[0103] Furthermore, due to the structure of the first screwed annular body 325 or the third screwed annular body 45, the catheter 5 surrounding the insertion tube 411 can be fixed. Thereby, the endoscope device 200 is coaxially installed with the catheter 5 and can assist in inserting and guiding the catheter 5, eliminating the drawback of the conventional endoscope being inserted and guided in a state parallel outside the catheter.

[0104] Also, at the connection part 51 of the catheter 5, due to the structure of being annularly installed and screwed on the first screwed annular body 325 or the third screwed annular body 45, the catheter 5 can be stably connected to the endoscope device 200, can be synchronously linked with the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4, and the success rate of insertion and retention can be increased.

[0105] Therefore, the endoscope device 200 having the replaceable insertion tube mechanism 4 of the present invention and the catheter 5 used in the endoscope device 200 of the present invention are innovative and convenient inventions, and can surely achieve the object of the present invention.

[0106] The above embodiments are illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make some changes and modifications to the above embodiments on the premise of not departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art on the premise of not departing from the gist of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Industrial Applicability

[0107] The present invention provides an endoscope device with an exchangeable insertion tube mechanism, an exchangeable insertion tube mechanism and a catheter used therefor.

Explanation of Signs

[0108] 200 Endoscope device 3 Handle mechanism 31 Handle unit 311 Handle body 312 Water supply valve 313 Suction valve 314 Communication module 32 Connection unit 321 Connecting tube 322 First connecting end 323 Connecting tank 324 Contact annular part 325 First screwed annular body 326 Position limiting annular part 327 First annular part 328 Second annular part 329 Thread 33 First communication pipe 331 First communication pipe connector 34 Second communication pipe 341 Second communication pipe connector 35 Signal connector 4 Exchangeable insertion tube mechanism 41 Insertion tube unit 411 Insertion tube 412 Second connecting end 413 Insertion end 414 Tube body part 415 Thread 416 Second screwed annular body 417 Connecting part 418 Joining part 42 Imaging unit 421 Imaging device 422 Signal terminal 43 First connecting tube 430 First opening 431 First connecting tube connector 44 Second connecting tube 440 Second opening 441 Second connecting tube connector 45 Third screwed annular body 451 Third annular part 452 Fourth annular part 5 Catheter 51 Connecting part 52 Tube main body part 520 Tip opening

Claims

1. An endoscopic equipment including a catheter and an endoscope device, wherein the endoscope device is suitable for being inserted into the catheter and includes a handle mechanism and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism, the handle mechanism includes a handle unit, a connection unit connected to the handle unit and having a first connection end away from the handle unit, and a signal connector signal-transmissively connected to the handle unit and exposed from the first connection end, the connection unit includes a connection tube in which the first connection end is formed, and a first screwed annular body attached to the outside of the first connection end so as to be movable along the length direction of the connection tube, the replaceable insertion tube mechanism includes an insertion tube unit having a second connection end and an insertion end which is the opposite end of the second connection end, and an imaging unit attached to the insertion tube unit, the insertion tube unit includes an insertion tube in which the second connection end and the insertion end are formed, the insertion tube is configured to be insertable into the tube body portion of the catheter such that the insertion end is at the opposite end to the connection portion of the catheter, the imaging unit has an imaging device attached to the insertion end, and a signal terminal signal-transmissively connected to the imaging device and exposed from the second connection end, the second connection end of the insertion tube unit is removably coaxially combined with the first connection end such that the signal terminal is removably signal-transmissively connected to the signal connector, the imaging device is configured to be able to take images facing the direction towards which the tip of the tube body portion of the catheter faces, the first screwed annular body is screwed so as to be removably fitted around the second connection end, and the tips of the first connection end and the second connection end are connected and fixed, the first screwed annular body has a first annular portion screwed so as to be fitted around the second connection end, and a second annular portion screwed so as to be fitted around the connection portion, the catheter is suitable for being attached to the endoscope device and has an integrally formed connection portion and a tube body portion, The connecting part is configured such that the insertion end portion of the insertion tube is inserted therein to surround the insertion tube, and moves along the insertion tube toward the connection tube, and abuts against the first annular portion of the first screwed annular body or the second connecting end portion of the insertion tube to be positionally restricted, and can be annularly mounted and screwed onto the second annular portion of the first screwed annular body. The tube main body portion is configured to be able to accommodate the insertion end portion inserted into the connecting part, and a tip opening for the camera to photograph the outside is open at an end opposite to the connecting part. An endoscope equipment characterized by this.

2. An endoscope equipment including a catheter and an endoscope device, The endoscope device is suitable for being inserted into the catheter and includes a handle mechanism and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism. The handle mechanism includes a handle unit, a connection unit connected to the handle unit and having a first connecting end portion away from the handle unit, and a signal connector signal-transmittably connected to the handle unit and exposed from the first connecting end portion. The connection unit includes a connection tube in which the first connecting end portion is formed. The replaceable insertion tube mechanism includes an insertion tube unit and a photographing unit attached to the insertion tube unit. The insertion tube unit includes an insertion tube in which a second connecting end portion and an insertion end portion, which is an opposite end portion of the second connecting end portion, are formed, and a third screwed annular body attached to the outside of the second connecting end portion so as to be movable along the length direction of the insertion tube. The photographing unit has a camera attached to the insertion end portion and a signal terminal signal-transmittably connected to the camera and exposed from the second connecting end portion. The second connecting end portion is removably coaxially combined with the first connecting end portion such that the signal terminal is removably signal-transmittably connected to the signal connector. The insertion tube is configured to be insertable into the tube main body portion of the catheter such that the insertion end portion is at an end opposite to the connecting part of the catheter. The camera is configured to be able to take a picture in the direction towards which the tip of the tube main body portion of the catheter is directed. The third screwed annular body has a third annular portion annularly mounted on the second connecting end portion so as to be movable in a direction towards the insertion end portion without leaving the second connecting end portion, and a fourth annular portion screwed so as to be annularly mounted on the connecting portion. The catheter is suitable for being attached to the endoscope device and has a connecting portion and a tube main body portion that are integrally formed. The connecting portion is configured such that the insertion end portion of the insertion tube is inserted therein to surround the insertion tube, and is movable along the insertion tube towards the connecting tube, and is abutted against the third annular portion of the third screwed annular body or the second connecting end portion of the insertion tube to be position-limited, and is configured to be annularly mounted and screwed onto the fourth annular portion of the third screwed annular body. The tube main body portion is configured to be able to accommodate the insertion end portion inserted into the connecting portion, and a tip opening for the camera to take an external picture is open at the end opposite to the connecting portion. An endoscope equipment characterized by this.

3. An endoscope equipment including a catheter and an endoscope device. The endoscope device is suitable for being inserted into the catheter and includes a handle mechanism and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism. The handle mechanism includes a handle unit, a connecting unit connected to the handle unit and having a first connecting end portion away from the handle unit, and a signal connector signal-transmittably connected to the handle unit and exposed from the first connecting end portion. The connecting unit includes a connecting tube in which the first connecting end portion is formed, and a first screwed annular body attached to the outside of the first connecting end portion so as to be movable along the length direction of the connecting tube. The replaceable insertion tube mechanism includes an insertion tube unit having a second connecting end portion and an insertion end portion that is the opposite end of the second connecting end portion, and a photographing unit attached to the insertion tube unit. The photographing unit has a camera attached to the insertion end portion, and a signal terminal signal-transmittably connected to the camera and exposed from the second connecting end portion. The camera is configured to be able to take a picture in the direction towards which the tip of the tube main body portion of the catheter is directed. The insertion tube unit includes an insertion tube in which the second connection end portion and the insertion end portion are formed, and a third screwed annular body attached to the outside of the second connection end portion so as to be movable along the length direction of the insertion tube. The second connection end portion is detachably coaxially combined with the first connection end portion so that the signal terminal can be detachably connected to the signal connector for signal transmission. The first screwed annular body is screwed so as to be detachably fitted around the second connection end portion, and the tips of the first connection end portion and the second connection end portion are connected and fixed. The insertion tube is configured to be insertable into the tube main body portion of the catheter such that the insertion end portion is at the opposite end to the connection portion of the catheter. The third screwed annular body has a third annular portion annularly mounted on the second connection end portion so as to be movable in the direction towards the insertion end portion without leaving the second connection end portion, and a fourth annular portion screwed so as to be annularly mounted on the connection portion. The catheter is suitable for attachment to the endoscope device and has an integrally formed connection portion and a tube main body portion. The connection portion is configured such that the insertion end portion of the insertion tube is inserted to surround the insertion tube, and moves along the insertion tube to the connection tube, abuts against the third annular portion of the third screwed annular body or the second connection end portion of the insertion tube to be position-limited, and can be annularly mounted and screwed to the fourth annular portion of the third screwed annular body. The tube main body portion is configured to be able to accommodate the insertion end portion inserted into the connection portion, and a tip opening for the camera to take an external picture is open at the opposite end to the connection portion. An endoscope device characterized by this.

4. An endoscope device including a catheter and an endoscope device, The endoscope device is suitable for insertion into the catheter and includes a handle mechanism and a replaceable insertion tube mechanism. The handle mechanism includes a handle unit, a connection unit connected to the handle unit and having a first connection end away from the handle unit, and a signal connector connected to the handle unit so as to be capable of signal transmission and exposed from the first connection end. The connection unit includes a connection pipe in which the first connection end is formed. The replaceable insertion tube mechanism includes an insertion tube unit having a second connection end and an insertion end which is the opposite end of the second connection end, and a photographing unit attached to the insertion tube unit. The photographing unit has a camera attached to the insertion end, and a signal terminal connected to the camera so as to be capable of signal transmission and exposed from the second connection end. The camera is configured to be able to photograph in the direction toward the tip of the tube body portion of the catheter. The insertion tube unit includes an insertion tube in which the second connection end and the insertion end are formed, a second screwed annular body attached to the outside of the second connection end so as to be movable along the length direction of the insertion tube, and a third screwed annular body attached to the outside of the second connection end so as to be movable along the length direction of the insertion tube. The second connection end is removably coaxially combined with the first connection end so that the signal terminal can be removably connected to the signal connector for signal transmission. The second screwed annular body is screwed so as to removably surround the first connection end, and the tips of the first connection end and the second connection end are connected and fixed. The insertion tube is configured to be insertable into the tube body portion of the catheter such that the insertion end is at the opposite end to the connection portion of the catheter. The third screwed annular body has a third annular portion annularly mounted on the second connection end so as to be movable in the direction toward the insertion end without leaving the second connection end, and a fourth annular portion screwed so as to surround the connection portion. The catheter is suitable for attachment to the endoscope device and has a connection portion and a tube body portion which are integrally formed. The connection part is configured such that the insertion end portion of the insertion tube is inserted to surround the insertion tube, and moves along the insertion tube to the connection pipe, and abuts against the third annular portion of the third screwed annular body or the second connection end portion of the insertion tube to be positionally restricted, and can be annularly mounted and screwed to the fourth annular portion of the third screwed annular body. The tube body portion is configured to be able to accommodate the insertion end portion inserted into the connection part, and a tip opening for the camera to photograph the outside is open at an end opposite to the connection part. An endoscope facility characterized by this.

Images