Endoscope

Abstract

To provide an endoscope capable of achieving diameter reduction of a tip part equipped with an insulative annular member.SOLUTION: An endoscope includes a tip member 20 composed of a conductive material connected to a tip side of an insertion part 2 and an insulative ring 70 mounted on a base end side of the tip member 20. The tip member 20 includes a first region 100 in which an observation window 16, an illumination window 18, and a treatment tool lead-out port 39 are disposed, and a second region 110 which is provided on a base end side of the first region 100 and to which the insulative ring 70 is attached. The maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100 when the first region 100 and the second region 110 are projected onto a projected plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax of the insertion part 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope having an insulating annular member at the distal end of an insertion section. [Background technology]

[0002] In endoscopes, various treatment tools are introduced through a treatment tool inlet provided in the operating section and then led out through a treatment tool outlet opening at the tip of the insertion section for use in treatment. For example, in duodenoscopes, treatment tools such as an endoscope tube or a guide wire are used.

[0003] In a duodenoscope, the distal end member that constitutes the distal end of the insertion section is made of a conductive material, and therefore a distal end cap made of an insulating material such as resin is attached to the distal end member.

[0004] Furthermore, a ring-shaped member made of an insulating material such as resin is attached to the distal end of the distal member in a region closer to the base end than the distal end region where the distal cap is attached, so that the distal end of the duodenoscope is configured such that the conductive distal member is covered by the insulating distal cap and ring-shaped member.

[0005] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope in which the outer periphery of the tip member is surrounded by an insulating ring (annular member).

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope in which an annular electrical insulating member is disposed on the outer periphery of a block-shaped tip component.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses an endoscope in which an insulating ring (annular member) is provided on the outer periphery of the base end of the distal end member. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 152659 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-108415 [Patent Document 3] WO 19 / 230076 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In endoscopes, it is desirable to reduce the outer diameter (diameter) of the tip of the insertion section, but in endoscopes such as duodenoscopes in which an annular member (insulating ring) is attached to the tip member, the outer diameter of the tip may be governed by the outer diameter of the annular member. In other words, if the outer diameter of the annular member is increased, the outer diameter of the tip will also increase.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide an endoscope that can reduce the diameter of a tip end portion provided with an insulating annular member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The endoscope according to the first aspect comprises a tip member made of a conductive material connected to the tip side of the insertion section, and an insulating annular member attached to the base end side of the tip member, wherein the tip member has a first region in which an observation window, an illumination window, and a treatment tool outlet are arranged, and a second region provided on the base end side of the first region and in which the annular member is attached, and when the first region and the second region are projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion section, the maximum outer diameter of the second region is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first region.

[0012] In the endoscope of the second aspect, in the first aspect, when one of two directions that are perpendicular to each other on the projection plane is defined as a first direction and the other as a second direction, the outer diameter of the second region in the first direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first region, and the outer diameter of the second region in the second direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first region.

[0013] In the endoscope according to the third aspect, in the second aspect, the second region is included in the first region on the projection plane.

[0014] In the endoscope according to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, when the annular member is projected onto a projection plane, the minimum inner diameter of the annular member is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first region.

[0015] In the endoscope of the fifth aspect, in any of the first to fourth aspects, the annular member has a deformable rigidity, and the rigidity satisfies the condition that the minimum inner diameter of the annular member is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first region even when the annular member is deformed.

[0016] An endoscope according to a sixth aspect is the endoscope of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the annular member has a shape that is closed in the circumferential direction when viewed from the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0017] The endoscope according to the seventh aspect is any of the first to sixth aspects, in which the annular member has an inner peripheral surface of the annular member having a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the second region, and an outer peripheral surface of the annular member opposite the inner peripheral surface of the annular member, and the outer peripheral surface of the annular member has an annular convex portion formed along the circumferential direction, a first outer peripheral surface provided on the base end side of the annular convex portion, and a second outer peripheral surface provided on the tip end side of the annular convex portion.

[0018] In the endoscope of the eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the first outer surface constitutes an outer skin mounting surface on which an outer skin of a curved portion arranged on the base end side of the tip member is mounted, and the annular convex portion has an outer skin abutment surface against which the tip of the outer skin mounted on the outer skin mounting surface abuts.

[0019] The endoscope according to a ninth aspect is the endoscope of the eighth aspect, further comprising a skin fixing portion that fixes the skin attached to the skin attachment surface.

[0020] The endoscope according to a tenth aspect is the endoscope of the ninth aspect, wherein the outer cover fixing portion has a thread wound portion wound around the outer periphery of the outer cover, and an adhesive layer covering the thread wound portion.

[0021] An endoscope according to an eleventh aspect is the endoscope of the ninth or tenth aspect, wherein the outer diameter of the annular convex portion is the same as the outer diameter of the outer cover fixing portion.

[0022] The endoscope according to the 12th aspect is any of the endoscopes according to the 7th to 11th aspects, and is provided with a tip cap that is removably attached to the tip member, the second outer surface having a cap attachment surface to which the base end of the tip cap is attached, and the annular convex portion having a cap abutment surface against which the base end of the tip cap attached to the cap attachment surface abuts.

[0023] The endoscope according to a thirteenth aspect is the endoscope of any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects, wherein the outer diameter of the annular convex portion is the same as the outer diameter of the base end portion of the tip cap.

[0024] The endoscope according to a fourteenth aspect is the endoscope of any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, wherein the tip member has an annular member contact surface that contacts the tip of the annular member attached to the second region.

[0025] In the endoscope of the 15th aspect, in the 14th aspect, the tip member has a flange portion protruding radially between the first region and the second region, and the annular member abutment surface is formed by the end face on the base end side of the flange portion.

[0026] The endoscope according to a sixteenth aspect is the endoscope of the fifteenth aspect, further comprising a tip cap detachably attached to the tip member, the tip cap having a first locking portion that is locked to the flange portion.

[0027] The endoscope according to the 17th aspect is an endoscope according to any one of the 14th to 16th aspects, wherein the tip member has a step portion between the first region and the second region, and the annular member abutment surface is formed by the end face on the base end side of the step portion.

[0028] The endoscope according to an eighteenth aspect is the endoscope of the seventeenth aspect, further comprising a tip cap detachably attached to the tip member, the tip cap having a second locking portion that is locked to the step portion.

[0029] In the endoscope according to the 19th aspect, in any of the 1st to 18th aspects, the tip member has a signal cable arranged behind the observation window, a light-guiding member arranged behind the illumination window, and a treatment tool insertion passage through which a treatment tool is inserted.

[0030] The endoscope according to a twentieth aspect is the endoscope according to any one of the first to nineteenth aspects, wherein the first region has a stand. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, the diameter of the tip end portion provided with the insulating annular member can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion as viewed from the Z(+) direction side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tip member of FIG. 2 with the tip cap removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tip cap. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion cut along the YZ plane. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the tip member as seen from the Y(+) direction side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the cover shown in FIG. 7 removed from the tip member. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tip member as seen from the Y(+) direction side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the tip member shown in FIG. 9 as seen from the X(+) direction side. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a fixing structure of an angle rubber. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the fixing structure shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] An endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] [Overall configuration of endoscope 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope 1 according to this embodiment.

[0035] 1, an endoscope 1 includes an insertion section 2 that is inserted into a subject, and an operation section 3 that is connected to the base end of the insertion section 2 and operated by an operator. In the embodiment, a side-viewing endoscope used as a duodenoscope is exemplified.

[0036] Hereinafter, when describing the configuration of each part of the endoscope 1, for convenience of explanation, an X, Y, Z three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system will be used. The Z direction in the figure indicates the up-down direction, with the Z(+) direction side indicating the upper side and the Z(-) direction side indicating the lower side. The X direction in the figure indicates the direction perpendicular to the Z direction, with the X(+) direction side indicating the right side and the X(-) direction side indicating the left side. The Y direction in the figure indicates the direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the X direction, with the Y(+) direction side indicating the distal end side and the Y(-) direction side indicating the proximal end side. Note that each of the above directions refers to the direction when the surgeon views the insertion portion 2 from above when holding the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 1.

[0037] <Insertion part 2> The insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the subject's mouth through the oral cavity, and then further inserted through the esophagus and stomach into the duodenum, whereby a procedure such as an examination or treatment of the duodenum is performed using a treatment tool inserted inside the insertion section 2.

[0038] Examples of treatment tools include biopsy forceps having a cup at the tip that can collect biological tissue, an EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy) knife, an imaging tube, and a guide wire.

[0039] The insertion section 2 has a longitudinal axis Ax, and has, from the base end side to the tip end side, a flexible section 5, a bending section 6, and a tip section 7. The longitudinal axis Ax direction and the Y direction are the same direction.

[0040] The flexible section 5 occupies the majority of the proximal end of the insertion section 2 and is made up of, for example, a metal spiral tube and net (not shown), the outer periphery of which is further covered with a resin tube. The flexible section 5 has flexibility that allows it to bend in any direction, and when the insertion section 2 is inserted into a body cavity, it bends along the insertion path into the body cavity.

[0041] The bending section 6 is located on the distal end side of the flexible section 5 and on the proximal end side of the distal end member 20 of the distal end section 7. The bending section 6 has a cylindrical body to which multiple angle rings are connected so that they can swing with each other, and the outer periphery of this cylindrical body is covered with a mesh body woven with metal wires, which is further covered with an angle rubber made of rubber as an outer cover. In addition, multiple wires extend from the angle knobs 8 and 9 of the operation unit 3 to the bending section 6, and the distal ends of these wires are fixed to the distal end of the cylindrical body. As a result, the bending section 6 is bent in the up-down direction (Z direction) and the left-right direction (X direction) in response to the rotation of the angle knobs 8 and 9.

[0042] The tip portion 7 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures, and includes a tip member 20 and a tip cap 200 (see FIG. 2) that is detachably attached to the tip member 20.

[0043] The tip member 20 is made of a corrosion-resistant conductive material. The tip cap 200 is made of an insulating and elastic material, such as silicone rubber. The tip member 20 is a member connected to the tip side of the insertion section 2, and is an example of the tip member of the present invention. The tip cap 200 is also an example of the tip cap of the present invention.

[0044] <Operation unit 3> As shown in FIG. 1, the operating section 3 has angle knobs 8 and 9 for bending the bending section 6, an air / water supply button 10, a suction button 11, a lever 12 for raising the handle, and a treatment tool introduction port 13.

[0045] The air and water supply button 10 is an operating button for supplying air and water from the air and water supply nozzle 14 (see Figure 2) at the tip 7 toward the observation window 16, the illumination window 18, etc. via an air and water supply channel (not shown) inserted inside the insertion section 2.

[0046] The suction button 11 is an operation button for suctioning bodily fluids and the like through a treatment tool insertion channel 38 (see FIG. 6) inserted inside the insertion portion 2.

[0047] The raising operation lever 12 is a lever for raising and lowering a raising table 36 (see FIG. 2) provided at the distal end portion 7. The raising operation lever 12 is one of the components of the treatment tool raising mechanism.

[0048] The treatment tool introduction port 13 is an opening that communicates with the treatment tool insertion channel 38 and allows the surgeon to introduce a treatment tool, etc. The treatment tool introduced from the treatment tool introduction port 13 passes through the treatment tool insertion channel 38 and is guided to the distal end portion 7.

[0049] A universal cord 4 is connected to the operation unit 3, and this universal cord 4 is connected to an image processing device and a light source device (not shown). A monitor device (not shown) is connected to the image processing device via a cable. The above is the overall structure of the endoscope 1. The structure of the tip portion 7 will be described below.

[0050] <Structure of tip portion 7> Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion 7 as viewed from the Z(+) direction. Fig. 2 shows a state in which a tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the tip cap 200 has been removed from the tip member 20 of Fig. 2.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, when the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, the tip cap 200 has an upper opening 202 that communicates with the opening 24 on the Z(+) direction side of the stand storage section 22 described below.

[0052] Next, the configuration of the tip cap 200 will be described.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the tip cap 200. IVA in Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the tip cap 200 attached to the tip member 20 as seen from the Y(+) direction side, IVB is a perspective view of the tip cap 200 as seen from the Y(+) direction side, and IVC is a perspective view of the tip cap 200 as seen from the Y(-) direction side.

[0054] 4, the tip cap 200 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape to accommodate the tip member 20. The tip cap 200 also has an upper opening 202 that communicates with the opening 24 of the erector housing section 22, a tip opening 204 that communicates with the tip opening 26 on the Y(+) direction side of the erector housing section 22, and a base opening 206 for attaching the tip cap 200 to the tip member 20.

[0055] The upper opening 202 is provided on the Z(+) direction side and is formed to a size that exposes the erector housing section 22 (opening 24), as well as the tip of the air / water nozzle 14, the observation window 16, the illumination window 18, and a guidewire fixing section 50 (described below). The tip opening 204 is connected to the upper opening 202 and is formed as an air vent opening to prevent the body cavity wall from being sucked onto the upper opening 202 during the suction operation of the endoscope 1. The base end opening 206 is an opening for inserting the tip member 20.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tip cap 200 when cutting the tip cap 200 along the YZ plane. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tip portion 7 shown in Fig. 2 when cutting the tip cap 200 along the YZ plane.

[0057] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the tip cap 200 has an engagement groove 208, a flat portion 210, and a hook portion 212 on its inner circumferential surface on the base end side. The engagement groove 208 is provided around the entire circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200. The flat portion 210 is provided on the Z(+) direction side of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200, and is closer to the base end (Y(-) direction) than the engagement groove 208. The surface of this flat portion 210 is approximately parallel to, for example, the XY plane. The hook portion 212 is formed on the Z(-) side surface of the inner circumferential surface of the tip cap 200 and is a convex portion that protrudes in the Z(+) direction.

[0058] 6, the tip member 20 has a flange portion 30 and a step portion 60. The flange portion 30 is provided so as to protrude radially from the upper surface (surface on the Z(+) direction side) of the tip member 20. The step portion 60 is provided so as to protrude radially from the lower surface (surface on the Z(-) direction side) of the tip member 20.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 6, when the tip cap 200 is attached to the tip member 20, the engagement groove 208 of the tip cap 200 is engaged with the flange portion 30 of the tip member 20, and the flat portion 210 is brought into contact with a flat portion 78 provided on the insulating ring 70, which will be described later. The hook portion 212 is engaged with the stepped portion 60. This ensures that the tip cap 200 is securely attached to the tip member 20. The flange portion 30 and the engagement groove 208 are examples of the flange portion and the first engaging portion of the present invention, respectively. The stepped portion 60 and the hook portion 212 are examples of the stepped portion and the second engaging portion of the present invention, respectively.

[0060] Next, the configuration of the tip member 20 will be described.

[0061] 3, the distal end member 20 has a first wall portion 32 and a second wall portion 34 that face each other in the X direction. The base ends of the first wall portion 32 and the second wall portion 34 are connected to the base portion 28 of the distal end member 20, and extend from this base portion 28 in the Y(+) direction.

[0062] In addition, a stand accommodating section 22 for accommodating a stand 36 is provided between the first wall section 32 and the second wall section 34 in the X direction. This stand accommodating section 22 is formed as a slit-shaped space along the Y direction.

[0063] The distal end member 20 is provided with a treatment tool outlet 39 (see FIG. 6). The distal end side of a treatment tool insertion channel 38 (see FIG. 6) is connected to this treatment tool outlet 39. This treatment tool insertion channel 38 is inserted from the distal end member 20 into the inside of the insertion section 2 (see FIG. 1), and its base end side is connected to the treatment tool introduction port 13 of the operation section 3.

[0064] As a result, the treatment tool introduced from the treatment tool inlet 13 is guided to the stand housing section 22 through the treatment tool insertion channel 38 and the treatment tool outlet 39. The direction of the treatment tool guided to the stand housing section 22 is changed by the stand 36. The treatment tool insertion channel 38 and the treatment tool outlet 39 are examples of the treatment tool insertion passage and treatment tool outlet of the present invention.

[0065] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the tip member 20 as seen from the Y(+) direction side. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the cover 40 shown in Fig. 7 removed from the second wall portion 34, and Fig. 8 also shows the tip cap 200.

[0066] <First wall part 32> 7 and 8, the first wall portion 32 is provided with an observation window 16 and an illumination window 18. Inside the first wall portion 32, an imaging unit and an illumination unit are provided.

[0067] The imaging unit has a photographing optical system disposed behind (in the Z(-) direction) the observation window 16, and a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) or CCD (charge coupled device) imaging element. The imaging element is connected to an image processing device via a signal cable 17 (see FIG. 3) inserted from the first wall 32 into the insertion section 2. An imaging signal of the subject image obtained by this imaging unit is input to the image processing device via the signal cable 17, and is displayed as the subject image on a monitor connected to the image processing device via a cable. The observation window 16 and the signal cable 17 are examples of the observation window and signal cable of the present invention.

[0068] The illumination section has an illumination lens installed on the rear (Z(-) direction) side of the illumination window 18, and a light guide 19 (see FIG. 3) arranged so that its tip faces the illumination lens. The light guide 19 is inserted into the insertion section 2 from the first wall section 32, and its base end is connected to the light source device. As a result, illumination light from the light source device is transmitted via the light guide 19 and emitted from the illumination window 18. The illumination window 18 and the light guide 19 are examples of the illumination window and light-guiding member of the present invention.

[0069] <Second wall part 34> 8, the second wall portion 34 is provided with a recessed lever accommodating chamber 44 that accommodates the lever 42. Of the two wall surfaces of the second wall portion 34 that face each other in the X direction, the lever accommodating chamber 44 is provided on the wall surface opposite the wall surface facing the elevator accommodating section 22.

[0070] In the lever accommodating chamber 44, the lever 42 has a rotation shaft 42A provided at one end thereof. The rotation shaft 42A penetrates the second wall portion 34 in the X direction and is connected to the erection base 36. The other end of the lever 42 is connected to an operation wire 46. The operation wire 46 is inserted into the insertion portion 2 (see FIG. 1) and connected to the erection operation lever 12 of the operation portion 3.

[0071] Therefore, when the surgeon operates the raising operation lever 12, the operation wire 46 is pushed or pulled, and the lever 42 swings in conjunction with this pushing and pulling operation. As a result, the raising base 36 swings about the rotation axis 42A as the swing axis, changing its position between the raised position and the lowered position. Here, the lever 42 having the rotation axis 42A, the operation wire 46, and the raising operation lever 12 constitute a treatment tool raising mechanism. The lever housing chamber 44 is sealed by the cover 40 shown in FIG. 7.

[0072] <Standing stand 36> 7 and 8, the elevator 36 is provided on the distal end member 20 and is housed in the elevator housing portion 22. The elevator 36 is attached to the second wall portion 34 via a rotation shaft 42A so as to be able to swing freely. The elevator 36 is driven by the treatment tool elevator mechanism to perform an erecting motion and a lowering motion. The elevator 36 is an example of the elevator of the present invention.

[0073] The elevator 36 also has a guide surface 36A (see FIG. 2, etc.). This guide surface 36A is formed on a surface that faces the Z(+) direction when the elevator 36 is in the reclined position. This guide surface 36A is a surface for guiding a treatment tool, and is formed in a generally U-shape that is recessed inward from the base end, which is the swing end of the elevator 36, to the tip end.

[0074] When the treatment tool erection mechanism erects the stand 36, the treatment tool led into the stand housing section 22 is guided by the guide surface 36A of the stand 36 in the direction toward the opening 24 of the stand housing section 22, and is led out through the upper opening 202 of the tip cap 200. In addition, by adjusting the erection angle of the stand 36 with the treatment tool erection mechanism, the lead-out direction of the treatment tool can be changed.

[0075] <Guidewire fixing portion 50> 7, a guidewire fixing portion 50 is provided on the base portion 28. This guidewire fixing portion 50 protrudes from the distal end wall portion 28A of the base portion 28 toward the elevator housing portion 22 in the Y(+) direction.

[0076] The guidewire fixing portion 50 is configured as a convex portion tapered in the Y(+) direction. In other words, the guidewire fixing portion 50 is configured in the shape of a substantially trapezoidal cube with the distal end wall portion 28A as the bottom surface.

[0077] When the erector 36 is raised to the maximum erect position, the guidewire (not shown) guided from the treatment tool insertion channel 38 to the erector housing section 22 is sandwiched and fixed between the convex tip 50A of the guidewire fixing section 50 and the concave guide surface 36A of the erector 36. The guidewire fixing section 50 is arranged alongside the air / water supply nozzle 14 in the X direction.

[0078] <First region 100 and second region 110> Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the tip member 20 as seen from the Y(+) direction side. Fig. 10 is a side view of the tip member 20 shown in Fig. 9 as seen from the X(+) direction side. Note that Figs. 9 and 10 show a state in which the insulating ring 70 is separated from the second region 110 toward the Y(-) direction side.

[0079] 9 and 10, the tip member 20 configured as described above has a first region 100 and a second region 110. The first region 100 and the second region 110 are examples of the first region and the second region of the present invention, respectively.

[0080] The first region 100 is a region of the distal end portion of the distal end member 20 in the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax. The second region 110 is a region on the proximal side of the first region 100, that is, a region of the proximal end portion of the distal end member 20. A flange portion 30 and a step portion 60 are provided between the first region 100 and the second region 110. That is, in the distal end member 20 of this example, the distal end side is the first region 100 and the proximal side is the second region, with the flange portion 30 and the step portion 60 as boundaries.

[0081] The first region 100 has an observation window 16, an illumination window 18, a treatment tool outlet 39, and a stand 36. The first region 100 also has a maximum outer diameter (diameter) D1, as shown in Fig. 10. This maximum outer diameter D1 refers to the maximum outer diameter when the first region 100 is projected onto a projection plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax.

[0082] On the other hand, the second region 110 is a region where the insulating ring 70 is attached, and has a maximum outer diameter (diameter) D2 that is smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100. This maximum outer diameter D2 refers to the maximum outer diameter when the second region 110 is projected onto a projection plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax.

[0083] That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the first region 100 and the second region 110 are projected onto the above-mentioned projection plane (XZ plane), the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110 is configured to be smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100.

[0084] Furthermore, on the projection plane (XZ plane) described above, of the two mutually orthogonal directions (X direction and Z direction), the outer diameter of the second region 110 in the X direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first region 100, and the outer diameter of the second region 110 in the Z direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first region 100. The X direction and the Z direction are examples of the first direction and second direction of the present invention.

[0085] Moreover, the second region 110 is included in the first region 100 on the projection plane (XZ plane).

[0086] An insulating ring 70 is attached to the second region 110 configured in this manner. When viewed from the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax, this insulating ring 70 is configured in the shape of a ring that is closed in the circumferential direction. The insulating ring 70 is an example of an annular member of the present invention. The insulating ring 70 will be described below.

[0087] <Insulation Ring 70> 9 and 10, the second region 110 has a cylindrical portion 112 along the longitudinal axis Ax, and an insulating ring 70 is attached to the outer periphery 112A of the cylindrical portion 112. The insulating ring 70 is made of an insulating material such as plastic or ceramic.

[0088] 10, when the insulating ring 70 is projected onto a projection plane (XZ plane) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax, the minimum inner diameter D3 of the insulating ring 70 is configured to be smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100. Naturally, the minimum inner diameter D3 is configured to be larger than the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110.

[0089] Furthermore, when insulating ring 70 is made of a deformable, rigid material such as plastic, the rigidity satisfies the condition that the minimum inner diameter D3 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 even when insulating ring 70 is deformed. This makes it impossible for insulating ring 70 to be inserted through first region 100, but possible for insulating ring 70 to be inserted through second region 110.

[0090] The insulating ring 70 has an insulating ring inner circumferential surface 70C and an insulating ring outer circumferential surface 70B opposite the insulating ring inner circumferential surface 70C. The insulating ring inner circumferential surface 70C has a shape corresponding to (substantially the same shape as or a similar shape to) the outer circumferential portion 112A of the cylindrical portion 112 of the second region 110. The insulating ring inner circumferential surface 70C and the insulating ring outer circumferential surface 70B are examples of the insulating member inner circumferential surface and the insulating member outer circumferential surface, respectively, of the present invention.

[0091] The insulating ring outer peripheral surface 70B has a flange portion 72 formed along the circumferential direction, a cap attachment portion 74 provided on the distal side of the flange portion 72, and a curved portion attachment portion 76 located on the proximal side of the flange portion 72. The flange portion 72 is an example of the annular protrusion of the present invention.

[0092] <Cap mounting part 74> The cap attachment portion 74 has an outer peripheral surface 74B. This outer peripheral surface 74B has a flat portion 78 and an arc portion 80, and is provided closer to the tip side than the flange portion 72. The outer peripheral surface 74B is an example of a second outer peripheral surface of the present invention.

[0093] The flat portion 78 is provided on the Z(+) side of the outer circumferential surface 74B. When the insulating ring 70 is attached to the second region 110, this flat portion 78 is disposed at a position (position on the Z(-) side) lower than the upper end of the flange portion 30 of the tip member 20. The surface of the flat portion 78 is, for example, approximately parallel to the XY plane. The arc portion 80 is formed at a position on the outer circumferential surface 74B excluding the flat portion 78.

[0094] Such outer circumferential surface 74B constitutes a cap mounting surface onto which the base end of the tip cap 200 is mounted. That is, the outer circumferential surface 74B of the insulating ring 70 has a cap mounting surface.

[0095] When the insulating ring 70 is attached to the second region 110, first, the cap attachment portion 74 of the insulating ring 70 is fitted from the base end side to the tip end side of the second region 110 (cylindrical portion 112). Then, the tip 74A of the insulating ring 70 (cap attachment portion 74) is brought into contact with the end face 30A on the base end side of the flange portion 30.

[0096] This allows the insulating ring 70 to be attached to the second region 110. The end surface 30A on the base end side of the flange portion 30, with which the tip 74A of the insulating ring 70 abuts, is an example of the annular member abutting surface of the present invention.

[0097] Furthermore, when the insulating ring 70 is attached to the second region 110, the outer peripheral surface 74B (flat portion 78 and arc portion 80), which is the cap attachment surface, is positioned on the base end side of the flange portion 30 (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0098] Next, when attaching the tip cap 200 to the tip member 20, the tip cap 200 is fitted over the first region 100 (first wall portion 32 and second wall portion 34) from the tip side to the base end side, and the base end 200A (see Figure 8) of the tip cap 200 is abutted against the tip side end face 72A of the flange portion 72 of the insulating ring 70.

[0099] 6, the base end of the tip cap 200 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 74B of the insulating ring 70. The end surface 72A on the tip side of the flange portion 72, with which the base end 200A of the tip cap 200 abuts, is an example of the cap abutment surface of the present invention.

[0100] 6, when the base end of the tip cap 200 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 74B of the insulating ring 70, the engagement groove 208 of the tip cap 200 engages with the flange portion 30 of the tip member 20, and the flat portion 210 of the tip cap 200 abuts on the flat portion 78 of the insulating ring 70. Also, the hook portion 212 of the tip cap 200 engages with the stepped portion 60 of the tip member 20. As a result, the metal tip member 20 is covered by the insulating tip cap 200 and the insulating ring 70.

[0101] With this configuration, according to the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, the insulation of the tip portion 7 can be ensured by the tip cap 200 and the insulating ring 70. Furthermore, the engagement between the flange portion 30 and the engagement groove 208 and the engagement between the step portion 60 and the hook portion 212 can prevent the tip cap 200 from slipping off from the tip member 20 in the Y(+) direction. Furthermore, the abutment between the flat portion 78 and the flat portion 210 can prevent the tip cap 200 from shifting relative to the tip member 20 in the direction around the longitudinal axis Ax.

[0102] <Bending part attachment part 76> 9 and 10, the bending portion mounting portion 76 of the insulating ring 70 has an outer peripheral surface 76A. This outer peripheral surface 76A is provided closer to the base end than the flange portion 72, and constitutes an outer cover mounting surface onto which the angle rubber 130 (see FIG. 11) of the bending portion 6 is mounted. The outer peripheral surface 76A is an example of a first outer peripheral surface in the present invention, and the angle rubber 130 is an example of an outer cover in the present invention.

[0103] 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing the fixing structure of the angle rubber 130 to the bending portion mounting portion 76. FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the fixing structure shown in FIG.

[0104] 11, the tip end of the angle rubber 130 is attached to the bending portion attachment portion 76 until the end face on the tip end 130A side of the angle rubber 130 approaches the end face 72B on the base end side of the flange portion 72. This allows the angle rubber 130 to be attached to the bending portion attachment portion 76. Note that when attaching the angle rubber 130 to the bending portion attachment portion 76, the end face on the tip end 130A side of the angle rubber 130 may be brought into contact with the end face 72B on the base end side of the flange portion 72.

[0105] Thereafter, the tip of the angle rubber 130 is wound with thread 132 and fixed to the insulating ring 70. As shown in Figure 12, the thread 132 is fixed to the angle rubber 130 with adhesive 134. The tip of the angle rubber 130 has a thread-wound portion 136 around which the thread 132 is wound, and an adhesive layer 138 that covers the thread-wound portion 136. The thread-wound portion 136 and the adhesive layer 138 are an example of the outer cover fixing portion of the present invention, and are an example of the thread-wound portion and adhesive layer of the present invention.

[0106] 11, the outer diameter (diameter) D4 of the adhesive layer 138 is the same as the outer diameter D5 of the flange portion 72. This allows the insulating ring 70 and the angle rubber 130 to be fixed together without creating any steps on their outer circumferential surfaces.

[0107] 11, the outer diameter (diameter) D6 of the base end of the tip cap 200 is the same as the outer diameter D5 of the flange portion 72. This allows the tip cap 200 and the insulating ring 70 to be fixed together without any steps being generated on their outer circumferential surfaces.

[0108] Therefore, the tip cap 200, the insulating ring 70, and the angle rubber 130 are fixed to each other without creating any steps on their outer circumferential surfaces.

[0109] Note that the above-mentioned "same outer diameter" does not necessarily mean that the outer diameters are completely the same. Cases where there is some variation in the outer diameters due to assembly errors during manufacturing or individual differences in each component, or cases where there is a step of 1 mm or less that is considered to be almost the same, are also included in the range of "same outer diameters."

[0110] However, as mentioned above, an endoscope has a problem in that the outer diameter of the tip portion becomes large due to the outer diameter of the insulating ring.

[0111] Therefore, in order to reduce the outer diameter of the tip portion 7, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the tip member 20 of the tip portion 7 is composed of a first region 100 having a maximum outer diameter D1 and a second region 110 that is located closer to the base end than the first region 100 and has a maximum outer diameter D2 that is smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1, and an insulating ring 70 is attached to this second region 110.

[0112] Here, an example of a comparative example will be described. For example, if the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110 is larger than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100, the minimum inner diameter of the insulating ring attached to this second region 110 must be larger than the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110. In this case, in order to ensure the strength of the insulating ring, the outer diameter of the insulating ring must be increased by the amount of the increase in the minimum inner diameter, and therefore the outer diameter of the insulating ring becomes larger. As a result, the outer diameter (diameter) of the tip portion, which is determined by the outer diameter of the insulating ring, also becomes larger, resulting in an increase in the diameter of the tip portion.

[0113] In contrast, in the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, the maximum outer diameter D2 of the second region 110 is smaller than the maximum outer diameter D1 of the first region 100, so there is no need to increase the minimum inner and outer diameters of the insulating ring 70 compared to the above comparative example. As a result, the outer diameter of the tip portion 7 can be reduced.

[0114] Therefore, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment can reduce the diameter of the distal end portion 7 equipped with the insulating ring 70.

[0115] Furthermore, the endoscope 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the insulating ring 70 is attached (inserted) into the second region 110 from the base end side of the second region 110, which has the advantage of making the assembly process easier compared to, for example, an insulating ring configured as a C-ring rather than a circumferentially closed ring and inserted horizontally from the side (X direction) of the second region 110.

[0116] Although the endoscope according to the embodiment has been described above, the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1. Endoscope 2...Insertion section 3...Operation unit 4...Universal Code 5…Soft part 6...Bend 7...Tip 8...Angle knob 9...Angle knob 10...Air and water supply button 11...Suction button 12...Stand-up operation lever 13...Treatment tool introduction port 14...Air and water supply nozzle 16...Observation window 17...Signal cable 18...Lighting window 19...Light guide 20...Tip member 22...Standing platform storage area 24…Aperture 26...Tip opening 28...Base 28A...Tip wall 30...Flange 30A…end face 32...First wall part 34…Second wall part 36…Standing platform 36A...Guide surface 38...Treatment tool insertion channel 39...Treatment tool outlet 40...Cover 42...Lever 42A...Rotating shaft 44... Lever Containment Room 46...Operation wire 50...Guide wire fixing part 50A...tip 60...Step 70...insulating ring 70B...Outer surface of insulating ring 70C...Inner surface of insulating ring 72...Flange 72A…End face 72B…End face 74...Cap attachment part 74A...tip 74B…Outer surface 76...Bending part attachment part 76A…Outer surface 78...Flat area 80...Arc section 100…First area 110…Second area 112...Cylindrical part 112A…Outer periphery 130...Angle rubber 130A...tip 132...Thread 134...Adhesive 136...Thread winding section 138...adhesive layer 200...Tip cap 200A…Proximal end 202...Top opening 204...Tip opening 206...Proximal opening 208...Engagement groove 210...Flat area 212...Hook part

Claims

1. a tip member made of a conductive material connected to the tip side of the insertion portion; an insulating annular member attached to the proximal end side of the tip member; Equipped with the distal end member has a first region in which an observation window, an illumination window, and a treatment tool outlet port are arranged, and a second region provided on a proximal end side of the first region and in which the annular member is attached, When the first region and the second region are projected onto a projection plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, a maximum outer diameter of the second region is smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the first region. Endoscope.

2. when one of two directions orthogonal to each other on the projection plane is defined as a first direction and the other as a second direction, the outer diameter of the second region in the first direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first region, and the outer diameter of the second region in the second direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the first region; The endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. the second area is included in the first area on the projection plane; The endoscope according to claim 2 .

4. When the annular member is projected onto the projection surface, a minimum inner diameter of the annular member is smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the first region. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

5. the annular member has deformable rigidity; the rigidity satisfies a condition that the minimum inner diameter of the annular member is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the first region even when the annular member is deformed; The endoscope according to claim 1 .

6. The annular member has a circumferentially closed shape when viewed from the direction of the longitudinal axis. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

7. the annular member has an inner peripheral surface having a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the second region, and an outer peripheral surface opposite to the inner peripheral surface of the annular member, The outer peripheral surface of the annular member has an annular convex portion formed along the circumferential direction, a first outer peripheral surface provided on the base end side of the annular convex portion, and a second outer peripheral surface provided on the tip end side of the annular convex portion. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

8. the first outer peripheral surface constitutes an outer cover mounting surface on which an outer cover of a bending portion disposed on the base end side of the distal end member is mounted, The annular protrusion has an outer shell contact surface against which a tip of the outer shell attached to the outer shell attachment surface comes into contact. The endoscope according to claim 7.

9. a skin fixing portion that fixes the skin attached to the skin attachment surface; The endoscope according to claim 8.

10. The outer cover fixing portion has a thread wound portion wound around the outer periphery of the outer cover, and an adhesive layer covering the thread wound portion. The endoscope according to claim 9.

11. The outer diameter of the annular convex portion is the same as the outer diameter of the outer cover fixing portion. The endoscope according to claim 9.

12. a tip cap detachably attached to the tip member; the second outer peripheral surface has a cap mounting surface to which the base end of the tip cap is mounted, the annular protrusion has a cap abutment surface against which a base end of the tip cap attached to the cap attachment surface abuts; The endoscope according to claim 7.

13. The outer diameter of the annular protrusion is the same as the outer diameter of the base end of the tip cap. The endoscope according to claim 12.

14. the tip member has an annular member abutment surface against which the tip of the annular member attached to the second region abuts; The endoscope according to claim 1 .

15. the tip member includes a flange portion that protrudes radially between the first region and the second region, The annular member abutment surface is formed by an end surface on the base end side of the flange portion. The endoscope according to claim 14.

16. a tip cap detachably attached to the tip member; The tip cap has a first locking portion that is locked to the flange portion. The endoscope according to claim 15.

17. the tip member includes a step portion between the first region and the second region, The annular member abutment surface is formed by an end surface of the step portion on the base end side. The endoscope according to claim 14.

18. a tip cap detachably attached to the tip member; The tip cap has a second locking portion that is locked to the step portion. The endoscope according to claim 17.

19. The tip member is a signal cable disposed behind the observation window; a light guide member disposed behind the illumination window; a treatment tool insertion passage through which a treatment tool is inserted; having The endoscope according to claim 1 .

20. the first area having a platform; The endoscope according to claim 1 .

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