Endoscope

Abstract

To provide an endoscope capable of easily inserting a distal end part to the depth of the bronchus.SOLUTION: An endoscope includes an insertion portion including a distal end portion and a bending portion provided on a proximal end side of the distal end portion, and a bending operation portion capable of performing a bending operation of the bending portion. The bending portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the distal end portion. The first region is bent in one direction with a first curvature radius according to an operation of the bending operation portion. The second region is bent in the one direction with a second curvature radius smaller than the first curvature radius according to the operation of the bending operation portion. The length of the second region in a longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion is equal to or less than the length of the first region in the longitudinal axis direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1, 3, 5 and 6 describe endoscopes having a bending portion that can bend the distal end portion more than the proximal end portion.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an endoscope having a bending portion that can be bent with a plurality of curvature radii.

[0004] Patent Document 4 describes that in a bending portion structure of an endoscope configured by connecting a plurality of nodal rings along the axial direction of an insertion portion, the plurality of nodal rings are connected such that the distance between adjacent nodal ring bodies gradually increases from the base end side of the bending portion to the tip end side of the bending portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-334050 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-154545 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 02-271817 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-342517 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 56-124401 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-155806 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology disclosed herein provides an endoscope whose tip can be easily inserted deep into the bronchi. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An endoscope according to one aspect of the disclosed technology comprises an insertion section including a tip portion and a bending portion provided on the base end side of the tip portion, and a bending operation section capable of bending the bending portion, wherein the bending portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the tip portion, wherein the first region bends in one direction with a first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation section, and the second region bends in the same direction with a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation section, and the length of the second region in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section is less than or equal to the length of the first region in the longitudinal axis direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the technique of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an endoscope whose tip portion can be easily inserted deep into the bronchi. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an overall view of an endoscope 1 according to one embodiment of the disclosed technique. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the distal end rigid portion 34 including a part of the curved portion 32. As shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tip rigid portion 34 with the angle rubber 36 shown in FIG. 2 removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the main part of the bending portion 32 of the endoscope 1 shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the first movable member 32A shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the second movable member 32B shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the bending portion 32 shown in FIG. 4 as viewed in the X direction. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the bent state of the bending portion 32 when the angle lever 16 is rotated in the A1 direction from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the state in which the endoscope 1 is inserted into the bronchi and used. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the bent state of the bending portion 32 when the rotation angle of the angle lever 16 is increased from the state shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining the state in which the endoscope 1 is inserted into the bronchi and used. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the bending state of the bending portion 32 when the angle lever 16 is rotated in the −A1 direction from the state shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Fig. 1 is an overall view of an endoscope 1 according to one aspect of the technology of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope 1 is used for, for example, collecting cell tissue from a lesion (which may also be an observation site, an examination site, or a medical examination site). In this embodiment, the bronchi will be used as an example of a site containing a lesion. For example, the endoscope 1 may be used for observing or examining a site in the bronchi where cancer is suspected.

[0011] The endoscope 1 is composed of an operation section 10 that is held by the surgeon to perform various operations, an insertion section 12 that is inserted into the patient's body, and a universal cord 14. The endoscope 1 is connected via the universal cord 14 to system component devices such as a processor device and a light source device (not shown) that constitute an endoscope system.

[0012] The operation unit 10 is provided with various operation members that are operated by the practitioner, such as an angle lever 16 and a suction button 22, the operation of which will be described later as appropriate.

[0013] The operation section 10 is also provided with a treatment tool introduction port 24 through which a treatment tool is inserted into a treatment tool insertion channel (not shown) that passes through the insertion section 12.

[0014] The insertion section 12 extends from the tip of the operation section 10 and is formed in a long shape with a small diameter as a whole. The insertion section 12 is configured by providing, in order from the base end side to the tip end side, a flexible section 30, a passive bending section 31, a bending section 32, and a tip rigid section 34 which is the tip end.

[0015] The flexible section 30 occupies the majority of the proximal end side of the insertion section 12 and has flexibility that allows it to bend in any direction. When the insertion section 12 is inserted into a body cavity, the flexible section 30 bends along the insertion path into the body cavity.

[0016] The passive bending section 31 is made up of, for example, a metal spiral tube (a metal plate wound in a spiral shape) and net (not shown), and is further configured by covering the outer periphery of these together with the bending section 32 (described below) with a resin angle rubber 36 (see FIG. 2). This passive bending section 31 is configured to be more flexible than the flexible section 30 so that it can bend passively in response to an external force, and when the insertion section 12 is inserted into a body cavity, it bends along the insertion path into the body cavity, just like the flexible section 30.

[0017] The bending portion 32 is adapted to bend in the vertical direction (A2 direction and its opposite -A2 direction) by rotating the angle lever 16 of the operating unit 10 in the A1 direction and its opposite -A1 direction, and by bending the bending portion 32, the tip rigid portion 34 can be directed in the desired direction.

[0018] The angle lever 16 is configured to be rotatable in the A1 direction up to a rotation angle of 45°, with the state shown in FIG. 1 being a rotation angle of 0°. Rotating the angle lever 16 in the A1 direction causes the bending portion 32 to bend in the A2 direction (upward). The angle lever 16 is configured to be rotatable in the -A1 direction up to an angle smaller than 45° (for example, 25°). Rotating the angle lever 16 in the -A1 direction causes the bending portion 32 to bend in the -A2 direction (downward). The angle lever 16 constitutes a bending operation unit that can bend the bending portion 32. The A2 direction constitutes one direction.

[0019] The distal end rigid portion 34 includes an observation optical system and an illumination optical system for taking an observation image of the inside of the body, and an outlet 48 for outletting the treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool inlet 24 .

[0020] The universal cord 14 contains a signal cable connected to the observation optical system of the rigid tip portion 34 and a light guide connected to the illumination optical system. A connector is provided at an end (not shown) of the universal cord 14. This connector is connected to predetermined system components that constitute an endoscope system, such as a processor device and a light source device. This allows the system components to supply the endoscope 1 with power, control signals, illumination light, and other signals necessary for operating the endoscope 1. Conversely, data on observation images acquired by the observation optical system is transmitted from the endoscope 1 to the system components. The observation images transmitted to the system components are displayed on a monitor so that they can be observed by practitioners and the like.

[0021] The configuration of the operating unit 10 is not limited to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. An angle knob may be provided instead of the angle lever 16, or a pair of angle levers 16 or angle knobs may be provided, and the bending portion 32 may be bent in the up-down direction (A2 direction and -A2 direction) and the left-right direction perpendicular thereto by rotating the pair of angle levers 16 or the pair of angle knobs. Also, an air and water supply button may be provided on the operating unit 10, and a gas such as air and a cleaning liquid may be supplied to the rigid tip portion 34 by operating the air and water supply button.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the tip rigid portion 34 including a part of the curved portion 32. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the tip rigid portion 34 in a state where the angle rubber 36 shown in Fig. 2 has been removed.

[0023] 2 and 3, the tip rigid section 34 has a tip main body 40 and a cap 42 attached to the tip surface of the tip main body 40. The tip main body 40 is made of metal to reduce the diameter of the tip rigid section 34. The cap 42 is made of resin or the like.

[0024] 2 extends to the base end side of the cap 42 to cover the tip portion main body 40, and the tip portion of the angle rubber 36 is wound around a thread (not shown) and fixed to the tip portion main body 40. The thread is fixed to the angle rubber 36 with an adhesive (not shown).

[0025] 3 also shows a metal distal end connecting member 33 connected to the distal end body 40. The distal end connecting member 33 is provided on the distal end side of the bending section 32.

[0026] The cap 42 is provided with an opening 44 for an observation window, a pair of openings 46 for illumination windows, and an outlet 48. The opening 44, the pair of openings 46, and the outlet 48 are each provided as through-holes in a disk-shaped front surface portion 50 of the cap 42. The area occupied by the outlet 48 is the largest in the front surface portion 50, and the opening 44 is located below the outlet 48 in the drawing, with the opening 44 sandwiched between the openings 46.

[0027] An observation optical system constituted by a lens barrel holding an observation window (lens or protective glass) 52, and an imaging unit constituted by an imaging element (not shown) are provided at a position of the tip body 40 facing the opening 44. When the cap 42 is attached to the tip body 40, the observation window 52 is exposed from the opening 44.

[0028] Illumination windows (lenses or protective glass) 60 of a light guide (not shown) are arranged at positions of the tip body 40 facing the pair of openings 46. When the cap 42 is attached to the tip body 40, the illumination windows 60 are exposed from the pair of openings 46. The light guide is connected to a light source device and supplies illumination light from the light source device to the illumination windows 60.

[0029] A treatment tool insertion hole 62 is arranged at a position of the tip portion body 40 opposite the outlet 48. When the cap 42 is attached to the tip portion body 40, the treatment tool insertion hole 62 communicates with the outlet 48. As a result, a treatment tool inserted from the treatment tool introduction port 24 is led out from the outlet 48 to the outside via the treatment tool insertion hole 62.

[0030] 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the main parts of the bending section 32 of the endoscope 1 shown in FIG. 1. The Z direction in the figure is a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the insertion section 12. The Z direction constitutes the longitudinal axis direction. The Z(+) direction, which is one of the Z directions in the figure, is the distal end side of the insertion section 12, and the Z(-) direction side is the proximal end side of the insertion section 12. The Y direction in the figure is a direction perpendicular to the Z direction and corresponds to the A2 direction and the -A2 direction in FIG. 1. The Y(+) direction, which is one of the Y directions, is the A2 direction in FIG. 1, and the Y(-) direction, which is the other of the Y directions, is the -A2 direction in FIG. 1. The X direction in the figure is a direction perpendicular to both the Z direction and the Y direction.

[0031] The bending portion 32 comprises a plurality of movable members 320 arranged in the Z direction, a base-end connecting member 35 connecting the most proximal (Z(-) direction) of the plurality of movable members 320 to the flexible portion 30, a tip-end connecting member 33 connecting the most distal (Z(+) direction) of the plurality of movable members 320 to the tip-end rigid portion 34, and two wires W inserted into each movable member 320, the base-end connecting member 35, and the tip-end connecting member 33.

[0032] The bending section 32 includes a first region 321 and a second region 322 between the first region 321 and the distal rigid section 34. The first region 321 and the second region 322 are configured to be bendable with different radii of curvature. Specifically, the first region 321 is configured to be bendable with a first radius of curvature, and the second region 322 is configured to be bendable with a second radius of curvature that is smaller than the first radius of curvature. In other words, the bending section 32 is configured to bend slightly on its proximal end side and bend more on its distal end side than on the proximal end side.

[0033] 4, a total of 19 movable members 320 are provided. The first region 321 is configured to include 12 of the 19 movable members 320, which are arranged from the proximal connecting member 35 side. The second region 322 is configured to include 7 of the 19 movable members 320, which are arranged from the distal connecting member 33 side.

[0034] Each of the multiple movable members 320 is composed of a cylindrical member with an axis extending in the Z direction. The multiple movable members 320 include a first movable member 32A and a second movable member 32B whose width in the Z direction is smaller than that of the first movable member 32A. Of the 19 movable members 320, the first 10 movable members 320 counting from the base-end connecting member 35 side are first movable members 32A, and the 11th and subsequent movable members 320 counting from the base-end connecting member 35 side are second movable members 32B.

[0035] The first region 321 is configured to include ten first movable members 32A and two second movable members 32B. The second region 322 is configured to include seven second movable members 32B. The first movable member 32A located closest to the base end of the first region 321 is rotatably connected to a cylindrical base end connecting member 35. The second movable member 32B located closest to the tip end of the second region 322 is rotatably connected to a cylindrical tip end connecting member 33.

[0036] The two wires W are each connected to the angle lever 16 through the flexible section 30. The movable members 320, the base-side connecting member 35, and the tip-side connecting member 33 are made of, for example, metal or resin. The tip of each wire W is fixed to the tip-side connecting member 33.

[0037] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the first movable member 32A shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the second movable member 32B shown in Fig. 4.

[0038] An end face 329 on the Z(+) direction side and an end face 329 on the Z(-) direction side of the first movable member 32A are each flat surfaces perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0039] The first movable member 32A is provided at one end in the X direction with a connecting piece 325 that protrudes in the Z(+) direction from an end face 329 on the Z(+) direction side, and at the other end of the first movable member 32A with a connecting piece 326 that protrudes in the Z(-) direction from an end face 329 on the Z(-) direction side. The connecting pieces 325 and 326 are plate-shaped with a thickness in the X direction. The connecting pieces 325 and 326 each have a connecting hole that penetrates in the X direction.

[0040] The first movable member 32A is provided at its other end in the X direction with a connecting piece 327 that protrudes in the Z(+) direction from an end face 329 on the Z(+) direction side, and at its other end with a connecting piece 328 that protrudes in the Z(-) direction from an end face 329 on the Z(-) direction side. The connecting pieces 327 and 328 are plate-shaped with a thickness in the X direction. Each of the connecting pieces 327 and 328 is provided with a connecting hole that penetrates in the X direction.

[0041] A pair of wire guides 324, through which two wires W are inserted, are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the first movable member 32A, facing each other in the Y direction between one end and the other end in the X direction.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 6, the second movable member 32B has the same configuration as the first movable member 32A, except that the width in the Z direction (the distance between the end face 329 on the Z(+) direction side and the end face 329 on the Z(-) direction side) is smaller than that of the first movable member 32A.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4 , the connecting piece 325 of each movable member 320, except for the two closest to the base end and the two closest to the tip end, is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 326 of the adjacent movable member 320 on the tip end side by a connecting member 323 such as a rivet. The connecting piece 326 of each movable member 320 is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 325 of the adjacent movable member 320 on the base end side by a connecting member such as a rivet. The connecting piece 327 of each movable member 320 is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 328 of the adjacent movable member 320 on the tip end side by a connecting member such as a rivet. The connecting piece 328 of each movable member 320 is rotatably connected to the connecting piece 327 of the adjacent movable member 320 on the base end side by a connecting member such as a rivet.

[0044] Of all the movable members 320, the movable member 320 located closest to the base end is rotatably connected to the base end connecting member 35 by connecting members 323 such as rivets at connecting pieces 326 and 328. Of all the movable members 320, the movable member 320 located closest to the tip end is rotatably connected to the tip end connecting member 33 by connecting members 323 such as rivets at connecting pieces 325 and 327.

[0045] In the endoscope 1, the wire W inserted through the wire guide 324 on the Y(+) direction side of the wire guides 324 of the movable member 320 is pulled by rotating the angle lever 16 in the A1 direction, whereby the bending section 32 is bent in the Y(+) direction (the A2 direction in FIG. 1). The wire W inserted through the wire guide 324 on the Y(-) direction side of the wire guides 324 of the movable member 320 is pulled by rotating the angle lever 16 in the -A1 direction, whereby the bending section 32 is bent in the Y(-) direction (the -A2 direction in FIG. 1).

[0046] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the bending section 32 shown in FIG. 4 as viewed in direction X. As shown in FIG. 7, a gap is provided between the end faces 329 of two adjacent first movable members 32A, and the length of this gap in the Z direction is distance L1. A gap is provided between the end faces 329 of two adjacent second movable members 32B, and the length of this gap in the Z direction is distance L2. A gap is provided between the end faces 329 of the tenth first movable member 32A counting from the base end and the adjacent second movable member 32B, and the length of this gap in the Z direction is distance L3. The distance L4 in the Z direction between the connecting members 323 that rotatably connect adjacent movable members 320 is uniform throughout.

[0047] Since the gap L4 is uniform, the distance L2 is greater than the distance L1 due to the difference in the width in the Z direction between the first movable member 32A and the second movable member 32B. The distance L3 is half the distance L2 plus half the distance L1.

[0048] The length in the Z direction of the gap between the base-end connecting member 35 and the adjacent first movable member 32A is a distance L7. Distance L7 is preferably greater than distance L1. Furthermore, distance L7 is preferably smaller than distance L2. Distance L7 is preferably equal to or less than distance L3, for example. This makes it easy to increase the bending angle when the first region 321 is bent to the maximum while suppressing the length of the first region 321 in the Z direction.

[0049] 7, the portion from the distal end face of the proximal connecting member 35 to the proximal end face 329 of the seventh second movable member 32B, counting from the distal connecting member 33 side, constitutes the first region 321. Furthermore, the portion from the proximal end face of the distal connecting member 33 to the proximal end face 329 of the seventh second movable member 32B, counting from the distal connecting member 33 side, constitutes the second region 322. It is preferable that the length L5 of the first region 321 in the Z direction be equal to or greater than the length L6 of the second region 322 in the Z direction.

[0050] When the rotation angle of the angle lever 16 is 0°, as shown in FIG. 7, the axis 35J of the base-end connecting member 35 and the axis 33J of the tip-end connecting member 33 are aligned in a straight line, and the angle between the axis 35J and the axis 33J is 0°. The axis 33J coincides with the axis of the tip-end rigid section 34. The axis 35J coincides with the axis of the flexible section 30. When the angle lever 16 is rotated, the axis 33J of the tip-end connecting member 33 tilts relative to the axis 35J of the base-end connecting member 35, and the angle between the axis 35J and the axis 33J increases. The angle between the axis 35J and the axis 33J is defined as the bending angle of the bending section 32. In the state shown in FIG. 4, the bending angle is 0°.

[0051] The bending angle of the bending section 32 when the angle lever 16 is rotated to the maximum in the A1 direction (when the rotation angle is 45°) is also referred to as the maximum bending angle in the A2 direction. In order to make it possible to easily insert the tip rigid section 34 into the bronchi, which branch out finely, the maximum bending angle in the A2 direction is preferably in the range of 165° to 195°, and more preferably 180°.

[0052] The bending angle of the bending section 32 when the angle lever 16 is rotated to the maximum in the -A1 direction is also referred to as the maximum bending angle in the -A2 direction. Taking into consideration the ability to follow the shape of the bronchi, operability, and optimization of manufacturing costs, the maximum bending angle in the -A2 direction is preferably smaller than the maximum bending angle in the A2 direction. The maximum bending angle in the -A2 direction is preferably, for example, in the range of 90° to 150°, and more preferably 130°.

[0053] Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining the bending state of the bending portion 32 when the angle lever 16 is rotated in the A1 direction from the state shown in Fig. 7. The Y direction and Z direction shown in Fig. 8 are shown as directions in a state in which the bending portion 32 extends linearly in the vertical direction in the figure (a state in which the bending portion 32 is not bent).

[0054] When the angle lever 16 is rotated in the A1 direction within a first range (a range of a rotation angle greater than 0° and equal to or less than 25°), only the first region 321 of the first region 321 and the second region 322 is bent in the Y(+) direction as shown in Fig. 8. Meanwhile, the second region 322 maintains a state of extending along the axis 33J (synonymous with the axis of the distal end rigid portion 34).

[0055] 8 shows a state in which the angle lever 16 is rotated within the first range to reach the maximum bending angle (angle θ3) (a state in which the angle lever 16 has a rotation angle of 25°). The angle θ3 constitutes a first upper limit of the bending angle of the first region 321 when the angle lever 16 is bent in the A2 direction by operation of the angle lever 16. Until the angle lever 16 reaches a rotation angle of 25°, the gap between the base-end connecting member 35 and the adjacent movable member 320, the gap between the movable members 320 included in the first region 321, and the gap between the most distal movable member 320 in the first region 321 and the adjacent movable member 320 on the distal side thereof gradually narrow, and the first region 321 bends in the Y(+) direction.

[0056] Meanwhile, while the first region 321 is curved, the gaps between the movable members 320 included in the second region 322 and the gap between the tip side connecting member 33 and the adjacent movable member 320 are maintained in the state shown in Fig. 7. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the angle θ3 is set to 90°. In this way, the orientation of the tip rigid section 34 can be changed while the second region 322 is kept linear until the bending angle changes from 0° to 90°.

[0057] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram for explaining the state in which the endoscope 1 is inserted into a bronchus and used. Fig. 9 shows a trachea 101 of a subject, lungs 103 of the subject, a pair of main bronchi 102 branching downward from the trachea 101, and a bronchus 105 branching upward from the main bronchi 102 via an upper lobe bronchus 104.

[0058] As described above, the endoscope 1 can bend the first region 321 with a large radius of curvature while maintaining the second region 322 in a straight line. As shown in Fig. 9, by bending the first region 321, the tip rigid portion 34 can be smoothly inserted along a gently curved and relatively long path from the trachea 101 to the main bronchus 102. For example, from the state shown in Fig. 9, by advancing the tip rigid portion 34 further back while bending the first region 321 while maintaining the second region 322 in a straight line, the tip rigid portion 34 can be inserted into the bronchus 106 branching off from the upper lobe bronchus 104.

[0059] In consideration of smooth insertion of the distal end rigid portion 34 into the bronchi, the angle θ3 shown in FIG. 8 is preferably set to 85° or more and 95° or less, and more preferably 90°.

[0060] Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the bending state of the bending portion 32 when the rotation angle of the angle lever 16 is increased from the state shown in Fig. 8. When the angle lever 16 is rotated in the A1 direction through a second range (a range of a rotation angle greater than 25° and equal to or less than 45°) that exceeds the first range, only the second region 322 of the first region 321 and the second region 322 is bent, as shown in Fig. 10. Meanwhile, the first region 321 maintains the bending state shown in Fig. 8 (the bending state at a rotation angle of 25° (the rotation angle at the end of the first range on the second range side)).

[0061] FIG. 10 shows a state in which the angle lever 16 is rotated within the second range to maximize the bending angle (a state in which the angle lever 16 is rotated at a rotation angle of 45°). In this state, the angle θ4 (defined as the angle between the axis 32J of the first movable member 32A closest to the base end of the second region 322 and the axis 33J of the distal-end connecting member 33) indicating the bending angle of the second region 322 is 90°. Since the angle θ3 indicating the bending angle of the first region 321 shown in FIG. 8 is 90°, in the state shown in FIG. 10, the bending angle of the bending portion 32 is 90° + 90° = 180°. The angle θ4 constitutes a second upper limit of the bending angle of the second region 322 when bending in the A2 direction by operating the angle lever 16.

[0062] As the angle lever 16 rotates beyond 25° and reaches 45°, the gaps between the five movable members 320 included in the second region 322, excluding the two movable members 320 closest to the tip (designated by reference numeral 32Bb in FIG. 10), gradually decrease, causing a portion 322A of the second region 322 (a portion closer to the base end than the two movable members 32Bb) to curve with a smaller radius of curvature than the first region 321. As shown in FIG. 10, when the angle lever 16 is at a rotation angle of 45°, the axes of the two movable members 32Bb coincide with the axis 33J of the tip-side connecting member 33. In other words, even when the angle lever 16 is rotated to the maximum in the A1 direction, the remaining portion 322B of the second region 322, excluding the portion 322A, remains linear.

[0063] In this way, the other portion 322B of the second region 322 is configured so that it cannot be bent by rotating the angle lever 16. In this embodiment, the rotational range of the angle lever 16 is restricted to prevent the other portion 322B from bending. However, when an external force is applied to the other portion 322B, it can be bent in both the Y(+) direction and the Y(-) direction with the same radius of curvature as the part 322A. Because the other portion 322B is linear, when a treatment tool is led out from the lead-out port 48, the lead-out can be performed smoothly. Note that the other portion 322B is not essential to the second region 322 and can be omitted.

[0064] 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining a state in which the endoscope 1 is inserted into a bronchus and used. In clinical practice, there are cases in which observation and treatment are performed around a bronchus 105 branching upward from an upper lobe bronchus 104.

[0065] When inserting the tip rigid section 34 into the bronchus 105, the tip rigid section 34 can be smoothly inserted along a gently curved and relatively long path from the trachea 101 to the upper lobe bronchi 104 while bending the first region 321. Furthermore, because the second region 322 can be curved with a small radius of curvature from a state in which the first region 321 is curved to the maximum extent, the tip rigid section 34 can be easily inserted deep into the bronchi 105, which branch off at an acute angle from the path from the trachea 101 to the upper lobe bronchi 104, as shown in Fig. 11 .

[0066] Even when the distal end rigid portion 34 is inserted into a narrow bronchus, the other portion 322B of the second region 322 is passively bendable, so that the insertion can be carried out smoothly.

[0067] Furthermore, when the second region 322 is bent from a state in which the first region 321 is maximally bent, the bent state of the first region 321 is maintained. Therefore, with the first region 321 stabilized by abutting it against the wall surface of the main bronchus 102, for example, the second region 322 can be bent to change the orientation of the tip rigid section 34. Furthermore, since the endoscope 1 is provided with the passive bending section 31, the passive bending section 31 can be bent by abutting it against the bronchial wall surface in the state shown in Figures 9 and 11, which also allows the orientation of the tip rigid section 34 to be flexibly changed. Furthermore, while the bending section 32 alone can only move in two directions, up and down, the provision of the passive bending section 31 makes it possible to freely orient the tip rigid section 34 360 degrees. This makes it easy to perform bronchial examinations.

[0068] In this way, in order to enable the tip rigid portion 34 to be smoothly inserted along the path from the trachea 101 through the main bronchus 102 to the upper lobe bronchus 104, and from the upper lobe bronchus 104 to the upper bronchus 105, the relationship between the length L5 of the first region 321 and the length L6 of the second region 322 shown in Figure 7 is important.

[0069] If length L6 is greater than length L5, it will be difficult to maneuver the rigid tip portion 34 in the narrow space beyond the upper lobe lance 104. In contrast, by making length L6 and length L5 the same, it will be possible to insert the rigid tip portion 34 deep into the bronchus 105 while making it easier to maneuver the rigid tip portion 34 in the narrow space beyond the upper lobe lance 104.

[0070] Furthermore, if length L6 is set to be shorter than length L5, it becomes easier to handle the tip rigid portion 34 in the narrow space beyond the upper lobe bronchus 104. However, if length L6 is set too short, it becomes difficult to insert the tip rigid portion 34 deep into the bronchus 105. Furthermore, if length L6 is set too short, it becomes difficult to increase the amount of curvature of the second region 322.

[0071] Taking the above circumstances into consideration, and as a result of repeated testing, it was found that by making the length L6 between 0.5 and 1.0 times the length L5, it is possible to insert the tip rigid portion 34 into the bronchus 105 while improving the operability of the insertion.

[0072] As an example, it is preferable that the length L5 is 34.4 mm, the length L6 is 19.6 mm, the distance L1 is 0.2 mm, the distance L2 is 0.95 mm, the distance L3 is 0.575 mm, the spacing L4 is 2.8 mm, the distance L7 is 0.4 mm, the outer diameter of the movable member 320 is 6.0 mm, and the curvature R of the second region 322 is R6.

[0073] To properly examine and treat the bronchi, it is preferable to set angle θ4 shown in Fig. 10 to 85° or more and 95° or less. This allows the tip rigid portion 34 to properly approach the bronchi that branch off at an acute angle from the upper lobe bronchus 104, as described above. Preferably, setting angle θ3 to be equal to or greater than angle θ4 allows the tip rigid portion 34 to properly approach the bronchi.

[0074] In the example of Figure 10, where the maximum bending angle in the A2 direction is 180°, when the bending angle of the bending portion 32 is 180°, position P2 of the tip surface (front surface portion 50 in Figure 3) of the tip rigid portion 34 in the Z direction is configured to be located more distally than position P1 of the base end edge of the first region 321.

[0075] This configuration makes it easier to handle the distal end rigid portion 34 in the narrow space beyond the upper lobe support 104. Furthermore, by configuring position P2 to be within a range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the first region 321 from the base end edge of the first region 321, the distal end rigid portion 34 can be appropriately inserted deep into the bronchus.

[0076] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the bending state of the bending portion 32 when the angle lever 16 is rotated in the -A1 direction from the state shown in Fig. 7. The Y direction and Z direction shown in Fig. 12 are shown as directions in a state in which the bending portion 32 extends linearly in the vertical direction in the figure (a state in which the bending portion 32 is not bent).

[0077] When the angle lever 16 is rotated in the -A1 direction within a third range (a range of a rotation angle greater than 0° and equal to or less than 25°), only the first region 321 of the first region 321 and the second region 322 is bent in the Y(-) direction as shown in Fig. 12. Meanwhile, the second region 322 maintains a state of extending along the axis 33J (synonymous with the axis of the distal end rigid portion 34).

[0078] The bending state of the bending portion 32 when the angle lever 16 is rotated in the -A1 direction through the third range is the same as when the angle lever 16 is rotated in the A1 direction through the first range, except that the bending direction of the bending portion 32 is the Y(-) direction. Figure 12 shows the state in which the angle lever 16 is rotated in the third range and the bending angle is at its maximum (angle θ5). The angle θ5 is, for example, 90°. The angle θ5 is preferably the same as the angle θ3, but may be smaller than the angle θ3.

[0079] For example, assuming that the tip rigid section 34 is inserted into the main bronchus 102 as shown in Figure 9 to observe the bronchus 105, and then the tip rigid section 34 is returned to the position of the trachea 101, and then inserted into a bronchus, such as below the upper lobe bronchus 104 deep in the main bronchus 102 on the right side in Figure 9, it is sufficient for the maximum bending angle in the Y(-) direction to be smaller than the maximum bending angle in the Y(+) direction.

[0080] In this way, by configuring the distal end rigid section 34 to bend only as much as necessary in the Y(-) direction, efficient operation according to the region to be observed is possible. In particular, when inserting the distal end rigid section 34 into a narrow region such as the bronchus, it is preferable to bend it only as much as necessary. From this perspective, it is also preferable to make the maximum bending angle in the Y(-) direction smaller than the maximum bending angle in the Y(+) direction. In the example of FIG. 12, the maximum bending angle in the Y(-) direction is 90°, but this is not limited to this. For example, the second region 322 may be further bent from the state shown in FIG. 12 so that the maximum bending angle in the Y(-) direction is, for example, 130°.

[0081] As explained above, this specification describes at least the following:

[0082] (1) an insertion section including a distal end portion and a curved portion provided on a proximal end side of the distal end portion; a bending operation unit capable of bending the bending portion, the curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the tip portion; the first region is curved in one direction with a first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation unit, the second region is curved in the one direction at a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation unit, an endoscope in which the length of the second region in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion is equal to or less than the length of the first region in the longitudinal axis direction;

[0083] (2) The endoscope according to (1), An endoscope in which the length of the second region in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section is 0.5 times or more the length of the first region in the longitudinal axis direction.

[0084] (3) The endoscope according to (2), An endoscope in which a first upper limit value of the bending angle of the first region when bending in the one direction by operating the bending operation unit is equal to or greater than a second upper limit value of the bending angle of the second region when bending in the one direction by operating the bending operation unit.

[0085] (4) The endoscope according to (3), The first upper limit value is equal to or greater than 85° and equal to or less than 95°.

[0086] (5) (4) The endoscope according to the present invention, The second upper limit value is equal to or greater than 85° and equal to or less than 95°.

[0087] (6) (5) The endoscope according to the present invention, The endoscope is configured so that the tip end portion of the second region cannot be bent by the bending operation portion.

[0088] (7) (6) The endoscope according to (6), The end of the second region on the tip side is configured to be bendable by an external force.

[0089] (8) An endoscope according to any one of (1) to (7), the bending portion can be bent in the one direction at a bending angle of at least 180° in response to operation of the bending operation portion, an endoscope in which, when the bending section is bent 180° in the one direction, the distal end surface of the distal end section is located further distal than the base end edge of the first region;

[0090] (9) (8) The endoscope according to the present invention, An endoscope in which, when the bending portion is bent 180° in the one direction, the distal end surface of the distal end portion is located in a range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the first region from the base end edge of the first region.

[0091] (10) An endoscope according to any one of (1) to (9), the first region is bent in the one direction when the bending operation unit is operated in a first range, The second region is maintained in a state of extending along the axis of the tip portion when the bending operation section is operated within the first range.

[0092] (11) The endoscope according to (10), an endoscope in which at least a part of the second region is bent in the one direction when the bending operation section is operated in a second range that exceeds the first range;

[0093] (12) The endoscope according to (11), The first region is an endoscope that maintains a bent state when the bending operation unit is operated to the end of the first range on the second range side when the bending operation unit is operated in the second range.

[0094] (13) The endoscope according to any one of (1) to (12), The insertion section is an endoscope having a flexible section provided on the proximal end side of the bending section, and a passive bending section provided between the flexible section and the bending section.

[0095] (14) an insertion section including a distal end portion and a curved portion provided on a proximal end side of the distal end portion; a bending operation unit capable of bending the bending portion, the curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the tip portion; the first region is curved in one direction with a first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation unit, the second region is curved in the one direction at a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation unit, The endoscope is configured so that the tip end portion of the second region cannot be bent by the bending operation portion.

[0096] (15) The endoscope according to (14), The end of the second region on the tip side is configured to be bendable by an external force.

[0097] (16) an insertion section including a distal end portion and a curved portion provided on a proximal end side of the distal end portion; a bending operation unit capable of bending the bending portion, the curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the tip portion; the first region is curved in one direction with a first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation unit, the second region is curved in the one direction at a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation unit, the bending portion can be bent in the one direction at a bending angle of at least 180° in response to operation of the bending operation portion, an endoscope in which, when the bending section is bent 180° in the one direction, the distal end surface of the distal end section is located further distal than the base end edge of the first region;

[0098] (17) The endoscope according to (16), An endoscope in which, when the bending portion is bent 180° in the one direction, the distal end surface of the distal end portion is located in a range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the first region from the base end edge of the first region. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1. Endoscope 10 Control section 12 Insertion section 14 Universal Code 16 Angle lever 22 Suction button 24 Treatment tool introduction port 30 Soft part 31 Passive bending section 32 Curved section 32A First Movable Member 32B, 32Bb Second movable member 320 Movable parts 33 Tip connecting member 33J,35J axis 34 Tip rigid part 35 Base end connecting member 36 Angle rubber 40 Tip body 42 Cap 44,46 aperture 48 Outlet 50 Front part 52 Observation window 60 Lighting window 62 Treatment tool insertion hole 101 Trachea 102 Main bronchus 103 Lungs 104 Upper lobe 105,106 Bronchi 321 1st area 322 Second area 322A part 322B Other parts 323 Connecting members 324 Wire Guide 325,326,327,328 Connecting piece 329 End face L1,L2,L3,L7 distance P1,P2 position L4 interval L5, L6 length

Claims

1. an insertion section including a distal end portion and a curved portion provided on a proximal end side of the distal end portion; a bending operation unit capable of bending the bending portion, the curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the tip portion, the first region is curved in one direction with a first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation unit, the second region is curved in the one direction in response to an operation of the bending operation unit at a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature, An endoscope, wherein the length of the second region in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion is equal to or less than the length of the first region in the longitudinal axis direction.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, An endoscope, wherein the length of the second region in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion is 0.5 times or more the length of the first region in the longitudinal axis direction.

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

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, An endoscope wherein the first upper limit value is equal to or greater than 85° and equal to or less than 95°.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, An endoscope wherein the second upper limit value is equal to or greater than 85° and equal to or less than 95°.

6. The endoscope according to claim 5, An endoscope in which the end portion on the tip side of the second region is configured so that it cannot be bent by the bending operation portion.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, The end of the second region on the tip side is configured to be bendable by an external force.

8. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The bending portion can be bent in the one direction at a bending angle of at least 180° in response to operation of the bending operation portion, An endoscope in which, when the bending portion is bent 180° in one direction, the distal end surface of the distal end portion is located distally of the base end edge of the first region.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, An endoscope wherein, when the bending portion is bent 180° in one direction, the distal end surface of the distal end portion is located in a range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the first region from the base end edge of the first region.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, the first region is bent in the one direction when the bending operation unit is operated within a first range, The second region is maintained in a state of extending along the axis of the tip portion when the bending operation section is operated within the first range.

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, An endoscope in which at least a part of the second region is bent in the one direction when the bending operation portion is operated within a second range that exceeds the first range.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, The first region is an endoscope that maintains a bent state when the bending operation unit is operated to the end of the first range on the second range side when the bending operation unit is operated within the second range.

13. The endoscope according to claim 12, The insertion section is an endoscope having a flexible section provided on the base end side of the bending section, and a passive bending section provided between the flexible section and the bending section.

14. an insertion section including a distal end portion and a curved portion provided on a proximal end side of the distal end portion; a bending operation unit capable of bending the bending portion, the curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the tip portion, the first region is curved in one direction with a first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation unit, the second region is curved in the one direction in response to an operation of the bending operation unit at a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature, An endoscope in which the end portion on the tip side of the second region is configured so that it cannot be bent by the bending operation portion.

15. The endoscope according to claim 14, The end of the second region on the tip side is configured to be bendable by an external force.

16. an insertion section including a distal end portion and a curved portion provided on a proximal end side of the distal end portion; a bending operation unit capable of bending the bending portion, the curved portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the tip portion, the first region is curved in one direction with a first radius of curvature in response to operation of the bending operation unit, the second region is curved in the one direction in response to an operation of the bending operation unit at a second radius of curvature smaller than the first radius of curvature, The bending portion can be bent in the one direction at a bending angle of at least 180° in response to operation of the bending operation portion, An endoscope in which, when the bending portion is bent 180° in one direction, the distal end surface of the distal end portion is located distally of the base end edge of the first region.

17. 17. The endoscope according to claim 16, An endoscope wherein, when the bending portion is bent 180° in one direction, the distal end surface of the distal end portion is located in a range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 4 of the first region from the base end edge of the first region.

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