Endoscopic insertion guide device and endoscopic system

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscopic insertion guide device that can accommodate specific internal structures in a subject, enabling smooth and easy insertion and removal of the endoscopic insertion section, reliably guiding the tip of the insertion section to a desired location inside the subject, and allowing for reliable observation and examination. [Solution] An endoscope insertion guide device 4 is used in an endoscope equipped with an insertion portion 5 that extends in the longitudinal direction and has a tip and a base, and guides the insertion of the insertion portion into a subject, comprising a flat plate-shaped member 4a that extends in the longitudinal direction and has a width perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a thickness perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the width, with the thickness being smaller than the width, and a holding member 4b that attaches and holds the tip portion of the insertion portion to the widthwise side surface on the tip side of the flat plate-shaped member, wherein the flat plate-shaped member has a bent portion 4c that bends in the thickness direction at its tip, and the holding member is disposed on the base side of the bent portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope insertion guide device for guiding the insertion of an insertion portion of an endoscope when inserting the endoscope insertion portion into a narrow internal space of a subject such as a structure, and an endoscope system including the endoscope insertion guide device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, endoscope systems have been widely used in, for example, the medical field and the industrial field. Among these, industrial endoscope systems used in the industrial field insert an insertion portion provided with an imaging unit at the tip into the internal space of a structure such as an industrial plant or various engines (hereinafter referred to as a subject) to observe and inspect the internal state.

[0003] In industrial endoscope systems, many subjects to be observed and inspected have a complex internal structure and are formed with many narrow spaces inside. It is well known that it is difficult to insert a flexible insertion portion into such a complex internal structure and narrow space.

[0004] Therefore, in this type of endoscope system, technical devices for smoothly and easily inserting the endoscope have always been desired regardless of the internal structure of the subject.

[0005] For example, regarding an endoscope insertion guide device used when inserting an endoscope insertion portion into a narrow internal space of a subject and guiding the insertion of the insertion portion, various conventional proposals have been made, for example, by Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-189897, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-14130, and the like.

[0006] The endoscope insertion guide device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-189897, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-14130, etc. comprises a flexible tubular member through which the insertion portion of an endoscope is inserted, and a flat, elastic strip-shaped guide member, wherein the tubular member is positioned on the plane of the strip-shaped guide member, and the tip of the tubular member is positioned and fixed in the tip region on the plane of the strip-shaped guide member.

[0007] With this configuration, the conventional endoscope insertion guide device described in the above-mentioned publications can smoothly insert and remove the endoscope insertion section into internal spaces such as pipes that are linear, spiral, or helical, and at the same time guide the tip of the endoscope insertion section to a desired position inside the subject. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-189897 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-14130 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, conventional endoscope insertion guide devices disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-189897, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-14130, etc. employ a configuration in which a tubular member is positioned and arranged on the plane (thickness direction) of a flat plate member. As a result, for example, bending of the guide member in a specific direction (particularly in the thickness direction of the flat plate member) tends to be hindered. Therefore, with such conventional configurations, it may not be possible to further improve the ease of insertion of the endoscope insertion part into the subject.

[0010] Furthermore, conventional endoscope insertion guide devices have a configuration that includes a tubular member through which the insertion section is inserted, which has the problem of potentially increasing the insertion diameter and making the guide device itself larger.

[0011] Furthermore, the internal structure of specimens targeted by endoscopic insertion guide devices has become increasingly complex in recent years. For example, when observing specimens with structures that are wide in the width direction but narrow in the thickness direction, conventional endoscopic insertion guide devices are no longer adequately able to handle such situations.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide an endoscope insertion guide device and an endoscope system including the endoscope insertion guide device that can correspond to specific internal structures in a subject, enable smooth and easy insertion and removal of the endoscope insertion section, and reliably guide the tip of the endoscope insertion section to a desired location inside the subject, thereby enabling reliable observation and examination. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above objective, an endoscopic insertion guide device according to one aspect of the present invention is used with an endoscope having an insertion portion that extends in the longitudinal direction and has a tip and a base, and is an endoscopic insertion guide device that guides the insertion of the insertion portion into a subject, comprising: a flat plate-shaped member that extends in the longitudinal direction and has a width perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a thickness perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the width, wherein the thickness is formed to be smaller than the width; and a holding member that attaches and holds the tip portion of the insertion portion to the widthwise side surface of the tip side of the flat plate-shaped member, wherein the flat plate-shaped member has a bent portion that bends in the thickness direction at its tip, and the holding member is disposed on the base side of the bent portion.

[0014] An endoscope system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an endoscope comprising: an insertion section having an elongated tube shape with a tip and a base extending in the longitudinal direction; an operating section to which the base end of the insertion section is connected and which is equipped with various operating members; and a cable extending from the operating section; and an endoscope insertion guide device for guiding the insertion of the insertion section, wherein the endoscope insertion guide device comprises: a flat plate-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion section and having a width perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a thickness perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the width, wherein the thickness is formed to be smaller than the width; and a holding member for attaching and holding the tip portion of the insertion section to the side surface in the width direction of the flat plate-shaped member, wherein the flat plate-shaped member has a bent portion at its tip that bends in the thickness direction, and the mounting member is disposed on the base end side of the bent portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope insertion guide device and an endoscope system including the endoscope insertion guide device that can correspond to a specific internal structure in a subject, enable smooth and easy insertion and removal of the endoscope insertion part, and reliably guide the tip of the endoscope insertion part to a desired location inside the subject, thereby enabling reliable observation and examination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing one example configuration of an endoscope system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an endoscopic insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] A plan view of the endoscope insertion guide device shown in Figure 2, viewed from the front (in the direction indicated by the arrow [3] in Figure 2). [Figure 4] An example of the structure of a subject being observed using an endoscope system including an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, along with a schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of the internal structure of the subject. [Figure 5]A view seen from the direction of arrow [5] in FIG. 4 (a view of the insertion port seen from the front), and a view schematically showing the extent of the internal space of the subject, [Figure 6] An operation diagram showing a state where the tip of the insertion guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention abuts against a vertical wall surface after being inserted into the internal space of the subject, [Figure 7] An operation diagram showing the state after the state of FIG. 6 and when the traveling direction of the tip of the insertion guide device is changed upward, [Figure 8] A partially enlarged perspective view showing a part of the tip region of the insertion guide device according to a first modification of an embodiment of the present invention, [Figure 9] A plan view seen from the front of the insertion guide device in FIG. 8 (the direction indicated by arrow [9] in FIG. 8), [Figure 10] An operation diagram of the insertion guide device in FIG. 8, [Figure 11] A partially enlarged perspective view showing a part of the tip region of the insertion guide device according to a second modification of an embodiment of the present invention, [Figure 12] A plan view seen from the front of the insertion guide device in FIG. 11 (the direction indicated by arrow

[12] in FIG. 11), [Figure 13] A plan view seen from the side of the insertion guide device in FIG. 11 (the direction indicated by arrow

[13] in FIG. 11), [Figure 14] An operation diagram of the insertion guide device in FIG. 11, [Figure 15] A partially enlarged perspective view showing a part of the tip region of the insertion guide device according to a third modification of an embodiment of the present invention, [Figure 16] A plan view seen from the front of the insertion guide device in FIG. 15 (the direction indicated by arrow

[16] in FIG. 15), [Figure 17] A partially enlarged perspective view showing a part of the tip region of the insertion guide device according to a fourth modification of an embodiment of the present invention, [Figure 18] A partially enlarged perspective view showing a part of the tip region of the insertion guide device according to a fifth modification of an embodiment of the present invention, [Figure 19] A partially enlarged perspective view showing a part of the tip region of the insertion guide device according to a sixth modification of an embodiment of the present invention, [Figure 20]An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a seventh modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of the eighth modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a ninth modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device in a 10th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of an eleventh modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a 12th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a 13th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] Enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device of the 14th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a 15th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] A perspective view showing the schematic configuration of an insertion guide device of a 16th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] Figure 29 is a diagram showing the intermediate state of the folding process of the insertion guide device. [Figure 31] Figure 29 shows the folded state of the insertion guide device. [Figure 32] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device of the 17th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of the 18th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] Figure 33 shows the operation of the insertion guide device when it is stored. [Figure 35]An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a 19th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device of the 20th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a 21st modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a 22nd modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a 23rd modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a 24th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] An enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of an insertion guide device of a 25th modified example of one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The drawings used in the following description are schematic. Therefore, in these drawings, each component is shown at a size that is recognizable on the drawing. For this reason, the dimensional relationships and scales of each component may differ for each component shown on the drawing. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated forms with respect to the quantity, shape, size ratio, relative positional relationship, etc., of each component shown in each drawing.

[0018] [One embodiment] First, the schematic configuration of an endoscope system including an endoscope insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described below. Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing one example of the configuration of an endoscope system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a part of the tip region of the endoscope insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a plan view of the endoscope insertion guide device of Figure 2 as seen from the front (in the direction indicated by the arrow [3] in Figure 2).

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the endoscope system 1 is composed of an endoscope 2, a main unit 3, an endoscope insertion guide device (hereinafter referred to as the insertion guide device) 4, etc.

[0020] The endoscope 2 consists of an insertion section 5, an operating section 6, and a universal cable 7. The insertion section 5 extends in the longitudinal direction, has a tip and a base, and is formed in a slender, flexible tubular shape.

[0021] Here, the end of the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2 on the side where the tip portion is located is referred to as the tip. The end opposite to this tip, i.e., the end on the side where the operating section 6 is located, is referred to as the base end.

[0022] Furthermore, the insertion section 5 has a bending operation lever 5a and a connecting connector 5b at its base end. The bending operation lever 5a is an operating member that performs bending operations on a curved section (not shown) that forms a part of the insertion section 5. The bending operation lever 5a pulls or slackens a plurality of bending operation wires (not shown) that are inserted and arranged to move back and forth in the longitudinal direction inside the insertion section 5, in accordance with the operation, thereby performing bending operations on the curved section.

[0023] The connection connector 5b is a connecting member that connects the insertion part 5 and the operating part 6. The connection connector 5b connects the insertion part 5 and the operating part 6 by being connected to the connection connector 6b provided on the tip side of the operating part 6.

[0024] The operation unit 6 is a component unit having a plurality of operating members 6a and a connection connector 6b. The plurality of operating members 6a are used to perform various operations on the endoscope 2, such as zoom operations to enlarge or reduce the display of observation images (hereinafter simply referred to as "display images") displayed on the display screen, brightness adjustment operations for display images, menu display operations, switching of display modes for display images, and recording or playback instructions for moving or still images. Various forms of operation members 6a can be adopted, such as push buttons, slide switches, and rotary dials.

[0025] As described above, the connection connector 6b is connected to the connection connector 5b of the insertion section 5 and is a connecting member that connects the operating section 6 and the insertion section 5.

[0026] The universal cable 7 is a long, slender cable extending from the base end of the control unit 6. Various signal cables and light guide bundles are inserted into the universal cable 7, and a connection connector 7a is provided at its tip. This connection connector 7a is connected to the connector part (not shown) of the main unit 3. In this way, the universal cable 7 electrically connects the control unit 6 and the main unit 3.

[0027] The main unit 3 incorporates a central processing unit (CPU), ROM, RAM, control unit, image processing unit, light source, mass storage device, display device, etc. The connection connector 7a of the universal cable 7 is connected to the main unit 3.

[0028] The display device included in the main unit 3 displays images based on image data acquired by an image sensor (not shown) located at the tip of the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2, as well as various information generated by the control unit, etc.

[0029] In addition to the configuration in which the light source is placed in the main unit 3, it may also be placed inside the control unit 6. In this configuration, the light guide bundle inside the universal cable 7 can be omitted.

[0030] The endoscope 2 and main unit 3 configured in this way are basically assumed to have substantially the same configuration as conventionally known endoscopes, and therefore, explanations and illustrations of configurations other than those described above are omitted.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the insertion guide device 4 of one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the insertion guide device 4 of this embodiment comprises a flat plate-shaped member 4a made of a slippery resin such as acrylic, PEEK, or Teflon (registered trademark), or a metal plate such as stainless steel, and a cylindrical member 4b.

[0033] The flat plate-like member 4a is formed from a flat plate that is stretched in the longitudinal direction and formed into a flat, strip-like shape. The cross section of the flat plate-like member 4a perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is rectangular (a quadrilateral with all right angles) with a width W perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a thickness T perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the width W.

[0034] Here, the thickness T of the plate-shaped member 4a in cross-section is smaller than the width W (W > T). Therefore, with this configuration, the plate-shaped member 4a has flexible flexibility in the thickness T direction, but is inflexible or has little flexibility in the width W direction.

[0035] Furthermore, the flat plate-shaped member 4a is bent in one direction in the thickness T direction and has a bent portion 4c that protrudes diagonally forward from its tip.

[0036] The cylindrical member 4b is a retaining member that attaches and holds the tip portion of the insertion portion 5 to the lateral portion of the flat plate-shaped member 4a in the width direction W. The cylindrical member 4b has a through hole 4ba through which the insertion portion 5 is inserted, and a locking portion 4bb that fixes the insertion portion 5 in the state where it is inserted into the through hole 4ba, and is formed in a short cylindrical shape overall. The cylindrical member 4b is positioned on the lateral portion of the flat plate-shaped member 4a near the tip, and is located on the base end side of the bent portion 4c.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the cylindrical member 4b has a width W1. Therefore, the width dimension of the insertion guide device 4 itself is W+W1. From this, the subjects targeted for observation and examination using the insertion guide device 4 are those with an insertion opening that has a width dimension at least greater than W+W1.

[0038] Although detailed illustrations are omitted for this document, the locking portion 4bb can utilize known fastening means such as a click-stop mechanism or a snap-fit ​​mechanism. For this purpose, the cylindrical member 4b is made of, for example, an elastic resin material.

[0039] In this case, a firm and secure fixation force is not required; a slightly weaker fixation force is sufficient. For example, when inserting the insertion guide device 4, to which the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2 is attached, into the body of the subject, a fixation force sufficient to ensure that the insertion section 5 remains fixed to the cylindrical member 4b is sufficient.

[0040] This is for the following reasons. Specifically, the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2 is guided to the desired observation site inside the subject using the insertion guide device 4, and then advanced further forward through the bent section 4c for observation. At this time, the insertion section 5 needs to be able to move back and forth while inserted through the through-hole 4ba. Therefore, the fixing force of the insertion section 5 by the locking section 4bb is such that, even when the insertion section 5 is inside the subject, the fixing state of the insertion section 5 by the locking section 4bb can be released as needed by moving the insertion section 5 forward or backward.

[0041] Furthermore, the cylindrical member 4b may also be configured to have a function for inserting and locking, for example, a treatment tool 8, in addition to the insertion portion 5 (see Figure 3).

[0042] In the above description, the cylindrical member 4b is provided at a part of the tip of the flat plate member 4a, but a flexible tube member extending to the base end of the flat plate member 4a may also be used. The tube member can be made of urethane, Teflon (registered trademark), nylon, Hytrel, etc., and an endoscope 2 can be inserted into it, pushed out from the base end, and the endoscope 2 can be pushed out from the tip of the tube member to advance it deep into the subject's body.

[0043] Next, the operation of using the endoscopic system 1, which includes the insertion guide device 4 configured in this way, to observe and examine the internal space of a subject will be explained below.

[0044] Here, the structure of the specimen in which the insertion guide device 4 of this embodiment is used is assumed to be such that, for example, the insertion opening leading to the internal space of the specimen has a cross-sectional area that allows the insertion guide device 4 to be inserted, and the internal space beyond the insertion opening has a structure that is wider in the width direction but narrower in the thickness direction.

[0045] Specifically, for example, we envision a subject structure as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a subject structure to be observed and examined using the endoscope system including the insertion guide device of this embodiment. Of these, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of the internal structure of the subject. Figure 5 is a view from the direction of the arrow [5] in Figure 4 (a view of the insertion port from the front), and together with it schematically shows the extent of the internal space of the subject.

[0046] In the specimen 100 shown in Figures 4 and 5, the insertion opening 101 is assumed to be elliptical or rectangular in shape with width Wx and thickness Tx (the illustrated example is elliptical). Here, since the width dimension Wa of the insertion guide device 4 is the width W of the flat plate member 4a + the width W1 of the cylindrical member 4b, the width Wx of the insertion opening 101 is greater than the width W+W1 of the flat plate member 4a itself (Wx>W+W1).

[0047] Furthermore, the internal space beyond the insertion opening 101 has a structure that is wider in the width direction but narrower in the thickness direction. In addition, the specimen 100 shown in Figures 4 and 5 has a structure that extends vertically (in the Y direction) after advancing beyond the insertion opening 101 (in the Z direction).

[0048] In the case of a subject 100 with such a structure, it is difficult to advance the endoscope 2 on its own in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction), especially upward (direction Y1). For example, if the tip hits the wall and then changes direction in the Y1 direction and is raised to insert into the interior, if the width is wide or the pipe is large in diameter, even if one tries to advance it upward, the endoscope 2 will tilt laterally to the left or right relative to the direction of advancement (upward) due to its own weight, causing it to move diagonally and making it impossible to raise it straight.

[0049] Even with a subject 100 having such an internal structure, observation and inspection can be easily performed by using the insertion guide device 4 of this embodiment. Specific examples of subjects having this type of structure include gaps in the walls of buildings and support poles for large-diameter outdoor streetlights, etc.

[0050] The operation of the endoscope system 1, including the insertion guide device 4 of this embodiment, when performing observation and examination of the internal space of a subject is generally as follows. Figures 6 and 7 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the endoscope system including the insertion guide device of this embodiment. Figure 6 shows the state after the insertion guide device has been inserted into the internal space of the subject and its tip is in contact with the vertical wall. Figure 7 shows the state after the tip of the insertion guide device has changed direction of travel upwards after the state in Figure 6.

[0051] First, the tip of the insertion part 5 is inserted through the through hole 4ba of the cylindrical member 4b of the insertion guide device 4, and the tip of the insertion part 5 is fixed by the locking part 4bb. As a result, the insertion guide device 4 is in the state shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0052] The tip of the insertion guide device 4 is inserted into the internal space through the insertion opening 101 of the subject 100, and the insertion guide device 4 is pushed in the direction indicated by arrow F in Figure 4. The state at this time is shown in Figure 4.

[0053] Eventually, the tip of the insertion guide device 4 (the tip of the bent portion 4c) comes into contact with the vertical wall surface 102 of the internal space of the subject 100, as shown in Figure 6. From this state, the insertion guide device 4 is further advanced in the direction of arrow F. Then, the tip of the insertion guide device 4 changes its course upward along the vertical wall surface 102 (in the direction of arrow Y1), as shown in Figure 7 (see position [A] in Figure 7). At this time, the direction of advancement of the tip of the insertion guide device 4 corresponds to the bending direction of the bent portion 4c. Therefore, if the desired observation area in the internal space is known in advance, it is desirable to set the bending direction of the bent portion 4c when inserting the insertion guide device 4 into the subject.

[0054] Here, as the insertion guide device 4 is further advanced in the direction of arrow F, the insertion guide device 4 is flexible in the thickness direction and has elasticity, so it is pressed against the wall surface, while it has no (or little) flexibility in the width direction, so it does not fall over in the width direction, and therefore the tip of the insertion guide device 4 advances along the vertical wall surface 102 (see position [B] in Figure 7).

[0055] In this way, the insertion guide device 4 guides the tip of the insertion section 5 to the desired location inside the subject. When the insertion section 5 reaches the desired location, the insertion guide device 4 maintains its position inside the subject and pushes the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2 in the insertion direction. As a result, the tip of the insertion section 5 can advance further forward than the bent section 4c at the tip of the insertion guide device 4, as shown in Figure 7 (see reference numeral [B] in Figure 7). When the endoscope 2 is used with the tip of the cylindrical member 4b extended, the cylindrical member 4b being on the proximal end side means that when the flat plate-shaped member 4a hits the subject and changes direction, the endoscope 2 moves away, making it less likely to be directly hit by the subject and thus less prone to malfunction. When the endoscope 2 is used aligned with the tip of the cylindrical member 4b, the cylindrical member 4b being on the proximal end side means that the flat plate-shaped member 4a hits the subject first, and the tip of the endoscope 2 does not directly hit the subject, making it less likely to be directly hit by force and thus less prone to malfunction.

[0056] In this state, for example, by operating the bending lever 9 of the operating unit 6 to bend the curved part of the insertion unit 5, the direction of observation and inspection can be changed, allowing observation and inspection of desired parts such as the wall surface. Furthermore, by pressing the operating member corresponding to the desired function among the multiple operating members 6a of the operating unit 6, an image of the area to be observed and inspected can be displayed on the display screen of the display device of the main unit 3 in a predetermined form (such as a still image or a moving image), or image data can be recorded or played back.

[0057] Furthermore, if a tube member extending from the tip to the base is used instead of the cylindrical member 4b, the endoscope 2 can be pushed out further from the tube member, allowing insertion into even narrower areas (not shown) further inside.

[0058] In this manner, after performing the desired observation and examination, once the observation and examination is complete, the insertion part 5 is first removed so that its tip is fixed to the cylindrical member 4b. In this state, the insertion guide device 4 is moved in the removal direction (opposite direction to arrow F). During this process, the insertion guide device 4 moves smoothly along the wall surface within the internal space of the subject. Therefore, the insertion guide device 4 can be removed smoothly and easily.

[0059] Note that the configuration of the endoscopic system 1 shown in Figure 1 is merely an example.

[0060] Therefore, the internal structure of a specimen suitable for observation and inspection using the insertion guide device 4 of this embodiment is not limited to the structure shown in the example above. For example, it is also effective for the following specimens. Specifically, for example, a structure in which the internal space beyond the insertion port is formed with an oblique bias in the left-right width direction (X-axis direction), or a complex structure in which the insertion passage in the internal space changes multiple times or repeatedly in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) or the left-right width direction (X-axis direction). Examples of specimens having this kind of complex structure include, for example, various internal combustion engines.

[0061] As described above, according to the above embodiment, the insertion guide device 4 is used with an endoscope 2 that has an insertion portion 5 extending in the longitudinal direction and having a tip and a base, and guides the insertion of the insertion portion 5 into the subject 100.

[0062] The insertion guide device 4 comprises a flat plate-shaped member 4a that extends in the longitudinal direction and has a width W perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a thickness T perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the width W, with the thickness T being smaller than the width W, and a cylindrical member 4b that attaches the tip portion of the insertion part 5 to the side of the flat plate-shaped member 4a in the width W direction. Here, the flat plate-shaped member 4a has a bent portion 4c at its tip that bends in the thickness T direction. The cylindrical member 4b is cylindrical in shape and has a through hole 4ba through which the insertion part 5 is inserted, and a locking portion 4bb that fixes the tip portion of the insertion part 5 in the state where it is inserted into the through hole 4ba, and is positioned on the base end side of the bent portion 4c.

[0063] The insertion guide device 4, having the above configuration, is suitable for observing and examining a subject 100 in which the internal space beyond the insertion opening 101 has a structure that widens in the width W direction while being narrow in the thickness T direction, and furthermore, has an internal space that extends vertically (in the Y direction) after advancing beyond the insertion opening 101 (in the Z direction).

[0064] In other words, when performing an observation and inspection of the inside of a subject having such an internal space, first, after inserting the insertion guide device 4 through the insertion port 101, even if the internal space expands in the width direction, the insertion part 5 attached to the flat plate-shaped member 4a can be moved in a straight line without being swayed in the left-right width direction.

[0065] Furthermore, when the internal space beyond the insertion opening 101 contains a vertical wall 102, and there is a space extending vertically (in the Y-axis direction) from the vertical wall 102, the direction of travel of the insertion guide device 4 can be smoothly changed simply by applying a pushing force in the straight direction after the tip of the insertion guide device 4 comes into contact with the vertical wall 102.

[0066] This is because, since a bent portion 4c is provided at the tip of the flat plate-shaped member 4a, the tip of the bent portion 4c can move smoothly along the internal wall surface even in the curved portion of the internal space. Therefore, the provision of the bent portion 4c contributes to improving insertability in the curved portion of the internal space.

[0067] The flat plate-shaped member 4a is formed with a thickness T smaller than its width W (W > T), and at the same time, the tip of the insertion part 5 is attached to a cylindrical member 4b provided on the side surface of the flat plate-shaped member 4a. This configuration allows for easy bending of the flat plate-shaped member 4a in the direction of its thickness T.

[0068] Therefore, by using the insertion guide device 4 of this embodiment, the insertion and removal of the insertion section 5 can always be achieved smoothly and easily. At the same time, the insertion guide device 4 allows the tip portion of the insertion section 5 to be easily and reliably guided to the desired location inside the subject. Therefore, reliable observation and examination can always be performed. Furthermore, smooth operation can be ensured even when removing the insertion section 5.

[0069] The insertion guide device 4 of the above-described embodiment is shown as being constructed using a single flat plate-shaped member 4a, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The insertion guide device of one embodiment of the present invention can be constructed in various modified forms as shown below.

[0070] Furthermore, each of the modifications described below basically has a configuration substantially similar to the embodiment described above, or substantially similar configurations among the modifications themselves. Therefore, in the descriptions of each of the modifications shown below, the same reference numerals are used for components that are the same as those in the embodiment described above, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. Only the different components are described in detail below.

[0071] [First variation] Figures 8 to 10 show a first modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device of the first modified example. Figure 9 is a plan view of the insertion guide device of Figure 8 as seen from the front (in the direction indicated by the arrow [9] in Figure 8). Figure 10 shows the operation of the insertion guide device of Figure 8.

[0072] The insertion guide device 4A of the first modified example differs in that it is constructed with two flat plate-shaped members (4a1, 4a2), as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

[0073] The insertion guide device 4A of the first modified example comprises a first flat plate member 4a1, a second flat plate member 4a2, and a cylindrical member 4b. Of these, the first flat plate member 4a1 has substantially the same configuration as the flat plate member 4a in the above-described embodiment and has a bent portion 4c at its tip. The second flat plate member 4a2 is a simple flat plate obtained by removing the bent portion 4c from the first flat plate member 4a1.

[0074] The first flat plate member 4a1 and the second flat plate member 4a2 are stacked in the thickness direction. The two flat plate members (4a1, 4a2) are bundled together at the tip using a clamp 4d so as to maintain the stacked state. In this case, the first flat plate member 4a1 is slidably positioned relative to the second flat plate member 4a2 in the direction along arrow S in Figure 8.

[0075] With this configuration, the insertion guide device 4A of the first modified example has a width W and a thickness Tx2 = 2T, where the thickness 2T is smaller than the width W (W > 2T). Here, the thickness T of each plate-shaped member (4a1, 4a2) may be set to be smaller than the thickness T of the flat plate-shaped member 4a in the above-described embodiment. In this way, even when multiple flat plate-shaped members are stacked, the overall thickness dimension can be kept down. The other configurations are substantially the same as the insertion guide device 4 of the above-described embodiment.

[0076] The operation of the insertion guide device 4A of the first modified example configured in this way is substantially the same as that of the embodiment described above. Furthermore, in the first modified example, when the first flat plate member 4a1 is in the first state shown in Figure 8, it can be moved by sliding it in the direction of arrow S1 in Figure 10 by a predetermined amount, thereby displacing it to the second state shown in Figure 10.

[0077] As described above, the insertion guide device 4A of the first modified example can achieve substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the first modified example, when displaced to the second state, the tip region can be made more flexible compared to the first state.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first modified example, the flexibility of the tip region can be adjusted by adjusting the amount of sliding of the first flat plate-shaped member 4a1 in the second state.

[0079] In the first modified example described above, an example is shown in which two flat plate-shaped members (4a1, 4a2) are used, but for example, a configuration in which three or more flat plate-shaped members are laminated may also be used. In such a configuration as well, the thickness T is always set to be smaller than the width W.

[0080] [Second variation] Figures 11 to 14 show a second modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device of the second modified example. Figure 12 is a plan view of the insertion guide device of Figure 11 as seen from the front (in the direction indicated by the arrow

[12] in Figure 11). Figure 13 is a plan view of the insertion guide device of Figure 11 as seen from the side (in the direction indicated by the arrow

[13] in Figure 11). Figure 14 is a diagram showing the operation of the insertion guide device of Figure 11.

[0081] The second modified insertion guide device 4B differs in that, as shown in Figure 11, it is composed of three flat plate-shaped members (4a1, 4a2, 4a3).

[0082] The insertion guide device 4B of the second modified example comprises a first flat plate member 4a1, a second flat plate member 4a2, a third flat plate member 4a3, and a cylindrical member 4b.

[0083] Of these, the first flat plate member 4a1 and the third flat plate member 4a3 have substantially the same configuration as the first flat plate member 4a1 of the first modified example described above, and each end is provided with a first bent portion 4c1 and a second bent portion 4c2, respectively.

[0084] Furthermore, the second flat plate-shaped member 4a2 has substantially the same configuration as the second flat plate-shaped member 4a2 of the first modified example described above, and is simply a flat plate without a bent portion at its tip.

[0085] Furthermore, the first flat plate-shaped member 4a1, the second flat plate-shaped member 4a2, and the third flat plate-shaped member 4a3 are stacked in the thickness direction. In this case, the second flat plate-shaped member 4a2 is sandwiched between the first flat plate-shaped member 4a1 and the third flat plate-shaped member 4a3. At this time, the first bent portion 4c1 of the first flat plate-shaped member 4a1 and the second bent portion 4c2 of the third flat plate-shaped member 4a3 are both arranged to bend toward the side of the second flat plate-shaped member 4a2.

[0086] These three flat plate-shaped members (4a1, 4a2, 4a3) are bundled together at the tip using a clamp 4d so as to maintain the stacked state. In this case, the first flat plate-shaped member 4a1 and the third flat plate-shaped member 4a3 are slidably positioned relative to the second flat plate-shaped member 4a2 in the direction along the arrow S in Figures 11 and 13.

[0087] With this configuration, the insertion guide device 4B of the second modified example has a width W and a thickness Tx3 = 3T, where the thickness 3T is smaller than the width W (W > 3T). The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4A of the first modified example described above.

[0088] Furthermore, when the insertion guide device 4B of the second modified example configured in this way is in the first state shown in Figures 11 and 13, the first flat plate member 4a1 or the third flat plate member 4a3 can be moved by a predetermined amount by sliding it in the direction of arrow S1 in Figure 14 to displace it to the second state shown in Figure 14. Note that the state shown in Figure 14 is the second state when the first flat plate member 4a1 is displaced. The case when the third flat plate member 4a3 is displaced is substantially the same, although it is not shown in the illustration.

[0089] The operation of the insertion guide device 4B of the second modified example configured in this way is substantially the same as that of the first modified example described above.

[0090] In the second modified example, when inserting the insertion guide device 4B into the subject, it is kept in the first state shown in Figures 11 and 13. In this state, for example, suppose the tip of the insertion guide device 4B comes into contact with a vertical wall surface. In this case, the first flat plate-shaped member 4a1 is slid in the direction of arrow S1 in Figure 14. Then, the insertion guide device 4B is displaced to the second state. At this time, the insertion guide device 4B changes its direction of travel in the direction of the bending of the bent portion 4c1 of the first flat plate-shaped member 4a1.

[0091] Similarly, the third flat plate-shaped member 4a3 is slid in the direction of arrow S1 in Figure 14. As a result, the insertion guide device 4B, which has been displaced to the second state, changes its direction of travel in the direction of the bending of the bent portion 4c2 of the third flat plate-shaped member 4a3.

[0092] As described above, the insertion guide device 4B of the second modified example can achieve substantially the same effects as the first modified example described above. Furthermore, with the second modified example, if, for example, there is a vertically branching insertion passage in the internal space of the object to be examined, the direction of travel can be selected by deciding which of the first flat plate member 4a1 and the third flat plate member 4a3 to slide when displacing to the second state.

[0093] [Third variation] Figures 15 and 16 show a third modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figure 15 is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device of the third modified example. Figure 16 is a plan view of the insertion guide device of Figure 15 as seen from the front (in the direction indicated by the arrow

[16] in Figure 15).

[0094] The insertion guide device 4C of the third modified example, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, is constructed with two flat plate-shaped members (4a1, 4a2), similar to the first modified example described above, but differs in that a flexible printed circuit board 4e is placed between these two flat plate-shaped members (4a1, 4a2).

[0095] The insertion guide device 4C of the third modified example comprises a first flat plate member 4a1, a second flat plate member 4a2, a cylindrical member 4b, and a flexible printed circuit board 4e. Of these, the first flat plate member 4a1 and the second flat plate member 4a2 are substantially the same as the two flat plate members (4a1, 4a2) of the first modified example described above.

[0096] In the third modified example, the arrangement of the first flat plate member 4a1 and the second flat plate member 4a2 is different. This configuration is to avoid interference between the bent portion 4c and the electrical component 4f (described later) located at the tip of the insertion guide device 4C.

[0097] The first flat plate member 4a1 and the second flat plate member 4a2 are stacked in the thickness direction and are bundled together at the tip region using a clamp 4d. In this case, the first flat plate member 4a1 is slidable relative to the second flat plate member 4a2 in the direction along arrow S in Figure 15.

[0098] A flexible printed circuit board 4e is sandwiched between the first flat plate member 4a1 and the second flat plate member 4a2. An electrode (not shown) extends from the tip of this flexible printed circuit board 4e, and an electrical component 4f, such as a temperature sensor or pressure sensor, is connected to this electrode. This electrical component 4f is exposed on the tip side of the insertion guide device 4C. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4B of the first modified example described above.

[0099] The operation of the insertion guide device 4C of the third modified example configured in this way is substantially the same as that of the first modified example described above.

[0100] As explained above, the insertion guide device 4C of the third modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the first modified example described above. Furthermore, according to the third modified example, a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor can be provided as an electrical component 4f at the tip of the insertion guide device 4C, so that the environmental conditions inside the specimen (such as temperature) or the contact pressure when the tip of the insertion guide device 4C comes into contact with a wall surface can be detected.

[0101] Furthermore, sensors are connected to this flexible printed circuit board 4e later to measure physical quantities of the internal environment, and by making the tip of this board a connector, sensor replacement can be easily facilitated. In addition, the sensors can be integrated into the flexible printed circuit board 4e. It is also possible to measure the shape of the insertion guide device 4C by sandwiching the sensor itself, rather than using the flexible printed circuit board 4e.

[0102] In the third modified example described above, a configuration example using two flat plate-shaped members (4a1, 4a2) is shown, similar to the first modified example described above, but the configuration is not limited to this example. For example, a configuration example in which three or more flat plate-shaped members are stacked may also be used. In such a configuration, the thickness T is always set to be smaller than the width W.

[0103] [Fourth variation] Figure 17 shows a fourth modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0104] As shown in Figure 17, the insertion guide device 4D of the fourth modified example differs from the modified examples described above in the arrangement of the three flat plate members (4a1, 4a2, 4a3) relative to each other.

[0105] The insertion guide device 4D of the fourth modified example comprises a first flat plate member 4a1, a second flat plate member 4a2, a third flat plate member 4a3, and a cylindrical member 4b.

[0106] Of these, the first flat plate-shaped member 4a1 has substantially the same configuration as the first flat plate-shaped member 4a1 of the first modified example described above, and has a first bent portion 4c at its tip.

[0107] Furthermore, the second flat plate member 4a2 and the third flat plate member 4a3 have substantially the same configuration as the second flat plate member 4a2 of the first modified example described above, and are simply flat plates without a bent portion at the tip.

[0108] Furthermore, the first flat plate member 4a1, the second flat plate member 4a2, and the third flat plate member 4a3 are stacked in the thickness direction. In this case, the ends of the three flat plate members (4a1, 4a2, 4a3) are offset by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction. Here, the end of the first flat plate member 4a1 is positioned at the tip, the end of the second flat plate member 4a2 is positioned at a predetermined distance closer to the base, and then the end of the third flat plate member 4a3 is positioned at a predetermined distance closer to the base.

[0109] In this case, the three flat plate-shaped members (4a1, 4a2, 4a3) are fixed to each other so as to maintain a predetermined positional relationship.

[0110] The cylindrical member 4b is positioned on the widthwise side surface of the first flat plate member 4a1, closer to the base end than the bent portion 4c. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4A of the second modified example described above.

[0111] As described above, the insertion guide device 4D of the fourth modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the fourth modified example, since there are fewer stacked plate-like members towards the tip, greater flexibility can be ensured. Therefore, this can improve the ease of insertion at the bending portion in the internal space of the specimen.

[0112] In the fourth modified example described above, three flat plate-shaped members (4a1, 4a2, 4a3) are fixed in place, but the configuration is not limited to this example. For example, as in the second and third modified examples, a configuration in which multiple flat plate-shaped members can be fixed together using clamps 4d to ensure sliding in the longitudinal direction is also possible.

[0113] [Fifth variation] Figure 18 shows a fifth modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0114] The fifth modified insertion guide device 4E, as shown in Figure 18, has a configuration substantially the same as the fourth modified example described above, but the shapes of the three flat plate-shaped members (4Ea1, 4Ea2, 4a3) are different.

[0115] The insertion guide device 4E of the fifth modified example comprises a first flat plate member 4Ea1, a second flat plate member 4Ea2, a third flat plate member 4a3, and a cylindrical member 4b.

[0116] Of these, the first flat plate-shaped member 4Ea1 and the second or larger flat plate-shaped member 4Ea2 are formed in a tapered shape, narrowing in width towards the tip. The first flat plate-shaped member 4Ea1 has a first bent portion 4c at its tip. The second flat plate-shaped member 4Ea2 is simply a flat plate without a bent portion at its tip.

[0117] The cylindrical member 4b is positioned on the widthwise side of the portion near the tip where the three flat plate members (4Ea1, 4Ea2, 4a3) are stacked. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4D of the fourth modified example described above.

[0118] As explained above, the insertion guide device 4E of the fifth modification provides substantially the same effects as the fourth modification described above. Furthermore, in the fifth modification, the tips of the first flat plate member 4Ea1 and the second flat plate member 4Ea2 are formed in a tapered shape, thus ensuring even greater flexibility compared to the fourth modification described above. Therefore, this contributes to further improving the ease of insertion of the endoscope insertion section into the subject.

[0119] In addition, in the fifth modified example described above, the three flat plate members are not limited to a fixed configuration; multiple flat plate members may be arranged using clamps 4d to ensure sliding in the longitudinal direction.

[0120] In the fifth modified example, a configuration consisting of three flat plate-shaped members was shown, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a configuration substantially similar to the first modified example described above, i.e., a configuration consisting of one flat plate-shaped member, may be used, in which the tip of the flat plate-shaped member may be formed in a tapered shape.

[0121] [Sixth variation] Figure 19 shows a sixth modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0122] The sixth modified insertion guide device 4F, as shown in Figure 19, has substantially the same configuration as the embodiment described above, but differs in that it has a plurality of slits 4g1 on the plane of the flat plate member 4Fa.

[0123] The sixth modified insertion guide device 4F comprises a flat plate-shaped member 4Fa and a cylindrical member 4b. Of these, the flat plate-shaped member 4Fa has a bent portion 4c and a plurality of slits 4g1.

[0124] The multiple slits 4g1 are formed on the plane of the flat plate-shaped member 4Fa, extending in the width direction and arranged at predetermined intervals along the long axis within a predetermined area on the tip side. These multiple slits 4g1 are formed with a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the long axis. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4 of the above-described embodiment.

[0125] The operation of the insertion guide device 4F of the sixth modified example, configured in this way, is roughly as follows. For example, suppose that a pressing force is applied to the tip of the bent portion 4c from the direction of arrow F shown in Figure 19. This assumes the situation when the tip of the insertion guide device 4F comes into contact with the vertical wall inside the specimen and the pushing operation is performed.

[0126] Thus, when a pressing force in the direction of arrow F is applied to the tip of the bent portion 4c, the insertion guide device 4F bends, for example, in the direction of arrow R. Furthermore, due to the multiple inclined slits 4g1, the insertion guide device 4F bends in the direction of arrow R in Figure 19.

[0127] The sixth modified insertion guide device 4F, which provides such an effect, is suitable for, for example, observation and inspection of structures formed in the internal space of a subject in an oblique direction in the left-right width direction (X-axis direction) with respect to the direction of travel.

[0128] As described above, the sixth modified insertion guide device 4F can achieve substantially the same effects as the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the sixth modified device can be inserted more efficiently into specific structures within the internal space of the specimen, such as structures formed diagonally in the left-right width direction (X-axis direction) relative to the direction of travel.

[0129] [7th variation] Figure 20 shows a seventh modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0130] The seventh modified example, insertion guide device 4G, as shown in Figure 20, has substantially the same configuration as the sixth modified example described above, but the shape of the multiple slits provided on the flat surface of the plate-shaped member is different.

[0131] The seventh modified example of the insertion guide device 4G comprises a flat plate-shaped member 4Ga and a cylindrical member 4b. Of these, the flat plate-shaped member 4Ga has a bent portion 4c and a plurality of slits 4g2.

[0132] Multiple slits 4g2 are formed on the plane of the flat plate-shaped member 4a, within a predetermined area on the tip side, and arranged in the longitudinal direction at predetermined intervals.

[0133] Here, within the region where these multiple slits 4g2 are formed, for example, a predetermined range of the region on the tip side is designated as the first region D1, and a predetermined range of the region on the proximal end side of the first region D1 is designated as the second region D2 (see Figure 20).

[0134] In this case, the spacing between the multiple slits 4g2 formed in the first region D1 is set to be narrower than the spacing between the multiple slits 4g2 formed in the second region D2. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4F of the sixth modified example described above.

[0135] As described above, the seventh modified insertion guide device 4G provides substantially the same effects as the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the seventh modified device allows for a structure that is more easily bent towards the tip, thereby contributing to improved insertability.

[0136] [8th variation] Figure 21 shows an eighth modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0137] The insertion guide device 4H of the eighth modified example, as shown in Figure 21, has substantially the same configuration as the seventh modified example described above, but the shape of the multiple slits provided on the flat surface of the plate-shaped member is different.

[0138] The insertion guide device 4H of the eighth modified example comprises a flat plate-shaped member 4Ha and a cylindrical member 4b. Of these, the flat plate-shaped member 4Ha has a bent portion 4c and a plurality of slits 4g3.

[0139] Multiple slits 4g3 are formed on the plane of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ha, within a predetermined area on the tip side, and arranged in the longitudinal direction at predetermined intervals.

[0140] Furthermore, in the eighth modified example, the multiple slits 4g3 are set so that their width gradually narrows from the tip end to the base end. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4F in the sixth modified example described above.

[0141] As explained above, the insertion guide device 4H of the eighth modified example can achieve substantially the same effects as the seventh modified example described above. Furthermore, the eighth modified example allows for smoother bending from the tip to the base compared to the seventh modified example described above. Therefore, it can contribute to further improvement in insertability.

[0142] [9th variation] Figure 22 shows a ninth modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0143] The ninth modified insertion guide device 4I, as shown in Figure 22, has substantially the same configuration as the embodiment described above, but the shape of the flat plate member is different.

[0144] The ninth modified example of the insertion guide device 4I comprises a flat plate-shaped member 4Ia and a cylindrical member 4b. Of these, the flat plate-shaped member 4Ia has a bent portion 4c and a constricted portion 4h.

[0145] The constricted portion 4h is formed in a predetermined region near the tip of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ia. The constricted portion 4h is formed by cutting out a portion of both sides in the width direction of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ia. Here, the width W of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ia is narrowed in the constricted portion 4h (width W3) (W>W3).

[0146] This configuration makes it easier for the flat plate-shaped member 4Ia to twist at the constricted portion 4h when, for example, a force greater than a predetermined amount is applied to the tip in a predetermined direction, as shown by the arrow Tw in Figure 22.

[0147] Here, the predetermined direction refers to, for example, a force applied along the longitudinal axis of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ia, as well as a direction of rotation around the longitudinal axis. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4 in the embodiment described above.

[0148] The operation of the insertion guide device 4I of the ninth modified example, configured in this way, is roughly as follows. For example, suppose a pressing force is applied to the tip of the bent portion 4c in the direction of arrow F shown in Figure 22. Here, the direction of arrow F is along the longitudinal axis of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ia. This assumes the situation when the tip of the insertion guide device 4I comes into contact with the vertical wall inside the specimen and the pushing operation is performed.

[0149] Thus, when a pressing force in the direction of arrow F is applied to the tip of the bent portion 4c, the insertion guide device 4I begins to bend in the bending direction of the bent portion 4c.

[0150] Here, let's consider a case where the wall surface to which the tip of the insertion guide device 4I abuts is formed, for example, in a curved shape, and the insertion passage bends perpendicularly and then bends again in a different direction, forming a so-called twisted structure. In this case, the insertion passage is assumed to maintain a narrow dimension in the thickness direction. A concrete example of such an internal structure in a test subject would be, for example, an exhaust duct installed in a building.

[0151] During such observation and examination of the inside of a subject, when the insertion guide device 4I receives a pressing force in the direction of arrow F at its tip, the tip of the bent portion 4c attempts to advance along the curved wall surface. However, there is a high possibility that the insertion guide device 4I will be unable to pass through the twisted section of the insertion passage.

[0152] Therefore, in the ninth modified insertion guide device 4I, a constricted portion 4h is provided, making the flat plate-shaped member 4Ia more easily twisted at a predetermined location. As a result, in the internal conditions of the twisted structure described above, the flat plate-shaped member 4Ia of the ninth modified insertion guide device 4I easily twists at the constricted portion 4h. Consequently, even in insertion passages having a specific structure of the form described above, the ninth modified insertion guide device 4I ensures smooth insertion and allows for efficient insertion.

[0153] As described above, the insertion guide device 4I of the ninth modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the ninth modified example can suitably accommodate specific structures in the internal space of the specimen (such as an insertion passage with a curved wall surface and a change in bending direction).

[0154] [10th variation] Figure 23 shows a tenth modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0155] The insertion guide device 4J of the 10th modified example has substantially the same configuration as the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 23, but differs in that it has a plurality of long grooves 4j1, which are retaining members, on the plane of the flat plate member 4Ja.

[0156] The insertion guide device 4J of the 10th modified example comprises a flat plate-shaped member 4Ja and a cylindrical member 4b. Of these, the flat plate-shaped member 4Ja has a bent portion 4c and a plurality of long grooves 4j1.

[0157] The multiple elongated grooves 4j1 are grooves formed along the longitudinal axis on the plane of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ja. The multiple elongated grooves 4j1 have groove openings 4jb facing the plane of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ja. The multiple elongated grooves 4j1 are formed side by side at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ja. The groove width W4 of each elongated groove 4j1 is set to a dimension that allows, for example, various treatment tools 8 to be placed inside. This allows the treatment tools 8 to be easily placed inside the elongated groove 4j1 from the groove opening 4jb.

[0158] After placing the treatment tools 8 in the long grooves 4j1, a film-like member 9 is placed on the flat surface of the plate-shaped member 4Ja to cover the groove openings 4jb of the long grooves 4j1. This prevents the treatment tools 8 placed in each long groove 4j1 from falling out of the groove openings 4jb.

[0159] With this configuration, in the insertion guide device 4J, the treatment tools 8 placed in each long groove 4j1 are positioned to move freely in the longitudinal direction while being prevented from falling out of the groove opening 4jb. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4 of the above-described embodiment.

[0160] As described above, the insertion guide device 4J of the 10th modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the 10th modified example can securely hold not only the insertion portion 5 of the endoscope but also the treatment instrument 8. Therefore, the insertion portion 5 and the treatment instrument 8 can be reliably and efficiently guided to the desired location inside the subject.

[0161] Furthermore, since the long groove 4j1 is formed along the long axis of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ja, slender tube-shaped endoscopes and treatment instruments can be positioned over a long area from the tip to near the base, allowing for more secure holding.

[0162] In the tenth modified example, an example is shown in which three long grooves 4j1 are provided, but the configuration is not limited to this example, and the number of long grooves 4j1 can be selected as appropriate.

[0163] Furthermore, in the tenth modified example, a cylindrical member 4b is provided to fix the tip of the insertion section 5, similar to the embodiment and each of the modified examples described above, but the configuration is not limited to this example. For example, by appropriately adjusting the width W4 of the long groove 4j1, the device can be configured to allow the insertion section 5 of the endoscope to be positioned using the long groove 4j1. In such a configuration, the cylindrical member 4b can be omitted. This contributes to miniaturization of the insertion guide device.

[0164] [11th variation] Figure 24 shows an eleventh modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0165] The 11th modified insertion guide device 4K, as shown in Figure 24, has a configuration substantially similar to the 10th modified example described above, but the shape of the multiple long grooves that serve as the retaining members is slightly different.

[0166] In the 11th modified insertion guide device 4K, the multiple elongated grooves 4j2 are formed along the longitudinal axis on the plane of the flat plate member 4Ka, substantially the same as in the 10th modified example. These multiple elongated grooves 4j2 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the flat plate member 4Ka. Here, the groove width W5 of each elongated groove 4j2 is set to a dimension that allows for the placement of, for example, the insertion part 5 of an endoscope or various treatment instruments 8.

[0167] On the other hand, the width W5 of the groove opening 4jb of each long groove 4j2 is set to be smaller than the groove width W4 of each long groove 4j2 (W4 > W5). In this case, at least the peripheral region of the long groove 4j2 of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ka is made of, for example, an elastic resin member.

[0168] With this configuration, when placing a treatment tool 8 in each long groove 4j2, if a predetermined pressing force is applied to the entire side surface of the insertion part 5 while the treatment tool 8 is placed against the groove opening 4jb, the groove opening 4jb opens against the pressing force, and the treatment tool 8 is fitted into the long groove 4j2.

[0169] In this way, the treatment tool 8, which is fitted and positioned in the long groove 4j2, is prevented from falling out of the groove opening 4jb, while being positioned to move freely in the longitudinal direction. With this configuration, the 11th modified example can be made to omit the film-like member 9 in the 10th modified example described above. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4J in the 10th modified example described above.

[0170] As described above, the insertion guide device 4K of the 11th modified example can achieve substantially the same effects as the 10th modified example described above. Furthermore, the 11th modified example can more securely hold the insertion part 5 and the treatment instrument 8 without using the film-like member 9.

[0171] In the 11th modified example, an example is shown in which two long grooves 4j2 are provided, but the configuration is not limited to this example, and the number of long grooves 4j2 can be selected as appropriate.

[0172] [12th variation] Figure 25 shows a twelfth modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0173] The insertion guide device 4L of the 12th modified example, as shown in Figure 25, has a configuration substantially the same as the 11th modified example described above, but the shape of the long groove that serves as the retaining member is different.

[0174] In the insertion guide device 4L of the 12th modified example, the long groove 4j3 is formed along the long axis on the widthwise side surface of the flat plate-shaped member 4La. The groove width of the long groove 4j3 is set to a dimension that allows for the placement of the insertion part of an endoscope and various treatment instruments, similar to the 11th modified example described above.

[0175] On the other hand, the width of the groove opening 4jb of the long groove 4j3 is set to be smaller than the groove width of the long groove 4j3. Furthermore, at least the peripheral region of the long groove 4j3 of the flat plate-shaped member 4La is made of an elastic resin material or the like.

[0176] In the 12th modified example, the bent portion 4c is positioned slightly closer to the tip of the flat plate-shaped member 4La. This is a measure to ensure flexibility in the region of the flat plate-shaped member 4La that includes the bent portion 4c. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4K in the 11th modified example described above.

[0177] With this configuration, treatment tools and the like can be easily fitted into and positioned in the long groove 4j3 by the same action as the 11th modified example described above.

[0178] As described above, the insertion guide device 4L of the 12th modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the 11th modified example described above. Furthermore, in the 12th modified example, the long groove 4j3 is arranged on the widthwise side surface of the flat plate-shaped member 4La and formed along the long axis, so the thickness dimension can be reduced.

[0179] [13th variation] Figure 26 shows a 13th modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0180] The insertion guide device 4M of the 13th modified example has substantially the same configuration as the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 26, but the shape of the retaining member is different.

[0181] The insertion guide device 4M of the 13th modified example has a flat plate-shaped member 4a and a holding member. The flat plate-shaped member 4a has the same configuration as in the embodiment described above.

[0182] The holding member consists of a cylindrical member 4b and a plurality of semi-cylindrical members 4Mbd, 4Mbu. The cylindrical member 4b has the same configuration as in the embodiment described above.

[0183] The semi-cylindrical members 4Mbd and 4Mbu are each formed by cutting the cylindrical member 4b along a plane parallel to its long axis. Of these, the semi-cylindrical member 4Mbd corresponds to the lower half of the cylindrical member 4b when viewed from the front. Similarly, the semi-cylindrical member 4Mbu corresponds to the upper half of the cylindrical member 4b when viewed from the front.

[0184] The semi-cylindrical members 4Mbd and 4Mbu are arranged alternately at predetermined intervals along the long axis of the flat plate member 4a on the widthwise side surface of the flat plate member 4a.

[0185] With this configuration, the tip of the insertion portion 5 is held by the cylindrical member 4b, and a predetermined area on the base end side of the insertion portion 5 is held by the semi-cylindrical members 4Mbd and 4Mbu.

[0186] In the 13th modified example, the cylindrical member 4b is positioned slightly closer to the base end than the tip end of the flat plate member 4a. This is a measure to ensure flexibility in the region of the flat plate member 4a near the tip, including the bent portion 4c. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4 in the above-described embodiment.

[0187] As described above, the insertion guide device 4M of the 13th modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the 12th modified example described above. Furthermore, in the 13th modified example, the tip of the insertion portion 5 is held by the cylindrical member 4b, and the part of the insertion portion 5 closer to the base end than the cylindrical member 4b is held by the semi-cylindrical members 4Mbd and 4Mbu. Therefore, compared to, for example, inserting the insertion portion 5 through a tubular member, the part of the insertion portion 5 from the tip to near the base end can be positioned easily and quickly.

[0188] [14th variation] Figure 27 shows a 14th modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0189] The insertion guide device 4N of the 14th modified example, as shown in Figure 27, has substantially the same configuration as the 13th modified example described above, but the shape of the flat plate member and the holding member are different.

[0190] In the insertion guide device 4N of the 14th modified example, the flat plate member 4Na consists of two plate materials (4Na1, 4Na2). These two plate materials (4Na1, 4Na2) are joined together at predetermined planes to form a single flat plate member 4Na.

[0191] The two plate materials (4Na1, 4Na2) consist of a first plate material 4Na1 and a second plate material 4Na2. The first plate material 4Na1 has a bent portion 4c at its tip. In addition, the first plate material 4Na1 has a first semi-cylindrical portion 4Nb1 which forms part of the holding member integrally formed on its side surface.

[0192] The first plate material 4Na1 and the first semi-cylindrical portion 4Nb1 may be formed separately. In that case, they are integrated using bonding means such as adhesive.

[0193] On the other hand, the second plate material 4Na2 has a second semi-cylindrical portion 4Nb2 integrally formed on its side surface, which forms another part of the retaining member. The second plate material 4Na2 and the second semi-cylindrical portion 4Nb2 may be formed separately. In that case, they shall be integrated by means of adhesive or other means.

[0194] Then, the first plate material 4Na1 and the second plate material 4Na2 are joined together at their planar surfaces to form a flat plate-shaped member 4Na and a cylindrical member 4Nb. At this time, the cylindrical member 4Nb has a through hole 4ba that extends from the tip to the base. The insertion part of the endoscope and, if necessary, treatment instruments are placed in this through hole 4ba.

[0195] In the 14th modified example, the cylindrical member 4Nb is positioned slightly closer to the base end of the flat plate member 4Na than to the tip end. This is a measure to ensure flexibility in the region of the flat plate member 4Na closer to the tip, including the bent portion 4c. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4M in the 13th modified example described above.

[0196] As described above, the insertion guide device 4M of the 14th modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the 12th modified example described above. Furthermore, with the 14th modified example, compared to inserting the insertion part 5 through a tubular member, for example, the tip to near the base end of the insertion part 5 can be positioned easily and quickly.

[0197] [15th variation] Figure 28 shows a 15th modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0198] The insertion guide device 4P of the 15th modified example, as shown in Figure 28, has substantially the same configuration as the embodiment described above, but the shape of the retaining member is different.

[0199] The insertion guide device 4P of the 15th modified example comprises a flat plate-shaped member 4a and a cylindrical member 4Pb. The flat plate-shaped member 4a has the same configuration as in the embodiment described above. The cylindrical member 4Pb is disposed on the widthwise side surface of the flat plate-shaped member 4a in a predetermined range from near the tip to near the base along the long axis of the flat plate-shaped member 4a. The cylindrical member 4Pb is formed integrally with the flat plate-shaped member 4a.

[0200] The flat plate-shaped member 4a and the cylindrical member 4Pb may be formed separately. In that case, they are integrated using bonding means such as adhesive.

[0201] The cylindrical member 4Pb has a through-hole 4ba formed in it, which extends from the tip to the base. The insertion part of the endoscope and, if necessary, treatment instruments are placed in this through-hole 4ba.

[0202] In the 15th modified example, the cylindrical member 4Pb is positioned slightly closer to the base end of the flat plate member 4a than to the tip end. This is a measure to ensure flexibility in the region of the flat plate member 4a closer to the tip, including the bent portion 4c. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4 in the above-described embodiment.

[0203] As described above, the insertion guide device 4P of the 15th modified example can be used to obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the 15th modified example can be used to obtain substantially the same effects as the 12th to 14th modified examples described above.

[0204] [16th variation] Figures 29 to 31 show a 16th modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figure 29 is a perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the insertion guide device. Figures 30 and 31 are schematic diagrams showing the folding process of the insertion guide device of Figure 29. Figure 30 shows an intermediate state of the folding process, and Figure 31 shows the completed folding state.

[0205] The 16th modified insertion guide device 4Q, as shown in Figure 29 and the like, has substantially the same configuration as the above-described embodiment, but differs in that the flat plate-shaped member is in a foldable form.

[0206] The insertion guide device 4Q of the 16th modified example comprises a flat plate-shaped member 4Qa, a cylindrical member 4b, and a base end clamp 4Qd. Of these, the flat plate-shaped member 4Qa consists of two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2). These two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2) are formed by dividing the flat plate-shaped member 4Qa into two parts approximately in the center in the width direction. These two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2) are connected by a film member 4k, thereby making it foldable.

[0207] In other words, in this case, the two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2) are connected by a film member 4k and rotate relative to each other in the direction of arrow C shown in Figure 30. This allows the two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2) to be folded.

[0208] The flat plate-shaped member 4Qa, consisting of two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2) connected by a film member 4k, has a base clamp 4Qd positioned near its base end when unfolded. This base clamp 4Qd is a hollow rectangular shape and is positioned around the outer circumference of the base end of the two unfolded plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2). In this way, the base clamp 4Qd maintains the unfolded state of the two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2).

[0209] The two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2) consist of a first plate material 4Qa1 and a second plate material 4Qa2. The first plate material 4Qa1 has a bent portion 4c at its tip. The second plate material 4Qa2 has a cylindrical member 4b, which is a retaining member, integrally disposed on its side.

[0210] In this case, the bent portion 4c and the cylindrical member 4b are positioned so that they do not interfere with each other when the two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2) are folded, whether in the intermediate state of the folding process (see Figure 30) or in the final state after folding is complete (see Figure 31). The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4 in the above-described embodiment.

[0211] The insertion guide device 4Q of the 16th modified example, having this configuration, can be used in two ways: a wide state with the two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2) spread out, and a narrow state with the two plate materials (4Qa1, 4Qa2) folded.

[0212] As described above, the insertion guide device 4Q of the 16th modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, in the 16th modified example, since the flat plate-shaped member 4Qa is configured to be foldable, it can be used in two modes, a wide state and a narrow state, and the appropriate mode of use can be selected according to the internal conditions of the specimen. In addition, the folded state contributes to compact storage.

[0213] [17th variation] Figure 32 shows a 17th modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0214] The insertion guide device 4R of the 17th modified example, as shown in Figure 32, has substantially the same configuration as the 16th modified example described above, but the shapes of the flat plate member and the holding member are different.

[0215] The insertion guide device 4R of the 17th modified example has a flat plate-shaped member 4Ra consisting of two plate materials (4Ra1, 4Ra2). These two plate materials (4Ra1, 4Ra2) are formed by dividing the flat plate-shaped member 4Ra into two parts approximately in the center in the width direction. These two plate materials (4Ra1, 4Ra2) are connected by a hinge portion 4m. As a result, the two plate materials (4Ra1, 4Ra2) are connected by the hinge portion 4m and rotate relative to each other in the direction along arrow C shown in Figure 32. This allows the two plate materials (4Ra1, 4Ra2) to be folded.

[0216] Furthermore, when the flat plate member 4Ra, which consists of two plate materials (4Ra1, 4Ra2) connected by a hinge portion 4m, is in the unfolded state, the unfolded state of the two plate materials (4Ra1, 4Ra2) is held by a locking mechanism (not shown) (for example, known fixing means that apply a click-stop mechanism or a snap-fit ​​mechanism are used).

[0217] The two plate materials (4Ra1, 4Ra2) consist of a first plate material 4Ra1 and a second plate material 4Ra2. The first plate material 4Ra1 has a bent portion 4c at its tip. A through hole 4ma is formed in the hinge portion 4m, which penetrates from the tip to the base of the flat plate-shaped member 4Ra. An endoscope or treatment instrument (not shown) is placed in this through hole 4ma. Therefore, in this 17th modified example, the cylindrical member 4b is not provided. The other configurations are substantially the same as the insertion guide device 4Q in the 16th modified example described above.

[0218] As described above, the insertion guide device 4R of the 17th modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the 17th modified example makes the flat plate member 4Ra foldable, and a through hole 4ba is provided in the hinge portion 4m for realizing the folding configuration, and an endoscope or treatment instrument is placed in this through hole 4ba, which contributes to miniaturization of the insertion guide device 4R.

[0219] [18th variation] Figure 33 shows an 18th modification of the insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device. Figure 34 is a diagram showing the operation of the insertion guide device of the 18th modification when it is retracted.

[0220] The insertion guide device 4S of the 18th modified example has substantially the same configuration as the embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 33, but the shape of the flat plate-shaped member is different. Note that in Figures 33 and 34, the cylindrical member has the same configuration as in the embodiment and is therefore not shown.

[0221] The insertion guide device 4S of the 18th modified example includes a flat plate-shaped member 4Sa, a cylindrical member (not shown), and a plurality of plate-shaped blocks 4n.

[0222] The flat plate-shaped member 4Sa is a thin plate member formed from a flat, strip-shaped plate. By using a thin plate member, greater flexibility in the thickness direction is ensured.

[0223] The flat plate-shaped member 4Sa has a bent portion 4c at its tip. On the side of the flat plate-shaped member 4Sa opposite to the bending direction of the bent portion 4c, a plurality of plate-shaped blocks 4n are arranged in a line along the long axis. In this case, the plurality of plate-shaped blocks 4n are arranged so that there is a small gap between adjacent plate-shaped blocks 4n. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4 of the above-described embodiment.

[0224] In the insertion guide device 4S of the 18th modified example configured in this way, when a force indicated by arrow F (see Figure 33) is applied to the tip of the flat plate member 4Sa, the flat plate member 4Sa bends in the direction in which the bent portion 4c is bent (direction of arrow R1 in Figure 33). In Figure 33, "O" indicates that it is bendable.

[0225] On the other hand, in the direction opposite to the bending direction of the bent portion 4c (direction of arrow R2 in Figure 33), the plate-shaped blocks 4n interfere with each other, preventing the flat plate-shaped member 4Sa from bending. In Figure 33, "X" indicates that bending is impossible.

[0226] Thus, in the 18th modified example, the insertion guide device 4S has a structure that allows bending in only one direction.

[0227] Furthermore, since the flat plate-shaped member 4Sa is made of a thin, flexible plate, it can be wound up as shown in Figure 34. Therefore, it can be stored more compactly when not in use.

[0228] As described above, the insertion guide device 4S of the 18th modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, the 18th modified example allows the flat plate-shaped member 4Sa to be bent in only one direction. In addition, since it can be easily wound up, it can contribute to miniaturizing the insertion guide device 4S when stored.

[0229] [19th variation] Figure 35 shows a 19th modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0230] The insertion guide device 4T of the 19th modified example has substantially the same configuration as the 18th modified example described above, as shown in Figure 34, but the shape of the flat plate-shaped member is slightly different. In Figure 35, the cylindrical member has the same configuration as in one embodiment and is therefore not shown.

[0231] In the 19th modified insertion guide device 4T, the flat plate member 4Ta is a thin plate member formed from a flattened, strip-shaped plate. The flat plate member 4Ta has a bent portion 4c at its tip.

[0232] Furthermore, the flat plate-shaped member 4Ta has a plurality of notched grooves 4p formed from one side to the other in the width direction. These plurality of notched grooves 4p are formed in the longitudinal direction at predetermined intervals. The plurality of notched grooves 4p are formed on the side opposite to the bending direction of the bent portion 4c. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4 of the embodiment described above.

[0233] In the insertion guide device 4T of the 19th modified example configured in this way, the flat plate-shaped member 4Ta bends in the direction in which the bent portion 4c is bending (direction of arrow R1 in Figure 35). On the other hand, in the direction opposite to the direction in which the bent portion 4c is bending, the adjacent notched grooves 4p interfere with each other, preventing the flat plate-shaped member 4Ta from bending.

[0234] As described above, the insertion guide device 4T of the 19th modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the 18th modified example described above. Furthermore, in the 19th modified example, since the flat plate member 4Ta is formed only from a thin plate member, the structure can be simplified, contributing to miniaturization and a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0235] [20th variation] Figure 36 shows a 20th modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0236] The insertion guide device 4U of the 20th modified example, as shown in Figure 36, has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment or the 18th modified example described above, but the shape of the flat plate-shaped member is different. In Figure 36, the cylindrical member has the same configuration as in the first embodiment and is therefore not shown.

[0237] The insertion guide device 4U of the 20th modified example includes a flat plate-shaped member 4Ua, a cylindrical member (not shown), and a plurality of elongated plate-shaped blocks 4q.

[0238] The flat plate-shaped member 4Ua is a thin plate member formed from a flat, strip-shaped plate. The flat plate-shaped member 4Ua has multiple bent portions 4c at its tip.

[0239] The flat plate-shaped member 4Ua has multiple elongated plate-shaped blocks 4q arranged in a row in the width direction on the side opposite to the bending direction of the bent portion 4c. In this case, the multiple elongated plate-shaped blocks 4q are arranged so that there is a slight gap between adjacent elongated plate-shaped blocks 4q.

[0240] In the 20th modified example, the bent portion 4c is formed at a position corresponding to the long plate-shaped blocks 4q on both sides in the width direction among the multiple long plate-shaped blocks 4q. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide devices 4, 4S of the above-described embodiment or the 18th modified example.

[0241] In the 20th modified insertion guide device 4U configured in this way, the structure allows it to be wound around the long axis.

[0242] The bendable section 4c is formed with elastic properties and bends into an open shape as shown in Figure 36. It can also be deformed and rolled up for storage.

[0243] As described above, the insertion guide device 4U of the 20th modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, since the 20th modified example can be stored by winding it around the long axis, it can contribute to simplifying the carrying of the insertion guide device 4U and making it smaller when stored.

[0244] [21st variation] Figure 37 shows a 21st modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0245] The insertion guide device 4V of the 21st modified example, as shown in Figure 37, has substantially the same configuration as the above-described embodiment or the 7th modified example, but the shape of the flat plate member is different.

[0246] In the insertion guide device 4V of the 21st modified example, the flat plate-shaped member 4Va has a bent portion 4c, a plurality of transverse slits 4p1, a vertical slit 4p2, and an internal through passage 4r. Of these, the bent portion 4c is provided at the tip of the flat plate-shaped member 4Va.

[0247] The flat plate-shaped member 4Va has a substantially channel-shaped cross-section on the base end side of the bent portion 4c. As a result, a vertical slit 4p2 is formed along the long axis direction in the substantially central region of one plane of the flat plate-shaped member 4Va, on the plane opposite to the bending direction of the bent portion 4c. Furthermore, an internal through-passage 4r, which serves as a retaining member, is formed in the internal region that is inserted through the vertical slit 4p2.

[0248] Multiple transverse slits 4p1 are formed in the width direction on one plane of the flat plate-shaped member 4Va (the plane opposite to the bending direction of the bent portion 4c) and on both sides. Multiple transverse slits 4p1 are formed in the longitudinal direction at predetermined intervals. In this case, the spacing between the multiple transverse slits 4p1 is set to be narrower towards the ends.

[0249] Specifically, for example, in Figure 37, the spacing of the transverse slits 4p1 is set differently in the first region indicated by symbol D1, the second region indicated by symbol D2, and the third region indicated by symbol D3, with the spacing becoming narrower towards the tip.

[0250] For example, the spacing G1 in the first region D1, the spacing G2 in the second region D2, and the spacing G3 in the third region D3 are set such that G3 > G2 > G1. With this setting, the flat plate-shaped member 4Va is designed to bend more easily towards its tip.

[0251] The internal through passage 4r penetrates the flat plate-shaped member 4Va and is an insertion passage with a relatively wide space. Various treatment instruments, as well as the insertion part of an endoscope, can be inserted through this internal through passage 4r. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide devices 4,4G of the above-described embodiment or the seventh modified example.

[0252] As described above, the insertion guide device 4V of the 21st modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, in the 21st modified example, since the flat plate-shaped member 4Va is provided with an internal through passage 4r as a holding member, various treatment tools and endoscopes can be placed on it, thereby contributing to improved operability. In addition, since there is no need to provide a cylindrical member as a holding member on the side, the dimensions in the width direction can be reduced.

[0253] [22nd variation] Figure 38 shows a 22nd modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0254] The insertion guide device 4W of the 22nd modified example has a configuration substantially the same as the 21st modified example described above, as shown in Figure 38, but the shape of the flat plate member is different.

[0255] The insertion guide device 4W of the 22nd modification example has a flat plate-like member 4Wa and a holding member 11. Among these, the flat plate-like member 4Wa has a bent portion 4c and a hook portion 4x. The bent portion 4c is provided at the tip of the flat plate-like member 4Wa.

[0256] The hook portion 4x extends a predetermined length in the thickness direction from one plane at both side edges in the width direction of the flat plate-like member 4Wa, and then the tips extend inward in a direction facing each other in the width direction. As a result, the cross section of the hook portion 4x is formed in a hook shape. And at this time, the holding member 11 is inserted into the region surrounded by one plane of the flat plate-like member 4Wa and the two hook portions 4x from the base end side of the flat plate-like member 4Wa in the direction of arrow Q in FIG. 38.

[0257] This holding member 11 has a rectangular cross section that is hollow, has a wide portable internal space 11a in the width direction and a narrow one in the thickness direction. Inside this internal space 11a, treatment instruments and the insertion portion of an endoscope can be inserted. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide devices 4 and 4V in the above-described embodiment or the 21st modification example.

[0258] As described above, according to the insertion guide device 4W of the 22nd modification example, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment or the 21st modification example can be obtained. Further, according to the 22nd modification example, by simply inserting the holding member 11 into the region formed by one plane of the flat plate-like member 4Wa and the hook portion 4x, an insertion passage having a relatively wide space can be secured, so that various treatment instruments and endoscopes can be easily arranged.

[0259] [23rd Modification Example] FIG. 39 shows a 23rd modification example of the insertion guide device of an embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a part of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0260] The insertion guide device 4X of the 23rd modification example has substantially the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment as shown in FIG. 39, but the forms of the flat plate-like member and the holding member are different.

[0261] In the insertion guide device 4X of the 23rd modified example, the flat plate-shaped member 4Xa has a plurality of protrusions (4s, 4t) formed on the surface of a flat, strip-shaped plate at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction. Here, the plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion 4s and a second protrusion 4t.

[0262] The first protrusion 4s has an equipment holding portion 4s1 that protrudes outward from one side in the width direction of the flat plate-shaped member 4Xa, and a wire guide 4s2 that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the width direction on the plane of the flat plate-shaped member 4Xa.

[0263] The device holding portion 4s1 is a holding member that holds the insertion portion of an endoscope, etc. The device holding portion 4s1 has a through hole that extends through in the longitudinal direction, allowing the insertion portion of an endoscope, etc., to be inserted and moved back and forth freely.

[0264] The wire guide 4s2 is a holding member that guides the bending wire 10, which allows the insertion guide device 4X to be bent arbitrarily by operation. The wire guide 4s2 has through holes that penetrate in the longitudinal direction, through which two bending wires 10 are inserted so that they can move back and forth. Two through holes are formed in the wire guide 4s2, spaced apart in the width direction.

[0265] The second protrusion 4t is formed by creating a groove on the flat surface of the plate-shaped member 4Xa, thereby forming a protrusion identical in shape to the wire guide 4s2 of the first protrusion 4s. The second protrusion 4t has through holes that penetrate in the longitudinal direction, allowing two bending wires 10 to be inserted and move freely through them.

[0266] The two bending wires 10 are connected to a wire operating section (not shown) located at the base end of the insertion guide device 4X. By using this wire operating section to pull or slacken the two bending wires 10, the insertion guide device 4X can be bent.

[0267] In this case, the bending operation of the flat plate-shaped member 4Xa by the bending wire 10 is usually performed mainly in the bending direction of the bent portion 4c. However, it is not limited to this operation; for example, it is also possible to bend the flat plate-shaped member 4Xa in the width direction. To achieve this, for example, measures such as forming the flat plate-shaped member 4Xa from a material with good flexibility can be taken. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4 in the above-described embodiment.

[0268] As described above, the insertion guide device 4X of the 23rd modified example can obtain substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the 23rd modified example, the flat plate-shaped member 4Xa can be arbitrarily and actively bent in a desired direction by a desired amount using the bending wire 10. Therefore, it can further contribute to improving the insertability of the endoscope insertion section.

[0269] [24th variation] Figure 40 shows a 24th modified example of an insertion guide device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a key part showing a portion of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0270] The insertion guide device 4Y of the 24th modified example, as shown in Figure 40, has substantially the same configuration as the 23rd modified example described above, but the shapes of the flat plate member and the holding member are different.

[0271] In the insertion guide device 4Y of the 24th modified example, the flat plate member 4Ya has a bent portion 4c, a plate material 4u, and a wire guide 4t. The plate material 4u is flat and strip-shaped and includes a bent portion 4c at its tip.

[0272] The wire guide 4t is formed separately from the plate material 4u and is detachable by inserting a support pin 4v into a fitting hole 4w provided in the plate material 4u. Multiple wire guides 4t are arranged in a row on the plane of the plate material 4u at predetermined intervals along the long axis.

[0273] The wire guide 4t has through holes penetrating in the long axis direction formed at a predetermined interval in the width direction. Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the insertion guide device 4X of the 23rd modification example described above.

[0274] As described above, according to the insertion guide device 4Y of the 24th modification example, substantially the same effects as those of the 23rd modification example described above can be obtained.

[0275] [25th Modification Example] FIG. 41 shows a 25th modification example of the insertion guide device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a part of the tip region of the insertion guide device.

[0276] The insertion guide device 4Z of the 25th modification example has substantially the same configuration as that of the 4th modification example described above, as shown in FIG. 41, but the form of the flat plate member is different. In FIG. 41, the cylindrical member has the same configuration as in the embodiment, and its illustration is omitted.

[0277] In the insertion guide device 4Z of the 25th modification example, the flat plate member 4Za has three plate materials (4Za1, 4Za2, 4Za3), a bent portion 4c, and two plate material operation portions (15, 16). [[ID=第十九]]

[0278] The three plate materials include a first plate material 4Za1, a second plate material 4Za2, and a third plate material 4Za3.

[0279] Among these, the first plate material 4Za1 has a bent portion 4c at its tip. A pin 12 stands upright from the first plate material 4Za from a direction orthogonal to the long axis on the plane. This pin 12 passes through the guide grooves (14a, 14b) of the second plate material 4Za2 and the third plate material 4Za3 described later.

[0280] ] Guide grooves 14a and 14b extending in the long axis direction are formed in a predetermined range near the tip of the second plate material 4Za2 and the third plate material 4Za3.

[0281] Furthermore, the first plate material 4Za1, the second plate material 4Za2, and the third plate material 4Za3 are stacked in the thickness direction. In this case, the ends of the three plates (4Za1, 4Za2, 4Za3) are offset by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction.

[0282] The two plate material handling sections (15, 16) are located on the base end side of the insertion guide device 4Z. Here, the two plate material handling sections are the third plate material handling section 15 and the second plate material handling section 16.

[0283] Of these, the third plate operating section 15 is an operating member that allows the third plate 4Za3 to slide freely in the longitudinal direction. The third plate operating section 15 has a connecting pin 15a and a clamp 15b.

[0284] The connecting pin 15a is connected to the third plate material 4Za3 through the clamp 15b, and the third plate material 4Za3 can be slid in the longitudinal direction together with the clamp 15b.

[0285] The clamp 15b is a component that bundles three plate materials (4Za1, 4Za2, 4Za3) at a predetermined position on the base end. In this case, the clamp 15b is connected to the third plate material 4Za3 by a connecting pin 15a, but is slidable relative to the first plate material 4Za1 and the second plate material 4Za2.

[0286] The second plate operating section 16 is an operating member that allows the second plate 4Za2 to slide freely in the longitudinal direction. The second plate operating section 16 has a connecting pin 16a and a clamp 16b.

[0287] The connecting pin 16a is connected to the second plate material 4Za2 through the clamp 16b, and the second plate material 4Za2 can be slid in the longitudinal direction together with the clamp 16b.

[0288] The clamp 16b is a component that bundles two plate materials (4Za1, 4Za2) at a predetermined position on the base end. In this case, the clamp 16b is connected to the second plate material 4Za2 by a connecting pin 16a, but is slidable relative to the first plate material 4Za1.

[0289] The second plate operating section 16 is positioned at a predetermined location closer to the base end than the third plate operating section 15. The other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment or the fourth modified example described above.

[0290] As described above, the insertion guide device 4Z of the 25th modified example can achieve substantially the same effects as the embodiment described above. Furthermore, according to the 25th modified example, the flexibility of the tip can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the three plate materials in the longitudinal axis direction. Therefore, it can contribute to further improvement in the insertability of the endoscope insertion section into the subject.

[0291] Incidentally, in the above-described embodiment and its various modifications, the insertion guide device is shown in which a retaining member (cylindrical member) for attaching the tip of the endoscope insertion section is provided on the tip side of the flat plate-shaped member, and the insertion section is fixed by a locking part while inserted through the through hole of the retaining member (cylindrical member). However, the device is not necessarily limited to such configurations.

[0292] For example, the retaining member (cylindrical member) may have only a through hole and be formed by removing the locking portion.

[0293] In this case, the through-hole of the retaining member (cylindrical member) can be configured to be loosely fixed by simply fitting the tip of the insertion part into it, while the base end (hand side) of the insertion part can be securely and firmly fixed.

[0294] Furthermore, it is desirable to have a configuration that prevents the insertion part from being removed, so as to maintain the state in which the tip of the insertion part is inserted into the retaining member (cylindrical member). This is because it is desirable that when the insertion guide device is removed after observation and inspection, the insertion part can be removed together with the insertion guide device without detaching it.

[0295] With this configuration, the tip of the insertion part can be reliably guided to the desired location using the insertion guide device. At the same time, once the tip of the insertion part reaches the desired location, the fixing of the insertion part on the proximal end can be released.

[0296] This ensures that the insertion part can be advanced and retracted along its long axis. Therefore, when inserting the insertion part using the insertion guide device, insertion can be performed easily and reliably, and observation and inspection after insertion can also be performed easily, resulting in an insertion guide device with excellent operability.

[0297] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and applications can be implemented without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem that the invention aims to solve can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments may be combined as appropriate. This invention is not limited by any particular embodiment other than being limited by the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0298] 1… Endoscopy system 2… Endoscopy 3…Main unit 4… Insertion guide device 4A,4B,4C,4D,4E,4F,4G,4H,4I,4J,4K,4L,4M,4N,4P,4Q,4R,4S,4T,4U,4V,4W,4X,4Y,4Z…Endoscope insertion guide device 4a,4Fa,4Ga,4Ha,4Ia,4Ja,4Ka,4La,4Na,4Qa,4Ra,4Sa,4Ta,4Ua,4Va,4Wa,4Xa,4Ya,4Za…flat plate member 4b, 4Nb, 4Pb...Cylindrical members (holding members) 4ba...Through hole 4bb…Locking part 4c,4c1,4c2...bending part 4d... Clamp 4e… Flexible printed circuit board 4f... Electrical components 4g1, 4g2, 4g3… Slit 4h...waist area 4j1,4j2,4j3…long groove 4jb…Groove opening 4K…film material 4m...Hinge section 4ma...Through hole 4n... Plate-shaped block 4p… Notched groove 4p1... Horizontal slit 4p2…Vertical slit 4q...Long plate-shaped block 4r…Internal passage 4s1…Equipment holding part 4s2, 4t... Wire guide 4u…board material 4V...Support pin 4w…Matching hole 4x...Hook part 4Mbd, 4Mbu... Semi-cylindrical member 4Qd… Base clamp 5... Insertion part 5a... Curved operating lever 5b…Connection connector 6...Operation unit 6a... Operating member 6b…Connection connector 7…Universal Cable 7a…Connection connector 8…Medical instruments, etc. 9…Curved operating lever 9…Film-like member 10...Bending wire 11…Retaining member 11a...Internal space 12...pin 14a, 14b… Guide grooves 15a, 16a… Connecting pins 15b, 16b… Clamp 100... Subject 101... Insertion opening 102…Vertical wall

Claims

1. An endoscopic insertion guide device used with an endoscope having an insertion section that extends in the longitudinal direction and has a tip and a base, which guides the insertion of the insertion section into a subject, A flat plate-shaped member that extends in the longitudinal direction, has a width perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a thickness perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the width, wherein the thickness is smaller than the width, A holding member that attaches and holds the tip portion of the insertion part to the widthwise side surface of the tip side of the flat plate-shaped member, It is equipped with, The flat plate-shaped member has a bent portion at its tip that bends in the thickness direction, The retaining member is positioned on the base end side of the bent portion. An endoscope insertion guide device characterized by the following features.

2. The retaining member is cylindrical in shape and comprises a through hole through which the insertion portion is inserted, and a locking portion that fixes the tip of the insertion portion in the through hole. The endoscope insertion guide device according to feature 1.

3. The flat plate-shaped member is composed of a plurality of plate members, and the plurality of plate members are stacked in the thickness direction. The endoscope insertion guide device according to feature 1.

4. The aforementioned flat plate-shaped member is arranged with a flexible printed circuit board sandwiched between the stacked plate members. The flexible printed circuit board has electrodes that protrude toward the tip, The electrode to which electrical components are connected The endoscope insertion guide device according to feature 3.

5. The aforementioned flat plate-shaped member is formed in a tapered shape, with its width narrowing towards the tip. The endoscope insertion guide device according to feature 1.

6. The stacked plate members are arranged offset from the tip in the longitudinal direction. The endoscope insertion guide device according to feature 3.

7. The aforementioned flat plate-shaped members extend in the width direction and are arranged at predetermined intervals along the long axis within a predetermined area on the tip side. The endoscope insertion guide device according to feature 1.

8. The aforementioned flat plate-like member is formed by connecting two plate materials along the long axis, and the two plate materials are foldable around the long axis. The endoscope insertion guide device according to feature 1.

9. An endoscope comprising: an insertion section that extends in the longitudinal direction and has a tip and a base, forming an elongated tube shape; an operating section to which the base end of the insertion section is connected and which is equipped with various operating members; and a cable extending from the operating section. An endoscope insertion guide device that guides the insertion of the aforementioned insertion portion, An endoscopic system including, The aforementioned endoscope insertion guide device, A flat plate-shaped member extending in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, having a width perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and a thickness perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the width, wherein the thickness is smaller than the width, A holding member that attaches and holds the tip portion of the insertion part to the side surface in the width direction of the flat plate-shaped member, It is equipped with, The flat plate-shaped member has a bent portion at its tip that bends in the thickness direction, The retaining member is positioned on the base end side of the bent portion. An endoscopic system characterized by the following features.

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