a distal end having free space between the camera and the working channel;

Abstract

The present invention relates to an endoscope having an endoscope head (1), the endoscope head (1) including a housing (2), an inspection support member (5) at the distal end of the housing (2), and a working channel extending through the endoscope head (1) and formed in a hose-like or tubular working channel member (4) and in the housing (2) provided distally of the working channel member (4), the housing (2) having a working channel member receiving surface (25) facing the working channel member (4). On the proximal side of the working channel member receiving surface (25) of the housing (2), the inspection support member (5) faces a peripheral portion of the working channel member (4) through a free space in the radial direction of the working channel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope comprising an endoscope head, an inspection support member located at the distal end of the endoscope head, and a working channel extending within the endoscope head, wherein the working channel is formed within a hose-like or tubular working channel member and within a distal working channel end member provided distally of the working channel member within a housing of the endoscope head, and the working channel member abuts against the proximal side of the working channel end member.

[0002] The inspection support member is, for example, a camera.

[0003] Such an endoscope is shown in Figures 7 to 9. These figures show the endoscope head housing 200 of the endoscope head from the proximal side. In the endoscope head housing 200, a camera (not shown) is disposed in a camera opening 220. Furthermore, a working channel member (not shown) is inserted into a working channel member insertion opening 212 of the endoscope head housing 200. When inserted into the endoscope, the camera extends from the camera opening 220 and the working channel member extends from the working channel member insertion opening 212 in the proximal direction parallel to each other.

[0004] Distal working channel opening 210 is disposed in endoscope head housing 200 distal to working channel member insertion opening 212. Working channel member insertion opening 212 and distal working channel opening 210 are on the same axis and extend coaxially with one another. The inner diameter of working channel member insertion opening 212 is larger than the inner diameter of distal working channel opening 210. Proximal contact surface 211 is formed at the transition between working channel member insertion opening 212 and distal working channel opening 210, and contact surface 211 forms a perpendicular surface with the wall surfaces of working channel member insertion opening 212 and distal working channel opening 210.

[0005] In particular, the working channel member insertion opening 212 of the endoscope head housing 200 is formed to have an inner diameter that matches the outer diameter of the working channel member to be inserted.

[0006] Here, the distal region of endoscope head housing 200 around distal working channel opening 210 forms the distal working channel end member. Proximal contact surface 211 functions as a working channel member receiving surface, thereby retaining the working channel member in working channel member insertion opening 212.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope that is as compact as possible and in which the working channel member is retained within the housing of the endoscope head.

[0008] This object is achieved by an endoscope with the features of claim 1. An alternative endoscope is set out in claim 2. Advantageous developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention therefore relates to an endoscope having an endoscopic head, the endoscopic head including a housing, an inspection aid member at a distal end of the housing, and a working channel extending through the endoscopic head and formed in a hose-like or tubular working channel member and in the housing provided distally of the working channel member, the housing having a working channel member receiving surface facing the working channel member, the inspection aid member facing a peripheral portion of the working channel member via a free space in the radial direction of the working channel, proximal to the working channel member receiving surface of the housing.

[0010] Since there is no wall between the working channel member and the inspection support member in the radial direction of the working channel, and only a free space exists, the distance between the working channel member and the inspection support member can be kept small. The working channel member and the inspection support member can be arranged close to each other. An endoscope having a small outer diameter but a relatively large inner diameter of the working channel can be provided.

[0011] The present invention further relates to an endoscope having an endoscopic head including a housing, an inspection support member at a distal end of the housing, and a working channel extending through the endoscopic head and formed in a hose-like or tubular working channel member and in the housing provided distally of the working channel member, the housing having a working channel member receiving surface facing the working channel member, the inspection support member abutting a peripheral portion of the working channel member in a radial direction of the working channel proximal to the working channel member receiving surface of the housing.

[0012] Since the working channel member and the inspection aid member abut each other in the radial direction of the working channel, the distance between the working channel member and the inspection aid member can be minimized and optimized. The working channel member and the inspection aid member can be arranged side by side. The working channel member and the inspection aid member can be arranged to contact each other. An endoscope with a small outer diameter but a relatively large inner diameter of the working channel can be provided.

[0013] The inspection support member may be embedded in the housing of the endoscope head.

[0014] The inspection aid member can be embedded in the housing of the endoscope head at a position at least radially from the working channel member receiving surface. Thus, the inspection aid member is located radially outward from the working channel member receiving surface. In other words, at least a portion of the inspection aid member is housed adjacent to the working channel member receiving surface when viewed in the extension direction of the endoscope head.

[0015] A holder may be provided on the outer periphery of the distal portion of the working channel member in an area proximal to the working channel member receiving surface where no inspection aid member is provided, and the holder supports the distal end portion of the working channel member at a peripheral portion of the distal end portion of the working channel member. The holder may be disposed radially from the distal end portion of the working channel member, thereby holding at least part of the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member along the peripheral portion. The holder may be formed on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member.

[0016] The holder can have an inner shape facing the distal end portion of the working channel member, which inner shape fits around the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member and is in surface contact with the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member. The contact surface between the holder and the distal end portion of the working channel member allows the holder to support the distal end portion of the working channel member in a precise position in a very convenient manner.

[0017] The holder may be integral with the housing, so that there is no need to separately fasten the holder, and the working channel member can be held securely on the housing without the need for additional fastening means.

[0018] The working channel member may be spaced apart from the working channel member receiving surface. The space between the working channel member receiving surface and the working channel member can be used to accommodate tolerances between the working channel member receiving surface and the working channel member. Thus, even a working channel member whose distal front surface is not perfectly flat can be placed against the working channel member receiving surface.

[0019] A sealing ring can be disposed between the working channel member receiving surface and the distal front surface of the working channel member, the sealing ring having an inner opening that forms part of the working channel, such that the working channel extends proximally through the working channel member, the sealing ring, and the endoscope head.

[0020] The working channel member may abut the working channel member receiving surface. The working channel provides a substantially seamless transition from the working channel member to the working channel portion within the endoscope head. The working channel allows for a step-free design of the transition from the working channel member to the working channel portion within the endoscope head.

[0021] The inspection support member may be a camera, with a portion of the camera protruding proximally on the proximal side of the working channel member receiving surface, or with camera wiring connected to the camera and extending proximally from the camera protruding proximally on the proximal side of the working channel member receiving surface.

[0022] Alternatively, the inspection support member may be an illumination device, wiring for the illumination device, an Albarran lever operable from the proximal side of the endoscope, an operating wire for the Albarran lever, a flushing nozzle, a flushing nozzle channel member, or other working channel member.

[0023] The above-described aspects of the present invention can be combined as appropriate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an endoscope head according to the present invention in a first embodiment; [Figure 2] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of the endoscope head of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the endoscope head of FIG. 1 from the proximal side. [Figure 4] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the endoscope head of FIG. 1 from the proximal side. [Figure 5] 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the endoscope head of FIG. 1 from the proximal side. [Figure 6] 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional side view of an endoscope head according to the present invention in a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic perspective view from the proximal side of an endoscope head according to the prior art. [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic perspective view from the proximal side of an endoscope head according to the prior art. [Figure 9] 7A and 7B show schematic perspective views from the proximal side of a prior art endoscope head, in particular, Fig. 7 shows the endoscope head as viewed from the left, Fig. 8 shows the endoscope head as viewed from the center, and Fig. 9 shows the endoscope head as viewed from the right. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The invention will now be described in detail on the basis of embodiments with reference to the drawings, in which the figures are not necessarily to scale and may be distorted for clarity.

[0026] First embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0027] The endoscope head 1 according to the present invention is connected to a control body (not shown) via an endoscope tube (not shown).

[0028] The endoscope head 1 is arranged at the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope head 1 includes an endoscope head housing 2. A camera 5 as an inspection support member and a distal working channel opening 21 are provided in the endoscope head housing 2. Further optional means (not shown) may be provided in the endoscope head housing 2, such as an Albarran lever, a nozzle opening for ejecting a cleaning medium (water, air) for cleaning the distal window of the camera 5, an illumination device (LED or light guide) for illuminating the scene captured by the camera 5, etc.

[0029] A working channel member 4 extends through the endoscope tube, terminating within the endoscope head housing 2 .

[0030] The endoscope head housing 2 is described in more detail below.

[0031] The endoscope head housing 2 can be made of plastic, but the invention is not limited thereto. The endoscope head housing 2 preferably has a cylindrical outer shape, as shown schematically in Figure 1. The endoscope head housing 2 has an axis and a longitudinal extension that extends along the axis.

[0032] The endoscope head housing 2 is made up of a distal housing base 28 and a proximal housing extension 23 extending proximally from the distal housing base 28 .

[0033] The distal housing base 28 has a disk-like structure. The distal housing base 28 has a distal front surface that forms the distal face of the endoscope head housing 2. The distal housing base 28 has a proximal surface 25.

[0034] The endoscope head housing 2 has a distal working channel opening 21 that forms the distal opening of a working channel, which will be described in more detail below. The distal working channel opening 21 preferably extends parallel to the axis of the endoscope head housing 2. The distal working channel opening 21 is formed, for example, as a circular opening. The distal working channel opening 21 preferably has a circular cross-section, but can also have an oval, polygonal, elliptical, or similar cross-section with respect to the interior of the working channel that is suitable for carrying instruments through the working channel. The distal working channel opening 21 has an inner working channel wall 11. The inner working channel wall 11 forms the distal end portion of the working channel.

[0035] The endoscope head housing 2 has a distal camera opening 22 in which the camera 5 is disposed. The distal camera opening 22 preferably extends parallel to the axis of the endoscope head housing 2. The camera 5 is disposed in the distal camera opening 22. In this embodiment, the distal camera opening 22 is shown as a square opening. Alternatively, the distal camera opening 22 can have a circular, oval, polygonal, elliptical, or similar cross-section that matches the outer shape of the camera 5 disposed therein.

[0036] Preferably, camera 5 is positioned in distal camera opening 22 so that the distal face of camera 5 is aligned with the distal front face of endoscope head housing 2 (ie, distal housing base 28).

[0037] The camera 5 is connected to a proximally extending camera cable 53. For example, the camera cable 53 can extend to a proximal control body.

[0038] The camera cable 53 may preferably include a sheathed camera cable 55. A camera cable 54 to which the camera 5 is connected extends from the sheathed camera cable 55. The design of the cables 54, 55 may be freely selected and is not limited in the present invention. The cables 54, 55 may serve to supply power to the camera 5 and transmit image signals.

[0039] The proximal housing extension 23 extends proximally from the proximal surface 25 of the distal housing base 28. The distal housing base 28 and the proximal housing extension 23 are integral. The distal housing base 28 and the proximal housing extension 23 can be formed as a single body, for example, made of plastic. Alternatively, the proximal housing extension 23 can be glued or otherwise connected to the distal housing base 28. The proximal housing extension 23 is formed to surround the proximally protruding extension of the distal working channel opening 21. As shown in FIGS. 3-5 , the proximal housing extension 23 partially (incompletely) surrounds the proximally protruding extension of the distal working channel opening 21. In this manner, the proximal housing extension 23 forms a wall portion around the proximally protruding extension of the distal working channel opening 21. Thus, the wall portion formed by proximal housing extension 23 does not completely surround the proximally projecting extension of distal working channel opening 21 .

[0040] In this embodiment, proximal housing extension 23 more specifically forms two wall portions around a proximally projecting extension of distal working channel opening 21 .

[0041] Between the proximally protruding extension of distal working channel opening 21 and the proximally protruding extension of distal camera opening 22, the proximal region of proximal surface 25 does not have proximal housing extension 23. No part of endoscope head 1 is formed on the proximal side of proximal surface 25 between distal working channel opening 21 and distal camera opening 22. A free space is formed on the proximal side of proximal surface 25 between distal working channel opening 21 and distal camera opening 22.

[0042] Proximal housing extension 23 extends proximally from proximal face 25 and has inwardly facing wall 24, which forms an inner circumferential wall portion 24 of proximal housing extension 23. Inwardly facing wall 24 is absent on the proximal side of proximal face 25 between distal working channel opening 21 and distal camera opening 22.

[0043] A distal working channel opening 21 and a distal camera opening 22 extend through the distal housing base 28 .

[0044] The camera 5 is positioned in the distal camera opening 22 such that the camera 5 is recessed in the distal camera opening 22. The body of the camera 5 itself does not protrude distally from the distal camera opening 22. Only a camera cable 54 connected to the camera 5 protrudes distally from the distal camera opening 22. The camera cable 54 is, for example, an unsheathed camera cable connected to a sheathed camera cable 55. The camera 5 can be inserted into the distal camera opening 22 and clamped, glued, or otherwise securely positioned.

[0045] The working channel is described in more detail below.

[0046] In the endoscope of this embodiment, the working channel is formed by a working channel inner wall 11 of a distal working channel opening 21 disposed in the distal housing base 28 and an inner wall of a working channel member 4 located proximal to the distal working channel opening 21. The working channel member 4 is formed in a hose-like or tubular configuration and is embedded in the endoscope along the longitudinal extension of the endoscope. The working channel member 4 extends proximally away from the endoscope head 1 to a proximal working channel inlet opening (not shown) for a length desired by the endoscope manufacturer.

[0047] In this manner, the working channel is formed within the endoscope by a proximal portion within the working channel member 4 (the working channel inner wall of the working channel member 4) and a distal portion of the working channel (the working channel inner wall 11) within the distal housing base 28 connected to the distal side of the proximal portion.

[0048] The proximal surface 25 of the distal housing base 28 faces the working channel member 4 .

[0049] In this embodiment, working channel member 4 is disposed on proximal surface 25. In other words, working channel member 4 rests on proximal surface 25. Thus, working channel member 4 abuts proximal surface 25.

[0050] The distal front surface of working channel member 4 is a flat (planar) surface. The distal front surface of working channel member 4 abuts proximal surface 25 without a gap (clearance).

[0051] The working channel opening 21 has the same inner diameter as the working channel member 4. The working channel opening 21 and the working channel member 4 are centered so that there is no step at the transition from the working channel opening 21 to the working channel member 4.

[0052] Thus, proximal surface 25 of distal housing base 28 forms the working channel member receiving surface.

[0053] An inward wall 24 extending proximally from the proximal surface serves as a holder for the working channel member 4. The inward wall 24 is formed to bulge inward. In other words, the inward wall 24 is formed in an arcuate or curved manner along the periphery. The inward wall 24 is formed concentrically with the working channel opening 21. The inward wall 24 has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the working channel member 4.

[0054] Thus, the outer wall of the working channel member 4 abuts the inwardly facing wall 24. The inwardly facing wall 24 therefore retains the working channel member 4.

[0055] The inwardly facing wall 24 forms a holder for the working channel member 4. The inwardly facing wall 24 has an inner shape facing the distal end portion of the working channel member 4, which inner shape fits around the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member 4 and comes into surface contact with the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member 4.

[0056] Considering Figures 3 to 5, the inward wall 24 is divided into a first portion (right side in Figures 3 to 5) and a second portion (left side in Figures 3 to 5) of the inward wall 24.

[0057] A first portion of inward wall 24 is located on one side (right side) of distal camera opening 22 (see FIGS. 3 to 5 ). A second portion of inward wall 24 is located on the other side (left side) of distal camera opening 22.

[0058] The first and second portions of the inwardly facing wall 24 are spaced apart from one another.

[0059] First and second portions of inwardly facing wall 24 are circumferentially spaced apart from one another at distal camera opening 22. First and second portions of inwardly facing wall 24 are diametrically spaced apart from one another at distal working channel opening 21.

[0060] The first portion of inward wall 24 and the second portion of inward wall 24 face each other circumferentially around endoscope housing 2 in the region of distal camera opening 22. In this region, connections (e.g., cables 54, 55) of camera 5 face working channel member 4 when viewed radially.

[0061] In other words, proximal to the proximal face 25 of the endoscope housing 2, the camera 5 (eg, cables 54, 55) faces the peripheral portion of the working channel member 4 through free space in the radial direction of the working channel.

[0062] Working channel member 4 may be glued to proximal surface 25 .

[0063] The proximal anterior surface of the working channel member 4 may be bonded to the proximal surface 25. Alternatively, or in addition, the outer wall may be bonded to the inwardly facing wall 24 in the distal region of the working channel member 4.

[0064] Effects of the embodiment In the first embodiment, the working channel member 4 is securely held in the endoscope head housing 2 .

[0065] Nevertheless, the wall portion of inward wall 24 in the region proximal to proximal surface 25 between the working channel and the camera can be omitted. In other words, no portion of endoscope head housing 2 exists between working channel member 4 and camera 5. Therefore, on the proximal side of proximal surface 25, no wall exists between working channel member 4 and the camera.

[0066] By eliminating this wall portion, material in the endoscope head housing 2 is also saved. Furthermore, because the working channel and camera can be positioned closer together, the endoscope head housing 2 can be designed with a smaller outer diameter. As a result, space for a larger working channel (larger diameter) can be created within the endoscope while the outer diameter remains the same. Therefore, an endoscope can be created that is capable of sliding a relatively large instrument through the working channel despite its small outer diameter.

[0067] Modification of the first embodiment In a variation of the first embodiment, there can be a certain interference fit so that the working channel member 4 is clamped and held by the inward wall 24. In this case, the outer diameter of the working channel member 4 is appropriately larger than the inner diameter of the inward wall 24 so that a press fit of the working channel member 4 occurs in the inward wall 24. In this variation, it is not necessary to glue the working channel member 4; however, glueing may also be performed.

[0068] Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0069] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the structure of the camera housing as an inspection support member is changed. The other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment, so they will not be described again.

[0070] In a second embodiment, the camera 5 is positioned within the distal camera opening 22 such that the body of the camera 5 protrudes proximally from the distal camera opening 22 .

[0071] A camera cable 54 connected to the camera 5 extends distally from the camera 5. The camera cable 54 may be, for example, an unsheathed camera cable connected to a sheathed camera cable 55.

[0072] The camera cable 55 extends in a proximal direction. For example, the camera cable 55 can extend to a proximal control.

[0073] The camera cable 55 is preferably a sheathed camera cable 55. A camera cable 54 to which the camera 5 is connected extends from the sheathed camera cable 55. The design of the cables 54, 55 can be freely selected and is not limited in the present invention. The cables 54, 55 can serve to supply power to the camera 5 and transmit image signals.

[0074] 6, the portion of the body of camera 5 that protrudes proximally from distal camera opening 22 forms the proximal portion of camera 5 and faces the outer wall of working channel member 4. In other words, the portion of the body of camera 5 that protrudes proximally from distal camera opening 22 is disposed radially outward from the distal end portion of working channel member 4. When viewed radially of the endoscope, the proximal portion of camera 5 and the distal portion of working channel member 4 overlap.

[0075] When viewed radially, in the region where the proximal portion of camera 5 and the distal end portion of working channel member 4 face each other, no portion of wall 24 (nor any portion of extension 23) is formed in endoscope head housing 2. On the proximal side of proximal face 25, no portion of endoscope head 1 is formed between distal working channel opening 21 and distal camera opening 22. On the proximal side of proximal face 25, a free space is formed between distal working channel opening 21 and distal camera opening 22. The free space is between camera 5 and working channel member 4. In other words, the free space is between camera 5 and the working channel.

[0076] Thus, in this embodiment, the camera 5 and working channel member 4 can be positioned very close to each other.

[0077] The second embodiment also provides the same effect as the first embodiment: there is no wall between the working channel member 4 and the camera 5 .

[0078] Modification of the second embodiment In a variation of the second embodiment (not shown), the camera 5 and the working channel member 4 can even be positioned close to each other so as to abut against each other. In this case, the portion of the body of the camera 5 protruding proximally from the distal camera opening 22 (the proximal portion of the camera 5) can abut against the distal end portion of the working channel member 4. Thus, the portion of the body of the camera 5 protruding proximally from the distal camera opening 22 forms a wall portion abutting against the outer periphery of the working channel member 4 in the region between the two portions of the wall 24 of the first embodiment. On the proximal side of the proximal surface 25, no portion of the endoscope head 1 is formed between the distal working channel opening 21 and the distal camera opening 22. On the proximal side of the proximal surface 25, a free space is formed between the distal working channel opening 21 and the distal camera opening 22.

[0079] Thus, in this variation, the outer wall of working channel member 4 abuts the proximal portion of camera 5 and first and second portions of inwardly facing wall 24 along the periphery of working channel member 4.

[0080] Here, proximal to the proximal face 25 of the endoscope head housing 2, the camera 5 abuts against a peripheral portion of the working channel member 4 in the radial direction of the working channel.

[0081] Thus, in this variation of the second embodiment, the free space proximal to proximal face 25 between distal working channel opening 21 and distal camera opening 22 is filled by the wall of working channel member 4 .

[0082] Alternative example The distal working channel opening 21 and / or the distal camera opening 22 do not have to extend parallel to the axis of the endoscope head housing 2. The distal working channel opening 21 and / or the distal camera opening 22 can extend at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of the endoscope head housing 2.

[0083] Distal working channel opening 21 and distal camera opening 22 do not have to extend parallel to one another as in these embodiments. Distal working channel opening 21 and distal camera opening 22 can extend at an angle (diagonally) relative to one another.

[0084] In an embodiment, the camera 5 is positioned in the distal camera opening 22 such that the distal face of the camera 5 is aligned with the distal front face of the endoscope head housing 2. Alternatively, the camera 5 may protrude distally beyond the distal front face of the endoscope head housing 2.

[0085] In another alternative, the camera 5 may be offset proximally from the distal front face of the endoscope head housing 2 .

[0086] In embodiments, proximal housing extension 23 partially surrounds the proximally-projecting extension of distal working channel opening 21, as shown in FIGS. 3-5. Alternatively, proximal housing extension 23 can surround the proximally-projecting extension of distal working channel opening 21 as a complete wall. This complete wall surrounds an inserted camera radially outward. The proximal region of proximal surface 25 between the proximally-projecting extension of distal working channel opening 21 and the proximally-projecting extension of distal camera opening 22 may be free of proximal housing extension 23.

[0087] In another alternative, proximal housing extension 23 forms a single, incomplete wall portion around the proximally-projecting extension of distal working channel opening 21, which wall portion is interrupted only by the region of distal camera opening 22. In this variation, the two wall portions of wall 24 shown in FIGS. 3-5 extend circumferentially to such an extent that proximal housing extension 23 is closed at the underside shown in the drawings. Also in this variation, the proximal region of proximal face 25 between the proximally-projecting extension of distal working channel opening 21 and the proximally-projecting extension of distal camera opening 22 is free of proximal housing extension 23.

[0088] In an embodiment, the working channel member 4 abuts the proximal surface 25. Alternatively, the working channel member 4 may be spaced from the proximal surface 25. A sealing ring may be disposed between the proximal surface 25 and the distal front surface of the working channel member 4. The sealing ring has an inner opening. The inner opening of the sealing ring forms an inner circumferential wall. The inner circumferential wall preferably has the same inner diameter as the working channel opening 21 and the working channel member 4. The inner circumferential wall forms a portion of the working channel. The sealing ring may be bonded to the proximal surface 25. The working channel member 4 may be bonded to the sealing ring. More specifically, the distal surface of the sealing ring is bonded to the proximal surface 25, and the distal surface of the working channel member 4 is bonded to the proximal surface of the sealing ring. The working channel opening 21, the sealing ring, and the working channel member 4 are centered such that there are no steps at the transitions from the working channel opening 21 to the sealing ring and from the sealing ring to the working channel member 4.

[0089] In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the inward wall 24 is equal to the outer diameter of the working channel member 4. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the inward wall 24 is greater than the outer diameter of the working channel member 4. A retaining element can be disposed radially inward of the inward wall 24, between the inward wall 24 and the outer wall of the working channel member 4. The retaining element can be formed as a ring. However, it is only necessary that the retaining element be disposed around the outer periphery of the working channel member 4, between the inward wall 24 and the outer wall of the working channel member 4. Thus, the retaining element is not limited to being ring-shaped.

[0090] In a further alternative, wall 24 can be omitted. In this case, working channel member 4 is simply sufficiently firmly bonded to proximal face 25 or a sealing ring bonded to proximal face 25. In this way, the distal front face of working channel member 4 is securely held in endoscope head housing 2.

[0091] In an embodiment, a camera 5 is disposed in the endoscope head 1 as an inspection support member. The present invention is not limited thereto. In the endoscope head 1, an illumination device, wiring for the illumination device (LED or light guide), an Albarran lever operable from the proximal side of the endoscope, an Albarran lever operating wire, a flushing nozzle for liquid (e.g., water), a flushing nozzle for air drying, a flushing nozzle for delivering a combination of liquid and air, a water jet nozzle, a flushing nozzle channel member, or other working channel member can be used as an inspection support member. In the present invention, the structure can be designed in a way that the distance between the inspection support member and the working channel member 4 is optimized to be minimal.

[0092] An endoscope comprising an endoscope head according to the present invention may be a bendable endoscope or a rigid endoscope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Endoscope head 2 Endoscope head housing 4 Working channel member 5 Camera; inspection support component 11 Working channel inner wall of working channel opening 21 21 distal working channel opening in endoscope head housing 22 distal camera opening in endoscope head housing 23 Proximal Housing Extension 24 Inner peripheral wall portion of proximal housing extension; holder 25 proximal surface (working channel member receiving surface) 28 distal housing base 53 Camera cable 54 Unshielded camera cable 55 Covered camera cable 200 Endoscope head housing 210 distal working channel opening in endoscope head housing 211 Proximal contact surface 212 Working channel member insertion opening in endoscope head housing 215 Proximal Housing Wall 220 distal camera opening in endoscope head housing

Claims

1. The endoscope includes an endoscope head (1), which includes: a housing (2); an inspection support member (5) at the distal end of the housing (2); a working channel extending through the endoscope head (1) and formed in a hose-like or tubular working channel member (4) and in the housing (2) provided distally of the working channel member (4); Including, The housing (2) has a working channel member receiving surface (25) facing the working channel member (4), The inspection support member (5) faces a peripheral portion of the working channel member (4) through a free space in the radial direction of the working channel at a proximal side of the working channel member receiving surface (25) of the housing (2); The working channel member (4) is spaced apart from the working channel member receiving surface (25) and is not in contact with the working channel member receiving surface (25); The inspection support member (5) is a camera, a holder (24) for supporting the distal end portion of the working channel member (4) at a peripheral portion of the distal end portion of the working channel member (4); the holder (24) includes an inward wall extending proximally from the working channel member receiving surface (25) and having an inner surface that faces the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member (4); the inward wall is not provided between at least a portion of the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member (4) that faces the inspection support member (5) and the inspection support member (5); a sealing ring disposed between the working channel member receiving surface (25) and the distal front surface of the working channel member (4), the sealing ring having an inner opening, the inner opening of the sealing ring forming a portion of the working channel; An endoscope characterized by:

2. The endoscope includes an endoscope head (1), which includes: a housing (2); an inspection support member (5) at the distal end of the housing (2); a working channel extending through the endoscope head (1) and formed in a hose-like or tubular working channel member (4) and in the housing (2) provided distally of the working channel member (4); Including, The housing (2) has a working channel member receiving surface (25) facing the working channel member (4), The inspection support member (5) abuts against a peripheral portion of the working channel member (4) in a radial direction of the working channel on the proximal side of the working channel member receiving surface (25) of the housing (2); The working channel member (4) is spaced apart from the working channel member receiving surface (25) and is not in contact with the working channel member receiving surface (25); The inspection support member (5) is a camera, a holder (24) for supporting the distal end portion of the working channel member (4) at a peripheral portion of the distal end portion of the working channel member (4); the holder (24) includes an inward wall extending proximally from the working channel member receiving surface (25) and having an inner surface that faces the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member (4); the inward wall is not provided between at least a portion of the outer periphery of the distal end portion of the working channel member (4) that faces the inspection support member (5) and the inspection support member (5); a sealing ring disposed between the working channel member receiving surface (25) and the distal front surface of the working channel member (4), the sealing ring having an inner opening, the inner opening of the sealing ring forming a portion of the working channel; An endoscope characterized by:

3. The holder (24) is integral with the housing (2). The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A part of the camera protrudes in the proximal direction on the proximal side of the working channel member receiving surface (25), or the camera wiring connected to the camera and extending in the proximal direction from the camera protrudes in the proximal direction on the proximal side of the working channel member receiving surface (25). The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images