Endoscopy

Abstract

To provide an endoscope capable of improving operability for changing a visual field direction.SOLUTION: A grip part 22 includes a first plane part 200 parallel to an axial direction of an insertion shaft Ax in a part of an outer surface of the grip part 22. A knob 36 includes a finger placement part 220 and a pair of finger rest parts 222, 224. When the knob 36 is located at a reference position that is a reference of a position in an axial peripheral direction B with respect to the grip part 22, the finger placement part 220 is provided at a position facing the first plane part 200 in the axial direction of the insertion shaft Ax.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Rigid endoscopes are known as endoscopes used in endoscopic surgery and the like. Among these rigid endoscopes, oblique endoscopes are known, whose viewing direction (observation direction) is diagonally forward relative to the insertion axis of the insertion section. The oblique endoscope includes an insertion section that is inserted into the subject, and an operating section that is connected to the proximal end of the insertion section. Patent Document 1 describes such an oblique endoscope that can change its viewing direction.

[0003] The oblique endoscope described in Patent Document 1 has an endoscope shaft, a proximal handle, and a rotary wheel. An optical system is located at the distal tip of the endoscope shaft. To change the direction of view, the rotary wheel is grasped to maintain the horizontal position of the displayed image, and the endoscope shaft is rotated around its axis using the proximal handle. This causes the direction of view of the optical system to rotate around the axis of the endoscope shaft. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-32014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the oblique endoscope described in Patent Document 1, in order to rotate the endoscope shaft (insertion portion) around its axis as an operation to change the direction of view, the rotating wheel (holding portion) provided at the tip of the proximal handle (rotation operating member) must be held with the left hand, for example, and the proximal handle must be rotated with the right hand, which requires the use of both hands and makes it difficult to operate.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that can improve the operability for changing the direction of the field of view. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An endoscope for achieving the object of the present invention is an endoscope comprising an insertion section having an optical system at the tip and rotatable around the axis of the insertion shaft, and an operating section connected to the base end side of the insertion section, wherein the operating section has a gripping section extending in the axial direction of the insertion shaft, and a rotary operating member provided between the gripping section and the insertion section, which is configured to be rotatable relative to the gripping section and rotates the insertion section around the axis, the gripping section has a first flat surface portion along the insertion axis on a part of its outer surface, and the rotary operating member has a finger rest portion on which fingers can be placed and a pair of finger support portions provided on both sides of the finger rest portion around the axis, and when the rotary operating member is positioned at a reference position which serves as a reference for the position around the axis relative to the gripping section, the finger rest portion is positioned directly opposite the first flat surface in the axial direction.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first flat portion is preferably formed from the distal end to the proximal end of the grip portion along the axial direction of the insertion shaft.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first flat surface portion has a first index, the finger rest portion has a second index, and when the rotary operating member is positioned at the reference position, it is preferable that the first index and the second index are arranged on the same line along the axial direction.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first index and the second index are preferably convex portions.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the convex portions are preferably convex streaks formed along the same line.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the grip portion preferably has a second flat surface parallel to the first flat surface at a position on the outer surface of the grip portion opposite the first flat surface across the insertion axis.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the rotation operation member preferably has a third index indicating the position in the direction around the axis relative to the grip portion at a position different from the position of the second index.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the third indicator is preferably a recess.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, the recessed portion is preferably a groove portion formed along the axial direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the rotation operating member is configured to be rotatable between a first rotation position and a second rotation position in an axial direction relative to the grip portion, and it is preferable that the reference position is a central position between the first rotation position and the second rotation position.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insertion section has an imaging section that images light that has passed through the optical system, and when the direction indicating the top and bottom of an image formed from an imaging signal output from the imaging section in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is defined as the top-to-bottom direction, it is preferable that the first planar section is formed at a position indicating the top side of the top-to-bottom direction on the outer surface of the gripping section and as a surface perpendicular to the top-to-bottom direction.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insertion section has an imaging section that images light that has passed through the optical system, and the imaging direction of the imaging section is a direction inclined with respect to the insertion axis, and when the rotation operating member is positioned at the reference position, it is preferable that the imaging direction of the imaging section includes a component in a direction opposite to the normal direction of the first planar section.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the insertion section preferably includes an outer tube, an outer cylinder inserted into the outer tube, the outer cylinder having an optical system at its tip and rotatable integrally with the outer tube in a direction around the axis of the insertion axis of the insertion section, and an inner cylinder inserted into the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder having an imaging unit at its tip that images light that has passed through the optical system and the inner cylinder being rotatable relative to the outer cylinder in a direction around the axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The present invention can improve the operability for changing the viewing direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system equipped with an oblique endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tip of the insertion section. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the outer cylinder and the case. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the case and the cylindrical portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a rotation stopper. [Figure 7] 10 is a side view of the operation unit as viewed from the Y(-) direction side toward the Y(+) direction. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top view of the operation unit as viewed from the Z(+) direction side to the Z(-) direction side. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the operation unit as viewed from the Z(+) direction. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the operation unit as seen from the Z(-) direction side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system 12 that includes an oblique endoscope 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope system 12 includes the oblique endoscope 10, a processor device 14, a monitor 16, and a light source device 18. The oblique endoscope 10 is an example of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0023] The oblique endoscope 10 is a so-called rigid endoscope, and includes an insertion section 20 and an operating section 21 connected to the proximal end of the insertion section 20. The insertion section 20 is an example of an insertion section of the present invention, and the operating section 21 is an example of an operating section of the present invention. The insertion section 20 is formed in a cylindrical (tubular) shape and is inserted into the patient's body. The insertion section 20 has a distal end, a proximal end, and an insertion axis Ax, and its outer circumferential wall is formed by an outer circumferential tube 30, which will be described later. A camera unit 24, which will be described later, is provided at the distal end of the insertion section 20. A first signal cable 26 and a light guide 28 are inserted through the insertion section 20.

[0024] The first signal cable 26, together with a second signal cable 27 described later, connects the camera unit 24 and the processor device 14. A tip end of the first signal cable 26 is connected to the camera unit 24, and a base end of the first signal cable 26 is connected to a tip end of the second signal cable 27 inside the operation unit 21. The light guide 28 has a tip end (light emitting end face) provided on the tip face of the insertion section 20, and a base end (light incident end face) connected to the light source device 18. In this example, the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are exemplified as multi-core cables in which a plurality of wires (signal lines) are bundled together, a shield conductor is provided around the bundle, and these are housed in a tubular outer sheath.

[0025] Light guide 28 has a light emitting end 28C (see FIG. 2) on its tip side, and light emitting end 28C is disposed on the tip side of outer tube 30. Light guide 28 also has a light incident end (not shown) on its base end, and this light incident end is connected to light source device 18. Light guide 28 may be configured, for example, by bundling a plurality of optical fibers into a single optical cable, and is flexible.

[0026] The operating unit 21 is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion unit 20. The operating unit 21 is held by the surgeon when operating the oblique endoscope 10, and receives a rotation operation from the surgeon to rotate the field of view (observation direction, imaging direction; see optical axis OA in FIG. 2 ) of the oblique endoscope 10 in a direction B about the insertion axis Ax, i.e., in the circumferential direction of the insertion unit 20 and the operating unit 21. The operating unit 21 is composed of a tubular gripping portion 22 held by the surgeon and a cylindrical (annular) knob 36 that receives a rotation operation of the field of view. The gripping portion 22 is an example of a gripping portion of the present invention, and the knob 36 is an example of a rotation operating member of the present invention. Specific forms of the gripping portion 22 and the knob 36 that take operability into consideration will be described later.

[0027] The grip portion 22 extends from the proximal end of the insertion portion 20 in the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax, and the outer tube 30 is supported at the distal end of the grip portion 22 so as to be rotatable in the direction B around the axis. The grip portion 22 in this example is sized to fit in the surgeon's hand and is made of a rubber or resin material that can withstand autoclave sterilization. Examples of such rubber materials include silicone rubber and fluororubber. Examples of resin materials include PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) and PEEK (Polyetheretherketone). This makes the grip portion 22 less likely to slip in the hand, i.e., less likely to rotate in the direction B around the axis, compared to when the grip portion 22 is made of a metal material.

[0028] The knob 36 is provided between the grip portion 22 and the insertion portion 20, and is fixed to the base end side of the outer tube 30. The knob 36 is configured to be rotatable relative to the grip portion 22, and can rotate the outer tube 30 in the direction B around the axis relative to the grip portion 22. By rotating the outer tube 30 with the knob 36, the field of view of the oblique endoscope 10 (observation direction, imaging direction; see the optical axis OA in Figure 2) can be rotated in the direction B around the axis.

[0029] The gripping portion 22, which will be described in detail later, has an airtight space and a non-airtight space therein, and the base end side of the first signal cable 26 and the tip end side of the second signal cable 27 are connected at the boundary between the two spaces (see FIG. 3). This electrically connects the camera unit 24 and the processor device 14 via the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27.

[0030] The processor device 14 generates an observation image (moving image) of the inside of the patient's body based on the imaging signal input from the camera unit 24 via the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27, and displays this observation image on the monitor 16.

[0031] The light source device 18 supplies illumination light to the light guide 28. As a result, the illumination light is emitted from a light emitting end 28C (see FIG. 2) of the light guide 28 provided on the tip side of the outer tube 30.

[0032] Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tip of the insertion section 20. As shown in Fig. 2, the insertion section 20 includes a substantially tubular outer tube 30 parallel to the insertion axis Ax, an outer cylinder 32, and an inner cylinder 34. The outer tube 30 forms the outer peripheral wall of the insertion section 20. An opening on the tip side of the outer tube 30 is inclined from a position perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax. The outer tube 30 is an example of an outer tube of the present invention.

[0033] The outer tube 32 is inserted into the outer tube 30. A distal optical system 40 of the camera unit 24 is provided on the distal end side of the outer tube 32. The proximal end side of the outer tube 32 is connected to a tubular case 74 (see FIG. 3) inside the grip portion 22 (see FIG. 3), as will be described in detail later. Furthermore, a space 31 for arranging a light guide 28 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 32. The light guide 28 is inserted into the space 31 and fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 32. The outer tube 32 is an example of an outer tube of the present invention.

[0034] The inner tube 34 is inserted into the outer tube 32. The first signal cable 26 is inserted inside the inner tube 34. The proximal optical system 50 and the imaging section 60 that constitute the camera unit 24 are provided on the distal end side of the inner tube 34. The proximal end side of the inner tube 34 is connected to a connecting member 90 (see FIG. 3) inside the grip section 22 (see FIG. 3), as will be described in detail later. The inner tube 34 is an example of an inner tube of the present invention.

[0035] 2, the camera unit 24 includes a distal optical system 40, a proximal optical system 50, and an imaging unit 60. The symbol OA in the figure indicates the optical axis of the optical system (objective lens 48a, described below) of the camera unit 24, and indicates the imaging direction of the imaging unit 60. The optical axis OA is set in a direction inclined with respect to the insertion axis Ax.

[0036] The distal optical system 40 is provided on the distal end side of the outer tube 32. The distal optical system 40 is an oblique optical system that refracts light incident from a direction inclined with respect to the insertion axis Ax in a direction parallel to the insertion axis Ax and guides the light to the proximal optical system 50. The distal optical system 40 includes a distal main body 42 and a distal lens barrel 44 provided on the distal main body 42. The distal optical system 40 is an example of an optical system of the present invention.

[0037] The tip portion body 42 constitutes the tip portion of the insertion portion 20 (outer cylinder 32) and is a cap that covers the tip portion barrel 44. The tip portion body 42 is formed in a generally tubular shape that is parallel to the insertion axis Ax. Furthermore, a cover glass 46 that is inclined to match the inclination angle of the objective lens 48a in the tip portion barrel 44 is provided at the opening on the tip side of the tip portion body 42.

[0038] Furthermore, the tip portion main body 42 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 30. As a result, when the outer tube 30 is rotated in the direction B around the axis, the tip optical system 40 and the outer tube 32 rotate integrally with the outer tube 30 in the direction B around the axis.

[0039] The distal end barrel 44 houses an objective lens 48a, a prism 48b, and a lens 48c. The objective lens 48a is tilted from a position perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax and faces the cover glass 46. The objective lens 48a emits light incident through the cover glass 46 toward the prism 48b. The prism 48b refracts the light incident from the objective lens 48a, i.e., light incident from a direction tilted with respect to the insertion axis Ax, in a direction parallel to the insertion axis Ax and then emits the light toward the lens 48c. The lens 48c is oriented perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax and emits the light incident from the prism 48b toward a lens 56 in the proximal end barrel 52 of the proximal optical system 50. The configuration of the optical system in the distal end barrel 44 is not particularly limited as long as it can guide light incident from a direction tilted with respect to the insertion axis Ax into the proximal end barrel 52.

[0040] A cylindrical portion 45 extending toward the base end side of distal end barrel 44 is formed on distal end barrel 44. Cylindrical portion 45 is fitted onto the distal end of proximal end barrel 52 so as to be rotatable relative to the distal end in direction B around axis. This allows proximal end barrel 52 to be fitted onto distal end barrel 44 so as to be rotatable relative to the distal end in direction B around axis.

[0041] The proximal optical system 50 is provided on the distal end side of the inner tube 34, and guides light incident from the distal lens barrel 44 to the imaging unit 60. The proximal optical system 50 includes a proximal lens barrel 52, a holder 54, and a prism 55.

[0042] The base end side of base end barrel 52 is fixed to the tip side of inner tube 34 via holder 54. As described above, the tip side of base end barrel 52 is fitted into the opening on the base end side of tubular portion 45 so as to be rotatable relative to the opening in direction B around the axis. This allows one of tip end barrel 44 and base end barrel 52 to rotate relative to the other in direction B around the axis. As a result, inner tube 34 inserted into outer tube 32 can rotate relative to outer tube 32 in direction B around the axis.

[0043] A plurality of lenses 56 having optical axes parallel to the insertion axis Ax are provided inside the base end lens barrel 52. Each lens 56 emits light incident from the tip end lens barrel 44 toward the prism 55.

[0044] The holder 54 is formed in a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax, and is fixed to the tip side of the inner tube 34. The holder 54 is also fitted onto and fixed to the base end side of the base end barrel 52. This connects the inner tube 34 and the base end barrel 52 by the holder 54, so that the inner tube 34, the holder 54, and the base end barrel 52 can rotate together relative to the outer tube 32 in the direction B around the axis.

[0045] A prism 55 is held in the opening on the base end side of holder 54, and an imaging unit 60 is further held via prism 55. Therefore, imaging unit 60 can rotate relative to outer cylinder 32 in direction B around axis together with inner cylinder 34 and base end lens barrel 52 via prism 55 and holder 54.

[0046] The prism 55 refracts the incident light by 90 degrees after passing through the proximal lens barrel 52. Note that the prism 55 may be replaced by a mirror.

[0047] The imaging unit 60 captures an image of light (observation image) that passes through the distal optical system 40 and the proximal optical system 50 and is reflected by the prism 55. The imaging unit 60 includes an imaging element 64 and a circuit board 66. The imaging unit 60 is an example of the imaging unit of the present invention.

[0048] The imaging element 64 is mounted on a circuit board 66 and fixed to the prism 55, and is attached to the holder 54 via the prism 55. The imaging element 64 captures an image of light refracted by the prism 55 and outputs an imaging signal. The imaging element 64 may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor.

[0049] The circuit board 66 controls the driving of the imaging element 64. The distal end of the first signal cable 26 is connected to the circuit board 66 via a connector 68. The circuit board 66 outputs an imaging signal from the imaging element 64 to the first signal cable 26 via the connector 68.

[0050] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the gripping portion 22. As shown in Fig. 3, the gripping portion 22 is configured in a tubular shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax.

[0051] A knob 36 fixed to the base end of the outer tube 30 is provided on the tip side of the grip portion 22. The knob 36 is, for example, rotatably provided on the outer peripheral surface of the tip side of the grip portion 22 via a seal ring 38. This allows the knob 36 to rotate in the direction B around the axis relative to the grip portion 22. By rotating the knob 36 in the direction B around the axis, the outer tube 30 is rotated in the direction B around the axis relative to the grip portion 22, and the outer tube 32 and the tip optical system 40 (see FIG. 2; tip portion main body 42 and tip lens barrel 44) are rotated together in the same direction via the outer tube 30. This makes it possible to change the field of view (observation direction, shooting direction) of the oblique endoscope 10.

[0052] The base ends of the outer tube 32 and the inner tube 34 are inserted from the opening on the tip side of the grip portion 22 to the inside of the grip portion 22. The tip side of the external cable 72 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the base end side of the grip portion 22, and this external cable 72 is provided integrally with the grip portion 22. The second signal cable 27 and the light guide 28 are inserted inside the external cable 72.

[0053] 3, a light guide insertion space 70 is formed inside the grip portion 22. A case 74 is also provided inside the grip portion 22. The case 74 is disposed closer to the tip side than the light guide insertion space 70.

[0054] Next, a configuration for inserting and arranging the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 inside the grip portion 22 will be described.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the case 74 is generally tubular and parallel to the insertion axis Ax, has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the grip portion 22, and is housed inside the grip portion 22. The case 74 is supported in the internal space of the grip portion 22 by the outer tube 32, the external cable 72 (see FIG. 1), and the like. The distal end side of the case 74 is connected to the proximal end of the outer tube 32. As a result, when the outer tube 30 is rotated in the axial direction B relative to the grip portion 22, this rotational force is transmitted to the distal optical system 40, the outer tube 32, and the case 74. As a result, the case 74 is rotated in the same direction as the outer tube 30.

[0056] The base end side of the inner tube 34 and the base end side of the first signal cable 26 are disposed inside the case 74. A partition wall 74a perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax is provided inside the case 74, for example, in the opening on the base end side of the case 74. The partition wall 74a closes the opening on the base end side of the case 74.

[0057] Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 74b parallel to the insertion axis Ax is provided on the base end side of the case 74. The cylindrical portion 74b is formed to have the same diameter as the case 74, but may be formed to have a diameter different from that of the case 74. The cylindrical portion 74b may also be formed integrally with the case 74. In this case, the base end side of the case 74 functions as the cylindrical portion 74b. Inside the case 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b, in addition to a part of the connecting portion 84 described below, the tip side of the second signal cable 27 is arranged.

[0058] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the outer cylinder 32 and the case 74. As shown in FIG. 4, a sealed space 80 (airtight space) is formed inside the outer cylinder 32 and the case 74, and the inner cylinder 34, the imaging unit 60 (see FIG. 2), the first signal cable 26, etc. are disposed in the sealed space 80. The distal end side of the sealed space 80 is defined by the distal optical system 40. The proximal end side of the sealed space 80 is defined by the partition wall 74a. This improves the moisture resistance of the camera unit 24 (see FIG. 2), preventing fogging and damage.

[0059] 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the case 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the case 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b are provided with the partition wall 74a, the airtight connector 82, and the connecting portion 84.

[0060] The airtight connector 82 is provided to be rotatable relative to the partition wall 74a in the direction B around the axis so as to penetrate between the inside and outside of the sealed space 80. The airtight connector 82 electrically connects the base end side of the first signal cable 26 inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80) and the tip side of the second signal cable 27 inside the tubular portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80). This allows the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 to be inserted and disposed inside the gripping portion 22. Note that if the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are torsionally deformable in the direction B around the axis, for example, if the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are each composed of a plurality of separate wires, the airtight connector 82 may be fixed to the partition wall 74a.

[0061] The coupling portion 84 is provided inside the case 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b so as to be rotatable relative to the case 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b in the direction around the axis B. The first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are inserted inside the coupling portion 84. The coupling portion 84 magnetically couples (connects) the base end side of the inner tube 34 inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80) to the tip end side of the external cable 72 (see FIG. 1 ) outside the sealed space 80, with the partition wall 74a sandwiched therebetween.

[0062] The coupling portion 84 has a connecting member 90, a bearing support member 92, and a bearing 94. In addition to the above members, the coupling portion 84 also has a bearing support member 96, a bearing 98, a coupling beam 100, and a magnetic coupling 102.

[0063] The connecting member 90 and the bearing receiving member 92 are provided inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80) and are formed in a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax. The first signal cable 26 is inserted through the connecting member 90 and the bearing receiving member 92.

[0064] The connecting member 90 connects the base end side of the inner tube 34 and the tip side of the bearing receiving member 92 inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80). As a result, the tip side of the bearing receiving member 92 is connected to the base end side of the inner tube 34 via the connecting member 90.

[0065] The bearing support member 92 has its tip end connected to the connecting member 90 as described above, and its base end fixed to the first magnet 103 of the magnetic coupling 102. A bearing 94 that is inscribed in the case 74 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the bearing support member 92. This allows the bearing support member 92 and the first magnet 103 to be held within the case 74 so as to be rotatable relative to the case 74 in the direction B around the axis. The bearing 94 may be any of various known radial bearings, such as a ball bearing or a roller bearing.

[0066] The bearing receiving member 96 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80). The bearing receiving member 96 is formed in a generally tubular shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax, and the second signal cable 27 is inserted inside the bearing receiving member 96.

[0067] The bearing support member 96 has a tip end fixed to the second magnet 104 of the magnetic coupling 102 inside the cylindrical portion 74b, and a base end connected to the connecting beam 100. A bearing 98 inscribed in the cylindrical portion 74b is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the bearing support member 96. This allows the bearing support member 96 and the second magnet 104 to be held within the cylindrical portion 74b so as to be rotatable relative to the cylindrical portion 74b in the direction B around the axis. As with the bearing 94, various known radial bearings may be used for the bearing 98.

[0068] 3, the connecting beam 100 is configured as a beam extending in the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax within the light guide insertion space 70. The connecting beam 100 has a ring portion 100a at its distal end and a ring portion 100b at its proximal end, with the ring portion 100a fitted onto the proximal end of the bearing support member 96 and the ring portion 100b fixed to the distal end of the external cable 72 (see FIG. 1). As a result, the second magnet 104 and the external cable 72 (see FIG. 1) are connected via the connecting beam 100 through the bearing support member 96.

[0069] The magnetic coupling 102 is composed of a first magnet 103 provided inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80) with the partition wall 74a in between, and a second magnet 104 provided inside the cylindrical portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80). The magnetic coupling 102 is a magnetic coupling member that magnetically couples the bearing receiving member 92 (inner cylinder 34) and the bearing receiving member 96 (external cable 72). The first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 are each formed in a disk shape with a hole formed in the center. The first signal cable 26 is inserted through the hole in the first magnet 103, and the second magnet 104 The second signal cable 27 is inserted through this hole.

[0070] By magnetically coupling the inner tube 34 and the external cable 72 (see FIG. 1) by the magnetic coupling 102, torque (static torque, rotational torque) can be transmitted from the external cable 72 (see FIG. 1) to the inner tube 34. This prevents the inner tube 34 (the proximal optical system 50 and the imaging unit 60) from rotating (co-rotating) together with the outer tube 32 in the direction around the axis B when the surgeon rotates the outer tube 30 using the knob 36. In other words, the magnetic coupling 102 maintains the orientation of the inner tube 34 in the direction around the axis B.

[0071] Next, a description will be given of the rotation stopper 120 (see FIG. 6) that defines (restricts) the rotation operation range of the knob 36 shown in FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the rotation stopper 120 when the knob 36 is viewed from the base end side of the grip portion 22. The rotation stopper 120 is also shown in FIG. 3.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 6, the rotation stopper 120 has a stopper groove 122 and a stopper pin 124. The stopper groove 122 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the grip portion 22. The stopper groove 122 has a groove portion 122a, a wall portion 122b formed on one end of the groove portion 122a, and a wall portion 122c formed on the other end of the groove portion 122a. The groove portion 122a is formed in an arc shape centered on the central axis D of rotation of the knob 36 relative to the grip portion 22 on a plane perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax. The wall portions 122b and 122c are each formed as stopper surfaces protruding in a direction normal to the groove portion 122a. Meanwhile, the stopper pin 124 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the knob 36 and protrudes toward the central axis D of rotation and is inserted into the groove portion 122a.

[0073] 6, the position of the stopper pin 124 shown by the solid line in FIG. 6 indicates the center position of the rotation operation range θ (for example, 340 degrees) of the knob 36. anti When the knob 36 is rotated in the clockwise direction F, the stopper pin 124 moves in the same direction along the groove 122a, and when the stopper pin 124 abuts against the wall 122b, rotation of the knob 36 in the same direction is restricted. The position of the knob 36 at this time corresponds to a first rotation position in the direction B about the axis relative to the gripping portion 22. Furthermore, when the knob 36 is rotated in the clockwise direction G from the above-mentioned central position, the stopper pin 124 moves in the same direction along the groove 122a, and when the stopper pin 124 abuts against the wall 122c, rotation of the knob 36 in the same direction is restricted. The position of the knob 36 at this time corresponds to a second rotation position in the direction B about the axis relative to the gripping portion 22.

[0074] In the operation unit 21 of this example, the rotation stopper 120 limits the rotation operation range θ of the knob 36 to 340 degrees. As a result, the knob 36 can be rotated from the center position between the first rotation position and the second rotation position to antiThe knob 36 is configured to be rotatable by 170 degrees in both the clockwise direction F and the clockwise direction G. The above-mentioned central position is an example of the reference position of the present invention, that is, a reference position that serves as a reference for the position of the knob 36 in the direction B around the axis relative to the grip portion 22. Note that the reference position is not limited to the above-mentioned central position, and for example, anti The reference position may be a position shifted in the clockwise direction F or the clockwise direction G. However, by setting the central position as the reference position, the surgeon can adjust the field of view direction using the central position as the starting point, and also, as will be described in detail later, can set the imaging direction of the oblique endoscope 10 to a diagonally downward direction.

[0075] Next, a preferred embodiment of the grip portion 22 and the knob 36 that takes into consideration the operability will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 10. Three-way Direction( X direction Toward, Y-side Toward, Z direction This explanation will be given using a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system (direction).

[0076] For example, as shown in Fig. 7, when the orientation of the oblique endoscope 10 is determined so that the insertion axis Ax is horizontal and the external cable 72 extends diagonally downward to the right in the direction C from the proximal end 208 of the gripping portion 22, the direction parallel to the insertion axis Ax is defined as the X direction, the distal end side of the X direction is defined as the X(+) direction, and the proximal end side is defined as the X(-) direction. Furthermore, in the orientation of Fig. 7, the direction perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax and perpendicular to the plane of Fig. 7 is defined as the Y direction, the far side of the plane of the Y direction is defined as the Y(+) direction, and the near side of the plane of the plane of the Y direction is defined as the Y(-) direction. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction is defined as the Z direction, and the upper side of the Z direction is defined as the Z(+) direction, and the lower side of the Z direction is defined as the Z(-) direction. In the following description,

[0077] Here, Fig. 7 is a side view of the operation unit 21 when viewed from the Y(-) direction side in the Y(+) direction. Fig. 8 is a top view of the operation unit 21 when viewed from the Z(+) direction side in the Z(-) direction. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the operation unit 21 when viewed from the Z(+) direction. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the operation unit 21 when viewed from the Z(-) direction side. Note that Figs. 7 to 10 each show the operation unit 21 with the knob 36 positioned in the central position (reference position) relative to the grip portion 22.

[0078] First, we will explain the grip portion 22. As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the outer surface of the grip portion 22 has a first flat portion 200 (see Figure 8), a second flat portion 202 (see Figure 10), a first curved portion 204 (see Figure 8), and a second curved portion 206 (see Figure 10).

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first flat surface 200 is formed on a part of the outer surface of the grip portion 22, that is, on a surface of the outer surface of the grip portion 22 located on the Z(+) direction side. The first flat surface 200 is configured as a surface along the insertion axis Ax, specifically as a surface parallel to the insertion axis Ax. Furthermore, the first flat surface 200 is formed from the distal end 207 to the proximal end 208 of the grip portion 22 along the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax. The first flat surface 200 is an example of a first flat surface of the present invention. When the surgeon grasps the grip portion 22, the first flat surface 200 functions as a surface that comes into contact with the base of the surgeon's thumb.

[0080] Furthermore, when the direction perpendicular to the axial direction indicates the top and bottom of a monitor image formed from an imaging signal output from the imaging unit 60 (see FIG. 3), the first flat surface 200 is formed at a position indicating the top side of the top and bottom directions on the outer surface of the gripping unit 22, and as a surface perpendicular to the top and bottom directions. This allows the surgeon to understand that the plane of the first flat surface 200 corresponds to the top surface of the monitor image displayed on the monitor 16.

[0081] 7 and 10, the second flat surface 202 is formed on a part of the outer surface of the gripping portion 22, on a surface located on the Z(-) direction side of the outer surface of the gripping portion 22. The second flat surface 202 is formed as a surface parallel to the first flat surface 200 at a position opposite the first flat surface 200 across the insertion axis Ax. The second flat surface 202 is further formed along the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax, from the tip end 207 of the gripping portion 22 to a position on the front side (X(+) side) of the base end 208.

[0082] 7, the base end 208 of the grip portion 22 has a bulging portion 208A that protrudes in a dome shape in the Z(-) direction. The base end side (X(-) side) of the second flat portion 202 is formed so as to be continuous with an inclined plane 210 formed on the tip end side (X(+) side) of the bulging portion 208A. The second flat portion 202 is an example of the second flat portion of the present invention. When the surgeon grips the grip portion 22, the second flat portion 202 functions as a surface that comes into contact with the four fingers of the surgeon other than the thumb (particularly the middle finger and ring finger).

[0083] 8, the first curved surface portion 204 is a curved surface portion that connects a side edge portion 200A on the Y(+) direction side of the first flat surface portion 200 and a side edge portion 202A (see FIG. 10) on the Y(+) direction side of the second flat surface portion 202 (see FIG. 10), and is configured as a curved surface portion that bulges out toward the Y(+) direction. Note that when an operator holds the grip portion 22 with, for example, the right hand, this first curved surface portion 204 functions as a surface that comes into contact with the palm of the operator's hand, particularly the palm (the concave portion in the center of the palm).

[0084] 8, the second curved surface portion 206 is a curved surface portion that connects a side edge portion 200B on the Y(-) direction side of the first flat surface portion 200 and a side edge portion 202B (see FIG. 10) on the Y(-) direction side of the second flat surface portion 202 (see FIG. 10), and is configured as a curved surface portion that bulges out on the Y(-) direction side. Note that when an operator holds the grip portion 22 with, for example, the right hand, this second curved surface portion 206 functions as a surface that comes into contact with the fingertips of the operator's four fingers other than the thumb (particularly the middle finger and ring finger).

[0085] The gripping portion 22 configured in this manner has a shape that is easy for the surgeon to grasp due to the inclusion of the first flat surface portion 200, and is made even easier to grasp due to the inclusion of the second flat surface portion 202. Furthermore, the gripping portion 22 has a shape that is even easier to grasp due to the inclusion of the first curved surface portion 204 and the second curved surface portion 206.

[0086] Next, we will explain the knob 36. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the knob 36 has a finger rest 220 on which the surgeon's thumb can be placed, and a pair of finger rests 222, 224 provided on both sides of the finger rest 220 in the direction B around the axis.

[0087] As an example, the finger rest portion 220 is recessed in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax in a part of the outer surface of the knob 36. The finger rest portion 220 is formed as a concave curved portion that follows the convex curved surface of the thumb portion so that the thumb portion can be easily placed thereon. The finger rest portion 220 is an example of a finger rest portion of the present invention.

[0088] As an example, the finger rests 222, 224 are provided in a protruding manner in a direction perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax on a part of the outer surface of the knob 36. The finger rests 222, 224 are brought into contact with both sides of the thumb placed on the finger rest 220. The finger rests 222, 224 are an example of the finger rest of the present invention.

[0089] The knob 36 configured in this manner has the finger rest portion 220 and the pair of finger rest portions 222, 224, making it easy for the operator to rotate the knob 36.

[0090] 7 to 10 , when the knob 36 is located at a central position, which serves as a reference for the position of the knob 36 in the direction B around the axis relative to the gripping portion 22, the finger rest portion 220 is located directly opposite the first flat surface portion 200 in the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax. Specifically, the finger rest portion 220 is located on an extension of the first flat surface portion 200 in the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax. With this configuration, when the surgeon grasps the gripping portion 22, the base of the thumb comes into contact with the first flat surface portion 200 of the gripping portion 22, and the surgeon can place the thumb on the finger rest portion 220 of the knob 36 in a natural position without bending the thumb. Furthermore, because the sides of the thumb come into contact with the pair of finger rests 222, 224, the operating force generated when the thumb is moved in the left-right direction (the Y(-) direction and the Y(+) direction in FIG. 8 ) can be efficiently transmitted to the knob 36. This facilitates the rotation of the knob 36, thereby improving the operability for changing the field of view.

[0091] 8 and 9, the first flat surface portion 200 has a first index 226, and the finger rest portion 220 has a second index 228. When the knob 36 is positioned at the above-mentioned central position, the first index 226 and the second index 228 are provided on the same line H along the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax. This makes it possible to easily align the rotational position of the knob 36 to the central position by rotating the grip portion 22 and the knob 36 relatively in the direction B around the axis to align the first index 226 and the second index 228 on the same line H.

[0092] 9, the first index 226 and the second index 228 are each formed of a convex portion. Specifically, the first index 226 is formed of a convex portion protruding in the Z(+) direction from the first flat surface portion 200, and the second index 228 is formed of a convex portion protruding in the Z(+) direction from the finger placement portion 220. By forming the first index 226 and the second index 228 as convex portions in this way, the surgeon can easily confirm the positions of the first index 226 and the second index 228 by sight and touch.

[0093] 8 and 9, the respective convex portions representing the first index 226 and the second index 228 are configured as convex ridge portions formed along the same line H. By configuring the first index 226 and the second index 228 as convex ridge portions along the same line H in this manner, it becomes easier to align the first index 226 and the second index 228 on the same line H.

[0094] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 7, when the knob 36 is located at the central position, which is the reference position, the optical axis OA (see Fig. 2) inclined relative to the insertion axis Ax includes a component in the direction indicated by arrow K, which is directed opposite to the normal direction indicated by arrow J of the first flat surface portion 200. As a result, when the insertion portion 20 is inserted obliquely downward into the body as viewed from the Y direction in Fig. 7 with the knob 36 located at the reference position, the imaging direction becomes obliquely downward by the amount of the above-mentioned inclination with respect to that direction. In other words, the reference position of the knob 36 is set at a position where the imaging direction is obliquely downward.

[0095] 10, the knob 36 has a third index 230. This third index 230 is formed at a position different from the position of the second index 228 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and this third index 230 functions as an index that indicates the position in the direction B around the axis relative to the grip portion 22. This third index 230 As an example, the third index 230 is formed on the outer surface of the knob 36 at a position opposite the second index 228 across the insertion axis Ax (at a position spaced 180 degrees from the second index 228 in the axial direction). The third index 230 is an example of the third index of the present invention.

[0096] Providing such a third index 230 on the knob 36 has the following advantage. Specifically, when the knob 36 is rotated by a large angle (for example, about 120 degrees) from the central position in the direction B around the axis relative to the grip portion 22, the second index 228 may become invisible depending on the rotational position, making it difficult to grasp the current rotation angle. In this case, the third index 230, which is 180 degrees apart from the second index 228 in the direction B around the axis, becomes visible, and the rotational position of the knob 36 can be grasped based on the third index 230.

[0097] 10, the third index 230 is configured as a recess. By configuring the third index 230 as a recess in this manner, it can be easily distinguished from the second index 228, which is configured as a protrusion. Furthermore, the recess indicating the third index 230 is configured as a groove formed along the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax. By configuring the third index 230 as a groove along the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax in this manner, it becomes easier to grasp the rotation position of the knob 36 when viewing the third index 230.

[0098] Next, the operation of the oblique endoscope 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0099] In the oblique endoscope 10 of this embodiment, the surgeon grasps the grip portion 22 and inserts the insertion portion 20 into the patient's body. Then, to change the field of view, the surgeon rotates the knob 36 in the direction B about the axis. This causes the outer tube 30 and the outer cylinder 32, which rotate integrally with the knob 36, to rotate in the same direction, thereby enabling the field of view to be directed in the desired direction. Furthermore, when the surgeon rotates the outer tube 30 using the knob 36, the inner cylinder 34 (the proximal optical system 50 and the imaging unit 60) is prevented from rotating together with the outer cylinder 32 in the direction B about the axis. In other words, the magnetic coupling 102 maintains the orientation of the inner cylinder 34 in the direction B about the axis, preventing the image observed on the monitor 16 from rotating even when the field of view is changed. As a result, the operability of the oblique endoscope 10 is improved.

[0100] Incidentally, when an operator grasps the grip portion 22 of the oblique endoscope 10 of the embodiment, the base of the thumb comes into contact (abuts) with the first flat surface 200 of the grip portion 22, making it easier to grasp the grip portion 22. Furthermore, when the right hand is palm up, the second flat surface 202 formed on the outer surface of the grip portion 22 prevents the grip portion 22 from rolling on the palm of the right hand. This prevents the image observed on the monitor from rotating, improving the operability of the oblique endoscope 10.

[0101] Furthermore, when the gripping portion 22 is gripped with the knob 36 positioned at the center and the finger rest portion 220 facing the first flat surface portion 200 in the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax, the base of the surgeon's thumb comes into contact with the flat surface of the first flat surface portion 200, and the thumb can be placed on the finger rest portion 220 of the knob 36 in a natural position without bending. To change the viewing direction, the surgeon rotates the knob 36 in the axial direction B using the finger rests 222, 224 that contact both sides of the thumb. In this operation to change the viewing direction, the surgeon can perform the change operation with the thumb of the hand gripping the gripping portion 22. This allows the surgeon to perform the operation to change the viewing direction with one hand. As a result, the operation to change the viewing direction is easier.

[0102] As described above, according to the endoscope of the embodiment, the gripping portion 22 has a first flat portion 200 on a part of the outer surface of the gripping portion 22 that is aligned with the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax, and the knob 36 has a finger rest portion 220 and a pair of finger support portions 222, 224. When the knob 36 is positioned in the central position (reference position), the finger rest portion 220 is configured to face the first flat portion 200 directly in the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax, thereby improving operability for changing the field of view direction.

[0103] Furthermore, when the surgeon grasps the grip portion 22, the four fingers (particularly the middle finger and ring finger) other than the thumb come into contact with the second flat surface portion 202 of the grip portion 22. This allows the surgeon to firmly grasp the grip portion 22 with the thumb in contact with the first flat surface portion 200 and the four fingers other than the thumb in contact with the second flat surface portion 202, thereby significantly improving the grip of the grip portion 22.

[0104] Furthermore, the palm of the hand comes into contact with the first curved surface portion 204 (second curved surface portion 206) of the grip portion 22, improving the sense of stability when gripping the grip portion 22. As a result, when gripping the grip portion 22, the grip portion 22 can be stably held in the palm of the hand (approximately the entire portion excluding the five fingers).

[0105] Although an example of the endoscope according to the present invention has been described above, the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10 Oblique scope 12 Endoscopy System 14 Processor unit 16 monitors 18 Light source device 20 Insertion section 21 Control section 22 Gripping part 24 Camera Unit 26 First signal cable 27 Second signal cable 28 Light Guide 28C Light output end 30 Exterior pipe 31 Space 32 outer cylinder 34 Inner cylinder 36 Knob 38 Seal ring 40 Advanced optical system 42 Tip body 44 Front lens barrel 45 Cylindrical part 46 Coverslips 48a Objective Lens 48b Prism 48c lens 50 Proximal optical system 52 Base end barrel 54 Holder 55 Prism 56 Lens 60 Imaging unit 64 image sensor 66 Circuit Board 68 Connector 70 Light guide insertion space 72 External Cable 74 cases 80 Closed space 82 Airtight Connector 84 Connecting part 90 Connecting member 92 Bearing support member 94 bearings 96 Bearing support member 98 Bearings 100 Connecting beam 100a ring part 100b Ring part 102 Magnetic Coupling 103 First Magnet 104 Second Magnet 120 rotation stopper 122 Stopper groove 122a Groove 122b Wall section 122c wall 124 Stopper pin 200 1st plane section 200A side edge 200B Side edge 202 2nd plane part 202A Side edge 202B Side edge 204 1st curved surface part 206 2nd curved surface part 207 Tip 208 Proximal end 208A Bulge 220 Finger rest 222 Finger rest 224 Finger rest 226 1st indicator 228 Second indicator 230 Third indicator Ax Insertion axis OA optical axis B axis direction C. Right downward direction D Rotational axis F anti Clockwise direction G Clockwise H Same line J arrow K arrow

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: an insertion section having an optical system at a tip end and rotatable around an insertion axis; and an operation section connected to a base end side of the insertion section, The operation unit includes: a grip portion extending in the axial direction of the insertion shaft; a rotation operation member provided between the grip portion and the insertion portion, the rotation operation member being rotatable relative to the grip portion and rotating the insertion portion in a direction around the axis; and the grip portion has a first flat surface portion along the insertion axis on a part of an outer surface of the grip portion, the first flat surface portion being in contact with a base portion of a finger of an operator gripping the grip portion, the rotation operation member has only one finger rest portion on which the finger can be placed, and a pair of finger rest portions provided on both sides of the finger rest portion in the direction around the axis, protruding from the finger rest portion, and receiving an operation force from the fingers on the finger rest portion in the direction around the axis; When the rotation operation member is positioned at only one reference position that serves as a reference for the position of the rotation operation member in the direction around the axis relative to the grip portion, the finger rest portion is positioned directly opposite the first flat surface portion in the axial direction and is provided on an extension of the first flat surface portion in the axial direction. Endoscope.

2. The first flat portion is formed along the axial direction from the tip end to the base end of the grip portion. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. the first flat portion has a first index; The finger rest portion has a second index, When the rotation operation member is positioned at the reference position, the first index and the second index are provided on the same line along the axial direction. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first index and the second index are convex portions; The endoscope according to claim 3 .

5. The convex portion is a convex streak portion formed along the same line. The endoscope according to claim 4.

6. the gripping portion has a second flat surface portion parallel to the first flat surface portion at a position on the outer surface of the gripping portion opposite to the first flat surface portion across the insertion axis, The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the rotation operation member has a third index at a position different from the position of the second index, the third index indicating the position of the rotation operation member in the direction around the axis relative to the grip portion; The endoscope according to claim 3 .

8. the third indicator is a recess; The endoscope according to claim 7.

9. The recess is a groove formed along the axial direction. The endoscope according to claim 8.

10. the rotation operation member is configured to be rotatable between a first rotation position and a second rotation position in the direction around the axis relative to the grip portion, the reference position is a center position between the first rotation position and the second rotation position; The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the insertion section has an imaging section that images light that has passed through the optical system, When a direction indicating the top and bottom of an image formed from an imaging signal output from the imaging unit in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is defined as a top-bottom direction, the first flat surface is formed at a position indicating the top side of the top-bottom direction on the outer surface of the gripping unit and as a surface perpendicular to the top-bottom direction. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. the insertion section has an imaging section that images light that has passed through the optical system, an imaging direction of the imaging unit is a direction inclined with respect to the insertion axis; When the rotation operation member is located at the reference position, the imaging direction of the imaging unit includes a component in a direction opposite to the normal direction of the first flat surface portion. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The insertion portion is An outer tube; an outer tube inserted into the outer tube, the outer tube having the optical system at a tip thereof and rotatable integrally with the outer tube in a direction around an axis of the insertion shaft of the insertion portion; an inner cylinder inserted into the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder having an imaging unit at a tip thereof that images light that has passed through the optical system, the inner cylinder being rotatable relative to the outer cylinder in a direction around the axis; having The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images