Endoscope connection structure

Abstract

To provide a connecting structure of an endoscope capable of enhancing connection strength between a bending part and a distal end hard part.SOLUTION: A connecting structure for connecting a distal end ring 30 of a bending part 18 and a tubular member 32 of a distal end hard part 16 is so configured that the tubular member 32 includes a guide slit 70 formed from one end side to the other end side of the tubular member 32, the distal end ring 30 includes a reinforcing rib 72 spaced from an inner peripheral surface of the distal end ring 30 and having an arc-shaped cross section perpendicular to an axial direction of the distal end ring 30, and a rib connecting body 74 for connecting the inner peripheral surface of the distal end ring 30 and the reinforcing rib 72, and when the rib connecting body 74 is engaged with the guide slit 70 to connect the tubular member 32 and the distal end ring 30, the outer peripheral part of the tubular member 32 is clamped between the inner peripheral surface of the distal end ring 30 and the reinforcing rib 72, and the outer peripheral part of the tubular member 32 is received and supported by the reinforcing rib 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting structure for an endoscope, and more particularly to a connecting structure for an endoscope for connecting a bending section and a rigid tip section that constitute an insertion section of the endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] An endoscope generally has a proximal control section and an insertion section whose proximal end is connected to the proximal control section. The insertion section has a flexible section whose proximal end is connected to the proximal control section, and the proximal end of a bending section is connected to the distal end of the flexible section.

[0003] The bending section and the rigid tip section are connected to each other in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section on the distal end side of the insertion section. The bending section is formed by connecting a plurality of rings (also called node rings) in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion section. Of the rings constituting the bending section, the distal ring located at the most distal end is connected to the proximal end side of the tubular member constituting the rigid tip section (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] The connection structure for an endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 employs a structure in which a bending section and a rigid tip section are connected by fitting a convex portion of a tip ring into a concave portion of a tubular member.

[0005] On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a connection structure in which a piece of a bending part is inserted into a connecting ring of a flexible part, and a key (protrusion) provided on the connecting ring is accommodated in a cutout portion of the piece to connect the flexible part and the bending part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 125311 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-168441 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The connection structure of Patent Document 1 has the problem that in order to fit the convex portion and the concave portion together, the positions of the convex portion and the concave portion must be precisely aligned in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, and the connection work is cumbersome because it requires detailed connection work.

[0008] To address this problem, in order to facilitate the work of connecting the bending section and the rigid tip section, the connection work becomes easier if, for example, the connection structure of Patent Document 2 (a structure in which a convex portion is housed in a cutout portion) is applied to the connection structure of Patent Document 1. According to the connection structure of Patent Document 2, the positions of the convex portion and the cutout portion in the circumferential direction of the longitudinal axis of the insertion section are roughly aligned, and then the two can be connected by pushing them together in the longitudinal axial direction, making it possible to easily connect the two.

[0009] Incidentally, the connection portion of the tubular member that is connected to the distal ring is configured to be thin in order to prevent the diameter of the distal rigid portion from increasing, for example. Therefore, even if the connection structure of Patent Document 2 is applied to the connection structure of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to overcome the lack of strength of the thin-walled connection portion, and there is a risk that the bending portion and the distal rigid portion may easily come off.

[0010] Thus, in the field of endoscopes, there is a demand for a connection structure that can improve the connection strength between the bending portion and the hard tip portion by compensating for the lack of strength in the connection part, in order to prevent the bending portion and the hard tip portion from easily coming apart.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a connection structure for an endoscope that can improve the connection strength between a bending portion and a rigid tip portion. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the connecting structure of an endoscope of the present invention is for connecting a tip ring arranged on the tip side of the bending section and a tubular member arranged on the base end side of the tip rigid section and inserted into the tip ring, the tubular member has a guide slit formed from one end side of the tubular member along the axial direction of the tubular member toward the other end side of the tubular member, the tip ring is arranged with a gap from the inner surface of the tip ring and has a reinforcing rib with an arc-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the tip ring, and a rib connector connecting the inner surface of the tip ring and the reinforcing rib, when the rib connector engages with the guide slit to connect the tubular member and the tip ring, the outer periphery of the tubular member is sandwiched between the inner surface of the tip ring and the reinforcing rib, and the outer periphery of the tubular member is supported by the reinforcing rib.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the reinforcing ribs preferably extend on both sides of the rib connector in the circumferential direction of the tip ring.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the reinforcing rib preferably extends on only one side in the circumferential direction of the tip ring relative to the rib connector.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the rib connectors are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the tip ring, and the guide slits are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the tubular member.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the rib connectors are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tip ring, and the guide slits are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular member.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is preferable that the rib connectors are provided at three locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tip ring, and the guide slits are provided at three locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular member.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the distal ring is preferably made of metal, and the tubular member is preferably made of resin.

[0019] According to one form of the present invention, the tubular member is provided with an elastically deformable snap-fit ​​portion having a locking protrusion protruding from the outer periphery of the tubular member, the tip ring is provided with an interlocking portion that is interlocked with the locking protrusion, and both ends of the snap-fit ​​portion are supported by the outer periphery of the tubular member in a double-supported state, and it is preferable that the snap-fit ​​portion elastically deforms radially inward of the tubular member when the tubular member is attached to or detached from the tip ring.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the rib connector and the locked portion are preferably provided at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the tip ring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the connection strength between the bending portion and the distal end rigid portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of an endoscope system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a duct structure for inflating and deflating two balloons. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a main part showing a state in which a distal end rigid portion and a bending portion are connected by the endoscope connecting structure of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the main part showing a state before the distal end rigid portion and the bending portion are connected. [Figure 5] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end rigid portion and the curved portion shown in FIG. 3 cut along the longitudinal axis. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the distal ring and the tubular member separated from each other. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the distal end ring shown in FIG. 6 from a different angle. [Figure 8] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the distal end ring shown in FIG. 6 from a different angle. [Figure 9] 5A to 5C are explanatory views showing the operation of engaging a guide slit with a rib connector in the endoscope connecting structure of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part showing a state in which a rib connector is engaged with a guide slit. [Figure 11] 10 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a tubular member is supported by a second rib portion. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a perspective view of the essential parts showing a state in which a distal end rigid portion and a bending portion are connected by an endoscope connecting structure of a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the main part showing a state before the distal end rigid portion and the bending portion are connected. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the distal ring and the tubular member separated from each other. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main part of an endoscope connecting structure according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are explanatory views showing the operation of locking the locking protrusion into the locking hole by the endoscope connecting structure of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a connecting structure for an endoscope according to the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] First Embodiment First, a description will be given of the first embodiment. Below, the overall configuration of an endoscope system 1 including an endoscope 10 to which an endoscope connection structure according to the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as an "endoscope connection structure") is applied will be described, and then the endoscope connection structure according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0025] Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of an endoscope system 1. The endoscope system 1 of this example shown in Fig. 1 is a double-balloon type endoscope system, and includes an endoscope 10 which is an electronic endoscope with a balloon, an overtube 120 with a balloon, a light source device 140, a processor device 160, a balloon controller 180, a remote controller 200, and a monitor 220.

[0026] The endoscope 10 is an endoscope to which the endoscope connection structure of the first embodiment is applied, and is equipped with an insertion section 12 that is inserted into a lumen of a subject (e.g., the small intestine or large intestine), and a handheld operating section 14 that is connected to the base end side of the insertion section 12 and allows the surgeon to operate it.

[0027] A universal cord 100 is connected to the handheld operation unit 14, and a light source connector 102 is provided at the tip of the universal cord 100. A cable 104 is connected to the light source connector 102, and a processor connector 106 is provided at the tip of the cable 104. The light source connector 102 and the processor connector 106 are detachably connected to a light source device 140 and a processor device 160, respectively. The handheld operation unit 14 also has an air / water supply button 110, a suction button 112, a pair of angle knobs 114, a treatment tool introduction port 116, and the like.

[0028] The insertion section 12 has a tip rigid section 16 that is provided at the tip of the insertion section 12 and has an imaging element and the like built in for imaging inside the subject, a freely bendable bending section 18 connected to the base end side of the tip rigid section 16, and a flexible soft section 20 connected to the base end side of the bending section 18. The tip rigid section 16, the bending section 18, and the soft section 20 are connected together along the longitudinal axis A of the insertion section 12.

[0029] Although not shown, the hard tip portion 16 includes a known observation window, an illumination window for emitting illumination light supplied from the light source device 140, a nozzle for supplying air and water, etc. The hard tip portion 16 is an example of the hard tip portion of the present invention.

[0030] A balloon 22 is detachably attached to the tip hard portion 16. The balloon 22 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with narrowed ends made of an elastic material such as rubber, and has small-diameter tip and base ends and a central bulge. After the tip hard portion 16 is inserted into the balloon 22 and the balloon is positioned at a predetermined position on the tip hard portion 16, it is fixed to the tip hard portion 16, for example, by fitting rubber rings into the tip and base ends.

[0031] The bending section 18 bends up and down and left and right in conjunction with the operation of the angle knob 114 of the hand-held operation section 14. This allows the tip rigid section 16 to be directed in a desired direction inside the body. The bending section 18 is an example of a bending section of the present invention. The flexible section 20 has a length of several meters to allow the tip rigid section 16 to reach a desired position inside the body.

[0032] A signal cable (not shown) is inserted inside the insertion section 12, the handheld operation section 14, and the universal cord 100, and the signal cable electrically connects the imaging element built into the rigid tip section 16 to the processor connector 106. The processor device 160 performs various image processing on the imaging signal from the imaging element to convert it into a video signal, which is displayed as an observation image on the monitor 220 connected via a cable.

[0033] The overtube 120 is detachably fitted over the insertion section 12 of the endoscope 10, and includes a gripping section 122 that is gripped by the surgeon, a main body 124, and a balloon 126. The gripping section 122 is a cylindrical body made of a hard material such as plastic. The main body 124 is made of a flexible material such as polyurethane and is formed into a roughly cylindrical shape, and is fitted over and fixed to the distal end side of the gripping section 122.

[0034] The balloon 126 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with its ends narrowed by an elastic material such as rubber, and has small-diameter distal and proximal ends and a bulging portion in the center. The balloon 126 is placed over the outer peripheral surface of the distal end of the main body 124, and is fixed to the main body 124 by, for example, winding thread around the distal and proximal ends and applying adhesive thereon.

[0035] Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a duct structure for inflating and deflating the two balloons 22, 126. Note that Fig. 2 shows the endoscope 10 and the overtube 120 in a simplified form.

[0036] 2, the endoscope 10 has a conduit 24 for supplying and suctioning a fluid (e.g., air) to and from the balloon 22. The conduit 24 is disposed inside the insertion section 12, the proximal operation section 14, the universal cord 100, and the light source connector 102. The conduit 24 is made of a flexible tube, and the tip of the conduit 24 is connected to an opening 26 for the balloon formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rigid tip section 16. The opening 26 is formed at the mounting position of the balloon 22, and the balloon 22 is inflated and deflated by supplying and suctioning a fluid through the opening 26.

[0037] The proximal end of the conduit 24 is connected to a base 108 provided on the light source connector 102. A tube 118 is connected to the base 108, and the tube 118 is connected to a balloon controller 180. The balloon 22 is inflated and deflated by supplying and suctioning fluid by the balloon controller 180.

[0038] A conduit 128 and a conduit 130 are formed inside the main body 124 of the overtube 120 along the longitudinal axis direction of the overtube 120. The conduit 128 is a hole through which the insertion section 12 of the endoscope 10 is inserted, and the inner diameter of the conduit 128 is formed slightly larger than the outer diameter of the insertion section 12.

[0039] When the overtube 120 is in use, a lubricant such as water is supplied to the inner circumferential surface of the conduit 128 (the gap between the insertion section 12 and the main body section 124) to reduce friction between the insertion section 12 and the main body section 124. The lubricant is injected into the conduit 128 (see FIG. 2) from the connector 132 shown in FIG. 1 using a syringe or the like (not shown).

[0040] 2, conduit 130 is a conduit for supplying and suctioning a fluid (e.g., air) to and from balloon 126, and is provided within the tubular wall of conduit 128. The tip of conduit 130 is connected to an opening 134 for the balloon formed on the outer circumferential surface of main body 124. Opening 134 is formed at the mounting position of balloon 126, and balloon 126 is inflated and deflated by supplying and suctioning a fluid through opening 134.

[0041] A tube 136 is connected to the proximal end of the conduit 130, and a connector 137 is connected to the proximal end of the tube 136. A tube 138 is connected to the connector 137, and the tube 138 is connected to a balloon controller 180. The balloon 126 is inflated and deflated by supplying and suctioning fluid by the balloon controller 180.

[0042] The balloon controller 180 supplies and sucks fluids to and from the balloons 22, 126 separately in order to alternately inflate and deflate the balloon 22 on the endoscope 10 side and the balloon 126 on the overtube 120 side, and includes a pump, an electromagnetic valve, etc. A remote controller 200 is electrically connected to the balloon controller 180 via a cable 182.

[0043] The balloon controller 180 supplies fluid to the balloons 22, 126 to inflate them, and maintains the balloons 22, 126 in an inflated state by controlling the fluid pressure (pressure value) within the balloons 22, 126 to a constant value. The balloon controller 180 also suctions fluid from the balloons 22, 126 to deflate them, and maintains the balloons 22, 126 in a deflated state by controlling the fluid pressure within the balloons 22, 126 to a constant value.

[0044] 1, a display unit 184 is provided on the front surface of the balloon controller 180. The display unit 184 displays the pressure value, inflation state, and deflation state of the balloons 22, 126 when the balloons 22, 126 are inflated and deflated. The display unit 184 also displays an error code when an abnormality occurs, such as the balloons 22, 126 being torn. The pressure value, inflation state, and deflation state of the balloons 22, 126 may be superimposed on an observation image of the endoscope 10 and displayed on the monitor 220. The balloon controller 180 is also provided with a power switch 186 and the like.

[0045] Tubes 118, 138 for supplying fluid to and suctioning from the balloons 22, 126 are attached to a front panel 188 of the balloon controller 180. A backflow prevention unit (not shown) is provided at the connection between each tube 118, 138 and the balloon controller 180. The backflow prevention unit is configured by incorporating a gas-liquid separation filter inside a hollow, disk-shaped case 190 that is detachably attached to the front panel 188. This backflow prevention unit prevents liquids such as bodily fluids from flowing into the balloon controller 180 when the balloons 22, 126 are ruptured.

[0046] The remote controller 200 has a main body case 202, and on the front surface of the main body case 202, balloon operation units 204, 206, balloon pause buttons 208, 210, a stop button 212, and the like are provided.

[0047] The balloon operation unit 204 is a push button that operates the balloon controller 180 to supply or suck fluid into the balloon 22 to inflate or deflate the balloon 22. The balloon operation unit 206 is a push button that operates the balloon controller 180 to supply or suck fluid into the balloon 126 to inflate or deflate the balloon 126. The balloon pause button 208 is a push button that operates the balloon controller 180 to control the fluid pressure of the balloon 22 to a constant value and maintain the balloon 22 in an inflated or deflated state. The balloon pause button 210 is a push button that operates the balloon controller 180 to control the fluid pressure of the balloon 126 to a constant value and maintain the balloon 126 in an inflated or deflated state. The stop button 212 is a push button that operates the balloon controller 180 to, for example, forcibly deflate the balloons 22, 126.

[0048] Next, the endoscope connecting structure according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the essential parts, showing a state in which the distal end hard portion 16 and the bending portion 18 are connected by the endoscope connecting structure according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the essential parts, showing a state before the distal end hard portion 16 and the bending portion 18 are connected, with the distal end hard portion 16 and the bending portion 18 spaced apart from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the distal end hard portion 16 and the bending portion 18 shown in Fig. 3 taken along the longitudinal axis A.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, a distal ring 30 is disposed on the distal end side of the bending section 18. The distal ring 30 is the ring located at the forefront in the direction of the longitudinal axis A among the multiple rings that make up the bending section 18 (rings other than the distal ring 30 are not shown). The distal ring 30 also has a connecting ring 33 on its distal end side. The distal ring 30 is an example of a distal ring of the present invention, and is made of a metal such as stainless steel. Although not shown in Figures 3 to 5, all of the rings, including the distal ring 30, are covered by a tubular outer jacket that makes up the bending section 18.

[0050] 3 to 5, a tubular member 32 is disposed on the proximal side of the distal rigid portion 16. The tubular member 32 has a connecting tube 36 on the proximal side, and the proximal side of the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting tube 36 is inserted into the connecting ring 33 of the distal ring 30 when connecting the distal rigid portion 16 and the bending portion 18. The tubular member 32 is an example of the tubular member of the present invention, and is made of a resin such as polyetherimide, polyetheretherketone, polysulfone, or polyphenylsulfone.

[0051] 5, the distal end rigid portion 16 has a distal end body 38 arranged on the distal end side of the tubular member 32, and a cap 40 attached to the distal end surface of the distal end body 38. The distal end body 38 and the cap 40 each have an opening 42 for leading out a treatment tool, and the opening 42 communicates with the treatment tool introduction port 116 (see FIG. 1) via a forceps channel or the like (not shown).

[0052] In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the tubular member 32 has a guide slit 70. The guide slit 70 is a portion that engages with a rib connector 74 (see Fig. 6) provided on the tip ring 30 when the tip rigid portion 16 and the curved portion 18 are connected.

[0053] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the distal ring 30 and the tubular member 32 separated from each other, showing the distal end side of the distal ring 30 and the proximal end side of the tubular member 32. Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the distal ring 30 shown in Figure 6, each viewed from a different angle.

[0054] 6, the guide slits 70 are formed from the opening edge 37 on the base end side, which is one end side of the connecting pipe 36, along the axial direction (longitudinal axis A direction) of the tubular member 32 toward the tip end side, which is the other end side of the connecting pipe 36. The guide slits 70 are provided at three locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B. The guide slits 70 are one example of the guide slits of the present invention.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 , the tip ring 30 has a reinforcing rib 72 and a rib connector 74. The reinforcing rib 72 is disposed with a gap from the inner circumferential surface 33B of the connecting ring 33, and has an arc-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction (longitudinal axis A) of the tip ring 30. The rib connector 74 is a connector that connects the inner circumferential surface 33B of the connecting ring 33 and the reinforcing rib 72, and is formed in a shape that can engage with the guide slit 70, such as a rectangular block. The gap between the inner circumferential surface 33B of the connecting ring 33 and the reinforcing rib 72 is formed approximately equal to the thickness of the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36. The rib connectors 74 are provided at three locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B corresponding to the three guide slits 70. The reinforcing rib 72 is an example of a reinforcing rib of the present invention, and the rib connectors 74 are an example of a rib connector of the present invention.

[0056] Next, a procedure for connecting the distal end rigid portion 16 and the bending portion 18 using the endoscope connecting structure of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the operation diagram shown in FIG.

[0057] First, as shown in FIG. 9A, the tip ring 30 and the tubular member 32 are arranged opposite each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, and the guide slit 70 and the rib connector 74 are aligned in the circumferential direction B. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B, the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36 is inserted toward the tip ring 30. The outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36 is inserted into the gap between the inner circumferential surface 33B of the connecting ring 33 and the reinforcing rib 72, and the rib connector 74 engages with the guide slit 70. This restricts relative rotation between the tip ring 30 and the tubular member 32 in the circumferential direction B. Then, as shown in FIG. 9C, the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36 is inserted straight into the tip ring 30 using the guide slit 70 and the rib connector 74 as guides. The tip ring 30 and the tubular member 32 are connected together by a connecting and fixing means (not shown). The connection and fixing means is not limited to fastening members such as screws, adhesives, or soldering, and other known connection and fixing means can be used. In the endoscope connecting structure of the second embodiment described below, the connection between the tip ring 30 and the tubular member 32 is fixed using a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0058] 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the main part, viewed from the inside of the tip ring 30, showing the state in which the rib connector 74 has completely engaged with the guide slit 70 (in other words, the state in which the tip rigid portion 16 and the bending portion 18 are connected). As shown in FIG. 10, when the rib connector 74 has completely engaged with the guide slit 70, the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting tube 36 is sandwiched in the gap between the inner circumferential surface 33B of the connecting ring 33 and the reinforcing rib 72, and the outer circumferential portion 36A is supported by the reinforcing rib 72. As a result, the reinforcing rib 72 can compensate for any lack of strength in the connection portion between the tip ring 30 and the tubular member 32, thereby improving the connection strength between the tip rigid portion 16 and the bending portion 18.

[0059] Next, the shapes of the three reinforcing ribs 72 (72A, 72B, 72C) provided on the tip ring 30 will be described in detail. As shown in Fig. 6, of the three guide slits 70 (70A, 70B, 70C), the reinforcing rib 72A corresponding to the guide slit 70A has a first rib portion 73A and a second rib portion 73B extending on both sides in the circumferential direction B with respect to the rib connector 74. Specifically, when the reinforcing rib 72A is viewed from the direction of arrow C in Fig. 6, the first rib portion 73A extends counterclockwise with respect to the rib connector 74, and the second rib portion 73B extends clockwise.

[0060] 6 and 7, the reinforcing rib 72B corresponding to the guide slit 70B has a first rib portion 73A that extends only in the counterclockwise direction relative to the rib connector 74. Furthermore, the reinforcing rib 72C corresponding to the guide slit 70C has a second rib portion 73B that extends only in the clockwise direction relative to the rib connector 74, as shown in FIG.

[0061] The reason why the three reinforcing ribs 72 (72A, 72B, 72C) have different shapes as described above will be explained. Four bending wires (not shown) for bending the bending section 18 in the up-down and left-right directions are inserted and arranged inside the distal ring 30. The base ends of these wires are connected to a pair of angle knobs 114 (see FIG. 1), and the tip ends of these wires are joined to the distal ring 30. These wires are arranged at four positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B, and therefore, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, four joining portions 80A, 80B, 80C, 80D for joining the wire tips are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B on the distal ring 30.

[0062] Here, the reinforcing rib 72A (see FIGS. 6 and 8) is disposed between the joints 80A and 80B in the circumferential direction B, but is disposed at a position spaced apart from the joints 80A and 80B (a position that does not interfere with the joints 80A and 80B), and therefore has a first rib portion 73A and a second rib portion 73B that extend counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively, with respect to the rib connector 74. In contrast, the reinforcing rib 72B (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is disposed between the joints 80B and 80C in the circumferential direction B, but if the reinforcing rib 72B is provided with the second rib portion 73B like the reinforcing rib 72A, the second rib portion 73B will interfere with the joint 80C, and therefore the reinforcing rib 72B only has the first rib portion 73A that does not interfere with the joint 80B. Furthermore, reinforcing rib 72C (see FIG. 8) is disposed between joints 80D and 80A in the circumferential direction B, but when reinforcing rib 72A has first rib portion 73A, the first rib portion 73A interferes with joint 80D, so reinforcing rib 72C only has second rib portion 73B that does not interfere with joint 80A. Note that FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the connection portion between tip ring 30 and tubular member 32, and illustrates the state in which reinforcing rib 72C having second rib portion 73B supports outer circumferential portion 36A of connecting pipe 36. In this way, the three reinforcing ribs 72 (72A, 72B, 72C) have different shapes depending on their positional relationship with the above-mentioned joints.

[0063] Thus, according to the endoscope connection structure of the first embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which the connection portion of the tubular member 32 (the outer peripheral portion 36A of the connecting tube 36) is supported by the reinforcing rib 72 provided on the inside of the tip ring 30. In other words, a configuration is adopted in which the outer peripheral portion 36A, which is made of a thin wall, is reinforced by the reinforcing rib 72, thereby improving the connection strength between the tip ring 30 and the tubular member 32.

[0064] <Modification of the first embodiment> Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. Note that this modified example can also be applied to the second embodiment, which will be described later.

[0065] In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the guide slits 70 and the rib connectors 74 are each provided at three locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the guide slits 70 and the rib connectors 74 are each provided at one location may be adopted. However, from the viewpoint of improving the ease of connection work and increasing the connection strength, it is preferable to adopt the above configuration in which the guide slits 70 and the rib connectors 74 are each provided at three locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B.

[0066] Furthermore, the positions of the guide slits 70 and the rib connectors 74 are not limited to three equally spaced locations, and the guide slits 70 and the rib connectors 74 may be provided at multiple locations in the circumferential direction B. In this case, it is preferable that the guide slits 70 and the rib connectors 74 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B. This allows for uniform connection strength in the circumferential direction B.

[0067] In the first embodiment, a configuration in which the tip ring 30 is made of metal and the tubular member 32 is made of resin is exemplified, but this is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the tip ring 30 is made of resin and the tubular member 32 is made of metal may be adopted. However, from the viewpoint of increasing the connection strength and smoothly attaching the tubular member 32 to the tip ring 30, it is preferable to adopt the above configuration in which the tip ring 30 is made of metal and the tubular member 32 is made of resin.

[0068] In the first embodiment, a configuration having three reinforcing ribs 72 (72A, 72B, 72C) each having a different shape was illustrated, but this is not limited thereto. For example, all three reinforcing ribs 72 may have the same shape, or some of the three reinforcing ribs may have a different shape from the other reinforcing ribs. For example, if there is no interference with other parts inside the tip ring 30 (such as the joints described above), it is preferable to adopt an embodiment in which all three reinforcing ribs 72 include both the first rib portion 73A and the second rib portion 73B. Furthermore, depending on the positional relationship with other parts inside the tip ring 30, all three reinforcing ribs may include only one of the first rib portion 73A and the second rib portion 73B.

[0069] Second Embodiment Next, an endoscope connecting structure according to a second embodiment will be described.

[0070] In the second embodiment, a snap-fit ​​structure is used to secure the connection between the distal end ring 30 and the tubular member 32. In the following, explanations of the parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0071] 12 to 15 are diagrams for explaining an endoscope connecting structure according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 12 to 15, members that are common or similar to those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals.

[0072] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the essential parts showing the state in which the distal end hard portion 16 and the bending portion 18 are connected by the endoscope connecting structure of the second embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the essential parts showing the state before the distal end hard portion 16 and the bending portion 18 are connected, with them separated from each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis A. Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the distal end side of the distal end ring 30 and the proximal end side of the tubular member 32. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the essential parts of the endoscope connecting structure of the second embodiment.

[0073] In the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, snap-fit ​​portions 50 are provided on the tubular member 32 to enable the distal end rigid portion 16 and the curved portion 18 to be detachably connected. The snap-fit ​​portions 50 are provided on the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting tube 36, and are provided at three locations equally spaced apart in the circumferential direction B around the longitudinal axis A. These snap-fit ​​portions 50 and the three guide slits 70 are provided at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction B. The snap-fit ​​portions 50 are configured to be elastically deformable, and have locking protrusions 52 protruding from the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting tube 36. The locking protrusions 52 are engaged with locking holes 60 provided in the distal end ring 30 when the distal end rigid portion 16 and the curved portion 18 are connected.

[0074] The snap-fit ​​portion 50 will be described in detail below. As shown in FIG. 15 , the snap-fit ​​portion 50 of this example has an elastically deformable body 54 extending in the axial direction (longitudinal axis A direction) of the tubular member 32. The elastically deformable body 54 is an elastically deformable member made of resin, and elastically deforms upon receiving an external force from the distal end ring 30 when connecting the distal rigid portion 16 and the curved portion 18. The elastically deformable body 54 is, for example, a rectangular plate-like body having long sides in the longitudinal axis A direction, and the locking protrusion portion 52 is integrally formed on the base end side of this plate-like body. With this configuration, the distal end 54A of the elastically deformable body 54 in the longitudinal axis A direction is configured as one of the two ends of the snap-fit ​​portion 50, and the base end 54B of the elastically deformable body 54 is configured as the other of the two ends. The distal end 54A and the base end 54B are provided on the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36. As a result, the snap-fit ​​portion 50 of this example has a configuration in which both ends (tip end 54A and base end 54B) of the elastically deformable body 54 are supported at both ends by the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36. The snap-fit ​​portion 50 is an example of a snap-fit ​​portion of the present invention, and the elastically deformable body 54 is an example of an elastically deformable body of the present invention.

[0075] 13, the snap-fit ​​portion 50 is provided between a pair of slits 56 formed in the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36. The pair of slits 56 are formed parallel to each other along the longitudinal axis A. With this configuration, the snap-fit ​​portion 50 is supported by the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36 only at the tip end 54A and the base end 54B. As a result, the snap-fit ​​portion 50 is smoothly elastically deformed radially inward of the connecting pipe 36, with the tip end 54A and the base end 54B serving as bending fulcrums.

[0076] 15, the elastically deformable body 54 is formed to be thinner than other portions of the outer peripheral portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36 excluding the snap-fit ​​portion 50. Here, the thin-walled portion of the elastically deformable body 54 refers to other portions of the elastically deformable body 54 excluding the base end 54B side of the elastically deformable body 54 on which the locking protrusion 52 is formed. The elastically deformable body 54 is formed to be thinner in thickness as it moves away from the locking protrusion 52 toward the tip end 54A.

[0077] According to the snap-fit ​​portion 50 configured in this manner, the elastically deformable body 54 is formed thinner than the other portions of the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36 excluding the snap-fit ​​portion 50, and therefore has elasticity as a whole, and as a result, the snap-fit ​​portion 50 elastically deforms more smoothly toward the radially inner side of the connecting pipe 36. Furthermore, according to the snap-fit ​​portion 50 of this example, the elastically deformable body 54 is formed so that its thickness becomes thinner as it moves away from the locking protrusion 52 toward the tip 54A, and therefore has even greater elasticity, and as a result, the snap-fit ​​portion 50 elastically deforms more smoothly toward the radially inner side of the connecting pipe 36.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15 , the locking protrusion 52 has an inclined surface 52A inclined toward the distal end ring 30. The inclined surface 52A is formed on the base end side of the locking protrusion 52 and is positioned opposite the opening edge 31 of the distal end ring 30 (connecting ring 33) when the connecting tube 36 is inserted into the distal end ring 30. The inclined surface 52A configured in this manner abuts against the opening edge 31 of the distal end ring 30 during the insertion operation, elastically deforming the snap-fit ​​portion 50. As a result, the snap-fit ​​portion 50 is smoothly elastically deformed radially inward of the connecting tube 36 during the insertion operation. The locking protrusion 52 is an example of a locking protrusion of the present invention. The diameter of the circumscribed circle of the three locking protrusions 52 provided at three locations is formed slightly larger than the inner diameter of the connecting ring 33.

[0079] 15, the locking protrusion 52 has a hook portion 53. The hook portion 53 is provided on the tip side opposite the inclined surface 52A, and is hooked into a locking hole 60, which will be described later. The hook portion 53 also has a locking surface 53A that is locked into the locking hole 60 and prevents the tubular member 32 from coming off the tip ring 30. The locking surface 53A is formed as a vertical surface that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, for example.

[0080] As shown in Figures 12 to 15, the tip ring 30 is provided with locking holes 60 that are locked onto the locking protrusions 52. The locking holes 60 are provided on the outer peripheral surface 33A of the connecting ring 33, and are provided at three locations equally spaced apart in the circumferential direction B about the longitudinal axis A to correspond to the positions of the locking protrusions 52. With this configuration, the hook-shaped portions 53 of the locking protrusions 52 protrude from the inner peripheral surface 33B (see Figure 16) of the connecting ring 33 toward the outer peripheral surface 33A (see Figure 16) and are hooked onto the locking holes 60, so that the locking surfaces 53A are locked into the locking holes 60. These locking holes 60 and the rib connectors 74 arranged at three locations are positioned offset from each other in the circumferential direction B. The locking holes 60 are an example of a locking portion of the present invention.

[0081] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the positions of the guide slit 70 and the rib connector 74 are set so that when the positions of the locking protrusion portion 52 of the snap fit portion 50 and the locking hole 60 are aligned in the circumferential direction B, they are aligned with each other in the circumferential direction B.

[0082] Next, a procedure for connecting the distal end rigid portion 16 and the bending portion 18 using the endoscope connecting structure of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the operation diagram shown in FIG.

[0083] First, as shown in Figure 16 XVIA, ​​the tip ring 30 and the tubular member 32 are arranged opposite each other in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, and the locking protrusions 52 of the snap-fit ​​portions 50 are aligned with the locked holes 60 in the circumferential direction B. This aligns the guide slits 70 with the rib connectors 74 in the circumferential direction B. Thereafter, when the outer circumferential portion 36A of the connecting tube 36 is inserted toward the connecting ring 33 of the tip ring 30, the inclined surfaces 52A of the locking protrusions 52 come into contact with the opening edge 31 of the tip ring 30. As a result, the snap-fit ​​portions 50 are pressed by the opening edge 31 and elastically deformed radially inward of the connecting tube 36.

[0084] 16 XVIB, as the insertion operation continues, the inclined surface 52A of the locking protrusion 52 is further pressed against the inner peripheral surface 33B of the connecting ring 33, causing the snap-fit ​​portion 50 to further elastically deform radially inward of the connecting pipe 36. In this way, the snap-fit ​​portion 50 gradually undergoes large elastic deformation in conjunction with the insertion operation of the connecting pipe 36, allowing the outer peripheral portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36 to be smoothly inserted into the connecting ring 33 of the tip ring 30.

[0085] 16 XVIC, when the locking protrusion 52 reaches the locking hole 60, the snap-fit ​​portion 50 is released from the pressure restriction by the inner peripheral surface 33B of the connecting ring 33, and therefore elastically returns to its original state. As a result, the hook-shaped portion 53 of the locking protrusion 52 is hooked into the locking hole 60, and the locking surface 53A is locked in the locking hole 60.

[0086] Furthermore, in parallel with the above operation, the connecting portion of the tubular member 32 (the outer peripheral portion 36A of the connecting pipe 36) is supported by the reinforcing ribs 72 provided on the inside of the tip ring 30, as in the endoscope connecting structure of the first embodiment described above. In this way, the tip ring 30 and the tubular member 32 are connected, and as a result, the tip rigid portion 16 and the bending portion 18 are connected.

[0087] On the other hand, when removing the tubular member 32 from the tip ring 30, the locking protrusions 52 locked in the locking holes 60 are pressed radially inward of the connecting pipe 36, causing the snap-fit ​​portions 50 to elastically deform radially inward of the connecting pipe 36, and the locking protrusions 52 are removed from the locking holes 60. This allows the tubular member 32 to be removed from the tip ring 30.

[0088] As described above, according to the endoscope connecting structure of the second embodiment, the tubular member 32 is provided with an elastically deformable snap-fit ​​portion 50 supported in a double-supported state, and the distal ring 30 is provided with an engaging hole 60 that engages with the engaging protrusion 52 of the snap-fit ​​portion 50. Therefore, when the distal rigid portion 16 and the bending portion 18 are connected, even if a force acts on the engaging protrusion 52 or the engaging hole 60 in a direction that disengages the engaging protrusion 52 from the engaging hole 60 (for example, a direction that pulls the distal rigid portion 16 and the tubular member 32 apart in the direction of the longitudinal axis A, or a direction that bends the distal rigid portion 16 and the tubular member 32), the snap-fit ​​portion 50 of this example does not easily bend. As a result, even when the above-mentioned force is applied, the engaging state between the engaging protrusion 52 and the engaging hole 60 is maintained, and the connection strength between the bending portion 18 and the distal rigid portion 16 can be further increased.

[0089] <Modification of the second embodiment> Next, a modification of the second embodiment will be described.

[0090] In the second embodiment, a configuration in which the locking protrusions 52 and the locking holes 60 are provided at three positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which the locking protrusions 52 and the locking holes 60 are provided at one position each may be adopted. However, from the perspective of further increasing the connection strength described above, it is preferable to adopt the above configuration in which the locking protrusions 52 and the locking holes 60 are provided at three positions at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B.

[0091] Furthermore, the positions of the locking protrusions 52 and the locked holes 60 are not limited to three equally spaced locations, and the locking protrusions 52 and the locked holes 60 may be provided at multiple locations in the circumferential direction B. In this case, it is preferable that the locking protrusions 52 and the locked holes 60 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction B. This allows for uniform connection strength in the circumferential direction B.

[0092] In the second embodiment, a configuration is illustrated in which the elastically deformable snap-fit ​​portion 50 is supported in a doubly supported state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a cantilevered elastically deformable snap-fit ​​portion may be used in which the tip of each end of the snap-fit ​​portion is supported by a tubular member. However, from the perspective of increasing the connection strength between the tip ring 30 and the tubular member 32, it is preferable to use an elastically deformable snap-fit ​​portion 50 supported in a doubly supported state.

[0093] Although the connection structure for an endoscope according to the embodiment has been described above, the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Endoscopy system 10 Endoscopy 12 Insertion section 14 Handheld control unit 16 Hard tip 18 Curved section 20 Soft part 22 Balloon 24 Conduit 26 Aperture 30 Tip ring 31 Opening edge 32 Tubular member 33 Connecting Ring 33A Outer surface 33B Inner surface 36 Connecting pipe 36A outer periphery 37 Opening edge 38 Tip body 40 Cap 42 Aperture 50 Snap fit part 52 Locking protrusion 52A Slope 53 Unicum 53A Locking surface 54 Elastically deformable body 54A tip 54B Proximal end 56 Slit 60 Locked hole 70 Guide slit 72 Reinforcing rib 72A Reinforcement rib 72B Reinforcement rib 72C Reinforcement rib 73A First rib section 73B Second rib section 74 Rib connector 80A joint 80B joint 80C joint 80D joint 100 Universal Code 102 Light source connector 104 Cable 106 Processor Connector 108 nozzle 110 Air and water supply button 112 Suction button 114 Angle knob 116 Treatment tool introduction port 118 tubes 120 Overtube 122 Gripping part 124 Main body 126 Balloon 128 Pipeline 130 Pipeline 132 Connector 134 Aperture 136 tubes 137 Connector 138 tubes 140 Light source device 160 processor unit 180 Balloon Controller 182 Cable 184 Display section 186 Power Switch 188 Front Panel 190 cases 200 Remote Controller 202 Main unit case 204 Balloon operation unit 206 Balloon operation unit 208 Balloon Pause Button 210 Balloon Pause Button 212 Stop button

Claims

1. A connecting structure for an endoscope for connecting a distal ring disposed on the distal end side of a bending portion to a tubular member disposed on the proximal end side of a rigid distal end portion and inserted into the distal ring, the tubular member has a guide slit formed from one end side of the tubular member toward the other end side of the tubular member along the axial direction of the tubular member, The tip ring is a reinforcing rib disposed with a gap from an inner peripheral surface of the tip ring and having an arc-shaped cross section perpendicular to the axial direction of the tip ring; a rib connector that connects the inner peripheral surface of the tip ring and the reinforcing rib; and When the rib connector is engaged with the guide slit to connect the tubular member and the tip ring, the outer circumferential portion of the tubular member is sandwiched between the inner circumferential surface of the tip ring and the reinforcing rib, and the outer circumferential portion of the tubular member is supported by the reinforcing rib. Endoscope connection structure.

2. The reinforcing ribs extend on both sides of the tip ring in the circumferential direction relative to the rib connector. The connection structure for an endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. The reinforcing rib extends on only one side of the tip ring in the circumferential direction relative to the rib connector. The connection structure for an endoscope according to claim 1 .

4. The rib connectors are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the tip ring, The guide slits are provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the tubular member. The connection structure for an endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The rib connectors are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tip ring, The guide slits are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular member. The connection structure for an endoscope according to claim 4.

6. The rib connectors are provided at three locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tip ring, The guide slits are provided at three locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the tubular member. The connection structure for an endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The tip ring is made of metal, The tubular member is made of resin. The connection structure for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The tip ring is made of metal, The tubular member is made of resin. The connection structure for an endoscope according to claim 4.

9. the tubular member is provided with an elastically deformable snap-fit ​​portion having a locking protrusion protruding from an outer periphery of the tubular member, The tip ring is provided with a latched portion that is latched to the latching protrusion, the snap-fit ​​portion is supported at both ends by the outer circumferential portion of the tubular member, and elastically deforms radially inward of the tubular member when the tubular member is attached to or detached from the tip ring. The connection structure for an endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The rib connector and the engaged portion are provided at positions offset from each other in the circumferential direction of the tip ring. The connection structure for an endoscope according to claim 9.

Images