Endoscopy

Abstract

To provide an endoscope 9 having a nozzle 10 for efficiently ejecting fluid in a wide range.SOLUTION: An endoscope 9 is provided with an observation window 20 and a nozzle 10 at a tip 3A of an insertion part 3. The nozzle 10 includes a flow channel L10 having an opening O10 for ejecting fluid toward the observation window 20. The flow channel L10 includes a first flow channel L10A parallel to a longitudinal direction of the insertion part 3 and a second flow channel L10B communicated with the first flow channel L10A, which is curved in a direction of the opening O10. An outside inner surface 10S outside in a curve direction of the second flow channel L10B includes a first surface 10S1, a second surface 10S2, and a ridge 10S3 sandwiched by the respective end sides of the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2, which continues along an extending direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope having a nozzle for ejecting a fluid on the distal end surface of an insertion section. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Endoscopes, which are widely used in the medical field and the like, have a long, thin insertion portion that is inserted into a subject, and an observation window for an imaging unit is provided on the distal end surface of the insertion portion.

[0003] If dirt adheres to the observation window, observation will be hindered. For this reason, a nozzle that sprays fluid is provided near the observation window on the tip surface to remove dirt that has adhered to the observation window. The nozzle bends the flow of fluid supplied from the flow path in the longitudinal direction of the insertion part (perpendicular to the tip surface) by 90 degrees and sprays it onto the observation window.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 11-244221 discloses a nozzle in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path continuously decreases toward the opening, and the upper surface of the flow path is an inclined arc surface, so that the fluid ejected from the nozzle is supplied evenly to the entire observation window. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-244221 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In recent years, in order to minimize invasiveness, the diameter of the insertion section has been reduced, and the proportion of the observation window area to the area of ​​the tip surface has increased. However, because the area of ​​the tip surface is small, it is not easy to increase the nozzle opening width. For this reason, it is desirable for the fluid ejected from the nozzle to be wider than the nozzle opening width and to flow efficiently over the entire surface of the observation window.

[0007] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an endoscope having a nozzle that efficiently ejects fluid over a wide range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided with an observation window and a nozzle at the tip of an insertion section, and the nozzle forms a flow path with an opening for ejecting a fluid toward the observation window, and the flow path includes a first flow path parallel to the longitudinal direction of the insertion section and a second flow path communicating with the first flow path and curved toward the opening, and the outer inner surface of the second flow path on the outer side in the bending direction is sandwiched between a first surface, a second surface, and the respective end edges of the first surface and the second surface, the optical axis passing through the center point of the observation window and a ridge that protrudes in the radial direction and extends in the direction in which the second flow path extends. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an endoscope having a nozzle that efficiently ejects fluid over a wide range can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope system including an endoscope according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the distal end portion of the endoscope according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end portion of an endoscope according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVA-IVA in FIG. 4. [Figure 5B] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVB-IVB in FIG. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVC-IVC in FIG. 4. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVD-IVD in FIG. 4. [Figure 5E]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IVE-IVE in FIG. 4. [Figure 5F] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVF-IVF in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flow path of a nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of a flow path of a nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top view of a flow path of a nozzle of the endoscope according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flow path in a nozzle of a conventional endoscope. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path in a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path in a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path in a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a flow path in a nozzle of an endoscope according to a modified example. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an endoscope 9 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] The drawings based on each embodiment are schematic. The relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the thickness ratio of each part, and the relative angle are different from the actual ones. The drawings also include parts with different length relationships and ratios. Also, some components may not be shown. The distal end of the insertion length in the longitudinal direction is referred to as "top."

[0013] <Endoscope> As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 9 of the embodiment configures an endoscope system 6 together with a processor 5A and a monitor 5B.

[0014] The endoscope 9 includes an insertion section 3, a grip section 4 disposed at the base end of the insertion section 3, a universal cord 4B extending from the grip section 4, and a connector 4C disposed at the base end of the universal cord 4B. The insertion section 3 includes a tip section 3A, a bending section 3B extending from the tip section 3A, and a flexible section 3C extending from the bending section 3B. The bending section 3B, which is used to change the direction of the tip section 3A, is freely bendable. The grip section 4 is provided with an angle knob 4A that allows the surgeon to operate the bending section 3B.

[0015] The universal cord 4B is connected to the processor 5A via a connector 4C. The processor 5A controls the entire endoscope system 6, processes the imaging signal, and outputs an image signal. The monitor 5B displays the image signal output by the processor 5A as an endoscopic image.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, a nozzle 10, an observation window 20, and an illumination window 30 are provided on the distal end surface 3SA of the distal end portion 3A of the endoscope 9. As shown in FIG. 3, the observation window 20 is the distal end surface of an optical system 20A that focuses an image of an object. The optical axis OA of the optical system 20A, which includes multiple lenses, is located at the center point C20 of the observation window 20. The image of the object focused by the optical system 20A is converted into an image signal by an imaging element such as a CCD (not shown) and transmitted to the processor 5A. The nozzle 10 forms a flow path L10 having an opening O10 that sprays a fluid toward the observation window 20. The nozzle 10 sprays the fluid to clean the observation window 20. The fluid is, for example, water or air. The illumination window 30 is the distal end surface of an illumination optical system that illuminates the observation area.

[0017] The observation window 20 is parallel to the tip surface 3SA and perpendicular to the optical axis OA. For example, in the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system shown in FIG. 3 etc., the Z axis (vertical direction) is the longitudinal direction of the tip portion 3A of the insertion section 3. The observation window 20 located on the XY plane is perpendicular to the Z axis. Note that FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the XZ plane, which is a virtual plane including the center line C10L of the flow channel L10, the center point C10 of the opening O10, and the center point C20 of the observation window 20.

[0018] 3, the observation window 20 of the endoscope 9 is located on the same plane as the distal end surface 3SA, but the observation window 20 may be surrounded by a ring-shaped slope and protrude from the distal end surface 3SA. A portion of the fluid may be jetted from the nozzle 10 toward the slope surrounding the observation window 20.

[0019] <Nozzle> The nozzle 10 is connected to an air / water supply tube 15, which passes through the insertion section 3, by a pipe 14. The nozzle 10 is made of metal or hard resin. The nozzle 10 is made, for example, by using a metal cylinder as a base material and cutting the flow path L10. The nozzle 10 may be made by injection molding or by using a 3D printer. The nozzle 10 may also be formed by combining multiple components. A through-hole in the tip rigid member 31 that constitutes the tip section 3A may be used as part of the flow path L10 of the nozzle 10. The nozzle 10 may also be formed by having a part of the tip rigid member 31 protrude from the tip surface 3SA.

[0020] The flow path L10 includes a first flow path L10A, a second flow path L10B, and a third flow path L10C. The center line C10L of the flow path L10 is a line connecting the center of gravity G of each of the multiple cross sections of the flow path L10.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the first flow path L10A is parallel to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis) of the insertion section 3, i.e., perpendicular to the distal end surface 3SA. The second flow path L10B communicates with the first flow path L10A and is curved 90 degrees toward the opening O10. The third flow path L10C communicates with the second flow path L10B and has an opening O10. The third flow path L10C is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis) of the insertion section 3, i.e., parallel to the distal end surface 3SA. The third flow path L10C may be inclined so that the inner and / or outer inner surface approaches the distal end surface 3SA from the communication portion with the second flow path L10B toward the opening O10.

[0022] As shown in Fig. 5A, the cross-sectional shape of the first flow path L10A is circular. As shown in Fig. 5B to Fig. 5E, the cross-sectional shape of the second flow path L10B changes continuously. The flow path width WL10 of the flow path L10 is the largest inner dimension in a cross section perpendicular to the center line C10L.

[0023] 5D, the second flow path L10B has an outer inner surface 10S on the outer side in the curvature direction, which has a first surface 10S1, a second surface 10S2, and a third surface 10S3. The first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are flat surfaces.

[0024] The third surface 10S3 is sandwiched between the end sides of the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2, and is a thin ridge that extends in the direction in which the second flow path L10B extends.

[0025] The third surface 10S3 is a curved surface that is a corner R region, and the center line (center line of the ridge) 10S3L of the third surface 10S3 is located on the XZ plane, which is a virtual plane that includes the center line C10L of the flow path L10, the center point C10 of the opening O10, and the center point C20 of the observation window 20 (see Figure 3).

[0026] The intersection angle θ between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is at its minimum value, for example, 120 degrees, at the position shown in Fig. 5D. The intersection angle θ continuously increases from the position where the intersection angle θ is at its minimum (Fig. 5D) toward the opening O10.

[0027] The intersection angle θ is 180 degrees at the communicating portion with the third flow path L10C. At the communicating portion between the second flow path L10B and the third flow path L10C, the first surface 10S1, the second surface 10S2, and the third surface 10S3 are located on the XY plane, and their cross sections form a single straight line.

[0028] 5F, the shape of the opening O10 is a track shape, that is, a substantially rectangular shape with semicircular short sides. The third flow path L10C has the same track shape as the opening O10. The shape of the opening O10 may also be a substantially rectangular shape with rounded corners on the four corners of the rectangle.

[0029] The flow path L10 does not necessarily have to include the third flow path L10C, that is, the second flow path L10B may have the opening O10.

[0030] The position where the intersection angle θ is smallest (FIG. 5D) is the intermediate position of the large curve, as shown in FIG. 4, that is, the position where it intersects with the tip surface 3SA at an angle θM (see FIG. 4) greater than 30 degrees and less than 60 degrees.

[0031] The intersection angle θ is at its maximum value (180 degrees) in the vicinity of the opening O10, is at its minimum value at the position where it is greatly curved as shown in FIG. 5D, and increases as it approaches the opening O10 as shown in FIG. 5E.

[0032] The minimum value of the intersection angle θ is preferably more than 60 degrees and less than 150 degrees. If the minimum value of the intersection angle θ is within the above range, the nozzle 10 can efficiently eject the fluid in the width direction of the opening O10 without increasing the outer dimensions.

[0033] In addition, the second flow path L10B does not clearly have three surfaces (first surface 10S1, second surface 10S2, and third surface 10S3) in the region adjacent to the first flow path L10A. In other words, it is difficult to distinguish between the three surfaces (first surface 10S1, second surface 10S2, and third surface 10S3). However, the second flow path L10B has three surfaces on the outer inner surface 10S on the outside of the curvature direction, at least from the position where the intersection angle θ is smallest toward the opening O10.

[0034] The fourth surface 10S4, which is the inner surface on the inside of the curvature direction, is flat from at least the position where the intersection angle θ of the second flow path L10B is smallest to the third flow path L10C. The first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are connected to the fourth surface 10S4 via curved surfaces. The first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 may include curved surfaces as long as they are flat at least near the third surface 10S3.

[0035] The cross section of the third flow path L10C perpendicular to the center line of the flow path has the same track shape as the opening O10. That is, the fourth surface 10S4 is a flat surface.

[0036] In order to place the nozzle 10 on the narrow tip surface 3SA, the opening width W10A of the opening O10 of the nozzle 10 is small, for example, 50% of the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20. The opening width W10A is the maximum dimension in the Y-axis direction in a direction perpendicular to the center line C10L, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary XZ plane.

[0037] 6 to 8 show the shape of the internal space of the nozzle 10, i.e., the shape of the flow path L10. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the fluid that has passed through the first flow path L10A ascends along the second flow path L10B, but its flow direction is bent by approximately 90 degrees, and the fluid passes through the third flow path L10C and is ejected in a direction approximately parallel to the tip surface 3SA.

[0038] In an endoscope 9 having a small area of ​​the distal end surface 3SA, the opening width W10A of the opening O10 of the nozzle 10 is, for example, 50% of the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20. In order to eject fluid over the entire surface of the observation window 20, the second flow path L10B of the nozzle 10 has a flow path width WL10 that continuously increases toward the opening O10.

[0039] 8, the second flow path L10B has a flow path width WL10 that increases continuously from at least the position where the intersection angle θ is smallest to the portion where the second flow path L10B communicates with the third flow path L10C. The third flow path L10C also has a flow path width WL10 that increases continuously from the portion where the second flow path L10B communicates with the third flow path L10C to the opening O10. In this case, the third flow path L10C is considered to be part of the second flow path L10B. In other words, the flow path L10 does not have to include the third flow path L10C.

[0040] Therefore, the fluid ejected from the opening O10 is ejected over a wide range. In order to eject the fluid over a wide range, the opening width W10A is preferably more than 10% and less than 70% of the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20.

[0041] The third flow path L10C may have a constant flow path width WL10, in which case the fluid is ejected over a narrower range than when the flow path width WL10 is increased.

[0042] Although the cross-sectional shapes of the first flow path L10A, the second flow path L10B, and the third flow path L10C are significantly different, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L10 does not fluctuate significantly. The largest cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L10 is preferably less than 150% of the smallest cross-sectional area, and more preferably less than 125%. If the cross-sectional area is less than this, the flow path L10 has little pressure loss, and the nozzle 10 can efficiently eject the fluid.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the flow path width WL10 of the first flow path L10A also increases continuously in the region adjacent to the second flow path L10B. The flow path width WL10 of the nozzle 10 increases continuously toward the opening O10 and reaches a maximum at the opening O10. The flow path width WL10 of the flow path L10 changes smoothly in a curved line throughout the entire region. In conventional endoscopes, the flow path width increases only in the flow paths near the opening. In contrast, in the endoscope of this embodiment, the flow path width increases gradually over a longer distance, making turbulence less likely to occur.

[0044] Without the third surface 10S3 that is a ridge, when fluid is ejected from the opening O10 of the nozzle 10 over a range wider than the opening width W10A, the flow velocity of the ejected flow is faster at the edges and slower at the center.

[0045] However, the second flow path L10B of the nozzle 10 has an outer inner surface 10S on the outer side of the curved direction, which has a ridge-like third surface 10S3. The outer inner surface 10S of the second flow path L10B also protrudes upward above the upper end surface O10SA of the opening O10. The fluid ascending through the flow path 10L generates a fast flow along the narrow third surface 10S3 located at the upper center of the flow path L10. This fast flow reaches the center point C20 of the observation window 20, efficiently removing any dirt adhering near the center point C20.

[0046] The ridge width WS3, which is the width of the elongated third surface (ridge) 10S3 in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary XZ plane, is smaller than the outer diameter D20 of the observation window 20, so the flow is likely to concentrate on the third surface 10S3. Furthermore, if the ridge width WS3 is less than 30% of the flow path width WL10 of the second flow path L10B, the flow is even more likely to concentrate on the third surface 10S3. The third surface 10S3 may be a flat surface as long as the ridge width WS3 is less than 30% of the flow path width WL10 of the second flow path L10B.

[0047] In the nozzle 10, the ridge width WS3 is substantially constant throughout the entire range of the second flow path L10B, but may vary. For example, the ridge width WS3 may continuously decrease toward the opening O10, as long as it is less than 30% of the flow path width WL10 of the second flow path L10B at least at the position where the intersection angle θ is smallest.

[0048] FIG. 9 shows the shape of the flow path L110 of the nozzle 110 disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-244221. The upper surface of the cross section of the flow path L110 is an arc, and the flow path width WL110 remains unchanged. The flow path width WL110 is the same as the opening width W110A of the nozzle 110. In the flow path L110, the opening width W110A of the nozzle 110 is large and is the same as the outer diameter of the observation window, so the fluid can be ejected over the entire surface of the observation window. However, since the nozzle 110 does not have an elongated third surface, the flow concentration is small. Reducing the opening width increases the flow concentration, but it is not possible to efficiently eject the fluid over a wide area. Furthermore, because the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path L110 is significantly reduced, the nozzle 110 suffers from high pressure loss.

[0049] In contrast to this, the nozzle 10 of this embodiment has a small pressure loss and can efficiently eject fluid over a range wider than the opening width W10A.

[0050] <Modifications of the embodiment> Next, endoscopes 9A-9D of modified examples 1-3 of the embodiment will be described. Since endoscopes 9A-9D are similar to endoscope 9 and have the same effects as endoscope 9, components with the same functions as endoscope 9 are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. Figures 10-13 are cross-sectional views at the position where the intersection angle θ of flow path 10L is minimum, for example.

[0051] <First Modification of the Embodiment> As shown in Fig. 10, in the endoscope 9A of this modified example, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are flat surfaces, and the intersection line between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is a ridge. Of course, from an industrial perspective, it is an intersection line, but it goes without saying that if the intersection is enlarged, it has a corner R with a certain width. In this specification, a corner R with a ridge width WS3 of less than 0.1 mm is considered to be a line.

[0052] <Modification 2 of the embodiment> 11, in endoscope 9B of this modified example, first surface 10S1 and second surface 10S2 are curved surfaces of the same shape. The curvatures (reciprocals of the radii of curvature) of first surface 10S1 and second surface 10S2 continuously decrease from the position where intersection angle θ is minimum toward opening O10. The curvature of third surface 10S3, which is a curved surface sandwiched between first surface 10S1 and second surface 10S2, is greater than the curvature of first surface 10S1 (second surface 10S2).

[0053] <Modification 3 of the embodiment> As shown in FIG. 12, in this modified endoscope 9C, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are flat surfaces, and the third surface 10S3 sandwiched between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is a curved surface.

[0054] <Fourth Modification of the Embodiment> As shown in FIG. 13, in this modified endoscope 9D, the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 are downwardly convex curved surfaces, and the third surface 10S3 sandwiched between the first surface 10S1 and the second surface 10S2 is an upwardly convex curved surface.

[0055] The endoscope 9 may be a rigid endoscope having a rigid insertion portion 3. The endoscope 9 may be used for medical or industrial purposes. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 3. Insertion section 3A·Tip 3SA・Tip surface 6. Endoscopy system 9, 9A-9D Endoscope 10, 10A-10D Nozzle 10L flow path 10S··Inside 10S1...1st page 10S2...2nd page 10S3··3rd side (ridge) 10S4...Side 4 20. Observation window

Claims

1. An observation window and a nozzle are provided at the tip of the insertion part, the nozzle forms a flow path having an opening for ejecting a fluid toward the observation window, the flow path includes a first flow path parallel to a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, and a second flow path communicating with the first flow path and curved toward the opening, an outer inner surface of the second flow path on the outside in the curvature direction that is sandwiched between a first surface, a second surface, and the respective end edges of the first surface and the second surface, and a ridge that protrudes in a radial direction centered on an optical axis that passes through the center point of the observation window and that runs along the extension direction of the second flow path.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the minimum value of the intersection angle between the first surface and the second surface is greater than 60 degrees and less than 150 degrees.

3. 3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the intersection angle increases continuously from a position where the intersection angle is minimum toward the opening.

4. 4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the second flow path has a flow path width that increases continuously from the position where the intersection angle is minimum toward the opening.

5. 2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the ridge is an intersection line between the first surface and the second surface, which is provided on an imaginary plane including a center line of the flow channel, a center point of the opening, and a center point of the observation window.

6. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the first surface and the second surface are flat surfaces.

7. the first surface and the second surface are curved surfaces of the same shape, 5. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the curvature of the first surface and the second surface decreases continuously from the position where the intersection angle is minimum toward the opening.

8. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the width of the first flow channel increases continuously in a region of the first flow channel adjacent to the second flow channel.

9. The endoscope of claim 4, wherein the opening is track-shaped.

10. 5. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the inner surface of the flow channel in the direction of curvature from the position where the intersection angle is smallest toward the opening is a flat surface.

11. a third flow path communicating with the second flow path; the third flow path has the opening, a cross section perpendicular to a center line of the third flow path has a track shape; The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the width of the third flow path is constant.

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