Endoscopy

Abstract

To provide an endoscope capable of inserting / removing smoothly a treatment instrument.SOLUTION: An endoscope includes an insertion pipeline 20 for inserting a treatment instrument 90 thereinto, a suction pipeline 30, an introduction pipeline 40 for introducing the treatment instrument 90 thereinto, and a branch member 50 for branching the insertion pipeline 20 into the introduction pipeline 40 and the suction pipeline 30. A base end part 20a of the insertion pipeline 20 is inserted into the branch member 50, and the base end part 20a includes a first part 21, and a second part 22 closer to a proximal end side than the first part 21, and on an outer peripheral surface of the second part 22, an opening 24 facing the introduction pipeline 40 side is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an endoscope in which a branched path component is inserted into a treatment tool insertion channel.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an endoscope in which a branch block and a channel tube are connected via a connecting tube. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-95633 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 62-281917 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a treatment tool may get caught on the joint between the treatment tool insertion channel and the branch path constituent body, and in Patent Document 2, there is a possibility that a treatment tool may get caught on the joint between the branch block and the connecting pipe body.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope that allows treatment tools to be smoothly inserted and removed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An endoscope according to one embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure includes: Built into the insertion section, an insertion channel through which a treatment tool is inserted, and a suction channel; The insertion tube extends in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the insertion tube at a non-orthogonal angle,an introduction conduit into which the treatment tool is introduced, and a branching member that branches the insertion conduit into the introduction conduit and the suction conduit, wherein a base end of the insertion conduit is inserted into the branching member, the base end includes a first portion and a second portion that is closer to the base end than the first portion, and an opening that faces the introduction conduit side is formed in an outer circumferential surface of the second portion an inner peripheral surface of the second portion intersects with an extension of the axis of the introduction pipeline, and a position of an edge of the second portion in the axial direction of the insertion pipeline is on the suction pipeline side of an intersection position between the extension of the introduction pipeline and the inner peripheral surface. , is something. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, an endoscope that allows treatment tools to be smoothly inserted and removed can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an endoscope system 100 including an endoscope 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating device 2 shown in FIG. 1, seen obliquely from the front side. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of the operating device 2 shown in FIG. 2, seen obliquely from the rear side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the suction unit 10. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure for incorporating a suction nozzle 12 into a holding member 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing a structure for restricting the rotation range of the suction nozzle 12. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the suction unit 10 in an assembled state. [Figure 9] 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the branching member 50 and its surroundings. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the components shown in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view showing a base end portion 20a of an insertion conduit 20. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of a branching member 50. [Figure 13]10A and 10B are perspective views showing two modified examples of the base end portion 20a of the insertion conduit 20. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is an enlarged perspective view showing the mounting structure of the bending operation section 6 and the circuit board 7. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a state in which each part is assembled into the first case member 3. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower part in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of a first case member 3. [Figure 19] 2 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of a second case member 4. FIG. [Figure 20] 10 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the lower end portion of the housing 9. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an endoscope system 100 including an endoscope 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope system 100 includes an endoscope 1, a tablet terminal, a case 91 incorporating an interface adapter that connects the tablet terminal and the endoscope 1, and external devices such as a suction device 93.

[0011] The endoscope 1 includes an insertion section 1A, which is a tubular member extending in one direction and is inserted into a body cavity as an observation object; an operating device 2 provided with operating members for performing forceps operations, suction operations, etc., connected to the base end of the insertion section 1A; and a cable 2A such as a universal cord including a connector section 2b that detachably connects the endoscope 1 to an interface adapter in the case 91. The insertion section 1A is made of a flexible tube or the like. The endoscope 1 is for single use, but is not limited to this. It should be noted that single-use endoscopes do not require the operating device 2 to be highly liquid-tight or durable.

[0012] The control device 2 is provided with an introduction conduit 40 having an introduction opening for introducing a treatment tool 90 (see FIG. 2), such as a biopsy forceps or an electric scalpel, which is a collection tool for collecting biological tissue such as cells or polyps, into an insertion conduit 20 (see FIG. 4) provided inside the insertion section 1A. The insertion section 1A is composed of a flexible soft section 1a, a bending section 1b provided at the tip of the soft section 1a, and a rigid tip section 1c provided at the tip of the bending section 1b. The bending section 1b is configured to be freely bent by rotating a bending operation unit 6 provided on the control device 2. The bending section 1b can be bent in any direction and at any angle depending on the part of the subject on which the endoscope 1 is used, etc., so that the tip section 1c can be directed in a desired direction. The insertion conduit 20 is provided extending from the base end to the tip of the insertion section 1A. The control device 2 is provided with a suction nozzle 12 connected to a suction device 93 via a suction tube 94 and a suction button 11.

[0013] In the following description, the three orthogonal directions of the control device 2 are referred to as the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction in descending order of length. The left-right direction corresponds to the thickness direction of the hand when the control device 2 is held in the hand in the normal position. The up-down direction is the longitudinal direction of the control device 2. In the following description, for convenience, the front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower directions are defined as shown in FIG. 2, with the front indicated as Fr, the rear indicated as Rr, the left side indicated as L, the right side indicated as R, the upper side indicated as U, and the lower side indicated as D. With respect to the up-down direction, the upper side (upward direction) is indicated as "U" and the lower side (downward direction) as "D" when the tip side of the endoscope 1 in the control device 2 is facing vertically downward. With respect to the left-right direction, the right side (rightward direction) is indicated as "R" and the left side (leftward direction) as seen from the operator holding the control device 2 is indicated as "L." Regarding the front-rear direction, the rear side (rear direction) is described as "Rr" and the front side (forward direction) is described as "Fr" when viewed from the perspective of an operator holding the control device 2. The upper side in the up-down direction is also described as the base end side of the control device 2 or the endoscope 1, and the lower side in the up-down direction is also described as the tip side of the control device 2 or the endoscope 1.

[0014] Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the operating device 2 shown in Fig. 1 as seen obliquely from the front side. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the operating device 2 shown in Fig. 2 as seen obliquely from the rear side. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the operating device 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the operating device 2 has various components housed within a housing 9 that is elongated in the vertical direction. The housing 9 includes a first case member 3 on the left side and a second case member 4 on the right side that is fixed to the first case member 3. As will be described later, the first case member 3 and the second case member 4 are separably engaged with each other, and by releasing this engagement, they can be separated in the horizontal direction at a boundary line PL. The boundary line PL is a line defined by the outer edges of the mating surfaces of the first case member 3 and the second case member 4, and as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, it also exists at the positions where the suction button 11 and the suction nozzle 12 are provided, the introduction conduit 40 is provided, the insertion section 1A is provided, and the cable 2A is provided.

[0015] The outer surfaces of the housing 9 include a right side surface 9R on the right side, a left side surface 9L on the left side, a rear side surface 9Rr on the rear side, an upper side surface 9U connected to an upper edge 1t of the rear side surface 9Rr and extending obliquely downward (toward the tip of the endoscope 1), a front side surface 9Fr connected to the upper side surface 9U, and a lower side surface 9D connected to the lower edge of the rear side surface 9Rr and extending obliquely downward (toward the tip of the endoscope 1) and facing in the opposite direction to the upper side surface 9U. The rear side surface 9Rr and the lower side surface 9D constitute a first side surface. The upper edge 1t of the rear side surface 9Rr constitutes the edge on the base end side of the operating device 2. An introduction conduit 40 is provided at the lower end of the front side surface 9Fr. The introduction conduit 40 is configured to extend in a direction (diagonally forward and upward) that intersects non-orthogonally with the up-down and left-right directions.

[0016] As shown in Figure 3, a side opening 9h is provided at the rear side surface 9Rr in a curved corner near the top. A part of the bending operation unit 6 for operating the bending portion 1b protrudes from the side opening 9h. A suction nozzle 12 and a suction button 11 protrude from the upper side surface 9U, side by side along the boundary line PL. The suction nozzle 12 is located closer to the base end (edge ​​1t) than the suction button 11.

[0017] A suction tube 94 is connected to the nozzle tip 12e of the suction nozzle 12. A cable 2A is drawn out from the lower side surface 9D and connected to an external device. In the product state, the lower side surface 9D is covered by a cover member 9b. An insertion section 1A protrudes from a surface of the housing 9 that connects the lower edge of the lower side surface 9D with the lower edge of the right side surface 9R, the lower edge of the left side surface 9L, and the lower edge of the front side surface 9Fr. Both the cable 2A and the insertion section 1A are located on the boundary line PL.

[0018] 4, a suction unit 10, a wire unit 18, a cable 2A, and an insertion section 1A are housed within the operating device 2. A sleeve-shaped insertion section holding section 1g is attached to the base end side of the insertion section 1A by adhesive or the like.

[0019] The suction unit 10 includes a suction button 11, a suction nozzle 12, a connecting tube 13 connecting the suction button 11 and the suction nozzle 12, a plate-shaped holding member 5 that holds the suction button 11 and the suction nozzle 12, a suction conduit 30 extending in the vertical direction and made of a flexible tube or the like, and a branching member 50. The branching member 50 is a member that branches an insertion conduit 20 (a conduit through which a treatment tool is inserted) made of a treatment tool channel tube or the like built into the insertion section 1A of the endoscope 1 into an introduction conduit 40 and a suction conduit 30. In this embodiment, the branching member 50 and the introduction conduit 40 are integrally formed, but they may also be formed as separate bodies.

[0020] The wire unit 18 includes the bending operation section 6, a pair of wires 6w (only some of which are shown in the figure) that connect the bending operation section 6 and the bending section 1b of the endoscope 1, a cylindrical guide member 6p through which the wires 6w are inserted, a circuit board 7, and a support member 8 that supports the guide member 6p and the circuit board 7. The support member 8 is in the shape of a plate whose thickness direction coincides with the left-right direction and whose longitudinal direction coincides with the up-down direction.

[0021] Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the suction unit 10. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure for incorporating the suction nozzle 12 into the holding member 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the structure for restricting the rotation range of the suction nozzle 12. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the suction unit 10 in an assembled state.

[0022] 8, the connecting pipe 13 has a substantially L-shaped structure. One end 13a of the connecting pipe 13 is connected to a connecting part 11c provided on the suction button 11, and the other end 13c of the connecting pipe 13 is attached to the nozzle body 12b of the suction nozzle 12.

[0023] 5, the suction nozzle 12 includes a nozzle body 12b rotatably attached to the other end 13c of the connecting pipe 13, a cap member 12c provided to cover the nozzle body 12b, and a nozzle tip 12e protruding to the right from the end of the nozzle body 12b opposite to the other end 13c of the connecting pipe 13. The nozzle body 12b is configured to be rotatable relative to the other end 13c of the connecting pipe 13, with the other end 13c of the connecting pipe 13 as the center.

[0024] The nozzle body 12b is mounted in a nozzle hole 5b that penetrates the holding member 5 in the thickness direction. The cap member 12c is attached after the nozzle body 12b is mounted in the nozzle hole 5b. For example, the cap member 12c is mounted by engaging a locking projection 12g (see FIG. 8) provided on the inner surface of the cap member 12c with a locking projection 12f (see FIG. 6) provided on the nozzle body 12b.

[0025] 6, an arm portion 12h that projects in the same direction as nozzle tip 12e is provided in the nozzle body 12b between the holding member 5 and nozzle tip 12e. An engagement protrusion 12i that projects toward the holding member 5 (downward in the figure) is provided at the tip of arm portion 12h.

[0026] The holding member 5 has two holding portions 5d that protrude and can engage with the engaging protrusions 12i, and are provided at positions 180 degrees apart around the nozzle body 12b. That is, the two holding portions 5d are arranged side by side in the left-right direction with the rotation axis of the nozzle body 12b in between. These holding portions 5d enable the nozzle tip 12e to be held facing either right or left.

[0027] FIG. 6 shows a state in which the nozzle tip 12e is held in a position facing right due to engagement between the engagement protrusion 12i and the right-side holding portion 5d. When the nozzle tip 12e is moved counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 6 so that the engagement protrusion 12i passes over the right-side holding portion 5d, the arm portion 12h bends, thereby disengaging the engagement protrusion 12i from the right-side holding portion 5d. This allows the nozzle tip 12e to be rotated to a position facing left. When the nozzle tip 12e is rotated until the engagement protrusion 12i passes over the left-side holding portion 5d, the engagement protrusion 12i engages with the left-side holding portion 5d, and the nozzle tip 12e is held in a position facing left.

[0028] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, a flange 12a having a large diameter in the radial direction of the nozzle body 12b is formed at the lower end of the nozzle body 12b. A restricting protrusion 12d is provided on the tip surface of the flange 12a, protruding radially outward. The protruding direction of the restricting protrusion 12d is the same as the protruding direction of the nozzle tip 12e. As shown in Figure 7, the restricting protrusion 12d is configured to be able to abut against protruding restricting portions 2d provided on the inner surfaces of the first case member 3 and the second case member 4, respectively. These two restricting portions 2d are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0029] 6 in which the engaging protrusion 12i and the right-side holding portion 5d are engaged, as shown in FIG. 7, the restricting portion 2d provided on the second case member 4 comes into contact with the restricting protrusion 12d, thereby restricting the nozzle tip 12e from further rotating forward. Furthermore, when the engaging protrusion 12i and the left-side holding portion 5d are engaged, the restricting portion 2d provided on the first case member 3 comes into contact with the restricting protrusion 12d, thereby restricting the nozzle tip 12e from further rotating forward. Thus, the suction nozzle 12 is configured to be rotatable between a state in which it faces one side in the thickness direction of the hand when the operating device 2 is held (for example, a state in which it faces the inside of the left hand as shown in FIG. 2) and a state in which it faces the other side in the thickness direction (a state in which it faces the back of the hand, opposite to the state in FIG. 2).

[0030] As shown in FIG. 8, the suction button 11 includes a button body 11b having a hollow interior and including a depressible operator 11s, and an on-off valve 11v provided inside the button body 11b. The button body 11b is attached to a button hole 5a (see FIG. 5) that penetrates the holding member 5 in the thickness direction. Cylindrical connecting portions 11c and 11j that connect to the interior of the button body 11b protrude from the button body 11b. An upper end portion 31 of the suction conduit 30 is connected to the connecting portion 11j. A lower end portion 32 of the suction conduit 30 is connected to the connecting portion 61 of a connecting member 60 included in the branching member 50. A flange portion 11a is formed on the button body 11b inward of the holding member 5. The connecting portions 11c and 11j are provided inward of the flange portion 11a.

[0031] By pressing the operator 11s of the suction button 11, the open / close valve 11v opens, and the nozzle tip 12e of the suction nozzle 12 and the suction pipe 30 are connected via the suction button 11 and the connecting pipe 13. When the operator 11s of the suction button 11 is not pressed, the open / close valve 11v closes, and the nozzle tip 12e of the suction nozzle 12 and the suction pipe 30 are not connected.

[0032] The suction unit 10 configured as described above is completed by assembling each of the suction system components, namely the holding member 5, the suction button 11, the suction nozzle 12, the connecting tube 13, the suction pipeline 30, and the branching member 50, only by fitting, pressing, or engaging them together, without using adhesives, screws, etc.

[0033] Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the branching member 50 and its surroundings. Fig. 9 shows a cross section perpendicular to the left-right direction. Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the components shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing the base end portion 20a of the insertion conduit 20. Fig. 12 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional perspective view of the branching member 50.

[0034] The branching member 50 includes a main body 53 having a Y-shaped communicating space therein, and a connecting member 60 configured to be detachable from the main body 53. The main body 53 has a treatment tool introduction opening 40A through which the treatment tool 90 can be inserted, an insertion conduit side opening 54 into which the insertion conduit 20 is inserted, and a fitting opening 51 into which the connecting member 60 is fitted, and has a Y-shaped internal space connecting these three openings. FIGS. 9 and 12 show a branching position 40e of the internal space in the main body 53. The introduction conduit 40 is formed by a cylindrical portion extending from the branching position 40e to the treatment tool introduction opening 40A. The cylindrical portion extending from the branching position 40e to the fitting opening 51 forms a connecting conduit capable of connecting the insertion conduit 20 and the suction conduit 30. A flange 41 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body 53 that constitutes the introduction duct 40 at a position close to the treatment instrument introduction opening 40A, and a groove 42 is provided between this flange 41 and the treatment instrument introduction opening 40A. The axis of the introduction duct 40 extends in a direction intersecting the up-down direction and the front-rear direction, and in the example of Fig. 9, it extends in the front-upper direction.

[0035] The connecting member 60 connects the internal space of the main body 53 to the suction conduit 30 and includes a cylindrical connecting portion 61 to which the suction conduit 30 is connected and a guide portion 62 formed integrally with the connecting portion 61 for guiding the movement of the treatment tool 90 inserted through the introduction conduit 40. The axis of the connecting portion 61 coincides with the vertical direction. The connecting member 60 is attached to the main body 53 by fitting the guide portion 62 into the fitting opening 51. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12 , when the guide portion 62 is fitted into the fitting opening 51, the guide surface 62c of the guide portion 62 is configured not to protrude from the inner wall surface of the introduction conduit 40 when viewed in the axial direction of the introduction conduit 40. Specifically, the guide surface 62c is an arc-shaped curved surface that is inclined along the axis of the introduction conduit 40. As shown in FIG. 12, the edge 62e of the guide surface 62c is rounded (chamfered).

[0036] The insertion conduit 20 extends to the tip of the insertion section 1A, and its axial direction coincides with the up-down direction. The base end side of the insertion conduit 20 is provided outside the insertion section 1A. As shown in FIG. 9 , the insertion conduit 20 provided outside the insertion section 1A is inserted into the branching member 50 from an insertion conduit side opening 54. The base end 20a of the insertion conduit 20 inserted into the branching member 50 includes a tubular first portion 21 and a second portion 22 located closer to the base end than the first portion 21. The length of the second portion 22 in the up-down direction is preferably greater than the length of the first portion 21 in the up-down direction. An opening 24 facing the introduction conduit 40 side (in other words, the front side) is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the second portion 22.

[0037] The inner circumferential surface 22i of the second portion 22 exposed from the opening 24 preferably intersects with an extension of the axis of the introduction conduit 40. Furthermore, the position of the edge 22e on the base end side of the second portion 22 in the axial direction (synonymous with the up-down direction) of the insertion conduit 20 is preferably closer to the suction conduit 30 than the intersection of the extension of the axis of the introduction conduit 40 and the inner circumferential surface 22i. With this configuration, when the treatment tool 90 is inserted through the introduction conduit 40 (the insertion path is shown by an arrow in FIG. 9), the tip of the treatment tool 90 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 22i and is guided toward the inside of the first portion 21. Since the inner circumferential surface 22i extends above the intersection with the extension of the axis of the introduction conduit 40, the tip of the treatment tool 90 can be prevented from contacting the boundary between the edge 22e of the base end 20a of the insertion conduit 20 and the inner circumferential wall of the main body 53. Since the treatment tool 90 does not come into contact with this boundary portion, the treatment tool 90 can be smoothly inserted and removed.

[0038] Furthermore, when inserting or removing the treatment tool 90, the movement of the treatment tool 90 can be guided by the guide surface 62c of the connecting member 60. Furthermore, when the treatment tool 90 is pulled out, the guide portion 62 can prevent the treatment tool 90 from touching the branch position 40e, which is the end of the introduction conduit 40. In this way, the configuration of the branching member 50 allows the treatment tool 90 to be inserted or removed smoothly.

[0039] Although the branching member 50 is configured with the main body 53 and the connecting member 60 as separate bodies, they may also be molded as a single body. By having the main body 53 and the connecting member 60 as separate bodies, the degree of freedom in designing the guide surface 62c can be increased. In addition, the branching member 50 can be manufactured more easily.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 11, the base end 20a of the insertion conduit 20 is formed by partially cutting the base end of a conventionally known cylindrical insertion conduit 20. In Fig. 11, the cut surface of the first portion 21 on the second portion 22 side exposed by this cutting is shown as end surface 21e. Furthermore, the cut surface of the second portion 22 exposed by this cutting is shown as end surface 22t. The end surface 21e is a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion conduit 20. The end surface 22t is a surface parallel to the up-down and left-right directions.

[0041] 12, the insertion conduit side opening 54 of the branching member 50 is configured to have a diameter slightly larger than its rear side (upper side), and an abutment surface 54e is formed at the deepest part where the first section 21 is inserted due to the difference in inner diameter from the rear side. This abutment surface 54e is a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion conduit 20. The insertion depth of the insertion conduit 20 into the branching member 50 is determined by the abutment of this abutment surface 54e with the end face 21e of the base end portion 20a.

[0042] Furthermore, inside the main body 53, a large-diameter step portion 52a is provided, the diameter of which is slightly larger than that of a portion of the inner circumferential surface, on the inner side (upper side) of the abutment surface 54e in order to receive the second portion 22. This large-diameter step portion 52a forms a step surface 52e inside the main body 53 that abuts against the end surface 22t of the insertion conduit 20 when the second portion 22 is received in the large-diameter step portion 52a. The step surface 52e is a surface parallel to the up-down and left-right directions. The abutment of this step surface 52e with the end surface 22t restricts radial rotation of the base end portion 20a of the insertion conduit 20.

[0043] When viewed in the axial direction of the insertion conduit 20, the size of the opening 24 of the insertion conduit 20 is preferably in the range of, for example, "270 degrees ≧ θ ≧ 180 degrees," when the opening angle θ from the center of the insertion conduit 20 is defined as (see Figure 11).

[0044] The shape of the opening 24 is not limited to the shape shown in Fig. 11, and various other shapes can be employed. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing two modified examples of the base end 20a of the insertion conduit 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 13(a), the proximal end 20a of the insertion conduit 20 may have a configuration in which the distal end portion is cut obliquely. That is, the cut surface 23t of the second portion 22 may have an elliptical shape and be inclined. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 13(b), the proximal end 20a of the insertion conduit 20 may have an opening 24 formed at the distal end portion, leaving an annular distal end portion 25.

[0045] Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the mounting structure of the bending operation section 6 and the circuit board 7. Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view showing the state in which each part is assembled into the first case member 3. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower part in Fig. 15. Fig. 18 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of the first case member 3. Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing the inner surface of the second case member 4. Fig. 20 is an enlarged perspective view of the lower end part of the housing 9.

[0046] As shown in Figure 14, the bending operation unit 6 includes a pulley 6b that can rotate around a rotation support shaft 6c, and an operating rod portion 6a that extends from a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the pulley 6b (specifically, half of the outer circumferential surface) in the direction of the rotation radius of the pulley 6b. A finger rest 6d is provided at the tip of the operating rod portion 6a. A pair of wires 6w are attached to the pulley 6b with a gap between them. The bending operation unit 6 is arranged so that only the operating rod portion 6a protrudes to the outside through the side opening 9h.

[0047] The wire 6w is movably supported via a guide member 6p supported in a guide groove 8g (see FIG. 16) provided in the flat surface 8a of the support member 8. The circuit board 7 is also engaged with support hooks 8c protruding from both ends of the support member 8 in the longitudinal direction. The circuit board 7 may further be adhered to the support member 8 with an adhesive.

[0048] The components are assembled into the housing 9 by first attaching the components to the first case member 3, then covering the first case member 3 with the second case member 4 and engaging them. Specifically, the wire unit 18, the cable 2A, the suction unit 10, and the insertion section 1A are first coupled to form a single unit. The branching member 50 and the insertion conduit 20 are coupled, for example, by applying an adhesive to the outer peripheral surface of the first portion 21 of the base end portion 20a, inserting the base end portion 20a in this state into the branching member 50, and adhering the first portion 21 to the inner peripheral wall of the branching member 50.

[0049] Next, as shown in Fig. 15, the above unit is attached to the first case member 3. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 14, the rotation support shaft 6c of the bending operation section 6 is incorporated so as to be supported by a rotation support section 3k provided on the inner surface of the first case member 3. Furthermore, the support member 8 is incorporated so that fitting ends 8b provided on both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof are fitted into fixing grooves 3dg of a pair of mounting protrusions 3d provided on the inner surface of the first case member 3. The support member 8 may further be adhered to the first case member 3 with an adhesive.

[0050] The suction unit 10 is attached to a first attachment portion 3A (see FIG. 18) provided on the first case member 3 corresponding to the suction button 11, the suction nozzle 12, and the holding member 5, a second attachment portion 3B (see FIG. 18) provided at least on the inner surface of the first case member 3 corresponding to the suction pipeline 30, and a third attachment portion 3C (see FIG. 18) provided on the first case member 3 corresponding to the branching member 50. In addition, the base end portion of the insertion portion 1A is attached to the first case member 3 by fitting a part of the insertion portion holding portion 1g into the first case member 3.

[0051] As shown in Figure 20, a holding end 3m is provided on the inner surface of the lower end of the first case member 3. A holding end 4m is provided on the inner surface of the lower end of the second case member 4. A locking protrusion 1m protruding in the left-right direction is provided on the insertion portion holding portion 1g with a slit. Meanwhile, a fitting hole 3p into which the locking protrusion 1m fits is provided on the holding end 3m. A fitting hole 4p into which the locking protrusion 1m fits is provided on the holding end 4m. Therefore, the base end of the insertion portion 1A is attached to the first case member 3 by fitting the left locking protrusion 1m into the fitting hole 3p.

[0052] The first mounting portion 3A is a wall surface constituting the upper side surface 9U. As shown in FIG. 18 , this wall surface is provided with a semicircular button notch 3Aa for receiving the button body 11b and a nozzle notch 3Ab for receiving the nozzle body 12b along the boundary line PL. This wall surface also has a wall portion 3Ac that rises outward from the periphery excluding the boundary line PL. An engagement groove 3Ad is provided on the inner surface of the wall portion 3Ac for engaging with a protrusion provided on the side surface of the holding member 5. The suction unit 10 is mounted on the first mounting portion 3A so that the holding member 5 is disposed in the area surrounded by the wall portion 3Ac and the flange portions 11a and 12a are positioned inside the first mounting portion 3A. At this time, the protrusion on the side surface of the holding member 5 engages with the engagement groove 3Ad of the wall portion 3Ac, thereby restricting movement of the holding member 5 in the thickness direction.

[0053] 15 to 17, the second mounting portion 3B is composed of a total of four members: two conduit projections 3i, 3j formed on the inside of the front side surface 9Fr of the first case member 3, and side pieces 8d and 8e provided on the front edge of the support member 8 attached to the first case member 3. That is, the second mounting portion 3B contacts the outer peripheral surface of the suction conduit 30 at multiple points to hold the suction conduit 30. Here, the second mounting portion 3B is configured using a part of the support member 8, but this is not essential.

[0054] The third mounting portion 3C is a wall surface that forms a part of the lower side of the front side surface 9Fr of the housing 9. As shown in FIG. 18 , this wall surface is provided with a semicircular conduit cutout 3Ca that receives the inlet conduit 40 of the branching member 50. Furthermore, the inner surface of the first case member 3 is provided with a rib 3Cb that has a semicircular notch that receives the terminal end of the inlet conduit 40, at a position more inward than the conduit cutout 3Ca. As shown in FIG. 17 , the branching member 50 is mounted so that the flange portion 41 of the branching member 50 fits more inward than the conduit cutout 3Ca, whereby the groove portion 42 of the branching member 50 is received in the conduit cutout 3Ca and the branching member 50 is mounted to the first case member 3.

[0055] In this way, the above unit is incorporated and temporarily fixed in the first case member 3. Thereafter, by combining the first case member 3 with the second case member 4, of the above unit, the suction button 11, the suction nozzle 12, and the introduction conduit 40 are partially sandwiched between the first case member 3 and the second case member 4, and their positions within the housing 9 are fixed.

[0056] The second case member 4 has wall structures facing the first mounting portion 3A and the third mounting portion 3C, respectively, that can sandwich a portion of the suction unit 10. As shown in FIG. 19 , the second case member 4 has a button notch 4Aa for receiving the button body 11b, a nozzle notch 4Ab for receiving the nozzle body 12b, and a wall portion 4Ac including an engagement groove 4Ad, at a position corresponding to the first mounting portion 3A. Therefore, when the second case member 4 is engaged with the first case member 3, the button body 11b of the suction button 11 is sandwiched between the button notch 3Aa and the button notch 4Aa, the nozzle body 12b of the suction nozzle 12 is sandwiched between the nozzle notch 3Ab and the nozzle notch 4Ab, and the holding member 5 is sandwiched between the wall portion 3Ac and the wall portion 4Ac. Furthermore, by engaging with the engagement groove 3Ad and the engagement groove 4Ad, the movement of the holding member 5 in the thickness direction is restricted.

[0057] Furthermore, in the second case member 4, a third mounting portion opposing portion 4C is provided at a position corresponding to the third mounting portion 3C, the third mounting portion opposing portion 4C including a semicircular conduit cutout 4Ca that receives the inlet conduit 40 of the branching member 50 and a rib 4Cb having a semicircular notch that receives the terminal end of the inlet conduit 40. Therefore, when the second case member 4 is engaged with the first case member 3, the inlet conduit 40 is clamped between the conduit cutout 3Ca and the conduit cutout 4Ca. Furthermore, in the second case member 4, a rotation support portion 4k that can be engaged with the rotation support shaft 6c of the bending operation portion 6 is provided at a position corresponding to the rotation support portion 3k. Therefore, when the second case member 4 is engaged with the first case member 3, the bending operation portion 6 is sandwiched between the rotation support portion 3k and the rotation support portion 4k.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 18, six engaging portions 3f that protrude toward the second case member 4 are provided on the inner surface of the first case member 3 along the boundary line PL. As shown in Fig. 19, six engaged portions 4f that protrude toward the first case member 3 are provided on the inner surface of the second case member 4 along the boundary line PL. These engaged portions 4f are plate-shaped protruding pieces with engaging holes 4fh at their tips, and are configured to bend appropriately. Therefore, by butting the boundary line PL of the first case member 3 and the second case member 4 together, the engaging portions 3f fit into the engaging holes 4fh, engaging the first case member 3 and the second case member 4 and fastening them together.

[0059] The insertion portion 1A is not only held by the engagement force between the first case member 3 and the second case member 4. As shown in FIG. 20, the position of the insertion portion 1A within the housing 9 is more firmly fixed by the engagement between the insertion portion holding portion 1g and the first case member 3 and the second case member 4. The area near the insertion portion holding portion 1g is likely to be subjected to load due to the routing of the insertion portion 1A. Therefore, by engaging the insertion portion holding portion 1g with the case member, stress on the insertion portion 1A can be prevented from being transmitted upstream of the insertion portion holding portion 1g. Also, as shown in FIG. 20, the holding end 3m is provided with ribs having abutment surfaces that abut against the upper and lower end surfaces of the insertion portion holding portion 1g. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 19, the holding end 4m is provided with ribs having abutment surfaces that abut against the upper and lower end surfaces of the insertion portion holding portion 1g. These four ribs come into contact with both vertical end surfaces of the insertion portion holding portion 1g, allowing the axial load of the insertion portion 1A to be borne by the housing 9. As a result, stress can be prevented from being transmitted to members upstream of the insertion portion holding portion 1g.

[0060] It is preferable that all of the components of the operating device 2 described above, excluding the cable 2A, except for the wire 6w and guide member 6p, are made of resin. This reduces the manufacturing cost and weight of the operating device 2. Since disposable endoscopes do not require cleaning, making these components out of resin reduces manufacturing costs.

[0061] As described above, according to the endoscope 1, the suction button 11, the suction nozzle 12, and the connecting tube 13, which tend to have a complex structure, are unitized, and the positions of the suction button 11 and the suction nozzle 12 within the housing 9 are fixed by sandwiching a portion of the suction button 11 and the suction nozzle 12 between the first case member 3 and the second case member 4. This makes it easy to assemble the operation device 2 and reduces manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the position of the branching member 50 within the housing 9 is fixed by sandwiching a portion of the branching member 50 between the first case member 3 and the second case member 4. This makes it even easier to assemble the operation device 2 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the endoscope 1, of the first case member 3 and the second case member 4, the support member 8 is supported only by the first case member 3. In other words, the second case member 4 does not have a structure for supporting the support member 8. This simplifies the structure of the second case member 4 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0063] Furthermore, according to the endoscope 1, the suction nozzle 12 and the suction button 11 are arranged on the same side and are aligned linearly along the boundary line PL. This improves operability for the suction operation. In particular, because the suction nozzle 12 is arranged closer to the base end of the endoscope 1 than the suction button 11, the suction tube 94 attached to the suction nozzle 12 can be routed outside the area where the suction button 11 and other operating components are located, improving operability. Furthermore, because the suction nozzle 12 and the suction button 11 are arranged substantially on the back surface of the bending operation section 6, interference between the suction operation and the bending operation is prevented, improving operability. Furthermore, the surface from which the cable 2A is drawn and the surface on which the suction nozzle 12 is provided are spaced apart and face in opposite directions. This prevents interference between the cable 2A and the suction tube 94, improving operability. Furthermore, since the suction nozzle 12 is rotatable, the suction nozzle 12 can be oriented in a direction appropriate to the orientation of the hand holding the operating device 2, whether it is the right hand or the left hand, and the suction tube 94 connected to the suction nozzle 12 can be rotated in a direction that is easy to handle. As a result, the operability of the suction operation can be improved.

[0064] In the endoscope 1, the holding member 5 of the suction unit 10 is not essential and may be omitted. Alternatively, the suction unit 10 may be configured such that the holding member 5 is sandwiched between the first case member 3 and the second case member 4, and one or both of the suction button 11 and the suction nozzle 12 are not sandwiched between the first case member 3 and the second case member 4.

[0065] As explained above, this specification describes at least the following items. Note that the elements in parentheses correspond to those in the above-described embodiments, but are not limited to these.

[0066] (1) an insertion conduit (insertion conduit 20) through which a treatment tool is inserted; a suction line (suction line 30); an introduction conduit (introduction conduit 40) through which the treatment tool is introduced; a branching member (branching member 50) that branches the insertion conduit into the introduction conduit and the suction conduit, The base end portion (base end portion 20a) of the insertion conduit is inserted into the branching member, The base end portion includes a first portion (first portion 21) and a second portion (second portion 22) located closer to the base end than the first portion, The endoscope has an opening (opening 24) formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second portion, the opening facing the introduction conduit.

[0067] According to (1), when a treatment tool is inserted into the introduction conduit, the treatment tool can be inserted into the insertion conduit by abutting the inner circumferential surface of the second portion exposed from the opening and moving the treatment tool along this inner circumferential surface. In this way, the treatment tool can be moved into the insertion conduit without crossing the boundary between the branching member and the insertion conduit, allowing the treatment tool to be moved smoothly. Similarly, the treatment tool can be moved smoothly when withdrawing it.

[0068] (2) The endoscope according to (1), An endoscope, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the second portion (inner circumferential surface 22i) intersects with an extension of the axis of the introduction conduit.

[0069] According to (2), the treatment tool can be moved to the insertion duct without crossing the boundary between the branch member and the insertion duct, and the treatment tool can be moved smoothly.

[0070] (3) The endoscope according to (2), An endoscope, wherein the position of the edge (edge ​​22e) of the second portion in the axial direction of the insertion pipeline is closer to the suction pipeline than the intersection position between the extension line of the introduction pipeline and the inner peripheral surface.

[0071] According to (3), the treatment tool can be moved to the insertion duct without crossing the boundary between the branch member and the insertion duct, and the treatment tool can be moved smoothly.

[0072] (4) An endoscope according to any one of (1) to (3), The branching member includes an abutment surface (abutment surface 54e) that abuts against an end surface (end surface 21e) of the first portion on the second portion side.

[0073] According to (4), the insertion conduit can be easily positioned relative to the branch member.

[0074] (5) (4) The endoscope according to the present invention, The endoscope, wherein the contact surface is a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion tube.

[0075] According to (5), the end face of the first portion is in surface contact with the abutment surface, thereby ensuring reliable positioning. In addition, the structure can be easily realized, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0076] (6) An endoscope according to any one of (1) to (5), The branching member is an endoscope comprising: a main body portion (main body portion 53) including the introduction pipeline and an opening (insertion pipeline side opening 54) through which the insertion pipeline is inserted; and a connecting member (connecting member 60) connecting the main body portion and the suction pipeline.

[0077] According to (6), compared to a configuration in which the connecting member and the main body are integrated, the main body can be manufactured more easily, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0078] (7) (6) The endoscope according to (6), The endoscope, wherein the connecting member includes a connection portion (connection portion 61) to which the suction conduit is connected, and a guide portion (guide portion 62) that guides the movement of a treatment tool inserted into the introduction conduit.

[0079] According to (7), the guide function of the treatment tool can be achieved by the shape of the connecting member, which is separate from the main body, so the degree of freedom in the shape of the guide part is increased and it is easy to form, which simplifies the structure of the main body.

[0080] (8) (7) The endoscope according to (7), The guide portion has a guide surface (guide surface 62c) that follows the introduction pipeline, The edge of the guide surface (edge ​​62e) is rounded.

[0081] According to (8), when the treatment tool is pulled out, the rounded portion of the guide surface guides the treatment tool into the introduction duct, preventing the treatment tool from getting caught on the guide surface.

[0082] (9) An endoscope according to any one of (1) to (8), The branching member and the introduction conduit are integrally configured.

[0083] According to (9), the manufacturing cost can be reduced and miniaturization becomes easy.

[0084] (10) An endoscope according to any one of (1) to (9), The branching member is made of resin.

[0085] According to (10), the manufacturing cost can be reduced and miniaturization becomes easy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1A Insertion section 1a Soft part 1b Curved section 1c Tip 1g Insertion part holder 5d holding part 1m locking protrusion 1t,62e Edge 1. Endoscope 2A cable 2b, 2c connector part 2d Regulatory Department 2 Control device 3A 1st attachment part 3Aa, 4Aa Button notch 3Ab, 4Ab Nozzle notch 3Ac,4Ac Wall part 3Ad,4Ad Engagement groove 3B 2nd attachment part 3C Third mounting part 3Ca,4Ca pipe notch 3Cb,4Cb Rib 3d mounting protrusion 3dg fixed groove 3f Engagement part 3i,3j Pipe protrusion 3k Rotation support part 3m,4m holding end 3p,4p insertion hole 3 First case member 53 Main body 4C Third mounting part facing part 4fh engagement hole 4f Engaged part 4 Second case member 4k Rotation support part 5b Nozzle hole 5. Retaining member 6a Operation rod section 6b Rotating body 6c Rotating shaft 6d Finger rest 11a,12a Tsuba 6p Guide member 6w wire 6 Bending operation section 7 Circuit Board 8a Flat part 8b Inset end 8c Support Hook 8d,8e side piece 8 Support member 9D Bottom side 9L left side 9R Right side 9U top side 9b Cover member 9h side opening 9Rr rear side 9Fr anterior lateral 9. Cabinet 10 Suction unit 11b Button body 11c, 11j, 61 Connection 11s controls 11v opening and closing valve 11 Suction button 12a Tsuba 12b Nozzle body 12c Cap member 12d Restriction protrusion 12e Nozzle tip 12f Locking convex 12g Locked convex 12h Arm 12i Engagement protrusion 12 suction nozzle 13a one end 13c Other end 13 Connecting pipe 18 Wire unit 20a Proximal end 20 Insertion pipe 21e,22t end face 21 Part 1 22e Edge 22i Inner surface 22 Part 2 23t cutting surface 24 aperture 25 Annular tip 30 Suction line 31 Upper end 32 Lower end 40A Treatment tool opening 40e Branch position 40 Inlet Pipe 41 Flange 42 Groove 50 Branching member 51 mating opening 52a Large diameter step 52e Step surface 54e Contact surface 54 Insertion pipe side opening 60 Connecting member 62c Guide surface 62 Guide section 90 Treatment tools 91 Light source device 92 Processor Unit 93 Suction device 94 Suction tube 100 Endoscopy System

Claims

1. An insertion tube built into the insertion section and through which a treatment tool is inserted; a suction line; an introduction conduit extending in a direction intersecting non-orthogonally with respect to the axial direction of the insertion conduit, and through which the treatment tool is introduced; a branching member that branches the insertion conduit into the introduction conduit and the suction conduit, The proximal end of the insertion conduit is inserted into the branching member, the base end portion includes a first portion and a second portion located closer to the base end than the first portion, an opening facing the introduction pipeline is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the second portion; an inner circumferential surface of the second portion intersects with an extension of the axis of the introduction pipeline; an endoscope, wherein the position of the edge of the second portion in the axial direction of the insertion conduit is closer to the suction conduit than the intersection position between the extension line of the introduction conduit and the inner peripheral surface.

2. An endoscope according to claim 1, The branching member includes an abutment surface that abuts against an end surface of the first portion on the side of the second portion.

3. An endoscope according to claim 2, The abutment surface is a surface perpendicular to the axial direction of the insertion tube.

4. An endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The branching member comprises a main body portion including the introduction conduit and an opening through which the insertion conduit is inserted, and a connecting member connecting the main body portion and the suction conduit.

5. An endoscope according to claim 4, The connecting member includes a connection portion to which the suction conduit is connected, and a guide portion that guides movement of a treatment tool inserted into the introduction conduit.

6. An endoscope according to claim 5, the guide portion has a guide surface that follows the introduction conduit, The edges of the guide surface are rounded.

7. An endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The branching member and the introduction conduit are integrally configured.

8. An endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The branching member is made of resin.

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