Endoscope, endoscope cap

Abstract

This endoscope comprises an insertion part 5 and a pressure sensor 14. The pressure sensor is provided inside the insertion part toward the tip. The insertion part is configured such that the rigidity of a first region that includes an inside contact surface that is contacted by sensor pressure-sensitive parts of the pressure sensor is greater than the rigidity of a second region that includes the outer surface of the insertion part.

Description

Endoscope, endoscope cap

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope and an endoscope cap.

[0002] Conventionally, endoscopes have been widely used in, for example, the medical field and the industrial field. Medical endoscopes used in the medical field have a function of inserting an insertion section equipped with an imaging unit into a body cavity or an organ of a subject such as a living organism to acquire images of an object to be observed, including lesions within the body cavity or organ. The images thus acquired are used for image diagnosis, etc., to observe or examine lesions, etc.

[0003] Endoscopic examinations performed using conventional medical endoscopes include, for example, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which mainly observes, examines, and treats the inside of the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and colonoscopy, which mainly observes, examines, and treats the inside of the lumen of the large intestine, and these endoscopic examinations are widely performed.

[0004] In general, during endoscopic examinations, an insertion operation is performed in which the distal end portion of an insertion section is inserted into a lumen through the oral cavity, anus, or the like and advanced further along the lumen. This insertion operation includes predetermined operations, such as actively bending the bending portion of the insertion section by performing a predetermined bending operation as necessary, or twisting the insertion section. During such an insertion operation, endoscopic image data is continuously acquired by an imaging unit provided in the distal end portion of the insertion section, and predetermined image processing is performed. Images generated based on the endoscopic image data are then continuously displayed on a display device. This allows a user, such as a surgeon, to observe endoscopic images in real time.

[0005] The insertion operation of the insertion section may be performed while, for example, the distal end component of the insertion section is pressed against the inner wall of the lumen, etc. In this case, the load applied to the inner wall when the distal end component is pressed against the inner wall, etc., that is, the amount of pressing force or load force (hereinafter simply referred to as force), is usually adjusted by the surgeon, etc., while checking the endoscopic image and based on the feel of their fingers, etc.

[0006] On the other hand, in endoscopic examinations, organs, etc. that are the subject of observation and examination are arranged in a complex manner within a subject, such as a living organism, and have many bent parts, etc. Furthermore, it is known that organs, etc. do not always maintain a constant shape within the subject, but are constantly changing shape depending on, for example, the posture of the subject.

[0007] For this reason, the insertion operation in endoscopic examination, in which an insertion section is inserted into the interior of an organ or the like that is arranged in a complex manner and cannot be directly viewed, tends to depend on the skill of the surgeon, etc. For example, if the tip component is pressed against the inner wall of an organ or the like with excessive force during the insertion operation, it may cause a strain on the subject (patient, etc.) and may affect the organ or the like.

[0008] Therefore, in endoscopic examination, it is required to always ensure a stable amount of pressing force and to always achieve a stable insertion operation, regardless of the skill of the operator.

[0009] Therefore, various proposals for endoscopes equipped with a function to detect the amount of force applied to the tip component of the insertion section have been disclosed, for example, in Patent Publication No. 2016-152863 and International Patent Publication No. WO2021 / 176530.

[0010] The technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-152863 and the like has a configuration in which a pressure sensor, which is a load detection device in the form of a circular hood cap, is attached to the outside of the tip component of the insertion section of the endoscope.

[0011] The technology disclosed in the above-mentioned International Patent Publication WO2021 / 176530 and the like is an endoscope hood that is attached to the tip component of the insertion part of an endoscope, and this endoscope hood has a main body part consisting of a hood part that is positioned more tip-side than the insertion part and an attachment part that fits onto the outer periphery of the insertion part, and a pressure sensor provided on the attachment part.

[0012] However, the hood cap type pressure sensor for an endoscope disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-152863 is provided on the outer surface of a highly rigid cylindrical hood, and the pressure sensor is composed of multiple sensors in order to measure a fine pressure distribution, which results in a problem of a large number of wires extending from the multiple sensors.

[0013] Furthermore, the endoscope hood of the endoscope disclosed in International Patent Publication WO 2021 / 176530 and the like is formed by a hard hood portion provided distal to the insertion portion and a soft mounting portion that fits around the outer periphery of the insertion portion. A single pressure-sensitive portion (sensor element) is embedded in the mounting portion. As a result, pressure applied to the distal end component from multiple directions can be detected by the single pressure-sensitive portion, and a configuration is realized in which the number of wires extending from the pressure-sensitive portion is reduced.

[0014] However, since the hood portion has a high rigidity and comes into contact with the inner wall surface of the lumen, if a large amount of force is applied to the insertion portion, there is a possibility that the amount of force transmitted from the tip component portion to the inner wall surface of the lumen will become strong.

[0015] Furthermore, the conventional endoscope hoods disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-152863 and International Patent Publication No. WO2021 / 176530 are all attachment-type hoods, so that the wires extending from each sensor run along the outer surface of the insertion section to the operating section, and the wires are fixed to the outer surface of the insertion section using adhesive or the like.

[0016] In this way, if a configuration is adopted in which the wires extending from the pressure sensor extend along the outer surface of the insertion portion, it is conceivable that the wires will impede operability when inserting the insertion portion.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide an endoscope and an endoscope cap that can reliably and accurately detect the amount of load force applied to the tip component of the insertion section of an endoscope, and that are configured to reduce the impact on an organ, etc., even if the tip component is pressed against the inner wall surface of the organ, etc.

[0018] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one aspect of the present invention provides an endoscope comprising an insertion section and a pressure sensor, the pressure sensor being positioned inside the insertion section at a location near the tip, and the insertion section having a first region including an internal contact surface with which each sensor pressure-sensitive portion of the pressure sensor contacts, the rigidity of which is higher than the rigidity of a second region including the outer surface of the insertion section.

[0019] An endoscopic cap according to one aspect of the present invention is an endoscopic cap that is attached to the tip of an insertion portion of an endoscope, and is equipped with a pressure sensor inside, and the rigidity of a first region including an internal contact surface with which the sensor pressure-sensitive portion of the pressure sensor comes into contact is higher than the rigidity of a second region including an outer surface.

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope and an endoscope cap that are configured to be able to reliably and accurately detect the amount of load force applied to the tip component of the insertion section of an endoscope, and to reduce the impact on an organ, etc., even if the tip component is pressed against the inner wall surface of an organ, etc.

[0021] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope system including an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing an enlarged view of the distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along an imaginary plane indicated by arrow [3] in FIG. 2; FIG. 6 is a front view seen from the direction indicated by arrow [4] in FIG. 2; FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow [5] in FIG. 3; FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow [8] in FIG. 3; 1 is a conceptual diagram of a display screen displayed on a monitor during an examination such as a colonoscopy performed using the endoscope system of FIG. 1; 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an enlarged view of an endoscope cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention and the distal end portion of an insertion section to which the endoscope cap is attached; 3 is an external perspective view showing the endoscope cap of FIG. 12 attached to the distal end portion of the insertion section; 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along an imaginary plane indicated by arrow

[14] in FIG. 13; 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line indicated by arrow

[15] in FIG. 14; 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line indicated by arrow

[16] in FIG. 14; 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line indicated by arrow

[17] in FIG. 14; 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line indicated by arrow

[18] in FIG. 14; and 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along a line indicated by arrow

[19] in FIG. 14.

[0022] The present invention will be described below with reference to the illustrated embodiments. The drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and scales of the components may be different for each component in order to show each component at a size that allows it to be recognized on the drawing. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments in terms of the number of components shown in the drawings, the shapes of the components, the size ratios of the components, the relative positional relationships of the components, and so on.

[0023] First, before describing the detailed configuration of an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the schematic configuration of an entire endoscope system including the endoscope will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope system including an endoscope according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, an endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope 2, a light source device 3, a processor 4, a monitor 8, etc. Note that this endoscope system 1 exemplifies a colonoscopy system for performing a colonoscopy examination to observe the inside of the colon of a subject (e.g., a patient). The basic configuration of the endoscope system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is substantially the same as that of a conventional endoscope system of the same type.

[0025] The endoscope 2 is configured to include an insertion section 5, an operation section 6, a universal cord 7, and the like.

[0026] The insertion section 5 is a component that is inserted into a subject such as a living organism. The insertion section 5 is formed by connecting, in order from the distal end, a distal configuration section 5a, a bending section 5b, and a flexible tube section 5c. The insertion section 5 is formed in a generally elongated tube shape. The insertion section 5 has therein a treatment tool insertion channel 5d, which is a conduit for inserting an endoscopic treatment tool (not shown). This treatment tool insertion channel 5d is provided so as to pass through the insertion section 5 from its distal end to its proximal end. The operation section 6 is connected to the proximal end of the insertion section 5.

[0027] Various components (not shown in FIG. 1 ), such as an imaging unit and an illumination unit, are provided inside the tip configuration section 5a. Here, the imaging unit is an electronic device unit including a photoelectric conversion element and an optical lens (imaging lens) that acquire image information (still images and moving images) of an internal observation object of a subject (for example, the inner wall surface of an organ such as the large intestine). The illumination unit is a component unit including an optical element (illumination lens) that emits a light beam guided from the light source device 3 forward from the distal end surface of the tip configuration section 5a to illuminate an observation target area, including a lesion or the like, inside the subject. Details of the internal configuration of the tip configuration section 5a of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope 2 of this embodiment will be described later.

[0028] The operation section 6 is connected to the proximal end of the insertion section 5. The operation section 6 includes an operation section main body 6a, a bending operation knob 6b, a plurality of operation members 6c, a treatment tool insertion port 6d, and the like.

[0029] The operation portion main body 6a has a generally box-like shape as a whole and constitutes a grip portion that is held by an operator or the like who is the user of the endoscope 2. As described above, the insertion portion 5 extends from the operation portion main body 6a.

[0030] The bending operation knob 6b and the plurality of operation members 6c are operation members for performing various operations of the endoscope 2. The bending operation knob 6b and the plurality of operation members 6c are provided at predetermined positions on the outer surface of the operation portion main body 6a.

[0031] The treatment instrument insertion port 6d is provided at a predetermined position near the distal end of the operation portion main body 6a. The treatment instrument insertion port 6d is a proximal opening of the treatment instrument insertion channel 5d of the insertion portion 5. The treatment instrument insertion channel 5d is connected on the distal end side to a channel opening 5e (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 2, etc., described later) which is a distal opening of the distal end forming portion 5a.

[0032] With this configuration, an endoscopic treatment tool (not shown) inserted through the treatment tool insertion port 6d can be inserted through the treatment tool insertion channel 5d and then protrude outward from the channel opening 5e of the tip component 5a.

[0033] The universal cord 7 is a connection cord for connecting the endoscope 2 to the light source device 3 and the processor 4. To this end, the universal cord 7 is made of a tubular member extending from the side of the operation unit main body 6a of the operation unit 6. A scope connector 7a is provided at the tip of the universal cord 7. This scope connector 7a is connected to the front panel of the light source device 3.

[0034] An electric cable 7b extends from the scope connector 7a. A connector 7c is provided at the tip of the electric cable 7b. The connector 7c is connected to the front panel of the processor 4. Various signal transmission cables, optical fiber cables, etc. (not shown) are inserted into the universal cord 7.

[0035] The light source device 3 is a device that supplies illumination light to an illumination unit provided inside the tip configuration part 5a of the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2. The illumination light emitted from the light source device 3 is transmitted to the illumination unit of the tip configuration part 5a through an optical fiber cable or the like (not shown) that is arranged passing through the scope connector 7a, the universal cord 7, the operation part 6, and the insertion section 5. The illumination light then passes through an illumination lens or the like included in the illumination unit of the tip configuration part 5a and is irradiated toward the observation target area in front of the tip configuration part 5a.

[0036] The processor 4 is a control device and signal processing device that includes a control circuit and a signal processing circuit that control the entire endoscope system 1. The control circuit in the processor 4 receives, for example, an operation instruction signal from the operation member 6c of the operation section 6 of the endoscope 2, and outputs various control signals for driving and controlling, for example, the imaging unit, the light source device, or the illumination unit. In addition, the signal processing circuit receives, for example, an imaging signal from the imaging unit provided inside the tip configuration section 5a of the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2, and performs predetermined image signal processing, etc.

[0037] For this purpose, the processor 4 and the imaging unit are electrically connected by a signal transmission cable (not shown), which is inserted from the connector 7c through the electrical cable 7b, the scope connector 7a, the universal cord 7, the operation section 6, and the insertion section 5 to the imaging unit of the tip configuration section 5a.

[0038] With this configuration, control signals output from the processor 4 and imaging signals output from the imaging unit are transmitted through the signal transmission cable between the imaging unit and the processor 4. Note that one form of the signal transmission cable is, for example, a composite cable in which a plurality of cables are bundled together and covered with an outer sheath shield, an outer sheath tube, or the like.

[0039] The monitor 8 is a display device that receives image signals and the like output from the processor 4 and displays endoscopic images and various types of information in a predetermined format. To this end, the monitor 8 and the processor 4 are electrically connected using a predetermined video cable 9. The monitor 8 may be in the form of a display device that uses, for example, a general liquid crystal panel.

[0040] The light source device 3 and the processor 4 are not limited to being configured as separate entities, as in the example configuration shown in Fig. 1. For example, the light source device 3 and the processor 4 may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0041] Furthermore, the configuration of the illumination unit is not limited to the above-described configuration (a configuration in which illumination light from a light source device is transmitted to the tip component through an optical fiber cable, etc.) As a configuration of the illumination unit other than this configuration example, for example, a configuration in which a light emitting element such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) as an illumination light source is provided inside the tip component, and the power supply to the illumination light source (LED) and its light emission control are controlled by a control circuit of the processor 4 may be used.

[0042] Next, the detailed configuration of the tip configuration section 5a of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope 2 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 2 to 8. Figures 2 to 8 are external perspective views showing an enlarged view of the tip portion of the insertion section in the endoscope of this embodiment. Of these, Figure 2 is an external perspective view of the tip portion of the insertion section. Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along an imaginary plane indicated by arrow [3] in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a front view seen from the direction indicated by arrow [4] in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow [5] in Figure 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow [6] in Figure 3. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow [7] in Figure 3. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow [8] in Figure 3.

[0043] In the cross-sectional views of Figures 6 to 8, only the components included in the load detection unit (described in detail later) are shown, and some of the other components are omitted to avoid cluttering the drawings.

[0044] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tip component 5a of the insertion section 5 in the endoscope 2 of this embodiment is provided with an imaging unit 21, an illumination unit (not shown), a treatment tool insertion channel 5d (part), a load detection unit 22 (see Figure 3), etc.

[0045] The imaging unit 21 is a component unit that includes an imaging lens 21 a, an imaging element 21 b, a signal transmission cable 21 c, etc., and acquires a desired image. The illumination unit is a component unit that includes an illumination lens 5 f shown in Figure 4, etc., and illuminates an object. The treatment tool insertion channel 5 d is a hollow tubular member that has a channel opening 5 e at its tip and that passes through the insertion section 5 and leads to the inside of the operation section 6.

[0046] The imaging unit 21, the illumination unit, and the treatment tool insertion channel 5d have substantially the same configurations as those used in conventional endoscopes of the same type, and therefore detailed descriptions of these configurations will be omitted.

[0047] For example, as shown in Figure 4, various components such as an imaging lens 21a which is part of the imaging unit 21, an illumination lens 5f which is part of the illumination unit, an air / water supply nozzle 5g, a sub-water supply port 5h, and a channel opening 5e are arranged on the front surface 5x of the tip component 5a.

[0048] The load detection unit 22 is disposed at the tip portion of the tip configuration portion 5a, and is a component unit that detects the amount of force (load) applied to the tip portion of the insertion portion 5. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the load detection unit 22 is configured to include a tip cap 11, a rigid ring 13, a plurality of pressure sensors 14, a sensor substrate 15, etc.

[0049] The tip cap 11 is an exterior member that mainly covers the side surfaces and part of the front surface (outer peripheral edge) of the outer surface of the tip constituent part 5a near the tip, and forms part of the outer surface of the insertion part 5. The tip cap 11 has a generally cylindrical shape. An inward flange 11b with a first opening 11a is formed at one end (tip end side) of the tip cap 11. A second opening 11c is formed at the other end (base end side) of the tip cap 11. The first opening 11a and the second opening 11c are connected by a through hole that penetrates the tip cap 11.

[0050] Here, the first opening 11a has a size (area) that allows the front surfaces of all of the various components (imaging lens 21a, illumination lens 5f, air / water supply nozzle 5g, auxiliary water supply port 5h, channel opening 5e, etc.) arranged on the front surface 5x of the tip component 5a to be exposed without being obstructed. The tip cap 11 is formed using a flexible material with low rigidity (e.g., rubber material).

[0051] A rigid ring 13, a pressure sensor 14, and a sensor board 15 are arranged in the inner region of the tip cap 11 in order from the tip side toward the base end. These components (rigid ring 13, pressure sensor 14, and sensor board 15) are arranged inside the tip forming portion 5a of the insertion portion 5 near the tip.

[0052] The rigid ring 13 is a member having a generally annular shape as a whole. The outer peripheral surface of the rigid ring 13 is disposed along the inner wall surface of the side of the tip cap 11. The front end surface of the rigid ring 13 is disposed in contact with the inner surface of the inward flange 11b of the tip cap 11. In this case, the front end surface of the rigid ring 13 is integrally fixed to the inner surface of the inward flange 11b by, for example, adhesive bonding. As a result, the rigid ring 13 is disposed near the tip of the tip constituent portion 5a and in the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge.

[0053] The rigid ring 13 is formed using a hard material with high rigidity (for example, a metal material such as SUS or a hard resin), and is therefore configured to have a rigidity higher than that of the tip cap 11. The rigid ring 13 has a thickness of approximately 0.005 mm to 3 mm and a diameter of approximately 5 mm to 20 mm.

[0054] The pressure sensor 14 is a sensor device that is disposed inside the insertion portion 5 (inside the tip cap 11) near the tip and detects pressure applied to the tip constituent portion 5a. A plurality of pressure sensors 14 are mounted on the mounting surface of the sensor substrate 15. The sensor pressure-sensitive portion (front surface) of the pressure sensor 14 is disposed facing the rear end surface of the rigid ring 13. In this case, there is almost no gap between the sensor pressure-sensitive portion of the pressure sensor 14 and the rear end surface of the rigid ring 13 (i.e., they are in almost contact), or they are disposed facing each other with a small gap (for example, about 0.1 mm) provided between them.

[0055] As described above, the front end surface of the rigid ring 13 is fixed integrally to the inner surface of the inward flange 11b of the tip cap 11. The rear end surface of the rigid ring 13 is disposed in contact with a position facing the sensor pressure sensitive portion of the pressure sensor 14. Here, the surface that contacts the sensor pressure sensitive portion of the pressure sensor 14 is referred to as the internal contact surface.

[0056] In addition, a predetermined region of the tip cap 11 that includes the rigid ring 13 will be referred to as a first region, and a predetermined region of the tip cap 11 that includes the outer surface will be referred to as a second region.

[0057] In this case, the tip cap 11 of the insertion portion 5 is set so that the rigidity of a first region including the internal contact surface (rigid ring 13) with which each pressure-sensitive sensor portion of the pressure sensor 14 comes into contact is higher than the rigidity of a second region including the outer surface of the tip cap 11 of the insertion portion 5. In other words, the rigid ring 13, which is a contact member, has a higher rigidity than the second region.

[0058] In the configuration example of this embodiment, the sensor pressure sensing portion of the pressure sensor 14 contacts the rear end surface of the rigid ring 13. Therefore, in this configuration example, the inner contact surface is the rear end surface of the rigid ring 13. In this case, the rigid ring 13 is a contact member provided at a position where the sensor pressure sensing portion of the pressure sensor 14 contacts. More specifically, the rigid ring 13, which is a contact member, is disposed between the inner contact surface and the sensor pressure sensing portion. With this configuration, the force applied to the outer surface of the insertion portion 5 (tip cap 11) is transmitted to the sensor pressure sensing portion of the pressure sensor 14 through the rigid ring 13, which is a contact member.

[0059] The pressure sensors 14 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the central axis J1 of the tip cap 11. At least two pressure sensors 14 may be provided.

[0060] In this embodiment, four pressure sensors 14 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis J1 of the tip cap 11. As the pressure sensors 14, for example, piezoelectric elements or the like are used.

[0061] The sensor board 15 has a generally annular shape, and its outer periphery is disposed along the inner surface of the side of the tip cap 11. The pressure sensor 14 is mounted on the mounting surface (front side) of the sensor board 15. Also mounted on the mounting surface of the sensor board 15 is an electronic circuit (for example, an AD conversion circuit) that receives the output signal of the pressure sensor 14 and performs predetermined signal processing.

[0062] In order to avoid complicating the drawings, some of the electronic circuits such as the AD conversion circuit are omitted from the illustration. Details will be described later, but the state in which a plurality of electronic components 15a as members constituting the AD conversion circuit etc. are mounted on the mounting surface of the sensor substrate 15 is conceptually and partially shown in Figures 4, 7, etc.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3 , a signal cable 14a extends from the pressure sensor 14 (the sensor board 15 on which the pressure sensor 14 is mounted) toward the base end side of the insertion section 5. The signal cable 14a is inserted inside the insertion section 5 together with other signal transmission cables 21c and the like. Although not shown, the signal cable 14a is inserted from the insertion section 5 through the operation section 6, universal cord 7, scope connector 7a, electric cable 7b, and connector 7c, and is connected to the processor 4. In this way, the output signal of the pressure sensor 14 is transmitted to the processor 4.

[0064] In the endoscope 2 of this embodiment configured as described above, the tip component 5a is configured to include a load detection unit 22. With this configuration, the endoscope 2 functions as a detection device that detects the amount of force (load) applied mainly toward the front surface 5x of the insertion portion 5.

[0065] Next, the operation of the load detection unit 22 among the operations of the endoscope 2 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 9 and 10. The following description is based on the assumption that the endoscope system 1 shown in Figure 1 operates in a case where, for example, a colonoscopy is performed.

[0066] First, the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2 in the endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into a subject, such as a patient, to be examined according to a normal examination procedure (not shown).

[0067] Here, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the operation of the endoscope 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the insertion portion 5 is inserted into a subject.

[0068] 9, when a colonoscopy is being performed, the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2 is inserted into the lumen of an organ 100, such as the large intestine. At this time, the surgeon or the like performs a predetermined insertion operation using the bending operation knob 6b or the like of the operation section 6, and also performs an operation to advance the insertion section 5 along the lumen of the subject's organ or the like.

[0069] When the insertion portion 5 is inserted along the inside of a lumen of an organ or the like, for example, the tip portion of the insertion portion 5 may come into contact with the inner wall surface of the organ or the like of the subject, as shown in Fig. 9. In this case, if the insertion operation of the insertion portion 5 is continued, the tip portion of the insertion portion 5 will be pressed with a strong force against the inner wall surface of the organ or the like. The state shown in Fig. 9 shows a state in which the tip portion of the insertion portion 5 comes into contact with a part of the inner wall surface of the organ or the like of the subject (the portion indicated by the symbol [A] in Fig. 9).

[0070] In this state, a predetermined force is applied to the distal end portion of the insertion section 5 of the endoscope 2. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an expanded cross section along the curve indicated by the reference numeral

[10] in FIG. 4. In FIG. 10, the force applied to the distal end portion of the insertion section 5 is indicated by the arrow Fi. This force Fi is first applied to the outer surface of the distal end cap 11. This force Fi then presses against the inward flange 11b. The distal end cap 11 (inward flange 11b) is formed from a flexible material with low rigidity. Therefore, even if the outer surface of the distal end portion of the insertion section 5 abuts against and presses against the inner wall surface of the organ 100, the impact on the inner wall surface is minimal.

[0071] When the force Fi further presses the inward flange 11b, the force Fi eventually presses the rigid ring 13. The rigid ring 13 is made of a hard material that is more rigid than the tip cap 11. Therefore, when the force Fi is transmitted to the rigid ring 13, the rigid ring 13 as a whole is pressed in the same direction as the force Fi (the direction of the arrow Fi in FIG. 10 ). As a result, the rigid ring 13 presses the sensor pressure-sensitive portion of the pressure sensor 14.

[0072] In this case, when the force Fi applied to the outer surface of the tip cap 11 acts, for example, at a position corresponding to the position where the pressure sensor 14 is located, the force Fi passes through the rigid ring 13 and presses against the sensor pressure-sensitive portion of the pressure sensor 14 corresponding to the straight.

[0073] On the other hand, when the force Fi applied to the outer surface of the tip cap 11 acts, for example, at any position in the intermediate region relative to the positions where the two pressure sensors 14 are respectively located, the force Fi passes through the rigid ring 13 and presses each sensor pressure-sensitive portion of the two pressure sensors 14 with a predetermined force.

[0074] 10, when a force Fi acts on a position approximately midway between the two pressure sensors 14, the rigid ring 13 is pushed as a whole in the direction of the force Fi without deforming. At this time, reaction forces F1 and F2 are generated in the pressure-sensitive sensor portions of the two pressure sensors 14. As a result, Fi = F1 + F2 holds true, and the pressure sensors 14 can always detect the force Fi applied to a predetermined position on the tip portion of the tip cap 11 with high accuracy.

[0075] At the same time, the position on which the force acts around the central axis J1 of the insertion portion 5 can also be detected based on the output signals F1 and F2 of the two pressure sensors 14.

[0076] For example, assume that the position of action of force Fi is in the intermediate region between the two pressure sensors 14, closer to one of the two pressure sensors 14 (the sensor with the reaction force symbol F1).

[0077] In this case, the reaction forces F1 and F2 of the pressure sensors 14 are, for example, F1 > F2. In this case, the relationship Fi = F1 + F2 still holds. Therefore, by detecting the reaction forces F1 and F2, the acting positions of the two pressure sensors 14 in the intermediate region can be identified.

[0078] The output signals of each pressure sensor 14 are then transmitted to the processor 4 via the signal cable 14a. The processor 4 performs predetermined signal processing based on the input output signals of each pressure sensor 14. This generates predetermined display information. The generated display information is then output to the monitor 8. In response to this, the monitor 8 displays various information generated based on the output signals of the pressure sensors 14.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of a display screen displayed on the monitor 8 during an examination such as a colonoscopy performed using the endoscope system 1 of FIG.

[0080] As shown in Figure 11, the display screen 8a of the monitor 8 shows a real-time endoscopic image 101 being acquired by the endoscope 2 and an example of displaying various information generated based on the output signals of each pressure sensor 14.

[0081] Examples of information displays shown in Figure 11 include a distribution display of the force applied to the tip of the insertion section 5 (see reference numeral 102 in Figure 11), a guide display for the insertion operation of the insertion section 5 (see reference numeral 103 in Figure 11), and an iconized display of the guide display for the insertion operation of the insertion section 5 (see reference numeral 104 in Figure 11).

[0082] The force distribution display 102 displays, as an icon, the force distribution on the distal end face when viewed from the distal end of the insertion section 5. In the display example shown in Fig. 11, four regions are provided around the distal end face of the insertion section 5. Of these four regions, the region including the region to which force is applied is displayed in a predetermined color (the color display is shown using cross-hatching in Fig. 11).

[0083] As described above, this embodiment shows a configuration example in which four pressure sensors 14 are provided inside the tip configuring portion 5a of the insertion section 5. For this reason, the force distribution display 102 in Fig. 11 displays four regions corresponding to the four pressure sensors 14, respectively.

[0084] When a predetermined amount of force is applied to the tip surface of the insertion portion 5 and the position at which the force acts is in the intermediate region of each pressure sensor 14, the sensor pressure-sensitive portions of at least two pressure sensors 14 near the position at which the force acts will react.

[0085] In such a case, for example, a predetermined color display or the like can be applied to a plurality of display areas corresponding to the two pressure sensors 14 near the action position, thereby displaying the action position (direction of the force) around the central axis of the insertion section 5. Furthermore, at this time, the action position display can be made clearer by, for example, displaying the color display or the like of the plurality of display areas in shades of gray according to the distance from the action position of the pressure sensor 14.

[0086] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the outer surface of the insertion portion 5 is formed by the tip cap 11 made of a flexible material with low rigidity, and the portion in contact with the sensor sensitive portion of the pressure sensor 14 is provided with a rigid ring 13 made of a hard material with high rigidity.

[0087] Therefore, for example, when inserting the insertion portion 5 during a colonoscopy or the like, even if the tip portion of the insertion portion 5 abuts against and presses against the wall of an organ such as the large intestine, there is little effect on the wall of the organ. At the same time, when force is applied to the tip portion of the tip cap 11 at this time, the sensor sensitive portion of the pressure sensor 14 comes into contact with the rigid ring 13 made of a highly rigid hard material. As a result, the amount of force applied to the tip portion of the insertion portion 5 can always be detected with high accuracy.

[0088] In addition, in the inner region of the tip cap 11, a rigid ring 13 is provided between the rear end surface of the inward flange 11b of the tip cap 11 and the sensor pressure-sensitive portion of the pressure sensor 14, and a predetermined gap is provided between the internal contact surface of the rigid ring 13 and the multiple electronic components 15a.

[0089] More specifically, the rigid ring 13 (contact member) is disposed across the sensor pressure sensitive portions of at least two pressure sensors 14. In this case, a predetermined gap is provided between a surface parallel to the sensor pressure sensitive portions and the mounting surface of the sensor substrate 15 on which the pressure sensors 14 are mounted. The plurality of electronic components 15a are disposed within the predetermined gap.

[0090] With this configuration, the force Fi applied to the outer surface of the tip cap 11 is received by the rigid ring 13. In this configuration, the force Fi does not affect the electronic components 15a. Therefore, the force Fi does not damage the electronic circuits on the sensor substrate 15 including the electronic components 15a.

[0091] Furthermore, the output signal of the pressure sensor 14 is transmitted to the processor 4, where it undergoes predetermined signal processing before being sent to the monitor 8. As a result, information acquired based on the output signal of the pressure sensor 14 is disclosed to the surgeon or the like through the display on the monitor 8. This allows the surgeon or the like to properly perform the insertion operation of the insertion portion 5 while viewing the information displayed on the monitor 8. This can therefore contribute to smoother insertion operation of the insertion portion 5 and improved operability.

[0092] Furthermore, in recent years, automatic insertion devices for the insertion portion have been proposed and are being put into practical use in endoscopic systems. Therefore, if the endoscope 2 of this embodiment is applied to an endoscopic system including this type of automatic insertion device, information acquired based on the output signal of the pressure sensor 14 can be used to control the automatic insertion and removal of the insertion portion. This can contribute to smoother automatic insertion and removal operations of the insertion portion 5 and improved operability.

[0093] The above-described first embodiment is a configuration example in which the load detection unit 22 is provided in the distal end configuration portion 5a of the insertion portion 5 of the endoscope 2. However, the configuration of the present invention is not limited to the configuration example of the above-described first embodiment.

[0094] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The second embodiment of the present invention is an endoscope cap that is configured separately from the insertion section 5 and is detachably attached to the distal end of the insertion section 5. This endoscope cap is configured to include a load detection unit such as a pressure sensor.

[0095] The basic configuration of the load detection unit applied in this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the load detection unit applied in the endoscope of the first embodiment described above. This embodiment is an example of the configuration of an endoscope cap configured to include each component of the load detection unit (provided in the distal end component) in the endoscope of the first embodiment described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, components similar to those in the first embodiment described above are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted; only the different components will be described below.

[0096] Figures 12 to 19 are views showing an endoscopic cap according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Of these, Figures 12 to 14 are enlarged views showing the endoscopic cap of this embodiment and the distal end portion of the insertion section to which this endoscopic cap is attached. Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the endoscopic cap being attached to the distal end portion of the insertion section. Figure 13 is an external perspective view showing the endoscopic cap of this embodiment attached to the distal end portion of the insertion section. Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along an imaginary plane indicated by arrow

[14] in Figure 13.

[0097] Figures 15 to 19 are enlarged cross-sectional views of the distal end portion of the insertion section with the endoscope cap attached according to this embodiment. Of these, Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow

[15] in Figure 14. Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow

[16] in Figure 14. Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow

[17] in Figure 14. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow

[18] in Figure 14. Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line indicated by arrow

[19] in Figure 14.

[0098] In the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 15 to 19, only the components included in the load detection unit are shown, and some of the other components are omitted to avoid cluttering the drawings.

[0099] The endoscopic cap 10 of this embodiment is a component that is attached to the tip constituent part of the insertion section of an endoscope included in a general-type endoscopic system so as to cover part of the outer surface (part of each of the side and front surfaces) of the tip constituent part. As shown in Fig. 13, when the endoscopic cap 10 is attached to a predetermined position on the insertion section 5A of the endoscope, it functions as a load detection device that detects the amount of force (load) applied to the tip portion of the insertion section 5A. As shown in Figs. 12 to 14, the endoscopic cap 10 is configured to be detachable from the tip constituent part 5Aa.

[0100] As described above, the endoscope cap 10 of this embodiment is used in a state where it is attached to the tip component 5Aa of the insertion section of an endoscope in a conventional, general endoscope system. Therefore, the internal configuration of the tip component 5Aa is substantially the same as that applied to conventional, general endoscopes. Therefore, a detailed description of the internal configuration of the tip component 5Aa will be omitted and will be described briefly below.

[0101] 12 to 14, the distal end forming section 5Aa of the insertion section 5A in an endoscope to which the endoscopic cap 10 of this embodiment is applied has a general configuration comprising an imaging unit 21 (see FIG. 14), an illumination unit (not shown), a treatment tool insertion channel 5d (part), etc. The configurations of the imaging unit 21, illumination unit, treatment tool insertion channel 5d, etc. are substantially similar to those applied to conventional endoscopes of the same type.

[0102] For example, the imaging unit 21 is a component unit that includes an imaging lens 21a, an imaging element 21b, a signal transmission cable 21c, etc., and acquires a desired image (see FIG. 14). The illumination unit is a component unit that includes an illumination lens and illuminates an object. The treatment tool insertion channel 5d is a hollow tubular member that has a channel opening 5e at its tip and that passes through the insertion section 5A and reaches the inside of the operation section.

[0103] 12, various components are arranged on the front surface 5x of the tip component 5Aa, such as an imaging lens 21a which is part of the imaging unit 21, an illumination lens 5f which is part of the illumination unit, an air / water supply nozzle 5g, a sub-water supply port 5h, and a channel opening 5e. Note that the tip component 5Aa in this embodiment does not include a load detection unit.

[0104] An endoscopic cap 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is attached to the tip configuration section 5Aa having such a configuration. That is, as shown in Fig. 12 and other figures, the endoscopic cap 10 is attached toward the tip portion of the tip configuration section 5Aa from the direction of arrow X1 along the central axis J1 of the insertion section 5A. As a result, the endoscopic cap 10 is attached so as to cover the side surface near the tip of the outer surface of the tip configuration section 5Aa and part of the front surface 5x, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Note that in this case, the endoscopic cap 10 is detachable from the tip configuration section 5Aa.

[0105] For this reason, the endoscopic cap 10 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape overall. One end (tip end) of the endoscopic cap 10 has a first opening 11a. The other end (proximal end) of the endoscopic cap 10 has a second opening 11c. The first opening 11a and the second opening 11c are connected by a through-hole that passes through the endoscopic cap 10. The first opening 11a is an opening formed in an inward flange 11b of a distal end cap 11A (described later).

[0106] 12, the inner diameter D2 of the second opening 11c is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter D3 of the tip constituent portion 5Aa (D2≧D3), and the inner diameter D1 of the first opening 11a is smaller than the outer diameter D3 of the tip constituent portion 5Aa (D3>D1).

[0107] Furthermore, the first opening 11a has a size (area) that allows it to expose without obstructing all of the various components (imaging lens 21a, illumination lens 5f, air and water supply nozzle 5g, auxiliary water supply port 5h, channel opening 5e, etc.) arranged on the front surface 5x of the tip component 5Aa when the endoscopic cap 10 is attached to a predetermined position on the tip component 5Aa.

[0108] The endoscope cap 10 of this embodiment is configured to include a load detection unit 22A. The load detection unit 22A is disposed at the distal end of the distal end configuration section 5Aa, and is a component unit that detects the amount of force (load) applied to the distal end of the insertion section 5A.

[0109] For this purpose, the endoscope cap 10 is configured to include a distal end cap 11A, a proximal end cap 12, a rigid ring 13, a pressure sensor 14, a sensor board 15, etc., as shown in FIG. 14 and other figures.

[0110] The tip cap 11A is an exterior member that covers the outer surface of the tip constituent part 5Aa, mainly the side surface near the tip and a portion of the front surface (outer peripheral edge). The tip cap 11A has a generally cylindrical shape. One end (tip end) of the tip cap 11A has an inward flange 11b with a first opening 11a formed therein. The other end (base end) of the tip cap 11A has a second opening 11c formed therein. As described above, the first opening 11a and the second opening 11c are connected by a through hole that penetrates the tip cap 11A. The tip cap 11A is made of a flexible material with low rigidity (e.g., rubber material).

[0111] In the inner region of the distal end cap 11A, a rigid ring 13, a pressure sensor 14, a sensor substrate 15, and a proximal end cap 12 are arranged in order from the distal end side toward the proximal end side.

[0112] The base end cap 12 has a generally cylindrical shape and is inserted into the other end (base end side) of the distal end cap 11 A. The base end cap 12 is made of a material (e.g., a resin material) that is more rigid than the distal end cap 11 A.

[0113] When the endoscopic cap 10 is attached to the distal end component 5Aa (see FIGS. 13 and 14), the distal end component 5Aa is inserted and held inside the proximal end cap 12. Therefore, the inner diameter of the proximal end cap 12 is set to be approximately equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the second opening 11c of the endoscopic cap 10. The front end surface of the proximal end cap 12 is disposed in contact with the inner surface of the inward flange 11b of the distal end cap 11A. The front end surface of the rigid ring 13 is integrally fixed to the inner surface of the inward flange 11b, for example, by adhesive bonding. This positions the rigid ring 13 near the distal end of the distal end component 5Aa and in the vicinity of the outer periphery.

[0114] The rigid ring 13 is made of a hard material with high rigidity (for example, a metal material such as SUS), and therefore has a rigidity higher than that of the tip cap 11A.

[0115] A plurality of pressure sensors 14 are mounted on the mounting surface of the sensor substrate 15. The sensor pressure sensing portion (front surface) of the pressure sensor 14 is disposed opposite the rear end surface of the rigid ring 13. At this time, the sensor pressure sensing portion of the pressure sensor 14 and the rear end surface of the rigid ring 13 are disposed so as to face each other with almost no gap or with a small gap (for example, about 0.1 mm) between them.

[0116] The pressure sensors 14 are arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the central axis J1 of the tip cap 11A. At least three pressure sensors 14 are required. The pressure sensors 14 may be, for example, piezoelectric elements.

[0117] The sensor board 15 has a generally annular shape, and its outer peripheral surface is disposed along the inner wall surface of the side of the tip cap 11A. A plurality of pressure sensors 14 are mounted on the mounting surface (front side) of the sensor board 15. An electronic circuit (e.g., an AD conversion circuit) that receives output signals from the pressure sensors 14 and performs predetermined signal processing is also mounted on the same mounting surface of the sensor board 15. The rear side of the sensor board 15 is fixed to the tip surface of the base end cap 12.

[0118] In order to avoid complicating the drawings, some of the electronic circuits, such as the AD conversion circuit, are omitted from the illustration. Details will be described later, but some of the electronic components 15a that constitute the AD conversion circuit, etc., mounted on the mounting surface of the sensor substrate 15 are conceptually shown in Figures 16 and 17, etc.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 14 , a signal cable 14a extends from the pressure sensor 14 (the sensor board 15 on which the pressure sensor 14 is mounted) toward the proximal end side of the insertion section 5A. The signal cable 14a is inserted inside the treatment tool insertion channel 5d of the insertion section 5A. Although not shown, the signal cable 14a extends from, for example, the treatment tool insertion port 6d and is then connected to the processor 4 via a predetermined connector (not shown). As a result, the output signal of the pressure sensor 14 is transmitted to the processor 4.

[0120] The endoscopic cap 10 having such a configuration functions as a detection device that, when attached to the tip component 5Aa of the insertion section 5A, detects the amount of force (load) applied mainly to the front surface 5x of the tip portion of the insertion section 5A.

[0121] The operation of the endoscopic cap 10 of this embodiment configured as described above is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, endoscopic examination, etc. is performed with the endoscopic cap 10 attached to the tip configuration portion 5a of the insertion portion 5A of the endoscope in a predetermined procedure. When the endoscopic cap 10 is attached to the tip configuration portion 5a of the insertion portion 5A of the endoscope, the signal cable 14a is inserted through the treatment instrument insertion channel 5d.

[0122] In the second embodiment configured as above, substantially the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0123] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of wires in the signal cable 14a for transmitting the output signal from the pressure sensor 14. Therefore, this allows the signal cable 14a to be arranged by being inserted through, for example, the treatment tool insertion channel 5d.

[0124] As a result, when the endoscopic cap 10 is attached to the insertion section 5A, it is possible to avoid a configuration in which wiring, etc. extends along the outer surface of the insertion section, which contributes to improving operability when inserting the insertion section 5A.

[0125] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining the disclosed multiple constituent elements. For example, if the problem to be solved by the invention can be solved and the effects of the invention can be obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in one embodiment, the configuration from which these constituent elements are deleted can be extracted as the invention. Furthermore, constituent elements from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. The present invention is not limited by specific embodiments other than as limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An insertion portion; a pressure sensor having a sensor pressure sensitive portion; Equipped with the pressure sensor is disposed inside the insertion portion at a position close to the distal end, the insertion portion has a first region covering the sensor pressure sensitive portion and a second region including an outer surface of the insertion portion, the first region having a higher rigidity than the second region; Endoscope.

2. a contact member having a higher rigidity than the second region is further provided at a position where the sensor pressure sensitive portion of the pressure sensor comes into contact; The force acting on the outer surface is transmitted to the sensor pressure sensitive portion of the pressure sensor through the contact member. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. At least two pressure sensors are provided along the outer periphery of the tip of the insertion portion, the first region includes an inner contact surface with which each sensor pressure sensitive portion of the pressure sensor contacts; the contact member is disposed between the inner contact surface of the insertion portion and the sensor pressure sensitive portion, and transmits a force acting on the outer surface to the at least two pressure sensors. The endoscope according to claim 2 .

4. the contact member is disposed across each of the sensor pressure sensitive portions of the at least two pressure sensors, and a gap is provided between a surface parallel to the sensor pressure sensitive portions and a mounting surface of the pressure sensor; The endoscope according to claim 3 .

5. The pressure sensors are arranged in three equal intervals along the outer periphery of the insertion portion. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

6. an AD conversion unit is further provided between the at least two pressure sensors in the circumferential direction, The AD conversion unit controls a signal from the pressure sensor. The endoscope according to claim 3 .

7. The contact member is a member having a thickness of 0.005 mm to 3 mm, a diameter of 5 mm to 20 mm, and a circular ring shape. The endoscope according to claim 2 .

8. The contact member is made of metal or hard resin. The endoscope according to claim 2 .

9. Further comprising a control device and a display device, the control device processes the output signal from the pressure sensor to obtain information regarding the direction of the force sensed by the pressure sensor; the display device displays the force direction information acquired by the control device. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

10. An endoscope cap attached to the tip of an insertion section of an endoscope, a pressure sensor having a sensor pressure sensitive portion therein; An endoscope cap, wherein the rigidity of a first region covering the sensor pressure sensitive portion is higher than the rigidity of a second region including the outer surface of the insertion portion.

11. The first region includes an internal contact surface with which each sensor pressure-sensitive portion of the pressure sensor contacts, A contact member is further provided at a position in contact with the internal contact surface, The force acting on the outer surface is transmitted to the sensor pressure sensing unit through the contact member. The endoscope cap according to claim 10.

12. At least two pressure sensors are provided, the contact member is disposed between the inner contact surface and the sensor pressure sensitive portion; The force on the outer surface is transmitted to the at least two pressure sensors. The endoscope cap according to claim 11.

13. the contact member is disposed across each of the sensor pressure sensitive portions of the at least two pressure sensors, and a gap is provided between a surface parallel to the sensor pressure sensitive portions and a mounting surface of the pressure sensor; The endoscope cap according to claim 12.

14. The pressure sensor has wiring for transmitting a signal, The wiring is inserted into a treatment tool insertion channel of the endoscope. The endoscope cap according to claim 11.

15. The pressure sensors are arranged in three equal intervals along the outer periphery of the insertion portion. The endoscope cap according to claim 10.

16. An AD conversion unit is further provided between the at least two pressure sensors in the circumferential direction, The AD conversion unit controls a signal from the pressure sensor. The endoscope cap according to claim 12.

17. The contact member is a member having a ring shape and a thickness of 0.005 mm to 3 mm and a diameter of 5 mm to 20 mm. The endoscope cap according to claim 11.

18. The contact member is made of metal or hard resin. The endoscope cap according to claim 11.