JP5430101B2 - Guide tube and endoscope system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a guide tube and an endoscope system.

  Conventionally, when inspecting the inside of a machine or the like, a method of inspecting endoscopically by inserting an endoscope into the inside of a machine or the like is known. At this time, in order to insert the endoscope into a machine having a complicated internal structure, the endoscope is inserted into the machine as a subject together with the endoscope as an insertion body, and the distal end of the endoscope is set as a target site. A method using a guide tube for guiding is known.

As such a guide tube, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a multi-conduit composed of at least two or more conduits, and the inner conduit is inserted into the outer conduit so as to be slidable in the axial direction, and the outer distal end tube. A tip portion is protruded from the end, a curved portion is formed at the tip portion of at least one conduit, an inner conduit has a bending rigidity smaller than that of an outer conduit, and the curved portion is the outer conduit. Multiple conduits are described in which the inner conduit is curved so that it is within the elastic limits of elastic deformation.
According to this multiple conduit, the guided member (insert) inserted into the multiple conduit can be guided three-dimensionally to the target site, and the outer diameter can be reduced.
JP 2006-167298 A

  However, in the multiple conduit described in Patent Document 1, when inspecting a target portion that is continuous in the circumferential direction of the internal space in a subject such as a tube material having a wide internal space with respect to the inlet, it is inserted into the target portion. In order to follow the body and inspect the entire circumference of the subject in the circumferential direction, it is necessary to move the outer and inner conduits of the multiple conduits relatively forward and backward. There is a problem that the position of the insert is not stable due to the relative blur caused by the clearance.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a guide tube that can accurately guide and guide an insert to a target site having a certain range in the internal space of a subject. There is to do.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
The guide tube of the present invention is a guide tube for guiding a target object having a certain range by inserting an insert into the internal space in a subject having a wide internal space with respect to an entrance. An outer sheath that is inserted into the inner space from the inlet and fixed so that the distal end has a predetermined positional relationship with the target site, and is inserted into the outer sheath so as to be able to advance and retreat and rotate freely. An elastically deformable inner sheath that protrudes from the distal end of the outer sheath, and a relative position restricting means that restricts the relative position in the longitudinal direction of the inner sheath and the outer sheath. The outer sheath distal end is formed with an inclined end surface so as to have an angle with respect to the central axis of the outer sheath, and the inner sheath distal end is arranged on the outer peripheral surface in the direction of the curvature center due to the bending fold of the inner sheath distal end portion. There are contact areas between the tip of the outer sheath is exposed to a position abutting, by the relative position restricting means restricting the relative longitudinal position between the inner sheath and the outer sheath, the inclination of the outer sheath distal end An inclined end surface of the distal end of the outer sheath with respect to an angle formed by a central axis at the distal end of the inner sheath and an axial line of the outer sheath when the inner sheath is in contact with the most proximal end of the end surface When the inner sheath is in contact with the most distal end, the angle formed by the central axis at the distal end of the inner sheath and the axis of the outer sheath is large.

According to this invention, the outer sheath is fixed at a predetermined position in the internal space of the subject, and the tip of the outer sheath is disposed at a predetermined position. Further, the inner sheath inserted into the outer sheath is guided from the distal end of the outer sheath to the inner space of the subject. At this time, since the distal end portion of the inner sheath is formed to have a curved shape, the distal end portion of the inner sheath has an outer peripheral surface in the bending direction of the inner sheath and an inner peripheral surface of the distal end of the outer sheath. It comes to contact. For this reason, the outer sheath and the inner sheath can be positioned by the elasticity of the inner sheath.
Further, since the distal end of the outer sheath is formed with an angle with respect to the central axis thereof, when the inner sheath is rotated around the axis with respect to the outer sheath, the distal end of the outer sheath is The position in the longitudinal direction where the outer circumferential surface of the inner sheath comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface changes, and thereby the angle formed by the central axis of the inner sheath and the central axis of the outer sheath at the distal end of the inner sheath Can be continuously changed. Therefore, the inner sheath can guide the insert along the target site in the internal space of the subject.

The distal end of the outer sheath is preferably formed with an angle in a range of 45 degrees or less with respect to the central axis.
In this case, when the angle of the distal end of the outer sheath is reduced, the distal end of the outer sheath on the outer circumferential surface in the bending direction of the inner sheath when the inner sheath is rotated around the axis with respect to the outer sheath. The amount of change in the position in the longitudinal direction in contact with is increased. Therefore, the amount of change in the angle between the central axis of the inner sheath and the axis of the outer sheath at the distal end of the inner sheath when the distal end of the outer sheath is 45 degrees or less with respect to the central axis. Can be increased.

The relative position restricting means is provided on the inner sheath, provided on the proximal end side of the outer sheath, and position holding means for restricting the inner sheath from moving toward the distal end side with respect to the outer sheath. And a stopper that supports the outer sheath , and the position holding means corrects the relative position in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the relative rotational movement of the outer sheath and the inner sheath around the axis. Preferably further means are provided.
Further, the correction means is connected to the proximal end of the outer sheath, and is fitted around the intermediate portion of the inner sheath and has an inclined cam surface inclined in the axial direction, and a base of the outer sheath. A second correction ring connected to the end and having a cylindrical shape coaxial with the central axis and having the inclined cam surface at one end is preferable.
In this case, the inner sheath advances and retreats in the longitudinal direction with respect to the outer sheath in conjunction with the relative rotational movement around the axis of the outer sheath and the inner sheath. Therefore, the protrusion length at which the distal end portion of the inner sheath protrudes from the distal end of the outer sheath can be continuously changed.

Moreover, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath has a flange structure made of an elastic material and interposed between the inlet and the outer sheath.
In this case, the relative position in the axial direction between the outer sheath and the inlet can be more easily positioned and fixed by contacting the flange structure and the inlet of the subject.

In this case, since the relative rotational movement between the outer sheath and the inlet can be restricted by the frictional force of the elastic material, the outer sheath is rotated when the inner sheath is rotated with respect to the outer sheath. The rotational position of the outer sheath and the inlet can be positioned, whereby the distal end of the outer sheath in the internal space of the subject can be held at a suitable position.

Moreover, it is preferable to further include a cooling means for cooling the inside of the inner sheath.
In this case, since the insert inserted through the inner sheath can be cooled, the insert can be protected from heat when the inside of the subject is at a high temperature.

An endoscope system according to the present invention includes the above guide tube and an endoscope apparatus having an insertion portion that is inserted into the inner sheath of the guide tube as the insert.
According to the present invention, the guide tube can accurately guide the insertion portion of the endoscope apparatus to the target site in the internal space of the subject.

  According to the guide tube and the endoscope system of the present invention, the shape of the distal end of the outer sheath has an angle with respect to the axis, and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion of the inner sheath is brought into contact with the distal end of the outer sheath. By positioning and guiding the sheath, it is possible to provide a guide tube that can guide the insert accurately following a target site having a certain range in the internal space of the subject.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a guide tube and an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the endoscope system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a partial structure of the endoscope system. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing one state of the inspection by the endoscope system. 4 and 5 are partial cross-sectional views showing the positional relationship between the inner sheath and the outer sheath.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment is inserted into an internal space from an entrance formed in a tube material or the like as a subject, and is subjected to an inspection or the like in the internal space of the tube material. It is guided to the target site to be examined or observed.
The endoscope system 1 includes an endoscope apparatus 2 having an insertion portion 3 that is inserted into a subject, and a guide tube 20 that guides the insertion portion 3. The endoscope apparatus 2 is provided with an endoscope distal end portion 6 having an illuminating means 4 and an observation member 5 at the distal end. 3 is provided with an operation unit 8 on which a joystick 7 for bending the operation 3 is arranged, and a main body unit 9 to which the operation unit 8 is connected.

  In the insertion unit 3, the observation member 5 includes an observation lens 5a exposed from the endoscope tip 6 and a CCD (not shown) that captures an image that is built in the endoscope tip 6 and enlarged by the observation lens 5a. . Moreover, the illumination means 4 is a ride guide, for example. The main body 9 incorporates a light source 9 a and can emit illumination light from the tip of the light guide as the illumination means 4. The main body 9 is provided with a display unit 10 so that the subject imaged by the CCD can be displayed as an image. Further, the main body 9 is connected to the power supply device 26.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the guide tube 20 is a substantially tubular shape into which the distal end side of the insertion portion 3 is inserted, and a cooling flow path 21 in which a cooling fluid flows between the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 3. Forming an inner sheath 22, an outer sheath 25 through which the inner sheath 22 can be moved forward and backward and rotatably, and an air compressor 23 which is a fluid supply means for supplying compressed air A as a cooling fluid to the cooling channel 21. And. An air hose 23 a is connected between the air compressor 23 and a supply port 31 (described later) of the inner sheath 22. The air compressor 23 is connected to the power supply device 26.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer sheath 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape such as metal, and has rigidity capable of holding its own shape when inserted into the internal space Q of the tube material 100 as a subject. The distal end 25 a of the outer sheath 25 is an inclined end surface 25 d having an angle of θ with respect to the axis of the outer sheath 25. In the present embodiment, the angle θ is 45 degrees.

Further, the base end 25b side of the outer sheath 25 swells radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath 25, and has a surface perpendicular to the axis of the outer sheath 25 so as to contact the inlet 101a of the subject. A flange structure 27 having a contact surface 27b is provided. The contact surface 27b comes into contact with the inlet 101a of the inspection conduit 101 of the tube material 100 as the subject.
The flange structure 27 has a tapered portion 27a that is gradually reduced in diameter toward the distal end so that it can be easily inserted from the inlet 101a of the inspection conduit 101 and can be fixed. The end side is thick, and the base end side portion is fixed to the inlet 101a.

The flange structure 27 is made of an elastic material, and is formed of rubber and fixed to the outer sheath 25 in this embodiment. As such an elastic material, a thermoplastic elastomer or the like can be adopted in addition to rubber. The position of the contact surface 27b in the axial direction of the outer sheath 25 is arranged at an appropriate position according to the shape of the subject, and is movable in the axial direction and positioned and fixed at an arbitrary position. It can also be set as a structure.
Further, the flange structure 27 is provided with a marking 27c in which the direction of the inclined end face 25d corresponds to the direction of the base end 25b. When the flange structure 27 is movable in the axial direction of the outer sheath 25, the stopper 28 on the proximal side of the outer sheath 25 is also arranged so that the direction of the inclined end surface 25d of the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 is not displaced. It is preferable to provide a marking (not shown). When the flange structure 27 is made of rubber, the flange structure may be deteriorated, and the flange structure 27 can be made detachable. At this time, an appropriate configuration that facilitates alignment between the flange structure 27 and the outer sheath 25 can be employed.

  Further, a stopper 28 for the operator to support the outer sheath 25 is provided on the base end side of the flange structure 27 of the outer sheath 25. The stopper 28 is formed with a plurality of grooves 28a in the axial direction to prevent slippage. The outer sheath 25 preferably has heat resistance that can withstand a high-temperature external environment, and may be formed of, for example, fluorine resin or silicon resin other than metal.

  The inner sheath 22 is made of an elastic material with a bent ridge that is curved so that the distal end portion 22a has a distal end side orientation different from the proximal end side orientation. Further, a position holding means 24 swelled radially outward so as to be in contact with the base end 25b of the outer sheath 25 is provided at an intermediate portion of the inner sheath 22. The position holding means 24 is a tubular member protruding radially outward from the inner sheath, and the end surface 24 a on the distal end side comes into contact with the end surface 28 b on the proximal end side of the stopper 28. The position holding means 24 positions the relative position in the longitudinal direction of the inner sheath 22 and the outer sheath 25 to restrict the movement of the inner sheath 22 toward the distal end 25 a with respect to the outer sheath 25. .

  Further, a base 30 is connected to the proximal end 22 d of the inner sheath 22. The base 30 is a substantially tubular member, a supply port 31 to which the air hose 23 a is fixed, a first fixing portion 32 that presses and fixes the outer periphery of the base end 22 d of the inner sheath 22, and an insertion portion that is inserted through the inner sheath 22. 3 and a second fixing portion 33 that presses and fixes the outer periphery of 3.

  The first fixing portion 32 and the second fixing portion 33 have a screw-type connection structure and are screwed into the base 30. The second fixing portion 33 is provided with a packing structure (not shown), and the second fixing portion 33 is screwed into the base 30 so that the packing is brought into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 3 and is kept airtight. . Therefore, the compressed air A flowing from the supply port 31 is sent to the distal end side of the inner sheath 22.

The operation of the entire endoscope system according to the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 by taking as an example the inspection of the inside of the pipe material in the entire circumference welding of the cylindrical pipe material. .
In this embodiment, the subject is the tube material 100, and the endoscope apparatus 2 serving as an insertion body is inserted into the internal space Q of the tube material 100 from the entrance 101a of the inspection conduit 101 formed in the tube material 100 that is the subject. . The connection portion 103 that performs the entire circumference welding of the tube material 100 is a target site to be inspected by the endoscope apparatus 2 that is an insert, and the entire circumference of the connection portion 103 that is continuous in the circumferential direction of the tube material 100 is welded. The connection portion 103 is inspected following the above.

  As shown in FIG. 3, first, the operator contacts the flange structure 27 and the inlet 101 a from the inlet 101 a of the inspection pipe 101 provided in the pipe 100 that is the subject into the pipe 100 through the outer sheath 25. Insert until The operator aligns the circumferential position of the outer sheath with the marking 27c as an index, and positions the inclined end surface 25d of the tip 25a so that the direction of the inclined end surface 25d is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the axis of the tube material 100 including the connecting portion 103. To do.

  At this time, the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 is positioned by the contact surface 27b of the flange structure 27 provided on the proximal end side of the outer sheath 25 in the vicinity of the axis O of the tube material 100 and the entrance 101a of the subject. At the same time, the outer sheath 25 is restrained from rotating around the axis with respect to the inspection pipe line 101 due to friction between the flange structure 27 and the inner peripheral surface 101 b of the inspection pipe line 101.

  Subsequently, the operator inserts the inner sheath 22 from the proximal end 25 b of the outer sheath 25 and pushes the distal end 22 b of the inner sheath 22 until it is exposed from the distal end 25 a of the outer sheath 25. At this time, the distal end portion 22 a of the inner sheath 22 is elastically deformed according to the outer sheath and is pressed and moved to the distal end 25 a of the outer sheath 25 while contacting the inner peripheral surface of the outer sheath 25. When the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22 is exposed from the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25, the distal end portion until the abutting region 22c, which is the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 22a in the direction of the center of curvature, abuts the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25. 22a is restored, and further restoration is restricted by the tip 25a.

  The worker relies on the image displayed on the display unit 10 (see FIG. 1) to move the inner sheath 22 forward and backward with respect to the outer sheath 25, so that the connecting portion 103 that performs all-around welding is the inner peripheral surface of the pipe member 100. Adjust so that it enters the field of view. Although not essential to the present invention, the operator can adjust the observation member 5 to a suitable position by operating the joystick 7 shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, all-around welding of the connection portion 103 is started. At this time, the air compressor 23 shown in FIG. 1 is driven and the compressed air A is sent to the distal end 22b through the cooling flow path 21 to thereby provide the distal end of the insertion portion of the endoscope apparatus 2 and the supply port 31 of the guide tube 20. Cooling of the region from the tip to the tip 22b is started. Furthermore, the operator rotates the inner sheath 22 around the axis of the outer sheath 25 so as to follow the entire circumference welding process with respect to the outer sheath 25.

  The distal end 22 b of the inner sheath 22 is rotationally moved in the circumferential direction of the tubular material 100 around the distal end 25 a of the outer sheath 25 within the tubular material 100. At this time, since the relative position in the longitudinal direction of the inner sheath 22 and the outer sheath 25 is regulated by the contact between the position holding means 24 and the stopper 28, the observation member 5 of the endoscope apparatus 2 and the tube material 100 which is the subject. The distance from the connecting portion 103 is kept constant.

  As the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22 rotates in the circumferential direction of the tube material 100, the position where the contact region 22c contacts the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 changes around the axis. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when the inner sheath 22 is in contact with the most proximal end portion 25 e of the inclined end surface 25 d of the outer sheath 25, the distal end is a distance along the axis of the inner sheath 22. The inner sheath 22 is in contact with the outer sheath 25 at a position 22e that is a length L1 away from 22b.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, when the inner sheath 22 is in contact with the most distal end 25 f of the distal end 25 a of the outer sheath 25, the length from the distal end 22 b is a distance along the axis of the inner sheath 22. The inner sheath 22 is in contact with the outer sheath 25 at a position 22f separated by L2. In this case, the length L1 is longer by the difference L3 than the length L2. Accordingly, the tip 22a is elastically deformed so as to extend between the position 22e and the position 22f.

  For this reason, the angle formed by the central axis of the distal end 22 b of the inner sheath 22 and the axis of the outer sheath 25 is the same as that when the inner sheath 22 is in contact with the most proximal end 25 e of the distal end 25 a of the outer sheath 25. When the angle is θ1, the angle when the inner sheath 22 is in contact with the most distal end 25f of the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 is an angle θ2 that satisfies θ1 <θ2 and θ1 + θ2 = π. Yes.

Further, since the change from the angle θ1 to the angle θ2 is continuously changed by the inclined end surface 25d of the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 in conjunction with the rotation operation of the inner sheath 22, the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22 is connected to the connecting portion 103. Rotates in the same plane as the containing plane. Therefore, when the operator rotates the inner sheath 22 around the axis of the outer sheath 25, the distal end 22 b of the inner sheath 22 moves along the connecting portion 103 in the circumferential direction of the tube material 100 and is inserted into the inner sheath 22. The image of the welding state is acquired by the observation member 5 of the endoscope apparatus 2 being displayed and displayed on the display unit 10 shown in FIG.
When the welding over the entire circumference of the connecting portion 103 is completed and it is confirmed that the welding state is good, the endoscope system 1 is removed from the inspection conduit 101 and the inspection is finished.

  As described above, according to the guide tube 20 and the endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment, the contact region 22c of the inner sheath 22 and the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 are in contact with each other, and the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22 is While being positioned, the curved state of the inner sheath 22 is continuously changed by the inclined end surface formed at the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 so that the observation member 5 of the endoscope apparatus 2 is along the circumferential direction of the tube material 100. It is designed to follow. For this reason, the insertion part 3 such as the endoscope apparatus 2 can be accurately guided.

  Further, since the guide tube 20 of the present embodiment includes the flange structure 27 on the outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath 25, the outer sheath is brought into contact with the contact surface 27b of the flange structure 27 and the inlet 101a of the inspection conduit 101. 25 and the inlet 101a are positioned and fixed, and the rotational position of the outer sheath 25 and the inspection conduit 101 is also positioned. As a result, the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 can be easily positioned near the axis of the tube 100. Can be arranged.

  Further, since the flange structure 27 of the present embodiment is made of rubber, which is an elastic material, the friction coefficient between the inner wall of the inspection pipe line 101 and the flange structure 27 is high, so that the rotational position of the outer sheath 25 and the inspection pipe line can be changed. The displacement can be suppressed, and the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 in the inner space Q of the tube material 100 as the subject can be held at a suitable position.

Further, since the guide tube 20 of the present embodiment includes the cooling flow path 21, the air hose 23a, and the air compressor 23 as cooling means, the guide tube 20 and the endoscope apparatus 2 are cooled in the process of generating heat such as welding. can do. Further, since the compressed air A sent out by the air compressor 23 is blown out from the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22, the guide tube 20 and the distal end 6 of the endoscope apparatus 2 are moved from the hot molten metal scattered by welding or the like. Can be protected.
In the process of welding the specimen from the outside, the inside of the specimen is filled with nitrogen gas or the like so that the welded portion is not oxidized. When observing the internal space of the subject from the inside of the subject, it is not a problem to flow a small amount of compressed air A from the air compressor 23 for cooling. However, when the cooling capacity is increased, nitrogen is used instead of the compressed air A. It is preferable to flow gas. Compressed air A can also be used when observing the internal space of the subject after welding.

(Modification)
Below, the modification of the endoscope system 1 of this embodiment is explained in full detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modification of the outer sheath of the first embodiment of the present invention.
In the first embodiment, the configuration in which the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 is formed so as to form an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the central axis of the outer sheath is employed, but in this modification, as shown in FIG. The tip 25a of the sheath 25 is formed such that the angle of the inclined end face 25d is an angle θ4 smaller than 45 degrees within a range of 0 to 45 degrees.

  In this modification, the angle θ4 is an angle determined experimentally by the angle θ5 at which the endoscope system 1 is inserted into the tube material 100, the diameter φ of the tube material, and the degree of elasticity of the inner sheath 22. For this purpose, it is possible to configure the tip 22b of the inner sheath 22 to accurately follow a certain range of the connecting portion 103 or the like by determining the angle θ4 corresponding to the subject such as the tube 100 or the like.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, an endoscope system according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of the endoscope system. FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the inner sheath and the outer sheath. In each embodiment described below, portions having the same configuration as those of the endoscope system 1 of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The endoscope system 200 according to the present embodiment includes a correction unit 224 that corrects the relative position in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the relative rotational movement of the inner sheath 22 and the outer sheath 25 instead of the position holding unit 24.

  The correction means 224 is connected to the base end 25 b of the outer sheath 25, is fitted to the intermediate portion of the inner sheath 22, and has a first correction ring 222 having an inclined cam surface 222 a inclined in the axial direction, and a base of the outer sheath 25. The second correction ring 225 has a substantially cylindrical shape that is connected to the end 25b and is coaxial with the central axis, and has an inclined cam surface 225a that can contact the inclined cam surface 222a at one end.

  The inclined cam surface 225a is inclined in the direction opposite to the inclination of the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25, and the position of the end portion on the most proximal side in the inclined cam surface 225a and the position of the end portion 25f on the most distal side in the distal end 25a are In the same direction, it matches the axis.

  Since the outer sheath 25 and the inner sheath 22 are movable back and forth, and are rotatable, the first correction ring 222 and the second correction ring 225 are positioned so that the inclined cam surfaces 222a and 225a abut each other on the inner sheath 22 with respect to the outer sheath 25. It has come to regulate the advance and retreat of.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the endoscope system 200 of the present embodiment, the inner sheath 22 is inserted into the outer sheath 25 until the inclined cam surface 222a and the inclined cam surface 225a come into contact with each other. The positioning between the outer sheath 22 and the outer sheath 25 can be performed.

  Further, when the inner sheath 22 is rotated around the axis of the outer sheath 25 with respect to the outer sheath 25, the inclined cam surface 222a and the inclined cam surface 225a rotate while sliding, and at this time, the first correction ring 222 and the first correction ring 222 are rotated. The two correction rings 225 are pressed and moved so as to be separated from each other in the axial direction. Accordingly, the inner sheath 22 is axially extended with respect to the outer sheath 25 along the axis of the outer sheath 25 from the proximal end of the inclined cam surface 225a to the distal end of the inclined cam surface 225a. Move by the length L4.

  Therefore, in the distal end 25 a of the outer sheath 25, the position where the end of the distal end 25 a abuts against the abutting region 22 c of the inner sheath 22 is the position where the inner sheath 22 contacts the most distal end 22 f of the distal end 25 a of the outer sheath 25. When they are in contact with each other, the position is moved from the length L2 to the base end side by the length L4. At this time, the angle formed by the central axis of the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22 and the axis of the outer sheath 25 is as described above when the inner sheath 22 abuts the end 25f of the outer sheath 25 at the position 22f. The angle θ3 is larger than the angle θ2.

  In the endoscope system 200 of the present embodiment, the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22 can be moved along the inner periphery of the tube material 100 and the like as in the first embodiment, and the correction means 224 is provided, so By rotating the inner sheath 22 around the axis of the outer sheath 25 with respect to the sheath 25, the inner sheath 22 can be rotated and advanced / retracted, whereby the position of the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22 can be finely adjusted. .

(Reference example)
Next, an endoscope system according to a reference example of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a part of the endoscope system.
In the endoscope system 300 of the present reference example , the angle of the inclined end surface 25d of the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 is 90 degrees, and the tubular second inner sheath 301 is disposed between the inner sheath 22 and the insertion portion 3. The configuration differs from the above-described embodiment in that it is provided.

  The second inner sheath 301 has a bending portion 301a bent by 90 degrees, and supports the insertion portion 3 of the endoscope apparatus 2 in a state bent by 90 degrees. Further, the second inner sheath 301 is disposed so as to be movable forward and backward and rotatable with respect to the inner sheath 22.

In this reference example , the inner sheath 22 is rotated around the axis of the outer sheath 25 with respect to the outer sheath 25 so that the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22 opens in a direction along the central axis O of the tube material 100. Can do. Here, by rotating the second inner sheath 301 with respect to the inner sheath 22, the observation member 5 of the insertion portion 3 can be moved along the connection portion 103 in the circumferential direction of the tube material 100.

As described above, also by the endoscope system 300 of the present reference example , the contact region 22c of the inner sheath 22 and the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 25 come into contact with each other to position the distal end 22b of the inner sheath 22, and Since the curved state of the inner sheath 22 is continuously changed by the inclined end surface formed at the distal end 25a, the insertion portion 3 such as the endoscope apparatus 2 can be accurately guided.

( Third embodiment )
Next, an endoscope system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of a part of the endoscope system.
The endoscope system 400 of the present embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in that the endoscope system 400 includes a plug 424 made of an elastic member instead of the position holding unit 24.

  The plug 424 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with rubber, for example, and is fixed so as to be fitted on the inner sheath 22. Further, the distal end side of the plug body 424 can be inserted into the stopper 28 and can be moved back and forth so as to slide on the inner wall surface of the handle.

  Even with such a configuration, the forward / backward movement of the inner sheath 22 with respect to the outer sheath 25 can be restricted. Further, in the present embodiment, the relative position in the axial direction between the inner sheath 22 and the outer sheath 25 can be fixed by friction generated between the plug 424 and the stopper 28. The relative position in the axial direction between the outer sheath 25 and the outer sheath 25 can be held in a suitable positional relationship, and the complexity of the operation can be reduced.

( Fourth embodiment )
Next, an endoscope system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a partial configuration of the endoscope system. FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the operation of the endoscope system.
As shown in FIG. 11, the endoscope system 500 of this embodiment includes a flange structure 527 in which a thread groove 527 b is formed on the inner peripheral surface instead of the flange structure 27, and a screw on the outer peripheral surface instead of the outer sheath 25. The configuration differs from the above-described embodiments in that it includes an outer sheath 525 formed with a screw thread 525a that is screwed into the groove 527b.

  The flange structure 527 has a cylindrical shape having a length L6 from the contact surface 27b to the tip portion 527a of the flange structure 527. In addition, markers 525b are provided at predetermined intervals on the outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath 525 screwed into the flange structure 527.

  In the present embodiment, the flange structure 527 and the outer sheath 525 are connected by screw connection. For this reason, the protrusion length L5 of the outer sheath 525 from the front end portion 527a of the flange structure 527 is changed by relatively rotating the flange structure 527 and the outer sheath 525 around the axis.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the endoscope system 500 having such a configuration, the length L7, which is the sum of the axial length L6 of the flange structure 527 and the protruding length L5 of the outer sheath, is determined by the endoscope system 500. This is the insertion depth when the system 500 is inserted from the inlet 101a into the internal space of the tube material 100, and the operator relatively adjusts the flange structure 527 and the outer sheath 25 about the axis to adjust the protrusion length L5. Thus, the distal end 25 a of the outer sheath 25 can be positioned on the central axis of the tube material 100. At this time, the marker 525b can be used as a measure of the protrusion amount of the protrusion length L5.

  According to the present embodiment, since the insertion depth of the outer sheath 25 into the internal space of the tube material 100 can be positioned as the length L7 adjusted in advance, the diameter of the tube material 100 and the attachment angle of the inspection conduit 101 are set. Accordingly, the position of the distal end 25a of the outer sheath 525 can be adjusted and positioned so as to be aligned with the central axis of the tube 100. Even with such a configuration, the insertion body such as the endoscope apparatus 2 can be accurately guided to the internal space Q of the pipe member 100 having the wide internal space Q with respect to the entrance 101a as in the above-described embodiment.

  Furthermore, since the tip 25a of the outer sheath 525 can be accurately positioned on the central axis of the tube material 100, the accuracy when the tip 22b of the inner sheath 22 is moved along the circumferential direction of the tube material 100 can be increased. Further, the flange structure 527 is coated with resin, rubber, or the like on the outer periphery of the flange structure 527 so that the flange structure 527 can be easily fixed to the inlet 101a of the pipe member 100, or the flange structure 27 made of rubber or the like as in the first embodiment. You may provide in the outer periphery.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.
For example, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the imaging member 5 of the endoscope apparatus 2 that becomes an insertion body in the connection portion 103 that is continuous in the circumferential direction of the tube material 100 and is included in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the tube material 100. As a configuration for rotating the tube 100 around the axis of the tube material 100, a configuration in which the inclined end surface 25d is formed so as to satisfy the angle θ1 + angle θ2 = π is not limited to this, but a configuration in which the angle θ1 + angle θ2 ≠ π is satisfied. However, the photographing device 5 can be guided in the circumferential direction along the connecting portion 103.

  In this case, the distal end 22 b of the inner sheath 22 is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the inner wall surface of the tube material 100 and is guided along the connection portion 103. At this time, if the distal end of the endoscope apparatus 2 is not bent by the joystick 7, the connection portion 103 can be photographed from an oblique direction with respect to the plane including the connection portion 103, and the distal end of the endoscope apparatus 2 can be captured. If curved, the connection portion 103 can be photographed at a desired angle.

It is a perspective view showing the whole composition of the endoscope system of a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the structure of a part of the endoscope system of a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows one state of the test | inspection by the endoscope system of 1st embodiment of this invention in a partial cross section. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the inner sheath and outer sheath of 1st embodiment of this invention in a partial cross section. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the inner sheath and outer sheath of 1st embodiment of this invention in a partial cross section. It is a figure which shows the modification of the outer sheath of 1st embodiment of this invention in a partial cross section. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a part of endoscope system of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of the inner sheath and outer sheath of 2nd embodiment of this invention in a partial cross section. It is a figure which shows the structure of a part of endoscope system of the reference example of this invention in a partial cross section. It is a figure which shows the structure of a part of endoscope system of 3rd embodiment of this invention in a partial cross section. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of a part of endoscope system of 4th embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement of the endoscope system of 4th embodiment of this invention in a partial cross section.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,200,300,400,500 Endoscope system 2 Endoscope apparatus 3 Insertion part 20 Guide tube 21 Cooling flow path (cooling means)
22 Inner sheath 22a Tip 23 Air compressor (cooling means)
23a Air hose (cooling means)
25, 525 Outer sheath 27, 527 Flange structure 100 Tube material (subject)
101a inlet 224 correction means

Claims (8)

A test tube having a wide internal space with respect to the entrance, for inserting the insert into the internal space and guiding it toward a target site having a certain range,
An outer sheath that is inserted and fixed from the inlet into the internal space such that the distal end has a predetermined positional relationship with the target site;
An elastically deformable inner sheath that is inserted into the outer sheath so as to be able to advance and retreat and rotate freely, has a bending ridge at the tip, and protrudes from the tip of the outer sheath at a part thereof;
Relative position regulating means for regulating the relative position in the longitudinal direction of the inner sheath and the outer sheath;
With
The outer sheath tip is formed with an inclined end surface so as to have an angle with respect to the central axis of the outer sheath,
The sheath tip, an outer peripheral surface of the center of curvature direction due to the bending habit of the inner sheath distal end portion and the contact region and the distal end of the outer sheath is exposed to a position abutting the outer by the relative position restriction means Regulating the relative position in the longitudinal direction of the sheath and the inner sheath,
With respect to the angle formed by the central axis at the distal end of the inner sheath and the axis of the outer sheath when the inner sheath is in contact with the most proximal end of the inclined end surface of the distal end of the outer sheath, The angle formed by the central axis at the distal end of the inner sheath and the axis of the outer sheath when the inner sheath is in contact with the most distal end of the inclined end surface of the distal end of the outer sheath is characterized in that Guide tube. The guide tube according to claim 1, wherein the outer sheath tip is formed with an angle in a range of 45 degrees or less with respect to the central axis. The relative position regulating means is
A position holding means provided on the inner sheath for restricting movement of the inner sheath toward the distal end side with respect to the outer sheath; a stopper provided on a proximal end side of the outer sheath and supporting the outer sheath ; The guide tube according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising: The position holding means is
The guide tube according to claim 3, further comprising a correcting unit that corrects a relative position in a longitudinal direction in conjunction with a relative rotational movement about an axis by the outer sheath and the inner sheath. The correction means includes
A first correction ring connected to a base end of the outer sheath and fitted on the intermediate portion of the inner sheath and having an inclined cam surface inclined in the axial direction;
A second correction ring connected to the proximal end of the outer sheath and having a cylindrical shape coaxial with the central axis and having the inclined cam surface at one end;
5. The guide tube according to claim 4, wherein The guide tube according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a flange structure that is made of an elastic material and is interposed between the inlet and the outer sheath on an outer peripheral surface of the outer sheath. The guide tube according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising cooling means for cooling the inside of the inner sheath. A guide tube according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An endoscope system comprising: an endoscope device having an insertion portion that is inserted as the insert into the inner sheath of the guide tube.

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