JP7074700B2 - Endoscope - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an endoscope, and more particularly to an endoscope provided with a stand on the tip end side of an insertion portion to change the direction in which the treatment tool is derived.

In the endoscope, various treatment tools are introduced from the treatment tool introduction port provided in the operation part, and this treatment tool is taken out from the treatment tool outlet opened at the tip of the insertion part and used for treatment. ing. For example, in a duodenal endoscope, a treatment tool such as a guide wire or a contrast tube is used. Treatment tools such as puncture needles are used in ultrasonic endoscopes. In other direct speculums and squint speculums, treatment tools such as forceps or snares are used. Such a treatment tool needs to change the lead-out direction at the tip in order to treat a desired position in the subject. For this reason, the tip portion is provided with a stand for changing the direction in which the treatment tool is derived. Further, the endoscope is provided with a treatment tool standing mechanism that displaces the posture of the standing table between the standing position and the lying position.

Patent Document 1 discloses the structure of an endoscope provided with a stand. In the endoscope of Patent Document 1, when the standing table is operated to stand up, the distance between the back surface of the standing table and the surface of the standing table accommodating space facing the back surface is the standing table accommodating space in the region where the standing table is not exposed. It has the maximum structure at the open end of the cap.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-029312

However, in the endoscope of Patent Document 1, when a stone of a bile duct is taken out with the standing table upright, a foreign substance such as a so-called gallstone may enter the internal space between the standing table and the cap. Foreign matter that has entered the internal space fills the space for the stand to fall down. Therefore, poor lodging of the standing table occurs. And, there is a concern that the poor lodging of the standing table will force the procedure to be interrupted.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of suppressing the occurrence of poor lodging of an upright stand.

The endoscope of the first aspect of the present invention is located at the operation portion provided with the operation member, the insertion portion provided on the tip side of the operation portion and inserted into the subject, and the tip of the insertion portion. An upright main body in which an upright accommodation space is formed, an upright base that is arranged in the upright table accommodation space, is rotatable between an inverted position and an upright position around a rotation axis, and has a treatment tool guide surface. A cap attached to the tip body and covering the space for accommodating the stand, and having a cap having a wall portion defining an opening window opened on the side facing the treatment tool guide surface, and the stand is in an upright position. When the virtual sphere that can pass through the window gap formed by the standing table and the wall of the cap is the maximum virtual sphere, the standing table is in the inverted position and the treatment tool guide surface of the standing table is opposite. The internal space formed by the surface and the wall of the cap is large enough to accommodate the maximum virtual sphere. The first aspect can prevent poor lodging caused by foreign substances such as gallstones.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the standing table has a constricted portion curved toward the treatment tool guide surface on the opposite surface. In the second aspect, an internal space can be formed by the constricted portion of the standing table and the wall portion of the cap.

In the third aspect of the present invention, a recess is formed in the wall portion of the cap at a position facing the opening window. In the third aspect, the internal space can be formed by the standing table and the recess of the wall portion of the cap.

A fourth aspect of the present invention has at least one protrusion on the opposite surface of the pedestal that projects away from the treatment tool guide surface and extends along the opposite surface. In the fourth aspect, the size of the window gap is reduced by the protrusion.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, at least one protrusion is composed of a plurality of protrusions at intervals along opposite surfaces. In the fifth aspect, the protrusion is composed of two or more.

In the sixth aspect of the present invention, the wall portion of the cap has a slope approaching the opening window toward the tip of the cap at a position facing the opening window. In the sixth aspect, foreign substances such as gallstones can be guided to the internal space.

The endoscope of the seventh aspect of the present invention is located at the operation portion provided with the operation member, the insertion portion provided on the tip side of the operation portion and inserted into the subject, and the tip of the insertion portion. An upright main body in which an upright accommodation space is formed, an upright base that is arranged in the upright table accommodation space, is rotatable between an inverted position and an upright position around a rotation axis, and has a treatment tool guide surface. A cap that is attached to the tip body and covers the standing space, and has a wall portion that defines an opening window that is open on the side facing the treatment tool guide surface, and the treatment tool guide surface of the stand. A cover is provided between the opposite surface and the position of the tip of the cap so as to close a part of the opening window. Similar to the first aspect, the seventh aspect can prevent poor lodging caused by foreign substances such as gallstones.

In the eighth aspect of the present invention, the cover is composed of a bellows structure or a membrane structure. The eighth aspect can impart elasticity to the cover.

In the ninth aspect of the present invention, the stand and the rotating shaft are attached to the cap. In the ninth aspect, the cap provided with the upright stand and the rotating shaft can be made disposable.

According to the endoscope of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of poor lodging of the standing table.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an endoscope system including an endoscope according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing the tip portion. FIG. 3 is an assembly perspective view showing the configuration of the tip portion shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tip main body as seen from the X (+) side. FIG. 5 is an assembled perspective view of the tip main body and the standing table. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the inverted position in the endoscope of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the inverted position in the endoscope of the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a view of the state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of one embodiment of the first embodiment as viewed from the direction of Z (+). FIG. 10 is a view of the state in which the standing table is in the inverted position in the endoscope of another embodiment of the first embodiment as viewed from the direction of Z (+). FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the inverted position in the endoscope of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the inverted position in the endoscope of the third embodiment. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the upright stand is in the upright position in the endoscope of the modified example of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a view of a cap applicable to the first to fourth embodiments as viewed from the direction of Z (+).

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the endoscope of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an endoscope system 12 including an endoscope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope system 12 includes an endoscope 10, a processor device 14, a light source device 16, and a display 18.

The endoscope 10 includes an operation unit 22 provided with an upright operation lever 20 which is an operation member, and an insertion unit 24 provided on the tip end side of the operation unit 22 and inserted into a subject.

The insertion portion 24 has a longitudinal axis Ax extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and includes a flexible portion 26, a curved portion 28, and a distal end portion 30 in order from the proximal end toward the distal end. The detailed configuration of the tip portion 30 will be described later, but first, a schematic configuration of the tip portion 30 will be described.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the tip portion 30. Here, the endoscope 10 of the embodiment (see FIG. 1) is a side endoscope used as, for example, a duodenal endoscope, and the tip portion 30 of FIG. 2 has a configuration in a side endoscope. ..

Further, FIG. 3 is an assembly perspective view showing the configuration of the tip portion 30 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the tip portion 30 has a tip portion main body 32 and a cap 34, and is configured by attaching the cap 34 to the tip portion main body 32. The tip portion main body 32 is provided on the tip end side of the insertion portion 24 (see FIG. 1), and the tip portion main body 32 is provided with an upright stand 36 provided with a treatment tool guide surface 36A described later. 2 and 3 show a state in which the standing table 36 is positioned in the lodging position.

Further, FIGS. 2 and 3 show various contents arranged inside the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (see FIG. 1). Specifically, an operation is performed to change the lead-out direction of the treatment tool channel 38 that guides the tip portion of the treatment tool (not shown) to the tip portion main body 32 and the tip portion of the treatment tool that is derived from the tip portion main body 32. An upright operation wire 40 (hereinafter referred to as a wire 40) for this purpose and an air supply / water supply tube 42 are provided. Further, although not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an angle wire for performing an operation of changing the bending direction of the bending portion 28 (see FIG. 1), a signal cable for transmitting an image signal, and illumination light are used. Contents such as a light guide to be transmitted are provided.

In this specification, a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system in the three-axis direction (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, Z-axis direction) will be described. For example, in FIGS. 1 to 3, the Z (+) direction points upward and the Z (−) direction points downward. Further, the X (+) direction points to the right direction, and the X (-) direction points to the left direction. Further, the Y (+) direction points to the tip end side direction of the tip end portion 30, and the Y (−) direction points to the proximal end side direction of the tip end portion 30. The Y-axis direction including the Y (+) direction and the Y (−) direction is parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax of the insertion portion 24.

Returning to FIG. 1, the operation unit 22 is configured to have a substantially cylindrical shape as a whole. The operation unit 22 has an operation unit main body 46 in which the standing operation lever 20 is rotatably provided, and a grip portion 48 connected to the operation unit main body 46, and the insertion portion 24 is located on the tip end side of the grip portion 48. The base end portion is provided via the breakage prevention pipe 50. The grip portion 48 is a portion gripped by the operator when operating the endoscope 10.

Further, the operation unit main body 46 is provided with a universal cable 52. A light source connector 54 is provided on the tip end side of the universal cable 52. The light source connector 54 is provided with a branched electric connector 56. Then, the electric connector 56 is connected to the processor device 14, and the light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16.

Further, the air supply / water supply button 57 and the suction button 59 are arranged side by side on the operation unit main body 46. When the air supply / water supply button 57 is operated, air and water are supplied to the air supply / water supply tube 42 of FIG. 2, and air and water can be ejected from the air supply / water supply nozzle 58 provided in the tip main body 32. .. The air supply / water supply button 57 of FIG. 1 can supply air to the air supply / water supply tube 42 by a one-step operation, and can supply water to the air supply / water supply tube 42 by a two-step operation.

Further, when the suction button 59 of FIG. 1 is operated, body fluid such as blood can be sucked from the suction port that also serves as the treatment tool outlet 60 provided in the tip body 32 of FIG. 2 via the treatment tool channel 38. can.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of angle knobs 62, 62 for bending the curved portion 28 are arranged on the operation unit main body 46. The pair of angle knobs 62, 62 are provided coaxially and rotatably.

The standing operation lever 20 is rotatably provided coaxially with the angle knobs 62 and 62. The standing operation lever 20 is rotationally operated by the operator who grips the grip portion 48. When the standing operation lever 20 is rotated, the wire 40 of FIG. 2 is pushed and pulled in conjunction with the rotation operation of the standing operation lever 20. By such an operation of the wire 40, the posture of the upright stand 36 connected to the tip end side of the wire 40 is changed between the inverted position and the upright position (not shown) in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the grip portion 48 of the operation portion 22 is provided with a treatment tool introduction port 64 for introducing the treatment tool. The treatment tool (not shown) introduced from the treatment tool introduction port 64 with the tip portion at the head is inserted into the treatment tool channel 38 of FIG. 2 and is external from the treatment tool outlet 60 provided in the tip portion main body 32. Derived to.

As shown in FIG. 1, the soft portion 26 of the insertion portion 24 has a spiral tube (not shown) formed by spirally winding a thin metal strip having elasticity. The flexible portion 26 is configured by covering the outside of the spiral tube with a tubular net body woven with a metal wire, and covering the outer peripheral surface of the net body with an outer skin made of resin.

The curved portion 28 of the insertion portion 24 has a structure in which a plurality of angle rings (not shown) are rotatably connected to each other. The curved portion 28 is configured by covering the outer periphery of the structure with a tubular net body woven with a metal wire, and covering the outer peripheral surface of the mesh body with a rubber tubular outer skin. For example, four angle wires (not shown) are arranged from the curved portion 28 configured in this way to the angle knobs 62 and 62, and these angle wires are generated by the rotation operation of the angle knobs 62 and 62. The curved portion 28 is curved up, down, left and right by the push-pull operation.

The endoscope 10 of the embodiment configured as described above is a side endoscope used as, for example, a duodenal endoscope, and the insertion portion 24 is inserted into the subject through the oral cavity. The insertion portion 24 is inserted from the esophagus through the stomach to the duodenum, and a predetermined examination or treatment is performed.

The treatment tools used in the endoscope 10 of the embodiment include biopsy forceps having a cup capable of collecting biological tissue at the tip, a knife for EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy), or a knife for EST (Endoscopic Sphincterotomy). A treatment tool such as a contrast tube can be exemplified.

Next, the structure of the tip portion 30 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described in detail.

Although the description is duplicated, the tip portion 30 includes a tip portion main body 32 and a cap 34 that is detachably attached to the tip portion main body 32. The cap 34 includes a wall portion 34B formed in a substantially cylindrical shape whose tip side is sealed, and a substantially rectangular opening window 34A is defined by the wall portion 34B on a part of the outer peripheral surface thereof. As shown in FIG. 2, when the cap 34 is attached to the tip main body 32, the cap 34 covers the upright stand accommodating space 66, and the opening window 34A is Z (1) orthogonal to the direction of the cap longitudinal axis Ax. It is opened in the +) direction. As a result, the treatment tool outlet 60 of the tip main body 32 is communicated with the opening window 34A via the standing table accommodating space 66.

The cap 34 is made of an elastic material, for example, a rubber material such as fluororubber or silicon rubber, or a resin material such as polysulfon or polycarbonate. The base end side of the cap 34 is provided with a ridged engaging portion (not shown) that engages with a groove-shaped engaged portion (not shown) formed in the tip body 32, and this engaging portion is provided. The cap 34 is detachably attached to the tip body 32 by engaging with the engaged portion. When the treatment of the endoscope 10 is completed, the cap 34 is removed from the tip main body 32 and is washed, disinfected or sterilized, or discarded as disposable.

The tip body 32 is made of a metal material having corrosion resistance. As shown in FIG. 3, the tip main body 32 has a pair of partition walls 68 and 70 projecting toward the Y (+) side, and these partition walls 68 and 70 are arranged so as to face each other in the X-axis direction. Has been done. Further, the above-mentioned upright stand accommodating space 66 for accommodating the upright stand 36 is provided between the partition wall 68 and the partition wall 70. The upright table accommodating space 66 is opened in the Z (+) direction and the Z (−) direction, which are the first directions orthogonal to the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax.

Explaining the positional relationship between the partition wall 68 and the upright table accommodation space 66, the partition wall 68 is arranged adjacent to the upright table accommodation space 66 in the X direction. An illumination window 74 and an observation window 76 are arranged adjacent to each other in the Y direction on the upper surface 68A on the Z (+) side of the partition wall 68. With this observation window 76, it is possible to observe the visual field region in the Z (+) direction in which the standing table accommodating space 66 opens.

Explaining the positional relationship between the observation window 76 and the standing table accommodation space 66, the observation window 76 and the standing table accommodation space 66 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X direction. The X direction is a second direction orthogonal to the direction of the longitudinal axis Ax and orthogonal to the Z (+) direction which is the first direction. The above-mentioned air supply / water supply nozzle 58 is provided on the tip main body 32 toward the observation window 76, whereby the observation window 76 is washed by the air and water ejected from the air supply / water supply nozzle 58. Will be done.

An optical system accommodating chamber 72 is provided inside the partition wall 68. A lighting unit (not shown) and a photographing unit (not shown) are housed inside the optical system storage chamber 72. The lighting unit includes a lighting lens (not shown) arranged on the optical system accommodation chamber 72 side of the lighting window 74, and a light guide (not shown) arranged so that the tip surface faces the lighting lens. .. The light guide is arranged from the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (see FIG. 1) to the universal cable 52 via the operation portion 22, and its base end is connected to the light source connector 54. As a result, when the light source connector 54 is connected to the light source device 16, the irradiation light from the light source device 16 is transmitted to the illumination lens via the light guide, and irradiates the visual field region existing in the Z (+) direction from the illumination window 74. Will be done.

The above-mentioned photographing unit includes a photographing optical system (not shown) arranged inside the observation window 76, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) type or CCD (charge coupled device) type image pickup element (not shown). It is equipped with. The tip of a signal cable (not shown) is connected to the image pickup device, and the signal cable is arranged from the insertion portion 24 of the endoscope 10 (see FIG. 1) to the universal cable 52 via the operation portion 22. The ends are connected to the electrical connector 56. As a result, when the electric connector 56 is connected to the processor device 14, the image pickup signal of the subject image obtained by the photographing unit is transmitted to the processor device 14 via the signal cable. Then, after image processing by the processor device 14, it is displayed as a subject image on the display 18.

Next, the configuration of the standing table 36 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tip portion main body 32 as seen from the X (+) side, and FIG. 5 is an assembled perspective view of the tip portion main body 32 and the standing table 36. The structure of the standing table 36 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 19.

The upright table 36 is rotatably provided in the upright table accommodation space 66 around a rotation shaft 86 (see FIG. 5), and is rotated between the upright position and the lodging position by operating the upright operation lever 20 (see FIG. 1). Will be done. When the upright table 36 is rotated toward the upright position, the treatment tool (not shown) led out from the treatment tool outlet 60 to the upright table accommodation space 66 is brought into contact with the treatment tool guide surface 36A of the upright table 36. The cap 34 (see FIG. 2) is guided in the direction toward the opening window 34A, and is derived from the opening window 34A opened on the side facing the treatment tool guide surface 36A. The treatment tool guide surface 36A is formed in an arc shape that curves upward from the proximal end side toward the distal end side on the upper surface (Z (+)) side of the standing table 36, and is a plane parallel to the X-axis and the Z-axis. It is cut with and formed into a U-shape in the cross section seen from the Y (+) side. Due to the shape of the treatment tool guide surface 36A, the standing table 36 can easily guide the treatment tool.

An upright lever accommodating chamber 78 is provided on the side surface of the tip body 32 on the X (+) side, and the upright lever 80 is accommodated in the upright lever accommodating chamber 78. The standing lever accommodating chamber 78 is covered with a protective plate (not shown) and sealed.

The standing lever accommodating chamber 78 has a fan-shaped concave shape, and the side surface 78A on the Y (−) side is provided with a through hole 82 for arranging the wire 40 through the wire 40 along the Y-axis direction. .. The tip of the wire 40 is inserted through the through hole 82 and fixed to the lever portion 80A of the standing lever 80.

Further, the upright lever accommodating chamber 78 is provided with a through hole 84 penetrating the upright lever accommodating chamber 78 and the upright stand accommodating space 66 along the X-axis direction. The rotation shaft 86 of the upright lever 80 is arranged through the through hole 84 and is rotatably supported. The tip of the rotating shaft 86 is fitted into a hole 88 provided at the base end of the upright stand 36. As a result, the upright lever 80 and the upright stand 36 are connected via the rotation shaft 86. Then, when the wire 40 is pushed and pulled by the standing operation lever 20 (see FIG. 1), the rotating shaft 86 rotates together with the standing lever 80, whereby the posture of the standing table 36 changes to the inverted position and the standing position (not shown). Will be changed between. An O-ring (not shown) is arranged between the rotating shaft 86 and the through hole 84 to prevent gas and liquid from entering each other between the standing table accommodating space 66 and the erecting lever accommodating chamber 78.

Next, each example of the endoscope 10 of the embodiment capable of preventing the lodging failure caused by a foreign substance such as a gallstone will be described. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the stand is in the upright position in the endoscope of the first form, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the stand is in the upright position in the endoscope of the first form. It is a cross-sectional view of a part. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of a main part of the tip main body 32, and are side views of the tip main body 32 as seen from the X (+) side.

As shown in FIG. 6, the standing table 36 has a treatment tool guide surface 36A, an opposite surface 36B located on the side opposite to the formed side of the treatment tool guide surface 36A, and an X (+) side and X ( -) It is provided with two side surfaces 36C located on the side facing each other, a base end surface 36D located at the base end provided with the hole 88, and an upper surface 36E located on the side facing the base end surface 36D.

As shown in FIG. 6, the standing table 36 of the endoscope 10 of the first embodiment is provided with a protruding portion 36F protruding in a direction away from the treatment tool guide surface 36A on the opposite surface 36B.

The protrusion 36F has a so-called beak shape that tapers as the distance from the treatment tool guide surface 36A increases. The protrusion 36F has a substantially linear inclined surface 36F ₁ from the upper surface 36E toward the tip 36F ₂ of the protrusion 36F. The protrusion 36F has an arcuate surface 36F ₃ that curves toward the treatment tool guide surface 36A from the tip 36F ₂ toward the base end surface 36D. The protrusion 36F has a shape extending from the upper surface 36E to the base end surface 36D as a whole.

The inclined surface 36F ₁ is tilted downward with respect to the Y axis in a state where the upright table 36 is upright, and is formed so as not to exceed the upper surface 36E of the upright table 36. Therefore, the upright table 36 should stand up. Even in the state, the tip portion 30 can be smoothly inserted into the subject without damaging the inner surface of the inner wall.

The arcuate surface 36F ₃ forms a constricted portion on the standing table 36. The constricted portion is a portion recessed on the side of the treatment tool guide surface 36A with respect to a virtual straight line connecting the tip end surface 36F ₂ and the base end surface 36D.

As shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the upright stand 36 is in the upright position, at least the window gap 44 is formed by the upright stand 36 and the wall portion 34B of the cap 34. In the embodiment, the window gap 44 is an opening determined by the wall portion 34B of the cap 34, the protruding portion 36F of the opposite surface 36B, and the partition wall 68.

In the first embodiment, since the window gap 44 can be reduced by the protrusion 36F while the standing table 36 is in the standing position, the diameter A of the maximum virtual sphere S that can pass through the window gap 44 becomes smaller. Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as large gallstones from passing through the window gap 44 and entering the inside of the cap 34, and to reduce the probability that foreign substances such as gallstones enter the inside of the cap 34. The inside of the cap 34 is a space inside the cap 34 that extends from the hole 88 of the standing table 36 to the Y (+) side and moves on the opposite surface 36B of the standing table 36.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the upright stand 36 shown in FIG. 6 is in an inverted position. As shown in FIG. 7, the internal space 45 is formed by the opposite surface 36B of the standing table 36 and the wall portion 34B of the cap 34. In the endoscope 10 of the first embodiment, the internal space 45 is formed by the arc surface 36F ₃ of the opposite surface 36B and the wall portion 34B.

As shown in FIG. 7, even when the maximum virtual sphere S that has passed through the window gap 44 enters the inside of the cap 34, the internal space 45 is formed in a size that can accommodate the maximum virtual sphere S. .. Here, the maximum height B from the wall portion 34B to the arc surface 36F ₃ is a size equal to or larger than the diameter A of the maximum virtual sphere S.

Even when the standing table 36 is in the laid-down position, the standing table 36 does not interfere with foreign substances such as gallstones. Therefore, in the endoscope 10 of the first embodiment, the standing table 36 has a poor lodging position ( It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a state in which the patient does not fall down to the maximum lodging position).

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the inverted position in the endoscope of the modified example of the first embodiment. It should be noted that the same components as those in FIGS. 6 and 7 described above are designated by the same reference numerals, detailed description of the portions thereof will be omitted, and differences from the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7 will be mainly described.

As shown in FIG. 8, the wall portion 34B constituting the cap 34 is provided with a slope 34C approaching the opening window 34A toward the tip of the cap 34 at a position facing the opening window. The slope 34C is inclined upward toward the tip of the cap 34 with respect to the Y-axis direction.

The slope 34C can guide foreign substances such as gallstones that have passed through the window gap 44 to the position where the internal space 45 is formed. The slope 34C of the cap 34 more reliably prevents the standing table 36 from falling poorly.

FIG. 9 is a view of the state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of one embodiment of the first embodiment as viewed from the direction of Z (+). As shown in FIG. 9, in the standing table 36, one protrusion 36F is formed on the opposite surface 36B. In FIG. 9, a window gap 44 is formed on the X (+) side and the X (−) side with the protrusion 36F as the center. The window gap 44 is formed by the protrusion 36F and the wall portion 34B, and by the protrusion 36F, the wall portion 34B, and the partition wall 68, respectively. The protrusion 36F is narrower than the width of the standing table 36 (distance between the two side surfaces 36C) and forms a rib shape.

In the endoscope of the form shown in FIG. 9, the window gap 44 can be reduced by the protrusion 36F while the standing table 36 is in the standing position, so that the maximum virtual sphere S (not shown) that can pass through the window gap 44 is not shown. Diameter A becomes smaller. It is possible to prevent foreign substances such as large gallstones from passing through the window gap 44 and entering the inside of the cap 34, and to reduce the probability that foreign substances such as gallstones enter the inside of the cap 34. The protruding portion 36F constitutes a rib shape.

FIG. 10 is a view of the state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of another embodiment of the first embodiment as viewed from the direction of Z (+). 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI of FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the standing table 36, two protrusions 36F are formed on the opposite surface 36B with an interval SP along the opposite surface 36B. In FIG. 10, a window gap 44 is formed between the two protrusions 36F. The window gap 44 is formed by the protrusion 36F and the wall portion 34B. The two protrusions 36F are narrower than the width of the standing table 36 (the distance between the two side surfaces 36C) and form a rib shape.

For example, when the standing table 36 is a molded product of resin, if the opposite surface 36B of the standing table 36 is stretched, the thickness becomes uneven and sink marks may occur. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the wall thickness can be made uniform by forming the protruding portion 36F of the standing table 36 into a rib shape.

In the structure of FIG. 10, by forming the opposite surface 36B of the standing table 36 into a rib structure, the space of the interval SP can be utilized, and the rib 34G for strengthening the strength can be provided on the side of the cap 34 as well. The rib 34G is effective for the cap 34 that requires strength (see FIG. 11).

Although the stand 36 having two protrusions 36F is illustrated, the stand 36 can be provided with two or more protrusions 36F.

In the endoscope of the form shown in FIG. 10, the window gap 44 can be reduced by the protrusion 36F while the standing table 36 is in the standing position, so that the maximum virtual sphere S (not shown) that can pass through the window gap 44 is not shown. Diameter A becomes smaller. It is possible to prevent foreign substances such as large gallstones from passing through the window gap 44 and entering the inside of the cap 34, and to reduce the probability that foreign substances such as gallstones enter the inside of the cap 34.

(Second embodiment)
The endoscope of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawing. It should be noted that the same configurations as those of the first embodiment are similarly designated with reference numerals, detailed description of the portions thereof will be omitted, and the points different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the inverted position in the endoscope of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , unlike the first embodiment (the standing table 36 on which the arcuate surface 36F3 is formed), the standing table 36 of the second embodiment is from the tip 36F2 to the base end surface 36D. It has a substantially linear inclined surface 36F4 toward which it faces. The upright table 36 of the second embodiment does not have a constricted portion.

The cap 34 has a recess 34D formed at a position facing the opening window 34A of the wall portion 34B. The recess 34D extends to the Z (−) side.

As shown in FIG. 13 , a window gap 44 is formed by the standing table 36 and the wall portion 34B of the cap 34 in a state where the standing table 36 is in the standing position. In the embodiment, the window gap 44 is an opening determined by the wall portion 34B of the cap 34, the protruding portion 36F of the opposite surface 36B, and the partition wall 68.

As in the first embodiment, the window gap 44 can be made smaller by the protrusion 36F, so that foreign matter such as large gallstones can be prevented from passing through the window gap 44 and entering the inside of the cap 34, and foreign matter such as gallstones can be prevented. The probability of getting inside the cap 34 can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the internal space 45 is formed by the opposite surface 36B of the standing table 36 and the wall portion 34B of the cap 34. In the endoscope 10 of the second embodiment, the internal space 45 is formed by the inclined surface 36F4 of the opposite surface 36B and the recess 34D of the wall portion 34B.

As shown in FIG. 14 , even when the maximum virtual sphere S that has passed through the window gap 44 enters the inside of the cap 34, the internal space 45 is formed in a size that can accommodate the maximum virtual sphere S. Therefore, the occurrence of poor lodging of the standing table 36 is suppressed. Here, the maximum height B from the wall portion 34B to the inclined surface 36F4 is a size equal to or larger than the diameter A of the virtual sphere S.

Similar to the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the cap 34 having the slope 34C shown in FIG. 8 can be applied.

Further, as in the first embodiment, the structure of the rib-shaped protrusion 36F shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 can be applied to the second embodiment.

(Third embodiment)
The endoscope of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawing. It should be noted that the same configurations as those of the first embodiment and the second embodiment are similarly designated with reference numerals, detailed description of the portions thereof will be omitted, and points different from those of the other embodiments will be mainly described. ..

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of the third embodiment. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the inverted position in the endoscope of the third embodiment.

Similar to the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the standing table 36 of the third embodiment does not have a constricted portion.

On the other hand, unlike the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the wall portion 34B of the cap 34 of the third embodiment includes an eaves 34E extending to the side of the standing table 36. As shown in FIG. 15 , since the opposite surface 36B of the standing table 36 and the eaves 34E of the cap 34 are close to each other so as to be almost in contact with each other, only a small window gap 44 is formed. The window gap 44 is almost closed.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as small gallstones from passing through the window gap 44 and entering the inside of the cap 34, and to reduce the probability that foreign substances such as gallstones enter the inside of the cap 34.

As shown in FIG. 16, the internal space 45 is formed by the opposite surface 36B of the standing table 36 and the wall portion 34B of the cap 34. In the endoscope 10 of the third embodiment, the internal space 45 is formed by the inclined surface 36F ₄ of the opposite surface 36B and the wall portion 34B.

As shown in FIG. 16, even if the virtual sphere S (not shown) that has passed through the window gap 44 enters the inside of the cap 34, the internal space 45 has a size that can accommodate the virtual sphere S. Since it is formed, the occurrence of poor lodging of the standing table 36 is suppressed. However, as shown in FIG. 15 , since the window gap 44 is very small, foreign matter hardly passes through the window gap 44 formed by the standing table 36 and the cap 34.

(Fourth Embodiment)
The endoscope of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the same configurations as those of the first to third embodiments are similarly designated with reference numerals, detailed description of the portions thereof will be omitted, and points different from those of the other embodiments will be described.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the standing table is in the standing position in the endoscope of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing a state in which the upright stand is in the upright position in the endoscope of the modified example of the fourth embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, the upright table 36 of the fourth embodiment does not have the protrusion 36F on the opposite surface 36B. On the other hand, the endoscope of the fourth embodiment has a bellows structure at a position that partially closes the opening window 34A between the opposite surface 36B of the treatment tool guide surface 36A of the standing table 36 and the position of the tip of the cap 34. Cover 47 is arranged.

In the fourth embodiment, since the cover 47 is arranged, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as gallstones from entering the inside of the cap 34. The cover 47 does not cover the treatment tool guide surface 36A and the base end side of the wall portion 34B of the cap 34. Therefore, the movement path of the treatment tool (not shown) does not interfere with the cover 47, and the treatment tool is smoothly operated.

Since the cover 47 has a bellows structure in which a large diameter portion 47A and a small diameter portion 47B are repeated, the cover 47 has elasticity. The cover 47 expands and contracts following the rotational movement of the standing position and the lying position of the standing table 36. The cover 47 does not interfere with the operation of the standing table 36.

A modified example of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, in the modified example of the fourth embodiment, instead of the bellows structure cover 47, the membrane structure cover 49 is the opposite surface 36B and the cap 34 of the treatment tool guide surface 36A of the standing table 36. It is arranged at a position that closes a part of the opening window 34A with the position of the tip of the opening window 34A.

Since the cover 49 is arranged, it is possible to prevent foreign substances such as gallstones from entering the inside of the cap 34. The cover 49 does not cover the treatment tool guide surface 36A and the base end side of the wall portion 34B of the cap 34. Therefore, the movement path of the treatment tool (not shown) does not interfere with the cover 49, and the treatment tool is smoothly operated.

The cover 49 is composed of a membrane structure (thin film structure), and includes a concave portion 49A and a convex portion 49B that form a corrugated shape. The concave portion 49A and the convex portion 49B are formed along the X-axis direction. Since the cover 49 has a corrugated shape, it has elasticity. The cover 49 expands and contracts following the rotational movement of the standing position and the lying position of the standing table 36. The cover 49 does not interfere with the operation of the standing table 36. I would like to illustrate the corrugated shape as the cover 49, but if the material of the cover 49 has elasticity, it is not necessary to impart the corrugated shape.

Materials such as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), PFA (tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer), fluororubber, silicone rubber, and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) can be used for the cover 47 and the cover 49.

Next, with reference to FIG. 19, the structure of the cap applicable to the first to fourth embodiments will be described.

As shown in FIG. 19, the cap 34 includes a wall portion 34B defining the opening window 34A. A bearing 34F extending in the Y-axis direction is formed inside the cap 34. The upright stand 36 includes a rotating shaft 36G integrally formed on the side of the base end surface 36D (not shown). The rotating shaft 36G is supported by the bearing 34F of the cap 34.

On the cap 34 of FIG. 19, the standing table 36 and the rotating shaft 36G are attached to the cap 34. Due to this structure, it is used as a cap 34 with a stand 36. The stand 36 and the cap 34 can be made disposable.

Although the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above examples, and it goes without saying that various improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

10 Endoscope 12 Endoscope system 14 Processor device 16 Light source device 18 Display 20 Standing operation lever 22 Operation part 24 Insertion part 26 Flexible part 28 Curved part 30 Tip part 32 Tip part Main body 34 Cap 34A Opening window 34B Wall part 34C Slope 34D Recess 34E Eaves 34F Bearing 34G Rib 36 Stand 36A Treatment tool Guide surface 36B Opposite surface 36C Side surface 36D Base end surface 36E Top surface 36F Protruding part 36F ₁ Inclined surface 36F ₂ Tip 36F ₃ Arc surface 36F ₄ Inclined surface 36G Rotating shaft 38 Channel 40 Standing operation wire 40 Wire 42 Air supply / water supply tube 44 Window gap 45 Internal space 46 Operation unit body 47 Cover 47A Large diameter 47B Small diameter 48 Grip 49 Cover 49A Concave 49B Convex 50 Convex 50 Universal cable 54 Light source Connector 56 Electric connector 57 Air supply / water supply button 58 Air supply / water supply nozzle 59 Suction button 60 Treatment tool outlet 62 Angle knob 64 Treatment tool introduction port 66 Standing stand storage space 68 Standing table storage space 68 Partition 68A Top surface 70 Partition 72 Optical system storage room 74 Lighting window 76 Observation window 78 Standing lever accommodating chamber 78A Side surface 80 Standing lever 80A Lever part 82 Through hole 84 Through hole 86 Rotating shaft 88 Hole A Diameter B Height Ax Longitudinal axis S Maximum virtual sphere SP spacing

Claims (9)

An operation unit provided with an operation member and
An insertion unit provided on the tip side of the operation unit and inserted into the subject,
The tip body, which is located at the tip of the insertion part and has a standing space for accommodating the stand,
An upright table that is arranged in the upright table accommodation space, is rotatable between an inverted position and an upright position around a rotation axis, and has a treatment tool guide surface.
A cap attached to the tip body and covering the standing space, and having a wall portion defining an opening window opened on the side facing the treatment tool guide surface.
Equipped with
When the maximum virtual sphere that can pass through the window gap formed by the standing table and the wall portion of the cap while the standing table is in the standing position is the maximum virtual sphere, the standing table is An endoscope having an internal space formed by the opposite surface of the treatment tool guide surface of the standing table and the wall portion of the cap in a state of being in an inverted position, which is large enough to accommodate the maximum virtual sphere. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the standing table has a constricted portion curved toward the treatment tool guide surface on the opposite surface. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a recess is formed in the wall portion of the cap at a position facing the opening window. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the standing table has at least one protruding portion on the opposite surface of the standing table so as to project in a direction away from the treatment tool guide surface. .. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein the at least one protrusion is composed of a plurality of protrusions at intervals along the opposite surface. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wall portion of the cap has a slope approaching the opening window toward the tip of the cap at a position facing the opening window. mirror. An operation unit provided with an operation member and
An insertion unit provided on the tip side of the operation unit and inserted into the subject,
The tip body, which is located at the tip of the insertion part and has a standing space for accommodating the stand,
An upright table that is arranged in the upright table accommodation space, is rotatable between an inverted position and an upright position around a rotation axis, and has a treatment tool guide surface.
A cap attached to the tip body and covering the standing space, and having a wall portion defining an opening window opened on the side facing the treatment tool guide surface.
A cover provided at a position that closes a part of the opening window between the opposite surface of the treatment tool guide surface of the standing table and the position of the tip of the cap is provided.
An endoscope in which the guide surface side of the treatment tool is opened and the opposite surface side of the opening window is covered with the cover . The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein the cover has a bellows structure or a membrane structure. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the standing table and the rotating shaft are attached to the cap.

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