JP2003088494A - Flexibility varying device for flexible tube part of endoscope - Google Patents
Flexibility varying device for flexible tube part of endoscopeInfo
- Publication number
- JP2003088494A JP2003088494A JP2001284597A JP2001284597A JP2003088494A JP 2003088494 A JP2003088494 A JP 2003088494A JP 2001284597 A JP2001284597 A JP 2001284597A JP 2001284597 A JP2001284597 A JP 2001284597A JP 2003088494 A JP2003088494 A JP 2003088494A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- flexible
- endoscope
- flexible tube
- treatment instrument
- bending rigidity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/012—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
- A61B1/018—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor for receiving instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00078—Insertion part of the endoscope body with stiffening means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00131—Accessories for endoscopes
- A61B1/00137—End pieces at either end of the endoscope, e.g. caps, seals or forceps plugs
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Endoscopes (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【技術分野】本発明は、内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性を変
化させる可撓性可変装置に関する。TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a flexible variable device that changes the flexibility of a flexible tube portion of an endoscope.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来技術及びその問題点】医療用や工業用の内視鏡
は、屈曲した経路の観察対象内へ挿入可能にするべく挿
入部に可撓性を有する可撓管部を設けているが、さらに
挿入作業性を良くするために、この可撓管部の可撓性
（曲げ硬度）を可変とさせるタイプの内視鏡が提案され
ている。このタイプの内視鏡は、例えば、大腸への挿入
時においてＳ字結腸部分を通すときは可撓管部を硬化さ
せ、Ｓ字結腸の通過後に可撓管部を軟化させるといった
態様で使用される。2. Description of the Related Art In medical and industrial endoscopes, a flexible tube portion having flexibility is provided in an insertion portion so that the endoscope can be inserted into an observation target in a curved path. Further, in order to improve the insertion workability, an endoscope of the type in which the flexibility (bending hardness) of this flexible tube portion is variable has been proposed. This type of endoscope is used, for example, in such a manner that the flexible tube portion is hardened when passing through the S-shaped colon portion when being inserted into the large intestine and is softened after passing through the S-shaped colon. It
【０００３】可撓管部の可撓性を変化させるための手段
としては、例えば、直線筒状のコイルが軸線方向への伸
縮によって曲げ剛性（軸線直交方向への硬度）を変化さ
せるという特性を利用したものが知られている。すなわ
ち、この種のコイルは、圧縮すれば曲がりにくくなり、
伸ばせば曲がりやすくなるので、該コイルを外部から伸
縮操作可能な状態で可撓管内に設けることで、可撓管部
の可撓性を可変にすることができる。コイルを伸縮操作
するための手段としては、該コイルの中心部にワイヤを
挿通させてコイル先端部付近に固定し、このワイヤを外
部からの操作によって牽引、弛緩させる構造が知られて
いる。すなわち、ワイヤを牽引すればコイルが圧縮さ
れ、ワイヤを弛緩させればコイルの圧縮が解除されて自
由状態に戻る。As a means for changing the flexibility of the flexible tube portion, for example, a characteristic that a linear cylindrical coil changes flexural rigidity (hardness in the direction orthogonal to the axis) by expansion and contraction in the axis direction. The one used is known. In other words, this kind of coil becomes difficult to bend when compressed,
Since it becomes easy to bend when it is extended, the flexibility of the flexible tube portion can be made variable by providing the coil in the flexible tube in a state in which it can be expanded and contracted from the outside. As a means for expanding and contracting the coil, a structure is known in which a wire is inserted through the center of the coil and fixed near the tip of the coil, and the wire is pulled and loosened by an external operation. That is, when the wire is pulled, the coil is compressed, and when the wire is loosened, the coil is decompressed and returns to the free state.
【０００４】ところで、従来の可撓性可変タイプの内視
鏡では、可撓性調整用のコイルを操作するための操作部
が内視鏡から離れて位置するものがあった。こうした可
撓性可変装置では、内視鏡の使用時に内視鏡操作者が自
ら可撓管部の可撓性を調整することができず、可撓性調
整のための補助者を必要としていた。By the way, in some conventional flexible variable type endoscopes, an operation section for operating a coil for flexibility adjustment is located away from the endoscope. In such a flexible variable device, the endoscope operator cannot adjust the flexibility of the flexible tube portion by himself / herself when the endoscope is used, and an assistant for adjusting the flexibility is required. .
【０００５】そこで本出願人は、内視鏡の処置具挿入口
突起の処置具挿入口から可撓管部内に可撓性調整用のコ
イルを内蔵する曲げ剛性調整具を挿入して、この曲げ剛
性調整具に設けられた可撓性調整操作環を内視鏡作業者
が回転操作することにより、上記コイルの圧縮とその解
除を行えるようにした発明を完成し、既に特許出願して
いる（特願平２００１-１３７６９２号）。Therefore, the applicant of the present invention inserts a bending rigidity adjusting tool having a coil for flexibility adjustment into the flexible tube portion from the treatment tool insertion opening of the treatment tool insertion opening projection of the endoscope, and bends the bending rigidity adjuster. An invention has been completed in which an endoscope operator can rotate the flexible adjustment operation ring provided on the rigidity adjusting tool to compress and release the coil, and a patent has already been applied for ( Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-137692).
【０００６】しかし、この内視鏡ではさらに、曲げ剛性
調整具を処置具挿入口に挿入している際に、処置具挿入
口に鉗子や高周波焼灼処置具等の処置具を挿入したり、
処置具挿入口から内視鏡の内部に水や液状の薬品等を入
れることを可能にすることが望まれている。However, in this endoscope, while the bending rigidity adjusting tool is being inserted into the treatment tool insertion opening, a treatment tool such as forceps or an induction cauterization treatment tool is inserted into the treatment tool insertion opening,
It is desired to allow water, liquid chemicals, or the like to enter the endoscope from the treatment instrument insertion port.
【０００７】[0007]
【発明の目的】本発明は、簡単な構造で、内視鏡操作者
が容易に可撓管部の可撓性を調整できるとともに、曲げ
剛性調整具を内視鏡から取り外すことなく、内視鏡の内
部に、処置具や水、液状の薬品等の処置用挿入物を入れ
ることができるようにした内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性可
変装置を提供することを目的とする。It is an object of the present invention to provide an endoscope operator with a simple structure so that the flexibility of a flexible tube portion can be easily adjusted, and an endoscope can be used without removing the bending rigidity adjusting tool from the endoscope. It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope, which allows a treatment instrument, a treatment insert such as water, a liquid chemical, or the like to be placed inside the mirror.
【０００８】[0008]
【発明の概要】本発明は、可撓管部内に処置具挿通用管
路を有し、この可撓管部に接続される操作部側に、この
処置具挿通用管路に連通する処置具挿入口を有する内視
鏡において、上記内視鏡とは別部材として、上記処置具
挿入口を介して処置具挿通用管路内に挿脱可能で、自身
の曲げ剛性を変化させることができる曲げ剛性調整具を
設け、この曲げ剛性調整具に、該曲げ剛性調整具の内部
を全長にわたって貫通する、処置用挿入物を通すための
挿入孔を形成したことを特徴としている。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has a treatment instrument insertion conduit in a flexible tube portion, and a treatment instrument communicating with the treatment instrument insertion conduit on an operation portion side connected to the flexible tube portion. In an endoscope having an insertion opening, as a member separate from the endoscope, it can be inserted into and removed from the treatment instrument insertion conduit via the treatment instrument insertion opening, and its bending rigidity can be changed. A bending rigidity adjusting tool is provided, and the bending rigidity adjusting tool is formed with an insertion hole that penetrates the inside of the bending rigidity adjusting tool for the entire length of the treatment insert.
【０００９】上記曲げ剛性調整具に、自由状態で直線状
をなし軸線方向への伸縮により曲げ剛性を変化させる、
上記処置具挿入口を介して処置具挿通用管路に対し挿脱
可能な曲げ剛性可変体と、この曲げ剛性可変体の基部に
設けられ、該曲げ剛性可変体を伸縮させて曲げ剛性を変
化させるための操作機構部と、上記曲げ剛性可変体を処
置具挿通用管路に挿入した状態で上記操作機構部を上記
処置具挿入口に対し着脱可能とする曲げ剛性調整具着脱
機構とを設けるのが好ましい。The bending rigidity adjusting tool is linear in a free state, and the bending rigidity is changed by expansion and contraction in the axial direction.
A bending rigidity variable body that can be inserted into and removed from the treatment tool insertion conduit via the treatment tool insertion port and a base portion of the bending rigidity variable body, and the bending rigidity is changed by expanding and contracting the bending rigidity variable body. And a bending rigidity adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism that allows the operating mechanism section to be attached / detached to / from the treatment instrument insertion port in a state where the bending stiffness varying body is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion conduit. Is preferred.
【００１０】上記曲げ剛性可変体をコイル体とし、少な
くとも一部が上記コイル体の中心部に挿入され、両端が
開口する筒状をなすとともに、先端部が上記コイル体の
先端部にコイル体を伸縮可能な態様で係合し、かつ少な
くとも上記コイル体に挿入された部分が可撓性を有する
材料から形成された、内部に処置用挿入物を通すことが
できる筒状牽引部材を設け、上記操作機構部が、上記筒
状牽引部材を上記コイル体に対して軸線方向に相対移動
させることにより上記コイル体を伸縮させるのが好まし
い。The bending rigidity variable body is used as a coil body, and at least a part thereof is inserted into the central portion of the coil body so as to have a cylindrical shape with both ends open, and the tip end portion of the coil body is attached to the tip end portion of the coil body. A tubular traction member, which is engaged in an extendable manner and at least a portion of which is inserted into the coil body, is made of a flexible material and through which a treatment insert can be inserted, is provided. It is preferable that the operation mechanism section expands and contracts the coil body by moving the tubular traction member relative to the coil body in the axial direction.
【００１１】また、上記コイル体の外周面を、可撓性材
料からなる筒状のシースで覆うのが好ましい。Further, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the coil body is covered with a tubular sheath made of a flexible material.
【００１２】上記内視鏡の処置具挿入口突起が、上記処
置具挿入口を有し、該処置具挿入口の内面を、処置具挿
入口突起の突出端部方向に進むにつれて徐々に内径サイ
ズを大きくする円錐状のテーパ内周面とした内面テーパ
筒状部と、該内面テーパ筒状部の外面から径方向に突出
するフランジ突起とを有し、上記曲げ剛性調整具に設け
た曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構が、上記操作機構部に設け
た、先端側に進むにつれて徐々に外径サイズを小さくす
る円錐状のテーパ外周面を有する外面テーパ突起と、該
外面テーパ突起を囲む筒状囲繞壁の内周面に形成した、
上記フランジ突起が螺合可能な内面ねじ溝とを有し、上
記フランジ突起を上記内面ねじ溝に螺合させることによ
って、上記外面テーパ突起が上記内面テーパ筒状部の処
置具挿入口内に挿入されて上記テーパ外周面とテーパ内
周面が密着し、操作機構部が処置具挿入口突起に固定さ
れるようにすることができ、上記フランジ突起を、上記
内面テーパ筒状部の径方向の対向位置に一対設け、上記
内面ねじ溝を、該一対のフランジ突起が係合可能な二条
ねじとすることができ、上記外面テーパ突起は、その先
端部に、上記曲げ剛性可変体の端部が嵌まる凹部を有し
ているのが好ましい。また、上記外面テーパ突起に、上
記曲げ剛性可変体と上記筒状牽引部材が挿通可能な貫通
孔を形成することができる。The treatment instrument insertion port protrusion of the endoscope has the treatment instrument insertion port, and the inner diameter size gradually increases along the inner surface of the treatment instrument insertion port toward the protruding end portion of the treatment instrument insertion port protrusion. Bending rigidity provided in the bending rigidity adjusting tool, which has an inner taper cylindrical portion having a conical taper inner peripheral surface for increasing the diameter and a flange projection protruding radially from the outer surface of the inner taper cylindrical portion. An adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism is provided in the operation mechanism section, and has an outer taper projection having a conical taper outer peripheral surface whose outer diameter size is gradually reduced toward the tip side, and a cylindrical surrounding wall surrounding the outer taper projection. Formed on the inner surface of
The flange projection has an inner thread groove that can be screwed, and the outer taper projection is inserted into the treatment tool insertion port of the inner taper tubular portion by screwing the flange projection into the inner thread groove. The taper outer peripheral surface and the taper inner peripheral surface are in close contact with each other so that the operation mechanism portion can be fixed to the treatment instrument insertion port projection. A pair of screws can be provided at a position, and the inner thread groove can be a double thread screw that can be engaged with the pair of flange projections. The outer taper projection is fitted with the end portion of the bending rigidity variable body at its tip end portion. It is preferable to have a round recess. Further, a through hole through which the variable bending rigidity body and the tubular traction member can be inserted can be formed in the outer taper protrusion.
【００１３】上記曲げ剛性調整具の操作機構部は、正逆
方向の回動操作によって、上記曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構
を介して該操作機構部を上記処置具挿入口突起に対して
固定または取り外しさせる着脱操作環と、該着脱操作環
と略共通の回動中心による正逆方向の回動操作によっ
て、上記曲げ剛性可変体を硬化または軟化させる可撓性
調整操作環とを備えているものとすることができる。上
記着脱操作環による操作機構部の固定用の回動方向と、
上記可撓性調整操作環による曲げ剛性可変体の硬化用の
回動方向は同じであるのが好ましく、さらに、上記着脱
操作環の内周面に上記内面ねじ溝を形成することができ
る。The operation mechanism portion of the bending rigidity adjusting tool is fixed or removed from the treatment tool insertion port projection through the bending rigidity adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism by a rotational operation in the forward and reverse directions. And a flexible adjusting operation ring that hardens or softens the bending rigidity variable body by a rotating operation in forward and reverse directions about a rotation center substantially common to the attaching and detaching operation ring. can do. A rotation direction for fixing the operation mechanism section by the attachment / detachment operation ring,
It is preferable that the flexible adjusting operation ring has the same rotating direction for curing the bending rigidity variable body, and further, the inner thread groove can be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the attaching / detaching operation ring.
【００１４】[0014]
【発明の実施の形態】図１ないし図７を参照して、本発
明による内視鏡の可撓性可変装置の第１の実施形態を説
明する。図１に示す電子内視鏡１０は医療用の内視鏡で
あり、体腔内に挿入される挿入部１１とその基部側に接
続された操作部１２を有している。挿入部１１は、先端
側から順に先端部１３、湾曲部１４及び可撓管部１５を
有しており、さらに可撓管部１５が連結部１６を介して
操作部１２に接続している。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A first embodiment of an endoscope flexible variable device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The electronic endoscope 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a medical endoscope and has an insertion portion 11 to be inserted into a body cavity and an operation portion 12 connected to the base side thereof. The insertion portion 11 has a tip portion 13, a bending portion 14, and a flexible tube portion 15 in this order from the tip end side, and the flexible tube portion 15 is connected to the operation portion 12 via a connecting portion 16.
【００１５】先端部１３は、硬性部材からなる先端部本
体（不図示）を有し、この先端部本体に、対物レンズ保
持孔、配光レンズ保持孔、送気送水チャンネル出口、処
置具挿通チャンネル出口１８（図２）等が形成されてい
る。対物レンズ保持孔と配光レンズ保持孔には、結像用
の対物レンズと照明用の配光レンズが保持されている。The tip portion 13 has a tip portion main body (not shown) made of a hard member, and an objective lens holding hole, a light distribution lens holding hole, an air / water feeding channel outlet, and a treatment instrument insertion channel are provided in the tip portion main body. The outlet 18 (FIG. 2) and the like are formed. An objective lens for image formation and a light distribution lens for illumination are held in the objective lens holding hole and the light distribution lens holding hole.
【００１６】湾曲部１４内には、軸線と直交する軸を中
心に相対回動可能に連結された複数の節輪（湾曲駒）
が、その軸線方向に並べて設けられている。操作部１２
に設けた湾曲操作ノブ２０Ａ、２０Ｂを回動操作するこ
とによって、不図示の複数の湾曲操作ワイヤが牽引また
は弛緩されて、複数の節輪を相対回動させる。すると、
湾曲部１４が湾曲される。具体的には、湾曲操作ノブ２
０Ａを正逆方向に回動操作すると、一対の湾曲操作ワイ
ヤを介して湾曲部１４が左右方向に湾曲し、湾曲操作ノ
ブ２０Ｂを正逆方向に回動操作すると、別の一対の湾曲
操作ワイヤを介して湾曲部１４は上下方向に湾曲する。
さらに、湾曲部１４の湾曲状態は、ロックノブ２１Ａや
ロックレバー２１Ｂを操作することによって固定させる
ことが可能である。In the bending portion 14, a plurality of node rings (bending pieces) connected so as to be rotatable relative to each other around an axis orthogonal to the axis.
Are arranged side by side in the axial direction. Operation unit 12
By rotating the bending operation knobs 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B provided in the, the plurality of bending operation wires (not shown) are pulled or loosened to relatively rotate the plurality of node rings. Then,
The bending portion 14 is bent. Specifically, the bending operation knob 2
When 0A is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, the bending portion 14 is bent in the left and right directions through the pair of bending operation wires, and when the bending operation knob 20B is rotated in the forward and reverse directions, another pair of bending operation wires is bent. The bending portion 14 bends in the vertical direction via the.
Further, the bending state of the bending portion 14 can be fixed by operating the lock knob 21A and the lock lever 21B.
【００１７】操作部１２からはユニバーサルチューブ２
５が延出しており、該ユニバーサルチューブ２５の端部
には、不図示のプロセッサに接続するコネクタ部２６が
設けられている。コネクタ部２６には、不図示の信号伝
送用ケーブルやライトガイドの端部、送気チューブや送
水チューブの入口部等が設けられており、コネクタ部２
６をプロセッサに接続することによって、これらの各部
は、プロセッサ側の画像処理装置、光源及び送気送水源
に接続される。From the operation section 12, the universal tube 2
5 extends, and a connector portion 26 for connecting to a processor (not shown) is provided at an end portion of the universal tube 25. The connector portion 26 is provided with a signal transmission cable (not shown), an end portion of a light guide, and an inlet portion of an air supply tube or a water supply tube, which are not shown.
By connecting 6 to the processor, these units are connected to the image processing device, the light source, and the air / water supply source on the processor side.
【００１８】先端部１３内には、対物レンズの背後にＣ
ＣＤが設けられており、対物レンズから該ＣＣＤの受光
面に入った観察対象の像は光電変換され、ＣＣＤからユ
ニバーサルチューブ２５のコネクタ部２６まで配設され
た前述の信号伝送用ケーブルを介して、電子画像として
プロセッサに送られる。プロセッサでは、電子画像をモ
ニタに表示したり画像記録媒体に記録することができ
る。操作部１２には、画像処理関連の遠隔操作を行うた
めの複数のリモート操作ボタンスイッチ２７が設けられ
ている。また、配光レンズには、ユニバーサルチューブ
２５のコネクタ部２６から先端部１３まで配設された前
述のライトガイドを介して、プロセッサに設けた光源か
らの照明光が与えられる。Inside the tip portion 13, there is a C behind the objective lens.
A CD is provided, and an image of an observation object entered from the objective lens into the light receiving surface of the CCD is photoelectrically converted, and the signal is transmitted from the CCD to the connector portion 26 of the universal tube 25 through the signal transmission cable described above. , Sent to the processor as an electronic image. The processor can display the electronic image on a monitor or record it on an image recording medium. The operation unit 12 is provided with a plurality of remote operation button switches 27 for performing remote operations related to image processing. Further, the light distribution lens is given illumination light from a light source provided in the processor through the above-mentioned light guide provided from the connector portion 26 of the universal tube 25 to the tip portion 13.
【００１９】操作部１２には、リモート操作ボタンスイ
ッチ２７の近傍位置に送気送水ボタン２８が設けられて
おり、送気送水ボタン２８を押圧すると、プロセッサ側
の送気源または送水源から前述の送気チューブや送水チ
ューブに送り込まれた空気や液体が、先端部１３の送気
送水チャンネル出口から噴射される。The operation section 12 is provided with an air / water supply button 28 in the vicinity of the remote operation button switch 27. When the air / water supply button 28 is pressed, the above-mentioned air supply source or water supply source on the processor side is operated. The air or liquid sent into the air supply tube or the water supply tube is jetted from the air supply / water supply channel outlet of the tip portion 13.
【００２０】電子内視鏡１０の連結部１６には、鉗子や
高周波焼灼処置具といった処置具挿入用の処置具挿入口
突起３０が設けられており、処置具挿入口突起３０から
内視鏡内方に向けて、処置具挿通硬性管３１（図２）が
延設されている。この処置具挿通硬性管３１には処置具
挿通軟性管３２が接続しており、処置具挿通硬性管３１
と処置具挿通軟性管３２によって処置具挿通チャンネル
（処置具挿通用管路）が構成されている。処置具挿通軟
性管３２の先端部は、先端部１３に形成した前述の処置
具挿通チャンネル出口１８に臨んでいる。図２に示すよ
うに、処置具挿通硬性管３１は連結部１６内に位置し、
処置具挿通軟性管３２は、連結部１６の一部と、可撓管
部１５と湾曲部１４の全体を連通して配設されている。
なお、処置具挿通チャンネルには、図示しない吸引チュ
ーブが接続しており、この吸引チューブは、電子内視鏡
１０の外部に設けた図示されない負圧源（吸引源）に接
続されている。The connecting portion 16 of the electronic endoscope 10 is provided with a treatment instrument insertion port projection 30 for inserting a treatment instrument such as forceps or a high-frequency cautery treatment instrument. From the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30 to the inside of the endoscope. A treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31 (FIG. 2) is extended toward the direction. The treatment instrument insertion hard tube 31 is connected to the treatment instrument insertion soft tube 32, and the treatment instrument insertion hard tube 31 is connected.
The treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 constitutes a treatment instrument insertion channel (treatment instrument insertion channel). The distal end portion of the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 faces the above-described treatment instrument insertion channel outlet 18 formed in the tip portion 13. As shown in FIG. 2, the treatment instrument insertion rigid tube 31 is located in the connection portion 16,
The treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 is provided so as to communicate a part of the connecting portion 16 with the entire flexible tube portion 15 and the bending portion 14.
A suction tube (not shown) is connected to the treatment instrument insertion channel, and the suction tube is connected to a negative pressure source (suction source) (not shown) provided outside the electronic endoscope 10.
【００２１】処置具挿通チャンネルに対しては、後述す
る曲げ剛性調整具４０と処置具挿入口突起３０を介して
鉗子や高周波焼灼処置具等の処置具Ａ（後述）を挿入す
ることと、吸引チューブを介して負圧源から負圧をかけ
ることが可能である。処置具挿通チャンネルを処置具Ａ
の挿通管路として使用する場合は、曲げ剛性調整具４０
と処置具挿入口突起３０を介して挿入された処置具は、
処置具挿通チャンネル出口１８から突出される。一方、
処置具挿通チャンネルを吸引用の管路として使用すると
きには、操作部１２に設けた吸引ボタン２９を押圧す
る。すると、負圧源側の管路と処置具挿通チャンネルが
連通されて、負圧が処置具挿通チャンネルに作用し、処
置具挿通チャンネル出口１８から体液等の液体を吸引す
ることができる。Inserting a treatment tool A (described later) such as forceps or an induction cauterization treatment tool into the treatment tool insertion channel through a bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 and a treatment tool insertion port projection 30 which will be described later, and suction. It is possible to apply a negative pressure from a negative pressure source via a tube. Insert the treatment instrument insertion channel into treatment instrument A
When used as an insertion conduit for a
The treatment instrument inserted through the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30 is
It is projected from the treatment instrument insertion channel outlet 18. on the other hand,
When the treatment instrument insertion channel is used as a suction conduit, the suction button 29 provided on the operation unit 12 is pressed. Then, the conduit on the negative pressure source side and the treatment instrument insertion channel are communicated with each other, and negative pressure acts on the treatment instrument insertion channel, so that liquid such as body fluid can be sucked from the treatment instrument insertion channel outlet 18.
【００２２】前述のように、湾曲部１４は湾曲操作ノブ
２０Ａ、２０Ｂの操作によって任意に曲げることがで
き、可撓管部１５も可撓性を有しており、この可撓管部
１５と湾曲部１４を連通する一連の処置具挿通軟性管３
２は、湾曲部１４の湾曲操作や可撓管部１５の変形に対
応するように可撓性を有している。As described above, the bending portion 14 can be arbitrarily bent by operating the bending operation knobs 20A and 20B, and the flexible tube portion 15 also has flexibility. A series of treatment instrument insertion flexible tubes 3 communicating the bending portion 14
2 has flexibility so as to correspond to the bending operation of the bending portion 14 and the deformation of the flexible tube portion 15.
【００２３】図３に示すように、処置具挿入口突起３０
にはルアー口金部（内面テーパ筒状部）３５が設けられ
ている。ルアー口金部３５は処置具挿通硬性管３１に連
通する処置具挿入口３４を有する筒状をなし、該処置具
挿入口３４の内面として、処置具挿入口突起３０の突出
端部方向（内視鏡外方）へ進むにつれて徐々に内径サイ
ズを大きくするテーパ内周面３６（図６）が形成されて
いる。また、ルアー口金部３５の先端付近の外周面に
は、径方向外方に向けて突出する一対のフランジ突起３
７が形成されている。一対のフランジ突起３７は、ルア
ー口金部３５の軸線を挟んだ径方向の対向位置に設けら
れている。処置具挿入口突起３０には、ルアー口金部３
５を着脱自在に覆うことができるとともに、スリット３
８ａ（図７参照）が形成された、ゴム等の弾性材料から
なる鉗子栓３８が付属している。As shown in FIG. 3, the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30
A luer mouthpiece portion (inner surface tapered cylindrical portion) 35 is provided on the. The luer mouth part 35 has a tubular shape having a treatment tool insertion port 34 that communicates with the treatment tool insertion rigid tube 31. A tapered inner peripheral surface 36 (FIG. 6) is formed in which the inner diameter size gradually increases toward the outside of the mirror. Further, a pair of flange projections 3 protruding outward in the radial direction are formed on the outer peripheral surface near the tip of the lure cap 35.
7 are formed. The pair of flange projections 37 are provided at radially opposed positions with the axis of the luer cap 35 interposed therebetween. The treatment tool insertion port projection 30 has a luer mouthpiece 3
5 can be detachably covered and the slit 3
A forceps plug 38 made of an elastic material such as rubber, in which 8a (see FIG. 7) is formed, is attached.
【００２４】ルアー口金部３５には、可撓管部１５の可
撓性を変化させるための曲げ剛性調整具４０を着脱可能
である。曲げ剛性調整具４０は、大きく分けて、処置具
挿入口突起３０の外側に位置する操作機構部４１と、処
置具挿通チャンネル（処置具挿通硬性管３１及び処置具
挿通軟性管３２）に対して挿入される曲げ剛性可変コイ
ル部４２からなっている。A bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 for changing the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 can be attached to and detached from the luer mouth portion 35. The bending rigidity adjuster 40 is roughly divided into an operation mechanism portion 41 located outside the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30 and a treatment instrument insertion channel (the treatment instrument insertion hard tube 31 and the treatment instrument insertion soft tube 32). The bending stiffness variable coil portion 42 is inserted.
【００２５】図６に示すように、操作機構部４１にはベ
ース筒４３が設けられ、このベース筒４３には、外面テ
ーパ突起４４、細密雄ねじ４５、筒状牽引部材移動空間
４６が形成されている。外面テーパ突起４４の外周面
は、外面テーパ突起４４の先端側に進むにつれて徐々に
外径サイズを小さくする円錐状のテーパ外周面４７とし
て形成されている。外面テーパ突起４４の内部には貫通
孔４４ａが形成されており、貫通孔４４ａの内周面には
コイル収納孔（凹部）４８が形成されている。ベース筒
４３の外周に設けた細密雄ねじ４５には、着脱操作環５
０の内周面に形成した細密雌ねじ４９が螺合しており、
この細密雌ねじ４９と細密雄ねじ４５の螺合関係によっ
て、着脱操作環５０をベース筒４３に対して回転させる
ことができる。細密ねじ４５、４９は、着脱操作環５０
の回転に伴う着脱操作環５０の軸線方向移動が小さくな
るように、ねじの傾斜等が設定されている。As shown in FIG. 6, the operating mechanism 41 is provided with a base cylinder 43, and the base cylinder 43 is provided with an outer taper projection 44, a fine male screw 45, and a tubular traction member moving space 46. There is. The outer peripheral surface of the outer tapered protrusion 44 is formed as a conical tapered outer peripheral surface 47 whose outer diameter size is gradually reduced toward the tip side of the outer tapered protrusion 44. A through hole 44a is formed inside the outer surface tapered protrusion 44, and a coil housing hole (recess) 48 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 44a. The fine male screw 45 provided on the outer periphery of the base cylinder 43 is attached to the attachment / detachment operation ring 5
A fine female screw 49 formed on the inner peripheral surface of 0 is screwed,
Due to the screwing relationship between the fine female screw 49 and the fine male screw 45, the attachment / detachment operation ring 50 can be rotated with respect to the base cylinder 43. The fine screws 45 and 49 are attached / detached operation ring 50.
The inclination of the screw or the like is set so that the movement of the attachment / detachment operation ring 50 in the axial direction due to the rotation of is reduced.
【００２６】着脱操作環５０にはさらに、外面テーパ突
起４４と略同心の筒状囲繞壁５２が形成されており、筒
状囲繞壁５２の内面には、外面テーパ突起４４のテーパ
外周面４７を囲む態様で、ルアー口金部３５の一対のフ
ランジ突起３７が螺合可能な二条ねじ（内面ねじ溝）５
３が形成されている。この二条ねじ５３を含む筒状囲繞
壁５２と外面テーパ突起４４は、処置具挿入口突起３０
のルアー口金部３５に対して着脱可能なルアー口金受け
部（曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構）５４を構成している。The attachment / detachment operation ring 50 is further formed with a cylindrical surrounding wall 52 which is substantially concentric with the outer taper projection 44. The inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical surrounding wall 52 has a tapered outer peripheral surface 47 of the outer taper projection 44. A double thread (inner thread groove) 5 with which the pair of flange projections 37 of the luer cap portion 35 can be screwed together in a surrounding manner.
3 is formed. The tubular surrounding wall 52 including the double-threaded screw 53 and the outer surface taper protrusion 44 form the treatment instrument insertion port protrusion 30.
A luer mouthpiece receiving portion (bending rigidity adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism) 54 that is attachable / detachable to / from the luer mouthpiece portion 35 is configured.
【００２７】ベース筒４３の外面テーパ突起４４と反対
側の端部には、着脱操作環５０と略同心をなす筒状の可
撓性調整操作環５５が、回転自在かつベース筒４３の長
手方向に移動不能として取り付けられている。可撓性調
整操作環５５の内周面には雌ねじ５６が形成されてお
り、この雌ねじ５６には、筒状牽引部材移動空間４６と
可撓性調整操作環５５の内側に配設された硬質筒状牽引
部材５７の外周面に形成された雄ねじ５８が螺合してい
る。硬質筒状牽引部材５７の基端部は可撓性調整操作環
５５の外側に突出しており、硬質筒状牽引部材５７の外
周面に形成された硬質筒状牽引部材５７の長手方向を向
く溝５９には、ベース筒４３の内周面に突設された回り
止め片６０が係合している。At the end of the base cylinder 43 opposite to the outer surface taper protrusion 44, a cylindrical flexible adjustment operation ring 55 which is substantially concentric with the attachment / detachment operation ring 50 is rotatable and is in the longitudinal direction of the base cylinder 43. It is attached as immovable to. A female screw 56 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the flexible adjusting operation ring 55, and the female screw 56 has a hard space disposed inside the tubular traction member moving space 46 and the flexible adjusting operation ring 55. A male screw 58 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular traction member 57 is screwed. The base end portion of the rigid tubular traction member 57 projects to the outside of the flexible adjustment operation ring 55, and is a groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rigid tubular traction member 57 and extending in the longitudinal direction of the rigid tubular traction member 57. A detent piece 60 protruding from the inner peripheral surface of the base cylinder 43 is engaged with 59.
【００２８】硬質筒状牽引部材５７の先端部には、硬質
筒状牽引部材５７よりも長く、かつフッ素樹脂等の可撓
性のある材料からなる軟質筒状牽引部材６１の基端部が
固着されている。軟質筒状牽引部材６１の基部を除く部
分は、外面テーパ突起４４に形成された貫通孔４４ａを
通ってベース筒４３の外側に突出しており、その先端部
には環状フランジ６２が形成されている。硬質筒状牽引
部材５７と軟質筒状牽引部材６１の内部は、後述する処
置具Ａや水、液状の薬品等の処置用挿入物を入れるため
の挿入孔５７ａ、６１ａとなっており、上記の硬質筒状
牽引部材５７と軟質筒状牽引部材６１により、筒状牽引
部材６３が構成されている。The base end of a soft tubular traction member 61, which is longer than the hard tubular traction member 57 and is made of a flexible material such as fluororesin, is fixed to the tip of the hard tubular traction member 57. Has been done. A portion of the soft tubular traction member 61 excluding the base portion projects to the outside of the base cylinder 43 through a through hole 44a formed in the outer taper projection 44, and an annular flange 62 is formed at the tip portion thereof. . The insides of the hard tubular traction member 57 and the soft tubular traction member 61 are insertion holes 57a and 61a for inserting a treatment instrument A, which will be described later, and a treatment insert such as water or liquid chemicals. The rigid tubular traction member 57 and the soft tubular traction member 61 form a tubular traction member 63.
【００２９】軟質筒状牽引部材６１の基端部を除く部分
の外周面は、曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２を構成するコイ
ル（曲げ剛性可変体、コイル体）６４により覆われてい
る。コイル６４は、自由状態で直線状をなす筒状コイル
であり、その軸線方向に伸縮可能である。コイル６４の
基端部はコイル収納孔４８に収納され、その端面がコイ
ル収納孔４８の底面に当接しており、コイル６４の先端
部は環状フランジ６２に当接している。The outer peripheral surface of the portion other than the base end portion of the soft tubular traction member 61 is covered with a coil (bending rigidity variable body, coil body) 64 which constitutes the bending rigidity variable coil portion 42. The coil 64 is a tubular coil that is linear in a free state, and is expandable and contractable in the axial direction. The base end of the coil 64 is housed in the coil housing hole 48, the end surface of which is in contact with the bottom surface of the coil housing hole 48, and the tip of the coil 64 is in contact with the annular flange 62.
【００３０】以上の曲げ剛性調整具４０の着脱及び使用
の態様を説明する。曲げ剛性調整具４０を処置具挿入口
突起３０に対して装着する際には、図３のように処置具
挿入口３４から鉗子栓３８を取り外した状態で、処置具
挿入口３４内に曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２を挿入する。
ルアー口金部３５の開口は処置具挿通硬性管３１に通じ
ており、処置具挿通硬性管３１は処置具挿通軟性管３２
に通じているため、挿入を続けると、曲げ剛性可変コイ
ル部４２が、処置具挿通軟性管３２内まで挿入される。
曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２が挿入されると、曲げ剛性調
整具４０の操作機構部４１を構成するルアー口金受け部
５４（外面テーパ突起４４、筒状囲繞壁５２及び二条ね
じ５３）が、処置具挿入口突起３０のルアー口金部３５
に接近する。The manner of attachment / detachment and use of the above-described bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 will be described. When the bending stiffness adjusting tool 40 is attached to the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30, the bending stiffness is adjusted in the treatment instrument insertion port 34 with the forceps plug 38 removed from the treatment instrument insertion port 34 as shown in FIG. The variable coil unit 42 is inserted.
The opening of the lure mouth portion 35 communicates with the treatment instrument insertion hard tube 31, and the treatment instrument insertion hard tube 31 is the treatment instrument insertion soft tube 32.
Therefore, when the insertion is continued, the bending rigidity variable coil portion 42 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32.
When the bending rigidity variable coil portion 42 is inserted, the luer mouthpiece receiving portion 54 (the outer surface taper protrusion 44, the cylindrical surrounding wall 52 and the double thread 53) that constitutes the operation mechanism portion 41 of the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 is treated. Luer mouthpiece portion 35 of the insertion mouth protrusion 30
Approach.
【００３１】ここで、ルアー口金部３５の一対のフラン
ジ突起３７を二条ねじ５３にねじ込ませる方向に着脱操
作環５０を回転させる。すると、一対のフランジ突起３
７が二条ねじ５３に螺合して案内され、ルアー口金受け
部５４がルアー口金部３５へ接近する方向に移動する。
その結果、ルアー口金受け部５４側の外面テーパ突起４
４がルアー口金部３５の処置具挿入口３４内に挿入さ
れ、そのテーパ外周面４７がルアー口金部３５のテーパ
内周面３６に押し付けられて両テーパ面が密着する。つ
まり、一対のフランジ突起３７を二条ねじ５３に螺合さ
せることによって、ルアー口金部３５に対してルアー口
金受け部５４が圧入状態で結合され、図４に示すよう
に、内視鏡１０に対して曲げ剛性調整具４０が装着され
る。このように曲げ剛性調整具４０をルアー口金部３５
に装着したら、図７に示すように、曲げ剛性調整具４０
の硬質筒状牽引部材５７の開口端部５７ｂに鉗子栓３８
を装着する。曲げ剛性調整具４０を取り外す際には、着
脱操作環５０を装着時と反対方向に回転させればよい。
すると、ルアー口金部３５とルアー口金受け部５４は二
条ねじ５３と一対のフランジ突起３７に従って互いの離
間方向に案内され、テーパ内周面３６とテーパ外周面４
７の密着状態が解除される。Here, the attachment / detachment operation ring 50 is rotated in a direction in which the pair of flange projections 37 of the lure cap portion 35 are screwed into the double thread 53. Then, the pair of flange protrusions 3
7 is guided by being screwed into the double-threaded screw 53, and the luer mouthpiece receiving portion 54 moves in a direction approaching the lure mouthpiece portion 35.
As a result, the outer surface tapered protrusion 4 on the luer cap receiving portion 54 side
4 is inserted into the treatment tool insertion opening 34 of the luer mouthpiece 35, and its tapered outer peripheral surface 47 is pressed against the tapered inner peripheral surface 36 of the luer mouthpiece 35 so that both tapered surfaces are in close contact with each other. That is, by screwing the pair of flange projections 37 into the double thread 53, the luer cap receiving portion 54 is press-fitted to the luer cap portion 35, and as shown in FIG. The bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 is attached. In this way, the bending rigidity adjuster 40 is attached to the luer mouthpiece 35.
When mounted on, the bending stiffness adjusting tool 40, as shown in FIG.
Of the rigid tubular traction member 57 of FIG.
Put on. When removing the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40, the attachment / detachment operation ring 50 may be rotated in the direction opposite to that at the time of attachment.
Then, the luer cap portion 35 and the luer cap receiving portion 54 are guided in the mutually separating direction by the double-threaded screw 53 and the pair of flange projections 37, and the tapered inner peripheral surface 36 and the tapered outer peripheral surface 4 are guided.
The close contact state of 7 is released.
【００３２】図２に示すように、曲げ剛性調整具４０を
装着した状態では、処置具挿通軟性管３２に挿入された
曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２は、その先端部が可撓管部１
５の先端部付近（湾曲部１４の近傍）に位置している。
ここで、可撓性調整操作環５５を回動させることによっ
て、可撓管部１５の可撓性を変化させることが可能であ
る。具体的には、次のような態様で可撓管部１５の可撓
性が変化する。As shown in FIG. 2, when the bending rigidity adjuster 40 is mounted, the bending rigidity variable coil portion 42 inserted into the treatment instrument insertion flexible tube 32 has a distal end portion which is the flexible tube portion 1.
5 is located near the tip (near the curved portion 14).
Here, the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 can be changed by rotating the flexibility adjusting operation ring 55. Specifically, the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 changes in the following manner.
【００３３】可撓性調整操作環５５が回動すると、溝５
９と回り止め片６０によって軸線回りの回転が禁止され
ている硬質筒状牽引部材５７がベース筒４３の長手方向
に移動し、筒状牽引部材６３全体がベース筒４３の長手
方向に移動する。筒状牽引部材６３が移動するとコイル
６４が伸縮する。例えば、図６中の右方向に筒状牽引部
材６３が移動すると、環状フランジ６２とコイル収納孔
４８の距離が短くなりコイル６４が圧縮され、左方向に
筒状牽引部材６３が移動すると、環状フランジ６２とコ
イル収納孔４８の距離が長くなりコイル６４が伸びる。
コイル６４は、圧縮されると曲がりにくく（硬く）な
り、伸ばされると（圧縮を解除すると）曲がりやすく
（柔らかく）なる特性を有しているため、圧縮されたコ
イル６４は、自由状態に比して曲げ剛性が増して曲がり
にくくなる。よって、コイル６４を内部に位置させてい
る可撓管部１５の曲げ硬度も増す。コイル６４の曲げ剛
性、すなわち可撓管部１５の硬化の程度は、可撓性調整
操作環５５の回動操作量によって調整することができ
る。なお、曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２は、湾曲部１４内
までは達していないため、可撓管部１５の可撓性が変化
しても湾曲部１４の硬さ、すなわち湾曲操作性には影響
しない。When the flexibility adjusting operation ring 55 rotates, the groove 5
The rigid tubular traction member 57, which is prevented from rotating around the axis by the rotation stopper 9 and the rotation stopper piece 60, moves in the longitudinal direction of the base cylinder 43, and the entire tubular traction member 63 moves in the longitudinal direction of the base cylinder 43. When the tubular pulling member 63 moves, the coil 64 expands and contracts. For example, when the tubular traction member 63 moves to the right in FIG. 6, the distance between the annular flange 62 and the coil housing hole 48 decreases, the coil 64 is compressed, and when the tubular traction member 63 moves to the left, The distance between the flange 62 and the coil housing hole 48 becomes longer, and the coil 64 extends.
The coil 64 has a characteristic that it is hard to bend (hard) when compressed, and it is easy to bend (soft when it is released from compression) when extended (compressed). The bending rigidity increases and it becomes difficult to bend. Therefore, the bending hardness of the flexible tube portion 15 in which the coil 64 is located inside is also increased. The bending rigidity of the coil 64, that is, the degree of hardening of the flexible tube portion 15 can be adjusted by the amount of turning operation of the flexible adjusting operation ring 55. Since the bending rigidity variable coil portion 42 does not reach the inside of the bending portion 14, the hardness of the bending portion 14, that is, the bending operability is not affected even if the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 changes. .
【００３４】可撓管部１５の硬化状態を解除して軟化さ
せるには、硬化操作時と逆方向に可撓性調整操作環５５
を回動させる。すると、コイル６４の先端部に対する圧
縮方向への力が解除または減少されるので、その分だけ
コイル６４が伸びて曲げ剛性が低下する。コイル６４が
自由状態になるまで可撓性調整操作環５５を操作する
と、可撓管部１５は最も柔軟になる。In order to release the flexible state of the flexible tube portion 15 to soften it, the flexible adjusting operation ring 55 is moved in the direction opposite to that during the curing operation.
Rotate. Then, the force in the compression direction on the tip of the coil 64 is released or reduced, so that the coil 64 extends by that amount and the bending rigidity decreases. When the flexible adjustment operation ring 55 is operated until the coil 64 becomes free, the flexible tube portion 15 becomes the most flexible.
【００３５】以上のように、本実施形態の電子内視鏡１
０では、図７に示すように、鉗子栓３８のスリット３８
ａを通じて、筒状牽引部材６３の内部に処置具Ａを挿入
することができるので、曲げ剛性調整具４０を処置具挿
入口突起３０に装着したままの状態で、処置具Ａを筒状
牽引部材６３の挿入孔５７ａ、６１ａ、処置具挿通硬性
管３１、処置具挿通軟性管３２を介して処置具挿通チャ
ンネル出口１８から先端部１３の外側に突出させて、患
部の処置を行うことができる。また、硬質筒状牽引部材
５７の開口端部５７ｂから鉗子栓３８を取り外した後、
処置具挿入口突起３０に装着された曲げ剛性調整具４０
の筒状牽引部材６３の挿入孔５７ａ、６１ａに、内部に
水や液状の薬品等が充填された注射器（図示略）を挿入
して、この注射器を操作することにより水や液状の薬品
等を処置具挿通硬性管３１、処置具挿通軟性管３２に流
し、処置具挿通チャンネル出口１８から患部に塗布する
こともできる。As described above, the electronic endoscope 1 according to the present embodiment.
0, as shown in FIG. 7, the slit 38 of the forceps plug 38 is
Since the treatment instrument A can be inserted into the tubular traction member 63 through a, the treatment instrument A can be inserted into the tubular traction member with the bending rigidity adjuster 40 still attached to the treatment instrument insertion port projection 30. The affected part can be treated by projecting from the treatment instrument insertion channel outlet 18 to the outside of the distal end portion 13 through the insertion holes 57a and 61a of 63, the treatment instrument insertion hard tube 31, and the treatment instrument insertion soft tube 32. Further, after removing the forceps plug 38 from the open end portion 57b of the rigid tubular traction member 57,
Bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 mounted on the treatment tool insertion port projection 30
Insert a syringe (not shown) filled with water or liquid chemicals into the insertion holes 57a and 61a of the tubular traction member 63 of FIG. 1 and operate the syringe to remove water or liquid chemicals. It is also possible to flow the treatment instrument insertion hard tube 31 and the treatment instrument insertion soft tube 32 and apply the treatment instrument insertion channel outlet 18 to the affected part.
【００３６】また、可撓管部１５の可撓性を調整するた
めの曲げ剛性調整具４０を、処置具挿入口突起３０に対
して装着することで可撓性可変状態になるので、鉗子等
の処置具Ａを扱う場合と同様に、内視鏡の操作者が単独
で可撓性の調整を行うことが可能であり、操作性が良
い。さらに、曲げ剛性調整具４０は内視鏡１０とは別部
材であるため、可撓性調整用の複雑な機構を新規に内視
鏡内に配設する必要がなく、構造が簡略で汎用性が高
い。特に、本実施形態の曲げ剛性調整具４０は、処置具
挿入口突起３０に処置具着脱用の口金構造を備えたタイ
プの内視鏡に対しては、内視鏡側に特別な改造や変更を
加えることなく装着することができる。Further, since the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 for adjusting the flexibility of the flexible tube portion 15 is attached to the treatment tool insertion port projection 30, the flexibility can be changed, so that forceps or the like can be used. Similar to the case of handling the treatment tool A, the operator of the endoscope can independently adjust the flexibility, and the operability is good. Further, since the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 is a member separate from the endoscope 10, it is not necessary to newly dispose a complicated mechanism for adjusting flexibility inside the endoscope, and the structure is simple and versatile. Is high. In particular, the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 of the present embodiment is a special modification or change on the endoscope side with respect to an endoscope of a type in which the treatment tool insertion port projection 30 has a mouthpiece structure for attaching and detaching the treatment tool. It can be installed without adding.
【００３７】なお、曲げ剛性調整具４０では、着脱操作
環５０と可撓性調整操作環５５は略共通の回動中心で回
動可能であるが、可撓性調整操作環５５による可撓管部
１５の硬化用の回動操作方向と、前述した着脱操作環５
０による曲げ剛性調整具４０の装着用の回動操作方向が
同じになるように設定されている。すなわち、図４にお
いて着脱操作環５０をＡ方向に回動させたときに、前述
したルアー口金の結合（ルアーロック）が生じる場合に
は、可撓性調整操作環５５の同Ａ方向の回動ではコイル
の圧縮が生じるように、操作機構部４１内のねじ方向等
が設定されている。このように、各操作環５０、５５に
おける曲げ剛性調整具４０の装着操作方向と可撓管部１
５の硬化操作方向を同じにすることで、硬化操作時にル
アーロックが緩んでしまうおそれがなくなり、好まし
い。もちろん、着脱操作環５０のＢ方向への回動で曲げ
剛性調整具４０が固定されるようにし、可撓性調整操作
環５５の同Ｂ方向の回動でコイル６４が硬化されるよう
にしてもよい。In the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40, the attachment / detachment operation ring 50 and the flexibility adjustment operation ring 55 are rotatable about a substantially common rotation center. The rotation operation direction for curing the portion 15 and the attachment / detachment operation ring 5 described above.
It is set so that the turning operation directions for mounting the bending stiffness adjusting tool 40 by 0 are the same. That is, when the attachment / detachment operation ring 50 is rotated in the A direction in FIG. 4, when the above-described luer cap coupling (luer lock) occurs, the flexibility adjustment operation ring 55 is rotated in the A direction. Then, the screw direction and the like in the operation mechanism portion 41 are set so that the coil is compressed. As described above, the operation direction for mounting the bending stiffness adjusting tool 40 on each of the operation rings 50 and 55 and the flexible tube portion 1
By making the curing operation direction of 5 the same, there is no fear that the luer lock will be loosened during the curing operation, which is preferable. Of course, the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 is fixed by rotating the attaching / detaching operation ring 50 in the B direction, and the coil 64 is cured by rotating the flexible adjusting operation ring 55 in the B direction. Good.
【００３８】次に本発明の第２の実施形態について、図
８を参照しながら説明する。なお、第１の実施形態と同
じ部材には、同じ符号を付すに止めて、その詳細な説明
は省略する。Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same members as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.
【００３９】本実施形態では、コイル６４の外側を可撓
性材料からなる筒状のシース７０で覆い、シース７０の
両端部を、テーパ外周面４７と環状フランジ６２に形成
した環状段部７１とに被せ、密着させている。In this embodiment, the outer side of the coil 64 is covered with a tubular sheath 70 made of a flexible material, and both ends of the sheath 70 are an annular step portion 71 formed on the tapered outer peripheral surface 47 and the annular flange 62. It covers and is in close contact.
【００４０】このようにすると、曲げ剛性可変コイル部
４２を処置具挿通硬性管３１と処置具挿通軟性管３２に
挿入しても、処置具挿通硬性管３１と処置具挿通軟性管
３２の内部にある体液等の汚物がコイル６４の隙間に付
着しないので、曲げ剛性調整具４０の洗浄作業が容易に
なる。In this way, even if the bending rigidity variable coil portion 42 is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion hard tube 31 and the treatment instrument insertion soft tube 32, it remains inside the treatment instrument insertion hard tube 31 and the treatment instrument insertion soft tube 32. Since dirt such as a certain body fluid does not adhere to the gap between the coils 64, the work for cleaning the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 is facilitated.
【００４１】以上、本発明の内視鏡の可撓性可変装置を
説明したが、本発明は上記の実施形態に限定されるもの
ではない。例えば、上記の実施形態では、曲げ剛性調整
具４０の曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２は、吸引用と処置具
挿通用の兼用管路に挿入されるものとしたが、処置具挿
入用の機能のみを備える管路や副送水チャンネル等の管
路に対して曲げ剛性可変コイル部４２を挿入してもよ
い。Although the endoscope flexibility changing apparatus of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the bending rigidity variable coil portion 42 of the bending rigidity adjuster 40 is inserted into the dual-purpose duct for suction and insertion of the treatment tool, but only the function for inserting the treatment tool is provided. The bending rigidity variable coil portion 42 may be inserted into a pipe line provided or a pipe line such as a sub water supply channel.
【００４２】さらに、曲げ剛性調整具４０を処置具挿入
口突起３０から取り外した状態で、処置具挿入口突起３
０から処置具Ａや液状の薬品等を処置具挿通チャンネル
に入れることも勿論可能である。Further, with the bending rigidity adjusting tool 40 removed from the treatment tool insertion opening projection 30, the treatment tool insertion opening projection 3 is provided.
Of course, it is also possible to put the treatment instrument A or a liquid medicine or the like into the treatment instrument insertion channel from 0.
【００４３】[0043]
【発明の効果】本発明によれば、簡単な構造で、内視鏡
操作者が容易に可撓管部の可撓性を調整できるととも
に、曲げ剛性調整具を内視鏡から取り外すことなく、挿
入孔を介して内視鏡の内部に処置用挿入物を入れること
ができる。According to the present invention, with a simple structure, the endoscope operator can easily adjust the flexibility of the flexible tube portion, and the bending rigidity adjusting tool is not removed from the endoscope. A treatment insert can be inserted inside the endoscope through the insertion hole.
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態の内視鏡システムを構
成する内視鏡の全体図である。FIG. 1 is an overall view of an endoscope which constitutes an endoscope system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】同じく、図１の内視鏡内部の処置具挿通用管路
の概略を示す図である。FIG. 2 is a view showing the outline of a treatment instrument insertion conduit inside the endoscope of FIG.
【図３】同じく、図１の内視鏡の処置具挿入口突起付近
の拡大図である。3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the treatment tool insertion port projection of the endoscope of FIG.
【図４】同じく、図１の内視鏡に、本発明を適用した曲
げ剛性調整具を装着した状態の外観図である。FIG. 4 is an external view of a state where the bending rigidity adjusting tool to which the present invention is applied is attached to the endoscope of FIG.
【図５】同じく、曲げ剛性調整具の全体外観図である。FIG. 5 is likewise an overall external view of a bending rigidity adjuster.
【図６】同じく、内視鏡側の処置具挿入口突起付近と曲
げ剛性調整具の断面図である。FIG. 6 is likewise a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the treatment tool insertion port projection on the endoscope side and the bending rigidity adjusting tool.
【図７】同じく、曲げ剛性調整具に処置具を挿入した状
態を示す断面図である。FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a state in which a treatment tool is inserted into the bending rigidity adjusting tool.
【図８】本発明の第２の実施形態の曲げ剛性調整具の断
面図である。FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a bending rigidity adjuster according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
１０ 電子内視鏡 １１ 挿入部 １２ 操作部 １３ 先端部 １４ 湾曲部 １５ 可撓管部 １６ 連結部 １８ 処置具挿通チャンネル出口 ２０Ａ ２０Ｂ 湾曲操作ノブ ２１Ａ ロックノブ ２１Ｂ ロックレバー ２５ ユニバーサルチューブ ２６ コネクタ部 ２７ リモート操作ボタンスイッチ ２８ 送気送水ボタン ２９ 吸引ボタン ３０ 処置具挿入口突起 ３１ 処置具挿通硬性管（処置具挿通用管路） ３２ 処置具挿通軟性管（処置具挿通用管路） ３４ 処置具挿入口 ３５ ルアー口金部（内面テーパ筒状部） ３６ テーパ内周面 ３７ フランジ突起 ３８ 鉗子栓 ３８ａ スリット ４０ 曲げ剛性調整具 ４１ 操作機構部 ４２ 曲げ剛性可変コイル部 ４３ ベース筒 ４４ 外面テーパ突起 ４４ａ 貫通孔 ４５ 細密雄ねじ ４６ 筒状牽引部材移動空間 ４７ テーパ外周面 ４８ コイル収納孔（凹部） ４９ 細密雌ねじ ５０ 着脱操作環 ５２ 筒状囲繞壁 ５３ 二条ねじ（内面ねじ溝） ５４ ルアー口金受け部（曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構） ５５ 可撓性調整操作環 ５６ 雌ねじ ５７ 硬質筒状牽引部材 ５７ａ 挿入孔 ５７ｂ 開口端部 ５８ 雄ねじ ５９ 溝 ６０ 回り止め片 ６１ 軟質筒状牽引部材 ６１ａ 挿入孔 ６２ 環状フランジ ６３ 筒状牽引部材 ６４ コイル（曲げ剛性可変体、コイル体） ７０ シース ７１ 環状段部 Ａ 処置具（処置用挿入物） 10 electronic endoscope 11 Insert 12 Operation part 13 Tip 14 Curved part 15 Flexible tube 16 Connection 18 Treatment tool insertion channel outlet 20A 20B Curved operation knob 21A lock knob 21B Lock lever 25 universal tubes 26 Connector 27 Remote control button switch 28 Air / water button 29 Suction button 30 Treatment tool insertion port protrusion 31 Treatment instrument insertion rigid tube (treatment instrument insertion pipe line) 32 Treatment instrument insertion flexible tube (treatment instrument insertion pipe line) 34 Treatment tool insertion port 35 Luer mouthpiece (inner tapered surface) 36 Taper inner peripheral surface 37 Flange protrusion 38 forceps plug 38a slit 40 Bending rigidity adjuster 41 Operation mechanism 42 Bending rigidity variable coil 43 Base tube 44 External taper protrusion 44a through hole 45 Fine male screw 46 Cylindrical traction member movement space 47 Taper outer peripheral surface 48 Coil storage hole (recess) 49 Fine female screw 50 Detachable operation ring 52 Cylindrical surrounding wall 53 Double thread (inner thread groove) 54 Luer mouthpiece receiving part (bending rigidity adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism) 55 Flexible adjustment operation ring 56 female screw 57 Rigid tubular traction member 57a insertion hole 57b Open end 58 male screw 59 groove 60 anti-rotation piece 61 Soft tubular traction member 61a insertion hole 62 annular flange 63 Cylindrical traction member 64 coils (variable bending rigidity, coil body) 70 sheath 71 annular step A treatment tool (insert for treatment)
Claims (11)
この可撓管部に接続される操作部側に、この処置具挿通
用管路に連通する処置具挿入口を有する内視鏡におい
て、 上記内視鏡とは別部材として、上記処置具挿入口を介し
て処置具挿通用管路内に挿脱可能で、自身の曲げ剛性を
変化させることができる曲げ剛性調整具を設け、 この曲げ剛性調整具に、該曲げ剛性調整具の内部を全長
にわたって貫通する、処置用挿入物を通すための挿入孔
を形成したことを特徴とする内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性
可変装置。1. A treatment instrument insertion channel is provided in the flexible tube section,
An endoscope having a treatment instrument insertion port communicating with the treatment instrument insertion conduit on the side of the operation unit connected to the flexible tube, wherein the treatment instrument insertion port is provided as a member separate from the endoscope. A bending rigidity adjusting tool that can be inserted into and removed from the treatment tool inserting pipe via the through and can change its bending rigidity is provided. A flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope, which is formed with an insertion hole for passing a treatment insert therethrough.
性可変装置において、上記曲げ剛性調整具に、 自由状態で直線状をなし軸線方向への伸縮により曲げ剛
性を変化させる、上記処置具挿入口を介して処置具挿通
用管路に対し挿脱可能な曲げ剛性可変体と、 この曲げ剛性可変体の基部に設けられ、該曲げ剛性可変
体を伸縮させて曲げ剛性を変化させるための操作機構部
と、 上記曲げ剛性可変体を処置具挿通用管路に挿入した状態
で上記操作機構部を上記処置具挿入口に対し着脱可能と
する曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構と、 を設けたことを特徴とする内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性可
変装置。2. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the bending rigidity adjusting tool is linear in a free state, and the bending rigidity is changed by expansion and contraction in an axial direction. A flexural rigidity variable body that can be inserted into and removed from the treatment tool insertion conduit via the treatment tool insertion port and a flexural rigidity variable body that is provided at the base of the flexural rigidity variable body and that expands and contracts the flexural rigidity variable body. And a bending rigidity adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism capable of attaching / detaching the operating mechanism section to / from the treatment instrument insertion port in a state in which the bending stiffness varying body is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion conduit. A flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope, wherein:
性可変装置において、 上記曲げ剛性可変体をコイル体とし、 少なくとも一部が上記コイル体の中心部に挿入され、両
端が開口する筒状をなすとともに、先端部が上記コイル
体の先端部にコイル体を伸縮可能な態様で係合し、かつ
少なくとも上記コイル体に挿入された部分が可撓性を有
する材料から形成された、内部に処置用挿入物を通すこ
とができる筒状牽引部材を設け、 上記操作機構部が、上記筒状牽引部材を上記コイル体に
対して軸線方向に相対移動させることにより上記コイル
体を伸縮させる内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性可変装置。3. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 2, wherein the bending rigidity variable body is a coil body, and at least a part of the flexible body is inserted into a central portion of the coil body. The material has a tubular shape with both ends open, and the distal end engages the distal end of the coil body with the coil body in a stretchable manner, and at least the portion inserted into the coil body is made of a flexible material. The formed tubular traction member through which the treatment insert can be inserted is provided, and the operation mechanism unit relatively moves the tubular traction member in the axial direction with respect to the coil body. A flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope that expands and contracts a body.
性可変装置において、上記コイル体の外周面を、可撓性
材料からなる筒状のシースで覆った内視鏡の可撓管部の
可撓性可変装置。4. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the coil body is covered with a tubular sheath made of a flexible material. Flexible variable device of flexible tube part.
内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性可変装置において、 上記内視鏡の処置具挿入口突起が、 上記処置具挿入口を有し、該処置具挿入口の内面を、処
置具挿入口突起の突出端部方向に進むにつれて徐々に内
径サイズを大きくする円錐状のテーパ内周面とした内面
テーパ筒状部と、 該内面テーパ筒状部の外面から径方向に突出するフラン
ジ突起とを有し、 上記曲げ剛性調整具に設けた曲げ剛性調整具着脱機構
が、 上記操作機構部に設けた、先端側に進むにつれて徐々に
外径サイズを小さくする円錐状のテーパ外周面を有する
外面テーパ突起と、 該外面テーパ突起を囲む筒状囲繞壁の内周面に形成し
た、上記フランジ突起が螺合可能な内面ねじ溝とを有
し、 上記フランジ突起を上記内面ねじ溝に螺合させることに
よって、上記外面テーパ突起が上記内面テーパ筒状部の
処置具挿入口内に挿入されて上記テーパ外周面とテーパ
内周面が密着し、操作機構部が処置具挿入口突起に固定
される内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性可変装置。5. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the treatment instrument insertion port projection of the endoscope is the treatment instrument insertion port. An inner taper cylindrical portion having an inner surface of the treatment instrument insertion opening, which is a conical taper inner peripheral surface whose inner diameter size gradually increases as it goes in the protruding end direction of the treatment instrument insertion opening projection, The bending rigidity adjusting tool attaching / detaching mechanism provided in the bending rigidity adjusting tool has a flange protrusion protruding in the radial direction from the outer surface of the inner taper cylindrical portion, and gradually moves toward the distal end side provided in the operation mechanism section. An outer surface taper protrusion having a conical taper outer peripheral surface for reducing the outer diameter size, and an inner surface thread groove formed on the inner peripheral surface of a cylindrical surrounding wall surrounding the outer surface taper protrusion and into which the flange protrusion can be screwed. Screw the flange protrusion into the inner thread groove. By doing so, the outer taper protrusion is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion opening of the inner taper tubular portion, the taper outer peripheral surface and the taper inner peripheral surface are in close contact, and the operation mechanism portion is fixed to the treatment instrument insertion opening protrusion. A flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope.
性可変装置において、上記フランジ突起は、上記内面テ
ーパ筒状部の径方向の対向位置に一対設けられ、 上記内面ねじ溝は、該一対のフランジ突起が係合可能な
二条ねじからなる内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性可変装置。6. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the flange protrusions are provided in a pair in a radially opposing position of the inner surface tapered cylindrical portion, The thread groove is a flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope, which includes a double-threaded screw capable of engaging the pair of flange protrusions.
部の可撓性可変装置において、上記外面テーパ突起は、
その先端部に、上記曲げ剛性可変体の端部が嵌まる凹部
を有している内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性可変装置。7. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the outer taper protrusion is
A flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope, which has a recess at the tip thereof to which the end of the variable bending rigidity body is fitted.
内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性可変装置において、上記外面
テーパ突起に、上記曲げ剛性可変体と上記筒状牽引部材
が挿通可能な貫通孔を形成した内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓
性可変装置。8. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 5, wherein the bending rigidity variable body and the tubular traction member are provided on the outer taper protrusion. A flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope having a through hole through which a hollow is inserted.
視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性可変装置において、上記曲げ剛
性調整具の操作機構部は、 正逆方向の回動操作によって、上記曲げ剛性調整具着脱
機構を介して該操作機構部を上記処置具挿入口突起に対
して固定または取り外しさせる着脱操作環と、該着脱操
作環と略共通の回動中心による正逆方向の回動操作によ
って、上記曲げ剛性可変体を硬化または軟化させる可撓
性調整操作環とを備えている内視鏡の可撓管部の可撓性
可変装置。9. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the operation mechanism portion of the bending rigidity adjusting tool rotates in forward and reverse directions. An attachment / detachment operation ring for fixing or detaching the operation mechanism section to / from the treatment instrument insertion port projection through the bending rigidity adjusting tool attachment / detachment mechanism, and a forward / reverse direction about a rotation center substantially common to the attachment / detachment operation ring. A flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope, comprising: a flexible adjusting operation ring that hardens or softens the bending rigidity variable body by rotating in a direction.
撓性可変装置において、上記着脱操作環による操作機構
部の固定用の回動方向と、上記可撓性調整操作環による
曲げ剛性可変体の硬化用の回動方向が同じである内視鏡
の可撓管部の可撓性可変装置。10. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 9, wherein the rotation direction for fixing the operation mechanism portion by the attachment / detachment operation ring and the flexibility adjustment operation ring. A flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope in which the bending rigidity variable body has the same rotating direction for curing.
撓管部の可撓性可変装置において、上記着脱操作環の内
周面に上記内面ねじ溝が形成されている内視鏡の可撓管
部の可撓性可変装置。11. The flexible variable device for a flexible tube portion of an endoscope according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the internal thread groove is formed on an inner peripheral surface of the attaching / detaching operation ring. Flexible variable device for flexible tube.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001284597A JP2003088494A (en) | 2001-09-19 | 2001-09-19 | Flexibility varying device for flexible tube part of endoscope |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001284597A JP2003088494A (en) | 2001-09-19 | 2001-09-19 | Flexibility varying device for flexible tube part of endoscope |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2003088494A true JP2003088494A (en) | 2003-03-25 |
Family
ID=19107891
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2001284597A Pending JP2003088494A (en) | 2001-09-19 | 2001-09-19 | Flexibility varying device for flexible tube part of endoscope |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2003088494A (en) |
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