JP2005318956A - Overtube for endoscope - Google Patents

Overtube for endoscope Download PDF

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JP2005318956A
JP2005318956A JP2004137763A JP2004137763A JP2005318956A JP 2005318956 A JP2005318956 A JP 2005318956A JP 2004137763 A JP2004137763 A JP 2004137763A JP 2004137763 A JP2004137763 A JP 2004137763A JP 2005318956 A JP2005318956 A JP 2005318956A
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endoscope
shape
tube
flexible tubular
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Takehiro Nishiie
武弘 西家
Hiroki Moriyama
宏樹 森山
Takahiro Kishi
孝浩 岸
Shigeki Matsuo
茂樹 松尾
Takayuki Suzuki
孝之 鈴木
Masahiro Ishikawa
石川  正宏
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Olympus Corp
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Olympus Corp
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an overtube for an endoscope capable of guiding and inserting an endoscope insertion part in a state of maintaining the shape of a testee body. <P>SOLUTION: The overtube for the endoscope comprises: a flexible tubular part 11 provided with a pipe line 13a to which the endoscope can be inserted, whose shape is passively deformed corresponding to the shape change of the endoscope; a plurality of piece members 15 arranged in overlapping slidable contact with each other in an axial direction along the pipe line 13a of the flexible tubular part 11; and a net-like tube 16 for keeping the overlapping slidable contact state of the piece members 15 and keeping the shape of the flexible tubular part 11 when the shape of the flexible tubular part 11 is deformed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

本発明は、内視鏡の挿入部を挿入操作する際に使用される内視鏡挿入補助具である内視鏡用オーバーチューブに関する。   The present invention relates to an endoscope overtube which is an endoscope insertion aid used when an insertion portion of an endoscope is inserted.

一般に、体腔内に挿入して検査、及び治療処置する内視鏡は、体腔内に挿入される細長い挿入部と、その挿入部の基端部の手元側に設けられた操作部とが一体的に連結形成されている。挿入部は、先端側から先端部、湾曲部、及び可撓性の可撓部が順次連結されて構成されている。   In general, an endoscope that is inserted into a body cavity to be inspected and treated has an elongated insertion section that is inserted into the body cavity and an operation section provided on the proximal side of the proximal end of the insertion section. It is formed by connecting. The insertion portion is configured by sequentially connecting a distal end portion, a bending portion, and a flexible flexible portion from the distal end side.

この内視鏡の体腔内への挿入操作について大腸内視鏡検査を例に、図11を用いて説明する。内視鏡挿入部51の先端部52を肛門91から挿入して、湾曲部53を湾曲操作させながらS状結腸92から下行結腸93及び脾湾曲部94へと可撓部54の手元側を押し込みながら挿入させる。このS状結腸92を通過した先端部52を図11(a)に示すように、脾湾曲部94へと挿入させる際に、このS状結腸92に沿ってS字状に湾曲している可撓部54を手元側から押し込むと、その押し込み力が先端部52に伝わらず、S字状に湾曲している部分を更にS状に湾曲させて、S状結腸92の壁面に可撓部54を押しつけてしまう、所謂ステッキ現象が生じて、大腸の深部への挿入ができなくなる。   The operation of inserting the endoscope into the body cavity will be described with reference to FIG. 11, taking colonoscopy as an example. The distal end portion 52 of the endoscope insertion portion 51 is inserted from the anus 91, and the proximal side of the flexible portion 54 is pushed from the sigmoid colon 92 to the descending colon 93 and the spleen bending portion 94 while the bending portion 53 is operated to bend. Insert while. When the distal end 52 that has passed through the sigmoid colon 92 is inserted into the splenic curved portion 94 as shown in FIG. 11A, it can be curved in an S shape along the sigmoid colon 92. When the flexible portion 54 is pushed in from the proximal side, the pushing force is not transmitted to the distal end portion 52, but the portion curved in an S shape is further curved in an S shape, and the flexible portion 54 is formed on the wall surface of the sigmoid colon 92. A so-called sticking phenomenon occurs that pushes the lens into the deep part of the large intestine.

そこで、一般には、事前に挿入部51に挿入補助具であるスラィディングチューブ、あるいはオーバーチューブ(以下、単にオーバーチューブと称する)10を装着して、大腸への挿入が行われる。このオーバーチューブ10は、図11(b)に示すように、内視鏡挿入部51の可撓部54がS状結腸92から下行結腸93付近まで挿入されると、可撓部54を直線状にして、S状結腸92を直線化させる。その直線状にされた可撓部54に沿って、オーバーチューブ10を肛門91からS状結腸92へと挿入させて、S状結腸92の直線状態を維持させるようにしている。これにより、下行結腸93以降の大腸深部への挿入操作を容易としている。   Therefore, in general, a sliding tube or an overtube (hereinafter simply referred to as an overtube) 10 as an insertion aid is attached to the insertion portion 51 in advance, and insertion into the large intestine is performed. As shown in FIG. 11B, when the flexible portion 54 of the endoscope insertion portion 51 is inserted from the sigmoid colon 92 to the vicinity of the descending colon 93, the overtube 10 has a linear shape. Thus, the sigmoid colon 92 is linearized. The overtube 10 is inserted from the anus 91 into the sigmoid colon 92 along the straight flexible portion 54 so that the straight state of the sigmoid colon 92 is maintained. Thereby, the insertion operation to the large intestine deep part after the descending colon 93 is made easy.

このように比較的柔軟で、複雑な湾曲形状を有している被検体部位に内視鏡挿入部51を挿入する際に用いるオーバーチューブ10は、内視鏡挿入部51の可撓部54よりも硬めに形成されている。つまり、オーバーチューブ10は、S状結腸92を直線状態に維持させる剛性を有して、内視鏡挿入部51の押し込み力が先端部52に十分に伝わるようにしている。このために、被検体者はオーバーチューブ10の挿入時に苦痛を感じる虞があった。   The overtube 10 used when inserting the endoscope insertion portion 51 into the subject site having such a relatively flexible and complicated curved shape is more flexible than the flexible portion 54 of the endoscope insertion portion 51. Is also harder. That is, the overtube 10 has a rigidity for maintaining the sigmoid colon 92 in a straight line state, so that the pushing force of the endoscope insertion portion 51 is sufficiently transmitted to the distal end portion 52. For this reason, the subject may feel pain when the overtube 10 is inserted.

このオーバーチューブ10の挿入時の被検体に与える虞のある苦痛を回避するオーバーチューブとして被検体内への挿入時は比較的軟性で、S状結腸92に挿入し、S状結腸92を直線状にした後に硬性とするオーバーチューブが、例えば、特許文献1に提案されている。   As an overtube for avoiding pain that may be given to the subject when the overtube 10 is inserted, the overtube 10 is relatively soft when inserted into the subject, and is inserted into the sigmoid colon 92. The sigmoid colon 92 is linear. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an overtube that is made rigid after being made.

この特許文献1に提案されているオーバーチューブは、補助具可撓管部と、この可撓管部の基部に設けられた補助具操作部からなり、可撓管部は、内側チューブと外側チューブからなり、内側チューブの内側は、内視鏡挿入部が挿通される中空部となっている。内側チューブと外側チューブの間には、可撓管部の長手方向に向けて、鋼線を巻回して形成された円筒状のコイルが設けられている。このコイルは、自由状態で可撓管部と略同心の直線筒状となっている。このコイルの先端部には、円周方向に等間隔で配置された4本のコイル牽引ワイヤーの先端が固定されている。このコイル牽引ワイヤーは、コイルの外周面に沿って操作部まで延設されて、操作部に設けられた可撓性調整ダイヤルに基端が接続されている。この可撓性調整ダイヤルによりコイル牽引ワイヤーを牽引又は弛緩させる。   The overtube proposed in Patent Document 1 includes an auxiliary tool flexible tube portion and an auxiliary tool operation portion provided at the base of the flexible tube portion. The flexible tube portion includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The inside of the inner tube is a hollow part through which the endoscope insertion part is inserted. A cylindrical coil formed by winding a steel wire is provided between the inner tube and the outer tube in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube portion. This coil has a straight cylindrical shape that is substantially concentric with the flexible tube portion in a free state. The tips of four coil pulling wires arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction are fixed to the tips of the coils. This coil pulling wire is extended to the operation part along the outer peripheral surface of the coil, and the base end is connected to the flexible adjustment dial provided in the operation part. The coil puller wire is pulled or relaxed by this flexible adjustment dial.

つまり、可撓性調整ダイヤルによりコイル牽引ワイヤーを弛緩させると、コイルが自由状態となり、可撓管部は柔軟となり、コイル牽引ワイヤーを牽引させると、コイルは圧縮されて曲げ剛性が高くなり曲がりにくくなり、可撓管部が硬化される。これにより、内視鏡挿入部に沿って、被検体内に挿入時は、コイル牽引ワイヤーを弛緩させて、可撓管部を柔軟状態として挿入操作を行い、所定の部位まで挿入後にコイル牽引ワイヤーを牽引して可撓管部を硬化させて、被検体部位を直線状に維持させる。
特開2002−369791号公報(明細書第3頁乃至5頁、図1乃至図4参照)。
In other words, when the coil puller wire is relaxed with the flexible adjustment dial, the coil is in a free state, the flexible tube portion becomes soft, and when the coil puller wire is pulled, the coil is compressed and the bending rigidity is increased and it is difficult to bend. Thus, the flexible tube portion is cured. As a result, when inserting into the subject along the endoscope insertion portion, the coil pulling wire is relaxed to perform the insertion operation with the flexible tube portion in a flexible state, and after the insertion to the predetermined site, the coil pulling wire Is pulled to harden the flexible tube portion and maintain the subject site in a straight line.
JP 2002-369971 A (refer to pages 3 to 5 of the specification and FIGS. 1 to 4).

特許文献1に提案されている内視鏡の挿入補助具であるオーバーチューブは、被検体に挿入された内視鏡挿入部に沿って被検体内に挿入する際には、コイル牽引ワイヤーを弛緩させ、可撓管部に内蔵されているコイルを自由状態にして可撓管部を柔軟状態とするために、被検体に対して苦痛を与える虞は減少する。更に、被検体の所定の部位に挿入後にコイル牽引ワイヤーを牽引してコイルを圧縮して可撓管部を硬化させて直線状とすることにより、内視鏡挿入部の挿入力が先端部に十分伝達でき、以降の挿入操作が容易なる。   The overtube, which is an endoscope insertion aid proposed in Patent Document 1, relaxes the coil puller wire when inserted into the subject along the endoscope insertion portion inserted into the subject. In addition, since the coil built in the flexible tube portion is in a free state and the flexible tube portion is in a soft state, the possibility of causing pain to the subject is reduced. Furthermore, the insertion force of the endoscope insertion portion is applied to the distal end portion by pulling the coil pulling wire after being inserted into a predetermined part of the subject and compressing the coil to harden the flexible tube portion into a linear shape. It can be transmitted sufficiently and the subsequent insertion operation becomes easy.

しかし、このオーバーチューブは、被検体の所望の位置に挿入させて、その被検体の本来の形状と異なる形状に変形させる。例えば、オーバーチューブをS状結腸に挿入時に、柔軟状態で操作し、そのS状結腸に挿入後に直線状に硬化させてS状結腸を変形させる際に比較的柔軟なS状結腸は、苦痛の生じる程度は少ない。しかし、被検体の本来の形状を変形させることにより苦痛は皆無ではなく、かつ、形状を変形させることは被検体に悪影響を与える虞もある。   However, the overtube is inserted into a desired position of the subject and deformed into a shape different from the original shape of the subject. For example, when the overtube is inserted into the sigmoid colon, the relatively soft sigmoid colon is painful when it is manipulated in a soft state and then inserted into the sigmoid colon and cured linearly to deform the sigmoid colon. Less likely to occur. However, there is no pain caused by changing the original shape of the subject, and changing the shape may adversely affect the subject.

このために、被検体の検査部位の形状を変形させることなく内視鏡の挿入部を挿入案内できる内視鏡用のオーバーチューブが求められている。   Therefore, there is a need for an overtube for an endoscope that can insert and guide the insertion portion of the endoscope without changing the shape of the examination site of the subject.

本発明は、このような事情に鑑みてなされたもので、被検体の形状に沿ってオーバーチューブを挿入でき、かつ被検体の形状を維持させた状態で内視鏡挿入部を案内挿入させることができる内視鏡用オーバーチューブを提供することを目的としている。   The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and can insert an overtube along the shape of the subject and guide and insert the endoscope insertion portion while maintaining the shape of the subject. It aims at providing the overtube for endoscopes which can do.

本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブは、内視鏡が挿通可能な管路13aを有し、その挿通された内視鏡の形状変化に対応して受動的に形状変形する可撓性管状手段である可撓性管状部11と、この可撓性管状部11の管路13aに沿って軸方向に相互に重なり摺動接触させて内蔵配置された複数のコマ部材15からなるコマ手段と、前記内視鏡の形状変化に対応して前記可撓性管状部11が形状変形した際に、前記コマ手段のそれぞれのコマ部材15の重なり摺動接触状態を保持させて、前記可撓性管状部11の形状を保持させる網状管16からなる形状保持手段とを具備することを特徴としている。   The endoscope overtube of the present invention has a conduit 13a through which an endoscope can be inserted, and is a flexible tubular means that passively deforms in response to a change in the shape of the inserted endoscope. And a top means comprising a plurality of top members 15 which are arranged in sliding contact with each other in the axial direction along the pipe line 13a of the flexible tubular portion 11; When the flexible tubular portion 11 is deformed in response to a change in the shape of the endoscope, the top and bottom sliding contact states of the top members 15 of the top means are maintained, so that the flexible tubular portion is retained. And a shape holding means including a mesh tube 16 for holding the shape of the portion 11.

本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブのコマ手段のコマ部材15は、先端面が凸球面15b、後端面が凹球面15cを有する円筒体15aからなり、前記凸球面15bと凹球面15cは同一曲率に形成されて、一方の円筒体15aの凸球面15bと他方の円筒体15aの凹球面15cを相互に摺動接触させたことを特徴としている。   The top member 15 of the top means of the endoscope overtube according to the present invention comprises a cylindrical body 15a having a convex spherical surface 15b at the front end surface and a concave spherical surface 15c at the rear end surface, and the convex spherical surface 15b and the concave spherical surface 15c have the same curvature. The convex spherical surface 15b of one cylindrical body 15a and the concave spherical surface 15c of the other cylindrical body 15a are in sliding contact with each other.

本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブの形状保持手段は、前記コマ手段のコマ部材15に対して軸方向の押圧力、あるいは周方向の押圧力により各コマ部材15間の摺動接触状態を保持固定させる網状管16、牽引ワイヤー16a、前記コマ手段の各コマ部材15間を磁力固定させる磁力発生部、あるいは、前記コマ手段の各コマ部材15に対して周方向の押圧力を与える細径及び拡径可能な網状管16を有していることを特徴としている。   The endoscope overtube shape maintaining means of the present invention maintains the sliding contact state between the top members 15 by the axial pressing force or the circumferential pressing force with respect to the top member 15 of the top means. A mesh tube 16 to be fixed, a pulling wire 16a, a magnetic force generating part for magnetically fixing between each piece member 15 of the piece means, or a small diameter for applying a circumferential pressing force to each piece member 15 of the piece means and It is characterized by having a reticulated tube 16 capable of expanding its diameter.

本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブは、被検体の形状に沿って挿入された内視鏡挿入部に対して、被検体の形状を変形させることなく、軟性状態で内視鏡挿入部に沿って被検体部位に挿入させ、かつ、その被検体部位の形状に沿って形状固定させることができるために、被検体部位の変形による悪影響は生じることもなく、被検体に苦痛を感じさせることもない、かつ、内視鏡挿入部の押し込み力が挿入部の先端部に的確に伝達されて挿入操作も容易にできる効果を有している。   The endoscope overtube according to the present invention has a flexible state along the endoscope insertion portion without deforming the shape of the subject with respect to the endoscope insertion portion inserted along the shape of the subject. Can be inserted into the subject site and fixed in shape along the shape of the subject site, so that there is no adverse effect due to deformation of the subject site, and the subject can feel pain In addition, the pushing force of the endoscope insertion portion is accurately transmitted to the distal end portion of the insertion portion, so that the insertion operation can be facilitated.

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態について詳細に説明する。本発明の第1の実施形態である内視鏡用オーバーチューブについて、図1乃至図3を用いて説明する。図1は本発明の第1の実施形態である内視鏡用オーバーチューブの構成を示す縦断面図、図2は本発明の第1の実施形態である内視鏡用オーバーチューブに内蔵されているコマ部材を示を示し、図2(a)は外観斜視図、図2(b)は断面図、図3は本発明の第1の実施形態である内視鏡用オーバーチューブ内のコマ部材の配置状態を示す縦断面図である。 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. An endoscope overtube according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a configuration of an endoscope overtube according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is incorporated in the endoscope overtube according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 2 (a) is an external perspective view, FIG. 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 3 is a top member in an endoscope overtube according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the arrangement | positioning state.

本発明の第1の実施形態の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ10は、図1に示すように、全体形状が筒状の可撓性管状手段である可撓性管状部11と、この可撓性管状部11の基端に設けられた操作部12からなる。この可撓性管状部11と操作部12の軸方向には、図示していない内視鏡挿入部が挿通される中空部13aが設けられている。   As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope overtube 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a flexible tubular portion 11 that is a flexible tubular means having a tubular shape as a whole, and the flexibility. The operation portion 12 is provided at the proximal end of the tubular portion 11. In the axial direction of the flexible tubular portion 11 and the operation portion 12, a hollow portion 13a into which an endoscope insertion portion (not shown) is inserted is provided.

可撓性管状部11は、所定の長手方向の長さを有する内側チューブ13と、この内側チューブ13の外周に設けられた外側チューブ14からなり、この内側チューブ13の先端外周面と外側チューブ14の先端内周面とは、密着固定されている。この互いに密着固定された先端位置から基端側の内側チューブ13と外側チューブ14の間は、所定の間隔を持って併設され、基端側は操作部12に所定の間隔で保持固定されている。内側チューブ13の内周は、図示していない内視鏡挿入部が挿通される中空部13aとなっており、この中空部13aを有する内側チューブ13は、操作部12に設けられた同一径の貫通孔内に固定されている。   The flexible tubular portion 11 includes an inner tube 13 having a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction, and an outer tube 14 provided on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13, and the tip outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 13 and the outer tube 14. The inner peripheral surface of the tip is closely fixed. The inner tube 13 and the outer tube 14 on the proximal end side from the distal end positions that are closely fixed to each other are provided with a predetermined interval, and the proximal end side is held and fixed to the operation unit 12 at a predetermined interval. . The inner circumference of the inner tube 13 is a hollow portion 13a through which an endoscope insertion portion (not shown) is inserted, and the inner tube 13 having the hollow portion 13a has the same diameter provided in the operation portion 12. It is fixed in the through hole.

この内側チューブ13と外側チューブ14の間に複数のコマ部材15が可撓性管状部11の軸方向に配置されている。この複数のコマ部材15の外周側と外側チューブ14の内側には、網状部材により円筒状に形成された網状管16が可撓性管状部11の軸方向に配置されている。コマ部材15は、内側チューブ13の外周と摺動自在であり、前後のコマ部材15の間では通常時は摺動自在である。網状管16は、コマ部材15の外周面に対して、自由に摺動接触して、可撓性管状部11と略同芯上の直線筒状をなしている。更に、網状管16の先端は、複数のコマ部材15のうち最先端側のコマ部材15に固定具16aにより取り付け固定されている。   A plurality of top members 15 are arranged in the axial direction of the flexible tubular portion 11 between the inner tube 13 and the outer tube 14. A mesh tube 16 formed in a cylindrical shape by a mesh member is disposed in the axial direction of the flexible tubular portion 11 on the outer peripheral side of the plurality of top members 15 and the inside of the outer tube 14. The top member 15 is slidable with the outer periphery of the inner tube 13, and is normally slidable between the front and back top members 15. The mesh tube 16 freely slides and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the top member 15 to form a straight tube shape substantially concentric with the flexible tubular portion 11. Further, the tip of the mesh tube 16 is fixedly attached to the most distal piece of the plurality of piece members 15 by a fixture 16a.

操作部12は、略円筒形状に形成され、術者がオーバーチューブ10を使用する際に把持する太径の把持部17と、この把持部17から延出して内側チューブ13の基端側の外周が内装固定されると共に、複数のコマ部材15のうち最基端側のコマ部材15が取り付け固定されるコマ固定筒部18と、このコマ固定筒部18の外周側に設けられた外側チューブ14の基端が装着固定される外側チューブ固定筒部23からなっている。このコマ固定筒部18は、内側チューブ13の外径が密着固定できる内径を有しており、外側チューブ固定筒部23は、コマ固定筒部18よりも大きい径に形成され、内側チューブ13と外側チューブ14の間の空間20を保持させている。   The operation portion 12 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and has a large-diameter gripping portion 17 that the operator grips when using the overtube 10, and an outer periphery on the proximal end side of the inner tube 13 that extends from the gripping portion 17. Is fixed to the interior, and the frame fixing cylinder portion 18 to which the frame member 15 on the most proximal side among the plurality of frame members 15 is attached and fixed, and the outer tube 14 provided on the outer peripheral side of the frame fixing cylinder portion 18. It consists of the outer tube fixing cylinder part 23 by which the base end of this is mounted and fixed. The frame fixing cylinder portion 18 has an inner diameter capable of tightly fixing the outer diameter of the inner tube 13, and the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23 is formed to have a larger diameter than the frame fixing cylinder portion 18. A space 20 between the outer tubes 14 is maintained.

このコマ固定筒部18と外側チューブ固定筒部23の間の空間20には、網状管16の基端が取り付け固定されるリング状の固定環22が摺動自在に設けられている。この固定環22は、操作部12の長手方向に摺動させて網状管16を牽引、又は弛緩させることによりコマ部材15それぞれに押圧力を与えてコマ部材15の前後の摺動接触状態を保持させる後述する形状保持手段19により摺動させるようになっている。   In the space 20 between the frame fixing cylinder portion 18 and the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23, a ring-shaped fixing ring 22 to which the proximal end of the mesh tube 16 is attached and fixed is slidably provided. The fixed ring 22 slides in the longitudinal direction of the operation portion 12 to pull or loosen the mesh tube 16, thereby applying a pressing force to each of the top members 15 to maintain the sliding contact state before and after the top member 15. It is made to slide by the shape holding means 19 to be described later.

この形状保持手段19は、網状管16の基端が固定されているリング状の固定環22に所定の間隔で植設されているピン25、外側チューブ固定筒部23の長手方向に設けられたピン25が嵌合摺動案内される案内溝24、この外側チューブ固定筒部23の外周に、回転自在に設けられ、かつ、外側チューブ固定筒部23の案内溝24から突出されたピン25を長手方向に摺動駆動させるカム溝27を有するカム部材26からなっている。   The shape holding means 19 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the pin 25 and the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23 that are planted at a predetermined interval in a ring-shaped fixing ring 22 to which the base end of the mesh tube 16 is fixed. A guide groove 24 into which the pin 25 is fitted and slidably guided, and a pin 25 which is rotatably provided on the outer periphery of the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23 and protrudes from the guide groove 24 of the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23 is provided. The cam member 26 has a cam groove 27 that is slidably driven in the longitudinal direction.

次に、コマ部材15の形状について、図2を用いて説明する。コマ部材15は、比較的肉厚部材により所定の長さ中空の円筒体15a、この円筒体15aの先端面の肉厚部に形成された凸球面15b、及びこの円筒体15aの後端面の肉厚部に形成された凹球面15cからなっている。この円筒体15aの凸球面15bは、円筒体15aの肉厚の部材の外周から内周に対して軸方向に半径Rの凸状に形成され、凹球面15cは、円筒体15aの肉厚の部材の外周から内周に対して軸方向に半径Rの凹状に形成されている。この凸球面15bと凹鏡面15cは同一曲率に形成されている。   Next, the shape of the piece member 15 will be described with reference to FIG. The top member 15 includes a cylindrical body 15a that is hollow by a predetermined thickness by a relatively thick member, a convex spherical surface 15b that is formed on the thick portion of the front end surface of the cylindrical body 15a, and a wall on the rear end surface of the cylindrical body 15a. It consists of a concave spherical surface 15c formed in the thick part. The convex spherical surface 15b of the cylindrical body 15a is formed in a convex shape having a radius R in the axial direction from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the thick member of the cylindrical body 15a, and the concave spherical surface 15c is the thickness of the cylindrical body 15a. It is formed in a concave shape with a radius R in the axial direction from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the member. The convex spherical surface 15b and the concave mirror surface 15c are formed with the same curvature.

このような形状構造のコマ部材15を図3に示すように、内側チューブ13の外周側に円筒体15aの中空に先端面の凸球面15bから後端面の凹球面15cへと挿入させ、最初に挿入されたコマ部材15の後端面の凹球面15cに次のコマ部材15の先端面の凸球面15bを接触状態に挿入する。このように、内側チューブ13の外周に一方のコマ部材15の後端面の凹球面15cと他方のコマ部材15の先端面の凸球面15bを接触状態に順次挿入配置させる。このように、内側チューブ13の外周に複数のコマ部材15を直管状に配置させ、このコマ部材15の外周に網状管16が配置する。   As shown in FIG. 3, the top member 15 having such a shape structure is inserted into the hollow of the cylindrical body 15a from the convex spherical surface 15b of the front end surface to the concave spherical surface 15c of the rear end surface on the outer peripheral side of the inner tube 13, The convex spherical surface 15b of the front end surface of the next top member 15 is inserted in a contact state into the concave spherical surface 15c of the rear end surface of the inserted top member 15. In this manner, the concave spherical surface 15c on the rear end surface of one piece member 15 and the convex spherical surface 15b on the front end surface of the other piece member 15 are sequentially inserted and arranged in contact with each other on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13. In this way, a plurality of piece members 15 are arranged in a straight tube shape on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13, and the mesh tube 16 is arranged on the outer periphery of the piece member 15.

この内側チューブ13の外周に複数のコマ部材15と網状管16が配置されている状態で、かつ、網状管16が弛緩状態であると、可撓性管状部11は軟性となり、可撓性管状部11を湾曲変形すると、コマ部材15は、それぞれの凸球面15baと凹球面15cが可撓性管状部11の湾曲変形に応じて自由に摺動する。つまり、図3に示すように、内側チューブ13が湾曲変形されると、各コマ部材15の凸球面15bと凹球面15cとが摺動して、前後のコマ部材15の摺動接触位置を変位させることができる。   When the plurality of top members 15 and the mesh tube 16 are arranged on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13 and the mesh tube 16 is in a relaxed state, the flexible tubular portion 11 becomes soft, and the flexible tube is formed. When the portion 11 is bent and deformed, the top spherical member 15ba and the concave spherical surface 15c of the piece member 15 slide freely according to the bending deformation of the flexible tubular portion 11. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the inner tube 13 is curved and deformed, the convex spherical surface 15 b and the concave spherical surface 15 c of each piece member 15 slide to displace the sliding contact positions of the front and rear piece members 15. Can be made.

この状態において、網状管16を図中矢印A方向に牽引して、可撓性管状部11の先端側に位置している最先端のコマ部材15に牽引力を与えると、その最先端のコマ部材15が軸方向に基端側に牽引されて、凹球面15cが次のコマ部材15の凸球面15bに押圧される。この軸方向への押圧力は、順次コマ部材15へ伝達されて、各コマ部材15の間の凸状面15bと凹球面15cの間の摩擦抵抗が増大して、コマ部材15の間の摺動接触位置が保持される。つまり、網状管16を弛緩させた状態で、被検体の形状に応じて挿入された内視鏡挿入部により受動的に形状変形挿入されたオーバーチューブ10の可撓性管状部11は、可撓性管状部11に内蔵されたコマ部材15に軸方向の牽引力を与えることで、コマ部材15の間の摺動摩擦抵抗を増大させることにより、可撓性管状部11の変形形状を維持させることができる。   In this state, when the reticular tube 16 is pulled in the direction of arrow A in the drawing and a traction force is applied to the state-of-the-art piece member 15 located on the distal end side of the flexible tubular portion 11, the state-of-the-art piece member 15 is pulled to the base end side in the axial direction, and the concave spherical surface 15 c is pressed against the convex spherical surface 15 b of the next piece member 15. This axial pressing force is sequentially transmitted to the top member 15, and the frictional resistance between the convex surface 15b and the concave spherical surface 15c between the top members 15 is increased, so that the sliding between the top members 15 is increased. The dynamic contact position is maintained. That is, the flexible tubular portion 11 of the overtube 10 that is passively deformed and inserted by the endoscope insertion portion that is inserted according to the shape of the subject while the mesh tube 16 is relaxed is flexible. It is possible to maintain the deformed shape of the flexible tubular portion 11 by increasing the sliding frictional resistance between the piece members 15 by applying an axial traction force to the piece member 15 incorporated in the tubular portion 11. it can.

なお、この第1の実施形態において、可撓性管状部11の網状管16を牽引することでコマ部材15に軸方向の押圧力を与えて、コマ部材15の間の摺動位置状態を固定させているが、網状管16は、網状部材により管状に形成されているために、牽引すると径が縮径し、逆に押し込むと径が拡径する現象を用いて、図3に示すように、網状管16の弛緩状態における内径r1がコマ部材15の外径rよりも大きいと、前記コマ部材15は相互に自由に摺動接触状態となる。この網状管16の弛緩状態において、可撓性管状部11を形状変形させて、網状管16を図中矢印A方向に牽引すると、網状管16がコマ部材15の外径rとほぼ同等以下の径となり、各コマ部材15の円筒体15aを周方向に締め付け、コマ部材15の間の相互の凸球面15bと凹球面15cの位置関係を保持固定させることができる。   In the first embodiment, by pulling the mesh tube 16 of the flexible tubular portion 11, an axial pressing force is applied to the top member 15 to fix the sliding position between the top members 15. However, since the mesh tube 16 is formed in a tubular shape by a mesh member, the diameter of the mesh tube 16 is reduced when pulled, and the diameter of the mesh tube 16 is expanded when pressed, as shown in FIG. When the inner diameter r1 of the mesh tube 16 in the relaxed state is larger than the outer diameter r of the piece member 15, the piece members 15 are freely in sliding contact with each other. In the relaxed state of the mesh tube 16, when the flexible tubular portion 11 is deformed and the mesh tube 16 is pulled in the direction of arrow A in the figure, the mesh tube 16 is approximately equal to or less than the outer diameter r of the top member 15. The cylindrical body 15a of each piece member 15 is tightened in the circumferential direction, and the positional relationship between the convex spherical surface 15b and the concave spherical surface 15c between the piece members 15 can be held and fixed.

なお、この網状管16をコマ部材15の内側と内側チューブ13の外周側の間に設けて、網状管16を牽引して縮径させるとコマ部材15を自由状態とし、網状管16を押し込んで拡径させるとコマ部材15の内周方向から押圧して形状保持させることもできる。   When the mesh tube 16 is provided between the inner side of the piece member 15 and the outer peripheral side of the inner tube 13, and the mesh tube 16 is pulled to reduce the diameter, the piece member 15 is brought into a free state and the mesh tube 16 is pushed in. When the diameter is increased, the shape can be maintained by pressing from the inner peripheral direction of the top member 15.

このコマ部材15の形状構造について他の変形例を図4乃至図6を用いて説明する。第1の変形例のコマ部材15’は、図4(a)に示すように、中空の球体の円弧部分に、球体の直径よりも小さい内径の開口部15b’を形成された全体形状がお椀形状からなる球面部15a’、この球面部15a’の後端側の円弧に設けた開口部15b’、及び球面部15a’の中心部に設けた内側チューブ13の挿通孔15c’から略半球状に形成された半球体である。   Another modification of the shape structure of the top member 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 4A, the top member 15 ′ of the first modified example has an overall shape in which an opening 15b ′ having an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the sphere is formed in the arc portion of the hollow sphere. A spherical surface portion 15a ′ having a shape, an opening portion 15b ′ provided in an arc on the rear end side of the spherical surface portion 15a ′, and an insertion hole 15c ′ of the inner tube 13 provided in the central portion of the spherical surface portion 15a ′. It is a hemisphere formed.

この半球体のコマ部材15’は、図4(b)に示すように、内側チューブ13の外周側に球面部15a’の挿通孔15c’から開口部15b’を挿入させ、最初に挿入されたコマ部材15’の開口部15b’に次のコマ部材15’の球面部15a’を接触状態に挿入する。このように、内側チューブ13の外周に一方のコマ部材15’の開口部15b’と他方のコマ部材15’の球面部15a’を接触状態に順次挿入配置させる。このように、内側チューブ13の外周に複数のコマ部材15’を直管状に配置させ、このコマ部材15’の外周に網状管16が配置されている。   As shown in FIG. 4B, the hemispherical piece member 15 ′ was inserted first through the insertion hole 15c ′ of the spherical surface portion 15a ′ on the outer peripheral side of the inner tube 13 and inserted first. The spherical surface portion 15a ′ of the next piece member 15 ′ is inserted into the opening 15b ′ of the piece member 15 ′ in a contact state. In this way, the opening 15b 'of the one piece member 15' and the spherical portion 15a 'of the other piece member 15' are sequentially inserted and arranged in contact with each other on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13. In this way, a plurality of piece members 15 ′ are arranged in a straight tube shape on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13, and the mesh tube 16 is arranged on the outer periphery of the piece member 15 ′.

このような半球体のコマ部材15’を内側チューブ13の外周に配置させると、前述した円筒体のコマ部材15とほぼ同様な機能作用が得られる。つまり、網状管16が弛緩状であると、複数のコマ部材15’の凸球面15bと凹球面15cとは自由に摺動状態であり、可撓性管状部11の形状変形に応じて、それぞれのコマ部材15’の凸球面15bと凹球面15cとの摺動接触位置が変化できる。この可撓性管状部11を所望の形状に変形させて、その変形状態を維持させる場合に、網状管16を牽引して、コマ部材15’に軸方向の牽引力を与えて各コマ部材15’を相互に押圧させたり、あるいは、網状管16の径を縮径させて、各コマ部材15’の周方向から押圧させて各コマ部材15’の間の相互の摺動接触の位置関係を保持させることで、可撓性管状部11の形状保持を行うことができる。   When such a hemispherical piece member 15 ′ is arranged on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13, substantially the same function and action as the cylindrical piece member 15 described above can be obtained. That is, when the mesh tube 16 is loose, the convex spherical surface 15b and the concave spherical surface 15c of the plurality of top members 15 ′ are freely slidable, and according to the shape deformation of the flexible tubular portion 11, respectively. The sliding contact position between the convex spherical surface 15b and the concave spherical surface 15c of the top member 15 'can be changed. When the flexible tubular portion 11 is deformed into a desired shape and the deformed state is maintained, the mesh tube 16 is pulled to apply an axial pulling force to the piece member 15 ′ to thereby each piece member 15 ′. Are pressed against each other, or the diameter of the mesh tube 16 is reduced and pressed from the circumferential direction of each piece member 15 ′ to maintain the positional relationship of mutual sliding contact between the piece members 15 ′. By doing so, the shape of the flexible tubular portion 11 can be maintained.

なお、網状管16をコマ部材15’と内側チューブ13の間に配置させて、コマ部材15’の間の相互摺動位置関係を網状管16の縮径と拡径により保持させるようにしても良い。   Note that the mesh tube 16 is disposed between the top member 15 ′ and the inner tube 13 so that the mutual sliding positional relationship between the top member 15 ′ is maintained by the reduced diameter and the expanded diameter of the mesh tube 16. good.

コマ部材の第2の変形例について図5を用いて説明する。図5は本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブに用いるコマ部材の第2の変形例を示し、図5(a)は第2の変形例のコマ部材の外観を示す斜視図、図5(a)は第2の変形例のコマ部材を内側チューブに配置した状態を示す縦断面図である。   A second modification of the top member will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows a second modification of the top member used in the endoscope overtube of the present invention, FIG. 5 (a) is a perspective view showing the appearance of the top member of the second modification, and FIG. ) Is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the top member of the second modified example is arranged on the inner tube.

この第2の変形例のコマ部材31は、図5(a)に示すように、先端側に設けた半球面部31aと、この半球面部31aの後端側に設けられた円筒部31cからなる断面形状が略砲弾型をしており、半球面部31aの中央に内側チューブ13の挿通孔31bが設けられた球面円筒体である。   As shown in FIG. 5A, the top member 31 of the second modified example has a cross section comprising a hemispherical portion 31a provided on the front end side and a cylindrical portion 31c provided on the rear end side of the hemispherical portion 31a. The shape is a substantially cylindrical shape, and is a spherical cylindrical body in which the insertion hole 31b of the inner tube 13 is provided at the center of the hemispherical portion 31a.

このコマ部材31は、図5(b)に示すように、前述したコマ部材15に代えて、オーバーチューブ10の可撓性管状部11の内側チューブ13の外周に半球面部31aの挿通孔31bから円筒部31cの内側を挿入させ、最初に挿入されたコマ部材31の円筒部31cの後端に次のコマ部材31の半球面部31aが接触状態となるように挿入し、順次一方のコマ部材31の円筒部31cと他方のコマ部材31の半球面部31aを接触状態になるように挿入配置させる。このように、内側チューブ13の外周に複数のコマ部材31を直管状に配置させ、このコマ部材31の外周に前述した網状管16を配置させる。なお、この網状管16は、前述したように、最先端のコマ部材31と網状管16の先端を固定具16aで固定する。   As shown in FIG. 5B, this piece member 31 is replaced with the above-described piece member 15 from the insertion hole 31b of the hemispherical portion 31a on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13 of the flexible tubular portion 11 of the overtube 10. The inside of the cylindrical portion 31c is inserted, and the hemispherical portion 31a of the next top member 31 is inserted into the rear end of the first cylindrical portion 31c of the top piece 31 so that the top piece 31 is in contact. The cylindrical portion 31c and the hemispherical portion 31a of the other piece 31 are inserted and arranged so as to be in contact with each other. As described above, the plurality of top members 31 are arranged in a straight tube shape on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13, and the above-described mesh tube 16 is arranged on the outer periphery of the top member 31. In addition, as described above, the mesh tube 16 fixes the most advanced piece member 31 and the tip of the mesh tube 16 with the fixture 16a.

このような球面円筒体のコマ部材31を内側チューブ13の外周に配置させると、前述した半球体のコマ部材15とほぼ同様な機能作用が得られる。つまり、網状管16が弛緩状であると、複数のコマ部材31の半球面31aと円筒部31cとは自由に摺動状態であり、可撓性管状部11の形状変形に応じて、それぞれのコマ部材31の半球面部31aと円筒部31cとの摺動接触位置が変化できる。この可撓性管状部11を所望の形状に変形させて、その変形状態を維持させる場合に、網状管16を牽引して、コマ部材31に軸方向の牽引力を与えて各コマ部材31を相互に押圧させたり、あるいは、網状管16の径を縮径させて、各コマ部材31の周方向から押圧させて各コマ部材31の間の相互の摺動接触の位置関係を保持させることで、可撓性管状部11の形状保持を行うことができる。   When such a spherical cylindrical piece 31 is arranged on the outer periphery of the inner tube 13, substantially the same functional action as that of the above-described hemispherical piece 15 is obtained. That is, when the mesh tube 16 is loose, the hemispherical surfaces 31a and the cylindrical portions 31c of the plurality of top members 31 are freely slidable, and according to the deformation of the shape of the flexible tubular portion 11, The sliding contact position between the hemispherical surface portion 31a and the cylindrical portion 31c of the top member 31 can be changed. When the flexible tubular portion 11 is deformed into a desired shape and the deformed state is maintained, the mesh tube 16 is pulled, and an axial pulling force is applied to the top member 31 to connect the top members 31 to each other. Or by reducing the diameter of the mesh tube 16 from the circumferential direction of each piece member 31 and maintaining the positional relationship of mutual sliding contact between each piece member 31, The shape of the flexible tubular portion 11 can be maintained.

なお、網状管16をコマ部材31と内側チューブ13の間に配置させて、コマ部材31の間の相互摺動位置関係を網状管16の縮径と拡径により保持させるようにしても良い。   The mesh tube 16 may be disposed between the top member 31 and the inner tube 13 so that the mutual sliding positional relationship between the top members 31 is maintained by the reduced diameter and the expanded diameter of the mesh tube 16.

コマ部材の第3の変形例ついて図6を用いて説明する。この第3の変形例のコマ部材32は、図6(a)に示すように、全体形状が略台形状の鱗状に形成されたコマ部材32である。一方、内側チューブ13は図6(b,c)に示すように、やや肉厚のチューブを用い、その外周には鱗状コマ部材32が装着され溝13bが円周方向に等間隔で長手方向に複数設けられている。この溝13bの長手方向の間隔は、図中に示すように、鱗状コマ部材32が前後で重なり合う位置関係となるように設定する。   A third modification of the top member will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6A, the top member 32 of the third modification is a top member 32 that is formed in a scale shape having a substantially trapezoidal shape as a whole. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the inner tube 13 is a slightly thick tube, and a scaly piece 32 is mounted on the outer periphery thereof, and the grooves 13b are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction in the longitudinal direction. A plurality are provided. The intervals in the longitudinal direction of the grooves 13b are set so that the scaly piece members 32 overlap in the front-rear direction as shown in the figure.

このように外周に設けた溝13bに鱗状コマ部材32を装着させた内側チューブ13を形状変形させると、それぞれの鱗状コマ部材32の前後の重なり具合が変化する。この鱗状コマ部材32の外周には、図示していない、網状管を設け、この網状管を牽引して縮径させたり、押し出して拡径させる機能を用いて、内側チューブ13を所定の形状変形させた際に、網状管を牽引して縮径させて、鱗状コマ部材32の外側から周方向に押圧すると、それぞれの鱗状コマ部材32は、相互の重なり位置関係を維持した状態で形状保持される。   When the inner tube 13 in which the scaly piece members 32 are attached to the grooves 13b provided on the outer periphery is deformed in this way, the overlapping state of the front and back of the respective scaly piece members 32 changes. A net-like tube (not shown) is provided on the outer periphery of the scaly piece member 32, and the inner tube 13 is deformed to a predetermined shape by using a function of pulling the net-like tube to reduce its diameter or pushing it to expand its diameter. When the mesh tube is pulled to reduce the diameter and pressed in the circumferential direction from the outside of the scaly piece member 32, the respective scaly piece members 32 are held in a shape in which the mutual overlapping positional relationship is maintained. The

この鱗状コマ部材32が装着された内側チューブ13を前述した可撓性管状部11に用いることで、前述した可撓性管状部11と同様な機能と作用が得られる。   By using the inner tube 13 to which the scale-shaped piece member 32 is attached for the flexible tubular portion 11 described above, the same functions and operations as those of the flexible tubular portion 11 described above can be obtained.

なお、内側チューブ13への鱗状コマ部材32の装着位置は、図7に示すように、内側チューブ13の長手方向の中心から約45度の間隔で溝13b’を設け、それぞれの鱗状コマ部材32前後及び左右の鱗状コマ部材32が相互に重なり合うように配置しても良い。   In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the mounting position of the scaly piece member 32 on the inner tube 13 is provided with grooves 13b ′ at intervals of about 45 degrees from the longitudinal center of the inner tube 13, and each scaly piece member 32 is provided. You may arrange | position so that the front and back and left and right scale-shaped piece members 32 may mutually overlap.

次に、本発明の第2の実施形態の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ10について図8を用いて説明する。なお、図1と同一部分は同一符号を付している。   Next, an endoscope overtube 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

この第2の実施形態と前述した第1の実施形態は、形状保持手段19が異なる。この第2の実施形態の形状保持手段19’は、コマ固定筒部18と外側チューブ固定筒部23の間の空間20の把持部17側に基端が配置されたリング状のバネ部材30が装着され、このバネ部材30の先端側には、基端側が高く先端側が低くなる傾斜面を有するリング状のオステーパー環29が装着され、更に、このオステーパー環29の傾斜面に対向する傾斜面を有するリング状のメステーパ間28が装着されている。このメステーパ環28には、所定間隔に複数のピン25が植設されている。   The shape retaining means 19 is different between the second embodiment and the first embodiment described above. The shape retaining means 19 ′ of the second embodiment includes a ring-shaped spring member 30 whose base end is disposed on the gripping part 17 side of the space 20 between the top fixing cylinder part 18 and the outer tube fixing cylinder part 23. A ring-shaped male taper ring 29 having an inclined surface that is higher at the proximal end side and lower at the distal end side is attached to the distal end side of the spring member 30, and further, an inclined surface that faces the inclined surface of the male tapered ring 29. A ring-shaped female taper space 28 having a surface is mounted. A plurality of pins 25 are implanted in the female taper ring 28 at predetermined intervals.

オステーパ環29とメステーパ環28の相互に対向する傾斜面の間には、網状管16の基端が摺動自在に嵌合装着されている。又、メステーパ環28に植設されたピン25は、外側チューブ固定筒部23の長手方向に設けられた案内溝24、この外側チューブ固定筒部23の外周に回転自在に嵌合されたカム部材26に設けられたカム溝27に装着されている。   Between the inclined surfaces of the male taper ring 29 and the female taper ring 28 facing each other, the base end of the mesh tube 16 is slidably fitted. The pin 25 implanted in the female taper ring 28 includes a guide groove 24 provided in the longitudinal direction of the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23, and a cam member rotatably fitted to the outer periphery of the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23. 26 is mounted in a cam groove 27 provided in the cam 26.

つまり、カム部材26の回転によりカム溝27と案内溝24によりピン28が長手方向に摺動して、メステーパ環28が可撓性管状部11側である図中左側に位置され、かつ、バネ部材30が自然長の場合は、メステーパ環28とオステーパ環29との間は接触してなく、この間に嵌合装着されている網状管16の基端は自由状態となっている。   That is, the pin 28 slides in the longitudinal direction by the cam groove 27 and the guide groove 24 by the rotation of the cam member 26, and the female taper ring 28 is positioned on the left side in the drawing, which is the flexible tubular portion 11 side, and the spring When the member 30 has a natural length, the female taper ring 28 and the male taper ring 29 are not in contact with each other, and the base end of the mesh tube 16 fitted and mounted between these is in a free state.

これにより、可撓性管状部11を湾曲変形させた際に、コマ部材15の相互摺動位置の変動と共に、網状管16は引き込まれる部分と弛む部分とが生じ、網状管16の基端はメステーパー環28とオステーパー環29の間を長手方向に摺動する。   As a result, when the flexible tubular portion 11 is bent and deformed, the reciprocal sliding position of the top member 15 causes a change in the reciprocal sliding position of the reticulated tube 16, and a reentrant portion is generated. Slide between the stapler ring 28 and the male taper ring 29 in the longitudinal direction.

次に、可撓性管状部11を所定の形状に変形した際に、カム部材26を回動させると、このカム部材26に設けられたカム溝26と案内溝24によりピン25を介してメステーパ環28を図中右方向に摺動させるとメステーパ環28とオステーパ環29の傾斜面の間に網状管16の基端が挟持され、かつ、バネ部材30の弾性力に抗して網状管16を牽引する。   Next, when the cam member 26 is rotated when the flexible tubular portion 11 is deformed into a predetermined shape, the female taper is formed via the pin 25 by the cam groove 26 and the guide groove 24 provided in the cam member 26. When the ring 28 is slid in the right direction in the figure, the proximal end of the mesh tube 16 is sandwiched between the inclined surfaces of the female taper ring 28 and the male taper ring 29, and the mesh tube 16 resists the elastic force of the spring member 30. Tow.

この網状管16の牽引により、コマ部材15に対して、軸方向への押圧力、あるいは周方向の押圧力を与えて、コマ部材15の相互の位置関係を保持させて、可撓性管状部11の形状保持が行える。   By pulling the mesh tube 16, a pressing force in the axial direction or a pressing force in the circumferential direction is applied to the top member 15 to maintain the mutual positional relationship between the top members 15, and the flexible tubular portion 11 shapes can be maintained.

なお、網状管16に代えて、牽引ワイヤーを用いこともできる。つまり、図1及び図8に示す網状管16に代えて、円周方向に等間隔に4本の牽引ワイヤーを配置させ、この牽引ワイヤーの先端は、コマ部材15の先端にそれぞれ固定し、かつ、基端は図1に示した固定部22に固定、あるいは図8に示したメステーパ環28とオステーパ環29の傾斜面間に摺動自在に挿入させる。   Note that a pulling wire can be used instead of the mesh tube 16. That is, instead of the mesh tube 16 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, four traction wires are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and the tips of the traction wires are fixed to the tips of the top members 15, respectively. The base end is fixed to the fixing portion 22 shown in FIG. 1 or is slidably inserted between the inclined surfaces of the female taper ring 28 and the male taper ring 29 shown in FIG.

図1に示した固定部22に基端が固定された牽引ワイヤーは、カム部材26によりピン25を長手方向に牽引摺動させることで、コマ部材15に軸方向の押圧力を与えることができる。又、図8に示したメステーパ環28とオステーパ環29の傾斜面間に基端が挿入された牽引ワイヤーは、カム部材26によりメステーパ環28を摺動させるとメステーパ環28とオステーパ環29の傾斜面に牽引ワイヤーの基端が挟持され、かつ、バネ部材30の弾性力に抗して牽引ワイヤーを牽引させることで、コマ部材15に軸方向の押圧力を与えることができる。   The pulling wire whose base end is fixed to the fixing portion 22 shown in FIG. 1 can apply an axial pressing force to the top member 15 by pulling and sliding the pin 25 in the longitudinal direction by the cam member 26. . Further, the pulling wire having the base end inserted between the inclined surfaces of the female taper ring 28 and the male taper ring 29 shown in FIG. The base end of the pulling wire is sandwiched between the surfaces, and the pulling wire is pulled against the elastic force of the spring member 30, whereby an axial pressing force can be applied to the top member 15.

なお、この第2の実施形態において、可撓性管状部11には、前述した半球体、球面円筒体、あるいは鱗状コマ部材15,31,32のいずれかが用いられている。   In the second embodiment, the flexible tubular portion 11 uses any one of the above-described hemisphere, spherical cylinder, or scale-shaped piece members 15, 31, and 32.

次に、本発明の第3の実施形態である内視鏡用オーバーチューブについて図9を用いて説明する。なお、図1と同一部分は同一符号を付している。   Next, an endoscope overtube according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

この第3の実施形態と第1の実施形態は、形状保持手段19が異なる。この第3の実施形態の形状保持手段19”は、前述した操作部12に設けられているコマ固定筒部18を廃止して、内側チューブ13の基端外周に複数のコマ部材15の基端側の最終コマ部材15が取り付け固定されたリング状のコマ部材固定環15xを設けている。このコマ部材固定環15xの外周には、外側チューブ固定筒部23の案内溝24とカム部材26のカム溝27’に摺動自在に嵌合している複数のピン25’が所定間隔で植設されている。   The shape retaining means 19 is different between the third embodiment and the first embodiment. The shape retaining means 19 ″ of the third embodiment abolishes the top fixing cylinder portion 18 provided in the operation portion 12 described above, and the base ends of the plurality of top members 15 on the base end outer periphery of the inner tube 13. A ring-shaped piece member fixing ring 15x is provided to which the final piece piece 15 on the side is attached and fixed.On the outer periphery of the piece member fixing ring 15x, the guide groove 24 of the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23 and the cam member 26 are provided. A plurality of pins 25 ′ slidably fitted in the cam grooves 27 ′ are implanted at predetermined intervals.

このような構成において、カム部材26によりピン25’が操作部12の把持部17側の位置である図中のカム溝27’と案内溝24内の右側に位置されている状態では、コマ部材15には何ら押出力が加えられてなく、コマ部材15の間は、可撓性管状部11の形状に応じて自由に摺動する。可撓性管状部11が所定の形状に変形し、その形状を維持させる際には、カム部材26を回転させて、カム溝27’と案内溝24によりピン25’を図中の左方向である可撓性管状部11側へと摺動させるとコマ部材固定環15xも左方向に摺動して、コマ部材15の操作部12側の最終コマ部材15から複数のコマ部材15に軸方向の押出力を与える。これにより、複数のコマ部材15のそれぞれの摺動接触位置関係を固定させることができる。   In such a configuration, when the pin 25 ′ is positioned by the cam member 26 on the right side in the guide groove 24 and the cam groove 27 ′ in FIG. No pushing force is applied to 15, and the frame member 15 slides freely according to the shape of the flexible tubular portion 11. When the flexible tubular portion 11 is deformed into a predetermined shape and the shape is maintained, the cam member 26 is rotated and the pin 25 ′ is moved in the left direction in the drawing by the cam groove 27 ′ and the guide groove 24. When sliding to a certain flexible tubular portion 11 side, the top member fixing ring 15x also slides to the left, and the axial direction from the last top member 15 on the operation portion 12 side of the top member 15 to the plurality of top members 15 Gives the pushing force. Thereby, each sliding contact positional relationship of the some piece member 15 can be fixed.

これにより、前述した各実施形態と同様に内視鏡用オーバーチューブとしての機能と作用が得られる。なお、この第3の実施形態において、可撓性管状部11には半球体、球面円筒体形状のコマ部材15,31のいずれかが用いられている。   Thereby, the function and effect | action as an overtube for endoscopes are obtained similarly to each embodiment mentioned above. In the third embodiment, the flexible tubular portion 11 is a hemispherical or spherical cylindrical shaped piece member 15 or 31.

次に、図1、図7、及び図9を用いて説明したカム部材26に設けたカム溝27、外側チューブ固定筒部23に設けた案内溝24、及びピン25の関係について、図10を用いて説明する。   Next, FIG. 10 shows the relationship between the cam groove 27 provided in the cam member 26 described with reference to FIGS. 1, 7, and 9, the guide groove 24 provided in the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23, and the pin 25. It explains using.

外側チューブ固定筒部23に設けられる案内溝24は、外側チューブ固定筒部23の中心軸と平行な細長い長孔により形成されている。つまり、牽引ピン25を外側チューブ固定部23の中心軸と平行に長手方向に摺動案内するための溝が形成されている。   The guide groove 24 provided in the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23 is formed by an elongated long hole parallel to the central axis of the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23. That is, a groove for sliding and guiding the pulling pin 25 in the longitudinal direction in parallel with the central axis of the outer tube fixing portion 23 is formed.

カム部材26のカム溝27は、カム部材26の中心軸と平行な長手方向に対して傾斜した細長い長孔により形成されている。つまり、カム部材26を回転させるとカム溝27に案内されてピン25が斜め方向に摺動案内するための溝である。   The cam groove 27 of the cam member 26 is formed by an elongated long hole inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction parallel to the central axis of the cam member 26. In other words, when the cam member 26 is rotated, the pin 25 is guided by the cam groove 27 and is a groove for sliding and guiding the pin 25 in an oblique direction.

すなわち、ピン25は、カム部材26を回転させるとカム溝27により斜め方向に摺動するが、この斜め方向の摺動が外側チューブ固定筒部23の案内溝24により長手方向への摺動に方向変更されるようになっている。これにより、ピン25が植設された固定部22を介して、網状管16の牽引が操作部12において容易にできる。   That is, when the cam member 26 is rotated, the pin 25 slides in an oblique direction by the cam groove 27, and this oblique slide is caused to slide in the longitudinal direction by the guide groove 24 of the outer tube fixing cylinder portion 23. The direction is changed. As a result, the reticular tube 16 can be easily pulled by the operation portion 12 through the fixing portion 22 in which the pin 25 is implanted.

なお、前述したコマ部材15,31は、カム部材26により網状管16や牽引ワイヤーにより軸方向、あるいは周方向の押圧力を与えてコマ部材15,31の間の相互摺動位置を保持させているが、図示していないが、コマ部材15,31を磁性体で形成し、そのコマ部材15,31の基端側の磁力発生手段を配置させて、その磁力によりコマ部材15,31の間を磁気吸着させることで形状保持させることもできる。   In addition, the above-mentioned piece members 15 and 31 are provided with a sliding force between the piece members 15 and 31 by applying a pressing force in the axial direction or the circumferential direction by the mesh tube 16 or the pulling wire by the cam member 26. Although not shown, the top members 15 and 31 are made of a magnetic material, and a magnetic force generating means on the base end side of the top members 15 and 31 is arranged so that the magnetic force is generated between the top members 15 and 31. The shape can also be maintained by magnetically adsorbing.

[付記]
以上詳述した本発明の実施形態によれば、以下のごとき構成を得ることができる。
[Appendix]
According to the embodiment of the present invention described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(付記1) 内視鏡が挿通可能な管路を有し、その挿通された内視鏡の形状変化に対応して受動的に形状変形する可撓性管状手段と、
この可撓性管状手段の管路に沿って軸方向に相互に重なり摺動接触させて内蔵配置された複数のコマ部材からなるコマ手段と、
前記内視鏡の形状変化に対応して前記可撓性管状手段が形状変形した際に、前記コマ手段のそれぞれのコマ部材の重なり摺動接触状態を保持させて、前記可撓性管状手段の形状を保持させる形状保持手段と、
を具備したことを特徴とする内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。
(Supplementary note 1) Flexible tubular means having a conduit through which an endoscope can be inserted and passively deforming in response to a shape change of the inserted endoscope;
A piece means comprising a plurality of piece members built in and arranged in sliding contact with each other in the axial direction along the conduit of the flexible tubular means,
When the flexible tubular means deforms in response to a change in the shape of the endoscope, the overlapping sliding contact state of the respective top members of the top means is maintained, so that the flexible tubular means Shape holding means for holding the shape;
An endoscope overtube characterized by comprising:

(付記2) 前記コマ手段のコマ部材は、先端面が凸球面、後端面が凹球面を有する円筒体からなり、前記凸球面と凹球面は同一曲率に形成されて、一方の円筒体の凸球面と他方の円筒体の凹球面を相互に摺動接触させたことを特徴とした付記1記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Supplementary Note 2) The top member of the top means is formed of a cylindrical body having a convex spherical surface at the front end surface and a concave spherical surface at the rear end surface, and the convex spherical surface and the concave spherical surface are formed to have the same curvature, 2. The endoscope overtube according to appendix 1, wherein the spherical surface and the concave spherical surface of the other cylindrical body are brought into sliding contact with each other.

(付記3) 前記コマ手段のコマ部材は、球面部と、その球面部の半径方向に設けられた開口部とからなる略半球状に形成された半球体からなり、一方の半球体の球面部と他方の半球体の開口部とを相互に摺動接触させたことを特徴とした付記1記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Supplementary Note 3) The top member of the top means is composed of a hemisphere formed in a substantially hemisphere comprising a spherical portion and an opening provided in the radial direction of the spherical portion, and the spherical portion of one hemisphere The overtube for an endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the opening of the other hemisphere is brought into sliding contact with each other.

(付記4) 前記コマ手段のコマ部材は、先端側に設けられた略半球面部と後端側に設けられた円筒部とが一体的に形成された球面円筒体からなり、一方の球面円筒体の先端側の半球面と他方の球面円筒体の後端側の円筒部とを相互に摺動接触させたことを特徴とした付記1記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Supplementary Note 4) The top member of the top means is composed of a spherical cylindrical body in which a substantially hemispherical portion provided on the front end side and a cylindrical portion provided on the rear end side are integrally formed, and one spherical cylindrical body The overtube for an endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the hemispherical surface on the tip side and the cylindrical portion on the rear end side of the other spherical cylindrical body are in sliding contact with each other.

(付記5) 前記コマ手段のコマ部材は、略台形状に形成された鱗状のコマ片からなり、前記可撓性管状手段の円周方向に等間隔をおいて前後のコマ片を相互に重なり摺動接触させたことを特徴とした付記1記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Supplementary Note 5) The piece member of the piece means is composed of scale-like piece pieces formed in a substantially trapezoidal shape, and the piece pieces before and after are overlapped with each other at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the flexible tubular means. The overtube for an endoscope according to appendix 1, characterized by being brought into sliding contact.

(付記6) 前記コマ手段のコマ部材は、略台形状に形成された鱗状のコマ片からなり、前記可撓性管状手段の軸方向に各コマ片の前後左右を相互に重なり摺動接触させたことを特徴とした付記1記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Additional remark 6) The piece member of the said piece means consists of the scale-shaped piece piece formed in the substantially trapezoid shape, and the front and back, right and left of each piece piece are mutually overlapped and slidably contacted in the axial direction of the said flexible tubular means. The overtube for an endoscope according to appendix 1, characterized by that.

(付記7) 前記形状保持手段は、前記コマ手段のコマ部材に対して軸方向の押圧力を与えて、前記コマ手段の各コマ部材間の摺動接触状態を保持固定させる軸方向押圧部材を有していることを特徴とした付記1乃至6のいずれかに記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Supplementary Note 7) The shape holding means is an axial pressing member that applies an axial pressing force to the piece member of the piece means to hold and fix the sliding contact state between the piece members of the piece means. The overtube for an endoscope according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the overtube for an endoscope is characterized by having.

(付記8) 前記形状保持手段の軸方向押圧部材は、前記コマ手段に沿って配置され、前記コマ手段の最先端のコマ部材に先端部が固着されると共に、基端部を牽引して前記コマ手段のコマ部材に軸方向の押圧力を与える網状管からなることを特徴とする付記7記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Supplementary Note 8) The axial direction pressing member of the shape holding means is disposed along the piece means, the distal end portion is fixed to the foremost piece member of the piece means, and the base end portion is pulled to The endoscope overtube according to appendix 7, wherein the endoscope overtube comprises a mesh tube that applies an axial pressing force to a top member of the top means.

(付記9) 前記形状保持手段の軸方向押圧部材は、前記コマ手段に沿って配置され、前記コマ手段の最先端のコマ部材に先端部が固着されると共に、基端部を牽引して前記コマ手段のコマ部材に軸方向の押圧力を与える複数の牽引ワイヤーからなることを特徴とする付記7記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Additional remark 9) The axial direction pressing member of the said shape holding means is arrange | positioned along the said top means, and while the front-end | tip part adheres to the most advanced top member of the said top means, the base end part is pulled, and the said The endoscope overtube according to appendix 7, wherein the endoscope overtube comprises a plurality of pulling wires for applying axial pressing force to the top member of the top means.

(付記10) 前記形状保持手段の軸方向押圧部材は、前記可撓性管状手段の基端側に設けられ、前記コマ手段の基端側のコマ部材に対して押出力を与え、前記コマ手段の各コマ部材に軸方向の押庄力を与える押出部からなることを特徴とする付記7記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Additional remark 10) The axial direction pressing member of the said shape holding means is provided in the base end side of the said flexible tubular means, gives a pushing force with respect to the top member of the base end side of the said top means, The said top means The endoscope overtube according to appendix 7, characterized by comprising an extruding portion that applies an axial pressing force to each of the top members.

(付記11) 前記形状保持手段の軸方向押圧部材は、前記可撓性管状手段の基端側に設けられ、前記コマ手段のコマ部材に対して磁力を与え、前記コマ手段の各コマ部材間を磁力固定させる磁力発生部からなることを特徴とする付記7記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Additional remark 11) The axial direction pressing member of the said shape holding means is provided in the base end side of the said flexible tubular means, gives magnetic force with respect to the top member of the said top means, and between each top member of the said top means The overtube for endoscopes according to appendix 7, characterized by comprising a magnetic force generating part for fixing the magnetic force.

(付記12) 前記形状保持手段は、前記可撓性管状手段に内蔵配置された前記コマ手段の各コマ部材に対して周方向の押圧力を与え、前記コマ手段の各コマ部材間の摺動接触状態を保持固定させる周方向押圧部材を有していることを特徴とした付記1乃至6のいずれかに記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Supplementary Note 12) The shape holding means applies a pressing force in the circumferential direction to each piece member of the piece means built in the flexible tubular means and slides between the piece members of the piece means. The endoscope overtube according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, further comprising a circumferential pressing member that holds and fixes the contact state.

(付記13) 前記形状保持手段の周方向押圧部材は、前記コマ手段の外周、または内周のいずれかに沿って配置され、基端部を牽引すると細径し、押出すると拡径する網状管からなり、この網状管の細径、あるいは拡径により前記コマ手段のコマ部材間の摺動接触状態を保持固定させることを特徴とした付記12記載の内視鏡用オーバチューブ。   (Additional remark 13) The circumferential direction pressing member of the said shape holding means is arrange | positioned along either the outer periphery of the said frame means, or an inner periphery, and when it pulls a base end part, it will reduce in diameter, and the net-like pipe | tube which expands when it extrudes 13. The endoscope overtube according to appendix 12, wherein the sliding contact state between the top members of the top means is held and fixed by the narrow diameter or the expanded diameter of the mesh tube.

(付記14) 前記可撓性管状手段の基端部には、前記形状保持手段の軸方向押圧部材、あるいは周方向押圧部材の網状管、または牽引ワイヤの基端を牽引、及び押出させるためのカム機構部が設けられていることを特徴とした付記1、7乃至13のいずれかに記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Supplementary Note 14) The proximal end portion of the flexible tubular means is for pulling and pushing the axial direction pressing member of the shape holding means, the mesh tube of the circumferential direction pressing member, or the proximal end of the pulling wire. The overtube for an endoscope according to any one of appendices 1, 7 to 13, wherein a cam mechanism is provided.

(付記15) 前記形状保持手段のカム機構部は、前記網状管、あるいは牽引ワイヤの基端が取り付け固定された固定環、この固定環に植設されたピン、このピンが嵌合されて長手方向に案内する案内溝、及び前記ピンを長手方向に摺動駆動させるカム溝を有するカム部材からなることを特徴とした付記14に記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Additional remark 15) The cam mechanism part of the shape holding means includes a fixed ring to which the proximal end of the mesh tube or the pulling wire is attached and fixed, a pin implanted in the fixed ring, and a longitudinal direction in which the pin is fitted. 15. The endoscope overtube according to appendix 14, characterized by comprising a cam member having a guide groove for guiding in the direction and a cam groove for slidingly driving the pin in the longitudinal direction.

(付記16) 前記形状保持手段のカム機構部は、前記網状管、あるいは牽引ワイヤの基端が挿入される互いに対向する傾斜面を有するメステーパ環とオステーパ環、このオステーパー管を常時先端側に付勢するバネ部材、前記メステーパ環に植設されたピン、このピンが嵌合されて長手方向に案内する案内溝、及び前記ピンを長手方向に摺動駆動させるカム溝を有するカム部材からなることを特徴とした付記14に記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   (Additional remark 16) The cam mechanism part of the shape holding means includes a female taper ring and a male taper ring having inclined surfaces facing each other into which the proximal end of the mesh tube or the pulling wire is inserted, and this male taper tube is always on the distal end side. It comprises a cam member having a spring member to be urged, a pin implanted in the female taper ring, a guide groove in which the pin is fitted and guided in the longitudinal direction, and a cam groove for slidingly driving the pin in the longitudinal direction. The overtube for an endoscope according to appendix 14, which is characterized in that.

本発明の第1の実施形態である内視鏡用オーバーチューブの構成を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the overtube for endoscopes which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第1の実施形態である内視鏡用オーバーチューブに内蔵されているコマ部材を示す斜視図。The perspective view which shows the top member incorporated in the overtube for endoscopes which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第1の実施形態である内視鏡用オーバーチューブ内のコマ部材の配置状態を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the arrangement | positioning state of the top member in the overtube for endoscopes which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブに用いるコマ部材の第1の変形例を示し、図4(a)は外観を示す斜視図、図4(b)は第1の変形例のコマ部材を内側チューブに配置した状態を示す縦断面図。FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing an external appearance, and FIG. 4B is an inner view of the top member of the first modified example. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state arrange | positioned at the tube. 本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブに用いるコマ部材の第2の変形例に関し、図5(a)は外観を示す斜視図、図5(a)は第2の変形例のコマ部材を内側チューブに配置した状態を示す縦断面図。FIG. 5 (a) is a perspective view showing an external appearance, and FIG. 5 (a) is an inner tube of a second modification of the top member used for the endoscope overtube of the present invention. The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state arrange | positioned in. 本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブに用いるコマ部材の第3の変形例に関し、図6(a)は第3の変形例のコマ部材を内側チューブに装着した状態を示す斜視図、図6(b)は第3の変形例のコマ部材と内側チューブとの関係を示す縦断面、図6(c)は第3の変形例のコマ部材が装着される内側チューブを示す横断面図。FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing a state in which the top member of the third modified example is attached to the inner tube, with respect to the third modified example of the top member used for the endoscope overtube of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a longitudinal sectional view showing the relationship between the top member of the third modification and the inner tube, and FIG. 6C is a transverse sectional view showing the inner tube to which the top member of the third modification is mounted. 本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブに用いるコマ部材の第3の変形例の応用例を示す外観斜視図。The external appearance perspective view which shows the application example of the 3rd modification of the top member used for the overtube for endoscopes of this invention. 本発明の第2の実施形態の内視鏡用オーバーチューブの構成を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the overtube for endoscopes of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第3の実施形態の内視鏡用オーバーチューブの構成を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the overtube for endoscopes of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の内視鏡用オーバーチューブの操作部に設けられる形状保持用のカム部材を説明する斜視図。The perspective view explaining the cam member for shape maintenance provided in the operation part of the overtube for endoscopes of the present invention. 従来の内視鏡検査時のオーバーチューブの課題を説明する説明図。Explanatory drawing explaining the subject of the overtube at the time of the conventional endoscopy.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

10 内視鏡用オーバーチューブ
11 可撓性管状部
12 操作部
13 内側チューブ
14 外側チューブ
15 コマ部材
16 網状管
17 把持部
18 コマ部材固定筒部
23 外側チューブ固定筒部
24 案内溝
25 ピン
26 カム部材
27 カム溝
代理人 弁理士 伊藤 進
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Endoscope for endoscope 11 Flexible tubular part 12 Operation part 13 Inner tube 14 Outer tube 15 Top member 16 Reticulated tube 17 Gripping part 18 Top member fixed cylinder part 23 Outer tube fixed cylinder part 24 Guide groove 25 Pin 26 Cam Member 27 Cam Groove Agent Patent Attorney Susumu Ito

Claims (9)

内視鏡が挿通可能な管路を有し、その挿通された内視鏡の形状変化に対応して受動的に形状変形する可撓性管状手段と、
この可撓性管状手段の管路に沿って軸方向に相互に重なり摺動接触させて内蔵配置された複数のコマ部材からなるコマ手段と、
前記内視鏡の形状変化に対応して前記可撓性管状手段が形状変形した際に、前記コマ手段のそれぞれのコマ部材の重なり摺動接触状態を保持させて、前記可撓性管状手段の形状を保持させる形状保持手段と、
を具備したことを特徴とする内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。
A flexible tubular means having a conduit through which an endoscope can be inserted and passively deforming in response to a change in the shape of the inserted endoscope;
A piece means comprising a plurality of piece members built in and arranged in sliding contact with each other in the axial direction along the conduit of the flexible tubular means,
When the flexible tubular means deforms in response to a change in the shape of the endoscope, the overlapping sliding contact state of the respective top members of the top means is maintained, so that the flexible tubular means Shape holding means for holding the shape;
An endoscope overtube characterized by comprising:
前記コマ手段のコマ部材は、先端面が凸球面、後端面が凹球面を有する円筒体からなり、前記凸球面と凹球面は同一曲率に形成されて、一方の円筒体の凸球面と他方の円筒体の凹球面を相互に摺動接触させたことを特徴とした請求項1記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   The top member of the top means comprises a cylindrical body having a convex spherical surface at the front end surface and a concave spherical surface at the rear end surface. The convex spherical surface and the concave spherical surface are formed with the same curvature, and the convex spherical surface of one cylindrical body and the other The endoscope overtube according to claim 1, wherein the concave spherical surfaces of the cylindrical body are brought into sliding contact with each other. 前記形状保持手段は、前記コマ手段のコマ部材に対して軸方向の押圧力を与えて、前記コマ手段の各コマ部材間の摺動接触状態を保持固定させる軸方向押圧部材を有していることを特徴とした請求項1又は2のいずれかに記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   The shape holding means has an axial pressing member that applies an axial pressing force to the piece member of the piece means to hold and fix the sliding contact state between the piece members of the piece means. The endoscope overtube according to any one of claims 1 and 2. 前記形状保持手段の軸方向押圧部材は、前記コマ手段に沿って配置され、前記コマ手段の最先端のコマ部材に先端部が固着されると共に、基端部を牽引して前記コマ手段のコマ部材に軸方向の押圧力を与える網状管からなることを特徴とする請求項3記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   An axial pressing member of the shape holding means is disposed along the piece means, and a distal end portion is fixed to the most advanced piece member of the piece means, and a base end portion is pulled to pull the piece of the piece means. 4. The endoscope overtube according to claim 3, wherein the endoscope overtube is formed of a mesh tube that applies an axial pressing force to the member. 前記形状保持手段の軸方向押圧部材は、前記コマ手段に沿って配置され、前記コマ手段の最先端のコマ部材に先端部が固着されると共に、基端部を牽引して前記コマ手段のコマ部材に軸方向の押圧力を与える複数の牽引ワイヤーからなることを特徴とする請求項3記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   An axial pressing member of the shape holding means is disposed along the piece means, and a distal end portion is fixed to the most advanced piece member of the piece means, and a base end portion is pulled to pull the piece of the piece means. The endoscope overtube according to claim 3, comprising a plurality of pulling wires that apply a pressing force in the axial direction to the member. 前記形状保持手段の軸方向押圧部材は、前記コマ手段の基端側のコマ部材に対して押出力を与えて各コマ部材間に軸方向の押出力を与える押出部からなることを特徴とする請求項3記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   The axial pressing member of the shape holding means includes an extruding portion that applies a pushing force to the piece member on the base end side of the piece means and gives a pushing force in the axial direction between the piece members. The endoscope overtube according to claim 3. 前記形状保持手段は、前記コマ手段の各コマ部材に対して周方向の押圧力を与え、前記コマ手段の各コマ部材間の摺動接触状態を保持固定させる周方向押圧部材を有していることを特徴とした請求項1又は2のいずれかに記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   The shape holding means has a circumferential pressing member that applies a circumferential pressing force to each piece member of the piece means and holds and fixes a sliding contact state between the piece members of the piece means. The endoscope overtube according to any one of claims 1 and 2. 前記形状保持手段の周方向押圧部材は、前記コマ手段の外周、または内周のいずれかに沿って配置され、基端部を牽引すると細径し、押出すると拡径する網状管からなり、この網状管の細径、あるいは拡径により前記コマ手段のコマ部材間の摺動接触状態を保持固定させることを特徴とした請求項7記載の内視鏡用オーバチューブ。 The circumferential pressing member of the shape holding means is arranged along either the outer circumference or the inner circumference of the top means, and is composed of a net-like tube that narrows when pulling the proximal end and expands when extruded. 8. The endoscope overtube according to claim 7, wherein the sliding contact state between the top members of the top means is held and fixed by a narrow diameter or an enlarged diameter of the mesh tube. 前記可撓性管状手段の基端部には、前記形状保持手段の軸方向押圧部材、あるいは周方向押圧部材の網状管、または牽引ワイヤの基端を牽引、及び押出させるためのカム機構部が設けられていることを特徴とした請求項1、3乃至8のいずれかに記載の内視鏡用オーバーチューブ。   At the base end of the flexible tubular means, there is a cam mechanism for pulling and pushing the axial end pressing member of the shape holding means, the mesh tube of the circumferential pressing member, or the base end of the pulling wire. The endoscope overtube according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope overtube is provided.
JP2004137763A 2004-05-06 2004-05-06 Overtube for endoscope Withdrawn JP2005318956A (en)

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2030557A1 (en) 2007-08-31 2009-03-04 HOYA Corporation Endoscopie guiding tube device
JP2010194220A (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-09 Hoya Corp Endoscope guide tube device
JP2010194221A (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-09 Hoya Corp Endoscope guide tube device
JP2010207340A (en) * 2009-03-09 2010-09-24 Hoya Corp Endoscope guiding tube device
JP2019503719A (en) * 2015-10-23 2019-02-14 Hoya株式会社 Endoscope mounting device

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2030557A1 (en) 2007-08-31 2009-03-04 HOYA Corporation Endoscopie guiding tube device
JP2010194220A (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-09 Hoya Corp Endoscope guide tube device
JP2010194221A (en) * 2009-02-27 2010-09-09 Hoya Corp Endoscope guide tube device
JP2010207340A (en) * 2009-03-09 2010-09-24 Hoya Corp Endoscope guiding tube device
JP2019503719A (en) * 2015-10-23 2019-02-14 Hoya株式会社 Endoscope mounting device

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