JP6091252B2

JP6091252B2 - Endoscope

Info

Publication number: JP6091252B2
Application number: JP2013037643A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 傑岡庭
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 2013-02-27
Filing date: 2013-02-27
Publication date: 2017-03-08
Anticipated expiration: 2033-02-27
Also published as: JP2014161645A

Description

本発明は、挿入部に湾曲部を備える内視鏡に関する。 The present invention relates to an endoscope provided with a bending portion in an insertion portion.

近年、内視鏡は、切開を必要とすることなく、体腔内の各種検査を行え、必要に応じて、処置具を体腔内に導入して治療手技等を行えるため広く用いられている。内視鏡においては、体内に挿入される細長な挿入部の先端部に、観察部位の観察画像を撮像するための観察光学系が設けられている。また、内視鏡の挿入部の先端側には、体内深部への挿入を容易に行えるようにするため、及び先端部の観察光学系を所望する方向に向けることを可能にするため湾曲部が設けられている。 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used because various inspections in a body cavity can be performed without requiring an incision, and a treatment tool can be introduced into the body cavity as necessary. In an endoscope, an observation optical system for capturing an observation image of an observation site is provided at the distal end of an elongated insertion portion that is inserted into the body. In addition, a bending portion is provided at the distal end side of the insertion portion of the endoscope so that the insertion into the deep part of the body can be easily performed and the observation optical system of the distal end portion can be directed in a desired direction. Is provided.

湾曲部は、例えば、複数の湾曲駒を回動自在に連設して、上下の二方向、或いは上下左右の四方向に湾曲するように構成されている。また、湾曲部は、例えば操作部に設けた湾曲操作装置である回転ノブを回転操作して湾曲動作するように構成されている。 The bending portion is configured, for example, such that a plurality of bending pieces are rotatably connected to bend in two directions, up and down, or up and down and left and right. In addition, the bending portion is configured to perform a bending operation by rotating a rotary knob that is a bending operation device provided in the operation unit, for example.

内視鏡は、挿入性の向上を図る目的、あるいは、観察性能の向上を図る目的のために様々な工夫がなされている。そして、挿入部の細径化、湾曲部の湾曲形状の小径化等が実現されている。 Endoscopes have been devised in various ways for the purpose of improving insertability or the purpose of improving observation performance. And the diameter reduction of the insertion part, the diameter reduction of the curved shape of the bending part, etc. are implement | achieved.

挿入部の細径化及び湾曲形状の小径化を実現した内視鏡によれば、胃内、或いは、大腸内等で、湾曲部を１８０°以上湾曲させて挿入部の挿入方向とは逆方向を観察する反転観察が可能になる。 According to the endoscope that has realized a reduction in the diameter of the insertion portion and a reduction in the diameter of the curved shape, the bending portion is bent by 180 ° or more in the stomach or in the large intestine, and is opposite to the insertion direction of the insertion portion. Inversion observation is possible.

特許文献１には、内視鏡の先端部を小回りし易くした内視鏡装置が開示されている。この内視鏡装置の内視鏡では、挿入部を構成する湾曲部の基端部側に反発力付与部を設けている。この構成によれば、湾曲部の先端部側が後端部側に比べて先に湾曲動作を開始する。 Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope apparatus that makes it easy to turn the distal end portion of an endoscope. In the endoscope of this endoscope apparatus, a repulsive force imparting portion is provided on the proximal end side of the bending portion constituting the insertion portion. According to this configuration, the distal end side of the bending portion starts the bending operation earlier than the rear end portion side.

また、特許文献２には、患部と該患部を処置している処置具の様子を内視鏡画像で観察しながら簡便に患部を処置することができる内視鏡が開示されている。この内視鏡においては、チャンネルの開口部と対物光学系とを湾曲部を挟んで挿入部の長手方向に対して離れた位置に配置している。 Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope that can easily treat an affected part while observing the affected part and a treatment tool treating the affected part with an endoscopic image. In this endoscope, the opening portion of the channel and the objective optical system are arranged at positions separated from the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion with the curved portion interposed therebetween.

特開２００３−１２６０２４号公報JP 2003-126024 A 特開２０１２−０６１１６２号公報JP 2012-061162 A

しかしながら、内視鏡の挿入部内には内視鏡内蔵物として複数の湾曲ワイヤーの他に、処置具チャンネルチューブ、信号ケーブル、ライトガイドファイバー束、送気用チューブ、送水用チューブ等が挿通される。このため、反転観察が可能な内視鏡においては、湾曲部の湾曲形状を小さく設定するにしたがって内視鏡内蔵物にかかる負荷が増大することによって、該内蔵物の耐久性に支障を来すおそれがある。 However, a treatment instrument channel tube, a signal cable, a light guide fiber bundle, an air supply tube, a water supply tube and the like are inserted in the insertion portion of the endoscope in addition to a plurality of bending wires as a built-in endoscope. . For this reason, in an endoscope capable of inversion observation, the load applied to the endoscope built-in object increases as the bending shape of the bending part is set to be small, which impedes the durability of the built-in object. There is a fear.

本発明は上記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、内視鏡内蔵物にかかる負荷が増大することを防止しつつ観察性能に優れた内視鏡を提供することを目的にしている。 The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope having excellent observation performance while preventing an increase in the load applied to the built-in endoscope.

本発明の一態様の内視鏡は、観察光学系を先端面に備える先端硬質部と、前記先端硬質部の基端側に配置される湾曲部と、前記湾曲部の基端側に配置される可撓管部とを備える内視鏡挿入部、及び、前記可撓管部の基端側に配置され、前記湾曲部を湾曲動作させる湾曲部操作装置を備える操作部を具備する内視鏡において、前記湾曲部操作装置によって、前記湾曲部を湾曲動作させていない状態において、前記先端硬質部の長手方向中心軸を含む第１の平面は、前記可撓管部の長手方向中心軸を含む第２の平面に対して平行な位置関係であって、前記先端硬質部の長手方向中心軸と前記可撓管部の長手方向中心軸とは、前記湾曲部と前記可撓管部とを連結する連結部によって、前記湾曲部を最も頻繁に湾曲動作させる湾曲方向とは逆方向に変位している。 An endoscope according to an aspect of the present invention is disposed on a distal end hard portion including an observation optical system on a distal end surface, a bending portion disposed on a proximal end side of the distal end hard portion, and a proximal end side of the bending portion. An endoscope including an endoscope insertion portion provided with a flexible tube portion and an operation portion provided on a proximal end side of the flexible tube portion and provided with a bending portion operation device for bending the bending portion. in, by the bending portion operation apparatus, in a state that has not been bending operation of the bending portion, a first flat surface which includes a longitudinal central axis of the distal end rigid portion, the front Symbol flexible tube longitudinal central axis of the The longitudinal direction central axis of the distal end hard portion and the longitudinal direction central axis of the flexible tube portion are the curved portion and the flexible tube portion. the connecting portion for connecting a variable to Gyakukata direction to the bending direction to the most frequently bending operation of the bending portion It is.

本発明によれば、内視鏡内蔵物にかかる負荷が増大することを防止しつつ観察性能に優れた内視鏡を実現できる。 ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the endoscope excellent in observation performance is realizable, preventing the load concerning an endoscope built-in thing increasing.

内視鏡の構成を説明する図The figure explaining the composition of an endoscope 図１の矢印Ａ方向である湾曲上方向から挿入部を見た図The figure which looked at the insertion part from the curved upper direction which is the arrow A direction of FIG. 図２Ａの挿入部を矢印Ｂ方向である挿入部先端側から見た挿入部の正面図The front view of the insertion part which looked at the insertion part of FIG. 2A from the insertion part front end side which is the arrow B direction 図２Ｂの矢印２Ｃ−２Ｃ線断面図であって、撮像光学系の光軸と可撓管部の長手方向中心軸との位置関係を主に説明するための挿入部長手方向断面図2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2C-2C in FIG. 2B, and is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the insertion portion for mainly explaining the positional relationship between the optical axis of the imaging optical system and the longitudinal central axis of the flexible tube portion. 湾曲部と可撓管部とを連結する連結部の他の構成例を説明する図であって、Ｓ字形状部を有するパイプ部材を備える挿入部の長手方向断面図It is a figure explaining the other structural example of the connection part which connects a bending part and a flexible tube part, Comprising: Longitudinal direction sectional drawing of an insertion part provided with the pipe member which has an S-shaped part 腸管内における反転観察を説明する図であって、（Ａ）は本願発明の内視鏡の作用を説明する図、（Ｂ）は従来タイプの内視鏡挿入部を有する内視鏡の作用を説明する図It is a figure explaining the inversion observation in an intestinal tract, Comprising: (A) is a figure explaining the effect | action of the endoscope of this invention, (B) shows the effect | action of the endoscope which has a conventional type endoscope insertion part. Illustration to explain （Ａ）は本願発明の内視鏡挿入部の正面図と画面に表示される観察対象画像との関係を説明する図、（Ｂ）は捩り操作された挿入部の正面図と捩り操作後に画面に表示される観察対象画像との関係を説明する図(A) is a figure explaining the relationship between the front view of the endoscope insertion part of this invention and the observation object image displayed on a screen, (B) is the front view of the insertion part by which twist operation was performed, and a screen after twist operation Explaining the relationship with the observation image displayed on the screen （Ａ）は従来タイプの内視鏡挿入部を有する内視鏡の挿入部の正面図と画面に表示される観察対象画像との関係を説明する図、（Ｂ）は捩り操作された挿入部の正面図と捩り操作後に画面に表示される観察対象画像との関係を説明する図(A) is a figure explaining the relationship between the front view of the insertion part of the endoscope which has a conventional type endoscope insertion part, and the observation object image displayed on a screen, (B) is the insertion part by which twist operation was carried out Explaining the relationship between the front view of the image and the observation target image displayed on the screen after the twisting operation 先端硬質部の長手方向中心軸と可撓管部の長手方向中心軸との関係を説明する図The figure explaining the relation between the longitudinal direction central axis of a tip hard part, and the longitudinal direction central axis of a flexible tube part 湾曲部と可撓管部とを連結する連結部の別の構成例を説明する図であって、屈曲部を有するパイプ部材を備える挿入部の長手方向断面図It is a figure explaining another structural example of the connection part which connects a bending part and a flexible tube part, Comprising: Longitudinal direction sectional drawing of an insertion part provided with the pipe member which has a bending part パイプ部材の一端側に連結した湾曲部を予め湾曲させて、交差した先端硬質部の長手方向中心軸と可撓管部の長手方向中心軸とを平行に設定した状態を示す図The figure which shows the state which bent the bending part connected with the one end side of a pipe member previously, and set the longitudinal direction central axis of the crossed front-end | tip hard part and the longitudinal direction central axis of a flexible tube part in parallel. 従来タイプの内視鏡の挿入部と上下ノブとの関係を説明する図The figure explaining the relationship between the insertion part of a conventional type endoscope, and an up-and-down knob 先端硬質部及び湾曲部に比べて太径な可撓管部を備えて構成される挿入部の構成例に係り、挿入部を挿入部先端側から見た挿入部の正面図The front view of the insertion part which looked at the insertion part from the insertion part tip side according to the structural example of the insertion part comprised by providing a flexible tube part with a diameter larger than the distal end hard part and the bending part. 可撓管部に第２の開口を有する挿入部の長手方向断面図Longitudinal sectional view of an insertion portion having a second opening in the flexible tube portion 湾曲部を１８０度以上湾曲動作させた状態における第１の開口と第２の開口との関係を説明する図The figure explaining the relationship between the 1st opening and the 2nd opening in the state where the bending part was bent 180 degrees or more

以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。
図１に示すように内視鏡１は、体腔内に挿入される挿入部２と、挿入部２の基端側に設けられた操作部３と、操作部３から延出するユニバーサルコード４とを備えて構成されている。ユニバーサルコード４の基端部には図示しない内視鏡コネクタが設けられている。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope 1 includes an insertion portion 2 to be inserted into a body cavity, an operation portion 3 provided on the proximal end side of the insertion portion 2, and a universal cord 4 extending from the operation portion 3. It is configured with. An endoscope connector (not shown) is provided at the proximal end portion of the universal cord 4.

図１及び図２Ａに示すように挿入部２は、先端側から順に、硬質な先端硬質部２ａ、例えば上下左右方向に湾曲自在な湾曲部２ｂ、及び可撓性を有する長尺な可撓管部２ｃを連設して構成されている。本実施形態において、先端硬質部２ａの直径、湾曲部２ｂの直径、及び可撓管部２ｃの直径は略同径である。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the insertion portion 2 includes, in order from the distal end side, a hard distal end hard portion 2a, for example, a curved portion 2b that can be bent in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a long flexible tube having flexibility. The part 2c is continuously provided. In the present embodiment, the diameter of the distal end hard portion 2a, the diameter of the curved portion 2b, and the diameter of the flexible tube portion 2c are substantially the same diameter.

符号２ｄは連結部であって、後述する金属製のパイプ部材（図２Ｃの符号３１）を備え、湾曲部２ｂの基端側と可撓管部２ｃの先端側とを連結する。符号２ｅは湾曲ゴム基端側固定部であり、符号２ｆは湾曲ゴム先端側固定部であり、糸巻き接着で構成されている。 Reference numeral 2d denotes a connecting portion, which includes a metal pipe member (reference numeral 31 in FIG. 2C) described later, and connects the proximal end side of the bending portion 2b and the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 2c. Reference numeral 2e denotes a curved rubber base end side fixing portion, and reference numeral 2f denotes a curved rubber front end side fixing portion, which is constituted by pincushion bonding.

操作部３は把持部を兼ね、その操作部３には湾曲部２ｂを湾曲動作させる湾曲部操作装置として例えば上下ノブ５及び左右ノブ（不図示）が設けられている。湾曲部２ｂは、術者が上下ノブ５または左右ノブによって湾曲動作させていない状態においてストレート状態である。 The operation unit 3 also serves as a gripping unit, and the operation unit 3 is provided with, for example, an up / down knob 5 and a left / right knob (not shown) as a bending unit operating device for bending the bending unit 2b. The bending portion 2b is in a straight state in a state where the surgeon is not performing a bending operation with the up / down knob 5 or the left / right knob.

そして、湾曲部２ｂは、例えば操作者である術者が操作部３を把持する手の親指の関節を曲げて親指の指先を図１中の下方向に移動させる。すると、親指の指先の下方向への移動に伴って、上下ノブ５は、軸５ａを中心に予め定めた方向である矢印Ｙ１方向に回転されて、湾曲部２ｂは、実線に示すストレート状態から上方向に湾曲を開始して二点鎖線に示すように湾曲動作するように構成されている。
なお、湾曲部２ｂの湾曲半径ｒは、湾曲部２ｂを湾曲動作させた際、内部に挿通された内視鏡内蔵物が座屈することを防止した寸法である。 Then, the bending portion 2b moves the fingertip of the thumb downward in FIG. 1 by bending the joint of the thumb of the hand that the operator who is an operator holds the operation portion 3, for example. Then, along with the downward movement of the fingertip of the thumb, the up / down knob 5 is rotated in the direction of the arrow Y1, which is a predetermined direction around the shaft 5a, and the bending portion 2b is moved from the straight state shown by the solid line. It is configured to start bending upward and bend as shown by a two-dot chain line.
The bending radius r of the bending portion 2b is a dimension that prevents the endoscope built-in object inserted therein from buckling when the bending portion 2b is bent.

なお、符号６ａは、送気送水ボタンであり、符号６ｂは吸引ボタンである。
符号７は、複数のリモートボタンであり、先端硬質部２ａに内蔵された後述する撮像装置の駆動制御等を遠隔操作する。 Reference numeral 6a is an air / water supply button, and reference numeral 6b is a suction button.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a plurality of remote buttons, which remotely operate drive control and the like of an imaging device described later built in the distal end hard portion 2a.

符号８は処置具挿通口であり、処置具チャンネル（不図示）の基端部を構成する、処置具挿通口８には把持鉗子等の図示しない処置具が挿入される。処置具挿通口８から導入された処置具の先端側は、先端硬質部２ａに設けられた開口（図２Ｂの符号９ａ参照）を通過して例えば体腔内に導出される。 Reference numeral 8 denotes a treatment instrument insertion opening, and a treatment instrument (not shown) such as a grasping forceps is inserted into the treatment instrument insertion opening 8 constituting a proximal end portion of a treatment instrument channel (not shown). The distal end side of the treatment instrument introduced from the treatment instrument insertion port 8 passes through an opening (see reference numeral 9a in FIG. 2B) provided in the distal end rigid portion 2a and is led into, for example, a body cavity.

本実施形態において、挿入部２を構成する先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとは位置ずれしている。具体的に、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡは、可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡに対して、最も頻繁に湾曲動作される湾曲方向である上方向とは逆方向である下方向に対して予め定めた変位量（図中、距離Ｌ）、平行に変位されている。 In the present embodiment, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a constituting the insertion portion 2 is displaced from the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c. Specifically, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a is opposite to the upward direction, which is the bending direction in which the bending operation is most frequently performed, with respect to the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c. A predetermined amount of displacement (distance L in the figure) is displaced parallel to the downward direction.

したがって、図１、図２Ａ−図２Ｃに示すように湾曲部２ｂを湾曲動作させていない状態、すなわち、湾曲部２ｂがストレート状態において、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとは平行な位置関係である。 Accordingly, when the bending portion 2b is not bent as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A-2C, that is, when the bending portion 2b is in a straight state, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a and the flexible tube portion It is in a positional relationship parallel to the longitudinal center axis 2cA of 2c.

図２Ｂに示すように先端硬質部２ａの先端面には、上述した開口９ａに加えて、観察光学系を構成する観察窓９ｂ及び２つの照明窓９ｃと、送気送水ノズル９ｄとが設けられている。観察窓９ｂは、観察光学系の撮像光学系を構成する部材であり、照明窓９ｃは観察光学系の照明光学系を構成する部材である。
照明窓９ｃの基端面側には例えばライトガイドファイバー束の先端面が臨まれ、観察窓９ｂの基端側には対物光学レンズ（図２Ｃの符号９ｄ参照）及び撮像装置（図２Ｃの符号９ｅ）等が設けられている。 As shown in FIG. 2B, in addition to the opening 9a described above, an observation window 9b and two illumination windows 9c constituting an observation optical system, and an air / water supply nozzle 9d are provided on the distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 2a. ing. The observation window 9b is a member constituting an imaging optical system of the observation optical system, and the illumination window 9c is a member constituting an illumination optical system of the observation optical system.
For example, the distal end surface of the light guide fiber bundle faces the proximal end surface side of the illumination window 9c, and the objective optical lens (see reference numeral 9d in FIG. 2C) and the imaging device (reference numeral 9e in FIG. 2C) face the proximal end side of the observation window 9b. ) Etc. are provided.

図２Ｂ及び図２Ｃに示すように観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡは、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡに対して位置ずれしている。具体的に、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡは、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡに対して湾曲部２ｂが最も頻繁に湾曲動作される湾曲方向である上方向に予め定めた距離Ｌ、平行に変位されている。そして、本実施形態において、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとは略一致して配置されている。 As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b is displaced with respect to the longitudinal central axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a. Specifically, the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b has a predetermined distance L in an upward direction, which is a bending direction in which the bending portion 2b is most frequently bent with respect to the longitudinal central axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a. It is displaced in parallel. In the present embodiment, the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c are substantially aligned.

言い換えれば、先端硬質部２ａの先端面を正面視して、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡを通過する水平線９ｂＨと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡを通過する水平線２ｃＨとが一致、或いは平行な位置関係になると共に、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡを通過する水平線９ｂＨに直交する鉛直線９ｂＶと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡを通過する水平線２ｃＨに直交する鉛直線２ｃＶとが一致、或いは平行な位置関係になっている。 In other words, when the front end surface of the distal end hard portion 2a is viewed from the front, the horizontal line 9bH passing through the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and the horizontal line 2cH passing through the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c match, or A vertical line 9bV perpendicular to the horizontal line 9bH passing through the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and a vertical line 2cV perpendicular to the horizontal line 2cH passing through the central axis 2cA in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube portion 2c Are coincident or in parallel with each other.

図２Ｃを参照して挿入部２の構成を説明する。
先端硬質部２ａは、金属製の円柱部材であって、撮像光学系用貫通孔１０ａ、照明光学系用貫通孔（不図示）、送気送水用貫通孔、処置具チャンネル用貫通孔１０ｂを有している。撮像光学系用貫通孔１０ａ内には、対物光学レンズ９ｄ、撮像装置９ｅ等が配設される。処置具チャンネル用貫通孔１０ｂの先端開口は、開口９ａである。各貫通孔の中心軸は、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡに対して平行である。 The structure of the insertion part 2 is demonstrated with reference to FIG. 2C.
The distal end hard portion 2a is a metal cylindrical member having an imaging optical system through hole 10a, an illumination optical system through hole (not shown), an air / water through hole, and a treatment instrument channel through hole 10b. doing. An objective optical lens 9d, an imaging device 9e, and the like are disposed in the imaging optical system through hole 10a. The distal end opening of the treatment instrument channel through hole 10b is an opening 9a. The central axis of each through-hole is parallel to the longitudinal central axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a.

符号９ｆは信号ケーブルであり、撮像装置９ｅから延出して、挿入部２内、操作部３内、及びユニバーサルコード４内を挿通して内視鏡コネクタ内に導かれている。 Reference numeral 9f denotes a signal cable which extends from the imaging device 9e and is inserted into the insertion portion 2, the operation portion 3, and the universal cord 4 and led into the endoscope connector.

湾曲部２ｂは、金属製の先端湾曲駒１１、複数の中間湾曲駒１２、及び基端湾曲駒１３を連設した湾曲駒組１４と、湾曲駒組を被覆する網状管１５と、外皮である予め定めた弾発性を有する湾曲ゴム管（以下、湾曲ゴムと記載する）１６とを備えて構成されている。 The bending portion 2b is a bending piece assembly 14 in which a metal distal bending piece 11, a plurality of intermediate bending pieces 12, and a proximal bending piece 13 are continuously provided, a mesh tube 15 covering the bending piece set, and an outer skin. A curved rubber tube (hereinafter referred to as a curved rubber) 16 having a predetermined elasticity is provided.

符号１７は湾曲ワイヤーであり、符号１８はワイヤー挿通部である。湾曲ワイヤー１７の先端は、先端湾曲駒１１の予め定めた位置に接合され、基端は前記ノブによって回動される例えばスプロケット（不図示）に噛合するチェーン（不図示）の先端に接合されている。 Reference numeral 17 denotes a bending wire, and reference numeral 18 denotes a wire insertion part. The distal end of the bending wire 17 is joined to a predetermined position of the distal bending piece 11, and the proximal end is joined to the distal end of a chain (not shown) meshed with, for example, a sprocket (not shown) rotated by the knob. Yes.

可撓管部２ｃは、螺旋管２１と、螺旋管２１を被覆する網状管２２と、外皮である樹脂管２３とを備えて主に構成されている。樹脂管２３の外周表面には耐薬性のコーティングが施され、可撓管部２ｃが所定の硬さ（曲げ剛性）となるようにそれ自体の硬度が設定されている。符号２４は接続管であり、可撓管部２ｃの先端側を構成する。 The flexible tube portion 2c is mainly configured to include a spiral tube 21, a mesh tube 22 that covers the spiral tube 21, and a resin tube 23 that is an outer skin. The outer peripheral surface of the resin tube 23 is coated with a chemical resistant coating, and its own hardness is set so that the flexible tube portion 2c has a predetermined hardness (bending rigidity). Reference numeral 24 denotes a connecting tube, which constitutes the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 2c.

連結部２ｄは、金属製のパイプ部材３１と、パイプ部材３１を被覆する湾曲ゴム１６とで構成されている。パイプ部材３１は、湾曲部２ｂの湾曲駒組１４と可撓管部２ｃの接続管２４とを連結する連結部材である。 The connecting portion 2 d is configured by a metal pipe member 31 and a curved rubber 16 that covers the pipe member 31. The pipe member 31 is a connecting member that connects the bending piece set 14 of the bending portion 2b and the connecting pipe 24 of the flexible tube portion 2c.

パイプ部材３１は、先端側から順に先端ストレート部３２、第１曲部３３、傾斜ストレート部３４、第２曲部３５、及び基端ストレート部３６を備えて構成され、湾曲部２ｂと可撓管部２ｃとを滑らかに接続する。 The pipe member 31 includes a distal straight portion 32, a first curved portion 33, an inclined straight portion 34, a second curved portion 35, and a proximal straight portion 36 in order from the distal end side. The curved portion 2b and the flexible tube are provided. The part 2c is smoothly connected.

本実施形態において、パイプ部材３１の先端ストレート部３２の中心軸、第１曲部３３の中心軸、傾斜ストレート部３４の中心軸、第２曲部３５の中心軸、及び基端ストレート部３６の中心軸は、同一平面上に配置されている。そして、先端ストレート部３２の中心軸３２ａと基端ストレート部３６の中心軸３６ａとは平行で、距離Ｌ離間して構成されている。 In the present embodiment, the central axis of the straight end portion 32 of the pipe member 31, the central axis of the first curved portion 33, the central axis of the inclined straight portion 34, the central axis of the second curved portion 35, and the proximal straight portion 36. The central axis is arranged on the same plane. The central axis 32a of the distal straight part 32 and the central axis 36a of the proximal straight part 36 are parallel to each other and separated by a distance L.

この結果、パイプ部材３１の先端ストレート部３２を基端湾曲駒１３の内周面に固設し、基端ストレート部３６を接続管２４の外周面に固設することによって、上述したように湾曲部２ｂがストレート状態のとき、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとが平行な位置関係に配置され、且つ、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとが略一致する。 As a result, the distal straight portion 32 of the pipe member 31 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the proximal bending piece 13, and the proximal straight portion 36 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the connecting pipe 24, thereby bending as described above. When the portion 2b is in a straight state, the longitudinal central axis 2aA of the distal rigid portion 2a and the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c are arranged in parallel, and the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b The longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c substantially coincides.

つまり、内視鏡１の先端硬質部２ａと可撓管部２ｃとは、パイプ部材３１によって先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとが平行な位置関係で距離Ｌ分変位された構成になる。 That is, the distal end rigid portion 2a and the flexible tube portion 2c of the endoscope 1 are parallel to each other by the pipe member 31 so that the longitudinal central axis 2aA of the distal rigid portion 2a and the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c are parallel. The position is displaced by the distance L due to the positional relationship.

加えて、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡを先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡに対して上方向に距離Ｌ変位させる一方、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡを可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡに対して下方向に距離Ｌ変位させて、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとが略一致した構成になる。 In addition, the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b is displaced by a distance L upward with respect to the longitudinal central axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a, while the longitudinal central axis 2aA of the distal end rigid portion 2a is displaced by the flexible tube portion 2c. The center axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c are substantially aligned by being displaced by a distance L downward with respect to the longitudinal center axis 2cA.

なお、符号２５は、ワイヤー挿通コイルであり、湾曲方向に対応して設けられ、該コイル２５内には湾曲ワイヤー１７が挿通されている。また、湾曲ゴム基端側固定部２ｅは、湾曲ゴム１６の基端部分と樹脂管２３の先端部とを固着している。 Reference numeral 25 denotes a wire insertion coil, which is provided corresponding to the bending direction, and the bending wire 17 is inserted into the coil 25. Further, the curved rubber base end side fixing portion 2 e fixes the base end portion of the curved rubber 16 and the distal end portion of the resin tube 23.

上述のように構成した内視鏡１の挿入部２の作用を説明する。
挿入部２を大腸内に挿入して腸管内で挿入方向とは逆方向を観察する反転観察を行う場合、術者は、親指を上下ノブ５の所望する位置に配置して図１の矢印Ｙ１に示すようにボタン６ａ、６ｂが配置されている湾曲方向上方向に対応する上方向から下方向に向けて移動する。この結果、上下ノブ５の回転動作に伴って湾曲部２ｂが図１、図３の（Ａ）の図に示すように上方向に湾曲動作する。そして、回転操作が継続されることによって湾曲部２ｂが１８０°以上、湾曲する。 The operation of the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 configured as described above will be described.
When inserting the insertion portion 2 into the large intestine and performing reverse observation in which the direction opposite to the insertion direction is observed in the intestine, the surgeon places the thumb at a desired position of the upper and lower knobs 5 and moves the arrow Y1 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the button 6a, 6b moves from the upper direction corresponding to the upper direction of the bending direction to the lower direction. As a result, as the up / down knob 5 rotates, the bending portion 2b bends upward as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A. Then, by continuing the rotation operation, the bending portion 2b is bent by 180 ° or more.

本発明の内視鏡１においては、上述したように可撓管部２ｃと湾曲部２ｂとをパイプ部材３１に複数のストレート部３２、３４、３６と複数の曲部３３、３５を備えた、連結部２ｄによって連結している。
また、挿入部２の先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡは、湾曲部２ｂがストレート状態において、連結部２ｄによって、可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡに対して平行な位置関係で湾曲上方向とは逆方向である湾曲下方向に変位されている。 In the endoscope 1 of the present invention, as described above, the flexible tube portion 2c and the curved portion 2b are provided on the pipe member 31 with a plurality of straight portions 32, 34, 36 and a plurality of curved portions 33, 35. It is connected by the connecting part 2d.
Further, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a of the insertion portion 2 has a positional relationship parallel to the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c by the connecting portion 2d when the curved portion 2b is in a straight state. It is displaced in the downward curve direction, which is the opposite direction to the upward curve direction.

この結果、図３の（Ａ）の図に示すように挿入部２の先端が直腸４０の狭い腸管内で、壁、襞等に接触することなく湾曲部２ｂが湾曲半径ｒに湾曲されて反転観察等を行える。 As a result, as shown in FIG. 3A, the distal end of the insertion portion 2 is bent within the narrow intestinal tract of the rectum 40, and the bending portion 2b is bent to the bending radius r without coming into contact with the wall, fold, etc. Can observe.

これに対して、図３の（Ｂ）の図に示す連結部２ｄを有していない、湾曲部１０１がストレート状態において、先端硬質部１０２の長手方向中心軸１０３が可撓管部１０４の長手方向中心軸１０５に対して下方向に変位されていない挿入部１１０を有する従来タイプの内視鏡１００では、一般に、先端硬質部１０２の長手方向中心軸１０３と可撓管部１０４の長手方向中心軸１０５とが略同軸である。 In contrast, when the bending portion 101 does not have the connecting portion 2d shown in FIG. 3B and the bending portion 101 is in a straight state, the longitudinal central axis 103 of the distal end hard portion 102 is the longitudinal length of the flexible tube portion 104. In the conventional endoscope 100 having the insertion portion 110 that is not displaced downward with respect to the direction center axis 105, generally, the longitudinal center axis 103 of the distal end hard portion 102 and the longitudinal center of the flexible tube portion 104 are used. The shaft 105 is substantially coaxial.

このため、図３の（Ｂ）の図に示すように挿入部１１０を大腸内に挿入して腸管内で反転観察を行うために湾曲部１０１を上方向に湾曲させていくとき、湾曲半径が内視鏡１の湾曲部２ｂの湾曲半径ｒと同一であっても先端硬質部先端面１０６が図３の（Ａ）の図で示す内視鏡１の先端硬質部先端面２ａｆより寸法Ｄ、腸壁に近接する。したがって、内視鏡１００において、先端硬質部先端面１０６が壁、或いは襞等に接触して反転観察に支障を来すおそれがある。 Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the insertion portion 110 is inserted into the large intestine and the bending portion 101 is bent upward in order to perform inversion observation in the intestine, the bending radius is increased. Even if the bending radius r of the bending portion 2b of the endoscope 1 is the same as the bending radius r, the distal end hard portion distal end surface 106 has a dimension D greater than the distal end hard portion distal end surface 2af of the endoscope 1 shown in FIG. Proximity to the intestinal wall. Therefore, in the endoscope 100, the distal end hard portion distal end surface 106 may come into contact with a wall, a heel, or the like, thereby hindering reverse observation.

このように、内視鏡１の挿入部２を構成する先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡを可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡに対して、最も頻繁に湾曲動作される湾曲方向とは逆方向に位置ずれさせる。この結果、湾曲部２ｂの湾曲半径を湾曲半径ｒ以下に設定すること無く、反転観察可能な内視鏡を実現することができる。 In this way, the bending direction in which the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a constituting the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is most frequently bent with respect to the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c. The position is shifted in the opposite direction. As a result, it is possible to realize an endoscope that can be reversed and viewed without setting the bending radius of the bending portion 2b to be equal to or less than the bending radius r.

また、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとを位置ずれさせるために湾曲部２ｂと可撓管部２ｃとを図２Ｄに示すようにＳ字形状のパイプ部材３１Ａで連結するようにしてもよい。 Further, in order to displace the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a and the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c, the curved portion 2b and the flexible tube portion 2c are S-shaped as shown in FIG. 2D. You may make it connect with the shape pipe member 31A.

図２Ｄに示すパイプ部材３１Ａは、先端ストレート部３２Ａ、第１曲部３３Ａ、第２曲部３５Ａ、及び基端ストレート部３６Ａを備えて構成される。第１曲部３３Ａ及び第２曲部３５ＡがＳ字形状部を構成する。 The pipe member 31A shown in FIG. 2D includes a distal straight portion 32A, a first curved portion 33A, a second curved portion 35A, and a proximal straight portion 36A. The first music part 33A and the second music part 35A constitute an S-shaped part.

そして、パイプ部材３１ＡのＳ字形状部を構成する第１曲部３３Ａの半径Ｒ１及び第２曲部３５Ａの半径Ｒ２を、湾曲部２ｂの湾曲半径ｒと同寸法或いはそれよりも大きな半径に設定している。 Then, the radius R1 of the first curved portion 33A and the radius R2 of the second curved portion 35A constituting the S-shaped portion of the pipe member 31A are set to the same dimension as or larger than the curved radius r of the curved portion 2b. doing.

この結果、内視鏡１で反転観察を行った際、湾曲部２ｂの基端側が連結部２ｄに対して滑らかな湾曲形状に湾曲されると共に、挿入部２内に挿通されている内視鏡内蔵物に係る負荷が増大して湾曲部２ｂ内及び連結部２ｄ内において該内蔵物が座屈するといった不具合を防止することができる。 As a result, when performing reverse observation with the endoscope 1, the proximal end side of the bending portion 2 b is bent into a smooth bending shape with respect to the connecting portion 2 d and the endoscope is inserted into the insertion portion 2. It is possible to prevent a problem that the load on the built-in object increases and the built-in object buckles in the bending portion 2b and the connecting portion 2d.

図４の（Ａ）の図に示すように本実施形態の内視鏡１においては、湾曲部２ｂがストレート状態のとき、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとが平行な位置関係で、且つ、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとが一致している。このため、観察窓９ｂの中心を内視鏡画面１１１の中央である画面中心１１２に配置した際、可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡである捩り中心も画面中心１１２に位置した状態になる。 As shown in FIG. 4A, in the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, when the curved portion 2b is in a straight state, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a and the longitudinal length of the flexible tube portion 2c. The central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c coincide with each other in a positional relationship parallel to the direction central axis 2cA. For this reason, when the center of the observation window 9b is arranged at the screen center 112 which is the center of the endoscope screen 111, the torsion center which is the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c is also positioned at the screen center 112. Become.

この構成によれば、図４の（Ａ）の図に示すように観察対象画像１１３を画面中心１１２に対して例えば上側に位置させた状態で内視鏡観察をしているとき、術者によって挿入部２の可撓管部２ｃが矢印Ｙ４Ａに示すように可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡを中心に捩り操作されたとき、その捩り操作に伴って、図４の（Ｂ）の図の矢印Ｙ４Ｂに示すように観察対象画像１１３が画面中心１１２に対して回転移動する。 According to this configuration, when performing endoscopic observation with the observation target image 113 positioned, for example, on the upper side with respect to the screen center 112 as shown in FIG. When the flexible tube portion 2c of the insertion portion 2 is twisted about the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c as indicated by an arrow Y4A, the twisting operation is performed along with the twisting operation shown in FIG. As shown by an arrow Y4B in the figure, the observation target image 113 rotates with respect to the screen center 112.

この結果、内視鏡観察中に挿入部２の捩り操作を行った際、観察対象画像１１３が内視鏡画面１１１外に移動してしまうことによって該画像１１３を見失う不具合が解消される。 As a result, the problem of losing sight of the image 113 due to the observation target image 113 being moved out of the endoscope screen 111 when the twisting operation of the insertion portion 2 is performed during endoscopic observation is eliminated.

これに対して、上述した従来タイプの内視鏡１００では、図５の（Ａ）の図に示すように観察窓１０７の中心１０８と、可撓管部１０４の長手方向中心軸１０５に一致する先端硬質部１０２の長手方向中心軸１０３とが位置ずれしている。このため、観察窓１０７の中心１０８を画面の中央である画面中心１１２に配置した際、可撓管部１０４の長手方向中心軸１０５である捩り中心１１５は、画面中心１１２から上述した位置ずれに対応した分、図中下側に位置ずれする。 On the other hand, in the conventional endoscope 100 described above, the center 108 of the observation window 107 coincides with the longitudinal center axis 105 of the flexible tube portion 104 as shown in FIG. The longitudinal center axis 103 of the distal end hard portion 102 is displaced. Therefore, when the center 108 of the observation window 107 is arranged at the screen center 112 that is the center of the screen, the torsion center 115 that is the longitudinal center axis 105 of the flexible tube portion 104 is displaced from the screen center 112 as described above. The position is shifted downward in the figure.

したがって、図５の（Ａ）の図に示すように観察対象１１３を画面中心１１２に対して例えば上側に位置させた状態で内視鏡観察をしているとき、術者によって挿入部１１０の可撓管部１０４が矢印Ｙ５Ａに示すように可撓管部１０４の長手方向中心軸１０５を中心に捩り操作されたとき、その捩り操作に伴って、図５の（Ｂ）の図の矢印Ｙ５Ｂに示すように観察対象画像１１３が捩り中心１１５を中心回転移動する。 Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, when performing endoscopic observation with the observation target 113 positioned, for example, on the upper side with respect to the screen center 112, the operator can insert the insertion portion 110. When the flexible tube portion 104 is twisted about the longitudinal center axis 105 of the flexible tube portion 104 as indicated by an arrow Y5A, the arrow Y5B in FIG. As shown, the observation target image 113 rotates about the twist center 115.

この結果、内視鏡観察中に挿入部１１０の捩り操作を行った際、観察対象画像１１３が内視鏡画面１１１外に移動してしまうことによって該画像１１３を見失う不具合が発生するおそれがある。 As a result, when the insertion unit 110 is twisted during endoscopic observation, the observation target image 113 may move out of the endoscopic screen 111, thereby causing a problem of losing sight of the image 113. .

このように、内視鏡１の挿入部２を構成する先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡを可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡに対して、予め定めた方向に平行に位置ずれさせる際、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとを一致させている。この結果、内視鏡画面１１１の画面中心１１２に観察窓９ｂの中心及び可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡである捩り中心１１５を配置することができる。したがって、内視鏡画面１１１内に観察対象画像１１３をとらえている状態において、挿入部２の捩り操作を行った際に、内視鏡画面１１１内から観察対象画像１１３が外れて該画像１１３を見失う不具合の発生を解消した反転観察可能で観察性能に優れた内視鏡を実現することができる。 As described above, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a constituting the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is displaced in parallel with the predetermined direction with respect to the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c. In this case, the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c are made to coincide with each other. As a result, the center of the observation window 9b and the torsion center 115 that is the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c can be arranged at the screen center 112 of the endoscope screen 111. Accordingly, when the insertion unit 2 is twisted in a state where the observation target image 113 is captured in the endoscope screen 111, the observation target image 113 is removed from the endoscope screen 111 and the image 113 is displayed. It is possible to realize an endoscope capable of reversal observation that eliminates the problem of losing sight and has excellent observation performance.

なお、上述した観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとの一致度合いは、内視鏡１の先端に配設されている対物光学レンズ９ｄの仕様により適宜決められる。例えば、内視鏡画面１１１の視野画角が１２０°で、焦点距離が３ｍｍの内視鏡の場合、内視鏡画面１１１に表示される観察領域は約１０ｍｍとなるので、通常、内視鏡画面中心の８０％の範囲で観察すると考えると、１０×（１−０．８）÷２＝１ｍｍ以下の同軸度で一致させることが望ましい。 The degree of coincidence between the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c is appropriately determined according to the specification of the objective optical lens 9d disposed at the distal end of the endoscope 1. It is done. For example, in the case of an endoscope with a field angle of view of the endoscope screen 111 of 120 ° and a focal length of 3 mm, the observation area displayed on the endoscope screen 111 is about 10 mm. Considering observation within a range of 80% of the center of the screen, it is desirable to match with a coaxiality of 10 × (1−0.8) ÷ 2 = 1 mm or less.

そして、上述した実施形態においては、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡを、可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡに対して、湾曲部２ｂが最も頻繁に湾曲動作される湾曲方向と逆方向に対して予め定めた距離、平行に変位させ、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡを先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡに対して湾曲部２ｂが最も頻繁に湾曲動作される湾曲方向に対して予め定めた距離、平行に変位させる構成としている。 In the embodiment described above, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a is set to the bending direction in which the bending portion 2b is most frequently bent with respect to the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c. The center axis 9bA of the observation window 9b is displaced in parallel by a predetermined distance with respect to the opposite direction, and the bending portion 2b is bent most frequently with respect to the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a. On the other hand, it is configured to be displaced in parallel by a predetermined distance.

しかし、内視鏡１の挿入部２は上述した構成に限定されるものではなく、図６に示すように先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡを含む破線で示す第１平面４１と、可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡを含む二点鎖線で示す第２平面４２とが平行な位置関係であればよい。 However, the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and as shown in FIG. 6, a first plane 41 indicated by a broken line including the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a, The second flat surface 42 indicated by a two-dot chain line including the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c may be in a parallel positional relationship.

具体的には、図２Ｂに示すように先端硬質部２ａの先端面を正面視した状態において、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡを通過する水平線９ｂＨと、可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡを通過する水平線２ｃＨとが位置ずれした構成であってもよい。言い換えれば、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡと先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡとの変位量と、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとの変位量とが異なる構成であってもよい。 Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2B, in a state where the distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 2a is viewed from the front, the horizontal line 9bH passing through the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c. The horizontal line 2cH passing through may be misaligned. In other words, the amount of displacement between the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and the longitudinal central axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a, the longitudinal central axis 2aA of the distal rigid portion 2a, and the longitudinal central axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c The displacement amount may be different.

また、第１平面４１と、第２平面４２とが平行な位置関係であれば、先端硬質部２ａの先端面を正面視した状態において、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡを通過する水平線９ｂＨに直交する鉛直線９ｂＶと、可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡを通過する水平線２ｃＨに直交する鉛直線２ｃＶとが平行に変位した位置関係であってもよい。 Further, if the first plane 41 and the second plane 42 are in a parallel positional relationship, the first plane 41 and the second plane 42 are orthogonal to the horizontal line 9bH passing through the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b in a state where the distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 2a is viewed from the front. The vertical line 9bV and the vertical line 2cV perpendicular to the horizontal line 2cH passing through the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c may be displaced in parallel.

また、第１平面４１と、第２平面４２とが平行な位置関係であれば、図１のＹ２Ａ方向から挿入部２を見た状態において、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとが交差する位置関係、或いは捩れの関係であってもよい。 Further, if the first plane 41 and the second plane 42 are in a parallel positional relationship, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a and the flexible portion are viewed in the state where the insertion portion 2 is viewed from the Y2A direction in FIG. It may be a positional relationship where the longitudinal axis 2cA of the tube portion 2c intersects or a twisting relationship.

すなわち、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡを通過する水平線９ｂＨと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡを通過する水平線２ｃＨとが位置ずれし、観察窓９ｂの中心軸９ｂＡを通過する水平線９ｂＨに直交する鉛直線９ｂＶと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡを通過する水平線２ｃＨに直交する鉛直線２ｃＶとが位置ずれした構成であってもよい。
そして、上述した位置関係は、連結部２ｄを構成するパイプ部材３１、３１Ａを適宜構成して調整される。 That is, the horizontal line 9bH passing through the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b and the horizontal line 2cH passing through the central axis 2cA in the longitudinal direction of the flexible tube portion 2c are displaced from each other, resulting in a horizontal line 9bH passing through the central axis 9bA of the observation window 9b. The vertical line 9bV perpendicular to the vertical line 2cV perpendicular to the horizontal line 2cH passing through the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c may be misaligned.
The positional relationship described above is adjusted by appropriately configuring the pipe members 31 and 31A constituting the connecting portion 2d.

上述した実施形態のパイプ部材３１、３１Ａは、第１曲部３３、３３Ａ及び第２曲部３５、３５Ａを備えている。しかし、パイプ部材は、２つの曲部を有する構成に限定されるものでは無く、図７Ａに示すように例えば、略くの字形状の屈曲部５１を有するパイプ部材３１Ｂであってもよい。そして、湾曲部２ｂと可撓管部２ｃとは屈曲部５１を有するパイプ部材３１Ｂによって連結される。 The pipe members 31 and 31A of the above-described embodiment include the first curved portions 33 and 33A and the second curved portions 35 and 35A. However, the pipe member is not limited to the configuration having two curved portions, and may be, for example, a pipe member 31B having a substantially square-shaped bent portion 51 as shown in FIG. 7A. The curved portion 2b and the flexible tube portion 2c are connected by a pipe member 31B having a bent portion 51.

図７Ａに示すようにパイプ部材３１Ｂの屈曲部５１の一端側には湾曲部２ｂが連結され、他端側に可撓管部２ｃが連結されている。
本実施形態において、パイプ部材３１Ｂの一端側に連結された湾曲部２ｂは、図７Ｂの破線に示すように予め図中左側である、湾曲部２ｂが最も頻繁に湾曲動作される湾曲方向とは逆方向である、下方向に傾いた状態で配置される。このため、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとが交差する位置関係になる。 As shown in FIG. 7A, the curved portion 2b is connected to one end side of the bent portion 51 of the pipe member 31B, and the flexible tube portion 2c is connected to the other end side.
In the present embodiment, the bending portion 2b connected to one end of the pipe member 31B is the left side in the drawing in advance as shown by the broken line in FIG. 7B, and the bending direction in which the bending portion 2b is most frequently bent is shown. Arranged in a reverse direction, tilted downward. For this reason, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a and the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c intersect each other.

本実施形態においては、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとを平行な位置関係に設定するため、湾曲部２ｂの連結部２ｄ側である湾曲駒組１４の基端側を上方向に湾曲動作させている。 In the present embodiment, in order to set the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal rigid portion 2a and the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c to be in a parallel positional relationship, the bending on the connecting portion 2d side of the bending portion 2b. The base end side of the piece set 14 is bent upward.

つまり、図７Ｂの矢印Ｙ７Ｂａに示すように上湾曲ワイヤー１７Ｕを予め定めた量牽引した状態にして、湾曲部２ｂを矢印ＹＢｂに示すように予め湾曲させている。この結果、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとは、交差した位置関係から距離Ｌ離間して平行な位置関係になる。
なお、符号１７Ｄは下湾曲ワイヤー、符号５ｂはスプロケット、符号５ｃはチェーンであり、上述した実施形態と同部材には同符号を付して説明を省略している。 That is, the upper bending wire 17U is pulled by a predetermined amount as indicated by an arrow Y7Ba in FIG. 7B, and the bending portion 2b is bent in advance as indicated by an arrow YBb. As a result, the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a and the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c are parallel to each other with a distance L apart from the intersecting positional relationship.
Reference numeral 17D denotes a lower bending wire, reference numeral 5b denotes a sprocket, and reference numeral 5c denotes a chain. The same members as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

また、この設定状態において、図７Ｂに示す上下ノブ５は、湾曲部２ｂを湾曲動作させるための操作をしていない状態になっている。つまり、上下ノブ５の初期状態は、図１に示す内視鏡１の初期状態、或いは、図７Ｃに示す通常の内視鏡１００の挿入部１１０に設けられた湾曲部１０１を湾曲動作させていない上下ノブ５の初期状態と同じである。 Further, in this set state, the up / down knob 5 shown in FIG. 7B is in a state where an operation for bending the bending portion 2b is not performed. That is, the initial state of the up / down knob 5 is the bending state of the bending portion 101 provided in the insertion portion 110 of the normal endoscope 100 shown in FIG. 7C or the initial state of the endoscope 1 shown in FIG. This is the same as the initial state of the up / down knob 5.

図７Ａ等に示す屈曲部５１を有するパイプ部材３１Ｂによれば、先端硬質部２ａの長手方向中心軸２ａＡと可撓管部２ｃの長手方向中心軸２ｃＡとを平行な位置関係に設定するためにパイプ部材３１、３１Ａに設けられていた複数のストレート部を不要にして挿入部長手方向の長さをパイプ部材３１、３１Ａに比べて短縮することができる。
なお、パイプ部材３１Ｂの屈曲部内面は、滑らかに形成されている。この結果、挿入部２内を挿通する内視鏡内蔵物がパイプ部材３１Ｂ内で座屈することが防止される。 According to the pipe member 31B having the bent portion 51 shown in FIG. 7A and the like, in order to set the longitudinal center axis 2aA of the distal end hard portion 2a and the longitudinal center axis 2cA of the flexible tube portion 2c in a parallel positional relationship. A plurality of straight portions provided in the pipe members 31, 31A are not required, and the length in the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion can be shortened compared to the pipe members 31, 31A.
Note that the inner surface of the bent portion of the pipe member 31B is formed smoothly. As a result, it is possible to prevent the built-in endoscope inserted through the insertion portion 2 from buckling in the pipe member 31B.

上述した実施形態においては、先端硬質部２ａの直径、湾曲部２ｂの直径、及び可撓管部２ｃの直径を略同径としている。しかし、図８Ａ−図８Ｃに示すよう可撓管部６０の直径を先端硬質部２ａの直径及び湾曲部２ｂの直径より大径にして挿入部２Ａを構成し、可撓管部６０の先端側であって、湾曲部２ｂより基端側に処置具を導出するための処置具開口６１を設けた内視鏡１Ａであってもよい。
なお、符号６２は処置具起上台であり、処置具開口６１内に回動自在に配置されている。
なお、以下の説明において、上述した構成と同部材には同符号を付して説明を省略する。 In the embodiment described above, the diameter of the distal end hard portion 2a, the diameter of the curved portion 2b, and the diameter of the flexible tube portion 2c are substantially the same. However, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the diameter of the flexible tube portion 60 is made larger than the diameter of the distal end hard portion 2a and the diameter of the curved portion 2b to constitute the insertion portion 2A, and the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 60 In this case, the endoscope 1A may be provided with a treatment instrument opening 61 for leading the treatment instrument to the proximal end side from the bending portion 2b.
Reference numeral 62 denotes a treatment instrument raising base, which is rotatably disposed in the treatment instrument opening 61.
In the following description, the same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

図８Ｂに示すように本実施形態の挿入部２Ａを構成する可撓管部６０の先端側には接続管２４Ａが設けられている。図８Ａ、図８Ｂに示すように接続管２４Ａの予め定めた位置には処置具開口６１が形成されている。処置具開口６１は、図８Ｃに示すように湾曲部２ｂを１８０度以上湾曲動作させた状態において先端硬質部２ａの先端面よりも相対的に手元側に位置するように、該湾曲部２ｂより基端側の予め定めた位置に規定する。 As shown in FIG. 8B, a connecting tube 24A is provided on the distal end side of the flexible tube portion 60 constituting the insertion portion 2A of the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, a treatment instrument opening 61 is formed at a predetermined position of the connecting pipe 24A. As shown in FIG. 8C, the treatment instrument opening 61 is positioned on the proximal side relative to the distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 2a in a state where the bending portion 2b is bent by 180 degrees or more. It is defined at a predetermined position on the base end side.

図８Ａ、図８Ｂに示すように処置具開口６１は、外周側に切欠を有する切欠凹部であり、該凹部の底面には処置具起上台６２が配置される。処置具起上台６２の先端側の予め定めた位置には揺動ワイヤー６３が接続されている。処置具起上台６２の基端側には軸６４が遊嵌状態で配置されている。 As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the treatment instrument opening 61 is a notch recess having a notch on the outer peripheral side, and a treatment instrument raising base 62 is disposed on the bottom surface of the recess. A swing wire 63 is connected to a predetermined position on the distal end side of the treatment instrument raising base 62. A shaft 64 is disposed in a loosely fitted state on the proximal end side of the treatment instrument raising base 62.

軸６４の両端部は処置具開口６１の両側面の予め定めた位置にそれぞれ固設されている。処置具起上台６２は、揺動ワイヤー６３の進退移動によって軸６４を中心に回動自在である。 Both end portions of the shaft 64 are respectively fixed at predetermined positions on both side surfaces of the treatment instrument opening 61. The treatment instrument raising base 62 is rotatable about a shaft 64 by the advance and retreat movement of the swing wire 63.

可撓管部６０内には第１の開口９ａに連通する第１の処置具チャンネルチューブ（不図示）に加えて、第２の開口である処置具開口６１に連通する第２の処置具チャンネルチューブ６５が挿通されている。 In addition to the first treatment instrument channel tube (not shown) communicating with the first opening 9a, the second treatment instrument channel communicating with the treatment instrument opening 61 as the second opening is provided in the flexible tube 60. A tube 65 is inserted.

第２の処置具チャンネルチューブ６５の先端部は、接続管２４Ａの切欠凹部近傍の予め定めた位置に固設されている。
なお、本実施形態においては、処置具起上台６２を配置する目的で処置具開口６１を切欠凹部としている。しかし、処置具開口６１を開口９ａと同様に文字通りの貫通孔の開口として構成するようにしてもよい。 The distal end portion of the second treatment instrument channel tube 65 is fixed at a predetermined position near the notch recess of the connection tube 24A.
In the present embodiment, the treatment instrument opening 61 is a notch recess for the purpose of arranging the treatment instrument raising base 62. However, the treatment instrument opening 61 may be configured as a literal through-hole opening, similar to the opening 9a.

上述のように構成した内視鏡１Ａによれば、図８Ｃに示すように湾曲部２ｂを湾曲させて反転観察している状態において、第１の開口９ａから電気メス７１を導出させ、処置具開口６１から把持鉗子７２を導出させて患部７０を処置することができる。 According to the endoscope 1A configured as described above, the electric knife 71 is led out from the first opening 9a in a state where the bending portion 2b is bent and reversed as shown in FIG. The grasping forceps 72 can be led out from the opening 61 to treat the affected part 70.

この結果、術者は、図示しない内視鏡画面に表示される内視鏡画像に患部７０と該患部７０を処置している電気メス７１及び端鉗子７２を目視で観察しながら簡便に処置を行える。 As a result, the surgeon can easily perform treatment while visually observing the affected part 70, the electric knife 71 and the end forceps 72 treating the affected part 70 in an endoscopic image displayed on an endoscope screen (not shown). Yes.

このように、可撓管部６０を先端硬質部２ａ及び反転観察を可能にする湾曲部２ｂの直径より大径に構成し、先端硬質部２ａの開口９ａに加えて、接続管２４Ａに処置具開口６１を設ける。そして、湾曲部２ｂを１８０度以上湾曲動作させた状態において、処置具開口６１が先端硬質部２ａの先端面よりも相対的に手元側に位置するように、該湾曲部２ｂより基端側の予め定めた位置に規定する。この結果、術者は、内視鏡画像に患部７０と該患部７０に向けて導出された電気メス７１及び把持鉗子７２を目視で観察して的確に患部７０を処置することかできる。 In this manner, the flexible tube 60 is configured to have a diameter larger than the diameter of the distal end hard portion 2a and the curved portion 2b that enables reverse observation, and in addition to the opening 9a of the distal end hard portion 2a, a treatment instrument is connected to the connecting tube 24A. An opening 61 is provided. Then, in a state in which the bending portion 2b is bent by 180 degrees or more, the treatment instrument opening 61 is located closer to the proximal side than the distal end surface of the distal end hard portion 2a. It is defined at a predetermined position. As a result, the surgeon can accurately treat the affected part 70 by visually observing the affected part 70 and the electric knife 71 and the grasping forceps 72 drawn toward the affected part 70 in the endoscopic image.

尚、本発明は、以上述べた実施形態のみに限定されるものではなく、発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変形実施可能である。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

１、１Ａ…内視鏡２、２Ａ…挿入部２ａ…先端硬質部
２ａＡ…先端硬質部の長手方向中心軸２ａｆ…先端硬質部先端面２ｂ…湾曲部
２ｃ…可撓管部２ｃＡ…可撓管部の長手方向中心軸２ｃＨ…水平線２ｃＶ…鉛直線
２ｄ…連結部２ｅ…湾曲ゴム基端側固定部２ｆ…湾曲ゴム先端側固定部３…操作部
４…ユニバーサルコード５…上下ノブ５ａ…軸５ｂ…スプロケット
５ｃ…チェーン６ａ…送気送水ボタン６ｂ…吸引ボタン７…リモートボタン
８…処置具挿通口９ａ…開口９ｂ…観察窓９ｂＡ…観察窓の中心軸
９ｂＨ…水平線９ｂＶ…鉛直線９ｃ…照明窓９ｄ…送気送水ノズル
９ｄ…対物光学系用レンズ９ｅ…撮像装置９ｆ…信号ケーブル
１０ａ…撮像光学系用貫通孔１０ｂ…処置具チャンネル用貫通孔１１…先端湾曲駒
１２…中間湾曲駒１３…基端湾曲駒１４…湾曲駒組１５…網状管１６…湾曲ゴム
１７…湾曲ワイヤー１８…ワイヤー挿通部２１…螺旋管２２…網状管
２３…樹脂管２４、２４Ａ…接続管２５…ワイヤー挿通コイル
３１、３１Ａ、３１Ｂ…パイプ部材３２…先端ストレート部
３２ａ…先端ストレート部中心軸３３、３３Ａ…第１の曲部３４…傾斜ストレート部
３５、３５Ａ…第２の曲部３６…基端ストレート部
３５ａ…基端ストレート部の中心軸４０…直腸４１…第１の平面４２…第２の平面
５１…屈曲部６０…可撓管部６１…処置具開口６２…処置具起上台
６３…揺動ワイヤー６４…軸６５…処置具チャンネルチューブ７０…患部
７１…電気メス７２…把持鉗子１００…内視鏡１０１…湾曲部
１０２…先端硬質部１０３…先端硬質部の長手方向中心軸１０４…可撓管部
１０５…可撓管部の長手方向中心軸１０６…先端硬質部先端面１０７…観察窓
１０８…観察窓の中心１１０…挿入部１１１…内視鏡画面１１２…画面中心
１１３…観察対象画像１１５…捩り中心 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1A ... Endoscope 2, 2A ... Insertion part 2a ... Tip hard part
2aA: Longitudinal central axis of the hard tip portion 2af ... Hard tip end surface 2b ... Curved portion 2c ... Flexible tube portion 2cA ... Longitudinal central axis of the flexible tube portion 2cH ... Horizontal line 2cV ... Vertical line 2d ... Connecting portion 2e ... curved rubber proximal end fixing portion 2f ... curved rubber distal end fixing portion 3 ... operating portion 4 ... universal cord 5 ... up / down knob 5a ... shaft 5b ... sprocket
5c ... Chain 6a ... Air / Water button 6b ... Suction button 7 ... Remote button
8 ... Treatment instrument insertion port 9a ... Opening 9b ... Observation window 9bA ... Center axis of observation window
9bH ... Horizontal line 9bV ... Vertical line 9c ... Lighting window 9d ... Air / water nozzle
9d ... Objective optical system lens 9e ... Imaging device 9f ... Signal cable
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10a ... Through-hole for imaging optical systems 10b ... Through-hole for treatment instrument channels 11 ... End bending piece 12 ... Intermediate bending piece 13 ... Base end bending piece 14 ... Bending piece group 15 ... Reticulated tube 16 ... Bending rubber 17 ... Bending wire 18 ... Wire insertion part 21 ... Spiral tube 22 ... Reticulated tube
23 ... Resin pipe 24, 24A ... Connection pipe 25 ... Wire insertion coil
31, 31A, 31B ... pipe member 32 ... straight end of tip
32a ... distal straight portion central axis 33, 33A ... first curved portion 34 ... inclined straight portion 35, 35A ... second curved portion 36 ... proximal straight portion
35a: central axis of proximal straight portion 40 ... rectum 41 ... first plane 42 ... second plane 51 ... bent portion 60 ... flexible tube portion 61 ... treatment instrument opening 62 ... treatment instrument raising base
63 ... swinging wire 64 ... shaft 65 ... treatment instrument channel tube 70 ... affected part
71 ... Electric knife 72 ... Grip forceps 100 ... Endoscope 101 ... Curved part
102: Hard tip portion 103: Central axis in the longitudinal direction of the hard tip portion 104: Flexible tube portion
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 105 ... Longitudinal central axis of flexible tube part 106 ... Hard tip end surface 107 ... Observation window 108 ... Observation window center 110 ... Insertion part 111 ... Endoscope screen 112 ... Screen center 113 ... Observation object image 115 ... Twist center

Claims

観察光学系を先端面に備える先端硬質部と、前記先端硬質部の基端側に配置される湾曲部と、前記湾曲部の基端側に配置される可撓管部とを備える内視鏡挿入部、及び、前記可撓管部の基端側に配置され、前記湾曲部を湾曲動作させる湾曲部操作装置を備える操作部を具備する内視鏡において、
前記湾曲部操作装置によって、前記湾曲部を湾曲動作させていない状態において、前記先端硬質部の長手方向中心軸を含む第１の平面は、前記可撓管部の長手方向中心軸を含む第２の平面に対して平行な位置関係であって、
前記先端硬質部の長手方向中心軸と前記可撓管部の長手方向中心軸とは、前記湾曲部と前記可撓管部とを連結する連結部によって、前記湾曲部を最も頻繁に湾曲動作させる湾曲方向とは逆方向に変位させたことを特徴とする内視鏡。 An endoscope including a distal end hard portion including an observation optical system on a distal end surface, a bending portion disposed on a proximal end side of the distal end hard portion, and a flexible tube portion disposed on a proximal end side of the bending portion. An endoscope including an insertion portion and an operation portion that is disposed on a proximal end side of the flexible tube portion and includes a bending portion operation device that performs a bending operation of the bending portion.
By the bending portion operation apparatus, in a state that has not been bending operation of the bending portion, a first flat surface which includes a longitudinal central axis of the distal end rigid portion includes a longitudinal central axis of the front Symbol flexible tube portion A positional relationship parallel to the second plane ,
The longitudinal center axis of the hard tip portion and the longitudinal center axis of the flexible tube portion cause the bending portion to bend most frequently by a connecting portion that connects the bending portion and the flexible tube portion . endoscope is characterized in that is displaced in Gyakukata direction to the bending direction.

前記先端硬質部の長手方向中心軸と前記可撓管部の長手方向中心軸とが平行で、且つ、前記先端硬質部に配置された観察光学系を構成する撮像光学系の光軸と前記可撓管部の長手方向中心軸とが略一致していることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の内視鏡。 The optical axis of the imaging optical system constituting the observation optical system arranged in the distal end hard portion is parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the distal end hard portion and the longitudinal center axis of the flexible tube portion, and the allowable axis. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube portion substantially coincides with the endoscope.

前記連結部は、パイプ部材であって、該パイプ部材は、第１の曲部と第２の曲部とを備えることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の内視鏡。 The endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion is a pipe member, and the pipe member includes a first bent portion and a second bent portion.

前記パイプ部材は、前記第１の曲部と前記第２の曲部とで構成されるＳ字形状部を備え、
前記第１の曲部の半径及び前記第２の曲部の半径は、前記湾曲部の湾曲半径と同寸法又はそれよりも大きく設定されることを特徴とする請求項３に記載の内視鏡。 Said pipe member comprises a formed S-shaped portion between the first curved portion and the second curved portion,
The endoscope according to claim 3 , wherein the radius of the first curved portion and the radius of the second curved portion are set to be the same size or larger than the curved radius of the curved portion. .

前記連結部は、くの字形状の屈曲部を有するパイプ部材であって、前記連結部に連結された前記湾曲部は、前記湾曲部操作装置によって該湾曲部を湾曲動作させていない状態において、予め最も頻繁に湾曲動作させる湾曲方向に湾曲されていることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の内視鏡。 The connecting portion is a pipe member having a dogleg-shaped bent portion, and the bending portion connected to the connecting portion is not bent by the bending portion operating device. The endoscope according to claim 1 , wherein the endoscope is previously bent in a bending direction in which the bending operation is most frequently performed.

前記可撓管部の直径が前記先端硬質部及び前記湾曲部の直径より大径な構成において、
該湾曲部より基端側の予め定めた位置に処置具が導出される開口を備えることを特徴とする請求項３−５の何れか１項に記載の内視鏡。 In larger diameter configuration than the diameter of the diameter of the flexible tube portion is the distal end rigid portion and said curved portion,
The endoscope according to any one of claims 3 to 5 , further comprising an opening through which the treatment tool is led out at a predetermined position on the proximal side from the curved portion.

前記開口は、前記湾曲部を１８０度以上湾曲動作させた状態において、湾曲された前記先端硬質部の先端面よりも相対的に手元側に位置することを特徴とする請求項６に記載の内視鏡。 The opening, in a state in which said curved portion is curved operate above 180 °, of claim 6, characterized in that from the front end face of the curved the distal end rigid portion positioned relatively proximal Endoscope.

前記湾曲部操作装置は、回転操作によって前記湾曲部を湾曲動作させる機構であって、
前記湾曲部を最も頻繁に湾曲動作させる湾曲方向は、前記操作部を把持する操作者の手の親指を曲げることによって該湾曲部操作装置が回転されて湾曲動作する方向であることを特徴とする請求項３−６の何れか１項に記載の内視鏡。 The bending portion operating device is a mechanism for bending the bending portion by a rotation operation,
The bending direction in which the bending portion is bent most frequently is a direction in which the bending portion operation device is rotated and bent by bending the thumb of an operator's hand holding the operation portion. The endoscope according to any one of claims 3 to 6 .