WO2008018256A1 - Endoscope end device and container containing it - Google Patents

Endoscope end device and container containing it Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008018256A1
WO2008018256A1 PCT/JP2007/063155 JP2007063155W WO2008018256A1 WO 2008018256 A1 WO2008018256 A1 WO 2008018256A1 JP 2007063155 W JP2007063155 W JP 2007063155W WO 2008018256 A1 WO2008018256 A1 WO 2008018256A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
distal end
endoscope
end portion
insertion portion
main body
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2007/063155
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
Takemitsu Honda
Original Assignee
Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Olympus Medical Systems Corp. filed Critical Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
Publication of WO2008018256A1 publication Critical patent/WO2008018256A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00147—Holding or positioning arrangements
    • A61B1/0016—Holding or positioning arrangements using motor drive units
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00002—Operational features of endoscopes
    • A61B1/00039—Operational features of endoscopes provided with input arrangements for the user
    • A61B1/00042—Operational features of endoscopes provided with input arrangements for the user for mechanical operation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
    • A61B1/0008—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features
    • A61B1/00101—Insertion part of the endoscope body characterised by distal tip features the distal tip features being detachable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
    • A61B1/00121—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle
    • A61B1/00124—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle electrical, e.g. electrical plug-and-socket connection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
    • A61B1/00121—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle
    • A61B1/00128—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle mechanical, e.g. for tubes or pipes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/00147—Holding or positioning arrangements
    • A61B1/00148—Holding or positioning arrangements using anchoring means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
    • A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
    • A61B1/0052—Constructional details of control elements, e.g. handles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
    • A61B1/05—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
    • A61B1/053—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion being detachable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
    • A61B1/0661—Endoscope light sources
    • A61B1/0684—Endoscope light sources using light emitting diodes [LED]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
    • A61B1/31—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes, sigmoidoscopes, colonoscopes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a rotary self-propelled endoscope system in which an insertion portion is formed by arranging a spiral portion on the outer periphery of a flexible elongated tube that can be inserted into a subject.
  • the present invention relates to an endoscope tip device that is detachable from an insertion portion, and a storage container that stores the endoscope tip device.
  • medical endoscopes have been widely used.
  • an elongated insertion portion is inserted into a body cavity to observe an affected area in the body cavity, or a treatment tool is inserted into a forceps channel as necessary. It is possible to take action.
  • the endoscope includes a bendable bending portion on the distal end side of the insertion portion.
  • the bending portion is bent up and down or left and right by operating the bending operation knob.
  • the bending portion is bent by the operation of the bending operation knob. A twisting operation is performed, and the insertion portion is inserted toward the observation target site.
  • Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-113396 discloses a medical device propulsion device that can guide a medical device easily to a deep part of a body cavity duct with minimal invasiveness.
  • the rotating member is provided with diagonal ribs as a propulsive force generating portion with respect to the axial direction of the rotating member. Therefore, in this propulsion device, by rotating the rotating member, the rotational force of the rotating member is converted into propulsive force by the rib, and the medical device connected to the propulsion device is Moved in the direction.
  • the propulsion device described in the publication can insert a medical device that is minimally invasive and does not impose a physical burden on the patient into the body cavity.
  • Sterilization methods include high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, EOG (ethylene oxide gas) sterilization, or radiation sterilization such as ⁇ sterilization.
  • a connecting plug to which an illuminating means and an image sensor are attached is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion.
  • a lens adapter having a plurality of LED chips and phosphors, etc. is detachably provided on the tip side of the LED so that the phosphor that converts the frequency of the light emitted by the LED chips can be easily replaced. Technologies related to endoscopes that improve maintainability will be disclosed.
  • the leading end of the insertion part Since an image pickup device, LED, etc. are provided in the part, it is not suitable because it may be destroyed.
  • EOG ethylene oxide gas
  • a unit having an objective optical system and a solid-state imaging device is configured to be detachable from the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and further, the unit and the distal end portion of the insertion portion are arranged. It is possible to perform high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization treatment for the insertion part by providing an electrical contact connected to transmit an imaging signal or the like between them, but the insertion part having the unit is made disposable. There is no disclosure or suggestion regarding the sterilization method in the case of the configuration and the components of the rotary self-propelled endoscope.
  • a connecting plug to which an illumination means and an image sensor are attached is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion, and a plurality of LED chips are provided on the distal end side of the connecting plug.
  • a lens adapter having a phosphor or the like provided in a detachable manner.
  • the insertion portion having the lens adapter is configured to be disposable.
  • the insertion portion of the rotary self-propelled endoscope is configured as a disposable, the insertion portion can be sterilized at a low cost without destroying the distal end portion. It is desirable to ensure sufficient sterilization until now.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when the insertion portion of the rotary self-propelled endoscope is configured as a disposable, the sterilization treatment of the distal end portion and the insertion portion can be performed at low cost.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide an endoscope tip device that can be easily operated, and can be easily attached to the insertion portion while the sterilized state is sufficiently secured, and a storage container for storing the endoscope tip device.
  • the endoscope tip device of the present invention includes a flexible insertion portion body that is inserted into a body cavity, and is rotatably fitted around the insertion portion main body.
  • An insertion portion having a formed rotating cylinder and is detachably provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion main body,
  • An endoscope distal end portion having an imaging unit and an illumination member, wherein the imaging unit and the illumination member are operably and electrically connected to a distal end portion of the insertion portion main body, and
  • a connector portion is provided for locking and connecting the distal end portion of the endoscope to the distal end portion of the insertion portion main body.
  • the storage container for storing the endoscope distal end device of the present invention is an endoscope distal end portion that is detachably provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and includes an imaging unit and an illumination member.
  • a container for accommodating an endoscope tip device having a portion the container having an opening for accommodating the endoscope tip device, wherein the endoscope tip portion is disposed on the opening side of the connector. And a lid portion that closes the opening portion so that the opening portion can be opened and allows a sterilizing gas to pass therethrough.
  • FIG. 1 is an external view showing an overall configuration of a rotary self-propelled endoscope system provided with an endoscope tip device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a distal end portion, a bending portion, and a rotating cylinder constituting an endoscope distal end apparatus of an endoscope.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotating cylinder and an insertion portion main body.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the connector cover to which the operation unit side guide tube is connected.
  • FIG. 5 is a top view showing a storage case that constitutes the insertion portion of FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a state where the insertion assisting tool is inserted into the rectum from the patient's anus.
  • FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the insertion portion main body inserted into the large intestine reaches the sigmoid colon.
  • FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a state when the insertion portion main body inserted into the large intestine has reached the vicinity of the cecum.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the distal end portion of FIG. 1 and an insertion portion in which the distal end portion is detachable.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end surface of the distal end portion of FIG.
  • FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end portion and a part of the insertion portion for explaining a configuration in which the distal end portion is detachable from the insertion portion.
  • FIG. 12 is a plan view of the distal end portion in which the force in the arrow direction in FIG.
  • FIG. 13 is a plan view of the insertion portion, which also shows the force in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a storage container that stores the distal end portion of FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the opening operation when the tip is attached to the insertion portion in a sterilized state.
  • FIGS. 1 to 16 relate to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1 is an external view showing the overall configuration of a rotary self-propelled endoscope system equipped with the endoscope tip device of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a part of the distal end portion, the bending portion, and the rotating cylindrical body constituting the endoscope distal end device of the endoscope.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the rotating cylindrical body and the insertion portion main body.
  • FIG. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the connector cover to which the guide tube is connected
  • Fig. 5 is a top view showing the storage case that constitutes the insertion portion of Fig. 1, and Fig.
  • FIG. 6 is an insertion assisting tool to the anus and the rectum
  • FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the insertion portion main body inserted into the large intestine reaches the sigmoid colon
  • FIG. 8 is an insertion main portion inserted into the large intestine.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the distal end portion of FIG. 1 and the insertion portion in which the distal end portion is detachable.
  • 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end surface of the distal end portion of FIG. 9, and
  • FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the distal end portion and a part of the insertion portion for explaining the configuration in which the distal end portion is detachable from the insertion portion.
  • FIG. 12 is a plan view of the distal end portion as viewed from the direction of the arrow XII in FIG. 11
  • FIG. 13 is a plan view of the insertion portion as viewed from the direction of the arrow ⁇ in FIG. 11
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 14, and
  • FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an opening operation when the tip is attached to the insertion portion in a sterilized state.
  • a rotating self-propelled endoscope system (hereinafter abbreviated as an endoscope system). ) 1 has a rotary self-propelled endoscope (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope) 2 having an endoscope tip device, a control device 3, a monitor 4, and an aspirator 5. .
  • the endoscope 2 includes an endoscope insertion portion with a storage case (hereinafter simply abbreviated as an insertion portion with a storage case) 6 configured as a disposable, and an operation portion 7.
  • the insertion part 6 with a storage case has an insertion part 6A and an insertion part storage case (hereinafter simply abbreviated as storage case) 12. (Abbreviated as end) 8, curved portion 9, rotating cylinder 51 provided with the insertion portion main body 10 on the inside, insertion aid 11, storage case 12, insertion aid 11 and storage case 12 A distal-side guide tube 13 that is a corrugated tube interposed between the operation unit 7 and the storage case 12, and an operation-unit side guide tube 14 that is a corrugated tube interposed between the operation unit 7 and the storage case 12.
  • Side plan Consists of a connector cover 15 to which one end of the inner pipe 14 is connected! RU
  • the distal end portion 8 constitutes an endoscope distal end device. Further, the insertion part 6 with a storage case is configured such that the insertion part 6A can be attached to and detached from the operation part 7 for performing a predetermined function.
  • the operation unit 7 includes a connector cover 15 that constitutes a part of the insertion unit 6 with a storage case.
  • the motor unit 16 as a rotating device, a gripping unit 17, a main operation unit 18, have.
  • the main operation section 18 includes a bending operation knob 19 that bends the bending section 9 of the insertion section 6A in four directions (up and down, left and right directions corresponding to the endoscope image captured by the endoscope 2), and an operation for sending fluid.
  • Buttons 20 for performing a suction operation and switches 21 for operating an optical system such as various types of imaging and illumination are provided.
  • the bending operation knob 19 is disposed on one surface of the main operation section 18 of the operation section 7 so that two substantially disk-shaped knobs overlap each other. These two knobs are rotatably arranged, and the U (UP) ZD (DOWN) bending operation knob 19a for operating the above-mentioned vertical direction of the bending portion 9 on the main operation portion 18 side, and this UZD
  • the bending operation knob 19b has an R (RIGHT) / L (LEFT) bending operation knob 19b for operating the left and right directions of the bending portion 9 on the bending operation knob 19a.
  • a universal cord 18a which is an electric cable, extends from one side surface of the main operation unit 18.
  • the main operation section 18 has a root portion where the universal cord 18a extends. Is provided with a folding stop 18b.
  • a connector portion 22 is disposed at the extended end of the universal cord 18a.
  • the connector unit 22 is connected to the control device 3.
  • buttons 20 provided on one side surface of the main operation unit 18 are operated when gas is supplied from the distal end portion 8 of the endoscope 2 into the subject or liquid is supplied.
  • the air supply Z water supply button 20a and the suction button 20b operated when sucking liquid such as filth from the subject from the distal end portion 8 of the endoscope 2 are provided.
  • three tubes 23 passed through the insertion portion 6A extend.
  • These three tubes 23 include an air supply tube 23a, a water supply tube 23b, and a suction tube 23c.
  • the extended ends of these three tubes 23 are connected to each other at predetermined positions on the front surface of the control device 3 via detachable connectors.
  • the control device 3 is provided with a water supply tank 24. In this water supply tank 24, sterilized water is stored. The sterilized water is supplied to the water supply tube 23b by the control device 3 when the air supply Z water supply button 20a of the main operation unit 18 is subjected to a predetermined operation, and is ejected from the front end 8 of the endoscope 2. To do.
  • the filth and the like are sent from the control device 3 to the suction device 5 through the suction tube 23c.
  • the suction device 5 is used, but the suction arch I system provided in the hospital may be used.
  • a foot switch 25 is connected to the control device 3 via an electric cable 25a.
  • This foot switch 25 is a switch for rotating the insertion portion 6A of the endoscope 2 in a predetermined direction and stopping Z.
  • an advance / retreat switch for operating and stopping the rotation direction of the insertion portion 6A is also provided in the main operation portion 18 of the operation portion 7 (not shown).
  • a power switch, a dial for changing the rotational speed of the insertion portion 6A of the endoscope 2, and the like are disposed on the front surface of the control device 3.
  • the motor box 16 of the operation unit 7 incorporates a motor (see FIG. 6) that applies a rotational force to the insertion unit 6A.
  • the control device 3 is electrically connected to the monitor 4.
  • the monitor 4 displays an endoscopic image captured by the endoscope 2.
  • the distal end portion 8, the bending portion 9, and the insertion portion that constitute a part of the endoscope distal device and the insertion portion 6 with the storage case of the endoscope 2 are inserted.
  • the main body 10 and the rotating cylinder 51 will be described.
  • the distal end portion 8 has a hard substantially annular main body ring 26 formed of a biocompatible synthetic resin and an imaging unit 27, and a curved portion of the insertion portion 6A described later. It is detachably attached to the 9 tip.
  • tip part 8 and the curved part 9 of the insertion part 6A is mentioned later.
  • the imaging unit 27 includes a substantially annular holding ring 28a formed from a synthetic resin accommodated in the main body ring 26, and a substantially formed from a metal fitted on the proximal end side of the holding ring 28a.
  • An image pickup device 31 such as a device (CMOS) or a CMOS (Omplementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 32 to which an image signal photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device 31 is input.
  • CMOS complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
  • FPC flexible printed circuit board
  • a communication cable 33 is connected to the FPC 32.
  • This communication cable 33 includes a connection cable 63 described later, an electrical contact section 62 provided on the distal end 8 side, an electrical contact section 65 provided on the bending section 9 side, and a communication cable on the hand side via the connection line 59. Electrically connected to 33.
  • the proximal communication cable 33 is inserted into the bending portion 9 and the insertion portion main body 10 and connected to a connector (not shown) disposed on the connector cover 15 (see FIG. 1). It is.
  • the electrical connection configuration of the two electrical contact portions 62 and 65 will be described later.
  • a plurality of LEDs 34 that are illumination members are arranged on the plate member 35 that fixes the holding ring that holds the objective lens group 30 so as to surround the objective lens group 30.
  • the plate member 35 is formed in a substantially circular shape so that it can be fixed to the inner surface on the extension line at a portion passing through the approximate center of the cover body 29.
  • the objective lens group 30 is arranged so that the optical axis passes through a substantially central position on the plate surface of the plate member 35.
  • the imaging element 31 constitutes an imaging means
  • the LED 34 constitutes an illumination means.
  • the imaging unit 27 configured as described above is disposed at a position eccentric with respect to the center of the main body ring 26, and the main body ring is provided by the front end cap 36 disposed in the front end side opening of the main body ring 26. 2 is fixed to 6.
  • the tip cap 36 is formed with an opening 38 for suction.
  • a pipe line communicating with the air-feeding / water-feeding tubes 23a, 23b is provided by using the gap formed between the holding ring 28a and the main body ring 26 described above. Opening end cap
  • the distal end portion 8 is detachably attached to the bending portion 9.
  • the mounting structure of the tip 8 in the curved portion 9 will be described later.
  • the bending portion 9 includes a hard distal bending piece 39 fitted into the proximal end opening of the body ring 26 of the distal end portion 8, and a plurality of rigid bending pieces 40 (also referred to as a curved nodal ring). Are connected to each other by a pivotal support 40a.
  • Piece 39, 40 are covered with a curved outer skin 41 in which an elastic member such as a biocompatible fluororubber is also formed.
  • the distal end portion of the curved outer skin 41 is fixed to the proximal end portion of the main body ring 26 of the distal end portion 8 by means of a thread winding adhesive portion 42 mm.
  • the plurality of bending pieces 40 have wire guides 43 protruding from the inner peripheral surface thereof toward the center. Yes.
  • the wire guide 43 is threaded with a bending operation wire 44 (also referred to as an angle wire).
  • each of the bending operation wires 44 has its locking members 45 locked to four locking holes 39 a formed in the distal bending piece 39.
  • the four locking holes 39a are formed in four equally spaced positions on the surface orthogonal to the axis of the tip bending piece 39.
  • the distal bending piece 39 has a direction around the axis so that each locking hole 39a is positioned corresponding to the upper, lower, left, and right of the endoscopic image. For this reason, the four bending operation wires 44 are held and fixed at four points spaced at substantially equal intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions.
  • these bending operation wires 44 are threaded into the insertion portion main body 10 and arranged up to the connector cover 15. Note that wire clamps (not shown) are provided at the base end portions of the bending operation wires 44. The wire fastening of each bending operation wire 44 is connected to a connecting member (not shown) provided in the gripping portion 17 in a state where the connector cover 15 is integrated with the motor box 16.
  • the connecting member is connected by a bending operation mechanism (not shown) interlocked with a bending operation knob 19 arranged in the main operation portion 18 and a chain (not shown). That is, when the bending operation knob 19 is rotated, the connecting members are alternately pulled or relaxed by the bending operation mechanism, and the bending operation wires 44 are alternately pulled or relaxed in conjunction with the movement. It is like this.
  • the proximal end portion of the bending portion 9 has a first base 46 formed of a metal for fixing a coil pipe fitted inside a bending piece 40 at the most proximal end, and a bending at the most proximal end.
  • a second base 47 formed of a metal for fixing an inner layer tube fitted on the outer peripheral side of the piece 40 and a rotating cylinder fitted on the outer peripheral side of the second base 47 are rotatably engaged.
  • a third base 48 formed from a synthetic resin.
  • the bending operation wire 44 described above has a coil sheath on the proximal end side from the first base 46, respectively.
  • the distal end portion of the coil sheath 49 is fixed to the first base 46 by brazing or the like.
  • the coil sheath 49 used in the present embodiment has an incompressible structure in which wires are tightly wound in a pipe shape.
  • the proximal end portion of the second base 47 is fixed to the distal end portion of a soft inner tube 49a that is inserted into the insertion portion main body 10.
  • the inner layer tube 49a may be a tube body made of a thin wire or the like that is knitted into a cylindrical shape to give flexibility!
  • a protrusion 48a is provided at the base end portion of the third base 48.
  • the third base 48 is completely covered by the curved outer skin 41 so that a gap is formed on the outer peripheral side of the protrusion 48a.
  • the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the one provided with the bending portion 9, and of course, the one not provided with the bending portion 9 can be applied.
  • the insertion portion 6A is configured as a disposable and has an insertion portion main body 10 and a rotating cylinder 51.
  • the above-described inner layer tube 49a, four coil sheaths 49 through which the bending operation wire 44 passes, a communication cable 33, and various tubes 23 (not shown) are arranged.
  • the inner layer tube 49a protects the built-in components that are internal components.
  • the rotating cylinder 51 has a base 50 formed of a connecting synthetic resin at the tip portion, and the tip portion is fixed by an adhesive 52.
  • the base 50 is formed with a concavo-convex portion 50a that engages with the protrusion 48a of the third base 48 of the curved portion 9 described above at the tip portion to make the snap fit function effective. That is, the base 50 and the first
  • the three caps 48 are rotatable around their respective axes.
  • the rotating cylinder 51 connected to the base 50 was covered so that the cross-sectional shape was uneven.
  • a metal plate member having biocompatibility is spirally wound to provide a flexible cylinder.
  • the rotating cylinder 51 has the above-described concave and convex portions engaged with each other with almost no gap, and a spiral convex portion (or a spiral concave portion, or, alternatively, a protruding portion is provided so as to be continuously provided along the spiral.
  • a spiral-shaped portion 51a is formed.
  • the rotating cylinder 51 is a spiral tube that allows for insertion into a body cavity, and is made of, for example, stainless steel and has a predetermined diameter dimension. Further, the rotating cylinder 51 can be set in various pitches and spiral angles by changing the size of the unevenness formed on the plate member.
  • the rotating cylinder 51 is configured to be rotatable about an axis in the insertion direction.
  • the spiral-shaped portion 51a on the outer peripheral surface comes into contact with the inner wall of the body cavity of the subject to generate thrust, and the rotating cylinder 51 itself tends to advance in the insertion direction. .
  • the base 50 fixed to the distal end portion of the rotating cylinder 51 abuts on the third base 48 at the proximal end portion of the bending portion 9 to press the bending portion 9, and the distal end portion 8 is A propulsive force is given to advance the entire insertion portion 6A including the insertion portion toward a deep portion in the body cavity.
  • the rotating cylinder 51 is given a rotational driving force by a motor (not shown) provided in the motor box 16 (see FIG. 1) of the operation unit 7.
  • the rotational driving force of a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the proximal end side of the rotating cylindrical body 51 so that the rotating cylindrical body 51 is rotated.
  • the rotational driving force of a motor may be transmitted to the middle of the rotating cylinder 51 to rotate the entire rotating cylinder, or may be transmitted to the tip of the rotating cylinder 51 to rotate the rotating cylinder.
  • a configuration in which the body 51 is rotated may be employed.
  • the rotating cylinder 51 is rotatable around the major axis on the outer periphery of the inner layer tube 49a, and the bending operation wire 44 in which the inner layer tube 49a is a built-in object is passed through.
  • the four coil sheaths 49, the communication cable 33, the various tubes 23 (not shown), and the external acting force due to the rotation of the rotating cylinder 51 are also protected.
  • the operation portion side guide tube 14 has a fifth fixed ring 78 formed of a substantially cylindrical metal ring (which may be a rigid cylindrical body with a force such as synthetic resin or plastic).
  • the retaining ring 81 that locks the outer periphery of the base end portion is internally fitted and held by screwing with the connecting cylinder 79 formed of the resin.
  • the fifth fixed ring 78 has a shape in which a midway portion projects in the outer diameter direction, and a male screw portion 78a is formed on the outer periphery of the base end portion.
  • the connecting cylinder 79 has a shape in which the distal end portion protrudes in the outer diameter direction, and an internal thread 79a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion, and is formed on the proximal end side so as to draw a circle at substantially equal intervals. It has a plurality of locking portions 80 that extend in the direction and are detachable from the connector cover 15.
  • the fifth fixed ring 78 and the connecting cylinder 79 are connected by the male screw portion 78a and the female screw portion 79a being screwed together, and the retaining ring 81 is fitted and held in the connecting portion.
  • the operation portion side guide tube 14 is in a state where the base end portion is compressed, and the base end outer peripheral portion is pressed against the end face with which the connecting cylinder 79 abuts.
  • the operation unit side guide tube 14 is connected in a state in which the water tightness between the fifth fixed ring 78 and the connection cylinder 79 is maintained.
  • the locking portion 80 is connected to the connector cover 15. More specifically, the connector cover 15 has a connecting portion 82 in a cylindrical body having outward flanges 82a formed at the distal end and the proximal end portion. A plurality of locking portions 80 of the connection cylinder 79 are connected to the connection portion 82 so as to fit outside.
  • Each of the plurality of locking portions 80 has a protruding portion 8 Oa that protrudes toward the inner circumferential direction of the connecting cylinder 79 at the base end portion. For this reason, the connecting cylinder 79 and the connector cover 15 are detachably connected by hooking the projecting portion 80a with the outward flange 82a at the base end portion of the connecting portion 82.
  • each protrusion 80a of the locking portion 80 locks the outward flange 82a of the connection cylinder 79, so that the connection cylinder 79 is rotatable about the axis with respect to the connector cover 15. It has become. Therefore, the operation portion side guide tube 14 coupled to the connection cylinder 79 is also connected to the connector cover 15 so as to be rotatable.
  • the base end portion of the spiral-shaped portion 51a is fixed to the base end side base 83 with an adhesive 83a.
  • the base end side base 83 is fitted into the slide cylinder 84.
  • two elongated holes 84a into which the head part of the male screw 85 fits are formed symmetrically in the vertical direction.
  • the base end base 83 has a female thread 83b formed at a position corresponding to the long hole 84a of the slide cylinder 84.
  • the male screw 85 is screwed into the female screw portion 83b.
  • the proximal end side of the slide cylinder 84 is connected to the distal end portion of the rotating shaft 86 by a fixing screw 87. Further, the rotating shaft 86 is rotatably supported in the connector cover 15 (not shown).
  • An inward flange portion 84b is formed on the distal end side of the slide cylinder 84 so that the proximal end base 83 is not removed.
  • the base end base 83 is slidable in the longitudinal direction between the inward flange portion 84b and the distal end side of the rotating shaft 86.
  • the rotating cylinder 51 can be prevented from being deteriorated in insertion property because the proximal end base 83 slides in the longitudinal direction and does not harden even if torque is applied during rotation, and does not harden. it can.
  • the insertion assisting tool 11 through which the insertion section 6A having the above-described configuration is inserted includes a cylindrical insertion pipe 53, an outward flange, and a donut disk-shaped contact section 54, and a holding pipe 55. And the two connecting rings 56 and 57 for connecting the distal guide tube 13 to each other.
  • a colon examination is performed using the endoscope system 1.
  • the surgeon inserts the insertion assisting tool 11 from, for example, the anus of the patient lying on the bed.
  • the insertion portion 6A is accommodated in the storage case 12 in a state of being curled in a curve as shown in FIG.
  • the insertion assisting tool 11 has only the insertion tube 53 inserted into the rectum 502 from the anus 501 because the abutment portion 54 abuts the buttocks 510 near the anus 501 of the patient. State. That is, the insertion assisting tool 11 is prevented from being entirely inserted into the rectum 502 by the contact portion 54. At this time, the operator fixes the contact portion 54 to the patient's buttocks 510 with tape or the like.
  • the operator grasps the grasping portion 17 of the operation portion 7 and operates the foot of the foot switch 25 or the hand operation of the advancing / retreating switch provided in the main operation portion 18.
  • the ten helically shaped portions 51a are rotated around the longitudinal axis.
  • the storage case 12 is provided with guide tube fixing members 64 and 65 (see FIG. 5) for connecting one end portions of the guide tubes 13 and 14, respectively.
  • guide tube fixing members 64 and 65 for connecting one end portions of the guide tubes 13 and 14, respectively.
  • the guide connecting the distal guide tube 13 Although not shown in the drawing, a rubber plate or the like is fitted into the pipe fixing member 64 so that a propulsive force is applied to the spiral-shaped portion 51a by using the rotational force applied to the spiral-shaped portion 51a. You may comprise.
  • the surgeon puts a motor (not shown) disposed in the motor box 16 of the operation unit 7 into a rotational drive state by the above-described foot operation or hand operation.
  • a rotational force is transmitted from the proximal end portion to the distal end side to the spiral-shaped portion 51a, and the whole rotates in a predetermined direction around the axis as shown by the arrow in FIG.
  • Propulsion is given from 64.
  • the distal end side base 50 shown in FIG. 2 presses the spiral tube connection base 48.
  • the entire insertion portion body 10 (insertion portion 6A) including the distal end portion 8 and the bending portion 9 is inserted into the large intestine via the distal end side guide tube 13 and the insertion assisting tool 11 by the propulsive force of the spiral shaped portion 51a. Go deeper.
  • the contact state of the intestinal wall with the fold of the intestinal wall is a relationship between a male screw and a female screw.
  • the spiral-shaped portion 51a moves forward smoothly due to the propulsive force provided in the guide tube fixing member 64 and the propulsive force generated by the contact with the fold of the intestinal wall.
  • the surgeon operates the bending operation knob 19 (see FIG. 1) of the main operation unit 18 while observing the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 4, and moves the bending unit 9 to the sigmoid colon 503. Perform bending operations to match the bent state.
  • the surgeon can smoothly pass the distal end portion 8 while advancing the sigmoid colon 503, which is difficult to insert by the bending operation of the bending portion 9, by the insertion portion 6A to which a propulsive force is applied. it can.
  • a thrust force is always applied within the guide tube fixing member 64, and the contact length between the spiral-shaped portion 51a and the intestinal wall becomes longer. .
  • the insertion portion 6A has a state in which a part of the spiral-shaped portion 5 la comes into contact with the heel of the sigmoid colon 503, and a state in which the insertion portion main body 10 is bent in a complicated manner.
  • a stable propulsion force toward the deep colon can be obtained.
  • the insertion portion 6A has sufficient flexibility, the insertion portion 6A smoothly advances along the intestinal wall without changing the running state of the sigmoid colon 503 whose position easily changes.
  • the insertion portion 6A passes through the sigmoid colon 503, and then has poor mobility with the sigmoid colon 503 V, and is flexible with the bent part, the descending colon 504, which is the boundary with the descending colon 504 Smooth advance along the wall of the splenic curve 505, which is the boundary with the transverse colon 50 6, and the liver curve 5, which is the boundary between the transverse colon 506 and the ascending colon 508, and the large intestine runs as shown in Figure 8 For example, it reaches the vicinity of the cecum 509, which is the target site, without changing the state.
  • the surgeon After determining that the distal end 8 has reached the vicinity of the cecum 509 from the endoscopic image of the monitor 4, the surgeon once rotates the spiral-shaped portion 51a by the above-described foot operation or hand operation. Stop rolling. The surgeon reversely rotates the spiral-shaped portion 51a by the foot operation of the foot switch 25 or the hand operation of the input portion 72 of the main operation portion 18 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction around the axis that was rotated at the time of insertion. Perform the operation.
  • the surgeon reverses the spiral-shaped portion 51a in the reverse direction of insertion, and moves the distal portion 8 deeply in the large intestine and the insertion portion 6A in a direction to remove the force in the vicinity of the cecum 509 while moving the insertion portion 6A backward. Perform an inspection.
  • the surgeon can retract the insertion portion 6A by the retracting force of the spiral-shaped portion 51a applied in the guide tube fixing member 64 without touching the insertion portion 6A.
  • the insertion portion 6A is entirely retracted by the propulsive force of the spiral portion 51a when the distal end portion 8 and the bending portion 9 are pulled by the spiral portion 51a by the snap fit function.
  • the surgeon When the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 6A reaches the insertion assisting tool 11, the surgeon removes the insertion portion 6A from the anus 501 of the patient together with the insertion assisting tool 11, and ends the colon examination. At this time, the insertion portion 6A is given a retreating force in the guide tube fixing member 64, and is inserted into the storage case 12 as shown in FIG. It is stored in the original state as shown in FIG.
  • the operator can easily insert the insertion portion 6A into the body cavity, here, the deep portion of the large intestine, by the rotary self-propelled endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment. It can be carried out.
  • the endoscope 2 has an insertion part 6 with a storage case configured as a disposable, and the insertion part 6A constituting the insertion part 6 with a storage case has a distal end part. 8 is detachable.
  • the endoscope 2 is configured to include two units of the distal end portion 8 and the insertion portion 6A configured as a disposable.
  • the imaging unit 27 is provided as described above.
  • the image pickup unit 27 is provided with an image pickup element 31 that is an image pickup means and a plurality of LEDs 34 that are illumination means.
  • the image pickup device 31 and the plurality of LEDs 34 are electrically connected to an electrical contact portion 62 (described later) provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 8 via the communication cable 33.
  • An objective lens group 30 is disposed on the incident light side of the image sensor 31.
  • an end lens 36 disposed at the end portion 8 includes an observation lens 29a that is an observation window of the imaging unit 27, and two illumination lenses 29b and 29b.
  • An opening 38 of the treatment instrument channel and an opening 38a of the water supply channel are disposed.
  • the air / water supply nozzle may be arranged on the tip cap 36 such that the jet port faces the observation lens 29a.
  • the configuration example of the distal end surface of the distal end portion 8 shown in FIG. 10 is an example.Of course, as shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 8 includes a cover 29 having the observation lens 29a, two illumination lenses 29b, You may comprise so that 29b may be covered.
  • the main body ring 26 of the distal end portion 8 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is formed on the proximal end side on the distal end side of the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9).
  • a connecting portion 26A is provided for being fitted and fixed in the connecting portion 41A.
  • the connecting portion 26A of the main body ring 26 at the distal end portion 8 is also detachable from the connecting portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9).
  • the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 and the connecting portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A are provided with locking means 60 as locking portions as connector means, respectively.
  • a locking portion 60a which is the locking means 60, is formed on the proximal end side of the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8, while the locking portion 6a is engaged with the distal end side of the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9).
  • a locking groove 60b is formed as a locking means 60 for stopping.
  • the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 is also fitted with the forward force of the connecting portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9).
  • the locking portion 6a of the connecting portion 26A is locked in a state of being pressed against the locking groove 6b of the connecting portion 41A by the elastic force of the connecting portion 26A.
  • tip part 8 is fixed to the insertion part 6A (bending part 9).
  • the locking portion 60a, the locking groove 60b, the connecting portion 26A, the connecting portion 41A of the locking means 60, and the electrical contact portions 62 and 65 constitute a connector portion that is a connector means.
  • An O-ring 61 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connection portion 26A of the tip portion 8.
  • the communication cable 33 electrically connected to the imaging unit 27 is electrically connected to the electrical contact part 62 via the connection line 63.
  • the electrical contact portion 62 is, for example, a planar shape and is configured by a plurality of pattern shapes having different diameters, and has at least three first to third electrical contact portions 62a, 62b, 62c. ing.
  • first to third electrical contact portions 62a, 62b, 62c are arranged so as to be exposed on the base end surface in the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8, for example, as shown in FIGS. It is established.
  • the first electrical contact portion 62a having the largest diameter is disposed from the inner peripheral surface side of the connection portion 26A, the second electrical contact portion 62b having the next largest diameter, and the second electrical contact portion 72b.
  • the third electrical contact portion 62c having a smaller diameter is arranged in order.
  • the first to third electrical contact portions 62a, 62b, 62c are configured such that the locking portion 60a of the distal end portion 8 and the locking groove 60b of the insertion portion 6A are locked, and the distal end portion 8 becomes the insertion portion 6A. In such a state, the electric contact portion 65 provided in the insertion portion 6A is brought into contact with and electrically connected to the electric contact portion 65 (see FIG. 2).
  • the electrical contact portion 65 is provided in substantially the same shape as the electrical contact portion 62 so as to be exposed at the distal end surface in the connection portion 46A of the insertion portion 6A. That is, the electrical contact portion 62 has a planar shape and is configured by a plurality of pattern shapes having different diameters, and has at least three first to third electrical contact portions 65a, 65b, 65c. .
  • These first to third electrical contact portions 65a, 65b, 65c are communication that is passed through the bending portion 9 and the insertion portion main body 10 via a connection line 59 as shown in FIG. Electrically connected to cable 33.
  • the first electrical contact portions 62a and 65a are assigned for GND grounding ⁇ eg for signal grounding (Signal Ground) or chassis grounding (Frame Ground) ⁇ . I have to.
  • the second electrical contact portions 62b and 65b are assigned for VDD contacts such as drive power supply.
  • the third electrical contact portions 62c and 65c are assigned for Vout contacts such as electrical signal outputs including imaging signals.
  • the shape of the two electrical contact portions 62, 65 is a planar shape, and Although a description has been given of a pattern configured with a plurality of patterns having different diameters, any configuration may be used as long as it is electrically connected. For example, a connector may be used.
  • non-contact communication means for performing non-contact communication by wireless communication may be provided.
  • connection portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 and the connection portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A when such non-contact communication means for performing wireless communication is provided between the connection portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 and the connection portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A, the distal end portion 8 and the insertion portion 6A
  • a receiving antenna may be attached to the body surface, examination bed, or the like so that necessary signals can be transmitted and received. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the communication cable 33 in the insertion portion 6A.
  • connection portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 and the distal end surface in the connection portion 41A of the insertion portion are communicated with each other by fixing the distal end portion 8 to the insertion portion 6A.
  • Opening portions of the air supply tube 23a (or the water supply tube 23b) and the suction tube 23c are provided. These openings constitute the conduit contacts of the connector means described above.
  • the above-described two electrical contact portions 62 can be obtained by attaching and fixing the insertion portion 6A to the distal end portion 8 with the force in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 6 and 5 are in contact and electrically connected.
  • the tip 8 configured in this way is housed in the housing container 66 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 14, and is sterilized in advance.
  • a specific configuration of such a container 66 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
  • the storage container 66 for storing the distal end portion 8 is configured to include a lid portion 67 and a main body portion 68 capable of accommodating and holding the distal end portion 8. ing.
  • the main body 68 includes an edge 68a to which the lid 67 is attached, an opening 68A provided on the edge 68a, and a distal end portion 8 through the opening 68A.
  • the main body 68 is made of a resin such as polyester.
  • the lid 67 is configured by using a permeable sheet (for example, a moisture-permeable sheet such as a Tyvek sheet (trade name)) 69 that can transmit EOG (ethylene oxide gas).
  • a permeable sheet 69 is heat-sealed and attached to the edge 68a so as to seal the opening 68A of the main body 68.
  • the edge part of the transparent sheet 69 of the cover part 67 is formed with a knob part 67a so that the operator can easily remove it with a finger when using it.
  • the housing chamber 68B of the main body 68 is provided with a holding member 70 that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and that houses and holds the tip 8. As shown in FIG. 16, the holding member 70 is formed with a plurality of cutouts 70a radially in the center portion of the holding member 70 in the longitudinal and longitudinal direction.
  • the inner peripheral surface of the holding member 70 that accommodates the distal end portion 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 8 come into contact with each other by line contact. That is, the area where EOG (ethylene oxide gas) touches on the outer peripheral surface of the tip 8 is increased.
  • EOG ethylene oxide gas
  • an engaging portion 70a is formed at the lower portion of the holding member 70 to place and hold the tip portion 8! /. Since the distal end surface of the distal end portion 8 is placed and held on the engaging portion 70a, it is necessary for the EOG to sufficiently penetrate into the distal end side of the distal end portion 8 in the lower portion of the storage chamber 68B. A new region 71 is formed.
  • the force EOG configured using the permeable sheet 69 as the lid portion 67, or the sterilization of the distal end portion 8 in which gas for sterilization treatment is permeated and securely contained may be considered as long as it can be processed.
  • the disposable tip 6 is accommodated in such a container 66, and then the permeable sheet 69 is sealed on the edge 68a so as to seal the opening 68A of the main body 68. heat By sealing and attaching, it will be in the state before EOG sterilization.
  • the storage container 66 in which the distal end portion 8 is packaged as described above is stored in a gas sterilization apparatus (not shown) for performing the EOG sterilization process, and the EOG sterilization process is performed.
  • the permeable sheet 69 constituting the lid portion 67 of the container 66 transmits EOG
  • the tip portion 8 can be EOG sterilized.
  • the EOG penetrates the entire outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 8 through a notch 70a formed in the holding member 70 of the storage container 66. Therefore, the container 66 configured as described above can efficiently perform the EOG sterilization treatment of the tip 8.
  • the aeration process is performed on the storage container 66 that has been subjected to the EOG sterilization process, that is, the process of removing the EOG remaining in the storage container 66 is performed, 8 EOG sterilization process is completed.
  • the distal end portion 8 is subjected to the EOG sterilization process and becomes ready for use, and is in a state of being covered with the storage container 66 in a state in which the sterilized state is maintained.
  • the insertion portion 6A to which the distal end portion 8 is attached is accommodated in a storage container (not shown) in a state of being previously stored in the storage case 12, for example.
  • Radiation sterilization treatment such as gamma sterilization has been made.
  • sterilization can be reliably performed, and at the same time, post-treatment is not required, and the sterilization of the insertion portion 6 is performed at low cost. be able to.
  • the connecting portion 26A has the locking portion 60a of the connecting portion 26A and is locked in a state of being pressed against the locking groove 60b of the connecting portion 41A by the elastic force. With that The distal end portion 8 is fixed to the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9).
  • the operator can fix the leading end 8 to the insertion portion 6A without shaking the leading end 8 accommodated in the storage container 66. That is, since the insertion portion 6A can be attached without the operator touching the distal end portion 8, the sterilized state can be reliably ensured until the endoscope 2 is used.
  • the distal end portion 8 and the insertion portion 6A are configured to be detachable,
  • the tip 8 is housed in a container 66 capable of EOG sterilization and subjected to EOG sterilization, and the insertion portion 6A is configured to be subjected to radiation sterilization, so that the tip 8 and the insertion portion 6A can be manufactured at low cost. Sterilization can be performed.
  • the distal end 8 can be easily attached to the insertion portion 6A while ensuring a sufficient sterilized state.
  • the container 66 according to the present invention has the force described as accommodating the distal end portion 8 of the rotary self-propelled endoscope 2 as described above, but the insertion is not limited to this. It is also possible to accommodate a distal end portion of an endoscope that can be attached to and detached from the distal end portion and perform EOG sterilization processing on the distal end portion and maintain a sterilized state.

Abstract

An endoscope end device comprises an end part (8) which detachably fitted to the end of an insertion part body (10) of an insertion part (6A) composed of the insertion part (10) with flexible enough to be inserted into a body cavity and a rotating cylindrical body (51) which is rotatably fitted on the insertion part body (10) and on which a spirally-formed part (51a) is formed by spiral recesses and projections. The endoscope end device has an imaging device (31) and LEDs (34). At the end part of the insertion part body (10), is provided a connector part having electric contact parts (62) electrically connected to an imaging device (31) and LEDs (34) to allow them to operate and a locking part (60a) for lockingly securing the connector to the end of the insertion part body (10) when the connector is fitted to the end of the insertion part body (10).

Description

明 細 書  Specification
内視鏡先端装置、及びそれを収容する収容容器  Endoscope tip device and storage container for storing the same
技術分野  Technical field
[0001] 本発明は、被検体に挿入可能な可撓性を有する細長なチューブの外周に螺旋形 状部を配置して挿入部が形成された回転自走式内視鏡システムに係り、特に、挿入 部と着脱自在な内視鏡先端装置、及びそれを収容する収容容器に関する。  TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a rotary self-propelled endoscope system in which an insertion portion is formed by arranging a spiral portion on the outer periphery of a flexible elongated tube that can be inserted into a subject. The present invention relates to an endoscope tip device that is detachable from an insertion portion, and a storage container that stores the endoscope tip device.
背景技術  Background art
[0002] 従来から、医療用の内視鏡は、広く用いられている。このような医療用の内視鏡は、 細長な挿入部を体腔内に挿入することによって体腔内の患部等を観察したり、必要 に応じて処置具を鉗子チャンネル内に挿通したりして治療処置を行うことができるよう になっている。  Conventionally, medical endoscopes have been widely used. In such a medical endoscope, an elongated insertion portion is inserted into a body cavity to observe an affected area in the body cavity, or a treatment tool is inserted into a forceps channel as necessary. It is possible to take action.
[0003] 内視鏡は、挿入部の先端側に湾曲自在な湾曲部を備えている。内視鏡は、湾曲操 作ノブが操作されることにより湾曲部が上下または左右方向に湾曲動作される。そし て、内視鏡は、入り組んだ体腔内管路、例えば大腸などのように 360° のループを描 く管腔に挿入される際、湾曲操作ノブの操作により湾曲部が湾曲動作されると共に、 捻り操作が行われて挿入部が観察目的部位に向けて挿入されていく。  [0003] The endoscope includes a bendable bending portion on the distal end side of the insertion portion. In the endoscope, the bending portion is bent up and down or left and right by operating the bending operation knob. In addition, when an endoscope is inserted into a complicated intraluminal duct, for example, a lumen that draws a 360 ° loop such as the large intestine, the bending portion is bent by the operation of the bending operation knob. A twisting operation is performed, and the insertion portion is inserted toward the observation target site.
[0004] しかしながら、内視鏡操作は、複雑に入り組んだ大腸内の深部まで挿入部を短時 間でスムーズに挿入することができるようになるまでに熟練を要する。経験の浅 ヽ術 者においては、挿入部を大腸内の深部まで挿入していく際に、挿入方向を見失うこと によって手間取ったり、腸の走行状態を大きく変化させてしまったりする虞があった。  [0004] However, the endoscope operation requires skill until it becomes possible to smoothly insert the insertion portion in a short time up to the complicated deep part of the large intestine. Inexperienced acupuncturists, when inserting the insertion part deep into the large intestine, there was a risk of losing sight of the direction of insertion, which could greatly change the running state of the intestine.
[0005] このため、従来から、挿入部の挿入性を向上させるための各種提案がなされている 。例えば、特開平 10— 113396号公報には、体腔内管路の深部まで容易に、且つ 低侵襲で医療機器を誘導し得る医療機器の推進装置が開示されている。  [0005] For this reason, various proposals have conventionally been made to improve the insertability of the insertion portion. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-113396 discloses a medical device propulsion device that can guide a medical device easily to a deep part of a body cavity duct with minimal invasiveness.
[0006] この特開平 10— 113396号公報に記載の推進装置では、回転部材に、この回転 部材の軸方向に対して推進力発生部として斜めのリブが設けてある。このため、この 推進装置は、回転部材を回転動作させることにより、回転部材の回転力がリブによつ て推進力に変換され、推進装置に連結されている医療機器が推進力によって、深部 方向に移動される。このことにより、前記公報に記載の推進装置は、低侵襲で、患者 に身体的負担を力けることなぐ医療機器を体腔内へと挿入することができる。 [0006] In the propulsion device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-113396, the rotating member is provided with diagonal ribs as a propulsive force generating portion with respect to the axial direction of the rotating member. Therefore, in this propulsion device, by rotating the rotating member, the rotational force of the rotating member is converted into propulsive force by the rib, and the medical device connected to the propulsion device is Moved in the direction. As a result, the propulsion device described in the publication can insert a medical device that is minimally invasive and does not impose a physical burden on the patient into the body cavity.
[0007] このような技術を利用した内視鏡には種々のタイプのものがある力 一例を挙げれ ば、経肛門により大腸内へ挿入を行うようになされた内視鏡において、挿入部の外周 側に、軸回りに回動可能な可撓性を有する回転筒体を設けて、前記回転筒体を回転 させることにより、体腔内への挿入を自動的に行うことができるようにした回転自走式 内視鏡装置がある。  [0007] There are various types of endoscopes using such a technique. For example, in an endoscope that is inserted into the large intestine by the transanus, the outer periphery of the insertion portion A rotating cylinder having flexibility that can rotate around an axis is provided on the side, and by rotating the rotating cylinder, the rotating body can be automatically inserted into the body cavity. There is a traveling endoscope device.
[0008] ところで、治療処置に使用される医療用の内視鏡は、ほとんどが滅菌された状態で 準備されることは周知である。滅菌の方法には、高温高圧蒸気滅菌、 EOG (エチレン オキサイドガス)滅菌、又は γ滅菌等の放射線滅菌等がある。  [0008] Incidentally, it is well known that most medical endoscopes used for therapeutic treatment are prepared in a sterilized state. Sterilization methods include high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization, EOG (ethylene oxide gas) sterilization, or radiation sterilization such as γ sterilization.
[0009] ここで、従来技術として一例を挙げると、例えば、特開平 10— 229966号公報には 、先端の固体撮像素子部分だけの交換を容易に行うことができ、前記高温高圧蒸気 滅菌処理を行うことができることを目的として、対物光学系と固体撮像素子とを有する ユニットを挿入部の先端部分に外部力 着脱可能に構成し、さらにユニットと挿入部 の先端部分との間で撮像信号等を伝送するために接続される電気接点を設けて構 成される内視鏡に関する技術が開示されている。  Here, as an example of the prior art, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-229966, only the solid-state imaging element portion at the tip can be easily replaced, and the high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization treatment is performed. For the purpose of being able to do this, a unit having an objective optical system and a solid-state imaging device is configured to be detachable with an external force at the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and an imaging signal or the like is further transmitted between the unit and the distal end portion of the insertion portion A technique related to an endoscope configured by providing an electrical contact connected for transmission is disclosed.
[0010] また、従来の関連技術としては、例えば、特開 2006— 26263号公報には、挿入部 の先端側に、照明手段、及び撮像素子が取り付けられた連結プラグを設け、この連 結プラグの先端側に、複数 LEDチップ、及び蛍光体等を有するレンズアダプタを着 脱自在に設けたことにより、 LEDチップ力 発せられた光の周波数を変換する蛍光 体を容易に交換できるようにして、メンテナンス性を向上させるようにした内視鏡に関 する技術が開示されて ヽる。  [0010] As a related art, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-26263, a connecting plug to which an illuminating means and an image sensor are attached is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion. A lens adapter having a plurality of LED chips and phosphors, etc. is detachably provided on the tip side of the LED so that the phosphor that converts the frequency of the light emitted by the LED chips can be easily replaced. Technologies related to endoscopes that improve maintainability will be disclosed.
[0011] し力しながら、前記回転自走式内視鏡の挿入部をデイスポーザブルとして構成した 場合の滅菌処理を考慮すると、上述した、 γ滅菌等の放射線滅菌では、挿入部の先 端部に撮像素子、 LED等が設けられて 、るために破壊されてしまう虞があるため不 向きである。  In consideration of the sterilization treatment when the insertion part of the rotary self-propelled endoscope is configured as a disposable while the force is applied, in the above-described radiation sterilization such as γ sterilization, the leading end of the insertion part Since an image pickup device, LED, etc. are provided in the part, it is not suitable because it may be destroyed.
[0012] また、高温高圧蒸気滅菌、又は EOG (エチレンオキサイドガス)滅菌では、回転自 走式内視鏡の挿入部の形状から大規模な滅菌装置が必要となってコストが高価にな つてしまい、特に EOG滅菌では滅菌処理後に EOGガスを抜くためのエアレーシヨン を行わなくてはならず、多くの時間を費やしてしまったり、滅菌処理が煩雑であったり 、といった不都合がある。 [0012] In addition, high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization or EOG (ethylene oxide gas) sterilization requires a large-scale sterilization device due to the shape of the insertion part of the rotary self-propelled endoscope, which increases the cost. Therefore, especially in EOG sterilization, after the sterilization process, it is necessary to perform aeration to extract the EOG gas, and there are inconveniences such as spending a lot of time and complicated sterilization process.
[0013] また、特開平 10— 229966号公報では、対物光学系と固体撮像素子とを有するュ ニットを挿入部の先端部分に外部力 着脱可能に構成し、さらにユニットと挿入部の 先端部分との間で撮像信号等を伝送するために接続される電気接点を設けて構成 することにより、挿入部に対する高温高圧蒸気滅菌処理が可能であるが、前記ュニッ トを有する挿入部をデイスポーザブルに構成した場合における滅菌処理方法、及び 前記回転自走式内視鏡の構成要素に関し、何等開示も示唆もされてはいない。  [0013] Further, in JP-A-10-229966, a unit having an objective optical system and a solid-state imaging device is configured to be detachable from the distal end portion of the insertion portion, and further, the unit and the distal end portion of the insertion portion are arranged. It is possible to perform high-temperature and high-pressure steam sterilization treatment for the insertion part by providing an electrical contact connected to transmit an imaging signal or the like between them, but the insertion part having the unit is made disposable. There is no disclosure or suggestion regarding the sterilization method in the case of the configuration and the components of the rotary self-propelled endoscope.
[0014] また、特開 2006— 26263号公報についても、挿入部の先端側に、照明手段、及 び撮像素子が取り付けられた連結プラグを設け、この連結プラグの先端側に、複数 L EDチップ、及び蛍光体等を有するレンズアダプタを着脱自在に設けて構成されて!ヽ る力 特開平 10— 229966号公報と略同様に、前記レンズアダプタを有する挿入部 をデイスポーザブルに構成した場合における滅菌処理方法、及び前記回転自走式 内視鏡の構成要素に関し、何等開示されては 、な 、。  [0014] Also, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-26263, a connecting plug to which an illumination means and an image sensor are attached is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion, and a plurality of LED chips are provided on the distal end side of the connecting plug. And a lens adapter having a phosphor or the like provided in a detachable manner. Similar to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-229966, the insertion portion having the lens adapter is configured to be disposable. Nothing is disclosed regarding the sterilization method and the components of the rotary self-propelled endoscope.
[0015] したがって、前記回転自走式内視鏡の挿入部をデイスポーザブルとして構成した場 合に、先端部を破壊することなく低コストで挿入部の滅菌処理が行うことができ、使用 する以前までその滅菌状態を十分に確保することが望ましい。  [0015] Therefore, when the insertion portion of the rotary self-propelled endoscope is configured as a disposable, the insertion portion can be sterilized at a low cost without destroying the distal end portion. It is desirable to ensure sufficient sterilization until now.
[0016] そこで、本発明は前記事情に鑑みてなされたもので、回転自走式内視鏡の挿入部 をデイスポーザブルとして構成した場合に、低コストで先端部、及び挿入部の滅菌処 理が行うことができるとともに、挿入部への先端部の装着も滅菌状態を十分に確保し ながら容易に行うことができる内視鏡先端装置、及びそれを収容する収容容器を提 供することを目的とする。  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when the insertion portion of the rotary self-propelled endoscope is configured as a disposable, the sterilization treatment of the distal end portion and the insertion portion can be performed at low cost. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an endoscope tip device that can be easily operated, and can be easily attached to the insertion portion while the sterilized state is sufficiently secured, and a storage container for storing the endoscope tip device. And
発明の開示  Disclosure of the invention
課題を解決するための手段  Means for solving the problem
[0017] 本発明の内視鏡先端装置は、体腔内に挿入される可撓性を有する挿入部本体と、 前記挿入部本体に回転可能に外嵌し、螺旋状の凹凸により螺旋形状部が形成され た回転筒体とを有する挿入部の前記挿入部本体の先端部に着脱自在に設けられ、 撮像ユニット、及び照明部材を有する内視鏡先端部であって、前記挿入部本体の先 端部に、前記撮像ユニット、及び前記照明部材を動作可能に電気的に接続するとと もに、前記内視鏡先端部を前記挿入部本体の先端部に係止して接続するためのコ ネクタ部を具備している。 [0017] The endoscope tip device of the present invention includes a flexible insertion portion body that is inserted into a body cavity, and is rotatably fitted around the insertion portion main body. An insertion portion having a formed rotating cylinder and is detachably provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion main body, An endoscope distal end portion having an imaging unit and an illumination member, wherein the imaging unit and the illumination member are operably and electrically connected to a distal end portion of the insertion portion main body, and A connector portion is provided for locking and connecting the distal end portion of the endoscope to the distal end portion of the insertion portion main body.
[0018] また、本発明の内視鏡先端装置を収容する収容容器は、挿入部の先端部に着脱 自在に設けられ、撮像ユニット、及び照明部材を有する内視鏡先端部であって、前 記挿入部の先端部に、前記撮像ユニット、及び前記照明部材を動作可能に電気的 に接続するとともに、前記内視鏡先端部を前記挿入部の先端部に係止して接続する ためのコネクタ部を具備した内視鏡先端装置を収容する収容容器であって、前記内 視鏡先端装置を収容するための開口部を有し、前記内視鏡先端部を、前記開口部 側に前記コネクタ部を向けて収容して保持する収容部と、前記開口部を開封可能に 閉塞するとともに、滅菌ガスを透過することの可能な蓋部と、を具備している。  [0018] Further, the storage container for storing the endoscope distal end device of the present invention is an endoscope distal end portion that is detachably provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and includes an imaging unit and an illumination member. A connector for electrically connecting the imaging unit and the illuminating member to the distal end of the insertion portion so as to be operable, and locking and connecting the distal end portion of the endoscope to the distal end portion of the insertion portion. A container for accommodating an endoscope tip device having a portion, the container having an opening for accommodating the endoscope tip device, wherein the endoscope tip portion is disposed on the opening side of the connector. And a lid portion that closes the opening portion so that the opening portion can be opened and allows a sterilizing gas to pass therethrough.
図面の簡単な説明  Brief Description of Drawings
[0019] [図 1]本発明の一実施の形態に係る内視鏡先端装置を備えた回転自走式内視鏡シ ステムの全体構成を示す外観図。  FIG. 1 is an external view showing an overall configuration of a rotary self-propelled endoscope system provided with an endoscope tip device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[図 2]内視鏡の内視鏡先端装置を構成する先端部、湾曲部、及び回転筒体の一部を 示す断面図。  FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a distal end portion, a bending portion, and a rotating cylinder constituting an endoscope distal end apparatus of an endoscope.
[図 3]回転筒体と挿入部本体を示す断面図。  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotating cylinder and an insertion portion main body.
[図 4]操作部側案内管が接続されたコネクタカバーの一部を示す断面図。  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the connector cover to which the operation unit side guide tube is connected.
[図 5]図 1の挿入部を構成する収納ケースを示す上面図。  FIG. 5 is a top view showing a storage case that constitutes the insertion portion of FIG. 1.
[図 6]挿入補助具が患者の肛門から直腸へ挿入された状態を示す説明図。  FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a state where the insertion assisting tool is inserted into the rectum from the patient's anus.
[図 7]大腸内に挿入された挿入部本体が S字状結腸に到達した際の状態を示す説明 図。  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the insertion portion main body inserted into the large intestine reaches the sigmoid colon.
[図 8]大腸内に挿入された挿入部本体が盲腸近傍に到達した際の状態を示す説明 図。  FIG. 8 is an explanatory view showing a state when the insertion portion main body inserted into the large intestine has reached the vicinity of the cecum.
[図 9]図 1の先端部、及び先端部が着脱自在な挿入部の電気的構成を示すブロック 図。  FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the distal end portion of FIG. 1 and an insertion portion in which the distal end portion is detachable.
[図 10]図 9の先端部の先端面の構成を示す斜視図。 [図 11]先端部が挿入部に着脱自在な構成を説明するための先端部、及び挿入部の 一部の断面図。 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end surface of the distal end portion of FIG. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a distal end portion and a part of the insertion portion for explaining a configuration in which the distal end portion is detachable from the insertion portion.
[図 12]図 11の ΧΠ矢印方向力も見た先端部の平面図。  FIG. 12 is a plan view of the distal end portion in which the force in the arrow direction in FIG.
[図 13]図 11の ΧΙΠ矢印方向力も見た挿入部の平面図。  FIG. 13 is a plan view of the insertion portion, which also shows the force in the direction of the arrow in FIG.
[図 14]図 11の先端部を収容する収容容器の外観構成を示す斜視図。  14 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a storage container that stores the distal end portion of FIG. 11.
[図 15]図 14の収容容器の断面図。  15 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG.
[図 16]滅菌処理された状態で先端部を挿入部に取り付ける際の開封操作を説明す るための説明図。  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the opening operation when the tip is attached to the insertion portion in a sterilized state.
発明を実施するための最良の形態  BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0020] 以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施の形態を説明する。  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0021] (実施の形態）  [0021] (Embodiment)
図 1から図 16は本発明の一実施の形態に係り、図 1は本発明の内視鏡先端装置を 備えた回転自走式内視鏡システムの全体構成を示す外観図、図 2は内視鏡の内視 鏡先端装置を構成する先端部、湾曲部、及び回転筒体の一部を示す断面図、図 3 は回転筒体と挿入部本体を示す断面図、図 4は操作部側案内管が接続されたコネク タカバーの一部を示す断面図、図 5は図 1の挿入部を構成する収納ケースを示す上 面図、図 6は挿入補助具が患者の肛門カゝら直腸へ挿入された状態を示す説明図、 図 7は大腸内に挿入された挿入部本体が S字状結腸に到達した際の状態を示す説 明図、図 8は大腸内に挿入された挿入部本体が盲腸近傍に到達した際の状態を示 す説明図、図 9は図 1の先端部、及び先端部が着脱自在な挿入部の電気的構成を 示すブロック図、図 10は図 9の先端部の先端面の構成を示す斜視図、図 11は先端 部が挿入部に着脱自在な構成を説明するための先端部、及び挿入部の一部の断面 図、図 12は図 11の XII矢印方向から見た先端部の平面図、図 13は図 11の ΧΙΠ矢印 方向から見た挿入部の平面図、図 14は図 11の先端部を収容する収容容器の外観 構成を示す斜視図、図 15は図 14の収容容器の断面図、図 16は滅菌処理された状 態で先端部を挿入部に取り付ける際の開封操作を説明するための説明図である。  FIGS. 1 to 16 relate to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is an external view showing the overall configuration of a rotary self-propelled endoscope system equipped with the endoscope tip device of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a part of the distal end portion, the bending portion, and the rotating cylindrical body constituting the endoscope distal end device of the endoscope. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the rotating cylindrical body and the insertion portion main body. FIG. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the connector cover to which the guide tube is connected, Fig. 5 is a top view showing the storage case that constitutes the insertion portion of Fig. 1, and Fig. 6 is an insertion assisting tool to the anus and the rectum FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a state when the insertion portion main body inserted into the large intestine reaches the sigmoid colon, and FIG. 8 is an insertion main portion inserted into the large intestine. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the distal end portion of FIG. 1 and the insertion portion in which the distal end portion is detachable. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the distal end surface of the distal end portion of FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the distal end portion and a part of the insertion portion for explaining the configuration in which the distal end portion is detachable from the insertion portion. 12 is a plan view of the distal end portion as viewed from the direction of the arrow XII in FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is a plan view of the insertion portion as viewed from the direction of the arrow の in FIG. 11, and FIG. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an opening operation when the tip is attached to the insertion portion in a sterilized state.
[0022] 先ず、図 1を参照しながら、回転自走式内視鏡システム 1の全体構成について説明 する。 図 1に示すように、回転自走式内視鏡システム（以下、内視鏡システムと略記 ) 1は、内視鏡先端装置を有する回転自走式内視鏡 (以下、単に内視鏡と略記) 2と、 制御装置 3と、モニタ 4と、吸引器 5と、を有している。 First, the overall configuration of the rotary self-propelled endoscope system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Fig. 1, a rotating self-propelled endoscope system (hereinafter abbreviated as an endoscope system). ) 1 has a rotary self-propelled endoscope (hereinafter simply referred to as an endoscope) 2 having an endoscope tip device, a control device 3, a monitor 4, and an aspirator 5. .
[0023] 内視鏡 2は、デイスポーザブルとして構成された収納ケース付内視鏡挿入部（以下 、単に収納ケース付挿入部と略記） 6と、操作部 7と、を有している。 The endoscope 2 includes an endoscope insertion portion with a storage case (hereinafter simply abbreviated as an insertion portion with a storage case) 6 configured as a disposable, and an operation portion 7.
収納ケース付揷入部 6は、挿入部 6Aと、挿入部収納ケース（以下、単に収納ケース と略記） 12とを有し、先端から順に、挿入部 6Aを構成する先端硬性部（以下、単に先 端部と略記) 8と、湾曲部 9と、挿入部本体 10を内側に設けた回転筒体 51と、挿入補 助具 11と、収納ケース 12と、挿入補助具 11と収納ケース 12と間において介装される コルゲート状のチューブである先端側案内管 13と、操作部 7と収納ケース 12との間 に介装されるコルゲート状のチューブである操作部側案内管 14と、この操作部側案 内管 14の一端が連結されたコネクタカバー 15と、を有して構成されて！、る。  The insertion part 6 with a storage case has an insertion part 6A and an insertion part storage case (hereinafter simply abbreviated as storage case) 12. (Abbreviated as end) 8, curved portion 9, rotating cylinder 51 provided with the insertion portion main body 10 on the inside, insertion aid 11, storage case 12, insertion aid 11 and storage case 12 A distal-side guide tube 13 that is a corrugated tube interposed between the operation unit 7 and the storage case 12, and an operation-unit side guide tube 14 that is a corrugated tube interposed between the operation unit 7 and the storage case 12. Side plan: Consists of a connector cover 15 to which one end of the inner pipe 14 is connected! RU
尚、先端部 8は、内視鏡先端装置を構成している。また、収納ケース付挿入部 6は、 挿入部 6Aが、所定機能を実行操作するための操作部 7へ着脱可能に構成されて ヽ る。  The distal end portion 8 constitutes an endoscope distal end device. Further, the insertion part 6 with a storage case is configured such that the insertion part 6A can be attached to and detached from the operation part 7 for performing a predetermined function.
[0024] 操作部 7は、収納ケース付挿入部 6の一部を構成するコネクタカバー 15が着脱自 在であり、回転装置としてのモータボックス 16と、把持部 17と、主操作部 18と、を有し ている。  [0024] The operation unit 7 includes a connector cover 15 that constitutes a part of the insertion unit 6 with a storage case. The motor unit 16 as a rotating device, a gripping unit 17, a main operation unit 18, have.
主操作部 18には、挿入部 6Aの湾曲部 9を 4方向（内視鏡 2が捉える内視鏡画像に 対応する上下左右方向）に湾曲させる湾曲操作ノブ 19と、流体を送出操作、或いは 吸引操作するボタン類 20と、各種撮像、照明などの光学系を操作するスィッチ類 21 と、が配設されている。  The main operation section 18 includes a bending operation knob 19 that bends the bending section 9 of the insertion section 6A in four directions (up and down, left and right directions corresponding to the endoscope image captured by the endoscope 2), and an operation for sending fluid. Buttons 20 for performing a suction operation and switches 21 for operating an optical system such as various types of imaging and illumination are provided.
[0025] 湾曲操作ノブ 19は、略円盤状の 2つのノブが重畳するように、操作部 7の主操作部 18の一面に配設されている。これら 2つのノブは、回動自在に配設され、主操作部 1 8側に湾曲部 9の上記上下方向を操作のための U (UP) ZD (DOWN)用湾曲操作 ノブ 19aと、この UZD用湾曲操作ノブ 19a上に湾曲部 9の上記左右方向を操作する ための R (RIGHT) /L (LEFT)用湾曲操作ノブ 19bと、を有して 、る。  [0025] The bending operation knob 19 is disposed on one surface of the main operation section 18 of the operation section 7 so that two substantially disk-shaped knobs overlap each other. These two knobs are rotatably arranged, and the U (UP) ZD (DOWN) bending operation knob 19a for operating the above-mentioned vertical direction of the bending portion 9 on the main operation portion 18 side, and this UZD The bending operation knob 19b has an R (RIGHT) / L (LEFT) bending operation knob 19b for operating the left and right directions of the bending portion 9 on the bending operation knob 19a.
[0026] 主操作部 18の一側面からは、電気ケーブルであるユニバーサルコード 18aが延設 されている。また、主操作部 18には、ユニバーサルコード 18aが延出する根元部分 に折れ止め部 18bが設けられている。 [0026] A universal cord 18a, which is an electric cable, extends from one side surface of the main operation unit 18. In addition, the main operation section 18 has a root portion where the universal cord 18a extends. Is provided with a folding stop 18b.
このユニバーサルコード 18aの延出端には、コネクタ部 22が配設されている。このコ ネクタ部 22は、制御装置 3に接続されている。  A connector portion 22 is disposed at the extended end of the universal cord 18a. The connector unit 22 is connected to the control device 3.
[0027] また、主操作部 18の一側面に配設されているボタン類 20は、内視鏡 2の先端部 8 から被検体内へ気体を送気、或いは液体を送水するときに操作する送気 Z送水ボタ ン 20aと、内視鏡 2の先端部 8から被検体内から汚物などの液体を吸引するときに操 作する吸引ボタン 20bと、を有している。  [0027] The buttons 20 provided on one side surface of the main operation unit 18 are operated when gas is supplied from the distal end portion 8 of the endoscope 2 into the subject or liquid is supplied. The air supply Z water supply button 20a and the suction button 20b operated when sucking liquid such as filth from the subject from the distal end portion 8 of the endoscope 2 are provided.
[0028] モータボックス 16に着脱されるコネクタカバー 15からは、挿入部 6A内に揷通され た 3本のチューブ 23が延出している。これら 3本のチューブ 23は、送気用チューブ 2 3a、送水用チューブ 23b、及び吸引用チューブ 23cを有している。これら 3本のチュ ーブ 23の延出端は、夫々、着脱自在なコネクタを介して、制御装置 3の前面部の所 定の位置で接続されて 、る。  [0028] From the connector cover 15 attached to and detached from the motor box 16, three tubes 23 passed through the insertion portion 6A extend. These three tubes 23 include an air supply tube 23a, a water supply tube 23b, and a suction tube 23c. The extended ends of these three tubes 23 are connected to each other at predetermined positions on the front surface of the control device 3 via detachable connectors.
[0029] 制御装置 3には、送水タンク 24が設けられている。この送水タンク 24内には、滅菌 水が貯留されている。滅菌水は、主操作部 18の送気 Z送水ボタン 20aが所定の操 作がなされると、制御装置 3によって、送水用チューブ 23bに送液され、内視鏡 2の先 端部 8から噴出する。  The control device 3 is provided with a water supply tank 24. In this water supply tank 24, sterilized water is stored. The sterilized water is supplied to the water supply tube 23b by the control device 3 when the air supply Z water supply button 20a of the main operation unit 18 is subjected to a predetermined operation, and is ejected from the front end 8 of the endoscope 2. To do.
[0030] 尚、送気用チューブ 23aには、主操作部 18の送気 Z送水ボタン 20aが所定の操作 がなされると、制御装置 3内の図示しないコンプレッサからの空気が送気され、この空 気は内視鏡 2の先端部 8から噴出する。  [0030] When the air supply Z water supply button 20a of the main operation unit 18 is subjected to a predetermined operation, air from a compressor (not shown) in the control device 3 is supplied to the air supply tube 23a. Air is ejected from the distal end 8 of the endoscope 2.
[0031] また、吸引ボタン 20bが操作されると、内視鏡 2の先端部 8から汚物などが吸引され[0031] When the suction button 20b is operated, dirt and the like are sucked from the distal end portion 8 of the endoscope 2.
、この汚物などは、吸引用チューブ 23cを介して、制御装置 3から吸引器 5に送り込ま れる。 The filth and the like are sent from the control device 3 to the suction device 5 through the suction tube 23c.
尚、本実施の形態の回転自走式内視鏡システム 1においては、吸引器 5を使用して いるが、病院に備え付けの吸弓 Iシステムを利用しても良 、。  In the rotary self-propelled endoscope system 1 according to the present embodiment, the suction device 5 is used, but the suction arch I system provided in the hospital may be used.
[0032] 制御装置 3には、電気ケーブル 25aを介してフットスィッチ 25が接続されている。こ のフットスィッチ 25は、内視鏡 2の挿入部 6Aを所定の方向へ回動 Z停止操作するた めのスィッチである。尚、この挿入部 6Aの回転方向を操作、及び停止操作する進退 スィッチは、図示しないが操作部 7の主操作部 18にも配設されている。 [0033] また、制御装置 3の前面部には、電源スィッチ、内視鏡 2の挿入部 6Aの回転速度 を可変するダイヤルなどが配設されている。尚、操作部 7のモータボックス 16には、 挿入部 6Aに回転力を付与するモータ（図 6参照）が内蔵されている。 [0032] A foot switch 25 is connected to the control device 3 via an electric cable 25a. This foot switch 25 is a switch for rotating the insertion portion 6A of the endoscope 2 in a predetermined direction and stopping Z. Note that an advance / retreat switch for operating and stopping the rotation direction of the insertion portion 6A is also provided in the main operation portion 18 of the operation portion 7 (not shown). [0033] In addition, a power switch, a dial for changing the rotational speed of the insertion portion 6A of the endoscope 2, and the like are disposed on the front surface of the control device 3. The motor box 16 of the operation unit 7 incorporates a motor (see FIG. 6) that applies a rotational force to the insertion unit 6A.
また、制御装置 3は、モニタ 4と電気的に接続されている。モニタ 4は、内視鏡 2が捉 えた内視鏡画像を表示する。  The control device 3 is electrically connected to the monitor 4. The monitor 4 displays an endoscopic image captured by the endoscope 2.
[0034] 次に、図 2から図 4を参照しながら、内視鏡先端装置、及び内視鏡 2の収納ケース 付挿入部 6の一部を構成する先端部 8、湾曲部 9、挿入部本体 10及び回転筒体 51 について説明する。  Next, referring to FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the distal end portion 8, the bending portion 9, and the insertion portion that constitute a part of the endoscope distal device and the insertion portion 6 with the storage case of the endoscope 2 are inserted. The main body 10 and the rotating cylinder 51 will be described.
[0035] 先ず、内視鏡先端装置を構成する先端部 8について、説明する。  [0035] First, the distal end portion 8 constituting the endoscope distal end apparatus will be described.
図 2に示すように、先端部 8は、生体適合性のある合成樹脂から形成された硬質な 略円環状の本体環 26と、撮像ユニット 27とを有し、後述する挿入部 6Aの湾曲部 9の 先端部に対して着脱自在に設けられている。尚、先端部 8、及び挿入部 6Aの湾曲部 9における具体的な取付構造については後述する。  As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 8 has a hard substantially annular main body ring 26 formed of a biocompatible synthetic resin and an imaging unit 27, and a curved portion of the insertion portion 6A described later. It is detachably attached to the 9 tip. In addition, the specific attachment structure in the front-end | tip part 8 and the curved part 9 of the insertion part 6A is mentioned later.
[0036] 撮像ユニット 27は、本体環 26内に収容される合成樹脂から形成された略円環状の 保持環 28aと、この保持環 28aの基端側に嵌着される金属から形成された略円環状 のカバー環 28b、保持環 28aの先端開口部を気密に封止するように嵌着され、生体 適合性のある透明な合成樹脂によってドーム状に形成されたカバー体 29と、によつ て外形が形成されている。  [0036] The imaging unit 27 includes a substantially annular holding ring 28a formed from a synthetic resin accommodated in the main body ring 26, and a substantially formed from a metal fitted on the proximal end side of the holding ring 28a. An annular cover ring 28b and a holding body 28a that are fitted so as to hermetically seal the front end openings of the holding ring 28a and are formed in a dome shape by a biocompatible transparent synthetic resin. The outer shape is formed.
[0037] これらの部材によって形成される撮像ユニット 27の空間内には、対物レンズ群 30と 、この対物レンズ群 30へ入射する撮影光が集光される位置に配置される CCD (Cha rge Coupled Devices)、 CMOS (し omplementary Metal Oxide Semicon ductor)などの撮像素子 31と、この撮像素子 31によって光電変換された画像信号が 入力されるフレキシブルプリント基板 (FPC) 32とが配設される。  [0037] In the space of the imaging unit 27 formed by these members, an objective lens group 30 and a CCD (Charge Coupled) arranged at a position where photographing light incident on the objective lens group 30 is condensed. An image pickup device 31 such as a device (CMOS) or a CMOS (Omplementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 32 to which an image signal photoelectrically converted by the image pickup device 31 is input.
[0038] この FPC32には、通信ケーブル 33が接続されている。この通信ケーブル 33は、後 述する接続線 63、先端部 8側に設けられた電気接点部 62、湾曲部 9側に設けられた 電気接点部 65、接続線 59を介して手元側の通信ケーブル 33に電気的に接続され ている。そして、この手元側の通信ケーブル 33は、湾曲部 9、及び挿入部本体 10内 に挿通して、コネクタカバー 15 (図 1参照）に配設される図示しないコネクタに接続さ れている。尚、前記 2つの電気接点部 62、 65による電気的な接続構成については後 述する。 [0038] A communication cable 33 is connected to the FPC 32. This communication cable 33 includes a connection cable 63 described later, an electrical contact section 62 provided on the distal end 8 side, an electrical contact section 65 provided on the bending section 9 side, and a communication cable on the hand side via the connection line 59. Electrically connected to 33. The proximal communication cable 33 is inserted into the bending portion 9 and the insertion portion main body 10 and connected to a connector (not shown) disposed on the connector cover 15 (see FIG. 1). It is. The electrical connection configuration of the two electrical contact portions 62 and 65 will be described later.
[0039] また、対物レンズ群 30を保持する保持環を固定している板部材 35には、照明部材 である複数の LED34が対物レンズ群 30を囲むように配設されて 、る。板部材 35は、 カバー体 29の略中心を通る部分に延長線上にある内面と固着できるように、略円形 に形成されている。そして、対物レンズ群 30は、板部材 35の板面における略中心位 置に光軸が通るように配置されている。尚、前記撮像素子 31は撮像手段を構成し、 前記 LED34は照明手段を構成して!/、る。  In addition, a plurality of LEDs 34 that are illumination members are arranged on the plate member 35 that fixes the holding ring that holds the objective lens group 30 so as to surround the objective lens group 30. The plate member 35 is formed in a substantially circular shape so that it can be fixed to the inner surface on the extension line at a portion passing through the approximate center of the cover body 29. The objective lens group 30 is arranged so that the optical axis passes through a substantially central position on the plate surface of the plate member 35. The imaging element 31 constitutes an imaging means, and the LED 34 constitutes an illumination means.
[0040] このように構成された撮像ユニット 27は、本体環 26の中心に対して、偏芯する位置 に配置され、本体環 26の先端側開口部に配設される先端キャップ 36により本体環 2 6に固定されている。  [0040] The imaging unit 27 configured as described above is disposed at a position eccentric with respect to the center of the main body ring 26, and the main body ring is provided by the front end cap 36 disposed in the front end side opening of the main body ring 26. 2 is fixed to 6.
[0041] 撮像ユニット 27の保持環 28aと本体環 26との間にできる隙間には、吸引用チュー ブ 23cの先端部分と、この吸引用チューブ 23cが基端側に接続された吸引管 37が配 置されている。この吸引管 37の先端部分は、先端キャップ 36に固着されている。  [0041] In the gap formed between the holding ring 28a of the imaging unit 27 and the main body ring 26, there are a distal end portion of the suction tube 23c and a suction tube 37 to which the suction tube 23c is connected to the proximal end side. It is in place. The distal end portion of the suction pipe 37 is fixed to the distal end cap 36.
[0042] 先端キャップ 36には、吸引用の開口部 38が形成されている。尚、図示していない 力 上述した保持環 28aと本体環 26との間にできる隙間を利用して、送気 Z送水用 チューブ 23a, 23bに連通する管路が配設され、それら管路の開口部も先端キャップ[0042] The tip cap 36 is formed with an opening 38 for suction. In addition, a pipe line communicating with the air-feeding / water-feeding tubes 23a, 23b is provided by using the gap formed between the holding ring 28a and the main body ring 26 described above. Opening end cap
36に形成されている。 36 is formed.
[0043] 次に、湾曲部 9について説明する。 [0043] Next, the bending portion 9 will be described.
図 2に示すように、湾曲部 9には、前記先端部 8が着脱可能に取り付けられている。 尚、湾曲部 9における先端部 8の取付構造については後述する。  As shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 8 is detachably attached to the bending portion 9. The mounting structure of the tip 8 in the curved portion 9 will be described later.
[0044] また、湾曲部 9には、先端部 8の本体環 26の基端開口部に嵌着された硬質な先端 湾曲駒 39と、硬質な複数の湾曲駒 40 (湾曲節輪ともいう）とが枢支部 40aによって回 動自在に連設されている。 [0044] Further, the bending portion 9 includes a hard distal bending piece 39 fitted into the proximal end opening of the body ring 26 of the distal end portion 8, and a plurality of rigid bending pieces 40 (also referred to as a curved nodal ring). Are connected to each other by a pivotal support 40a.
[0045] これら駒 39、 40〖こは、生体適合性のあるフッ素ゴムなどの弾性部材カも形成された 湾曲外皮 41が被覆されている。この湾曲外皮 41の先端部分は、糸巻き接着部 42〖こ より、先端部 8の本体環 26の基端部分と固着されている。 [0045] These pieces 39, 40 are covered with a curved outer skin 41 in which an elastic member such as a biocompatible fluororubber is also formed. The distal end portion of the curved outer skin 41 is fixed to the proximal end portion of the main body ring 26 of the distal end portion 8 by means of a thread winding adhesive portion 42 mm.
[0046] 複数の湾曲駒 40は、その内周面から中心方向へ突出するワイヤガイド 43を有して いる。このワイヤガイド 43には、湾曲操作ワイヤ 44 (アングルワイヤとも言う）が揷通し ている。 [0046] The plurality of bending pieces 40 have wire guides 43 protruding from the inner peripheral surface thereof toward the center. Yes. The wire guide 43 is threaded with a bending operation wire 44 (also referred to as an angle wire).
[0047] この湾曲操作ワイヤ 44の先端部分は、湾曲部 9内に 4本存在し（図 2では 2本のみ 図示している）、夫々に筒状の係止部材 45が半田などにより溶着されている。これら 湾曲操作ワイヤ 44は、先端湾曲駒 39に形成された 4つの係止孔部 39aに夫々の係 止部材 45が係止されている。  [0047] There are four tip portions of the bending operation wire 44 in the bending portion 9 (only two are shown in FIG. 2), and a cylindrical locking member 45 is welded to each by solder or the like. ing. Each of the bending operation wires 44 has its locking members 45 locked to four locking holes 39 a formed in the distal bending piece 39.
[0048] 4つの係止孔部 39aは、先端湾曲駒 39の軸に対して直交する面において、略等間 隔となる 4等分した位置に形成されている。この先端湾曲駒 39は、上記内視鏡画像 の上下左右に対応して、各係止孔部 39aが位置するように軸回りの方向が決められ ている。そのため、 4本の湾曲操作ワイヤ 44は、上下左右方向に略等間隔に離間し た 4点にぉ 、て保持固定されて!、る。  [0048] The four locking holes 39a are formed in four equally spaced positions on the surface orthogonal to the axis of the tip bending piece 39. The distal bending piece 39 has a direction around the axis so that each locking hole 39a is positioned corresponding to the upper, lower, left, and right of the endoscopic image. For this reason, the four bending operation wires 44 are held and fixed at four points spaced at substantially equal intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions.
[0049] また、これら湾曲操作ワイヤ 44は、挿入部本体 10内に揷通し、コネクタカバー 15ま で配設されている。尚、これら湾曲操作ワイヤ 44の夫々の基端部分には、図示しな いワイヤ留めが設けられている。各湾曲操作ワイヤ 44のワイヤ留めは、コネクタカバ 一 15がモータボックス 16に一体となつている状態において、把持部 17内に設けられ た図示しない連結部材に夫々が対応して連結される。  Further, these bending operation wires 44 are threaded into the insertion portion main body 10 and arranged up to the connector cover 15. Note that wire clamps (not shown) are provided at the base end portions of the bending operation wires 44. The wire fastening of each bending operation wire 44 is connected to a connecting member (not shown) provided in the gripping portion 17 in a state where the connector cover 15 is integrated with the motor box 16.
[0050] 連結部材は、主操作部 18内に配設された湾曲操作ノブ 19に連動する図示しない 湾曲操作機構と図示しないチェーンにより、連結されている。つまり、湾曲操作ノブ 1 9が回動操作されると、湾曲操作機構により各連結部材が交互に牽引又は弛緩され 、その動きに連動して、各湾曲操作ワイヤ 44が交互に牽引又は弛緩されるようになつ ている。  [0050] The connecting member is connected by a bending operation mechanism (not shown) interlocked with a bending operation knob 19 arranged in the main operation portion 18 and a chain (not shown). That is, when the bending operation knob 19 is rotated, the connecting members are alternately pulled or relaxed by the bending operation mechanism, and the bending operation wires 44 are alternately pulled or relaxed in conjunction with the movement. It is like this.
[0051] したがって、 4本の湾曲操作ワイヤ 44が夫々、牽引弛緩されると、複数の湾曲駒 40 が対応して回動する。こうして、湾曲部 9が上述した 4方向へ湾曲操作される。  [0051] Accordingly, when the four bending operation wires 44 are pulled and loosened, the plurality of bending pieces 40 rotate correspondingly. Thus, the bending portion 9 is bent in the four directions described above.
[0052] 湾曲部 9の基端部分には、最基端にある湾曲駒 40の内部に嵌着されたコイルパイ プ固定用の金属から形成された第 1口金 46と、最基端にある湾曲駒 40の外周側に 嵌着された内層チューブ固定用の金属から形成された第 2口金 47と、この第 2口金 4 7の外周側に嵌着された回転筒体を回動自在に係合するための合成樹脂から形成 された第 3口金 48と、が配設されている。これらの口金 46〜48は、接着剤などにより 強固に固着されている。 [0052] The proximal end portion of the bending portion 9 has a first base 46 formed of a metal for fixing a coil pipe fitted inside a bending piece 40 at the most proximal end, and a bending at the most proximal end. A second base 47 formed of a metal for fixing an inner layer tube fitted on the outer peripheral side of the piece 40 and a rotating cylinder fitted on the outer peripheral side of the second base 47 are rotatably engaged. And a third base 48 formed from a synthetic resin. These caps 46-48 can be glued It is firmly fixed.
尚、上述した湾曲外皮 41は、第 3口金 48とも糸巻き接着部 42により、固着されてい る。  Note that the above-described curved outer skin 41 is fixed to the third base 48 by the bobbin adhering portion 42.
また、上述した湾曲操作ワイヤ 44は、夫々、第 1口金 46から基端側がコイルシース Further, the bending operation wire 44 described above has a coil sheath on the proximal end side from the first base 46, respectively.
49内に夫々揷通している。コイルシース 49の先端部分は、第 1口金 46にロー付けな どで固定されている。尚、本実施の形態で用いられるコイルシース 49は、ワイヤをパ イブ状に密着巻きした非圧縮性の構造を有して!/ヽる。 Each of them is in 49. The distal end portion of the coil sheath 49 is fixed to the first base 46 by brazing or the like. The coil sheath 49 used in the present embodiment has an incompressible structure in which wires are tightly wound in a pipe shape.
[0053] 第 2口金 47の基端部分は、挿入部本体 10内に挿通する軟性な内層チューブ 49a の先端部分が固定されている。この内層チューブ 49aは、細線のワイヤなどを筒状に 編み込んで可撓性を持たせたチューブ体でも良!、。 [0053] The proximal end portion of the second base 47 is fixed to the distal end portion of a soft inner tube 49a that is inserted into the insertion portion main body 10. The inner layer tube 49a may be a tube body made of a thin wire or the like that is knitted into a cylindrical shape to give flexibility!
[0054] 第 3口金 48の基端部分には、突起部 48aが設けられている。また、この第 3口金 48 は、突起部 48aの外周側に隙間ができるように、湾曲外皮 41に完全にカバーされて いる。 [0054] At the base end portion of the third base 48, a protrusion 48a is provided. The third base 48 is completely covered by the curved outer skin 41 so that a gap is formed on the outer peripheral side of the protrusion 48a.
尚、本実施の形態の内視鏡 2は、湾曲部 9を備えているものに限定せず、前記湾曲 部 9を備えていないものでも、勿論、適用可能である。  Note that the endoscope 2 according to the present embodiment is not limited to the one provided with the bending portion 9, and of course, the one not provided with the bending portion 9 can be applied.
[0055] 次に、挿入部 6Aの挿入部本体 10及び回転筒体 51について説明する。 Next, the insertion portion main body 10 and the rotating cylinder 51 of the insertion portion 6A will be described.
挿入部 6Aは、デイスポーザブルとして構成されたもので、挿入部本体 10と、回転筒 体 51とを有して!/ヽる。  The insertion portion 6A is configured as a disposable and has an insertion portion main body 10 and a rotating cylinder 51.
挿入部本体 10内には、上述した内層チューブ 49aと、湾曲操作ワイヤ 44が夫々揷 通する 4本のコイルシース 49と、通信ケーブル 33と、図示しない各種チューブ 23と、 が配設されている。この内層チューブ 49aは、内部の各構成要素である内蔵物を保 護している。  In the insertion portion main body 10, the above-described inner layer tube 49a, four coil sheaths 49 through which the bending operation wire 44 passes, a communication cable 33, and various tubes 23 (not shown) are arranged. The inner layer tube 49a protects the built-in components that are internal components.
[0056] 回転筒体 51は、先端部分に連結用の合成樹脂から形成された口金 50を有し、先 端部分が接着材 52により固着されている。  The rotating cylinder 51 has a base 50 formed of a connecting synthetic resin at the tip portion, and the tip portion is fixed by an adhesive 52.
口金 50は、先端部分に上述した湾曲部 9の第 3口金 48の突起部 48aと係合し、ス ナップフィット機能を有効にする凹凸部 50aが形成されている。つまり、口金 50と、第 The base 50 is formed with a concavo-convex portion 50a that engages with the protrusion 48a of the third base 48 of the curved portion 9 described above at the tip portion to make the snap fit function effective. That is, the base 50 and the first
3口金 48は、夫々の軸回りに回動自在となっている。 The three caps 48 are rotatable around their respective axes.
[0057] この口金 50と連結された回転筒体 51は、断面形状が凹凸となるようにカ卩ェされた 生体適合性のある金属板部材を螺旋状に卷回し、可撓性を備えた筒体である。この 回転筒体 51は、上述した凹凸が略隙間なく係合しており、その外周面に螺旋状凸部 (あるいは、螺旋状凹部、さらにあるいは、螺旋に沿って連設されるように突設される 凸部、など）となる螺旋形状部 51aが形成される。 [0057] The rotating cylinder 51 connected to the base 50 was covered so that the cross-sectional shape was uneven. A metal plate member having biocompatibility is spirally wound to provide a flexible cylinder. The rotating cylinder 51 has the above-described concave and convex portions engaged with each other with almost no gap, and a spiral convex portion (or a spiral concave portion, or, alternatively, a protruding portion is provided so as to be continuously provided along the spiral. A spiral-shaped portion 51a is formed.
[0058] 具体的には、回転筒体 51は、体腔内への挿通性を考慮した螺旋管であり、例えば ステンレス製で所定の径寸法が設定されている。また、回転筒体 51は、板部材に形 成する凹凸の寸法を変更して、凹凸のピッチ、螺旋の角度などを種々設定できる。  Specifically, the rotating cylinder 51 is a spiral tube that allows for insertion into a body cavity, and is made of, for example, stainless steel and has a predetermined diameter dimension. Further, the rotating cylinder 51 can be set in various pitches and spiral angles by changing the size of the unevenness formed on the plate member.
[0059] この回転筒体 51は、挿入方向の軸回りに回動可能となるように構成されている。そ して、この回転筒体 51が回動すると、外周面の螺旋形状部 51aが被検体の体腔内 壁と接触して推力が発生し、回転筒体 51自体が挿入方向へ進行しょうとする。  [0059] The rotating cylinder 51 is configured to be rotatable about an axis in the insertion direction. When the rotating cylinder 51 rotates, the spiral-shaped portion 51a on the outer peripheral surface comes into contact with the inner wall of the body cavity of the subject to generate thrust, and the rotating cylinder 51 itself tends to advance in the insertion direction. .
[0060] このとき、回転筒体 51の先端部に固着されている口金 50が、湾曲部 9の基端部分 にある第 3口金 48に当接して湾曲部 9を押圧し、先端部 8を含めた挿入部 6A全体が 体腔内の深部に向かって前進する推進力が付与される。  At this time, the base 50 fixed to the distal end portion of the rotating cylinder 51 abuts on the third base 48 at the proximal end portion of the bending portion 9 to press the bending portion 9, and the distal end portion 8 is A propulsive force is given to advance the entire insertion portion 6A including the insertion portion toward a deep portion in the body cavity.
[0061] 尚、回転筒体 51は、操作部 7のモータボックス 16 (図 1参照）に配設されたモータ（ 図示せず）により回転駆動力が与えられるようになって!/、る。  It should be noted that the rotating cylinder 51 is given a rotational driving force by a motor (not shown) provided in the motor box 16 (see FIG. 1) of the operation unit 7.
[0062] この場合、本実施の形態では、モータ（図示せず)の回転駆動力を回転筒体 51の 基端側に伝達させて、回転筒体 51を回動させるように構成しているがこれに限定さ れることはない。例えば、モータ（図示せず)の回転駆動力を回転筒体 51の中間に伝 達させて回転筒体全体を回転させても構わないし、回転筒体 51の先端部に伝達さ せて回転筒体 51を回動させるような構成であっても良い。  [0062] In this case, in the present embodiment, the rotational driving force of a motor (not shown) is transmitted to the proximal end side of the rotating cylindrical body 51 so that the rotating cylindrical body 51 is rotated. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the rotational driving force of a motor (not shown) may be transmitted to the middle of the rotating cylinder 51 to rotate the entire rotating cylinder, or may be transmitted to the tip of the rotating cylinder 51 to rotate the rotating cylinder. A configuration in which the body 51 is rotated may be employed.
[0063] また、挿入部本体 10は、回転筒体 51が内層チューブ 49aの外周で長軸回りに回 動自在となっており、内層チューブ 49aが内蔵物である湾曲操作ワイヤ 44が夫々揷 通する 4本のコイルシース 49と、通信ケーブル 33と、図示しない各種チューブ 23と、 回転筒体 51の回動による外的作用力も保護する構成となっている。  [0063] Further, in the insertion portion main body 10, the rotating cylinder 51 is rotatable around the major axis on the outer periphery of the inner layer tube 49a, and the bending operation wire 44 in which the inner layer tube 49a is a built-in object is passed through. The four coil sheaths 49, the communication cable 33, the various tubes 23 (not shown), and the external acting force due to the rotation of the rotating cylinder 51 are also protected.
[0064] 次に、図 4を用いて、螺旋形状部 5 laの基端側について説明する。  Next, the proximal end side of the spiral-shaped portion 5 la will be described with reference to FIG.
まず、操作部側案内管 14とコネクタカバー 15との接続について説明する。 図 4に示すように、操作部側案内管 14には、略筒状の金属環 (合成樹脂、プラステ イツクなど力も形成される硬質な筒体でも良い)から形成される第 5固定環 78と、合成 榭脂から形成される接続筒体 79との螺着によって、その基端部分の外周を係止する 留めリング 81が内嵌保持される。 First, connection between the operation unit side guide tube 14 and the connector cover 15 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation portion side guide tube 14 has a fifth fixed ring 78 formed of a substantially cylindrical metal ring (which may be a rigid cylindrical body with a force such as synthetic resin or plastic). , Synthesis The retaining ring 81 that locks the outer periphery of the base end portion is internally fitted and held by screwing with the connecting cylinder 79 formed of the resin.
[0065] 第 5固定環 78は、中途部分が外径方向に突出した形状をしており、基端部分の外 周に雄ねじ部 78aが形成されている。また、接続筒体 79は、先端部分が外径方向に 突出した形状をしており、先端部分の内周面に雌ねじ部 79aが形成され、略等間隔 で円を描くように基端側に向力つて延設され、コネクタカバー 15と着脱自在とするた めの複数の係止部 80を有して 、る。  [0065] The fifth fixed ring 78 has a shape in which a midway portion projects in the outer diameter direction, and a male screw portion 78a is formed on the outer periphery of the base end portion. Further, the connecting cylinder 79 has a shape in which the distal end portion protrudes in the outer diameter direction, and an internal thread 79a is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion, and is formed on the proximal end side so as to draw a circle at substantially equal intervals. It has a plurality of locking portions 80 that extend in the direction and are detachable from the connector cover 15.
[0066] すなわち、第 5固定環 78と接続筒体 79とは、雄ねじ部 78aと雌ねじ部 79aとが螺合 することで接続され、その接続部内に留めリング 81を内嵌保持している。この状態に おいて、操作部側案内管 14は、基端部分が圧縮された状態となり、基端外周部が接 続筒体 79の当接する端面に押圧されている。これにより、操作部側案内管 14は、第 5固定環 78と接続筒体 79との水密が保持された状態で接続される。  That is, the fifth fixed ring 78 and the connecting cylinder 79 are connected by the male screw portion 78a and the female screw portion 79a being screwed together, and the retaining ring 81 is fitted and held in the connecting portion. In this state, the operation portion side guide tube 14 is in a state where the base end portion is compressed, and the base end outer peripheral portion is pressed against the end face with which the connecting cylinder 79 abuts. As a result, the operation unit side guide tube 14 is connected in a state in which the water tightness between the fifth fixed ring 78 and the connection cylinder 79 is maintained.
[0067] コネクタカバー 15と接続された接続筒体 79は、係止部 80がコネクタカバー 15に接 続されている。詳述すると、コネクタカバー 15は、先端と基端部分に外向フランジ 82 aが形成された筒体に接続部 82を有している。接続部 82には、接続筒体 79の複数 の係止部 80が外嵌するように接続されて!ヽる。  In the connecting cylinder 79 connected to the connector cover 15, the locking portion 80 is connected to the connector cover 15. More specifically, the connector cover 15 has a connecting portion 82 in a cylindrical body having outward flanges 82a formed at the distal end and the proximal end portion. A plurality of locking portions 80 of the connection cylinder 79 are connected to the connection portion 82 so as to fit outside.
[0068] 複数の係止部 80は、基端部に接続筒体 79の内周方向に向かって突起する突部 8 Oaを有している。このため、接続筒体 79とコネクタカバー 15とは、突部 80aを接続部 82の基端部分の外向フランジ 82aを掛止することで着脱自在に接続される。  [0068] Each of the plurality of locking portions 80 has a protruding portion 8 Oa that protrudes toward the inner circumferential direction of the connecting cylinder 79 at the base end portion. For this reason, the connecting cylinder 79 and the connector cover 15 are detachably connected by hooking the projecting portion 80a with the outward flange 82a at the base end portion of the connecting portion 82.
[0069] また、係止部 80の突部 80aは、それぞれ接続筒体 79の外向フランジ 82aを係止し ているため、接続筒体 79がコネクタカバー 15に対して軸回りに回動自在となってい る。したがって、接続筒体 79と連結する操作部側案内管 14も、コネクタカバー 15に 対して回動自在に接続されて!ヽる。  [0069] In addition, each protrusion 80a of the locking portion 80 locks the outward flange 82a of the connection cylinder 79, so that the connection cylinder 79 is rotatable about the axis with respect to the connector cover 15. It has become. Therefore, the operation portion side guide tube 14 coupled to the connection cylinder 79 is also connected to the connector cover 15 so as to be rotatable.
[0070] このような操作部側案内管 14とコネクタカバー 15との接続部分において、螺旋形 状部 51aの基端部は、基端側口金 83に接着剤 83aにより固着されている。この基端 側口金 83は、スライド筒 84内に嵌挿されている。スライド筒 84には、雄ねじ 85の頭 部が嵌るような長孔 84aが上下に対称的に 2つ形成されている。  [0070] In such a connection portion between the operation portion side guide tube 14 and the connector cover 15, the base end portion of the spiral-shaped portion 51a is fixed to the base end side base 83 with an adhesive 83a. The base end side base 83 is fitted into the slide cylinder 84. In the slide cylinder 84, two elongated holes 84a into which the head part of the male screw 85 fits are formed symmetrically in the vertical direction.
[0071] 基端側口金 83は、スライド筒 84の長孔 84aに対応した位置に雌ねじ部 83bが形成 されており、この雌ねじ部 83bに雄ねじ 85が螺合されるようになつている。スライド筒 8 4の基端側は、回転軸 86の先端部分と固定螺子 87により接続されている。また、回 転軸 86は、図示しな 、がコネクタカバー 15内で回動支持されて 、る。 [0071] The base end base 83 has a female thread 83b formed at a position corresponding to the long hole 84a of the slide cylinder 84. The male screw 85 is screwed into the female screw portion 83b. The proximal end side of the slide cylinder 84 is connected to the distal end portion of the rotating shaft 86 by a fixing screw 87. Further, the rotating shaft 86 is rotatably supported in the connector cover 15 (not shown).
[0072] スライド筒 84の先端側には、基端側口金 83が抜けないように内向フランジ部 84bが 形成されている。この基端側口金 83は、内向フランジ部 84bと回転軸 86の先端側と の間で長手方向にスライド可能となっている。これにより、回転筒体 51は、回転時にト ルクが力かっても基端側口金 83がスライドすることにより、長手方向に伸縮自在となり 硬化することがないので挿入性が落ちるのを防止することができる。  [0072] An inward flange portion 84b is formed on the distal end side of the slide cylinder 84 so that the proximal end base 83 is not removed. The base end base 83 is slidable in the longitudinal direction between the inward flange portion 84b and the distal end side of the rotating shaft 86. As a result, the rotating cylinder 51 can be prevented from being deteriorated in insertion property because the proximal end base 83 slides in the longitudinal direction and does not harden even if torque is applied during rotation, and does not harden. it can.
[0073] 上述した構成の挿入部 6Aが挿通される挿入補助具 11は、図 6に示すように、筒状 の挿入管 53、外向フランジとなりドーナツ円盤状の当接部 54、及び保持管 55から形 成された補助具挿入部 58と、先端側案内管 13を接続する 2つの接続環 56、 57とを 有して構成されている。  As shown in FIG. 6, the insertion assisting tool 11 through which the insertion section 6A having the above-described configuration is inserted includes a cylindrical insertion pipe 53, an outward flange, and a donut disk-shaped contact section 54, and a holding pipe 55. And the two connecting rings 56 and 57 for connecting the distal guide tube 13 to each other.
[0074] 次に、回転自走式内視鏡システム 1の使用例を説明する。尚、以下の説明におい て、図 5から 8を参照しながら大腸内視鏡検査を例に挙げて説明する。  Next, an example of use of the rotary self-propelled endoscope system 1 will be described. In the following explanation, colonoscopy will be described as an example with reference to FIGS.
いま、内視鏡システム 1を用いて、例えば大腸検査を行うものとする。このとき、術者 は、挿入補助具 11を例えば、ベッド上に横たわつている患者の肛門から挿入する。 尚、挿入部 6Aは、収納ケース 12内において、図 5に示すような曲線を描いて橈んだ 状態で収容されている。  Now, for example, a colon examination is performed using the endoscope system 1. At this time, the surgeon inserts the insertion assisting tool 11 from, for example, the anus of the patient lying on the bed. Note that the insertion portion 6A is accommodated in the storage case 12 in a state of being curled in a curve as shown in FIG.
[0075] 挿入補助具 11は、図 6に示すように、当接部 54が患者の肛門 501近傍の臀部 510 に当接することで、挿入管 53のみが肛門 501から直腸 502内に挿入された状態とな る。すなわち、挿入補助具 11は、当接部 54によって、その全体が直腸 502内に挿入 されることが防止される。このとき、術者は、当接部 54をテープなどで患者の臀部 51 0へ固定する。  [0075] As shown in FIG. 6, the insertion assisting tool 11 has only the insertion tube 53 inserted into the rectum 502 from the anus 501 because the abutment portion 54 abuts the buttocks 510 near the anus 501 of the patient. State. That is, the insertion assisting tool 11 is prevented from being entirely inserted into the rectum 502 by the contact portion 54. At this time, the operator fixes the contact portion 54 to the patient's buttocks 510 with tape or the like.
[0076] このような状態で、術者は、操作部 7の把持部 17を握持し、フットスィッチ 25の足元 操作、或いは主操作部 18に設けた進退スィッチの手元操作により、挿入部本体 10 の螺旋形状部 51aを長手軸回りに回転させる。  In such a state, the operator grasps the grasping portion 17 of the operation portion 7 and operates the foot of the foot switch 25 or the hand operation of the advancing / retreating switch provided in the main operation portion 18. The ten helically shaped portions 51a are rotated around the longitudinal axis.
[0077] 尚、収納ケース 12は、各案内管 13、 14の一端部分を夫々連結する案内管固定部 材 64、 65 (図 5参照）が配設されている。このうち、先端側案内管 13を連結する案内 管固定部材 64内に、図示しないが螺旋形状部 51aにゴム板等を嵌合させることで螺 旋形状部 51aに与えられた回転力を利用してこの螺旋形状部 51aに推進力を与える ように構成してもよい。 The storage case 12 is provided with guide tube fixing members 64 and 65 (see FIG. 5) for connecting one end portions of the guide tubes 13 and 14, respectively. Of these, the guide connecting the distal guide tube 13 Although not shown in the drawing, a rubber plate or the like is fitted into the pipe fixing member 64 so that a propulsive force is applied to the spiral-shaped portion 51a by using the rotational force applied to the spiral-shaped portion 51a. You may comprise.
[0078] 術者は、操作部 7のモータボックス 16内に配設されるモータ（図示せず)を上述した 足元操作、或いは手元操作によって、回転駆動状態にする。螺旋形状部 51aには、 基端部分から先端側へ回転力が伝達され、その全体が図 8の矢印に示すような軸回 りに所定の方向へ回転し、収納ケース 12の案内管固定部材 64から推進力を与えら れる。  The surgeon puts a motor (not shown) disposed in the motor box 16 of the operation unit 7 into a rotational drive state by the above-described foot operation or hand operation. A rotational force is transmitted from the proximal end portion to the distal end side to the spiral-shaped portion 51a, and the whole rotates in a predetermined direction around the axis as shown by the arrow in FIG. Propulsion is given from 64.
[0079] 推進力を与えられた螺旋形状部 51aは、図 2に示した先端側口金 50が螺旋管接続 口金 48を押圧する。これにより、先端部 8及び湾曲部 9を含む挿入部本体 10全体（ 挿入部 6A)は、螺旋形状部 51aの推進力によって、先端側案内管 13及び挿入補助 具 11を介して、大腸内の深部に向かって進んでいく。  [0079] In the spiral-shaped portion 51a to which a propulsive force is applied, the distal end side base 50 shown in FIG. 2 presses the spiral tube connection base 48. As a result, the entire insertion portion body 10 (insertion portion 6A) including the distal end portion 8 and the bending portion 9 is inserted into the large intestine via the distal end side guide tube 13 and the insertion assisting tool 11 by the propulsive force of the spiral shaped portion 51a. Go deeper.
[0080] 術者は、挿入部 6Aを把持して押し進めることなぐ挿入補助具 11の保持管 55を軽 く把持し、案内管固定部材 64内で与えられた推進力のみで挿入部 6Aを大腸内の深 部に向力つて前進させることができる。  [0080] The operator gently grasps the holding tube 55 of the insertion assisting tool 11 without grasping and pushing the insertion portion 6A, and moves the insertion portion 6A to the large intestine only by the propulsive force provided in the guide tube fixing member 64. It is possible to move forward deep inside.
[0081] このとき、螺旋形状部 51aは、腸壁の襞との接触状態が雄ねじと雌ねじとの関係に なる。螺旋形状部 51aは、案内管固定部材 64内で与えられた推進力と、腸壁の襞と の接触により発生した推進力とによりスムーズに前進し、結果として挿入部 6 Aは直腸 502力ら S字状結月昜 503に向力つて進んで!/ヽく。  [0081] At this time, in the spiral-shaped portion 51a, the contact state of the intestinal wall with the fold of the intestinal wall is a relationship between a male screw and a female screw. The spiral-shaped portion 51a moves forward smoothly due to the propulsive force provided in the guide tube fixing member 64 and the propulsive force generated by the contact with the fold of the intestinal wall. Proceed with S-shaped Yuzuki 昜 503!
[0082] 図 7に示すように挿入部 6Aは、先端部 8、及び湾曲部 9が S字状結腸 503に到達 する。このとき、術者は、モニタ 4により映し出された内視鏡画像を見ながら、主操作 部 18の湾曲操作ノブ 19 (図 1参照）を操作して、湾曲部 9を S字状結腸 503の屈曲状 態に合わせる湾曲操作などを行う。  As shown in FIG. 7, in the insertion portion 6 A, the distal end portion 8 and the bending portion 9 reach the sigmoid colon 503. At this time, the surgeon operates the bending operation knob 19 (see FIG. 1) of the main operation unit 18 while observing the endoscopic image displayed on the monitor 4, and moves the bending unit 9 to the sigmoid colon 503. Perform bending operations to match the bent state.
[0083] 術者は、湾曲部 9の湾曲操作により、挿入が困難である S字状結腸 503を推進力が 与えられた挿入部 6Aにより、前進させながら先端部 8をスムーズに通過させることが できる。挿入部 6Aは、大腸の深部に挿入されるにつれ、案内管固定部材 64内で推 進力が常に与えられている状態であり、且つ、螺旋形状部 51aと腸壁との接触長が 長くなる。 [0084] このため、挿入部 6Aは、螺旋形状部 5 laの一部が S字状結腸 503の襞に接触して Vヽる状態、挿入部本体 10が複雑に屈曲して ヽる状態などでも安定した大腸深部方 向への推進力が得られる。また、挿入部 6Aは、充分な可撓性を有していることから、 容易に位置が変化する S字状結腸 503の走行状態を変化させることなぐ腸壁に沿 つてスムーズに前進して 、く。 [0083] The surgeon can smoothly pass the distal end portion 8 while advancing the sigmoid colon 503, which is difficult to insert by the bending operation of the bending portion 9, by the insertion portion 6A to which a propulsive force is applied. it can. As the insertion portion 6A is inserted into the deep part of the large intestine, a thrust force is always applied within the guide tube fixing member 64, and the contact length between the spiral-shaped portion 51a and the intestinal wall becomes longer. . [0084] For this reason, the insertion portion 6A has a state in which a part of the spiral-shaped portion 5 la comes into contact with the heel of the sigmoid colon 503, and a state in which the insertion portion main body 10 is bent in a complicated manner. However, a stable propulsion force toward the deep colon can be obtained. In addition, since the insertion portion 6A has sufficient flexibility, the insertion portion 6A smoothly advances along the intestinal wall without changing the running state of the sigmoid colon 503 whose position easily changes. The
[0085] 挿入部 6Aは、 S字状結腸 503を通過し、その後、 S字状結腸 503と可動性に乏し V、下行結腸 504との境界である屈曲部，下行結腸 504と可動性に富む横行結腸 50 6との境界である脾湾曲 505、横行結腸 506と上行結腸 508との境界である肝湾曲 5 07の壁に沿うようにスムーズに前進して、図 8に示すように大腸の走行状態を変化さ せることなぐ例えば目的部位である盲腸 509近傍に到達する。  [0085] The insertion portion 6A passes through the sigmoid colon 503, and then has poor mobility with the sigmoid colon 503 V, and is flexible with the bent part, the descending colon 504, which is the boundary with the descending colon 504 Smooth advance along the wall of the splenic curve 505, which is the boundary with the transverse colon 50 6, and the liver curve 5, which is the boundary between the transverse colon 506 and the ascending colon 508, and the large intestine runs as shown in Figure 8 For example, it reaches the vicinity of the cecum 509, which is the target site, without changing the state.
[0086] この挿入操作の際、術者は、先端部 8が各屈曲部 (脾湾曲 505,肝湾曲 507)に到 達したとき、前記と同じように、モニタ 4により映し出された内視鏡画像を見ながら、主 操作部 18の湾曲操作ノブ 19を操作して、各部位の屈曲状態に合わせて、湾曲操作 する。  [0086] During this insertion operation, when the distal end portion 8 reaches each of the bent portions (splenic curve 505, liver curve 507), the operator uses the endoscope displayed on the monitor 4 in the same manner as described above. While viewing the image, the bending operation knob 19 of the main operation unit 18 is operated to perform the bending operation in accordance with the bending state of each part.
[0087] 術者は、モニタ 4の内視鏡画像により、先端部 8が盲腸 509近傍まで到達したと判 断した後、上述した足元操作、或いは手元操作により、一度、螺旋形状部 51aの回 転を停止する。術者は、挿入時に回転させていた軸回りの回転方向とは逆の方向に 、フットスィッチ 25の足元操作、或いは主操作部 18の入力部 72の手元操作で螺旋 形状部 51aを逆回転させる操作を行う。  [0087] After determining that the distal end 8 has reached the vicinity of the cecum 509 from the endoscopic image of the monitor 4, the surgeon once rotates the spiral-shaped portion 51a by the above-described foot operation or hand operation. Stop rolling. The surgeon reversely rotates the spiral-shaped portion 51a by the foot operation of the foot switch 25 or the hand operation of the input portion 72 of the main operation portion 18 in the direction opposite to the rotation direction around the axis that was rotated at the time of insertion. Perform the operation.
[0088] つまり、術者は、螺旋形状部 51aを挿入時とは逆に反転させて、先端部 8を大腸の 深部、盲腸 509の近傍力も抜去する方向へと挿入部 6Aを後進させながら大腸検査 を行う。術者は、挿入部 6Aに手を触れずとも、螺旋形状部 51aが案内管固定部材 6 4内で与えられた後退力により、挿入部 6Aを後退させることができる。また、挿入部 6 Aは、先端部 8及び湾曲部 9がスナップフィット機能により、螺旋形状部 51aに引っ張 られることで、全体が螺旋形状部 51aの推進力により後退する。  [0088] That is, the surgeon reverses the spiral-shaped portion 51a in the reverse direction of insertion, and moves the distal portion 8 deeply in the large intestine and the insertion portion 6A in a direction to remove the force in the vicinity of the cecum 509 while moving the insertion portion 6A backward. Perform an inspection. The surgeon can retract the insertion portion 6A by the retracting force of the spiral-shaped portion 51a applied in the guide tube fixing member 64 without touching the insertion portion 6A. In addition, the insertion portion 6A is entirely retracted by the propulsive force of the spiral portion 51a when the distal end portion 8 and the bending portion 9 are pulled by the spiral portion 51a by the snap fit function.
[0089] 術者は、挿入部 6Aの先端部 8が挿入補助具 11まで到達したら、この挿入補助具 1 1と共に、挿入部 6Aを患者の肛門 501より抜去して、大腸検査を終了する。このとき 、挿入部 6Aは、案内管固定部材 64内で後退力が与えられ、収納ケース 12内に図 5 に示したような元の状態に湾曲しながら収納される。 When the distal end portion 8 of the insertion portion 6A reaches the insertion assisting tool 11, the surgeon removes the insertion portion 6A from the anus 501 of the patient together with the insertion assisting tool 11, and ends the colon examination. At this time, the insertion portion 6A is given a retreating force in the guide tube fixing member 64, and is inserted into the storage case 12 as shown in FIG. It is stored in the original state as shown in FIG.
[0090] 以上のように、術者は、本実施の形態の回転自走式内視鏡システム 1により、体腔 、ここでは大腸の深部へと挿入部 6Aを容易に挿入でき内視鏡検査を行うことができ る。  [0090] As described above, the operator can easily insert the insertion portion 6A into the body cavity, here, the deep portion of the large intestine, by the rotary self-propelled endoscope system 1 of the present embodiment. It can be carried out.
[0091] 次に、このような回転自走式内視鏡システムに設けられた、内視鏡先端装置である 先端部 8、及び挿入部 6Aの湾曲部 9の具体的な取付構造について、図 9から図 13 を参照しながら説明する。  [0091] Next, a specific attachment structure of the distal end portion 8 which is an endoscope distal end device and the bending portion 9 of the insertion portion 6A provided in such a rotation self-propelled endoscope system is illustrated in FIG. This will be described with reference to FIG. 9 through FIG.
[0092] 図 9に示すように、内視鏡 2は、デイスポーザブルとして構成された収納ケース付挿 入部 6を有し、この収納ケース付挿入部 6を構成する挿入部 6Aは、先端部 8が着脱 自在に取り付けられるようになつている。すなわち、内視鏡 2は、デイスポーザブルとし て構成された先端部 8と挿入部 6Aとの 2つのユニットを有して構成されている。  As shown in FIG. 9, the endoscope 2 has an insertion part 6 with a storage case configured as a disposable, and the insertion part 6A constituting the insertion part 6 with a storage case has a distal end part. 8 is detachable. In other words, the endoscope 2 is configured to include two units of the distal end portion 8 and the insertion portion 6A configured as a disposable.
[0093] 先端部 8内には、上述したように撮像ユニット 27が設けられている。この撮像ュ-ッ ト 27には、撮像手段である撮像素子 31、及び照明手段である複数の LED34が設け られている。これらの撮像素子 31、及び複数の LED34は、通信ケーブル 33を介し て、先端部 8の基端側に設けられた後述する電気接点部 62に電気的に接続されて いる。尚、撮像素子 31の入射光側には、対物レンズ群 30が配されている。  In the distal end portion 8, the imaging unit 27 is provided as described above. The image pickup unit 27 is provided with an image pickup element 31 that is an image pickup means and a plurality of LEDs 34 that are illumination means. The image pickup device 31 and the plurality of LEDs 34 are electrically connected to an electrical contact portion 62 (described later) provided on the proximal end side of the distal end portion 8 via the communication cable 33. An objective lens group 30 is disposed on the incident light side of the image sensor 31.
[0094] 先端部 8に配設される先端キャップ 36には、例えば、図 10に示すように、撮像ュ- ット 27の観察窓である観察レンズ 29aと、 2つの照明レンズ 29b、 29bと、処置具チヤ ンネルの開口部 38と、送水チャンネルの開口部 38aと、が配設されている。尚、図示 はしないが、噴出口が観察レンズ 29aに向くようにして送気送水ノズルを先端キャップ 36に配置するように構成しても良 、。  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, an end lens 36 disposed at the end portion 8 includes an observation lens 29a that is an observation window of the imaging unit 27, and two illumination lenses 29b and 29b. An opening 38 of the treatment instrument channel and an opening 38a of the water supply channel are disposed. Although not shown, the air / water supply nozzle may be arranged on the tip cap 36 such that the jet port faces the observation lens 29a.
また、図 10に示す先端部 8の先端面における構成例は一例であるが、勿論、先端 部 8は、図 2に示すように、カバー体 29が前記観察レンズ 29a、 2つの照明レンズ 29b 、 29bを覆うように構成しても良い。  Further, the configuration example of the distal end surface of the distal end portion 8 shown in FIG. 10 is an example.Of course, as shown in FIG. 2, the distal end portion 8 includes a cover 29 having the observation lens 29a, two illumination lenses 29b, You may comprise so that 29b may be covered.
[0095] 先端部 8の本体環 26は、図 9、及び図 11に示すように、円柱状に形成されており、 基端側には、挿入部 6A (湾曲部 9)の先端側に形成された接続部 41Aに嵌入して固 定するための接続部 26Aが設けられている。つまり、先端部 8における本体環 26の 接続部 26Aは、挿入部 6A (湾曲部 9)の接続部 41Aに対して前方力も着脱自在であ る。 [0095] As shown in Figs. 9 and 11, the main body ring 26 of the distal end portion 8 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is formed on the proximal end side on the distal end side of the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9). A connecting portion 26A is provided for being fitted and fixed in the connecting portion 41A. In other words, the connecting portion 26A of the main body ring 26 at the distal end portion 8 is also detachable from the connecting portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9). The
[0096] また、先端部 8の接続部 26A、及び挿入部 6Aの接続部 41Aには、コネクタ手段と しての係止部である係止手段 60がそれぞれ設けられて 、る。先端部 8の接続部 26A の基端側には係止手段 60である係止部 60aが形成され、一方、挿入部 6A (湾曲部 9)の先端側には、前記係止部 6aと係止する係止手段 60としての係止溝 60bが形成 されている。  [0096] The connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 and the connecting portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A are provided with locking means 60 as locking portions as connector means, respectively. A locking portion 60a, which is the locking means 60, is formed on the proximal end side of the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8, while the locking portion 6a is engaged with the distal end side of the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9). A locking groove 60b is formed as a locking means 60 for stopping.
[0097] したがって、先端部 8の接続部 26Aは、挿入部 6A (湾曲部 9)の接続部 41Aの前方 力も嵌め入れられる。このことによって、接続部 26Aが有している弾性力によりこの接 続部 26Aの係止部 6aは、接続部 41Aの係止溝 6bに押しつけられた状態で係止され る。これにより、先端部 8は、挿入部 6A (湾曲部 9)に固定されるようになっている。  Therefore, the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 is also fitted with the forward force of the connecting portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9). As a result, the locking portion 6a of the connecting portion 26A is locked in a state of being pressed against the locking groove 6b of the connecting portion 41A by the elastic force of the connecting portion 26A. Thereby, the front-end | tip part 8 is fixed to the insertion part 6A (bending part 9).
[0098] この場合、先端部 8の係止部 60aと揷入部 6Aの係止溝 60bとが互いに係止される こと〖こよって、後述する電気接点部 62、 65は、夫々が接触されると同時に、これら電 気接点部 62、 65の接触状態が保持される。また、これら係止部 60aと係止溝 60bと は、挿入部 6Aに対する先端部 8の位置決め等の役目を果たしている。  [0098] In this case, since the locking portion 60a of the distal end portion 8 and the locking groove 60b of the insertion portion 6A are locked to each other, the electrical contact portions 62 and 65 described later are brought into contact with each other. At the same time, the contact state of these electrical contact portions 62 and 65 is maintained. Further, the locking portion 60a and the locking groove 60b serve to position the distal end portion 8 with respect to the insertion portion 6A.
尚、係止手段 60の係止部 60a、係止溝 60b、接続部 26A、及び接続部 41Aと、前 記電気接点部 62、 65は、コネクタ手段であるコネクタ部を構成している。  The locking portion 60a, the locking groove 60b, the connecting portion 26A, the connecting portion 41A of the locking means 60, and the electrical contact portions 62 and 65 constitute a connector portion that is a connector means.
[0099] 先端部 8の接続部 26Aの内周面には、 Oリング 61が設けられている。このことにより 、挿入部 6Aの接続部 41 Aに先端部 8の接続部 26Aが連結された状態においては、 Oリング 61によるシール効果によって、電気接点部 62、 65部分などに外部の水分が 侵入しないようになっている。したがって、先端部 8が挿入部 6Aの接続部 41Aに取り 付けられた使用状態においては、電気接点部 62、 65に水分が付着して信号不良な どが発生する虞がない。  An O-ring 61 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connection portion 26A of the tip portion 8. As a result, when the connecting portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A is connected to the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8, external moisture intrudes into the electrical contact portions 62 and 65 due to the sealing effect of the O-ring 61. It is supposed not to. Therefore, in the state of use in which the distal end portion 8 is attached to the connection portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A, there is no possibility that moisture adheres to the electrical contact portions 62 and 65 and a signal failure occurs.
[0100] 尚、本実施の形態では、先端部 8の接続部 26Aと挿入部 6Aの接続部 41Aとの間 にシール手段として 1個の Oリング 61が設けられている力 さらに、水密性保持のた め、複数の Oリング 61を設けても良い。また、シール手段は、 Oリング 61に限定される ことはなぐ他のシール手段、例えば、先端部 8の内周面全体に弾性体で形成された ノ ッキン等を設けて構成しても良い。  [0100] In the present embodiment, the force with which one O-ring 61 is provided as a sealing means between the connection portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 and the connection portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A. Therefore, a plurality of O-rings 61 may be provided. Further, the sealing means is not limited to the O-ring 61, and may be configured by providing, for example, a knock or the like formed of an elastic body on the entire inner peripheral surface of the distal end portion 8.
[0101] 次に、コネクタ手段であるコネクタ部を構成する電気接点部 62、 65の構成について 説明する。 [0101] Next, the configuration of the electrical contact portions 62 and 65 constituting the connector portion which is the connector means explain.
図 11に示すように、撮像ユニット 27に電気的に接続された通信ケーブル 33は、接 続線 63を介して電気接点部 62に電気的に接続されている。電気接点部 62は、例え ば、平面状で、且つ、径の異なる複数のパターン形状で構成されたもので、少なくと も 3つの第 1から第 3電気接点部 62a、 62b、 62cを有している。  As shown in FIG. 11, the communication cable 33 electrically connected to the imaging unit 27 is electrically connected to the electrical contact part 62 via the connection line 63. The electrical contact portion 62 is, for example, a planar shape and is configured by a plurality of pattern shapes having different diameters, and has at least three first to third electrical contact portions 62a, 62b, 62c. ing.
[0102] これらの第 1から第 3電気接点部 62a、 62b、 62cは、例えば、図 11、及び図 12に 示すように、先端部 8の接続部 26A内の基端面に露出するように配設されて 、る。 この場合、接続部 26Aの内周面側より、最も径の大きな第 1電気接点部 62aが配置さ れ、次に径の大きな第 2電気接点部 62b、そして、この第 2電気接点部 72bよりも径の 小さな第 3電気接点部 62cが順に配置されるようになって 、る。  [0102] These first to third electrical contact portions 62a, 62b, 62c are arranged so as to be exposed on the base end surface in the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8, for example, as shown in FIGS. It is established. In this case, the first electrical contact portion 62a having the largest diameter is disposed from the inner peripheral surface side of the connection portion 26A, the second electrical contact portion 62b having the next largest diameter, and the second electrical contact portion 72b. The third electrical contact portion 62c having a smaller diameter is arranged in order.
[0103] これらの第 1から第 3電気接点部 62a、 62b、 62cは、先端部 8の係止部 60aと挿入 部 6Aの係止溝 60bとが係止されて先端部 8が挿入部 6Aに固定された状態で、挿入 部 6Aに設けられた略同形状の電気接点部 65に接触して電気的に接続されるよう〖こ なっている（図 2参照)。  [0103] The first to third electrical contact portions 62a, 62b, 62c are configured such that the locking portion 60a of the distal end portion 8 and the locking groove 60b of the insertion portion 6A are locked, and the distal end portion 8 becomes the insertion portion 6A. In such a state, the electric contact portion 65 provided in the insertion portion 6A is brought into contact with and electrically connected to the electric contact portion 65 (see FIG. 2).
[0104] 一方、電気接点部 65は、図 13に示すように、電気接点部 62と略同形状にて、挿入 部 6Aの接続部 46A内の先端面に露出するように設けられている。すなわち、電気接 点部 62は、平面状で、且つ、径の異なる複数のパターン形状で構成されたもので、 少なくとも 3つの第 1から第 3電気接点部 65a、 65b、 65cを有している。  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13, the electrical contact portion 65 is provided in substantially the same shape as the electrical contact portion 62 so as to be exposed at the distal end surface in the connection portion 46A of the insertion portion 6A. That is, the electrical contact portion 62 has a planar shape and is configured by a plurality of pattern shapes having different diameters, and has at least three first to third electrical contact portions 65a, 65b, 65c. .
[0105] これら第 1から第 3電気接点部 65a、 65b、 65cは、図 11に示すように、接続線 59を 介して、湾曲部 9、及び挿入部本体 10内に揷通されている通信ケーブル 33に電気 的に接続されている。  [0105] These first to third electrical contact portions 65a, 65b, 65c are communication that is passed through the bending portion 9 and the insertion portion main body 10 via a connection line 59 as shown in FIG. Electrically connected to cable 33.
[0106] そして、本実施の形態では、例えば第 1電気接点部 62a、 65aが GND接地用 {例 えば、信号接地（Signal Ground)用、又は筐体接地（Frame Ground)用 }として 割り当てられるようにしている。また、第 2電気接点部 62b、 65bは、駆動電源供給等 の VDD接点用として割り当てられるようにしている。さらに、第 3電気接点部 62c、 65 cは、撮像信号を含む電気信号出力等の Vout接点用として割り当てられるようにして いる。  In the present embodiment, for example, the first electrical contact portions 62a and 65a are assigned for GND grounding {eg for signal grounding (Signal Ground) or chassis grounding (Frame Ground)}. I have to. Further, the second electrical contact portions 62b and 65b are assigned for VDD contacts such as drive power supply. Furthermore, the third electrical contact portions 62c and 65c are assigned for Vout contacts such as electrical signal outputs including imaging signals.
[0107] 尚、本実施の形態では、 2つの電気接点部 62、 65の形状として、平面状で、且つ、 径の異なる複数のパターン形状で構成されたものについて説明したが、電気的に接 続されるものではあればどのような構成でも良ぐ例えばコネクタを用いて構成しても 良い。 [0107] In the present embodiment, the shape of the two electrical contact portions 62, 65 is a planar shape, and Although a description has been given of a pattern configured with a plurality of patterns having different diameters, any configuration may be used as long as it is electrically connected. For example, a connector may be used.
[0108] また、先端部 8の接続部 26Aと挿入部 6Aの接続部 41Aとの間には、水密確保のた めに、上述の 2つの電気接点部 62、 65に替えて、例えば電磁誘導、又は無線通信 による非接触通信を行う非接触通信手段を設けて構成しても良い。  [0108] Further, in order to ensure watertightness between the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 and the connecting portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A, for example, electromagnetic induction is used instead of the two electric contact portions 62 and 65 described above. Alternatively, non-contact communication means for performing non-contact communication by wireless communication may be provided.
[0109] さらに、このような無線通信を行う非接触通信手段が先端部 8の接続部 26Aと挿入 部 6Aの接続部 41Aとの間に設けられた場合、先端部 8、及び挿入部 6A内に無線回 路を設ける必要があるが、例えば、体表面、検査ベッド等に受信アンテナを取り付け て必要な信号の送受信を行うように構成しても良い。この構成にすると、挿入部 6A内 に通信ケーブル 33を設ける必要がなくなる。  [0109] Furthermore, when such non-contact communication means for performing wireless communication is provided between the connection portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 and the connection portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A, the distal end portion 8 and the insertion portion 6A However, for example, a receiving antenna may be attached to the body surface, examination bed, or the like so that necessary signals can be transmitted and received. With this configuration, it is not necessary to provide the communication cable 33 in the insertion portion 6A.
[0110] 尚、先端部 8の接続部 26A内の基端面、及び挿入部の接続部 41A内の先端面に は、先端部 8が挿入部 6Aに固定されることによってそれぞれが対応して連通する、 送気用チューブ 23a (又は送水用チューブ 23b)、及び吸引用チューブ 23cの開口 部が設けられている。尚、これらの開口部は、上述のコネクタ手段の管路接点を構成 している。  [0110] The proximal end surface in the connection portion 26A of the distal end portion 8 and the distal end surface in the connection portion 41A of the insertion portion are communicated with each other by fixing the distal end portion 8 to the insertion portion 6A. Opening portions of the air supply tube 23a (or the water supply tube 23b) and the suction tube 23c are provided. These openings constitute the conduit contacts of the connector means described above.
[0111] したがって、このような構成によれば、先端部 8に対して挿入部 6Aを、図 11中に示 す A矢印方向力 装着して固定することによって、上述した 2つの電気接点部 62、 6 5が接触して電気的に接続される。  [0111] Therefore, according to such a configuration, the above-described two electrical contact portions 62 can be obtained by attaching and fixing the insertion portion 6A to the distal end portion 8 with the force in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 6 and 5 are in contact and electrically connected.
[0112] その結果、図 2に示されるように、先端部 8が挿入部 6Aの先端部分に連結された状 態では、双方の電気接点部 62、 65が接続されて、撮像素子 31と挿入部 6A内の通 信ケーブル 33との間で電気信号 (撮像信号及び CCD駆動信号等)の伝送が行われ る。  As a result, as shown in FIG. 2, in the state where the tip 8 is connected to the tip of the insertion portion 6A, both the electrical contact portions 62 and 65 are connected, and the image sensor 31 is inserted. Electric signals (imaging signals, CCD drive signals, etc.) are transmitted to and from the communication cable 33 in the unit 6A.
[0113] ところで、このように構成された先端部 8は、図 14に示す本発明に係る収容容器 66 に収容されて、予め滅菌処理がなされるようになつている。このような収容容器 66の 具体的な構成について、図 14、及び図 15を参照しながら説明する。  [0113] By the way, the tip 8 configured in this way is housed in the housing container 66 according to the present invention shown in FIG. 14, and is sterilized in advance. A specific configuration of such a container 66 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15.
[0114] 図 14に示すように、先端部 8を収容する収容容器 66は、蓋部 67と、先端部 8を収 容して保持することの可能な本体部 68とを有して構成されている。 本体部 68は、図 14、及び図 15に示すように、蓋部 67が取り付けられる縁部 68aと 、この縁部 68aに設けられた開口部 68Aと、この開口部 68Aを介して先端部 8を収容 し、且つ保持する収容室 68Bとを有している。また、本体部 68は、ポリエステル等の 榭脂を用いて構成されて 、る。 [0114] As shown in FIG. 14, the storage container 66 for storing the distal end portion 8 is configured to include a lid portion 67 and a main body portion 68 capable of accommodating and holding the distal end portion 8. ing. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the main body 68 includes an edge 68a to which the lid 67 is attached, an opening 68A provided on the edge 68a, and a distal end portion 8 through the opening 68A. And a storage chamber 68B for storing and holding the container. The main body 68 is made of a resin such as polyester.
[0115] 蓋部 67は、 EOG (エチレンオキサイドガス）を透過することの可能な透過性シート（ 例えばタイベックシート（商品名）等の透湿性シート） 69を用いて構成されて 、る。こ のような透過性シート 69は、本体部 68の開口部 68Aを密封するように縁部 68aにヒ ートシールされて帖着されるようになっている。尚、蓋部 67の透過性シート 69の縁部 には、使用する場合に術者が指によって摘み剥がしやすいように摘み部 67aが形成 されている。 [0115] The lid 67 is configured by using a permeable sheet (for example, a moisture-permeable sheet such as a Tyvek sheet (trade name)) 69 that can transmit EOG (ethylene oxide gas). Such a permeable sheet 69 is heat-sealed and attached to the edge 68a so as to seal the opening 68A of the main body 68. In addition, the edge part of the transparent sheet 69 of the cover part 67 is formed with a knob part 67a so that the operator can easily remove it with a finger when using it.
[0116] 本体部 68の収容室 68Bには、略円筒状で形成されて先端部 8を収容して保持する ための保持部材 70が設けられている。この保持部材 70は、図 16に示すように、その 肉厚部分において保持部材 70の上下長手方向の中心軸力 放射状に複数の切り 欠き 70aが形成されている。  [0116] The housing chamber 68B of the main body 68 is provided with a holding member 70 that is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and that houses and holds the tip 8. As shown in FIG. 16, the holding member 70 is formed with a plurality of cutouts 70a radially in the center portion of the holding member 70 in the longitudinal and longitudinal direction.
[0117] このため、先端部 8を収容する保持部材 70の内周面と先端部 8の外周面とは面接 触ではなぐ線接触で接触することになる。つまり、先端部 8の外周面における EOG ( エチレンオキサイドガス）が触れる面積が大きくなる。このことより、透過性シート 69か ら透過される EOGが切り欠き 70aを介して先端部 8の外周面全体に浸透して EOG滅 菌処理の効率を高めることが可能である。  [0117] For this reason, the inner peripheral surface of the holding member 70 that accommodates the distal end portion 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 8 come into contact with each other by line contact. That is, the area where EOG (ethylene oxide gas) touches on the outer peripheral surface of the tip 8 is increased. Thus, the EOG permeated from the permeable sheet 69 can penetrate the entire outer peripheral surface of the front end portion 8 through the notch 70a to increase the efficiency of the EOG sterilization treatment.
[0118] また、保持部材 70の下部には、先端部 8を載せて保持するための係合部 70aが形 成されて!/、る。この係合部 70aに先端部 8の先端面が載せられて保持されることによ り、収容室 68Bの下部には、 EOGを十分に先端部 8の先端面側に浸透させるのに必 要な領域 71が形成されるようになって 、る。  [0118] In addition, an engaging portion 70a is formed at the lower portion of the holding member 70 to place and hold the tip portion 8! /. Since the distal end surface of the distal end portion 8 is placed and held on the engaging portion 70a, it is necessary for the EOG to sufficiently penetrate into the distal end side of the distal end portion 8 in the lower portion of the storage chamber 68B. A new region 71 is formed.
[0119] 尚、本実施の形態では、蓋部 67として透過性シート 69を用いて構成した力 EOG 、又はその他の滅菌処理のためのガスが透過して確実に収容された先端部 8の滅菌 処理を行えるようなものであれば良ぐ例えば、断熱シート等も考えられる。  [0119] In the present embodiment, the force EOG configured using the permeable sheet 69 as the lid portion 67, or the sterilization of the distal end portion 8 in which gas for sterilization treatment is permeated and securely contained. For example, a heat insulating sheet may be considered as long as it can be processed.
[0120] そして、このような収容容器 66に、デイスポーザブルである先端部 8が収容され、そ の後、本体部 68の開口部 68Aを密封するように透過性シート 69が縁部 68aにヒート シールされて帖着されることにより、 EOG滅菌処理前の状態となる。 [0120] Then, the disposable tip 6 is accommodated in such a container 66, and then the permeable sheet 69 is sealed on the edge 68a so as to seal the opening 68A of the main body 68. heat By sealing and attaching, it will be in the state before EOG sterilization.
[0121] その後、先端部 8が上述したようにパッケージされた収容容器 66は、図示しない E OG滅菌処理を行うためのガス滅菌装置に収容され、 EOG滅菌処理が行われる。こ の場合、収容容器 66の蓋部 67を構成する透過性シート 69は、 EOGを透過するので 、先端部 8を EOG滅菌処理することができる。また、 EOGは、収容容器 66の保持部 材 70に形成された切り欠き 70aを介して先端部 8の外周面全体に浸透する。そのた め、このように構成された収容器 66は、先端部 8の EOG滅菌処理を効率良く行うこと が可能となる。 [0121] After that, the storage container 66 in which the distal end portion 8 is packaged as described above is stored in a gas sterilization apparatus (not shown) for performing the EOG sterilization process, and the EOG sterilization process is performed. In this case, since the permeable sheet 69 constituting the lid portion 67 of the container 66 transmits EOG, the tip portion 8 can be EOG sterilized. Further, the EOG penetrates the entire outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 8 through a notch 70a formed in the holding member 70 of the storage container 66. Therefore, the container 66 configured as described above can efficiently perform the EOG sterilization treatment of the tip 8.
[0122] そして、所定時間経過後、 EOG滅菌処理された収容容器 66に対してエアレーショ ン処理が行われ、つまり、収容容器 66内に残留している EOGを抜く処理が行われて 、先端部 8の EOG滅菌処理が完了する。こうして、先端部 8は、 EOG滅菌処理されて 使用可能状態となり、且つ滅菌状態が保持された状態で収容容器 66に覆われた状 態となる。  [0122] After a predetermined time, the aeration process is performed on the storage container 66 that has been subjected to the EOG sterilization process, that is, the process of removing the EOG remaining in the storage container 66 is performed, 8 EOG sterilization process is completed. Thus, the distal end portion 8 is subjected to the EOG sterilization process and becomes ready for use, and is in a state of being covered with the storage container 66 in a state in which the sterilized state is maintained.
[0123] 尚、内視鏡 2を使用する際に、先端部 8が取り付けられる挿入部 6Aは、例えば、予 め収納ケース 12内に収容された状態にて、図示しない収容容器に収容され、 γ滅 菌等の放射線滅菌処理がなされるようになつている。すなわち、長尺で、且つ回転筒 体 51、及び内部管路等を有していても、確実に滅菌処理が行えると同時に、後処理 も必要なく、低コストで挿入部 6Αの滅菌処理を行うことができる。  [0123] Note that when the endoscope 2 is used, the insertion portion 6A to which the distal end portion 8 is attached is accommodated in a storage container (not shown) in a state of being previously stored in the storage case 12, for example. Radiation sterilization treatment such as gamma sterilization has been made. In other words, even if it is long and has a rotating cylinder 51, an internal pipe line, etc., sterilization can be reliably performed, and at the same time, post-treatment is not required, and the sterilization of the insertion portion 6 is performed at low cost. be able to.
[0124] 次に、術者によって本実施の形態の内視鏡 2を使用する場合の先端部 8の挿入部[0124] Next, the insertion portion of the distal end portion 8 when the operator uses the endoscope 2 of the present embodiment.
6Αへの装着方法を説明する。 Explain how to attach to 6mm.
[0125] 術者は、 EOG滅菌処理が施された収容容器 66 (図 14参照）を用意し、そして蓋部[0125] The surgeon prepares a containment container 66 (see Fig. 14) that has been subjected to EOG sterilization, and the lid
67である透過性シート 69の摘み部 67aを指で摘みながら、図 16に示すように本体部As shown in FIG. 16, while holding the knob 67a of the permeable sheet 69 which is 67 with a finger,
68の縁部 68a力ら徐々に剥がす。 68 edge 68a force gradually peel off.
[0126] そして、本体部 68の開口部 68Aから収容された先端部 8が露出されると、術者は、 滅菌処理済みの挿入部 6Aを把持しながら挿入部 6Aの接続部 41 Aを、図 11に示す ように収容容器 66に収容されて 、る先端部 8の接続部 26A内に押し込む。 [0126] Then, when the distal end portion 8 accommodated from the opening 68A of the main body 68 is exposed, the operator holds the connection portion 41A of the insertion portion 6A while grasping the sterilized insertion portion 6A. As shown in FIG. 11, it is accommodated in the storage container 66 and pushed into the connecting portion 26A of the distal end portion 8.
[0127] すると、上述したように、接続部 26Aが有して 、る弾性力によりこの接続部 26Aの 係止部 60aが接続部 41Aの係止溝 60bに押しつけられた状態で係止されることで、 先端部 8が挿入部 6A (湾曲部 9)に固定される。 [0127] Then, as described above, the connecting portion 26A has the locking portion 60a of the connecting portion 26A and is locked in a state of being pressed against the locking groove 60b of the connecting portion 41A by the elastic force. With that The distal end portion 8 is fixed to the insertion portion 6A (curved portion 9).
[0128] この場合、術者は、収容容器 66に収容されている先端部 8に手を振れることなく先 端部 8を挿入部 6Aに固定することができる。すなわち、術者が先端部 8に手を触れる ことなく挿入部 6Aの装着ができるので、内視鏡 2を使用するまで、滅菌状態を確実に 確保することが可能となる。  [0128] In this case, the operator can fix the leading end 8 to the insertion portion 6A without shaking the leading end 8 accommodated in the storage container 66. That is, since the insertion portion 6A can be attached without the operator touching the distal end portion 8, the sterilized state can be reliably ensured until the endoscope 2 is used.
[0129] したがって、本実施の形態によれば、回転自走式内視鏡 2の挿入部 6Aをディスポ 一ザブルとして構成した場合に、先端部 8と挿入部 6Aとを着脱自在に構成し、先端 部 8については EOG滅菌可能な収容容器 66に収容して EOG滅菌処理し、挿入部 6 Aについては放射線滅菌を施すように構成したことで、低コストで先端部 8、及び挿入 部 6Aの滅菌処理が行うことができる。また、挿入部 6Aへの先端部 8の装着も滅菌状 態を十分に確保しながら容易に行うことができる。  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the insertion portion 6A of the rotary self-propelled endoscope 2 is configured as a disposable, the distal end portion 8 and the insertion portion 6A are configured to be detachable, The tip 8 is housed in a container 66 capable of EOG sterilization and subjected to EOG sterilization, and the insertion portion 6A is configured to be subjected to radiation sterilization, so that the tip 8 and the insertion portion 6A can be manufactured at low cost. Sterilization can be performed. Also, the distal end 8 can be easily attached to the insertion portion 6A while ensuring a sufficient sterilized state.
[0130] 尚、本発明に係る収容容器 66は、上述したように回転自走式内視鏡 2の先端部 8 を収容するものとして説明した力 これに限定されるものではなぐそれ以外の挿入部 と先端部が着脱可能とする内視鏡の先端部を収容して、この先端部の EOG滅菌処 理を行えると共に、滅菌状態を維持できる構成としても良い。  [0130] Note that the container 66 according to the present invention has the force described as accommodating the distal end portion 8 of the rotary self-propelled endoscope 2 as described above, but the insertion is not limited to this. It is also possible to accommodate a distal end portion of an endoscope that can be attached to and detached from the distal end portion and perform EOG sterilization processing on the distal end portion and maintain a sterilized state.
[0131] 以上の実施の形態に記載した発明は、その実施の形態に限ることなぐその他、実 施段階ではその要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々の変形を実施し得ることが可能である 。さらに、前記実施の形態には、種々の段階の発明が含まれており、開示される複数 の構成要件における適宜な組合せにより種々の発明が抽出され得る。  [0131] The invention described in the above embodiment is not limited to the embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, the embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements.
[0132] 例えば、実施の形態に示される全構成要件から幾つかの構成要件が削除されても 、発明が解決しょうとする課題の欄で述べた課題が解決でき、発明の効果で述べら れている効果が得られる場合には、この構成要件が削除された構成が発明として抽 出され得る。  [0132] For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the problems described in the column of problems to be solved by the invention can be solved, and are described by the effects of the invention. If the above effect is obtained, a configuration in which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.

Claims

請求の範囲 The scope of the claims
[1] 体腔内に挿入される可撓性を有する挿入部本体と、前記挿入部本体に回転可能 に外嵌し、螺旋状の凹凸により螺旋形状部が形成された回転筒体とを有する挿入部 の前記挿入部本体の先端部に着脱自在に設けられ、撮像ユニット、及び照明部材を 有する内視鏡先端部であって、  [1] An insertion having a flexible insertion portion main body to be inserted into a body cavity, and a rotating cylindrical body that is rotatably fitted on the insertion portion main body and has a spiral shape formed by spiral irregularities. An endoscope distal end portion that is detachably provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion main body, and has an imaging unit and an illumination member,
前記挿入部本体の先端部に、前記撮像ユニット、及び前記照明部材を動作可能に 電気的に接続するとともに、前記内視鏡先端部を前記挿入部本体の先端部に係止 して接続するためのコネクタ部を具備したことを特徴とする内視鏡先端装置。  The imaging unit and the illumination member are operably electrically connected to the distal end portion of the insertion portion main body, and the endoscope distal end portion is locked and connected to the distal end portion of the insertion portion main body. An endoscope tip device comprising a connector part.
[2] 前記撮像ユニットは固体撮像素子であり、  [2] The imaging unit is a solid-state imaging device,
前記照明部材は複数の LEDであることを特徴とする請求項 1に記載の内視鏡先端 装置。  The endoscope tip device according to claim 1, wherein the illumination member is a plurality of LEDs.
[3] 前記コネクタ部は、  [3] The connector portion is
前記挿入部本体の先端部に、前記撮像ユニット、及び前記照明部材を動作可能に 電気的に接続するための複数の電気接点部と、  A plurality of electrical contact portions for electrically connecting the imaging unit and the illumination member to the distal end portion of the insertion portion main body; and
前記挿入部本体の先端部に前記内視鏡先端部を装着する際に、前記挿入部本体 の先端部に係止して固定するための係止部と、を有していることを特徴とする請求項 1又は請求項 2に記載の内視鏡先端装置。  A locking portion for locking and fixing to the distal end portion of the insertion portion main body when the distal end portion of the endoscope is attached to the distal end portion of the insertion portion main body. The endoscope tip device according to claim 1 or 2.
[4] 前記内視鏡先端部の先端面に開口するとともに内部を連通する管路と、この管路 に連通する装着側の基端面に設けられた開口部とを有し、 [4] It has a conduit that opens to the distal end surface of the endoscope distal end and communicates with the interior, and an opening provided on the proximal end surface on the mounting side that communicates with the conduit,
前記コネクタ部は、  The connector part is
前記開口部と、前記挿入部本体内部の管路に連通する前記挿入部本体の装着側 の先端面に形成された開口部と連通するための管路接点を有していることを特徴と する請求項 1から請求項 3のいずれか 1つに記載の内視鏡先端装置。  It has a conduit contact for communicating with the opening and an opening formed in the distal end surface on the mounting side of the insertion portion main body communicating with the conduit inside the insertion portion main body. The endoscope tip device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
[5] 前記内視鏡先端部、及び前記挿入部は、デイスポーザブルとして構成されたもので 前記内視鏡先端部、及び前記挿入部を有する内視鏡は、 [5] The endoscope front end portion and the insertion portion are configured as disposable, and the endoscope having the endoscope front end portion and the insertion portion is:
前記回転筒体に軸周りに回転駆動力を与える駆動部によって前記回転体を軸周り 方向に回転させることにより前記挿入部を体腔内に進退動作させる回転自走式内視 鏡であることを特徴とする請求項 1から請求項 4のいずれか 1つに記載の内視鏡先端 装置。 Rotating self-propelled endoscope that causes the insertion portion to advance and retreat into the body cavity by rotating the rotating body in the direction around the axis by a driving unit that applies a rotational driving force to the rotating cylinder around the axis. The endoscope tip device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the endoscope tip device is a mirror.
[6] 挿入部の先端部に着脱自在に設けられ、撮像ユニット、及び照明部材を有する内 視鏡先端部であって、前記挿入部の先端部に、前記撮像ユニット、及び前記照明部 材を動作可能に電気的に接続するとともに、前記内視鏡先端部を前記挿入部の先 端部に係止して接続するためのコネクタ部を具備した内視鏡先端装置を収容する収 容容器であって、  [6] An endoscope distal end portion that is detachably provided at the distal end portion of the insertion portion and has an imaging unit and an illumination member, and the imaging unit and the illumination member member are disposed at the distal end portion of the insertion portion. A storage container that accommodates an endoscope tip device that is electrically operably connected and includes a connector portion for locking and connecting the endoscope distal end portion to the distal end portion of the insertion portion. There,
前記内視鏡先端装置を収容するための開口部を有し、前記内視鏡先端部を、前記 開口部側に前記コネクタ部を向けて収容して保持する収容部と、  An accommodating portion for accommodating and holding the endoscope distal end portion with the connector portion facing the opening portion;
前記開口部を開封可能に閉塞するとともに、滅菌ガスを透過することの可能な蓋部 と、  The opening is closed so that it can be opened, and a lid that is permeable to sterilization gas;
を具備したことを特徴とする収容容器。  A storage container characterized by comprising:
[7] 前記収容部は、前記内視鏡先端部を収容して保持するための保持部材を有し、 前記保持部材は、前記内視鏡先端部の外周面と線接触して前記蓋部から透過さ れた前記滅菌ガスに触れる面積が大きくなるように複数の切り欠きを有して 、ることを 特徴とする請求項 6に記載の収容容器。 [7] The housing portion includes a holding member for housing and holding the endoscope distal end portion, and the holding member is in line contact with an outer peripheral surface of the endoscope distal end portion and the lid portion. 7. The storage container according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of notches so that an area in contact with the sterilizing gas permeated from the surface increases.
PCT/JP2007/063155 2006-08-10 2007-06-29 Endoscope end device and container containing it WO2008018256A1 (en)

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