JP4959934B2

JP4959934B2 - Endoscope

Info

Publication number: JP4959934B2
Application number: JP2004316903A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正規谷島; 裕之永水
Original assignee: Olympus Corp
Current assignee: Olympus Corp
Priority date: 2004-10-29
Filing date: 2004-10-29
Publication date: 2012-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2024-10-29
Also published as: JP2006122498A

Description

本発明は、撮像ユニットを内蔵した先端部に続けて湾曲部を配設してなる挿入部内にチャンネルを備えた内視鏡に関する。 The present invention relates to an endoscope including a channel in an insertion portion in which a bending portion is disposed following a distal end portion in which an imaging unit is built.

特開２００２−５１９７３号公報には、内視鏡の処置具挿通用チャンネルの断面形状を、そのチャンネルの全長にわたって楕円形又は長円形に形成したものが提案されている。
特開２００２−５１９７３号公報 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-51973 proposes a cross-sectional shape of a channel for inserting a treatment instrument of an endoscope formed into an ellipse or an oval over the entire length of the channel.
JP 2002-51973 A

上述した特許文献１の内視鏡ではチャンネルの全長にわたってそのチャンネルの断面形状が楕円形又は長円形に形成している。このように形成した理由は挿入部内に配置するチャンネルを太くすることなく、扁平な鉗子カップを備える処置具でもチャンネルに挿通できるようにするためであり、そのように形成したことはチャンネル内の液体流通性能とは直接に関係がない。しかも、チャンネルチューブの断面形状が楕円形又は長円形であると、挿入部、特に湾曲部を強く湾曲させた際、断面形状が円形なチャンネルチューブのものに比べて、その扁平なチューブ部分が、ある程度、押し潰されたり、座屈したりし易くなる。また、使用を繰り返すにつれ、チャンネルチューブに変形や折れ癖が付き易くなる。 In the endoscope of Patent Document 1 described above, the cross-sectional shape of the channel is formed in an elliptical shape or an oval shape over the entire length of the channel. The reason for forming in this way is to allow the treatment instrument having a flat forceps cup to be inserted into the channel without increasing the thickness of the channel arranged in the insertion portion. It is not directly related to distribution performance. Moreover, when the channel tube has an elliptical or oval cross-sectional shape, when the insertion portion, particularly the bending portion, is strongly curved, the flat tube portion is compared with that of the channel tube having a circular cross-sectional shape, It becomes easy to be crushed or buckled to some extent. Further, as the use is repeated, the channel tube is likely to be deformed or broken.

チャンネルチューブに変形や折れ癖が付くと、その部分のチャンネルチューブの断面積が減ってしまうという不都合が起きる。その結果、チャンネルチューブを通じて、送液・灌流させる場合にあっては、チャンネルチューブを通じての流体の流れが阻害され、チャンネルチューブを通じて流せる流量が減少してしまうという欠点があった。 If the channel tube is deformed or creased, there is a disadvantage that the cross-sectional area of the channel tube at that portion is reduced. As a result, in the case of liquid feeding / perfusion through the channel tube, there is a drawback that the flow of fluid through the channel tube is hindered and the flow rate that can be flowed through the channel tube is reduced.

また、扁平なチャンネルチューブを成型することが難しいため、チャンネルチューブの原価が高くなるという問題もある。 In addition, since it is difficult to mold a flat channel tube, there is a problem that the cost of the channel tube increases.

さらに、チャンネルチューブの断面形状が楕円形又は長円形であると、その扁平な向きには湾曲させ易いが、それに直交する向きには湾曲し難く、湾曲する向きに応じて湾曲し易さの性向が湾曲方向によって異なり、湾曲操作性を損なう。また、湾曲方向が変わると、チャンネルチューブが挿入部内で移動したり回転したりして他の内蔵物と干渉するということも起き易くなる。 Further, when the cross-sectional shape of the channel tube is elliptical or oval, it is easy to bend in the flat direction, but is difficult to bend in the direction perpendicular thereto, and the propensity to bend easily according to the direction of the bend. Varies depending on the bending direction, and the bending operability is impaired. In addition, when the bending direction changes, it is easy for the channel tube to move or rotate in the insertion portion and interfere with other built-in objects.

ところで、内視鏡を使用する場合、内視鏡の挿入部内に形成したチャンネルを通じて体腔内へ生理食塩水等の液体を注入したり灌流したりすることがあった。この際、内視鏡によって良好な観察・診断を行う上で、チャンネルを通じて流す流量を増やすことが望まれる。このため、チャンネルの断面積を増やすことが考えられるが、チャンネルの断面積を増やすと、その分、内視鏡の挿入部を太くしなければならず、挿入部の細径化が強く要望される内視鏡としては実現することが難しい。 By the way, when using an endoscope, a liquid such as physiological saline may be injected or perfused into a body cavity through a channel formed in an insertion portion of the endoscope. At this time, it is desired to increase the flow rate flowing through the channel in order to perform good observation and diagnosis with an endoscope. For this reason, it is conceivable to increase the cross-sectional area of the channel. However, if the cross-sectional area of the channel is increased, the insertion portion of the endoscope must be made thicker accordingly, and there is a strong demand for reducing the diameter of the insertion portion. It is difficult to realize as an endoscope.

また、撮像素子を備えた電子式内視鏡の場合、挿入部の細径化を阻む最大の要因はその撮像素子ユニット周辺の収納部であり、撮像ユニットを組み込む挿入部の先端部が最も太くなってしまうという事情があった。 In the case of an electronic endoscope equipped with an image sensor, the largest factor that prevents the insertion portion from being reduced in diameter is the storage portion around the image sensor unit, and the distal end of the insertion portion incorporating the image pickup unit is the thickest. There was a situation that would become.

そこで、本発明は、上記事情を考慮して、特に挿入部の先端部の外径を太くすることなく、かつ、挿入部の内部に形成したチャンネルを通じて流す液体の流量を増すことができ、しかも、挿入部の湾曲操作性を損なわない合理的な構成とした内視鏡を提供することを目的とする。 Therefore, in consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention can increase the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the channel formed inside the insertion portion without particularly increasing the outer diameter of the distal end portion of the insertion portion. An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope having a rational configuration that does not impair the bending operability of the insertion portion.

請求項１に係る発明は、先端部及びこの先端部に接続した湾曲部を含む挿入部と、上記先端部に設けられたチャンネル孔及びこのチャンネル孔に接続されると共に上記湾曲部を含みその湾曲部から後方の挿入部内にわたり配置された可撓性のチャンネルチューブによって形成されたチャンネルとを具備し、上記先端部の本体を樹脂製の先枠で形成し、この先枠に上記チャンネル孔の少なくとも一部を形成する導電性材料製の接続パイプを取り付け、更に、上記接続パイプの後端部は上記先枠の後方へ延長され、上記先枠の後方に位置した上記接続パイプの延長部分の中途部に外側へ突き出した突出し部分を該接続パイプと一体に形成し、上記接続パイプの後端部に上記チャンネルチューブの先端部分を被嵌すると共に、上記突出し部分は、上記先枠の後方において上記挿入部のグランド部材を形成する最先端の導電性節輪の内面に接合され、その最先端の導電性節輪に対して電気的に接続される後方部分と、上記導電性節輪の先端と上記先枠との間で上記節輪の外に露出する露出部分とを有し、上記突出し部分において上記接続パイプと上記導電性節輪とを接合することで上記接続パイプと上記導電性節輪とを電気的に接続したことを特徴とする内視鏡である。
請求項２に係る発明は、先端部及びこの先端部に接続した湾曲部を含む挿入部と、上記先端部に設けられたチャンネル孔及びこのチャンネル孔に接続されると共に上記湾曲部を含みその湾曲部から後方の挿入部内にわたり配置された可撓性のチャンネルチューブによって形成されたチャンネルとを具備し、上記チャンネル孔はその断面形状を上記先端部に組み込む撮像ユニットの配置スペースを広げる向きに扁平な形状とし、上記チャンネルチューブはその断面形状を略円形に形成し、上記先端部の本体を樹脂製の先枠で形成し、この先枠に上記チャンネル孔の少なくとも一部を形成する導電性材料製の接続パイプを取り付け、更に、上記接続パイプの後端部は上記先枠の後方へ延長され、上記先枠の後方に位置した上記接続パイプの延長部分の中途部に外側へ突き出した突出し部分を該接続パイプと一体に形成し、上記接続パイプの後端部に上記チャンネルチューブの先端部分を被嵌すると共に、上記突出し部分は、上記先枠の後方において上記挿入部のグランド部材を形成する最先端の導電性節輪の内面に接合され、その最先端の導電性節輪に対して電気的に接続される後方部分と、上記導電性節輪の先端と上記先枠との間で上記節輪の外に露出する露出部分とを有し、上記突出し部分において上記接続パイプと上記導電性節輪とを接合することで上記接続パイプと上記導電性節輪とを電気的に接続したことを特徴とする内視鏡である。
請求項３に係る発明は、先端部及びこの先端部に接続した湾曲部を含む挿入部と、上記先端部に設けられたチャンネル孔及びこのチャンネル孔に接続されると共に上記湾曲部を含みその湾曲部から後方の挿入部内にわたり配置された可撓性のチャンネルチューブによって形成されたチャンネルとを具備し、上記チャンネル孔はその断面形状を上記先端部に組み込む撮像ユニットの配置スペースを広げる向きに扁平な形状とし、上記チャンネルチューブはその断面形状を略円形に形成し、上記チャンネル孔の断面積を、上記チャンネルチューブ内孔の断面積に略同じく形成し、上記先端部の本体を樹脂製の先枠で形成し、この先枠に上記チャンネル孔の少なくとも一部を形成する導電性材料製の接続パイプを取り付け、更に、上記接続パイプの後端部は上記先枠の後方へ延長され、上記先枠の後方に位置した上記接続パイプの延長部分の中途部に外側へ突き出した突出し部分を該接続パイプと一体に形成し、上記接続パイプの後端部に上記チャンネルチューブの先端部分を被嵌すると共に、上記突出し部分は、上記先枠の後方において上記挿入部のグランド部材を形成する最先端の導電性節輪の内面に接合され、その最先端の導電性節輪に対して電気的に接続される後方部分と、上記導電性節輪の先端と上記先枠との間で上記節輪の外に露出する露出部分とを有し、上記突出し部分において上記接続パイプと上記導電性節輪とを接合することで上記接続パイプと上記導電性節輪とを電気的に接続したことを特徴とする内視鏡である。
請求項４に係る発明は、請求項１、請求項２または請求項３に記載の内視鏡において、上記接続パイプの断面形状が長円または楕円であってその短径方向に上記撮像ユニットを配置し、上記短径方向に交差する上記撮像ユニットの左右両側にライトガイドを配置したことを特徴とする。 The invention according to claim 1 includes an insertion portion including a distal end portion and a curved portion connected to the distal end portion, a channel hole provided in the distal end portion, and a curved portion including the curved portion connected to the channel hole. And a channel formed by a flexible channel tube disposed in the insertion portion on the rear side from the portion, and the main body of the tip portion is formed of a resin-made front frame, and at least one of the channel holes is formed in the front frame. A connecting pipe made of a conductive material forming a portion is attached, and a rear end portion of the connecting pipe is extended to the rear of the front frame, and an intermediate portion of the extension portion of the connecting pipe located at the rear of the front frame A projecting portion protruding outward is formed integrally with the connection pipe, and a tip end portion of the channel tube is fitted to a rear end portion of the connection pipe. Behind the previously frame is joined to the inner surface of the leading edge of the conductive bending part which forms a ground member of the insertion portion, a rear portion that will be electrically connected to the conductive section wheels of the cutting edge, the conductive An exposed portion that is exposed to the outside of the joint ring between a tip of the sex joint ring and the tip frame, and the connection pipe and the conductive joint ring are joined to each other at the projecting portion. And an electrically conductive node ring.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insertion portion including a distal end portion and a bending portion connected to the distal end portion, a channel hole provided in the distal end portion, and the bending portion including the bending portion connected to the channel hole. And a channel formed by a flexible channel tube disposed in the insertion portion on the rear side from the first portion, and the channel hole is flat in a direction to widen the arrangement space of the imaging unit incorporating the cross-sectional shape in the tip portion. The channel tube is formed in a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and the body of the tip is formed of a resin-made front frame, and at least a part of the channel hole is formed in the front frame. A connection pipe is attached, and a rear end portion of the connection pipe is extended rearward of the front frame, and an extension portion of the connection pipe positioned rearward of the front frame A protruding portion that protrudes outward in the middle portion is formed integrally with the connection pipe, and a tip end portion of the channel tube is fitted to a rear end portion of the connection pipe, and the protruding portion is located behind the front frame. in bonded to the inner surface of the leading edge of the conductive bending part which forms a ground member of the insertion portion, a rear portion that will be electrically connected to the conductive section wheels of the cutting edge, of the conductive nodal ring An exposed portion that is exposed to the outside of the node ring between the tip and the front frame, and the connection pipe and the conductive member are joined by joining the connection pipe and the conductive node ring at the protruding portion. An endoscope characterized in that a node ring is electrically connected.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insertion portion including a distal end portion and a bending portion connected to the distal end portion, a channel hole provided in the distal end portion, and the bending portion including the bending portion connected to the channel hole. And a channel formed by a flexible channel tube disposed in the insertion portion on the rear side from the first portion, and the channel hole is flat in a direction to widen the arrangement space of the imaging unit incorporating the cross-sectional shape in the tip portion. The channel tube is formed in a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional area of the channel hole is formed substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the channel tube inner hole, and the main body of the tip portion is made of a resin-made front frame A connecting pipe made of a conductive material that forms at least a part of the channel hole is attached to the front frame. An end portion is extended rearward of the front frame, and a protruding portion projecting outward is formed integrally with the connection pipe in the middle portion of the extension portion of the connection pipe positioned rearward of the front frame. The front end of the channel tube is fitted to the rear end portion, and the protruding portion is joined to the inner surface of the most advanced conductive node ring that forms the ground member of the insertion portion behind the front frame. has a rear portion that will be electrically connected to leading edge of the conductive nodal ring, an exposed portion exposed to the outside of the bending part between the tip and the destination frame of the conductive nodal ring, An endoscope characterized in that the connection pipe and the conductive node ring are electrically connected by joining the connection pipe and the conductive node ring at the protruding portion.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the endoscope according to the first, second, or third aspect , the cross-sectional shape of the connection pipe is an ellipse or an ellipse, and the imaging unit is disposed in the minor axis direction thereof. The light guides are arranged on both the left and right sides of the imaging unit that intersects the minor axis direction.

本発明によれば、チャンネルの断面形状を変えて挿入部内にチャンネルを合理的に配分して挿入部内のスペースを効率的に利用し、挿入部外径を大きくせずに灌流量を増やすことができ、しかも、挿入部の湾曲操作性を高めることができるようになる。 According to the present invention, the channel can be rationally distributed in the insertion portion by changing the cross-sectional shape of the channel to efficiently use the space in the insertion portion and increase the perfusion rate without increasing the outer diameter of the insertion portion. Moreover, the bending operability of the insertion portion can be improved.

＜第１の実施形態＞
以下、図１乃至図６を参照して本発明の第１の実施形態に係る電子式内視鏡について説明する。 <First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, an electronic endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

図１はその内視鏡全体を概略的に示す。内視鏡１は図１に示すように、長尺な挿入部２と、この挿入部２の基端に設けられた操作部３を含み、操作部３にはユニバーサルコード４が接続されている。ユニバーサルコード４の延出先端には後述するコネクタ５が設けられていて、コネクタ５により図示しない光源装置に対して内視鏡１を接続するようになっている。コネクタ５にはビデオプロセッサに対して接続できるビデオコネクタ６に通じるケーブル７が接続されている。コネクタ５には、図示しない光源装置に連結するためのライトガイド管８が設けられている。また、ビデオコネクタ６にはビデオプロセッサ側に接続するための接点部９が設けられている。 FIG. 1 schematically shows the entire endoscope. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 includes a long insertion portion 2 and an operation portion 3 provided at the proximal end of the insertion portion 2, and a universal cord 4 is connected to the operation portion 3. . A connector 5 to be described later is provided at the extended tip of the universal cord 4, and the endoscope 1 is connected to a light source device (not shown) by the connector 5. Connected to the connector 5 is a cable 7 leading to a video connector 6 that can be connected to the video processor. The connector 5 is provided with a light guide tube 8 for connection to a light source device (not shown). The video connector 6 is provided with a contact portion 9 for connection to the video processor side.

挿入部２はその先端に配置された硬質の先端部１１と、この先端部１１の後端に続いて設けられた湾曲部１２と、この湾曲部１２の後端に続いて設けられた可撓性を有する可撓管部１３とを含み構成されている。操作部３には操作者が内視鏡１を保持する際に把持する把持部３ａが形成され、この把持部３ａよりも上側に位置する操作部３の部位には送気送水操作釦１５や吸引操作を行うための吸引操作釦１６が設けられている。操作部３の頭部には上述したビデオプロセッサを遠隔操作するための複数のリモートスイッチ釦１７が設けられている。操作部３の側面部位には挿入部２の湾曲部１２を湾曲する際に使用するための操作部材として一対のアングルノブ１８ａ，１８ｂが設けられている。各アングルノブ１８ａ，１８ｂには操作位置にロックするためのブレーキ部材が付設されている。 The insertion portion 2 has a hard distal end portion 11 disposed at the distal end thereof, a bending portion 12 provided subsequent to the rear end of the distal end portion 11, and a flexible portion provided subsequent to the rear end of the bending portion 12. And a flexible tube portion 13 having a property. A grip portion 3a is formed on the operation portion 3 when the operator holds the endoscope 1. The air supply / water supply operation button 15 or the like is provided on a portion of the operation portion 3 located above the grip portion 3a. A suction operation button 16 for performing a suction operation is provided. The head of the operation unit 3 is provided with a plurality of remote switch buttons 17 for remotely operating the video processor described above. A pair of angle knobs 18 a and 18 b are provided on the side surface of the operation unit 3 as operation members for use when the bending portion 12 of the insertion portion 2 is bent. Each angle knob 18a, 18b is provided with a brake member for locking to the operation position.

本実施形態ではアングルノブ１８ａに対応してブレーキノブ１９ａが設けられ、アングルノブ１８ｂに対応してブレーキレバー１９ｂが設けられている。また、把持部３ａの下側に位置する部位には処置具挿入口２０が設けられている。 In the present embodiment, a brake knob 19a is provided corresponding to the angle knob 18a, and a brake lever 19b is provided corresponding to the angle knob 18b. In addition, a treatment instrument insertion port 20 is provided in a portion located below the grip portion 3a.

次に、上記挿入部２における先端部１１の構成について具体的に説明する。図２乃至図５に示すように、上記挿入部２の先端部１１は、樹脂製の先端部本体（先枠）３１を備え、この先端部本体３１に対して各種の部材が組み付けられるようになっている。先端部本体３１は一体な部材として電気的絶縁性材料から成型されるようになっている。 Next, the configuration of the distal end portion 11 in the insertion portion 2 will be specifically described. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the distal end portion 11 of the insertion portion 2 includes a distal end portion body (tip frame) 31 made of resin, and various members are assembled to the distal end portion body 31. It has become. The tip portion main body 31 is molded from an electrically insulating material as an integral member.

先端部本体３１には、図２（ａ）に示すように、後述する対物レンズユニット３２を組み付ける一つの第１の取付孔３５と、図３に示すように、左右に配置した一対の照明レンズ３４をそれぞれ個別に組み込むための照明レンズ収納孔としての２つの第２の取付孔３６とが設けられている。２つの第２の取付孔３６は上記第１の取付孔３５の左右に隣接して配置されている。第２の取付孔３６はいずれも先端部本体３１を前後方向に貫通する。 As shown in FIG. 2A, the tip body 31 has one first mounting hole 35 for assembling an objective lens unit 32 to be described later, and a pair of illumination lenses arranged on the left and right as shown in FIG. Two second mounting holes 36 are provided as illumination lens housing holes for individually incorporating 34. The two second mounting holes 36 are arranged adjacent to the left and right of the first mounting hole 35. Each of the second mounting holes 36 penetrates the front end portion body 31 in the front-rear direction.

また、図２（ｂ）に示すように、第２の取付孔３６は前後全長にわたり等径で直線的な孔として平行に配置して形成されている。第２の取付孔３６の先端開口部における縁部にはその孔３６の中央に向けて突き出した爪状の突起３７がそれぞれ一体に形成されている。この突起３７は先端開口の全周にわたり形成しても部分的に形成しても良い。突起３７は先端部本体３１に一体のものとして形成したが、別部材または先端部本体３１を構成する他の部材に設けても良い。 Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, the second mounting hole 36 is formed by being arranged in parallel as a straight hole having the same diameter over the entire length in the front and rear direction. Claw-like protrusions 37 that protrude toward the center of the hole 36 are integrally formed at the edge of the opening portion of the second attachment hole 36. The protrusion 37 may be formed over the entire periphery of the tip opening or may be formed partially. The protrusion 37 is formed integrally with the tip end body 31, but may be provided on another member or another member constituting the tip end body 31.

図２（ｂ）に示すように、第２の取付孔３６それぞれには後ろ側から先に照明レンズ３４を嵌め込み、ついで、照明光を導くライトガイドとしてのライトガイドファイバ束３８の先端部分を差し込んで嵌め込み組み立てるようになっている。ライトガイドファイバ束３８の先端部分は保護管３９が被嵌されており、保護管３９から露出した部分は保護チューブ４０によって束ねられている。 As shown in FIG. 2B, the illumination lens 34 is fitted into each of the second mounting holes 36 from the rear side, and then the tip portion of the light guide fiber bundle 38 as a light guide for guiding the illumination light is inserted. It is designed to be fitted and assembled. A protection tube 39 is fitted on the tip portion of the light guide fiber bundle 38, and a portion exposed from the protection tube 39 is bundled by a protection tube 40.

この保護管３９を上記第２の取付孔３６に差し込む。そして、照明レンズ３４の周縁が先端開口部における突起３７の背面に当たるまで押し込んで位置決めする。照明レンズ３４及び保護管３９は第２の取付孔３６の内径と略等しく、第２の取付孔３６内に照明レンズ３４及び保護管３９を差し込めるようになっている。そして、第２の取付孔３６に位置決めした状態で照明レンズ３４及びライトガイドファイバ束３８の先端部分を接着剤等で固定する。また、照明レンズ３４は第２の取付孔３６に対して封止状態に取り付ける。このような構成のものでは第２の取付孔３６の突起８１に照明レンズ３４が当たることにより、その照明レンズ３４の取付け位置が光軸上で前後位置が決まる。また、照明レンズ３４の位置決めが、第２の取付孔３６に照明レンズ３４を接着させる作業に依存することなく、突起８１に照明レンズ３４を突き当てることによって照明レンズ３４の位置が決まる。したがって、照明レンズ３４の取付け固定位置が正確に定まり、また、照明レンズ３４の組付け作業が容易になる。 This protective tube 39 is inserted into the second mounting hole 36. Then, the illumination lens 34 is positioned by being pushed in until the peripheral edge of the illumination lens 34 comes into contact with the back surface of the projection 37 in the tip opening. The illumination lens 34 and the protective tube 39 are substantially equal to the inner diameter of the second mounting hole 36, and the illumination lens 34 and the protective tube 39 can be inserted into the second mounting hole 36. Then, the tip end portions of the illumination lens 34 and the light guide fiber bundle 38 are fixed with an adhesive or the like while being positioned in the second mounting hole 36. The illumination lens 34 is attached to the second attachment hole 36 in a sealed state. In such a configuration, when the illumination lens 34 hits the projection 81 of the second mounting hole 36, the mounting position of the illumination lens 34 is determined in the front-rear position on the optical axis. In addition, the positioning of the illumination lens 34 does not depend on the operation of bonding the illumination lens 34 to the second mounting hole 36, and the position of the illumination lens 34 is determined by abutting the illumination lens 34 against the protrusion 81. Accordingly, the mounting and fixing position of the illumination lens 34 is accurately determined, and the assembly work of the illumination lens 34 is facilitated.

上述した形態では、第２の取付孔３６に後方から照明レンズ３４を差し込んで照明レンズ３４を組み立てる構成であったが、第２の取付孔３６の側方に形成した開口から照明レンズ３４を差し込み、第２の取付孔３６の取付け位置に取り付け、上記開口にカバーを被せて閉じるようにした横入れ方式ものであっても良い。 In the embodiment described above, the illumination lens 34 is assembled by inserting the illumination lens 34 from the rear into the second mounting hole 36, but the illumination lens 34 is inserted from the opening formed on the side of the second mounting hole 36. Alternatively, a horizontal insertion type may be used in which the second attachment hole 36 is attached to the attachment position, and the opening is covered and closed.

図２（ａ）に示すように、第１の取付孔３５には、対物レンズユニット３２の先端部分が嵌め込まれ、対物レンズユニット（撮像光学系）３２は先端部本体３１に接着固定されている。対物レンズユニット３２はレンズ枠４１と撮像素子ホルダ枠４２を備えている。レンズ枠４１の後端部分の外周には撮像素子ホルダ枠４２の先端部分が被嵌しており、両者は位置出し調整後に接着剤４３により固定した構造になっている。先端側に位置するレンズ枠４１は対物レンズ群４５を保持し、後端側に位置する撮像素子ホルダ枠４２は撮像レンズ４６と、ＣＣＤ等の撮像素子４７を保持して後述する撮像ユニット４８を構成する。撮像ユニット４８は対物レンズユニット（撮像光学系）３２よりも大きい。 As shown in FIG. 2A, the distal end portion of the objective lens unit 32 is fitted into the first mounting hole 35, and the objective lens unit (imaging optical system) 32 is bonded and fixed to the distal end portion body 31. . The objective lens unit 32 includes a lens frame 41 and an image sensor holder frame 42. The front end portion of the imaging element holder frame 42 is fitted on the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the lens frame 41, and both are fixed by an adhesive 43 after positioning adjustment. The lens frame 41 located on the front end side holds the objective lens group 45, and the image sensor holder frame 42 located on the rear end side holds an image pickup lens 46 and an image pickup element 47 such as a CCD, and an image pickup unit 48 described later. Constitute. The imaging unit 48 is larger than the objective lens unit (imaging optical system) 32.

撮像ユニット４８は、撮像素子４７の後方に位置して回路基板５１と回路素子５２を含む付属回路５３が配置され、この付属回路５３の後方には信号ケーブル５４の接続部５５が配置されている。すなわち、撮像ユニット４８の撮像素子４７は対物レンズユニット３２の光軸上に配置され、対物レンズユニット３２の後方に位置している。さらに、撮像素子４７の後方には付属回路５３が位置しており、付属回路５３の後方には信号ケーブル５４の接続部５５が配置されている。対物レンズユニット３２から撮像ユニット４８にわたり先端部１１の径方向へ極力広がらないように挿入部２の軸方向に重なるように並べて配置した構造になっているが、それでも撮像素子４７周辺部を収納する部分が最も大きい設置スペースを占める。信号ケーブル５４は撮像ユニット４８の部分よりも一段と細いものである。 The image pickup unit 48 is located behind the image pickup element 47, an attached circuit 53 including a circuit board 51 and a circuit element 52 is arranged, and a connection portion 55 of a signal cable 54 is arranged behind the attached circuit 53. . That is, the image pickup element 47 of the image pickup unit 48 is disposed on the optical axis of the objective lens unit 32 and is located behind the objective lens unit 32. Further, an attached circuit 53 is located behind the image sensor 47, and a connecting portion 55 of the signal cable 54 is arranged behind the attached circuit 53. Although it is arranged side by side so as to overlap in the axial direction of the insertion portion 2 so as not to spread in the radial direction of the distal end portion 11 from the objective lens unit 32 to the imaging unit 48, the peripheral portion of the imaging element 47 is still accommodated. The part occupies the largest installation space. The signal cable 54 is much thinner than the imaging unit 48.

また、図２（ａ）及び図３乃至図５に示すように、先端部１１の先端部本体３１には挿入部２内に形成するチャンネル５６の先端開口部を形成するチャンネル孔５７が開口して形成されている。上述した対物レンズユニット３２や照明レンズ３４はこのチャンネル孔５７の下側に位置して配置されている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 2A and FIGS. 3 to 5, a channel hole 57 that forms a distal end opening portion of a channel 56 formed in the insertion portion 2 is opened in the distal end portion body 31 of the distal end portion 11. Is formed. The objective lens unit 32 and the illumination lens 34 described above are disposed below the channel hole 57.

図２（ａ）に示すように、上記先端部本体３１において、チャンネル孔５７の内方部分（後端部分）は他の部分よりも太径の孔５８として形成されている。この太径の孔５８には金属製の接続パイプ５９の先端部分が密に嵌め込まれ、この接続パイプ５９は接着等にて先端部本体３１に対して固定されている。接続パイプ５９の後端部外周には可撓性のチャンネルチューブ６０の先端部分が嵌め込まれると共に、接着等にて固定されている。そして、先端部本体３１のチャンネル孔５７（接続パイプ５９を含む）及びチャンネルチューブ６０にわたり連なるチャンネル６１を形成している。 As shown in FIG. 2A, in the tip body 31, the inner part (rear end part) of the channel hole 57 is formed as a hole 58 having a larger diameter than the other part. The distal end portion of the metal connection pipe 59 is closely fitted in the large-diameter hole 58, and the connection pipe 59 is fixed to the distal end portion body 31 by adhesion or the like. The distal end portion of the flexible channel tube 60 is fitted on the outer periphery of the rear end portion of the connection pipe 59 and is fixed by bonding or the like. A channel 61 is formed so as to extend over the channel hole 57 (including the connection pipe 59) of the tip end body 31 and the channel tube 60.

チャンネルチューブ６０は上記挿入部２の湾曲部１２及び可撓管部１３の各内部を通じて操作部３まで導かれて操作部３における処置具挿入口２０の口金に接続されている（図１参照）。 The channel tube 60 is guided to the operation unit 3 through each of the bending portion 12 and the flexible tube portion 13 of the insertion unit 2 and connected to a base of the treatment instrument insertion port 20 in the operation unit 3 (see FIG. 1). .

図３に示すように、上記先端部本体３１のチャンネル孔５７の断面形状は、左右に長い楕円または長円の、横に長い形状であり、横長の扁平な形のものである。また、このチャンネル孔５７の一部を形成する接続パイプ５９の内孔の断面形状もそのチャンネル孔５７と同じ断面形状に形成された横長の扁平な形である。つまり、チャンネル孔５７の断面形状と接続パイプ５９の内孔の断面形状は一致することになる。また、チャンネル孔５７の断面積と上記接続パイプ５９の内孔の断面積も略一致させる。 As shown in FIG. 3, the cross-sectional shape of the channel hole 57 of the tip end body 31 is a horizontally long ellipse or ellipse, a horizontally long shape, and a horizontally long flat shape. The cross-sectional shape of the inner hole of the connection pipe 59 that forms a part of the channel hole 57 is also a horizontally long flat shape formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the channel hole 57. That is, the cross-sectional shape of the channel hole 57 and the cross-sectional shape of the inner hole of the connection pipe 59 are the same. In addition, the cross-sectional area of the channel hole 57 and the cross-sectional area of the inner hole of the connection pipe 59 are substantially matched.

図４及び図５に示すように、上記チャンネル孔５７はその断面形状が上記先端部１１に組み込む上記撮像ユニット４８の配置スペースを広げる向きに扁平な形状となっている。また、上記チャンネル孔５７の断面形状が長円または楕円であって、その短径方向に上記撮像ユニット４８を配置し、その短径方向に交差すると共に上記撮像ユニット４８を通りその撮像ユニット４８の左右両側に位置してライトガイドファイバ束３８を配置したレイアウトになっている。 As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the channel hole 57 has a flat shape so that the cross-sectional shape of the channel hole 57 increases the arrangement space of the imaging unit 48 incorporated in the distal end portion 11. The cross-sectional shape of the channel hole 57 is an ellipse or an ellipse, and the imaging unit 48 is arranged in the minor axis direction, intersects the minor axis direction, passes through the imaging unit 48, and The light guide fiber bundle 38 is arranged on both the left and right sides.

一方、図６に示すように、上記チャンネルチューブ６０は断面形状が円形であり、全方向にわたり均等な径と形状を備え、曲がり特性が全方位にわたり等しくなるように形成されている。上記チャンネルチューブ６０の断面積は上記先端部１１におけるチャンネル部分の断面積、つまり、チャンネル孔５７の断面積及び接続パイプ５９の内孔の断面積と同じである。チャンネル６１の断面積が先端部１１においても減少しないので、チャンネル６１を通じて流せる流量が低下しない。 On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the channel tube 60 has a circular cross-sectional shape, has a uniform diameter and shape in all directions, and is formed so that the bending characteristics are equal in all directions. The cross-sectional area of the channel tube 60 is the same as the cross-sectional area of the channel portion at the tip 11, that is, the cross-sectional area of the channel hole 57 and the cross-sectional area of the inner hole of the connection pipe 59. Since the cross-sectional area of the channel 61 does not decrease even at the tip portion 11, the flow rate that can flow through the channel 61 does not decrease.

上記チャンネルチューブ６０は樹脂性チューブによって形成したものでも良いが、金属素線を編みまたは金属素線を組んで形成したブレードや金属製コイルで形成したフレックス等を柔軟な芯材とし、この芯材を柔らかい内外樹脂層の中に挟み込んだサンドイッチ構造の可撓性チューブによって形成した。
また、少なくとも湾曲部１２の領域に位置する外周には保護用フレックス螺旋管６２が被せられている。 The channel tube 60 may be formed of a resin tube. However, a flexible core material such as a braid formed by knitting or assembling metal wires or a flex formed by a metal coil is used as the core material. Was formed by a flexible tube having a sandwich structure sandwiched between soft inner and outer resin layers.
Further, at least the outer periphery located in the region of the bending portion 12 is covered with a protective flex helical tube 62.

上記接続パイプ５９は後述する湾曲部１２における最先端の節輪７５の内面に半田付け等により接合されると共に、その節輪７５に対して電気的に接続されている。ここでの接続パイプ５９は導電性のある部材であるため、高周波出力の漏れを、この接続パイプ５９を通じて湾曲部１２における節輪７５などの導電性部材からなる挿入部２のグランド部材に逃がすことができる。 The connection pipe 59 is joined to the inner surface of the most advanced node ring 75 in the bending portion 12 described later by soldering or the like, and is electrically connected to the node ring 75. Since the connection pipe 59 here is a conductive member, leakage of high-frequency output is released to the ground member of the insertion portion 2 made of a conductive member such as the node ring 75 in the bending portion 12 through the connection pipe 59. Can do.

このため、生理食塩水のような導電性の液体内で高周波処置具により処置が行われる電子内視鏡において、先端部本体３１が金属製の場合はこれを通じて高周波出力の漏れ電流を内視鏡のグランド（アース）に流れ込み、本実施形態のように複雑な先端部本体３１を樹脂部材で容易に作り、その内視鏡の原価を下げるために、先端部本体３１が樹脂部材で作られただけである場合であっても、レンズ枠４１を通して高周波出力の漏れ電流が撮像素子４７に流れ込みづらく、ノイズの発生を抑制できる。 For this reason, in an electronic endoscope in which treatment is performed with a high-frequency treatment tool in a conductive liquid such as physiological saline, when the distal end portion body 31 is made of metal, a leakage current of high-frequency output is transmitted through the endoscope. In order to easily make a complicated tip body 31 with a resin member as in this embodiment and reduce the cost of the endoscope, the tip body 31 is made of a resin member. Even in this case, it is difficult for the leakage current of the high-frequency output to flow into the image sensor 47 through the lens frame 41, and the generation of noise can be suppressed.

上記挿入部２における湾曲部１２は図２（ａ）に示すように、複数の節輪７５により全体として略管状に構成した湾曲本体７６を備え、この湾曲本体７６の外周には後述する被覆部材７４が被せられる。上記湾曲本体７６を構成する節輪７５は挿入部２の長手軸方向へ一列に並べられると共に、各節輪７５の隣接端が、交互または一つ置きで左右位置または上下位置においてリベット状のピン７７によってそれぞれ回動自在に枢着されている。ここでは左右位置においてのみリベット状のピン７７によってそれぞれ回動自在に枢着されている。このため、各節輪７５は、ピン７７を回転中心として上下方向に回動し得ると共に、湾曲本体７６の全体で上下方向への湾曲が可能となる。 As shown in FIG. 2A, the bending portion 12 in the insertion portion 2 includes a bending main body 76 that is formed in a substantially tubular shape as a whole by a plurality of node rings 75, and a covering member to be described later is provided on the outer periphery of the bending main body 76. 74 is applied. The node rings 75 constituting the curved main body 76 are arranged in a line in the longitudinal axis direction of the insertion portion 2, and adjacent ends of the node rings 75 are alternately or alternately arranged in a rivet-like pin in the left-right position or the vertical position. 77 are pivotally attached to each other. Here, they are pivotally supported by rivet-shaped pins 77 only in the left and right positions. For this reason, each node ring 75 can be rotated in the vertical direction around the pin 77 as a center of rotation, and the entire bending body 76 can be bent in the vertical direction.

図２（ａ）に示すように、最先端の節輪７５は挿入部２の先端部１１における先端部本体３１に固定される。また、最後端の節輪７５は図２に示す可撓管部１３の先端に直接または接続管を介して接続固定される。 As shown in FIG. 2A, the most advanced node ring 75 is fixed to the distal end portion body 31 in the distal end portion 11 of the insertion portion 2. Further, the node ring 75 at the rearmost end is connected and fixed to the distal end of the flexible tube portion 13 shown in FIG. 2 directly or via a connecting tube.

上記挿入部２内には図６に示すように、上記湾曲部１２を上下に湾曲させるために、２本の操作ワイヤ８１ａ，８１ｂが可撓管部１３から湾曲部１２にわたり挿通されている。これらの操作ワイヤ８１ａ，８１ｂの先端はいずれも湾曲部１２の先端側部位、たとえば最先端の節輪７５または先端部本体３１に対して固定して連結されている。また、操作ワイヤ８１ａ，８１ｂの先端固定箇所は上記節輪７５の上下左右の回動中心に略対応する各位置にそれぞれ配置されている。 As shown in FIG. 6, two operation wires 81 a and 81 b are inserted from the flexible tube portion 13 to the bending portion 12 in the insertion portion 2 in order to bend the bending portion 12 up and down. The distal ends of these operation wires 81 a and 81 b are fixedly connected to the distal end side portion of the bending portion 12, for example, the most advanced node ring 75 or the distal end portion main body 31. Further, the distal end fixing portions of the operation wires 81a and 81b are respectively arranged at positions substantially corresponding to the vertical and horizontal rotation centers of the node ring 75.

上記操作ワイヤ８１ａ，８１ｂの手元側はそれぞれが個別的に対応する、ワイヤガイド８２ａ，８２ｂ及び可撓性を有するワイヤガイド管内を通じて操作部３内に導かれていて、それぞれの操作ワイヤ８１ａ，８１ｂの進退移動を個別にガイドし、操作ワイヤ８１ａ，８１ｂによる湾曲操作力を湾曲部１２に伝達するようになっている。挿入部２の湾曲部１２を湾曲させる場合は、操作部３のアングルノブ１８ａ，１８ｂによってその操作部３内に組み込まれた図示しないワイヤ押引き操作装置を操作すれば良い。 The proximal sides of the operation wires 81a and 81b are guided into the operation section 3 through wire guides 82a and 82b and flexible wire guide tubes, which correspond individually to each other, and the respective operation wires 81a and 81b are guided. The forward and backward movements are individually guided, and the bending operation force by the operation wires 81 a and 81 b is transmitted to the bending portion 12. When the bending portion 12 of the insertion portion 2 is bent, a wire push / pull operation device (not shown) incorporated in the operation portion 3 may be operated by the angle knobs 18a and 18b of the operation portion 3.

上記撮像ユニット４８の部分は図２（ａ）に示すように、先端部本体３１に取着された筒状の先端部カバー（第２の先枠）６５によって囲まれている。この先端部カバー６５はその先端部分を上記先端部本体３１の後端外周部分に嵌め込んで位置決め固定される。先端部本体３１と先端部カバー６５の両者は位置決め状態で半田付けや接着等により固定されている。 As shown in FIG. 2A, the imaging unit 48 is surrounded by a cylindrical tip cover (second front frame) 65 attached to the tip body 31. The distal end cover 65 is positioned and fixed by fitting the distal end portion thereof to the outer peripheral portion of the rear end of the distal end main body 31. Both the tip body 31 and the tip cover 65 are fixed by soldering, bonding, or the like in a positioned state.

図２及び図４乃至図６に示すように、挿入部２における先端部１１から湾曲部１２にはその両者にわたり上記被覆部材７４が被覆されており、この被覆部材７４の先端部分は先端部本体３１の外周に被せられ、糸７８で締め付けられていると共に、その糸巻付け部には接着剤７９が塗布されている。 As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 to 6, the covering member 74 is covered from the distal end portion 11 to the bending portion 12 in the insertion portion 2, and the distal end portion of the covering member 74 is the distal end portion main body. 31 and is fastened with a thread 78, and an adhesive 79 is applied to the thread winding portion.

上述したように、本実施形態では、上記先端部１１に形成されるチャンネル孔の断面形状が上記先端部１１に組み込む撮像ユニット４８の配置スペースを広げる向きに扁平な形状とされ、上記チャンネルチューブ６０の断面形状が略円形に形成されている。先端部の外径を太くすることなく、チャンネル６１を極力太く形成することができる。 As described above, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the channel hole formed in the distal end portion 11 is flattened so as to widen the arrangement space of the imaging unit 48 incorporated in the distal end portion 11, and the channel tube 60. The cross-sectional shape is formed in a substantially circular shape. The channel 61 can be formed as thick as possible without increasing the outer diameter of the tip.

ところで、撮像素子４７を備えた電子式内視鏡の場合、挿入部２の細径化を制限する要因は撮像素子４７周辺の収納部であり、一方、それ以降の挿入部２内は内蔵物の設置スペースに余裕があることが多い。そのため、撮像素子４７と並置する接続パイプ５９を含むチャンネル孔５７の断面形状のみを扁平な断面形状とし、上記チャンネルチューブ６０の断面形状は略円形のものとした。このため、撮像ユニット４８を組み込む先端部１１を太くすることなく、チャンネル孔５７の断面積を確保し、チャンネル６１を通じて流す流量を増すことができる。 By the way, in the case of the electronic endoscope provided with the image pickup device 47, the factor that restricts the diameter reduction of the insertion portion 2 is the storage portion around the image pickup device 47, while the subsequent insertion portion 2 has a built-in component. Often there is room in the installation space. Therefore, only the cross-sectional shape of the channel hole 57 including the connection pipe 59 juxtaposed with the image sensor 47 is a flat cross-sectional shape, and the cross-sectional shape of the channel tube 60 is substantially circular. For this reason, the cross-sectional area of the channel hole 57 can be ensured and the flow rate flowing through the channel 61 can be increased without increasing the thickness of the distal end portion 11 into which the imaging unit 48 is incorporated.

また、チャンネルチューブ６０の断面形状が円形であるので、特に湾曲部１２を強く湾曲させた際でも、扁平なチューブのものに比べて、押し潰されたり、座屈したりし難いと共に変形や折れ癖が付き難い。その結果、使用するに連れ、チャンネルチューブ６０の変形や折れ癖によってチャンネルチューブ６０の断面積が減少してしまうという不都合を解消できる。チャンネルチューブ６０を通じて送液・灌流させる場合にスムーズに流体が流れる。また、チャンネルチューブ６０の断面形状が円形であるので、扁平なチャンネルチューブを使用する場合に比べてチャンネルチューブ６０を容易に成型できる。このため、チャンネルチューブ６０の原価を低減できる。 In addition, since the cross-sectional shape of the channel tube 60 is circular, even when the bending portion 12 is strongly bent, it is difficult to be crushed or buckled as compared to the flat tube, and the channel tube 60 can be deformed or folded. It is hard to stick. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the inconvenience that the cross-sectional area of the channel tube 60 decreases due to deformation or folds of the channel tube 60 during use. When fluid is fed / perfused through the channel tube 60, the fluid flows smoothly. Further, since the cross-sectional shape of the channel tube 60 is circular, the channel tube 60 can be easily molded as compared with the case where a flat channel tube is used. For this reason, the cost of the channel tube 60 can be reduced.

さらに、チャンネルチューブ６０の断面形状が扁平であると、その扁平な向きには湾曲させ易いが、それに直交する向きには湾曲し難く、湾曲する向きに応じて湾曲し易さの性向が異なり、操作性を損なうが、本実施形態ではチャンネルチューブ６０の断面形状が略円形であるので、湾曲方向が変わっても湾曲性向が変化せず、また、湾曲させる際にチャンネルチューブ６０が挿入部２内で移動したり回転したりして他の内蔵物と干渉する割合も少ない。さらに、上記チャンネル孔５７の断面積が、上記チャンネルチューブ６０の内孔の断面積に略同じ形に形成すれば、先端部１１の細径化を確保しながら、内視鏡によって良好な観察・診断を行う上で、チャンネル６１を通じて流す流量を確保できて都合が良い。 Furthermore, when the cross-sectional shape of the channel tube 60 is flat, it is easy to bend in the flat direction, but it is difficult to bend in the direction orthogonal thereto, and the propensity to bend differs according to the direction of the curve, Although the operability is impaired, in this embodiment, since the cross-sectional shape of the channel tube 60 is substantially circular, the bending direction does not change even when the bending direction is changed, and the channel tube 60 is inserted into the insertion portion 2 when being bent. There is also a low rate of interference with other built-in objects by moving or rotating with. Further, if the cross-sectional area of the channel hole 57 is formed to be substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the inner hole of the channel tube 60, it is possible to achieve a good For diagnosis, it is convenient to secure a flow rate to flow through the channel 61.

＜第２の実施形態＞
図７及び図８に示すように、先端部本体３１は撮像ユニット４８を配置する収納室９０からこれに隣接する第２の取付孔３６にわたる一部が切り欠かれており、この第１の切欠部９１へはみ出す上記ライトガイドファイバ束３８の保護管３９の一部も切り欠かれており、この一致した両方の切欠部９１，９２内には上記撮像ユニット４８の一縁部が位置し、または入り込んでいる（図８参照）。このため、最も嵩張る撮像ユニット４８を先端部本体３１内に配置する際、収納室９０と保護管３９の干渉を極力少なくし、近接し合う複数の部材をコンパクトに組み込める。 <Second Embodiment>
As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the tip end main body 31 is partly cut out from the storage chamber 90 in which the imaging unit 48 is disposed to the second mounting hole 36 adjacent thereto, and the first notch A part of the protective tube 39 of the light guide fiber bundle 38 that protrudes to the portion 91 is also cut away, and one edge portion of the imaging unit 48 is located in both of the matching cutout portions 91 and 92, or It has entered (see FIG. 8). For this reason, when disposing the most bulky imaging unit 48 in the distal end main body 31, interference between the storage chamber 90 and the protective tube 39 is reduced as much as possible, and a plurality of adjacent members can be incorporated in a compact manner.

この形態は保護管３９の厚みを増せるので、上述した第１の実施形態の場合のように、第２の取付孔３６に後方から照明レンズ３４及び上記ライトガイドファイバ束３８の保護管３９を差し込んで組み立てる方式において好適する。
これ以外は上述した第１の実施形態と同様なものであるので、その説明を省略する。 Since this configuration can increase the thickness of the protective tube 39, the illumination lens 34 and the protective tube 39 of the light guide fiber bundle 38 are inserted into the second mounting hole 36 from the rear as in the case of the first embodiment described above. It is suitable for the method of inserting and assembling.
Since other than this is the same as the first embodiment described above, the description thereof is omitted.

＜第３の実施形態＞
本実施形態は上述したように、挿入部２の先端部１１に、ライトガイドファイバ束３８、チャンネル５６、ＣＣＤ等の撮像素子を内蔵した撮像ユニット４８を組み込む内視鏡においては通常、これに採用される撮像ユニット４８に組み込まれるＣＣＤ等の撮像素子に、無駄なスペースを作らないように縦長形状のものを採用し、この形式の撮像素子部９５を図１０（ａ）に示すように縦長に配置して使用するようになっている。 <Third Embodiment>
As described above, the present embodiment is usually adopted in an endoscope in which the distal end portion 11 of the insertion portion 2 incorporates an imaging unit 48 incorporating an imaging element such as a light guide fiber bundle 38, a channel 56, and a CCD. An image sensor such as a CCD incorporated in the image pickup unit 48 is vertically long so as not to create a useless space, and this type of image sensor unit 95 is vertically long as shown in FIG. It is arranged and used.

しかし、この縦長形状の撮像素子部９５を、チャンネル５６、ＣＣＤ等の撮像素子を内蔵した撮像ユニット４８を、図１０（ｂ）に示すように、上下に配置して使用するものに流用する場合、その図１０（ｂ）に示す如く無駄なスペースができてしまう。 However, in the case where the vertically long image pickup device portion 95 is diverted to a device in which the image pickup unit 48 incorporating the image pickup device such as the channel 56 and CCD is arranged as shown in FIG. 10B. As shown in FIG. 10B, a useless space is created.

そこで、本実施形態では、図９に示すように、その上下に配置して使用する形式のものを横向きにして配置して使用する。そして、横向きに配置した撮像素子部９５の信号の画像処理するプロセッサにおいて、その画像の向きを９０°回転させる処理を行うようにした。 Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a type that is arranged above and below and used in a horizontal direction is used. Then, in the processor that performs image processing of the signal of the image sensor unit 95 arranged in the horizontal direction, the process of rotating the direction of the image by 90 ° is performed.

このようにすれば、通常、上下に配置して使用する形式の撮像素子部９５を横向きに配置して使用できるので、無駄なスペースを作らず、コンパクトに配置することができる。この構成のものを、図９に示すように、上述した第１の実施形態に適用しても良い。 In this way, the image sensor unit 95 of a type that is normally used by being arranged one above the other can be arranged and used in the horizontal direction, so that it is possible to arrange it in a compact manner without creating a useless space. This configuration may be applied to the above-described first embodiment as shown in FIG.

なお、本発明は、前述した実施形態のものに限定されるものではなく、他の形態にも適用可能である。 In addition, this invention is not limited to the thing of embodiment mentioned above, It can apply also to another form.

本発明の第１の実施形態に係る電子式内視鏡全体の概略説明図。BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Schematic explanatory drawing of the whole electronic endoscope which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. 上記電子式内視鏡の挿入部における先端部の縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the front-end | tip part in the insertion part of the said electronic endoscope. 上記電子式内視鏡の挿入部における先端部の正面図。The front view of the front-end | tip part in the insertion part of the said electronic endoscope. 図２（ａ）中Ａ−Ａ線に沿う部分の横断面図。The cross-sectional view of the part along the AA line in Fig.2 (a). 図２（ａ）中Ｂ−Ｂ線に沿う部分の横断面図。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion along line BB in FIG. 図２（ａ）中Ｃ−Ｃ線に沿う部分の横断面図。The cross-sectional view of the portion along the line CC in FIG. 本発明の第２の実施形態に係る電子式内視鏡の挿入部における先端部の縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the front-end | tip part in the insertion part of the electronic endoscope which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 同じく本発明の第２の実施形態に係る電子式内視鏡の挿入部における先端部の横断面図。Similarly, the cross-sectional view of the front-end | tip part in the insertion part of the electronic endoscope which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. 本発明の第３の実施形態に係る電子式内視鏡の挿入部における先端部の部品の配置を示す縦断面図。The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows arrangement | positioning of the component of the front-end | tip part in the insertion part of the electronic endoscope which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. （ａ）（ｂ）は電子式内視鏡の挿入部における先端部の部品の他の配置例を示す縦断面図。(A) (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the other example of arrangement | positioning of the components of the front-end | tip part in the insertion part of an electronic endoscope.

Explanation of symbols

１…内視鏡、２…挿入部、３…操作部、１１…先端部
１２…湾曲部、１３…可撓管部、３１…先端部本体
３２…対物レンズユニット、３４…照明レンズ、３５…第１の取付孔
３６…第２の取付孔、３７…突起、３８…ライトガイドファイバ束
３９…保護管、４０…保護チューブ、４１…レンズ枠
４２…撮像素子ホルダ枠、４５…対物レンズ群、４６…撮像レンズ
４７…撮像素子、４８…撮像ユニット、５４…信号ケーブル
５６…チャンネル、５７…チャンネル孔、５９…接続パイプ
６０…チャンネルチューブ、６１…チャンネル DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope, 2 ... Insertion part, 3 ... Operation part, 11 ... Tip part 12 ... Curved part, 13 ... Flexible pipe part, 31 ... Tip part main body 32 ... Objective lens unit, 34 ... Illumination lens, 35 ... 1st mounting hole 36 ... 2nd mounting hole, 37 ... protrusion, 38 ... light guide fiber bundle 39 ... protective tube, 40 ... protective tube, 41 ... lens frame 42 ... imaging element holder frame, 45 ... objective lens group, 46 ... Imaging lens 47 ... Imaging device, 48 ... Imaging unit, 54 ... Signal cable 56 ... Channel, 57 ... Channel hole, 59 ... Connection pipe 60 ... Channel tube, 61 ... Channel

Claims

An insertion portion including a distal end portion and a bending portion connected to the distal end portion;
A channel hole provided in the distal end portion and a channel formed by a flexible channel tube connected to the channel hole and including the bending portion and disposed from the bending portion to a rear insertion portion. ,
A body of the tip is formed with a resin-made front frame, and a connection pipe made of a conductive material that forms at least a part of the channel hole is attached to the front frame,
Further, the rear end portion of the connection pipe is extended to the rear of the front frame, and a protruding portion protruding outward from the middle portion of the extension portion of the connection pipe located at the rear of the front frame is integrated with the connection pipe. Forming and fitting the tip of the channel tube to the rear end of the connection pipe,
Said projecting portion at the rear of the destination frame is joined to the inner surface of the leading edge of the conductive bending part which forms a ground member of the insertion portion, Ru is electrically connected to the conductive section wheels of the cutting edge A rear portion, and an exposed portion exposed outside the node ring between the tip of the conductive node ring and the front frame;
An endoscope characterized in that the connection pipe and the conductive node ring are electrically connected by joining the connection pipe and the conductive node ring at the protruding portion.

An insertion portion including a distal end portion and a bending portion connected to the distal end portion;
A channel hole provided in the distal end portion and a channel formed by a flexible channel tube connected to the channel hole and including the bending portion and disposed from the bending portion to a rear insertion portion. ,
The channel hole has a flat shape in a direction to expand the arrangement space of the image pickup unit whose cross-sectional shape is incorporated in the tip portion,
The channel tube has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape,
A body of the tip is formed with a resin-made front frame, and a connection pipe made of a conductive material that forms at least a part of the channel hole is attached to the front frame,
Further, the rear end portion of the connection pipe is extended to the rear of the front frame, and a protruding portion protruding outward from the middle portion of the extension portion of the connection pipe located at the rear of the front frame is integrated with the connection pipe. Forming and fitting the tip of the channel tube to the rear end of the connection pipe,
Said projecting portion at the rear of the destination frame is joined to the inner surface of the leading edge of the conductive bending part which forms a ground member of the insertion portion, Ru is electrically connected to the conductive section wheels of the cutting edge A rear portion, and an exposed portion exposed outside the node ring between the tip of the conductive node ring and the front frame;
An endoscope characterized in that the connection pipe and the conductive node ring are electrically connected by joining the connection pipe and the conductive node ring at the protruding portion.

An insertion portion including a distal end portion and a bending portion connected to the distal end portion;
A channel hole provided in the distal end portion and a channel formed by a flexible channel tube connected to the channel hole and including the bending portion and disposed from the bending portion to a rear insertion portion. ,
The channel hole has a flat shape in a direction to expand the arrangement space of the image pickup unit whose cross-sectional shape is incorporated in the tip portion,
The channel tube is formed in a substantially circular cross-sectional shape, and the cross-sectional area of the channel hole is substantially the same as the cross-sectional area of the channel tube inner hole,
A body of the tip is formed with a resin-made front frame, and a connection pipe made of a conductive material that forms at least a part of the channel hole is attached to the front frame,
Further, the rear end portion of the connection pipe is extended to the rear of the front frame, and a protruding portion protruding outward from the middle portion of the extension portion of the connection pipe located at the rear of the front frame is integrated with the connection pipe. Forming and fitting the tip of the channel tube to the rear end of the connection pipe,
Said projecting portion at the rear of the destination frame is joined to the inner surface of the leading edge of the conductive bending part which forms a ground member of the insertion portion, Ru is electrically connected to the conductive section wheels of the cutting edge A rear portion, and an exposed portion exposed outside the node ring between the tip of the conductive node ring and the front frame;
An endoscope characterized in that the connection pipe and the conductive node ring are electrically connected by joining the connection pipe and the conductive node ring at the protruding portion.

A cross-sectional shape of the connection pipe is an ellipse or an ellipse, the imaging unit is arranged in the minor axis direction, and light guides are arranged on both the left and right sides of the imaging unit intersecting the minor axis direction. The endoscope according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 .