JPH01229221A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform inspection without changing the environmental conditions of a closed object of inspection by providing a discharge port to the insertion part of the endoscope in addition to a nozzle, sucking the liquid which is jetted from the nozzle through the discharge port and returning liquid which is jetted from the nozzle to the nozzle through a communicating conduit. CONSTITUTION:At the tip part 9 of the insertion part 4 of the endoscope, a nozzle member 14 provided with a nozzle 15 and a discharge port 17 above it are formed in addition to an observation window 12 and a lighting window 13, and a nozzle 23 and a discharge port 24 are provided behind them. When the insertion part 4 which is inserted into the object of inspection is guided to an observation position, pressurized liquid is sent to the nozzles 15 and 23 and also sucked and circulated from the discharge ports 17 and 24 by the same amount. Consequently, the insertion part 4 is applied with a floating force and guided to a target position. The liquid which is jetted in the object of inspection is discharged from the discharge ports, so the inside is inspected through the endoscope without changing the internal environmental conditions.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to an endoscope that guides an insertion portion using thrust generated by jetting fluid.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, an endoscope has been known in which the insertion portion is guided using the thrust generated by jetting fluid (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 62-25
(See Publication No. 1639). This type of endoscope differs from many conventional endoscopes in that it has a bending section that can be forcibly bent by remote control from the proximal operation section. It is advantageous in that it does not increase the diameter, and is suitable for small-diameter endoscopes or industrial endoscopes with long insertion lengths.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, conventional endoscopes that guide the insertion section using the thrust generated by fluid injection only eject fluid unilaterally from the injection port provided in the insertion section. It is. Therefore, it can only be used in large spaces where there are no restrictions on fluid discharge or in environments where the injected fluid is discharged to the outside. For example, in industrial applications, it has not been possible to inspect sealed containers such as gas tanks, gasoline tanks, and light oil tanks, as well as city gas or plant piping, while they are still alive. However, if, for example, the city gas supply is to be shut off and inspected, it will take a great deal of time and effort to conduct other tasks, such as calling local residents affected by the supply and visiting each house. Therefore, there is a strong desire for something that can perform endoscopic examinations while the patient is still alive.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an endoscope that guides the insertion section by utilizing the thrust generated by the fluid jet, and the purpose of the present invention is to An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of inspecting an object to be inspected without changing environmental conditions.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an injection port in the insertion section, injects fluid from the injection port, and guides the insertion section using the thrust generated by this injection. In such an endoscope, a discharge port is provided in the insertion section, a pipe is provided that communicates the discharge port with the registered injection port, and the fluid sucked from the discharge port is sent to the injection port through the pipe. A fluid circulation means for returning the fluid is provided.

Therefore, fluid is not unilaterally sent into the object to be inspected. Therefore, the interior of the closed inspection object can be inspected with the endoscope without changing the environmental conditions of the inspection object.

[Embodiment] FIGS. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an endoscope system using a so-called electronic endoscope 1 to which the present invention is applied. Reference numeral 2 in FIG. 1 indicates a tank as an object to be inspected. Reference numeral 3 denotes an electric light source device incorporating an electric system and a light source for the endoscope.

The endoscope 1 consists of a long flexible insertion section 4, an operation section 5, and a connection cable 6. The insertion section 4 is sequentially inserted from the proximal side.
The flexible part 7, the curved part 8, and the tip part 9 are connected,
As shown in FIG. 2, the bending section 8 is forcibly bent by remote control of a bending operation means section 11 provided on the operation section 5. This bending operation means section 11 is provided with bending operation knobs 11a, 11b in the vertical and horizontal directions, and an engagement knob 11C.

Further, a connector 10 is provided at the extending end of the connecting cable 6 to be detachably connected to the electric light source device 3.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG.
An observation window 12 and an illumination window 13 for endoscopic observation are provided on the distal end surface of the endoscope 1, forming a direct-viewing endoscope 1. The observation window 12 is arranged on the upper side, and the illumination windows 13 are arranged on the left and right sides. Further, the distal end portion 9 of the insertion portion 4 is provided with a nozzle member 14 protruding from the lower portion of the distal end surface thereof. This nozzle member 14 is provided with an injection port 15 directed downward. This injection port 15 opens diagonally rearward and downward. Further, a diagonally cut end surface 16 is formed at the tip edge of the two parts of the distal end portion 9, and a discharge port 17 is formed in this end surface 16. This discharge port 17 opens diagonally forward and upward. Separate channels 18 and 19 are independently connected to the injection port 15 and the discharge port 17, respectively. Each of the channels 18, 19 independently reaches the connector 1o through the insertion section 4, the operation section 5, and the connection cable 6. Furthermore, when the connector 10 is connected to the electric light source device 3, each of the channels 18 and 19 is connected to a rotary pump 21, which will be described later, in the electric light source device 3, and constitutes fluid circulation means.

Further, in this embodiment, the same injection port 2 as described above is also provided in the connecting member 22 between the flexible part 7 and the curved part 8 in the insertion part 4.
3 and a discharge port 24 are formed.

That is, the injection port 23 opens diagonally backward and downward in the lower surface portion of the connecting member 22, and the discharge port 24 opens diagonally forward and upwardly in the upper surface portion of the connecting member 22. Separate channels 26 and 27 are connected to each of the injection ports 23 and the discharge ports 24 in the same manner as described above, and these channels 26 and 27 extend through the insertion section 4, the operation section 5, and the connection cable 6 to the connector 10. reached independently. Further, each channel 26, 27 is connected to the light source device 3 when the connector 10 is connected to the light source device 3.
It is designed to be connected to another rotary pump (not shown) inside the pump.

As shown in FIG. 3, an objective lens 6-28 and a solid-state imaging probe 29 are provided inside the observation window 12 of the distal end 9 of the insertion section 4.

An imaging signal cord 31 is connected to the solid-state imaging device 29 . This imaging signal code 31 includes the insertion section 4, the operation section 5,
The branch part 32 reaches another connector 33 through the inside of the connection cable 6.

When this connector 33 is connected to the registered electric light source device 3, the camera control unit in the electric light source device 3 is connected. The electric light source device 3 is provided with an image recording device 35, a TV monitor 36, and the like.

Further, a light guide is connected to the illumination window 13 of the distal end portion 9 of the insertion portion 4, and this light guide
, the operating section 5 , and the connection cable 6 , the branch section 32 reaches yet another connector 37 . When the connector 37 of the light guide is connected to the electric light source device 3, it is connected to the illumination light source device 38 in the electric light source device 3.

On the other hand, the operation section 5 of the endoscope 1 is provided with a control switch operation section 40 for controlling the injection flotation operation. As shown in FIG. 2, this control switch operating section 40 includes a suction button 41, a start button 42, a decrease button 43, and an increase button 44.
There is. In addition, each button 41 of this control switch operation section 40
, 42, 43.

A rib 45 is provided on the side of 44 to prevent erroneous operation. This rib 45 corresponds to each button 41.

This is not necessary when 42, 43, and 44 are flat buttons that are difficult to operate erroneously. Further, the same control switch operation parts 40 are symmetrically provided on both upper and lower surfaces, which are different by 180 degrees with respect to the grip part of the operation part 5.

Therefore, the operator can select and use the left or right hand, whichever is easier to use.

Further, the operation section 5 is provided with a freeze button 46 and a release button 47 for controlling the imaging operation.

Further, the rotary pump 21 is composed of a rotor 51 and an elastic tube 52 arranged around the rotor, and both ends of the elastic tube 52 are connected to connecting tubes 53.

channel 18 of said endoscope 1 via 54;

19. Further, the intermediate portion of the elastic tube 52 is connected to a support 55 provided concentrically to the rotor 51.
They are arranged in a circular shape joined to the circular inner wall surface 56 of.

The rotor 51 is provided with a plurality of rollers 57 that roll into contact with the middle part of the elastic tube 52, and as it rotates in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. By squeezing the parts continuously from one side to the other while crushing them, a pumping action is performed to send the fluid inside. Also,
A storage tank 58 is provided in at least one of the connecting pipes 53 and 54.
is connected to the storage tank 58 so that fluid can be taken into the storage tank 58 by temporarily opening the pipe line to the extent that it does not affect the operation of the system or the object to be inspected. This captured fluid can be used for component testing, etc.

Further, a cartridge tank 62 is connected to at least one of the connecting pipes 53 and 54 via a solenoid valve 61. As shown in FIG. 1, this cartridge tank 62 is attached to a tank holder 63 upside down and detachably. Further, this cartridge tank 62 can be replaced depending on its purpose. The solenoid valve 61 is a solenoid valve switch 64
The cartridge tank 62 is opened by operating the cartridge tank 62.
of fluid can be supplied to the connecting pipes 53 and 54.

In addition, the lower part 1 for inspection of the tank 2 to be inspected is airtightly fitted with a cap 73 via a backing 72.
This cap 73 is provided with a first stage seal 74 and a second stage seal 75. Each of the seals 74 and 75 is provided with holes 76 and 77 through which the insertion portion 4 of the endoscope 1 is passed through in an airtight manner. When the difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure of the object to be inspected is large, it is advisable to increase the number of seal stages. It is also good to change the hardness of the seal to gradually increase or decrease the pressure.

Next, an example of how the endoscope 1 is used will be described. First, the first
As shown in the figure, each connector 10, 33.37 of the endoscope 1
After connecting to the electric light source device 3, the insertion part 4 is inserted from the cap 73 of the tank 2 of the object to be inspected in order through the first seal 74 and the second seal 75 in an airtight manner. For example, if gasoline 80 is stored inside the tank 2 -]0-,
Since this gasoline 80 is transparent, it can be observed with this endoscope 1.

Then, when guiding the inserted insertion section 4 to the observation site, the start button 42 of the control switch operation section 40 in the operation section 5 is operated to activate the rotary pump 21. Thus, each channel 18.24 sends pressurized fluid to the jet orifice 15.23, and the same amount of fluid is sucked from the outlet 17.24, and the channel 19.
27 and returns to the rotary pump 21. This is then repeated to circulate the fluid. And the injection port 15
．． By ejecting fluid downward from 23, thrust (levitation blade) is applied to the insertion portion 4, causing the insertion portion 4 to float. Further, since fluid is sucked from the upwardly directed discharge port 17.24, floating blades are also generated due to this suction action, and this is also added. Then, by operating the decrease button 43 or increase button 44 of the control switch operating section 40, the rotation speed of the rotary pump 21 is changed to adjust the amount of fluid circulation, and the floating position of the insertion section 4 is determined. Further, at this time, if the bending operation means section 11 is operated to bend the bending section 8 as necessary, it is possible to guide the object more appropriately. Note that if the directions of the front injection port 15 and discharge port 17 are opposite to the directions of the rear injection port 23 and discharge port 24, the thrust will be in the opposite direction, so a bending force will be applied to the bending portion 8. can be applied, and this force may be used to bend the shape.

Then, the position and direction of the distal end 9 of the insertion portion 4 are selected, and the inside of the tank 2 and the piping 2a, 2 connected to this tank 2 are selected.
The image b is observed and inspected on the TV monitor 36.

Furthermore, in order to freeze the image on the TV monitor 36, a freeze button 46 is operated. When recording this observation image, the release button 47 of the operation section 5 is operated.

In addition, if it is not possible to mix a gas such as air into the object to be inspected, the solenoid valve 61 is opened by operating the solenoid valve switch 64 before using the endoscope 1, and the cartridge tank 62 is opened. A fluid may be supplied into the pipe line to fill the pipe line.

In addition, as a liquid that does not cause any problem even if it gets inside the inspection object in each channel 18, 19 and in the conduit of the rotary pump 21, for example, in the case of a blood vessel endoscope, physiological saline is used. There is. Incidentally, it is also possible to supply anesthetic solution or the like using the cartridge tank 62 described in 1.

Moreover, various other methods can be considered for filling the pipe line with such fluid in advance. For example, the operation of the rotary pump 21 is stopped when the tube is filled with suction from the outlet 17° 24 provided in the insertion section 4 on the outside, and the rotary pump is pumped again after the insertion section 4 is inserted into the object to be inspected. By activating 21, air and other fluids will not be mixed in when inserting and guiding the insertion section 4 of the endoscope 1, and dangers such as explosions due to such mixing can be prevented. .

In addition, in the above embodiment, there are injection ports 15 and 23 at the front and rear, respectively.
Although the exhaust ports 17 and 24 are provided, they may be provided only on one of the front and rear sides. Moreover, the number is not limited to this. Furthermore, the channels leading to the front and rear injection ports 15.23 are made one common channel, and the channels leading to the front and rear discharge ports 17.24 are also made one common channel, so that the fluid is circulated by one common rotary pump. You may also do so.

5 and 6 show a second embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is an example related to a blood vessel endoscope 1. In this endoscope 1, a rotary pump 21 is incorporated into the operating section 5, as shown in FIG. The rotary pump 21 has a rotor 51 similar to that of the above embodiment.
An elastic tube 5 made of silicone rubber arranged around the
2, and the channel 1 of the endoscope 1 is connected to both ends of the elastic tube 52 via connecting tubes 53 and 54, respectively.
It is connected to 8.19. Both ends of the elastic tube 52 are fixed by fixtures 81.

Further, the intermediate portion of the elastic tube 52 is arranged in a circular manner by joining a receiver provided concentrically with the rotor 51 to a circular inner wall surface 56 of the stand 55. Then, it is crushed by a plurality of rollers 57 provided around the circumference of the rotor 51 and is continuously squeezed from one side to the other, thereby performing a pumping action to transfer the fluid inside the elastic tube 52. . Further, a T-shaped joint pipe 82 is interposed between the elastic tube 52 and the discharge side connecting pipe 53, and this joint pipe 82 is connected to a connection mouthpiece 84 via an elastic tube 83. There is. This tube 83 is crushed by a plunger 86 driven by a solenoid 85. In other words, it constitutes a solenoid valve 87 that opens and closes a communication path to the connection base 84. A small-capacity suction status confirmation container 88 made of transparent glass or plastic may be attached to the connection cap 84, or a rubber bulb 89 may be attached.
It is designed to be worn. The inside of the rubber bulb 89 is loaded with a transparent liquid such as physiological saline, medicine, or nutritional supplement, which is pushed out and sent into the discharge side channel 18.27 as necessary. There is. If a transparent liquid such as physiological saline is sent in, the transparent liquid can be jetted out from the injection port 15° 23 to ensure a clear field of view. Note that a one-way valve 92 made of a rubber seal is provided on the cap 91 of the rubber bulb 89 to prevent backflow. If the rubber bulb 89 is made of transparent or translucent synthetic rubber elastomer, the contents can be confirmed.

Furthermore, a rotary valve 95 is provided in the middle of the connection pipe 53 on the discharge side, which rotates the rotary valve 93 with a rotary solenoid to open and close the flow path. This rotary valve 95 may be used in place of the solenoid valve 87. Note that the tubes other than the tubes used for the rotary pump 21 and the solenoid valve 87 may be formed of a comparative material.

Further, the push buttons 96 of each switch of the control switch operating section 40 provided on the outer surface of the operating section 5 are covered with a rubber cover 97 as a watertight seal. The peripheral edge of this rubber cover 97 is held down by a presser frame 98 and fixed with tapping screws 99. Note that the control switch operation section 40
may be provided on both the upper and lower surfaces of the operating section 5, respectively, with the same function.

Other than these special configurations, the configuration is similar to that of the above embodiment, and operates in the same manner. FIG. 5 shows the state of use. After filling the fluid circulation conduit with physiological saline in advance, the insertion section 4 is inserted into the blood vessel 101. Then, by operating the control switch operation section 40 of the operation section 5, the rotary pump 21 is set to 0N10FF, and thrust is obtained by injecting from each injection port 15° 23, and the tip section 9 is moved toward the opposite side. can be done. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, branched blood vessel portions 101a, 1
You can choose one of 01b and proceed in this direction. Further, in this case, the same amount of blood is sucked from the discharge ports 17.24 at the same time as the injection from each injection port 15.23, and the same amount of blood is circulated, so that no physiological disorder is caused.

FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of the invention. This embodiment is an example of a solenoid valve 111 used in place of the rotary valve 95 in the second embodiment. This solenoid valve 111 is provided with a movable iron core 113 driven by a solenoid 112, and this movable iron core 113 has a through hole 115 through which a silicone rubber tube (connecting pipe) 114 is inserted. Further, the movable iron core 113 is provided with a spring 117 that biases the tube holder 116 in the opposite direction. By energizing the solenoid 112, the movable iron core 113 resists the urging force of the spring 117.
is moved, and the tube 114 inserted into the through hole 115 is pressed against the tube presser 116 to crush it. This closes the conduit.

Further, a cushioning rubber plate 118 is provided in order to prevent impact noise caused by the movable iron core 113 returning when power is stopped and abnormal noise due to play in a normal state. Note that the movable iron core 11 is moved by using the elasticity of the tube 114.
3 to return, the spring 117 need not be provided.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the present invention provides an endoscope that injects fluid from a jet port provided in the insertion section and guides the insertion section using the thrust generated by this injection. A discharge port is provided, a pipe line is provided to communicate the discharge port with the injection port, and fluid circulation means is provided for returning fluid sucked from the discharge port to the injection port through the pipe line.

Therefore, the interior of the closed inspection object can be inspected with the endoscope without changing the environmental conditions of the inspection object.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing the state of use of a system using the endoscope, and FIG. 2 is a diagram of the operation section of the endoscope. A plan view, FIG. 3 is a side view of the insertion section of the endoscope, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the state of use, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the state of use showing the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the operating section of the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a solenoid valve according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 1... Endoscope, 2... Tank, 4... Insertion part, 5
...Operation unit, 9... Tip part, 14... Nozzle member, 15... Injection port, 17... Discharge port, 18', 19
... Channel, 21 ... Rotary pump, 23
...Injection port, 24...Discharge port, 40...Control switch operating section. Applicant's agent Patent attorney Atsushi Tsuboi - 20 - Procedural amendment 1. Indication of the case Japanese Patent Application No. 63-55362 2, Name of the invention Endoscope 3, Person making the amendment Relationship to the case Patent applicant (037) Olympus Optical Industry Co., Ltd. 4, Agent 3-chome Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 7-2 UBE Building 〒1
00 Telephone 03 (502) 3181 (main representative)
7. Details of correction (1) "Roller 57" in the first line of page 15 of the specification is corrected to "roller 57a (roller 57b functions to suppress the elastic tube 52 from protruding)". Correct to. (3) Correct box 6 in the drawing as shown in the attached sheet. 1. Indication of the case Japanese Patent Application No. 63-55362 2. Name of the invention 3-7-2 UBE Building No. 6
Correct the figure as per the attached sheet. Figure 6

Claims (1)

[Claims] In an endoscope in which an injection port is provided in the insertion section, fluid is injected from the injection port, and the insertion section is guided using the thrust generated by the injection, an ejection port is provided in the insertion section; 1. An endoscope comprising: a conduit that communicates with the ejection port; and fluid circulation means for returning fluid sucked from the ejection port through the conduit to the ejection port.