U.S. patent application number 11/599530 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-15 for insertion device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Olympus Corporation. Invention is credited to Katsutaka Adachi, Yasuhito Kura.
Application Number | 20070059989 11/599530 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35393931 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070059989 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kura; Yasuhito ; et
al. |
March 15, 2007 |
Insertion device
Abstract
An insertion device comprises a long-sized insertion portion to
be inserted into a subject; a propulsion force generating portion
provided on the outer peripheral face of the insertion portion; a
rotating portion for rotating the propulsion force generating
portion on the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; an
observation portion for observing an image of the subject; and a
display control portion for displaying, on a screen of a display
device, the image of the subject based on an observation signal
outputted from the observation portion in a manner corresponding to
a rotation of the propulsion force generating portion.
Inventors: |
Kura; Yasuhito; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Adachi; Katsutaka; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas Spinelli;Scully, Scott, Murphy & Presser
Suite 300
400 Garden City Plaza
Garden City
NY
11530
US
|
Assignee: |
Olympus Corporation
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
35393931 |
Appl. No.: |
11/599530 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/JP05/08915 |
May 16, 2006 |
|
|
|
11599530 |
Nov 14, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
439/685 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/04 20130101; A61B
1/31 20130101; A61B 1/0607 20130101; A61B 1/0016 20130101; A61B
1/0676 20130101; A61B 1/0684 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/685 |
International
Class: |
H01R 24/00 20060101
H01R024/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 14, 2004 |
JP |
2004-145703 |
Claims
1. An insertion device comprises: a long-sized insertion portion to
be inserted into a subject; a propulsion force generating portion
provided on the outer peripheral face of the insertion portion; a
rotating portion for rotating the propulsion force generating
portion on the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; an
observation portion for observing an image of the subject; and a
display control portion for displaying, on a screen of a display
device, the image of the subject based on an observation signal
outputted from the observation portion in a manner corresponding to
a rotation of the propulsion force generating portion.
2. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the
observation portion is disposed at a tip of the insertion
portion.
3. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the
observation portion is integrally provided to the insertion portion
to move along with the rotation of the propulsion force generating
portion.
4. The insertion device according to claim 1, further comprising a
propulsion force generating portion detection portion for detecting
a rotation state of the propulsion force generating portion,
wherein the display control portion displays, out of observation
signals outputted from the observation portion, an image of the
subject based on an observation signal corresponding to a detection
signal of the propulsion force generating portion detection
portion.
5. The insertion device according to claim 1, further comprising a
rotating portion detection portion for detecting a rotation drive
state of the rotating portion, wherein the display control portion
displays, out of observation signals outputted from the observation
portion, an image of the subject based on an observation signal
corresponding to a detection signal of the rotating portion
detection portion.
6. The insertion device according to claim 1, wherein the
propulsion force generating portion is configured of a
spiral-shaped portion.
7. The insertion device according to claim 3, wherein the
observation portion is detachable from the tip of the insertion
portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation application of
PCT/JP2005/008915 filed on May 16, 2006 and claims benefit of
Japanese Application No. 2004-145703 filed in Japan on May 14,
2004, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to an insertion device which
is used to introduce an insertion portion of an endoscope into the
body cavity to perform intracavital endoscopy, colonoscopy in
particular.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In recent years, an endoscope which has a flexible and
slender insertion portion has been used in medical fields such as
examinations or treatment. Introducing the insertion portion of the
endoscope into the body cavity allows observing intracavital organs
and the like without cutting, and moreover various types of remedy
and treatment can be performed if necessary, by introducing
treatment equipment into the body cavity through an treatment
equipment insertion channel provided to the insertion portion. The
endoscope has a bending portion at the tip portion of the insertion
portion. The bending portion is bent in a direction either
horizontal or vertical by reciprocal movement of the operation wire
which is coupled with a bending piece configuring the bending
portion. The operation wire can be moved back and forth by a
turning operation of a bending knob provided to the operation part,
for example.
[0006] With endoscopy, it is necessary to insert the insertion
portion into complex body cavity portions. To insert the insertion
portion into a complex lumen such as the large intestine with a
360.degree. loop for example, an operator introduces the tip of the
insertion portion toward the observation target by operating the
bending knob to bend the bending portion while performing a manual
operation such as a twisting operation of the insertion
portion.
[0007] However, considerable skill is required to introduce the
insertion portion into the deep region of the complex large
intestine smoothly in a short period of time without infliction of
discomfort on the patient. In other words, an inexperienced
operator may delay the insertion by misdirecting the insertion
portion in the deep region or may deform the course of intestines
when inserting the insertion portion through to the deep region.
Therefore various types proposals have been made to improve the
insertability of the insertion portion.
[0008] For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 10-113396 describes a medical appliance propelling
device which can guide a medical appliance up to a deep region of
an organism canal easily and less invasively. This propelling
device has ribs on a rotary member, the ribs being arranged
obliquely as to the axial direction of the rotary member. Therefore
the medical appliance coupled with the propelling device is moved
toward the deep region by the propulsion force generated from the
rotating movement of the rotary member because the rib converts the
rotation force of the rotational member into the propulsion
force.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The insertion device according to the present invention
comprises: a long-sized insertion portion to be inserted into a
subject; a propulsion force generating portion provided on the
outer peripheral face of the insertion portion; a rotating portion
for rotating the propulsion force generating portion on the
longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; an observation portion
for observing an image of the subject; and a display control
portion for displaying, on a screen of a display device, the image
of the subject based on an observation signal outputted from the
observation portion in a manner corresponding to a rotation of the
propulsion force generating portion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram describing the configuration of the
endoscope system in the first embodiment according to the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram describing a connection between the
insertion portion and the insertion portion rotating device;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a partial cross sectional view in the longitudinal
direction describing the principal members of the endoscope
insertion portion;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram describing the insertion portion which
is inserted into a large intestine;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram describing the insertion portion which
is inserted up to a deep region of a large intestine;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an image captured by an
image capturing device provided to the insertion portion being
displayed as an image A on the screen of the monitor when the
insertion portion is at a predetermined phase position;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the image A being displayed
on the screen of the monitor when the insertion portion is rotated
from the position shown in FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the image A being displayed
on the screen of the monitor when the insertion portion is further
rotated from the position in FIG. 7;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an image captured by the
image capturing device provided to the insertion portion being
displayed as an image B on the screen of the monitor when the
insertion portion is rotated back to the predetermined phase
position once again;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the
rotation angle .theta. of the insertion portion holding section in
the insertion portion rotating device and the time t;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a diagram describing the relationship between the
image which corresponds to the rotation angle .theta. of the
insertion portion holding section in the insertion portion rotating
device and the time t in FIG. 10 and the image which is displayed
on the screen of the monitor;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a diagram describing a camera unit which is
detachably placed in the camera unit housing part provided to the
tip of the insertion portion;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross sectional view describing
the configuration of the camera unit and the tip of the insertion
portion;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a longitudinal partial cross sectional view
describing the insertion portion and the insertion portion rotating
device in a second embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a longitudinal partial cross sectional view
describing the insertion portion and the insertion portion rotating
device in a modification of the second embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view describing a stopper
member which is placed on the tip of the insertion portion;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a longitudinal partial cross sectional view
describing the insertion portion and an insertion portion rotating
device in a third embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a diagram describing a configuration example of
the coupling part which prevents the misconnection between the
connector part of the endoscope insertion portion and the insertion
portion holding section in the insertion portion rotating
device;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a diagram describing another configuration
example of the coupling part which prevents the misconnection
between the connector part of the endoscope insertion portion and
the insertion portion holding section in the insertion portion
rotating device;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a diagram describing yet another configuration
example of the coupling part which prevents the misconnection
between the connector part of the endoscope insertion portion and
the insertion portion holding section in the insertion portion
rotating device;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a front view illustrating the tip of the
insertion portion in a fourth embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a longitudinal partial cross sectional view
describing the insertion portion and the insertion portion rotating
device in the fourth embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 23 is an external view of an insertion portion into
which a replacement unit is inserted;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a longitudinal partial cross sectional view
describing an insertion portion in which a replacement unit is
disposed;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a diagram describing a radio transmitter and a
power battery which are installed at the insertion portion holding
section in the insertion portion rotating device;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a diagram describing a connector unit part which
is installed at the connector part of the insertion portion;
[0036] FIG. 27 is an external view illustrating the rotating device
having the shape of an endoscope operation part and the insertion
portion which is detachable from the rotating device;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a diagram describing the detachment relation
between the insertion portion and the insertion portion holding
section; and
[0038] FIG. 29 is a view describing the insertion portion which is
detachable from the rotating device having the shape of an
operating part.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be
described with reference to drawings.
[0040] A first embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 13.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope system 1 is primarily
composed of an endoscopic insertion portion which is the insertion
portion of the endoscope system (hereinafter, abbreviated as
"insertion portion") 2, an insertion portion rotating device which
is the rotating part of the endoscope system (hereinafter,
abbreviated as "rotating device") 6, a video processor 7 which is
the display control means, and a monitor 8 which is the display
means.
[0042] The insertion portion 2 is slender and flexible. The
insertion portion 2 is provided with a spiral guide tube 3. The
guide tube 3 is installed for example in an integrated fashion
between the connector part 4 and the endoscope tip (hereinafter,
abbreviated as "tip") 5a. The connector part 4 of the insertion
portion 2 is coupled with the approximate cylindrical insertion
portion holding section 9 which is protruding out from the one side
of the rotating device 6. The guide tube 3 is inserted through the
protection pipe 10 which fits loosely. This prevents the insertion
portion 2 from contacting the floor in the operating room
directly.
[0043] The rotating device 6 is a device which is to rotate the
insertion portion 2 in a predetermined direction on its
longitudinal axis. The cable 6a connects the rotating device 6 and
the video processor 7, and the cable which is not shown in the view
connects the video processor 7 and the monitor 8.
[0044] The video processor 7 is provided inside with the control
part 7a which controls variously and the signal processing circuit
7b which processes signals variously in its inside. The signal
processing circuit 7b executes process which provides driving
signals to the image capturing device 16 (see FIG. 3) which is the
observation means that is placed at the tip 5a of the insertion
portion 2, process which produces video signals from observation
signals that are converted photoelectrically by the image capturing
device 16 and are transmitted and outputs the video signals to the
monitor 8, and the like, under control of the control part 7b. On
the screen of the monitor 8, the endoscope image which is the image
of the object that is based on the video signals which are output
from video processor 7 is displayed.
[0045] Note that, as will hereinafter be described in detail, in a
state wherein the insertion portion 2 is inserted to the body
cavity such as the large intestine, the video processor 7 in this
embodiment outputs video signals to the monitor 8, and the signals
display only the still image at a predetermined rotation phase
which is synchronized with the rotation period of the tip 5a of the
insertion portion 2 on the screen of the monitor 8.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2 is
approximately cylindrical in shape. The tip 5a is provided with an
opening which contains the camera unit housing part 5A. The camera
unit 11 which is the image capturing unit is housed in the camera
unit housing part 5A and secured integrally and fixedly therein.
The camera unit 11 is provided with an observation optical system
and an illumination optical system. There is an observation window
12 at the approximate center of the distal surface of the camera
unit 11. There are multiple, in this case two, illumination windows
around the observation window 12. The multiple electric cables 11 a
are extended from the base end side of the camera unit 11. The
electric cables 11 a are extended through interior of the insertion
portion 2 to base end part side. Note that the multiple electric
cables 1 a may be bundled and inserted through the interior of the
insertion portion 2 as a cable bundle.
[0047] The insertion portion holding section 9 of the rotating
device 6 is provided with a generally cylindrical protrusion 15
protruding from the central part of the distal surface and is
provided with multiple, in this case two, pins 14 around this
protrusion 15. The insertion portion 2 and the insertion portion
holding section 9 are coupled and secured, mechanically and
electrically, by these pins 14 and protrusion 15 fitting into the
connector part 4 of the insertion portion 2.
[0048] The insertion portion 2 and the rotating device 6 are
described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.
[0049] As shown in the drawing, the camera unit 11 which is secured
integrally and fixedly on the tip 5a is provided with the
observation optical system 12a and the two illumination optical
systems 13a. The observation optical system 12a is placed toward
the base end side through the observation window 12, and, for
example, the image capturing device (hereinafter, referred to as
"CCD") 16, serving as the observation means, is placed at base end
of the observation optical system 12a. The illumination optical
systems 13a are each disposed from the two illumination windows 13
toward the base side. The light-emitting diode (hereinafter,
referred to as "LED") 17, which is an illumination beam irradiating
part, is placed at the base end part of the illumination optical
system 13a. The electric cables 11a which are extending from the
base end side of the camera unit 11 are comprised of a signal
transmission cable which is connected electrically to the CCD 16
and a power cable which is connected electrically to the LED
17.
[0050] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the signal transmission
cable voltage and the power cable voltage are approximately the
same, since this prevents various types of damage caused by the
proximity of each cable, for example, damage of the CCD 16 and
damage of the LED 17 caused by electromagnetic induction, and the
like.
[0051] The insertion portion body 5 is formed smaller than the tip
5a in diameter. The base end part of the insertion portion body 5
extends to the connector part 4. The tip 5a is configured as a
guard part to prevent the guide tube 3 from coming off. The central
part of the insertion portion body 5 is provided with the
through-hole 5b which the electric cables 11a that are extending
from the camera unit 11 are inserted through. The insertion portion
body 5 is a generally tubular member which has flexibility. The
guide tube 3 is externally attached to the insertion portion body
5. The connector part 4 is fixedly secured to the base end part of
the insertion portion body 5. That is to say, the guide tube 3 is
placed on the outer peripheral part of the insertion portion body 5
between the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2 and the connector
part 4.
[0052] The guide tube 3 is a tubular member formed by spirally
winding a metal wire 3A of stainless-steel, for example, to a
predetermined diameter size in a double- layered configuration, so
as to have the predetermined flexibility. The guide tube 3 may be
configured by winding the metal wire 3A in a spiral and
multiple-wind configuration, e.g., four-wind. Various types of
characteristics of the guide tube 3 can be configured by changing
the degree of contact between the winds of metal wire 3A or
changing the degree of spiral angle when the metal wire 3A is
wound.
[0053] Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube 3
is provided with the spiral shaped part 3a serving as the
propulsion force generating portion that is formed by the surface
of the metal wire 3A. The configuration of the guide tube 3 is
preferably formed by winding the metal wire 3A in a left-handed
spiral from the tip toward the base end. In other words, the metal
wire 3A is wound spirally so that the groove of the spiral shaped
part 3a of the guide tube 3 has the same direction as a thread
groove of a left-hand thread. When the spiral shaped part 3a is in
the rotating state at the time of insertion into the body cavity,
especially into the large intestine, contact between the spiral
shaped part 3a and the intestinal wall in the large intestine is
improved and the insertability of the insertion portion 2 into the
large intestine is improved, by forming the groove of the spiral
shaped part 3a of the guide tube 3 so as to have the same direction
as a thread groove of a left-hand thread.
[0054] The base end surface side of the connector part 4 is
provided with a fitting hole 4a and pinhole 4b. The fitting hole 4a
is a circular hole which is formed at the approximate center of the
base end surface, and the protrusion 15 is placed therein. Multiple
pinholes 4b, in this case two, are installed around the fitting
hole 4a. The pins 14 are placed in each of the pinholes 4b. There
are multiple, in this case three, contact terminals 4A on the
bottom surface of the fitting hole 4a. The signal transmission
cable and the power cable which are the electric cables 11a are
connected to each of these contact terminals 4A.
[0055] Also, the distal surface of the protrusion 15 of the
insertion portion holding section 9 is provided with three contact
pins 15a which correspond to the contact terminals 4A. Therefore,
when the connector part 4 and the insertion portion holding section
9 are coupled with each other, the three contact terminals 4A which
are installed on the connector part 4 and the three contact pins
15a which are installed on the insertion portion holding section 9
come into contact with each other electrically. This connects the
CCD 16 and LED 17 to the rotating device 6 electrically.
[0056] The insertion portion holding section 9 is held rotatably in
a direction on its longitudinal axis by a bearing 21, for example,
placed on the side panel of the rotating device 6. Gear grooves 9a
in the shape of a spur gear, for example, are formed on the outer
periphery of the base end part of the insertion portion holding
section 9. A cylindrical gear 20a which is installed on the distal
part of the motor shaft of the motor 20 meshes with the gear
grooves 9a. Therefore, driving the motor 20 rotates the cylindrical
gear 20a which is provided to the motor shaft. The insertion
portion holding section 9 then is rotated in a predetermined
direction, in this case counter-clockwise, from the base end toward
the tip on its longitudinal axis, due to the gear grooves 9a
meshing with the cylindrical gear 20a.
[0057] The rotating device 6 is provided with a collector
(hereinafter, referred to as "slip ring") 18 which electrically
connects the insertion portion holding section 9 that is rotated
and the control device 22. The control device 22 serves as display
control means, provided with a control unit 22a, a signal circuit
22b, a power supply circuit 22c, and the like. The slip ring 18 is
provided with a brush part 23a which is a first electric contact,
brush parts 24a which are third electric contacts, ring part 23b
which is a second electric contact, and ring parts 24b which are
fourth electric contacts. The brush part 23a and 24a contact the
ring part 23b electrically in a slidable state. The brush part 23a
and 24a are integrally installed on the predetermined part of the
insertion portion holding section 9. The ring part 23b and 24b are
annularly installed on the predetermined positions on the outer
peripheral surface of the shaft body 22a which is extended from the
control device 22. The shaft body 22a has the same central axis as
the rotational axis of the insertion portion holding section 9. The
signal transmission cable is connected to the brush part 23a which
is the first electric contact, and the ring part 23b which is the
second electric contact is electrically connected to the signal
circuit 22b. On the other hand, the power cables are connected to
the brush parts 24a which are the third electric contacts, and the
ring parts 24b which are the fourth electric contacts are connected
to the power supply circuit 22c electrically.
[0058] Moreover, the rotating device 6 is provided with a motor
encoder 25 which is the rotating part detection means that detects
the rotation angle of the motor 20 and with the holding part
encoder 26 which is the propulsion force generating portion
detection means that detects the rotation angle of the insertion
portion holding section 9 which rotates the insertion portion 2
which is provided with the guide tube 3. The detection signals
which are output from the encoders 25 and 26 are input into the
control unit 22a of the control device 22. Note that in this
embodiment, a holding part encoder 26 is provided, which outputs a
detection signal each time a reference point which is set on the
insertion portion holding section 9 passes a predetermined phase
position. This means that a detection signal is output to the
control unit 22a each time the insertion portion holding section 9
rotates 360 degrees.
[0059] The operation of the endoscope system 1 in this embodiment,
which is composed as described above, will now be described.
[0060] The preparatory procedures for inserting the insertion
portion 2 into the large intestine will be described.
[0061] To insert the insertion portion 2 through the large
intestine, for example, to the cecum region, first of all, a doctor
or nurse (hereinafter, referred to as "staff") inserts insertion
portion 2 through inside of the protection pipe 10. Then, the staff
couples the connector part 4 of the insertion portion 2 which
protrudes from one end of the protection pipe 10 with the insertion
portion holding section 9 of the rotating device 6. At this time,
the staff fits each of the two pins 14 of the insertion portion
holding section 9 into each of the two pinholes 4b of the connector
part 4 and, holding this status, fits the protrusion 15 of the
insertion portion holding section 9 into the fitting hole 4a of the
connector part 4. This completes the preparations for inserting
insertion portion 2 into the large intestine. Moreover, the video
processor 7 and the monitor 8 are prepared along with the
preparation of insertion portion 2.
[0062] Next, the procedures for inserting the insertion portion 2
into the large intestine of a patient will be described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0063] First, the staff grasps the tip of the insertion portion 2
and inserts the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2 through the anus
71 (see FIG. 4) of the patient, who is lying on a bed or the like,
into the large intestine. Then, the spiral shaped part 3a of the
guide tube 3 which is installed on the insertion portion 2 contacts
the intestinal wall of the patient. At this time, the contact state
between the spiral shaped part 3a of the guide tube 3 and the plica
of the intestinal wall is like the relationship between a male
thread and a female thread.
[0064] In this contact state, the staff drives the motor 20 of the
rotating device 6 clockwise on the axis of insertion portion 2.
Then, the insertion portion holding section 9 is rotated
counter-clockwise on its axis. This rotates the connector part 4 of
the insertion portion 2 which is attached to the insertion portion
holding section 9 counter-clockwise to the inserting direction on
its axis. As this rotation is transmitted from the base end to the
tip portion of the insertion portion 2, the spiral shaped part 3a
of the guide tube 3 which is installed integrally rotates
counter-clockwise on its axis so as to move from the tip portion to
the base end side. At this time, the camera unit 11 which is
integrally and fixedly secured on the tip 5a of the insertion
portion 2 rotates with the rotation of the of the insertion portion
2.
[0065] Then, by the insertion portion 2 being rotated, at the
contact part between the spiral shaped part 3a which is rotating
and the plica of the intestinal wall, propulsion force which makes
the insertion portion 2 advance is generated as an external thread
moves relative to an internal thread. This results in the insertion
portion 2 advancing inside of the large intestine toward deep
region by the propulsion force. At this time, the operator may
manually operate so as to push ahead the insertion portion 2 which
the staff is grasping.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, the rotating insertion portion 2 which
is inserted through the anus 71 advances from the rectum 72 toward
the sigmoid colon region 73 by the propulsion force which is
generated by the guide tube 3 and the manual operation of the
operator. Then, the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2 arrives at
the sigmoid colon region 73. At this time, the insertion portion 2
can obtain stable propulsion force while being bent in a complex
manner due to the contact between the spiral shaped part 3a of the
insertion portion and the intestinal wall. In addition, because the
insertion portion 2 has the predetermined flexibility, the
insertion portion 2 advances along the intestinal wall smoothly
without being prevented from advancing at the sigmoid colon region
73 which changes the position easily. Note that there are cases
wherein the insertion portion 2 advances smoothly while forming the
sigmoid colon region 73 into an alpha loop shape along the
intestinal wall, when the insertion portion 2 passes the sigmoid
colon region 73.
[0067] The rotating insertion portion 2 passes the sigmoid colon
region 73. Subsequently, the insertion portion 2 advances smoothly
along the wall of the bending region which is the border between
the sigmoid colon region 73 and the descending colon region 74
which has low mobility, the splenic flexure region 76 which is the
border between the descending colon region 74 and the transverse
colon region 75 which has high mobility, and the hepatic flexure
region 77 which is the border between the transverse colon 75 and
the ascending colon 78. This makes the insertion portion arrive at,
for example, neighborhood of the cecum region 79 which is the
target region, without changing the course of the large intestine
as shown in the FIG. 5.
[0068] While the rotating insertion portion 2 is inserted into the
large intestine of the patient, the staff inserts the insertion
portion 2 into the deep region of the large intestine by the
propulsion force and manual operation, while confirming the
endoscope image in the large intestine which is displayed on the
screen of the monitor 8. At this time, in order to prevent the
image which is displayed on the screen of the monitor 8 from being
displayed rotationally due to the rotations of the insertion
portion 2, the video processor 7 outputs to the monitor 8
predetermined video signals which prevent the endoscope image which
is displayed on the screen of the monitor 8 from rotating. The
video signals output from the video processor 7 to the monitor 8
are observation signals output from the CCD 16 at a predetermined
phase position taking into consideration the rotation cycle of the
insertion portion 2.
[0069] Here, the image capturing screen which is displayed on the
screen of the monitor 8 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6
through 9.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the video processor 7 outputs the video
signals to the monitor 8, for example, at the predetermined phase
position where the triangle mark T of the tip 5a is positioned at
the top portion in the drawing, i.e., at the position where the
vertical position of the image of the subject image-captured by the
CCD 16 and the vertical relation of the endoscope image displayed
on the screen of the monitor 8, agree. Accordingly, the endoscope
image image-captured by the CCD 16 positioned at the predetermined
phase position shown in FIG. 6 is displayed as an image A on the
screen of the monitor 8.
[0071] In the state in which the position of the triangle T of the
tip 5a is rotationally moved in the direction of the arrow from the
position shown in FIG. 6 by 120 degrees, for example, as shown in
FIG. 7, i.e., the tip 5a is rotated to the predetermined phase
position, the video processor 7 outputs video signals in the state
that the tip 5a is positioned at the predetermined phase position
to the monitor 8. That is to say, the image A same as that shown in
FIG. 6 continues to be displayed on the monitor 8 screen.
[0072] Also, in a state wherein the position of the triangle T of
the tip 5a is rotationally moved in the direction of the arrow from
the position shown in FIG. 7 by 150 degrees for example, as shown
in FIG. 8, i.e., the tip 5a is rotated to the predetermined phase
position, the video processor 7 outputs video signals in the state
that the tip 5a is positioned at the predetermined phase position
to the monitor 8. That is to say, the image A same as that shown in
FIG. 6 continues to be displayed on the monitor 8 screen.
[0073] In the event that the position of the triangle T of the tip
5a returns to the predetermined phase position again, the video
processor 7 outputs the video signals image-captured by the CCD 16
repositioned at the predetermined phase position to the monitor 8
anew. Thus, an image B with the same vertical relation of the CCD
16, which is different from the endoscope image image-captured by
the CCD 16 at the predetermined phase position shown in FIG. 6, is
displayed on the monitor 8.
[0074] That is to say, endoscope images image-captured by the CCD
disposed at the predetermined phase position are sequentially
displayed on the monitor 8 screen, synchronously with the cycle of
one rotation of the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2.
[0075] Description will be made regarding the rotational angle
information of the insertion portion holding section 9, which the
rotating device 6 supplies to the video processor 7, with reference
to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.
[0076] The control unit 22 of the rotating device 6 obtains the
rotational cycle (time) t information of the insertion portion
holding section 9 which rotates as shown in FIG. 10, at the
rotation angle .theta. (0.degree. through 360.degree. ), and
information of the rotation angle .theta., via the encoder 26.
Specifically, upon the control unit 22a of the control device 22
which is provided to the rotating device 6 receiving a detection
signal from the encoder 26, observation signals output from the CCD
16 of the camera unit 11 with a rotational angle .theta. of
0.degree. is supplied to the video processor 7, under control of
the control unit 22a. Now, under the control of the control unit
7a, the video processor 7 modulates the observation signals
transmitted from the CCD 16 of the camera unit 11 into video
signals and outputs to the monitor 8, so as to display an endoscope
image on the screen of the monitor 8.
[0077] In detail, first, the control device 22 of the rotating
device 6 supplies observation signals output from the CCD 16 of the
camera unit 11 at the time T1 where the insertion portion holding
section 9 shown in FIG. 10 is at the rotation angle of 0.degree.,
to the video processor 7. Here, the video processor 7 generates
video signals at the rotation angle 0.degree. and time T1 and
outputs to the monitor 8. Accordingly, an endoscope image V1 is
displayed on the screen of the monitor 8 as shown in FIG. 11.
Subsequently, the video processor 7 consecutively outputs video
signals for displaying the endoscope image V1 shown in FIG. 11 on
the monitor 8, while the insertion portion holding section 9 of the
rotating device 6 is rotating from the time T1 to the time T2,
i.e., while the rotation angle .theta. of the insertion portion
holding section 9 moves between
0.degree.<.theta.<360.degree..
[0078] That is to say, when the time t shown in FIG. 10 is
T1<t<T2, only the endoscope image V1 shown in FIG. 11 is
consecutively displayed on the screen of the monitor 8.
Accordingly, when the rotational angle .theta. of the insertion
portion holding section 9 of the rotating device 6 is between
0.degree.<.theta.<360.degree., the observation signals output
from the CCD 16 of the camera unit 11, i.e., observation signals
corresponding to the endoscope image V1a at the rotation angle
.theta. of 90.degree., observation signals corresponding to the
endoscope image V1b at the rotation angle .theta. of 150.degree.,
and observation signals corresponding to the endoscope image V1c at
the rotation angle .theta. of 300.degree., are all not generated
into video signals.
[0079] Next, the control device 22 of the rotating device 6
supplies the observation signals output from the CCD 16 of the
camera unit 11 at the time T2 where the rotational angle of the
insertion portion holding section 9 shown in FIG. 10 is 0.degree.
to the video processor 7. Accordingly, an endoscope image V2 shown
in FIG. 11, at the rotational angle 0.degree. and time T2 that has
been generated at the video processor 7, is displayed on the
monitor 8 screen. The endoscope image V2 is consecutively displayed
on the screen of the monitor 8 during the time t of
T2<t<T3.
[0080] Next, the rotating device 6 supplies predetermined
observation signals to the video processor 7 at the time T3 where
the rotation angle of the insertion portion holding section 9 shown
in FIG. 10 is 0.degree.. Accordingly, an endoscope image V3 shown
in FIG. 11, at the rotational angle 0.degree. and time T3 that has
been generated at the video processor 7, is displayed on the
monitor 8 screen.
[0081] The video processor 7 continues to output an endoscope image
Vn shown in FIG. 11 at the point in time of Tn shown in FIG. 10
where the rotational angle .theta. of the insertion portion holding
section 9 is .theta.=0.degree., i.e., the predetermined phase
position, based on the information of the rotational cycle (time) t
of the insertion portion holding section 9 supplied from the
control device 22 of the rotating device 6, and information of the
rotational angle .theta., until the rotational angle .theta. of the
insertion portion holding section 9 is the next .theta.=0.degree..
Accordingly, the endoscope image Vn is consecutively displayed on
the monitor 8 screen until the rotational angle .theta. of the
insertion portion holding section 9 is the next
.theta.=0.degree..
[0082] Note that an arrangement may be made wherein, at the time of
displaying the endoscope image on the monitor 8, rotational
correction processing is performed by the video processor 7 so as
to display the image as a normal video on the monitor 8 in
accordance with the rotational cycle of the rotating device 6.
Accordingly, the video displayed on the monitor 8 screen is
displayed as a normal observation image without being rotated. In
this rotation correction processing, the observation window 12 is
disposed at the approximate middle of the camera unit 11.
Accordingly, the optical axis of the observation window 12 is on
the rotational axis of the insertion portion 2.
[0083] The staff inserts the insertion portion 2 to the deep
portion of the large intestine while checking the endoscope image
displayed on the monitor 8 screen. At this time, manual operations
are made for changing the rotation speed of the rotating device 6,
and advancing the insertion portion 2 according to various bent
states of the large intestine. Subsequently, the staff stops
driving of the rotating device 6 upon having made a determination
from the endoscope image displayed on the monitor 8 screen that the
tip 5a of the insertion portion 5a has reached near the cecum
region 79. Transition is then made to retract the insertion portion
2 in order to perform endoscope inspection of the large intestine.
Note that an arrangement may be made for performing endoscope
inspection of the large intestine wherein the staff drives to
rotate the rotating device 6 in the clockwise direction on the axis
from the base end toward the distal end, thereby performing
retracting operation of the insertion portion 2.
[0084] Thus, with the endoscope system of a configuration wherein
the guide tube provided integrally with the insertion portion is
rotated by a rotating device, a spiral-shaped portion is provided
on the outer face of the guiding tube. Accordingly, in the state
wherein the insertion portion is inserted into the large intestine
for example, the contact state between the spiral-shaped portion of
the guide tube and the intestine wall is in the relation between a
so-called male screw and female screw. In this contact state, the
insertion portion holding section is rotated counter-clockwise on
its axis by the motor of the rotating device, so as to rotate the
endoscope insertion portion in the counter-clockwise direction on
its axis. Thus, the rotational force is converted into propulsion
force, and the endoscope insertion portion can be advanced toward
the deep portions of the large intestine as a male screw moving
into a female screw.
[0085] Also, according to the present embodiment, the staff can
insert the insertion portion 2 toward the target portion of a deep
portion in the body cavity by rotating the insertion portion 2 in
the counter-clockwise direction on its axis to gain propulsion
force, and while checking the endoscope image within the large
intestine on the monitor 8 screen. Accordingly, the staff can
easily check the bending state within the large intestine, the
insertion state of the insertion portion, and so forth.
Accordingly, insertion of the endoscope insertion portion to the
deep portion of the body cavity can be smoothly and speedily
performed, thereby reducing the load on the staff and the load on
the patient.
[0086] As a result of the above, with the endoscope system 1
according to the present embodiment, at the time of inserting the
insertion portion 2 into a body cavity such as the large intestine,
in addition to the propulsion force obtained by the guide tube, the
operator can insert the insertion portion into the body cavity such
as the large intestine while observing the body cavity such as the
large intestine, and therefore insertability of the insertion
portion 2 to the body cavity is improved.
[0087] Note that although with the present embodiment, the body
cavity to which the insertion portion 2 is to be inserted is
described as being the large intestine, the body cavity where the
insertion portion 2 is inserted is not restricted to the large
intestine, and may be the body cavity from the oral cavity through
the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, and so forth.
[0088] Also, note that a camera unit 30 may be detachably provided
to the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2, as shown in FIG. 12. In
this diagram, the camera unit 30 is fit into a camera unit storage
portion 5A provided to the tip 5a. Note that configurations which
are the same as those of the insertion portion 2 in the
above-described embodiment will be denoted with the same reference
numerals and description thereof will be omitted.
[0089] The camera unit 30 is formed with a smooth and generally
spherical shape for the outer face, giving consideration to
insertability of the insertion portion 2. Provided on the tip
portion of the camera unit 30 are an observation window 12, and
multiple, i.e., two illumination windows 13. The optical axis of
the observation window 12 and the rotating axis of the insertion
portion 2 generally agree. The two illumination portions 13 are
provided around the observation window 12. A generally-cylindrical
connector portion 30a is provided at the base side of the camera
unit 30. Multiple, two in this case, contact terminals 31 are
provided on the side circumferential face of the connector portion
30a.
[0090] As shown in FIG. 13, the connector portion 30a of the camera
unit 30 is inserted into the camera unit storage portion 5A of the
tip 5a. The connector portion 30a of the camera unit 30 is
integrally fixed to the tip 5a with a fixing member 33 such as a
screw or the like, to prevent from falling out from the camera unit
storage portion 5A. Accordingly, as with the above embodiment, upon
the insertion portion 2 entering a rotating state, the camera unit
30 integrally fixed to the tip 5a also rotates with the rotations
of the insertion portion 2.
[0091] An observation optical system 12a is disposed from the
observation window 12 of the camera unit 30 toward the base side.
The CCD 16 is disposed at the base of the observation system 12a.
Also, an illumination optical system 13a is disposed from each of
the illumination windows 13 toward the base side. An LED 17 is
disposed at the base end of each illumination optical system 13a.
The signal transmission cable extending form the CCD 16 and the
power source cable extending from the LEDs 17 are each connected to
the connecting terminals 31 of the connector portion 30a. On the
other hand, multiple, two in the case, contact pins 32 are provided
on the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2. The contact pins 32 are
electrically connected to the two contact terminals 31 of the
camera unit 30. The contact pins 32 protrude from the inner
circumferential face of the camera unit storage portion 5A by a
predetermined amount. Connected to each of the contact pins 32 are
the other ends of electric cables 11a of which the one ends are
connected to contact terminals 4A.
[0092] Also, an O-ring 34 is provided on the opening side of the
camera unit storage portion 5A. The O-ring 34 is provided in close
contact with the outer circumferential face of the connector
portion 30a of the camera unit 30. Water-tightness between the
connecter portion 30a and the camera unit storage portion 5A is
maintained by this O-ring 34.
[0093] Due to the above, the camera unit 30 can be easily attached
and detached to and form the insertion portion 2 via the fixing
member 33. Accordingly, the camera unit 30 can be easily replaced,
and also the CCD 16 and LEDs 17 built into the camera unit 30 can
be easily maintained.
[0094] A second embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 14 through 16.
[0095] Note that in describing the second embodiment, members with
the same configuration and same operations as those of the
endoscope system according to the first embodiment will be denoted
with the same reference numerals and description thereof will be
omitted.
[0096] As shown in FIG. 14, the guide tube 3 according to the
present embodiment is fit to the outer circumference portion of the
insertion portion body 5 in a movable manner, between the tip 5a of
the insertion portion and the connector portion 4. That is to say,
while the guide tube 3 according to the first embodiment was
integrally disposed to the insertion portion body 5, with the
present embodiment the guide tube 3 is disposed to the insertion
portion body 5 so as to be rotatable on the longitudinal axis
thereof. Note that with the present embodiment, surface processing
with high lubricity, such as fluorine coating, may be applied to
the inner circumferential face of the guide tube 3 to reduce
resistance upon rotating.
[0097] With the rotating device 6 according to the present
embodiment as well, a motor 40 is internally provided. A motor
shaft 40a of the motor 40 externally protrudes from a side plate
portion of the rotating device 6. The motor shaft 40a is parallel
to an insertion portion holding section 9A. A generally-cylindrical
rotating member 41 formed of an elastic material is disposed on the
tip portion of the motor shaft 40a. The rotating member 41 is
disposed so as to be in tight contact with the outer
circumferential face of the base portion of the guide tube 3 with a
predetermined pressing force. Accordingly, driving the motor 40
rotates the rotating member 41 disposed in close contact with the
guide tube 3, and the guide tube 3 is rotated in a predetermined
direction on the longitudinal axis as to the insertion portion body
5. In the present embodiment, the insertion portion holding section
9A is integrally fixed to the side plate portion of the rotating
device 6. Accordingly, there is no need to provide a collector such
as a slip ring 18 to the rotating device 6, thereby simplifying the
configuration of the rotating device 6.
[0098] Due to the above, at the time of inserting the insertion
portion 2 with the guide tube 3 in a rotating state into a body
cavity such as the large intestine, only the guide tube 3 is
rotated on the longitudinal axis. That is to say, the insertion
portion body 5 making up the insertion portion 2 does not rotate.
Accordingly, the camera unit 11 fit to the tip 5a also does not
rotate. Thus, rotating of images captured by the camera unit 11 of
the tip 5a can be prevented. Accordingly, image processing for
handling rotations of the tip 5a at the video processor 7 is
unnecessary.
[0099] Accordingly, observations signals output from the CCD 16 of
the camera unit 11 are continuously generated into video signals by
the vide processor 7, and displayed on the monitor 8 screen. Also,
there is no need to have the optical axis of the observation window
12 provided to the camera unit 11 disposed on the rotation axis of
the insertion portion 2, and thus the disposing position of the
observation window 12 and illumination windows 13 of the camera
unit 11 can be freely changed, and the degree of freedom of design
is improved. Accordingly, disposing the illumination windows 13 and
the observation window 12 such that light distribution balance
within the image-capturing range is optimal, or disposing the
illumination windows 13 and the observation window 12 to minimize
the diameter of the tip portion, and so forth, can be performed as
suitable.
[0100] Note that a configuration may be made wherein, instead of
having the rotating member 41 in close contact with the outer
circumferential face of the base portion of the guide tube 3, an
annular gear 43 is integrally provided to the base end portion of
the guide tube 3, as shown in FIG. 15.
[0101] Formed on the gear 43 are, for example, spur-like gear
grooves 43a, a cylindrical gear 42 is provided at the tip portion
of the motor shaft 40a of the motor 40. The cylindrical gear 42
provided to the motor shaft 40a of the motor 40 meshes with the
gear grooves 43a of the gear 43 provided to the guide tube 3.
Accordingly, driving the motor 40 rotates the cylindrical gear 42,
and the rotations of the cylindrical gear 42 are transmitted to the
gear 43 on which are formed the gear grooves 43a, so that only the
guide tube 3 rotates in the predetermined direction on the
longitudinal axis.
[0102] Note that the rotation direction of the guide tube 3 shown
in FIGS. 14 and 15 is the counter-clockwise direction on the
longitudinal axis of the guide tube 3, likely with the first
embodiment. Thus, contact of the guide tube 3 with the walls of the
large intestine is increased, and insertability of the insertion
portion 2 to the large intestine improves.
[0103] Note that as shown in FIG. 16, the external diameter of the
tip 5a of the insertion portion 2 is formed to be the same diameter
as with the insertion portion body 5. An abutting member 29a for
preventing falling out of the guide tube 3 is fixedly provided to
the tip 5a. Thus, the tip portion of the guide tube 3 abuts against
the abutting portion 29a, and the same configuration as that
described above can be obtained. The stopper member 29 is formed of
an elastic member fixed in close contact to the outer
circumferential face of the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2, or a
rigid member screwed to the outer circumferential face of the tip
5a. A male screw is formed on the outer circumferential face of the
tip 5a, and a female screw is formed on the inner hole of the
stopper member 29.
[0104] According to this configuration, the guide tube 3 can be
removed from the insertion portion body 5 which makes up the
insertion portion 2, by removing the stopper member 29 from the tip
5a. Accordingly, the staff can perform washing and sterilization
with high reliability with ease, since the insertion portion body 5
and the guide tube 3 are in a separated state. Note however that
the stopper member 29 and the guide tube 3 may be disposable.
[0105] Also, the rotation direction of the guide tube 3 described
above is the counter-clockwise direction on the longitudinal axis
of the guide tube 3, likely with the first embodiment. Thus,
contact of the guide tube 3 with the walls of the large intestine
is increased, and insertability of the insertion portion to the
large intestine improves.
[0106] A third embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 17 through 20.
[0107] With this embodiment as well, members with the same
configuration and same operations as those of the endoscope system
according to the first embodiment and second embodiment will be
denoted with the same reference numerals and description thereof
will be omitted.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 17, an observation window 12 and
illumination window 13 are provided to the distal face of the tip
5a of the insertion portion 2. Provided within the tip 5a are an
observation optical system 12a having a CCD 16, and two
illumination optical systems 13a having LEDs 17. A CCD wiring
through hole 5B and an LED wiring through hole 5C are provided
within the connector portion 4 of the insertion portion body 5. A
signal transmission cable extending from the CCD 16 is inserted
through the CCD wiring through hole 5B, and a power source cable
extending from the LEDs 17 is inserted through the wiring through
hole 5C.
[0109] A CCD connection terminal 45 is provided at the end of the
CCD wiring through hole 5B of the connector portion 4. The signal
transmission cable is connected to the CCD connection terminal 45.
On the other hand, an LED connection terminal 46 is provided to the
end of the LED wiring through hole 5C. The power cable is connected
to the LED contact terminal 46. These CCD connection terminal 45
and Led connection terminal 46 are provided such that each is
exposed from the hole bases of the two pin holes 4b of the
connector portion 4.
[0110] At the time of linking the insertion portion 2 to the
insertion portion holding section 9, the two pins 14A and 14B
provided to the insertion portion holding section 9A are
respectively inserted into the tow pin holes 4b provided to the
connector portion 4. In the linked state, the pin 14A comes into
contact with the CCD contact terminal 45, and the pin 14B comes
into contact with the LED contact terminal 46. The signal
transmission cable is connected to the pin 14A. Accordingly, the
pin 14A is a pin terminal for transmitting the observation signals
output from the CCD 16 to the video processor 7. On the other hand,
the power source cable is connected to the pin 14B. Accordingly,
the pin 14B is a pin terminal for supplying LED power source to the
LEDs 17.
[0111] The configuration of the linking portion between the
connector portion 4 of the insertion portion 2 and the insertion
portion holding section 9A of the rotating device 6, will be
described in detail, with reference to FIGS. 18 through 20.
[0112] A key portion 15A protruding toward the outer circumference
side is provided on a protrusion 15 making up the insertion portion
holding section 9A provided to the rotating device 6, as shown in
FIG. 18. Corresponding to this, a keyhole portion 4A is provided to
a fitting hole 4a provided to the connector portion 4 of the
insertion portion 2. The keyhole portion 4A is configured such that
the key portion 15A provided to the protrusion 15 of the insertion
portion holding section 9A is retained therein. Accordingly, the
connector portion 4 of the insertion portion 2 and the insertion
portion holding section 9A of the rotating device 6 are linked at a
predetermined position relation set beforehand, at the time of
linking. Accordingly, the key portion 15A and the keyhole portion
4A are positioning members, such that in a state of linking, the
pin 14A and the CCD contact terminal 45 are brought into contact in
a sure manner, and the pin 14B and the LED contact terminal 46 are
brought into contact in a sure manner.
[0113] Note that an arrangement may be made wherein, instead of
providing positioning members such as the key portion 15A and
keyhole portion 4A, the pins 14A and 14B also serve as positioning
members, as shown in FIG. 19. Specifically, the pins 14A and 14B
are disposed in non-point-symmetry as to the perimeter of the
protrusion 16 of the insertion portion holding section 9A. At this
time, the positions of the two pin holes 4B provided to the
connector portion 4 of the insertion portion 2 are provided facing
the pins 14A and 14B, and also the pin 14A is disposed so as to
come into contact with the CCD contact terminal 45 and the pin 14B
is disposed so as to come into contact with the LED contact
terminal 46.
[0114] Also, a positioning pin 14C may be provided separately from
the pins 14A and 14B to the insertion portion holding section 9A,
as shown in FIG. 20. At this time, a position hole 4c is provided
to the connector portion 4 of the insertion portion 2 to which the
positioning pin 14C provided to the insertion portion holding
section 9A is inserted.
[0115] According to the above, the connector portion 4 of the
insertion portion 2 and the insertion portion holding section 9A of
the rotating device 6 are always linked only by a predetermined
positional relation. That is to say, at the time of linking, the
pin 14A of the insertion portion holding section 9A is inserted in
the pin hole 4b of the CCD contact terminal 45 side in a sure
manner, and the pin 14B is inserted into the pin hole 4b of the LED
contact terminal 46 side in a sure manner. Accordingly, the staff
can perform linking connection of the connector portion 4 of the
insertion portion 2 and the insertion portion holding section 9A of
the rotating device 6 without taking into consideration the
orientation thereof.
[0116] Note that with the endoscope system 1 wherein the insertion
portion 2 rotates, rotation marks may occur on the insertion
portion 2 depending on the position of the pins 14A and 14B.
Accordingly, with the endoscope system 1 wherein the insertion
portion 2 rotates, the positions of protrusion of the pins 14A and
14B of the rotating device 6 are preferably in point symmetry to
the center of the insertion portion holding section 9A, as shown in
FIG. 18.
[0117] According to the above, in addition to the operations and
advantages of the first and second embodiments, with the present
embodiment the power source cable connected to the LED 17 and the
signal transmission cable connected to the CCD 16 are each passed
through respective through holes 5B and 5C within the insertion
portion body 5. Accordingly, electrical trouble occurring due to
the power source cable and signal transmission cable being in close
proximity can be avoided. Specifically, noise is prevented from
entering the observation signals output from the CCD 16, and
consequently, a good endoscope image is displayed on the screen of
the monitor 8. Also, the connector portion 4 of the insertion
portion 2 and the insertion portion holding section 9A of the
rotating device 6 are linked only in a predetermined fitting
direction, so the pin 14A of the insertion portion holding section
9A is inserted in the pin hole 4b of the CCD contact terminal 45
side in a sure manner, and the pin 14B is inserted into the pin
hole 4b of the LED contact terminal 46 side in a sure manner.
Accordingly, connection mistakes wherein the connector portion 4 of
the insertion portion 2 and the insertion portion holding section
9A of the rotating device 6 are erroneously connected are resolved,
thereby reducing the load on the staff.
[0118] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be
described with reference to FIGS. 21 through 24.
[0119] With this embodiment as well, members with the same
configuration and same operations as those of the endoscope system
according to the first embodiment through third embodiment will be
denoted with the same reference numerals and description thereof
will be omitted.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 21, an opening of a channel 50 is provided
to the tip face of the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2 with the
present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, the channel 50 is a
through hole extending to the connector portion 4 of the insertion
portion 2. The opening end of the channel 50 at the connector
portion 4 side of the insertion portion 2 is provided on the side
circumferential face of the connector portion 4, for example. A
tube connector 51 is provided to the opening of the connector
portion 4 side, and one end of the tube 52 is detachably linked to
the tube connector 51. The other end of the tube 52 is selectively
connected to an external device, e.g., an air/water pump, suction
pump, syringe, or the like, which are selected as appropriate
according to the various usages thereof.
[0121] Gear grooves 9a are provided to the base portion of the
insertion portion holding section 9 of the rotating device 6, in
the same way as with the first embodiment. The cylindrical gear 20a
provided to the top portion of the motor shaft of the motor 20
meshes with the gear grooves 9a. With the present embodiment, the
insertion portion holding section 9 is rotated in the
counter-clockwise direction and clockwise direction on the
longitudinal axis by the motor 20. Accordingly, the insertion
portion 2 is also turned in the counter-clockwise direction and the
clockwise direction on the longitudinal axis. The turning range of
the insertion portion holding section 9 is restricted to a
predetermined range, e.g., 360.degree.. Restriction of the turning
of the insertion portion holding section 9 is performed by
controlling the turning of the motor 20, based on control signals
output from the control unit 22a of the control device 22.
[0122] Note that with the present embodiment, the guide tube 3 is
rotated in the counter-clockwise direction on the longitudinal axis
as to the insertion portion body 5 making up the insertion portion
2 by the motor 40. Also, rotation of the insertion portion 2 is not
restricted to turning on longitudinal axis by the motor 20, and is
suitable as long as the connector portion 4 of the insertion
portion 2 is provided with rotation on the longitudinal axis. Also,
an arrangement may be made wherein the rotating device 6 is
provided with a so-called rack-and-pinion, to realize reciprocal
movement of the insertion portion 2 in the longitudinal direction,
for example.
[0123] Accordingly, feeding air or water, or performing suction, to
or from the large intestine or other body cavities, is enabled by
providing the channel 50 to the insertion portion 2. Also, turning
the insertion portion 2 within a predetermined turning range by the
motor 20 allows the staff to change the position of the channel 50
and the observation window 12 to a desired position. These improve
the efficiency of endoscopy, diagnosis, and so forth.
[0124] Note that, as shown in FIG. 23, a replacement unit 53 may be
provided to the insertion portion 2 which is detachable from the
tip 5a to the connector portion 4. In more detail, a through hole
2A of generally the same shape as the outer shaft of the
replacement unit 53 is provided in the longitudinal direction from
the tip 5a of the insertion portion 2 up to the connector portion
4. Accordingly, a replacement unit 53 can be detachably inserted
into the through hole 2A of the insertion portion 2. The
replacement unit 53 is a tubular member having flexibility, and has
a channel 53a. A tube connector 54 linking to the channel 53a is
provided on the base portion of the replacement unit 53. A
biocompatible lubricant such as grease or a powder or the like, for
example is applied to the outer face of the replacement unit 53.
Accordingly, the staff can readily insert the replacement unit 53
into the through hole 2A of the insertion portion 2. As with the
above embodiment, the tube connector 54 is selectively connected to
an external device, e.g., an air/water pump, suction pump, syringe,
or the like, as appropriate according to the various usages
thereof.
[0125] As shown in FIG. 24, a notch 56 is provided to the insertion
portion holding section 9B of the rotating device 6 to which is
linked the insertion portion 2 having the through hole 2A where the
replacement unit 53 is disposed. Accordingly, at the time of
linking the connector portion 4 of the insertion portion 2 with the
replacement unit 53 disposed in the insertion hole 2A, to the
insertion portion holding section 9B of the rotating device 6, the
tube connector 54 and the tube 55 linked to the tube connector 54
are prevented from coming into contact with the insertion portion
holding section 9B.
[0126] Also, the insertion portion 2 may be turned on the
longitudinal axis by the insertion portion holding section 9B of
the rotating device 6. Further, a washing nozzle or a water feed
nozzle or the like may be provided to the tip face of the
replacement unit 53 to wash the observation window 12 via the
channel 50. Moreover, the number of channels 53a provided to the
replacement unit 53 is not restricted to one, and may be
plural.
[0127] Due to the above, the staff can replace various types of
replacement units 53 to be inserted to the insertion portion 2,
thereby performing various types of endoscopy and diagnosis and the
like.
[0128] Further, the configuration shown in the following FIGS. 25
through 29 may be provided to the above-described endoscope system
1 according to the first embodiment through fourth embodiment.
[0129] With the rotating device 6 according to the endoscope system
1 shown in FIG. 25, a wireless transmitter 60 and a power source
battery 61 are provided within the insertion portion holding
section 9. The power source battery 61 supplies driving power to
the CCD 16, LEDs 17, and wireless transmitter 60. Note that the
battery 61 may be either a chargeable battery or a disposable
type.
[0130] The wireless transmitter 60 wirelessly transmits observation
signals output and transmitted from the CCD 16 in the insertion
portion 2 to a receiver 62. The receiver 62 is connected to the
video processor 7 by a cable or the like. The observation signals
received at the receiver 62 are supplied to the video processor 7.
Accordingly, the video signals generated at the video processor 7
are output to the monitor 8, and an endoscope image image-captured
by the CCD 16 is displayed on the monitor 8 screen. Note that the
receiver 62 may be built into the video processor 7.
[0131] Due to the above, the power source cable and signal
transmission cable extended from the insertion portion holding
section 9 of the rotating device 6 for rotating the insertion
portion 2 to the control device 22 and the like can be eliminated,
and also signals can be exchanged without complex parts such as the
slip ring 18 or the like. Accordingly, the configuration of the
rotating device 6 can be simplified, thereby realizing reduction in
size of the device.
[0132] The endoscope system 1 shown in FIG. 26 is a configuration
wherein a connector unit 62 has been built onto the base side of
the connector portion 4 of the insertion portion 2. Provided in the
connector unit 62 are the wireless transmitter 60 and power source
battery 61. The connector unit 62 is detachably mounted to the
insertion portion holding section 9 of the rotating device 6. The
connector unit 62 may also be detachably mounted to the connector
portion 4 of the insertion portion 2.
[0133] Thus, the connector unit portion 62 provided with the
wireless transmitter 60 and power source battery 61 is detachable
from the insertion portion holding section 9 and the connector
portion 4, and therefore expensive equipment such as the wireless
transmitter 60 and power source battery 61 can be reused. Thus, an
inexpensive endoscope system 1 with reduced running costs can be
realized.
[0134] An arrangement may be made such as shown in FIG. 27, wherein
the external shape of the rotating device 6 is that of a rotating
device 70 having an operating portion shape which can be grasped by
the staff as with a conventional endoscope portion. Thus, linking
the connector portion 4 of the insertion portion 2 to the insertion
portion holding section 9 provided to the rotating device 70
configures an endoscope device 80. A universal cord 71 to be
connected to various types of external equipment extends from, for
example, the side portion of the rotating device 70. To one side
face of the rotating device 70 in the proximity of the universal
cord 71, two switches 72, and one stop switch 72a, for example, are
provided. The two switches 72 are for rotating operations of the
insertion portion 2 in the counter-clockwise direction and the
clockwise direction, respectively, on the longitudinal axis. The
stop switch 72a is for stopping turning of the insertion portion
2.
[0135] Also, the insertion portion holding section 9 protrudes from
the tip opening of a buckling prevention portion 70a which is the
tip portion of the turning device 70. Also, as shown in FIG. 28,
the insertion portion holding section 9 and the connector portion 4
of the insertion portion 2, protruding from the buckling prevention
portion 70a, are detachable. Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the
insertion portion holding section 9 is held so as to turn on the
longitudinal axis as to the rotating device 70. Specifically, the
insertion portion holding section 9 is turnably held by a bearing
21. The bearing 21 is disposed on the inner circumferential face of
the tip opening of the buckling prevention portion 70a of the
rotating device 70. The gear grooves 9a are provided to the base
portion of the insertion portion holding section 9. The cylindrical
gear 20a provided to the motor shaft of the motor 20 meshes with
the gear grooves 9a. Accordingly, driving the motor 20 by operating
the switches 72 rotates the insertion portion holding section 9 in
the predetermined direction on the longitudinal axis. A slip ring
18 is provided on the base side of the insertion portion holding
section 9. A cable extending from the control device 22 is passed
through the universal cord 71, via the rotating device 70.
[0136] Consequently, linking the insertion portion 2 to the
rotating device 70 having the operating portion shape enables
operability at the time of inserting the insertion portion 2 into a
body cavity such as the large intestine or the like, while
eliminating the sense of unfamiliarity with the staff using the
endoscope system 1 since the shape is that of a conventional
endoscope device.
[0137] Note that the present invention is not restricted to the
above-described embodiments, and that various modifications can be
made within the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *