JP2000089131A - Electronic endoscope device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic endoscope device which is excellent in housing-ability of an insertion part of an electronic endoscope provided with a curve part of which curving operation is driven by an electric motor and which is made compact in the whole device and has improved transfer character in the state that the insertion part is housed. SOLUTION: A drum part 10a is composed of a cylindrical member 14 for winding an insertion part 2a around the outer peripheral surface, and a 1st side plate 11 and a 2nd side plate 12 closing both end openings of the cylindrical member 14, and the inside of the cylindrical member is made to be a sealed-up space by fixedly adhering the 1st side plate 11 and the 2nd side plate 12 to the cylindrical member 14. In this sealed-up space, a motor driven curving unit 15 for curving a curve part 7 by motor operation, a motor curve control circuit part 16 for controlling a curved state of the curve part 7, a CCU 17 provided with an image processing circuit for converting an image signal picked up with CCD into a TV signal and a timing generating circuit for driving the CCD, a light source part 18 for supplying illuminating light for observation, and peripheral equipment such as a power source unit 13, etc., as a power source are arranged. Further, the drum part 10a is housed in a housing.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric bending unit provided inside a drum for winding an insertion section, by operating a bending section constituting an insertion section of an electronic endoscope provided with a solid-state imaging device. The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope apparatus performed by a driving force from the electronic endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical and industrial fields. The endoscope used in the industrial field has a considerably long insertion portion so that the inside of a long pipe can be sufficiently observed. For this reason, there is a drum-winding-type endoscope apparatus in which the long insertion portion is wound around a drum so that it can be stored and stored as compactly as possible without performing an endoscope inspection.

[0003] In the case of an endoscope used in this endoscope apparatus, it is desirable that the outer dimensions of the insertion portion be as small as possible so as to be inserted into a pipe or the like having a small inner diameter for inspection. Further, when a branch is provided in the middle of the pipe to be observed, the distal end of the insertion section is inserted so that the endoscope can be inserted into a desired pipe from among a plurality of branched pipes. It is desirable to provide a curved portion at the bottom.

For example, Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 58-172905 discloses a storage device for an endoscope in which a scope housing drum enters a carrying case. In the storage device of this endoscope, only the scope alone is stored, and other system-related devices are not stored.

Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 1-204014 discloses an endoscope apparatus in which a lavatorator drive unit, a CCU and a light source are built in a drum. In this endoscope apparatus, the drum was exposed, and the transportability of the system was not considered.

[0006] For this reason, there has been a demand for an endoscope apparatus that takes into account at least the transportability of the system. Tokuhei 5-
Japanese Patent No. 56486 discloses a camera control (hereinafter, referred to as a camera) for processing a video signal from a drum unit and a solid-state image pickup device in a unit main body in order to improve convenience such as carrying and storing an endoscope, and operability such as insertability. (Abbreviated as CCU)
An endoscope unit device incorporating the above is disclosed.
However, in this device, the bending mechanism was not provided in the endoscope.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 4-81711 discloses an operating section for setting the amount of bending of a bending section, and a flexible tube having this bending section in order to improve the operability by being small and easy to handle. An endoscope apparatus is provided which includes a storage unit for winding and storing the control unit, and a control unit provided in the storage unit and controlling a fluid pressure to the bending unit based on a set value from the operation unit. In this endoscope apparatus, each device and the drum were separate, but the entire system including the drum was provided integrally with the case.

Further, US Pat. No. 5,323,899 mentioned above.
The issue shows a video probe case in which the entire system is housed in one package. In this case, the scope unit integrated with the CCU and the light source unit are housed separately.

[0009] German Patent DE19748795 discloses an endoscope apparatus provided with a drum, a bending mechanism, a CCU, a light source and the like.

[0010]

However, in the endoscope unit disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-56486, the operability is improved by integrally providing the drum, the light source and the CCU in the unit main body. Although greatly improved, when the insertion portion was wound up, various operation buttons and the like provided in the endoscope were exposed because the drum was exposed. And the transportability of the whole system was bad. In addition, it was difficult to improve impact resistance and environmental resistance.

Further, in the endoscope apparatus disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-81711, each device is individually housed in a separate case. For this reason, the storage space is wasteful, and it has been difficult to store each device compactly. Also, via the drum, many signal lines and light guide fibers inserted into the scope insertion section,
There has been a problem that the assembly work for connecting to each device is complicated and the structure is complicated.

Further, in the case of the video probe disclosed in the above-mentioned US Pat. No. 5,323,899, since each device is individually housed, the space efficiency is poor and the case becomes large. In addition, when using the scope, it is necessary to always take out the large and heavy operation part with a built-in electric angle mechanism from the case, and the operability is poor. Furthermore, the scope was housed by itself and was not a drum type storage type.

[0013] The above-mentioned German patent DE1974879
In the endoscope apparatus shown in No. 5, the storage of the insertion portion is considered, but the drum is exposed when the insertion portion is wound up, and various operation buttons and the like provided on the endoscope are provided. Is in an exposed state, and the storability of the controller and other members to be stored is not considered. For this reason,
There is the same problem as the endoscope unit device disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-56486.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has excellent storage stability of an insertion portion of an electronic endoscope provided with a bending portion for performing a bending operation electrically, and the entire system in the insertion portion storage state. It is an object of the present invention to provide a compact electronic endoscope apparatus with improved transportability.

[0015]

According to an electronic endoscope apparatus of the present invention, a bending section constituting an insertion section of an endoscope is operated to bend electrically, and a solid-state imaging device is provided at a distal end of the insertion section. An electronic endoscope, a drum device having a drum unit for winding and storing the insertion section around the outer periphery, and a separate and independent from the electronic endoscope for allowing an operator to input a bending direction of the bending section. A bending input control unit, an electric bending unit including a drive source of a driving mechanism for driving the bending unit provided inside the drum unit, a video signal for controlling the solid-state imaging device and processing a signal of the solid-state imaging device A camera control unit having a processing unit, an electric bending control circuit unit for controlling the operation of the bending unit, and a storage case for rotatably storing the drum unit are provided.

According to this configuration, the whole system is made compact and workability is improved, and the transportability in the housed state is improved by winding the insertion section of the electronic endoscope around the drum section.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is an overall view illustrating a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a drum unit in a transparent state. 3 is a sectional view of the drum including a side view of the motor unit, FIG. 4 is a view of the motor unit shown in FIG. 3 from the direction of arrow A, and FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the distal end side of the insertion portion.

As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope apparatus 1 includes an industrial endoscope 2 having an elongated and flexible insertion portion 2a,
A drum device 10 having a drum portion 10a for winding an insertion portion 2a around an outer peripheral portion, and a drum portion 10 of the drum device 10
It comprises a storage case 3 for storing a in a rotatable state, and a controller 5 connected to the drum device 10 via a cable 4.

The insertion section 2a includes, in order from the distal end side, a rigid distal end hard section 6 having a solid-state image pickup device such as a charge-coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) as an observation optical system, and the distal end rigid section 6 is provided with a desired A flexible bending section 7 formed by connecting a plurality of articulated pieces that bend in a direction is connected to an elongated and flexible flexible tube 8. That is, the industrial endoscope 2 is an electronic endoscope, and a signal line and a light guide, which will be described later, are inserted through the insertion portion 2a.

The storage case 3 includes a case body 3a,
For example, the case body 3a includes a grip portion 3b provided on the upper surface. A shaft portion that rotatably supports the drum portion 10a of the drum device 10 is provided in the case main body 3a. The insertion portion 2 of the drum portion 10a
A base end of the insertion portion 2a is connected to an outer peripheral portion around which the insertion portion 2a is wound. By rotating the drum portion 10a in a predetermined direction during storage, the insertion portion 2a
a.

A connector portion is provided at the center of the shaft portion supporting the drum portion 10a of the case body 3a, and the cable 4 is connected to the connector portion via a detachable connector 4a. It has become so.

The cable 4 is elongated and flexible.
It has a signal cable or an optical communication cable (not shown) inside, and transmits control signals and video signals. And
A controller 5 which is a remote control unit is connected to a base end of the cable 4. The controller 5 is provided with a joystick 5a serving as a bending input control unit serving as a unit for operating the bending operation of the bending unit 7, and a monitor 5b serving as a unit for displaying an observation image.

As shown in FIG. 2, the drum portion 10a is a tubular member 14 for winding the insertion portion 2a around the outer peripheral surface, and a set of discs attached to the tubular member 14 by closing openings at both ends. The tubular member 14 includes a first side plate 11 and a second side plate 12.
Are adhered and fixed to a waterproof / dustproof structure using, for example, an adhesive to make the inside of the tubular member a closed space.

An electric bending unit 15 provided with a drive source of a drive mechanism for bending the bending portion 7 by electric operation in a closed space of the drum portion 10a, and a joystick of the controller 5 for controlling a bending state of the bending portion 7 An electric bending control circuit unit (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a control circuit unit) 16 for controlling based on the instruction signal from 5a, an image processing circuit for converting an image signal photoelectrically converted by imaging with the CCD to a TV signal, A camera control unit (hereinafter, referred to as CCU) 17 including a timing generation circuit for generating a timing signal for driving the CCD, a light source unit 18 for supplying illumination light for observation to the endoscope, and a power supply Power supply unit 13 as a power supply unit such as a battery serving as a supply unit
Peripheral devices are arranged.

The power supply unit 13, the electric bending unit 15, the control circuit 16, the CCU 17 and the like
In consideration of the rotational balance of the drum part 10a, the drum part 10a is disposed in the closed space. Further, in order to keep the rotational balance of the drum portion 10a optimal, it is possible to add a balance weight for achieving an overall weight balance.

The base end of the insertion portion 2a is introduced into a closed space through an insertion portion insertion hole (hereinafter also referred to as an insertion hole) 19 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 14, and the electric bending is performed. Connected to unit 15. The electric bending unit 15 and the control circuit 16 are connected to a drive cable 20,
21. A signal line 22 that extends through the insertion section 2a and extends from the distal end rigid section 6 is connected to the CCU 17, and a light guide 23 is connected to the light source section 18.
It is connected to the.

The CCU 17 converts the image signal transmitted from the CCD through the signal line 22 into a TV signal, and then converts the TV signal to the liquid crystal monitor 5b of the controller 5 via the cable 4 shown in FIG. Output.

The control circuit 16 includes the controller 5
By controlling an operation of a motor unit of the electric bending unit 15 described later from an input signal obtained by operating the joystick 5a, the bending section 7 is bent to a desired state.

The light source section 18 is provided with the light guide 23
Light is supplied to the rear end face. The light supplied to the rear end face is emitted from the end face of the endoscope to the observation section via the light guide 23.

The power supply unit 13 supplies power to the electric bending unit 15, the control circuit section 16, the CCU 17, and the light source section 18, and is a battery type or an AC-DC power supply using external power. .

It is to be noted that the storage case 3
The power supply unit 13, the electric bending unit 15, the control circuit unit 16, the CCU 17, the light source unit 18, and the like are not devices that can be used as so-called stand-alone units housed in a housing.
That is, it is a simple unit provided integrally with the drum unit 10a and the case 3. For this reason, there are few mechanical restrictions such as the shape formed by the housing. Therefore, these devices are efficiently arranged in the space of the drum portion 10a and the storage case 3 which has conventionally been a dead space, thereby achieving compactness.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first side plate 1
1 has an electric bending unit 1 via spacers 24 and 25.
The base plate 26 that constitutes 5 is integrally fixed by, for example, screwing (adhesive fixing may be used).

The electric bending unit 15 includes the base plate 26, a fixing member 27 attached to an end of the base plate 26 on the spacer 24 side, and a coil pipe receiver 28.
And posts 29, 30, attached to the spacer 25 side.
31 and 32, and a frame 33 fixed via the columns 29, 30, 31, and 32.
A motor mount 36 is fixed to the frame 33 via bearings 34 and 35. Motor units 37 and 38 are attached to the motor mount 36.

The motor units 37 and 38 are composed of reduction gears 39 and 40 and motors 41 and 42, respectively. The output shafts of the motor units 37 and 38 are rotatably supported by the bearings 34 and 35, respectively. Sprockets 43 and 44 are provided on these rotatable output shafts.
Meshing portions 43a, 44 provided on the outer peripheral surfaces of
a is engaged with the chains 45 and 46 wound thereon.

At both ends of the chain 45, metal fittings 47,
48 are attached, and fittings 49 and 50 are attached to both ends of the chain 46. These fittings 47,
The rear ends of the angle wires 59, 60, 61, 62 which are operation wires extending from the insertion portion 2 a are connected to 48, 49, 50. Note that FIG.
Also, in FIG. 4, the metal fitting 50 and the angle wire 62 are not shown in the drawing because they do not overlap with the metal fitting 49 and the angle wire 61 and cannot be seen.

As shown in FIG. 5, an objective optical system 65 is provided inside the rigid distal end portion 6 of the insertion section 2a of the endoscope 2, and a CCD 66 having an image pickup surface arranged at an image forming position of the objective optical system 65. A signal line 22 extending from the CCD 66 and a light guide 23 for supplying illumination light are provided.

The objective optical system 65 forms an image of an observation object on the image pickup surface of the CCD 66. The CCD 66 photoelectrically converts the image formed on the image pickup surface into an image signal and outputs the signal line 22.
To the CCU 17. The light guide 2
Reference numeral 3 transmits illumination light for illuminating the observation site, and emits the illumination light from the distal end surface toward the observation site. The signal line 22 and the light guide 23 pass through the insertion portion 2a and reach the closed space of the drum portion 10a.

A curved portion 7 is connected to the distal end hard portion 6. The curved portion 7 includes a plurality of ring-shaped joint pieces 67.
They are rotatably connected to each other by rivets 68. The plurality of joint pieces 67 rotatably connected are covered with a rubber tube 69. The insertion portion 2a is covered by an outer braid 71 made of metal netting for protection over the entire length.

Pipe-shaped wire receivers 7 having through holes are provided at positions corresponding to the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the inner peripheral surface of the joint piece 67.
0 is fixed. Angle wires 59, 60, 61, 62 are slidably inserted into the through holes of these wire receivers 70. In addition, in this figure, only the angle wires 59 and 60 arranged in the vertical direction are shown.

These angle wires 59, 60, 61,
The distal end portion 62 is fixed at a position corresponding to the up-down and left-right directions of the rear end portion of the distal end rigid portion 6. Therefore, the angle wires 59, 60, 6 corresponding to the respective directions are provided.
The pulling portions 1 and 62 cause the bending portion 7 to bend in a desired direction, so that the distal end surface of the distal end rigid portion 6 can be directed in a desired direction. The joint piece 67
The number is increased or decreased according to the desired maximum bending angle to configure the bending portion 7. That is, the present invention is not limited to the number of the joint pieces 67 shown in FIG.

A long flexible tube 8 is connected to the bending portion 7. In this flexible tube 8, coil pipes 51, 52,
53 and 54 are provided. These coil pipes 51, 5
2, 53, 54 are integrally fixed to the distal end of the flexible tube 8 by, for example, brazing.
1, 52, 53, 54, the angle wires 59,
60, 61, and 62 are slidably inserted. In the figure, coil pipes 51 and 52 arranged vertically are shown.
Only shown.

The coil pipes 51, 52, 5
3, 54 and angle wires 59, 60, 61, 62
Extend through the flexible tube 8 to the electric bending unit 15.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a rear cap 72 provided at the rear end of the insertion portion 2a is fixed to the fixing member 27. Thus, the insertion portion 2a and the electric bending unit 15 are connected.

The coil pipes 51, 52, 53, 54 extending through the insertion portion 2 a and extending from the end of the insertion portion pass through the rear mouthpiece 72 and the fixing member 27, and are pierced. It is fixed to the coil pipe receiver 28 by coil pipe stoppers 55, 56, 57, 58 provided at the ends of 52, 53, 54.

The coil pipes 51, 52, 5
Angle wires 59, 60, 61, 62 whose one ends are connected to the metal fittings 47, 48, 49, 50 for transmitting the driving force from the motors 41, 42 are inserted through 3, 54.

As a result, an input signal obtained by operating the joystick 5a is input to the control circuit 16, and the control circuit 16 outputs a drive signal corresponding to the input signal to the motor units 37 and 38. As a result, the motors 41 and 42 of the motor units 37 and 38 are driven, respectively, and the reduction gears 39 and 40 increase the speed and torque to rotate the output shaft, and the sprockets 43 respectively attached to the output shaft. , 44 rotate, the chains 45, 46 meshing with the meshing portions 43a, 44a of the sprockets 43, 44 move. This allows the chains 47, 48, 4
Angle wires 59, 60, 61, 62 connected to metal wires 9, 50 via metal fittings 47, 48, 49, 50 are pushed and pulled to operate these angle wires 59, 60, 6.
The bending section 7 performs the bending operation in the directions in which the operation has been performed.

A hole member 63 having an insertion portion insertion hole 19 for inserting the insertion portion 2a is fixed to the tubular member 14 by, for example, an adhesive. An O-ring 64 for waterproof and dustproof purposes is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion portion insertion hole 19 of the opening member 63, and the inside of the drum portion 10a is externally inserted through the insertion portion insertion hole 19 through the insertion portion insertion hole 19. To prevent water and dust from entering the enclosed space.

The motor units 37 and 38, sprockets 43 and 44, chains 45 and 46, angle wires 59 and 60 and angle wires 61 and 62, coil pipes 51 and 52, and coil pipes 53 and 54.
Are two sets, each of which performs a bending operation in the vertical and horizontal directions. When more precise control of the motor is required, an encoder is added to the motor unit.

The operation of the endoscope apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. In a state before use such as storage or transportation of the endoscope apparatus 1, the insertion section 2 a is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 14 of the drum section 10 a constituting the drum apparatus 10.

Therefore, in preparation for the inspection work, that is, when setting up the endoscope apparatus 1, first, the drum section 10a is rotated in a predetermined direction to pull out the insertion section 2a. At this time, in the present embodiment, the drum device 1
Since the light guide 23 of the endoscope 2 and the light source unit 18 and the signal line 22 of the endoscope 2 and the CCU 17 are connected within 0, the connection work at this stage becomes unnecessary.

For this reason, the detachable controller 5
Is connected to the drum device 10 so that the operation of the bending operation and the observation on the liquid crystal monitor 5b can be performed.

The operation of the bending operation is performed by the joystick 5a.
Is operated to control the rotation operation of the motors 41 and 42 via the control circuit unit 16.

After the inspection is completed, the controller 5 is detached from the drum device 10, and then the drum portion 10a is again rotated in the opposite direction to the above, and the insertion portion 2a is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 14. As a result, the endoscope device 1 enters a storage state.

As described above, the peripheral device such as the electric bending unit, the power supply unit, the control circuit, the CCU, and the light source unit is provided in the drum unit of the drum device with the driving source of the driving mechanism for bending at least the bending unit by electric operation. By arranging the drum portion in a storage case so as to be rotatable to form an endoscope device, the long insertion portion of the endoscope can be wound around the drum portion of the drum device, and the endoscope can be used. And each peripheral device can be stored compactly. This facilitates storage and transportation of the endoscope device.

Also, pulling out or winding up the insertion portion
This can be performed by a simple operation of rotating the drum unit in a predetermined direction. As a result, the operation of pulling out or winding up the insertion portion is facilitated, and the preparation for inspection and clearing are completed in a short time.

Further, since peripheral devices such as the light source unit and the CCU are arranged inside the drum device, the whole system can be compactly integrated into one. This not only does not require much space for storage and transportation, but also facilitates installation and operation of the endoscope apparatus in a place where the space for examination is narrow at the time of examination.

In the prior art, each of the light source unit, the CCU, and the electric bending unit is provided in a single package. However, in the present embodiment, the light source unit, the CCU, the electric bending unit, and the like are housed inside the drum device. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the production cost by eliminating the need for an exterior member attached to each device.

Further, a light source unit provided in the drum device and C
Since the CU is connected in advance, it is possible to prevent equipment failure due to incorrect connection, and to prepare for inspection,
Clearing can be completed in a short time.

Further, by bending the bending portion by electric bending, the bending operation can be performed more easily than in the case of manual bending, and the fatigue of the examiner can be reduced.
Workability of endoscopy can be improved.

Further, since the controller does not have a built-in bending mechanism for electric operation or manual operation like a conventional endoscope device, the controller can be easily formed into a small, lightweight and optimal shape for use. Can be realized.

Further, the peripheral devices such as the electric bending unit, the control circuit, the CCU, the light source unit, and the power supply unit housed in the housing case are not devices that can be used in a so-called stand-alone manner, but the drum unit or the drum housing. Since it is a mere unit that is provided integrally with the case, there are few mechanical restrictions such as the shape of the housing, and the existing dead space inside the drum section and inside the drum storage case is used as a storage space, making each device efficient Can be stored well. As a result, the size of the storage case main body can be made small, and workability such as storage and transportation is greatly improved.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing another configuration of the drum section according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

The present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the place where the electric bending unit is fixed. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same members are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. Only different portions will be described.

As shown in the figure, similar to the first embodiment,
The drum portion 10 b includes two first side plates 11 and a second side plate 12.
An electric bending unit 15 is fixed in a sealed space provided inside the tubular member 14.

The electric bending unit 15 is fixedly arranged on the tubular member 14 by fixing the base plate 26 to the first spacer 81 and the second spacer 82 by, for example, screwing or bonding.

The electric bending unit 15 of the tubular member 14
An opening member 84 having an insertion hole 83 through which the base end side of the insertion portion 2a is inserted is provided in the vicinity of the mounting portion. The opening member 84 is fixed to the tubular member 14 in a waterproof and dustproof structure, and an O-ring 85 is provided in the insertion hole 83 so as to make the inside of the space tightly sealed to the insertion portion 2a a waterproof and dustproof structure. Is provided.

An electric bending control circuit (not shown), C
The CU, the light source and the like are fixed to one of the two side plates 11 and 12, as in the first embodiment.

As described above, by forming the drum portion by fixing the electric bending unit to the tubular member, in addition to the first effect, the empty space of the side plate is increased, and the control circuit
The space for disposing the CCU, the light source, the battery, the balance weight, and the like can be increased.

The drum device can be made more compact by increasing the free space of the side plate and arranging the control circuit, CCU, light source, battery, balance weight and the like efficiently.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of the drum unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as seen through a case and a drum unit, illustrating another configuration of the drum unit.

As shown in the figure, in the electronic endoscope apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a drum section 10c for winding up the insertion section 2a of the endoscope 2 is provided rotatably in a case 3, and the drum section 10c, the electric bending unit 15 to which the base end of the insertion portion 2a is fixed and the electric bending control circuit unit 16,
The CCU 17, the light source unit 18, and the power supply unit 13, which is an AD-DC power supply unit, include a first stay 91 and a second stay 92.
Are arranged as an integrated unit group 90.

The unit group 90 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion. At this time, the unit group 90 and the insertion portion 2a are regulated by a stopper (not shown) so as not to rotate more than about 180 degrees left and right.

With this configuration, it is difficult for the operator of the endoscope 2 to rotate the insertion section 2a to rotate the observation image on the monitor 5b, or to insert the observation image only by pushing it. A curved tube, an elbow, or the like can be easily inserted into the target portion by twisting the insertion section 2a while twisting.

On the other hand, a composite cable 93, which is a control cable including a plurality of cables and extending from the unit group 90, such as a power supply or a video signal, a bending direction instruction signal, or the like, is provided. A through hole formed in a side peripheral surface of the winding member 94 through a hollow composite cable winding member (abbreviated as a winding member) 94 that is arranged at the center of rotation and rotates together with the drum portion 10c. It extends from 94a to the outside of the drum part 10c and extends into the case main body 3a.

At least one (in the present embodiment, two) slack absorbing mechanism of the composite cable 93 extending from the through hole 94a is disposed in the case main body 3a via a fixing portion inserted through the case main body 3a. Spring member 95 constituting
After extending over a pulley 96 provided at an end of the case main body 3a, it extends to the outside of the case main body 3a from a through hole 3c formed in the case main body 3a.

The composite cable 93 led out of the case main body 3a branches into an AC power cable 97 and another cable 98 at an intermediate portion. The other cable 98 is a cable for transmitting a video signal, a signal for indicating a bending direction, and the like. The controller 98 is provided with a monitor 5b for displaying a video signal from the CCU 17 and a joystick 5a as input means for specifying a bending direction. 5 is connected.

Since the composite cable 93 is wrapped around the pulley, a predetermined load is applied to the composite cable 93 with respect to the composite cable winding member 94. Therefore, when the drum portion 10c is rotated to wind up the insertion portion 2a, the composite cable 93 is wound on the outer peripheral surface of the composite cable winding member 94. At this time,
The pulley 96 moves against the elastic force of the spring member 95.

The diameter of the composite cable winding member 94 is sufficiently smaller than the diameter of the drum 10c. That is, the total length of the insertion portion 2a is
In the case where winding is performed on the cable c, the composite cable 93 that is shorter than the length of the insertion portion 2a to be wound is set in advance so as to be wound by a predetermined amount. Therefore, the amount of movement of the pulley 96 is also small.

Conversely, when pulling out the insertion portion 2a wound around the drum portion 10c from the case body 3a,
The composite cable 93 wound by the composite cable winding member 94 is sequentially unwound with the rotation of the drum unit 10c. At this time, since the pulley 96 moves by the elastic force of the spring member 95 fixed to the case body 3a, the composite cable 93 does not slack in the case body 3a.

As described above, the unit group arranged in the drum portion is configured to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, while the unit group and the insertion portion are moved about 180 degrees left and right.
By restricting the rotation of the composite cable more than once, it is possible to prevent the composite cable from being twisted when the observation image is rotated with respect to the monitor or when the insertion portion is inserted to the target portion while being twisted. As a result, the insertion portion can be freely rotated without using a slip ring, so that the cost of the apparatus can be reduced. Further, noise generated by using the slip ring is eliminated.

Further, when the drum portion is rotated to wind the insertion portion, the composite cable can be wound around the composite cable winding portion without being loosened and twisted in the case body. Other configurations and actions
The effect is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

8 and 9 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an explanatory sectional view showing a relationship between an insertion portion fixing member and an insertion portion. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. It is.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tubular member 14 of the drum portion 10d is provided with an insertion portion fixing member 102 having a through hole 101 substantially at the center.

The insertion-portion fixing member 102 has a stepped circular concave portion 10 in which the center axis of the through-hole 101 coincides with the axis.
3 are formed. The circular concave portion 103 has a large-diameter concave portion 104, an intermediate concave portion 105, and a small-diameter concave portion 10 from the base end surface side.
6, three recesses are formed.

The small-diameter recess 106 of the circular recess 103 is provided with a bearing 110 through which a small-diameter portion 108 of a rear mouthpiece 107 having a substantially convex cross-section, which is bonded and fixed to the rear end of the insertion portion 2a, is inserted. ing. The large-diameter portion 109 of the rear die 107 is arranged in the intermediate concave portion 105. The large-diameter recess 104 is provided with a ring-shaped stopper 111 for preventing the rear base 107 from dropping out of the circular recess 103 of the insertion portion fixing member 102.

The stopper 111 is fixed to the large-diameter concave portion 104 of the insertion portion fixing member 102 with a screw or an adhesive or the like. By fixing the stopper 111 to the large-diameter concave portion 104, the rear die is fixed. 107 is positioned in the insertion portion axial direction. A notch 107a is provided at the base end of the rear base 107 so as to form a projection 109a serving as a stopper.

On the other hand, a hole communicating with the intermediate recess 105 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion fixing member 102, and a fixing pin 113 is bonded and fixed to this hole.
The front end of the fixing pin 113 is
7a.

Thus, when the operator rotates the insertion section 2a of the endoscope 2, the projection 109a of the rear mouthpiece 107 and the fixing pin 113, which are integrally fixed to the insertion section 2a, move together. The rotation is stopped in a state where only the insertion portion 2a has rotated about 180 degrees left and right with respect to the drum portion 10d in contact with the drum portion 10d. That is, by restricting the amount of rotation of the insertion section 2a with respect to the drum section 10d, it is possible to prevent the coil pipe, the angle wire, the light guide, and the like from being damaged due to the twisting of the insertion section 2a.

The O-ring 1 is provided in the through hole 101 of the insertion portion fixing member 102 so as to be in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 108 of the rear die 107 to maintain the watertightness of the drum 10d.
12 are provided. A coil pipe, an angle wire, a light guide, and the like are inserted into the insertion portion 2a, and are connected to an electric bending unit (not shown) fixed in the drum portion and a light source portion, respectively. Other configurations, operations and effects are the same as those of the third embodiment,
The same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the base end side of the insertion portion according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, a twistable member such as a helical tube is provided at the base end portion of the insertion portion 2a. A universal cable 121 as a member is connected. The proximal end of the insertion section 2a to which the universal cable 121 is connected is fixed to the drum section 10a arranged in the case 3.

Thus, when the operator rotates the insertion section 2a of the endoscope 2, the universal cable 1
It is possible to prevent only the portion 21 from being twisted and prevent the insertion portion 2a from being twisted, thereby preventing the coil pipe, the angle wire, the light guide and the like from being damaged. Other configurations, operations and effects are the same as those of the third embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

11 to 13 relate to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view for explaining the base end side of the insertion portion.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory sectional view showing the relationship between the tip end cap and the insertion portion, and FIG.
FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 11, also in this embodiment, a universal cable 122 is provided at the base end side of the insertion portion 2a.
Are connected. However, unlike the fifth embodiment, the universal cable 122 has a high torsional rigidity,
As shown in FIG. 12, the universal cable 122 has a pipe shape, and a distal end cap 123 is adhesively fixed to a distal end portion.

The outer peripheral portion 123a of the distal end base 123
The inner peripheral surface of the flange portion of the ring member 124 provided at the base end portion of the insertion portion is rotatably disposed. At this time, the rear end portion of the insertion portion 2a is screwed or bonded with an adhesive. The rear end cap 125 of the insertion portion fixed by, for example, is clamped and fixed.

The through hole 12 of the ring member 124
An O-ring 126 is provided at 4a to keep water tight by closely contacting the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion of the insertion portion rear end cap 125. The ring member 124 is provided with a bearing 127 for smooth rotation of the insertion portion rear end cap 125 with respect to the universal cable 122.

As shown in FIG. 13, the insertion portion 2a is attached to the base end of the rear end cap 125 of the insertion portion by approximately 180
A protruding portion 125a is provided which comes into contact with the convex portion 123b formed on the inner peripheral surface of the end cap 123 when rotated by an angle.

Thus, when the operator rotates the insertion section 2 a of the endoscope 2, the projection 125 a provided on the base end of the rear end cap 125 of the insertion section becomes the tip base 123 of the universal cable 122. Convex part 12 provided in
3b, it can be prevented from rotating more than necessary. Other configurations, operations and effects are the same as those of the third embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 14 and 15 relate to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a view showing the structure of the case body, and FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the relationship between the case body and the base end of the insertion portion. .

As shown in FIG. 14, a drum unit 130 is rotatably housed in a case body 131. The base end of the insertion section 2a of the endoscope 2 is fixed to the drum section 130. The power supply unit 13, the electric bending unit 15, the electric bending control circuit unit 16, the CCU 17, the light source unit 18, and the like are built in the drum unit 130.

The drum body 1 is provided in the case body 131.
An opening 132 is formed for inserting and removing the insertion portion 2a wound around the opening 30. This opening 132
An O-ring 133 is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the insertion member 2a as an obstructing member having an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the insertion portion 2a.

On the other hand, the proximal end 2b of the insertion portion 2a is formed to have a larger diameter than the outer dimensions of the insertion portion 2a and a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the O-ring 133. Therefore, when the insertion portion 2a is sufficiently pulled out as shown in FIG. 15, the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion 2b and the inner peripheral surface of the O-ring 133 come into close contact with each other.

Thus, when the insertion portion 2a is pulled out and the base end portion 2b is in a working state in which the base end portion 2b is in close contact with the O-ring 133, it is possible to prevent water and dust from entering the inside of the case body 131 from the opening 132. be able to. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 16 to 18 relate to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a view for explaining another structure of the case, FIG. 17 is a perspective view for explaining the external appearance of the drum section, and FIG. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 16, the case body 135 of this embodiment has functions for storing images on the drum unit 130 and a hard disk, and for connecting external devices such as a personal computer to each device in the drum. Circuit unit 136 having
Is stored. In addition, the insertion portion 2a is connected to the drum portion 130, and the power supply unit 13,
Electric bending unit 15, control circuit section 16, CCU 17,
The light source unit 18 and the like are built in the drum unit 130. The case body 135 is provided with a plurality of openings 137 for internal cooling, and
30 and the surface of the circuit unit 136 can be cooled by outside air.

As shown in FIG.
Is composed of two side plates 11 and 12 and a tubular member 14. And the connection part of each member,
It is sealed by an elastic member or an adhesive. The base end of the insertion portion 2a is connected to the tubular member 14, and the connection portion is also sealed by an elastic member, an adhesive, or the like.

As shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 6 includes a first cover 138 and a second cover 139, and a connection portion between the two covers 138, 139 is sealed by an elastic member or an adhesive.

The connection portion of the harness member connected to the drum section 130 and the circuit unit 136 is similarly sealed by an elastic member or an adhesive.

As described above, the drum unit and the circuit unit are each provided with a waterproof structure so as to prevent water, dust and the like from entering therein, thereby providing a cooling opening in the case body. In addition, even when rain, dust, or the like enters the case body through the opening, it is possible to prevent water, dust, or the like from entering the drum unit and the circuit unit.
Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 19 and 20 relate to a ninth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing another configuration inside the case main body, and FIG. 20 is a view explaining the configuration of the electrical connection portion.
As shown in FIG. 19, a frame 143 having a bearing portion 142, a drum portion 140 rotatable around the bearing portion 142, and a circuit unit (not shown) are housed inside a case body 141 of the present embodiment. I have. The frame 143 is held in the internal space by an elastic member 144 serving as a shock absorbing member so as not to contact the case body 141.

Further, as shown in FIG.
A slip ring 145 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the second unit 2, and is electrically connected to the circuit unit via the slip ring 145.

On the other hand, the contact terminal 1 is located at a position on the inner peripheral surface 146 of the drum portion 140 where the slip ring 145 comes into contact.
47 are provided. The power supply unit 13, the electric bending unit 15, and the electric bending control circuit unit 1 housed and arranged inside the drum unit 140 are provided in these contact terminals 147.
6, signal lines extending to the CCU 17 and the light source unit 18 are electrically connected.

As described above, by establishing electrical continuity between the contact terminal and the slip ring, even when the drum portion is rotating, the power supply unit, the electric bending unit, the electric bending unit, and the electric bending unit in the drum portion are always kept. The control circuit unit, the CCU, the light source unit, and the circuit unit can be electrically connected.

Further, by arranging the drum portion housed in the case main body in the frame held by the elastic member, even if an impact is received from outside the case, the impact on the drum portion can be reduced. This allows
Since the impact force is not transmitted to the power supply unit, the electric bending unit, the electric bending control circuit unit, the CCU, the light source unit, and the like disposed in the drum unit to adversely affect the devices, transportability is greatly improved. Other configurations and actions
The effect is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 21 is a view for explaining another configuration inside the case body according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 21, a case body 151 houses a frame 153 on which a shaft 152 is provided, a drum unit 150 rotatable around the shaft 152, and a circuit unit 136. The shaft 1
52 is rotatably supported by a ball bearing 155 provided with an elastic member 154 such as rubber on the outer peripheral surface.

On the other hand, the inner peripheral surface 156 of the drum section 150
Is mounted so as to contact the elastic member 154 of the ball bearing 155. Also, the drum unit 150
The electric bending unit 15, the electric bending control circuit unit 16, the CCU 17, the light source unit 18, and the circuit unit 136 housed therein are long enough to rotate the drum unit 150 by a predetermined number of rotations. It is electrically connected by the cable 157 set as above.

As described above, since the inner peripheral surface of the drum portion is attached in contact with the elastic member provided on the outer peripheral side of the ball bearing provided on the shaft, the case main body may receive an external impact. However, the elastic member can absorb the impact and reduce the impact force applied to the drum portion. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

Note that, as shown in FIG.
3, a plurality of shafts 158 are attached to
8, the ball bearing 155 is attached. Then, the drum unit 15 is moved so that the elastic member 154 of the ball bearing 155 contacts the outer peripheral surface 159 of the drum unit 150.
A similar operation and effect can be obtained by arranging 0 freely.

FIG. 23 is a view for explaining another example of the configuration inside the drum section according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, an insertion section of an endoscope (not shown) is connected to a drum section 160 housed in the case body of the present embodiment, and the inside thereof includes an electric bending unit 15 and an electric bending control circuit section 16. , CCU 17 and light source unit 18 are built-in.

The drum section 160 is composed of the side plates 11 and 12 and the tubular member 14.
The electric bending unit 15 is directly attached to the motor, and the electric bending control circuit section 16, the CCU 17, and the light source section 18
A base plate 161 to which the components are fixed is attached via an elastic member 162.

As described above, the electric bending control circuit, the CCU, and the light source disposed in the drum are arranged in the internal space of the drum via the elastic member. Even when transmitted, the impact is absorbed by the elastic member, and the impact transmitted to the CCU, the electric bending control circuit unit, and the light source unit fixed to the base plate disposed via the elastic member is reduced. can do. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 24 is a view for explaining another example of the structure of the drum section according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, an insertion section of an endoscope (not shown) is connected to a drum section 170 housed in the case main body, and the inside thereof includes an electric bending unit 15, an electric bending control circuit section 16, a CCU 17, and a light source. The unit 18 and the like are built in.

The drum part 170 is composed of the side parts 11 and 12 and the tubular member 14.
A heat sink 173 that constitutes a heat radiating portion is disposed on the outer side surface of the heat sink 173. For example, a lamp house 171 constituting the light source section 18 is fixed to the first side plate 11, and a driving circuit constituting the electric bending unit 15, the electric bending control circuit section 16, the CCU 17, and the light source section 18 are fixed to the second side plate 12. 17
2 are installed.

As described above, by providing the heat sink on the side plate forming the drum unit, heat generated by the electric bending unit, the CCU, the electric bending control circuit unit, and the light source unit attached to the side plate of the drum unit is dissipated by the heat sink. The heat can be effectively radiated to the outside through this, and the temperature rise in the internal space of the drum portion can be prevented.

Further, by directly performing the heat sink processing on the side plate, it is not necessary to attach the heat sink to the side plate, and the number of assembling steps can be reduced. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0129] As shown in FIG.
5, an opening 177 is provided in one side surface portion 176, and the opening 17
7 allows the first side plate 11 of the drum unit 170 to come into direct contact with the outside air, thereby making the drum unit 170 more effective.
Internal heat can be released.

As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the motors 41, 4 of the electric bending unit 15 are respectively provided on a part of the first side plate 11 and the second side plate 12 constituting the drum section 180.
By providing the heat sink forming portion 181 that is in contact with the surface of the drum 2, the heat generated from the motors 41 and 42 can be more effectively released to the outside of the drum portion 180.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, for example, a concave portion 185 is formed in the first side plate 11 and its bottom portion 1 is formed.
An opening 187 is provided in 86. Then, the motors 41 and 42 of the electric bending unit 15 are protruded through the openings 187, and the outer surfaces of the motors 41 and 42 are
The motors 41 and 42 covered with the heat sink 188 are fixed to the bottom surface 186. Thus, the heat generated by the motors 41 and 42 can be effectively released to the outside of the drum section 180.

FIGS. 30 to 35 relate to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 is an overall view of an endoscope apparatus having an air bending type endoscope, and FIG. 31 is a view for explaining the configuration of an insertion portion. 32 is a diagram showing the configuration of a drum unit, FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the structure of a bending drive unit, FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating details of a bending drive mechanism, and FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an operation state of the bending drive mechanism. It is.

As shown in FIG. 30, an insertion section 202 of an endoscope 200 is connected to a drum section 201 having an air bending unit described later as an electric bending unit, and the insertion section 202 is connected to the drum section 201. It is configured to be wound up.

At the distal end of the insertion portion 202, a distal end portion 203 in which an optical system described later is arranged is provided. And
A bending portion 204 and a flexible tube portion 205 are continuously provided on the base end side of the distal end portion 203, and the bending portion 204 is bent by an air bending unit. The drum unit 201 is rotatably housed in the case main body 206, and a power cable 207 extends from near the center of the drum unit 201.

As shown in an exploded perspective view of the insertion portion in FIG. 31 (a), the bending portion 204 has a multi-lumen tube 2 formed of an elastic tubular body by, for example, silicone resin.
12 are provided.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of the multi-lumen tube in FIG.
An axial center lumen 213 extends in the axial direction along the axial direction, and a plurality of, in this embodiment, four, arc-shaped outer peripheral lumens are provided on a tube wall around the axial center lumen 213. 214a, 214b, 214c, 214d are arranged at substantially equal intervals in the circumferential direction. Each of the four outer peripheral lumens 214a,..., 214d is closed at both front and rear ends. That is, each outer peripheral lumen 214a,
, 214d are formed as pressurized chambers 215 which are sealed fluid chambers. Then, each outer peripheral lumen 214
, 214d, one end of an air tube 216 made of, for example, Teflon (trade name of DuPont) is connected so as to communicate with the pressurizing chamber 215.

Note that one end of the air tube 216 is fixed in a state of being inserted and arranged in advance in an inner hole of the silicon tube 217. This silicone tube 217
The inner diameter of the air tube 216 is, for example, equal to or slightly smaller than the outer size of the air tube 216 to prevent the air tube 216 from falling off the silicon tube 217.

The silicon tube 217 is inserted into the opening at the rear end of each of the outer peripheral lumens 214a,..., 214d, and then inserted into the outer peripheral lumens 214a,.
A silicone sealant is injected into a gap between the inner peripheral surface of the rear end opening and the outer peripheral surface of the silicon tube 217 to be fixed.
Thus, the four pressurizing chambers 215 provided in the multi-lumen tube 212 and the four air tubes 216 are connected to form the pneumatic actuator unit 219 of the curved portion 204.

As shown in FIG. 31 (b), inside the shaft lumen 213 of the multi-lumen tube 212, internal deformation regulation formed by a tightly wound coil having a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the shaft lumen 213. The member 220 is inserted, and on the outer peripheral side of the multi-lumen tube 212, an external deformation regulating member 221 formed by a densely wound coil having a diameter slightly larger than the outer dimensions of the multi-lumen tube 212 is mounted. .

The outer dimensions of the internal deformation regulating member 220 are equal to or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the shaft center lumen 213 as long as it can be inserted into the shaft center lumen 213 of the multi-lumen tube 212. Bending operation is possible even with a large diameter. Similarly, the external deformation regulating member 221
May be equal to or slightly smaller than the outer dimensions of the multi-lumen tube 212. However, if the assembling property and the bending performance are taken into consideration, the configuration described first is optimal and desirable.

As shown in FIG. 31A, a front base 222 made of, for example, stainless steel is provided at the tip of the multi-lumen tube 212. The front base 222 has the multi-lumen tube 21.
2 and a cylindrical portion 223 having the same diameter as the outer dimensions of the cylindrical portion 22.
3 is provided with a small-diameter connecting portion 224 projecting rearward from the rear end face to the axial center portion. Then, the connecting portion 22
4 is the axial lumen 2 of the multi-lumen tube 212
The front base 222 is integrally fixed to the multi-lumen tube 212 by pouring an adhesive in a state of being inserted into the inside 13.

On the other hand, the multi-lumen tube 212
At the rear end, for example, a rear base 225 made of stainless steel is provided. The rear base 225 is provided with a cylindrical portion 226 having the same diameter as the outer dimensions of the multi-lumen tube 212 and a small-diameter connecting portion 227 protruding forward from the distal end surface of the cylindrical portion 226 toward the axial center. Have been. Then, an adhesive is poured in a state where the connecting portion 227 is inserted into the axial center lumen 213 of the multi-lumen tube 212, and the rear base 225 is integrally fixed to the multi-lumen tube 212.

As shown in the sectional view of the cylindrical portion of the rear base 225 in FIG. 31D, a shaft hole 228 which is a through hole is formed in the axial center of the cylindrical portion 226 of the rear base 225. Heart hole 2
Around the tube 28, four tube insertion holes 229 formed of through holes are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

The four tube insertion holes 229
The four air tubes 216 constituting the pneumatic actuator unit 219 of the bending portion 204 are respectively inserted into the air tube. The four air tubes 216 of the pneumatic actuator unit 219 pass through the rear base 225, pass through the flexible tube 205, and extend to the branch portion side. A flexible tube distal end cap 230 fixed to the distal end of the flexible tube 205 is connected and fixed to the cylindrical portion 226 of the rear side base 225.

The CCD unit 231 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 223 of the front base 222 shown in FIG. This CCD unit 231
Has a CCD (solid-state imaging device) 232 and an illumination optical system 233 which are imaging means of an observation optical system.
The CCD 232 has a signal line 234 for transmitting an electric signal.
Are connected, and a light guide 235 for transmitting illumination light faces the illumination optical system 233.

Further, reference numeral 236 denotes the CCD unit 23.
A plurality of types of optical adapters having different optical characteristics arranged in front of the optical adapter 236 are prepared in advance. Reference numeral 237 denotes a tip cover for protecting the optical adapter 236.

As shown in FIG. 32, an air bending unit 208 serving as a fluid supply / discharge unit, a bending control circuit unit 209, a light source unit 210 for supplying illumination light, and a CCU 211 for generating a TV image are built in the drum unit 201. ing. The insertion section 202 is connected to the air bending unit 208.
The light source 210 and the air bending unit 208 are connected by a light guide connector 239. Further, the air bending unit 208 includes a bending control circuit unit 20.
9 is connected.

As shown in FIG. 33, the air bending unit 20
The insertion part 202 is fixed to 8 in a state of maintaining watertightness. Light guide 23 inserted through insertion portion 202
5 enters the air bending unit 208 and is inserted into the light guide connector 239. The end face of the light guide 235 is located on the end face of the light guide connector 239.

An air tube 216 extending from the insertion section 202 is guided into the air bending unit 208. A bending drive mechanism 240 is provided in the air bending unit 208, and an air tube 216 extending from the corresponding pressurizing chamber 215 is connected.

The details of the bending drive mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, for simplicity of description, the vertical bending mechanism and the horizontal bending mechanism are the same mechanism. Therefore, only the vertical bending mechanism will be described, and the description of the horizontal bending mechanism will be omitted. I do.

As shown in the figure, the bending drive mechanism 240
It is composed of three mechanism parts, one driving mechanism and one preloading mechanism. The preloading mechanism 241 includes:
One pressure generating mechanism 242 and one linear drive mechanism 244 are provided.

First, the preload mechanism 2
The drive shaft of the preload motor 245 is formed with a screw 246 serving as a driving force conversion mechanism. Therefore, the screw 246 is rotated by the rotation of the preload motor 245, and the movable element 247, which is rotatable with respect to the drive shaft and whose movement in the longitudinal axis direction is restricted, is adjusted according to the rotation of the screw 246. Move forward and backward. Note that a rotation stopper 248 is inserted through the movable member 247, and thereby the movable member 247 is regulated so as to advance and retreat in a straight line without rotating.

The mover 247 has a first preload piston 243a and a second preload piston 2 which constitute a pressure generating mechanism.
43b are fixed, and these first preload pistons 24
3a and the second preload piston 243b
Move forward and backward according to the movement of.

The first preload piston 243a and the second preload piston 243b are connected to the first preload cylinder 24, respectively.
8a and the second preload cylinder 248b are arranged so as to advance and retreat while maintaining airtightness. A first preload tube 249a and a second preload tube 249b are connected to the first preload cylinder 248a and the second preload cylinder 248b, respectively, in an airtight state.

Next, there are two drive mechanisms, a feed drive mechanism 251 on the feed side and a return drive mechanism 252 on the return side, both of which have the same structure. The feed drive mechanism 251 is provided with a feed motor 253, and a feed screw 254 serving as a driving force conversion mechanism is formed on the axis of the feed motor 253. For this reason, the feed screw 254 is rotated by the rotation of the feed motor 253, and the feed moving element 255 which is rotatable with respect to this axis and whose movement in the longitudinal axis direction is regulated is moved by the feed screw 254
Move forward and backward according to the rotation of. The feeder 2
A rotation stopper 256 is inserted through 55, thereby restricting the feed moving element 255 to advance and retreat in a straight line without rotating.

A feed piston 257 is fixed to the feed mover 255, and the feed piston 257 moves forward and backward in accordance with the movement of the feed mover 255. The feed piston 257 is disposed so as to advance and retreat while keeping the feed cylinder 258 airtight. The first air tube 216a is connected to the feed cylinder 258 in an airtight state.

The structure of the return drive mechanism 252 is the same as the structure of the feed drive mechanism 251. The return piston 267, the return cylinder 268, and the return mover 26
5, return screw 264, return motor 263, rotation stop 26
The second air tube 216b is connected to the return cylinder 268 in an airtight state.

A preload tube 249a communicates with the air tube 216a, and the air tube 249b
Is connected to a preload tube 249b. The motors 245, 25 of the bending drive mechanism 240
Reference numerals 3 and 263 denote bending control circuit units 2 by electric wires (not shown).
09, and is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) in the bending control circuit unit 209. Further, the electric bending control circuit unit is logically connected to a joystick or the like, which is a bending operation device (not shown). Also,
Although not shown, an electric wire (not shown) extending from the CCD 232 is connected to the CCU 211, and converts the image signal into a TV signal and outputs the TV signal to an observation device such as a monitor outside the drum unit. This C
The CU 211 is also provided with a power supply unit, and supplies power to the light source unit 210 and the bending control circuit unit 209.

Here, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
When power is supplied from the power cable 207 to the power supply unit in the CCU 211, the power is supplied to the bending control circuit unit 209 and the like via the CCU 211.

Then, a bending command from the bending operation device is sent to the electric bending control circuit in the bending control circuit 209. Then, this command is converted into a control signal to the motor, and based on the signal, the corresponding motor 245, 25
3,263 rotate in a predetermined direction.

In the initial state, the first preload piston 2
43a and the second preload piston 243b are pulled out of the first preload cylinder 248a and the second preload cylinder 248b, and no pressure is applied to the inside of the first air tube 216a and the second air tube 216b. It has become.

When power is supplied and an instruction to rotate the preload motor 245 is issued from the control circuit, the screw 246 rotates. Then, since the rotation of the feed moving element 255 is restricted by the rotation stopper 248, the first preload piston 243a
And the second preload piston 243b are connected to the first preload cylinder 24.
8a and the second preload cylinder 248b. As a result, the first air tube 2 via the first preload tube 249a and the second preload tube 249b.
Preload is applied to the inside of the second air tube 16a and the second air tube 216b.

The bending mechanism operates with the preload applied. When a bending command is sent from the bending operation device, the feed motor 253 and the return motor 263 are rotated by a predetermined amount corresponding to the bending command, and as shown in FIG. Are moved in the opposite directions so that the feed piston 257 and the return piston 2
And 67 are moved in opposite directions.

As a result, a pressure difference is generated between the first air tube 216a and the second air tube 216b, and the bending portion 204 bends.

When returning the bending state to the original state, the feed piston 257 and the return piston 257 are returned by sending a command to return the feed motor 253 and the return motor 263 to the initial positions based on the command from the bending operation device. The curved state is released by returning 267 to the initial position.

As described above, the supply and discharge of air to and from the four air tubes are individually controlled by the bending control device in accordance with the operation of the joystick (not shown), and the four pressurizing chambers of the pneumatic actuator unit are selectively added. By pressing, the multi-lumen tube is oriented in a predetermined direction, that is,
Here, the bending portion can be bent in a direction opposite to the pressurized pressure chamber.

FIGS. 36 to 41 relate to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 is an overall view of an endoscope apparatus having a hydraulic bending type endoscope, and FIG. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the drum unit, FIG. 39 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the bending drive unit, FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating the details of the bending drive mechanism, and FIG. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 36, an insertion section 302 of an endoscope 300 is connected to a drum section 301 provided with a hydraulic bending unit described later as an electric bending unit, and the insertion section 302 is connected to the drum section 301. It is configured to be wound up.

At the tip of the insertion section 302, there is provided a tip 303 in which an optical system described later is arranged. And
A bending portion 304 and a flexible tube portion 305 are connected to the base end side of the distal end portion 303, and the bending portion 304 is bent by an air bending unit. The drum unit 301 is rotatably accommodated in the case main body 306, and a power cable extends from near the center of the drum unit 301.

As shown in FIG. 37, a bending portion 304 is provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion 302. This curved portion 304
A distal end portion 303 is provided on the distal end side. The observation optical system 307 and the illumination lens system 30
8 are provided.

At the image forming position of the observation optical system 307, a CCD 309 for converting an observation image into an image signal is provided. The CCD 309 is connected to a signal line 310 for transmitting a photoelectrically converted image signal to a CCU described later.

On the other hand, a light guide 311 faces the rear end of the illumination lens system 308. This light guide 31
The other end of 1 passes through the insertion section 302 and is connected to a light source section described later.

The bending portion 304 includes a plurality of joint pieces 31.
, 312,... Are rotatably connected with rivets 313, respectively. The last joint piece 3
The rear end of the twelve is fixed to the flexible tube 305. A metal knitting tube 314 is covered on the outer periphery of these joint pieces 312, and the blade 31 is inserted into a gap between the joint pieces 312.
The configuration is such that the curved rubber 315 to be put on the top 4 does not fall. This configuration is the same as the structure of a bending portion of a type that bends in four directions, up, down, left and right, used in a normal endoscope.

The outer periphery of the curved rubber 315 is covered with an outer blade 316 made of a metal knitted tube over the entire length of the insertion portion 302.

On the other hand, the first curved rod 3
17 and the second curved rod 318 are abutted.
Each joint piece 312 has the first bending rod 317.
In addition, a curved rod receiver 319 for restricting the movement of the second curved rod 318 so as not to escape in a direction other than the longitudinal axis direction is fixed.

The base ends of the first bending rod 317 and the second bending rod 318 are respectively connected to the first bending piston 32
The first and second curved pistons 321 are in contact with the distal end surfaces. Thus, for example, when the bending piston 320 presses the bending rod 317, one side of the distal end portion 303 is pressed and the bending portion 304 is bent.

The first bending piston 320 and the second bending piston 321 are inserted into the first bending cylinder 322 and the second bending cylinder 323, and are pushed and moved by the pressure of the oil in the cylinder. I have.

The distal ends of the first bending cylinder 322 and the second bending cylinder 323 are provided with the first bending piston 32.
A first stopper 324 and a second stopper 325 for preventing the 0 and the second curved piston 321 from coming off, respectively, are provided.

A first hydraulic pipe 326 is connected to the first bending cylinder 322, and a second hydraulic pipe 327 is connected to the second bending cylinder 323. These hydraulic pipes 326 and 327 pass through the insertion section 302 and are connected to a later-described bending drive section in the drum section 301.

As shown in FIG. 38, a hydraulic bending unit 328, a bending control circuit 329, a light source 330 for supplying illumination light, and a CCU for generating a TV image are provided in a drum unit 301.
331 is built in. The insertion section 302 is connected to the bending drive section 328. The light source unit 330 and the bending drive unit 328 are connected by a light guide connector described later. A bending control section 329 is connected to the bending drive section 328.

As shown in FIG. 39, the hydraulic bending unit 32
8, the base end of the insertion portion 302 is fixed in a watertight state. The light guide 311 inserted through the insertion section 302 is inserted into the light guide connector 332 via the inside of the bending unit 328. The end face of the light guide 311 is located on the end face of the light guide connector 332.

A first hydraulic pipe 326 and a second hydraulic pipe 327 extending from the insertion portion 302 are guided into a hydraulic bending unit 328. Also, the hydraulic bending unit 3
28, a bending drive mechanism 333 is provided, and the corresponding first hydraulic pipe 326 and corresponding second hydraulic pipe 327 are connected to each other.

The details of the bending drive mechanism will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, for simplicity of description, the vertical bending mechanism and the horizontal bending mechanism are the same mechanism. Therefore, only the vertical bending mechanism will be described, and the description of the horizontal bending mechanism will be omitted. I do.

As shown in the figure, the bending drive mechanism 333 is composed of two first drive mechanisms 334 and second drive mechanisms 335 serving as drive sources.

The first drive mechanism 334 has a first motor 3
The first motor 336 is provided with a first drive-side gear 337 that constitutes a driving force conversion mechanism. The first driven gear 337 is meshed with a first driven gear 338. The first driven gear 338
A first drive shaft 339 having a threaded portion on the outer periphery is meshed with the center of the shaft.

Although not shown, the first motor 33
6. The first drive side gear 337 and the first driven side gear 338 are rotatably attached to the frame of the bending drive mechanism 333. The first drive shaft 339 has a first end
The hydraulic piston 340 is fixed. In addition, the first
The drive shaft 339 has a keyway cut in the longitudinal axis direction.
The first rotation stopper 341 is engaged with the key groove, and the first drive shaft 339 is configured to move forward and backward.

The first hydraulic piston 340 is inserted in the first hydraulic cylinder 342. The first hydraulic pipe 326 is connected to the hydraulic cylinder 342.

On the other hand, another set of the second drive mechanism 335 is
Second motor 343, second drive gear 344, second driven gear 345, second drive shaft 346, second hydraulic piston 34
7, the second rotation stopper 348, the second hydraulic cylinder 349, and the second hydraulic pipe 327, the driving mechanism 334 described above.
It is configured in the same way as the mechanism and structure of the above.

The respective motors 336 and 343 constituting the bending drive mechanism 333 are connected to the bending control section 329 by electric wires (not shown). Further, it is controlled by a control circuit (not shown) in the bending control section 329. Further, although not shown, the electric bending control circuit is logically connected to a bending operation device. Also, the CC
The U331 is connected to an electric wire extending from the CCD 309 at the distal end portion 303, converts an image signal into a TV signal, and outputs the TV signal to a photographing device such as a monitor outside the drum unit 301. The CCU 331 is also provided with a power supply unit, and supplies power to the light source unit 330 and the bending control unit 329.

Here, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
When power is supplied to the power supply unit in the CCU 331 via the power cable, the power is supplied to the bending control unit 329 via the CCU 331. Then, when a bending command from the bending operation device is sent to the electric bending control circuit unit in the bending control unit 329, the bending control unit 329 converts the command into a control signal to the motor, and the motor is controlled based on the signal. Rotate in a predetermined direction.

In the initial state, each hydraulic piston 340, 347 is located at the initial position as shown in FIG. When the first motor 336 rotates, the first motor 336 rotates.
The driving gear 337 rotates. Then, the first driven gear 338 meshing with the first driving gear 337 rotates. At this time, since the first driven gear 338 does not move in the longitudinal axis direction, the first drive shaft 339 moves in the axial direction with the rotation of the first driven gear 338.

When bending the bending section 304, a bending command is sent from the bending operation device. As a result, the first hydraulic piston 340 and the second hydraulic piston 347
Move in the opposite directions, and the curved pistons located at the tips also move in the opposite directions.

That is, as shown in FIG.
The bending piston 320 is retracted, and the second bending piston 321 is moved.
Moves forward. As a result, pressure is applied to the first hydraulic pipe 327 and pressure is applied to the second curved cylinder 323.
When pressure is applied to the second bending cylinder 323, the second hydraulic piston 347 is pushed forward. When the second curved piston 321 is pushed out, the second curved rod 318 is pushed out. On the other hand, along with this, the first bending rod 317 is pushed back and the first bending piston 32
0 has been pushed back. When the first bending piston 320 is pushed back, pressure is applied to the first hydraulic piston 340. However, since the first hydraulic piston 340 is pulled by the first motor 336, the pressure in the first hydraulic pipe 327 may not increase. Absent. As a result, the bending portion 304 is
7 is curved upward in the drawing.

When a bending command to bend in the opposite direction is sent, the motor rotates in the opposite direction to that described above to bend the bending portion in the opposite direction.

As described above, by individually controlling the supply and discharge of oil to and from the hydraulic pipe by the bending control device in response to the operation of the joystick (not shown), the bending portion can be bent in a desired direction. Other configurations, operations, and effects are the same as those of the thirteenth embodiment.

Note that the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention.

[Appendix] According to the embodiment of the present invention described in detail above, the following configuration can be obtained.

(1) The bending section constituting the insertion section of the endoscope is operated to bend by electric power, and an electronic endoscope having a solid-state imaging device disposed at the tip of the insertion section; A drum device having a drum unit that winds and stores the drum unit, a bending input control unit that is separate and independent from the electronic endoscope, and that is used by an operator to input a bending direction of the bending unit, and is provided inside the drum unit. An electric bending unit provided with a drive source of a driving mechanism for driving the bending portion, a camera control unit having a video signal processing unit for controlling the solid-state imaging device and processing a signal of the solid-state imaging device, and an operation of the bending portion An electronic endoscope device comprising: an electric bending control circuit unit for controlling the operation of the electronic endoscope; and a storage case for rotatably storing the drum unit.

(2) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the electronic endoscope has an illumination optical system, and further includes a light source unit for supplying illumination light to the endoscope in the drum unit.

(3) The electronic endoscope according to appendix 1, wherein the electric bending control circuit section and the camera control unit are provided integrally with a base end side of the insertion section and rotate integrally with the insertion section. apparatus.

(4) The electric bending control circuit section, the video signal processing section, and the light source section are provided integrally on the base end side of the insertion section, and rotate integrally with the insertion section. The electronic endoscope device according to claim 1.

(5) A power supply unit for supplying power to the electric bending unit, the camera control unit, and the electric bending control circuit unit is provided, and the power supply unit is integrally provided on a base end side of the insertion unit. Supplementary note 3 that rotates together with the insertion portion
Or the electronic endoscope device according to supplementary note 4.

(6) An insertion portion fixing member for rotatably connecting the base portion of the insertion portion is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the drum portion around which the insertion portion is wound, and the insertion portion fixing member is provided with the insertion portion. 2. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a restricting portion for restricting a rotation range of the electronic endoscope.

(7) The electronic endoscope device according to appendix 1, wherein a twist absorbing member for preventing the insertion portion from being twisted is provided at the base end portion of the insertion portion.

(8) The electronic endoscope device according to appendix 1, further comprising a remote control unit for operating at least the bending unit, and a control cable interposed between the remote control unit and the bending control circuit unit.

(9) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 8, wherein the control cable can be wound around a shaft portion of the drum portion, and has a slack absorbing mechanism for preventing slack of the control cable.

(10) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein the storage case has an opening through which the insertion portion is extended, and a closing member is provided for dustproofing or waterproofing the opening.

(11) The outer dimensions of the proximal end of the insertion section are larger than the outer dimensions of the distal end side of the insertion section, and the closing member is in close contact with the large diameter section to prevent dust or waterproof.
The electronic endoscope device according to claim 1.

(12) The electronic endoscope device according to appendix 1, wherein the storage case has a cooling opening communicating with the inside of the case.

(13) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to appendix 12, wherein the drum portion has a dustproof or waterproof structure.

[0211] (14) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to attachment 1, wherein the drum portion is provided in the storage case via an impact absorbing member.

[0212] (15) The electronic endoscope apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the drum unit includes a heat radiating unit.

(16) The heat dissipating unit dissipates heat generated from at least one of the bending driving unit, the electric bending control circuit unit, the video signal processing unit, and the illumination supply unit, which is a heat source. Electronic endoscope device.

(17) One end is connected to the bending section, and the other end is provided with an operation wire extending to the drum section, and the bending drive section is a bending motor for moving the operation wire forward and backward. The electronic endoscope device according to supplementary note 1.

(18) The bending section has a fluid chamber which can be extended in the axial direction of the bending section with respect to fluid pressure, and the bending drive section has a fluid supply / discharge section for supplying / discharging fluid to / from the fluid chamber. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 1 to be configured.

(19) The fluid supply / discharge section includes a cylinder / piston mechanism for supplying / discharging fluid to / from the fluid chamber, an operation motor, and a driving force conversion mechanism for moving the piston forward / backward as the operation motor rotates. 19. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to supplementary note 18, comprising:

(20) The bending drive unit includes: an operating rod having one end connected to the bending portion; a cylinder provided behind the bending portion; and a piston abutting the other end of the operating rod. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a fluid supply / discharge unit configured to supply / discharge fluid to / from the cylinder is provided.

(21) The fluid supply / discharge unit comprises: a drive cylinder / piston mechanism for supplying / discharging fluid into / from the cylinder;
21. The electronic endoscope apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising an operation motor, and a driving force conversion mechanism for moving the driving piston forward and backward with the rotation of the operation motor.

(22) An insertion portion having a solid-state image pickup device at its distal end and having a curved portion, an insertion portion accommodation portion capable of connecting the base end of the insertion portion and winding up the insertion portion, A bending drive unit that is provided integrally with the housing unit and curves the bending unit; a bending control circuit unit that controls the bending drive unit; a video signal processing unit that processes signals of the solid-state imaging device; and the insertion unit housing unit And an outer case for accommodating the endoscope.

(23) Extending from the insertion portion housing portion,
23. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a bending input control unit that transmits a bending control command to the bending control circuit unit.

(24) The endoscope apparatus according to attachment 22, wherein the outer case has an insertion hole for extending the insertion portion.

[0222]

As described above, according to the present invention, the insertion section of the electronic endoscope provided with the bending section for performing the bending operation electrically is excellent in storage capacity, and the entire system is compact in the storage state of the insertion section. Thus, an electronic endoscope apparatus with improved transportability can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIGS. 1 to 5 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an overall view illustrating a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a drum unit in a state where the inside is seen through;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the drum including a side view of the motor unit.

4 is a view of the motor unit shown in FIG. 3 from the direction of arrow A.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the distal end side of the insertion portion.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing another configuration of the drum unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a main part of a drum unit according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating another configuration of the drum unit by seeing through the case and the drum unit.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 8 is an explanatory sectional view showing the relationship between the insertion portion fixing member and the insertion portion.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a proximal end side of an insertion portion according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

11 to 13 relate to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a proximal end side of an insertion portion.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory cross-sectional view showing a relationship between a tip base and an insertion portion.

13 is a sectional view taken along line BB of FIG.

14 and 15 relate to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a view showing a configuration of a case main body.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining the relationship between the case body and the base end of the insertion portion.

FIG. 16 to FIG. 18 relate to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a view for explaining another configuration of the case.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a drum unit.

FIG. 18 is an external view of a circuit unit.

19 and 20 relate to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 19 is an explanatory view showing another configuration inside the case main body.

FIG. 20 illustrates a configuration of an electrical connection unit.

FIG. 21 is a view for explaining another configuration inside the case main body according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view for explaining another configuration inside the case main body.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example inside the drum unit according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a view for explaining another configuration example of the drum unit according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the heat sink provided in the drum portion.

26 and 27 are diagrams illustrating another configuration example of the heat sink provided on the drum unit. FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the heat sink provided on the side plate of the drum unit.

FIG. 27 is a view showing a heat sink provided on the motor.

28 and 29 are diagrams illustrating another configuration example of the heat sink provided on the drum portion, and FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the heat sink provided on the side plate of the drum portion.

FIG. 29 is a view showing a heat sink provided on the motor.

30 to 35 relate to a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 30 is an overall view of an endoscope apparatus having an air bending type endoscope.

FIG. 31 illustrates a configuration of an insertion unit.

FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a configuration of a drum unit.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing the structure of a bending drive unit.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating details of a bending drive mechanism.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing an operation state of the bending drive mechanism.

36 to 41 relate to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 36 is an overall view of an endoscope apparatus having a hydraulic bending type endoscope.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the distal end of the insertion section.

FIG. 38 is a diagram showing a configuration of a drum unit.

FIG. 39 is a diagram showing a structure of a bending drive unit.

FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating details of a bending drive mechanism.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing an operation state of the bending drive mechanism.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10a drum unit 13 power supply unit 15 electric bending unit 16 electric bending control circuit unit 17 camera control unit (CCU) 18 light source unit

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) A61B 1/04 372 A61B 1/04 372 G01N 21/84 G01N 21/84 A 21/88 G03B 15/00 L G03B 15 / 00 H04N 5/225 C H04N 5/225 7/18 M 7/18 G01N 21/88 640A F term (reference) 2G051 AA82 AB20 AC15 BA00 BB17 BC05 CA03 CA04 CC17 CD06 FA10 GC11 2H040 AA01 BA00 CA04 CA09 CA11 DA03 DA14 DA15 DA18 DA19 DA22 DA43 GA02 GA11 4C061 AA29 BB00 CC06 DD03 FF21 FF32 GG13 HH42 HH47 LL02 5C022 AA09 AC42 AC61 AC74 AC77 AC78 5C054 AA01 CD01 CF01 CF05 HA05 HA12

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An electronic endoscope in which a bending portion constituting an insertion portion of an endoscope performs a bending operation by electric power, and a solid-state imaging device is provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion; A drum device having a drum unit for winding and storing; a bending input control unit that is separate and independent from the electronic endoscope and allows an operator to input a bending direction of the bending unit; and is provided inside the drum unit. An electric bending unit having a drive source of a drive mechanism for driving the bending section, a camera control unit having a video signal processing section for controlling the solid-state imaging element and processing a signal of the solid-state imaging element, and operating the bending section. An electronic endoscope device, comprising: an electric bending control circuit unit for controlling; and a storage case for rotatably storing the drum unit.