Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An endoscope according to the present invention comprises an observation optical system and an insertion section which includes a bending tube. A plurality of segments, which are rockably connected to one another, are arranged in the bending tube, and wire guides are fixed to the inner peripheral surface of each segment. One end of each of bending-control wires is fixed to the segment at the distal end portion of the bending tube. The other end of each wire extends to the proximal end portion of the insertion section, through the wire guides of the other segments. In this arrangement, the bending tube is bent by pulling the other ends of the bending-control wires. The endoscope further includes bending means arranged in the bending tube and adapted to bend, when the bending-control wire is pulled, the bending tube for moving the observation optical system such that the center of the system moves from the center of the insertion section to the periphery thereof. Thus, even though the bending tube is bent sharply, the position of a flexible tube of the insertion section, which may possibly obstruct the field of view, can be shifted to the right or left from the center of the field, thereby keeping the view field entire.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim