Patent attributes
A rotary self-propelled endoscope system includes an insertion section body, an insertion section, a drive unit, a torque detection unit, and a control unit. In a distal end portion of the insertion section body, a rigid distal end portion including an image pickup apparatus is disposed. The insertion section is rotatably fit to the outside of the insertion section body, and includes a rotary tubular member having a helical portion formed by a helical concave-convex portion. The drive unit applies the rotary tubular member with axial and rotational drive force. The torque detection unit detects torque information of the rotary tubular member. On the basis of the torque information detected by the torque detection unit, the control unit compares a present value with a preset limit value for controlling the torque of the rotary tubular member, and controls the drive unit on the basis of the comparison result.
