vaginal speculum

Abstract

A vaginal speculum is provided that can alleviate discomfort. The vaginal speculum includes a first part, a second part, a first elastic body, and a second elastic body. The first part has an annular frame, a first wing portion inserted into the vaginal cavity, and a first handle portion. The second part has a second handle portion facing the first handle portion, and a second wing portion inserted into the vaginal cavity together with the first wing portion. The first elastic body portion is an elastic material and is disposed on the outer surface of the first wing portion. The second elastic body portion is an elastic material and is disposed on the outer surface of the second wing portion. The second handle portion is configured to rotate relative to the first handle portion. The rotation of the second wing portion is linked to the rotation of the second handle portion, rotating relative to the first wing portion in a manner that moves away from or towards it. When the first and second wing portions are inserted into the vaginal cavity, the first and second elastic bodies prevent the outer surfaces of the first and second wing portions from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vaginal speculum. Background Technology

[0002] A vaginal speculum is used for visual examination of the vaginal cavity and uterus, and for performing medical procedures. The speculum is inserted into the vaginal cavity to open it. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vaginal speculum in which a pair of separable blades are connected in a rotatable manner. In this speculum, one blade has two rows of ratchet teeth, and the other blade has claws that can selectively engage with the ratchet teeth. The speculum also includes a unit that connects the rows of teeth to each other and moves the claws from one row to another.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 51-51188

[0004] The vaginal speculum disclosed in Patent Document 1 is made of plastic (rigid resin). This type of vaginal speculum can easily cause pain and discomfort when inserted into the vaginal cavity. Furthermore, conventionally used metal vaginal speculum can cause a cold sensation in the vagina, sometimes resulting in discomfort. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vaginal speculum that can alleviate discomfort.

[0006] A vaginal speculum according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first portion, a second portion, a first elastomer portion, and a second elastomer portion. The first portion includes: an annular frame portion extending in a front-rear direction; a first wing portion extending forward from the frame portion and inserted into a vaginal cavity; and a first handle portion extending radially from the frame portion. The second portion includes: a second handle portion facing the first handle portion; and a second wing portion extending forward from the second handle portion facing the first wing portion and inserted into the vaginal cavity together with the first wing portion. The first elastomer portion is an elastomer article disposed on a first outer surface of the first wing portion opposite to the second wing portion. The second elastomer portion is an elastomer article disposed on a second outer surface of the second wing portion opposite to the first wing portion. The second handle portion is configured to be rotatable relative to the first handle portion. The second wing portion is configured such that the rotation of the second handle portion relative to the first handle portion is linked, allowing relative rotation in a manner that moves away from or towards the first wing portion. The first elastomer portion and the second elastomer portion are configured to prevent the first outer surface of the first wing portion and the second outer surface of the second wing portion from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity when the first wing portion and the second wing portion are inserted into the vaginal cavity.

[0007] In addition, "elastomer" is a general term for elastic polymer materials, including rubber and thermoplastic elastomers.

[0008] According to the above structure, a first elastic body portion with an elastic mechanism is disposed on the first outer surface of the first wing portion that is inserted into the vaginal cavity. Furthermore, a second elastic body portion with an elastic mechanism is disposed on the second outer surface of the second wing portion that is inserted into the vaginal cavity together with the first wing portion. Therefore, when the first and second wing portions are inserted into the vaginal cavity, the first and second elastic body portions prevent the first outer surface of the first wing portion and the second outer surface of the second wing portion from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity. That is, the pain, coldness, and foreign body sensation caused by the contact of the first outer surface of the first wing portion and the second outer surface of the second wing portion with the inner wall of the vaginal cavity are reduced, and the resulting discomfort is alleviated. In addition, as long as the first and second elastic body portions are configured to alleviate the discomfort caused by the contact of the first and second outer surfaces with the inner wall of the vaginal cavity, they may not completely obstruct contact with the inner wall of the vaginal speculum.

[0009] Alternatively, in the aforementioned vaginal speculum, the first elastomer portion may have a protrusion that protrudes forward from the front end of the first wing portion.

[0010] Alternatively, in the aforementioned vaginal speculum, the second elastomer portion may have a protrusion that protrudes forward from the front end of the second wing portion.

[0011] Alternatively, in the aforementioned vaginal speculum, the first and second parts may be formed of rigid resin or metal.

[0012] Alternatively, in the aforementioned vaginal speculum, the first elastic body portion is formed so that it cannot be separated from the first part, and the second elastic body portion is formed so that it cannot be separated from the second part.

[0013] Alternatively, in the aforementioned vaginal speculum, one of the first handle portion and the second handle portion may have a protruding member, the protruding member having a main body portion extending in a front-rear direction and a protrusion formed in the main body portion. Furthermore, the other of the first handle portion and the second handle portion may have: a through hole through which the protruding member passes; and a locking member configured to engage with the protrusion to lock the rotational position of the second flap portion relative to the first flap portion.

[0014] Based on the above structure, the rotational position of the second wing portion relative to the first wing portion can be locked, thus improving operability when using a vaginal speculum.

[0015] Alternatively, in the aforementioned vaginal speculum, at least one of the protruding component and the locking component may be a soft resin product.

[0016] According to the above structure, at least one of the protruding component and the locking component is easily elastically deformable, thus improving operability and providing a soft feel.

[0017] Alternatively, in the aforementioned vaginal speculum, the first wing portion has a first protrusion formed by the partial elevation of the first outer side surface, the second wing portion has a second protrusion formed by the partial elevation of the second outer side surface, the first elastic body portion is disposed on the first outer side surface other than the first protrusion in a manner that is in close contact with the peripheral portion of the first protrusion, and the second elastic body portion is disposed on the second outer side surface other than the second protrusion in a manner that is in close contact with the peripheral portion of the second protrusion.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] Based on the above, when the first and second wing portions are inserted into the vaginal cavity, the first and second elastic body portions prevent the first outer surface of the first wing portion and the second outer surface of the second wing portion from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity. Therefore, the pain, coldness, and foreign body sensation caused by the contact of the first and second wing portions with the inner wall of the vaginal cavity are reduced, and the resulting discomfort is alleviated. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1A This is a three-dimensional view of the vaginal speculum as seen from the posterior side.

[0021] Figure 1B This is a three-dimensional view of the vaginal speculum viewed from the anterior side.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a 3D view of the latter part (the first part).

[0023] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the first part (the second part).

[0024] Figure 4A This is a 3D view of the locking component.

[0025] Figure 4B This is a 3D view of the locking component.

[0026] Figure 5 It is a 3D diagram with protruding parts.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram showing the open state of a vaginal speculum.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a vaginal speculum according to another embodiment.

[0029] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of a vaginal speculum according to another embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 This is another perspective view of a vaginal speculum with respect to another embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 This is another exploded perspective view of a vaginal speculum with respect to another embodiment.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a 3D diagram showing the locked state of the vaginal speculum.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a side view showing the open state of the vaginal speculum.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a rear view showing the locked position of the vaginal speculum. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, a vaginal speculum according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] <1-1. Structure of the vaginal speculum according to the first embodiment>

[0037] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a perspective view of the vaginal speculum 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG1, the vaginal speculum 1 has a rear portion (first portion) 10 disposed at the rear and a front portion (second portion) 20 disposed at the front. The rear portion 10 has a first wing portion 11 (see Figure 1). Figure 2 The front portion 20 has a second wing section 21 (see reference). Figure 3 The first wing portion 11 and the second wing portion 21 are the portions that are inserted into the vaginal cavity. The vaginal speculum 1 also has a first elastic body portion 50 with an elastic body disposed on the first outer surface 111 of the first wing portion 11, and a second elastic body portion 60 with an elastic body disposed on the second outer surface 211 of the second wing portion 21.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a 3D diagram of the latter part, number 10. (For example...) Figure 2 As shown, the rear portion 10 has a ring-shaped or generally cylindrical frame portion 13 at the rear. The frame portion 13 is as follows... Figure 2 As shown, extending in the front-to-back direction, the first handle portion 12 and the first wing portion 11 are connected at the front. The frame portion 13... Figure 2The rear portion 10 and the front portion 20 are connected by through holes 130 and 131 on both sides in the left-right direction. The through holes 130 and 131 are formed in opposite positions and respectively receive the protrusions 230 and 231 of the front portion 20, which will be described later. The rear portion 10 is preferably made of rigid resin, and more preferably is transparent.

[0039] The rear portion 10 also has a first wing portion 11. The first wing portion 11 is the portion that is inserted into the vaginal cavity and extends forward continuously from the inner and outer surfaces of the frame portion 13. The first wing portion 11 has a characteristic that changes with the direction of insertion from the vaginal cavity. Figure 2 The left and right ends are concave towards the center, as shown. Furthermore, the first wing portion 11 is formed such that its width decreases in the left and right directions from the rear end to the front end portion 110, and its tip becomes increasingly tapered. The front end portion 110 is formed with a rounded shape.

[0040] The rear portion 10 also has a first handle portion 12. The first handle portion 12 is the part that the user of the vaginal speculum 1 holds in their hand when operating the vaginal speculum 1. The first handle portion 12 extends continuously radially from the front end of the frame portion 13. The continuous position of the first handle portion 12 is opposite to the position where the first wing portion 11 extends continuously from the side periphery of the frame portion 13. In this embodiment, the angle α formed by the first wing portion 11 and the first handle portion 12 is configured to be larger than the angle β formed by the second wing portion 21 and the second handle portion 22, which will be described later, taking the connecting portion in the frame portion 13 as a reference.

[0041] The first handle portion 12 has a through hole 120 near its center along its length. The through hole 120 is a hole through which the protruding member 31 (described later) passes. The first handle portion 12 also has a locking member 30. The locking member 30, together with the protruding member 31 (described later), constitutes a locking mechanism that locks the rotational position of the second wing portion 21 relative to the first wing portion 11. The structure and operation of the locking mechanism will be explained later. In addition, multiple grooves are formed on the front edge of the end of the first handle portion 12 opposite to the frame portion 13. The multiple grooves constitute an anti-slip portion 122 to prevent slippage when the user grips the handle. The anti-slip portion 122 is not limited to grooves, and may also be composed of protrusions, or a combination of concave and convex portions. In addition, a component made of an anti-slip material, such as an elastomer, is fixedly constructed.

[0042] The locking component 30 is located at the rear of the first handle portion 12, on the end opposite to the frame portion 13. Figure 4A This is a three-dimensional view of the locking component 30 from the rear. Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the locking member 30 viewed from the front. The locking member 30 has a main body 300 and a pair of rod-shaped portions 301, 301 extending from one end of the main body 300. The main body 300 is generally oblong.

[0043] like Figure 4A As shown, the rear surface of the main body 300 is gently recessed towards the center, and features raised and recessed areas for hooking fingers. Furthermore, a pair of rod-shaped portions 301, 301 are arranged at a predetermined interval. Figure 4B As shown, two rows of protrusions 302, 302 are formed on the front side of the main body 300. The protrusions 302, 302 engage in the rectangular through hole 121 formed in the first handle portion 12 (see reference). Figure 1B The locking member 30 is capable of engaging in the rectangular through hole 121 and moving along its length within the rectangular through hole 121. More specifically, the locking member 30 is capable of sliding with respect to the frame portion 13, so that the state in which the pair of rod-shaped portions 301, 301 are located away from the through hole 120 becomes a state in which the gap between the through hole 120 and the pair of rod-shaped portions 301, 301 overlaps. The locking member 30 is preferably made of soft resin.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the front portion 20. The front portion 20 is positioned in front of and connected to the rear portion 10. The front portion 20 has a second wing portion 21 and a second handle portion 22. The second handle portion 22 is the portion facing the first handle portion 12 as shown in FIG1, along... Figure 3 The front portion 20 extends vertically as shown. A connecting portion 23 is formed at the lower end of the second handle portion 22, and the second wing portion 21 extends forward from the connecting portion 23. In this embodiment, the front portion 20 is configured such that, with the connecting portion 23 as a reference, the second wing portion 21 and the second handle portion 22 form an angle β. As mentioned above, the angle β is smaller than the angle α. The front portion 20 is preferably made of a rigid resin, and more preferably is transparent.

[0045] The connecting portion 23 has cylindrical protrusions 230 and 231 at its rear end. Protrusions 230 and 231... Figure 3 The protrusions extend to the left and right respectively, and are formed in opposite positions. The protrusion 230 is rotatably housed in the through hole 130 of the rear portion 10. The protrusion 231 is rotatably housed in the through hole 131 of the rear portion 10. Thus, the rear portion 10 and the front portion 20 are connected, and configured such that the shaft A1 shown in FIG. 1 serves as the rotation axis, allowing the second handle portion 22 to rotate relative to the first handle portion 12. Therefore, the rotation of the second wing portion 21 and the second handle portion 22 relative to the first handle portion 12 is linked, causing them to rotate relative to each other in a manner that moves them away from or closer to the first wing portion 11.

[0046] The second wing portion 21 extends forward from the connecting portion 23 (second handle portion 22) facing the first wing portion 11. The second wing portion 21 is the portion that is inserted into the vaginal cavity together with the first wing portion 11. The second wing portion 21 has a [feature that extends forward from the connecting portion 23 (second handle portion 22) facing the first wing portion 11]. Figure 3 The left and right ends are concave towards the center, as shown. Furthermore, the width in the left and right directions decreases from the rear end to the front end 210, and the tip becomes increasingly tapered. The front end 210 of the second wing portion 21 is formed with an arc shape.

[0047] The second handle portion 22 is the part where the user of the vaginal speculum 1 holds the speculum 1 with their hand along with the first handle portion 12 when operating the speculum 1. A hook-like portion 221 for hooking fingers is formed on the upper end of the second handle portion 22, specifically on its front surface. The hook-like portion 221 can also be formed by at least one of a groove and a protrusion. Furthermore, it can be formed from a material different from that of the second handle portion 22. The second handle portion 22 has a through hole 220 near its center in the longitudinal direction, and a protruding member 31 fixed within the through hole 220 and extending rearward. The front end portion 312 of the protruding member 31 (see reference...) Figure 5 The side peripheral portion is inseparably fixed to the inner peripheral portion of the through hole 220.

[0048] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the protruding member 31. The protruding member 31 has a main body 310 and a plurality of protrusions 311 formed on the main body 310. The main body 310 along... Figure 1A Extending in the front-to-back direction, it has a front end portion 312 and a rear end portion 313. The protrusion 311 is formed between the front end portion 312 and the rear end portion 313 by a predetermined interval.

[0049] The protrusion 311 is formed in the shape of a disk centered on the axis along the length direction of the main body 310, and is configured to pass through the through hole 120 of the first handle portion 12. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the protrusion 311 is larger than the spacing between the pair of rod-shaped portions 301, 301 of the locking member 30, and it does not pass through the gap between the pair of rod-shaped portions 301, 301. The diameter of the main body 310 is smaller than the spacing between the pair of rod-shaped portions 301, 301 of the locking member 30. The protrusion 31 is preferably made of a soft resin.

[0050] As shown in Figure 1, the vaginal speculum 1 also has a first elastic body portion 50. The first elastic body portion 50 is an elastic material disposed on the first outer surface 111 of the first wing portion 11. However, as... Figure 2As shown, the first outer surface 111 is the surface of the first wing portion 11 opposite to the second wing portion 21. The first elastic body portion 50 is formed inseparable from the first wing portion 11 and covers the first outer surface 111 of the first wing portion 11. Thus, when the first wing portion 11 is inserted into the vaginal cavity, the first elastic body portion 50 prevents the first outer surface 111 of the first wing portion 11 from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the first elastic body portion 50 has a protrusion 500 that protrudes forward from the front end portion 110 of the first wing portion 11. That is, the first elastic body portion 50 may also be formed such that the front end portion 110 of the first wing portion 11 is thicker than the other portions. As a result, when the first wing portion 11 is inserted into the vaginal cavity, the first elastic body portion 50 prevents the front end portion 110 of the first wing portion 11 from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity.

[0052] As shown in Figure 1, the vaginal speculum 1 also has a second elastomer portion 60. The second elastomer portion 60 is an elastomer article and is disposed on the second outer surface 211 of the second wing portion 21. However, as... Figure 3 As shown, the second outer surface 211 is the surface of the second wing portion 21 opposite to the first wing portion 11. The second elastic body portion 60 is formed inseparable from the second wing portion 21 and covers the second outer surface 211 of the second wing portion 21. Thus, when the second wing portion 21 is inserted into the vaginal cavity, the second elastic body portion 60 prevents the second outer surface 211 of the second wing portion 21 from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the second elastic body portion 60 has a protrusion 600 that protrudes forward from the front end portion 210 of the second wing portion 21. That is, the second elastic body portion 60 may also be formed such that the front end portion 210 of the second wing portion 21 is thicker than other portions. As a result, when the second wing portion 21 is inserted into the vaginal cavity, the second elastic body portion 60 prevents the front end portion 210 of the second wing portion 21 from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity.

[0054] When the rear portion 10 (excluding the locking member 30 or the protruding member 31) is formed of rigid resin, the rear portion 10 and the first elastomer portion 50 can be integrally molded separately, for example, by two-color molding. First, rigid resin material is injected into a primary mold for molding the rear portion 10, and the primary mold is opened. Then, the molded rear portion 10 is transferred to a secondary mold for molding the first elastomer portion 50. Raw material for molding the first elastomer portion 50 is injected into the secondary mold, causing the raw material of the elastomer to crosslink. Then, when the secondary mold is opened, the rear portion 10 and the first elastomer portion 50 are formed in an integral state.

[0055] Similarly, when the front portion 20 (excluding the locking member 30 or the protruding member 31) is formed of rigid resin, the front portion 20 and the second elastomer portion 60 can be integrally molded separately, for example, by two-color molding. First, rigid resin material is injected into a primary mold for molding the front portion 20, and the primary mold is opened. Then, the molded front portion 20 is transferred to a secondary mold for molding the second elastomer portion 60. Raw material for the elastomer used to mold the second elastomer portion 60 is injected into the secondary mold, causing the elastomer raw material to crosslink. Then, when the secondary mold is opened, the front portion 20 and the second elastomer portion 60 are formed in an integral state.

[0056] <1-2. Structure of the vaginal speculum according to the second embodiment>

[0057] The vaginal speculum 1A according to the second embodiment will now be described. The vaginal speculum 1A according to the second embodiment is as follows... Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown in the perspective view, the first outer surface 111A and the second outer surface 211A are partially exposed from the first elastic body portion 50A or the second elastic body portion 60A, respectively. Apart from this, they have the same structure as the vaginal speculum 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, only the structures different from those of the vaginal speculum 1 will be described below, and the structures identical to those of the vaginal speculum 1 will be omitted from the description.

[0058] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional view of the vaginal speculum 1A viewed from the side of the first elastic body portion 50A. Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the first winglet portion 11A and the first elastic body portion 50A. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, a generally rectangular upper surface (part of the first outer surface 111A) of the first elastomer portion 50A exhibits a first protrusion 112A. The first protrusion 112A is as follows... Figure 8 The diagram shows a first outer surface 111A that is partially raised, having a first peripheral portion 113A. A first elastic body portion 50A is disposed on the first outer surface 111A, excluding the first protrusion 112A, in close contact with the first peripheral portion 113A. Therefore, as... Figure 8 As shown, an opening 501A with a shape substantially the same as the planar shape defined by the first peripheral portion 113A is formed in the first elastic body portion 50A. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the first peripheral portion 113A is not visible from the outside of the vaginal speculum 1A. Furthermore, the first elastomer portion 50A is configured such that its surface is a plane with the upper surface of the first protrusion 112A.

[0059] According to this structure, when the rear portion 10A (excluding the locking member 30 or the protruding member 31) and the first elastomer portion 50A are formed by the above-described two-color molding, the secondary mold can be formed such that the first protrusion 112A contacts the inner wall of the secondary mold. When the elastomer material is injected into the secondary mold with the first protrusion 112A in contact with the inner wall of the secondary mold, the elastomer material is more easily distributed throughout the interior of the secondary mold. As a result, the first elastomer portion 50A can be formed more uniformly on the first outer surface 111A other than the first protrusion 112A, and the integration of the first wing portion 11A and the first elastomer portion 50A is further improved.

[0060] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional image of the vaginal speculum 1A viewed from the second elastic body portion 60A. Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the second wing section 21A and the second elastic body section 60A. (See attached image.) Figure 9 As shown, a generally rectangular upper surface (part of the second outer surface 211A) of the second elastomer portion 60A exhibits a second protrusion 212A. The second protrusion 212A is as follows... Figure 10 The second outer surface 211A is partially raised, forming a second peripheral portion 213A. A second elastic body portion 60A is disposed on the second outer surface 211A, excluding the second protrusion 212A, in close contact with the second peripheral portion 213A. Therefore, as shown... Figure 10 As shown, an opening 601A with a shape substantially the same as the planar shape defined by the second peripheral portion 213A is formed in the second elastomer portion 60A. Additionally, as... Figure 9 As shown, the second peripheral portion 213A is not visible from the outside of the vaginal speculum 1A. Furthermore, the second elastomer portion 60A is configured such that its surface is a plane with the upper surface of the second protrusion 212A.

[0061] According to this structure, when the front portion 20A (excluding the locking member 30 or the protruding member 31) and the second elastomer portion 60A are formed by the two-color molding process described above, the secondary mold can be formed such that the second protrusion 212A contacts the inner wall of the secondary mold. When the elastomer material is injected into the secondary mold with the second protrusion 212A in contact with the inner wall of the secondary mold, the elastomer material is more easily distributed throughout the interior of the secondary mold. As a result, the second elastomer portion 60A can be formed more uniformly on the second outer surface 211A other than the second protrusion 212A, and the integration of the second wing portion 21A and the second elastomer portion 60A is further improved.

[0062] <2. Procedure of vaginal speculum>

[0063] The operation of the vaginal speculum according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the operation of vaginal speculum 1A is the same as that of vaginal speculum 1, so vaginal speculum 1 will be used as an example in the following description.

[0064] Figure 1 shows the vaginal speculum 1 in a state where the second handle portion 22 does not rotate relative to the first handle portion 12. That is, the state shown in Figure 1 is the closed state where the first wing portion 11 and the second wing portion 21 face each other and are joined together without any gap between them, and the vaginal speculum 1 is closed. In the closed state, the first handle portion 12 and the second handle portion 22 are only opened by an angle of approximately (α-β) about axis A1. Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions 311 with protruding members 31 do not pass through the through hole 120 of the first handle portion 12 from front to rear, but are located between the second handle portion 22 and the first handle portion 12.

[0065] The user inserts the first wing portion 11 and the first elastic body portion 50, along with the second wing portion 21 and the second elastic body portion 60, into the vaginal cavity while keeping the speculum 1 closed. The first wing portion 11, the first elastic body portion 50, the second wing portion 21, and the second elastic body portion 60 are inserted into the appropriate position within the vaginal cavity.

[0066] Then, the user rotates the second handle portion 22 relative to the first handle portion 12. The relative rotation of the second wing portion 21 and the second handle portion 22 causes it to move away from the first wing portion 11 and rotate relative to the first wing portion 11. This creates a gap between the first wing portion 11 and the second wing portion 21, resulting in... Figure 6 The vaginal speculum 1 is shown in its open state, and the vaginal cavity is stretched open. When the user rotates the second handle 22 relative to the first handle 12, he / she holds the locking member 30 of the first handle 12 and the concave and convex parts 221 of the second handle 22 to bring the second handle 22 close to the first handle 12, thereby enabling the rotation operation of the second handle 22.

[0067] As the second handle portion 22 approaches the first handle portion 12, the protrusion 311 passes through the through hole 120 of the first handle portion 12 from front to rear. To fix the second handle portion 22 in its proper relative rotational position, the user can use a locking mechanism consisting of the locking member 30 and the protruding member 31. More specifically, in Figure 6 In the shown state, when the user slides the locking member 30 toward the frame portion 13, the pair of rod-shaped portions 301, 301 of the locking member 30 are inserted between adjacent protrusions 311 and 311 of the protruding member 31. That is, the locking member 30 and the protrusions 311 engage. Thus, the position of the protruding member 31 (second handle portion 22) relative to the first handle portion 12 is fixed, becoming... Figure 11 and Figure 13 The vaginal speculum 1 is shown in its locked state.

[0068] The protruding component 31 has multiple protrusions 311. Therefore, the user of the vaginal speculum 1 can select the relative rotational position of the second wing portion 21 to be locked in stages. In this embodiment, the vaginal speculum 1 is configured such that when the second wing portion 21 is rotated to its maximum extent, the first handle portion 12 and the second handle portion 22 are in abutting state. At this time, the included angle formed by the first handle portion 12 and the second handle portion 22 is 0 degrees with reference to axis A1 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0069] With the speculum 1 open, the second wing portion 21 rotates relative to the first wing portion 11 and moves away from the first wing portion 11. This allows the user to observe the front of the speculum 1 through the frame portion 13 (see reference). Figure 13 ).

[0070] In the locked state of the vaginal speculum 1, the locking state of the vaginal speculum 1 is released when the locking member 30 is slid away from the frame portion 13. That is, the engagement between the locking member 30 and the protrusion 311 with the protruding member 31 is released, and the second handle portion 22 can rotate relative to the first handle portion 12. When the user rotates the second handle portion 22 relative to the first handle portion 12, the second wing portion 21 rotates in conjunction and approaches the first wing portion 11. By rotating the second handle portion 22 relative to the first wing portion 11 until the second wing portion 21 matches the first wing portion 11, the vaginal speculum 1 can be returned to the closed state shown in FIG1.

[0071] <3. Characteristics>

[0072] As described above, in the vaginal speculum 1, a first elastic body portion 50 and a second elastic body portion 60 are respectively disposed on the first outer surface 111 of the first wing portion 11 and the second outer surface 211 of the second wing portion 21, which are inserted into the vaginal cavity. When the first wing portion 11 and the second wing portion 21 are inserted into the vaginal cavity, the first elastic body portion 50 and the second elastic body portion 60 prevent the first outer surface 111 of the first wing portion 11 and the second outer surface 211 of the second wing portion 21 from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity. As a result, the cold sensation, pain, and foreign body sensation caused by the first outer surface 111 of the first wing portion 11 and the second outer surface 211 of the second wing portion 21 contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity are relieved by the elastic body portions 50 and 60.

[0073] Furthermore, in the vaginal speculum 1A, a first elastic body portion 50A is disposed on the first outer surface 111A other than the first protrusion 112A, and a second elastic body portion 60A is disposed on the second outer surface 211A other than the second protrusion 212A. As a result, the situation where the first outer surface 111A and the second outer surface 211A fully contact the inner wall of the vaginal cavity is prevented, and the cold sensation, pain, and foreign body sensation caused by the first outer surface 111A and the second outer surface 211A fully contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity are greatly reduced.

[0074] In the vaginal speculum 1, the relative rotational position of the second wing portion 21 relative to the first wing portion 11 can be locked by a locking mechanism consisting of a locking member 30 and a protruding member 31. Therefore, the user does not need to continuously maintain the relative rotational position of the second wing portion 21, improving the operability of the vaginal speculum 1. The same applies to the vaginal speculum 1A.

[0075] In conventional vaginal speculums, the locking mechanism for maintaining the open position is a screw-type locking mechanism consisting of a bolt and a nut. Screw-type locking mechanisms sometimes suffer from the threads of the bolt and nut easily disengaging, resulting in a locked and immobile state. Furthermore, in screw-type locking mechanisms, locking requires rotating the nut to move it to the appropriate position, and unlocking requires rotating the nut again to move it the same distance, making the operation typically cumbersome. However, according to the locking mechanism of vaginal speculums 1 and 1A described above, regardless of the rotation position (rotation angle), locking and unlocking operations can be performed by sliding the locking member 30 radially a certain distance. Therefore, the locking mechanism of vaginal speculums 1 and 1A is easy for the user to operate.

[0076] The locking component 30 and the protruding component 31 are made of soft resin, which is elastic and easily deformable. Therefore, it is easy to engage or disengage the locking component 30 and the protruding component 31. Furthermore, they are soft to the touch and provide a comfortable feel for the user's hand.

[0077] Furthermore, when using the vaginal speculum 1, the user primarily holds the area near the locking member 30 of the first handle portion 12. The locking member 30 is made of soft resin, which prevents slippage on the user's hand and allows for proper operation. Additionally, irregularities are formed on the rear surface of the locking member 30, and irregularities 221 are also formed on the second handle portion 22, thereby improving the grip of the vaginal speculum 1. The same applies to the vaginal speculum 1A.

[0078] The rear surface of the main body 300 of the locking member 30 is formed to be gently concave towards the center when viewed from the side. As a result, the user can easily hook his finger on the locking member 30 and smoothly hold and operate the vaginal speculum 1 and vaginal speculum 1A.

[0079] <4. Variations>

[0080] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications can be made without departing from its spirit. For example, the following modifications can be made.

[0081] <4-1>

[0082] In the above embodiment, the first part and the second part are configured such that, with axis A1 as a reference, the first handle portion 12, the second handle portion 22, the second wing portion 21, and the first wing portion 11 are arranged in a clockwise positional relationship. However, as long as the first handle portion 12 and the second handle portion 22 can rotate relative to each other, and the first wing portion 11 and the second wing portion 21 can rotate in conjunction with them in a relatively moving away from or towards each other, the structure of the first part and the second part is not limited to the rear part 10 and the front part 20 described above. For example, the first part and the second part can also be configured such that, with axis A1 as a reference, the second handle portion 22, the first handle portion 12, the second wing portion 21, and the first wing portion 11 are arranged in a clockwise positional relationship.

[0083] <4-2>

[0084] In the above embodiment, the rear portion 10 and the front portion 20, excluding the locking member 30 and the protruding member 31, are each formed of rigid resin. However, the rear portion 10 and the front portion 20 may also be formed of metal. Furthermore, the rear portion 10 and the front portion 20 may be formed of different materials.

[0085] <4-3>

[0086] In the above embodiment, the locking member 30 and the protruding member 31 are both made of soft resin. However, the locking member 30 and the protruding member 31 may also be formed of hard resin or the like. Furthermore, the locking member 30 and the protruding member 31 may be formed of different materials.

[0087] <4-4>

[0088] In the above embodiment, the first part (rear part 10) has a locking member 30, and the second part (front part 20) has a protruding member 31. However, it is also possible that the first part (rear part 10) has a protruding member 31, and the second part (front part 20) has a locking member 30.

[0089] <4-5>

[0090] The rear portion 10 and the first elastic body portion 50 of the first embodiment can be replaced with the rear portion 10A and the first elastic body portion 50A of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the front portion 20 and the second elastic body portion 60 of the first embodiment can also be replaced with the front portion 20A and the first elastic body portion 60A of the second embodiment. That is, the vaginal speculum can also be configured such that only one of the rear portion 10 and the front portion 20 has a first protrusion 112A or a second protrusion 212A.

[0091] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0092] 1, 1A…vaginal speculum; 10, 10A…rear part (first part); 11, 11A…first wing part; 12…first handle part; 13…frame part; 20, 20A…front part (second part); 21, 21A…second wing part; 22…second handle part; 30…locking component; 31…protruding component; 50, 50A…first elastic body part; 60, 60A…second elastic body part; 111, 111A…first outer surface; 112A…first protrusion; 113A…first side periphery; 211, 211A…second outer surface; 212A…second protrusion; 213A…second side periphery.

Claims

1. A vaginal speculum comprising a first part, a second part, a first elastic body portion with an elastic structure, and a second elastic body portion with an elastic structure. The first part has: an annular frame portion extending in a front-rear direction; and a first wing portion extending forward from the frame portion and inserted into the vaginal cavity; And a first handle portion, which extends radially from the frame portion, The second part has: a second handle portion facing the first handle portion; And a second wing portion, extending forward from the second handle portion to face the first wing portion, is inserted into the vaginal cavity together with the first wing portion. The first elastomer portion is disposed on the first outer surface of the first wing portion on the side opposite to the second wing portion. The second elastomer portion is disposed on the second outer surface of the second wing portion on the side opposite to the first wing portion. The second handle portion is configured to rotate relative to the first handle portion. The second wing portion is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the second handle portion relative to the first handle portion, so as to rotate relative to the first wing portion in a manner that moves away from or towards it. The first elastomer portion and the second elastomer portion are configured to prevent the first outer surface of the first wing portion and the second outer surface of the second wing portion from contacting the inner wall of the vaginal cavity when the first wing portion and the second wing portion are inserted into the vaginal cavity. The first wing portion has a first protrusion formed by the partial elevation of the first outer side surface. A first opening is formed in the first elastic body portion, and the first elastic body portion is disposed on the first outer surface other than the first protrusion such that the peripheral portion of the first opening is in close contact with the side peripheral portion of the first protrusion. The surface of the first elastic body portion is configured to form a plane with the upper surface of the first protrusion. The first part and the first elastomer part are integrally formed.

2. The vaginal speculum according to claim 1, wherein, The first elastomer portion has a protrusion that protrudes forward from the front end of the first wing portion.

3. The vaginal speculum according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second elastomer portion has a protrusion that protrudes forward from the front end of the second wing portion.

4. The vaginal speculum according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first part and the second part are formed of rigid resin or metal.

5. The vaginal speculum according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first elastomer portion is formed in a way that prevents it from being separated from the first part. The second elastomer portion is formed so that it cannot be separated from the second part.

6. The vaginal speculum according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, One of the first handle portion and the second handle portion has a protruding member, the protruding member having a main body portion extending in a front-rear direction and a protrusion formed in the main body portion. The other of the first handle portion and the second handle portion has: a through hole through which the protruding member passes; and a locking member configured to be engaged with the protrusion to lock the rotational position of the second wing portion relative to the first wing portion.

7. The vaginal speculum according to claim 6, wherein, At least one of the protruding component and the locking component is a soft resin product.

8. The vaginal speculum according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second wing portion has a second convex portion formed by the second outer side portion being raised. A second opening is formed in the second elastic body portion, and the second elastic body portion is disposed on the second outer surface other than the second protrusion in such a way that it is in close contact with the side peripheral portion of the second protrusion. The surface of the second elastic body portion is configured to form a plane with the upper surface of the second protrusion. The second part and the second elastomer part are integrally formed.

Images