Endoscope

Abstract

The present invention provides an endoscope whose hardness adjustment mechanism can be smoothly operated. The endoscope comprises: a hardness adjustment wire, which is arranged in an insertion part, and has a hardness adjustment sheath (41) and a hardness adjustment wire (44) inserted into the hardness adjustment sheath (41), and a connector for connecting the hardness adjustment sheath (41) and the hardness adjustment wire (44); a stopper member (441) fixed to the hardness adjustment wire (44) on the operating part side of the hardness adjustment wire; a cam mechanism (32) connected to the stopper member (441) when tension is applied to the hardness adjustment wire (44); a sheath fixing part (34) connected to the hardness adjustment sheath (41) on the operating part side of the hardness adjustment wire; and a guide frame (35) arranged between the insertion part and the operating part, and keeps the cam mechanism (32) and the sheath fixing part (34) so ​​that they can move independently along the length direction of the insertion part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope. Background Art

[0002] An endoscope that can change the hardness of an insertion portion during endoscopic inspection has been proposed (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-230201

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-355217 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In the endoscopes of Patent Documents 1 and 2, a hardness adjustment coil and a hardness adjustment wire inserted into the hardness adjustment coil are used as a hardness adjustment mechanism inside the insertion portion. The hardness adjustment coil and the hardness adjustment wire are fixed to the front end side of the insertion portion. By pulling only the hardness adjustment wire on the operation portion side, the hardness of the insertion portion is changed by utilizing the compression and hardening of the hardness adjustment coil.

[0009] However, in the endoscopes of Patent Documents 1 and 2, tension or compression is applied to the hardness adjustment coil and the hardness adjustment wire when the insertion portion is bent in a complex manner. Therefore, even if the user operates the hardness adjustment mechanism, a sufficient effect may not be obtained.

[0010] On the one hand, the present invention is directed to an endoscope having a hardness adjustment mechanism that can be smoothly operated.

[0011] Solutions to Solve Problems

[0012] The endoscope comprises: a hardness adjustment wire, which is arranged in an insertion portion, has a hardness adjustment sheath and a hardness adjustment wire inserted into the hardness adjustment sheath, and a connecting piece for connecting the hardness adjustment sheath and the hardness adjustment wire; a stop member, which is fixed to the hardness adjustment wire on the operating portion side of the hardness adjustment wire; a cam mechanism, which is connected to the stop member when tension is applied to the hardness adjustment wire; a sheath fixing portion, which is connected to the hardness adjustment sheath on the operating portion side of the hardness adjustment wire; and a guide frame, which is arranged between the insertion portion and the operating portion, and maintains the cam mechanism and the sheath fixing portion so that they can move independently along the length direction of the insertion portion.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] On the one hand, the present invention can provide an endoscope in which a hardness adjustment mechanism can be smoothly operated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is an external view of an endoscope.

[0016] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of part II.

[0017] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of part III.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of section IV.

[0019] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 V-arrow view in .

[0020] Figure 6 is along Figure 5 Partial cross-sectional view of the insertion portion along line VI-VI.

[0021] Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view of the insertion part.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an exploded view of the insert.

[0023] Fig. 9 yes Figure 2 Magnified view of section IX.

[0024] Fig.10 This is a perspective view of the hardness adjustment operation unit with the hardness adjustment knob removed.

[0025] Fig.11 This is a front view of the hardness adjustment operation unit after the hardness adjustment knob is removed.

[0026] Fig.12 This is a front view of the hardness adjustment operating part after removing the hardness adjustment knob, cam ring, shaft ring and sleeve fixing ring.

[0027] Fig.13 is along Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the hardness adjustment operation portion along line XIII-XIII in FIG.

[0028] Fig.14 is along Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the hardness adjustment operation portion taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG.

[0029] Fig.15This is a cross-sectional view of the hardness adjustment operation portion when the hardness adjustment wire is pulled toward the front end side.

[0030] Fig.16 This is an enlarged perspective view of the hardness adjustment operation part after the hardness adjustment knob is removed when the hardness adjustment knob is turned to the maximum.

[0031] Fig.17 This is a cross-sectional view of the hardness adjustment operation section when the hardness adjustment knob is turned to the maximum.

[0032] Fig.18 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the insertion portion of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] [Implementation Method 1]

[0034] Figure 1 1 is an external view of the endoscope 10. The endoscope 10 of the present embodiment is a colon endoscope. The endoscope 10 has an insertion portion 14, a hardness adjustment operation portion 30, an operation portion 20, and a universal cord 25. The operation portion 20 has a bending knob 21 and a channel entrance 22. The surface of the hardness adjustment operation portion 30 is covered with a hardness adjustment knob 31.

[0035] The endoscope 10 of this embodiment has a so-called hardness adjustment function, and the doctor as a user can adjust the hardness of the flexible portion 11 by operating the hardness adjustment knob 31 during endoscopic examination. More specifically, the user can adjust the hardness of the hardness changing portion 111 which is a part of the flexible portion 11. Here, the hardness of the flexible portion 11 refers to the bending rigidity of the flexible portion 11. In the following description, a high hardness of the flexible portion 11 means that the bending rigidity of the flexible portion 11 is high, and a low hardness of the flexible portion 11 means that the bending rigidity of the flexible portion 11 is low.

[0036] The insertion portion 14 is elongated, and one end is connected to the operation portion 20 via the bending stop portion 16. The insertion portion 14 has the flexible portion 11, the bending portion 12, and the front end portion 13 in order from the operation portion 20 side. The bending portion 12 is bent according to the operation of the bending knob 21.

[0037] The hardness adjustment wire 40 is arranged between the hardness adjustment operation portion 30 and the boundary portion between the flexible portion 11 and the curved portion 12. The structure of the hardness adjustment wire 40 will be described later. From the channel entrance 22 to the front end portion 13, a channel penetrating the insertion portion 14 is provided.

[0038] In the following description, the length direction of the insertion portion 14 is referred to as the insertion direction. Likewise, the side closer to the operation portion 20 along the insertion direction is referred to as the operation portion side, and the side farther from the operation portion 20 is referred to as the front end side.

[0039] The universal cord 25 is elongated, with a first end connected to the operation unit 20 and a second end connected to a connector portion (not shown). The connector portion is connected to a processor for the endoscope (not shown).

[0040] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Section II of the Figure 2 In the cross-sectional views, internal components other than the hardness adjustment mechanism, such as cables, air supply pipes, water supply pipes, channels and bending wires, are omitted.

[0041] Figure 2 The front end portion of the flexible portion 11 is shown. The surface of the flexible portion 11 is covered with an outer tube 15. A plurality of cylindrical bending pieces 121 are arranged in the bending portion 12. Figure 2 4 shows a portion of the bending piece 121 disposed closest to the operation portion. The bending rubber covering the bending piece 121 is not shown. The outer tube 15 and the bending piece 121 are connected by a connecting tube 48.

[0042] The hardness adjustment wire 40 includes a hardness adjustment sheath 41, a hardness adjustment wire 44, a coupling member 46, a connection wire 42, and a front end locking member 47. The connection wire 42 is disposed on the front end side of the insertion portion 14, and the hardness adjustment sheath 41 and the hardness adjustment wire 44 are disposed on the operation portion side of the insertion portion 14. The hardness adjustment wire 44 is inserted through the hardness adjustment sheath 41. The connection wire 42, the hardness adjustment sheath 41, and the hardness adjustment wire 44 are coupled by the coupling member 46.

[0043] The hardness adjustment sheath 41 is composed of a tightly wound coil formed by tightly winding a round wire. The connecting wire 42 is composed of a tightly wound coil formed by tightly winding a flat wire. The tensile rigidity of the connecting wire 42 is lower than the tensile rigidity of the hardness adjustment sheath 41. The hardness adjustment sheath may be composed of a resin tube. The connecting wire 42 may be composed of a metal wire. The details of the connecting piece 46 and the front end locking piece 47 will be described later.

[0044] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of part III. Figure 3 The hardness of the flexible portion 11 is set to the lowest state and the entire insertion portion 14 is substantially linear. The guide frame 35 is inserted through the hardness adjustment knob 31. The guide frame 35 is generally cylindrical. The guide frame 35 has a central axis in a direction consistent with the length direction of the insertion portion 14.

[0045] exist Figure 3 On the right side, the operating unit housing 23 is fixed to the outside of the guide frame 35. The operating unit housing 23 is a housing constituting the operating unit 20. Figure 3On the left side of the guide frame 35, the rear end cover 17 mounted on the end of the insertion portion 14 is fixed to the inner side of the guide frame 35. The rear end cover 17 is covered by the bending stop portion 16. A bending stop cover 161 is fixed to the end of the operation portion side of the bending stop portion 16. Via the guide frame 35, the operation portion 20 and the insertion portion 14 are fixed to each other so as not to rotate.

[0046] A cam ring 322, a collar 33, and a sheath fixing ring 342 are arranged in this order from the operation portion 20 side between the guide frame 35 and the hardness adjustment knob 31. The cam ring 322, the collar 33, and the sheath fixing ring 342 are independently movable along the longitudinal direction of the guide frame 35.

[0047] The cam ring 322 is connected to the hardness adjustment knob 31. When the user turns the hardness adjustment knob 31, the cam ring 322 rotates integrally with the hardness adjustment knob 31. The cam ring 322 is one of the components of the cam mechanism 32 described later. The structures of the cam ring 322 and the cam mechanism 32 will be described later.

[0048] The collar 33 is cylindrical and has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the guide frame 35 and an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the hardness adjustment knob 31. The collar 33 can freely move between the cam ring 322 and the sheath fixing ring 342 along the axial direction of the guide frame 35.

[0049] The collar 33 is made of a highly lubricating resin such as polyacetal, polytetrafluoroethylene, or hard polyethylene, for example. The collar 33 may also be made of a metal subjected to a surface treatment for improving lubricity such as fluororesin coating or hard chrome plating.

[0050] The sheath receiving member 421 is fixed to the end portion of the hardness adjustment sheath 41 on the side of the operation portion to avoid hindering the operation of the hardness adjustment wire 44 in the length direction. Fig.11 ) is fixed to the sheath fixing ring 342. The sheath fixing ring 342 and the sheath receiving member 421 are constituent elements of the sheath fixing portion 34. The structure of the sheath fixing portion 34 will be described later.

[0051] A substantially cylindrical driven body 36 is disposed inside the guide frame 35. The driven body 36 is substantially cylindrical and coaxial with the guide frame 35. The outer diameter of the driven body 36 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the guide frame 35. The driven body 36 has a wire holding portion 361 protruding toward the inner surface side.

[0052] The wire holding portion 361 is provided with a wire hole 362 penetrating in the axial direction of the driven body 36. The hardness adjustment wire 44 protruding from the operation portion side end of the hardness adjustment sheath 41 passes through the wire hole 362. The stopper member 441 is fixed to the end of the hardness adjustment wire 44.

[0053] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of part IV in . Figure 5 yes Figure 4 V-arrow view in . Figure 6 is along Figure 5 A partial cross-sectional view of the insertion portion 14 taken along line VI-VI. Figure 7 It is an exploded perspective view of the insertion portion 14 . Figure 7 The state where the bending piece 121 is slid to the front end side is shown. Figure 8 It is an exploded view of the insertion portion 14 .

[0054] Figure 8 The bending block 121 and the front end locking member 47 are shown in a state where they are slid to the front end side. Figures 4 to 8 , the structure of the front end portion of the flexible portion 11 is described.

[0055] The front end locking piece 47 is fixed to the end of the connecting wire 42. The front end locking piece 47 is roughly L-shaped, with one end facing the operation part side and the other end facing the outside of the insertion part 14. The front end locking piece 47 has a fixing hole 475 at the end facing the operation part side. The end of the connecting wire 42 is fixed inside the fixing hole 475 by any means such as bonding and welding. The locking protrusion 471 is provided at the end of the front end locking piece 47 on the operation part side of the end surface facing the outside of the insertion part 14.

[0056] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , a locking groove 481 opening toward the front end is provided on the side of the connecting pipe 48. A receiving groove 129 opening toward the operating portion is provided on the side of the bending block 121 at a position corresponding to the locking groove 481. The locking protrusion 471 is disposed in the front end holding portion formed by the overlapping portion of the locking groove 481 and the receiving groove 129.

[0057] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the locking member groove 481 is a substantially V-shaped groove with a wider width on the outer peripheral side. The cross-sectional shape of the front end locking member 47 also widens on the outer peripheral side of the insertion portion 14. Figure 6 As shown, the front end portion of the front end locking piece 47 is covered by the edge of the receiving groove 129 .

[0058] Through the above structure, the front end locking member 47 can be Figure 4 The front end locking piece 47 moves in the length direction within the range of the length A shown. Since the front end locking piece 47 is held by the locking piece groove 481 and the bending block 121 , it does not move in the radial direction of the insertion portion 14 .

[0059] Fig. 9 yes Figure 2The IX part of the enlarged view. The connecting piece 46 is a stepped cylindrical shape with the operating part side thicker than the front end side. Holes are respectively provided on the two end faces of the connecting piece 46. The end of the connecting wire 42 is fixed inside the hole on the front end side by any means such as bonding, welding, etc.

[0060] The side hole of the operating part of the connecting piece 46 is a stepped hole. The hardness adjustment wire 44 is fixed to the small-diameter part of the inner side by any method such as bonding or welding. The hardness adjustment sheath 41 abuts against the stepped part of the stepped hole. The hardness adjustment sheath 41 is fixed to the large-diameter part of the stepped hole by any method such as bonding or welding.

[0061] The outer periphery of the end of the hardness adjustment sheath 41 is removed to achieve a smaller diameter. Therefore, by increasing the contact area between the hardness adjustment sheath 41 and the coupling member 46, it is possible to increase the fixing strength and reduce the diameter of the insertion portion 14.

[0062] Since the holes at both ends of the connecting member 46 are not connected to each other, the connecting wire 42 and the hardness adjustment wire 44 can be respectively abutted against the bottom of the holes and fixed. Therefore, during assembly, there is no need to manage the insertion length of the connecting wire 42 and the hardness adjustment wire 44 into the connecting member 46, and assembly is easy.

[0063] Furthermore, since the holes provided at both ends of the connecting member 46 are not connected to each other, it is also possible to prevent problems such as the adhesive for fixing the connecting wire 42 clogging the hole on the side of the hardness adjustment wire 44 and hindering the assembly of the hardness adjustment wire 44. Alternatively, the holes provided at both ends of the connecting member 46 may be connected to each other through, for example, a small hole in the center. In this case, process management should be performed to avoid problems such as the adhesive flowing out.

[0064] Fig.10 is a perspective view of the hardness adjustment operation unit 30 after the hardness adjustment knob 31 is removed. Figure 3 Same, Fig.10 The state in which the hardness of the flexible portion 11 is set to the lowest state and the entire insertion portion 14 is substantially in a straight line is shown. Fig.11 It is a front view of the hardness adjustment operation portion 30 with the hardness adjustment knob 31 removed. Fig.11 A state in which the sheath fixing ring 342 is slid to the front end side is shown. The sliding of the sheath fixing ring 342 will be described later.

[0065] Fig.12 3 is a front view of the hardness adjustment operation unit 30 after removing the hardness adjustment knob 31, the cam ring 322, the shaft ring 33 and the sheath fixing ring 342. Figure 3 Same, Fig.12 The state in which the hardness of the flexible portion 11 is set to the lowest state and the entire insertion portion 14 is substantially in a straight line is shown. Fig.13 is along Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the hardness adjustment operation portion 30 taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. Fig.14 is along Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the hardness adjustment operation portion 30 taken along line XIV-XIV in FIG.

[0066] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in the figure, the cam ring 322 is a stepped cylindrical shape having a large-diameter knob engaging portion 326 on the operating portion side. The knob engaging portion 326 is provided with a plurality of knob engaging grooves 325 extending in the length direction. By engaging the knob engaging grooves 325 with protrusions (not shown) provided on the inner surface of the hardness adjustment knob 31, the cam ring 322 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the hardness adjustment knob 31.

[0067] Two first cam grooves 321 are provided on the side of the cam ring 322. The two first cam grooves 321 have the same shape and are arranged axially symmetrically around the central axis of the cam ring 322. The first cam groove 321 is inclined relative to the end face of the cam ring 322 on the front end side and is roughly parallel to the end face of the cam ring 322 on the operating portion side.

[0068] The sheath fixing ring 342 has a deep countersunk adjustment hole 345 on the side. Two adjustment holes 345 with equal distances from the end face form a group, and a total of four groups of adjustment holes 345 are configured. The distances between the adjustment holes 345 constituting each group are equal. In addition, the number of adjustment holes 345 is not limited to 4 groups of 8. Any number of adjustment holes 345 can be configured.

[0069] like Fig.12 As shown, a second cam groove 352 is provided on the operating portion side of the side surface of the guide frame 35. Two second cam grooves 352 are arranged axially symmetrically around the central axis of the guide frame 35. Two slide grooves 355 are provided on the front end side of the side surface of the guide frame 35.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Fig.14 As shown, the driven body 36 is arranged on the inner side of the guide frame 35. The driven body 36 is C-shaped and has a wire holding portion 361 protruding inward from one side edge of the C-shaped ring. The wire holding portion 361 is arranged on the front end side of the driven body 36. The wire holding portion 361 is provided with a wire hole 362 that penetrates the guide frame 35 in the axial direction.

[0071] The edge of the wire hole 362 is provided with a wire slit 363 having a width that allows the hardness adjustment wire 44 to pass through but prevents the stop member 441 from passing through. Fig.14In the figure, the stopper member 441 is indicated by a virtual line. The size of the thread hole 362 is a size that allows the stopper member 441 to pass easily when the thread hole 362 is not screwed or is lightly screwed with the cam pin 365. When the stopper member 441 is screwed with the cam pin 365, it cannot pass through the thread hole 362. Therefore, the stopper member 441 does not move further toward the front end side than the driven body 36.

[0072] Two screw holes penetrating the side surface are provided symmetrically with respect to the central axis on the driven body 36. One of the screw holes penetrates toward the thread hole 362. The cam pin 365 is screwed into the two screw holes respectively. The head of the cam pin 365 passes through the second cam groove 352 and the first cam groove 321. The end face of the head of the cam pin 365 is arranged on the inner side than the side surface of the cam ring 322.

[0073] When the cam ring 322 rotates, the follower 36 moves along the central axis under the action of the first cam groove 321, the second cam groove 352 and the cam pin 365. That is, the cam ring 322 formed with the first cam groove 321, the guide frame 35 formed with the second cam groove 352 and the follower 36 fixed with the cam pin 365 constitute the cam mechanism 32, which converts the rotational motion around the central axis into the forward and backward motion along the central axis.

[0074] like Fig.13 As shown, the sheath receiving member 421 is a substantially Y-shaped plate. Figure 3 The step-shaped hole is thicker on the front end side and thinner on the operation part side. The end of the hardness adjustment sheath 41 is fixed to the large diameter part of the step-shaped hole by any method such as bonding or welding. The small diameter part of the step-shaped hole is thicker than the outer diameter of the hardness adjustment wire 44, so that the hardness adjustment wire 44 can move forward and backward smoothly.

[0075] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the portion corresponding to the two oblique lines on the upper side of the Y-shape is engaged with the slide groove 355 from the inner side of the guide frame 35. On the sheath receiving member 421, fixing screw holes 425 are respectively provided on the two end surfaces corresponding to the upper side of the Y-shape. One of the four groups of adjustment holes 345 is connected to the fixing screw hole 425 by two fixing screws 341. The sheath receiving member 421, the sheath fixing ring 342 and the fixing screw 341 constitute the sheath fixing portion 34, and move forward and backward integrally with the end portion on the operating portion side of the hardness adjustment sheath 41.

[0076] like Fig.13 As shown, the hardness adjustment knob 31 has a substantially hexagonal cross section. The center of each side is recessed. Therefore, the user can reliably rotate the hardness adjustment knob 31 without slipping even when wearing medical gloves.

[0077] Fig.15This is a cross-sectional view of the hardness adjustment operation portion 30 when the hardness adjustment wire 40 is pulled toward the front end side. Figure 3 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.15 , the sliding of the sheath fixing ring 342 is described.

[0078] The user starts inserting the insertion portion 14 into the large intestine when the hardness of the flexible portion 11 is low. Figure 3 and Fig.10 The user inserts the insertion portion 14 into the large intestine while appropriately operating the bending knob 21. As the insertion proceeds, the hardness adjustment wire 40 is pulled toward the front end due to the bending of the bending portion 12 and the bending of the flexible portion 11. In addition, in the following description, the bending of the bending portion 12 and the bending of the flexible portion 11 are collectively referred to as the bending of the insertion portion 14.

[0079] By adjusting the hardness of the sheath 41, the sheath 41 is pulled toward the front end. Fig.11 and Fig.15 As shown in FIG. 1 , the sheath fixing portion 34 slides to the front end side. The hardness adjustment wire 44 is pulled toward the front end side, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown, the stopper member 441 slides to the front end side.

[0080] use Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Fig.11 and Fig.15 , the operation of the front end locking member 47 is described. Fig.11 and Fig.15 As shown, when the sheath fixing ring 342 abuts against the bending stop cover 161, the rear end side of the hardness adjustment sheath 41 is no longer pulled into the insertion portion 14. Similarly, when the stop member 441 abuts against the driven body 36, the rear end side of the hardness adjustment wire 44 is no longer pulled into the insertion portion 14.

[0081] In this way, when the hardness adjustment wire 40 is pulled into the insertion portion 14 in a state where the rear end side is fixed, the linking member 46 is pushed toward the front end side. Figure 4 The hardness adjustment wire 40 slides within the range of the length A shown, thereby reducing the compressive force applied to the hardness adjustment wire 40.

[0082] As described above, the tension and compression force applied to the hardness adjustment wire 40 due to the bending of the insertion portion 14 are reduced by the sliding mechanism of the sheath fixing ring 342, the sliding mechanism of the front end locking piece 47, and the sliding mechanism of the stopper member 441. Therefore, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 in which the hardness of the flexible portion 11 is not easily changed even if the insertion portion 14 is bent.

[0083] like Fig.11As shown, the fixing screw 341 is installed by using an adjustment hole 345, and when the cam pin 365 is located at the front end side end of the first cam groove 321, there is a gap in the adjustment hole 345 for the shaft ring 33 to move in the axial direction. Since a plurality of groups of adjustment holes 345 are provided on the sheath fixing ring 342, the sheath fixing ring 342 can be fixed in a suitable position even if there are deviations in the length of the outer tube 15 and the length of the hardness adjustment sheath 41.

[0084] The operation of the hardness adjustment mechanism is described below. When the hardness of the flexible portion 11 needs to be increased, the user rotates the hardness adjustment knob 31 clockwise when viewed from the operation portion side. As described above, the cam ring 322 rotates in conjunction with the hardness adjustment knob 31 .

[0085] Fig.16 It is an enlarged perspective view of the hardness adjustment operation portion 30 with the hardness adjustment knob 31 removed when the hardness adjustment knob 31 is turned to the maximum. Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view of the hardness adjustment operation unit 30 when the hardness adjustment knob 31 is turned to the maximum. Figure 3 and Fig.10 The state shown rotates to Fig.16 and Fig.17 The operation of the hardness adjustment mechanism during the state shown will be explained.

[0086] When the insertion portion 14 is less bent and the hardness adjustment wire 40 is not pulled into the insertion portion 14, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, there is a gap between the sheath fixing ring 342 and the anti-bend cover 161. When the cam ring 322 starts to rotate, the cam pin 365 moves in the first cam groove 321, thereby moving the cam ring 322 to the front end side. The cam ring 322 pushes the shaft ring 33 and the sheath fixing part 34 to the front end side.

[0087] As the sheath fixing portion 34 is pushed toward the front end, the linking member 46 moves to the front end and pulls in the hardness adjustment wire 44. The stop member 441 slides toward the front end. The linking member 46 pushes the connecting wire 42 toward the front end, and the front end locking member 47 is used. Figure 4 The front end locking member 47 slides within the range of the length A. The front end locking member 47 stops in a state where the locking protrusion 471 abuts against the bottom of the receiving groove 129 .

[0088] On the other hand, when the insertion portion 14 is bent more and the hardness adjustment wire 40 is pulled into the insertion portion 14, Fig.11 As shown, the sheath fixing ring 342 slides to the front end side. As described above, there is a gap for the shaft collar 33 to move in the axial direction. When the cam ring 322 starts to rotate, the cam pin 365 moves in the first cam groove 321, whereby the cam ring 322 moves to the front end side. The cam ring 322 pushes the shaft collar 33 toward the sheath fixing portion 34.

[0089] As described above, the cam ring 322 can start rotating with a small force regardless of whether the insertion portion 14 is slightly or more bent. That is, the user can start operating the hardness adjustment knob 31 with a small force. Therefore, an endoscope 10 can be provided that does not make the user feel uneasy regardless of whether the user holds the hardness adjustment knob 31 correctly to operate it.

[0090] The sheath fixing ring 342, the shaft ring 33, and the cam ring 322 abut against the bend stop cover 161. After that, when the user turns the hardness adjustment knob 31, the cam pin 365 and the driven body 36 move to the operating portion side through the first cam groove 321 and the second cam groove 352. After the stop member 441 abuts against the wire holding portion 361, the hardness adjustment wire 44 is pulled to the operating portion side via the stop member 441.

[0091] The hardness adjustment wire 44 is pulled toward the operation part, and the link 46 and the connection wire 42 are pulled toward the operation part. Figure 4 The front end locking piece 47 is slid to the operation portion side within the range of the length A. The front end locking piece 47 stops in a state where the locking protrusion 471 abuts against the bottom of the locking piece groove 481 .

[0092] As described above, the endoscope 10 has three abutting parts, namely, the front end locking piece 47 abuts against the bottom of the locking piece groove 481, the sheath fixing ring 342, the shaft ring 33 and the cam ring 322 abut against the bending stop cover 161, and the stop member 441 abuts against the wire holding part 361, a total of three abutting parts; the order of occurrence of the three abutments will change depending on various conditions such as the assembly state of the hardness adjustment wire 40 and the bending state of the insertion part 14. However, when the user rotates the hardness adjustment knob 31 beyond a certain degree, all three abutments will occur.

[0093] When the user further rotates the hardness adjustment knob 31 in a state where all three abutments occur, the hardness adjustment wire 44 and the link 46 are pulled toward the operation portion through the cam mechanism 32 , the follower 36 , and the stopper member 441 .

[0094] The sheath fixing ring 342 and the shaft ring 33 are sandwiched between the bending stop cover 161 and the cam ring 322 and do not move. Therefore, the hardness adjustment sheath 41 is compressed between the sheath fixing portion 34 and the connecting member 46. By applying a compressive force to the hardness adjustment sheath 41, the hardness of the flexible portion 11, more specifically, the hardness of the portion of the flexible portion 11 where the hardness adjustment sheath 41 is arranged, i.e., the hardness of the hardness changing portion 111, increases.

[0095] Through the above operation, when viewed from the operation part side, the user can increase the hardness of the flexible part 11 by turning the hardness adjustment knob 31 clockwise, and can reduce the hardness of the flexible part 11 by turning the hardness adjustment knob 31 counterclockwise.

[0096] The greater the pulling amount of the hardness adjustment wire 44, the greater the force required for pulling. However, as described above, since the end surface of the cam ring 322 is substantially parallel to the operating portion side, the hardness adjustment wire 44 is not required to be pulled. Fig.16 In the state of rotating the cam ring 322, the movement amount of the driven body 36 is small. Therefore, the user can easily rotate the hardness adjustment knob 31 to Fig.16 Status shown.

[0097] exist Fig.16 In the state shown, the force pulling toward the front end side acts on the cam pin 365. However, the first cam groove 321 is substantially in the circumferential direction. Therefore, even if the user loosens the hardness adjustment knob 31, the cam ring 322 is still held. Fig.16 The state shown in FIG. 1 is shown, and the flexible portion 11 is maintained in a high hardness state.

[0098] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 in which the hardness adjustment mechanism operates smoothly. Since the three components, namely, the front end locking member 47, the sheath fixing ring 342, and the stopper member 441, can move freely before abutting, the bending of the insertion portion 14 alone does not hinder the compression of the hardness adjustment sheath 41. Therefore, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 in which the hardness of the flexible portion 11 is not easily changed when the user does not operate the hardness adjustment knob 31.

[0099] According to this embodiment, since a gap is ensured for the collar 33 to move freely, an endoscope 10 can be provided in which the user can start operating the hardness adjustment knob 31 with a small force. The user can operate the hardness adjustment mechanism with ease without taking his eyes off the endoscopic image.

[0100] According to the present embodiment, since the slidability of the collar 33 is high, the cam ring 322 can rotate smoothly. Therefore, it is possible to provide an endoscope 10 in which the user can operate the hardness adjustment knob 31 without feeling uncomfortable.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the length of the hardness changing portion 111 can be determined by appropriately selecting the length of the connection line 42, the hardness adjusting sheath 41, and the hardness adjusting wire 44. Therefore, it is possible to provide a lineup of endoscopes 10 having a hardness changing portion 111 of a length corresponding to the application without changing other components.

[0102] [Implementation Method 2]

[0103] The present embodiment relates to an endoscope 10 in which a hardness adjustment wire 44 also serves as a connection wire 42. Description of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0104] Fig.18 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the insertion portion 14 according to the second embodiment. Fig.18 Shown with Figure 2 In this embodiment, the hardness adjustment wire 44 passes through the connecting piece 46. The connecting piece 46 is fixed to the end of the hardness adjustment sheath 41 and the hardness adjustment wire 44. The front end locking piece 47 is fixed to the end of the hardness adjustment wire 44.

[0105] According to the present embodiment, the portion of the hardness adjusting wire 44 on the distal end side of the coupling member 46 functions as the connecting wire 42 , and therefore the number of components constituting the hardness adjusting wire 40 can be reduced.

[0106] The technical features (structural requirements) described in the various embodiments can be combined with each other, and new technical features can be formed through combination.

[0107] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the claims rather than the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0108] Explanation of symbols

[0109] 10. Endoscope

[0110] 11 Flexible part

[0111] 111 Hardness change section

[0112] 12 Bend

[0113] 121 Bending Block

[0114] 129 receiving slot

[0115] 13 Front end

[0116] 14 Insertion

[0117] 15 Outer tube

[0118] 16. Stop bend

[0119] 161 Anti-bend cover

[0120] 17 Rear end cover

[0121] 20 Operation Department

[0122] 21 Bend Knob

[0123] 22 Channel Entrance

[0124] 23 Operation unit housing

[0125] 25 Universal cord

[0126] 30 Hardness adjustment operation unit

[0127] 31 Hardness adjustment knob

[0128] 32 Cam mechanism

[0129] 321 First cam groove

[0130] 322 Cam ring

[0131] 325 Knob snap-in slot

[0132] 326 Knob snap-fit ​​part

[0133] 33 Collar

[0134] 34 Sheath fixing part

[0135] 341 Fixing screw

[0136] 342 Sheath fixing ring

[0137] 345 Adjustment hole

[0138] 35 Guide frame

[0139] 352 Second cam groove

[0140] 355 Slide slot

[0141] 36 Follower

[0142] 361 Wire holding part

[0143] 362 Wire Holes

[0144] 363 Wire Slit

[0145] 365 Cam pin

[0146] 40 Hardness adjustment line

[0147] 41 Hardness adjustment sheath

[0148] 42 Connection cable

[0149] 421 Sheath receiver

[0150] 425 Fixing screw hole

[0151] 44 Hardness adjustment wire

[0152] 441 Stop member

[0153] 46 Connectors

[0154] 47 Front locking piece

[0155] 471 Locking protrusion

[0156] 475 Fixing hole

[0157] 48 Connecting pipe

[0158] 481 Locking element groove.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: a hardness adjustment wire, which is arranged in the insertion part and has a hardness adjustment sheath, a hardness adjustment wire inserted into the hardness adjustment sheath, and a connecting member for connecting the hardness adjustment sheath and the hardness adjustment wire; a stopper member fixed to the hardness adjustment wire on the operating portion side of the hardness adjustment wire; a cam mechanism that is coupled to the stop member when tension is applied to the hardness adjustment wire; a sheath fixing portion connected to the hardness adjustment sheath on the operating portion side of the hardness adjustment wire; a guide frame, which is arranged between the insertion portion and the operating portion, and holds the cam mechanism and the sheath fixing portion so as to be able to move independently along the length direction of the insertion portion; a front locking member connected to an end of the hardness adjustment wire; as well as a front end holding portion, which is provided on the insertion portion and holds the front end locking piece, The front end holding portion holds the front end locking member so as to be movable along the length direction of the insertion portion. The insertion portion includes: a flexible portion, a bending portion having a plurality of bending blocks, and a connecting pipe connecting the flexible portion and the bending portion. The front end locking piece has a locking protrusion protruding toward the outer peripheral side of the insertion portion, The connecting pipe has a locking groove on the side, the locking groove is open to the bending part side, and the locking protrusion is inserted therein. The bending block adjacent to the connecting pipe has a receiving groove opened toward the connecting pipe side at a portion corresponding to the locking groove on the side thereof. The front end holding portion is formed by a portion where the locking member recess and the receiving slot overlap.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The guide frame is cylindrical in shape. The cam mechanism has: a cam ring into which the guide frame is inserted; and A driven body which moves along the length direction of the insertion portion in conjunction with the rotation of the cam ring; The stopper member is coupled to the driven body.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The sheath fixing portion comprises: a sheath receiving member fixed to the hardness adjustment sheath, and A sheath fixing ring is inserted with the guide frame and fixes the sheath receiving member.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, comprising: The shaft ring is arranged between the cam ring and the sheath fixing ring, and the guide frame is inserted therein.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein: The collar is made of resin.

6. The endoscope according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: When the insertion portion is linear, If the cam mechanism is in one end of the operation, i.e., the first state, the collar can move along the length direction of the insertion portion; If the cam mechanism is in the other end of the operation, ie, the second state, the collar cannot move along the length direction of the insertion portion.

7. The endoscope according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The hardness adjustment wire has a connection wire that is connected to the link and extends to the front end side of the insertion portion.

8. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein: The hardness adjustment sheath is a coil, The connecting wire is a coil having an outer diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the hardness adjusting wire.

9. The endoscope according to claim 7, wherein: The tensile stiffness of the connecting wire is lower than the tensile stiffness of the hardness adjusting sheath.

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