Bending operation mechanism of endoscope and endoscope

Abstract

Having an operating lever (45), a wire pulling section (54), a pulling wire (23a, 23b), a cylinder (43), pulleys (68a, 68b), a prescribed rotation axis (71) of the pulleys (68a, 68b) is obliquely arranged so that an extension line of the prescribed rotation axis (71) intersects the cylinder (43).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a bending operating mechanism for an endoscope having an operating lever that can be tilted freely in a specified direction. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, endoscopes have been widely used in the medical and industrial fields. An endoscope allows observation of the examined area within the body by inserting a thin, elongated insertion tube.

[0003] In addition, it is known that there is a structure with a curved part at the front end of the insertion part of the endoscope, which can be actively and selectively bent in any direction in the up-down and left-right directions, or in a combination of two directions in the up-down and left-right directions.

[0004] The bending portion improves the mobility of the insertion portion at the bent portion within the subject body. In addition, the observation direction of the observation optics system provided at the front end of the insertion portion, which is located closer to the front end of the insertion portion along the length axis than the bending portion, can be changed.

[0005] For example, in the insertion section of the endoscope and the operating section of the endoscope, which are continuously arranged along the long axis of the insertion section, one pair (two) or two pairs (four) of traction wires are inserted and fixed to the curved section at their respective front ends along the long axis. Alternatively, three traction wires may be inserted through the operating section.

[0006] Any one of the two or four traction cables, or any two of the four traction cables, is pulled by a bending operating device located in the operating part of the endoscope.

[0007] Therefore, the bending part can actively and selectively bend freely in any direction in the up-down direction, any direction in the left-right direction, or any direction in the four directions of up-down, left-right, or a combination of two ...

[0008] Furthermore, the structure of bending operating devices for pulling traction lines is well known. For example, the structure of an endoscope using a known lever device in a bending operating device is disclosed in International Publication No. WO2016 / 199485.

[0009] The joystick device, along with the tilting operation of the joystick, pulls the traction line through the bending operation mechanism, thereby causing the bending section to bend actively and selectively.

[0010] Specifically, in the endoscope disclosed in WO2016 / 199485, the operating lever of the joystick device is configured to be able to tilt freely in either the upward or downward direction. Thus, the bending portion has a structure that allows it to bend freely in either the upward or downward direction.

[0011] Furthermore, the operating lever is configured to tilt freely in either the left or right direction. Thus, the bending section has a structure capable of freely bending selectively in the left-right direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the control lever is configured to be able to tilt freely selectively in the combined directions of the upward and rightward directions, the combined directions of the upward and leftward directions, the combined directions of the downward and rightward directions, and the combined directions of the downward and leftward directions.

[0013] Therefore, the curved part can selectively bend freely in a composite direction of two directions: up, down, left, and right.

[0014] More specifically, the operating lever is connected from the center of a line traction component with four arms, which has a planar shape such as X, and each arm of the line traction component is configured to tilt along with the tilting of the operating lever.

[0015] In addition, each arm is connected to the other end of four traction lines, one end of which is fixed to the bend and extends along the length axis. Each traction line is configured to move by tilting the arm.

[0016] Furthermore, within the operating section of the endoscope, in the extension direction of the operating lever when it is not in operation, in the space opposite to the side where the operating lever is connected to each arm, pulleys are respectively arranged corresponding to each arm. The pulleys have traction cables wound around their outer periphery, and the direction of movement of the traction cables can be changed from the extension direction of the operating lever to the length axis direction of the insertion section.

[0017] Therefore, when the operating lever is tilted in the specified direction, each arm of the line traction component is tilted, and one or two of the four traction lines connected to each arm, corresponding to the tilting direction of the operating lever, are pulled. As a result, the curved section becomes a structure that bends in the direction corresponding to the tilting direction of the operating lever.

[0018] Furthermore, WO2016 / 199485 also disclosed the following structure: In order to achieve miniaturization of the operating part of the endoscope, the connecting part of the suction button is arranged in the area between two adjacent pulleys of the four pulleys in a manner that avoids the traction line.

[0019] In addition, the suction button is positioned on the central axis of the operating section and is located within the hand of the operator holding the operating section, making it easy to operate the button regardless of whether the operator holds the operating section of the endoscope with their right or left hand.

[0020] However, if the operating part of the endoscope is miniaturized, the arrangement of the two pulleys in the operating part will be limited in the structure in which the connection part of the suction button is located in the area between the two pulleys.

[0021] Therefore, depending on the configuration position and angle, it will have an adverse effect on the amount of movement of the traction line that accompanies the tilting of the operating lever.

[0022] Specifically, the following problems exist: the traction force when pulling the traction line increases, making the tilting operation of the operating lever more difficult, or even if the operating lever is tilted to the same angle as before, the traction amount of the traction line decreases.

[0023] Furthermore, the same applies to the structure of the connecting part for buttons other than the suction button in the area between the two pulleys, the structure of the arm of the line traction part having a cross-shaped planar shape, or the structure with two or three arms, etc., regarding the above issues.

[0024] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a bending operation mechanism for an endoscope, wherein a connection part with a button arranged in the area between two pulleys has a structure that does not cause loss of the traction force of the traction line accompanying the tilting of the operating lever, and achieves miniaturization of the operating part of the endoscope. Summary of the Invention

[0025] means for solving problems

[0026] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of the present invention provides a bending operation mechanism for an endoscope comprising: an operating lever capable of freely tilting in a predetermined direction; a wire traction portion connected to the operating lever and having at least two arms capable of tilting with the tilting of the operating lever; traction wires respectively connected to the at least two arms and movable by the tilting of the wire traction portion; a button connection portion disposed in a region adjacent to each other between two adjacent arms of the at least two arms; and at least two pulleys, each having an outer periphery wound with the traction wires extending from the at least two arms respectively, and capable of freely rotating about a predetermined rotation axis with the movement of the traction wires, the predetermined rotation axis being inclined such that the extension line of the predetermined rotation axis intersects the button connection portion.

[0027] Furthermore, another aspect of the endoscope's bending operation mechanism of the present invention comprises: an operating lever capable of freely tilting in a predetermined direction; a wire traction portion connected to the operating lever and having at least two arms capable of tilting with the tilting of the operating lever; traction wires respectively connected to the at least two arms and movable by the tilting of the wire traction portion; a button connection portion disposed in a region adjacent to each other between two adjacent arms of the at least two arms; and at least two pulleys, each having an outer periphery wound around the traction wires extending from the at least two arms, and capable of freely rotating with the movement of the traction wires, wherein the button connection portion is disposed in the region of the two pulleys to... The button connection is configured such that it sandwiches the button connection in an adjacent direction, and is positioned such that when the lever is tilted close to the button connection, it separates from the rotational trajectory formed by the two adjacent arms of the lever. Furthermore, the two pulleys of the button connection within the region are arranged with their outer peripheries tilted, such that a first distance is less than a second distance. The first distance is the distance between the end of the outer periphery adjacent to the two adjacent arms in the adjacent direction and the axis center of the button connection, and the second distance is the distance between the other end of the outer periphery separated from the two adjacent arms in the adjacent direction and the axis center. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the appearance of the endoscope equipped with the bending operation mechanism of this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 From Figure 1 Observation in direction II Figure 1 The side view obtained by the endoscope.

[0030] Figure 3 From Figure 2 III direction observation Figure 2 A partial top view obtained through an endoscope.

[0031] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 IV-IV line in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the anterior end and the curved portion of the endoscope insertion section.

[0032] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the front end of the VV line.

[0033] Figure 6 It is roughly shown in Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the bending operation mechanism installed inside the operating section.

[0034] Figure 7 It is shown in magnification Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the bending mechanism.

[0035] Figure 8 From Figure 7 Observation in direction VIII Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the line traction section of the bending operation mechanism, which connects the operating lever and the traction line.

[0036] Figure 9 From Figure 7 Observation in the IX direction Figure 7 The diagram shows the bending operating mechanism and the state of the operating lever tilted upwards.

[0037] Figure 10 From Figure 9 X-direction observation Figure 9 The diagram shows the bending mechanism.

[0038] Figure 11 It shows that Figure 9 The diagram shows the state of the operating lever of the bending mechanism tilting to the left and right.

[0039] Figure 12 From Figure 11 Observation in the XII direction Figure 11 The diagram shows the bending mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a front view showing the appearance of an endoscope equipped with the bending operation mechanism of this embodiment. Figure 2 From Figure 1 Observation in direction II Figure 1 The side view obtained by the endoscope Figure 3 From Figure 2 III direction observation Figure 2 A partial top view obtained through an endoscope.

[0042] also, Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 IV-IV line in Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the anterior end and the curved portion of the endoscope insertion section. Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 A sectional view of the front end of the VV line in the diagram. Figure 6 It is a general description of the setting in Figure 1 A perspective view of the bending operating mechanism within the operating section.

[0043] and, Figure 7 It is shown in magnification Figure 6 A three-dimensional view of the bending mechanism. Figure 8 From Figure 7 Observation in direction VIII Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the line traction section of the bending operation mechanism, which connects the operating lever and the traction line.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the endoscope 1 is, for example, a bronchial endoscope. Furthermore, the endoscope 1 has an elongated insertion portion 2, an operating portion 3 continuously disposed at its base end in the length axis direction N of the insertion portion 2, a universal cable 4 extending from the operating portion 3, and an endoscope connector 5 disposed at the extension end of the universal cable 4, which constitute the main part.

[0045] The insertion part 2 has a front end 6, a bending part 7 and a flexible tube part 8 as its main parts, starting from the front end side in the length axis direction N, and is constructed by a flexible tubular component.

[0046] The operating unit 3 has the following components as its main parts: an anti-bend part 30, which is connected to the flexible tube 8 in a state of covering the base end of the flexible tube 8 in the length axis direction N; a grip part 31 that is continuously provided with the anti-bend part 30 and can be held by the operator's hand; and an operating unit body 32 that is continuously provided on the base end side of the grip part 31 in the length axis direction N.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction of the operating unit 3 around the insertion axis O is defined based on the state in which the operator holds the gripping unit 31. Specifically, the operating unit 3 is defined in the front, back, left, and right directions (front, back, left and right sides, etc.) based on the operator holding the gripping unit 31.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the gripping part 31 of the operating part 3 is formed in a shape that is symmetrical about the insertion axis O (central axis), and the operator can grip it with either the left or right hand.

[0049] The main body 32 of the operating unit 3 is in the operating unit 3 Figure 1 The left and right shapes are formed into a shape that bulges out symmetrically about the insertion axis O.

[0050] Furthermore, on the front end side of the gripping part 31 in the length axis direction N Figure 1 The front of the device is provided with a treatment device insertion part 35. The treatment device insertion part 35 has a treatment device insertion port 35a for inserting various treatment devices (not shown).

[0051] The device penetration port 35a is inside the operating section 3 and the device penetration channel 13 (see reference). Figure 4 Furthermore, the cap component, i.e., the clamp plug (not shown), used to close the treatment device through insertion port 35a is freely detachable from the treatment device through insertion portion 35.

[0052] The operating unit body 32, on the base end side of the gripping unit 31 in the length axis direction N, mainly consists of... Figure 1 It consists of hollow, roughly locally spherical, bulging components on the left, right, and front sides of the operating part 32. Figure 1 The front side of the endoscope 1 is equipped with a group of operation buttons 40 for performing various functions of the endoscope 1.

[0053] The operation button group 40 is configured, for example, to have: a suction button 41, which is detachably mounted to the operation unit body 32 and is composed of a button; and two push-button switches 42, which can be assigned any function from various functions related to the endoscope 1.

[0054] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the suction button 41 is arranged on the main body 32 of the operating section in a manner that overlaps with the insertion shaft O. Figure 1 The center of the left and right width directions.

[0055] In addition, two push-button switches 42 are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides, with the insertion axis O between them and the front end of the suction button 41 in the direction of the length axis N.

[0056] In the main body 32 of the operating section Figure 1 The back side of the middle, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the bending operation mechanism 70 of this embodiment is provided in a manner that allows it to tilt freely in a predetermined direction for bending the bent portion 7 (see reference). Figure 6 ) Operating lever 45.

[0057] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, regarding the tilting direction of the operating lever 45, for example, the left and right directions of the tilting direction of the operating lever 45 are defined as the directions orthogonal to the insertion axis O, namely the left direction as the third direction of the operating part 3 and the right direction as the fourth direction. The up and down directions of the tilting direction of the operating lever 45 are defined as the up direction as the first direction and the down direction as the second direction, which are orthogonal to the left and right directions.

[0058] More specifically, regarding the tilting direction of the control lever 45, for example... Figure 3 The left side is defined as the left tilting direction used to cause the curved part 7 to bend to the left. Figure 3 The right side is defined as the right tilting direction used to cause the curved part 7 to bend to the right. Figure 3 The lower side is defined as the upward tilting direction for bending the curved part 7 upward. Figure 3 The upper side is defined as the downward tilting direction for bending the curved part 7 downward.

[0059] That is, in this embodiment, the operating lever 45 is configured to be able to tilt freely in any of the four directions: up, down, left, and right. Furthermore, the operating lever 45 is configured to be able to tilt freely in a combination of any two of the four directions.

[0060] In addition, the control lever 45 is provided with a finger contact part 46 that can contact the operator's thumb or the like.

[0061] like Figure 3 As shown, a universal cable 4 extends from the left side of the main body 32 of the operation unit. The universal cable 4 is a composite cable that allows various signal lines that pass through the interior of the insertion part 2 and reach the operation part 3 from the front end 6 side to extend from the operation part 3 to be inserted inside, and allows the light guide 12 of the light source device (not shown) to be inserted inside, and allows the air and water supply pipe extending from the air and water supply device (not shown) to be inserted inside.

[0062] The endoscope connector 5 is configured to have an electrical connector portion 5a on the side, which is connected to a signal cable that is electrically connected to a video processor (not shown) of an external device, and a light source connector portion 5b that is connected to a light source device that is an external device.

[0063] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a metal front end rigid part 10 is provided in the front end part 6. The front end rigid part 10 holds a camera unit 11 with built-in camera elements such as CCD and CMOS, as well as a pair of light guides 12 and a processing device through insertion channel 13, which are located in the same length axis direction N.

[0064] Furthermore, within the front end portion 6, a frontmost curved block 20 in a generally cylindrical shape is embedded on the base end side in the longitudinal axis direction N of the front end rigid portion 10, and the outer periphery of the frontmost curved block 20 is covered by curved rubber 22.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, on the inner periphery of the foremost bending block 20, there are four wire fixing parts 21 in the direction of the insertion axis O. The front ends of the four traction wires 23a to 23d that are inserted through the insertion part 2 along the length axis direction N are fixed in each wire fixing part 21.

[0066] Here, in order to efficiently configure the various structural components without making the front end 6 too large, such as Figure 5As shown, the front end of the camera unit 11, which is a large component, and the front end of the processing device through the insertion channel 13 in the length axis direction N are arranged side by side in the front end rigid part 10 and the front end curved block 20. In the space formed vertically by these arrangements, the front end of the light guide 12 in the length axis direction N is arranged respectively.

[0067] Furthermore, in order to avoid interference between the front end of the camera unit 11 and the processing device in the length axis direction N of the insertion channel 13 and each traction line 23a to 23d, each line fixing part 21 is positioned after rotating and moving a predetermined angle relative to the front end part 6 in the direction of the insertion axis O.

[0068] For example, such as Figure 5 As shown, at the foremost bending block 20, there are two positions where the front end 6 is rotated and moved left and right within a range of 30 to 60 degrees in the direction around the insertion shaft O, and at the same position where the front end 6 is rotated and moved left and right within a range of 30 to 60 degrees in the direction around the insertion shaft O, respectively.

[0069] The bending section 7 is configured to be able to actively and selectively bend in any direction among the up, down, left, and right directions, or in a combination of two directions, based on the operator's input to the operation section 3.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of curved blocks 25 are alternately connected along the length axis direction N via pivot portions 25a arranged in the vertical direction of the insertion portion 2 and pivot portions 25b arranged in the horizontal direction of the insertion portion 2, thereby forming a curved portion 7.

[0071] Inside the multiple curved blocks 25, signal cables 11a, light guides 12, and processing devices are inserted through the insertion channel 13, which extends from the camera unit 11, in a configuration substantially the same as that inside the front end 6.

[0072] Furthermore, on the designated bending block 25, at a position approximately the same as that of each of the aforementioned line fixing portions 21 in the direction of the insertion axis O, a wire guide (not shown) is formed for each of the traction wires 23a to 23d to pass through and be inserted. In addition, the outer periphery of the plurality of bending blocks 25 is covered by a curved rubber 22 extending from the front end portion 6 side.

[0073] The flexible tube section 8 is composed of a flexible tubular component that can be passively bent. The aforementioned signal cable 11a, optical guide 12, and processing device insertion channel 13 (all not shown here) are inserted through the flexible tube section 8.

[0074] like Figure 6As shown, a bending operation mechanism 70 is provided inside the main body 32 of the operation unit.

[0075] like Figures 6-8 As shown, the bending operation mechanism 70 has the following main components: housing 51; operating lever 45; line traction part 54; traction lines 23a to 23d extending along the length axis direction N in the insertion part 2 and the operation part 3; button connection part of suction button 41, i.e., cylinder 43; and four pulleys 68a to 68d.

[0076] As described above, the control lever 45 is a lever-type lever that can tilt in any direction among up, down, left, and right, or in a combination of any two of the up, down, left, and right directions.

[0077] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the operating lever 45 has the following components forming its main parts: a shaft 44; a base component 53, which is connected to one end of the shaft 44 extending in the direction E within a housing 51 formed in a generally cylindrical shape; and a finger abutment 46, which is connected to the other end of the shaft 44 extending in the direction E.

[0078] like Figure 8 As shown, the line traction unit 54 has four arms 54b1, 54b2, 54b3, and 54b4, forming an X-shaped planar shape. A base component 53, with an operating lever 45 fixed to its center 54a by screws or the like, is also present. Alternatively, the line traction unit 54 can also be formed in a cross-shaped planar shape.

[0079] Therefore, each arm 54b1 to 54b4 of the line traction unit 54 is linked with the tilting action of the operating lever 45 and can tilt in the tilting direction of the operating lever 45.

[0080] Furthermore, the detailed tilting structure of the operating lever 45 and the line traction unit 54 is well known, therefore, its description is omitted. Alternatively, the line traction unit 54 may be integrally formed with the operating lever 45.

[0081] In addition, such as Figure 6 , Figure 8 As shown, each arm 54b1 to 54b4 is positioned after being rotated and moved within a range of 30 to 60 degrees relative to the tilting direction defined by the operating lever 45 along the central axis O1 of the operating lever 45 (for example, a position rotated and moved by 45 degrees). As a result, the line traction unit 54 is formed into an X-shape in planar shape.

[0082] In addition, wire fixing holes 54c1, 54c2, 54c3, and 54c4 are respectively provided on the side that is separated from the center 54a of each arm 54b1 to 54b4.

[0083] like Figure 8As shown, the online fixing hole 54c1 is connected to the base end of the traction wire 23a in the length axis direction N. Furthermore, the online fixing hole 54c2 is connected to the base end of the traction wire 23b in the length axis direction N. Also, the online fixing hole 54c3 is connected to the base end of the traction wire 23c in the length axis direction N. Additionally, the online fixing hole 54c4 is connected to the base end of the traction wire 23d in the length axis direction N.

[0084] The traction lines 23a to 23d move along the length axis direction N and the extension direction E, accompanied by the tilting of the traction section 54.

[0085] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, at the midpoint of each traction line 23a and 23b, two pulleys 68a and 68b, supported by the rotating shaft 71 within the main body 32 of the operating unit, are respectively engaged. Furthermore, at the midpoint of each traction line 23c and 23d, two pulleys 68c and 68d, supported by the rotating shaft 72 within the main body 32 of the operating unit, are respectively engaged.

[0086] Each pulley 68a to 68d can change the direction of each traction line 23a to 23d extending from each arm 54b1 to 54b4 and respectively wound around the outer periphery 68ag, 68bg, 68cg, 68dg (outer periphery 68cg, 68dg are not shown) from the extension direction E to the length axis direction. Each pulley 68a to 68d can move freely around the specified rotation axes 71 and 72 with the rotation axis 71 and 72 as the rotation center, along with the movement of each traction line 23a to 23d.

[0087] In such a structure, for example, when the operator holds the grip 31 of the operating part 3 and tilts the operating lever 45 to the left using the thumb of the hand holding the grip, the two traction lines 23b and 23d connected to the two arms 54b2 and 54b4 located in the right tilting direction are mainly pulled loose. Accompanying the pulling of these two traction lines 23b and 23d, the bending part 7 bends to the left.

[0088] Furthermore, for example, when the operator holds the grip 31 of the operating unit 3 and tilts the operating lever 45 to the right using the thumb of the hand holding the grip, the two traction lines 23a and 23c connected to the two arms 54b1 and 54b3 located in the left tilting direction are mainly slackened. Accompanying the traction of these two traction lines 23a and 23c, the bending part 7 bends to the right.

[0089] Furthermore, for example, when the operator holds the grip 31 of the operating unit 3 and tilts the operating lever 45 downwards using the thumb of the hand holding it, the traction lines 23c and 23d, which are connected to the two arms 54b3 and 54b4 located in the upward tilting direction, are mainly slackened. Accompanying the traction of these two traction lines 23c and 23d, the bending part 7 bends downwards.

[0090] Furthermore, for example, when the operator holds the grip 31 of the operating part 3 and tilts the operating lever 45 upwards using the thumb of the hand holding it, the traction lines 23a and 23b connected to the two arms 54b1 and 54b2 located in the downward tilting direction are mainly pulled loose. Accompanying the pulling of these two traction lines 23a and 23b, the bending part 7 bends upwards.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, when the operator holds the grip 31 of the operating unit 3 and tilts the operating lever 45 to the lower left using the thumb of the hand holding the grip, the traction line 23d, which is mainly connected to the arm 54b4 located in the upper right tilting direction, is pulled loose. Accompanying the traction of the traction line 23d, the bending part 7 bends to the lower left.

[0092] Furthermore, for example, when the operator holds the grip 31 of the operating unit 3 and tilts the operating lever 45 to the lower right using the thumb of the hand holding the grip, the traction line 23c, which is mainly connected to the arm 54b3 located in the upper left tilting direction, is pulled loose. Accompanying the traction of the traction line 23c, the bending part 7 bends to the lower right.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, when the operator holds the grip 31 of the operating part 3 and tilts the operating lever 45 to the upper left using the thumb of the hand holding the grip, the traction line 23b, which is mainly connected to the arm 54b2 located in the lower right tilting direction, is pulled loose. Accompanying the traction of the traction line 23b, the bending part 7 bends to the upper left.

[0094] Furthermore, for example, when the operator holds the grip 31 of the operating unit 3 and tilts the operating lever 45 to the upper right using the thumb of the hand holding the grip, the traction line 23a, which is mainly connected to the arm 54b1 located in the lower left tilting direction, is pulled loose. Accompanying the traction of the traction line 23a, the bending part 7 bends to the upper right.

[0095] The suction button 41 can be easily installed and removed from the cylinder 43. The cylinder 43, like the suction button 41, is arranged in the center of the left and right width direction of the main body 32 of the operating part in a manner that overlaps with the insertion shaft O.

[0096] Therefore, for example Figure 6 As shown, cylinder 43 is configured in the following state: cylinder 43 is clamped between the two arms 54b1 and 54b2 of the line traction unit 54, in the region B1 (described later) of the adjacent direction B of the two arms 54b1 and 54b2. Figure 9 (See reference).

[0097] Next, use Figures 9-12The detailed configuration of cylinder 43, as well as the detailed configuration and angle of the two pulleys 68a and 68b, are explained.

[0098] Figure 9 From Figure 7 Observation in the IX direction Figure 7 The diagram shows the bending operating mechanism and the state in which the operating lever is tilted upwards. Figure 10 From Figure 9 X-direction observation Figure 9 The diagram shows the bending mechanism.

[0099] also, Figure 11 It shows that Figure 9 The diagram shows the state of the operating lever of the bending mechanism tilting to the left and right. Figure 12 From Figure 11 Observation in the XII direction Figure 11 The diagram shows the bending mechanism.

[0100] like Figure 9 , Figure 11 As shown, pulleys 68a and 68b are configured to clamp cylinder 43 in adjacent direction B.

[0101] In addition, such as Figure 9 , Figure 11 As shown, the cylinder 43 is positioned in a clamped state between the two arms 54b1 and 54b2 of the line traction unit 54 in region B1 of the adjacent direction B of the two arms 54b1 and 54b2.

[0102] In addition, such as Figure 9 , Figure 11 As shown, pulleys 68a and 68b are arranged at an angle to a predetermined rotation axis 71, such that the extension line of the predetermined rotation axis 71 intersects the cylinder 43.

[0103] More specifically, pulleys 68a and 68b are positioned such that when the operating lever 45 is tilted towards the cylinder 43, i.e., tilted downwards, as... Figure 10 As shown, in the rotation trajectory K1 formed by arms 54b1 and 54b2 with the central axis O1 of the operating lever 45 as the rotation center, the position where the two arms 54b1 and 54b2 separate in the direction of rotation trajectory K1 and the adjacent direction B.

[0104] And, as Figure 9 , Figure 11As shown, pulleys 68a and 68b are arranged at an angle with the first distance B2 being less than the second distance B3 (B2 < B3). The outer peripheries 68ag and 68bg are respectively inclined. The first distance B2 is the distance between the ends 68ai and 68bi of the outer peripheries 68ag and 68bg on the side of each arm 54b1 and 54b2 in the extending direction E, and the axis center J of the cylinder 43. The second distance B3 is the distance between the other ends 68aj and 68bj of the outer peripheries 68ag and 68bg on the side separated from each arm 54b1 and 54b2 in the extending direction E, and the axis center J of the cylinder 43. That is, pulleys 68a and 68b are arranged in a "ハ" shape (as in the Japanese character).

[0105] In addition, such as Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, regarding the tilt angles of the two pulleys 68a and 68b, which are tilted at the outer periphery 68ag and 68bg, the tangent direction V of the circular rotation trajectory K2 formed by the arms 54b1 and 54b2 with the central axis O1 of the operating lever 45 as the rotation center is aligned with the maximum rightward tilt angle θ1 of the operating lever 45. The tangent direction W of the circular rotation trajectory K2 of the operating lever 45 with the maximum leftward tilt angle θ2 is aligned with the other pulley 68b.

[0106] Furthermore, the structure of the other bending operation mechanisms 70 is the same as before, so the description is omitted.

[0107] Thus, in this embodiment, the bending operation mechanism 70 provided in the main body 32 of the operation unit shows pulleys 68a and 68b arranged such that the cylinder 43 is clamped in the adjacent direction B.

[0108] Furthermore, it is shown that the cylinder 43 is arranged in a clamped state between the two arms 54b1 and 54b2 of the line traction section 54 in the region B1 of the adjacent direction B of the two arms 54b1 and 54b2.

[0109] Furthermore, it is shown that the pulleys 68a and 68b are positioned such that when the operating lever 45 is tilted in a manner close to the cylinder 43, i.e. tilted in the downward direction, they are separated from the two arms 54b1 and 54b2 in the direction of the rotation trajectory K1 and the adjacent direction B.

[0110] In addition, such as Figure 9 , Figure 11As shown, pulleys 68a and 68b are arranged in such a way that the first distance B2 between one end 68ai and 68bi of the outer periphery 68ag and 68bg in the adjacent direction B and the shaft center J of cylinder 43 is smaller than the second distance B3 between the other end 68aj and 68bj and the shaft center J of cylinder 43 (B2 < B3), so that the outer periphery 68ag and 68bg are respectively inclined.

[0111] Therefore, in order to achieve miniaturization of the operating unit 3, even though the cylinder 43 is arranged in the region B1 between the two pulleys 68a and 68b, the pulleys 68a and 68b are also arranged at an angle as described above.

[0112] Therefore, the pulleys 68a and 68b can be configured so as not to interfere with the tilting of the cylinder 43 or the arms 54b1 and 54b2, and the spacing in the adjacent direction B between the pulleys 68a and 68b that clamp the cylinder 43 can be reduced, thus enabling the operation unit 3 to be further miniaturized.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, regarding the tilt angles of the two pulleys 68a and 68b, it is shown that one pulley 68a is aligned with the tangent direction V of the circular rotation trajectory K2 of the operating lever 45 at the maximum tilt angle θ1 to the right of the operating lever 45, and the other pulley 68b is aligned with the tangent direction W of the circular rotation trajectory K2 of the operating lever 45 at the maximum tilt angle θ2 to the left of the operating lever.

[0114] Therefore, when the operating lever 45 is tilted to its maximum angle to the right or left, the tilt angle of the outer peripheries 68ag and 68bg of pulleys 68a and 68b is consistent with the tangential directions V and W of the rotation trajectory K2. Consequently, the traction loss is minimized when the traction lines 23a and 23b pass through the outer peripheries 68ag and 68bg of pulleys 68a and 68b.

[0115] Furthermore, the aforementioned losses of lines 23a and 23b, which accompany the tilting of the operating lever 45 in the up-and-down direction, cannot be mitigated by the tilting of pulleys 68a and 68b. However, as Figure 9 , Figure 11 As shown, in addition to the above conditions, by placing the pulleys 68a and 68b at appropriate positions in the length axis direction N, specifically, at the maximum tilt position of the operating lever 45 in the vertical direction, and at a position directly below the line fixing holes 54c1 and 54c2, the aforementioned line traction loss can be minimized.

[0116] Based on the above, since the traction loss of traction lines 23a and 23b is small, the following situations will not occur: the traction force when traction lines 23a and 23b are increased and the tilting operation of the operating lever 45 becomes heavier, or even if the operating lever 45 is tilted at the same angle as before, the traction amount of traction lines 23a and 23b will decrease.

[0117] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, when the planar shape of the online traction unit 54 is X-shaped, considering that the length (rotation radius) α of the arms 54b1 and 54b in the upward and downward tilting direction from the central axis O1 is greater than the length (rotation radius) β in the left and right tilting direction (α > β), as follows: Figure 9 , Figure 11 As shown, the rotation trajectory K1 in the upward and downward direction with the central axis O1 of the operating lever 45 as the center of rotation is greater than the rotation trajectory K2 in the left and right direction. In other words, the tilting amount of the operating lever 45 in the left and right direction is less than the tilting amount in the upward and downward direction.

[0118] Therefore, regarding the aforementioned line traction loss associated with tilting operations of the operating lever 45, the effect of tilting operations in the left-right direction is greater than the effect of tilting operations in the up-down direction.

[0119] In other words, even if line traction loss is generated by tilting pulleys 68a and 68b and tilting the lever 45 in the up and down direction, according to α > β, the effect is smaller than that in the left and right direction.

[0120] Based on the above, an endoscope bending operation mechanism 70 can be provided, which has a structure in which the cylinder 43 is arranged in the area between two pulleys 68a and 68b, and has a structure that does not cause loss of the traction force of the traction lines 23a and 23b accompanying the tilting of the operating lever 45 and achieves miniaturization of the operating part 3 of the endoscope 1.

[0121] Additionally, variations are shown below. For example... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, when the operating lever 45 is tilted to the left or right, tension is applied to the traction lines 23a and 23b from the outer periphery 68ag and 68bg of the pulleys 68a and 68b toward the side that is separated from the cylinder 43 in the adjacent direction B.

[0122] This is because, as mentioned above, the tilting amount of the operating lever 45 in the up-down direction is greater than that in the left-right direction, i.e., the traction amount is greater. Therefore, in the outer periphery 68ag and 68bg, the traction lines 23a and 23b are prone to moving erratically due to traction slack.

[0123] Therefore, in order to prevent the traction lines 23a and 23b from detaching from the outer peripheral portions 68ag and 68bg, anti-detachment flanges for the traction lines 23a and 23b can also be provided on the outer peripheral edges 68ah and 68bh of the outer peripheral portions 68ag and 68bg on the side that is separated from the cylinder 43.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example shown is that the cable traction unit 54 has 4 arms, 4 traction lines, and 4 pulleys, but it is not limited to this. As long as there are at least 2 of each, this embodiment can be applied.

[0125] Furthermore, the example shown is a cylinder 43 for connecting the suction button 41, but it is not limited to this. Of course, it can also be applied to the connecting parts of other buttons such as electric buttons, buttons with engagement mechanisms, angle locking buttons of the bending part 7, etc.

[0126] Furthermore, the example shown is an endoscope for the bronchus, but it is not limited to this, and of course, this embodiment can also be applied to other endoscopes.

Claims

1. A bending operation mechanism of an endoscope, characterized by comprising: an operation lever capable of freely tilting in a prescribed direction; a wire pulling section connected to the operation lever and having at least two arms capable of tilting in conjunction with tilting of the operation lever; a pulling wire connected to the at least two arms, respectively, and moved by tilting of the wire pulling section; a button connecting section of a button disposed in a region of each other adjacent direction between adjacent two arms of the at least two arms; and at least two pulleys each having an outer peripheral portion wound by the pulling wire extended from the at least two arms, respectively, and capable of freely rotating around a prescribed rotation axis in conjunction with movement of the pulling wire, wherein the rotation axes of the two pulleys are inclined with respect to a central axis of the operation lever so that one end portion of the two pulleys closer to the at least two arms is closer to the central axis than the other end portion of the two pulleys farther from the at least two arms.

2. The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: the two pulleys having the button connecting section disposed in the region are disposed in a manner of sandwiching the button connecting section in the adjacent directions, and are disposed at positions separated from a rotation locus formed by the adjacent two arms of the operation lever when the operation lever tilts in a manner of approaching the button connecting section.

3. The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: the operation lever is capable of freely tilting in a first direction, a second direction, a third direction, a fourth direction, and a composite direction of any two of the first to fourth directions, the wire pulling section has four arms, the pulling wire is connected to the four arms, respectively, one button connecting section is disposed in the region of each other adjacent direction between adjacent two arms of the four arms, there are four pulleys, and two of the pulleys are wound by the pulling wire extended from the adjacent two arms in which the button connecting section is disposed.

4. The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to claim 3, characterized in that: with respect to an inclination angle of the two pulleys in which the outer peripheral portions are inclined, when a direction in which the operation lever tilts in a manner of approaching the button connecting section is the second direction, an opposite direction thereof is the first direction, and a direction orthogonal to the first and second directions is the third and fourth directions, one of the pulleys coincides with a tangent direction of a circular rotation locus of the operation lever at a maximum tilting angle of the operation lever in the third direction, the other of the pulleys coincides with a tangent direction of a circular rotation locus of the operation lever at a maximum tilting angle of the operation lever in the fourth direction.

5. The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: ​ The outer peripheral portions of the two pulleys, which are obliquely arranged, are provided with a detachment preventing flange of the pull wire at an outer periphery on a side that is apart from the button connecting portion in the adjacent direction.

6. The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The button is a suction button.

7. The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The button connecting portion is a pneumatic cylinder.

8. The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The button connecting portion is a connecting portion of an electric button.

9. The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The button connecting portion is a connecting portion of a button of an engagement mechanism.

10. The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The button connecting portion is a connecting portion of an angle locking button of a bending portion.

11. An endoscope having a bending operation mechanism, wherein The bending operation mechanism has: an operation lever that can be freely tilted in a prescribed direction; a wire pulling portion that is connected to the operation lever and has at least two arms that can be tilted in conjunction with the tilting of the operation lever; a pull wire that is connected to the at least two arms, respectively, and that moves by the tilting of the wire pulling portion; a button connecting portion of a button that is arranged in a region of the adjacent direction of each other between two adjacent ones of the at least two arms; and at least two pulleys that each have an outer peripheral portion around which the pull wire that is extended from the at least two arms, respectively, is wound, and that can be freely rotated around a prescribed rotation axis in conjunction with the movement of the pull wire, wherein the rotation axes of the two pulleys are oblique with respect to a central axis of the operation lever, such that one end portion of the two pulleys that is closer to the at least two arms is closer to the central axis than the other end portion of the two pulleys that is farther from the at least two arms.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein The button is a suction button.

13. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein The button connecting portion is a pneumatic cylinder.

14. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein The button connecting portion is a connecting portion of an electric button.

15. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein The button connecting portion is a connecting portion of a button of an engagement mechanism.

16. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein The button connecting portion is a connecting portion of an angle locking button of a bending portion.

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