Endoscope, bending operation mechanism of endoscope, and operation section of endoscope

Abstract

The endoscope includes: a bearing formed with a bottomed recess having an opening in a specified direction; a rotating portion inserted through the opening and disposed in the recess so as to be rotatable; an operating rod having a first end side connected to the rotating portion and a second end side extending outside the opening, the operating rod having a longitudinal axis extending from the first end side to the second end side; and a main body portion that interferes with the operating rod to restrict movement of the operating rod in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope that performs a bending operation by tilting a joystick, a bending operation mechanism of an endoscope that performs a bending operation by tilting a joystick, and an operation unit of an endoscope that performs a bending operation by tilting a joystick. Background Art

[0002] Regarding endoscopes, there is known an endoscope having a configuration in which a bending portion can be bent, the bending portion being provided at a slender insertion portion that can be inserted into the inside of a living body, a machine, or the like. For example, International Publication No. 2017 / 145431 discloses an endoscope that can change the pulling amount of a plurality of wires connected to a bending portion according to the tilting direction and angle of a joystick provided at an operation unit, thereby changing the bending direction and the bending angle of the bending portion.

[0003] The endoscope disclosed in International Publication No. 2017 / 145431 has the following structure: In order to hold the joystick, for a certain frame-shaped member, a pair of screws passing through the frame-shaped member are used, and thereby other members are held so as to be rotatable about one axis. The number of components of such a structure is large, and the number of assembly steps is also large, so the price is high.

[0004] The present invention is for solving the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an endoscope that can be manufactured at low cost. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a bearing formed with a bottomed recess having a first opening in a predetermined direction; a rotating portion inserted from the first opening and disposed in the recess so as to be rotatable; a joystick having a first end side connected to the rotating portion and a second end side extending to the outside of the first opening, the joystick having a longitudinal axis extending from the first end side to the second end side; and a restricting member that restricts movement of the joystick in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The bearing includes: a first bearing formed with a first recess along a first central axis; and a second bearing disposed in the first recess and having a second central axis that intersects the first central axis in a state of being disposed in the first recess, the second bearing being formed with a second recess along the second central axis and being held so as to be rotatable about the first central axis. The joystick has a shaft portion disposed in the second recess and held so as to be rotatable about the second central axis.

[0007] The bending operation mechanism of an endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a bearing formed with a bottomed recess having a first opening in a specified direction; a rotating portion inserted through the first opening and rotatably disposed in the recess; an operating rod having a first end connected to the rotating portion and a second end extending outside the first opening, the operating rod having a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end; and a restricting member that restricts movement of the operating rod in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The bearing includes: a first bearing formed with a first recess along a first central axis; and a second bearing disposed in the first recess, having a second central axis intersecting the first central axis in a state of being disposed in the first recess, formed with a second recess along the second central axis, and held rotatable about the first central axis. The operating rod has a shaft portion disposed in the second recess and held rotatable about the second central axis.

[0008] The operation unit of an endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a bearing formed with a bottomed recess having a first opening in a specified direction; a rotating portion inserted through the first opening and rotatably disposed in the recess; an operating rod having a first end connected to the rotating portion and a second end extending outside the first opening, the operating rod having a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end; and a restricting member that restricts movement of the operating rod in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The bearing includes: a first bearing formed with a first recess along a first central axis; and a second bearing disposed in the first recess, having a second central axis intersecting the first central axis in a state of being disposed in the first recess, formed with a second recess along the second central axis, and held rotatable about the first central axis. The operating rod has a shaft portion disposed in the second recess and held rotatable about the second central axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the endoscope according to the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bending operation mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the bending operation mechanism according to the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the bearing portion according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view of the bending operation mechanism of the first embodiment based on a plane including the second linear axis and the third linear axis.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view of the bending operation mechanism of the first embodiment based on a plane including the first linear axis and the third linear axis.

[0015] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the state where a pin is inserted into a hole in the bending operation mechanism of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 8 It is an exploded perspective view of the bending operation mechanism of the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 9 It is an exploded perspective view of the bearing portion of the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the first bearing and the second bearing of the second embodiment based on a plane including the second linear axis and the third linear axis.

[0019] Figure 11 It is a view showing the disassembly and assembly of the first bearing and the second bearing in the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the second bearing and the shaft portion of the second embodiment based on a plane including the first linear axis and the third linear axis.

[0021] Figure 13 It is a view showing the disassembly and assembly of the second bearing and the shaft portion in the second embodiment.

[0022] Figure 14 It is a cross-sectional view of the bending operation mechanism of the third embodiment based on a plane including the second linear axis and the third linear axis. Detailed Embodiment

[0023] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in each of the drawings used in the following description, in order to make each component large enough to be recognizable on the drawing, there are cases where the scale is different for each component, and the present invention is not limited only to the number of components, the shape of the components, the ratio of the sizes of the components, and the relative positional relationship of the components described in these drawings.

[0024] (First Embodiment)

[0025] Figure 1FIG. 0 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment. The endoscope 1 includes: a slender insertion portion 2 inserted into a subject; an operation portion 3 connected to the proximal end 2b of the insertion portion 2; a connection cable 4 extending from the operation portion 3; and a bending operation mechanism 5 provided in the operation portion 3. In addition, the subject into which the insertion portion 2 is inserted may be a living thing such as a human, or a non-living thing such as a machine or a building.

[0026] The insertion portion 2 is configured to sequentially connect a distal end portion 2c, a bending portion 2d, and a tubular portion 2e from the distal end 2a toward the proximal end 2b.

[0027] A camera device (not shown) is disposed in the distal end portion 2c. The camera device includes an image sensor (imager), an objective lens, etc. In addition, an illumination window (not shown) that emits light for illuminating the subject of the camera device is provided in the distal end portion 2c. The connection cable 4 includes a connector connected to a processor as an external device. The image captured by the camera device is displayed on an image display device connected to the processor. The camera device and the illumination window in the endoscope are well-known structures, so detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0028] The bending portion 2d bends according to the movement of an operation lever 30 of the bending operation mechanism 5 provided in the operation portion 3. In the present embodiment, as an example, the bending operation mechanism 5 has a structure that mechanically transmits the movement of the operation lever 30 to the bending portion 2d. The proximal ends 50a of a plurality of wires 50 (not shown in Figure 1 are connected to the bending operation mechanism 5, and the distal ends of the plurality of wires 50 are connected to the bending portion 2d.

[0029] As will be described in detail later, the bending operation mechanism 5 changes the pulling amount of each of the plurality of wires 50 according to the movement of the operation lever 30. The bending portion 2d changes the bending direction and angle according to the change in the pulling amount of the plurality of wires 50. In the present embodiment, as an example, the bending operation mechanism 5 changes the pulling amount of the 4 wires 50. The bending portion 2d bends in all directions. The structure of the bending portion 2d in which the bending direction and angle change according to the change in the pulling amount of the plurality of wires 50 is a well-known structure, so detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0030] In addition, the endoscope 1 may also be in a form including the following components: a bending operation mechanism 5 having an encoder that converts the movement of the operation lever 30 into an electrical signal; and an actuator that generates a force for bending the bending portion 2d according to the electrical signal. That is, the endoscope 1 is not limited to a form in which the force applied by the user to the operation lever 30 is directly transmitted to the bending portion 2d.

[0031] The tubular portion 2e is a tubular part that connects the proximal end of the bending portion 2d to the operation portion 3. The tubular portion 2e may or may not have flexibility. In the present embodiment, as an example, the tubular portion 2e has flexibility and is a flexible member that bends according to an external force. An endoscope with a flexible tubular portion is generally called a flexible endoscope, and an endoscope with a rigid tubular portion that does not bend is generally called a rigid endoscope. Flexible endoscopes and rigid endoscopes are defined, for example, in ISO8600-1:2015 in the medical field.

[0032] The operation portion 3 includes a cover member 3a, which is a hollow main body portion that houses the bending operation mechanism 5 inside. An opening 3b is formed in the cover member 3a and penetrates from the outside to the inside. The front end portion 30a of the operation rod 30 protrudes outside the operation portion 3 through the opening 3b.

[0033] The cover member 3a is the part held by the user. As will be described later, the operation rod 30 is supported so as to be swingable relative to the cover member 3a. The operation rod 30 is disposed at a position where the user can apply a force to the front end portion 30a with a finger.

[0034] In Figure 1 In the present embodiment shown, as an example, the operation rod 30 is inserted through the opening 3b, and the front end portion 30a of the operation rod 30 protrudes more outside than the outer surface of the cover member 3a. A finger contact member 30b, which is the part where the user contacts the operation rod 30, is provided at the front end portion 30a.

[0035] In addition, the shape and arrangement of the operation rod 30 are not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the front end portion 30a of the operation rod 30 may also be located inside the outer surface of the cover member 3a. In this case, the user inserts a finger into the opening 3b to contact the front end portion 30a of the operation rod 30.

[0036] The operation rod 30 swings around a specified fulcrum P fixed relative to the cover member 3a. According to the tilting direction (tilting orientation) and tilting angle of the operation rod 30 from the neutral position, the bending direction and angle of the bending portion 2d change. The neutral position of the operation rod 30 refers to a specified position within the rotatable range of the operation rod 30. In the present embodiment, the neutral position of the operation rod 30 refers to the position where the shape of the bending portion 2d is linear. In a state where the operation rod 30 is in the neutral position, when observing the opening 3b from the opening direction, the front end portion 30a of the operation rod 30 is located at approximately the center of the opening 3b.

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bending operation mechanism 5. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the bending operation mechanism 5. Figure 4This is an exploded perspective view of the bearing portion 5b. The bending operation mechanism 5 includes a base portion 5a, a bearing portion 5b, an operating lever 30, and a wire pulling portion 40. Hereinafter, regarding the operating lever 30, the axis from the fulcrum P toward the front end portion 30a is referred to as the longitudinal axis of the operating lever 30.

[0038] The base portion 5a is fixed to the cover member 3a of the operating portion 3. The bearing portion 5b includes a bearing. This bearing has a bottomed recess with an opening in a specified direction. Inside the recess of the bearing, a rotating portion is arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the recess. The rotating portion is inserted into the recess from the opening. The operating lever 30 includes a lever portion 32 whose proximal end 32a as the first end is connected to the rotating portion. The lever portion 32 extends from the first end 32a along the longitudinal axis of the operating lever 30 to the outside of the opening of the recess. The front end 32b of the lever portion 32 is located outside the opening of the recess.

[0039] The bearing portion 5b has a mechanism that restricts the rotation of the operating lever 30 relative to the base portion 5a about the longitudinal axis and holds it rotatable about the fulcrum P. Specifically, the bearing portion 5b holds the operating lever 30 rotatable relative to the base portion 5a about a first central axis A1 and a second central axis A2, and the first central axis A1 and the second central axis A2 are two linear axes. The first central axis A1 and the second central axis A2 intersect at the fulcrum P at a specified angle. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first central axis A1 and the second central axis A2 are orthogonal at the fulcrum P. The second central axis A2 rotates about the first central axis A1 relative to the base portion 5a.

[0040] In addition, in the following description, three linear axes that are fixed in relative position with respect to the base portion 5a and are orthogonal to each other at the fulcrum P are defined. The first linear axis L1 is the axis that coincides with the first central axis A1. The second linear axis L2 coincides with the second central axis A2 in the state where the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position. The third linear axis L3 coincides with the longitudinal axis of the operating lever 30 in the state where the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position.

[0041] The third linear axis L3 passes through the opening 3b. The direction along the third linear axis L3 from the fulcrum P toward the opening 3b is referred to as the outer direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the inner direction.

[0042] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the bending operation mechanism 5 based on the plane (L2 - L3 plane) including the second linear axis L2 and the third linear axis L3. Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the bending operation mechanism 5 based on the plane (L1 - L3 plane) including the first linear axis L1 and the third linear axis L3. Figure 5 and Figure 6 represent the state where the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position.

[0043] In the present embodiment, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the tilting angle of the operating lever 30 refers to the angle at which the longitudinal axis of the operating lever 30 intersects the third straight axis L3 at the fulcrum P.

[0044] The operating lever 30 includes a rod portion 32 and a shaft portion 31 as a rotating portion. The shaft portion 31 is the portion held by the bearing portion 5b. The rod portion 32 is a columnar member extending along the longitudinal axis. The proximal end 32a of the rod portion 32 is fixed to the shaft portion 31. The shaft portion 31 and the rod portion 32 are integrally formed.

[0045] There is no particular limitation on the material of the integrally formed shaft portion 31 and rod portion 32. In the present embodiment, as an example, the shaft portion 31 and the rod portion 32 are made of resin such as engineering plastic. It should be noted that the shaft portion 31 and the rod portion 32 can be made of metal and formed by casting, forging, or can be formed by sintering metal powder.

[0046] A finger contact member 30b constituting the front end portion 30a of the operating lever 30 is fixed to the front end 32b of the rod portion 32.

[0047] The wire traction portion 40 is fixed to the operating lever 30. Accordingly, the wire traction portion 40 rotates relative to the base portion 5a together with the operating lever 30 about the first central axis A1 and the second central axis A2. The wire traction portion 40 includes a plurality of holding portions 41 that hold the proximal ends 50a of the respective wires 50.

[0048] In the present embodiment, the wire traction portion 40 includes four holding portions 41 that hold the proximal ends 50a of four wires 50. As described above, the front ends of the four wires 50 are fixed to the bending portion 2d. The four holding portions 41 are arranged on a circle with a predetermined radius centered on the longitudinal axis of the operating lever 30 in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the operating lever 30. In the present embodiment, as an example, the four holding portions 41 are evenly arranged on the circle centered on the longitudinal axis, but the intervals of the four holding portions 41 on the circle may also be unequal.

[0049] The plurality of wires 50 are inserted through the insertion portion 2 and the cover member 3a of the operating portion 3. Near the proximal ends 50a of the respective wires 50, they are wound in the cover member 3a in such a manner that the longitudinal direction is along the third straight axis L3. That is, the plurality of wires 50 extend inward along the third straight axis L3 from the proximal ends 50a fixed to the plurality of holding portions 41.

[0050] According to the rotation of the operating lever 30 about the fulcrum P, the plurality of holding portions 41 rotate relative to the base portion 5a about the fulcrum P while maintaining their relative positions. By the movement of the plurality of holding portions 41, the traction amounts of the plurality of wires 50 change.

[0051] In the online traction unit 40, the structure for fixing a plurality of holding parts 41 to the operating rod 30 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, as an example, the wire traction unit 40 includes a substantially hemispherical top part 42 centered on the fulcrum P. The top part 42 is hollow. The front end 32b of the rod part 32 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface side of the top 42a of the top part 42. A plurality of holding parts 41 are provided on the bottom 42b of the top part 42.

[0052] A finger contact part 30b is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the top 42a of the top part 42. That is, the top part 42 is a part of the operating rod 30. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, a part of the outer peripheral surface of the top part 42 is exposed to the outside of the operation part 3 through the opening 3b provided in the cover member 3a.

[0053] The outer diameter of the top part 42 is smaller than the maximum width of the opening 3b. Therefore, the top part 42 cannot pass through the opening 3b. As described above, the top part 42 is fixed to the operating rod 30. Therefore, the cover member 3a as a part of the exterior abuts against and interferes with the front end side of the operating rod 30 (the top part 42), thereby restricting the movement of the operating rod 30 in the direction away from the fulcrum P along the length axis. The direction of the operating rod 30 along the length axis away from the fulcrum P is the direction from the base end 32a of the rod part 32 toward the front end 32b. In addition, the front end side of the operating rod 30 may also abut against a component other than the cover member 3a. For example, the front end side of the operating rod 30 may also be a structure that abuts against an interior component provided inside the cover member 3a and that is a part of the main body part. Even if configured in this way, the movement of the operating rod 30 in the direction away from the fulcrum P along the length axis can be restricted.

[0054] In addition, the range of rotation of the top part 42 around the fulcrum P is defined by the interference between the edge of the opening 3b and the finger contact part 30b. That is, the cover member 3a restricts the range of rotatability of the operating rod 30 around the fulcrum P by interfering with the operating rod 30 (the finger contact part 30b).

[0055] As Figure 5 shown, the absolute value of the maximum tilting angle when the operating rod 30 is rotated around the first central axis A1 is taken as the first limiting angle θ1. In addition, as Figure 6 shown, the absolute value of the maximum tilting angle when the operating rod 30 is rotated around the second central axis A2 is taken as the second limiting angle θ2. In addition, depending on the opening shape of the opening 3b, the maximum tilting angle of the operating rod 30 is larger than the first limiting angle θ1 and the second limiting angle θ2. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first limiting angle θ1 and the second limiting angle θ2 are values of 45 degrees or less.

[0056] In addition, in the present embodiment, the spherical outer peripheral surface of the round top portion 42 is provided in a range that necessarily blocks the opening portion 3b when the operating lever 30 is within the rotatable range around the fulcrum P. Therefore, the round top portion 42 is a component that fixes the plurality of holding portions 41 to the operating lever 30 and is a component that prevents foreign objects and the user's fingers from entering the cover member 3a through the opening portion 3b. In addition, the round top portion 42 may be divided into a plurality of components.

[0057] The structure for fixing the plurality of holding portions 41 to the operating lever 30 is not limited to the present embodiment. For example, the wire pulling portion 40 may be configured to include a plurality of arm portions extending from the operating lever 30 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis, and a plurality of holding portions 41 are respectively provided at the front ends of the arm portions.

[0058] The structures of the bearing portion 5b and the shaft portion 31 will be described. The bearing portion 5b includes a first bearing 10 and a second bearing 20.

[0059] Generally speaking, the first bearing 10 is a sliding bearing fixed to the base portion 5a and supporting a part of the outer shape of the second bearing 20 as an axis. The second bearing 20 is a sliding bearing supporting a part of the outer shape of the shaft portion 31 as an axis. As described above, the shaft portion 31 is integrally formed with the rod portion 32 of the operating lever 30.

[0060] The first bearing 10 holds the second bearing 20 to be rotatable relative to the base portion 5a around the first central axis A1, and restricts the movement of the second bearing 20 relative to the base portion 5a parallel to the first central axis A1. That is, the first bearing 10 bears the loads applied to the second bearing 20 in the radial and thrust directions.

[0061] The first bearing 10 is integrally formed with the base portion 5a. The material of the integrally formed first bearing 10 and the base portion 5a is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first bearing 10 and the base portion 5a are made of resin such as engineering plastic. It should be noted that the first bearing 10 and the base portion 5a may be made of metal and formed by casting, forging, or may be formed by sintering metal powder.

[0062] The second bearing 20 holds the shaft portion 31 to be rotatable relative to the second bearing 20 around the second central axis A2 in a state of being held by the first bearing 10, and restricts the movement of the shaft portion 31 relative to the second bearing 20 parallel to the second central axis A2. That is, the second bearing 20 bears the loads applied to the shaft portion 31 in the radial and thrust directions.

[0063] The relative position of the second central axis A2 with respect to the second bearing 20 is fixed. The second central axis A2 rotates around the first central axis together with the second bearing 20 relative to the base portion 5a.

[0064] The second bearing 20 is a molded product. The material of the second bearing 20 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, as an example, the second bearing 20 is made of resin such as engineering plastic. It should be noted that the second bearing 20 can be made of metal and formed by casting or forging, or can be formed by sintering metal powder.

[0065] As Figure 4 shown, the first bearing 10 is formed with a first recess 12. The first recess 12 is a bottomed hole that opens in the first direction, that is, the outer direction, along the third straight axis L3 in a state where the first bearing 10 is fixed to the base portion 5a. That is, the depth direction of the first recess 12 is the inner direction.

[0066] The shape of the mouth portion 12a of the opening of the first recess 12 is such that the second bearing 20 can be inserted into the first recess 12. Specifically, the size of the mouth portion 12a of the first recess 12 is larger than the projected shape of the second bearing 20 on the L1-L2 plane when the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position.

[0067] A sliding portion 13 that slides relative to a part of the outer surface of the second bearing 20 is formed in the first recess 12. The sliding portion 13 includes a radial bearing portion 13a and a thrust bearing portion 13b.

[0068] In a state where the second bearing 20 is disposed in the first recess 12, the radial bearing portion 13a bears the radial load applied to the second bearing 20 and holds the second bearing 20 rotatable about the first central axis A1.

[0069] The radial bearing portion 13a is formed at the bottom of the first recess 12 having a depth direction of the inner direction, and the first recess 12 has an opening shape larger than that of the second bearing 20. Therefore, the radial bearing portion 13a can bear the load applied to the second bearing 20 toward the inner direction, but cannot bear the load applied to the second bearing 20 toward the outer direction.

[0070] The radial bearing portion 13a of the present embodiment can bear the radial load within a range where the absolute value of the inclination with respect to the third straight axis L3 centered on the inner direction is equal to or less than the first limit angle θ1 at least on the L2-L3 plane.

[0071] That is, if the tilting angle of the operating lever 30 about the first central axis A1 is within the first limit angle θ1, the first bearing 10 can bear the force that presses the operating lever 30 toward the fulcrum P.

[0072] More specifically, the radial bearing portion 13a of the present embodiment is a cylindrical surface with a specified inner diameter Di1 centered on the first central axis A1. This cylindrical surface is in a semi-circular shape formed downward from the L1-L2 plane. That is, the bottom surface of the first recess 12 of the first bearing 10 has a semi-cylindrical shape formed along the first central axis A1.

[0073] In addition, the thrust bearing 13b of the present embodiment is a wall surface on a pair of planes that are opposed to each other with the radial bearing portion 13a interposed therebetween and orthogonal to the first central axis A1. In a state where the second bearing 20 is disposed in the first recess 12, the thrust bearing portion 13b bears the load in the thrust direction applied to the second bearing 20 and restricts the movement of the second bearing 20 in the direction parallel to the first central axis A1.

[0074] It should be noted that grooves, holes, etc. for preventing the infiltration of foreign substances and retaining lubricating oil may be provided on the surfaces of the radial bearing portion 13a and the thrust bearing portion 13b.

[0075] As Figure 4 shown, the second bearing 20 supported by the first bearing 10 has a cylindrical portion 21 with a specified fourth straight axis L4 as the central axis in a part of its outer shape. The fourth straight axis L4 is orthogonal to the second central axis A2. In a state where the second bearing 20 is disposed in the first recess 12, the fourth straight axis L4 substantially coincides with the first central axis A1.

[0076] At least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 21 forms a sliding surface that slides relative to the first bearing 10. The outer surface of the cylindrical portion 21 includes a cylindrical surface 21a and a pair of end faces 21b.

[0077] The cylindrical surface 21a has a specified first outer diameter Do1. The first outer diameter Do1 is smaller than the inner diameter Di1 of the radial bearing portion 13a. The first outer diameter Do1 is a value such that the cylindrical surface 21a is embedded in the radial bearing portion 13a with a specified gap and can slide relative to the radial bearing portion 13a.

[0078] The pair of end faces 21b are planes orthogonal to the fourth straight axis L4. The pair of end faces 21b face each other on the outer sides in opposite directions with the cylindrical surface 21a interposed therebetween. In a state where the second bearing 20 is disposed in the first recess 12, the pair of end faces 21b are in sliding contact with the thrust bearing portion 13b.

[0079] The second bearing 20 is formed with a second recess 22. The second recess 22 is a bottomed hole that opens in a direction orthogonal to the second central axis A2 and the fourth straight axis L4. In a state where the second bearing 20 is disposed in the first recess 12 and the operating rod 30 is in the neutral position, the second recess 22 opens outward along the third straight axis L3.

[0080] The shape of the opening 22a of the second recess 22 is sized such that the shaft portion 31 can be inserted into the second recess 22. Specifically, the size of the opening of the second recess 22 is larger than the projected shape of the shaft portion 31 in the L1-L2 plane when the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position.

[0081] A sliding portion 23 that slides on a part of the outer surface of the shaft portion 31 is formed in the second recess 22. The sliding portion 23 includes a radial bearing portion 23a and a thrust bearing portion 23b.

[0082] In a state where the shaft portion 31 is disposed in the second recess 22, the radial bearing portion 23a bears the radial load applied to the shaft portion 31 and holds the shaft portion 31 so as to be rotatable about the second central axis A2.

[0083] The radial bearing portion 23a is formed at the bottom of the second recess 22, and the second recess 22 has an opening shape larger than the shaft portion 31. Therefore, the radial bearing portion 23a can bear the load applied to the shaft portion 31 in the depth direction of the second recess 22, but cannot bear the load applied to the shaft portion 31 in the opening direction of the second recess 22. Here, the depth direction of the second recess 22 refers to the direction along the axis orthogonal to the second central axis A2 and the fourth linear axis L4, from the opening of the second recess 22 toward the bottom. The depth direction of the second recess 22 coincides with the downward direction in a state where the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position.

[0084] The radial bearing portion 23a of the present embodiment can bear the radial load in a range where the absolute value of the inclination with respect to the depth direction of the second recess 22 is equal to or less than the second limit angle θ2 at least in a plane orthogonal to the second central axis A2.

[0085] That is, in a state where the second bearing 20 is disposed in the first recess 12 and the shaft portion 31 is disposed in the second recess 22, if the tilting angle of the operating lever 30 about the second central axis A2 is within the second limit angle θ2, the second bearing 20 can bear the force pressing the operating lever 30 toward the fulcrum P.

[0086] More specifically, the radial bearing portion 23a of the present embodiment is a cylindrical surface with a prescribed inner diameter Di2 centered on the second central axis A2. This cylindrical surface is a semi-circular shape formed in the depth direction from the A2-L4 plane. That is, the recess 22 of the second bearing 20 has a semi-cylindrical bottom surface formed along the second central axis A2.

[0087] In addition, the thrust bearing 23b of the present embodiment is a pair of wall surfaces on a plane that are opposed to each other with the radial bearing portion 23a interposed therebetween and orthogonal to the second central axis A2. In a state where the shaft portion 31 is disposed in the second recess 22, the thrust bearing portion 23b bears a load in the thrust direction applied to the shaft portion 31 and restricts the movement of the shaft portion 31 in a direction parallel to the second central axis A2.

[0088] It should be noted that grooves, holes, etc. for preventing infiltration of foreign matter and retaining lubricating oil may be provided on the surfaces of the radial bearing portion 23a and the thrust bearing portion 23b.

[0089] The shaft portion 31 supported by the second bearing 20 has a cylindrical portion 31a having a center axis of a predetermined fifth straight axis L5 in a part of its outer shape. The fifth straight axis L5 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the rod portion 32. In a state where the shaft portion 31 is disposed in the second recess 22, the fifth straight axis L5 substantially coincides with the second central axis A2.

[0090] At least a part of the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 31a forms a sliding surface that slides relative to the second bearing 20. The outer surface of the cylindrical portion 31a includes a cylindrical surface 31b and a pair of end surfaces 31c.

[0091] The cylindrical surface 31b has a predetermined second outer diameter Do2. The second outer diameter Do2 is smaller than the inner diameter Di2 of the radial bearing portion 23a. The second outer diameter Do2 is a value such that the cylindrical surface 31b is inserted into the radial bearing portion 23a with a predetermined gap and can slide relative to the radial bearing portion 23a.

[0092] The pair of end surfaces 31c are planes orthogonal to the fifth straight axis L5. The pair of end surfaces 31c face each other on the outer sides in opposite directions with the cylindrical surface 31b interposed therebetween. In a state where the shaft portion 31 is disposed in the second recess 22, the pair of end surfaces 31c are in sliding contact with the thrust bearing portion 23b.

[0093] As described above, the bearing portion 5b is composed of three components, namely, the first bearing 10, the second bearing 20, and the shaft portion 31, which can be inexpensively manufactured by molding respectively. In addition, the assembly of the bearing portion 5b is completed only by combining the three components in an overlapping manner in one direction, so it is completed in fewer steps. Therefore, the bending operation mechanism 5 of the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment can be manufactured inexpensively.

[0094] As Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the bearing portion 5b of the present embodiment includes one or more holes 51.

[0095] One hole 51 is composed of a first hole 51a formed in the first bearing 10, a second hole 51b formed in the second bearing 20, and a third hole 51c formed in the shaft portion 31.

[0096] The cross-sectional shapes of the first hole 51a, the second hole 51b, and the third hole 51c are substantially the same. In the present embodiment, as an example, the first hole 51a, the second hole 51b, and the third hole 51c have a circular cross-sectional shape with the same inner diameter.

[0097] When the operating lever 30 is in a specified position, the central axes of the first hole 51a, the second hole 51b, and the third hole 51c are substantially aligned with the sixth straight axis L6, and they are arranged in a straight line along the sixth straight axis L6. That is, one hole 51 is formed by arranging and connecting the first hole 51a, the second hole 51b, and the third hole 51c formed in three components in a straight line when the operating lever 30 is in the specified position. In the present embodiment, as an example, when the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position, the first hole 51a, the second hole 51b, and the third hole 51c are arranged in a straight line along the sixth straight axis L6.

[0098] The relative position of the sixth straight axis L6 with respect to the first bearing 10 is fixed. The sixth straight axis L6 is arranged to satisfy either the condition of not passing through the fulcrum P or the condition of passing through the fulcrum P but not being parallel to both the first central axis A1 and the second straight axis L2.

[0099] In the present embodiment, as an example, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 shown, the sixth straight axis L6 is arranged to satisfy the condition of not passing through the fulcrum P. That is, when the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position, the sixth straight axis L6 is separated from the first central axis A1 and the second central axis A2.

[0100] The first hole 51a penetrates linearly from the outer surface of the first bearing 10 to the inner peripheral surface of the first recess 12 with the sixth straight axis L6 as the central axis. Additionally, the first hole 51a may also penetrate through the entire first bearing 10 through the first recess 12.

[0101] The second hole 51b penetrates linearly from the outer surface of the second bearing 20 to the inner peripheral surface of the second recess 22. Additionally, the second hole 51b may also penetrate through the entire second bearing 20 through the second recess 22.

[0102] The third hole 51c is a linear hole that opens on the outer surface of the shaft portion 31. The third hole 51c may or may not penetrate through the shaft portion 31.

[0103] As described above, the bearing portion 5b includes one or more holes 51, and the hole 51 has a depth that reaches at least the shaft portion 31 from the outer surface of the first bearing 10 in a state where the operating lever 30 is located at a predetermined position.

[0104] In the hole 51, in a state where the operating lever 30 is located at a predetermined position, as Figure 7 shown, one pin 52 can be inserted. That is, the first bearing 10, the second bearing 20, and the shaft portion 31 constituting the bearing portion 5b of the present embodiment respectively have holes 51a, 51b, and 51c that can simultaneously receive one pin 52.

[0105] As described above, the hole 51 is configured to satisfy either the condition of not passing through the fulcrum P or the condition of passing through the fulcrum P but not being parallel to both the first central axis A1 and the second linear axis L2. Therefore, the pin 52 inserted into the hole 51 restricts the relative movement of the second bearing 20 and the shaft portion 31 with respect to the first bearing 10.

[0106] In the present embodiment, by inserting the pin 52 into the hole 51, the operating lever 30 can be fixed to the neutral position. For example, when assembling the endoscope 1, if the operating lever 30 can be temporarily fixed to the neutral position, it is possible to easily adjust the tension applied to the plurality of wires 50.

[0107] In addition, by inserting the pin 52 into the hole 51, it is possible to prevent the second bearing 20 and the shaft portion 31 from coming off the first bearing 10. The bearing portion 5b has a structure that does not restrict the outward movement of the second bearing 20 and the shaft portion 31 from the first bearing 10. However, when assembling the endoscope 1, by temporarily preventing the separation of the bearing portion 5b, it is possible to easily perform the assembly operation of the bearing portion 5b into the cover member 3a.

[0108] As described above, the bearing portion 51b of the present embodiment can facilitate the assembly operation of the bending operation mechanism 5 by having the hole 51.

[0109] In addition, in the above description, the pin 52 is not a component included in the endoscope 1 in the completed state, but a component temporarily used when assembling the endoscope 1. However, the pin 52 can also be a component included in the endoscope 1 at the time of shipment. For example, it can be in the following manner: when the endoscope 1 is shipped, the pin 52 is in a state of being inserted into the hole 51, and at the start of use of the endoscope 1, the user pulls out the pin 52 from the hole 51. In this case, from the time of shipment to when it is handed to the user, the operating lever 30 and the movement of the bending portion 2d are locked by the pin 52, so that damage to these mechanisms during the transportation of the endoscope 1 can be prevented.

[0110] (Second Embodiment)

[0111] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same constituent elements as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be appropriately omitted.

[0112] Figure 8 It is an exploded perspective view of the bending operation mechanism 5. Figure 9 It is an exploded perspective view of the bearing portion 5b. Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the first bearing 10 and the second bearing 20 based on the L2-L3 plane. Figure 11 It is a view showing the disassembly and assembly of the first bearing 10 and the second bearing 20. Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the second bearing 20 and the shaft portion 31 based on the L1-L3 plane. Figure 13 It is a view showing the disassembly and assembly of the second bearing 20 and the shaft portion 31.

[0113] The structure of the bearing portion 5b of the bending operation mechanism 5 in the present embodiment is different from that in the first embodiment. The bearing portion 5b is composed of three components, namely, the first bearing 10, the second bearing 20, and the third bearing 30, which can be inexpensively manufactured by molding, which is the same as in the first embodiment. The bearing portion 5b in the present embodiment has a structure for preventing the second bearing 20 and the operating rod 30 from falling off the first bearing 10.

[0114] The first bearing 10 has a first narrow portion 12b at the mouth portion 12a of the first recess 12. The first narrow portion 12b is a through hole that communicates the outside of the first bearing 10 with the inside of the first recess 12.

[0115] The first narrow portion 12b has an opening shape that interferes with the projected shape of the outer shape of the second bearing 20 on the L1-L2 plane when the second bearing 20 rotates around the first central axis A1 within a range of a specified angle θ3 or less from the neutral position. That is, when the absolute value of the rotation angle of the second bearing 20 around the first central axis A1 from the neutral position is θ3 or less, it interferes with the first narrow portion 12b, and thus cannot pass through the mouth portion 12a of the first recess 12. Here, the specified angle θ3 is a value equal to or greater than the first limit angle θ1.

[0116] In addition, the neutral position during the rotation of the second bearing 20 about the first central axis A1 means the position where, with the fourth straight axis L4 of the second bearing 20 parallel to the first central axis A1, the opening direction of the second recess 22 is the same as the outer direction. That is, even when the second bearing 20 is in a state outside the first recess 12, the second bearing 20 can be in the neutral position. In addition, the rotation angle of the second bearing 20 about the first central axis A1 starting from the neutral position means the angle formed between the opening direction of the second recess 22 and the outer direction with the fourth straight axis L4 of the second bearing 20 parallel to the first central axis A1.

[0117] When the absolute value of the rotation angle of the second bearing 20 about the first central axis A1 starting from the neutral position is within a specified angular range greater than the specified first angle θ3, the projected shape of the outer profile onto the L1-L2 plane has a shape that can pass through the first narrow portion 12b.

[0118] Specifically, in the second bearing 20 of the present embodiment, one or two cutting surfaces 21c as planes are formed in the cylindrical shape portion 21 that constitutes the outer profile.

[0119] The cutting surface 21c is a plane that is at a specified distance from the second central axis A2 and parallel to the second central axis A2 and the fourth straight axis L4. The distance from the second central axis A2 to the cutting surface 21c is shorter than the radius of the cylindrical surface 21a.

[0120] The cutting surface 21c is formed on one or both of the opening direction side and the depth direction side of the second recess 22 with respect to the second central axis A2. In the illustrated present embodiment, the cutting surface 21c is formed only on the opening direction side of the second recess 22 with respect to the second central axis A2.

[0121] By forming the cutting surface 21c, the width of the outer profile of the second bearing 20 in the direction orthogonal to the second central axis A2 and the fourth straight axis L4 is smaller than the first outer diameter Do1 of the cylindrical surface 21a. Hereinafter, the width of the outer profile of the second bearing 20 in the direction parallel to the second central axis A2 is referred to as the first outer profile width Wo1. In the present embodiment, the first outer profile width Wo1 is equal to the first outer diameter Do1 of the cylindrical surface 21a. In addition, the width of the outer profile of the second bearing 20 in the direction orthogonal to the second central axis A2 and the fourth straight axis L4 is referred to as the second outer profile width Wo2. The second outer profile width Wo2 is the width of the outer profile of the second bearing 20 in the direction parallel to the third straight axis L3 in a state where the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position.

[0122] The minimum opening width in the direction parallel to the second straight axis L2 of the first narrow portion 12b at the mouth portion 12a of the first recess 12 formed in the first bearing 10 is the first opening width Wi1. The first opening width Wi1 is smaller than the first outer width Wo1 of the second bearing 20 and larger than the second outer width Wo2.

[0123] As Figure 11 shown, when the absolute value of the rotation angle of the second bearing 20 about the first central axis A1 from the neutral position is near 90 degrees, the width of the outer shape of the second bearing 20 in the direction parallel to the second straight axis L2 becomes the second outer width Wo2. In this case, the second bearing 20 can pass through the first narrow portion 12b of the first recess 12.

[0124] In addition, a first groove 12c is formed on the side wall surface of the first recess 12 of the first bearing 10, and the first groove 12c is used to avoid interference with the operating lever 30 having a tilting angle of about 90 degrees about the first central axis A1. The first groove 12c is a shape formed by cutting a prescribed width from the side wall surface of the first recess 12 with the L2 - L3 plane as the center. The width of the first groove 12c is larger than the thickness of the rod portion 32.

[0125] By forming the first groove 12c, even in a state where the shaft portion 31 is disposed in the second recess 22 of the second bearing 20, interference between the rod portion 32 and the side wall surface of the first recess 12 can be avoided.

[0126] In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the first groove 12c is formed only on one side with respect to the L1 - L3 plane, but the first groove 12c may be formed on both sides across the L1 - L3 plane.

[0127] On the other hand, as Figure 10 shown, when the absolute value of the rotation angle of the second bearing 20 about the first central axis A1 from the neutral position is equal to or less than the first limit angle θ1, the width of the outer shape of the second bearing 20 in the direction parallel to the second straight axis L2 becomes the first outer width Wo1. In this case, the second bearing 20 interferes with the first narrow portion 12b of the first recess 12 and cannot pass through the first narrow portion 12b. Therefore, in this case, it is possible to prevent the second bearing 20 from falling off from the inside of the first recess 12.

[0128] The second bearing 20 has a second narrow portion 22b at the mouth portion 22a of the second recess 22. The second narrow portion 22b is a through - hole that communicates the outside of the second bearing 20 with the inside of the second recess 22.

[0129] The second constricted portion 22b has an opening shape that interferes with the projected shape of the outer contour of the shaft portion 31 onto the A2-L4 plane when the shaft portion 31 rotates around the second central axis A2 within a range of a specified angle θ4 or less from the neutral position. That is, when the absolute value of the rotation angle of the shaft portion 31 around the first central axis A1 from the neutral position is θ4 or less, it interferes with the second constricted portion 22b, and thus cannot pass through the mouth portion 22a of the second recess 22. Here, the specified angle θ4 is a value equal to or greater than the second limit angle θ2.

[0130] The neutral position of the shaft portion 31 rotating around the second central axis A2 refers to the position where, with the fifth straight axis L5 of the shaft portion 31 parallel to the second central axis A2, the longitudinal axis of the lever portion 32 of the operating lever 30 is parallel to the opening direction of the second recess 22 of the second bearing 20. That is, even when the shaft portion 31 is in a state outside the second recess 22, the shaft portion 31 can be in the neutral position. In addition, the rotation angle of the shaft portion 31 around the second central axis A2 from the neutral position refers to the angle formed between the longitudinal axis of the lever portion 32 and the opening direction of the second recess 22 with the fifth straight axis L5 of the shaft portion 31 parallel to the second central axis A2.

[0131] When the absolute value of the rotation angle of the shaft portion 31 around the second central axis A2 from the neutral position is within a specified second angle range exceeding the specified angle θ4, the projected shape of the outer contour onto the A2-L4 plane has a shape that can pass through the second constricted portion 22b.

[0132] In the shaft portion 31 of the present embodiment, one or two cutting surfaces 31d serving as planes are formed in the cylindrical portion 31a constituting the outer contour.

[0133] The cutting surface 31d is a plane that is at a specified distance from the fifth straight axis L5 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the operating lever 30. The distance from the fifth straight axis L5 to the cutting surface 31d is shorter than the radius of the cylindrical surface 31b.

[0134] The cutting surface 31d is formed on one or both of the front end direction side and the base end direction side of the operating lever 30 with respect to the fifth straight axis L5. In the illustrated present embodiment, the cutting surface 31d is formed on both the front end direction and the base end direction across the fifth straight axis L5.

[0135] The shaft portion 31 has a cut surface 31d formed thereon, so that the width of the outer shape in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis is smaller than the second outer diameter Do2 of the cylindrical surface 31b. Hereinafter, the width of the outer shape of the shaft portion 31 in the direction orthogonal to the fifth straight axis L5 and the longitudinal axis will be referred to as the third outer shape width Wo3. In the present embodiment, the third outer shape width Wo3 is equal to the second outer diameter Do2 of the cylindrical surface 31b. In addition, the width of the outer shape of the shaft portion 31 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis will be referred to as the fourth outer shape width Wo4. The fourth outer shape width Wo4 is the width of the outer shape of the shaft portion 31 in the direction parallel to the third straight axis L3 in the state where the operating lever 30 is in the neutral position.

[0136] The minimum opening width of the second narrow portion 22b of the mouth portion 22a of the second concave portion 22 formed in the second bearing 20 in the direction parallel to the fourth straight axis L4 is the second opening width Wi2. The second opening width Wi2 is smaller than the third outer shape width Wo3 of the shaft portion 31 and larger than the fourth outer shape width Wo4.

[0137] As Figure 13 shown, when the absolute value of the rotation angle of the shaft portion 31 around the second central axis A2 from the neutral position is near 90 degrees, the width of the outer shape of the shaft portion 31 in the direction parallel to the fourth straight axis L4 becomes the fourth outer shape width Wo4. In this case, the shaft portion 31 can pass through the second narrow portion 22b of the second concave portion 22.

[0138] In addition, a second groove 22c is formed on the side wall surface of the second concave portion 22 of the second bearing 20, and the second groove 22c is used to avoid interference with the operating lever 30 whose tilting angle around the second central axis A2 is near 90 degrees. The second groove 22c is formed by cutting a prescribed width from the side wall surface of the second concave portion 22 with a plane orthogonal to the second central axis A2 and including the fourth straight axis L4 as the center. The width of the second groove 22c is larger than the thickness of the rod portion 32.

[0139] By forming the second groove 22c, interference between the rod portion 32 and the side wall surface of the second concave portion 22 can be avoided. In addition, the second groove 22c may be formed on the opposite side across the second central axis A2.

[0140] In addition, in the present embodiment, as Figure 9 shown, a third groove 12d is formed on the side wall surface of the first concave portion 12. The third groove 12d is used to avoid interference with the operating lever 30 whose tilting angle around the second central axis A2 is near 90 degrees. By forming the third groove 12d in the first concave portion 12, even in the state where the second bearing 20 is disposed in the first concave portion 12, the tilting angle of the operating lever 30 around the second central axis A2 can be near 90 degrees.

[0141] On the other hand, as Figure 12As shown, when the absolute value of the rotation angle of the shaft portion 31 about the second central axis A2 from the neutral position is equal to or less than the second limit angle θ2, the width of the outer shape of the shaft portion 31 in the direction parallel to the fourth straight axis L4 becomes the third outer shape width Wo3. In this case, the shaft portion 31 interferes with the second narrow portion 22b of the second recess 22 and cannot pass through the second narrow portion 22b. Therefore, in this case, the shaft portion 31 is prevented from falling off from inside the second recess 22.

[0142] According to the structure described above, the bearing portion 5b of the present embodiment prevents the second bearing 20 from falling off from the first bearing 10 and the operating lever 30 from falling off from the second bearing 20.

[0143] During the assembly operation of the endoscope 1, the bearing portion 5b of the present embodiment can prevent the components from separating after the first bearing 10, the second bearing 20, and the operating lever 30 are assembled. Therefore, the bending operation mechanism 5 of the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment can easily perform the assembly operation of the bearing portion 5b into the cover member 3a.

[0144] In addition, similar to the first embodiment, the bearing portion 5b of the present embodiment is composed of three components, namely, the first bearing 10, the second bearing 20, and the shaft portion 31, which can be inexpensively manufactured by molding. In addition, the assembly of the bearing portion 5b is completed only by combining three components, so it is completed in fewer steps. Therefore, similar to the first embodiment, the bending operation mechanism 5 of the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment can be inexpensively manufactured.

[0145] (Third Embodiment)

[0146] Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, only the differences from the third embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given to the constituent elements that are the same as those of the third embodiment, and their descriptions will be appropriately omitted.

[0147] As shown in Figure 14 the bending operation mechanism 5 of the present embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the bearing portion 5b has a hole 51.

[0148] The hole 51 has the same structure as the hole 51 of the first embodiment. That is, the bearing portion 5b of the present embodiment has one or more holes 51, and the hole 51 has a depth that reaches at least the outer surface of the shaft portion 31 from the outer surface of the first bearing 10 in a state where the operating lever 30 is in a specified position.

[0149] When the operating lever 30 is in a specified position within the hole 51, as shown in Figure 7As shown, one pin 52 can be inserted. The hole 51 is configured to meet either the condition of not passing through the fulcrum P or the condition of passing through the fulcrum P but not being parallel to both the first central axis A1 and the second straight axis L2. Therefore, the pin 52 inserted into the hole 51 restricts the relative movement of the second bearing 20 and the shaft portion 31 with respect to the first bearing 10.

[0150] In the present embodiment, by inserting the pin 52 into the hole 51, the operating lever 30 can be fixed at a specified position. For example, when assembling the endoscope 1, if the operating lever 30 can be temporarily fixed at the neutral position, it becomes easy to adjust the tension applied to the plurality of wires 50.

[0151] Therefore, the bearing portion 51b of the present embodiment can facilitate the assembly operation of the bending operation mechanism 5 by having the hole 51.

[0152] The other structure of the bending operation mechanism 5 is the same as that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the bending operation mechanism 5 of the present embodiment can prevent the separation of the first bearing 10, the second bearing 20, and the operating lever 30 after they are assembled during the assembly operation of the endoscope 1. Therefore, the bending operation mechanism 5 of the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment can easily perform the assembly operation of the bearing portion 5b into the cover member 3a.

[0153] In addition, the bearing portion 5b of the present embodiment, like the first embodiment, is composed of three components: the first bearing 10, the second bearing 20, and the shaft portion 31, which can be inexpensively manufactured by molding. In addition, the assembly of the bearing portion 5b is completed only by combining the three components, so it is completed in fewer steps. Therefore, the bending operation mechanism 5 of the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment can be inexpensively manufactured, like the first embodiment.

[0154] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the scope not violating the gist or idea of the invention read from the entire claims and the specification. Endoscopes accompanied by such modifications are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope, characterized in that, Comprising: a bearing formed with a bottomed recess having a first opening in a specified direction; a rotating part inserted from the first opening and disposed in the recess so as to be rotatable; an operating lever having a first end side connected to the rotating part and a second end side extending outside the first opening, the operating lever having a longitudinal axis extending from the first end side to the second end side; and a restricting member that restricts movement of the operating lever in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the bearing comprises: a first bearing formed with a first recess along a first central axis; and a second bearing disposed in the first recess, having a second central axis disposed so as to intersect the first central axis in a state of being disposed in the first recess, formed with a second recess along the second central axis, and held so as to be rotatable about the first central axis, wherein the operating lever has a shaft portion disposed in the second recess and held so as to be rotatable about the second central axis.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member interferes with the second end side of the operating lever.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the first bearing, the second bearing, and the shaft portion respectively have holes for simultaneously receiving one pin, and movement of the first bearing, the second bearing, and the shaft portion is restricted by inserting the one pin into the holes.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the one pin is the restricting member.

5. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the holes are formed at positions separated from the first central axis and the second central axis.

6. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the first recess opens in a first direction that is orthogonal to the first central axis and is one direction along a straight axis fixed to the first bearing, the second recess opens in a direction orthogonal to the second central axis, with respect to rotation of the second bearing about the first central axis, when the absolute value of the angle formed by the opening direction of the second recess and the first direction is within a specified first limit angle, the width of the outer shape of the second bearing in a direction orthogonal to the first central axis and the straight axis is a first outer shape width, and when the absolute value of the angle formed by the opening direction of the second recess and the first direction is within a specified first angle range larger than the first limit angle, the width of the outer shape of the second bearing in a direction orthogonal to the first central axis and the straight axis is a second outer shape width smaller than the first outer shape width, the minimum opening width of the mouth portion of the first recess in a direction orthogonal to the first central axis and the straight axis is a first opening width smaller than the first outer shape width and larger than the second outer shape width.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein The operating lever has a lever portion extending from the outer surface of the shaft portion in a direction orthogonal to the second central axis. The first bearing has a first groove that avoids interference with the lever portion when the angle of the opening direction of the second recess of the second bearing with respect to the first direction is within the first angular range.

8. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein Regarding the rotation of the shaft portion about the second central axis, when the absolute value of the angle of the shaft portion with respect to the opening direction of the second recess is within a prescribed second limit angle, the width of the outer shape of the shaft portion in the direction parallel to the first central axis is a third outer shape width, and when the angle of the shaft portion with respect to the opening direction of the second recess is within a prescribed second angular range larger than the second limit angle, the width of the outer shape of the shaft portion in the direction parallel to the first central axis is a fourth outer shape width smaller than the third outer shape width. The minimum opening width of the mouth portion of the second recess in the direction parallel to the first central axis is a second opening width smaller than the third outer shape width and larger than the fourth outer shape width.

9. The endoscope according to claim 8, wherein The operating lever has a lever portion extending from the outer surface of the shaft portion in a direction orthogonal to the second central axis. The second bearing has a second groove that avoids interference with the lever portion when the angle of the shaft portion with respect to the opening direction of the second recess is within the second angular range.

10. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The endoscope includes an operation portion. The restricting member is a cover member provided on the operation portion.

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, wherein The cover member has a second opening, and the second end side of the operating lever extends outward from the second opening.

12. The endoscope according to claim 11, wherein A finger contact member is formed at the end of the second end side of the operating lever.

13. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The endoscope includes an operation portion. The operation portion is connected to an insertion portion having a bending portion. A plurality of wires for bending the bending portion are connected to the operating lever.

14. The endoscope according to claim 13, wherein A dome portion is provided on the operating lever.

15. The endoscope according to claim 14, wherein A holding portion is provided on the dome portion, and the plurality of wires are fixed to the holding portion.

16. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The endoscope includes an operation portion. The operation portion has an encoder that converts the movement of the operating lever into an electric signal.

17. The endoscope according to claim 16, wherein The operation portion has an actuator that generates a force according to the electric signal.

18. A bending operation mechanism of an endoscope, characterized in that, Having: A bearing formed with a bottomed recess having a first opening in a prescribed direction. A rotating part that is inserted through the first opening and is rotatably disposed in the recess; An operating lever, one end side of which is connected to the rotating part and the other end side extends outward from the first opening. The operating lever has a longitudinal axis extending from the one end side to the other end side; and A restricting member that restricts the movement of the operating lever in the direction of the longitudinal axis, The bearing includes: A first bearing that has a first recess formed along a first central axis; and A second bearing that is disposed in the first recess, has a second central axis that intersects the first central axis in a state of being disposed in the first recess, has a second recess formed along the second central axis, and is held rotatable about the first central axis, The operating lever has a shaft portion that is disposed in the second recess and is held rotatable about the second central axis.

19. An operation part of an endoscope, characterized in that, There is provided: A bearing that has a bottomed recess with a first opening in a specified direction; A rotating part that is inserted through the first opening and is rotatably disposed in the recess; An operating lever, one end side of which is connected to the rotating part and the other end side extends outward from the first opening. The operating lever has a longitudinal axis extending from the one end side to the other end side; and A restricting member that restricts the movement of the operating lever in the direction of the longitudinal axis, The bearing includes: A first bearing that has a first recess formed along a first central axis; and A second bearing that is disposed in the first recess, has a second central axis that intersects the first central axis in a state of being disposed in the first recess, has a second recess formed along the second central axis, and is held rotatable about the first central axis, The operating lever has a shaft portion that is disposed in the second recess and is held rotatable about the second central axis.

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