Endoscope and locking method for a knob

Abstract

The present application provides an endoscope and a locking method for a knob. The endoscope has an operation portion main body connected to an insertion portion, and a knob provided on the operation portion main body and rotated when an operation movable member is operated. A rotation locking mechanism for locking the rotation of the knob includes a locking button, a locking lever connected to the locking button and extending inside the knob, and a fixed member fixed to the operation portion main body. When the locking button is pressed, the rotation of the knob is locked by the locking lever passing through the fixed member.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an endoscope provided with a knob that operates a movable member, and a locking method of the knob that operates the movable member of the endoscope. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an endoscope is known that has a structure in which a bending portion is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion. By a user performing a turning operation on a bending operation knob provided to an operation portion of the endoscope, the bending portion is operated to bend in the entire circumference that is combined in two directions around the axis of the insertion portion or four directions of up, down, left, and right.

[0003] For example, in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-30866, a technology of an endoscope is disclosed that is capable of performing an angle locking operation with only one hand by forming a locking button and an angle knob that is a bending operation knob in one body.

[0004] In this existing endoscope, a structure is provided in which, if the locking button is pressed, a locking ring moves, the upper surface of a friction plate and the lower surface of a top plate abut and a frictional force is generated between the two, whereby the angle knob that is the bending operation knob is locked. SUMMARY

[0005] An endoscope of one embodiment of the present application includes an insertion portion, an operation portion main body provided in connection with the insertion portion, a knob provided to the operation portion main body and supported by a turning shaft, the knob being turned to operate a movable member, and a turning lock mechanism provided to the knob, the turning lock mechanism locking the turning of the knob, the turning lock mechanism including a locking button, a locking lever connected to the locking button and provided to extend inside the knob, and a fixed member fixed to the operation portion main body, the turning of the knob being locked by the locking lever passing through the fixed member when the locking button is pressed.

[0006] A locking method of a knob of one embodiment of the present application is used in an endoscope that includes an insertion portion, an operation portion main body provided in connection with the insertion portion, a knob provided to the operation portion main body and supported by a turning shaft, the knob being turned to operate a movable member, a locking button provided to the knob, the locking button locking the turning of the knob, a locking lever connected to the locking button and provided to extend inside the knob, and a fixed member fixed to the operation portion main body, the turning of the knob being locked by the locking lever passing through the fixed member when the locking button is pressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view that shows the external appearance of an endoscope of one embodiment of the present application.

[0008] Figure 2 is a perspective view partially showing the operation section.

[0009] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the structure of the bending operation knob.

[0010] Figure 4 is a partial sectional view showing the structure of the operation section body provided with the UD bending operation knob.

[0011] Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the structure of the UD bending operation knob provided with the rotation lock mechanism and the lock release mechanism.

[0012] Figure 6 is a sectional view showing the structure of the UD bending operation knob rotated to a prescribed angle.

[0013] Figure 7 is a sectional view showing the structure of the UD bending operation knob in a state where the lock button of the rotation lock mechanism is pressed.

[0014] Figure 8 is a sectional view showing the structure of the UD bending operation knob in a state where the release button of the lock release mechanism is pressed.

[0015] Figure 9 is a partial sectional view showing the operation section body provided with the UD bending operation knob of the first modification example.

[0016] Figure 10 is a perspective view partially showing the structure of the fixing member of the first modification example.

[0017] Figure 11 is a sectional view showing the structure of the UD bending operation knob of the first modification example provided with the rotation lock mechanism and the lock release mechanism.

[0018] Figure 12 is a sectional view showing the structure of the UD bending operation knob of the first modification example rotated to a prescribed angle.

[0019] Figure 13 is a sectional view showing the structure of the UD bending operation knob of the first modification example in a state where the lock button of the rotation lock mechanism is pressed.

[0020] Figure 14 is a sectional view showing the structure of the UD bending operation knob of the first modification example in a state where the release button of the lock release mechanism is pressed.

[0021] Figure 15 is a partial sectional view showing the operation section body provided with the UD bending operation knob of the second modification example.

[0022] Figure 16is a partial sectional view of the operation portion main body provided with the curved operation knob in a state where the lock button of the rotation lock mechanism of the second modification example is pressed down.

[0023] Figure 17 is a side view of the state where the curved portion of the lock lever of the second modification example is hooked to the fixing member.

[0024] Figure 18 is a planar developed view of the state where the curved portion of the lock lever of the second modification example is hooked to the fixing member.

[0025] Figure 19 is a partial sectional view of the operation portion main body provided with the curved operation knob in a state where the release button of the lock release mechanism of the second modification example is pressed down.

[0026] Figure 20 is a side view of the state where the curved portion of the lock lever of the second modification example is released from the fixing member by the release lever.

[0027] Figure 21 is a schematic view showing a knock type lock release mechanism to which the third modification example is applied.

[0028] Figure 22 is a sectional view of the structure of the UD curved operation knob provided with the rotation lock mechanism and the lock release mechanism of the third modification example.

[0029] Figure 23 is a sectional view of the structure of the UD curved operation knob in a state where the lock button of the rotation lock mechanism of the third modification example is pressed down.

[0030] Figure 24 is a perspective view partially showing the structure of the fixing member of the fourth modification example.

[0031] Figure 25 is a partial sectional view of the operation portion main body provided with the curved operation knob of the fifth modification example.

[0032] Figure 26 is a sectional view of the structure of the UD curved operation knob provided with the rotation lock mechanism and the lock release mechanism of the fifth modification example.

[0033] Figure 27 is a perspective view partially showing the structure of the fixing member and the lock lever of the fifth modification example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Typically, for bending control knobs used to bend the endoscope's curved section, maintaining the bent state and reliably fixing the rotation position requires considerable holding force from the user using only one hand, which is quite difficult. Furthermore, in conventional designs for fixing bending control knobs, there is a risk of the user accidentally loosening the knob's grip.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a locking method is provided for an endoscope and a movable part of an endoscope that can be reliably locked by fixing the rotation position of a knob with one hand, and the knob is used to operate a movable part such as a bend.

[0036] Here, the endoscope of the present invention will be used as an example for explanation. In addition, in the following description, the accompanying drawings of each embodiment are schematic, and it should be noted that the relationship between the thickness and width of each part, the ratio of the thickness of each part, etc., are different from the actual figures. Sometimes, the accompanying drawings also include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0037] In addition, the endoscopes described in the following structural description are examples of endoscopes for digestive organs. These endoscopes have flexible insertion parts for insertion into the upper or lower digestive organs of an organism, but are not limited to this. They can also be used with various so-called flexible endoscopes or so-called rigid endoscopes for surgical use with rigid insertion parts.

[0038] Hereinafter, an endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope 1, which is an insertion device, is mainly composed of an insertion part 2, an operation part 3, a universal cable 4, and an endoscope connector 5.

[0040] The insertion part 2 is a slender, hollow strip that is inserted into the area to be observed. The operating part 3 is connected to the base end of the insertion part 2. The universal cable 4 extends from the anti-bend part 17 provided on the side of the operating part 3. The endoscope connector 5 is provided at the extended end of the universal cable 4.

[0041] The insertion part 2 has a front end portion 6, a curved portion 7 which is a movable member, and a flexible tube portion 8. The front end portion 6 is a rigid member that forms the front end component. The curved portion 7 is a movable portion that is connected to the rear of the front end portion 6 and can be bent freely. The flexible tube portion 8 is a long strip formed from a soft tubular member at the rear of the curved portion 7 and is flexible.

[0042] An observation optical system, an illumination optical system, a gas / water feeding nozzle, and a suction port, not shown, are provided at the distal end portion 6. In addition, illumination light emitted from a light source of an external device, not shown, connected to the endoscope connector 5 toward a subject is transmitted to the distal end portion 6 via a light guide bundle provided in the insertion portion 2. In addition, the light source can be an LED or the like built in the operation portion 3.

[0043] The operation portion 3 is configured to have an operation portion main body 10 constituting an operation grip portion, an anti-bending portion 9 connected to the base end side of the flexible tube portion 8 of the insertion portion 2, and a treatment instrument insertion port 11 provided in the vicinity of the anti-bending portion 9 to become an opening portion of an insertion passage, not shown, in the insertion portion 2.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2 , two bending operation knobs 21, 22 for performing bending operation on the bending portion 7 of the insertion portion 2 are provided in the operation portion main body 10 in a rotatable manner. In addition, a button type member 13 mainly for performing suction, gas / water feeding, a switch type member 14 for performing various endoscope functions, mainly operation of an imaging system, and the like are provided in the operation portion main body 10 (see Figure 1 ).

[0045] In addition, the bending operation knobs 21, 22 include a UD bending operation knob 21 for performing bending operation on the bending portion 7 in the up-down direction and an RL bending operation knob 22 for performing bending operation on the bending portion 7 in the right-left direction. These UD bending operation knob 21 and RL bending operation knob 22 are provided in overlapping relation on the same shaft that becomes a rotation axis (see Figure 2 ).

[0046] The endoscope connector 5 is configured to be electrically connected to an external device such as a video processor, a light source device, and the like in a detachable manner.

[0047] Here, the detailed structure of the UD bending operation knob 21 and the RL bending operation knob 22 provided in the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 as active members for performing bending operation on the bending portion 7 will be described below.

[0048] As shown in Figure 3 , both the UD bending operation knob 21 and the RL bending operation knob 22 are circular plate-like members provided with four finger hooking portions 23, 24 extending at positions rotated by 90° around the circumferential direction. Note that the number of the finger hooking portions 23, 24 is not limited as long as it is plural.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4As shown, a cylindrical rotating shaft 27 is attached to the UD bending operation knob 21. The rotating shaft 27 is fixed to a bearing 18 provided to the operation section main body 10 and is held so as to be rotatable. Further, an O-ring 19 is provided to the operation section main body 10 so as to be in contact with the rotating shaft 27 and maintain water tightness.

[0050] The rotating shaft 27 is provided at the end portion inside the operation section 3 with a pulley 61. The UD bending operation wire 63 is hung on the pulley 61. The UD bending operation wire 63 is inserted into the insertion section 2 and is connected to a bending tube such as a bending block not shown provided to the bending section 7.

[0051] When a rotational operation is performed on the UD bending operation knob 21, the pulley 61 also rotates and the UD bending operation wire 63 is pulled or relaxed. Thus, the bending tube such as the bending block inside the bending section 7 is rotated in the up and down direction, and the bending section 7 is bent up and down.

[0052] Further, on the UD bending operation knob 21, a locking button 31 of a rotational locking mechanism 30 is provided to one of the four finger hooking portions 23, and a release button 41 of a locking release mechanism 40 is provided to one of the four finger hooking portions 23 on which the locking button 31 is not provided. Detailed description of the rotational locking mechanism 30 and the locking release mechanism 40 will be described later.

[0053] Further, the UD bending operation knob 21 is provided with a ring-shaped member 25 in the substantially circular recess 21a. The ring-shaped member 25 is formed with a plurality of hole portions 26, 29 in the side peripheral portion and is connected to the rotating shaft 27.

[0054] A rod-shaped rotating shaft 28 is attached to the RL bending operation knob 22. The rotating shaft 28 is inserted into the rotating shaft 27 of the UD bending operation knob 21 and is held so as to be rotatable.

[0055] The rotating shaft 28 is provided at the end portion inside the operation section 3 with a pulley 62. The RL bending operation wire 64 is hung on the pulley 62. The RL bending operation wire 64 is also inserted into the insertion section 2 and is connected to a bending tube such as a bending block not shown provided to the bending section 7.

[0056] When a rotational operation is performed on the RL bending operation knob 22, the pulley 62 also rotates and the RL bending operation wire 64 is pulled or relaxed. Thus, the bending tube such as the bending block inside the bending section 7 is rotated in the left and right direction, and the bending section 7 is bent left and right.

[0057] The bending mechanism described above, which actively moves the bending section 7 up and down and left and right (UD-RL), is known, and thus description of other components will be omitted.

[0058] Here, the detailed structure of the rotation lock mechanism 30 and the lock release mechanism 40 provided in the UD bending operation knob 21 will be described below.

[0059] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 the rotation lock mechanism 30 has a lock button 31, a lock lever 33, a coil spring 35, and a fixing member 51.

[0060] The rod-shaped protrusion 32 of the lock button 31, which is inserted in the coil spring 35, is provided so as to extend toward the center of the UD bending operation knob 21. The lock button 31 is provided in one of the finger hooking portions 23 of the UD bending operation knob 21. The lock button 31 is provided so as to protrude into the UD bending operation knob 21 along the direction of the center and the outer periphery.

[0061] Further, in the finger hooking portion 23 in which the lock button 31 is provided, a button housing portion 23a is formed, which is a hole portion formed in the thickness portion of the end portion, and the lock button 31 is movably embedded in the button housing portion 23a.

[0062] In addition, the lock button 31 is formed with a flange 31a, which abuts against the abutting surface 23b of the recess 21a of the UD bending operation knob 21 as a wall portion, so that the lock button 31 does not fall out of the button housing portion 23a.

[0063] The lock lever 33 has a sharp tip portion 33a at the front end, and two of them are provided. One end of the two lock levers 33 is connected to the lock button 31. The two lock levers 33 extend from the end surface of the lock button 31 to be arranged in parallel across the rotation shaft 27.

[0064] Further, the two lock levers 33 are formed of a hard metal or the like, and are inserted in the hole portions 26 of the annular member 25, respectively.

[0065] The coil spring 35 as a biasing member is provided between the lock button 31 and the annular member 25. The coil spring 35 is arranged so as to abut against the end surface of the lock button 31 and the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 25, and biases the lock button 31 outward.

[0066] The fixing member 51 is formed of an elastic body such as rubber, and is a circular arc-shaped block. The fixing member 51 is fixed to the pedestal 16, which is formed so as to protrude on the outer surface side of the operation portion main body 10, so as to protrude inward of the annular member 25 of the recess 21a of the UD bending operation knob 21.

[0067] The lock release mechanism 40 has a release button 41, a release lever 43, and a coil spring 45.

[0068] In the release button 41, a rod-shaped protrusion 42 inserted in a coil spring 45 extends in the direction of the center of the UD bending operation knob 21. The release button 41 is provided in one of the finger hooking portions 23 located at a symmetrical position opposite to the finger hooking portion 23 in which the lock button 31 of the rotation lock mechanism 30 is provided. The release button 41 is also provided so as to protrude into the UD bending operation knob 21 in the direction of the center and the outer periphery thereof.

[0069] Further, in the finger hooking portion 23 in which the release button 41 is provided, a button housing portion 23a is also formed, which is a hole portion formed in the thickness portion of the end portion, and the release button 41 is freely inserted into the button housing portion 23a.

[0070] In addition, the release button 41 is also provided with a flange 41a that abuts against the abutting surface 23b of the recessed portion 21a of the UD bending operation knob 21 as a wall portion, so that the release button 41 does not fall out of the button housing portion 23a.

[0071] Two release levers 43 are provided. One end of each of the two release levers 43 is connected to the release button 41. The two release levers 43 extend from the end surface of the release button 41, and are arranged in parallel with each other in a manner that the respective extension ends thereof oppose one of the two lock levers 33.

[0072] In addition, the two release levers 43 are formed of a hard metal, synthetic resin, or the like. In addition, the annular member 25 is provided with hole portions 29 through which the release levers 43 freely pass, on the respective extension lines of the two release levers 43.

[0073] A coil spring 45 as a biasing member is also provided between the release button 41 and the annular member 25. The coil spring 45 is arranged in a manner that the end surface of the release button 41 and the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 25 abut against each other, and biases the release button 41 outward.

[0074] Hereinafter, the operation of locking (fixing) the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 by the rotation lock mechanism 30 and the lock release mechanism 40 configured as described above, and the operation of releasing the lock (fixing) will be described in detail.

[0075] Here, when the user performs a bending operation on the bending portion 7 as a movable member provided in the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 in the up-down direction, as shown in FIG. 1, a rotation operation is performed on the UD bending operation knob 21 about the rotation axis 27. Here, a state in which the UD bending operation knob 21 is rotated by a predetermined angle in the right direction (clockwise direction as indicated by the arrow) as viewed on the plane of the drawing is exemplified. Figure 5 to Figure 6

[0076] ​When the user wants to maintain (fix) the state in which the bent portion 7 is bent as desired, in order to lock (fix) the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21, as shown in FIG. 6, the lock button 31 of the rotational lock mechanism 30 provided to the one finger hooking portion 23 is pressed in. Figure 7

[0077] At this time, the lock button 31 is slid and moved to the center side of the UD bending operation knob 21 by being pressed in the arrow FL direction against the force of the coil spring 35. In conjunction with this, the two lock levers 33 provided to extend from the lock button 31 are also moved to the center side of the UD bending operation knob 21.

[0078] Furthermore, at this time, the tip end portion 33a of one of the two lock levers 33 penetrates the fixing member 51. That is, the tip end portion 33a of the lock lever 33 abuts against the fixing member 51 that is penetrated by the penetration, with respect to the direction in which the UD bending operation knob 21 is rotated, and thus the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked. Thus, the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked.

[0079] In addition, the frictional resistance when the tip end portion 33a penetrates the fixing member 51 is set to be greater than the reaction force generated by the coil spring 35 that applies force to the lock button 31, and the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is continuously locked.

[0080] Then, when the user wants to release (unfix) the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21, as shown in FIG. 7, the release button 41 of the lock release mechanism 40 provided to the opposite side of the finger hooking portion 23 is pressed in. Figure 8

[0081] At this time, the release button 41 is slid and moved to the center side of the UD bending operation knob 21 by being pressed in the arrow FC direction against the force of the coil spring 45. In conjunction with this, the two release levers 43 provided to extend from the release button 41 are also moved to the center side of the UD bending operation knob 21.

[0082] The two release levers 43 are respectively inserted into the hole portions 29 of the ring member 25. At this time, the extended ends of the two release levers 43 respectively abut against the tip end portions 33a of the two lock levers 33, and are pressed in the direction in which the two release levers 43 are moved.

[0083] ​​Thus, the lock lever 33 of the penetration fixing member 51 is disengaged from the fixing member 51, and the lock release of the UD bending operation knob 21 is performed. At this time, the lock button 31 of the lock mechanism 30 and the two lock levers 33 are moved in the outer peripheral direction of the UD bending operation knob 21, that is, the arrow FR direction, by the force of the coil spring 35. Thus, the UD bending operation knob 21 becomes a state in which the rotation is freely performed without being fixed by the rotation lock mechanism 30.

[0084] As described above, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that the rotation lock mechanism 30 and the lock release mechanism 40 that fix the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 are provided on the UD bending operation knob 21 that is an active member provided to the insertion section 2, and the user can easily perform the lock and release of the UD bending operation knob 21 with one hand.

[0085] In addition, when the user fixes the desired bending state of the bending section 7, the user can easily lock the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 by only pressing the lock button 31 of the rotation lock mechanism 30 with the finger of the hand that operates the UD bending operation knob 21. Thus, the user can fix the desired bending state of the bending section 7 without continuously holding the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21.

[0086] Further, when the user releases the desired bending state of the bending section 7 that is fixed, the user can easily release the lock of the UD bending operation knob 21 by only pressing the release button 41 of the lock release mechanism 40 with the finger of the hand that operates the UD bending operation knob 21.

[0087] Further, the fixation of the UD bending operation knob 21 is not released as long as the user does not intentionally press the release button 41 of the lock release mechanism 40, but the fixation of the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 can be reliably maintained by only slightly pressing the lock button 31 of the rotation lock mechanism 30.

[0088] In the above, the structure in which the rotation lock mechanism 30 and the lock release mechanism 40 are provided only to the UD bending operation knob 21 is exemplified, but is not limited thereto, and of course, the lock button 31 and the release button 41 can be provided to the finger hooking section 24 of the RL bending operation knob 22, and the rotation lock mechanism 30 and the lock release mechanism 40 can be provided to the RL bending operation knob 22.

[0089] According to the above, the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment can be configured so that the fixation of the rotation position of the bending operation knob 21, 22 that operates the active member such as the bending section 7 can be easily performed with one hand of the user, and the bending operation knob can be reliably fixed.

[0090] Further, the fixing member 51 is formed of an elastic body such as rubber, and is structured so as to be pierced by the lock lever 33 of the rotation lock mechanism 30, and thus is suitable for an endoscope 1 of single use (disposable).

[0091] (First Modification)

[0092] This modification is another way of the fixing member of the rotation lock mechanism 30. Thus, for the constituent elements already explained in the above, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed explanation of these constituent elements is omitted.

[0093] In the endoscope 1 of this example, as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , a hard circular-arc-shaped frame 53 of metal, resin, or the like is provided on the outer surface side of the operation portion main body 10 protruding from the base 16. An opening portion 54 is formed in the frame 53. A sheet-shaped fixing member 52 formed of an elastic body such as rubber is provided so as to plug the opening portion 54 of the frame 53.

[0094] These sheet-shaped fixing members 52 and the hard frame 53 are included in the rotation lock mechanism 30.

[0095] The action of locking (fixing) the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 by the rotation lock mechanism 30 and the lock release mechanism 40 of this modification thus constructed, and the state of releasing the lock (fixing), will be explained. Further, for the same contents as the above, explanation is omitted or simply performed.

[0096] Here, when the user also performs a bending operation in the up-down direction on the bending portion 7 provided to the insertion portion 2 of the endoscope 1 as a movable member, as shown in Figure 11 to Figure 12 , the UD bending operation knob 21 is rotated around the rotation axis 27.

[0097] Further, when the user wants to maintain (fix) the state of bending the bending portion 7 as desired, as shown in Figure 13 , by pressing the lock button 31 of the rotation lock mechanism 30 in the arrow FL direction, the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 can be locked (fixed).

[0098] Here, the tip end portion 33a of one of the two lock levers 33 is pierced through the fixing member 52. Further, the lock lever 33 passes the tip end portion 33a through the frame 53 by the opening portion 54 of the frame 53, and is pierced through the fixing member 52. That is, the tip end portion 33a is pierced into the fixing member 52 without contacting the frame 53.

[0099] Further, the tip portion 33a of the locking lever 33 abuts against the puncture fixing member 52 in the direction of rotation relative to the UD bending operation knob 21, and thus the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked. Thus, the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked.

[0100] Further, the frictional resistance when the tip portion 33a is punctured into the fixing member 52 is set to be greater than the reaction force generated by the helical spring 35 that applies force to the locking button 31, and the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is continuously locked.

[0101] Then, when the user wants to release the locking of the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21, as shown in FIG. 8A, the release button 41 of the locking release mechanism 40 provided on the opposite side of the finger hooking portion 23 is pressed in. Figure 14

[0102] By pressing the release button 41 in the direction of the arrow FC, the two release levers 43 are respectively inserted into the hole portions 29 of the annular member 25, and the two locking levers 33 are pressed in.

[0103] Thus, the locking lever 33 that is punctured into the fixing member 51 is disengaged from the fixing member 51, and the locking of the UD bending operation knob 21 is released. At this time, the locking button 31 and the two locking levers 33 of the rotational locking mechanism 30 are moved in the direction of the arrow FR, which is the outer circumferential direction of the UD bending operation knob 21, by the force of the helical spring 35. Thus, the UD bending operation knob 21 becomes a state in which it can be freely rotated without being fixed by the rotational locking mechanism 30.

[0104] According to the above description, the endoscope 1 of the present modified example can further improve the rigidity of the fixing member 52 provided in the hard frame 53 compared to the fixing member 51 of the above-described embodiment, and thus can more reliably lock the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 in addition to the above-described effects.

[0105] (Second Modified Example)

[0106] The present modified example is another mode of the locking lever and the fixing member of the rotational locking mechanism 30. Thus, for the constituent elements that have been described in the above-described embodiment, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed description of these constituent elements is omitted.

[0107] In the endoscope 1 of the present modified example, as shown in FIG. 11A, a curved portion 33b in the shape of a circular arc is provided on the protruding end of the locking lever 33 of the rotational locking mechanism 30 instead of the tip portion 33a, and the curved portion 33b is provided in the upward direction of the paper surface of the drawing. Further, a fixing member 56 in the shape of a circular arc plate made of metal, resin, or the like is provided instead of the fixing member 51 of the elastic body provided in the pedestal 16. Figure 15 Figure 16 Thus, the tip portion 33a of the locking lever 33 abuts against the puncture fixing member 52 in the direction of rotation relative to the UD bending operation knob 21, and thus the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked. Thus, the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked. ​​

[0108] The lock lever 33 here is formed of an elastic body such as a plate spring, and is a metal rod body having flexibility. Also, as shown in Figure 17 , a bent portion 33b for hooking to the fixing member 56 to prevent falling off is formed at the extending end of the lock lever 33.

[0109] As shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the fixing member 56 is formed with an opening portion 57. The fixing member 56 here is formed such that a triangular convex portion 58 and a concave portion 59 are connected to one side of the opening portion 57 in the upward direction of the paper of the drawing, along the rotation direction of the UD bending operation knob 21.

[0110] In the rotation lock mechanism 30 of this modification example thus configured, by pressing the lock button 31 of the rotation lock mechanism 30, the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 can also be locked (fixed). Also, by pressing the release button 41 of the lock release mechanism 40, the lock of the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 can be released.

[0111] Specifically, by the user pressing the lock button 31 of the rotation lock mechanism 30, the lock lever 33 moves, and when the bent portion 33b comes into abutment with the fixing member 56, the lock lever 33 can be flexed, and the bent portion 33b passes over the opening portion 57 of the fixing member 56.

[0112] Then, as shown in Figure 16 to Figure 18 , the lock lever 33 is inserted into the concave portion 59. That is, the lock lever 33 penetrates the fixing member 56.

[0113] At this time, the lock lever 33 is restored to a substantially straight line shape by a reaction force, and the bent portion 33b comes into abutment with the wall portion of the fixing member 56 and is hooked.

[0114] Also, the lock lever 33 comes into abutment with the wall surface formed by the convex portion 58 and the concave portion 59 of the fixing member 56 with respect to the direction of rotation of the UD bending operation knob 21, and thus the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked. Thus, the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked.

[0115] Then, when the user wants to release (unlock) the fixing of the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21, as shown in Figure 19 and Figure 20 , the release button 41 of the lock release mechanism 40 is pressed.

[0116] Thus, the two release levers 43 extending from the release button 41 are inserted through the hole portions 29 of the annular member 25, and the extending ends abut against the bent portions 33b of the two locking levers 33. At this time, the two locking levers 33 are deformed downward as viewed on the drawing sheet, and the bent portions 33b move downward, thereby releasing the abutment against the fixing member 56 and releasing the hooking.

[0117] Thus, the bent portions 33b of the locking levers 33 are released from the fixing member 56, and the locking release of the UD bending operation knob 21 is completed. At this time, the locking button 31 and the two locking levers 33 of the rotation locking mechanism 30 are also moved in the outer peripheral direction of the UD bending operation knob 21 by the force of the coil spring 35. Thus, the UD bending operation knob 21 becomes a state in which the rotation locking by the rotation locking mechanism 30 is released and free rotation operation is possible.

[0118] According to the above description, in the structure of the present modification example, in addition to the above-described effects, the fixing member 56 has durability, and thus the endoscope 1 is suitable for recycling (reuse).

[0119] (Third Modification Example)

[0120] The present modification example is a structure in which a so-called knock type feed locking mechanism 70 is adopted in the rotation locking mechanism 30.

[0121] Specifically, the rotation locking mechanism 30 has, in addition to the above-described locking button 31 and the like, the knock type feed locking mechanism 70. The knock type feed locking mechanism 70 is configured to have a substantially cylindrical outer housing 71, a knock lever 72, a rotating member 73, a substantially cylindrical spring presser 74, a coil spring 75, and a bearing 76.

[0122] The outer housing 71 has an opening portion 71a at one end, and a groove (not shown) is formed in the inner peripheral surface. The knock lever 72 is housed in the outer housing 71 so that a lever body 72a protrudes from the opening portion 71a of the outer housing 71. The knock lever 72 is operated so as to protrude or sink with respect to the outer housing 71.

[0123] In addition, the knock lever 72 has a plurality of protrusion portions 72b on the outer peripheral portion that linearly move along the groove (not shown) of the outer housing 71, and a concave-convex portion 72c is formed on the surface opposite to the lever body 72a. In addition, the knock lever 72 is connected to the end surface of the locking button 31 by screwing or the like.

[0124] The rotating member 73 has a lever body 73a that is inserted into the knock lever 72 and is rotationally held. A cam 73b for abutting against the concave-convex portion 72c to rotate is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the rotating member 73 in correspondence with the protrusion and sinking of the knock lever 72. That is, the cam 73b abuts against the concave-convex portion 72c of the knock lever 72, and the rotating member 73 rotates around the shaft.

[0125] The spring presser 74 is formed with an outward flange 74a at the middle of the outer peripheral portion. The outward flange 74a abuts against one end of the coil spring 75 and receives a force thereon. In addition, the bearing 76 is connected to the opening portion of the outer housing portion 71 by screwing or the like.

[0126] That is, the operating shaft here is constituted by the knock rod 72 protruding from the outer housing portion 71 and connected to the lock button 31 to the bearing 76 that plugs the opening portion of the outer housing portion 71.

[0127] The rotation lock mechanism 30 of the knock-type feed lock mechanism 70 having such a structure is as shown in a state in Figure 22 to a state in Figure 23 When the lock button 31 is pressed in by the user, the knock rod 72 of the knock-type feed lock mechanism 70 is pressed down, and the rotating member 73 is rotated in a prescribed direction. In correspondence with the rotational position thereof, the cam 73b is hooked to a not-shown protrusion having a V-shaped end surface formed on the inner surface of the outer housing portion 71.

[0128] At this time, the knock-type feed lock mechanism 70 is stopped in a state in which the rotating member 73 presses the spring presser 74 and compresses the coil spring 75. Thereby, the lock button 31 becomes a state in which a portion of the knock rod 72 is immersed in the outer housing portion 71, and the state in which the lock button 31 is pressed in is maintained.

[0129] Thereby, the lock lever 33 is fixed to the fixing member (51, 52, 56) of the above-described embodiment and modified example by penetration or the like, and thereby becomes a state in which the rotational position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked (see Figure 23 ).

[0130] Further, when the lock button 31 is pressed in again by the user from the state in which a portion of the knock rod 72 is immersed in the outer housing portion 71, the rotating member 73 of the knock-type feed lock mechanism 70 is further rotated in a prescribed direction, and the cam 73b is disengaged from the V-shaped end surface (not shown) of the protrusion formed on the outer housing portion 71.

[0131] At this time, the knock-type feed lock mechanism 70 becomes a state in which the rotating member 73 is returned by the force of the coil spring 75 via the spring presser 74, and the knock rod 72 protrudes with respect to the outer housing portion 71. Thereby, the lock button 31 is returned to the initial state shown in Figure 22 , the fixing of the lock lever 33 by the fixing member (51, 52, 56) of the above-described embodiment and modified example is released, and the UD bending operation knob 21 becomes a state in which it can be freely rotated and operated without being fixed by the rotation lock mechanism 30.

[0132] Thus, the endoscope 1 does not need to provide the lock release mechanism 40 in the UD bending operation knob 21 by employing the so-called knock type feed lock mechanism 70 in the rotation lock mechanism 30.

[0133] (Fourth Modification)

[0134] This modification is another way of the fixed member of the rotation lock mechanism 30. Therefore, for the constituent elements already explained in the above, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed explanation of these constituent elements is omitted.

[0135] In the endoscope 1 of this example, as shown in Figure 24 As in the first modification, a hard circular arc-shaped frame 53 of metal, resin, or the like is provided on the abutment 16 formed on the outer surface side of the operation portion main body 10. An opening 54 is formed in the frame 53. A mesh-shaped fixed member 77 is provided to plug the opening 54 of the frame 53.

[0136] The fixed member 77 is a metal mesh formed of metal, a sheet-shaped mesh plate body formed of an elastic member such as rubber or synthetic resin. These mesh-shaped fixed members 77 and the hard frame 53 are included in the rotation lock mechanism 30.

[0137] In the endoscope 1, by pressing the lock button 31 of the rotation lock mechanism 30, the lock lever 33 advances, the tip portion 33a is inserted into the mesh of the fixed member 77, and the UD bending operation knob 21 is locked. On the other hand, in the endoscope 1, by pressing the release button 41 of the lock release mechanism 40 provided on the opposite side of the finger hooking portion 23, the lock lever 33 retreats, the tip portion 33a is pulled out of the mesh of the fixed member 77, and the fixing of the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21 is released.

[0138] As the structure of such a fixed member 77, the endoscope 1 of this modification can also lock and release the rotation position of the UD bending operation knob 21.

[0139] (Fifth Modification)

[0140] This modification is another way of the fixed member of the rotation lock mechanism 30. Therefore, for the constituent elements already explained in the above, the same reference numerals are used, and detailed explanation of these constituent elements is omitted.

[0141] In the endoscope 1 of this example, as shown in Figure 25 to Figure 27As shown, the rotation locking mechanism 30 has a circular ring-shaped fixing member 51 and a crank-shaped locking lever 33. The locking lever 33 is shaped to have a midway portion 33c that is bent upward toward the top of the paper and is bent downward toward the tip portion 33a side, in order not to interfere with the circular ring-shaped fixing member 51.

[0142] That is, the locking lever 33 is disposed above the fixing member 51 by the midway portion 33c, and interference with the fixing member 51 during movement can be avoided.

[0143] With this structure, the endoscope 1 forms the fixing member 51 in a circular ring shape to prevent interference with the locking lever 33 of the rotation locking mechanism 30, and the rotation operation angle of the UD bending operation knob 21 can be increased.

[0144] In addition, the movable member of the endoscope 1 can be provided with the rotation locking mechanism 30 and the lock release mechanism 40 not only on the bending portion 7, but also on other endoscope functions, such as an operation knob for up-and-down operation of a treatment instrument elevation stage for a side-viewing endoscope.

[0145] The inventions described in the above embodiments and modified examples are not limited to these embodiments and modified examples, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention. In the above embodiments and modified examples, various stages of the invention are included, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriate combinations of the disclosed multiple components.

[0146] For example, even if several components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiments and modified examples, a structure in which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention, as long as the problem described above can be solved and the effects described above can be obtained.

Claims

1. An endoscope, wherein the endoscope comprises: an insertion section; an operation section main body provided in connection with the insertion section; a knob provided in the operation section main body with a rotation axis shaft, and operated by rotation when operating a movable member; and a rotation lock mechanism provided in the knob, and locking rotation of the knob, the rotation lock mechanism has: a lock button provided in the knob; a lock lever connected with the lock button, and provided extending inside the knob; and a fixed member fixed to the operation section main body, and through which the lock lever penetrates when the lock button is pressed, the lock lever abutting against the fixed member in a direction of rotation of the knob, and rotation of the knob is locked.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein two lock levers are provided across the rotation axis shaft, rotation of the knob is locked by at least one of the lock levers penetrating the fixed member.

3. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the lock lever has a sharp tip portion at an extending end.

4. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the fixed member has an elastic body that the tip portion can penetrate.

5. The endoscope according to claim 3, wherein the fixed member has a frame body having an opening portion, and a piece of elastic body provided to block the opening portion, the tip portion being able to penetrate the piece of elastic body.

6. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the fixed member has a plurality of convex portions and concave portions on one side of an opening portion in a direction of rotation of the knob, and rotation of the knob is locked by the lock lever being fitted into at least one of the concave portions.

7. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the lock lever is an elastic body.

8. The endoscope according to claim 6, wherein the lock lever has a bent portion at an extending end that hooks against the fixed member.

9. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the endoscope is provided with a lock release mechanism provided in the knob, and releasing lock of the knob, the lock release mechanism includes a release button provided at a symmetrical position of the lock button, and a release lever connected with the release button, and provided at a position opposite the extending end of the lock lever at an end portion extending inside the knob.

10. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the fixed member has an abutting surface provided in a direction different from a direction of rotation of the knob, and rotation of the knob is locked by the lock lever abutting against the abutting surface.

11. A method of locking a knob, wherein In an endoscope including: an insertion section; an operation section main body provided in connection with the insertion section; a knob provided in the operation section main body and supported by a rotation shaft, the knob being operated by rotation when an operation movable member is operated; a lock button provided in the knob and locking rotation of the knob; a lock lever connected to the lock button and provided so as to extend inside the knob; and a fixing member fixed to the operation section main body, The lock button is pressed in, The lock lever passes through the fixing member, and the lock lever abuts against the fixing member in a direction different from the direction in which the knob rotates, thereby locking rotation of the knob.

12. The knob locking method according to claim 11, wherein The fixing member has an abutment surface provided in a direction different from the direction in which the knob rotates, and rotation of the knob is locked by the lock lever abutting against the abutment surface.

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