Bending operation mechanism of insertion device and insertion device

Abstract

This bending operation mechanism for an insertion device is provided with: a bending operation member (30) which is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (31) and which bends a bending section provided in an insertion section; a wire pulling member (40) which is supported so as to rotate around the rotation axis together with the rotation of the bending operation member and has an outer circumference (40a) having a predetermined radius; a lock operation member (50) supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis; a cam member (60) provided integrally with the lock operation member, disposed on the outside of the wire traction member in the radial direction of the rotating shaft, and having a cam surface facing the center of the rotating shaft; and a brake member (70) that is disposed between the outer periphery and the cam surface, that has a cam driven surface that is slidable with respect to the cam surface, and that has an abutment surface that is capable of abutting against the outer periphery, the cam member moving on an arc having a rotation axis as the axis thereof in accordance with the rotation of the lock operation member, and the cam member moving on an arc having a rotation axis as the axis thereof in accordance with the rotation of the lock operation member. The brake member moves in a direction in which the contact surface comes into contact with the outer periphery by sliding the cam follower surface on the cam surface in accordance with the movement of the cam member.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201980102794.3 (filed on December 12, 2019, entitled "Bending Operation Mechanism and Insertion Device for Insertion Device"). Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a bending operation mechanism for an insertion device and an insertion device, and more particularly to a bending operation mechanism for an insertion device having a mechanism for bending a bending portion in the insertion part of an endoscope and an insertion device thereof. Background Technology

[0003] Endoscopic systems, which are equipped with endoscopes that can photograph the inside of a subject and video processors that can perform prescribed image processing on the images of the subject captured in the endoscope and output them, are widely used in the medical and industrial fields.

[0004] Endoscopes used in such endoscopic systems generally have a slender insertion portion for insertion into the body cavity of the patient. This insertion portion is configured to have: a rigid front end portion located at the front end; a flexible bending portion located at the rear end of the front end portion; and a long, flexible tube portion located at the rear end of the bending portion. In such endoscopes, an operating part for manipulating the bending portion is usually connected to the base end of the insertion portion. Furthermore, endoscopes with a bending operating handle for bending the bending portion are also known.

[0005] However, when bending the curved portion of the endoscope's insertion section, the usual method is to lock the curved portion while it is bent. However, considering operability, it is preferable to lock the curved portion while the surgeon grasps the bending operation handle in the operating section. Furthermore, it is preferable to lock both axes (U / D direction and R / L direction) simultaneously with a single operation.

[0006] As a technology that takes this into account, U.S. Patent No. 8,608,649 proposes a technique for locking a pulley connected to an angle wire by pressing a predetermined braking mechanism component in the thrust direction (axial direction).

[0007] However, in the technology described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 8,608,649, the aforementioned "push-in direction" is consistent with the thickness direction of the operating part, and a braking mechanism component is arranged in this push-in direction.

[0008] On the other hand, in recent years, endoscope systems with a daughter endoscope that penetrates into the mother endoscope and is used for observation and treatment within the bile duct or pancreatic duct have become practical. Furthermore, in such endoscope systems, examples of operating the daughter endoscope during actual use include situations where the surgeon operates the daughter endoscope's operating section while it is mounted below the operating section of the mother endoscope.

[0009] Here, the locking mechanism described in U.S. Patent No. 8,608,649 is used in the daughter endoscope of the mother-daughter endoscope system described above. As mentioned above, since the braking mechanism component in U.S. Patent No. 8,608,649 is positioned in the pushing direction of the operating section, the thickness of the operating section is relatively increased. That is, when the daughter endoscope is installed on the mother endoscope, the thickness of the operating section of the daughter endoscope protruding from the mother endoscope also increases. Furthermore, in this state, when the surgeon wants to operate the daughter endoscope, the thickness of the operating section (i.e., the large amount of protrusion from the mother endoscope) may impair the operability of the daughter endoscope.

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a bending operation mechanism for an insertion device that ensures good operability in an endoscope having an operation section without making the operation section large, wherein the operation section has a mechanism for locking the bending section. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] A bending operation mechanism of an insertion device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a bending operation member supported for rotation about a rotation axis to bend a bending portion provided in the insertion portion in a predetermined direction; a wire traction member supported for rotation about the rotation axis together with the rotation of the bending operation member and having an outer periphery of a predetermined radius; a locking operation member supported for rotation about the rotation axis as an axis center; a cam member integrally disposed with the locking operation member and arranged in the radial direction of the rotation axis at a position further outward than the wire traction member, having a cam surface facing the center of the rotation axis; and a braking member disposed between the outer periphery of the wire traction member and the cam surface of the cam member, having a first surface capable of sliding relative to the cam surface and a second surface capable of abutting against the outer periphery of the wire traction member. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1This is an external view of an endoscope system having an endoscope (sub-endoscope) with a bending operation mechanism for the insertion device of the first embodiment of the present invention and a mother endoscope for applying the sub-endoscope.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a front view showing the appearance of the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is an external view showing the case where the daughter endoscope of the first embodiment is installed on the mother endoscope.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment from the rear side, and it is a diagram showing the unlocked state of the bending operating mechanism.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment from the rear side, and it is a diagram showing the locked state of the bending operating mechanism.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a front view showing the appearance of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment from the front side.

[0019] Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing the bending operating mechanism removed from the operating section of the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the first modified example of the first embodiment from the rear side, and it is a diagram showing the unlocked state of the bending operating mechanism.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the first modified example of the first embodiment from the rear side, and it is a diagram showing the locked state of the bending operating mechanism.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the second variation of the first embodiment from the rear side, and it is a diagram showing the unlocked state of the bending operating mechanism.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the second modified example of the first embodiment, viewed from the rear side, and is a diagram showing the locked state of the bending operating mechanism.

[0024] Figure 12 The figure shows the bending operation mechanism being removed from the operation section of the sub-endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. It is an enlarged perspective view of the main part showing the non-locked state of the bending operation mechanism.

[0025] Figure 13 The figure shows the bending operation mechanism being removed from the operating section of the sub-endoscope of the third embodiment, and is an enlarged perspective view of the main part showing the locked state of the bending operation mechanism.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the appearance of the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment, and a perspective view showing it together with the fixing strap fixed to the mother endoscope.

[0027] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a portion of the operating parts of the sub-endoscope and the mother endoscope in the first embodiment, and a side view showing the situation when the sub-endoscope is installed on the mother endoscope.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the fixing strap used when mounting the daughter endoscope of the first embodiment onto the mother endoscope.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a side view showing the fixing strap used when mounting the daughter endoscope of the first embodiment onto the mother endoscope.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the container housing the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Furthermore, in the figures used in the following description, in order to make each component size identifiable on the drawing, the scale is sometimes different for each component. The present invention is not limited to the number of components, the shape of the components, the size ratio of the components, and the relative positional relationship of the components shown in these figures.

[0033] <First Implementation Method>

[0034] The following description describes an endoscope incorporating the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. However, in this embodiment, it is envisioned that the endoscope is used as a so-called cholangioscope for observation and treatment within the bile duct (including the common bile duct) or pancreatic duct. Furthermore, it is envisioned that the endoscope (cholangioscope) of this embodiment is a daughter endoscope, which is used in the mother endoscope of a so-called mother-daughter endoscopic system.

[0035] Figure 1 This is an external view of an endoscope system having an endoscope (sub-endoscope) having a bending operation mechanism incorporating the insertion device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a mother endoscope using the sub-endoscope. Additionally, in Figure 1In the diagram, arrow P indicates the basal side (proximal direction), and arrow D indicates the anterior side (distal direction).

[0036] Figure 1 In the endoscope system 1 of this embodiment shown, the mother endoscope 10 is, for example, a duodenal endoscope, and the daughter endoscope 20, which is the endoscope of this embodiment, is a narrow-diameter endoscope that penetrates the insertion channel 16 of the treatment instrument inserted into the mother endoscope 10. Moreover, the daughter endoscope 20 protrudes into the body cavity from the front end of the mother endoscope 10 inserted into the duodenum, and is selectively inserted only from the duodenal papilla into the bile duct (common bile duct) or pancreatic duct, thereby performing observation or treatment within the bile duct or pancreatic duct.

[0037] First, the structure of the mother endoscope 10 in the endoscope system 1 will be described. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the endoscope 10 has an elongated insertion portion 11 that is inserted into the subject and an operating portion 12 connected to the base of the insertion portion 11. Various operating components required for operating the endoscope 10 are provided in the operating portion 12.

[0038] The insertion part 11 is configured to connect the front end body 13, the bending part 14 and the flexible tube part 15 sequentially from the front end side toward the base end side.

[0039] The front end body 13 of the insertion section 11 is equipped with an illumination optical system for illuminating illumination light transmitted by a light guide beam (not shown), an objective lens optical system, and an imaging element. The imaging element in the female endoscope 10 is, for example, a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor.

[0040] The bending portion 14 of the insertion portion 11 is configured, for example, to be able to bend in the full circumference of the insertion axis, including the up-down and left-right directions (up (U: UP) ~ down (D: DOWN) / right (R: RIGHT) ~ left (L: LEFT)).

[0041] The flexible tube section 15 of the insertion section 11 is composed of a flexible tubular component. Inside the flexible tube section 15 are disposed a treatment device through insertion channel 16, a camera cable (not shown), a light guide beam, and air / water supply pipes, etc.

[0042] The treatment instrument is disposed from the front end body 13 of the insertion part 11 to the operation part 12 through the insertion channel 16 (in the female endoscope 10). Furthermore, the treatment instrument through the insertion channel 16 has a base-side opening 16a at a position on the operation part 12 that is closer to the front end than the curved operation part 18 described later, and has a front-side opening 16b at the front end body 13 of the insertion part 11.

[0043] A clamp 16c, for example equipped with a check valve (backflow prevention valve), is installed in the base end opening 16a of the operating section 12.

[0044] Furthermore, in the insertion channel 16, the bending operation mechanism 35, which houses the insertion device of this embodiment, can be inserted through the pliers bolt 16c (see reference). Figure 4 The insertion part 21 of the endoscope (such as the sub-endoscope 20) can also be inserted through other treatment instruments.

[0045] A bending operation section 18 for bending the bending section 14 is provided at a position near the base end side of the opening 16a on the operation section 12. The bending operation section 18 includes a UD bending operation button 18a, an RL bending operation button 18b, a UD brake lever 18c, and an RL brake knob 18d. In addition, the RL brake knob 18d has a disc portion 18d1 and a rectangular portion 18d2 protruding from the disc portion 18d1.

[0046] These UD bending operation buttons 18a, RL bending operation buttons 18b, UD brake lever 18c, and RL brake knob 18d are rotary operating components configured to rotate coaxially about a predetermined central axis.

[0047] The UD bending operation button 18a is a rotary operation component for bending the bending part 14 in the up-down direction (U / D direction). By rotating it in one direction, the bending part 14 bends in the U direction (upward direction), and by rotating it in the other direction, the bending part 24 bends in the D direction (downward direction).

[0048] The RL bending operation button 18b is a rotary operating component used to bend the bending section 14 in the left and right directions (R / L direction). By rotating it in one direction, the bending section 14 bends in the R direction (right direction), and by rotating it in the other direction, the bending section 14 bends in the L direction (left direction).

[0049] Furthermore, by combining bending in the direction (U / D direction) using the UD bending operation button 18a and bending in the direction (R / L direction) using the RL bending operation button 18b, the bending portion 14 can be bent in the full circumference direction around the insertion axis as described above.

[0050] The UD brake lever 18c is used to brake the rotation of the UD bending operation button 18a, and is configured to be shifted to a braking position where the rotation of the UD bending operation button 18a is braked and to a release position where the rotation of the UD bending operation button 18a is not braked.

[0051] The RL brake knob 18d is used to brake the rotation operation of the RL bending operation knob 18b, and is configured to be shifted to a braking position where the rotation of the RL brake knob 18d is braked and a release position where the RL brake knob 18d is not braked.

[0052] The UD brake lever 18c and RL brake knob 18d are configured to, for example, perform braking using friction, and can control the braking force at the braking position. Therefore, when the UD brake lever 18c and RL brake knob 18d are moved to the braking position, not only can the rotation of the UD brake lever 18c and RL brake knob 18d be prohibited, but also, by slightly offsetting the rotation position, fine adjustments can be made to the rotation position of the UD brake lever 18c and RL brake knob 18d under the braking force condition.

[0053] Additionally, a universal cable 17 extends from the side of the base end of the operation unit 12. An endoscope connector 17a is provided at the extension end of the universal cable 17. By connecting the endoscope connector 17a to an external device (processor, light source device, etc., not shown), power, drive signals, illumination light, etc. are supplied to the female endoscope 10, and the external device processes the images captured by the female endoscope 10.

[0054] <Instructions for use of the 20-inch endoscope>

[0055] Next, besides Figure 1 In addition, refer to Figures 2-7 The sub-endoscope 20, which is the endoscope (cholangioscope) of this embodiment, is explained.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a front view showing the appearance of the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is an external view showing the case where the daughter endoscope of the first embodiment is installed on the mother endoscope.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the sub-endoscope 20 has: an elongated insertion portion 21 that can be inserted into the instrument penetration channel 16 of the parent endoscope 10; and an operation portion 22 that is connected to the base end of the insertion portion 21. Various operating components required for operating the sub-endoscope 20 are provided in the operation portion 22.

[0058] The insertion portion 21 is configured to have: a rigid front end portion 23 provided on the front end side; a flexible bending portion 24 provided on the rear end of the front end portion 23; and an elongated and flexible tube portion 25 provided on the rear end of the bending portion 24.

[0059] Although not shown in the figure, the front end 23 of the insertion part 21 is provided with, for example, an LED light source that generates illumination light (however, it may also be a structure that uses a light guide to transmit illumination light from the light source device), an illumination optical system that illuminates the generated illumination light, and an imaging module that houses an objective lens optical system and an imaging element. In addition, in this embodiment, the imaging element housed in the sub-endoscope 20 is composed of a solid-state imaging element such as a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor.

[0060] The bending portion 24 in the insertion portion 21 is configured to be able to bend in the full circumference direction around the insertion axis, including the up-down direction (U / D direction) as the first axis and the left-right direction (R / L direction) as the second axis.

[0061] The flexible tube section 25 of the insertion section 21 is composed of a flexible tubular component. Inside the flexible tube section 25, in addition to forming a treatment device through insertion channel 26, a prescribed camera cable, power line for LED light source, and air / water supply pipe are also provided.

[0062] Furthermore, two angle operation lines for bending the aforementioned bending portion 24 are provided on the flexible tube portion 25: a first angle operation line for bending the bending portion 24 in the up-down direction (U / D direction) and a second angle operation line for bending the bending portion 24 in the left-right direction (R / L direction).

[0063] The treatment device through insertion channel 26 extends from the front end 23 of the insertion part 21 to the operation part 22. Furthermore, the treatment device through insertion channel 26 has a base-side opening 26a in the operation part 22 and a front-side opening (not shown) in the front end 23 of the insertion part 21. Additionally, a connector 26b is provided, for example, in the base-side opening 26a of the operation part 22.

[0064] Furthermore, a treatment device or the like can be inserted through the treatment device insertion channel 26 via the connector 26b. Additionally, the treatment device insertion channel 26 can also be used for injecting contrast agents, etc.

[0065] The operating section 22 is provided with: a bending operation handle 30 for bending the bending section 24; a locking rod 50 for locking the bending state of the bending section 24; and a fixing strap hook 33 for securing the fixing strap for mounting the daughter endoscope 20 to the mother endoscope 10.

[0066] In this embodiment, the bending operation handle 30 includes a UD bending operation handle 31 and an RL bending operation handle 32. Furthermore, these UD bending operation handles 31, RL bending operation handles 32, and the locking lever 50 are configured as a rotating operation component capable of coaxial rotation. The function of the fixing hook 33 will be described later.

[0067] The UD bending operation handle 31 is a bending operation component used to bend the bending section 24 in the up-down direction (U / D direction) as the first axis, as detailed later. Additionally, although in Figure 2 Not shown in the diagram, but the UD bending operation handle 31 is connected to the first pulley 41, which is inside the operation section 22 and connected to the first angle operation line for bending the bending section 24 in the up-down direction (U / D direction) (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0068] The RL bending operation handle 32 is a bending operation component used to bend the bending section 24 in the left-right direction (R / L direction) as the second axis. Additionally, although in Figure 2 Not shown in the figure, but the RL bending operation handle 32 is connected to the second pulley 42, which is inside the operation section 22 and connected to the second angle operation line for bending the bending section 24 in the left and right direction (R / L direction) (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0069] Furthermore, by combining bending in the up-down direction (U / D direction) using the UD bending operation handle 31 with bending in the left-right direction (R / L direction) using the RL bending operation handle 32, the bending section 24 can be bent in the full circumference direction around the insertion shaft as described above.

[0070] The locking lever 50 is used to control the rotation of the first pulley 41, which is linked to the UD bending operation handle 31, and the second pulley 42, which is linked to the RL bending operation handle 32. It is configured to move to a restricted position (locked state) that restricts rotation and a released position (unlocked state) that does not restrict rotation.

[0071] Furthermore, the structure and function of these UD bending operating handles 31, RL bending operating handles 32, locking levers 50, first pulleys 41, and second pulleys 42 will be described in detail later.

[0072] In addition, such as Figure 2As shown, a universal cable 27 extends from the base of the operating unit 22. The universal cable 27 contains a camera cable, a power line for the LED light source, and pipes for air and water supply, etc., and its protruding end has an endoscope connector 28 for connecting to an external device (processor) (not shown). By connecting the endoscope connector 28 to this external device (processor), power and drive signals are supplied to the sub-endoscope 20, and the external device processes the images captured by the sub-endoscope 20.

[0073] Figure 3 This is an external view showing the case where the daughter endoscope of the first embodiment is installed on the mother endoscope.

[0074] In this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the sub-endoscope 20 configured in this way allows the operating section 22 to be mounted on the lower part of the operating section 12 of the mother endoscope 10. For example, by... Figure 14 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 The fixing strap 80 shown engages with the fixing strap hook 33 in the operating part 22, thereby... Figure 15 As shown, the operating part 22 of the sub-endoscope 20 is installed at the lower part of the operating part 12 of the mother endoscope 10 (in addition, in Figure 3 (The illustrations of these fixing straps 80 are omitted in the text).

[0075] The installation of the daughter endoscope 20 onto the mother endoscope 10 using the aforementioned fixing strap 80 will be described later.

[0076] <Bending mechanism within the operating section>

[0077] Next, refer to Figures 4-7 The structure of the bending operation mechanism 35 installed in the operation section 22 of the sub-endoscope 20 will be described.

[0078] Figure 4 , Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment from the rear side. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the unlocked state of the bending mechanism. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the locked state of the bending mechanism. Furthermore, Figure 6 This is a front view showing the appearance of the operating section in the sub-endoscope 20 from the front side. Figure 7 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the main part showing the bending mechanism being removed from the operating section.

[0079] In this embodiment, the bending operation mechanism 35 has a UD bending operation handle 31 for bending the bending portion 24 in the first axial direction (U / D direction) and an RL bending operation handle 32 for bending the bending portion 24 in the second axial direction (R / L direction) perpendicular to the first axial direction. In addition, it has a first pulley 41 that works in conjunction with the UD bending operation handle 31 and a second pulley 42 that works in conjunction with the RL bending operation handle 32. It also has a locking rod 50 for controlling the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42.

[0080] Additionally, the bending operation mechanism 35 includes: a braking member 70 for limiting the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42; and a cam member 60 that engages with the braking member 70 to cause the braking member 70 to be radially displaced along the rotation axis 30a.

[0081] The bending operation mechanism 35 having the above structure will be described in detail below.

[0082] The UD bending operation handle 31 is a generally disc-shaped handle component supported so as to be able to rotate about the rotation axis 30a, and the bending portion 24 is bent in the up-down direction (U / D direction) as the first axis. That is, by rotating the UD bending operation handle 31 in one direction, the bending portion 24 bends in the U direction (upward direction), and by rotating it in the other direction, the bending portion 24 bends in the D direction (downward direction).

[0083] The RL bending operating handle 32 is a generally disc-shaped handle component supported on its upper surface, coaxial with the UD bending operating handle 31, and capable of rotating about the aforementioned rotation axis 30a. The RL bending operating handle 32 and the UD bending operating handle 31 independently bend the bending portion 24 in a second axis direction perpendicular to the first axis, i.e., the left-right direction (R / L direction). That is, by rotating the RL bending operating handle 32 in one direction, the bending portion 24 bends in the R direction (right direction), and by rotating it in the other direction, the bending portion 24 bends in the L direction (left direction).

[0084] Furthermore, by combining bending in the up-down direction (U / D direction) using the UD bending operation handle 31 with bending in the left-right direction (R / L direction) using the RL bending operation handle 32, the bending section 24 can be bent in the full circumference direction around the insertion shaft as described above.

[0085] Inside the operating section 22 of the sub-endoscope 20 are arranged: a first pulley 41, which is connected to a first angle operating line for bending the curved section 24 in a first axial direction (U / D direction); and a second pulley 42, which is connected to a second angle operating line for bending the curved section 24 in a second axial direction (R / L direction) perpendicular to the first axial direction (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0086] in addition, Figure 4 , Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section 22 in the sub-endoscope 20 from the rear side, showing the second pulley 42 exposed, but the first pulley 41 is disposed on the inner side of the second pulley 42.

[0087] The first pulley 41 is the line traction component of the aforementioned first angle operating line, and is composed of a line connecting surface 41b with a predetermined radius connecting the first angle operating line and an outer peripheral surface 41a with a radius larger than that of the line connecting surface 41b (see reference). Figure 7 The outer peripheral surface 41a is configured to rotate integrally with the line connection surface 41b and engage with the aforementioned braking component 70 under specified conditions.

[0088] Furthermore, the first pulley 41 is connected to the UD bending operation handle 31 and is supported so that it rotates together with the rotation of the UD bending operation handle 31 about the rotation axis of the UD bending operation handle 31. Moreover, according to the rotation operation of the UD bending operation handle 31, the line connection surface 41b of the first pulley 41 rotates, the first angle operation line is pulled, and the bending portion 24 bends in the first axial direction (U / D direction).

[0089] The second pulley 42 is the line traction component of the aforementioned second angle operating line, and is composed of a line connecting surface 42b with a predetermined radius connecting the second angle operating line and an outer peripheral surface 42a with a radius larger than the line connecting surface 42b (the same diameter as the outer peripheral surface 41a) (see reference). Figure 7 The outer peripheral surface 42a is configured to rotate integrally with the line connection surface 42b, and engage with the braking component 70 under specified conditions.

[0090] Furthermore, the second pulley 42 is connected to the RL bending operation handle 32 and is supported so that it rotates together with the rotation of the RL bending operation handle 32 about the rotation axis of the RL bending operation handle 32. Moreover, according to the rotation operation of the RL bending operation handle 32, the line connection surface 42b of the second pulley 42 rotates, the second angle operation line is pulled, and the bending portion 24 bends in the second axial direction (R / L direction).

[0091] The locking lever 50 is supported at the base end of the operating section 22 so that it can rotate coaxially with the aforementioned UD bending operating handle 31 and RL bending operating handle 32 (see reference). Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 (A) That is, the locking lever 50 is supported so that it can rotate independently of the UD bending operating handle 31 and the RL bending operating handle 32 on a first arc with a predetermined radius centered on the rotation axis 30a.

[0092] Additionally, the locking lever 50 is used to control the rotation of the first pulley 41, which is linked to the UD bending operating handle 31, and the second pulley 42, which is linked to the RL bending operating handle 32, and is configured to be shifted to an unlocked position that does not restrict the rotation of these first pulleys 41 and second pulleys 42. Figure 4 (as shown in the image) and the locked position that restricts rotation ( Figure 5 (The location shown).

[0093] The cam component 60 has an arm 61 that rotates integrally with the aforementioned rotation of the locking lever 50 and a cam portion 62 formed at the front end of the arm 61.

[0094] The arm 61 is connected to the base end of the locking lever 50 and integrated with the locking lever 50 at its base end. On the other hand, it forms an arm that extends outward from the aforementioned rotation axis 30a in the radial direction.

[0095] The cam portion 62 includes a plate-shaped portion that bends in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the rotation axis 30a at the front end of the arm portion 61 that extends outward from the rotation axis 30a in a radial direction. A cam surface 60a facing the center of the rotation axis 30a is formed on the bent plate-shaped portion.

[0096] Furthermore, the cam portion 62 is arranged inside the housing of the operating portion 22 so that it can move on a second arc (with a smaller radius than the first arc) centered on the rotation axis 30a. It should be noted that this second arc is located outside the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41 and the outer peripheral surface 42a of the second pulley 42 in the radial direction of the rotation axis 30a.

[0097] As described above, the cam portion 62 has a cam surface 60a facing the center of the rotation axis 30a. With the aforementioned rotation of the locking lever 50 (rotation that moves on the first arc with the rotation axis 30a as the axis center), the cam portion 62 moves on the second arc with the rotation axis 30a as the axis center in such a way that the cam surface 60a always faces the rotation axis 30a.

[0098] The braking component 70 is formed of a curved plate-like component. The cross-sectional shape of this curved plate-like component, cut by a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 30a, presents a generally partially arc-shaped surface with the surface facing the rotation axis 30a as its inner side. Furthermore, the braking component 70 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41 (and the outer peripheral surface 42a of the second pulley 42) and the cam surface 60a of the cam portion 62 of the cam component 60.

[0099] In addition, the braking component 70 is configured such that circumferential movement of the arc about the rotation axis 30a is restricted, while on the other hand, it can move freely in the direction of the inner surface toward the rotation axis 30a, or in the direction away from the rotation axis 30a, i.e., radially.

[0100] The braking component 70 also has a cam follower surface 70a formed on the outer side of the aforementioned arc, which is capable of sliding relative to the cam surface 60a of the aforementioned cam component 60 (cam portion 62). On the other hand, on the inner side of the aforementioned arc of the braking component 70, there are abutment surfaces 71b that can abut against the outer peripheral surface 41a of the aforementioned first pulley 41 and abutment surfaces 72b that can abut against the outer peripheral surface 42a of the aforementioned second pulley 42.

[0101] Furthermore, the aforementioned cam follower surface 70a is the first surface of the braking member 70 that can slide relative to the cam surface 60a, and the abutment surface 71b is the second surface of the braking member 70 that can abut against the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41 and the outer peripheral surface 42a of the second pulley 42.

[0102] The abutment surfaces 71b and 72b of the braking component 70 are configured on the locking lever 50 as follows: Figure 4 In the unlocked state shown (a state in which the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42 is not restricted), it is positioned apart from the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41 and the outer peripheral surface 42a of the second pulley 42.

[0103] It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the locking lever 50 is configured in the unlocked state, the abutting surface 71b and the abutting surface 72b are respectively configured in a position separated from the outer peripheral surface 41a or the outer peripheral surface 42a. However, it is not limited to this. As long as there is no frictional force that would restrict the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42, it can also abut against the outer peripheral surface 41a or the outer peripheral surface 42a.

[0104] On the other hand, the locking lever 50 is configured as Figure 5When the locking state shown (the state that restricts the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42) is reached, the abutment surfaces 71b and 72b of the braking component 70 move until they abut against the outer peripheral surface 41a or the outer peripheral surface 42a, respectively, and the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42 is restricted by a predetermined frictional force, as detailed later.

[0105] In this embodiment, the contact surfaces 71b and 72b of the braking member 70 are configured to generate a predetermined frictional force, at a level that restricts the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42, when they respectively contact the outer peripheral surfaces of the opposing pulleys. It should be noted that, in order to know whether the predetermined frictional force has been generated to restrict the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42, a mechanism that generates a clicking sensation in the locking lever 50 may also be provided.

[0106] In this first embodiment, in either the abutment surface 71b opposite to the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41 or the abutment surface 72b opposite to the outer peripheral surface 42a of the second pulley 42, claw portions arranged at predetermined intervals are formed on the surface of the abutment surface. Furthermore, it is configured that when the locking lever 50 rotates to... Figure 5 In the locked state shown, the contact surfaces 71b and 72b abut against the outer peripheral surfaces 41a and 42a respectively through the action of the cam component 60, thereby generating a frictional force that can limit the rotation of the first pulley 41 or the second pulley 42.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the braking component 70 is formed such that the length of its wall thickness in the radial direction (i.e., the distance between the cam driven surface 70a and the abutment surface 71b or abutment surface 72b) varies circumferentially. Specifically, as Figure 5 As shown, the braking component 70 includes: a first cam follower 73, which includes a first length portion where the distance between the cam follower surface 70a and the abutment surface 71b or the abutment surface 72b is a first length; and a second cam follower 74, which includes a second length portion where the distance between the cam follower surface 70a and the abutment surface 71b or the abutment surface 72b is a second length longer than the first length.

[0108] The cam follower surface 70a is formed such that it smoothly shifts from the portion near the first cam follower 73 to the portion near the second cam follower 74. Furthermore, as described above, the radial wall thickness of the second cam follower 74 in the braking member 70 is set to be greater than the radial wall thickness of the first cam follower 73. In this embodiment, the cam follower surface 70a is positioned near the second cam follower 74 at a position on the second arc that enters the movement of the cam portion 62.

[0109] By giving the brake component 70 a cam follower surface 70a with the shape described above, when the cam portion 62 moves on the second arc and slides on the cam follower surface 70a along with the rotation of the locking lever 50, if it reaches the portion near the second cam follower portion 74, the cam surface 60a gradually presses the cam follower surface 70a toward the direction of the rotation axis 30a.

[0110] In other words, when the cam surface 60a of the cam portion 62 moves along the second arc and reaches the cam follower surface 70a near the second cam follower portion 74, the cam follower surface 70a of the braking member 70 is pressed towards the rotation axis 30a along with the movement of the cam surface 60a. At this time, the braking member 70 moves radially towards the rotation axis 30a, and the contact surfaces 71b and 72b in the braking member 70 move toward the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41 and the outer peripheral surface 42a of the second pulley 42, respectively, and soon come into contact with the opposite outer peripheral surfaces.

[0111] After the contact surfaces 71b and 72b of the aforementioned braking component 70 come into contact with the opposing outer peripheral surfaces 41a and 42a respectively, they apply force by pressing these outer peripheral surfaces 41a and 42a through the action of the cam follower surface 70a that slides on the cam surface 60a that moves with the rotation of the locking lever 50.

[0112] Furthermore, this force generates a predetermined frictional force between the contact surface 71b and the outer peripheral surface 41a, and between the contact surface 72b and the outer peripheral surface 42a. This frictional force restricts the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42. Here, by operating the locking lever 50, the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42 is restricted, thus completing the locking state.

[0113] <Function of bending operating mechanism 35>

[0114] Next, the function of the bending operation mechanism 35 configured in this way will be explained.

[0115] Now, suppose the locking lever 50 is configured, for example, as follows: Figure 4 The unlocked state is shown. At this time, the cam surface 60a of the cam portion 62 abuts against the cam follower surface 70a near the first cam follower portion 73 of the brake member 70.

[0116] Here, it is assumed that the surgeon, in order to achieve an unlocked state ( Figure 4 The locking lever 50 (as shown) is in the locked state. Figure 5 (As shown in the diagram) and rotates in the direction of "A" in the figure, at which time the locking lever 50 rotates on the first arc centered on the rotation axis 30a until it moves from... Figure 4 The location shown is reached Figure 5The location shown.

[0117] As the locking lever 50 rotates, the cam portion 62 of the cam component 60 moves on the second arc centered on the rotation axis 30a, and the cam surface 60a of the cam portion 62 begins to slide on the cam follower surface 70a (in contrast, the cam follower surface 70a begins to slide on the cam surface 60a).

[0118] At this time, cam surface 60a is in the unlocked state ( Figure 4 Initially (as shown), it abuts against the cam follower surface 70a near the first cam follower 73, but as the locking lever 50 rotates, it gradually begins to slide toward the cam follower surface 70a near the second cam follower 74.

[0119] As described above, in this embodiment, the wall thickness in the radial direction of the second cam follower 74 in the braking member 70 is set to be greater than the wall thickness in the radial direction of the first cam follower 73. In addition, the cam follower surface 70a is disposed near the second cam follower 74 at a position on the second arc that enters the movement of the cam part 62. Therefore, when the cam part 62 moves on the second arc and slides on the cam follower surface 70a as the locking lever 50 rotates, if it approaches the part near the second cam follower 74, the cam surface 60a gradually presses the cam follower surface 70a toward the direction of the rotation axis 30a.

[0120] If the cam follower surface 70a of the braking component 70 is pressed by the cam surface 60a toward the rotation axis 30a, the opposite abutment surfaces 71b and 72b move toward the outer peripheral surfaces of the opposite first pulley 41 or second pulley 42, and then abut against the opposite outer peripheral surfaces.

[0121] Subsequently, if the locking lever 50 rotates further, the contact surfaces 71b and 72b of the braking component 70 apply force by pressing against the opposing outer peripheral surfaces 41a and 42a, respectively. Furthermore, this force generates a predetermined frictional force between the contact surface 71b and the outer peripheral surface 41a, and between the contact surface 72b and the outer peripheral surface 42a, thereby restricting the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42.

[0122] Rotate the locking lever 50 to Figure 5 When the locked position is shown, the locking state of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42 based on the braking component 70 is completed.

[0123] As explained above, according to the endoscope which has a bending operation mechanism for the insertion device according to the first embodiment, the rotation of the pulley connected to the angle operation line for bending the bending part is restricted by the braking member disposed on its outer periphery pressing the pulley from the radial direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, compared with the case where the pulley is pressed from the pushing direction, the thickness of the operation part can be reduced, the operation part is not made large, and good operability can be ensured.

[0124] For example, when the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device of the first embodiment is used in the daughter endoscope of the mother-daughter endoscope system, the thickness of the operating part of the daughter endoscope protruding from the mother endoscope can be reduced when the daughter endoscope is installed on the mother endoscope. Therefore, even when the surgeon operates the daughter endoscope in this state, the operability of the daughter endoscope will not be impaired, and good operability can be ensured.

[0125] <Modifications of the First Embodiment>

[0126] <First Variation>

[0127] Next, refer to Figure 8 , Figure 9 A first variation of the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0128] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the first modified example of the first embodiment, viewed from the rear side. It is a diagram showing the unlocked state of the bending operating mechanism. Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the first modified example of the first embodiment from the rear side, and it is a diagram showing the locked state of the bending operating mechanism.

[0129] In the first embodiment described above, in the braking member 70 for limiting the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42, claw portions are formed on the abutment surfaces 71b and 72b. The abutment surface 71b abuts against the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41, and the abutment surface 72b abuts against the outer peripheral surface 42a of the second pulley 42. When a predetermined pressing force is applied, a predetermined frictional force is generated between the claw portions of these abutment surfaces and the outer peripheral surfaces of the pulleys.

[0130] In this first variation, the surface of the contact surface 71b and contact surface 72b of the braking member 70 is formed of a material having a specified high coefficient of friction, instead of the aforementioned claw portion. Furthermore, the surface of the outer peripheral surface 41a and the outer peripheral surface 42a, which are respectively opposite to the aforementioned contact surface 71b and the aforementioned contact surface 72b, is also formed of a material having a specified high coefficient of friction.

[0131] Here, the coefficient of friction of the material involved in these contact surfaces and the outer peripheral surface is the coefficient of friction corresponding to the degree of friction that can limit the rotation of the first pulley 41 or the second pulley 42 when these contact surfaces respectively abut against the outer peripheral surface.

[0132] It should be noted that in this first variation, the surfaces of both the contact surface and the outer peripheral surface are formed of a material with a specified high coefficient of friction, but this can also be done on either the contact surface or the outer peripheral surface.

[0133] Furthermore, even if the material is not made of a material with a high coefficient of friction, as long as the coefficient of friction described above can be obtained, for example, by adjusting the surface roughness, or by performing surface finishing processes such as embossing. Moreover, components with a high coefficient of friction can be attached to these contact surfaces or outer peripheral surfaces.

[0134] In this first variation, similar to the first embodiment described above, the thickness of the operating part can be reduced, thus avoiding the need for a large operating part and ensuring good operability.

[0135] <Second Variation>

[0136] Next, refer to Figure 10 , Figure 11 A second variation of the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0137] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the second modification of the first embodiment, viewed from the rear side. It is a diagram showing the unlocked state of the bending operating mechanism. Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the interior of the operating section in the sub-endoscope of the second modified example of the first embodiment, viewed from the rear side, and is a diagram showing the locked state of the bending operating mechanism.

[0138] In the first embodiment described above, in the braking member 70 for limiting the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42, claw portions are formed on the abutment surfaces 71b and 72b. These abutment surfaces abut against the outer peripheral surfaces of the opposing pulleys, and when a predetermined pressing force is applied, a predetermined frictional force is generated between the claw portions of these abutment surfaces and the outer peripheral surfaces of the pulleys.

[0139] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, in this second variation, the characteristic is that a concave-convex portion with a predetermined spacing is formed on the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41 and the outer peripheral surface 42a of the second pulley 42, and a concave-convex portion that engages with the concave-convex portion is formed on the surfaces of the abutting surfaces 71b and 72b of the braking member 70 opposite to these outer peripheral surfaces.

[0140] In the second variation, the contact surfaces 71b and 72b of the braking component 70 abut against the outer peripheral surfaces 41a of the first pulley 41 and 42a of the second pulley 42, respectively, and when a predetermined pressing force is applied, the interlocking portions formed on these contact surfaces and the outer peripheral surfaces of the pulleys engage (see reference). Figure 11 It can reliably limit the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42.

[0141] It should be noted that in this second variation, both the abutting surface and the outer peripheral surface have interlocking protrusions and concave portions with a predetermined spacing. However, various shapes can be considered for the shape of the protrusions and concave portions, such as a so-called sawtooth shape.

[0142] In this second variation, similar to the first embodiment described above, the thickness of the operating part can be reduced, thus avoiding the need for a large operating part and ensuring good operability.

[0143] <Second Implementation Method>

[0144] Next, the endoscope incorporating the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, regarding the endoscope of the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a so-called cholangioscope is envisioned, and a daughter endoscope applied to a mother endoscope in a mother-daughter type endoscope system is envisioned.

[0145] The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device of the first embodiment described above is characterized by having a first angle operation line for bending the bending portion 24 in the U / D direction and a first pulley 41 connected to the line, a second angle operation line for bending the bending portion 24 in the R / L direction and a second pulley 42 connected to the line, an UD bending operation handle 31 and an RL bending operation handle 32 connected to the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42 respectively, and having a locking lever 50, a cam member 60, a braking member 70, etc., for locking the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42 together.

[0146] Thus, the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device in this first embodiment restricts the rotation of the independent first pulley 41 and second pulley 42 corresponding to different axial directions (into a locked state) through a single lever operation. However, the bending operation mechanism of this invention can also be applied to bending operations of one axis in multiple axial bending operations. Alternatively, it can also be applied to endoscopes that only perform bending operations of one axis.

[0147] The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, as shown in the first embodiment, the braking member 70 restricts the rotation of a pulley that is connected to the angle operation line involved in the bending operation of one of the multiple axial bending operations. Specifically, the braking member 70 restricts the rotation of only the first pulley 41 connected to the first angle operation line for bending the bending portion 24 in the U / D direction.

[0148] Thus, the basic structure of the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. The only difference is that, as the contact surface opposite to the pulley, the braking member 70 only has a contact surface 71b opposite to the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41, which only restricts the rotation of the first pulley 41. The other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment, so only the differences will be described here.

[0149] <Bending operation mechanism within the operating section in the second embodiment>

[0150] The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device in the second embodiment is also referred to in the same way as in the first embodiment. Figures 4-7 Please provide an explanation.

[0151] In this second embodiment, the bending operation mechanism is similar to that in the first embodiment, having a UD bending operation handle 31 for bending the bending portion 24 in the first axial direction (U / D direction) and an RL bending operation handle 32 for bending the bending portion 24 in the second axial direction (R / L direction) perpendicular to the first axial direction. In addition, it has a first pulley 41 that works in conjunction with the UD bending operation handle 31 and a second pulley 42 that works in conjunction with the RL bending operation handle 32. It also has a locking rod 50 for controlling the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42, a braking member 70 for limiting the rotation of the first pulley 41 and the second pulley 42, and a cam member 60 that engages with the braking member 70 to cause the braking member 70 to be radially displaced along the rotation axis 30a.

[0152] In this second embodiment, the locking lever 50 is used to control only the rotation of the first pulley 41 that interacts with the UD bending operation handle 31, and is configured to shift to an unlocked position that does not restrict the rotation of the first pulley 41 and a locked position that restricts the rotation.

[0153] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the braking member 70 has a cam follower surface 70a that can slide relative to the cam surface 60a of the cam portion 62, and only an abutment surface 71b that can abut against the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41, without forming an abutment surface 72b as in the first embodiment. Also, in the second embodiment, when the locking lever 50 is in the unlocked state, the abutment surface 71b of the braking member 70 is positioned separate from the outer peripheral surface 42a of the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41.

[0154] On the other hand, when the locking lever 50 is configured in the locked state, the abutment surface 71b of the braking component 70 moves to a position abutting against the outer peripheral surface 41a, and uses a predetermined frictional force to limit the rotation of the first pulley 41.

[0155] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, the braking member 70 also includes: a first cam follower 73, which includes a first length portion where the distance between the cam follower surface 70a and the abutment surface 71b is a first length; and a second cam follower 74, which includes a second length portion where the distance between the cam follower surface 70a and the abutment surface 71b is a second length longer than the first length. Additionally, the cam follower surface 70a is formed to smoothly shift from a portion near the first cam follower 73 to a portion near the second cam follower 74.

[0156] Furthermore, as described above, the wall thickness in the radial direction of the second cam follower 74 in the braking component 70 is set to be greater than the wall thickness in the radial direction of the first cam follower 73. In this embodiment, the cam follower surface 70a is also partially disposed near the second cam follower 74 at a position on the second arc that enters the movement of the cam portion 62.

[0157] Furthermore, the cam follower surface 70a of the braking component 70 is the same as in the first embodiment, and is pressed by the cam surface 60a of the cam portion 62, which moves according to the rotation of the locking lever 50, and moves radially along the rotation axis 30a. As a result, the abutment surface 71b of the braking component 70 abuts against the outer peripheral surface 41a of the first pulley 41, restricting the rotation of the first pulley 41.

[0158] As explained above, according to the endoscope equipped with the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, for the pulley connected to the angle operation line for bending the bending part, the rotation is restricted by pressing the pulley from the radial direction of the rotation axis by a braking member disposed on its outer periphery. Therefore, compared with the case where the pulley is pressed from the pushing direction, the thickness of the operation part can be reduced, the operation part is not made large, and good operability can be ensured.

[0159] Furthermore, in this second embodiment, only the rotation of the first pulley 41, which is connected to the first angle operation line for bending the bending portion 24 in the U / D direction, is restricted. However, it is not limited to this; the rotation of the second pulley 42, which is connected to the second angle operation line for bending the bending portion 24 in the R / L direction, may also be restricted.

[0160] In addition, as described above, the technical concept of the bending operation mechanism of this invention can also be applied to endoscopes that only perform bending operations on one axis, such as endoscopes that only have a first angle operation line for bending the bending portion 24 in the U / D direction, a first pulley 41 connected to the line, and a UD bending operation handle 31 connected to the first pulley 41.

[0161] <Third Implementation Method>

[0162] Next, the endoscope incorporating the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, regarding the endoscope of the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a so-called cholangioscope is envisioned, and a daughter endoscope applied to a mother endoscope in a mother-daughter type endoscope system is envisioned.

[0163] Regarding the endoscope with the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device of this third embodiment, it is the same as the first embodiment in that it can bend the bending portion in multiple different axes (two axes in this embodiment). It is also the same in that it has two pulleys corresponding to these two axes, a locking lever that locks the two pulleys together, a cam member with a cam surface, and a braking member with a cam follower surface and an abutment surface, etc. However, the relationship between the cam surface and the cam follower surface is different compared to the first embodiment. Other structures are the same as the first embodiment, so only the differences will be described here.

[0164] <Bending operation mechanism within the operating section of the third embodiment>

[0165] Next, refer to Figures 12-13 The structure of the bending operation mechanism 135 provided in the operation section of the sub-endoscope 120 of this third embodiment will be described.

[0166] Figure 12 , Figure 13 The figure shows the bending operation mechanism removed from the operation section of the sub-endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the main part of the bending mechanism in its unlocked state. Figure 13 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the main part of the bending mechanism in its locked state.

[0167] In this third embodiment, the bending operation mechanism 135 is similar to that in the first embodiment, having a UD bending operation handle 31 for bending the bending portion 24 in the first axial direction (U / D direction) and an RL bending operation handle 32 for bending the bending portion 24 in the second axial direction (R / L direction) perpendicular to the first axial direction. In addition, it has a first pulley 141 that works in conjunction with the UD bending operation handle 31 and a second pulley 142 that works in conjunction with the RL bending operation handle 32, and a locking rod 150 for controlling the rotation of the first pulley 141 and the second pulley 142.

[0168] Additionally, the bending operation mechanism 135 includes: a braking member 170 for limiting the rotation of the first pulley 141 and the second pulley 142; and a cam member 160 that engages with the braking member 170 and causes the braking member 170 to be radially displaced on the rotation axis.

[0169] The operating section of the sub-endoscope 120 in this third embodiment is provided with: a first pulley 141, which is connected to a first angle operation line for bending the bent portion 24 in the first axis (U / D direction); and a second pulley 142, which is connected to a second angle operation line for bending the bent portion 24 in the second axis (R / L direction) perpendicular to the first axis.

[0170] The first pulley 141 is the line traction component of the first angle operation line mentioned above. It is connected to the UD bending operation handle 31 and is supported to rotate together with the rotation of the UD bending operation handle 31 about the rotation axis of the UD bending operation handle 31.

[0171] Furthermore, the first pulley 141 has an outer peripheral surface 141a of a predetermined radius, on which the aforementioned first angle operation line is connected. Moreover, according to the rotation operation of the UD bending operation handle 31, the first pulley 141 rotates, the first angle operation line is pulled, and the bending portion 24 bends in the first axial direction (U / D direction).

[0172] The second pulley 142 is the line traction component of the second angle operation line mentioned above. It is connected to the RL bending operation handle 32 and is supported to rotate together with the rotation of the RL bending operation handle 32 about the rotation axis of the RL bending operation handle 32.

[0173] Furthermore, the second pulley 142 has an outer peripheral surface 142a with approximately the same radius as the first pulley 141, on which the aforementioned second angle operation line is connected. Moreover, according to the rotation operation of the RL bending operation handle 32, the second pulley 142 rotates, the second angle operation line is pulled, and the bending portion 24 bends in the second axial direction (R / L direction).

[0174] The locking lever 150 is supported at the base end of the operating part so that it can rotate coaxially with the aforementioned UD bending operating handle 31 and RL bending operating handle 32. That is, the locking lever 150 is supported so that it can rotate independently of the UD bending operating handle 31 and RL bending operating handle 32 on a first arc with a predetermined radius centered on the rotation axis 30a.

[0175] Additionally, the locking lever 150 controls the rotation of the first pulley 141, which operates in conjunction with the UD bending operating handle 31, and the second pulley 142, which operates in conjunction with the RL bending operating handle 32, and is configured to shift to an unlocked position that does not restrict the rotation of these first pulleys 141 and second pulleys 142. Figure 12 (as shown in the image) and the locked position that restricts rotation ( Figure 13 (The location shown).

[0176] The cam component 160 rotates integrally with the locking lever 150. Inside the housing of the operating part, it is configured to move along a second arc (with a smaller radius than the first arc) centered on the rotation axis 30a. Furthermore, the cam component 160 is positioned radially outward from the first pulley 141 and the second pulley 142 along the rotation axis 30a, and has a cam surface 160a facing the center of the rotation axis 30a.

[0177] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the cam surface 160a has: a first cam portion 161 (see reference 160a). Figure 13 ), which includes a position away from the first distance from the rotation axis 30a; and a second cam portion 162 (see reference ). Figure 12 (), which includes a position that is a distance from the rotation axis 30a that is shorter than the first distance, i.e., a second distance.

[0178] The braking component 170 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface 141a of the first pulley 141 and the outer peripheral surface 142a of the second pulley 142 and the cam surface 160a of the cam component 160. In addition, a cam follower surface 170a that can slide relative to the cam surface 160a is formed, and an abutment surface 170b that can abut against the outer peripheral surface 141a of the first pulley 141 and the outer peripheral surface 142a of the second pulley 142 is formed.

[0179] Additionally, the braking component 170 is located at the locking lever 150 from... Figure 12 The unlocked state shown is rotated to Figure 13In the locked state shown, the cam follower surface 170a slides from the first cam portion 161 of the cam surface 160a toward the second cam portion 162, and the abutment surface 170b abuts against the outer peripheral surfaces 141a and 142a of the first pulley 141 and the second pulley 142, thereby restricting the rotation of the first pulley 141 and the second pulley 142.

[0180] In this embodiment, the contact surface 170b of the braking member 170 is formed such that when it contacts the outer peripheral surface 141a of the first pulley 141 and the outer peripheral surface 142a of the second pulley 142, it generates a predetermined frictional force that restricts the rotation of the first pulley 141 and the second pulley 142.

[0181] As explained above, according to the endoscope equipped with the bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to the third embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, for the pulley connected to the angle operation line for bending the bending part, the rotation is restricted by the braking member disposed on its outer periphery pressing the pulley from the radial direction of the rotation axis. Therefore, compared with the case where the pulley is pressed from the pushing direction, the thickness of the operation part can be reduced, the operation part is not made large, and good operability can be ensured.

[0182] <Regarding fixing straps and hooks for fixing straps>

[0183] Next, in Figure 2 , Figure 3 Based on, refer to Figures 14-17 The following describes the fixing strap 80 for fixing the sub-endoscope 20 of the first embodiment to the mother endoscope 10, the fixing strap hook 33 in the operation part 22 that engages with the fixing strap 80, and the method for installing the sub-endoscope 20 to the mother endoscope 10.

[0184] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment, along with the fixing strap attached to the mother endoscope. Additionally, Figure 15 This is a diagram showing a portion of the operating sections of the daughter endoscope and the mother endoscope according to the first embodiment, and a side view showing the situation when the daughter endoscope is installed on the mother endoscope. Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the fixing strap used when mounting the daughter endoscope of the first to third embodiments onto the mother endoscope. Figure 17 This is a side view showing the fixing strap used when the daughter endoscope of the first embodiment is installed on the mother endoscope.

[0185] As described above, on the base end side of the operating section 22 in the sub-endoscope 20, a fixing hook 33 for securing the fixing strap 80 is provided alongside the bending operating handle section 30 and the locking rod 50, wherein the fixing strap 80 secures the sub-endoscope 20 to the mother endoscope 10 (see reference). Figure 2 , Figure 3 ).

[0186] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 14 As shown, the fixing hook 33 is configured in the operating part 22 of the sub-endoscope 20 to protrude towards the base end side (upper in the figure) of the rotation axis 30a of the UD bending operating handle 31 and RL bending operating handle 32, and across the rotation axis 30a from the side opposite to the opening 26a of the insertion channel 26 of the treatment instrument, and protrudes from the back side of the frame of the operating part 22.

[0187] like Figure 16 , Figure 17 As shown, the fixing strap 80 has: a base end portion 80e, which is fixed near the through insertion connector 26b of the treatment device of the operating part 22; a grip portion 80a, which is provided near the front end portion 80c for the operator to grip; and a hole portion 80b, which is formed at a position closer to the base end portion than the grip portion 80a. Additionally, as... Figure 17 As shown, the gripping part 80a is formed with a gripping surface 80d that has a gently curved shape towards the front end part 80c, which improves grip.

[0188] 20 endoscopic specimens Figure 15 As shown, the operating part 22 of the sub-endoscope 20 is installed on the lower part of the operating part 12 of the mother endoscope 10 using the fixing strap 80 as described above. When the operator installs the sub-endoscope 20 onto the mother endoscope 10, the operator first fixes the base end 80e of the fixing strap 80 to the device insertion connector 26b side of the operating part 22, and then wraps the fixing strap 80 with the base end fixed around the operating part 12 of the mother endoscope 10.

[0189] Furthermore, the operator holds the gripping portion 80a of the fixing strap 80 wound around the operating part 12 of the female endoscope 10, so that the hole 80b formed at a position closer to the base end of the gripping portion 80a engages with the fixing strap hook 33 provided on the operating part 22. Thus, the operating part 22 of the female endoscope 20 is fixed to the operating part 12 of the female endoscope 10.

[0190] In addition, the gripping portion 80a of the fixing strap 80 forms a gripping surface 80d with a gently curved shape towards the front end portion 80c and has a relatively large area, thus improving operability when installing the daughter endoscope 20 onto the mother endoscope 10.

[0191] In addition, in this embodiment, when the fixing strap 80 is engaged with the fixing strap hook 33 through its hole 80b, the gripping part 80a is positioned so as not to obstruct the operation of the UD bending operation handle 31, the RL bending operation handle 32 and the locking lever 50.

[0192] <Storage container for the sub-endoscope>

[0193] Next, the container that houses the sub-endoscope 20 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0194] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the container housing the sub-endoscope of the first embodiment.

[0195] like Figure 18 As shown, the container for housing the aforementioned sub-endoscope 20 includes: a base portion 91 formed of transparent resin; and a cover portion 92 that engages with the base portion 91. The base portion 91 has cutouts for housing the various parts of the sub-endoscope 20, namely the operating portion 22, the insertion portion 21 (including the flexible tube portion 25), the universal cable 27, and the endoscope connector 28.

[0196] When the sub-endoscope 20 is housed in the base portion 91, the UD bending operation handle 31 and RL bending operation handle 32 of the operation portion 22 are arranged with their faces upward. In addition, the flexible tube portion 25 in the insertion portion 1 is arranged in a counterclockwise loop.

[0197] When the sub-endoscope 20 is arranged in the base portion 91 as described above, that is, when the flexible tube portion 25 in the insertion portion 21 is arranged in a counterclockwise loop with the operating portion 22 facing upward, the sub-endoscope 20 is removed from the base portion 91 as follows: Figure 3 As shown, when installed on the female endoscope 10, the flexible tube 25 can form a ring in a direction that allows for easy separation from the operator, providing comfortable operability.

[0198] This invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without altering the spirit of this invention.

Claims

1. A bending operation mechanism for an insertion device, characterized in that, The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device includes: Main body of the operating unit; A bending operation component is supported so that it can rotate about a rotation axis relative to the main body of the operation part, so that the bending part provided in the insertion part bends in a predetermined direction; A line traction component, which is disposed inside the main body of the operating part, is supported to rotate about the rotation axis together with the rotation of the bending operating component, and has an outer peripheral surface; A locking operation component is supported so that it can rotate about the rotation axis relative to the main body of the operation unit; as well as A braking component is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the line traction component and the locking operation component. As the locking mechanism rotates about the rotation axis, it presses the braking mechanism toward the axis of rotation. The braking component restricts the rotation of the line traction component by pressing the outer peripheral surface toward the axis of rotation.

2. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The braking component has an annular first surface opposite to the rotation axis. The first surface is configured to abut against the outer peripheral surface of the line traction component along the circumferential direction of the first surface, thereby restricting the rotation of the line traction component.

3. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device further includes a cam component integrally disposed with the locking operation component, positioned radially outward from the line traction component on the rotating shaft, and having a cam surface facing the axis of the rotating shaft.

4. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The braking component also includes a second side located on the back side of the first side. The second surface is capable of sliding relative to the cam surface.

5. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cam component moves along an arc centered on the rotation axis as the locking operation component rotates. As the cam component moves, the cam surface slides on the second surface, thereby causing the braking component to move in a direction that brings the first surface into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the line traction component.

6. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The braking component has: a first thick-walled portion comprising a first length portion having a radial length between the first surface and the second surface equal to a first length; and a second thick-walled portion comprising a second length portion having a radial length between the first surface and the second surface equal to a second length portion longer than the first length portion, and, as the cam component moves on the arc, when the second surface that is in sliding contact with the cam component moves from the first thick-walled portion to the second thick-walled portion, the first surface abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the line traction component, thereby restricting the rotation of the line traction component.

7. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A first protrusion and recess with a predetermined spacing is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the line traction component. A second protrusion is formed on the first surface of the braking component, which can engage with the first protrusion.

8. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device includes: A second bending operation component, supported so as to be rotatable relative to the main body of the operation part about the rotation axis, causes the bending portion provided in the insertion part to bend in a second direction different from the predetermined direction; and The second traction component, disposed inside the main body of the operating part, is supported to rotate about the rotation axis together with the rotation of the second bending operating component, and has a second outer peripheral surface. The cam component is positioned radially outward from the second line traction component on the rotation axis. The braking component is disposed between the second outer peripheral surface of the second line traction component and the cam surface of the cam component. As the cam component moves, the braking component moves in a direction that causes the first surface to abut against the second outer peripheral surface of the second line traction component.

9. A bending operation mechanism for an insertion device, characterized in that, The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device includes: Main body of the operating unit; The bending operating handle is supported so that it can rotate about a rotation axis relative to the main body of the operating part, so that the bending part provided in the insertion part bends in a predetermined direction; A pulley, which is disposed inside the main body of the operating part, is supported to rotate about the rotation axis together with the rotation of the curved operating handle, and has an outer peripheral surface; A locking lever is supported so that it can rotate about the rotation axis relative to the main body of the operating part; as well as A brake is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the pulley and the locking rod. As the locking lever rotates about the rotation axis, it presses the brake toward the axis of rotation. The brake restricts the rotation of the pulley by pressing the outer peripheral surface toward the axis of rotation.

10. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The brake has an annular first surface opposite to the rotation axis. The first surface is configured to abut against the outer peripheral surface of the pulley along the circumferential direction of the first surface, thereby restricting the rotation of the pulley.

11. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device also includes a cam integrally disposed with the locking lever, positioned radially outward from the pulley on the rotating shaft, and having a cam surface facing the axis of rotation.

12. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The brake also includes a second side located on the back side of the first side. The second surface is capable of sliding relative to the cam surface.

13. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The cam moves along an arc centered on the rotation axis as the locking lever rotates. As the cam moves, the cam surface slides on the second surface, thereby moving the brake in a direction that causes the first surface to abut against the outer peripheral surface of the pulley.

14. The bending operation mechanism of the insertion device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The brake has: a first thick-walled portion comprising a first length portion having a radial length of a first length between the first surface and the second surface; and a second thick-walled portion comprising a second length portion having a radial length of a second length between the first surface and the second surface that is longer than the first length portion, and, as the cam moves on the arc, when the second surface that is in sliding contact with the cam moves from the first thick-walled portion to the second thick-walled portion, the first surface abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the pulley, thereby restricting the rotation of the pulley.

15. An insertion device comprising an operating body and a bending operating mechanism, characterized in that, The bending operation mechanism includes: A bending operation component is supported so that it can rotate about a rotation axis relative to the main body of the operation part, so that the bending part provided in the insertion part bends in a predetermined direction; A line traction component, which is disposed inside the main body of the operating part, is supported to rotate about the rotation axis together with the rotation of the bending operating component, and has an outer peripheral surface; A locking operation component is supported so that it can rotate about the rotation axis relative to the main body of the operation unit; as well as A braking component is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the line traction component and the locking operation component. As the locking mechanism rotates about the rotation axis, it presses the braking mechanism toward the axis of rotation. The braking component restricts the rotation of the line traction component by pressing the outer peripheral surface toward the axis of rotation.

16. The insertion device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The braking component has an annular first surface opposite to the rotation axis. The first surface is configured to abut against the outer peripheral surface of the line traction component along the circumferential direction of the first surface, thereby restricting the rotation of the line traction component.

17. The insertion device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The insertion device further includes a cam component integrally disposed with the locking operation component, positioned radially outward from the line traction component on the rotating shaft, and having a cam surface facing the axis of the rotating shaft.

18. The insertion device according to claim 17, characterized in that, The braking component also includes a second side located on the back side of the first side. The second surface is capable of sliding relative to the cam surface.

19. The insertion device according to claim 18, characterized in that, The cam component moves along an arc centered on the rotation axis as the locking operation component rotates. As the cam component moves, the cam surface slides on the second surface, thereby causing the braking component to move in a direction that brings the first surface into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the line traction component.

20. The insertion device according to claim 19, characterized in that, The braking component has: a first thick-walled portion comprising a first length portion having a radial length between the first surface and the second surface equal to a first length; and a second thick-walled portion comprising a second length portion having a radial length between the first surface and the second surface equal to a second length portion longer than the first length portion, and, as the cam component moves on the arc, when the second surface that is in sliding contact with the cam component moves from the first thick-walled portion to the second thick-walled portion, the first surface abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the line traction component, thereby restricting the rotation of the line traction component.

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