MANIPULATORARM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manipulator arm.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In recent years, surgery using a surgical assist system has been becoming popular (see, e.g., Patent Document 1). The surgical assist system includes manipulator arms that hold instruments to be used for surgery (hereinafter, also referred to as "surgical instruments"). Examples of the surgical instruments may include endoscopes, forceps, electric scalpels, and other instruments to be used in surgery. The manipulator arms hold the surgical instruments according to the types and circumstances of the surgery.

[0003] The manipulator arms have one or more link mechanisms and move the link mechanisms to thereby move the surgical instruments to desired positions and hold them at the positions. The link mechanisms are moved by driving forces provided by actuators mounted on the manipulator arms.

[0004] The link mechanisms used in the manipulator arms may include a four-bar linkage. Examples of the four-bar linkage may include a parallel link in which the respective lengths of opposite links are equal. Patent Document 1 discloses a manipulator arm using the parallel link.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a device for supporting an arm of an operating person, comprising a carrying structure for carrying a supporting element for supporting the arm, wherein the carrying structure comprises at least one carrying arm, which is pivotable about at least one at least approximately horizontal pivot axis such that pivoting of the carrying arm raises or lowers the at least one supporting element.

[0006] Patent Document 3 describes arm-type support device including a first frame, a second frame, a first arm member, a second arm member, and an actuator. The actuator includes a driving unit, an actuating rod, and a link member. The first arm member, the second arm member, the first frame, and the second frame form a parallel link. The first arm member is hollow and accommodates the actuator and the second arm member.

[0007] Patent Document 4 discloses a supporting apparatus adapted for supporting an electronic device, and including an upper link, a fixed member, a connecting member, and a force-creating mechanism. The force-creating mechanism includes a swing rod connected pivotally to the fixed member, a movable unit connected movably to a front end of the swing rod, and a biasing spring so as to create a compensating torque that compensates for a torque caused by the gravitational force of the electronic device.

[0008] Patent Document 5 discloses an arm device including a first gimbal portion configured to rotatably support an instrument about a first rotational axis extending along an axis line of the instrument; a second gimbal portion configured to rotate the instrument about a second rotational axis extending along a direction intersecting the first rotational axis; a distal portion configured to rotate the instrument about a third rotational axis extending to intersect a plane including the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis.

[0009] Patent Document 6 describes an articulated structure for a multi-axis robot comprising a stationary base; an arm hinged to the base about a first axis; a forearm hinged to the arm about a second axis parallel to the first axis, the forearm forming a deformable parallelogram structure and comprising two connecting rods that are hinged to two plates about respective axes that are perpendicular to the first and second axes. The structure also comprises a first electric actuator controlling pivoting of the arm about the first axis; a second electric actuator controlling pivoting of the forearm about the second axis; and a third electric actuator controlling pivoting of one of the connecting rods relative to the plates about the axes that are perpendicular to the first and second axes.

[0010] Patent Document 7 discloses an arm unit comprising a support, a first parallel link pivotally connected to the support at one end; a second parallel link connected to the other end of the first parallel link; an actuator provided on the second parallel link to displace the second parallel link relative to the first parallel link; a wrist connected to the second parallel link; and a working tool attached to the wrist.

[0011] Patent Document 8 describes variable-height mounting arms comprising a mounting arm, an upper shell structure that substantially extends over the upper and side regions of the mounting arm, forming a four-bar linkage, and a lower cover mounted to the upper cover across the bottom side of the arm, and defining holes therethrough for extension of the opposing ends of the arm.PRIOR ART DOCUMENTSPATENT DOCUMENTS

[0012] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-175863 Patent Document 2: US 2006 / 186292 A1 Patent Document 3: US 11 248 738 B2 Patent Document 4: US 2013 / 284871 A1 Patent Document 5: US 2021 / 059783 A1 Patent Document 6: US 2010 / 095800 A1 Patent Document 7: JP S59 163490 U1 Patent Document 8: US 2016 / 116109 A1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONPROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0013] A manipulator arm in one aspect of the present disclosure includes a parallel link provided with a first end member and a second end member arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and a first link and a second link that are arranged to extend between the first end member and the second end member and that are arranged side by side with a space therebetween, the manipulator arm further comprising: an actuator that is arranged to extend between the first end member and the second end member and that is configured to change its longitudinal length to thereby generate a driving force to rotationally move the first end member and the second end member relative to each other, wherein a position where the actuator is attached to the first end member is a position that sandwiches, between itself and a position where the second link is attached, a position where the first link is attached, and wherein a position where the actuator is attached to the second end member is a position same as a position where the second link is attached; a first cover placed on the first link from a side opposite the second link with respect to the first link, the first cover covering at least the actuator; and a second cover placed on the first link from a second link side with respect to the first link, the second cover covering at least the second link and the actuator.

[0014] In the manipulator arm of the present disclosure, the first cover and the second cover are placed on the same first link, and thus, the first cover and the second cover do not slide against each other when the parallel link is moved. Here, placing the first cover and the second cover on the same first link may be understood to mean, for example, that both the first cover and the second cover are attached to the first link.

[0015] Placing the first cover and the second cover on the first link makes it less likely that a gap is formed between the first cover and the second cover. In other words, it is easy to reduce the gap in the design. By attaching both the first cover and the second cover to the first link, even if there is a gap between the first cover and the second cover, the first link is present in the gap, and therefore, the gap can be covered by the first link.

[0016] A position where the actuator is attached to the first end member sandwiches, between itself and a position where the second link is attached, a position where the first link is attached, and a position where the actuator is attached to the second end member is the same as a position where the second link is attached. Therefore, when the parallel link moves, a movement distance of the first link is shorter than a movement distance of the second link. Thus, a movement distance of the first cover and the second cover, which are placed on the first link, is shorter than a case where, for example, the second cover is placed on the second link. That is, in comparison with the case where the second cover is placed on the second link, the movement distance of the first cover and the second cover with respect to the entire manipulator arm is shortened, and the first cover and the second cover are less likely to slide against other components.

[0017] In the manipulator arm in one aspect of the present disclosure, it is preferable that a first end of the first link is attached at a rotation center of the first end member, and a second end of the first link is attached at a rotation center of the second end member.

[0018] Since the first link is attached at the rotating centers of the first end member and the second end member, it is possible to easily control the movement of the first link even when the parallel link moves. In other words, even when the second link moves with the rotational movement of the first end member and the second end member, the first link moves less relative to the entire manipulator arm (in other words, the travel distance of the first link relative to the entire manipulator arm can be smaller).

[0019] In the manipulator arm in one aspect of the present disclosure, it is preferable that a first distance from the position where the first link is attached to the position where the second link is attached in the first end member is equal to a second distance from the position where the first link is attached to the position where the actuator is attached in the first end member.

[0020] Since the first distance is equal to the second distance, the movement of the first link is easily controlled even when the parallel link is moved by the driving force of the actuator. In other words, even when the second link moves with the rotational movement of the first end member and the second end member by the driving force of the actuator, the first link moves less relative to the entire manipulator arm 1 (in other words, the travel distance of the first link relative to the entire manipulator arm can be smaller).EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The manipulator arm of the present disclosure has an effect that the first cover and the second cover are less likely to slide against each other, whereby the manipulator arm can be easily used in a clean surgery area.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a manipulator arm of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the manipulator arm of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the manipulator arm of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 illustrates the arrangement of a first link, a second link, and an actuator of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 illustrates the arrangement of a first link, a second link, and an actuator of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 illustrates the movement of the manipulator arm when the actuator is retracted. FIG. 7 illustrates the relative movement of a first end member and a second end member of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustrates the movement of the manipulator arm when the actuator is extended. FIG. 9 illustrates the relative movement of the first end member and the second end member of FIG. 8. EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0023] 1...manipulator arm, 15...first end member, 25...second end member, 31...first link, 41...second link, 51...actuator, 61...first cover, 71...second coverMODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0024] A manipulator arm 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. The manipulator arm 1 corresponds to an arm portion in a master-slave type surgery assistance robot. The manipulator arm 1 may correspond to an arm portion in a surgery assistance robot other than the master-slave type. The manipulator arm 1 may correspond to an arm portion in a surgery assistance device other than the surgery assistance robot.

[0025] The manipulator arm 1 includes, as shown in FIG. 1, a first attachment portion 10, a second attachment portion 20 arranged to be spaced apart from the first attachment portion 10, and an arm portion 30 extending between the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20.

[0026] The first attachment portion 10 has a configuration for attaching the manipulator arm 1 to a surgery assistance robot. The surgery assistance robot is not shown in FIGS. 1 to 9. The first attachment portion 10 may have a configuration for connecting a manipulator arm other than the manipulator arm 1.

[0027] The first attachment portion 10 includes, as shown in FIG. 2, first end members 15A, 15B. The first attachment portion 10 further includes, as shown in FIG. 1, an attachment plate 11 used for installation onto the surgery assistance robot and first attachment covers 12A, 12B covering the first attachment portion 10. The first attachment cover 12A and the first attachment cover 12B have the same configuration. The first end member 15A and the first end member 15B have the same configuration.

[0028] The attachment plate 11 is, as shown in FIG. 1, a circular plate-shaped member having a cylindrical or columnar projection in its center region. The attachment plate 11 is attached to the first end members 15A, 15B.

[0029] The first attachment cover 12A is a member covering the first end member 15A so as to conceal it from the exterior and having a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface. The first attachment cover 12A is attached to the first end member 15A with its cylindrical opening facing the first end member 15A.

[0030] The first attachment cover 12B is a member covering the first end member 15B so as to conceal it from the exterior and having a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface. The first attachment cover 12B is attached to the first end member 15B with its cylindrical opening facing the first end member 15B.

[0031] The first end members 15A, 15B are, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and the like, members forming parallel links together with the second end members 25A, 25B, first links 31A, 31B, and second links 41A, 41B. Specifically, the first end member 15A, the second end member 25A, the first link 31A, and the second link 41A form one parallel link, and the first end member 15B, the second end member 25B, the first link 31B, and the second link 41B form one parallel link.

[0032] Each of the first end members 15A, 15B is a plate-shaped member having a substantially D-shaped outer shape. The attachment plate 11 is attached to the straight portions of the D-shapes of the first end members 15A, 15B. The first end members 15A, 15B are arranged with their curved portions of the D-shapes facing an arm portion 30 side. The first end members 15A, 15B are arranged side by side with the first links 31A, 31B, the second links 41A, 41B and the actuator 51 interposed therebetween. The first end members 15A, 15B are fixed to each other in a state of being arranged side by side with a given space therebetween.

[0033] The second attachment portion 20 has a configuration for attaching another additional manipulator arm to the manipulator arm 1 (however, a detailed illustration is omitted here). The second attachment portion 20 may have a configuration for attaching a device other than the manipulator arm to the manipulator arm 1, such as a device for holding an instrument to be used for surgery.

[0034] The second attachment portion 20 includes, as shown in FIG. 1, second attachment covers 22A, 22B covering the second attachment portion 20. The second attachment portion 20 includes, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 or the like, the second end members 25A, 25B. The second attachment cover 22A and the second attachment cover 22B have the same configuration. The second end member 25A and the second end member 25B have the same configuration.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the second attachment cover 22A is a member covering the second end member 25A so as to conceal it from the exterior and having a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface. The second attachment cover 22A is attached to the second end member 25A with its cylindrical opening facing the second end member 25A.

[0036] The second attachment cover 22B is a member covering the second end member 25B so as to conceal it from the exterior and having a cylindrical shape with a bottom surface. The second attachment cover 22B is attached to the second end member 25B with its cylindrical opening facing the second end member 25B. The second end members 25A, 25B are, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and the like, members forming the parallel links together with the first end members 15A, 15B, the first links 31A, 31B, and the second links 41A, 41B.

[0037] The second end members 25A, 25B are plate-shaped members having a substantially D-shaped outer shape. The second end members 25A, 25B are arranged with their curved portions of the D-shapes facing the arm portion 30 side. The second end members 25A, 25B are arranged side by side with the first links 31A, 31B, the second links 41A, 41B and the actuator 51 interposed therebetween. The second end members 25A, 25B are fixed to each other in a state of being arranged side by side with a given space therebetween.

[0038] The arm portion 30 has a rod-like outer shape and has a configuration for being pivotably attached to each of the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20. The arm portion 30 includes, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the first links 31A, 31B, the second links 41A, 41B, one actuator 51, a first cover 61 and a second cover 71.

[0039] The first links 31A, 31B are rod-like members arranged to extend between the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20. Specifically, the first link 31A is a rod-like member arranged to extend between the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B. The first link 31B is a rod-like member arranged to extend between the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B. The first link 31A and the first link 31B have the same configuration. The first link 31A is arranged close to the first end member 15A and the second end member 25A. The first link 31B is arranged close to the first end member 15B and the second end member 25B. The first links 31A, 31B are members forming the parallel links together with the first end members 15A, 15B, the second end members 25A, 25B and the second links 41A, 41B.

[0040] The end of the first link 31A on a first attachment portion 10 side is pivotably attached to the first end members 15A, 15B about a pivot axis 32L through a rotational shaft 32A. The end of the first link 31B on the first attachment portion 10 side is pivotably attached to the first end members 15A, 15B about a pivot axis 32L through a rotational shaft 32A. The rotational shaft 32A is a cylindrical member arranged to extend at least between the first links 31A, 31B. The central axis of the rotational shaft 32A is the pivot axis 32L. The pivot axis 32L passes through a position at or near the center of the curved portions of the D-shapes in the first end members 15A, 15B.

[0041] The end of the first link 31A on a second attachment portion 20 side is pivotably attached to the second end members 25A, 25B about a pivot axis 33L through a rotational shaft 33A. The end of the first link 31B on the second attachment portion 20 side is pivotably attached to the second end members 25A, 25B about the pivot axis 33L through the rotational shaft 33A. The rotational shaft 33A is a cylindrical member arranged to extend at least between the first links 31A, 31B. The central axis of the rotational shaft 33A is the pivot axis 33L. The pivot axis 33L passes through a position at or near the center of the curved portions of the D-shapes in the second end members 25A, 25B.

[0042] The first links 31A, 31B are arranged to be spaced from each other in a direction in which the pivot axis 32L and the pivot axis 33L extend. The first link 31A is arranged in parallel with the second link 41A with a space therebetween. The first link 31B is arranged in parallel with the second link 41B with a space therebetween.

[0043] The second links 41A, 41B are rod-like members arranged to extend between the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20. Specifically, the second link 41A is a rod-like member arranged to extend between the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B. The second link 41B is a rod-like member arranged to extend between the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B. The second link 41A and the second link 41B have the same configuration. The second link 41A is arranged close to the first end member 15A and the second end member 25A. The second link 41B is arranged close to the first end member 15B and the second end member 25B. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and the like, the second links 41A, 42B form parallel links together with the first end members 15A, 15B, the second end members 25A, 25B, and the first links 31A, 31B.

[0044] The end of the second link 41A on the first attachment portion 10 side is pivotably attached to the first end members 15A, 15B about a pivot axis 42L through a rotational shaft 42A. The end of the second link 41B on the first attachment portion 10 side is pivotably attached to the first end members 15A, 15B about the pivot axis 42L through the rotational shaft 42A. The rotational shaft 42A is a cylindrical member arranged to extend between the second links 41A, 41B. The central axis of the rotational shaft 42A is the pivot axis 42L. The pivot axis 42L passes through a position apart from the center of the curved portions of the D-shapes in the first end members 15A, 15B.

[0045] The end of the second link 41A on the second attachment portion 20 side is pivotably attached to the second end members 25A, 25B about a pivot axis 43L through a rotational shaft 43A. The end of the second link 41B on the second attachment portion 20 side is pivotably attached to the second end members 25A, 25B about the pivot axis 43L through the rotational shaft 43A. The rotational shaft 43A is a cylindrical member arranged to extend between the second links 41A, 41B. The central axis of the rotational shaft 43A is the pivot axis 43L. The pivot axis 43L passes through a position apart from the center of the curved portions of the D-shapes in the second end members 25A, 25B.

[0046] The second links 41A, 41B are arranged to be spaced from each other in a direction in which the pivot axis 42L and the pivot axis 43L extend. The second link 41A is arranged in parallel with the first link 3 1A with a space therebetween. The second link 41B is arranged in parallel with the first link 31B with a space therebetween.

[0047] The actuator 51 is a rod-like member arranged to extend between the first attachment portion 10 and the second attachment portion 20. The actuator 51 generates a driving force to move the parallel links comprising the first end members 15A, 15B, the second end members 25A, 25B, the first links 31A, 31B, and the second link 41A, 42B. In other words, it generates a driving force to rotationally move the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B relative to each other.

[0048] The actuator 51 is driven by a pressurized gas supplied externally to the cylinder, thereby changing its longitudinal length. Air is used as the gas. The actuator 51 may use gases other than air. The actuator 51 may use a fluid other than gases.

[0049] The actuator 51 is provided with a spring 53 that generates a biasing force. The longitudinal length of the actuator 51 is controlled by the relationship between the biasing force of the spring 53 and the force generated in the cylinder that is externally supplied with air. The magnitude of the force exerted by the actuator 51 on the parallel links is controlled. Note that the actuator 51 does not necessarily include the spring 53.

[0050] The end of the actuator 51 on a first end member 15A, 15B side is pivotably attached to the first end members 15A, 15B about a pivot axis 52L through a rotational shaft 52A. The central axis of the rotational shaft 52A is the pivot axis 52L.

[0051] The end of the actuator 51 on the first end members 15A, 15B side is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, attached at a position 52P that sandwiches, between itself and a position 42P where the second links 41A, 41B are attached in the first end members 15A, 15B, a position 32P where the first links 31A, 31B are attached. The first end member 15A is not shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0052] The position 32P is a position through which the pivot axis 32L passes in the first end members 15A, 15B. The position 32P is also a center position of the relative rotational movement of the first end members 15A, 15B and the arm portion 30. The position 42P is a position through which the pivot axis 42L passes in the first end members 15A, 15B. The position 52P is a position through which the pivot axis 52L passes in the first end members 15A, 15B.

[0053] The end of the actuator 51 on a second end members 25A, 25B side is pivotably attached to the second end members 25A, 25B about the pivot axis 43L through the rotational shaft 43A. The end of the actuator 51 on the second end members 25A, 25B side is attached at a position 43P where the second links 41A, 41B are attached in the second end members 25A, 25B. The position 43P is a position through which a pivot axis 43L passes in the second end members 25A, 25B.

[0054] A position 33P where the first links 31A, 31B are attached in the second end members 25A, 25B is a position through which a pivot axis 33L passes. The position 33P is also a center position of the relative rotational movement of the second end members 25A, 25B and the arm portion 30.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the position 32P, the position 42P, and the position 52P are aligned side by side on the same straight line. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and the like, for example, a first distance D1 from the position 32P to the position 42P is equal to a second distance D2 from the position 32P to the position 52P. The position 32P, the position 42P and the position 52P are not necessarily aligned side by side on the same straight line. It is preferable that the first distance D1 is equal to the second distance D2; however, they may have different lengths to the extent not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0056] The first cover 61 and the second cover 71 are members forming the outer shape of the arm portion 30, as shown in FIG. 3, and cover at least the second link 41 and the actuator 51. The first cover 61 and the second cover 71, together with the first links 31A, 31B, form a space for accommodating at least the second link 41 and the actuator 51.

[0057] The first cover 61 is a member placed on the first links 31A, 31B and positioned opposite the second links 41A, 41B with respect to the first links 31A, 31B. The end of the first cover 61 on the first end member 15A, 15B side has a semi-cylindrical shape with the pivot axis 32L as the center. The end on the second end member 25A, 25B side has a semi-cylindrical shape with the pivot axis 33L as the center. The longitudinal central region of the first cover 61 is formed into a half-pipe shape with its central axis extending from the first attachment portion 10 toward the second attachment portion 20 on an actuator 51 side.

[0058] The second cover 71 is a member placed on the first links 31, 31B and positioned on a second link 41A, 41B side of the first links 31A, 31B. The end of the second cover 71 on the first end member 15A, 15B side has a semi-cylindrical shape with the pivot axis 32L as the center. The end on the second end member 25A, 25B side has a semi-cylindrical shape with the pivot axis 33L as the center. The longitudinal central region of the second cover 71 is formed into a half-pipe shape with its central axis extending from the first attachment portion 10 toward the second attachment portion 20 on the actuator 51 side.

[0059] Next, the movement of the manipulator arm 1 of the above configuration is described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. First, the movement when the longitudinal dimension of the actuator 51 is shortened is described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In other words, the movement when the actuator 51 is retracted is described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0060] FIG. 6 shows the movement of the manipulator arm 1 in the state where the first end members 15A, 15B are fixed to a fixed portion 80 of the surgery assistance robot. In other words, FIG. 6 shows the movement of the manipulator arm 1 in the state where the attachment plate 11 shown in FIG. 1 is fixed to the fixed portion 80 of the surgery assistance robot. In FIG. 6, the first end member 15A, the second end member 25A, and the second link 41B are not shown.

[0061] When the longitudinal dimension of the actuator 51 is shortened, as shown in FIG. 6, the distance between the rotational shaft 52A and the rotational shaft 43A is shortened. The first links 31A, 31B move rotationally about the rotational shaft 32A with respect to the first end members 15A, 15B. In other words, they move rotationally to the right (also referred to as "clockwise") about the pivot axis 32L in FIG. 6. The second link 41 moves rotationally about the rotational shaft 42A with respect to the first end member 15. In other words, it moves rotationally to the right (clockwise) about the pivot axis 32L in FIG. 6.

[0062] The second end members 25A, 25B move upward in FIG. 6 with the rotational movement of the first links 31A, 31B and the second links 41A, 41B. In other words, they rotate clockwise about the pivot axis 32L in FIG. 6. In addition, the second end members 25A, 25B move rotationally about the rotational shaft 33A. In other words, they rotate to the left (also referred to as "counterclockwise") about the pivot axis 33L in FIG. 6. The second end members 25A, 25B maintain their postures relative to the first end members 15A, 15B while changing their positions relative to the first end members 15A, 15B.

[0063] FIG. 7 shows a relative movement between the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B when the longitudinal dimension of the actuator 51 is shortened. The movement of the manipulator arm 1 is the same as that shown in FIG. 6. Here, the description focuses on the relative movement between the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B. In FIG. 7, the first end member 15A, the second end member 25A, and the second link 41B are not shown.

[0064] When the longitudinal dimension of the actuator 51 is shortened, as shown in FIG. 7, the distance between the rotational shaft 52A and the rotational shaft 43A is shortened. The first end members 15A, 15B move rotationally about the rotational shaft 32A. In other words, they rotate to the left (counterclockwise) about the pivot axis 32L in FIG. 7.

[0065] The second end members 25A, 25B move rotationally about the rotational shaft 33A. In other words, they rotate to the left (counterclockwise) about the pivot axis 33L in FIG. 6. The second link 41A moves toward the first end members 15A, 15B relative to the first link 31A with the rotation of the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B. The second link 41B moves toward the first end members 15A, 15B relative to the first link 31B with the rotation of the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B.

[0066] Next, the movement when the longitudinal dimension of the actuator 51 is lengthened is described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In other words, the movement when the actuator 51 is extended is described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows the movement of the manipulator arm 1 in the state where the first end members 15A, 15B are fixed to the fixed portion 80 of the surgery assistance robot. In other words, it shows the movement of the manipulator arm 1 in the state where the attachment plate 11 shown in FIG. 1 is fixed to the fixed portion 80 of the surgery assistance robot. In FIG. 8, the first end member 15A, the second end member 25A, and the second link 41B are not shown.

[0067] When the longitudinal dimension of the actuator 51 is lengthened, as shown in FIG. 8, the distance between the rotational shaft 52A and the rotational shaft 43A is lengthened. The first links 31A, 31B move rotationally about the rotational shaft 32A with respect to the first end members 15A, 15B. In other words, they move rotationally counterclockwise about the pivot axis 32L in FIG. 8. The second links 41A, 41B move rotationally about the rotational shaft 42A with respect to the first end members 15A, 15B. In other words, they move rotationally counterclockwise about the pivot axis 32L in FIG. 8.

[0068] The second end members 25A, 25B move downward in FIG. 8 with the rotational movement of the first link 31 and the second link 41. In other words, they rotate to the left (counterclockwise) about the pivot axis 32L in FIG. 8. In addition, the second end members 25A, 25B move rotationally about the rotational shaft 33A. In other words, they rotate to the right (clockwise) about the pivot axis 33L in FIG. 8. The second end members 25A, 25B maintain their postures relative to the first end members 15A, 15B while changing their positions relative to the first end members 15A, 15B.

[0069] FIG. 9 shows a relative movement between the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B when the longitudinal dimension of the actuator 51 is lengthened. The movement of the manipulator arm 1 is the same as that shown in FIG. 8. Here, the description focuses on the relative movement between the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B. In FIG. 9, the first end member 15A, the second end member 25A, and the second link 41B are not shown.

[0070] When the longitudinal dimension of the actuator 51 is lengthened, as shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the rotational shaft 52A and the rotational shaft 43A is lengthened. The first end members 15A, 15B move rotationally about the rotational shaft 32A. In other words, they rotate to the right (clockwise) about the pivot axis 32L in FIG. 9.

[0071] The second end members 25A, 25B move rotationally about the rotational shaft 33A. In other words, they rotate to the right (clockwise) about the pivot axis 33L in FIG. 9. The second link 41A moves toward the second end members 25A, 25B relative to the first link 31A with the rotation of the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B. The second link 41B moves toward the second end members 25A, 25B relative to the first link 31B with the rotation of the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B.

[0072] In the manipulator arm 1 having the configuration described above, the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 are placed on the same first links 31A, 31B, and thus, the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 do not slide against each other when the parallel links move. Here, placing the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 on the same first links 31A, 31B means, as can be seen with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9, that the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 are attached to the first links 31A, 31B. This configuration reduces a possibility of generating foreign matter by the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 sliding against each other, and the manipulator arm 1 can be easily used in a clean surgical area.

[0073] In addition, the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 are placed on the first links 31A, 31B, which reduces the formation of a gap between the first cover 61 and the second cover 71. In other words, it is easy to reduce the gap in the design. Even if a gap is formed between the first cover 61 and the second cover 71, the first links 31, 31B are present in the gap. That is, the gap can be covered by the first links 31, 31B. This reduces the release of the foreign matter from the interior to the exterior of the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 and the manipulator arm 1 can be easily used in a clean surgery area.

[0074] The position where the first links 31A, 31B are attached to the first end members 15A, 15B is sandwiched between the position where the actuator 51 is attached and the position where the second links 41A, 41B are attached. In addition, the position where the actuator 51 is attached to the second end members 25A, 25B is the position where the second link 41 is attached.

[0075] Therefore, when the parallel links move, a movement distance of the first links 31A, 31B is shorter than a movement distance of the second links 41A, 41B. Thus, a movement distance of the first cover 61 and the second cover 71, which are placed on the first links 31A, 31B, is shorter than a case where, for example, the second cover 71 is placed on the second links 41A, 41B. Compared with the case where the second cover 71 is placed on the second links 41A, 41B, the movement distance of the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 with respect to the entire manipulator arm 1 is shortened, and the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 are less likely to slide against other components. In addition, the possibility of generating foreign matter from the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 would be reduced, and the manipulator arm 1 can be easily used in a clean surgery area.

[0076] Since the first links 31A, 31B are attached at the rotation centers of the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B, it is possible to easily control the movement of the first links 31A, 31B even when the parallel links move. In other words, even when the second links 41A, 41B move with the rotational movement of the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B, the first links 31A, 31B move less relative to the entire manipulator arm 1 (in other words, the travel distance of the first links relative to the entire manipulator arm can be smaller). Thus, the possibility of generating foreign matter from the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 would be reduced, and the manipulator arm 1 can be easily used in a clean surgery area.

[0077] Since the first distance D1 is equal to the second distance D2, the movement of the first links 31A, 31B is easily controlled even when the parallel links are moved by the driving force of the actuator 51. In other words, even when the second links 41A, 41B move with the rotational movement of the first end members 15A, 15B and the second end members 25A, 25B by the driving force of the actuator 51, the first links 31A, 31B move less relative to the entire manipulator arm 1 (in other words, the travel distance of the first links relative to the entire manipulator arm can be smaller). Thus, the possibility of generating foreign matter from the first cover 61 and the second cover 71 would be reduced, and the manipulator arm 1 can be easily used in a clean surgery area.

Claims

1. A manipulator arm (1) comprising a parallel link provided with a first end member (15A, 15B) and a second end member (25A, 25B) arranged to be spaced apart from each other, and a first link (31A, 31B) and a second link (41A, 41B) that are arranged to extend between the first end member (15A, 15B) and the second end member (25A, 25B) and that are arranged side by side with a space therebetween, the manipulator arm (1) further comprising: an actuator (51) that is arranged to extend between the first end member (15A, 15B) and the second end member (25A, 25B) and that is configured to change its longitudinal length to thereby generate a driving force to rotationally move the first end member (15A, 15B) and the second end member (25A, 25B) relative to each other, wherein a position (52P) where the actuator (51) is attached to the first end member (15A, 15B) is a position that sandwiches, between itself and a position (42P) where the second link (41A, 41B) is attached, a position (32P) where the first link (31A, 31B) is attached, and wherein a position (43P) where the actuator (51) is attached to the second end member (25A, 25B) is the same as a position (43P) where the second link (41A, 41B) is attached; characterized in that a first cover (61) placed on the first link (31A, 31B) from a side opposite the second link (41A, 41B) with respect to the first link (31A, 31B), the first cover (61) covering at least the actuator (51); and a second cover (71) placed on the first link (3 1A, 31B) from a second link (41A, 41B) side with respect to the first link (31A, 31B), the second cover (71) covering at least the second link (41A, 41B) and the actuator (51).

2. The manipulator arm (1) according to claim 1, wherein a first end of the first link (31A, 31B) is attached at a rotation center (32P) of the first end member (15A, 15B), and a second end of the first link (31A, 31B) is attached at a rotation center (33P) of the second end member (25A, 25B).

3. The manipulator arm (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first distance (D1) from the position (32P) where the first link (31A, 31B) is attached to the position (42P) where the second link (41A, 41B) is attached in the first end member (15A, 15B) is equal to a second distance (D2) from the position (32P) where the first link (31A, 31B) is attached to the position (52P) where the actuator (51) is attached in the first end member (15A, 15B).