Endoscope

Abstract

To provide an endoscope realizing stable operability by suppressing unevenness in bending operation of a bendable part.SOLUTION: An endoscope includes: a rotation operation part which is freely rotatably provided for an endoscope operation part and moves a bending operation wire back and forth by rotation operation; an engaging part which is frictionally engaged with the rotation operation part; and a pressing part which is movable between a brake position contacting the engaging part and a non-brake position on a distal side of the brake position with respect to the engaging part. When the pressing part is located at the non-brake position, the rotation operation part and the engaging part are integrally rotatable and, when the pressing part is located at the brake position, the rotation operation part and the engaging part are relatively rotatable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Flexible endoscopes widely used in medical applications generally include an insertion section that is inserted into the body of a subject, and an operation section that is held and operated by an operator. The insertion section is configured by connecting, in order from the distal end, a rigid tip section that incorporates an objective optical system and a solid-state image sensor, a bending section that is bent by bending operation of the operation section, and a long flexible section.

[0003] The bending section is constructed by connecting multiple nodal rings so that they can rotate freely in order to make it freely bendable, and the tip of an operating wire that passes through the inside of the insertion section is fixed to the first nodal ring or the tip hard section, and the base end of the operating wire is connected to the bending operating mechanism of the operating section.

[0004] The operation unit is provided with a bending operation knob operated by the surgeon as a component of the bending operation mechanism. By operating the bending operation knob, the operation wire is pushed and pulled, and the bending portion is bent in the up-down or left-right direction. Thus, by operating the bending operation knob, the surgeon can change the bending state of the bending portion and orient the tip rigid portion in a desired direction.

[0005] When operating the bending operation knob, there are cases where the surgeon wishes to maintain the changed bent state of the bending portion so that the tip hard portion can remain facing in the desired direction even when the surgeon removes his or her fingers from the bending operation knob.

[0006] Therefore, a mechanism for maintaining the bending position of the bending section has conventionally been provided in the operation section of an endoscope. For example, Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose a mechanism for fixing (locking) the bending operation knob by applying a frictional force to the bending operation knob in order to maintain the changed bending state of the bending section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2012 / 070321 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2020 / 070774 [Patent Document 3] JP 2021-137183 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, if the bending operation knob is completely fixed when maintaining the bending posture of the bending portion, the bending state of the bending portion cannot be finely adjusted by the bending operation knob. In that case, the surgeon needs to release the completely fixed state of the bending operation knob and readjust the bending state of the bending portion. Therefore, it is desirable that the frictional force against the bending operation knob is large enough to maintain the bending state of the bending portion and to allow fine adjustment by the operation of the fingers.

[0009] In the mechanism of Patent Document 1, a frictional force is applied to the bending operation knob by sandwiching a friction plate between two plate-shaped fastening members. However, when the bending operation knob is not fixed (free state), the plate-shaped fastening members become unstable, and rattling or distortion may occur due to the direction of gravity or the operation of the surgeon, resulting in creaking or abnormal noise, or a sudden increase in resistance during operation, which may reduce operability.

[0010] In the mechanism of Patent Document 2, when the bending operation knob is in a free state, a light pressure is applied to the plate-shaped fastening member to prevent rattling, but this increases the resistance of the bending operation knob, which can make it difficult for the surgeon to operate it.

[0011] In the mechanism of Patent Document 3, the frictional force depends on the amount of expansion of the two pressing pieces. Since the amount of expansion is greatly affected by the finished dimensions of the components such as the pressing pieces, the frictional force is not stable, and there is a problem that the resistance of the bending operation knob varies from product to product.

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an endoscope that suppresses variation in bending operation of a bending portion and achieves stable operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] The endoscope of the present invention comprises a rotational operation section that is rotatably provided on an endoscope operation section and that moves a bending operation wire forward and backward when rotated, an engagement section that frictionally engages with the rotational operation section, and a pressing section that is movable between a braking position in contact with the engagement section and a non-braking position that is distal to the braking position relative to the engagement section, and when the pressing section is positioned in the non-braking position, the rotational operation section and the engagement section are rotatable together, and when the pressing section is positioned in the braking position, the rotational operation section and the engagement section are rotatable relative to each other.

[0014] In one aspect of the present invention, the pressing portion is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotary operation portion.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the non-braking position is a position where the pressing portion is separated from the engaging portion.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention, the engagement portion and the rotation operation portion are frictionally engaged with each other via a friction material.

[0017] In one aspect of the present invention, the friction material is made of an elastic member.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, a movement operation member is provided that moves the pressing portion between the non-braking position and the braking position.

[0019] In one aspect of the present invention, the brake device includes a movable member that moves the pressing portion between the non-braking position and the braking position when the moving operation member is operated to move.

[0020] In one aspect of the present invention, the movable operating member is provided with a rotating body that can rotate around the rotation axis of the rotation operating unit when it is moved, and the movable member is configured to be openable and closable between an open state and a closed state depending on the rotational position of the rotating body, and when the movable member is in the closed state, the pressing portion is located in a non-braking position, and when the movable member is in the open state, the pressing portion is located in a braking position.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, when the pressing portion is located in the braking position, the pressing portion and the engagement portion are frictionally engaged with each other.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, the pressing portion and the engaging portion are frictionally engaged via a friction material.

[0023] In one aspect of the present invention, when the pressing portion is located in the braking position, if the friction force generated between the engagement portion and the rotation operating portion is designated as a first friction force and the friction force generated between the pressing portion and the engagement portion is designated as a second friction force, the first friction force is smaller than the second friction force.

[0024] In one aspect of the present invention, when the pressing portion is located at the braking position, the pressing portion and the engagement portion are engaged with each other in a recessed and projecting manner.

[0025] In one aspect of the present invention, the pressing portion is provided with a convex portion, and the engaging portion is provided with a concave portion that engages with the convex portion. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress variation in bending operation of the bending portion and realize stable operability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a main portion of the tip hard portion, as viewed from the tip side. [Diagram 3] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a bending operation mechanism. [Figure 4]1 is a cross-sectional view taken along a rotation axis of the operation knob according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is a perspective view of the movable member in FIG. 6 as seen from the opposite side. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an operating lever and a rotating body. [Figure 9] 9 is a diagram showing the operation knob in a free state as viewed from the direction of the arrows 9-9 in FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the operation knob in a half-locked state, as viewed from the same direction as FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] 4A and 4B are diagrams for conceptually explaining the operation of a brake mechanism. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the rotation axis of the operation knob according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a view showing the brake mechanism according to the third embodiment as viewed from the direction of the rotation axis. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are diagrams for conceptually explaining the operation of a brake mechanism according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] <Endoscope> Fig. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an endoscope 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope 10 includes a proximal operation unit 12 that is held by an operator, and an elongated insertion unit 14 that has a base end connected to the proximal operation unit 12 and is inserted into a body cavity.

[0029] A base end of a universal cable 16 is connected to the handheld operation unit 12, and a connector 18 is provided at the tip end of the universal cable 16. The connector 18 is connected to a light source device 20, which sends illumination light from the light source device 20 to illumination windows 22 and 24 (see FIG. 2) described below. The light source device 20 is also electrically connected to a processor unit 28. The connector 18 is electrically connected to the processor unit 28 via the light source device 20. The light source device 20 and the connector 18 can transmit and receive control signals and image signals by optical communication. The light source device 20 transmits the control signals and the like transmitted and received by optical communication via the connector 18 to the processor unit 28. The light source device 20 wirelessly supplies power to drive the endoscope 10 via the connector 18.

[0030] The handheld operation unit 12 is provided with an air / water supply button 30, a suction button 32, and a shutter button 34, which are operated by the surgeon, in parallel, and is also provided with a pair of rotatable operation knobs 36, 38. In addition, a forceps insertion section 40 for inserting a treatment tool such as forceps is provided at the tip side of the handheld operation unit 12.

[0031] The insertion section 14 is composed of a flexible section 42, a bending section 44, and a tip hard section 46 from the base end on the hand operation section 12 side to the tip end. That is, the insertion section 14 has the tip hard section 46, the bending section 44, and the flexible section 42 in this order from the tip end side. The bending section 44 is remotely bent by rotating the operation knobs 36, 38 provided on the hand operation section 12. This allows the tip hard section 46 to be oriented in the up-down and left-right directions. By rotating the operation knob 36, the bending section 44 is bent in the left-right direction. Also, by rotating the operation knob 38, the bending section 44 is bent in the up-down direction. The hand operation section 12 is an example of an endoscope operation section of the present invention. The operation knobs 36, 38 are an example of a rotation operation section of the present invention.

[0032] <Tip surface configuration> FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the tip rigid portion 46 as viewed from the tip side.

[0033] An observation window 50, illumination windows 22, 24, an air / water nozzle 52, and a forceps port 54 are provided on a distal end surface 48 of the distal end hard portion 46.

[0034] An observation optical system and an imaging element (not shown) are arranged inside the distal end rigid portion 46 on the proximal end side of the observation optical system including the observation window 50. A signal cable (not shown) is connected to a substrate supporting the imaging element. The signal cable is inserted through the insertion portion 14, the handheld operation portion 12, and the universal cable 16 in FIG. 1, extended to the connector 18, and connected to the light source device 20. An electrical signal representing the observation image photoelectrically converted by the imaging element is output from the light source device 20 to the processor unit 28, where it is subjected to appropriate signal processing and then output to the monitor 29. As a result, the observation image is displayed on the monitor 29.

[0035] An emission end of an optical fiber (not shown) is disposed behind the illumination windows 22, 24. This optical fiber is inserted through the insertion section 14, the handheld operation section 12, and the universal cable 16 in Fig. 1, and is extended to the connector 18. Therefore, when the connector 18 is connected to the light source device 20, illumination light from the light source device 20 is transmitted to the illumination windows 22, 24 in Fig. 2 via the optical fiber, and is irradiated forward from the illumination windows 22, 24.

[0036] The air and water nozzle 52 is connected to an air and water valve (not shown) that is operated by the air and water button 30 in Fig. 1. By operating the air and water button 30, air or water can be sprayed from the air and water nozzle 52 in Fig. 2 toward the observation window 50.

[0037] The forceps opening 54 is connected to the forceps insertion section 40 via a forceps channel (not shown) that is inserted through the insertion section 14 in Fig. 1. By inserting various treatment tools such as forceps or a high-frequency scalpel from the forceps insertion section 40, the treatment tools can be drawn out from the forceps opening 54 in Fig. 2. In addition, by operating a suction valve (not shown) with the suction button 32, residue, dirt, etc. can be sucked out from the forceps opening 54 via the forceps channel.

[0038] <Bending operation mechanism> 3 is a diagram for explaining a bending operation mechanism for bending the bending portion 44 by the operation knob 38. The bending operation mechanisms corresponding to the operation knobs 36 and 38 have a common configuration, and in order to avoid duplication of explanation, the bending operation mechanism corresponding to the operation knob 38 will be explained here as a representative thereof.

[0039] 3, the bending section 44 includes a plurality of joint rings 90 connected in series. Adjacent joint rings 90 are connected by a connecting pin (not shown). The joint rings 90 are configured to be relatively rotatable around the axis of the connecting pin.

[0040] Of these joint rings 90, the distal end ring 91 is fixed to the distal end rigid portion 46. The proximal end ring 92 is fixed to the flexible portion 42. This allows the bending portion 44 as a whole to be freely bent.

[0041] Furthermore, a distal end portion of each of a pair of operation wires 93, 93 is fixed inside the distal ring 91. A distal end portion of each of a pair of wire guide tubes 94, 94 is fixed inside the proximal ring 92. Each operation wire 93 is inserted through each wire guide tube 94.

[0042] Each operation wire 93 is arranged inside each node ring 90 and passing through each wire guide tube 94, and its base end is fixed to an end of a chain 95A wound around a sprocket 95 arranged inside the hand operation unit 12. The sprocket 95 is arranged to be rotatable integrally with the operation knob 38 (not shown) around a rotation shaft 96.

[0043] The surgeon rotates the operation knob 38 (see FIG. 1) of the handheld operation unit 12 to rotate the sprocket 95. When the sprocket 95 rotates in the direction of the arrow RU, the pair of operation wires 93, 93 move forward and backward in opposite directions, thereby bending the bending portion 44 in the direction of the arrow BU. The operation wire 93 is an example of a bending operation wire of the present invention.

[0044] When the sprocket 95 rotates in the direction of the arrow RD by rotating the operation knob 38, the pair of operation wires 93, 93 move forward and backward in opposite directions, thereby bending the bending portion 44 in the direction of the arrow BD. That is, the bending portion 44 is bent in the up-down direction by rotating the operation knob 38. Note that a bending operation mechanism similar to that of the operation knob 38 is also applied to the operation knob 36, and the bending portion 44 is bent in the left-right direction by rotating the operation knob 36.

[0045] [First embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of the brake mechanism 60, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the rotation shaft 96 of the operation knob 38. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the engagement portion 62. Fig. 6 is an assembled perspective view of the movable member 66. Fig. 7 is a view of the movable member 66 in Fig. 6 as seen from the opposite side. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the operation lever 70 and the rotating body 68.

[0046] <Operation knob mechanism> First, a manipulation knob mechanism 100 for bending the bending portion 44 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the manipulation knob mechanism 100 includes a rotating shaft 96, a cylindrical connecting tube 97 attached to the rotating shaft 96, and a manipulation knob 38 attached to the connecting tube 97. One end of the rotating shaft 96 is fixed to a support plate 98. The support plate 98 is fixed inside the handheld operation unit 12.

[0047] The connecting tube 97 is coaxial with the rotating shaft 96 and is externally mounted so as to be slidable in the circumferential direction relative thereto. A sprocket 95 (not shown in FIG. 4, see FIG. 3) is attached to one end of the connecting tube 97. The sprocket 95 rotates integrally with the connecting tube 97 around the rotating shaft 96. The connecting tube 97 and the operation knob 38 are mechanically connected or engaged with each other, and the connecting tube 97 rotates integrally with the operation knob 38. Therefore, when the operation knob 38 is rotated, the operation force is transmitted to the sprocket 95 via the connecting tube 97. The sprocket 95 rotates according to the amount of operation, and the pair of operation wires 93, 93 are moved forward and backward, and the bending portion 44 is bent in the up-down direction. The rotating shaft 96 passes through the operation knob 38 and extends to the operation knob 36. The rotating shaft 96 is an example of a rotating shaft of the present invention.

[0048] A housing 99 is fitted to the outside of the connecting tube 97. A cover 101 is attached to the operation knob . The cover 101 rotates around the rotation shaft 96 together with the operation knob .

[0049] <Brake mechanism configuration> Next, the brake mechanism 60 will be described. Here, the brake mechanism 60 is a mechanism that can switch between a free state in which the bent state of the bending portion 44 can be changed by the surgeon operating the operation knob 38 with his / her fingers, and a half-locked state in which the bent state of the bending portion 44 is maintained even if the surgeon removes his / her fingers from the operation knob 38, and the bent state of the bending portion 44 that has been maintained can be changed when the surgeon operates the operation knob 38 with his / her fingers.

[0050] The brake mechanism 60 comprises an engagement portion 62 that frictionally engages with the operating knob 38, a movable member 66 having a pressing portion 64 that can be moved in position relative to the engagement portion 62, and an operating lever 70 for moving the position of the pressing portion 64 of the movable member 66.

[0051] 4 and 5, the engagement portion 62 is disposed at a position along the inner surface 38A of the operation knob 38. The engagement portion 62 includes a ring member 621, a first elastic member 622, and a second elastic member 623.

[0052] Ring member 621 is composed of an annular member centered on rotation shaft 96. Ring member 621 includes outer surface 621A located on the outer circumferential side of ring member 621 (side facing inner surface A38 of operation knob 38) and inner surface 621B located on the inner circumferential side of ring member 621 (side facing rotation shaft 96). Outer surface 621A of ring member 621 has a shape recessed toward the inner circumferential side of ring member 621 (toward inner surface 621B).

[0053] The first elastic member 622 is disposed along the outer periphery of the ring member 621. That is, the first elastic member 622 is disposed between an outer surface 621A of the ring member 621 and an inner surface 38A of the operation knob 38. The first elastic member 622 is, for example, annular, and disposed over the entirety along the outer surface 621A. The first elastic member 622 is made of rubber or the like. The first elastic member 622 abuts against the outer surface 621A and the inner surface 38A, and the ring member 621 of the engagement portion 62 and the operation knob 38 are frictionally engaged via the first elastic member 622.

[0054] The second elastic member 623 is disposed along an inner surface 621B which is the inner circumferential side of the ring member 621. The second elastic member 623 is, for example, annular, and disposed over the entirety along the inner surface 621B. The second elastic member 623 is made of rubber or the like.

[0055] The engaging portion 62 is an example of the engaging portion of the present invention. The first elastic member 622 and the second elastic member 623 are an example of the friction material of the present invention, and are also an example of the elastic member of the present invention.

[0056] In the embodiment, the first elastic member 622 is shown as an example of a friction material, but the friction material is not limited to the configuration shown in the embodiment, and may be, for example, a resin or metal having a rough surface, as long as it can frictionally engage the ring member 621 of the engagement portion 62 and the operation knob 38. Even with these friction materials, the ring member 621 of the engagement portion 62 and the operation knob 38 can be frictionally engaged by bringing them into contact with each other. In addition, the second elastic member 623 is shown as a friction material, but the friction material may be a resin or metal having a rough surface as long as it can frictionally engage the ring member 621 of the engagement portion 62 and the pressing portion 64.

[0057] As shown in Figs. 4, 6 and 7, the movable member 66 is disposed inside the operation knob 38, further inward than the engagement portion 62. The movable member 66 includes a first movable member 661 and a second movable member 662. The first movable member 661 has an arc-shaped outer surface 661A and an arc-shaped inner surface 661B, and has a crescent shape as a whole. The outer surface 661A has a pressing portion 64 having an uneven shape along the circumferential direction. A through hole 661C is formed in one end of the first movable member 661.

[0058] Similarly, second movable member 662 has an arc-shaped outer surface 662A and an arc-shaped inner surface 662B, and has an overall crescent shape. Outer surface 662A has pressing portion 64 having an uneven shape along the circumferential direction. One end of second movable member 662 is formed with a through hole 662C.

[0059] The movable member 66 is an example of the movable member of the present invention. Moreover, the pressing portion 64 constituting a part of the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 is an example of the pressing portion of the present invention.

[0060] The first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 are movably supported by the fixed plate 72. A through hole 72A is formed in the fixed plate 72, through which the rotation shaft 96 and the connecting tube 97 pass. An outer surface 72B of the fixed plate 72 has a shape following an inner surface 661B of the first movable member 661 and an inner surface 662B of the second movable member 662. The fixed plate 72 has a protrusion 72C on one end side, and a pin 72D parallel to the rotation shaft 96 is provided at the tip of the protrusion 72C. The fixed plate 72 is provided so as to be unrotatable with respect to the rotation shaft 96.

[0061] The pin 72D is inserted from the opposite direction into the through hole 661C of the first movable member 661 and the through hole 662C of the second movable member 662. The other ends of the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 are connected to the spring 74.

[0062] When the other ends of the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 move in the direction of arrow A with pin 72D as a fulcrum, the movable member 66 is in the open state. When the other ends of the movable member 66 move in the direction of arrow B from the open state, the movable member 66 is in the closed state. In other words, the movable member 66 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 96, and is configured to be able to open and close between the open state and the closed state.

[0063] The first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 are biased by a connected spring 74 in the direction of arrow B so that the other ends of the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 approach each other. Therefore, in a free state, which will be described later, the movable member 66 is in a closed state by the biasing force of the spring 74.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 7, a rotating body 68, which will be described later, is housed inside the opposite surfaces of the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662. The first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 are formed with a first step portion 661D and a second step portion 662D, respectively. The first step portion 661D is a recess provided in the first movable member 661, and has two first engaged portions (engagement recesses) 661E extending toward the outer surface 661A. The second step portion 662D is a recess provided in the second movable member 662, and has two second engaged portions (engagement recesses) 662E extending toward the outer surface 662A.

[0065] 4 and 8, the operating lever 70 is composed of a plate-shaped member that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 96. A rotating body 68 is connected to the operating lever 70. The rotating body 68 is provided rotatably about the rotation shaft 96 on the surface opposite to the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 described above. When the operating lever 70 is rotated (moved) in the rotational direction about the rotation shaft 96, the rotating body 68 rotates around the rotation shaft 96 together with the operating lever 70.

[0066] The rotating body 68 has a through hole 68C through which the rotating shaft 96 and the connecting tube 97 pass. The rotating body 68 has two first engagement portions (engagement convex portions) 68A protruding in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 96 on the outer circumferential edge, and two second engagement portions (engagement convex portions) 68B protruding in a direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 96. When the rotating body 68 is accommodated on the opposite surfaces of the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662, the first engagement portions 68A are disposed in the first step portion 661D, and the second engagement portions 68B are disposed in the second step portion 662D.

[0067] When the operating lever 70 is rotated, the first engaging portion 68A moves in the circumferential direction at the first step portion 661D, and the second engaging portion 68B moves in the circumferential direction at the second step portion 662D. As a result, when the first engaging portion 68A and the second engaging portion 68B are engaged with the first engaged portion 661E and the second engaged portion 662E, respectively, the movable member 66 is in a closed state by the biasing force of the spring 74. On the other hand, when the first engaging portion 68A and the second engaging portion 68B are not engaged with the first engaged portion 661E and the second engaged portion 662E, respectively, the movable member 66 is in an open state against the biasing force of the spring 74. That is, the movable member 66 can be opened and closed between an open state and a closed state depending on the rotational position of the rotating body 68.

[0068] The rotating body 68 is an example of a rotating body of the present invention. The operating lever 70 is an example of a moving operating member of the present invention.

[0069] <Brake mechanism action> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a case where the operation knob 38 is in a free state as viewed from the direction of the arrow 9-9 in FIG. 4. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a case where the operation knob 38 is in a half-locked state as viewed from the same direction as FIG. 9. 10-1 in FIG. 10 shows a state where the bending state of the bending portion 44 is maintained, and 10-2 in FIG. 10 shows a state where the operation knob 38 is rotated from the state of 10-1. In FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the operation knob 38 is omitted for ease of understanding, and a cover 101 that rotates together with the operation knob 38 is shown. 11-1 in FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing a case where the operation knob 38 is in a free state. 11-2 in FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing a case where the operation knob 38 is in a half-locked state. In FIG. 11-1 and FIG. 11-2, the rotating body 68 is omitted.

[0070] In Fig. 9, the operating lever 70 is moved to a first position P1 where the operating knob 38 is in a free state. By moving the operating lever 70, the rotating body 68 is rotated about the rotation shaft 96, and the rotating body 68 is also moved. At the first position P1 of the operating lever 70, the first engaging portion 68A of the rotating body 68 and the first engaged portion 661E of the first movable member 661 are engaged with each other. Similarly, the second engaging portion 68B of the rotating body 68 and the second engaged portion 662E of the second movable member 662 are engaged with each other.

[0071] When the first engaging portion 68A and the second engaging portion 68B are engaged with the first engaged portion 661E and the second engaged portion 662E, respectively, the biasing force of the spring 74 is dominant to the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662. The first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 move with the pin 72D as a fulcrum in a direction in which the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 approach each other and in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 96, and the movable member 66 is in a closed state. In addition, when switching from the half-locked state (FIG. 10) to the free state (FIG. 9), the spring 74 closes the movable member 66 with the biasing force of the spring 74 to prevent the movable member 66 from remaining in the open state. As a result, the pressing portion 64 of the movable member 66 is located at a position separated from the second elastic member 623 of the engaging portion 62, that is, the pressing portion 64 is located at a non-braking position separated from the engaging portion 62. The non-braking position of the pressing portion 64 is a position closer to the rotation shaft 96 (distal side) with respect to the engagement portion 62 as compared to a braking position of the pressing portion 64 described later.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11-1, when the pressing portion 64 is in the non-braking position, the pressing portion 64 does not generate a frictional force against the engaging portion 62. On the other hand, the inner surface 38A of the operation knob 38 contacts the first elastic member 622 of the engaging portion 62, so a frictional force is generated, and the operation knob 38 and the engaging portion 62 are frictionally engaged by this frictional force (first frictional force F1). Since the pressing portion 64 does not generate a frictional force against the engaging portion 62, the operation knob 38 is in a free state in which it can rotate integrally with the engaging portion 62. The direction of the bending portion 44 can be changed by rotating the operation knob 38. On the other hand, when the finger is released from the operation knob 38, the bending portion 44 tries to return to the state before the change.

[0073] In 10-1 of FIG. 10, the operating lever 70 is moved to the second position P2 where the operating knob 38 is in a half-locked state. The rotating body 68 is rotated about the rotation shaft 96 by the moving operation of the operating lever 70, and the rotating body 68 is also moved. At the second position P2 of the operating lever 70, the first engaging portion 68A and the first engaged portion 661E are in a disengaged state. Similarly, the second engaging portion 68B and the second engaged portion 662E are in a disengaged state.

[0074] When the first engaging portion 68A and the second engaging portion 68B are not engaged with the first engaged portion 661E and the second engaged portion 662E, respectively, the first engaging portion 68A presses the inner wall of the first stepped portion 661D in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 96. The second engaging portion 68B presses the inner wall of the second stepped portion 662D in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 96. The first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 move against the biasing force of the spring 74, with the pin 72D as a fulcrum, in a direction in which the first movable member 661 and the second movable member 662 move away from each other and in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 96, and the movable member 66 is in an open state. As a result, the pressing portion 64 of the movable member 66 is in a position where the pressing portion 64 and the second elastic member 623 of the engaging portion 62 are in contact with each other, that is, the pressing portion 64 is in a braking position where it is in contact with the engaging portion 62.

[0075] 11-2, when the pressing portion 64 is in the braking position, the pressing portion 64 comes into contact with the second elastic member 623 of the engaging portion 62, generating a frictional force (second frictional force F2), and the engaging portion 62 and the pressing portion 64 are frictionally engaged by this frictional force. The pressing portion 64 cannot rotate with respect to the rotating shaft 96, and when the pressing portion 64 comes into contact with the engaging portion 62, the rotation of the engaging portion 62 is restricted by the second frictional force F2, and further the rotation of the operation knob 38 is restricted by the load resistance (first frictional force F1). Therefore, even if the surgeon removes his / her fingers from the operation knob 38, the rotation of the operation knob 38 is restricted, and the changed bending state of the bending portion 44 can be maintained.

[0076] 10-2, like FIG 10-1, the operation lever 70 is moved to the second position P2 where the operation knob 38 is in the half-locked state. Since the operation knob 38 and the engagement portion 62 are configured to be relatively movable, as shown in FIG 10-2, the surgeon can change the bending state of the bending portion 44 by rotating the operation knob 38 without releasing the half-locked state of the operation knob 38.

[0077] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11-2, when the operation knob 38 is in a half-locked state with the pressing portion 64 in the braking position, a first frictional force F1 is generated between the operation knob 38 and the engaging portion 62, and a second frictional force F2 is generated between the engaging portion 62 and the pressing portion 64. The engaging portion 62 is restricted from rotating by the second frictional force F2, and is in a state in which it does not rotate together with the operation knob 38. When the operation knob 38 is rotated, the operation knob 38 rotates relatively against the load resistance (first frictional force F1) of the engaging portion 62, and the connecting tube 97 connected to the operation knob 38 rotates to rotate the sprocket 95, changing the bending state of the bending portion 44. According to this configuration, it is possible to generate an appropriate braking force in the operation knob 38 that can maintain the bending state of the bending portion 44 and change the bending state of the bending portion 44. In this case, it is preferable that the first frictional force F1 is smaller than the second frictional force F2.

[0078] In this embodiment, when the operation knob 38 is in a half-locked state, the load resistance of the operation knob 38 is the magnitude of the first frictional force F1. The magnitude of the first frictional force F1 can be determined in advance by the positional relationship between the operation knob 38 and the engagement portion 62. That is, the magnitude can be set to a value that allows the operation knob 38 to be rotated by the operation of the fingers. Furthermore, since there are few related parts that generate the first frictional force F1, the variation in the magnitude of the first frictional force F1 can be suppressed. When the operation knob 38 is in a half-locked state, the magnitude of the first frictional force F1 does not vary, so that the variation in the bending operation of the bending portion 44 by the operation knob 38 can be suppressed, and stable operability can be realized. Furthermore, even when the operation knob 38 is in a free state, the operation knob 38 and the engagement portion 62 are integrated, so that the operability is stable.

[0079] 9 and 10, the movable member 66 is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 96 of the operation knob 38. With this configuration, when the movable member 66 is housed inside the operation knob 38, the operation knob 38 can be made thinner in the direction of the rotation axis 96 and larger in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 96, so that the operation knob 38 is closer to the fingers and the operability of the operation knob 38 can be improved.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 11, when the pressing portion 64 is located in the non-braking position, the pressing portion 64 is located in a position spaced apart from the engagement portion 62. Therefore, when the operating knob 38 is in a free state, it is possible to suppress the generation of load resistance in the operating knob 38, thereby improving the operability of the operating knob 38.

[0081] In this embodiment, as one preferred aspect, a configuration has been shown in which the pressing portion 64 is spaced apart from the engaging portion 62 when the pressing portion 64 is in the non-braking position, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the pressing portion 64 does not necessarily have to be spaced apart from the engaging portion 62. In other words, the non-braking position of the pressing portion 64 may be a position closer to the rotation shaft 96 (distal side) with respect to the engaging portion 62 compared to the braking position. Even in this case, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in this embodiment.

[0082] Although the brake mechanism 60 of the operation knob 38 has been described, the brake mechanism 60 of the embodiment can be applied to the operation knob 36. In the operation knob 36, an operation knob 71 (see FIG. 1) is preferably applied instead of the operation lever 70. The operation knob 71 is an example of a moving operation member of the present invention.

[0083] [Second embodiment] Fig. 12 is a diagram for explaining the second embodiment. In Fig. 12, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the above-mentioned first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] A brake mechanism 60A of an endoscope 10A according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 12 includes an O-ring 110 that comes into contact with a ring member 621 of an engagement portion 62, unlike the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0085] In a free state in which the pressing portion 64 is located at the non-braking position, the O-ring 110 engages with the engagement portion 62 through frictional engagement (third frictional force F3). The third frictional force F3 between the O-ring 110 and the engagement portion 62 becomes a load resistance for the operation knob 38. With the O-ring 110 arranged as described above, the operation knob 38 can be rotated slowly when the hand is released from the operation knob 38. In order to rotate the operation knob 38 and the engagement portion 62 together by the first frictional force F1, it is preferable that the third frictional force F3 is smaller than the first frictional force F1.

[0086] In the half-locked state in which the pressing portion 64 is located at the braking position, the rotation of the engagement portion 62 is restricted by the second frictional force F2 by the pressing portion 64 and the third frictional force F3 by the O-ring 110. As in the first embodiment, the rotation of the operation knob 38 is restricted by the first frictional force F1 by the engagement portion 62 and the second frictional force F2 by the pressing portion 64, so that the changed bending state of the bending portion 44 can be maintained even if the surgeon removes his / her fingers from the operation knob 38. Note that although the pressing portion 64 and the engagement portion 62 are not in contact with each other in FIG. 12, the second frictional force F2 that is generated when the pressing portion 64 and the engagement portion 62 are in contact with each other is illustrated for convenience.

[0087] Furthermore, when the operation knob 38 is rotated in the half-locked state, the second frictional force F2 and the third frictional force F3 restrict the engagement portion 62 from rotating integrally with the operation knob 38, and the operation knob 38 becomes relatively rotatable against the load resistance (first frictional force F1) set by the engagement portion 62. This allows the bending state of the bending portion 44 to be changed.

[0088] Even in the second embodiment equipped with the O-ring 110, in the half-locked state, the load resistance of the operation knob 38 is the first frictional force F1 due to the engagement portion 62. As described above, since the first frictional force F1 can be set in advance and variation can be suppressed, variation in bending operation of the bending portion 44 by the operation knob 38 can be suppressed, and stable operability can be achieved.

[0089] Although the O-ring 110 has been exemplified as a member that generates the third frictional force F3 in the engaging portion 62, the structure, material, and the like are not limited as long as the third frictional force F3 can be generated.

[0090] [Third embodiment] Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the third embodiment. In Fig. 13, the same reference numerals are given to the parts common to the above-mentioned first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] A brake mechanism 60B of an endoscope 10B according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 13 differs from the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment in the structures of an engagement portion 62, a pressing portion 64, and a movable member 66.

[0092] 13, the engagement portion 120 includes a ring member 121 and an elastic member 122 disposed on the outer circumferential side (the side facing the inner surface 38A of the operation knob 38) of the ring member 121. The elastic member 122 generates a first frictional force F1 in advance between the elastic member 122 and the operation knob 38, similar to the first elastic member 622 of the first embodiment.

[0093] Ring member 121 has a plurality of recesses 121A arranged circumferentially on the inner surface of the inner periphery side (the side facing movable member 130) of ring member 121. Recesses 121A are not particularly limited as long as they have a cross-sectional shape that can engage with protrusions 135A of pressing portion 135 described below, but as one example, recesses 121A are configured in a triangular shape that gradually tapers toward the bottom of recesses 121A.

[0094] The movable member 130 is composed of a first movable member 131 and a second movable member 132. The first movable member 131 and the second movable member 132 have an arch-like shape when viewed from the direction of the rotation shaft 96. One end of each of the first movable member 131 and the second movable member 132 is fixed by a pin 134. The other ends of each of the first movable member 131 and the second movable member 132 are biased by, for example, a spring 133 so as to approach each other. The first movable member 131 and the second movable member 132 are movable with the pin 134 as a fulcrum, and the movable member 130 is configured to be able to open and close between an open state and a closed state.

[0095] Two protrusions 135A are provided on the pressing portion 135 (the outer surfaces of the first movable member 131 and the second movable member 132) of the movable member 130. The protrusions 135A have a cross-sectional shape that can engage with the recesses 121A of the ring member 121 described above, and as one example, are configured in a triangular shape that gradually tapers toward the tip of the protrusions 135A.

[0096] When the movable member 130 is in the closed state, the pressing portion 135 is located at the non-braking position, and the operation knob 38 is in a free state. In this case, by rotating the operation knob 38, the operation knob 38 and the engagement portion 120 rotate together due to the first friction force F1, and the direction of the bending portion 44 can be changed.

[0097] When the movable member 130 is in the open state, the pressing portion 135 is located at a braking position where it abuts against the engaging portion 120, and is in a half-locked state. In this half-locked state, the convex portion 135A of the pressing portion 135 engages with the concave portion 121A of the engaging portion 120, and the rotation of the engaging portion 120 is restricted. In this case, the rotation operation of the operating knob 38 is restricted by a first friction force F1 between the engaging portion 120 and the operating knob 38. That is, the concave-convex engagement between the convex portion 135A and the concave portion 121A and the first friction force F1 maintains the curved state of the bending portion 44 even if the surgeon releases his / her fingers from the operating knob 38, as in the first embodiment.

[0098] In addition, in the half-locked state, the convex portion 135A of the pressing portion 135 and the concave portion 121A of the engagement portion 120 are engaged with each other, and the engagement portion 120 is restricted from rotating integrally with the operating knob 38, so that the operating knob 38 can rotate relatively against the load resistance (first frictional force F1) set by the engagement portion 120.

[0099] In the third embodiment, since the engagement portion 120 and the pressing portion 135 are engaged with each other by projections and recesses, the rotation of the engagement portion 120 can be restricted more reliably.

[0100] The convex portion 135A is an example of the convex portion of the present invention. The concave portion 121A is an example of the concave portion of the present invention. As long as the convex portion and the concave portion can be engaged with each other, there is no particular limitation on the shape, and the concave portion may be rectangular.

[0101] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the fourth embodiment. In Fig. 14, the same reference numerals are used for the parts common to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted. Fig. 14 14-1 is a diagram conceptually showing a case where the operation knob 38 is in a free state. Fig. 14 14-2 is a diagram conceptually showing a case where the operation knob 38 is in a half-locked state. Note that the rotating body 68 is omitted in Figs. 14-1 and 14-2.

[0102] A brake mechanism 60C of an endoscope 10C according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 14 differs from the endoscope 10 according to the first embodiment in the structures of an engagement portion 62, a pressing portion 64, and a movable member 66.

[0103] 14-1, the engagement portion 140 includes a ring member 141 and an elastic member 142 disposed on the outer circumferential side (the side facing the inner surface 38A of the operation knob 38) of the ring member 141. The elastic member 142 can generate a first frictional force F1 in advance between the elastic member 142 and the operation knob 38, similar to the first elastic member 622 of the first embodiment.

[0104] The pressing portion 144 is attached to the outer surface 146A side (the engaging portion 140 side) of the movable member 146. The pressing portion 144 is made of, for example, an elastic member similar to the second elastic member 623 of the first embodiment. The pressing portion 144 functions as a friction material for frictionally engaging with the engaging portion 140. In addition, the movable member 146 can be configured similarly to the movable member 66 of the first embodiment.

[0105] 14-1 in the free state where the pressing portion 144 is located at the non-braking position, the operation knob 38 and the engagement portion 140 rotate together due to a first friction force F1. The direction of the bending portion 44 can be changed by rotating the operation knob 38.

[0106] 14-2 in the half-locked state where the pressing portion 144 is located at the braking position, the pressing portion 144 abuts against the engaging portion 140, generating a second frictional force F2 between the pressing portion 144 and the engaging portion 140. Due to the second frictional force F2 and the first frictional force F1, the bending state of the bending portion 44 is maintained even if the surgeon removes his / her fingers from the operation knob 38, as in the first embodiment.

[0107] In addition, when the operating knob 38 is rotated, the second frictional force F2 restricts the engagement portion 62 from rotating integrally with the operating knob 38, while allowing the operating knob 38 to rotate relatively against the load resistance (first frictional force F1) set by the engagement portion 62.

[0108] In the fourth embodiment, the pressing portion 144 is made of an elastic material and functions as a friction material, so that even if no elastic member is provided on the engagement portion 140 side, it is possible to obtain the same effect as in the first embodiment.

[0109] Although the endoscope according to the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 Endoscopy 10A Endoscope 10B Endoscope 10C Endoscope 12 Handheld operation unit 14 Insertion section 16 Universal Cable 18 Connectors 20 Light source device 22 Lighting window 24 Lighting window 28 Processor Unit 29 Monitor 30 Air / water supply button 32 Suction button 34 Shutter button 36 Operation knob 38 Operation knob 38A Inner surface 40 Forceps insertion part 42 Soft part 44 Curved section 46 Hard tip 48 Tip surface 50 Observation window 52 Air and water supply nozzle 54 Forceps mouth 60 Brake Mechanism 60A Brake Mechanism 60B Brake mechanism 60C Brake mechanism 62 Engagement part 621 Ring member 621A Exterior 621B Inside 622 First elastic member 623 Second elastic member 64 Pressing part 66 Movable parts 661 First movable member 661A Exterior 661B Inside 661C Through hole 661D First step 661E 1st engaged part 662 Second movable member 662A Exterior 662B Inside 662C Through hole 662D Second step 662E 2nd engaged part 68 Rotating Body 68A 1st engagement part 68B 2nd engaging part 68C through hole 70 Operating lever 71 Control knob 72 Fixed plate 72A through hole 72B External surface 72C Protrusion 72D Pin 74 Spring 90 nodes 91 Tip Ring 92 Base Ring 93 Control Wire 94 Wire guide tube 95 Sprocket 95A Chain 96 Rotational Axis 97 Connecting tube 98 Support plate 99 Housing 100 Operation knob mechanism 101 Cover 110 O-ring 120 Engagement part 121 Ring member 121A Recess 122 Elastic Members 130 Movable parts 131 First movable member 132 Second movable member 133 Spring 134 pin 135 Pressing part 135A Convex 140 Engagement part 141 Ring member 142 Elastic Members 144 Pressing part 146 Movable parts 146A External surface A Arrow B Arrow BD Arrow BU Arrow RD Arrow RU Arrow F1 Friction 1 F2 Second friction force F3 3rd friction force

Claims

1. a rotation operation unit that is rotatably provided on the endoscope operation unit and that moves the bending operation wire forward and backward when rotated; an engagement portion that frictionally engages with the rotation operation portion; a pressing portion movable between a braking position in contact with the engaging portion and a non-braking position distal to the braking position with respect to the engaging portion; Equipped with An endoscope in which the rotation operation unit and the engagement unit are rotatable together when the pressing unit is located in the non-braking position, and the rotation operation unit and the engagement unit are rotatable relative to each other when the pressing unit is located in the braking position.

2. The pressing portion is configured to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotary operation portion. The endoscope according to claim 1 .

3. The non-braking position is a position where the pressing portion is separated from the engaging portion. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the engagement portion and the rotation operation portion are frictionally engaged via a friction material; The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The friction material is made of an elastic material. The endoscope according to claim 4.

6. a movement operation member that moves the pressing portion between the non-braking position and the braking position; The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

7. a movable member that moves the pressing portion between the non-braking position and the braking position when the movement operating member is moved; The endoscope according to claim 6.

8. a rotating body that is rotatable around a rotation axis of the rotation operation unit when the movement operation member is moved, the movable member is configured to be openable and closable between an open state and a closed state depending on the rotational position of the rotating body, When the movable member is in a closed state, the pressing portion is located at the non-braking position, and when the movable member is in an open state, the pressing portion is located at the braking position. The endoscope according to claim 7.

9. When the pressing portion is located at the braking position, the pressing portion and the engaging portion are frictionally engaged with each other. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The pressing portion and the engaging portion are frictionally engaged via a friction material. The endoscope according to claim 9.

11. When the pressing portion is located at the braking position, a friction force generated between the engagement portion and the rotation operation portion is defined as a first friction force, and a friction force generated between the pressing portion and the engagement portion is defined as a second friction force; the first friction force is smaller than the second friction force; The endoscope according to claim 9.

12. When the pressing portion is located at the braking position, the pressing portion and the engaging portion are engaged with each other in a concave-convex manner. The endoscope according to claim 1 or 2.

13. a protrusion is provided on the pressing portion, and a recess that engages with the protrusion is provided on the engaging portion; The endoscope according to claim 12.

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