Deflection operation device for medical equipment

Abstract

To provide a deflection operation device for a medical equipment having an excellent operability and durability.SOLUTION: A deflection operation device 100 for a medical equipment includes: a fixed shaft member 600 having an outer peripheral face on which a spiral groove is formed; a rotation member 710 having an inner peripheral face on which a spiral groove is formed and fitted on an outside of the fixed shaft member; a first movable member 800 fitted on an outside of the fixed shaft member 600 on a tip end side from the rotation member 710 and to which a first operation wire folded at a base end side is connected and fixed; and a second movable member 900 fitted on an outside of the fixed shaft member 600 on a base end side from the rotation member 710 and to which a second operation wire is connected and fixed. When a rotation operation is in one direction, the first movable member 800 moves to a tip end side along with the rotation member 710 to displace the first operation wire in a deflection operation direction of the movable part 20. When a rotation operation is in the other direction, the second movable member 900 moves to a base end side along with the rotation member 710 to displace the second operation wire in a deflection operation direction of the movable part 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a deflection operation device for a medical device for deflecting a movable part of a flexible long tubular medical device.

Background Art

[0002] Long flexible tubular medical devices such as catheters and endoscopes are inserted through blood vessels, tracheas, body cavities, internal lumens, etc. to tissues of various internal organs (e.g., the heart) in the body to perform targeted medical procedures. In such medical devices, in order to facilitate insertion into the body and approach to tissues, the direction of the distal end of the medical device inserted into the body can be deflected by a deflection operation device for a medical device connected to the proximal end of the medical device and arranged outside the body.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below describes a control system for bidirectional control of a steerable catheter, in which rotation of a knob causes corresponding linear translation of a sliding assembly within a housing, and this translation of the sliding assembly is converted into tension of a control wire coupled to the sliding assembly, thereby causing deflection of the sheath. In this control system, one of the two control wires is directly coupled to the sliding assembly, and the other control wire is indirectly coupled to the sliding assembly via a direction reversing element, such that movement of the sliding part in one direction applies tension to one wire while movement of the sliding part in the other direction applies tension to the other wire.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the control system described in Patent Document 1, the base ends of each of the two control wires are directly or indirectly coupled to a sliding assembly, and the sliding assembly can translate to pull one of the control wires so as to deflect a movable part of a medical device.

[0006] However, when the sliding assembly pulls one of the control wires, there is a problem that the other control wire becomes slack. The slack of the control wire caused by the translational movement of the sliding assembly concentrates in the vicinity of the sliding assembly (near the base end of the control wire), and the control wire bends and becomes entangled so as to bulge laterally, resulting in a decrease in operability or damage to the control wire due to friction with the inner wall of the housing.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a deflection operation device for a medical device that is excellent in operability and durability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a deflection operation device for a medical device according to the present invention is a deflection operation device for a medical device that deflects a movable part of a medical device via a first operation wire and a second operation wire, a controller housing that constitutes a housing, a wire insertion member disposed inside the controller housing and through which the first operation wire and the second operation wire are inserted, a fixed shaft member fixed to the controller housing, having a central axis in the longitudinal direction along the extending direction of the first operation wire and the second operation wire, and having a spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface, a rotation operation member that is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing and includes a rotation member that is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to mesh with the spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member and has an inner peripheral surface on which a spiral groove is formed. A first movable member that is disposed on the tip side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the rotating member and is externally fitted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed shaft member, and an end portion of the first operating wire that is folded back on the base end side in the longitudinal direction is connected and fixed from the base end side in the longitudinal direction. A second movable member that is disposed on the base end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the rotating member and is externally fitted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed shaft member, and an end portion of the second operating wire is connected and fixed from the tip side in the longitudinal direction. It is provided with: When the rotation operation member is rotated in one direction and the rotating member moves to the tip side in the longitudinal direction, the first movable member that abuts against the rotating member moves to the tip side in the longitudinal direction together with the rotating member, thereby applying tension to the first operating wire and displacing the first operating wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion. When the rotation operation member is rotated in the other direction and the rotating member moves to the base end side in the longitudinal direction, the second movable member that abuts against the rotating member moves to the base end side in the longitudinal direction together with the rotating member, thereby applying tension to the second operating wire and displacing the second operating wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion.

[0009] According to the above configuration, the first movable member to which the first operating wire is connected and fixed and the second movable member to which the second operating wire is connected and fixed are configured to be movable independently of each other in the longitudinal direction. By rotating the rotation operation member, the first movable member and the second movable member can be moved independently to pull the first operating wire and the second operating wire toward the base end side (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction, respectively, so that the deflection operation of the movable portion can be performed. As a result, even when tension is applied to one operating wire, it does not affect the tension of the other operating wire, and the slack of the other operating wire does not occur, so that a decrease in operability due to the slack of the operating wire can be prevented. In addition, since the operating wire does not slack, the wear of the operating wire can be suppressed and the durability can be improved.

[0010] Furthermore, when the rotation operation member is rotated, the rotation operation member moves along the longitudinal direction of the fixed shaft member fixed to the controller housing. Therefore, the relative position of the rotation operation member in the longitudinal direction with respect to the controller housing can be visually recognized, and the deflection state of the movable part can be visually grasped.

[0011] In the deflection operation device for a medical device according to the present invention, in the above configuration, when the rotating member moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the first movable member, the rotating member and the second movable member are separated. When the rotation member moves to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the second movable member, the rotation member and the first movable member may be separated.

[0012] According to the above configuration, when the first movable member applies tension to the first operation wire, the second movable member is separated from the rotation member, so that no tension is generated in the second operation wire. When the second movable member applies tension to the second operation wire, the first movable member is separated from the rotation member, so that no tension is generated in the first operation wire.

[0013] In the deflection operation device for a medical device according to the present invention, in the above configuration, a pair of wire insertion grooves are formed along the longitudinal direction on the side surface of the fixed shaft member. The first operation wire may pass through one of the pair of wire insertion grooves, be folded back at the proximal end portion of the fixed shaft member, and be connected and fixed to the first movable member through the other of the pair of wire insertion grooves.

[0014] According to the above configuration, the end portion of the first operation wire can be connected and fixed to the first movable member from the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and when the first movable member is moved to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, tension can be applied to the first operation wire.

[0015] In the deflection operation device for a medical device according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the proximal end of the tubular member having the movable part at the distal end is connected and fixed to the wire insertion member. The wire insertion member may be arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction inside the controller housing and fixed to the controller housing on the tip side in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] According to the above configuration, before using the deflection operation device for medical equipment, the wire insertion member is arranged on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the first operation wire and the second operation wire are loosened. When in use, the wire insertion member is moved to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction and fixed, so that tension can be generated in the first operation wire and the second operation wire so that the deflection operation of the movable part becomes possible. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the tension of the first operation wire and the second operation wire being applied to the tubular member before use, and to prevent the breakage of the first operation wire and the second operation wire and the deformation of the tubular member.

[0017] In addition, in order to achieve the above object, a deflection operation device for a medical device according to the present invention is a deflection operation device for a medical device that deflects a movable part of a medical device via a first operation wire, a second operation wire, a third operation wire, and a fourth operation wire, a controller housing constituting a housing, a wire insertion member disposed inside the controller housing and through which the first operation wire, the second operation wire, the third operation wire, and the fourth operation wire are inserted, a fixed shaft member fixed to the controller housing, having a central axis in the longitudinal direction along the extending direction of the first operation wire, the second operation wire, the third operation wire, and the fourth operation wire, and having a spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface, a first rotation operation member including a first rotation member that is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing and has an inner peripheral surface formed with a spiral groove and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to mesh with the spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member, A first movable member is disposed on the tip side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first rotating member and is externally fitted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed shaft member, and an end portion of the first operation wire folded back on the base end side in the longitudinal direction is connected and fixed from the base end side in the longitudinal direction. A second movable member is disposed on the base end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first rotating member and is externally fitted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed shaft member, and an end portion of the second operation wire is connected and fixed from the tip side in the longitudinal direction. A second rotation operation member including a second rotation member that is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing, has an inner peripheral surface formed with a spiral groove, and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to mesh with the spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member. A third movable member is disposed on the tip side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the second rotating member and is externally fitted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed shaft member, and an end portion of the third operation wire folded back on the base end side in the longitudinal direction is connected and fixed from the base end side in the longitudinal direction. A fourth movable member is disposed on the base end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the second rotating member and is externally fitted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed shaft member, and an end portion of the fourth operation wire is connected and fixed from the tip side in the longitudinal direction. The second movable member is disposed at a distance from the third movable member on the tip side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the third movable member. When the first rotation operation member is rotated in one direction and the first rotating member moves to the tip side in the longitudinal direction, the first movable member in contact with the first rotating member moves to the tip side in the longitudinal direction together with the first rotating member, thereby applying tension to the first operation wire and displacing the first operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion. When the first rotation operation member is rotated in the other direction and the first rotating member moves to the base end side in the longitudinal direction, the second movable member in contact with the first rotating member moves to the base end side in the longitudinal direction together with the first rotating member, thereby applying tension to the second operation wire and displacing the second operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion. When the second rotation operation member is rotated in one direction and the second rotation member moves toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, the third movable member that abuts against the second rotation member moves together with the second rotation member toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, thereby applying tension to the third operation wire and displacing the third operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable part. When the second rotation operation member is rotated in the other direction and the second rotation member moves toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, the fourth movable member that abuts against the second rotation member moves together with the second rotation member toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, thereby applying tension to the fourth operation wire and displacing the fourth operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable part.

[0018] According to the above configuration, the first movable member to which the first operation wire is connected and fixed, the second movable member to which the second operation wire is connected and fixed, the third movable member to which the third operation wire is connected and fixed, and the fourth movable member to which the fourth operation wire is connected and fixed are configured to be movable independently of each other in the longitudinal direction. By rotating the first rotation operation member, the first movable member and the second movable member can be moved independently to pull the first operation wire and the second operation wire toward the proximal end side (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction, respectively, so that the deflection operation of the movable part can be performed. By rotating the second rotation operation member, the third movable member and the fourth movable member can be moved independently to pull the third operation wire and the fourth operation wire toward the proximal end side (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction, respectively, so that the deflection operation of the movable part can be performed. Thereby, even when tension is applied to any one of the operation wires, it does not affect the tension of the other operation wires, and the other operation wires do not slack, so that a decrease in operability due to slack of the operation wires can be prevented. Further, since the operation wires do not slack, wear of the operation wires can be suppressed and durability can be improved.

[0019] Furthermore, when the first rotating operation member and the second rotating operation member are rotated, the first rotating member and the second rotating member move along the longitudinal direction of the fixed shaft member fixed to the controller housing, respectively. Therefore, the relative positions in the longitudinal direction of the first rotating operation member and the second rotating operation member with respect to the controller housing can be visually recognized respectively, and the deflection state of the movable part can be visually grasped.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the first and second embodiments of the present invention will be described. In this specification, based on the user (operator) of the medical device provided with the deflection operation device for medical devices according to the present invention, the inner side of the patient's body is defined as the distal side, and the side closer to the user's hand is defined as the proximal side. The drawings referred to in this specification do not necessarily have an accurate scale with respect to the actual dimensions, and a part thereof is exaggerated or simplified in order to schematically show the configuration according to the present invention.

[0022] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the overall configuration of the medical device 1 including the deflection operation device 100 for medical devices (hereinafter referred to as the deflection operation device 100) in the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of the medical device 1 including the deflection operation device 100 in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The medical device 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a deflection operation device 100 and a long tubular member 10 whose distal end direction is deflected by the deflection operation device 100. The deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment is configured such that when the user rotates the rotation operation member 700, the movable part 20 (also referred to as the operated part or the deflection part) located at the distal end of the tubular member 10 constituting the medical device can be deflected and operated. The medical device provided with the tubular member 10 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include an endoscope, a catheter, a cannula, and the like.

[0024] The tubular member 10 is composed of a long flexible tube member, and has a movable part 20 at the distal end, i.e., the far side (the left side in FIG. 1), which can deflect its orientation in the left-right direction. The axial length of the tubular member 10 is not particularly limited and can be set to a length that can reach a desired site in the body. The radial length of the tubular member 10 is also not particularly limited and can be set to a length that can be inserted into a luminal organ in the body or an endoscope forceps port. The material of the tubular member 10 is preferably a material that has flexibility so that the tubular member 10 can be deformed flexibly when inserted into the body and is harmless to the human body. For example, a biocompatible polymer material such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene can be used.

[0025] A tip chip 50 is attached to the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, and the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is connected and fixed to a wire insertion member 500 disposed at the distal end of the deflection operation device 100 (see, for example, FIG. 7). As will be described later, a first operation wire W1 and a second operation wire W2 are attached to the distal end portion of the tubular member 10 so that the deflection operation by the deflection operation device 100 is possible (see, for example, FIGS. 3(a) and (b)).

[0026] The deflection operation device 100 is a device for a user to operate the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 of the medical device 1 and is disposed outside the body during use. The deflection operation device 100 is configured to be able to deflect the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 by axially displacing the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 attached to the distal end portion of the tubular member 10.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 2, the tubular member 10, as well as the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 will be described. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 1.

[0028] At the distal end of the tubular member 10, a movable part 20 that can be deflected using a deflection operation device 100 is provided. By operating the bending motion (curving motion) of the movable part 20 with the deflection operation device 100, the distal end of the tubular member 10 can be deflected in a desired deflection operation direction.

[0029] As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the tubular member 10 has a tubular structure with a lumen (lumen) formed along its extending direction. At approximately the center of the cross-section of the tubular member 10, a main lumen 11 is formed along the axial direction of the tubular member 10. The main lumen 11 is formed to open at the distal end 10a and the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10, respectively.

[0030] In the pipe wall part between the outer peripheral surface of the tubular member 10 and the main lumen 11, wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b for inserting the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 are formed. As shown in FIG. 2 as an example, the tubular member 10 is formed with a pair of wire lumens 11a, 11b and a pair of wire lumens 12a, 12b, that is, a total of four wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b. Each of the wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b is also formed to open at the distal end 10a and the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10, similar to the main lumen 11.

[0031] As will be described later, the first operation wire W1 is inserted into the pair of wire lumens 11a, 11b, and the second operation wire W2 is inserted into the pair of wire lumens 12a, 12b. The pair of wire lumens 11a, 11b and the pair of wire lumens 12a, 12b are respectively provided at positions that are approximately 180° antipodal to each other with respect to the central axis of the tubular member 10.

[0032] In addition, in order to reinforce the tubular member 10 and suppress the torsion of the tubular member 10, a blade layer in which a reinforcing member formed by braiding a wire material such as stainless steel is disposed may be provided on the tubular member 10. Further, the tubular member 10 may have a plurality of lumens or may be a multilayer tube.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 3(a), (b) and FIG. 4, the configuration near the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a view showing the vicinity of the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 in the present embodiment, (a) is a perspective view schematically showing the vicinity of the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, and (b) is a transmission view for explaining the inside of the tubular member 10. In FIG. 3(b), the main lumen 11 is not shown. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the bending operation of the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 in the present embodiment.

[0034] A tip chip 50 made of, for example, metal or the like is provided at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10. The tip chip 50 protects the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10 and has a role of reducing the insertion resistance of the tubular member 10 into the body by being formed in a tapered shape with a narrow tip. The tip chip 50 is fixed to the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10.

[0035] A through hole 55a is provided in the tip chip 50 along its central axis. The through hole 55a communicates with the main lumen 11 of the tubular member 10, and the main lumen 11 of the tubular member 10 communicates with the outside through this through hole 55a.

[0036] The distal tip 50 has a pair of recesses 56 and 57 formed on the side surface of its proximal side. Wire insertion holes 56a and 56b are formed in the recess 56. Similarly, wire insertion holes 57a and 57b are also formed in the recess 57. The wire insertion holes 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b are provided so as to respectively correspond to the opening positions of the wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b that open at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10. The first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 inserted into the wire lumens 11a, 11b, 12a, and 12b are respectively inserted into the wire insertion holes 56a, 56b, 57a, and 57b.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3(b), a single operation wire (the first operation wire W1) is inserted into the wire lumens 11a and 11b, and a single operation wire (the second operation wire W2) is inserted into the wire lumens 12a and 12b. The first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 are made of a metal (such as stainless steel) having flexibility such that they can bend following the bending of the tubular member 10 including the movable part 20.

[0038] The first operation wire W1 inserted into the wire lumens 11a and 11b is inserted into the wire insertion holes 56a and 56b of the distal tip 50 provided corresponding to the wire lumens 11a and 11b. The first operation wire W1 has a folded intermediate portion W1c corresponding to approximately half of the axial direction of the wire, which is folded in the recess 56 of the distal tip 50. With reference to the folded intermediate portion W1c, the operation wire W1a on one end side is inserted into the wire lumen 11a through the wire insertion hole 56a, and the operation wire W1b on the other end side is inserted into the wire lumen 11b through the wire insertion hole 56b. When the operation wire W1a and the operation wire W1b are pulled proximally, the folded intermediate portion W1c is configured to engage with the distal tip 50 by the pulling force.

[0039] The second operating wire W2 inserted into the wire passages 12a and 12b is inserted into the wire insertion holes 57a and 57b of the tip chip 50 provided corresponding to the wire passages 12a and 12b. The second operating wire W2 has a folded intermediate portion W2c corresponding to approximately half of the axial direction of the wire, which is folded at the recess 57 of the tip chip 50. With the folded intermediate portion W2c as a reference, the operating wire W2a on one end side is inserted into the wire passage 12a through the wire insertion hole 57a, and the operating wire W2b on the other end side is inserted into the wire passage 12b through the wire insertion hole 57b. When the operating wire W2a and the operating wire W2b are pulled proximally, the folded intermediate portion W2c is configured to engage with the tip chip 50 by the pulling force.

[0040] In this way, by configuring the operating wires W1a and W1b with a single wire and configuring the operating wires W2a and W2b with a single wire, and adopting a structure in which the wire is folded at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10, the number of parts can be reduced, the working man-hours during manufacturing can be reduced, and the structural limitations can be minimized. Note that the structure for folding the wire in this embodiment is merely an example. For example, each of the operating wires W1a, W1b, W2a, and W2b may be simply configured with a single wire and fixed to the distal end 10a without being folded at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10. Further, each of the operating wires W1a, W1b, W2a, and W2b may be configured with a plurality of wires and fixed to the distal end 10a without being folded at the distal end 10a of the tubular member 10.

[0041] One end side operation wire W1a that constitutes the first operation wire W1 extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted into the wire lumen 11a, and the proximal end portion of the operation wire W1a is guided inside the deflection operation device 100. Similarly, the other end side operation wire W1b that constitutes the first operation wire W1 extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted into the wire lumen 11b, and the proximal end portion of the operation wire W1b is guided inside the deflection operation device 100. As will be described later, the proximal end portion of the operation wire W1a and the proximal end portion of the operation wire W1b are connected and fixed to the first movable member 800 of the deflection operation device 100. When the first movable member 800 moves toward the longitudinal direction distal end side (distal side), the operation wire W1a and the operation wire W1b are pulled toward the proximal side, and the movable portion 20 deflects in the direction (arrow α direction shown in FIG. 4) where the recess 56 of the tip chip 50 is arranged.

[0042] One end side operation wire W2a that constitutes the second operation wire W2 extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted into the wire lumen 12a, and the proximal end portion of the operation wire W2a is guided inside the deflection operation device 100. Similarly, the other end side operation wire W2b that constitutes the second operation wire W2 extends along the tubular member 10 while being inserted into the wire lumen 12b, and the proximal end portion of the operation wire W2b is guided inside the deflection operation device 100. As will be described later, the proximal end portion of the operation wire W2a and the proximal end portion of the operation wire W2b are connected and fixed to the second movable member 900 of the deflection operation device 100. When the second movable member 900 moves toward the longitudinal direction proximal end side (proximal side), the operation wire W2a and the operation wire W2b are pulled toward the proximal side, and the movable portion 20 deflects in the direction (arrow β direction shown in FIG. 4) where the recess 57 of the tip chip 50 is arranged.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 5 to 16, the configuration of the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment.

[0045] In the description in this specification, the side where the tip cover member 110 is disposed (the side to which the tubular member 10 is connected) is defined as the tip side in the longitudinal direction, and the side where the connection member 120 is disposed is defined as the base end side in the longitudinal direction. Also, the side where the tip side upper housing 320 and the base end side upper housing 420 are disposed is defined as the upper side, and the side where the tip side lower housing 360 and the base end side lower housing 460 are disposed is defined as the lower side. In the coordinate axes of FIG. 5, the Y-axis direction is the longitudinal direction, the X-axis direction is the width direction, the positive Z-axis direction is the upper side, and the negative Z-axis direction is the lower side.

[0046] As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 5, the deflection operation device 100 has a substantially cylindrical shape extending in the longitudinal direction as a whole, and includes a controller housing 200 constituted by a tip side housing 300 and a base end side housing 400, and a rotation operation member 700 rotatably disposed with respect to the controller housing 200 between the tip side housing 300 and the base end side housing 400. The tip end portion in the longitudinal direction of the deflection operation device 100 is protected by the tip cover member 110, and the tubular member 10 is inserted therein. A connection member 120 is provided at the base end portion in the longitudinal direction of the deflection operation device 100. The controller housing 200 constitutes the housing of the deflection operation device 100.

[0047] As shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 6, the deflection operation device 100 is composed of a tip cover member 110, a connection member 120, a tube member 150, a tip side upper housing 320, a tip side lower housing 360, a base end side upper housing 420, a base end side lower housing 460, a wire insertion member 500, a slide member 550, a fixed shaft member 600, a rotation member 710, semi-cylindrical members 751, 752, a first movable member 800, and a second movable member 900. The tip side upper housing 320 and the tip side lower housing 360 constitute the tip side housing 300, and the base end side upper housing 420 and the base end side lower housing 460 constitute the base end side housing 400. The semi-cylindrical members 751, 752 constitute the operation handle member 750, and the rotation member 710 and the operation handle member 750 constitute the rotation operation member 700. These members can be combined to assemble the deflection operation device 100.

[0048] Each member can be made of a polymer material, although it is not particularly limited. Further, for the tip cover member 110, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, etc. excellent in elasticity and flexibility can be used, and for the tube member 150, the same material as the tubular member 10 can be used.

[0049] Hereinafter, the configuration of each member of the deflection operation device 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 5) of the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 7, an XY cross-section of the deflection operation device 100 passing through the central axis C extending in the longitudinal direction is shown. Further, in the deflection operation device 100 shown in FIG. 7, the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is connected and fixed, and the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 can be deflected and operated via the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2. Hereinafter, with appropriate reference to FIG. 7, the configuration of each member shown in FIGS. 8 to 16 will be described.

[0050] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the tip cover member 110 in the present embodiment.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 8, the tip cover member 110 is configured to have a tapered portion 111 on the longitudinal tip side and a bowl-shaped portion 112 on the longitudinal base end side.

[0052] The bowl-shaped portion 112 of the tip cover member 110 is formed in a bowl shape that conforms to the shape of the tip portion of the tip-side housing 300, and an opening into which the tip portion of the tip-side housing 300 can be inserted is formed on the base end surface of the bowl-shaped portion 112. The tapered portion 111 of the tip cover member 110 is such that the tip tapered portion 301 of the tip-side housing 300 can be inserted. A through hole 113 is formed on the tip end surface of the tapered portion 111, and the tubular member 10 can be inserted into the through hole 113 from the longitudinal tip side and inserted into the inside of the tip-side housing 300. The tip cover member 110 is attached to the tip portion of the tip-side housing 300 to protect the tip portion of the tip-side housing 300.

[0053] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the connection member 120 in the present embodiment.

[0054] The connecting member 120 is integrally formed with a distal end side cylindrical member 121, a proximal end side cylindrical member 122, a pair of blade portions 124 disposed on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and a pair of engaging portions 125 disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] Through holes 123 are formed in the distal end side cylindrical member 121 and the proximal end side cylindrical member 122 in the axial direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a stepped portion 123a is provided at an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the through hole 123. The through hole 123 is formed such that the distal end side in the longitudinal direction has a size substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tube member 150, and the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction has a size substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tube member 150, relative to the stepped portion 123a. Thus, when the tube member 150 is inserted into the through hole 123 from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, the base end face 150b of the tube member 150 abuts against the stepped portion 123a in the through hole 123 and is prevented from advancing further toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction than the stepped portion 123a.

[0056] The pair of blade portions 124 are formed of flat plate-like members that protrude laterally from the distal end side cylindrical member 121. The pair of blade portions 124 are housed in a connecting member housing space 404 provided inside the proximal end side lower housing 460 as shown in FIG. 7, whereby rotation and longitudinal movement of the connecting member 120 are restricted. The pair of engaging portions 125 are constituted by, for example, protruding members that form ribs in an oblique direction laterally of the proximal end side cylindrical member 122. The pair of engaging portions 125 are disposed outside the controller housing 200 and function as engaging portions with connectors or the like that are connected to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the connecting member 120.

[0057] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the distal end side upper housing 320 and the distal end side lower housing 360 in the present embodiment.

[0058] The tip-side housing 300 is formed by overlapping a semi-divided tip-side upper housing 320 and a tip-side lower housing 360 facing each other. The tip-side housing 300 has a cylindrical shape with a space formed inside, and a wire insertion member 500 and a slide member 550 are accommodated in the space.

[0059] The tip of the tip-side upper housing 320 is configured to have a tapered portion 321, a curved portion 322, and a straight cylindrical portion 323 from the tip side in the longitudinal direction. The tip of the tip-side lower housing 360 is configured to have a tapered portion 361, a curved portion 362, and a straight cylindrical portion 363 from the tip side in the longitudinal direction. When the tip-side upper housing 320 and the tip-side lower housing 360 are overlapped with each other, the tapered portion 321 and the tapered portion 361 constitute the tip tapered portion 301 of the tip-side housing 300, the curved portion 322 and the curved portion 362 constitute the first curved portion 302 of the tip-side housing 300, and the straight cylindrical portion 323 and the straight cylindrical portion 363 constitute the first straight cylindrical portion 303 of the tip-side housing 300. The tip of the tip-side housing 300 has a tapered shape, and the tip cover member 110 can be inserted into the tip of the tip-side housing 300.

[0060] A curved portion 324 is provided on the base end side in the longitudinal direction of the straight cylindrical portion 323 of the tip-side upper housing 320, and a curved portion 364 is provided on the base end side in the longitudinal direction of the straight cylindrical portion 363 of the tip-side lower housing 360. When the tip-side upper housing 320 and the tip-side lower housing 360 are overlapped with each other, the curved portion 324 and the curved portion 364 constitute the second curved portion 304 of the tip-side housing 300. As shown in FIG. 7, the second curved portion 304 has a shape gently recessed with respect to the central axis C extending in the longitudinal direction of the deflection operation device 100.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 10, step portions 323a and 363a are respectively formed between the straight cylindrical portions 323 and 363 and the curved portions 324 and 364, and the outer peripheral surface of the first straight cylindrical portion 303 is one step lower than the outer peripheral surface of the second curved portion 304. Thereby, the outer peripheral surface of the tip cover member 110 inserted into the tip of the tip-side housing 300 and the outer peripheral surface of the second curved portion 304 can form a smooth surface without a step.

[0062] A straight body portion 325 is provided on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the curved portion 324 of the upper housing 320 on the distal end side, and a straight body portion 365 is provided on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the curved portion 364 of the lower housing 360 on the distal end side. When the upper housing 320 on the distal end side and the lower housing 360 on the distal end side are overlapped with each other, the straight body portion 325 and the straight body portion 365 constitute the second straight body portion 305 of the distal end side housing 300.

[0063] A straight body portion 326 is provided on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the straight body portion 325 of the upper housing 320 on the distal end side, and a straight body portion 366 is provided on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the straight body portion 325 of the lower housing 360 on the distal end side. When the upper housing 320 on the distal end side and the lower housing 360 on the distal end side are overlapped with each other, the straight body portion 326 and the straight body portion 366 constitute the third straight body portion 306 of the distal end side housing 300.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 10, a step portion 325a and a step portion 365a are respectively formed between the straight body portions 325, 365 and the straight body portions 326, 366, and the outer peripheral surface of the third straight body portion 306 is one step lower than the outer peripheral surface of the second straight body portion 305. When the upper housing 320 on the distal end side and the lower housing 360 on the distal end side are overlapped with each other, the third straight body portion 306 becomes cylindrical, and its outer peripheral surface faces the inner peripheral surface of the operation handle member 750. By making the outer peripheral surface of the third straight body portion 306 one step lower than the outer peripheral surface of the second straight body portion 305, the heights of the outer peripheral surface of the operation handle member 750 arranged on the outer peripheral side of the third straight body portion 306 and the outer peripheral surface of the second straight body portion 305 are made the same, and the operation handle member 750 has a smooth and comfortable touch configuration that does not protrude from the outer peripheral surface of the controller housing 200.

[0065] A semi-circular groove portion 330 is formed in the tapered portion 321 of the upper housing 320 on the distal end side. A semi-circular groove portion 370 is formed in the tapered portion 361 of the lower housing 360 on the distal end side. When the upper housing 320 on the distal end side and the lower housing 360 on the distal end side are overlapped with each other, the semi-circular groove portions 330 and 370 become cylindrical to form an insertion hole 307. The tubular member 10 can be inserted into the insertion hole 307 from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction so that the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 can be connected and fixed to the wire insertion member 500.

[0066] On both side surfaces of the substantially central portion (curved portion 324) in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 320 on the distal end side, a pair of recesses 331 are formed by removing a part of the side wall of the upper housing 320 on its lower surface side. On both side surfaces of the substantially central portion (curved portion 364) in the longitudinal direction of the lower housing 360 on the distal end side, a pair of recesses 371 are formed by removing a part of the side wall of the lower housing 360 on its upper surface side. The pair of recesses 331 and the pair of recesses 371 are formed at positions facing each other. When the upper housing 320 on the distal end side and the lower housing 360 on the distal end side are overlapped with each other, the pair of recesses 331 and the pair of recesses 371 constitute a pair of engagement window portions 308.

[0067] On the upper surface of the substantially central portion (curved portion 324) in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 320 on the distal end side, a slide operation window portion 332 is formed by removing a part of the upper wall of the upper housing 320. Also, on the upper surface of the proximal end portion (straight barrel portion 326) in the longitudinal direction of the upper housing 320 on the distal end side, an engagement window portion 333 is formed by removing a part of the upper wall of the upper housing 320. A part of the slide member 550 is exposed or engaged in the pair of engagement window portions 308, the slide operation window portion 332, and the engagement window portion 333 as will be described later.

[0068] On both inner sides of the substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction (the curved portion 324) of the lower housing 360 on the distal end side, a pair of claw engaging portions 372 are formed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the pair of recesses 371. The pair of claw engaging portions 372 are recesses formed on the inner peripheral surface of the lower housing 360 on the distal end side, and have a shape adapted to the side claw portions 565 of the slide member 550 and are tapered so as to become narrower toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. As will be described later, the pair of side claw portions 565 of the slide member 550 can be respectively engaged with the pair of claw engaging portions 372.

[0069] On the upper surface of the substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction (the straight cylindrical portion 325) of the upper housing 320 on the distal end side, a grip rib portion 334 protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the upper housing 320 on the distal end side and extending in the longitudinal direction is provided. By placing a finger or palm on the grip rib portion 334, the user can smoothly rotate the rotation operation member 700 with respect to the controller housing 200.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 10, inside the distal end side of the lower housing 360 in the longitudinal direction, a sleeve insertion groove portion 381 for inserting the sleeve portion 501 of the wire insertion member 500 and a pair of side wall guide portions 382 and a lower surface guide portion 383 for guiding the longitudinal sliding of the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 are formed.

[0071] The sleeve insertion groove portion 381 is formed in a semi-circular shape. Although not shown, a semi-circular sleeve insertion groove portion is also formed at a position facing the sleeve insertion groove portion 381 in the upper housing 320 on the distal end side. When the upper housing 320 on the distal end side and the lower housing 360 on the distal end side are overlapped with each other, a sleeve insertion hole 309 is formed. The sleeve insertion hole 309 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve portion 501 of the wire insertion member 500, and the sleeve portion 501 of the wire insertion member 500 can slide in the longitudinal direction within the sleeve insertion hole 309.

[0072] A pair of side wall guide portions 382 are plate-like members extending in the longitudinal direction on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction from the sleeve insertion groove portion 381, and form side walls facing respective both side surfaces of a wire insertion member 500 and a slide member 550 disposed inside the distal end side housing 300. The bottom surface guide portion 383 is a plate-like member extending in the longitudinal direction on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction from the sleeve insertion groove portion 381, and supports the bottom surfaces of the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 disposed inside the distal end side housing 300. Although not shown, an upper surface guide portion is formed at a position facing the bottom surface guide portion 383 also in the distal end side upper housing 320. When the distal end side upper housing 320 and the distal end side lower housing 360 are superposed on each other, an accommodation space 310 (see FIG. 7) surrounded by the side wall guide portion 382, the bottom surface guide portion 383, and the upper surface guide portion is formed, and the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 disposed in this accommodation space 310 can slide in the longitudinal direction in the accommodation space 310 while being supported by the side wall guide portion 382, the bottom surface guide portion 383, and the upper surface guide portion.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10, the inside of the straight body portion 366 of the distal end side lower housing 360 is largely recessed, and a semi-circular first movable member accommodation groove 384 is formed. Although not shown, a first movable member accommodation groove is formed at a position facing the first movable member accommodation groove 384 also inside the straight body portion 326 of the distal end side upper housing 320. When the distal end side upper housing 320 and the distal end side lower housing 360 are superposed on each other, a first movable member accommodation hole 311 having a substantially circular cross section is formed. As will be described later, the first movable member 800 is movable in the longitudinal direction, and the first movable member 800 moved to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction is disposed in this first movable member accommodation hole 311. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the wall surface on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction of the first movable member accommodation hole 311 constitutes a stopper wall 311a, and the movement of the first movable member 800 to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction is restricted by the distal end surface 800a of the first movable member 800 abutting against the stopper wall 311a.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the proximal end side upper housing 420 and the proximal end side lower housing 460 in the present embodiment.

[0075] The proximal end housing 400 is formed by overlapping a semi-divided proximal end upper housing 420 and a proximal end lower housing 460 facing each other. The proximal end housing 400 has a cylindrical shape with a space formed inside, and the connecting member 120 is accommodated in the space.

[0076] The tip of the proximal end upper housing 420 is configured to have a straight body portion 421, a straight body portion 422, and a curved portion 423 from the tip side in the longitudinal direction. The tip of the proximal end lower housing 460 is configured to have a straight body portion 461, a straight body portion 462, and a curved portion 463 from the tip side in the longitudinal direction. When the proximal end upper housing 420 and the proximal end lower housing 460 are overlapped with each other, the straight body portion 421 and the straight body portion 461 constitute the fourth straight body portion 401 of the proximal end housing 400, the straight body portion 422 and the straight body portion 462 constitute the fifth straight body portion 402 of the proximal end housing 400, and the curved portion 423 and the curved portion 463 constitute the proximal end curved portion 403 of the proximal end housing 400. The proximal end curved portion 403 has a reduced diameter toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction and constitutes a smooth proximal end surface of the controller housing 200.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 11, step portions 421a and 461a are respectively formed between the straight body portions 421, 422 and the straight body portions 461, 462, and the outer peripheral surface of the fourth straight body portion 401 is one step lower than the outer peripheral surface of the fifth straight body portion 402. When the proximal end upper housing 420 and the proximal end lower housing 460 are overlapped with each other, the fourth straight body portion 401 has a cylindrical shape, and its outer peripheral surface faces the inner peripheral surface of the operation handle member 750. By making the outer peripheral surface of the fourth straight body portion 401 one step lower than the outer peripheral surface of the fifth straight body portion 402, the heights of the outer peripheral surface of the operation handle member 750 disposed on the outer peripheral side of the fourth straight body portion 401 and the outer peripheral surface of the fifth straight body portion 402 are made the same, and the operation handle member 750 has a smooth configuration with a good touch feeling without protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the controller housing 200.

[0078] On the upper surface of the longitudinal base end portion (straight barrel portion 422) of the base end side upper housing 420, a grip rib portion 424 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the base end side upper housing 420 and extends in the longitudinal direction is provided. By placing a finger or palm on the grip rib portion 424, the user can smoothly rotate the rotation operation member 700 with respect to the controller housing 200.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 11, the inside of the straight barrel portion 421 of the base end side upper housing 420 is largely recessed, and a semi-circular second movable member accommodation groove 425 is formed. Similarly, the inside of the straight barrel portion 461 of the base end side lower housing 460 is largely recessed, and a semi-circular second movable member accommodation groove 465 is formed. When the base end side upper housing 420 and the base end side lower housing 460 are overlapped with each other, a second movable member accommodation hole 312 having a substantially circular cross-section is formed. As will be described later, the second movable member 900 is movable in the longitudinal direction, and the second movable member 900 that has moved to the longitudinal base end side is disposed in the second movable member accommodation hole 312. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the wall surface on the longitudinal base end side of the second movable member accommodation hole 312 constitutes a stopper wall 312a, and the base end surface 900b of the second movable member 900 abuts against the stopper wall 312a, thereby restricting the movement of the second movable member 900 to the longitudinal base end side.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 11, inside the longitudinal base end portion (straight barrel portion 462 and curved portion 463) of the base end side lower housing 460, a tip side support wall portion 466, a pair of side wall portions 467, and a base end side support wall portion 468 are formed. Although not shown, in the base end side upper housing 420, the positions facing the tip side support wall portion 466, the pair of side wall portions 467, and the base end side support wall portion 468 have the same shape, and when the base end side upper housing 420 and the base end side lower housing 460 are overlapped with each other, a connection member accommodation space 404 surrounded by the tip side support wall portion 466, the pair of side wall portions 467, and the base end side support wall portion 468 is formed. By accommodating the blade portion 124 in this connection member accommodation space 404, the connection member 120 is restricted from rotating and moving in the longitudinal direction.

[0081] On the distal end side support wall portion 466 of the proximal end side lower housing 460, a semi-circular groove portion 471 is formed. Although not shown, a semi-circular groove portion is also formed at a position facing the groove portion 471 in the proximal end side upper housing 420. When the proximal end side upper housing 420 and the proximal end side lower housing 460 are overlapped with each other, a cylindrical shape is formed to form the insertion hole 405. The distal end side cylindrical member 121 of the connection member 120 can be inserted into the insertion hole 405.

[0082] On the proximal end side support wall portion 468 of the proximal end side lower housing 460, a semi-circular groove portion 472 is formed. Although not shown, a semi-circular groove portion is also formed at a position facing the groove portion 472 in the proximal end side upper housing 420. When the proximal end side upper housing 420 and the proximal end side lower housing 460 are overlapped with each other, a cylindrical shape is formed to form the insertion hole 406. The proximal end side cylindrical member 122 of the connection member 120 can be inserted into the insertion hole 406, and a pair of engaging portions 125 of the connection member 120 are arranged on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction (outside the controller housing 200) from the insertion hole 406.

[0083] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 in the present embodiment.

[0084] The wire insertion member 500 is a member that connects to the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 and guides the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 led out from the proximal end 10b to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction inside the controller housing 200. The wire insertion member 500 integrally includes a thin tubular sleeve portion 501, a wire introduction port 502 that communicates with the inside of the controller housing 200 from within the sleeve portion 501, a gate portion 503 disposed in proximity to the wire introduction port 502, and a tube insertion portion 504 disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the gate portion 503.

[0085] The sleeve portion 501 is formed with an insertion hole 505 for inserting the tubular member 10. The inner diameter of the insertion hole 505 is set to be approximately the same as the outer diameter of the tubular member 10. By press-fitting the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 into the insertion hole 505 and adhesively bonding or welding them to each other, the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is connected and fixed to the wire insertion member 500.

[0086] On the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve portion 501, a wire inlet 502 through which the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 can be inserted is formed. The first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 are led out from the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 fixed to the sleeve portion 501 and into the controller housing 200. On the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the wire inlet 502, a gate portion 503 having a branch wall at the central portion in the width direction is arranged. The gate portion 503 is provided so as to branch the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 laterally respectively. As shown in FIG. 7, the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 branch at the gate portion 503. The first operating wire W1 is guided by a wire insertion groove 603 formed on one side of the fixed shaft member 600, and the second operating wire W2 is guided by a wire insertion groove 604 formed on the other side of the fixed shaft member 600. Note that the wire inlet 502 and the gate portion 503 may include a pair of cylindrical members 502a and 503a for guiding the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 respectively.

[0087] The tube insertion portion 504 is constituted by a cylindrical member. Inside the tube insertion portion 504, a tube insertion hole 504a is formed as shown in FIG. 7. The tube insertion hole 504a has a size substantially the same as the outer diameter of the tube member 150 and is open at the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, while the distal end side in the longitudinal direction is closed. When the tube member 150 is inserted into the tube insertion hole 504a of the tube insertion portion 504, the front end surface 150a of the tube member 150 abuts against the inside of the tube insertion hole 504a, and the tube member 150 is prevented from advancing beyond the abutting position in the longitudinal direction.

[0088] The slide member 550 is integrally configured with a slide base material 560 disposed on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction and an extension member 570 disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0089] The slide base material 560 is composed of a top plate portion 561 and a pair of side wall portions 562 connected to the side edges of the top plate portion 561. The pair of side wall portions 562 are arranged to face each other, and the slide base material 560 has a concave shape with a space below the top plate portion 561.

[0090] The top plate portion 561 and the pair of side wall portions 562 are configured such that the wire insertion member 500 fits into the concave space formed thereby. As shown in FIG. 12, by fitting the slide base material 560 onto the wire insertion member 500 and fixing them, for example, by passing a screw 550a through screw holes 560a and 500a, the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 can be integrated. Further, the slide base material 560 and the wire insertion member 500 are adjusted in the width direction and the thickness direction (height direction), and when the slide base material 560 is fitted onto the wire insertion member 500, each surface is smoothly connected and configured to be substantially rectangular parallelepiped as a whole. Thereby, the integrated wire insertion member 500 and slide member 550 can slide in the longitudinal direction along the side wall guide portion 382 and the lower surface guide portion 383 formed in the distal end side lower housing 360, and the upper surface guide portion formed in the distal end side upper housing 320 while being accommodated in the accommodation space 310 of the distal end side housing 300.

[0091] A pair of side engaging members 563 protruding laterally from the side wall portion 562 are provided on each of the pair of side wall portions 562 of the slide base material 560. The side engaging member 563 is configured to include a side arm portion 564 and a side claw portion 565. The side arm portion 564 is a slender plate-like member whose end on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction is connected to the side wall portion 562 and extends in the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0092] The end portion of the side arm portion 564 on the proximal side in the longitudinal direction is a free end, and a side claw portion 565 is formed. The side claw portion 565 has a shape adapted to the claw engagement portion 372 and is tapered so as to become narrower toward the distal side in the longitudinal direction. The pair of side claw portions 565 engage with the pair of claw engagement portions 372 formed in the lower housing 360 on the distal side before the use of the deflection operation device 100, and when the slide operation portion 572 is slid toward the distal side in the longitudinal direction during the use of the deflection operation device 100, they engage with the pair of engagement window portions 308.

[0093] The extension member 570 is a member that is connected to the proximal side of the slide base material 560 in the longitudinal direction and extends toward the proximal side in the longitudinal direction. The extension member 570 has an upper surface portion 571 having a surface (upper surface) located above the top plate portion 561 of the slide base material 560, and a slide operation portion 572 that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the upper surface portion 571 is provided on the distal side in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface portion 571. The slide operation portion 572 is formed, for example, in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is exposed to the outside of the controller housing 200 through a slide operation window portion 332 formed on the upper surface of the upper housing 320 on the distal side. Before the use of the deflection operation device 100, the slide operation portion 572 exposed from the slide operation window portion 332 is arranged on the proximal side in the longitudinal direction, and by sliding the slide operation portion 572 toward the distal side in the longitudinal direction during the use of the deflection operation device 100, the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 can be moved toward the distal side in the longitudinal direction, and the deflection operation device 100 can be brought into a state where it can be deflected and operated.

[0094] An upper engagement member 573 is provided on the proximal side of the extension member 570 in the longitudinal direction. The upper engagement member 573 includes an upper arm portion 574 and an upper claw portion 575. The upper arm portion 574 is a slender plate-like member whose end portion on the distal side in the longitudinal direction is connected to the proximal end portion of the extension member 570 and extends toward the proximal side in the longitudinal direction.

[0095] The end of the upper arm portion 574 on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction is a free end, and the upper claw portion 575 is formed. The upper claw portion 575 has a tapered shape that tapers toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. The upper claw portion 575 is engaged with the engagement window portion 333 before the use of the deflection operation device 100, and when the slide operation portion 572 is slid toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction during the use of the deflection operation device 100, it is adapted to be housed inside the controller housing 200.

[0096] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the tube member 150 and the fixed shaft member 600 in the present embodiment, (a) is a perspective view seen from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and (b) is a perspective view seen from the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0097] The tube member 150 is a tubular member in which a through hole 151 is formed in the axial direction. The through hole 151 opens at each of the front end surface 150a and the base end surface 150b. The tube member 150 is inserted into the tube insertion hole 602 of the fixed shaft member 600 as shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b).

[0098] As shown in FIG. 7, the front end surface 150a of the tube member 150 is inserted into the tube insertion hole 504a of the tube insertion portion 504 of the wire insertion member 500 from the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the base end surface 150b of the tube member 150 is inserted into the through hole 123 of the connection member 120 from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. The outer diameter of the tube member 150 is set to be approximately the same as or smaller than the through hole 123 on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction than the tube insertion hole 602, the tube insertion hole 504a, and the step portion 123a of the connection member 120. Further, the through hole 151 of the tube member 150 is used as, for example, an insertion path for a guide wire, and the diameter of the through hole 151 is set to be larger than the outer diameter of the guide wire.

[0099] The fixed shaft member 600 is constituted by a member having a central axis in the longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the fixed shaft member 600 is a hollow cylindrical shape with a tube insertion hole 602 formed therein, but it is not necessarily required to form the tube insertion hole 602 in the fixed shaft member 600. For example, when there is no need to provide an opening at the longitudinal base end portion of the controller housing 200, there is no need to form the tube insertion hole 602 communicating with this opening in the fixed shaft member 600. In this case, the fixed shaft member 600 may be a solid cylindrical shape. A spiral groove 601 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600. The spiral groove 601 of the fixed shaft member 600 is set to mesh with the spiral groove 712 of the rotating member 710 and can be appropriately set according to the angle and pitch (longitudinal length associated with the rotation period) of the spiral groove 712. Further, since the displacement amount of the operation wire when the rotation operation member 700 is rotated with respect to the controller housing 200 is determined by the angle and pitch of the spiral groove 712, it is preferable to set the angle and pitch of the spiral groove 712 in consideration of the operability of the user.

[0100] Inside the fixed shaft member 600, a tube insertion hole 602 is formed that penetrates the fixed shaft member 600 in the axial direction and opens at the tip end surface 600a and the base end surface 600b. As shown in FIGS. 13(a) and 13(b), a tube member 150 is inserted into the tube insertion hole 602.

[0101] On the side surface of the fixed shaft member 600, a pair of wire insertion grooves 603 and 604 are formed over the entire axial direction. The pair of wire insertion grooves 603 and 604 are not particularly limited, but for example, they can be provided at opposing positions on both side surfaces of the fixed shaft member 600. Also, in the present embodiment, one of the wire insertion grooves 604 is also used as the slide guide groove for the first movable member 800 and the second movable member 900. The wire insertion groove 604 used as the slide guide groove is wider than the other wire insertion groove 603. The guide convex portions 802 of the first movable member 800 and the guide convex portions 902 of the second movable member 900 are respectively fitted into the wire insertion groove 604, whereby the first movable member 800 and the second movable member 900 can move in the longitudinal direction along the wire insertion groove 604 serving as the slide guide groove in a state where rotation about the axis of the fixed shaft member 600 is restricted.

[0102] The first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 are arranged along the axial direction of the fixed shaft member 600. At this time, by inserting the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 so as to be accommodated in the pair of wire insertion grooves 603 and 604, the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 can be arranged inside (on the central axis C side) of the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 from interfering with the rotational operation of the rotating member 710 that is screwed to the outer peripheral side of the fixed shaft member 600. Note that only one wire insertion groove may be provided in the fixed shaft member 600, and both the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 can be arranged in the single wire insertion groove.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the rotating member 710, the semi-cylindrical member 751, and the semi-cylindrical member 752 in the present embodiment, where (a) is a perspective view of the rotating member 710, the semi-cylindrical member 751, and the semi-cylindrical member 752 as viewed from the longitudinal direction tip side, and (b) is a perspective view of the rotating member 710 and the semi-cylindrical member 752 as viewed from the longitudinal direction base end side.

[0104] The rotation operation member 700 includes a rotation member 710 and an operation handle member 750, and is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing 200. The operation handle member 750 includes a semi-cylindrical member 751 and a semi-cylindrical member 752.

[0105] The rotation member 710 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 711 formed in the axial direction. The through hole 711 opens at each of the front end face 710a and the base end face 710b. The fixed shaft member 600 can be inserted into the through hole 711 of the rotation member 710, and the rotation member 710 is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600.

[0106] Further, a thin cylindrical portion 715 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rotation member 710, and a stepped surface 710c and a stepped surface 710d are respectively formed on the longitudinal front end side and the longitudinal base end side of the thin cylindrical portion 715. The stepped surface 710c is shown in FIGS. 7(a) and 11, and the stepped surface 710d is shown in FIGS. 7(b) and 11.

[0107] In the thin cylindrical portion 715, the through hole 711 has a size approximately the same as the outer diameter of the fixed shaft member 600, and a spiral groove 712 that can mesh with the spiral groove 601 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the thin cylindrical portion 715. Thereby, the rotation member 710 can move in the longitudinal front end side or the longitudinal base end side according to the rotation direction by rotating while the spiral groove 712 meshes with the spiral groove 601 of the fixed shaft member 600 in a state where the rotation member 710 is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600. The spiral groove 712 of the rotation member 710 is set to a shape that meshes with the spiral groove 601 of the fixed shaft member 600, and can be appropriately set according to the angle and pitch (longitudinal length accompanying the rotation period) of the spiral groove 601. Further, since the displacement amount of the operation wire when the rotation operation member 700 is rotated with respect to the controller housing 200 is determined by the angle and pitch of the spiral groove 601, it is preferable to set the angle and pitch of the spiral groove 601 in consideration of the operability of the user.

[0108] An operation handle member 750 is attached to the rotating member 710. Here, the operation handle member 750 is composed of a semi-cylindrical member 751 and a semi-cylindrical member 752 obtained by dividing a cylindrical member approximately in half, and one semi-cylindrical member 752 is integrally formed with the rotating member 710. As shown in FIG. 14, by overlapping the semi-cylindrical member 751 and the semi-cylindrical member 752 with each other and fixing them, for example, by passing a screw 700a through screw holes 751a and 752a, the operation handle member 750 integrated with the rotating member 710 can be configured.

[0109] The operation handle member 750 has a cylindrical shape and is configured to cover the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 710. The area of the outer peripheral surface of the operation handle member 750 is set to be larger than the area of the outer peripheral surface of the rotating member 710, improving the operability related to the rotation operation of the rotating member 710. Further, a plurality of fine slits 753 are formed in the axial direction over the entire outer peripheral surface of the semi-cylindrical member 751 and the semi-cylindrical member 752. By providing the slits 753 on the outer peripheral surface of the operation handle member 750 in this way, slippage can be suppressed when the operation handle member 750 rotates.

[0110] Rib portions 754 and 755 protruding from the outer peripheral surface are provided at the upper edge portions of the semi-cylindrical member 751 and the semi-cylindrical member 752, respectively. When the semi-cylindrical member 751 and the semi-cylindrical member 752 are combined, the rib portions 754 and 755 constitute a grip rib portion 760 that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the operation handle member 750 and extends in the longitudinal direction. By placing a finger or palm on the grip rib portion 760, the user can smoothly rotate the rotation operation member 700 with respect to the controller housing 200.

[0111] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the first movable member 800 in the present embodiment, (a) is a perspective view of the first movable member 800 viewed from the tip side in the longitudinal direction, and (b) is a perspective view of the first movable member 800 viewed from the base end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0112] The first movable member 800 is a cylindrical member having a through hole 801 formed in the axial direction. The through hole 801 is open at each of the front end surface 800a and the base end surface 800b. The through hole 801 of the first movable member 800 has a size that allows the fixed shaft member 600 to be inserted therethrough, and the first movable member 800 is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600. The first movable member 800 is disposed on the longitudinal distal end side of the rotating member 710.

[0113] Further, a thin cylindrical portion 805 is provided on the longitudinal proximal end side of the first movable member 800, and a stepped surface 800c is formed on the longitudinal distal end side of the thin cylindrical portion 805. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal proximal end side of the first movable member 800 is formed to conform to the longitudinal distal end side of the rotating member 710. The thin cylindrical portion 805 of the first movable member 800 enters the through hole 711 from the longitudinal distal end side of the rotating member 710, and as shown in FIG. 7, the base end surface 800b of the first movable member 800, the stepped surface 710c of the rotating member 710, and the stepped surface 800c of the first movable member 800 and the front end surface 710a of the rotating member 710 are in contact with each other. Note that the shape of the longitudinal proximal end side of the first movable member 800 and the shape of the longitudinal distal end side of the rotating member 710 are not particularly limited, and the first movable member 800 and the rotating member 710 may be in contact with each other in any manner.

[0114] As described above, the rotating member 710 has a spiral groove 712 formed on its inner peripheral surface and is adapted to rotate by screwing with the spiral groove 601 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600. On the other hand, the inner peripheral surface of the first movable member 800 is a smooth surface, and the first movable member 800 is movable in the longitudinal direction without screwing with the spiral groove 601 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600.

[0115] Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 15(b), a guide convex portion 802 protruding axially inward may be provided on the inner peripheral side of the first movable member 800. The guide convex portion 802 is formed so as to fit into the wire insertion groove 604 of the fixed shaft member 600. Thereby, the first movable member 800 externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600 is restricted from rotating with respect to the fixed shaft member 600 when the guide convex portion 802 fits into the wire insertion groove 604, and the movement in the longitudinal direction is guided by the wire insertion groove 604 without changing its orientation. A wire insertion hole 802a and a wire insertion groove 802b are formed in the guide convex portion 802, and the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 inserted into the wire insertion groove 604 may be inserted into these wire insertion hole 802a and wire insertion groove 802b.

[0116] A wire fixing portion 810 for fixing the first operation wire W1 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first movable member 800. The wire fixing portion 810 includes, for example, a pin 810a having a hole 810h formed in the shaft portion for inserting the first operation wire W1. Here, a pin hole 811a for inserting the pin 810a and screw holes 811b for inserting two retaining screws 810b are formed in the first movable member 800. By fixing the side edge portion of the pin 810a with the two retaining screws 810b, the pin 810a is supported so as not to separate from the first movable member 800 and to be rotatable.

[0117] Furthermore, at a position close to the pin 810a, a wire insertion hole 815 penetrating the side wall of the first movable member 800 is formed, and the first operation wire W1 can be led out from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side of the first movable member 800 through the wire insertion hole 815. By passing the first operation wire W1 led out through the wire insertion hole 815 through the hole 810h of the pin 810a and winding it around the pin 810a, the first operation wire W1 can be fixed. Also, by rotating the pin 810a and adjusting the winding amount of the first operation wire W1 around the pin 810a, the tension of the first operation wire W1 can be adjusted. Thus, by providing the wire fixing portion 810 on the outer peripheral side of the first movable member 800, it becomes possible to easily fix the first operation wire W1, adjust the tension, etc. in a state where the first movable member 800 is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600.

[0118] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the second movable member 900 in the present embodiment, (a) is a perspective view of the second movable member 900 viewed from the longitudinal direction tip side, and (b) is a perspective view of the second movable member 900 viewed from the longitudinal direction base end side.

[0119] The second movable member 900 is a cylindrical member in which a through hole 901 is formed in the axial direction. The through hole 901 opens at each of the front end face 900a and the base end face 900b. The through hole 901 of the second movable member 900 has a size that allows the fixed shaft member 600 to be inserted, and the second movable member 900 is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600. The second movable member 900 is arranged on the longitudinal direction base end side of the rotating member 710.

[0120] Further, a thin cylindrical portion 905 is provided on the longitudinal distal end side of the second movable member 900, and a stepped surface 900c is formed on the longitudinal proximal end side of the thin cylindrical portion 905. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal distal end side of the second movable member 900 is formed to conform to the longitudinal proximal end side of the rotating member 710. The thin cylindrical portion 905 of the second movable member 900 enters the through hole 711 from the longitudinal proximal end side of the rotating member 710, and as shown in FIG. 7, the distal end surface 900a of the second movable member 900, the stepped surface 710d of the rotating member 710, and the stepped surface 900c of the second movable member 900 and the proximal end surface 710b of the rotating member 710 are in contact with each other. Note that the shape of the longitudinal distal end side of the second movable member 900 and the shape of the longitudinal proximal end side of the rotating member 710 are not particularly limited, and the second movable member 900 and the rotating member 710 may be in contact with each other in any manner.

[0121] Similar to the first movable member 800, the inner peripheral surface of the second movable member 900 is a smooth surface, and the second movable member 900 is movable in the longitudinal direction without being screwed with the spiral groove 601 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600.

[0122] Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 16(a), a guide convex portion 902 protruding axially inward may be provided on the inner peripheral side of the second movable member 900. The guide convex portion 902 is formed to fit into the wire insertion groove 604 of the fixed shaft member 600. Thereby, the second movable member 900 externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600 is restricted from rotating with respect to the fixed shaft member 600 when the guide convex portion 902 fits into the wire insertion groove 604, and the movement in the longitudinal direction is guided by the wire insertion groove 604 without changing its direction. A wire insertion hole 902a and a wire insertion groove 902b are formed in the guide convex portion 902, and the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 inserted into the wire insertion groove 604 may be inserted into these wire insertion holes 902a and wire insertion grooves 902b.

[0123] On the outer peripheral surface of the second movable member 900, a wire fixing portion 910 for fixing the second operation wire W2 is provided. The wire fixing portion 910 includes, for example, a pin 910a in which a hole 910h for inserting the second operation wire W2 is formed in a shaft portion. Here, in the second movable member 900, a pin hole 911a for inserting the pin 910a and screw holes 911b for inserting two retaining screws 910b are formed, and by fixing the side edge portion of the pin 910a with the two retaining screws 910b, the pin 910a is supported so as to be rotatable without separating from the second movable member 900.

[0124] Furthermore, at a position close to the pin 910a, a wire insertion hole 915 penetrating the side wall of the second movable member 900 is formed, and the second operation wire W2 can be led out from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side of the second movable member 900 through the wire insertion hole 915. By passing the second operation wire W2 led out through the wire insertion hole 915 through the hole 910h of the pin 910a and winding it around the pin 910a, the second operation wire W2 can be fixed. Also, by rotating the pin 910a and adjusting the winding amount of the second operation wire W2 around the pin 910a, the tension of the second operation wire W2 can be adjusted. In this way, by providing the wire fixing portion 910 on the outer peripheral side of the second movable member 900, it becomes possible to easily fix the second operation wire W2, adjust the tension, etc. in a state where the second movable member 900 is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600.

[0125] Note that the first movable member 800 and the second movable member 900 may be members having the same shape.

[0126] Next, with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18, the arrangement of each member when the deflection operation device 100 is assembled will be described.

[0127] FIG. 17 is a perspective view for explaining members arranged on the central axis C of the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 17 shows a state in which a wire insertion member 500, a first movable member 800, a rotating member 710, a tube member 150, a fixed shaft member 600, a second movable member 900, and a connecting member 120 are arranged side by side in the axial direction. In FIG. 17, a semi-cylindrical member 752 is attached to the rotating member 710, and the tube member 150 is inserted into a tube insertion hole 602 of the fixed shaft member 600.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 17, the wire insertion member 500, the first movable member 800, the rotating member 710, the tube member 150, the fixed shaft member 600, the second movable member 900, and the connecting member 120 are assembled by being arranged side by side on the central axis C. The front end surface 600a or the base end surface 600b of the fixed shaft member 600 is inserted into the through hole 711 of the rotating member 710, and the rotating member 710 is rotated with respect to the fixed shaft member 600. Thereby, the rotating member 710 moves in the longitudinal direction of the fixed shaft member 600 while rotating.

[0129] With the rotating member 710 arranged at a substantially central portion in the longitudinal direction of the fixed shaft member 600, the front end surface 600a of the fixed shaft member 600 is inserted into the through hole 801 of the first movable member 800, and the base end surface 600b of the fixed shaft member 600 is inserted into the through hole 901 of the second movable member 900. Thereby, the first movable member 800, the rotating member 710, and the second movable member 900 can be externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600 so as to be arranged in the order of the first movable member 800, the rotating member 710, and the second movable member 900 from the longitudinal direction front end side.

[0130] Next, the tip surface 150a of the tube member 150 inserted through each member is inserted into the tube insertion portion 504 of the wire insertion member 500, and the base end surface 150b of the tube member 150 is inserted into the distal end side cylindrical member 121 of the connection member 120. Thereby, the wire insertion member 500 and the connection member 120 can be connected to the tube member 150. Note that the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment is configured to be used after moving the wire insertion member 500 toward the longitudinal distal end side as will be described later. For this reason, the tube member 150 is not fixed to at least one of the wire insertion member 500 and the connection member 120, and the wire insertion member 500 can move toward the longitudinal distal end side.

[0131] FIG. 18 is a perspective view for explaining the fixed arrangement of the controller housing 200 and the fixed shaft member 600 of the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 18, a distal end side upper housing 320, a distal end side lower housing 360, a proximal end side upper housing 420, a proximal end side lower housing 460, and a fixed shaft member 600 are shown.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 18, the longitudinal distal end side of the fixed shaft member 600 is fixed to the distal end side lower housing 360 by screws 200a or the like, and the longitudinal proximal end side thereof is fixed to the proximal end side lower housing 460 by screws 200b or the like. Although not shown in FIG. 18, the fixed shaft member 600 is fixed to the distal end side lower housing 360 and the proximal end side lower housing 460 in a state where the first movable member 800, the rotating member 710, and the second movable member 900 are externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600.

[0133] Furthermore, the distal end side upper housing 320 is fixed to the distal end side lower housing 360 by screws 200c or the like to form the distal end side housing 300, and the proximal end side upper housing 420 is fixed to the proximal end side lower housing 460 by screws 200d or the like to form the proximal end side housing 400. Thereby, the fixed shaft member 600 is fixed to the controller housing 200 constituted by the distal end side housing 300 and the proximal end side housing 400.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 19 to 22, the paths of the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 in the deflection operation device 100 will be described.

[0135] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view (sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 5) for explaining the path of the first operation wire W1 in the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 20 is a plan view for explaining the path of the tubular member 10 and the first operation wire W1 in the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. In FIGS. 19 and 20, the first operation wire W1 is illustrated in bold for emphasis.

[0136] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the first operation wire W1 in the present embodiment can be configured by, for example, an operation wire W1a and an operation wire W1b formed by folding back a single wire. The proximal ends of the operation wire W1a and the operation wire W1b are wired together as the first operation wire W1 inside the controller housing 200 constituted by the distal end side housing 300 and the proximal end side housing 400.

[0137] As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the first operation wire W1 is folded back at the base end surface 600b of the fixed shaft member 600, and the proximal end of the first operation wire W1 is connected and fixed to the first movable member 800 from the longitudinal base end side (proximal side).

[0138] The proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is fixed to the sleeve portion 501 of the wire insertion member 500. The first operation wire W1 led out from the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is guided from the wire inlet 502 to the gate portion 503 and then guided to the wire insertion groove 603 formed on one side of the fixed shaft member 600 at the gate portion 503.

[0139] The first operating wire W1 inserted into the wire insertion groove 603 extends in the longitudinal base end side direction within the wire insertion groove 603, passes through the inner peripheral side of the rotating member 710, is folded back at the base end face 600b of the fixed shaft member 600, and is guided to the wire insertion groove 604 formed on the other side of the fixed shaft member 600. Note that the folding point of the first operating wire W1 may be on the base end side of the connection point between the first movable member 800 and the first operating wire W1 when the first movable member 800 is located at the most base end side. For example, a through hole penetrating in the width direction of the fixed shaft member 600 may be formed, and the first operating wire W1 may be passed through the through hole. Also, a groove connecting the wire insertion groove 603 and the wire insertion groove 604 may be formed on the base end face 600b of the fixed shaft member 600, and the first operating wire W1 may be passed through the groove.

[0140] The first operating wire W1 inserted into the wire insertion groove 603 extends in the longitudinal tip side direction within the wire insertion groove 604, passes through the inner peripheral side of the rotating member 710, and is led out from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side of the first movable member 800 through the wire insertion hole 815 of the first movable member 800. Then, the proximal end portion of the first operating wire W1 is fixed to the wire fixing portion 810 provided on the outer peripheral side of the first movable member 800.

[0141] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view (sectional view taken along line B - B of FIG. 5) for explaining the path of the second operating wire W2 in the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 22 is a plan view for explaining the path of the tubular member 10 and the second operating wire W2 in the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. In FIGS. 21 and 22, the second operating wire W2 is illustrated in bold for emphasis.

[0142] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the second operating wire W2 in the present embodiment can be constituted by, for example, an operating wire W2a and an operating wire W2b obtained by folding a single wire. The proximal end portions of the operating wire W2a and the operating wire W2b are collectively wired as the second operating wire W2 inside the controller housing 200 constituted by the tip side housing 300 and the base end side housing 400.

[0143] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the proximal end of the second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed to the second movable member 900 from the longitudinal tip side (distal side).

[0144] The proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is fixed to the sleeve portion 501 of the wire insertion member 500. The second operation wire W2 led out from the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is guided from the wire introduction port 502 to the gate portion 503, and is guided to a wire insertion groove 604 formed on the other lateral side of the fixed shaft member 600 at the gate portion 503.

[0145] The second operation wire W2 inserted into the wire insertion groove 604 extends in the longitudinal proximal end side direction within the wire insertion groove 604, passes through the inner peripheral side of the rotating member 710, and is led out from the inner peripheral side to the outer peripheral side of the second movable member 900 through the wire insertion hole 915 of the second movable member 900. Then, the proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is fixed to a wire fixing portion 910 provided on the outer peripheral side of the second movable member 900.

[0146] Next, with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26, the state before use and the state during use of the deflection operation device 100 will be described.

[0147] In the deflection operation device 100 of the present embodiment, the wire insertion member 500 is arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction inside the controller housing 200, and the wire insertion member 500 can be in a state arranged on the longitudinal proximal end side (state before use) and a state arranged on the longitudinal distal end side (state during use).

[0148] Before use, for example, during sterilization, at the time of factory shipment, during transportation, during storage, etc., the wire insertion member 500 of the deflection operation device 100 is arranged on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 are in a slack state. When using the deflection operation device 100, the user slides the wire insertion member 500 toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the controller housing 200 constituted by the distal end side housing 300 and the proximal end side housing 400 to generate tension in the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2, so that the movable part 20 of the tubular member 10 can be appropriately deflected and operated.

[0149] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing the state of the deflection operation device 100 before use in the present embodiment. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view (sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 5) showing the state of the deflection operation device 100 before use in the present embodiment.

[0150] As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, in the state before use, the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 of the deflection operation device 100 are arranged on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0151] In the state before use, as shown in FIG. 23, the slide operation portion 572 is arranged on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction within the slide operation window portion 332, and the upper claw portion 575 is engaged with the engagement window portion 333 and exposed to the outside from the engagement window portion 333. Note that the upper claw portion 575 may contact or engage with the inner peripheral surface of the operation handle member 750 constituting the rotation operation member 700, for example, to restrict the rotation of the rotation operation member 700.

[0152] Also, in the state before use, the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 are arranged on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction within the accommodation space 310 as shown in FIG. 24. The pair of side claw portions 565 are engaged with a pair of claw engagement portions 372 formed on the distal end side lower housing 360.

[0153] The proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 is connected and fixed to the sleeve portion 501 of the wire insertion member 500. In the state before use in which the wire insertion member 500 is disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, as the wire insertion member 500 is disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, the entire tubular member 10 is also disposed on the proximal side (proximal end side in the longitudinal direction). For this reason, in the state before use, the axial length of the tubular member 10 from the tip portion (tip cover member 110) of the deflection operation device 100 to the tip chip 50 (the folding intermediate portion W1c of the first operation wire W1 and the folding intermediate portion W2c of the second operation wire W2) is short, and the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 are in a slack state. By allowing the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 to be slack and have a margin (play), it is possible to avoid the tension of the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 being applied to the tubular member 10 before use, and prevent breakage of the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 and deformation of the tubular member 10.

[0154] The upper claw portion 575 and the pair of side claw portions 565 are formed in a tapered shape that tapers toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the upper claw portion 575 and the engagement window portion 333, and the pair of claw engagement portions 372 of the pair of side claw portions 565 are loosely engaged with each other. Thereby, the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 are loosely fixed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction within the accommodation space 310. When the user slides the slide operation portion 572 toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction using a finger, the engagement between the upper claw portion 575 and the engagement window portion 333, and each of the pair of claw engagement portions 372 of the pair of side claw portions 565 is disengaged by this sliding force, and the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 can be slid toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0155] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing a state during use of the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 5) showing a state during use of the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment.

[0156] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, in the state during use, the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 of the deflection operation device 100 are arranged on the longitudinal distal end side.

[0157] In the state during use, when the user slides the slide operation portion 572, as shown in FIG. 25, the slide operation portion 572 is arranged on the longitudinal distal end side within the slide operation window portion 332. At this time, the upper claw portion 575 disengages from the engagement window portion 333 and is accommodated inside the controller housing 200.

[0158] Also, in the state during use, the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 are arranged on the longitudinal proximal end side within the accommodation space 310 as shown in FIG. 26. The pair of side claw portions 565 disengage from the pair of claw engagement portions 372 and move to the longitudinal distal end side to engage with the pair of engagement window portions 308.

[0159] The wire insertion member 500 that has slid to the longitudinal distal end side, as shown in FIG. 26, has the front end surface 501a of the sleeve portion 501 abut against the surface on the longitudinal distal end side of the accommodation space 310 (the front end wall surface 310a). Also, with the front end surface 501a of the sleeve portion 501 abutting against the front end wall surface 310a, the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 are such that the pair of side claw portions 565 respectively engage with the pair of engagement window portions 308. The base end surfaces 565b of the pair of side claw portions 565 respectively abut against the base end surfaces 308b of the pair of engagement window portions 308.

[0160] In this way, the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 are fixed to the controller housing 200 so as not to move in the longitudinal direction while being sandwiched between the front end surface 501a of the sleeve portion 501 and the base end surfaces 308b of the pair of engagement window portions 308 in the state during use.

[0161] In the state during use where the wire insertion member 500 is disposed on the longitudinal distal end side, as the wire insertion member 500 slides to the longitudinal distal end side, the entire tubular member 10 also moves distally (longitudinal distal end side). For this reason, the axial length of the tubular member 10 from the distal end portion (tip cover member 110) of the deflection operation device 100 to the tip chip 50 (the folded intermediate portion W1c of the first operation wire W1 and the folded intermediate portion W2c of the second operation wire W2) becomes longer than the state before use, and the slack of the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 is removed. When in the state during use, the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 are adjusted so that tension is generated, and the user can deflect and operate the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 via the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2.

[0162] Note that if the tube member 150 is fixed to both the wire insertion member 500 and the connection member 120, the wire insertion member 500 cannot move to the longitudinal distal end side. Therefore, it is preferable that the tube member 150 is not fixed to at least one of the wire insertion member 500 and the connection member 120. Here, the tube member 150 is not fixed to the wire insertion member 500, and as shown in FIGS. 24 and 26, the wire insertion member 500 is configured to move to the longitudinal distal end side with respect to the wire insertion member 500. In this case, even when the wire insertion member 500 moves to the longitudinal distal end side, it is preferable that the tube member 150 is in a state of being inserted into the tube insertion hole 504a.

[0163] The slide operation part 572 exposed from the slide operation window part 332 has a function of indicating whether the deflection operation device 100 is in the state before use or in the state during use. When the slide operation part 572 is arranged on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction within the slide operation window part 332, the user can visually recognize that the deflection operation device 100 is in the state before use, and when the slide operation part 572 is arranged on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction within the slide operation window part 332, the user can visually recognize that the deflection operation device 100 is in the state during use. Further, the user can visually recognize whether the deflection operation device 100 is in the state before use or in the state during use by checking whether the upper claw part 575 is engaged with the engagement window part 333, whether the pair of side claw parts 565 are engaged with the pair of claw engagement parts 372, and the like.

[0164] Next, with reference to FIGS. 27 to 34, the operation during use of the deflection operation device 100 will be described. As described above, when using the deflection operation device 100, the user slides the slide operation part 572 to arrange the wire insertion member 500 on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and sets the deflection operation device 100 in the state during use.

[0165] FIG. 27 is a perspective view for explaining the rotation operation of the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 27, for example, the user holds the controller housing 200 and rotates the rotation operation member 700 with respect to the controller housing 200, so that the deflection operation of the movable part 20 can be performed. In order to facilitate the rotation operation by the user, a slit 753 and a grip rib part 760 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the rotation operation member 700, and grip rib parts 334 and 424 are provided on the controller housing 200.

[0166] Hereinafter, regarding the rotation directions in which the rotation operation member 700 rotates around the central axis C, as shown in FIG. 27, one rotation direction is defined as the rotation direction R1, and the other rotation direction is defined as the rotation direction R2. The rotation direction R1 is the direction of counterclockwise rotation around the central axis C when the deflection operation device 100 is viewed from the longitudinal distal end side, and the rotation direction R2 is the direction of clockwise rotation around the central axis C when the deflection operation device 100 is viewed from the longitudinal distal end side.

[0167] FIG. 28 is a plan view showing the medical device 1 in the present embodiment, and is a view in which a part of the deflection operation device 100 is transparently displayed. FIG. 28 shows the state of the fixed shaft member 600, the rotating member 710, the first movable member 800, and the second movable member 900 disposed between the second straight cylindrical portion 305 of the distal end side housing 300 and the fifth straight cylindrical portion 402 of the proximal end side housing 400 by transparently displaying (not shown) the third straight cylindrical portion 306 of the distal end side housing 300, the fourth straight cylindrical portion 401 of the proximal end side housing 400, the extension member 570 of the slide member 550, and the operation handle member 750.

[0168] In FIG. 28, the rotating member 710 is disposed at the neutral position P in contact with both the first movable member 800 and the second movable member 900. More specifically, when the rotating member 710 is disposed at the neutral position P, as shown in FIG. 7, the base end surface 800b of the first movable member 800 and the stepped surface 710c of the rotating member 710, and the stepped surface 800c of the first movable member 800 and the tip end surface 710a of the rotating member 710 are in contact. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the tip end surface 900a of the second movable member 900 and the stepped surface 710d of the rotating member 710, and the stepped surface 900c of the second movable member 900 and the base end surface 710b of the rotating member 710 are in contact.

[0169] In a state where the rotating member 710 is disposed at the neutral position P and is in contact with both the first movable member 800 and the second movable member 900, both the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 are adjusted so that tension is generated. The first operation wire W1 connected and fixed to the first movable member 800 extends with tension toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction from the first movable member 800. The second operation wire W2 connected and fixed to the second movable member 900 extends with tension toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction from the second movable member 900. When the rotating member 710 is disposed at the neutral position P, the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 is in a state of extending straight without being deflected, as shown in FIG. 28.

[0170] The operation of rotating the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100 in the rotation direction R1 will be described. FIG. 29 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of rotating the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100 in the rotation direction R1 in the present embodiment. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view (sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 5) for explaining the operation of rotating the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100 in one rotation direction (rotation direction R1) in the present embodiment. FIG. 31 is a plan view for explaining the operation of rotating the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100 in one rotation direction (rotation direction R1) in the present embodiment, and is a view showing a part of the deflection operation device 100 in a transparent display. FIG. 31 is illustrated in the same manner as FIG. 28, and shows the states of the fixed shaft member 600, the rotating member 710, the first movable member 800, and the second movable member 900.

[0171] The spiral groove 601 of the fixed shaft member 600 and the spiral groove 712 of the rotating member 710 are set to be engaged with each other. When the rotating member 710 integrated with the rotation operation member 700 is rotated, the rotating member 710 is configured to move in the longitudinal direction along the fixed shaft member 600. Here, when the rotating member 710 is rotated in the rotation direction R1, the rotating member 710 is configured to move toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction D1) along the fixed shaft member 600.

[0172] When the rotating member 710 is rotated in the rotation direction R1, the rotating member 710 moves toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the first movable member 800 disposed on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction is also pushed by the rotating member 710 and moves toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0173] The proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 is connected and fixed to the first movable member 800 from the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. The proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 is pulled toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of the first movable member 800. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the first operation wire W1 is folded back by the base end surface 600b of the fixed shaft member 600. The tensile force by which the proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 is pulled toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction becomes a force for pulling the first operation wire W1 inserted through the tubular member 10 toward the proximal side (the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction). As a result, a tensile force toward the proximal side acts on the engagement point (the folding intermediate portion W1c) of the first operation wire W1 of the tip chip 50, and the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 deflects in the direction of arrow α as shown in FIG. 31.

[0174] The larger the amount of rotation of the rotating member 710 in the rotation direction R1, the more the rotating member 710 can be moved further toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the first movable member 800 can be moved further toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. The proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 is further pulled toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction as the first movable member 800 moves, and the tensile force toward the proximal side acting on the engagement point of the first operation wire W1 also increases, so that the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 can be deflected further in the direction of arrow α. Thus, by adjusting the amount of rotation of the rotating member 710 in the rotation direction R1, the amount of deflection of the movable portion 20 in the direction of arrow α can be adjusted to a desired amount of deflection.

[0175] A force acts on the first movable member 800 such that the tension of the first operation wire W1 connected and fixed to the first movable member 800 acts to return the first movable member 800 toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. However, since the spiral groove 601 of the fixed shaft member 600 and the spiral groove 712 of the rotating member 710 are formed to have a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction, even when the user releases their hand from the rotation operation member 700, the rotating member 710 and the first movable member 800 are pushed by the first movable member 800 that attempts to return toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the rotating member 710 does not rotate. Instead, the rotating member 710 and the first movable member 800 maintain their positions so that the deflection direction of the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 is maintained.

[0176] When the rotating member 710 and the first movable member 800 are moved toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction so that the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 is deflected in the direction of arrow α, and the rotating member 710 is rotated in the rotation direction R2, the rotating member 710 moves so as to return toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. The first movable member 800 disposed on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction of the rotating member 710 is moved together with the rotating member 710 toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction due to the tension of the first operation wire W1 connected and fixed to the first movable member 800. At this time, the amount of deflection of the movable portion 20 in the direction of arrow α decreases, and when the rotating member 710 is rotated back to the neutral position P, the movable portion 20 can be returned to a straight and extended state without being deflected.

[0177] The first movable member 800 to which the first operation wire W1 is connected and fixed and the second movable member 900 to which the second operation wire W2 is connected are configured to be movable independently of each other in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the first movable member 800 and the second movable member 900 can be moved independently of each other by the rotation operation of the rotation operation member 700.

[0178] The proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed to the second movable member 900 disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the rotating member 710 from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. When the rotating member 710 is rotated in the rotation direction R1 and moved from the neutral position P to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, the first movable member 800 is pushed by the rotating member 710 and moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, while the second movable member 900 does not follow the movement of the rotating member 710 to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction and holds the position when the rotating member 710 is disposed at the neutral position P. That is, when the rotating member 710 moves from the neutral position P to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, the first movable member 800 moves to the distal end side in contact with the rotating member 710, while the second movable member 900 is separated from the rotating member 710 and holds its position.

[0179] Thus, even when the first movable member 800 is moved to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction to apply tension to the first operation wire W1, the second movable member 900 does not move and does not affect the tension of the second operation wire W2. If the second movable member 900 moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the rotating member 710, slack will occur in the second operation wire W2. However, in the deflection operation device 100 according to the present embodiment, even when the first operation wire W1 is pulled to deflect the movable part 20, no slack occurs in the second operation wire W2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability due to slack in the second operation wire W2, and since no slack occurs in the second operation wire W2, wear of the second operation wire W2 can be suppressed and durability can be improved.

[0180] The operation of rotating the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100 in the rotation direction R2 will be described. FIG. 32 is a perspective view for explaining the operation of rotating the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100 in the other rotation direction (rotation direction R2) in the present embodiment. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view (sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 5) for explaining the operation of rotating the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100 in the other rotation direction (rotation direction R2) in the present embodiment. FIG. 34 is a plan view for explaining the operation of rotating the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100 in the other rotation direction (rotation direction R2) in the present embodiment, and is a view showing a part of the deflection operation device 100 in a transparent display. FIG. 34 is illustrated in the same manner as FIG. 28, and shows the states of the fixed shaft member 600, the rotation member 710, the first movable member 800, and the second movable member 900.

[0181] When the rotation member 710 is rotated in the rotation direction R2, the rotation member 710 is adapted to move along the fixed shaft member 600 toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction D2).

[0182] When the rotation member 710 is rotated in the rotation direction R2, the rotation member 710 moves toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the second movable member 900 disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction is also pushed by the rotation member 710 and moves toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0183] As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed to the second movable member 900 from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is pulled toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of the second movable member 900. The tensile force for pulling the proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction becomes a force for pulling the second operation wire W2 inserted through the tubular member 10 toward the proximal side (proximal end side in the longitudinal direction). As a result, a tensile force toward the proximal side acts on the engagement point (the folded intermediate portion W2c) of the second operation wire W2 of the tip chip 50, and the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 deflects in the direction of arrow β as shown in FIG. 34.

[0184] The greater the amount of rotation of the rotating member 710 in the rotation direction R2, the more the rotating member 710 can be further moved toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the more the second movable member 900 can be further moved toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. The proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is further pulled toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction as the second movable member 900 moves, and the tensile force acting on the engagement point of the second operation wire W2 toward the proximal side also increases, so that the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 can be further deflected in the direction of arrow β. Thus, by adjusting the amount of rotation of the rotating member 710 in the rotation direction R2, the amount of deflection of the movable portion 20 in the direction of arrow β can be adjusted to a desired amount of deflection.

[0185] A force that attempts to return the second movable member 900 in the longitudinal direction toward the distal end side acts on the second movable member 900 due to the tension of the second operation wire W2 connected and fixed to the second movable member 900. However, since the spiral groove 601 of the fixed shaft member 600 and the spiral groove 712 of the rotating member 710 are formed so as to have a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction, even if the user releases the hand from the rotation operation member 700 without the rotating member 710 rotating being pushed by the second movable member 900 that attempts to return toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, the rotating member 710 and the second movable member 900 hold their positions so that the deflection direction of the movable portion 20 is maintained.

[0186] When the rotating member 710 is rotated in the rotation direction R1 in a state where the rotating member 710 and the second movable member 900 are moved toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction and the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 is deflected in the direction of arrow β, the rotating member 710 moves so as to return toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. The second movable member 900 disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the rotating member 710 moves so as to return toward the distal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the rotating member 710 due to the tension of the second operation wire W2 connected and fixed to the second movable member 900. At this time, the amount of deflection of the movable portion 20 in the direction of arrow β decreases, and when the rotating member 710 is rotated back to the neutral position P, the movable portion 20 can be returned to a straight extended state without being deflected.

[0187] To the first movable member 800 disposed on the longitudinal distal end side of the rotating member 710, the proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 is connected and fixed from the longitudinal proximal end side. When the rotating member 710 is rotated in the rotation direction R2 and moved to the longitudinal proximal end side from the neutral position P, the second movable member 900 is pushed by the rotating member 710 and moves to the longitudinal proximal end side, while the first movable member 800 does not follow the movement of the rotating member 710 to the longitudinal proximal end side and maintains the position when the rotating member 710 is disposed at the neutral position P. That is, when the rotating member 710 moves from the neutral position P to the longitudinal distal end side, the second movable member 900 moves to the longitudinal proximal end side while being in contact with the rotating member 710, while the first movable member 800 is separated from the rotating member 710 and is configured to maintain its position.

[0188] Thereby, even when the second movable member 900 is moved to the longitudinal proximal end side to apply tension to the second operation wire W2, the first movable member 800 does not move and does not affect the tension of the first operation wire W1. If the first movable member 800 moves to the longitudinal proximal end side together with the rotating member 710, the first operation wire W1 will become slack. However, the deflection operation device 100 in the present embodiment is configured such that even when the second operation wire W2 is pulled to deflect the movable portion 20, the first operation wire W1 does not become slack. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability due to slack of the first operation wire W1, and by preventing the first operation wire W1 from becoming slack, it is possible to suppress wear of the first operation wire W1 and improve durability.

[0189] As described above, the rotation operation mechanism constituted by the first movable member 800, the rotating member 710, and the second movable member 900 can independently move the first movable member 800 and the second movable member 900 in the longitudinal direction to apply tension to each of the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2. Thereby, the movable portion 20 can be freely deflected in two directions. Further, by visually recognizing the relative position in the longitudinal direction of the rotation operation member 700 with respect to the controller housing 200, the deflection state of the movable portion 20 can be visually grasped.

[0190] (Second Embodiment) Next, with reference to FIGS. 35 to 43, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0191] In the first embodiment described above, the movable portion 20 of the tubular member 10 can be deflected in two directions, and by rotating the rotation operation member 700 of the deflection operation device 100, the deflection operation of the movable portion 20 can be performed. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A can be deflected in four directions, and by rotating the first rotation operation member 700A and the second rotation operation member 700B of the deflection operation device 100A, the deflection operation of the movable portion 20A can be performed.

[0192] FIG. 35 is a plan view showing the medical device 1A in this embodiment, and is a view showing a part of the deflection operation device 100A in a transparent display. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line E-E of FIG. 35. FIG. 35 is illustrated in the same manner as FIG. 28, and shows the states of the fixed shaft member 600A, the first rotating member 710A, the second rotating member 710B, the first movable member 800A, the second movable member 900A, the third movable member 800B, and the fourth movable member 900B.

[0193] In the tubular member 10A used in this embodiment, in addition to the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2, the third operation wire W3 and the fourth operation wire W4 are inserted therethrough. As shown in FIG. 36, the pair of wire lumens 11a, 11b and the pair of wire lumens 12a, 12b are respectively provided at positions that are approximately 180 degrees opposite to each other with respect to the central axis of the tubular member 10A. Further, the pair of wire lumens 13a, 13b and the pair of wire lumens 14a, 14b are at positions shifted by approximately 90° with respect to the central axis of the tubular member 10A from the pair of wire lumens 11a, 11b and the pair of wire lumens 12a, 12b, and are respectively provided at positions that are approximately 180° opposite to each other with respect to the central axis of the tubular member 10A. That is, when the tubular member 10A is viewed axially from the distal side, as shown in FIG. 36, the first operation wire W1, the third operation wire W3, the second operation wire W2, and the fourth operation wire W4 are arranged at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction in the counterclockwise order.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 36, the first operation wire W1 (operation wires W1a, W1b) is inserted into the pair of wire lumens 11a, 11b, and the second operation wire W2 (operation wires W2a, W2b) is inserted into the pair of wire lumens 12a, 12b. The third operation wire W3 (operation wires W3a, W3b) is inserted into the pair of wire lumens 13a, 13b, and the fourth operation wire W4 (operation wires W4a, W4b) is inserted into the pair of wire lumens 14a, 14b.

[0195] Although not shown in the figure, the tip chip 50A used in this embodiment is configured such that the third operation wire W3 and the fourth operation wire W4 can be engaged in addition to the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2. The engagement points between the tip chip 50A and the first operation wire W1, the second operation wire W2, the third operation wire W3, and the fourth operation wire W4 are at positions corresponding to the opening positions of the respective wire lumens at the distal end 10Aa of the tubular member 10A.

[0196] In the deflection operation device 100A according to this embodiment, the first movable member 800A, the first rotating member 710A, the second movable member 900A, the third movable member 800B, the second rotating member 710B, and the fourth movable member 900B are externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600A in this order from the longitudinal distal end side. The first movable member 800A, the first rotating member 710A, and the second movable member 900A constitute a first rotation operation mechanism, and the third movable member 800B, the second rotating member 710B, and the fourth movable member 900B constitute a second rotation operation mechanism. The first rotation operation mechanism and the second rotation operation mechanism each form an independent rotation operation mechanism and are arranged at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the fixed shaft member 600A. For this reason, it is preferable that the second movable member 900A is arranged at a position separated from the third movable member 800B on the longitudinal distal end side with respect to the third movable member 800B so that the second movable member 900A and the third movable member 800B do not come into contact with each other.

[0197] Similar to the fixed shaft member 600 of the first embodiment described above, a spiral groove 601A is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600A. As the fixed shaft member 600A, the same one as the fixed shaft member 600 of the first embodiment described above can be used, but one having a longer length in the longitudinal direction than the fixed shaft member 600 may also be used.

[0198] Although not shown, spiral grooves that can mesh with the spiral groove 601A formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600A are formed on the inner peripheral surfaces of the first rotating member 710A and the second rotating member 710B in the same manner as in the first embodiment described above. As the first rotating member 710A and the second rotating member 710B, the same ones as the rotating member 710 of the first embodiment described above can be used, but here, a plurality of fine slits are formed in the axial direction over the entire outer peripheral surfaces of the first rotating member 710A and the second rotating member 710B, and the first rotating member 710A and the second rotating member 710B respectively constitute the first rotation operation member 700A and the second rotation operation member 700B. The user can rotate the first rotation operation member 700A and the second rotation operation member 700B.

[0199] The first movable member 800A, the second movable member 900A, the third movable member 800B, and the fourth movable member 900B are movable in the longitudinal direction without being screwed with the spiral groove 601A formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600A, similar to the first movable member 800 and the second movable member 900 of the first embodiment described above. The first movable member 800A is provided with a wire fixing portion 810A for connecting and fixing the first operation wire W1. The second movable member 900A is provided with a wire fixing portion 910A for connecting and fixing the second operation wire W2. The third movable member 800B is provided with a wire fixing portion 810B for connecting and fixing the third operation wire W3. The fourth movable member 900B is provided with a wire fixing portion 910B for connecting and fixing the fourth operation wire W4.

[0200] The first movable member 800A and the third movable member 800B can use the same ones as the first movable member 800 of the first embodiment described above, and the second movable member 900A and the fourth movable member 900B can use the same ones as the second movable member 900 of the first embodiment described above. However, here, those with a shorter length in the longitudinal direction are used.

[0201] The controller housing 200 of the deflection operation device 100A of the present embodiment is not particularly limited. For example, the same one as the controller housing 200 of the first embodiment described above can be used. However, it may be formed to protect the first movable member 800A, the second movable member 900A, the third movable member 800B, the fourth movable member 900B, etc. that are externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600A, and a partition wall for avoiding contact between these members may be provided between the second movable member 900A and the third movable member 800B.

[0202] With reference to FIGS. 37 to 40, the paths of the first operation wire W1, the second operation wire W2, the third operation wire W3, and the fourth operation wire W4 in the deflection operation device 100A will be described.

[0203] FIG. 37 is a plan view for explaining the path of the first operation wire W1 in the tubular member 10A and the deflection operation device 100A in the present embodiment. In FIG. 37, the first operation wire W1 is illustrated in bold for emphasis.

[0204] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the first operation wire W1 in the present embodiment can be constituted by, for example, an operation wire W1a and an operation wire W1b obtained by folding back one wire. The proximal ends of the operation wire W1a and the operation wire W1b are bundled and wired as the first operation wire W1 inside the controller housing 200.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 37, the first operation wire W1 is folded back at the base end surface 600Ab of the fixed shaft member 600A, and the proximal end of the first operation wire W1 is connected and fixed to the wire fixing portion 810A of the first movable member 800A from the base end side (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction. Although not shown, the first operation wire W1 extending along the fixed shaft member 600A is inserted into a wire insertion groove formed on the side of the fixed shaft member 600A, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0206] FIG. 38 is a plan view for explaining the path of the second operation wire W2 in the tubular member 10A and the deflection operation device 100A in the present embodiment. In FIG. 38, the second operation wire W2 is illustrated in bold for emphasis.

[0207] Similar to the first embodiment described above, the second operation wire W2 in the present embodiment can be constituted by, for example, an operation wire W2a and an operation wire W2b obtained by folding back one wire. The proximal ends of the operation wire W2a and the operation wire W2b are bundled and wired as the second operation wire W2 inside the controller housing 200.

[0208] As shown in Fig. 38, the proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed to the second movable member 900A from the longitudinal tip side (distal side). Although not shown, the second operation wire W2 extending along the fixed shaft member 600A is inserted into a wire insertion groove formed on the side of the fixed shaft member 600A, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0209] Fig. 39 is a plan view for explaining the path of the third operation wire W3 in the tubular member 10A and the deflection operation device 100A in the present embodiment. In Fig. 39, the third operation wire W3 is shown emphasized by a thick line.

[0210] Similar to the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 described above, the third operation wire W3 can also be constituted by, for example, an operation wire W3a and an operation wire W3b obtained by folding back a single wire. The proximal end portions of the operation wire W3a and the operation wire W3b are bundled and wired as the third operation wire W3 inside the controller housing 200.

[0211] As shown in Fig. 39, the third operation wire W3 is folded back at the base end face 600Ab of the fixed shaft member 600A, and the proximal end portion of the third operation wire W3 is connected and fixed to the wire fixing portion 810B of the third movable member 800B from the longitudinal base end side (proximal side). Although not shown, the third operation wire W3 extending along the fixed shaft member 600A is inserted into a wire insertion groove formed on the side of the fixed shaft member 600A, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0212] Fig. 40 is a plan view for explaining the path of the fourth operation wire W4 in the tubular member 10A and the deflection operation device 100A in the present embodiment. In Fig. 40, the fourth operation wire W4 is shown emphasized by a thick line.

[0213] Similar to the above-described first operating wire W1 and second operating wire W2, the fourth operating wire W4 can be configured by, for example, an operating wire W4a and an operating wire W4b obtained by folding back a single wire. The proximal ends of the operating wire W4a and the operating wire W4b are bundled and wired as the fourth operating wire W4 inside the controller housing 200.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 40, the proximal end of the fourth operating wire W4 is connected and fixed to the fourth movable member 900B from the longitudinal tip side (distal side). Although not shown, the fourth operating wire W4 extending along the fixed shaft member 600A is inserted into a wire insertion groove formed on the side of the fixed shaft member 600A, similar to the first embodiment described above.

[0215] In a state where the first rotating member 710A is disposed at the neutral position P1 and is in contact with both the first movable member 800A and the second movable member 900A, both the first operating wire W1 and the second operating wire W2 are adjusted so that tension is generated. Further, in a state where the second rotating member 710B is disposed at the neutral position P2 and is in contact with both the third movable member 800B and the fourth movable member 900B, both the third operating wire W3 and the fourth operating wire W4 are adjusted so that tension is generated. When the first rotating member 710A is disposed at the neutral position P1 and the second rotating member 710B is disposed at the neutral position P2, the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A is in a straight extended state without deflection, as shown in FIGS. 37 to 40.

[0216] An operation of rotating the first rotation operation member 700A of the deflection operation device 100A in the rotation direction R1 will be described. FIG. 41 is a plan view for explaining an operation of rotating the first rotation operation member 700A of the deflection operation device 100A in one rotation direction (rotation direction R1) in the present embodiment, and is a view showing a part of the deflection operation device 100A in a transparent display. FIG. 41 is illustrated in the same manner as FIG. 28, and shows the states of the fixed shaft member 600A, the first rotating member 710A, the second rotating member 710B, the first movable member 800A, the second movable member 900A, the third movable member 800B, and the fourth movable member 900B.

[0217] When the first rotating member 710A integrated with the first rotating operation member 700A is rotated in the rotation direction R1, the first rotating member 710A is configured to move along the fixed shaft member 600A toward the longitudinal distal end side (longitudinal direction D1). When the first rotating member 710A is rotated in the rotation direction R1, the first rotating member 710A moves toward the longitudinal distal end side, and the first movable member 800A disposed on the longitudinal distal end side is also pushed by the first rotating member 710A and moves toward the longitudinal distal end side.

[0218] The proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 is connected and fixed to the first movable member 800A from the longitudinal proximal end side, and the proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 is pulled toward the longitudinal distal end side in the vicinity of the first movable member 800A. The first operation wire W1 is folded back at the base end surface 600Ab of the fixed shaft member 600A as shown in FIG. 37, and the tensile force for pulling the proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 toward the longitudinal distal end side becomes a force for pulling the first operation wire W1 inserted through the tubular member 10A toward the proximal side (longitudinal proximal end side). As a result, a tensile force acting proximally is applied to the engagement point of the first operation wire W1 of the tip chip 50A, and the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A deflects in the direction of arrow α as shown in FIG. 41. The direction of arrow α in which the movable portion 20A deflects corresponds to the side through which the first operation wire W1 (operation wires W1a, W1b) shown in FIG. 36 is inserted.

[0219] The greater the amount of rotation of the first rotating member 710A in the rotation direction R1, the more the first rotating member 710A can be further moved toward the longitudinal distal end side, and the first movable member 800A can be further moved toward the longitudinal distal end side. The proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 is further pulled toward the longitudinal distal end side as the first movable member 800A moves, and the tensile force acting proximally on the engagement point of the first operation wire W1 also increases, and the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A can be further deflected in the direction of arrow α. Thus, by adjusting the amount of rotation of the first rotating member 710A in the rotation direction R1, the amount of deflection of the movable portion 20A in the direction of arrow α can be adjusted to be a desired amount of deflection.

[0220] A force that attempts to return the first movable member 800A to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction acts on the first movable member 800A due to the tension of the first operation wire W1 that is connected and fixed to the first movable member 800A. However, since the spiral groove 601A of the fixed shaft member 600A and the spiral groove of the first rotating member 710A are screwed together with a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction, even if the user releases the hand from the first rotation operation member 700A without the first rotating member 710A rotating when being pushed by the first movable member 800A that attempts to return to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, the first rotating member 710A and the first movable member 800A hold their positions so that the deflection direction of the movable part 20A of the movable part 20A is maintained.

[0221] In a state where the first rotating member 710A and the first movable member 800A are moved to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction and the movable part 20A of the tubular member 10A is deflected in the direction of arrow α, when the first rotating member 710A is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1 (rotation direction R2), the first rotating member 710A moves so as to return to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. The first movable member 800A disposed on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction of the first rotating member 710A moves so as to return to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the first rotating member 710A due to the tension of the first operation wire W1 that is connected and fixed to the first movable member 800A. At this time, the amount of deflection of the movable part 20A in the direction of arrow α becomes smaller, and when the first rotating member 710A is rotated back to the neutral position P1, the movable part 20A can be returned to a straight extended state without being deflected.

[0222] The first movable member 800A to which the first operation wire W1 is connected and fixed and the second movable member 900A to which the second operation wire W2 is connected are configured to be movable independently of each other in the longitudinal direction. Thereby, the first movable member 800A and the second movable member 900A can be moved independently by the rotation operation of the first rotation operation member 700A.

[0223] A distal end portion of a second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed to a second movable member 900A disposed on a proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of a first movable member 710A from the longitudinal direction distal end side. When the first movable member 710A is rotated in a rotation direction R1 and moved from a neutral position P1 to the longitudinal direction distal end side, the first movable member 800A is pushed by the first movable member 710A and moves to the longitudinal direction distal end side, while the second movable member 900A does not follow the movement of the first movable member 710A to the longitudinal direction distal end side and holds the position when the first movable member 710A is disposed at the neutral position P1. That is, when the first movable member 710A moves from the neutral position P1 to the longitudinal direction distal end side, the first movable member 800A moves to the longitudinal direction distal end side in a state of being in contact with the first movable member 710A, while the second movable member 900A is separated from the first movable member 710A and holds its position.

[0224] Accordingly, even when the first movable member 800A is moved to the longitudinal direction distal end side to apply tension to the first operation wire W1, the second movable member 900A does not move and does not affect the tension of the second operation wire W2. If the second movable member 900A moves to the longitudinal direction distal end side together with the first movable member 710A, slack will occur in the second operation wire W2. However, the deflection operation device 100A in the present embodiment is configured such that even when the first operation wire W1 is pulled to deflect the movable portion 20A, no slack occurs in the second operation wire W2. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability due to slack in the second operation wire W2, and since no slack occurs in the second operation wire W2, wear of the second operation wire W2 can be suppressed and durability can be improved.

[0225] The operation of rotating the first rotation operation member 700A of the deflection operation device 100A in the rotation direction R2 will be described. FIG. 42 is a plan view for explaining the operation of rotating the first rotation operation member 700A of the deflection operation device 100A in the other rotation direction (rotation direction R2), and is a view showing a part of the deflection operation device 100A in a transparent display. FIG. 42 is illustrated in the same manner as FIG. 28, and shows the states of the fixed shaft member 600A, the first rotation member 710A, the second rotation member 710B, the first movable member 800A, the second movable member 900A, the third movable member 800B, and the fourth movable member 900B.

[0226] When the first rotation member 710A integrated with the first rotation operation member 700A is rotated in the rotation direction R2, the first rotation member 710A is configured to move along the fixed shaft member 600A toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction D2). When the first rotation member 710A is rotated in the rotation direction R2, the first rotation member 710A moves toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the second movable member 900A disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction is also pushed by the first rotation member 710A and moves toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0227] The proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed to the second movable member 900A from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is pulled toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of the second movable member 900A. The tensile force that pulls the proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction becomes a force that pulls the second operation wire W2 inserted through the tubular member 10A toward the proximal side (proximal end side in the longitudinal direction). As a result, a tensile force acting proximally is applied to the engagement point of the second operation wire W2 of the tip chip 50A, and the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A deflects in the direction of arrow β as shown in FIG. 42. The direction of arrow β in which the movable portion 20A deflects corresponds to the side through which the second operation wire W2 (operation wires W2a, W2b) shown in FIG. 36 is inserted.

[0228] The greater the amount of rotation of the first rotating member 710A in the rotation direction R2, the further the first rotating member 710A can be moved toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the further the second movable member 900A can be moved toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. The proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is further pulled toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction as the second movable member 900A moves, and the tensile force acting on the engagement point of the second operation wire W2 toward the proximal side also increases, so that the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A can be further deflected in the direction of arrow β. Thus, by adjusting the amount of rotation of the first rotating member 710A in the rotation direction R2, the amount of deflection of the movable portion 20A in the direction of arrow β can be adjusted to a desired amount of deflection.

[0229] A force that attempts to return the second movable member 900A to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction acts on the second movable member 900A due to the tension of the second operation wire W2 connected and fixed to the second movable member 900A. However, since the spiral groove 601A of the fixed shaft member 600A and the spiral groove of the first rotating member 710A are screwed together with a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction, the first rotating member 710A is pushed by the second movable member 900A that attempts to return to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction without rotating, and even if the user releases the hand from the first rotation operation member 700A, the first rotating member 710A and the second movable member 900A hold their positions so that the deflection direction of the movable portion 20A is maintained.

[0230] When the first rotating member 710A and the second movable member 900A are moved toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction and the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A is deflected in the direction of arrow β, if the first rotating member 710A is rotated in the rotation direction R1, the first rotating member 710A moves so as to return to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the second movable member 900A disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the first rotating member 710A moves so as to return to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the first rotating member 710A due to the tension of the second operation wire W2 connected and fixed to the second movable member 900A. At this time, the amount of deflection of the movable portion 20A in the direction of arrow β decreases, and when the first rotating member 710A is rotated back to the neutral position P1, the movable portion 20A can be returned to a straight extended state without being deflected.

[0231] The proximal end portion of the first operating wire W1 is connected and fixed to the first movable member 800A disposed on the longitudinal distal end side of the first rotating member 710A from the longitudinal proximal end side. When the first rotating member 710A is rotated in the rotation direction R2 and moved from the neutral position P1 to the longitudinal proximal end side, the second movable member 900A is pushed by the first rotating member 710A and moves to the longitudinal proximal end side, while the first movable member 800A does not follow the movement of the first rotating member 710A to the longitudinal proximal end side and maintains the position when the first rotating member 710A is disposed at the neutral position P1. That is, when the first rotating member 710A moves from the neutral position P1 to the longitudinal proximal end side, the second movable member 900A moves to the longitudinal proximal end side while being in contact with the first rotating member 710A, while the first movable member 800A is separated from the first rotating member 710A and holds its position.

[0232] Accordingly, even when the second movable member 900A is moved to the longitudinal proximal end side to apply tension to the second operating wire W2, the first movable member 800A does not move and does not affect the tension of the first operating wire W1. If the first movable member 800A moves to the longitudinal proximal end side together with the first rotating member 710A, slack will occur in the first operating wire W1. However, the deflection operation device 100A in the present embodiment is configured such that even when the second operating wire W2 is pulled to deflect the movable portion 20A, no slack occurs in the first operating wire W1. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability due to slack in the first operating wire W1, and by preventing slack in the first operating wire W1, wear of the first operating wire W1 can be suppressed and durability can be improved.

[0233] The operation of rotating the second rotation operation member 700B of the deflection operation device 100A in the rotation direction R1 will be described. FIG. 43 is a plan view for explaining the operation of rotating the second rotation operation member 700B of the deflection operation device 100A in one rotation direction (rotation direction R1), and is a view showing a part of the deflection operation device 100A in a transparent display. FIG. 43 is illustrated in the same manner as FIG. 28, and shows the states of the fixed shaft member 600A, the first rotation member 710A, the second rotation member 710B, the first movable member 800A, the second movable member 900A, the third movable member 800B, and the fourth movable member 900B.

[0234] When the second rotation member 710B integrated with the second rotation operation member 700B is rotated in the rotation direction R1, the second rotation member 710B is configured to move along the fixed shaft member 600A toward the longitudinal direction distal end side (longitudinal direction D1). When the second rotation member 710B is rotated in the rotation direction R1, the second rotation member 710B moves toward the longitudinal direction distal end side, and the third movable member 800B disposed on the longitudinal direction distal end side is also pushed by the second rotation member 710B and moves toward the longitudinal direction distal end side.

[0235] The proximal end portion of the third operation wire W3 is connected and fixed to the third movable member 800B from the longitudinal direction proximal end side. The proximal end portion of the third operation wire W3 is pulled toward the longitudinal direction distal end side in the vicinity of the third movable member 800B. The third operation wire W3 is folded back at the base end surface 600Ab of the fixed shaft member 600A as shown in FIG. 39. The tensile force for pulling the proximal end portion of the third operation wire W3 toward the longitudinal direction distal end side becomes a force for pulling the third operation wire W3 inserted through the tubular member 10A toward the proximal side (longitudinal direction proximal end side). As a result, a tensile force acting proximally is applied to the engagement point of the third operation wire W3 of the tip chip 50A, and the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A deflects in the direction of arrow γ as shown in FIG. 43. The direction of arrow γ in which the movable portion 20A deflects corresponds to the side through which the third operation wire W3 (operation wires W3a, W3b) shown in FIG. 36 is inserted.

[0236] The more the rotation amount of the second rotating member 710B in the rotation direction R1 increases, the more the second rotating member 710B can be further moved toward the longitudinal distal end side, and the more the third movable member 800B can be further moved toward the longitudinal distal end side. The proximal end portion of the third operation wire W3 is further pulled toward the longitudinal distal end side as the third movable member 800B moves, and the tensile force acting on the engagement point of the third operation wire W3 toward the proximal side also increases, so that the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A can be further deflected in the direction of arrow γ. In this way, by adjusting the rotation amount of the second rotating member 710B in the rotation direction R1, the deflection amount of the movable portion 20A in the direction of arrow γ can be adjusted to a desired deflection amount.

[0237] A force that attempts to return the third movable member 800B to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction acts on the third movable member 800B due to the tension of the third operation wire W3 that is connected and fixed to the third movable member 800B. However, since the spiral groove 601A of the fixed shaft member 600A and the spiral groove of the second rotating member 710B are screwed together with a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction, even if the user releases the hand from the second rotation operation member 700B without the second rotating member 710B rotating being pushed by the third movable member 800B that attempts to return to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, the second rotating member 710B and the third movable member 800B hold their positions so that the deflection direction of the movable portion 20A is maintained.

[0238] In a state where the second rotating member 710B and the third movable member 800B are moved toward the longitudinal distal end side and the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A is deflected in the direction of arrow γ, when the second rotating member 710B is rotated in the direction opposite to the rotation direction R1 (rotation direction R2), the second rotating member 710B moves so as to return to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. The third movable member 800B disposed on the longitudinal distal end side of the second rotating member 710B moves so as to return to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the second rotating member 710B due to the tension of the third operation wire W3 that is connected and fixed to the third movable member 800B. At this time, the deflection amount of the movable portion 20A in the direction of arrow γ decreases, and when the second rotating member 710B is rotated and returned to the neutral position P2, the movable portion 20A can be returned to a straight extended state without being deflected.

[0239] The third movable member 800B to which the third operating wire W3 is connected and fixed and the fourth movable member 900B to which the fourth operating wire W4 is connected are configured to be movable independently of each other in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the third movable member 800B and the fourth movable member 900B can be moved independently by the rotation operation of the second rotation operation member 700B.

[0240] The proximal end portion of the fourth operating wire W4 is connected and fixed to the fourth movable member 900B disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the second rotating member 710B from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. When the second rotating member 710B is rotated in the rotation direction R1 and moved from the neutral position P2 to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, the third movable member 800B is pushed by the second rotating member 710B and moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, while the fourth movable member 900B does not follow the movement of the second rotating member 710B to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction and holds the position when the second rotating member 710B is disposed at the neutral position P2. That is, when the second rotating member 710B moves from the neutral position P2 to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, the third movable member 800B moves to the distal end side in contact with the second rotating member 710B, while the fourth movable member 900B is separated from the second rotating member 710B and holds its position.

[0241] Thus, even when the third movable member 800B is moved to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction to apply tension to the third operating wire W3, the fourth movable member 900B does not move and does not affect the tension of the fourth operating wire W4. If the fourth movable member 900B moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the second rotating member 710B, slack will occur in the fourth operating wire W4. However, the deflection operation device 100A in the present embodiment is configured such that no slack occurs in the fourth operating wire W4 even when the movable part 20A is deflected by pulling the third operating wire W3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability due to slack in the fourth operating wire W4, and by preventing slack from occurring in the fourth operating wire W4, wear of the fourth operating wire W4 can be suppressed and durability can be improved.

[0242] The operation of rotating the second rotation operation member 700B of the deflection operation device 100A in the rotation direction R2 will be described. FIG. 44 is a plan view for explaining the operation of rotating the second rotation operation member 700B of the deflection operation device 100A in the other rotation direction (rotation direction R2), and is a view showing a part of the deflection operation device 100A in a transparent display. FIG. 44 is illustrated in the same manner as FIG. 28, and shows the states of the fixed shaft member 600A, the first rotation member 710A, the second rotation member 710B, the first movable member 800A, the second movable member 900A, the third movable member 800B, and the fourth movable member 900B.

[0243] When the second rotation member 710B integrated with the second rotation operation member 700B is rotated in the rotation direction R2, the second rotation member 710B is configured to move along the fixed shaft member 600A toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction D2). When the second rotation member 710B is rotated in the rotation direction R2, the second rotation member 710B moves toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the fourth movable member 900B disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction is also pushed by the second rotation member 710B and moves toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0244] The proximal end portion of the fourth operation wire W4 is connected and fixed to the fourth movable member 900B from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the proximal end portion of the fourth operation wire W4 is pulled toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction in the vicinity of the fourth movable member 900B. The tensile force that pulls the proximal end portion of the fourth operation wire W4 toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction becomes a force that pulls the fourth operation wire W4 inserted through the tubular member 10A toward the proximal side (proximal end side in the longitudinal direction). As a result, a tensile force acting proximally is applied to the engagement point of the fourth operation wire W4 of the tip chip 50A, and the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A deflects in the direction of arrow δ as shown in FIG. 44. The direction of arrow δ in which the movable portion 20A deflects corresponds to the side through which the fourth operation wire W4 (operation wires W4a, W4b) shown in FIG. 36 is inserted.

[0245] The greater the amount of rotation of the second rotating member 710B in the rotation direction R2, the more the second rotating member 710B can be further moved toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the more the fourth movable member 900B can be further moved toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. The proximal end portion of the fourth operating wire W4 is further pulled toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction as the fourth movable member 900B moves, and the tensile force acting on the engagement point of the fourth operating wire W4 toward the proximal side also increases, so that the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A can be further deflected in the direction of arrow δ. Thus, by adjusting the amount of rotation of the second rotating member 710B in the rotation direction R2, the amount of deflection of the movable portion 20A in the direction of arrow δ can be adjusted to a desired amount of deflection.

[0246] A force that attempts to return the fourth movable member 900B to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction acts on the fourth movable member 900B due to the tension of the fourth operating wire W4 that is connected and fixed to the fourth movable member 900B. However, since the spiral groove 601A of the fixed shaft member 600A and the spiral groove of the second rotating member 710B are screwed together with a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction, the second rotating member 710B is not rotated by being pushed by the fourth movable member 900B that attempts to return to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, and even if the user releases the hand from the second rotation operation member 700B, the second rotating member 710B and the fourth movable member 900B hold their positions so that the deflection direction of the movable portion 20A is maintained.

[0247] When the second rotating member 710B and the fourth movable member 900B are moved toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction and the movable portion 20A of the tubular member 10A is deflected in the direction of arrow δ, if the second rotating member 710B is rotated in the rotation direction R1, the second rotating member 710B moves so as to return to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. At this time, the fourth movable member 900B disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction of the second rotating member 710B moves so as to return to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the second rotating member 710B due to the tension of the fourth operating wire W4 that is connected and fixed to the fourth movable member 900B. At this time, the amount of deflection of the movable portion 20A in the direction of arrow δ becomes smaller, and when the second rotating member 710B is rotated back to the neutral position P2, the movable portion 20A can be returned to a straight extended state without being deflected.

[0248] The proximal end portion of the third operation wire W3 is connected and fixed to the third movable member 800B disposed on the longitudinal distal end side of the second rotating member 710B from the longitudinal proximal end side. When the second rotating member 710B is rotated in the rotation direction R2 and moved from the neutral position P2 to the longitudinal proximal end side, the fourth movable member 900B is pushed by the second rotating member 710B and moves to the longitudinal proximal end side, while the third movable member 800B does not follow the movement of the second rotating member 710B to the longitudinal proximal end side and holds the position when the second rotating member 710B is disposed at the neutral position P2. That is, when the second rotating member 710B moves from the neutral position P2 to the longitudinal proximal end side, the fourth movable member 900B moves to the longitudinal proximal end side in contact with the second rotating member 710B, while the third movable member 800B is separated from the second rotating member 710B and holds its position.

[0249] Thus, even when the fourth movable member 900B is moved to the longitudinal proximal end side to apply tension to the fourth operation wire W4, the third movable member 800B does not move and does not affect the tension of the third operation wire W3. If the third movable member 800B moves to the longitudinal proximal end side together with the second rotating member 710B, slack will occur in the third operation wire W3. However, the deflection operation device 100A in the present embodiment is configured such that even when the fourth operation wire W4 is pulled to deflect the movable portion 20A, no slack occurs in the third operation wire W3. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in operability due to slack in the third operation wire W3, and by preventing slack from occurring in the third operation wire W3, wear of the third operation wire W3 can be suppressed and durability can be improved.

[0250] As described above, the first rotation operation mechanism constituted by the first movable member 800A, the first rotating member 710A, and the second movable member 900A can independently move the first movable member 800A and the second movable member 900A in the longitudinal direction to apply tension to the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 respectively. Further, the second rotation operation mechanism constituted by the third movable member 800B, the second rotating member 710B, and the fourth movable member 900B can independently move the third movable member 800B and the fourth movable member 900B in the longitudinal direction to apply tension to the third operation wire W3 and the fourth operation wire W4 respectively. Since the first rotation operation mechanism and the second rotation operation mechanism can be operated independently of each other, in the deflection operation device 100A in the present embodiment, the movable part 20A can be freely deflected within the plane defined by four directions. Further, by visually recognizing the relative positions in the longitudinal direction of the first rotation operation member 700A and the second rotation operation member 700B with respect to the controller housing 200, the deflection state of the movable part 20A can be visually grasped.

[0251] Note that the deflection operation device 100A in the second embodiment may include the wire insertion member 500 and the slide member 550 provided in the deflection operation device 100 in the first embodiment. A tubular member 10A is connected and fixed to the wire insertion member 500. The wire insertion member 500 is arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction inside the controller housing 200 and can be fixed to the controller housing 200 at the longitudinal distal end side.

[0252] In this case, before using the deflection operation device 100A, the wire insertion member 500 is arranged on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, and the first operation wire W1, the second operation wire W2, the third operation wire W3, and the fourth operation wire W4 are loosened. During use, by moving the wire insertion member 500 to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction and fixing it, tension can be generated in the first operation wire W1, the second operation wire W2, the third operation wire W3, and the fourth operation wire W4 so that the deflection operation of the movable part 20A becomes possible. Thereby, breakage of the first operation wire W1, the second operation wire W2, the third operation wire W3, and the fourth operation wire W4 and deformation of the tubular member 10A can be prevented.

[0253] Hereinafter, the operations of the deflection operation devices 100 and 100A in the first and second embodiments described above will be described.

[0254] The deflection operation device 100 in the first embodiment described above deflects the movable part 20 of a medical device (for example, the tubular member 10 of the medical device 1) via the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2.

[0255] The deflection operation device 100 in the first embodiment includes a controller housing 200 that constitutes a housing, a wire insertion member 500 disposed inside the controller housing 200 through which the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 are inserted, a fixed shaft member 600, a rotation operation member 700, a first movable member 800, and a second movable member 900.

[0256] The fixed shaft member 600 is fixed to the controller housing 200, has a central axis in the longitudinal direction along the extending direction of the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2, and a spiral groove 601 is formed on the outer peripheral surface.

[0257] The rotation operation member 700 is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing 200, and includes a rotation member 710 that has an inner peripheral surface formed with a spiral groove 712 and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600 so as to mesh with the spiral groove 601 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600.

[0258] The first movable member 800 is disposed on the longitudinal distal end side of the rotating member 710 and is externally fitted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed shaft member 600. The proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 folded back on the longitudinal proximal end side is connected and fixed to the first movable member 800 from the longitudinal proximal end side.

[0259] The second movable member 900 is disposed on the longitudinal proximal end side of the rotating member 710 and is externally fitted so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the fixed shaft member 600. The proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed to the second movable member 900 from the longitudinal distal end side.

[0260] When the rotation operation member 700 is rotationally operated in one direction (rotation direction R1) and the rotating member 710 moves to the longitudinal distal end side, the first movable member 800 in contact with the rotating member 710 moves to the longitudinal distal end side (longitudinal direction D1) together with the rotating member 710, thereby applying tension to the first operation wire W1 and displacing the first operation wire W1 in the deflection operation direction of the movable part 20.

[0261] Further, when the rotation operation member 700 is rotationally operated in the other direction (rotation direction R2) and the rotating member 710 moves to the longitudinal proximal end side, the second movable member 900 in contact with the rotating member 710 moves to the longitudinal proximal end side (longitudinal direction D2) together with the rotating member 710, thereby applying tension to the second operation wire W2 and displacing the second operation wire W2 in the deflection operation direction of the movable part 20.

[0262] According to the above configuration, the first movable member 800 to which the first operation wire W1 is connected and fixed and the second movable member 900 to which the second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed are configured to be movable independently of each other in the longitudinal direction. By the rotation operation of the rotation operation member 700, the first movable member 800 and the second movable member 900 are moved independently, respectively, to pull the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 toward the proximal end side (near side) in the longitudinal direction, so that the deflection operation of the movable part 20 can be performed. Thereby, even when tension is applied to one operation wire, it does not affect the tension of the other operation wire, and slack does not occur in the other operation wire, so that a decrease in operability due to slack of the operation wire can be prevented. Further, since no slack occurs in the operation wire, wear of the operation wire can be suppressed and durability can be improved.

[0263] Furthermore, when the rotation operation member 700 is rotated, since the rotation operation member 700 moves along the longitudinal direction of the fixed shaft member 600 fixed to the controller housing 200, the relative position of the rotation operation member 700 in the longitudinal direction with respect to the controller housing 200 can be visually recognized, and the deflection state of the movable part 20 can be visually grasped.

[0264] In the deflection operation device 100 in the first embodiment described above, when the rotation member 710 moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the first movable member 800, the rotation member 710 and the second movable member 900 are separated from each other. When the rotation member 710 moves to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the second movable member 900, the rotation member 710 and the first movable member 800 may be separated from each other.

[0265] According to the above configuration, when tension is applied to the first operation wire W1 by the first movable member 800, the second movable member 900 is separated from the rotation member 710, so that no tension is generated in the second operation wire W2. When tension is applied to the second operation wire W2 by the second movable member 900, the first movable member 800 is separated from the rotation member 710, so that no tension is generated in the first operation wire W1.

[0266] In the deflection operation device 100 according to the above-described first embodiment, a pair of wire insertion grooves 603 and 604 are formed along the longitudinal direction on the side surface of the fixed shaft member 600, and the first operation wire W1 passes through one of the pair of wire insertion grooves 603 and 604 and is folded back at the proximal end portion (for example, the proximal end surface 600b) of the fixed shaft member 600, and may be connected and fixed to the first movable member 800 through the other of the pair of wire insertion grooves 603 and 604.

[0267] According to the above configuration, the proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 can be connected and fixed to the first movable member 800 from the proximal side in the longitudinal direction, and when the first movable member 800 is moved to the distal side in the longitudinal direction, tension can be applied to the first operation wire W1.

[0268] In the deflection operation device 100 according to the above-described first embodiment, the proximal end 10b of the tubular member 10 having the movable portion 20 at the distal end portion is connected and fixed to the wire insertion member 500, and the wire insertion member 500 is disposed inside the controller housing 200 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and may be fixed to the controller housing 200 at the distal side in the longitudinal direction.

[0269] According to the above configuration, before using the deflection operation device 100, the wire insertion member 500 is disposed at the proximal side in the longitudinal direction to loosen the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2, and when in use, the wire insertion member 500 is moved to the distal side in the longitudinal direction and fixed, so that tension can be generated in the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 to enable the deflection operation of the movable portion 20. Thereby, it is possible to avoid the tension of the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 being applied to the tubular member 10 before use, and to prevent breakage of the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 and deformation of the tubular member 10.

[0270] Further, the deflection operation device 100A according to the above-described second embodiment deflects the movable portion 20A of a medical device (for example, the tubular member 10A of the medical device 1A) via the first operation wire W1, the second operation wire W2, the third operation wire W3, and the fourth operation wire W4.

[0271] In the second embodiment, the deflection operation device 100A includes a controller housing 200 that constitutes a housing, a wire insertion member 500 disposed inside the controller housing 200 and through which a first operation wire W1, a second operation wire W2, a third operation wire W3, and a fourth operation wire W4 are inserted, a fixed shaft member 600A, a first rotation operation member 700A, a first movable member 800A, a second movable member 900A, a second rotation operation member 700B, a third movable member 800B, and a fourth movable member 900B.

[0272] The fixed shaft member 600A is fixed to the controller housing 200, has a central axis in the longitudinal direction along the extending direction of the first operation wire W1, the second operation wire W2, the third operation wire W3, and the fourth operation wire W4, and a spiral groove 601A is formed on the outer peripheral surface.

[0273] The first rotation operation member 700A is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing 200, and includes a first rotation member 710A that has an inner peripheral surface formed with a spiral groove and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600A so as to mesh with the spiral groove 601A formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600A.

[0274] The first movable member 800A is disposed on the longitudinal direction distal end side of the first rotation member 710A and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600A so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. The proximal end portion of the first operation wire W1 folded back on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction is connected and fixed to the first movable member 800A from the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction.

[0275] The second movable member 900A is disposed on the longitudinal direction proximal end side of the first rotation member 710A and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and the proximal end portion of the second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed from the longitudinal direction distal end side.

[0276] The second rotation operation member 700B is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing 200, and includes a second rotation member 710B that is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600A so as to mesh with a spiral groove 601A formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member 600A and has an inner peripheral surface on which a spiral groove is formed.

[0277] The third movable member 800B is disposed on the longitudinal distal end side of the second rotation member 710B and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600A so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. The proximal end portion of the third operation wire W3 that is folded back on the longitudinal proximal end side is connected and fixed to the third movable member 800B from the longitudinal proximal end side.

[0278] The fourth movable member 900B is disposed on the longitudinal proximal end side of the second rotation member 710B and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member 600A so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. The proximal end portion of the fourth operation wire W4 is connected and fixed to the fourth movable member 900B from the longitudinal distal end side.

[0279] The first movable member 800A, the first rotation member 710A, and the second movable member 900A constitute a first rotation operation mechanism, and the third movable member 800B, the second rotation member 710B, and the fourth movable member 900B constitute a second rotation operation mechanism. The first rotation operation mechanism and the second rotation operation mechanism are disposed at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the fixed shaft member 600A, and the second movable member 900A is disposed at a distance from the third movable member 800B on the longitudinal distal end side of the third movable member 800B.

[0280] When the first rotation operation member 700A is rotationally operated in one direction (rotation direction R1) and the first rotation member 710A moves to the longitudinal distal end side, the first movable member 800A that abuts against the first rotation member 710A moves to the longitudinal distal end side (longitudinal direction D1) together with the first rotation member 710A, thereby applying tension to the first operation wire W1 and displacing the first operation wire W1 in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion 20A.

[0281] When the first rotation operation member 700A is rotationally operated in the other direction (rotation direction R2) and the first rotation member 710A moves toward the proximal end in the longitudinal direction, the second movable member 900A in contact with the first rotation member 710A moves toward the proximal end in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction D2) together with the first rotation member 710A, thereby applying tension to the second operation wire W2 and displacing the second operation wire W2 in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion 20A.

[0282] When the second rotation operation member 700B is rotationally operated in one direction (rotation direction R1) and the second rotation member 710B moves toward the distal end in the longitudinal direction, the third movable member 800B in contact with the second rotation member 710B moves toward the distal end in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction D1) together with the second rotation member 710B, thereby applying tension to the third operation wire W3 and displacing the third operation wire W3 in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion 20A.

[0283] When the second rotation operation member 700B is rotationally operated in the other direction (rotation direction R2) and the second rotation member 710B moves toward the proximal end in the longitudinal direction, the fourth movable member 900B in contact with the second rotation member 710B moves toward the proximal end in the longitudinal direction (longitudinal direction D2) together with the second rotation member 710B, thereby applying tension to the fourth operation wire W4 and displacing the fourth operation wire W4 in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion 20A.

[0284] According to the above configuration, the first movable member 800A to which the first operation wire W1 is connected and fixed, the second movable member 900A to which the second operation wire W2 is connected and fixed, the third movable member 800B to which the third operation wire W3 is connected and fixed, and the fourth movable member 900B to which the fourth operation wire W4 is connected and fixed are configured to be movable independently of each other in the longitudinal direction. By rotating the first rotation operation member 700A, the first movable member 800A and the second movable member 900A can be moved independently to pull the first operation wire W1 and the second operation wire W2 toward the proximal end side (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction, respectively, so that the deflection operation of the movable portion 20A can be performed. By rotating the second rotation operation member 700B, the third movable member 800B and the fourth movable member 900B can be moved independently to pull the third operation wire W3 and the fourth operation wire W4 toward the proximal end side (proximal side) in the longitudinal direction, respectively, so that the deflection operation of the movable portion 20A can be performed. Thus, even when tension is applied to any one of the operation wires, it does not affect the tension of the other operation wires and no slack occurs in the other operation wires, so that a decrease in operability due to slack of the operation wires can be prevented. Further, since no slack occurs in the operation wires, wear of the operation wires can be suppressed and durability can be improved.

[0285] Furthermore, when the first rotation operation member 700A and the second rotation operation member 700B are rotated, the first rotation member 710A and the second rotation member 710B move along the longitudinal direction of the fixed shaft member 600A fixed to the controller housing 200, respectively. Therefore, the relative positions in the longitudinal direction of the first rotation operation member 700A and the second rotation operation member 700B with respect to the controller housing 200 can be visually recognized respectively, and the deflection state of the movable portion 20A can be visually grasped.

[0286] The above-described embodiments are described to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and are not described to limit the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above-described embodiments is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0287] 1. 1A Medical device 10. 10A Tubular member 10a. 10Aa Distal end 10b Proximal end 11 Main lumen 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b Wire lumen 20. 20A Movable part 50. 50A Tip chip 55a, 113, 123, 151, 711, 801, 901 Through hole 56, 57, 331, 371 Recess 56a, 56b, 57a, 57b, 802a, 815, 902a, 915 Wire insertion hole 100. 100A Deflection operation device (deflection operation device for medical equipment) 110 Tip cover member 111, 321, 361 Tapered part 112 Bowl-shaped part 120 Connection member 121 Tip-side cylindrical member 122 Base-side cylindrical member 123a, 323a, 325a, 363a, 365a, 421a, 461a Step part 124 Blade part 125 Engagement part 150 Tube member 150a, 501a, 600a, 710a, 800a, 900a Tip surface 150b, 308b, 565b, 600b, 600Ab, 710b, 800b, 900b Base surface 200 Controller housing 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, 550a, 700a Screw 300 Tip-side housing 301 Tip tapered part 302 First bending part 303 First straight cylindrical part 304 Second bending part 305 Second straight cylindrical part 306 Third straight cylindrical part 307, 405, 406 Insertion holes 308, 333 Engagement window parts 309 Sleeve insertion hole 310 Accommodation space 310a Tip wall surface 311 First movable member accommodation hole 311a, 312a Stopper walls 312 Second movable member accommodation hole 320 Tip side upper housing 322, 324, 362, 364, 423, 463 Bending parts 323, 325, 326, 363, 365, 366, 421, 422, 461, 462 Straight barrel parts 330, 370, 471, 472 Groove parts 332 Slide operation window part 334, 424, 760 Grip rib parts 360 Tip side lower housing 372 Claw engagement part 381 Sleeve insertion groove part 382 Side wall guide part 383 Bottom surface guide part 384 First movable member accommodation groove 400 Base end side housing 401 Fourth straight barrel part 402 Fifth straight barrel part 403 Base end bending part 404 Connection member accommodation space 420 Base end side upper housing 425, 465 Second movable member accommodation grooves 460 Base end side lower housing 466 Tip side support wall part 467, 562 Side wall parts 468 Base end side support wall part 500 Wire insertion member 500a, 560a, 751a, 752a, 811b, 911b Screw holes 501 Sleeve part 502 Wire inlet 502a, 503a Cylindrical members 503 Gate part 504 Tube insertion part 504a and 602 tube insertion holes 505 insertion hole 550 slide member 560 slide base material 561 top plate part 563 side engagement member 564 side arm part 565 side claw part 570 extension member 571 upper surface part 572 slide operation part 573 upper engagement member 574 upper arm part 575 upper claw part 600 and 600A fixed shaft members 601, 601A, and 712 grooves 603, 604, 802b, and 902b wire insertion grooves 700 rotation operation member 700A first rotation operation member 700B second rotation operation member 710 rotation member 710A first rotation member 710B second rotation member 710c, 710d, 800c, and 900c step surfaces 715, 805, and 905 thin cylinder parts 750 operation handle member 751 and 752 half - cylindrical members 753 slit 754 and 755 rib parts 800 and 800A first movable members 800B third movable member 802 and 902 guide convex parts 810, 810A, 810B, 910, 910A, and 910B wire fixing parts 810a and 910a pins 810b and 910b set screws 810h and 910h holes 811a and 911a pin holes 900 and 900A second movable members 900B fourth movable member W1 First operating wire W1a, W1b, W2a, W2b, W3a, W3b, W4a, W4b Operating wires W1c, W2c Reversing intermediate part W2 Second operating wire W3 Third operating wire W4 Fourth operating wire

Claims

1. A deflection operation device for a medical device that deflects a movable part of the medical device via a first operation wire and a second operation wire, a controller housing that constitutes a housing, a wire insertion member disposed inside the controller housing and through which the first operation wire and the second operation wire are inserted, a fixed shaft member fixed to the controller housing, having a central axis in the longitudinal direction along the extending direction of the first operation wire and the second operation wire, and having a spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface, a rotation operation member that is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing, has an inner peripheral surface formed with a spiral groove, and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to mesh with the spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member, a first movable member disposed on the tip side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the rotation member and externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and an end portion of the first operation wire folded back at the base end side in the longitudinal direction is connected and fixed from the base end side in the longitudinal direction, a second movable member disposed on the base end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the rotation member and externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and an end portion of the second operation wire is connected and fixed from the tip side in the longitudinal direction, when the rotation operation member is rotated in one direction and the rotation member moves to the tip side in the longitudinal direction, the first movable member in contact with the rotation member moves to the tip side in the longitudinal direction together with the rotation member, thereby applying tension to the first operation wire and displacing the first operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable part, when the rotation operation member is rotated in the other direction and the rotation member moves to the base end side in the longitudinal direction, the second movable member in contact with the rotation member moves to the base end side in the longitudinal direction together with the rotation member, thereby applying tension to the second operation wire and displacing the second operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable part. A deflection operation device for a medical device characterized by this.

2. when the rotation member moves to the tip side in the longitudinal direction together with the first movable member, the rotation member and the second movable member are separated, When the rotating member moves toward the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the second movable member, the rotating member and the first movable member are separated from each other. The deflecting operation device for a medical instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. A pair of wire insertion grooves are formed along the longitudinal direction on the side surface of the fixed shaft member. The first operation wire passes through one of the pair of wire insertion grooves, is folded back at the proximal end portion of the fixed shaft member, and is connected and fixed to the first movable member through the other of the pair of wire insertion grooves. The deflecting operation device for a medical instrument according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

4. The proximal end of the tubular member having the movable portion at the distal end is connected and fixed to the wire insertion member. The wire insertion member is arranged to be movable in the longitudinal direction inside the controller housing, and is fixed to the controller housing at the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. The deflecting operation device for a medical instrument according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

5. A deflecting operation device for a medical instrument that deflects a movable portion of a medical instrument via a first operation wire, a second operation wire, a third operation wire, and a fourth operation wire. A controller housing that constitutes a housing. A wire insertion member disposed inside the controller housing and through which the first operation wire, the second operation wire, the third operation wire, and the fourth operation wire are inserted. A fixed shaft member fixed to the controller housing, having a central axis in the longitudinal direction along the extending direction of the first operation wire, the second operation wire, the third operation wire, and the fourth operation wire, and having a spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface. A first rotation operation member including a first rotation member that is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing and has an inner peripheral surface formed with a spiral groove and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to engage with the spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member. A first movable member disposed on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first rotation member and externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and an end portion of the first operation wire folded back at the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction is connected and fixed from the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. A second movable member that is disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first movable member and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and an end portion of the second operation wire is connected and fixed from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. A second rotation operation member that is rotatably supported with respect to the controller housing and includes a second rotation member that has an inner peripheral surface formed with a spiral groove and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to mesh with the spiral groove formed on the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft member. A third movable member that is disposed on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the second rotation member and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and an end portion of the third operation wire that is folded back on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction is connected and fixed from the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction. A fourth movable member that is disposed on the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the second rotation member and is externally fitted to the fixed shaft member so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and an end portion of the fourth operation wire is connected and fixed from the distal end side in the longitudinal direction. The second movable member is disposed at a distance from the third movable member on the distal end side in the longitudinal direction with respect to the third movable member. When the first rotation operation member is rotated in one direction and the first rotation member moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, the first movable member that abuts against the first rotation member moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the first rotation member, thereby applying tension to the first operation wire and displacing the first operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion. When the first rotation operation member is rotated in the other direction and the first rotation member moves to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, the second movable member that abuts against the first rotation member moves to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the first rotation member, thereby applying tension to the second operation wire and displacing the second operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion. When the second rotation operation member is rotated in one direction and the second rotation member moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction, the third movable member that abuts against the second rotation member moves to the distal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the second rotation member, thereby applying tension to the third operation wire and displacing the third operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion. When the second rotation operation member is rotated in the other direction and the second rotation member moves to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction, the fourth movable member in contact with the second rotation member moves to the proximal end side in the longitudinal direction together with the second rotation member, thereby applying tension to the fourth operation wire and displacing the fourth operation wire in the deflection operation direction of the movable portion. A deflection operation device for a medical device, characterized by this.

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