Auxiliary device for endoscope

Abstract

To provide an auxiliary device for an endoscope that can flexibly change the orientation of a tip part of the endoscope.SOLUTION: An auxiliary device for an endoscope that includes an insertion part including a bendable part and an operating part of the endoscope provided on a base end side of the insertion part includes: a cylindrical bendable body that is configured to cover and bend an end part on a bendable part side of a flexible part between a bendable part and an operating part of the endoscope in the insertion part and that is attachable to and detachable from the end part; a first operating member that is connected to the bendable body and that is capable of bending the bendable body; and an operating device that is connected to the first operating member. The first operating member is exposed between the bendable body and the operating device, and both ends of the bendable body in an axial direction are located closer to the flexible part than the bendable part, and at least one of both ends of the bendable body is supported at the end part of the flexible part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an auxiliary device for an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 6 describe technologies relating to endoscopes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-76672 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-87489 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-3851 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-106713 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-99223 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-2858 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technique of the present disclosure provides an endoscope auxiliary device that can flexibly change the orientation of the tip of the endoscope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An auxiliary device for an endoscope according to one aspect of the technology disclosed herein is an auxiliary device for an endoscope that includes an insertion section including a bending portion and an endoscope operating section provided on the base end side of the insertion section, and is equipped with: a cylindrical bending body that is configured to be able to cover and bend an end portion of a flexible section between the bending portion of the insertion section and the endoscope operating section that is on the bending portion side and is detachable from the end portion; a first operating member that is connected to the bending body and is able to operate the bending body to bend; and an operating device connected to the first operating member, wherein the first operating member is exposed between the bending body and the operating device, and of both ends of the bending body in the axial direction, at least the base end is located closer to the flexible section than the bending portion, and at least one is supported by the flexible section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the technique of the present disclosure, the orientation of the tip of the endoscope can be flexibly changed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscope apparatus 100 according to one aspect of the disclosed technique. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the auxiliary device 20 of the endoscope 1 illustrated in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the bending body 30 and the support member 50 in the assist device 20 shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the bending body 30 and the support member 50 in a separated state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the bending body 30. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the bending body 30 is supported at the end portion 10As by the support member 50. As shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the endoscope 1 and the auxiliary device 20 in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the operating device 40 as seen from the front side. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the operating device 40 as seen from the rear side. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the operating device 40. As shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front view of the operating device 40. As shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram (part 1) showing an example of a method for operating the operating device 40. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram (part 2) showing an example of a method for operating the operating device 40. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the rear cover member 42B in FIG. 9 has been removed. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the inside of the rear cover member 42B. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a front view of the operating device 40 in the state shown in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front view of the operating device 40 in the state shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an endoscopic device 100 according to one aspect of the technology of the present disclosure. The endoscopic device 100 includes an endoscope 1, a main body 2 connected to the endoscope 1 and including a light source device 4 and a processor device 5, and a display device 7 that displays captured images and the like obtained by capturing images using the endoscope 1.

[0009] The endoscope 1 comprises an insertion section 10, which is a long instrument extending in one direction and is inserted into the subject, an endoscope operation section 11 provided at the base end of the insertion section 10 and provided with operation members for performing observation mode switching operation, image capture storage operation, forceps operation, air / water supply operation, suction operation, electric scalpel operation, etc., an angle knob 12 provided adjacent to the endoscope operation section 11, and a universal cord 13 including a connector section 13A that detachably connects the endoscope 1 to a connection section 4A of the light source device 4.

[0010] The endoscope operation section 11 is provided with a treatment tool introduction port 112 for introducing a treatment tool for collecting biological tissue such as cells or polyps. Although not shown in Fig. 1, various channels are provided inside the endoscope operation section 11 and the insertion section 10, such as a treatment tool channel through which the treatment tool introduced from the treatment tool introduction port 112 is inserted, an air / water supply channel, and a suction channel. The endoscope operation section 11 includes a suction button 11A, an air / water supply button 11B, and the like.

[0011] The insertion section 10 is composed of a flexible soft section 10A, a bending section 10B provided at the tip of the soft section 10A, and a tip section 10C provided at the tip of the bending section 10B and harder than the soft section 10A. An imaging element and an imaging optical system are built into the tip section 10C. The soft section 10A forms a flexible section between the bending section 10B and the endoscope operation section 11 in the insertion section 10.

[0012] The bending portion 10B is configured to be freely bendable by rotating the angle knob 12. The bending portion 10B can be bent in any direction and at any angle depending on the part of the subject on which the endoscope 1 is used, and the tip portion 10C can be directed in a desired direction.

[0013] A light guide made up of a bundle of optical fibers is provided inside the endoscope 1, extending from the tip 10C of the insertion section 10 to the connector section 13A. Light generated by the light source device 4 is introduced into this light guide from the connector section 13A and travels to the tip 10C, where it is irradiated onto the subject through an illumination window provided in the tip 10C.

[0014] The universal cord 13 includes the suction channel. For example, a suction device is provided in the light source device 4 or is externally attached, and this suction device is connected to the suction channel. When the suction button 11A included in the endoscope operation unit 11 is operated, the negative pressure generated by the suction device is connected to the tip of the endoscope 1, and fluids, etc. are sucked from the tip of the endoscope 1 into the suction channel and collected by the suction device.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the auxiliary device 20 of the endoscope 1 illustrated in Fig. 1. The auxiliary device 20 is configured to be detachable from the endoscope 1, and can increase the range of movement of the tip portion 10C when the bending section 10B is bent, compared to when the auxiliary device 20 is not attached to the endoscope 1. The auxiliary device 20 constitutes an endoscopic auxiliary tool.

[0016] The auxiliary device 20 is configured to be able to cover and bend the end 10As (see Figure 3) of the flexible section 10A on the bending section 10B side and is equipped with a cylindrical bending body 30 that can be attached and detached to the end 10As, a support member 50 that is configured to support the end portion 10As on the base end side in the axial direction of the bending body 30 (the end portion on the endoscope operating section 11 side when attached to the end 10As of the flexible section 10A and covering this) and is configured as a separate body from the bending body 30, a first operating member 70 that is connected to the bending body 30 and can operate the bending body 30 to bend, an operating device 40 connected to the first operating member 70, and at least one locking member 60 that is provided on the first operating member 70 and can be locked to the flexible section 10A.

[0017] The operating device 40 comprises a rotatable rotating member 41 connected to the base end of the first operating member 70, a storage member 42 that stores the rotating member 41, and a second operating member 43 that protrudes from the storage member 42 and is connected to the rotating member 41.

[0018] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the bending body 30 and the support member 50 in the assisting device 20 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the bending body 30 and the support member 50 are separated. Fig. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the bending body 30.

[0019] The bending body 30 has an outer shape that is, for example, approximately cylindrical, as shown in Fig. 3. The inner diameter of the bending body 30 is larger than the outer diameter of the insertion section 10, and the insertion section 10 can be inserted into the bending body 30, allowing the bending body 30 to be moved to any position in the axial direction of the insertion section 10.

[0020] The bending body 30 comprises a plurality of cylindrical nodes 34 arranged in its axial direction (in the example of FIG. 3, there are a total of five nodes: a distal node 31 on the distal end side, a proximal node 33 on the proximal end side, and three intermediate nodes 32 between them), and a cylindrical covering member 35. Each of the plurality of nodes 34 rotatably supports the adjacent node 34.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 5 , four of the five nodes 34, excluding the base node 33, each have a protruding piece 310 protruding from a portion of its base edge toward the base end. The protruding piece 310 has an engaging protrusion 311 protruding in the radial direction of the node 34. The engaging protrusion 311 includes a columnar portion protruding from the protruding piece 310 and an elliptical portion connected to the columnar portion. The outer diameter of the columnar portion is equal to or less than the length of the elliptical portion in the minor axis direction. The major axis direction of the elliptical portion of the engaging protrusion 311 coincides with the axial direction of the node 34.

[0022] Of the five nodes 34, four nodes 34 excluding the tip node 31 each have a protruding piece 320 that protrudes from a portion of the tip edge toward the tip side. The protruding piece 320 has a recess 321 that is approximately circular when viewed in the radial direction of the node 34, and the recess 321 has a through hole 322 that penetrates the node 34 in the radial direction. The through hole 322 has an oval shape that allows the oval portion of the engagement protrusion 311 to be inserted therethrough. The major axis direction of the through hole 322 intersects with the axial direction of the node 34.

[0023] Focusing on two adjacent nodes 34 among the five nodes 34, the engagement protrusion 311 of one of the two nodes 34 is inserted into the through-hole 322 of the other of the two nodes 34, and the long axis direction of the engagement protrusion 311 is held in a state where it intersects with the long axis direction of the through-hole 322, whereby the engagement protrusion 311 engages with the through-hole 322 and the recess 321 in which the through-hole 322 is formed. In this state, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , a slit 30S is formed as a gap between the two adjacent nodes 34. The columnar portion of the engagement protrusion 311 is located inside the through-hole 322, and the oval portion is located in the recess 321, so that the engagement protrusion 311 can rotate within the recess 321 around an axis extending in the protruding direction of the engagement protrusion 311.

[0024] The recess 321 in the node 34 and the through hole 322 provided in this recess 321 form an engagement hole portion that engages with the engagement protrusion 311 of the node 34 adjacent to that node 34. In this way, two adjacent node portions 34 are supported relative to each other so as to be able to rotate relative to each other by the engagement between the engagement hole portion provided on one node and the engagement protrusion provided on the other node.

[0025] 3, the first operating member 70 includes a long wire 71 and a guide member 72 through which the wire 71 is inserted. The guide member 72 is configured, for example, by a compression coil spring, or a compression coil spring and a covering member that covers the compression coil spring.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of the five nodes 34 of the bendable body 30 is provided with a hole 330 through which a wire 71 can be inserted. As shown in FIG. 3 , the wire 71 is inserted through the hole 330 of the base node 33, the hole 330 of the intermediate node 32, the hole 330 of the intermediate node 32, the hole 330 of the intermediate node 32, and the hole 330 of the distal node 31, in that order, and the distal end of the wire 71 is supported by the distal node 31. The base end of the wire 71 is connected to the rotating member 41 of the operating device 40. As the rotating member 41 rotates, the wire 71 moves in its axial direction. This movement of the wire 71 moves two adjacent nodes 34 closer to or farther apart within the width of the slit 30S. This allows the bendable body 30 to assume a plurality of bending configurations.

[0027] The covering member 35 covers the connecting portions of the nodes 34 to prevent damage to the subject's organs, etc., caused by the approaching or separating of two adjacent nodes 34, and to prevent the nodes 34 from moving closer to each other. The covering member 35 is preferably made of a flexible material such as rubber so that it can follow the bending motion of the five nodes 34. The nodes 34 are preferably made of highly rigid materials such as metal or resin so that bending force during bending can be efficiently transmitted to the end portions 10As. From the viewpoints of ease of molding, weight reduction, and manufacturing costs, the nodes 34 are preferably made mainly of resin. In this way, the bending body 30 is configured such that the five nodes 34 are connected only by engagement force. This facilitates manufacturing of the bending body 30 and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0028] 2, the guide member 72 is provided between the proximal node 33 and the operation device 40, and has a cylindrical shape through which the wire 71 is inserted. The distance from the bending body 30 to the operation device 40 is large and is close to the length of the insertion section 10 of the endoscope 1. Therefore, between the bending body 30 and the operation device 40, the guide member 72 guides the movement of the wire 71 in the axial direction, making it easy to perform the pulling operation of the wire 71 at a position away from the bending body 30.

[0029] 2, the first operating member 70 is exposed between the bending body 30 and the operating device 40. Locking members 60 are provided at multiple locations on the exposed portion of the first operating member 70. The locking members 60 are configured with clips or the like having a C-shaped cross section that can be locked onto the insertion section 10 of the endoscope 1. By locking the locking members 60 at multiple positions in the axial direction of the insertion section 10, the first operating member 70 can be maintained aligned with the insertion section 10 when the auxiliary device 20 is in use.

[0030] As described above, the bending body 30 can be moved in the axial direction of the insertion section 10 along the outer circumferential surface of the insertion section 10. When using the assist device 20, it is necessary to hold the bending body 30 at a desired position in the axial direction of the insertion section 10. In this embodiment, a support member 50 is provided to hold the position of the bending body 30.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4, the support member 50 has a cylindrical shape that can cover the outer peripheral surface of the end portion 10As of the insertion portion 10. The outer peripheral surface of the end portion 10As and the inner peripheral surface of the support member 50 can be in close contact with each other. The support member 50 is flexible, and has a linear slit 51 extending in the axial direction on its outer peripheral surface. The support member 50 can be easily attached to any position in the axial direction of the insertion portion 10 by widening the slit 51 and covering the outer peripheral surface of the insertion portion 10 from the radial direction of the insertion portion 10.

[0032] A plurality of C-shaped protrusions 52 (nine in the example of FIG. 4 ) extending circumferentially are arranged in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the support member 50. Of these nine protrusions 52, a central protrusion 53 in the middle has a higher protrusion height than the other eight protrusions 52. Of the nine protrusions 52, the eight protrusions 52 excluding the central protrusion 53 have outer diameters that are the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the curved body 30. The outer diameter of the central protrusion 53 is larger than the inner diameter of the curved body 30. The central protrusion 53 constitutes a first protrusion, and the protrusions 52 other than the central protrusion 53 constitute second protrusions.

[0033] The process for attaching the bending body 30 to the end portion 10As is as follows. First, the support member 50 is placed over the outer circumferential surface of the end portion 10As and brought into close contact. The support member 50 is preferably made of a material that provides a sufficiently large frictional force with the outer circumferential surface of the insertion section 10. In this way, the position of the support member 50 can be firmly maintained with the support member 50 placed over the outer circumferential surface of the end portion 10As.

[0034] Next, the insertion section 10 of the endoscope 1 is inserted into the bending body 30 from the tip end portion 10C side, and the bending body 30 is moved along the insertion section 10 until it is just before the support member 50. Next, the bending body 30 is moved further toward the proximal end, and the bending body 30 is pushed toward the proximal end so that the support member 50, which is in close contact with the end portion 10As, is inserted into the proximal node portion 33. Because the central protrusion 53 of the support member 50 has a large outer diameter, as the bending body 30 continues to be pushed toward the proximal end, the proximal end surface of the proximal node portion 33 comes into contact with the central protrusion 53, and further pushing of the bending body 30 toward the proximal end is restricted.

[0035] Through the above steps, the inner circumferential surface of the proximal node portion 33 of the bending body 30 and the multiple protrusions 52 of the support member 50 are brought into pressure contact. The protrusions 52 extend circumferentially on the inner circumferential surface of the proximal node portion 33. Therefore, in this state, the frictional force between the proximal node portion 33 and the protrusions 52 firmly prevents the bending body 30 from rotating around its axis. Furthermore, since the multiple protrusions 52 aligned in the axial direction of the bending body 30 are brought into pressure contact with the inner circumferential surface of the proximal node portion 33, the frictional force between the proximal node portion 33 and the multiple protrusions 52 firmly prevents the bending body 30 from moving in the axial direction. In this way, the base end of the bending body 30 in the axial direction (specifically, the proximal node portion 33) is supported by the end portion 10As. As described above, the support member 50 functions to position the bending body 30 in the axial direction of the insertion section 10 and in the circumferential direction of the insertion section 10.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the bendable body 30 is supported at the end portion 10As by the support member 50. Fig. 6 shows a state seen in the direction of the rotation axis of the joint portion 34 of the bendable body 30. As shown in Fig. 6, when the assist device 20 is used, both ends of the bendable body 30 in the axial direction are positioned closer to the flexible portion 10A than the bendable portion 10B, and one of the ends, that is, the base end, is supported at the end portion 10As by the support member 50.

[0037] 6, when the wire 71 is pulled upward in the figure, the five nodes 34 rotate counterclockwise in the figure, starting from the tip. In this way, the bendable body 30 can be bent in direction D1 in the figure. When the bendable body 30 bends in direction D1, the end portions 10As supporting the bendable body 30 also bend in direction D1 following the bending.

[0038] The bending portion 10B can be bent in a clockwise direction D3 and a counterclockwise direction D2 in FIG. 6 by operating the angle knob 12. The bending body 30 can also be supported at the end portion 10As with its distal end positioned at the bending portion 10B. For example, the bending body 30 can be supported with two or more of the multiple nodes 34, counting from one end (proximal end), positioned closer to the proximal end than the bending portion 10B, and at least one of the multiple nodes 34, counting from the other end (distal end), positioned at the bending portion 10B. However, as shown in FIG. 6, by positioning both ends of the bending body 30 at the end portions 10As, the bending portion 10B can be bent to the maximum extent. When the bending body 30 is bent, in addition to bending the distal end portion 10C due to bending of the bending portion 10B, bending of the distal end portion 10C can also be performed due to bending of the end portions 10As. In this way, by using the auxiliary device 20, the bending state of the distal end portion 10C can be changed more flexibly than when the auxiliary device 20 is not used.

[0039] Figure 6 shows the length L1 of the tip portion 10C in the axial direction of the insertion portion 10, the length L2 of the bending portion 10B in the axial direction of the insertion portion 10, the axial length L4 of the bending body 30, and the distance L3 between the tip of the bending body 30 and the bending portion 10B.

[0040] Considering the actual usage environment and operability of the endoscope 1, it is preferable that the length L4 be approximately equal to the sum of the lengths L1, L2, and L3. This makes it possible to adequately point the distal end portion 10C toward a treatment target site, for example, located in a recessed area. Furthermore, the orientation of the distal end portion 10C can be easily and stably adjusted. Furthermore, since the bending body 30 has an appropriate length, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs and improve attachment to the end portion 10As.

[0041] If the length L1 is, for example, 15 mm or more and 25 mm or less, and the length L2 is, for example, 50 mm or more and 70 mm or less, the distance L3 can be, for example, 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less, and the length L4 can be, for example, 70 mm or more and 95 mm or less, but is not limited to this.

[0042] The greater the value of distance L3, the greater the bending of tip portion 10C. However, considering the actual use environment of endoscope 1, it is sufficient to set the maximum value of distance L3 to about length L4. In other words, the length of end portion 10As in the axial direction of insertion portion 10 may be equal to or greater than length L4 but not greater than twice length L4.

[0043] Generally, a scale is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion section 10 of the endoscope 1. It is preferable that the bending body 30 can be positioned in the axial direction of the insertion section 10 using this scale as a reference.

[0044] For example, the bending body 30 can be attached in the appropriate position by arranging the central protrusion 53 of the support member 50 so that it overlaps with the scale, and then pushing the bending body 30 into the support member 50. In this way, the surgeon can easily determine the attachment position of the bending body 30, allowing for efficient endoscopic examination.

[0045] Considering the actual use environment of the assist device 20, it is preferable that the direction D1 and the direction D2 shown in Fig. 6 are substantially the same. If the direction D1 and the direction D2 are the same, the distal end portion 10C can be bent more greatly.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a side view of the endoscope 1 and auxiliary device 20 of Fig. 6 as viewed in the direction of arrow A. As shown in Fig. 7, the bending body 30 may be provided with a mark Ma serving as a guide for aligning the direction D1 with the direction D2. The bending body 30 may also be provided with a mark Mb serving as a guide for positioning the bending body 30 in the circumferential direction of the insertion section 10. The end 10As of the flexible section 10A may also be provided with a mark Mc serving as a guide for positioning the bending body 30 in the circumferential direction of the insertion section 10.

[0047] Mark Ma is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal node 31. Mark Mb is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal node 33. In the example of Fig. 7, marks Ma and Mb are provided on the side surfaces of the bending body 30 in the bending direction. Mark Mc is provided on the side surface on the side facing direction D2, which is the bending direction of the bending portion 10B.

[0048] When determining the rotational position of the bendable body 30, the orientation of the bendable body 30 relative to the flexible portion 10A is adjusted so that the marks Mb and Mc are at approximately the same position in the circumferential direction of the flexible portion 10A. In this way, the rotational position of the bendable body 30 can be tentatively determined.

[0049] After the bending body 30 is pushed into the support member 50, the angle knob 12 is operated to bend the bending portion 10B in direction D2 (toward the viewer in FIG. 7). Then, the rotational position of the bending body 30 is adjusted so that the tip end 10C and the mark Ma are aligned on a straight line. By providing marks on the bending body 30 and the flexible portion 10A in this way, the bending body 30 can be attached to the flexible portion 10A in the appropriate orientation.

[0050] Even if the bending body 30 does not have marks Ma and Mb, the rotational position of the bending body 30 can be temporarily determined by aligning the tip of the guide member 72 extending from the base end node 33 with the mark Mc, and then bending the bending portion 10B to adjust the rotational position of the bending body 30 so that the tip portion 10C and the tip of the guide member 72 are aligned in a straight line, thereby making it possible to align the direction D1 with the direction D2.

[0051] In the explanation up to this point, the bending body 30 is supported at its base end on the end portion 10As by the support member 50, but this is not limitative. The bending body 30 can also be configured to be supported at its tip end on the end portion 10As by the support member 50.

[0052] In this case, first, the bending body 30 is placed over the insertion section 10 from the distal end portion 10C side, and the bending body 30 is moved toward the proximal end. Then, the support member 50 is attached near the bending portion 10B at the end portion 10As so as not to overlap with the bending portion 10B. Then, the bending body 30 is moved toward the distal end and then slightly returned, and the distal node portion 31 is pressed into the support member 50. In this manner, the bending body 30 can be supported at its distal end by the end portion 10As.

[0053] As described above, by using a configuration in which the bending body 30 is supported at its base end by the support member 50 at the end portion 10As, the bending body 30 only needs to be moved in one direction, thereby improving the ease of wearing the bending body 30.

[0054] The support member 50 has a shape that is line-symmetrical when viewed in the radial direction with the central protrusion 53 as the boundary line. In this way, whether the base end side of the bending body 30 is supported on the end portion 10As or the tip end side of the bending body 30 is supported on the end portion 10As, there is no need to be aware of the attachment direction of the support member 50 to the insertion section 10. Therefore, endoscopic examination can be performed efficiently.

[0055] The auxiliary device 20 may be configured to have two support members 50, and the curved body 30 may be supported at both ends thereof by the respective support members 50 at the end portions 10As.

[0056] The bending body 30 has a configuration in which a plurality of nodes 34 are provided independently and rotatably connected, but this is not limited to this. For example, a structure in which a plurality of nodes 34 are integrally formed may be realized by laser processing a single pipe. This reduces manufacturing costs.

[0057] Furthermore, in the case of a structure in which multiple nodes 34 are integrally formed as described above, a slit extending in the axial direction may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the bending body 30. By doing so, the slit can be opened and the bending body 30 can be attached to the end portion 10As from the radial direction of the flexible portion 10A, making it easy to attach the bending body 30.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the operating device 40 as seen from the front side. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the operating device 40 as seen from the rear side. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the operating device 40. Fig. 11 is a front view of the operating device 40.

[0059] The operating device 40 includes a rotating member 41 connected to the first operating member 70, a housing member 42 that houses the rotating member 41, a second operating member 43 that protrudes from the housing member 42, a reinforcing member 44 that reinforces the base end side of the first operating member 70 located outside the housing member 42, and a locking portion 45 that can be locked to the endoscope 1. The operating device 40 is configured such that, by rotating the second operating member 43 (rotating it counterclockwise when viewed from the front in FIG. 11 ), the rotating member 41 connected to the second operating member 43 is rotated, and the wire 71 connected to the rotating member 41 can be pulled (pulled toward the base end).

[0060] The housing member 42 and the reinforcing member 44 are configured by connecting a front cover member 42A and a rear cover member 42B connected thereto. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the state in Fig. 9 with the rear cover member 42B removed. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing the inside of the rear cover member 42B. As shown in Figs. 14 and 15, an accommodation space capable of accommodating the rotating member 41, the first operating member 70, etc. is formed between the front cover member 42A and the rear cover member 42B.

[0061] 11, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 41X of the rotating member 41, the front cover member 42A and the rear cover member 42B each include a circular portion 42X having a circular shape and a substantially rectangular portion 44X extending from the outer periphery of the circular portion 42X in the radial direction of the circular portion 42X. The circular portion 42X of the front cover member 42A and the circular portion 42X of the rear cover member 42B are connected to form the substantially disk-shaped accommodating member 42, and the rectangular portion 44X of the front cover member 42A and the rectangular portion 44X of the rear cover member 42B are connected to form the substantially elliptical cylindrical reinforcing member 44.

[0062] The housing member 42 has, as its outer surfaces, a first surface 421 (see FIG. 8) on one end side (front side) in the direction of the rotation axis 41X of the rotating member 41, a second surface 422 (see FIG. 9) on the other end side (rear side) in the direction of the rotation axis 41X, and a third surface 423 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) connecting the first surface 421 and the second surface 422. The first surface 421 and the second surface 422 are each formed, for example, by a circular plane perpendicular to the rotation axis 41X. As shown in FIG. 11, when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 41X, the first surface 421 is formed larger than the second surface 422, and the second surface 422 is located approximately in the center of the first surface 421. The third surface 423 is formed by a curved surface that curves from the outer periphery of the first surface 421 toward the outer periphery of the second surface 422.

[0063] 9 and 10, a locking portion 45 having a C-shaped cross section is provided on the second surface 422. The locking portion 45 is configured to be lockable with, for example, the distal end portion 113 (see FIG. 1) of the endoscope operation unit 11. By locking the locking portion 45 with the distal end portion 113, the operation of the operation device 40 can be stably performed.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the housing member 42 has an opening 420 formed in the third surface 423. A part of the rotating member 41 (a curved member 412 (see FIG. 14) described below) is exposed from this opening 420. The second operating member 43 is provided in the exposed portion of the rotating member 41. In this manner, the second operating member 43 is configured to protrude from the housing member 42 through the opening 420 and is movable within the opening 420. The opening 420 is formed across from the third surface 423 to the first surface 421. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, a front region 41S on the front side of the exposed portion of the rotating member 41 can be seen from the front side.

[0065] 11 shows an imaginary circle VC centered on the rotation axis 41X of the rotating member 41. As shown in FIG. 11, the outer peripheral edge of the accommodating member 42 has a shape (preferably a circular shape) that follows the imaginary circle VC when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 41X. The tip 43A of the second operating member 43 is configured to be movable within a portion of the circumference of the imaginary circle VC. The bidirectional arrow in the figure indicates the range of movement of the second operating member 43.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 11 , the second operating member 43 has a curved shape when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 41X. The second operating member 43 can also have a simple flat plate shape, but by making it curved, the operability of the second operating member 43 can be improved. The second operating member 43 can also be configured to extend along the radial direction of the imaginary circle VC, but in this embodiment, it is configured to extend in a direction intersecting the radial direction of the imaginary circle VC. In this way, the protruding angle of the second operating member 43 with respect to the housing member 42 is an acute angle, thereby improving the operability of the second operating member 43.

[0067] In this embodiment, the opening 420 is provided in a range of approximately one-fourth of the outer periphery of the housing member 42, and the second operating member 43 is configured to be movable within this range. As will be described later, the second operating member 43 is operated with the thumb. Therefore, within this range, the second operating member 43 can be easily rotated with the thumb.

[0068] A reinforcing member 44 is provided to protrude from the third surface 423 of the accommodating member 42 on the opposite side of the rotation axis 41X from the second operating member 43. Fig. 11 shows a line LC that divides an imaginary circle VC into two. If one of the two divided areas of the imaginary circle VC is defined as a first area and the other as a second area, the second operating member 43 and the opening 420 are provided in the first area, and the reinforcing member 44 is provided in the second area. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis 41X, the entire accommodating member 42 is located inside the imaginary circle VC.

[0069] 12 and 13 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a method of operating the operating device 40. FIGS. 12 and 13 are views of the operating device 40 as seen from the rear side. As shown in FIG. 12, the operator holds the housing member 42 with the four fingers (index finger F2, middle finger F3, ring finger F4, and little finger F5) other than the thumb F1 of one hand UH, with the thumb F1 in contact with the second operating member 43. In this state, a part of the palm of the hand UH can contact the first surface 421 of the housing member 42, but this contact is not essential.

[0070] From the state shown in Fig. 12, when the operator moves the thumb F1 clockwise in the figure along the outer periphery of the housing member 42, the second operating member 43 rotates and the wire 71 is pulled, as shown in Fig. 13. In Fig. 13, the little finger F5 has moved to the position of the reinforcing member 44 in order to stabilize the grip on the housing member 42 while the second operating member 43 is moving, but such movement of the fingers is optional.

[0071] 13, the operator can also grasp the storage member 42 with three fingers other than the thumb F1 (index finger F2, middle finger F3, and ring finger F4) of one hand UH while placing the thumb F1 of the hand UH on the second operating member 43. In this way, the storage member 42 is configured to have an area inside the imaginary circle VC that can be grasped by the three or four fingers of the operator's hand UH other than the thumb F1 that is placed on the second operating member 43.

[0072] To enable rotational operation of the second operating member 43 with a strong force, it is important that the distance between the movable thumb F1 in contact with the second operating member 43 and the other three or four fingers gripping the storage member 42 does not become too great regardless of the movement position of the thumb F1. According to this embodiment, the fingers gripping the storage member 42 are located inside the rotation circle (in other words, the imaginary circle VC) when the thumb F1 moves. Therefore, the second operating member 43 can be rotated with a strong force.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the operating device 40, the storage member 42 has a disk shape that fits within the imaginary circle VC. This makes it easy to hold the storage member 42 in the hand when gripping it, improving operability. Furthermore, because the storage member 42 is disk-shaped, the same gripping state is achieved regardless of the gripping position. Therefore, the storage member 42 can be gripped at a position that allows each operator to most easily move their thumb relative to the position of the second operating member 43. Furthermore, because the center of the storage member 42 and the rotation axis 41X are aligned, the rotation axis 41X is held in the center of the operator's palm, making it easier for the operator to reach the second operating member 43. In this holding position, the thumb can be moved back and forth widely, starting from the base of the thumb, resulting in the effect of easily rotating the second operating member 43.

[0074] According to the operating device 40, the first surface 421 of the housing member 42 is configured as a flat surface, and the third surface 423 is configured as a curved surface extending from the first surface 421 toward the second surface 422. Therefore, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, when the housing member 42 is gripped with fingers other than the thumb F1, the fingers can be inserted into the edge of the first surface 421 of the housing member 42, enabling a stable grip. Furthermore, because the third surface 423 is configured as a curved surface, the pads of the fingers can fit onto this curved surface, enabling a stable grip.

[0075] According to the operating device 40, the reinforcing member 44 is provided to protrude from the housing member 42 on the side opposite the second operating member 43 on which the thumb F1 is placed. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 13, the reinforcing member 44 can function as a finger hook for hooking the little finger. This allows the base end of the first operating member 70 to be reinforced, while allowing the second operating member 43 to be rotated stably.

[0076] 14, the rotating member 41 is composed of a substantially disk-shaped rotating shaft member 410 having a plurality of ratchet grooves 410A formed on its outer circumferential surface, a flat plate-shaped protruding piece 411 protruding radially from the rotating shaft member 410, and a curved member 412 connected to the protruding piece 411 and curved in an arc. The curved member 412 is provided with a second operating member 43. The wire 71 of the first operating member 70 is connected to the protruding piece 411.

[0077] A locking member 424 including a locking piece 424A engageable with the ratchet groove 410A is provided on the inside of the front cover member 42A. When the rotating shaft member 410 rotates in direction D4 in FIG. 14 (when transitioning from the state of FIG. 12 to the state of FIG. 13), the locking piece 424A climbs over the ratchet groove 410A and can engage with the adjacent ratchet groove 410A. On the other hand, when the locking piece 424A and the ratchet groove 410A are engaged, the locking piece 424A prevents the rotating shaft member 410 from rotating in direction D5, which is the opposite direction to direction D4. In this way, the locking member 424 and the ratchet groove 410A form a locking mechanism that locks the rotational position of the rotating member 41 in multiple stages.

[0078] An unlocking member 46, part of which is exposed from the accommodating member 42, is connected to the locking member 424. The locking mechanism described above is capable of releasing the engagement between the locking piece 424A and the ratchet groove 410A by operating the unlocking member 46 (by pressing it toward the inside of the accommodating member 42). Therefore, when the unlocking member 46 is pressed, the rotating shaft member 410 can be rotated in direction D5.

[0079] A curved rib 425 is provided on the inside of the front cover member 42A, closer to the rotation axis 41X than the curved member 412. The curved rib 425 is provided to extend along the rotation direction of the rotation member 41. Column portions 425A that protrude toward the rear cover member 42B are provided on both ends of the curved rib 425.

[0080] 15, a curved rib 426 is provided on the inside of the rear cover member 42B at a position facing the curved rib 425 of the front cover member 42A. The curved rib 426 is provided to extend along the rotation direction of the rotating member 41. Both ends of the curved rib 426 abut against the pillar portions 425A of the curved rib 425.

[0081] The protruding piece 411 of the rotating member 41 is disposed between the curved rib 425 and the curved rib 426, and is movable in the space defined by the curved rib 425 and the curved rib 426. The protruding piece 411 is sandwiched between the curved rib 425 and the curved rib 426. The protruding piece 411 is sandwiched between the curved rib 425 and the curved rib 426 to such an extent that a predetermined frictional force is generated between the curved rib 425 and the curved rib 426.

[0082] When the wire 71 is pulled toward the proximal end, the second operating member 43 is rotated in direction D4 with a force that exceeds the frictional force between the protruding piece 411 and the curved ribs 425 and 426, thereby rotating the rotating member 41 in stages and pulling the wire 71 in stages. When the unlocking member 46 is pressed while the wire 71 is pulled toward the proximal end in this manner, the locking piece 424A disengages from the ratchet groove 410A. At this time, a restoring force acts on the rotating member 41, causing the wire 71 to return to its original position. The frictional force between the protruding piece 411 and the curved ribs 425 and 426 is set to be greater than this restoring force. Therefore, even when the unlocking member 46 is pressed while the wire 71 is pulled toward the proximal end, the restoring force of the wire 71 prevents the rotating member 41 from rotating in direction D5. In this way, the curved ribs 425 and 426 constitute a movement suppression mechanism that suppresses movement of the rotating member 41 to the reference position (the position when the wire 71 is not pulled) when the lock release member 46 is operated.

[0083] By providing this movement suppression mechanism, when the bending body 30 of the assist device 20 is bent, simply operating the unlocking member 46 will not cause the bending body 30 to return to its original linear shape. Because the bending body 30 may be placed inside the body, suppressing changes in the shape of the bending body 30 due to operation of the unlocking member 46 can increase safety for the subject.

[0084] 12, the second operating member 43 can be rotated in direction D5 in FIG. 14 while the unlocking member 46 is pressed. Although the protruding piece 411 connected to the second operating member 43 is sandwiched between the curved ribs 425 and 426, it can be moved by applying a force that exceeds the above-mentioned frictional force. By rotating the second operating member 43 in direction D5 while the unlocking member 46 is pressed, the shape of the bending body 30 can be slowly returned to its original straight shape.

[0085] 10, the unlocking member 46 is housed in the housing member 42 with a portion of the unlocking member 46 exposed through an opening provided in the third surface 423. A raised portion 423A that is raised higher than the other areas is provided around the unlocking member 46 on the third surface 423. Since the unlocking member 46 is provided inside the raised portion 423A, the position of the unlocking member 46 can be easily grasped by the feel of the fingers gripping the housing member 42. Furthermore, since it is necessary to move the finger over the raised portion 423A to operate the unlocking member 46, the possibility of operating the unlocking member 46 by mistake can be reduced.

[0086] 10, the unlocking member 46 is provided eccentrically toward the second surface 422 in the direction in which the first surface 421 and the second surface 422 are aligned. On the other hand, the opening 420 is provided eccentrically toward the first surface 421 in the direction in which the first surface 421 and the second surface 422 are aligned. In this way, by arranging the opening 420 and the unlocking member 46 on opposite sides, it is possible to more effectively prevent erroneous operation of the unlocking member 46.

[0087] In order to intuitively recognize the correspondence between the operating state of the second operating member 43 and the bending state of the bending body 30, it is preferable to color the bending member 412, which is the exposed area of ​​the rotating member 41, and to configure it so that the color of this exposed area changes depending on the movement position of the second operating member 43.

[0088] Fig. 16 is a perspective view of the operating device 40 seen from the front side in the state shown in Fig. 12. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the operating device 40 seen from the front side in the state shown in Fig. 13. When the wire 71 is not being pulled, a color area 412A that is given a first color is visible at the end of the outer peripheral surface of the bending member 412 opposite to the position where the second operating member 43 is provided.

[0089] 17, when the wire 71 is pulled, the color region 412A enters the interior of the housing member 42 and becomes invisible, while the outer surface of the curved member 412 that was hidden inside the housing member 42 is exposed. This outer surface is color region 412B that is given a second color different from the first color.

[0090] In this way, the presence of color region 412A and color region 412B visually informs the operator whether bendable body 30 is in an initial state or a curved state. The exposed area of ​​color region 412B also makes it possible to visually understand how much bendable body 30 is. Color region 412A and color region 412B are attached to front region 41S that is exposed on the front side of bending member 412. This makes it possible to widen the visible range of color region 412A and color region 412B.

[0091] In the above description, the opening 420 of the accommodating member 42 is configured to be formed across the third surface 423 and the first surface 421, but this is not limiting. The opening 420 of the accommodating member 42 may be configured to be formed across the third surface 423 and the second surface 422. The opening 420 of the accommodating member 42 may be configured to be formed across the third surface 423 and the first surface 421 and the second surface 422.

[0092] In the above description, the locking portion 45 is provided on the second surface 422, but the locking portion 45 may be provided on the first surface 421. The reinforcing member 44 is not essential and may be omitted. The shape of the accommodating member 42 is disk-shaped, but any shape may be adopted as long as it has a configuration in which the inside of the imaginary circle VC has an area that can be grasped by three or four fingers excluding the thumb of one hand of the operator that is placed on the second operating member 43.

[0093] As explained above, this specification describes at least the following:

[0094] (1) An auxiliary device for an endoscope including an insertion section including a bending section and an endoscope operation section provided on a proximal end side of the insertion section, a cylindrical bending body configured to be able to cover and bend an end portion of a flexible portion between the bending portion of the insertion portion and the endoscope operation portion, the end portion being on the bending portion side, and to be detachable from the end portion; a first operating member connected to the bending body and capable of bending the bending body; an operating device connected to the first operating member, the first operating member is exposed between the bending body and the operating device, An auxiliary device in which at least the base end of each of the axial ends of the bending body is located closer to the flexible portion than the bending portion, and at least one end is supported by the flexible portion.

[0095] (2) An auxiliary device according to (1), An auxiliary device including a support member configured to support at least one of the two ends of the bending body on the end of the flexible section, the support member being separate from the bending body.

[0096] (3) (2) An auxiliary device according to the present invention, The support member is an auxiliary device configured to be able to support at least the base end side of both ends of the bendable body on the end portion.

[0097] (4) An auxiliary device according to (2) or (3), The support member is an auxiliary device provided between the inner circumferential surface of the bending body and the outer circumferential surface of the flexible portion.

[0098] (5) An auxiliary device according to any one of (2) to (4), The support member is a cylindrical auxiliary device that covers the outer peripheral surface of the flexible portion.

[0099] (6) (5) An auxiliary device according to the present invention, The support member is a flexible auxiliary device.

[0100] (7) An auxiliary device according to (5) or (6), The auxiliary device has an outer peripheral surface of the support member provided with a slit extending in the axial direction.

[0101] (8) An auxiliary device according to any one of (5) to (7), An auxiliary device in which a protrusion extending in a circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support member.

[0102] (9) An auxiliary device according to (8), An auxiliary device in which a plurality of the protrusions are arranged in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the support member.

[0103] (10) (9) An auxiliary device according to the present invention, The auxiliary device includes a plurality of protrusions including first protrusions each having a first protrusion height and a second protrusion each having a second protrusion height that is smaller than the first height.

[0104] (11) An auxiliary device according to any one of (1) to (10), the bending body has a plurality of cylindrical nodes arranged in an axial direction, The node supports the node adjacent to it in a pivotable manner.

[0105] (12) An auxiliary device according to (11), a first node portion, which is one of the two adjacent nodes, has an engagement hole portion; The second node, which is the other of the two nodes, has an engaging protrusion that engages with the engaging hole, The auxiliary device in which the first node and the second node are supported relative to each other so as to be rotatable relative to each other by the engagement of the engagement hole and the engagement protrusion.

[0106] (13) The auxiliary device according to (12), An auxiliary device in which a specific node having two adjacent nodes has an engagement protrusion that engages with the engagement hole of one of the two nodes, and an engagement hole that engages with the engagement protrusion of the other of the two nodes.

[0107] (14) An auxiliary device according to (11), The auxiliary device wherein the plurality of nodes are integrally formed.

[0108] (15) An auxiliary device according to (14), An auxiliary device in which a slit extending in the axial direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the curved body.

[0109] (16) An auxiliary device according to (11), The first operating member is an auxiliary device having a wire inserted through the plurality of nodes and supported by the node provided at the tip of the plurality of nodes, and a guide member provided between the bending body and the operating device and through which the wire is inserted.

[0110] (17) An auxiliary device according to any one of (1) to (16), the operating device includes a rotatable rotating member connected to the first operating member, a housing member that houses the rotating member, and a second operating member that protrudes from the housing member and is connected to the rotating member; the tip of the second operating member is configured to be movable along a portion of the circumference of a virtual circle centered on the rotation axis of the rotating member, The storage member is an auxiliary device having an area inside the virtual circle that can be grasped by three or four fingers of one hand of an operator, excluding the thumb that is placed on the second operating member.

[0111] (18) An auxiliary device according to (17), the accommodating member has a first surface at one end side in the direction of the rotation axis, a second surface at the other end side in the direction of the rotation axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, an auxiliary device in which the second operating member is provided so as to protrude from the third surface;

[0112] (19) An auxiliary device according to (18), The housing member is provided with a locking mechanism that locks the rotational position of the rotational member in multiple stages, The auxiliary device has an unlocking member provided on the third surface for unlocking the locking mechanism.

[0113] (20) An auxiliary device according to (17) or (18), The storage member is an auxiliary device that includes a locking mechanism that locks the rotational position of the rotating member in multiple stages, an unlocking member that releases the lock set by the locking mechanism, and a movement suppression mechanism that suppresses movement of the rotating member to a reference position when the unlocking member is operated.

[0114] (twenty one) An auxiliary device according to (18) or (19), An auxiliary device having a locking portion provided on either the first surface or the second surface and capable of being locked to the endoscope.

[0115] (twenty two) The auxiliary device according to (11), The bending body is an auxiliary device in which two or more of the plurality of nodes, counting from one end side, are supported in a state where they are positioned closer to the flexible portion than the bending portion.

[0116] (twenty three) An auxiliary device according to (22), The bending body is an auxiliary device in which the one of the plurality of nodes closest to the other end is supported in a state where it is positioned closer to the flexible portion than the bending portion.

[0117] (twenty four) An auxiliary device according to any one of (1) to (23), An assisting device in which the length of the end of the insertion part in the axial direction is equal to or less than twice the length of the bendable body in the axial direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1. Endoscope 2 Main body 4 Light source device 4A connection 5. Processor Unit 7 Display device 10 Insertion section 10A Soft part 10B Curved section 10C,113 Tip 10As end 11 Endoscope operation unit 11A Suction button 12 Angle knob 13 Universal Code 13A connector 20 Auxiliary equipment 30 Curved body 30S,51 Slit 31 Tip segment 32 Intermediate segment 33 Proximal node 34 Nodes 35 Covering material 40 Operating device 41 Rotating member 41S front area 41X Rotating Axis 42 Storage member 42A Front cover member 42B Rear cover member 42X circular section 43 Second operating member 43A Tip 44 Reinforcement member 44X rectangular section 45 Locking part 46 Unlocking member 50 Support member 52 Protrusion 53 Central projection 60 Locking member 70 First operating member 71 Wire 72 Guide member 100 Endoscopic device 112 Treatment tool introduction port 310,320,411 Projecting piece 311 Engagement protrusion 321 recess 322 Through hole 330 Hole 410 Rotating shaft member 410A Ratchet Groove 412 Curved Members 412A,412B color area 420 Opening 421 Page 1 422 2nd page 423 Page 3 423A Ridge 424 Locking member 424A Lock piece 425,426 Curved rib 425A Pillar D1,D2,D3,D4,D5 direction L1, L2, L4 length L3 distance UH Hand F1 Thumb F2 index finger F3 middle finger F4 ring finger F5 Little finger

Claims

1. An auxiliary device for an endoscope including an insertion section including a bending section and an endoscope operation section provided on a proximal end side of the insertion section, a cylindrical bending body configured to be able to cover and bend an end portion of a flexible portion between the bending portion in the insertion portion and the endoscope operation portion, the end portion being on the bending portion side, and to be detachable from the end portion; a first operating member connected to the bending body and capable of bending the bending body; an operating device connected to the first operating member, the first operating member is exposed between the bending body and the operating device, An auxiliary device in which at least the base end of each of the axial ends of the bending body is located closer to the flexible portion than the bending portion, and at least one end is supported by the flexible portion.

2. 10. The auxiliary device of claim 1, An auxiliary device including a support member configured to support at least one of the two ends of the bending body on the end of the flexible section, the support member being separate from the bending body.

3. 3. An auxiliary device according to claim 2, The support member is an auxiliary device configured to be able to support at least the base end side of the both ends of the bendable body on the end portion.

4. 4. An auxiliary device according to claim 3, The support member is an auxiliary device provided between the inner circumferential surface of the bending body and the outer circumferential surface of the flexible portion.

5. 5. An auxiliary device according to claim 4, The support member is a cylindrical auxiliary device that covers the outer circumferential surface of the flexible portion.

6. 6. An auxiliary device according to claim 5, The support member is a flexible auxiliary device.

7. 7. An auxiliary device according to claim 6, An auxiliary device in which an axially extending slit is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support member.

8. 8. An auxiliary device according to claim 7, An auxiliary device in which a protrusion extending in a circumferential direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support member.

9. 9. An auxiliary device according to claim 8, An auxiliary device in which a plurality of the protrusions are arranged in the axial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the support member.

10. 10. An auxiliary device according to claim 9, The plurality of protrusions include first protrusions having a first protrusion height and second protrusions having a second protrusion height that is smaller than the first height.

11. 11. An auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The bending body has a plurality of cylindrical nodes arranged in an axial direction, The node portion supports the node portion adjacent to the node portion in a rotatable manner.

12. 12. An auxiliary device according to claim 11, a first node portion, which is one of the two adjacent nodes, has an engagement hole portion; a second node portion, which is the other of the two nodes, has an engaging protrusion that engages with the engaging hole portion, An auxiliary device in which the first node and the second node are supported to be relatively rotatable with respect to each other by the engagement of the engagement hole and the engagement protrusion.

13. 13. An auxiliary device according to claim 12, comprising: An auxiliary device in which a specific node having two adjacent nodes has an engaging protrusion that engages with the engaging hole of one of the two node portions, and an engaging hole that engages with the engaging protrusion of the other of the two node portions.

14. 12. An auxiliary device according to claim 11, The auxiliary device wherein the plurality of nodes are integrally formed.

15. 15. An auxiliary device according to claim 14, comprising: An auxiliary device in which a slit extending in the axial direction is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the curved body.

16. 12. An auxiliary device according to claim 11, The first operating member is an auxiliary device having a wire inserted through the multiple node portions and supported by the node portion provided at the tip of the multiple node portions, and a guide member provided between the bending body and the operating device and through which the wire is inserted.

17. 11. An auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the operating device includes a rotatable rotating member connected to the first operating member, a housing member that houses the rotating member, and a second operating member that protrudes from the housing member and is connected to the rotating member, a tip of the second operating member is configured to be movable along a portion of a circumference of an imaginary circle having a center on the rotation axis of the rotating member; The storage member is an auxiliary device having an area inside the virtual circle that can be grasped by three or four fingers of one hand of an operator, excluding the thumb that is placed on the second operating member.

18. 18. An auxiliary device according to claim 17, the accommodating member has a first surface at one end side in the direction of the rotation axis, a second surface at the other end side in the direction of the rotation axis, and a third surface connecting the first surface and the second surface, The auxiliary device includes the second operating member projecting from the third surface.

19. 19. An auxiliary device according to claim 18, The housing member is provided with a locking mechanism that locks the rotational position of the rotational member in multiple stages, The auxiliary device has an unlocking member provided on the third surface for unlocking the locking mechanism.

20. 18. An auxiliary device according to claim 17, The storage member is an auxiliary device equipped with a locking mechanism that locks the rotational position of the rotating member in multiple stages, an unlocking member that releases the lock set by the locking mechanism, and a movement suppression mechanism that suppresses movement of the rotating member to a reference position when the unlocking member is operated.

21. 19. An auxiliary device according to claim 18, An auxiliary device having a locking portion provided on either the first surface or the second surface and capable of being locked to the endoscope.

22. 12. An auxiliary device according to claim 11, The bending body is an auxiliary device in which two or more of the plurality of nodes, counting from one end side, are supported in a state where they are positioned closer to the flexible portion than the bending portion.

23. 23. An auxiliary device according to claim 22, comprising: The bending body is an auxiliary device that is supported in a state where the node portion closest to the other end is positioned closer to the flexible portion than the bending portion.

24. 11. An auxiliary device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, An auxiliary device in which the length of the end of the insertion portion in the axial direction is equal to or less than twice the length of the bending body in the axial direction.

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